Dagsboro Days

One for Li'l Lo

2012-01-06T08:50:00.001-05:00

First sweater of 2012. Yes, it's for a dog. Yes, it's luscious malabrigo. But isn't she/it cute?

The List

2011-12-31T11:07:00.003-05:00

Things I've been thinking about.

2012

Knitting:

12 sweaters in 2012 which include one for each of my daughters and one for my husband and all the rest selfishly mine, although a gift sweater or two in there is not unreasonable
A pair of socks a month
Christmas gift knitting, start early, like May, well at least with one or two items

Photography projects

In the Hood
Better Days
Project 365 - yup, attempting again, what is this number 4? A new camera does this you know
Physical albums and online albums organized

Sewing

Alabama Stitch skirt
Oh Happy Day Banner
Start sewing my way through the Design Your Own Clothes book by Cal Patch
Cushions for sofa

Self - Physical

Shed some weight, not putting a number on this
Continue walking the dog 2 miles 5 days a week off season, in season too?
Practice and learn Yoga with intention
Ride 2x a week (right now at 1x a week so 2x is a reasonable goal), possibly do the Salisbury Century
Regular massages
Dermatologist
Dentist
Insanity might be too insane but at least try it

Self improvement - mind/spirit

Get certified - either PT or Group Fitness - should not be that difficult
Take college class or two
Go back to rug school in Cape May
Meditate - goes along with the Yoga and intention above
Read/listen to poetry
Write what I know'
Sunset on the bay

Household

Tackle the kitchen - needs paint, tile, but how much more after that?
Reupholster couch in living room - already have fabric for cushions - check out Happy Chairs
Learn household finances
Locate and update wills
Check and update passport if necessary
Garages - yeah right
Garage gym

Work

Input all backlogged finances
Make a What's cooking today board
Make a Prayer bulletin board
Contemplate, pray and work within reason - not sure what I really mean with this just know that I need a new attitude

Garden/Outside

Around deck needs to be weeded, planted and mulched REAL GOOD
Plant sunflowers on the side of the house again
Stabilize and straighten antique sink and plant around
Fig tree in a pot
Clothesline
Sandy fire pit area
Build one raised bed
Large tropical plants for corners of the pool
Large umbrella for corner of pool

Family/Friends

Take time for a getaway with my husband
Take time for a getaway with my family
Continue fun weekends with the girls and their boys
Baltimore once a month to visit someone
Vito and Kerry over for dinner and games
Genny and Dave over for dinner and games

Miscellaneous

Teach my daughters to drive a manual transmission
Take my Jeep onto the beach
Sundays at Herring Point once in a while

This list will continue to grow and grow and grow. It's just things that come to mind, some may materialize and others will obviously not. While not a stranger to lists, The Thrifty Knitter makes an Uber list every year. I'm taking notes.

Learning to Ride

2011-12-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

I talked to my Uncle a month or so ago. Whenever I talk to him he asks me if I am riding and always seems a bit surprised, maybe even disappointed when I answer no. He rides all the time, seriously. Like 90% of the days of the year. In the mid west. He's 70ish. What's my excuse?

I used to ride. a lot. I loved to ride, to watch, to smell, to listen. I had my favorite rides that I knew how to lengthen when I felt strong or shorten when felt tired or weak. I loved to climb, yes I did, because I knew I could coast downhill and rest. I was slim and strong.

I'm not sure what has been holding me back, a fear of some sort. So today, even when the wind almost whipped the storm door out of my hands, rather than go inside, I stepped out of that fear, that zone. I rode and laughed and cussed at the wind.

I'm learning to love to ride again. I am learning the less traveled paths, sans dogs and that don't dead end into a body of water. I'm learning to ride in colder weather because that is the time I have. I'm learning to love the wind as it challenges me, strengthens me. And of course I love that wind as it pushes me home. I love to cross the water, it never ceases to amaze me and bring me peace. I love the smell of scrub pines. Yes, I'm learning to love to ride again but I will never, ever, ever love the smell of chicken farms.

Coolness Factor

2011-10-05T08:06:00.001-05:00

I straddle the line between coolness and dorkdom. I know there have been times when I have made people (myself) cringe with something stupid. Most of the time, though, I am not aware nor do I care. My Handsome Price bought me a Jeep Wrangler as a surprise. He bought it because I had been talking about having one, an old one, for taking out on the beach, learning to surf fish. He bought it because he said I don't allow myself these things. Well, it is a cool, 2008 Jeep Wrangler with power windows, power door locks, great sound system, a tow hitch and can be totally broken down and open for the summer. Way cool. But even cooler is I am now part of that Jeep society that waves at each other, just a couple fingers or a light hand off the steering wheel. The first couple times I received the wave I went into dorkdom. I didn't realize what it was then, belatedly stuck my arm way out for the wave, big and strong. I'm sure I made those Jeep owners cringe. They definitely knew I was a new owner. Now I'm cool. Just a raise of a few fingers, a nod and I keep going but inside I'm screaming "yeah, I'm cool, I'm driving a Jeep" and laughing the whole time. It's a Jeep Thing.

Cheers!

2011-08-14T11:18:00.001-05:00

To flexibility
To the family that Zumbas together
To lovely little children
To family, Czechs and crabs
To flexibility
To sand sastles
To making lists
To Soul Rebels
To lovley adult children
To potato soup
To flexibility
To Sissys
To Family Camp
To Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls
To noise and chaos
To local breweries
To chocolate stout ice cream floats
To outdoor showers
To Czech specialties
To fun in the kitchen
To vacations and family reunions beginning and ending
Did I mention flexibility?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deeprundays/6041642643/in/photostream

Practicing My Purpose

2011-08-06T17:50:00.000-05:00

I've struggled this season about my job. I've had a good season. It started well, continued well, and don't foresee any major issues, as opposed to the last two seasons (which were challenging beyond reason on retrospection). My struggle comes from sacrifice. I miss my girls, being there for them, assisting them. I miss my husband and our social life. I miss the rest of my family and the guests who visit my home. I miss kayaking, biking, vacationing, knitting guild, friends and basically a normal life. I miss being selfish.

This week I had 67 guests, 54 teenagers. During the week I received via email this video from my friend, my former minister, and guest of the Conference Center

with the reminder to keep "practicing my purpose". Today those 67 guests were leaving. At breakfast I left the main building where our meals are served. As I walked back towards the building, I notice the teens were all sitting quietly, getting their cleaning instructions from their counselors or so I assumed. As I tried to enter the room discreetly, they all stood, clapping loud and long. I received a standing ovation. And once again, a group of teenagers touch my life so incredibly, so closely, that there is no ignoring the purpose. And so my struggles are quiet for the moment.

Enjoy Your Meal

2011-07-30T17:28:00.000-05:00

This is what we say to one another at every meal. We eat all our meals together as staff with the guests of the Conference Center. For guests, meals are a time of conversing with one another, playing various table games, such as the cup game, elbows on the table, or the order of the fork. For Czechs, it is a time of silence to concentrate on the meal in front of you. Breakfast is the worst for me, after two or more cups of coffee, to keep silent. I try to honor their tradition and they tell me no! We are in America!

The other day I was honored to be invited to lunch at their home, next to the Tabernacle, for a typical Czech meal. I entered the Scott House which serves as the staff house to the smell of garlic and foreign music, Bara singing along, happy in her role as hostess. The boys came down, both remarking on a huge inhale "smells like home".

We are family for the summer.

We stuffed ourselves on garlic soup, some fried dough, and the only Czech name I remember Knedlicky (blueberry). It was delicious. It was wonderful. It was hearwarming. And I was silent expect for the moaning.

Just about everyday we comment on our favorite meals as we prepare the same things over and over and over and over again. For the record, my favorites are:
Breakfast - french toast
Lunch - italian sandwiches and caesar salad
Dinner - chicken fajitas, rice and corn pudding

But to eat Czech specialties....there is no comparison.

Mowing Meditations

2011-05-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

Dang! I'm already tired of this.
Wish I could get the hang of the zero turn
How many calories does this burn, I wonder?
Stand tall, chest open, shoulders back and down, pelvis in, crown of head reaching toward the sky
I hope Honey hasn't escaped the back deck
I'm really thirsty
Dammit Jim! Forgot the sunscreen.
Should I go get 10 bags of mulch when I'm done mowing?
I love to knit - that baby sweater is going to be so cute!
Should I mow Jimmy Stewarts lawn?
This is our little spot on this earth, take joy in taking care of it
What's for dinner?

Tuesday Haiku

2011-05-10T06:45:00.000-05:00

A cup of coffee
then off to work I go
While Honey stands guard

Walking on Sunshine

2011-05-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

This makes me incredibly happy these days. It was Easter weekend with our girls, their boys and their dogs, My Handsome Prince and his cool ride

Other items on the list today

The truck being street legal
A clean, well stocked kitchen
Opening day of the Farmer's Market
Glenn, from the CSA, who didn't recognize me at first, called me back and wanted to touch my hair
Seeing a friend from DFH while driving with a smile so big and a wave so huge he hung out of the car to do it
Coming home to a manicured lawn courtesy of my two wonderful neighbors
Izze Clementine soda
The promise of watching Glee while knitting mittens from leftover bits of yarn that are turning out so cool
Returning to the blogging world

The Long Road

2011-05-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

We left mid afternoon on Saturday to drive to Martinsburg WV to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Auntie and Uncle. We had just made the trip across the bridge 48 hours earlier for MHP's follow up at Hopkins. These drives are long, mostly pleasant, allowing us to listen to good music, good programs, or have interesting, sometimes heated, conversation. We discussed what our T-shirts would say (did you watch Glee?) and talked about the party we were attending, looking forward. The party was a grand affair, good food, good drinks, lots of conversation, nostalgic and fun, for Auntie and Uncle are fun people. On the long road home, we had the girls with us, we were laughing and joking, talking about the evening, revelling in the good time and in family. And then Audrey asked quietly "Daddy, do you ever get mad?" So quietly, it had to be asked again or maybe it wasn't understood the first time, but it was clear the second. And we all listened to his answer. How he is frustrated in being told what to do or what he can't do, how not knowing whether this was his last surgery or not, or realizing that most likely it was not, or how the cancer will or will not spread. Yet he remains positive, hopeful, resting all in the caring hands of a young Doctor who lights up when he sees him and calls him Buddy, enjoying life the way he knows how, all of us knowing it's a long road, yet taking that long road, willingly for there is joy along the way.

Savoring and Anticipating

2011-02-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

I try to be in the moment as a whole but I can not help but savor the past few days with Li'l Sis

Pizza, cask and debut Thursday at DFH
Long walks in the 'hood with the pups
Thrifting and scoring at Dave's Surplus
A visit to the local knit shop and fondling yarn and laughing about projects with the cute owner
Walking along Herring Point with the dogs
Roberto at the Italian Deli and our delicious hand picked antipasto platter

After she left

enjoying my new chair in my knitting corner
Mama Mia and our surround system
breakfast with old friends who were in the area
brewing beer with new friends with the promise of bottling in two weeks

Anticipating this week

dinner out with new friends
company over for dinner
a birthday party at the pub
charity sewing
a massage
a visit from one of my girls
farkle with my mentee
a walk to The Clayton to see The Kings Speech

Sounds good, doesn't it?

Proud

2011-02-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, I must admit it, I am proud of myself. Today was the beginning of week 3 of exercising. I joined a new gym and their New Year's challenge. It took me two weeks before I was motivated enough to really attempt anything. My routine consists of 3 days strength training, Zumba whenever I can (usually 2x a week), other cardio, and yoga 1 day a week. I feel better, have more energy and knit faster ;-) Sometimes it's all I can do to leave the house but once I am at the gym, I am ready, I am able, and I do it. I tried something new today with the TRX system they have and really liked it. I will continue to incorporate new things, hope to meet new people. and hope to change my body even though our first weigh was quite disappointing. I guess it was that beer the night before - Mojo Risin'. That's not going to change.

Shawl Love

2011-01-26T15:46:00.000-05:00

I bought this yarn before he got sick. After he died, I wanted some mindless, therapy, self centered knitting. After all, it was just Christmas and there was some gift knitting. After I cast on, I realized the color of the shawl was similar to the brown in his coat. So I've named this after him.

He was an original dog, kind of odd looking, handsome in his own way. Years ago, when he was a young dog, we were out walking him. A woman stopped us, commented on how handsome he was and said, word for word "He's got the colorings of a small dog" . What the hell does that mean? We haven't stopped laughing since!

