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Archive for September, 2009
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September 10, 2009Words
September 10, 2009I love words. I love reading them. I love seeing them. Sometimes, I even love speaking them.
Words have the power to calm, motivate, break, guide, nurture, condemn, and teach.
Let’s be careful how we use them.
A few quotes that are speaking to me right now…
Do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do.
Denzel Washington
A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.
Unknown
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
Joseph Chilton Pearce
One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.
A. A. Milne
Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln
We have not inherited the earth from our fathers. We are borrowing it from our children.
Native American Saying
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.
James 1:4
Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.
Mark Twain
Writing comes more easily if you have something to say.
Sholem Asch
In my life right now, I am refreshing myself on that age old practice of saying what I mean and meaning what I say. I have found that this has led to more quiet time than I expected. Perhaps we clutter ourselves with frivolous words.
With all the different types of media and all the different methods of conversation, there are instances when I almost feel assaulted by words. It can leave my head spinning. In the same way we de-clutter our closets and dresser drawers, I would like to clear my head of all the things that shouldn’t be there…and at times, even the things that should. Just a huge clean sweep, if you will.
I want to read and say…and hear…words that are refreshing, uplifting, hopeful, and when that seems impossible…at the very least, truthful.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m still all for having fun and sometimes that means just blabbing away about whatever is at the top of your brain. But, now and then…doesn’t it just feel right to clear your mind and let the enriching, positive words find a place to take root?
Makes me think of praying…sometimes, you say words, you pray, you ask; sometimes, you’re quiet, you listen, you receive. It’s in those still times that you find peace.
Feel free to share any words or quotations that are speaking to you these days…
Two Step
September 9, 2009To work off my stress about Greyley this morning, as well as the Labor Day barbecue, I met Tosh for a step class at our gym.
By the way, when G got off the bus, she said it wasn’t as bad as she expected…she didn’t love it, but it wasn’t bad. However, by bedtime, she was crying and not wanting to go back. Thank you for all of your comments…emails too…I am studying ALL the options suggested! I’ll keep you posted on what happens…
So, this step class…Tosh beat me there and the instructor asked if it was her first class. Tosh answered that it was…Master Step, right?...and the instructor giggled. “Actually it’s Two Step,” and made a little face. T asked if it was harder than the Master Step class we were expecting and she giggled again. Ms. Instructor implied that it was, indeed, harder.
Tosh told her in so many words, that it figured this was the harder class, since we always do things the hard way.
When I got there, T had set up my steps. There are these two long (maybe around 3′ wide, 3″ high?) steps that are stacked on top of each other (making it about 6″ high…I’ll quit parenthesising now…AND making up words…see, I can’t homeschool…kidding!) A set of two in front of me and a set of two behind me.
What happened next was a series of humiliating, fun, exhilarating, exhausting, steps in which I did everything that you could possibly do wrong, even wronger.
I know, I’m on a roll with non-words. Deal with it.
Ms. Instructor puts on her pulsing, fast-tempo music and begins to holler out, “1, 2, 3, 4…Basic! Left! 2, 3, 4! Back, 2, 3, 4! Turn! And Away. Basic, right! And turn. Charleston! And Again! Charleston on the Right! and Back! And Away! On the Left! Again! Knee kick! Three! Basketball Throw! All Four Corners! And Two! And Three Away! And Four! And Home! Straddle! Ping-Pong!” And on and on it went for AN HOUR.
Have I mentioned it was all at about 89.6 miles per hour?
Stepping up and around and down these steps. Oh My Word. I started sweating profusely approximately 2.3 minutes into the class, which is hard for me~ I don’t sweat a whole lot. At least that’s what I thought. Turns out, I have been piddling around all this time. Apparently Two Step Class is where the sweat is at.
I look over and T, who also is a non-sweater, is a nice lobstery shade of red, and is dabbing her face with a towel.
Can I just tell you…I did my best. I really did. But I was many beats behind the entire class. Half the time, I was the only one pointed north, while everyone else was pointed south. They did the mambo and I did the basic. They were on the away step and I was on the home step.
T says she was the same way, but every time I looked at her, she was doing good. Just red.
I plugged away. These steps were not going to beat me.
The teacher actually laughed at me. Several times. Tosh says she was laughing at us, but I think T was just being her sweet self, because that’s who she is…sweet and all that is good.
Once, when I thought I was going to fall over and DIE a slow and painful death, I feigned dehydration and took a long, glorious drink of water.
When it was finally over, I thought, Yeah, I’d try this again.
Seriously, it was fun. I felt like a complete moron, but exhilarated nonetheless. I will probably never be good at this, but I feel challenged to Master These Steps.
We ran into the teacher a little later in the hallway. She said, “Oh, girls! You guys did great!” (Laugh, laugh, trying to hold it in) “It’s so hard the first time! But you’ll get it. I hope you’ll come back!”
She spoke in a lot of exclamation points. Very lovely, fun girl. And happy! There must be something to that steppin’!!!