Anyway, I present, Colorings of a Small Shawl, warm, comforting to the heart and body. I am just loving this. sigh.

Top 10 in 2010

2011-01-17T16:02:00.001-05:00

I've played this game before but it seems right to play again because of the year. In this instance, top 10 does not mean the best, just the most significant events of the year. So in no particular order, the Top 10 in 2010:

Gus, Gustopher Walter, Handsome Rob, Leroy, Buddy Boy left us on 12/20/2010. He had the colorings of a small dog, Marty Feldman eyes, and a bark the hurt his own ears.

Reunited with an old friend. I have a photo of us when I was three and she was four, which I framed and gave to her upon her visit. The visit was much more than I could have asked for and our conversation flowed as we filled in the blanks of over 20 years. My turn to go visit her in 2011. Okay with you, Lisa?

My Czech Angels with whom I spent many days, many hours. Can you tell what I gave them as a going away gift? Lovely girls.

The look of surprise and delight at the end of his show when I handed Anders Osborne his gift, then the enormous smile and a hug and kiss.

Snow, snow and more snow. Ugh.

A visit to Oakland MD, to my friend Randee, food for the soul.

My Handsome Prince and I celebrated 25 years together by taking the ferry across to Cape May to ride bikes, shop, eat out and do nothing. Perfect.

The absence of my daughters in my daily life. While EG has been gone for several years, Audrey left this year to pursue another college option. I miss their giggles and bad tv.

Drinking micro brews and knitting took over my social life. Thursday nights and monthly beer dinners at Dogfish gave us an unexpected community of people. There was also the occasional visit to Evo or Pickled Pig for something other than DFH. A different group to knit with every week and portable knitting allowed me to eat, drink, think, and dream knitting.

My Handsome Prince's brother died leaving a void in many lives. We were able to surround his hospital bed, cramped into an ICU cubicle to tell him stories and sing him songs, caress him and tell him goodbye. His memorial service a month later was packed with people, good stories with laughter and tears. For Christmas, wondering how to deal with his absence, we gathered in his room, hooked up Beatles Rockband, and sang our hearts out to Billy.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the near mental breakdown I had over the summer dealing with a most difficult person. That's all I'm going to say on that.

And of course, my job, which all but consumed me 4 months of the year, it made me laugh and it made me cry, tried my patience, and fulfilled me.

Okay, so it's the top 12 in 2010. I can't count. It was a year of challenges, adjustments, laughter, joy, music, dancing, creativity, tears, loss, just life. And so it continues.

Finding Peace

2010-12-15T20:19:00.000-05:00

Not feeling great, I'm in the need of some inner peace these days. There have been some slight detours in the usual path and more to come. In the Art of Racing in the Rain, the dog Enzo referes to the statement, "That which you manifest is before you."

So, I make a new batch of bread dough.

I wind this lovely yarn to cast on this for a bit of selfish knitting in the midst of holiday knitting

I finish one and start the other

Listening and loving The Avett Brothers

I light a candle

I finish some gifts but of course am not posting as the receivers are readers

I bake some cookies for my girls as that is what I do when I go to visit them

I love up my pups

And the evening is finished with dinner of spaghetti squash, bread, a pint of stout, the last of Danny Ocean and gang, and of course a cookie or two

In This Moment

2010-12-14T15:33:00.007-05:00

Honors

2010-12-08T14:46:00.002-05:00

Last night, Audrey was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, an Honors Society for two year colleges. Of course we made the trip to see the ceremony. We don't miss these things, things, as this is the norm for us. Our children are achievers. I don't mean this in a boastful way, though I am proud. Our children have been raised in communities, school, spiritual, and home, that lift, support and encourage achievement. Not everyone has that kind of support and encouragement. Audrey was a minority last night, in her race, in her age, and possibly in her ease of achievement, though that one I don't know. Somewhat disorganized, typically boring yet not without that anxiety, excitement and pleasure that comes from being called by name, the ceremony started. After about 30 minutes, two older women showed up, so they stopped the ceremony, read their names, allowed them to walk across the stage, then continued. I was a bit irritated at the lack of puntuality, but I realized that might not be it, especially when a gentleman appeared at the very end and the same thing occurred. Some of these people come from completely different backgrounds, unable to take off work, or have families requiring care, or lacking support from family and community, or college is a luxury rather than expected. What was apparent, regardless, was the honor of this achievement, the desire to be recognized, the respect of oneself and the respect of others in this achievement. So I cheered loudly for my daughter when her name was called and for every other name called that evening.

Isn't she something? That Audrey.

Refresh, Restart, Reload

2010-12-01T15:13:00.001-05:00

Somewhere along the way, I lost the desire?, ability?, need? to write about the everyday, the ordinary, the mundane and focused on the extraordiary or didn't focus at all. Today I refresh the screen, reload it and restart my journaling. I am longing to stay in today, with endless cups of lemon ginger tea, sweats, Oceans 11, 12 and 13 and my knitting. Walking the dogs was not a pleasant task in horizontal rain and wind that pushes, add to that a dog that is terrified of wind and won't do her duties for what seems a terminable long time. Agonizing over what to wear to my knitting luncheon as jeans was not an option after last year, and feeling lumpy, I called Li'l Sis, ready to stay home and watch endless George Clooney and drink endless cuppas. She advised go funky, can't go wrong and so here I am funky, still lumpy but feeling much better about it. This might take a while to get back into practice.

My Boggs rain boots, brown cotton jersey skirt, long sleeve cotton t, my cool belt from Dad, and the shrug I knit.

And, no, my room is not messy, just clean clothes and shoes in the frantic pursuit of fashion or funk.

Rock the Monkey

2010-11-09T15:44:00.000-05:00

Ta da! The monkey socks. This photo is terrible but they are outside blocking on the deck in the shade. I loved this pattern! It was so easy to follow, easy to memorize (at least on the second sock) and so pretty (though you would no know from this photo. ugh.) The yarn is a bit crazy but you will never lose your socks. I wanted these for myself but alas, I was to eager to start the toe and said, oh yes, they will fit perfect. Well, no they don't and it would bug me to no end if I were to wear them. So off they go, into the gift pile. Who will get them, I wonder? Those of you in my family who read, please be surprised if you are the lucky recipient. And know that you are extremely lucky because, dammit Jim, I wanted these for my very own!

I Like Days Like This

2010-11-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

I woke early, I'm sure because of the time change. I had my coffee, walked the dogs, checked my email, and even managed to get in a video Pilates class all before breakfast. Off to work, where I was hugged and thanked for being a blessing to someone. Paid the bills, made appointments, and did the banking. I sat in the parking lot talking to my sister. Errands completed, socks for the month done, and a fantastic dinner. I wonder what tomorrow will hold.

Retreat

2010-11-06T18:25:00.000-05:00

I long for a retreat. In the past, I've staffed youth camps and women's art retreats but never have been the recipient or at least not in a decade or more. My Aunt has gone to Italy and Wyoming to knit. With my job, I see numerous groups come through and bond. Some of them just sit on the porch in the rockers and visit, some laugh till they cry in their small group time, some sing praises of joy, and some just sit with one another on the beach, quietly supporting one another. Right now there is a group of women at the center, crafting. They invited me to join them but I felt intrusive. It's not my group and I had work to do. So I vowed to retreat at home, luckily Mark Wahlberg was available for a short period of time. He was tough as shit while I knitted my socks although I did see him cry. This retreat has a hot tub too, clothing optional. While this is not exactly the retreat I envision, it serves its purpose while I make decisions on where my retreat will be, with whom, and what kind of focus. Oh, my sock and my recliner are both calling me.

For This Day

2010-11-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

I am grateful.

My BFFL aka Peach writes down her praises on a cheap steno pad, every morning. I miss her crazy, loving, physical, presence in my life on a daily basis.

I am grateful for a safe journey home. I am grateful for the arms of My Handsome Prince, open when I arrived. I am grateful for the time I spent with my daughers, no matter how brief. I am grateful for my sister, her beauty leaves me breathless sometimes, and of course, no one can make me laugh like she can. I am grateful for the ability to please my Maminka with the gift of service and just sitting around with family for she said today was her perfect day. I am grateful for the reminder that a perfect day does not need to be spectacular just full of those you love. I am grateful for my Father and his devotion to two families, visiting us while shuttling other grandchildren around. And that was my day today.

Fun With Czechs

2010-10-07T12:01:00.003-05:00

We started out a little rough. They did not know how delighted I was to finally have them here, how much I was looking forward to working with them, learning from them, experiencing things with them. They were not able to know these things for several weeks. Midway through their time here and our season, the bonding and healing began.

We went to Cape Henlopen, one of my favorite places. We explored the Great Sand Dune/Spur, climbed the Observation Tower, and visited the Nature Center.

I taught them the fine art of eating steamed crabs.

I sent them down the Assawoman Canal armed with only paddles and vague directions and panicked the whole time.

We went to the occasional happy hour at Mangos.

They shared Czech specialties with me.

We played Rockband and my heart was filled with gladness as I went to bed listening to rock songs sung with a Czech accent

.

We walked the beaches and trails of Assateague Island and were amazed at the appearance and boldness of the ponies ("Quick! roll up the windows girls!").

We spent hours exploring the nature and history of Harpers Ferry.

and we ended the day sitting on the screen porch of Auntie and Uncles, drinking numerous bottles of wine, telling stories, and finally listening to Uncle read his journal entry of the day he heard Vaclav Havel speak, the girls fascinated.

We tasted delicious wine.

The showed their school spirit at Shepherd University and met up with a friend at Univeristy of Maryland on a separate trip.
More Czech specialties with a bit of help from Auntie on weight vs volume.

In the midst of cooking for 40 some odd people, the made a separate anniversary dinner for me and My Handsome Prince (we didn't eat stuffed shells after all).

We went to Baltimore where we met up with my girls and toured the Aquarium.

Through the kindness of people in the Christian Church Capital Area, they managed to get a ride to Washington DC from a couple who have daughters their age and treated them as such also. They received lodging and transportation from another woman, tickets to various attractions and tours from others.

This is only what we did in our time off. Everyday we broke bread together. Everyday we worked together. Everyday we communicated with patience, respect, interest and kindness. When not working together, we even sat out back of the house they lived in, silently, in the sun, comfortable with each other. And then all too soon it was over.

We toasted one another one more time, this time at Li'l Sis's house, where once more they were welcomed as family and cared for.

As I left them at Ft. McHenry our last time together, I hugged them all and said goodbye, told them that I would miss them, and shooed them off to start their day. After they left, I sat in my car and cried. I cried for our rough beginning, for their rough beginning, remorseful. I cried for the wonderful time we had together. I cried for they enhanced my life and I will miss them. I cried for joy at the fact that my season was over for their leaving signified a job well done. I have tentative plans to visit the Czech Republic in October 2011. I have many friends there now.

Twenty Five Whys

2010-09-07T08:59:00.002-05:00

In Celebration and Recognition of 25 years

The sound of your voice, still soothing
The way we laugh at the very same thing without really saying it out loud
Emma
Audrey
Eating stuffed shells on our anniversary even though we've eaten them all season, you'll still eat them again
Mutual love of good music, even when my "thing" isn't quite your "thing"
Appreciation of good beer
You follow the rule of last one out of bed makes the bed
The way you look at me sometimes with admiration, respect and desire
Your resiliency
Devotion to family
Your encouragement and confidence in me whether it be taking on a new job, going to school, knitting or dreadlocks
The way you age, so handsomely
Your ability, ease and patience to talk with just about anybody, especially now with the numerous people with whom we come in contact
Your creativity and tolerance for my creative mess
Constant communication with texts, emails, and phone calls
The way you smell the back of my neck
Your morning hugs
The way we hold hands still, with each other and our children
How we go to bed every night at the same time 90% of the time (my falling asleep to a movie does not count)
Your faithfulness and servitude to God and your country
You take care of yourself
You take care of us
Your pool entry technique which is just one example of enjoying life
Your sensitivity and reaction to things that touch you

This is just a sampling of the reasons I love My Handsome Prince. Happy Anniversary.

Photo by Rachel DeWoody Photography

Dear Mr. Anders Osborne

2010-08-08T11:10:00.006-05:00

I can't wait to see you. It's been too long, my friend. And now you are coming to my Thursday night hangout, on a thursday! You rock so I knit. You never fail to deliver just what is necessary, so with this simple hat, I hope to do the same. While I knit I give back all the energy, inspiration, healing, praise, joy, stories of the human spirit, and redemption from heartache and sorrow, that your music reveals to me (and a little dog hair, sorry). I knit hoping that if and when you wear this hat, the knowledge of how your music touches souls warms your soul. I know a wool hat is probably the last thing you need living in New Orleans but it will keep you warm as you travel to colder climates. I'm sure you will look equally as handsome wearing this hat as my husband did modelling it for me. Enjoy! Rock on.
Fondly
Dana

I Have Been Blessed

2010-06-15T07:21:00.002-05:00

I had the good fortune to be born in the United States of middle class parents. I had the good fortune to marry well and raise a family with minimal difficulties. I have the good fortune to have friends in various places. I have the good fortune to have the choice to work or not. These are just circumstances, that is not what I am thinking about.

I took a job a year ago, one I was uncertain about. It was a huge step outside my comfort zone. It was full of stress, tears, sleeplessness, isolation, guilt. I rarely saw my family. Yet, in the end, the people and things I experienced, it was more than worth it. I won't reiterate what happened last year only what occurred on Sunday.

We hosted a young adult group of Koreans. They are a very worshipful group, a respectful group, an easy and difficult group (like they all are). The weekend almost over, me counting down the meals, down to the last, a young woman asks me to bring out my staff. They wanted to pray over us. And in that same room where three years ago I had hands layed upon me by those I knew, loved, counseled, counseled by, I again had hands layed upon me by strangers. All of them saying their own prayers, whispers, praises, wishes.

And again, I came out renewed by the Spirit.

On the Agenda

2010-06-01T06:33:00.000-05:00

It is Tuesday and I am going to the Rehoboth Farmers Market. I went last week. My Sister, Sam, and Dad met Audrey, who was visiting for the week, and me there. It was a delightful day and a wonderful market. I did not join a CSA this year as pick was too difficult and I didn't use the stuff. So Farmers Market it is. That is on todays agenda.

I want to make Papusas and slaw. Today? Maybe.

I want to ride. It's so dang hot, but the crowds have left and it is safer if I ride now.

I want to catch up on my knitting. I am currently in the process of the second mitten of two different mittens, a ballband dishcloth, and my hourglass sweater. I need a summer project rather than these heavy winter items.

My one morning of solitude during the week. The washing machine is going, the living room is straightened, the kitchen is on its way. The day has started early, thanks to the dogs, so I have a chance. A chance of accomplishing things, both chores and pastimes.

Look Who Came Out to Play Today

2010-04-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

I'd forgotten how wonderful she is, how smooth, how fast, how sleek. We are both ready for some serious time together this season. Whoa Black Betty, bam-a-lam!

Poor thing does need a bath.

Random Thoughts

2010-04-22T08:42:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival starts tomorrow. I want to go so bad I can feel it from my head to my toes. I spend my days listening to Galactic, Anders Osborne, Eric Lindell, Bonerama, Glenn David Andrews, and compilations of various New Orleans artists. I want to:

Be revived at the Gospel Tent

See Old Crow at the Fais do do
Watch my friend Anders give good face (I listen to him so much I consider him my friend)
Eat a simple Po' boy

Dance, dance, dance

Smell sweat, sunscreen and stale beer
Hear "somebody scream y'all"

Revel in the street scene

Buy a belt buckle, though I have a great one, I still long for the one that said "I like everyone" on the front and "except you" on the inside where no one else could see (yes, there are times)
Find that new artist that rocks my socks who I will listen to all year
Really learn to two step to zydeco
Rockin' horns
Oh to be a Festin' Dawlin' again

I will go next year. There is no doubt. Ozomatli will have to cure some of my aches. They are coming to Baltimore on Tuesday and we will cross the bridge.

Photos from last years journey.

A Perfect Day

2010-04-20T06:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a perfect day. Everyone woke leisurely without sleeping the day away. We had egg sandwiches. Who doesn't love an egg sandwich? We took the dogs for a walk. Then we went to the beach.

It was sunny, breezy, warm and lovely on the beach. Apple Sunshine ran all over the place,

the girls played dominos and snoozed,

My Handsome Prince snoozed and read,

I read and knit. I am working on an Anthropologie Inspired Capelet for Audrey and started reading The Help.

After a few hours it was time to go home. Shrimp salad sandwiches for an early dinner/late lunch, the girls packed up and headed back to Baltimore, a great Zumba class for me, end it with a pint of 90 minute IPA, a dip in the hot tub and Jack Bauer. Tuesday can not even compete with Monday.

I've Got Friends In All The Right Places

2010-04-15T12:54:00.001-05:00

As usual, I struggle with balance. Finding the balance of making our place here on the eastern shore and crossing the bridge to be with those we know and love. Easter was especially hard as we chose to go camping, without our girls, with new friends. I was saddened yet joyful when I received the annual photo of the cousins.

Over the past few weeks, though. I realize there is some balance being achieved. We've had a revolving door of visitors, coming out for various spring breaks despite the unpredictable weather. They were coming out to see us. Monday evening, upon entering the gym after an absence of a week or so, I was greeted by name by several. I now have a gym community, which of course inspires me to go. Tuesday, I was sought out by a local friend, who came into the Conference Center to visit and who consequently bought and brought me coneflowers. Yesterday a new friend came from Salisbury to sit and knit in my office amidst phone calls and guiding visitors and I received a signed autographed copy of this book.

I have friends here and there and in all the right places. Right where they are supposed to be.

List #1

2010-04-13T06:42:00.000-05:00

Things that will keep me sane this season

Cardio - a must
Monthly massage
Social knitting
Stay in contact with family and friends, new and old, near and far, they are my support
Thursday nights with My Handsome Prince
Hire a cook
One day off a week, at least
Go to the beach

I'll add to this list as time goes on. I consumed myself with work last season. This season has already started out differently so if I concentrate on balance, all will be well.

Disrupted Rhythym

2010-04-08T15:57:00.000-05:00

Already there is a rhythym to our days. Our days together and my days alone. It is much quieter and we don't always fill it with talk. Evenings, we settle in, each in our own space. There are certain things that happen every day, such as long walks with the dogs, laundry, and knitting. There are certain things that happen every week, out for dinner or a beer, church. We are adjusting and it is good.

Our little bit of rhythym was disrupted. Our girls came Friday, bursting through the door with tight and extra long embraces, an extra dog, bearing birthday gifts from my family and a pan of cinnamon rolls which went promptly in the oven. The next morning we awoke to the beginnings of a snow storm. We walked to breakfast at the local cafe

We played Rockband

We snoozed

We lived as family. And just as quickly, they left. We shovelled snow, we made a small dinner, and back to our spaces with a movie, me knitting, him with the dogs.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

2010-03-19T08:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't that the saying for March? Today it is like a lamb. Today I have or will do:
eat a bowl of homemade granola
walk the dogs and visit their canine friends
soak in the hot tub
go to work and investigate what needs to be done to open up for the season
take a walk on the beach
send my maui janes to be repaired
buy a case of wine at 20% off
find old knitting flyers in bethany that need to come down
pick up new knitting flyers at serendipity
hit the gym,do I dare start the P90X program? I am truly intimidated
wash the dishes for they've been sitting there for a day
meet a friend for dinner and talk....knitting
enjoy the glorious, much needed sunshine

A Good Day

2010-03-12T11:28:00.000-05:00

I had some things to do across the bridge. I'm trying to limit the business type trips and change all that stuff to this side. But a Doctor's appointment was necessary. So...... I met Emma for lunch

I met Mom and Rachel and 'bino for social knitting, where there was way more socializing being done than knitting

A self portrait

An emergency phone call from Audrey concerning a school project resulting in a meeting to figure some things out. She is making a Carnival outfit out of totally recycled items, no sewing involved. Such a clever kid.

On my way home I realized my Dad was in Lansdowne for Lenten dinner and worship, right off the beltway, right on my way home. So I stopped in. I got to see my whole fam damily, well except Auntie and Uncle. Hmmmmm.

Alabama Stitch

2010-02-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

A laundry basket full of old t shirts, both Alabama Stitch books, an hour sorting through to determine the project and the colors, and I have the makings for my first bandana. I wonder if I can get four of these done by mid June for my lovely Czech girls to wear in the kitchen. Although I have tons of t shirts, this really does take two extra large shrits so I might be taking a trip to the thrift store this week as a lot of my shirts are kids, perfect for my rugs.

Mindful Knitting

2010-02-23T12:41:00.000-05:00

My heart aches and so I knit. I knit a birthday present for my oldest. Into the gift I knit the wish that she has the knowledge and comfort of knowing she is not alone and that she is loved. I knit the wish that she forgive those who hurt her even though they choose not to forgive her for her wrongs. I knit the desire for healthy, mature relationships and growth. I knit for kindness, compassion, and understanding, that they be qualities she practice and that they be reflected back onto her. I knit happiness and sparkle into the garment with the hope that she will shine when she wears it. And I knit my embrace into it, that my arms always be enveloped around her while she wears it with the hopes that she embrace what life gives her. I also knit for myself. The repetitive knit pearl rib allows me to also pray for patience and the ability to be Confidant and Mother. I also knit to forgive, for I think a Mother's forgiveness is more difficult to come by. I am quick to defend and slow to forgive so I knit for understanding and love, that it be granted to me, to her father, to her sister, to her, and to others.

Emergence

2010-02-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Today, the dogs and I took a before breakfast walk. A long one and the first one in a long time. Since the big snow. The sun was shining, temperatures were rising, and things were thawing. It felt good. I was not the only one who felt this way. Honey was having more fun than she would chasing a squirrel. There was a gentleman outside who went out of his way to say good morning and chat about the weather. I'm glad it's over, hopefully, but can't help think fondly on it also. So I leave these as evidence of the time passed when it snowed in a place that doesn't get much snow.

Luckily, the girls arrived the evening before the first snow, so we woke to the dusting and went to breakfast.

There was much snuggling

and snoozing

a project started, the gutting of the bathroom

A Beatles Rockband tour

Puppy love

Difficulties finding a spot, so a spot was made

And more snoozing after all the shovelling.

Snow on the beach.

The girls were able to make their way home safely and we were done, until the next forecast was made.

In preparation of the next storm, recipe courtesy of Pioneer Woman

Shift sleeping and an unmade bed for a week. The National Guard was called into duty and My Handsome Prince worked nights and slept days (while I shovelled)

I alternated my time between sewing, knitting, cooking and shovelling. The Wurm hat I made to keep my head warm and prevent my head from looking lumpy while wearing a hat.

The lounge pants I made from fabric and trim I had. I figured if I was going to stay inside for a week, I'd make some comfy cool pants. Because of the pans of cinnamon rolls and other cooking and baking, I couldn't get my fat arse into them and they became Audrey's, who said they were cute and dorky. Cool, dorky, same thing right?

Use what you have cooking, diced tomatoes, italian sausage, pasta, cheese, and wine, along with the Artisan bread dough in the fridge. It pays to have that dough constantly going in the fridge.

I love almond flavoring and made this cake. Glaze not necessary.

Snow

And more snow

By the time storm three hit, forget it. I did not take any photos except this one

Let us out!!

Satisfaction

2010-02-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

There is something so completely satisfying about wearing a garment made with your own two hands, a couple of sticks and some string.

Domestic Bliss

2010-02-04T08:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday

I woke up, walked the dogs, showered and did a load of laundy

I spoke with my daughter and my sister, twice at least

I knit and listened to music

I had a bowl of wonderful chicken tortilla soup for lunch with crunchy fritos on top

I made 7 pans of cinnamon rolls, baked one, froze the rest and washed up the mess

I went to Body Pump class, came home got in the hot tub, had another bowl of healthy chicken tortilla soup, and an ice cold beer

My Handsome Prince came home, we watched a bad movie, I finished my knitting project, I read and lights out

ahhhh

On a Roll

2010-01-23T12:44:00.000-05:00

Number 32 - Now I can be dry and cute

Smile

2010-01-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

Number 4

Number 40

What I Did for Love

2010-01-20T08:27:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I crossed the bridge for the third time in three weeks. The first two inovolved moving furniture, getting Audrey settled, school schedules and banking. Yesterday was for a funeral.