Tosh said, “You were laughing at us, weren’t you.”
hahahahahahahaha
“Yes,” Ms. Instructor admitted. She then tried to cover quickly…I mean…said that she was laughing because we reminded her of her mother and sister who are always trying things that they have no clue how to do…I wondered if I should take offense at that part, but anyway…
She said they’ll say they’re going rock-climbing and she’ll ask, “Do you know how to rock-climb?”
“No,” they say and then proceed to go rock-climbing.
I didn’t think there was anything so unusual (or funny, for that matter…had to throw in another parenthesis for you) about that. OK, it’s a little unusual…and actually, really funny…but that’s how me and T roll.
Who wants to just do what they know all the time? What fun is that?
So, we are going to be rocking those steps…say, in about 13 years, which is how long the instructor has been doing it. Hopefully, by then, we will have also mastered rock-climbing, studio ride, or whatever else floats our boats.
OK, NOT the studio ride, because I never, EVER want to get on one of those stationery bikes to hopping music again. EVER. That is where I draw the line.
Back To The Groove
September 8, 2009School starts today~ Greyley is going into the FIFTH GRADE!!! I just cannot even believe that.
We aren’t excited about it. I can’t remember a day that I EVER felt excited about starting school, but Greyley has actually been excited about every other year…just NOT this one. There are several reasons she’s dreading this year…
Her best friend isn’t going to her school anymore. That’s a big one.
I haven’t told you about the altercation she had with her best friend’s step-brother…it was major enough that when she saw her friend at Open House walking with her brother and Greyley said, “Hi,” her BFF looked at her and kept right on walking…
She later called and left a message saying, “I just wanted you to know why I didn’t say anything…well, I was with *&^$%# and well, they don’t LIKE you…”
(Greyley DID call the brother, Big Head, last year, why Big Head we’re not positive~she said his head really wasn’t big, it was more his attitude…but that was after he said she was her friend’s boyfriend…over and over and over and over…until she bopped him on the head…or, shall we say, his Big Head.)
Sshh, let me tell you something: I was actually rather proud that she stood up for herself. I know, I know, no bopping allowed…but after what she’d said he was like to her, I was ready to do some bopping myself.
It all resulted in the stepmom calling the PRINCIPAL…I know, really? She also forbade my daughter and her stepdaughter to sit by each other on the bus. Greyley was called into the principal’s office. Of course, he didn’t know the names Greyley had been called and he was very compassionate toward her. It was still very traumatic. Fortunately, we’re good friends with the biological mother and everything is good there, but Greyley cried crocodile tears for days about not being able to sit by her friend on the bus.
So, anyway, back to the other night…that was the start of Open House…being snubbed.
Welcome to Fifth Grade for Girls. Sigh.
Another friend had called Greyley earlier and told her she had seen the class postings and Greyley was in Mrs. So and So’s class!!! Yay, rejoicing! It was a teacher who did a knitting class last year and Greyley really liked her.
We got to school and realized that Greyley wasn’t in that class after all…
And when we got to her classroom and she saw all the kids that were in her class…kids she knew and wasn’t too excited about being in close quarters with AGAIN…and kids she didn’t know yet…scary. She got teary. I doubt it would have affected her so strongly if it hadn’t already been a night of a couple blows.
Then…her teacher under-impressed her. She has promised to give her a chance, though. She’s truly not hard to please. Every teacher she’s had has adored her and vice versa. It’s just pretty hard to compete with last year’s Sunny Wonderful Delightful Teacher of All Teachers.
I confess I’m a little stressed for her today. I really contemplated homeschooling her these last few weeks…we’re going to possibly be traveling often in the next few months…and I want my kiddos right along with me.
I just didn’t seriously think about it soon enough to start right away. And I’m really not sure if I’m cut out for that anyway, to be honest…but still heavily contemplating it…
My Greyley…she’s my sweet, shy one…tender, very introspective and an old soul. When I drop her off at school and see her shyly smiling at everyone she looks at, my heart wants to break.
It’s hard to be a shy person in a bold world.
Kids can be mean. I pray that she makes the right friends, that her teacher challenges her, but loves her…and that she will gain confidence, without being broken along the way…
And that she has FUN, is lighthearted, and doesn’t let anything hold her back.
Next thing you know, we might be talking home textbooks over here.
Trading In
September 7, 2009After 15 1/2 years, my can opener finally needed replacing. It actually needed replacing a lot longer than that…but I finally broke down and bought a new one recently.
I felt like an old guy replacing his bride for a younger model. Part of me felt like I was betraying my Old Red Trusty. But another part of me was thrilled with the Shiny New Model.
It’s hard to tell in this picture, but Old Red Trusty has rust on it from age. It’s hard to get anything to open with it anymore…it takes extra upper arm strength to open a tuna can. It’s actually a good toning tool, now that I think about it.