About 6 or 7 years ago, I met her through the Ensemble. She was with Avon and the Director's mother. I volunteered to be make up parent. A couple years later, she was diagnosed with cancer. After a choral party at her house, I notice two or three flats of flowers that were not planted and offered to help with that if she wanted it. I never planted the flowers but we visited a few times, had lunch and talked on the phone. One thing she told me was that she wanted Emma to sing "What I Did for Love" at her funeral. It was a piece the Ensemble had done, Emma the soloist with the Ensemble.

A little over a week ago, Emma told me this woman was dying and the family was having a birthday party while she was still alive. They asked the Ensemble to sing, Emma to sing her solo. Emma was nervous, both about singing and about getting emotional. She called after the event to say that she sang directly to Barbara, that they maintained eye contact, smiled at each other, and that it was lovely.

I went to the funeral yesterday to say goodbye to a friend, because no matter how long she was in my life, it was significant. I went to the funeral yesterday to support a woman who is a member of both my daughters' village, whose influence has been significant in their lives. I went to the funeral yesterday to witness some amazing kids (okay adults now) sing from their hearts. And I went to the funeral yesterday to hear Emma sing "What I Did for Love" and know that it is true for Barbara, for Trish, for Emma, for me, and everyone else there.

It's Time to Make a List

2010-01-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

Plant sunflowers
Make a bottle tree
Hire a cook
Put my feet in the ocean every month
Make a friend
Inspire others
Knit on the porch at the Conference Center
Watch the sunrise on the beach
Buy a thermos to drink my coffee on the beach
Watch the sunset over the bay
Host a party
Frame photos of me and My Handsome Prince (idea from Li'l Sis and her hubby)
CPR recertification
Let go - a reminder every year
Go Ice skating or roller skating
Take a creative class
Drink water
Take a vacation - didn't really happen for me in 2009
Still need those cowboy boots
Go for hikes
Ride my bike to work one day a week
Ride the ferries on the eastern shore
Make more lists
Have our family photo taken
Buy some houseplants and try not to kill them
Buy fresh flowers from the house on my way to work
Knit, knit, knit
Visit my girls and explore their area
Invite someone over for coffee
Leave a May basket somewhere
Make room for the unnexpected
Buy decent rain boots
Organize recipes in a hanging file box
Have dinner at Blue Coast
Go for rides in My Handsome Prince's Model T Roadster Deluxe
Have a crafternoon
Chalk art with a group at the Conference Center
Sew myself some loungewear
Find a photobooth and have our picture taken
Bake more cookies
Wear more color
Go to the beach on a full moon night
Handwrite letters
Kiss My Handsome Prince everyday
See my friend Randee
Listen to local music
Use my crockpot

There I've said it, 47 intentions but pay close attention to number 31 because it may preclude one or more of the others. I do like Andrea's number 24 and will contemplate that one.

In Reverse

2010-01-13T17:03:00.000-05:00

Self centered knitting

The birthday gift

The snow, again

The birthday dinner place that was closed

Audrey's new digs

The cold

yarn by the pound sale (this is only a fraction of what I purchased)

The Times They are a Changin'

2010-01-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

Today was the official day I woke up alone. My Handsome Prince gone to work, the dogs sleeping, nothing different except the knowledge. And in a moment of self indulgent pity, I cried.

2009/2010

2010-01-01T11:11:00.001-05:00

In 2009 three of us made the permanent move to Dagsboro, one of us will leave.

In 2009 Audrey made the transition from junior in high school to senior in high school to freshman in college.

In 2009 Emma continued the journey to independence and adulthood by purchasing a new car. Yes the Green Machine, Snot Rocket, Skittle, whatever you want to call it is gone, sniff.

In 2009 Dana left one non-profit entity for another and became the Manager of the Christian Church Conference Center in Bethany Beach, a place in our family history and hearts.

In 2009 Patrick narrows his commute and eliminates rush hour.

In 2009 we reunited with friends for whom we played match maker, one of whom was part of our wedding, and who ironically live in Bethany Beach.

In 2009 we become card carrying members of the Dogfish Head Mug Club.

In 2009 we do not choose our community of people, it chooses us and it is good.

In 2009 we are multicultural spending time building houses in Mexico and our summer with The Czech Student Group.

In 2009 we sell our house on Deep Run Road after much uncertainty.

In 2009 Patrick acquires his Grand Daddy’s 1931 Model A Roadster Deluxe, a piece of history and a piece of his heritage.

In 2010 we look forward to change, to challenges, to joys, to visitors, to new traditions, and much, much more. We hope you are a part of it.

Patrick, Dana, Emma and Audrey

Knitting Frenzy

2009-12-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

I spent the last two months knitting. It was absolutely wonderful, painful, all consuming. I made a bunch of these.

I made a boyfriend hat and a matching calorimetry.

I made two pair of these, one in green wool for my best sister as seen here and one pair for My Handsome Prince in orange alpaca wool blend, luxurious.

Now it's time for me, love this luscious blend from Dragonfly fibers.

Mmmmmm, Pork

2009-12-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

We walked in and immediately the hostess asked if we were there for the Pork Dinner, to which we answered yes. As we walked through the bar, Linda from behind the bar smiled and said "Hey guys, good to see you again!" We walked upstairs and Olivia was at the top of the steps, another smile, another glad you are here. We've become regulars, which feels good. We were seated at a table for 4 so knew we would have dinner companions. We had wondered how they would host this dinner. Within a few minutes, James and Brian sat at our table. The room was full, loud, animated, anticipatory. Sam, the owner, brewmaster, made his rounds, greeting everyone, spending a bit of time at every table. Jason, the manager, made some announcements, some introductions, and the dinner began.

First Course, a charcuterie platter, three types of dried meats on baguette with a sampling of beer with each variety, my favorite being a chorizo served with none other than a 90 minute IPA

Second Course, a spinach salad, with toffeed pecans, chorizo,mango dressing paired with a full glass of 60 minute IPA

Third Course, warm dates stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped with proscuitto, fresh sprouts on top, and sweet balsamic vinegar trailing the plate, a small surprise sampling of Life and Limb, the collaboration of Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, and a small glass of Indian Brown Ale

Fourth Course, garlic infused bacon wrapped around a pork tenderloin, served on a bed of bacon grits, crunchy fried onions on top, served with a glass of Raison D'Etre, oh and a shot of peanut butter, bacon vodka, a salute to Elvis

And lastly, chocolate bacon cheesecake served with a snifter of World Wide Stout

Is that enough pork for you? I think My Handsome Prince ate every bit, with the exception of a small piece of chocolate dipped bacon which we brought home to Audrey. Me, not so much, although I did some damage.

Our dinner companions were delightful, conversation easy and pleasant, talking of various things. They gave us some great tips on local food. We exchanged emails, facebook, cell, and blog information. I hope to see them again.

The theme next month is Indian cuisine. It's a possibility. We left after chatting up the chef and the organizer, Olivia said she hoped she would see us before Christmas. We told her we'd see her next week, we still have Dogfish Head theme shopping to do and growlers to pick up.

Pork is usually a favorite when camping. I think chocolate dipped bacon will be on the menu next trip. Who knew it could be so good?

I Give Thee Thanks

2009-12-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

My Handsome Prince and another year of clean scans

Cute Puppies

Walks in the woods, on the beach, and in the neighborhood

Evidence of mixed families

Precious baby girls

Dogfish Head and being a local

Fun

And games

A clean slate and the ability to make decisions

For Inspiration in unexptected places

Smiling, serving, selfless soldiers

For unexpected delights

A cup o' joe

Puppy love

My incredible, inspiring, growing daughters

Friends, new and old

A community of people

Gracious family hosts and guests

The bond of Sisters

The worry of Mothers

The experiences of music

And for much more, I give Thee Thanks.

Every Girl Needs Her Mommy Sometimes

2009-11-25T11:16:00.001-05:00

We talked on the way to the Doctor's office. We talked in the waiting room. We talked in the examining room, over a hot lunch, waiting for a prescription, getting blood work done and all the way back to her apartment. We spoke of room mate drama, past and present, of protests, of holiday plans, of classes, of day to day minutiae. We were still talking as I made the long trek back home and she was in her apartment. I complained about the traffic. She said "Thanks for coming to take care of me Mommy. I am sorry you are stuck in traffic." I responded, "I had a nice afternoon Emma Girl, I am sorry you are sick." And then she cried, I suspect it was with relief that she could relinquish the responsibility of making decisions for a brief period of time and to be in the hands of her Mommy for just a bit.

Glimpse

2009-11-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last night I caught a glimpse of my future. My Handsome Prince and I in our separate favorite seating in the living room, watching a movie as my cell phone constantly went off with text messages from our daughters. Me, knitting, him on the computer looking for a car, pursuing our separate hobbies together in our home, void of the physical presence of our daughters, yet always on our minds.

Quality vs Quantity

2009-11-17T21:02:00.001-05:00

There is something truly to be said about quality time versus quantity time. My sister loaded up four year old 'bino, the two dogs, met my Father somewhere along the beltway and drove the 3 hours to meet me. We opted to meet at Cape Henlopen State Park, a favorite, and now only 30 minutes away for me. This way the dogs could run and 'bino could play in the sand. And that is what we did.

The Campground was quiet and empty. Li'l Sis and I both remarked that we wished we were camping.

We went to the "doom" where Sambino jumped

and jumped and got sand in his pockets

No time together is complete without a self portrait

We went to Herring Point aka The Dog Beach

It was windy

We climbed rocks

The dogs posed

I climbed and posed

Quality Mother Daughter Time

My Dad - this one speaks for itself

And then we went into town

Where a stop at the toy store is a must for children and adults alike

And then it was time to go, time for them to go home, time for Audrey to go to school, time to get back to our regular lives.

The Storm

2009-11-16T08:27:00.000-05:00

The rain and wind started Thursday. I called Mom advising her to check the weather and road conditions before she started across the bridge. She arrived late afternoon Thursday, flustered. It was a bad drive. Because I had barely left the house all day, I sent Audrey to school that evening and regretted it immediately after she left. So much so that My Handsome Prince and I went to pick her up after class and drive her car home for her. While we were gone, the volunteer fire alarm went off so of course Mom could not rest until all were safe at home. By Friday, the rain had subsided and we ventured into Rehoboth to pick up the necessities, sock yarn, growlers of Dogfish Head beer, and the makings of molasses cookies. I was advised not to try to get into work in Bethany as Rt 1 was closed from Rehoboth to Bethany and Rt. 26 had a lot of standing water. We had a lovely visit, knitting, baking, shopping, watching movies, web surfing, laughing, talking. On Saturday, we ventured into town, this is what we encountered:

one entrance closed - Pennsylvania Avenue remained closed on until Sunday and even then....

submerged wooden walkway

floaters from the post office

These are just a few images from the Conference Center. After checking the chapel and Campbell Hall, we ventured to the beach.

Beach devestation

We thought we were prepared for the water with our cute boots from a well known store but little did we know that they were not water tight. Audrey actually poured water out of her boot. As Li'l Sis says, cute is overrated.

Morning Walk

2009-11-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

Walk time

Abondonded in pursuit of something better?

Artsy fartsy shoppy shop gathering place location?

Mmmm, huevos con chorizo

Waiting for the light to change

Making friends

Love this

And this

Home, where the leaves are just changing color and falling

A Beautiful Day in November

2009-11-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

We went to the beach today, just for a bit. What a luxury to go to the beach for just a bit. I think I'll go back tomorrow.

A Sense of Accomplishment

2009-11-08T21:58:00.000-05:00

My house is empty, with the exception of a donut we left in the microwave and my season at the Conference Center is officially over. And that's all I have to say about that.

Moving Moments

2009-11-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

We arrived last night to our house on Deep Run. I brought my laptop and my knitting with the intent of watching a movie and knitting. The house was COLD. It looked cold, empty, void of anything personal and the heat was not on. I was grouchy as my sun room was finally finished, after I moved out. Why do we wait until someone else is going to take ownership to finish things? So we went to bed, sleeping on opposite ends of the L shaped sofa, the only piece of furniture left, talking. Sort of like when we moved in to this house, moving everything we owned into the basement, all 4 of us sharing the king size mattress that was crammed in between our belongings, for weeks as we gutted the main floor. I have no real feeling of sadness or remorse about this place on Deep Run as it is not my house anymore. It bears none of my marks, except for the pins I found in the carpet in the basement. The house in Dagsboro is home now, with the clumps of dog fur on the hard wood floors, the potpourri scent of Santa Maria Novella in the living room, the basket of knitting by the chair, the dog leashes in the bowl by the front door, the sound of the tv coming from Audrey's room, the glow of the computer set up off our bedroom, the many visits from family and friends. These are just a few of the things that are making our new house our home.

WANTED

2009-11-06T18:42:00.000-05:00

New BFF - Please be advised this is a position being created not a replacement position.
Location: the closer, the better, within a few miles is ideal especially for impromptu cups of coffee, project sharing or the inevitable borrowing of a cup of sugar or an egg, but even a distance of 20 miles is acceptable.
Qualifications: Must be creative and practice either knitting, rug hooking, sewing, quilting, embroidery, photography or fitness. Of course, being proficient in other art/craft forms is a bonus. As a counter balance, it would be good for applicant to like gardening, home decorating, and cooking or baking. Applicant should have a good sense of humor as laughter will be a large part of the job, along with a few tears, so sensitivity is also a necessary quality. Strength, to rein me in when I tackle to much and patience when I go on a tirade of a subject that I am passionate about are important qualities. Applicant should be resistant to obnoxious behavior and a loud voice. Roadtrips are an occasional job requirement, usually to some sort of shop, bar, restaurant, or concert. Music, books, beer and coffee. Need I say more? Most of all, applicant should have an open mind and open heart and have the ability to open mine too, patience to develop this position for it may take a while to determine the parameters and a friendly smile.

Mug Club

2009-11-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Proud, card carrying members of the Dogfish Head Mug Club, oh yeah.

This Is The Day

2009-11-04T17:55:00.003-05:00

To Do

General straightening

A load of laundry

Attend a meeting of the local knitting guild (my first, alone, in a new place)

Hook some women up with wireless
Patch my jeans - eventually I want them to look like this
Stop eating cake

Make My Day
An excited wave from a recently met neighbor
Walking the dogs
My youngest, thinking/talking about her college decisions which are a bit unconventional, imagine that, awesome

Coffee with cream served in this

Being so absorbed in a telephone conversation with my sister that I pull over and am lost and late to knitting guild meeting, so, so worth it
A friendly, creative, open, inspiring knitting group

A walk on the beach, standing at the waters edge, and being the only one as far as the eye can see

Not So Hot
Dogs in the garbage
Leaving lovely pitcher of cream on counter all day
No success in the stop eating cake department

What I did Today

2009-11-03T17:38:00.001-05:00

The coreopsis and mum are my doing, along with the various chickens. I live in chicken country so have decided my front garden bed will have many hens, chicks, roosters. The samll clay hen on the right actually has hen and chicks planted inside it.

Getting Around

2009-11-02T17:15:00.000-05:00

As part of trying to meet residents of the Eastern Shore, I have found numerous guilds in the area. There are several quilt guilds, a rug hooking guild, an embroidery guild, and a few knitting groups. When I put all of them in my calendar I look like quite the social butterfly. Needless to say, some of them will fall by the wayside. Today was the monthly meeting of the Ocean Waves Quilt Guild which meets in Lewes (that's Loo-is, and yes it is) DE. I love, love, love Lewes. Today's speakers were three African American women whose presentation was on the legend of the Underground Railroad. One would tell the story, one would sing old spirituals, and one would hold a quilt up as the storyteller spoke of it's significance in the journey to freedom. It was a most lovely presentation based on historical facts, folklore and the individual need for personal freedom that is a universal need not based on any race, creed or religion. Later in the day, I walked to the local quilt shop to buy a spool of basic off white quilting thread to finish an old project. The owner said "thanks, bye Dana". I think I'm starting to get around.

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T19:11:00.001-05:00

What better way to get re-acquainted with my blog than to join NaBloPoMo or National Blog Posting Month? I'm tired, can't find my quilting thread, don't want to go out to the car to get my knitting, my glasses or my book. There is nothing on tv and I don't think we have any movies. How lame is that?

Why Dread?

2009-10-29T08:30:00.002-05:00

This is me these days. I decided in June of 2008 to bite the bullet and do something that scared me, that fascinated me, that made me think differently. It is not something I ever regret. I do not know how long I will keep them. I do not know what I will do when/if I cut them. I just don't know. What I do know is that I have completely stepped outside the box in terms of my appearance. I no longer fuss with my hair, dislike the way something is going with my hair, or am overly concerned with my hair, obviously. It has freed me. Incredibly. I have subjected myself to judgement in the hopes that I will become less judgemental. As crazy as this sounds, but if I can do this to my appearance, what other things can I accomplish? What other things that scare me, that are outside my comfort zone, that are a bit daring can I do? They inspire confidence. The amount of patience to get even this far is an art itself. In a world of instant gratification, this is an ongoing project that I am not sure will ever be finished. So I have learned to develop patience. There is so much more to dreading my hair than a hairstyle. In fact, it is the anti-hairstyle. But yet, it is not about not caring. Clear as mud, right? Yet it makes sense to me. And as the process continues, so does my reason to have them. I have been surprised by the response. Some people don't say anything, that is fine. They are the ones who are polite, don't understand, and don't want to hurt my feelings. Some are curious such as the older women in their 70's at church one time who wanted to touch them. There was the old man at the auto store who looked at me, broke into a huge grin, laughed and said "I like your hair". Several african american women ask me why I did it. I didn't realize how much I would be remembered. It never occured to me and so it is an added bonus. But, I have never, yet received a negative comment. They are me. They fit. It feels right, at least now and when it doesn't, well, that is when they come off. And so that is why I did it, do it, and continue the journey.

Pardon My Dust

2009-10-22T15:19:00.002-05:00

Trying on a new look.

Let Your Mind Slide

2009-10-18T17:02:00.004-05:00

Bonerama at my favorite brewery/pub/restaurant

with my favorite concert goers, minus one

We literally dodged trombone slides, no lie. It was awesome.

It was everything I had hoped for and more. Beer, benevolence and Bonerama.

The Gathering Place

2009-10-15T12:40:00.004-05:00

I dream of a gathering place, a place where the neighborhood comes to get their daily dose of whatever it is they need. Audrey and I have been discussing it lately. I think it stems from my days as a kid in Oak Park, IL. This was a lovely place to meet for breakfast while I was in Baltimore for 24 hours and I am not kidding you the best coffee ever.

Shhhhh

2009-10-07T13:18:00.002-05:00

I have actually been crafting lately. My season at work has slowed to the point where I am only working weekends. During the week, I am pretty much off, making my own schedule so have been knitting, sewing, needle felting, and planning, planning, planning. The problem is my faithful readers are the recipients of these items and I can't show them here. Dang! I want to show off my productivity.

Denial

2009-10-02T09:28:00.005-05:00

I am in denial. As soon as my busy season ended, I thought I would get a couple weeks on the beach, some time by the pool, a little kayaking. Nope, fall came and looks as if it is going to stay. I love fall but I was holding out for one more heat wave. The pool is still open but it never gets warm enough to get in. I am still holding out for about a week, then I will give in. The evidence is too strong. I have fall desires, too, like stitching thisI have just started the doodling on the paper. I think I will free hand most of it.

And this was my kitchen yesterday! I made soup! In the crock pot! And sewed!Even the dogs have settled in. Is there any hope of a small, teeny, tiny, heat wave so I can go lay out on the beach?

Thirsty Thursdays

2009-09-26T07:20:00.003-05:00

Thursday night is Cask night at Dogfish Head Brewery and Restaurant where they tap whatevery they are specially brewing. I've been trying for the 75 minute IPA to no avail. I took Paya this past Thursday night, because she loves 60 minute IPA, and because she is leaving. Punkin Ale was the cask, okay, but not my favorite.See, she likes her 60 minuteI like the fact that Bonerama is coming to town!

We had a delicious dinner, great conversation, and a walk up to the beach. It was wonderful. What will I do when she leaves?

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2009-09-22T10:17:00.012-05:00

I got a job at the Christian Church Conference Center, a place where I grew up going to camp, my children went to camp, my parents staffed camps, and I served as staff. Now I am the Manager, a paid position, a jack of all trades.
I met some great kids from the Czech Republic, my staff, my summer children.We worked hard And we had funMy family made the annual trek to Cape Henlopen, one family's final trip as they relocated to the midwest shortly afterwardI only made it for one night, but I still managed to get some silliness in
I went to Mexico to build some housesand spent some time with some great youth, including over 30 hours on a bus

I managed to get a little time on the beach with my family

And to play Rocky in Philadelphia with my summer children (I call them this because on our drive home, My Handsome Prince and I in the front, the three of them in the back seat, the girls comfortably remarked this was just like being on vacation with their parents and they have called me Mama Dana all sumer)

It has been a summer of discovery.

The View from my Porch...Now

2009-07-10T14:09:00.007-05:00

This is the view from my back deck or as I prefer to say, porch. Not much of a view, an empty lot, hardly mowed. The dogs like it as use it as their DPA (designated pooping area). Normally I would not allow them to do their duty in someone else's yard, yet the owners mow it maybe once a month, so I know it is not noticed. Frontline is a must, as the ticks are abundant. The next lot over is a lovely house, vacant for a year now, and recently had a forclosure notice on it. Hmmm. Doesn't sound like much, does it? Yet, it is home and I love it here. I have to say, I don't miss my old home. Maybe it is because it is our family that makes it home, not the place. Emma, who still lives in Baltimore, has been here as much as possible. My Mom has come several times to help, My sister came and did all my laundry one weekend, and set up my desk (which I love!), My Father even came out one day, just to see me in action and have lunch on the porch. Yes, it is home. By the way, this is also the view from my porch, much better wouldn't you say?

I live 10 miles from a resort beach area, yet am even more rural than I was before. As much as I dislike Walmart, I have found that I must have used it a lot. The nearest one is about 20 miles away. I am not yet sure where to get those miscellaneous type items. Although we do boast Hockers or G&E, both local markets, within 5 or 6 miles, that are a supermarket, hardware store, and drugstore combined. You can get freshbaked goods or a crab trap, prescription drugs or a sandwich. Oh, and gas too!

The most action this town sees is on the weekends when the traffic flows east on Friday and west on Sunday. We have an authentic Mexican restaurant, a bank, a Police Department, a volunteer fire company (3 lots over - the siren does not go off that often), a quilt shop, a jeweler, a barber, a beauty shop (to which I already walked and got my wax on), and our claim the fame, The Clayton theatre.Photo by Ray Smock

My typical day here starts at 6:30 am, already at work, brewing the coffee, setting my staff up to cook breakfast for the visiting group. I usually work until 1:00ish, to go home, let the dogs out, have a beer, go for a swim, unpack a bit, then back to work by 4:00pm, at which point I check the dinner plans, check my staff, return phone calls, answer emails, make menus for the next couple groups, and always have someone in my office, asking something. I am home by 8:00pm at the latest and basically am not good for anything. This can go on for 2 days, 4 days, or even weeks, without much of a break. I'm not very good at giving myself time off, I admit it. But...I am in my element.

In our short time here, as in living here, we have already had 10 guests, most overnights but some just for an evening visit. Summers will be like that, friends and family will come take advantage of our offer, go to the beach, sit by the pool, and lucky for me, unpack a box or two, put a few things away (I can't find my vegetable peeler! but if that is all I can't find, I am lucky). The shock will come this fall, when I won't be working, the visits will peter out, the cold weather will come, the traffic will stop, and life will slow down. I think it will be a good slow, one when Audrey can find her place here, one where I can be Mom and Wife and Crafter, one where the dogs will go walking, walking, walking.

Long Overdue

2009-07-08T07:03:00.003-05:00

"Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?" - Stevie Wonder.
This is the only photograph I have of her by herself at graduation.

Audrey and Hannah, another early graduate, good friend, and neighbor.

Sweet sisters

Happy family

Dinner at Five Guys at almost 10:00pm right before they closed. Mmmmmm

The Graduation was interesting in that I really did not know any of the students or parents of the students. Oh, there were a couple here and there but because she did not graduate with the kids she spent 11 years with, it was different. My parents were there, along with My Handsome Prince's father and his wife, Amy and Timothy, and us. It was a nice evening and the rain held off until the very end!

We had the usual tribute at church, dessert and letters/speeches read by a parent and by a significant influence. I asked my sister to write and present. Here are both our tributes to our Audrey Lynn, amazing child of mine.

From Aunt Chelly:

When Dana and Pat went to the hospital for Audrey's birth, it was my job to entertain Emma for a bit. Honestly, I can't remember much about that day or what we did to pass the time but I do remember coming back to the hospital, when Audrey was an hour or two old. Pat, Emma and I went into the nursery to see her and watch her first bath. I was completely awed. Audrey was curled over the nurse's one hand. She was that perfect newborn pink with a head covered in thick, black hair. It was an unceremonious scrub over a large sinnk with rinses in the stream coming from the tap. I don't remember her complaining about it but I can't imagine that she didn't. She was an adorable baby with her very own look. There was no mistaking any other baby for Audrey or Audrey for any other baby. Eventually, her hair would grown in blonde, but she never lost the first shock of black. She just cound up with long blonde hair that looked as though the end of each strand had been dipped in ink.

As she got older and we got to know her, we found she was eager to laugh for he sister, some family and friends but there were a few of us for which she seemed to be reserving judgement. Requests to hold her were met with a frim "no", if eye contact was made, it was usually fairly cool and had a clinical feel (like you were being observede or studied), and any attempt at peek-a-boo, was, well, you just stopped trying to get her to play. It was a great relief to me to know that I was not the only one on this list of hers. We all still loved her but just couldn't figure her out.

One day Dana, Mom and I were going to meet at the Amish Market in Westminster. I got there before they did and saw them pull into the parking lot. I wandered over to the entrance to meet them, the automoatic doors parted, and hellos, hugs and kisses were exchanged. I looked down at Audrey and she was looking at me with a smile and asked me to pick her up. I carried her all that day. Dana and I looked at one another, laughed, and wondered alound about the cosmic shift that took place for Audrey to pull a complete 180 about her Aunt. We'll never know. But that's Audrey.

When some toddlers were holding their hands over their ears to block out the loud roar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, she was turning to her Mom saying "cool bike". When some little ones could not be trusted with sharp objects, Audrey was very diligently and carefully putting all the sewing pins back into their proper pin cushions. Whe some kids were headed for the tv or computer after getting home from school, Audrey was sitting down at the table, eager to finish all her homework first. When some kids are splashing and playing in the hot tub, Audrey was using it as a backdrop for a blue ribbon photographic self portrait. When the flock of kids are heading to the mall to shop the latest styles at American Eagle or Hollister, Audrey is searching for treasures at the thrift store. And while some kids are in their junior year of high school, trying to figure out what credits they still need to graduate, Audrey was petitioning the administration for an early graduation, seeing that she had already fulfilled all the requirements.

As a babe, she had her own look, as a toddler she had her own agenda, and now as a graduate, she has her very own style.

Stay classy, Audrey.

This one is from me:

Audrey Lynn was born in July 1992 a birthday present for her father, whose birthday is two days earlier. And if you ask him, I’m sure it is the absolute best he has ever received. She was born a bright star in a difficult time, loved and cherished by her parents, adored by her big sister from day one.

Audrey has always been a questioner. At a young age, she always held her questions for bedtime. She would ask serious, thoughtful, even philosophical questions. She would ask how our blood stayed in our bodies, and aren’t our bodies amazing things or I know it is night here and I am tired and somewhere else in the world it is daytime but how do they know to be awake and how do I know to be tired. She asked many questions I could not answer and still does. At one point, around 4 or 5 years old, her favorite movies were Hook and Peter Pan. She actually compared and contrasted them and then wanted to know how Captain Hook got his name. I answered with the standard, he got it when his hand was eaten by the crocodile. Well, that was not her question. She wanted to know what his name was before his hand was lost. Hmmm. Anyone know the answer to that?

Audrey is a seeker. She has been a 4-H-er, a Brownie and a Girl Scout, a writer, a photographer, an artist, an actress, a musician which includes being a pianist, a floutist, and a singer. In school she’s been a mentor , a member of the service club, participated in drama productions, sang in both a volunteer choir and the advanced choir, and took the accelerated route of credits.

Given the tools and knowledge, Audrey has the ability to make decisions for her own good. As a kindergartner, she had a difficult time separating from her family. The only way she was able to go to school was with a piece of her cherished blanket in her pocket and one of my t-shirts over her own clothes which I told her signified my arms around her all day. With these reminders of home and the knowledge she would see us after a few hours she was able to go to school without tears. Within a couple weeks, she came to me and said “Mom, I don’t need your t-shirt anymore, but I still need my blanket” But within a week of that, she again came to me stating she did not need pants with pockets because she was no longer going to take her blanket piece with her to school. She was over it. Her decision to graduate early is another example of knowing what is best for her. High school was just not her thing, she knew she met all the requirements to graduate early, and took it upon herself to speak with her advisor, even before speaking with us about her decision. When I am asked what she will do now that she has graduated, I give the standard answer of community college for a semester or get a job. Truthfully, I am not worried as she will find what she wants and inform us of her decision.
Audrey is my teacher. She has taught me how to step outside my comfort zone. No one shows more courage than the person who does not like to sing in public, who dedicates a song to her Mama and sings it in front of over a hundred people. She has also taught me about being selfless in that example, singing for the people in Mexico, her youth group, and me. She has taught me about communication. I communicate verbally but that is not Audrey. She likes the written word. It has taken me a very long time and I am still working on it. She has taught me to be a better parent, a different parent. She has taught me how to focus for she is the queen of focus. I’m still a beginner.

I could go on and on about how Audrey rocks my world. I was a bit worried about our move, how we would meet people once the summer was over, and Audrey’s response was “Oh, we’ll get involved in something at school and meet people.” Her courage is unending, her dry wit and sarcasm strong, her observation keen, her creativity inspiring, her confidence growing and nothing, nothing is better than her genuine laugh. Call her cell phone and listen to her voice mail and you will see for yourself. I laugh every time.

Audrey is my daughter, my partner right now in the midst of change, a princess in her father’s eye, her sister’s best friend and now on a new path at a tender young age.

In the words of Amy Rigby “Hey I love you, your perfect, don’t ever change, don’t ever change.”

Update

2009-06-17T06:05:00.002-05:00

This is basically an update so I don't have to send various emails out. Today is going to be a very long day and I don't even have a group in the center. I have to finish looking at the menu for this weekend of 65 or so people, finish making the menu for next week's 45 or so, compare them with the food in the walk in cooler, the massive freezer, the pantry, and my current order for Sysco food supplier. If I need to, I will add some items to my order, and probably place another order on Friday to be delivered on Tuesday. That is all just this morning. I have my one, lonely Czech boy who needs direction in what to do. He is eager to work and I can't keep my focus on one thing long enough to direct him. He probably thinks his manager is one crazy lady. I need to go to Beach Patrol, give them a donation, and ask them to come speak at four of our camps on beach/ocean safety, Open a new bank account, buy buckets, mops, floor cleaner, toilet cleaner, book two groups on the calendar, send out contracts, yada, yada, pick up my other two Czech students in Dover DE and take them into Bethany, get them situated and then crash. Oh there is a lot of little minute things on this list that I have not included. My Mom and Aunt called yesterday and I could not talk, My Dad called a couple days before and I accidently hung up on him but did not call back because I could not talk, I don't even talk to my husband because he is in Virginia doing the same thing as I am, sort of, for his Military troups. My daughter is adjusting, in a way, for she constantly has visitors. She has two right now who have given her the confidence to find her way into Ocean City, find a parking place, and ride the bus all day to various places. My sister arrives tomorrow and we are going to dinner with an old friend of the family, one whose father was the Senior Minister when our father was a young associate, one who counseled us in camp, then performed the beginning of the wedding of the Handsome Prince and I so my father could give me away, who has counseled my children in camp, and with whom I have served side by side as a counselor. I am looking forward to dinner but nervous about him being in my camp. I know his expectations are high and I hope, just hope, that I can meet them.
Nos vemos!

Last Day of School

2009-06-02T11:56:00.002-05:00

This is what I did today:

My sister even had a King to add to the decorations.

And These Things Do Please Me Well

2009-06-01T10:33:00.002-05:00

Difficult situations, handled with tact and grace I didn't know I possesed
Dinner with Auntie and Uncle, oh how it pleased me well
A new friendship via email
Embroidery stitch dreams
Sunshine breaks by the pool
A plea for help on a homework assignment dealing with the culture of our faith
My youngest graduating this week, oh my how this pleases me
My Handsome Prince missing my warm body beside him saying the dogs just don't cut it
DogfishHead 90 minute IPA's, I just can't help it
My new job, with all its challenges and frustations feeds my soul
Learning about Delaware and my surroundings
A much needed conversation with my sister about nothing and everything

Just a few tidbits that are opening my eyes to beauty in the mundane.

It Is Well With My Soul

2009-05-26T06:23:00.005-05:00

For the past month, my life has been pure chaos, a new job on the eastern shore, moving, living between two places, two lives, two jobs, school, family and the workings of all. My Handsome Prince and I literally were crossing the Bay Bridge going in opposite directions. I've spent the week days one the western side, going to school, assisting Audrey with things needed for graduation or just her personal crises, finishing out my time at the Y, and fielding a few phone calls for my new job and then heading to the eastern shore to move, unpack, and get acquainted, or hit the ground running for my new job. Now, most is over, and a calm (ok, somewhat calm) has settled. I'm done with the YMCA, other than an email, Exams are over, grades are posted (I still managed to make the Dean's List), we have a prospect on the house (who might be difficult be we want to make it work), and school is almost over for the youngest.

This past weekend was the last performance of the NGCB, a casual performance on the lawn on Saturday and a more formal performance in church on Sunday. When they sang "It is Well with my Soul" I cried (okay I cried through the whole thing) but this is what touched me. Despite my hurt feelings, despite my challenges, despite my fear and excitement, despite the internal fusses I have with certain things and certain people, it is well with my soul.

We went to a lovely, mature, back yard wedding of my sister in law to the man she has been engaged to for 2 years. They have a connection that is evident. It was a beautiful day, a small ceremony with only family, and just perfect. We went to a farewell party in our honor, where it poured buckets, and yet, it did not hold anyone back and we had a grand time. We said goodbye to my niece who left for China for 8 weeks.

Now, I slowly get ready for my week in my other home, my job, alone. I will miss prom and it's primpings. It makes me sad. I have a women's retreat that weekend to which I will play host and manage staff and cook and clean and delegate and run interference.

Yes, it is well with my soul.

And this is just because it makes me happy.

What I See

2009-05-23T11:46:00.004-05:00

This is the current view as I sit on my deck. An overgrown butterfyly and hummingbird garden, freshly cut grass, that we will attempt to keep after we leave.

This is what I see:

I see my children, young, flushed, sledding down the hill with Gus following, barking and biting their ankles. I see my friends in the yard, dancing and singing to the NGCB as they play on the patio. I see my children in the hot tub, snow up to the edges with a path shoveled so we could get in. Again, the girls in the hot tub, early in the morning around 5am, watching a meteor shower, amazed. I see the hummingbirds buzzing about my deck and my cone flowers, fussing at each other, I see the families of deer running into the woods. I see my father, glass of wine, talking on the deck. My Mother's 60th birthday party on the deck, friends gathered from near and far. Crab feasts on the patio, My husbands surprise 40th birthday party, being a slave to my garden, a slave to the lawn, ping pong tournament (only one), bonfires galore, prom parties (one still coming), dreams, hopes, frustrations, dogs running, dog graves (and a hamster), card games, dinners, and so much more shared in this home in this yard.

I leave with such mixed feelings. It is time. We are going to a good place, a place we dreamed of in this place, it feels right.

Bits and Pieces

2009-05-12T19:41:00.003-05:00

With my new job, I get a staff of three students from the Czech republic. I can't wait to meet them. Today I sent them a note regarding music, how I was making them a cd of my favorites and should they be so inclined, I would be estatic to receive the same. One of them loved the idea. I'm not sure of the knowledge of the english language of the other two. How cool is that? Que buena honda? and now I must learn that phrase in Czech.

My youngest daughter graduates at the age of 16. She is so freakin' smart. Here is her Senior Portrait, taken by Fine Portraiture by Michelle in Taneytown MD. I think Michele does an amazing job

In my Algebra class, I sit next to a young girl who was in my class last year. Two young guys sit behind us. All three of these students are younger than my oldest daughter. After class one day, after the 4 of us had contributed to the class, in humor and academics, it occurred to me how did the 4 not quite the norm, a bit obnoxious, studious, fun people all end up in the same area. The rest of our class is quiete reserved. I think there is chemistry that draws us together. We even had a brief conversation on it.

I'm losing my sanity. Between living in two houses, working two jobs, and finishing school, I find myself forgetting basic things, like wearing a bra or brushing my teeth or my notebooks for school. This too shall pass.

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2009

2009-05-03T17:22:00.019-05:00

I think my feet are finally clean. There is a fine line between the dirt and the tan.

It was another year, another experience, this time with my sister and my daughter. No manses accompanied us.

Emma and I arrived early enough in the day to walk the French Quarter, have a bite to eat, see the biggest cockroach alive, get a slushy drink and a shooter at The Big Easy, go to the local LUSH store, and even take a nappy before Rachel arrived.

We decided to go to Jacque Imo's for dinner as we figured the wait would not be long as opposed to the girls we saw on Friday night who had a 2 1/2 hour wait. We were entertained by Reverend Brad aka Grandpa Boogie, who had us hold his stick, walking stick that is, read my aura, which was eerily correct, and told many, many, many stories.It was such difficult work, he had to retreat to his office for a break. Of course we ate too much and it was most delicious.

Thursday, we found out, was a local day for Jazz Fest, adults and schools alike. We started at the Congo Stage with a latin group, Rumba Beuna, where dancing was the norm. We met these girls who could rumba, salsa, and two step with the best.

These two weren't half bad either!

This gentleman was dancing with all the young chicas.

Somebody was passing out stickers that said "Festin' Dawlin'" which we promptly stuck on our bahooties which caused some comotion and some jealousy, for other ladies wanted the same.

We attended a couple improvisational jazz band concerts so Emma could write about them for her jazz class. That was a new one for Rachel and I as we tend to stick to a little groovier, rocking music. Then, of course, my man Anders Osborne, who always rocks my soul. We spent some time at the Gospel Tent, always inspiring,

my turn to dance at the Blues Tent, and ending our Jazz Fest music that day with Ben Harper. As we exited, past the hockers selling water, beer, musicians on the corner, we found the International Special Sacred Shrine for Jon Bon Jovi. There is a facebook page for this also. On Friday, as we left the fest, we tore the photo of JBJ out of our Offbeat magazine, gussied up our lips, and kissed the photo. As we were about two houses away, we started singing at the top of our lungs "Living on a Prayer". Tara, the maker of the shrine, snapped photos, and gushed about our singing and our offering to the shrine.

Pizza and water before going to the new Rock and Bowl for the Zydeco party, where we two stepped and bowled.

Friday was more of the same, with the sun shining brighter, the heat a little hotter, the music a little more rocking. We were at one stage where there was a reunion Rebirth Brass Band and Dirty Dozen Brass Band and we didn't let anyone pass without dancing with us. We even had another couple in on it. We caught the eye of someone from CNN and you can catch us here, just click on the photo of Emma, top center.

We managed to catch some good music, the New Orleans Moonshiners, Esperanza Spaulding, Sugarland, The Iguanas, and my personal favorite for the day - Glenn David Andrews in the Gospel Tent. He was On Fire! We saw him last year at the fest and went to see him again in the evening.

As we left on Friday, after our visit to the ISSS for JBJ, we saw this house, windows wide open to the street, art all over the place, a young man beconing people to come in and see. So we did. We ended up getting a tour of the house, having a beer, and getting a foot massage from a drunk older man (he had to be drunk to touch our filthy feet!). Feeling very wishy washy after our day, we wandered around to the Maple Leaf, but didn't go in, couldn't make a decision about what to do, and all Emma wanted was a burger. McDonalds is not open at Midnight in New Orleans. We went to Arby's in the Quarter, where we saw the second largest cockroach, where Emma ate her burger anyway, and a crowd walked in singing Sublime so of course we chime in, loudly, which surprised and pleased them.

There is nothing like New Orleans. I keep wanting to do another festival but I keep wanting to go back to NOLA, to hear the rocking brass bands, to watch the activities on the streets, to talk to the locals, to smell the flowers, to feel the heat, to view the architecture, to continue to see the progress, to do more, to do different, to do the same. I'll probably go again next year, at the spur of the moment, like I did this year, and again have a good time. Who will be my partner, then?

Oh, and Eric? I missed you.

A Weekend of Music

2009-03-30T09:07:00.003-05:00

Emmagirl was in a production of The Who's Tommy this past week and weekend. I went to see it three times. I can never get enough of seeing my children and my "adopted" children perform. What an odd and disturbing story. I went so much as to spend an afternoon watching the movie prior to an evening performance. The movie was given to me by a man at the gym, a product of the time, who thought it was the best movie/musical ever made. I've had his copy for over a year. Many times he'd ask me if I watched it yet, and always my answer was no. Now I am sorry I did not take the time to watch before I stopped working so we could discuss it. It would have been very interesting to hear his comments, his take, and why it spoke to him. I tried to call him several times to invite him and take him to the musical at the college and never reached him.

On Sunday was the NGCB featuring My Handsome Prince. I never get tired of hearing him sing. Now he walks around singing something I would rather not hear, a catchy, irritating tune. This one is much better.

Self Indulgence

2009-03-25T09:26:00.003-05:00

I have been weary, weepy, overwhelmed. My feelings have been hurt on more than one occasion by insensitive people. I have two homes that are a complete disaster. Purging and packing take so much physical and mental energy. As excited as I am to move, I know it will be so so difficult. So today, to relieve some stress, some pressure, I went for a walk. Honey and I walked a couple miles. She's a big fat fat fatty and could use the exercise. I'm on my way to a BFFF if I don't watch it because I keep reducing the classes I teach. Anyway, what a tonic to be out in the fresh crisp air and sunshine. Now I return to my busy life, with studying, school, proofing Audrey's senior portraits, and it's the opening night of The Who's Tommy at the college with none other than Emma in a significant role. Busy, busy, busy but I made time for me.

Number 29

2009-03-13T06:29:00.002-05:00

Remember the list? Only a couple months and it has changed drastically. I'm not even trying #6 or #7 anymore. Today I did number 29. I applied for a job, on the shore, for the summer, totally out of my comfort zone. It's something totally out of my realm of knowledge, yet it was sent to me. Oh, to learn something new, to meet new people, to expand horizons. Just taking that first step is the greatest thing. Keep your fingers crossed.

Deep Sigh

2009-03-09T08:02:00.009-05:00

On Friday, a little after noon, I loaded up the truck and hit the road. The ipod was on shuffle, rocking the beat, the sun was shining, windows down, on my way to pick Audrey up, on my way to the shore. Deep sigh. I felt relief. Relief from an extensive medical examination that showed no abnormalities after two prior minor tests showed a reason for concern. I felt elation at the sun shining, warmth spreading down my arm out the window. I felt contentment, going to the shore with my girl, meeting my sister and her gang. I crossed the bridge the water shining bright, ahhh. I reached home, inhaled deeply, for I love the smell of this house, unpacked a bit, took a look around and discovered it was looking more like a home than a vacation getaway. I cracked open a 90 minute IPA, again, ahhh. And so began the weekend.

We hosted my sister, her husband, their 3 children, plus their chinese exchange student, whose American name is Ocean, and their 2 dogs. The house was an explosion of noise with growls, yips, scuttling paws, laughter, music, wonderful chaos, with a tiny getaway in my back bedroom for brief escapes. Shopping at the ACTS store in the morning, heading our separate ways for the afternoon, meeting back for a romp on the beach and hosting another family for dinner and the chinese teacher made for a fun filled weekend. Sunday was quiet after everyone left, a bit of peace, a bit of sadness.

We played the jump game

Some of us got in the water

Some just played on the edge

And some worked wonders with the dogs

I Got Love for You

2009-03-01T08:37:00.008-05:00

Michael Franti wrote a song for his son when he turned 21 and hopped on a bus to find his own way in the world. It's about loving, leaving, seeking, waiting, shining. It's tender, sweet, freeing, giving, inspiring and so lovely to hear performed live. It is a treasure.

Michael Franti rocked the house, again. This was the end of his tour and I got to see it twice, I don't think New Orleans counts. He brings such enegy to the stage, such good vibes, such rocking fun! We had dancing girls and dancing guys with Cherine Anderson, who were totally uninhibited. There were no breaks between songs, a constant beat. At one point as MF started a love song, he invited this girl up, asked if she had a boyfriend, invited him up then gave him the mic to sing "All I want is You". The guy professed his love to MF, to Spearhead, then got down on one knee pulled out a ring and professed his love to his girl. Everyone loved it! The same little guy that was in DC (with his fingers in a perpetual peace sign )was at this concert. He was brought on stage and sang loudly and clearly, in its entirety "Say, Hey I love You". He was only 4. We went again with My sister and her husband, who brought their daughter and their Chinese exchange student, who had to be reeled in once in a while she was enjoying it so much. She would dance her way up closer to the stage. We met some friends from church, some we knew were going to be there some we didn't. There was a girl behind me, totally smashed, who constantly petted my hair, wrapped her arms around my neck, held my hands in the air and danced. There was a guy in front of me who smelled like beef and cheese with a funky hat that obstructed my view. Everyone danced, everyone sang and no one left so we did not get to say "Hey, I love you". That's ok, I already did it at the last one. He knows it.

After the concert, we met our eldest, Emma for her first legal drink in a bar. She and some of her friends were dressed in 80's gear. She was nervous, excited and a little tipsy already. We did car bombs, mmmm, and something else called a chocolate cake which I could have done without but a chance to do shots with your daughters friends? How can you pass up the invitation to be at the party, part of the party? I hope she is well this morning.

Earlier in the day, she had arranged a laser tag party. There were birthday parties going on all over this laser tag place but they were for 11 year old boys not 21 year old girls. We intimidated this group of kids who were going to play with us (they thought against us) but the place broke us all up so we were all mixed together. Let me say this. Laser Tag Rocks! It is so much to run around in the dark, hiding, seeking, attacking, being attacked (everyone knew when I was attacked as I always screamed), getting lost. I can't wait to do it again. And I didn't wet my pants laughing, well not much anyway.

How did it come to be that this little baby is 21? And there is another right behind her forging her own path. When did I age?

Lloro

2009-02-21T09:36:00.005-05:00

I am a cryer. I cry when I am happy. I cry when I am hurt. I cry when I listen to music. I cry when I am angry. I cry when I watch Lifetime movies. This definitely made me cry. How could it not when she stands there, shaking, lips quivering and says "This is for my mommy." This kid stepped way out of that comfort zone, for me, for her youth group, for people in Mexico. Get a box of tissues.

Don't Ever Change (Amy Rigby)
I took a walk in a small town Sunday morning
Just to see what was going on
Sat watching two guys fishing in the river running through
Like there was nothing wrong, nothing wrong
They had their lines in the water ten feet apart
Beer guts, t-shirts, me with my heavy heart
I don't have religion but I'm trying to pray
And I never liked fishing but I wanted to stand up and say

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change

I picked my daughter up at school last week
She had her headphones on, she barely said hello
And all I wanted was to hug her, smother her with kisses
But I was cool, like hi there, how did it go?
She had chipped nail polish, writing on her hand
She was nodding her head to her favorite band
Staring into space like she was all alone
But I didn't take it personal
It meant that I was home and I said

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change

I'm holding on to everything that's good in this world
There's a lot that's good in this world

I saw my baby sitting there at the breakfast table
His hair a mess and he forgot to shave
And I wished that he would get up, make it all better
Stop drinking so much, learn how to behave
Then the radio was playing a Chuck Berry song
And he was looking at me asking what was wrong
I made a list of the things I could say
But he gave me a wink and it all went away, I told him

Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change
Hey I love you, you're perfect, don't ever change
Don't ever change

Time

2009-02-16T11:19:00.002-05:00

I have a bit of that today. The morning has been quiet, with the exception of the dog constantly barking at the fan in the back of my truck and the sound of My Handsome Prince's pacing. The truck is full because we had a realtor out to look at the house on Friday and a family come look at the house on Saturday after we listed on Craig's list, just to see if there was any interest. We contacted a realtor and listed the house because our youngest, a junior in high school, decided she was done with high school and pursued a fourth year waiver, completely on her own. Which means she is a senior now instead of a junior. Additionally, my Mother underwent a bi-lateral knee replacement. My Handsome Prince spent an evening at the emergency room, thought he passed a kidney stone and recovered, but is now having more issues. Ay! Dios Mio!

But today, MHP is seeing a doctor, My Mother is being released, Audrey is home from school and will do some sorting, decluttering, packing and hanging out and I have my first Math exam today. We will move slowly today instead of the pace we kept last week and we will continue to move forward.

Si, Se Puede

2009-01-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
- President Obama

My Mother called me, she said she laughed, she cried, she sang along. My daughters came home, one from school the other from Europe, dancing around to Michael Franti's tribute to our new President. Audrey asked if I cried, because she knew I did, and stated her drama teacher sobbed(the one who made the wonderful commencement speech for the class of 2006).

It's a new day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd9xU8cw1JE

Knitting Sunshine

2009-01-12T10:02:00.003-05:00

This is what I am doing today. Sitting in the sunshine, with Apple Sunshine on my lap, knitting a scarf. I hope to finish it today.

I am operating on the "no news is good news" policy. Emma has been gone for 5 days. She is travelling in Scotland and England singing with her choir. She had just finished 6th grade the first time she travelled without us, going to Hawaii on a People to People expedition for two weeks. She called home several times with a calling card, the last time being the night before departing Hawaii saying she did not want to come home. That's a good call. Audrey spent New Years in California with her best friend. She called home everyday, sometimes more than once a day, with joy, laughter, excitement, speaking a bit of spanish. They were good calls. My girls are growing, becoming adults, not needing me as much...as I need them. So I sit and knit, repetetively, and wait for my children to come home.

A Walk in the Woods

2009-01-09T11:57:00.007-05:00

I already started the list, I met my sister, her boys, and dogs for a walk in the woods.

Our path

The walkers

Carl taught me how to use his bow

Balance -using my core, dog on leash, camera in hand

Dog walk dog

And for a moment, we were still, listening to the trees

Yesterday it was My Birthday

2009-01-08T06:47:00.014-05:00

Yesterday it was my birthday

I hung one more year on the line

I should be depressed

My life's a mess

But I'm havin' a good time

- Paul Simon

Well, not really, I shouldn't be depressed, but my life is always a mess. But I'm having a good time. This is us at the airport, waiting in line, sending Emma off to Scotland and England to sing. What a lucky girl. I spent 8 hours, again, in the car, driving to Dulles, waiting, driving home. Not exactly my idea of fun, but somehow we manage to make it fun. We laugh, we take photos, we tell stories.

It's time for the list again. In reviewing last year's birthday list, at first I was a bit disappointed that I did not realize about half, but then I recognized the fact that what I did accomplish took quite a bit of effort, mainly school, so I'm ok with that.

46 Things to do do before I turn 46

Music - expereience some new, still look for some old favorites. Being a bit more vague because if an artist does not come to town, then it becomes a bit more difficult, I still want to see Ozomatli and Anders again. Michael is already scheduled.

Continue my college education

I NEED to finish more unfinished creative projects so will try to keep a running tab on what I manage to accomplish - Be more aggresive in posting to Use What You Have

Take a photography class

Take a photoshop class

Continue with Project 365

Resume Self Portrait Challenge

Sell our house

rent an apartment for the next year, this is so we only own one house

Get a job for the summer on the eastern shore

Publish my blogs (a must!)

Make peace with my demons/people. Accept them for who/what they are and move on

Travel - Puerto Rico is on the horizon, so is Mexico and New York, still want to go to Philadelpia, maybe a trip to Chicago to visit family, a music festival somewhere (New Orleans is always a possibility but would like something new, too)

Local Museums - including the Visionary Arts, BMA, Holocaust

Go ice skating - that's a bee in my bonnet for the last week or so

Spend more time with my sister

Join or start a creative group - the women's retreat never happened and maybe that's too big - start small with a group that meets weekly/monthly/or quarterly

Buy some new cowboy boots, oh yeah

Go for walks

Continue exploring the eastern shore

Kayak

Ride, ride, ride

Be kind to myself

Continue to purge, including clutter and weight - an ongoing process

Annual mash and flash

Build a fire pit or two, one at each house?

Get back on the blogging wagon

Physical challenge - Either the 10K with Peach or the Seagull Century with some Y people or both

Do something that scares me - might need to do some research on this one or not- there are many things that scare me

Organize recipes

Organize photos

Organize clippings

Order ACE certification materials

Zumba certification?

Drink more water

Service projects - Charlottes hats, Santas Helpers Anonymous, Rubarb

Spend more time with my parents

Attend church at Lansdowne (once a month?)

Etsy shop

Bake bread

Yoga more than once

Talk to strangers

Hook a rug

Speak spanish

Take time to play, play games, play creatively,

Host a party down the shore

And there you have it. That's a mighty big list. Again, some things will happen and some will not (like those organizing ones, dang! they are no fun, but need to be done). I may review and make changes. The point is to make the list and see what it brings.

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T12:19:00.004-05:00

It is Saturday, the beds have been stripped, the laundry has been done, the dishes washed and it is time to head west and north. It's tough living between two places.

The girls were not with us to ring in the new year, although Emma missed us so she arrived late on New Years Day. Gotta love that girl.

So what's it going to be this year? I'm making my list, my shirt says hope, I'm drinking a 90 minute, with friends and family, playing rockband. Sure started out good.

Season Stories

2008-12-26T10:41:00.012-05:00

In no particular order:

Meeting a friend at Paneras for breakfast, waiting, camera on shoulder, a man walks up to me and states that they have been waiting for a photographer to come take their picture. What they did not expect was for me to turn around and say Ok, gather together, let's do it! What started as a casual comment turned into a 20 minute conversation with the invitation to join them for breakfast for they meet there every morning. What a wonderful thing to have a gathering place!

Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA rocks! After work Christmas eve, eve at Laura's, drinking, laughing, smoking, carrying on like good bad girls. A heartfelt exchange of bracelets that we have worn, each one speaking of the other. The best time and best gifts, gifts of self.

Delivering for Santa's Helpers Anonymous, all 4 of us. What an incredibly organized system! After we had loaded our Expedition, I took a shopping cart back to where the action was taking place, loading, maps, food, presents, etc. and I could not help but cry, witnessing the jolly (for everyone was!) helpers who had been there since who knows when in the morning handing out the boxes. All the volunteers who were there to deliver, the good cheer that went from one person to another. And the woman, who when we dropped off her packages, hugged each one of us, and told us Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Hearing my daugher sing Breath of Heaven always leaves me a mess.

The last minute shopping due to school, which practically gave me a breakdown, and the letter that stated I made the Dean's list with a 4.0 which made it completely worthwhile.

The smell of wonderful goodies from my youngest who works so well in the kitchen.

Shopping with my youngest who is a child after my own heart, get in, get what you want, get out. Laughing, making spectacles of ourselves, in the moment with each other, feeling our groove together and my heart warm.

Coming home from Christmas Eve service to discover that Gus, the old hound, ate my gift. A box of 28 chocolates from John & Kira's. Need I say more? I swore that if he did not die from ingesting that amount of chocolate, I was going to kill him. He ate through the UPS shipping box and the chocolate box and did not enjoy a single chocolate, just scarfed them down in a second or two I'm sure, then spent the evening pacing, drinking, and going outside. He then slept all day on Christmas, the shithead.

The art gallery in my living room on Christmas Day, supplied by my Uncle, the incredible photographer and photoshop manipulator, each of uschoosing what we wanted, but also the fact that what we chose was what Auntie had actually chosen for each one of us. The knowledge of family.

My daughters who believe in the birth of Jesus and the wonder it brings yet still leave cookies and milk for Santa.

The gathering of various family units that happen when you both come from two divorced parents and the joy that exists in each.

And just like that, it was over. We will not be together for New Year's this year. I will miss my girls, one is an adult and wants her own parties, traditions as it should be and one will be visiting her best friend who moved to California. It is a trip that she has been waiting for since the move in September. My Handsome Prince and I will host a small party with co-workers of his from that side of the bridge, Peach will join us and so will Mom. Peach and I will try the water on New Years Eve and New Years Day, because we can. She would like to make a banner like mine, so I will provide the supplies for banners again. I don't know if I will make a new one or not for I feel I am still working on seeking. We'll see.

Lucinda Williams plays in the cd player while I blog, knit, and pick up and drink a Dogfish Head, the girls are playing together, and the Smaj is messing with all the electronics like a boy does. Oh, and the dogs are all alive.

Lists

2008-12-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

They keep me in line most of the time. I'm making my list to do massive shopping Thursday. I'm going to the shore to do it, visiting some of my favorites in Lewes and of course a couple outlet stores in Rehoboth. With school, there has been no crafting, no shopping, no decorating, no baking. It will all come after tomorrow, after my last exam. A challenging stressful semester. I revisited my birthday list and have only achieved maybe half of what I set to do. I'm okay with that. I'll just make another this birthday. My education has taken priority over all the items on the list, and it shows. I achieved a 197 out of 200 on my math final. I'm hoping to achieve greatness on my others as well.

Thankfulness

2008-12-07T11:11:00.013-05:00

A bit late, but heartfelt non the less

A clean scan for the SMaj just two days before Thanksgiving.

The bond of sisterhood

My Three Rockin' friends who never fail to bring laughter to the occasion.

Uncle Pat and da boys

Sisters who open the sisterhood to their cousin

Reuinting with an old friend after 25 years

Young girls who put up with me

cold water

the abililty to jump

Oh there is so much more to be thankful for.

Franti Friday

2008-11-21T07:18:00.009-05:00

It's Franti Friday on my public radio station, WTMD, Towson. I plan on tuning in. Wednesday night he was playing in DC at the 9:30 Club. Li'l Sis, her hubby, My Handsome Prince, Peach and me all went to hear and see him. We were all loose and feeling the groove. Peach and I road with Li'l Sis and E, with MHP meeting us as he was at the shore. We were late, typical for some (teehee), but deciding to get our Mexican on beforehand made us even later. Still, laughing, eating tacos picante, talking about brown chicken/brown cow and #86, I get a text "Where you @?" MHP was apparently hanging outside with Michael Franti while he played soccer with fans with breaks for push ups, pumping himself up for the performance. Oh yeah.

The opening act was a group by the name of Soliliquists of Sound, a hip hop, rap, group that was waaaay out there. Not someone I would have chosen to see but actually quite fun. Cherine Anderson followed for just a couple songs, then....the man himself. He opened with "Hello, hello" and right away the crowd was singing along. The man was on fire all night, never stopped, played for 2 1/2 hours straight. Michael Franti puts on a show! I tried to get a photo of hands in the air for that was the position of the crowd most of the time. Crowds are just as much fun sometimes as the act and this crowd did not disappoint from the prom queens in front of us, the sweaty shirtless guy next to us, the 4 or 5 year old child on his father's shoulder holding a perpetual peace sign with his fingers, and the guys who Cherine chose to dance with her. It was totally different from the Jazz Fest performance but totally made me love Michael Franti even more.

This morning while listening to the radio, I texted my sister that he was on, now, live. "Where are you?" she says. Close to Towson I respond. "You know we are welcome to go to the station". We discuss do we go or do we not, and in a matter of seconds decide yes, the only thing holding us back is fear, yet the worst that could happen is we would not see him. So I called the station "Can we come in and meet Michael Franti?" Their response "Oh, I'm sorry, he's not here today, it's a prerecorded session." They never said no. Hmmmmmm.

Cookie Thursday

2008-11-20T15:23:00.003-05:00

My sister has cookie wednesday. Her status on Facebook yesterday was "Rachel is it's cookie wednesday, I wonder if MF wants one." For me it's cookie Thursday. It seems to be a day when I can take a breath. Sometimes on Thursdays I go to lunch with a friend, sometimes I have coffee with my neighbor, and most times I make cookies right before I go to work. Today was snickerdoodles. Do you want one?

This Week in List Form

2008-11-18T15:20:00.004-05:00

Math exam tomorrow
Spanish essay due Thursday
Observation report due Saturday
Throw in regular, daily homework and reading
Work tonight
School tomorrow
Work Thursday
Emma on Friday
Window treatments on Friday
Girls clean on Saturday
Church on Sunday
Paint on Sunday
Wash, rinse, repeat

Oh, but guess what I am doing tomorrow night?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUt7fuK8Mno

Nothing will ever match the jazz fest performance but no matter, just the opportunity to see him again. I'm going with my favorite concert goers plus a new one. We'll see what the evening brings.