Sometimes I feel like Old Red…tired, worn out, and too hard to crank. My edges are rusty, I don’t really feel like moving…just put me in the drawer and let me get mixed in with the other utensils.
How I would like to have a new and improved version of myself. One that is shiny, white, and new…with no nicks in my side…a flexible model that can turn and bend every which way…
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
So, it turns out…even if I feel like an old crusty lump, I’m still a bright, shiny better version of myself. I’m the Shiny New Model, if you will.
Only by the grace of God…
I’m going to remember this when I’m having a bad hair day, feel bloated, nothing fits, have zits, (that rhymed), have bitterness, anger, and just generally over-emotional.
Sabbath
September 6, 2009Titanic
September 5, 2009We did a little field trip yesterday with Greyley. Indigo was playing at his cousin’s house, so we took Greyley and went to the Science Museum. We’ve been excited to go because they’re doing a Titanic artifact exhibit.
I don’t know about you, but I have always been fascinated by the Titanic…way before Kate and Leo came into the picture…
Everything about it is intriguing to me~ the tragedy of it all…the wealth, the grandeur, the confidence in it being the “Unsinkable Ship,” the lack of lifeboats, the fact that there was room for so many more people on the lifeboats…all of it.
Upon entering, we were given a boarding pass with the name and description of a person actually on board the ship.
Nate~ Mr. John Bourke, from Carrowkehine, Ireland, age 28. Traveling to Chicago, Illinois. He was accompanied by his wife and sister. Mr. Bourke and his wife were immigrating to the United States. He stayed in 3rd class, along with a group of over 100 Irish passengers who boarded as 3rd class passengers from Queenstown, Ireland.
Mr. Bourke, his wife, and his sister did not survive.
Me~ Miss Marie Grice Young, from New York, New York, age 36. Traveling from Cherbourg to Washington, D.C. She was accompanied by her friend, Mrs. John S. White. She stayed in first class. Miss Young was an accomplished musician returning to Washington, D.C., where she had been a music instructor to Ethel Roosevelt, President Roosevelt’s daughter. Marie was also shipping very expensive live chickens on the Titanic. Each day, one of the Ship’s carpenters would escort Marie to the cargo so she could inspect her chickens.
She survived.
Greyley~ Mrs. Martin Luther Ball (Ada E. Ball), from Bristol, England, age 36. Traveling from Southampton to Jacksonville, Florida. She was accompanied by her brother-in-law, Rev. Robert James Bateman. Following the death of her husband, Ada decided to move to Jacksonville, where she would be closer to her sister and her sister’s children. She planned to do missionary work in Northern Florida.
She survived.
The tour began with festive music. We saw the beautiful china, the difference in rooms in first class versus third class, and different articles of clothing, toiletries, tools, etc. It began to get more and more sobering as we continued.
As with most tragedies, the thought that it could have been prevented shakes you. It is so sad that so few survived. It is said that a lot of the passengers wouldn’t get on the lifeboats because they really did not believe the ship was going down. Also, most in third class were immigrants, so it is likely the language barrier played a part in them not getting out. We were told that the doors were not really locked so that third-class passengers couldn’t get out. It was one of the first ships that allowed everyone on deck, so that is just not true.
There was a man-made iceberg and they said the water was even colder than the iceberg. To touch the ice, I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to be in that water for hours.
One of my favorite artifacts is a beautiful, little cherub. It is in almost perfect condition and is a smaller version of the large cherub in the main entryway by the stairs. It is shocking that it remained so intact.
Something else I found fascinating~ hundreds of au gratin dishes were found in the sand…in perfect condition, all stacked in rows…
I’m thankful that, at the very least, the Titanic changed things for the future. Wireless radio was permitted for people other than those in government, ships are now required to have lifeboats for everyone on board, and I’m pretty sure the term, “Unsinkable Ship” was never used again. One survivor said that her mother said from the beginning that touting it as the “Unsinkable Ship” was flying in the face of God. (I don’t think God works like that, but it’s interesting to note, isn’t it.)
If you haven’t been to the exhibit, it is worth seeing. It will be in St. Paul until January 3, 2010.
Well, things didn’t turn out quite as I’d hoped tonight…didn’t sell a bloomin’ thing.
BUT…
It was still a great night.
Here’s what was great about it…
I got to hang out with Jen & Ken the whole night long.
Greyley was my little helper. She helped me set up and kept me company.
My display looked pretty.
Greyley and I visited the other artists in the Northrup King Building~ there are 4 FLOORS of different artisans! Amazing things…
I had Taco Bell for dinner. Always a highlight.
I worked well under pressure and was able to make some things I’m proud of…
In preparing for this event, I came up with a new name for the jewelry (with some nudges from my friends, Brenda and Denise)…I just could not feel settled about Baby Hazels. To be announced soon…
Here’s what was not so great…
I guess everyone DID end up going to the fair.
My display, while being pretty, didn’t really highlight the necklaces as well as it should have.
Didn’t see many people buying anything anywhere…so that’s kinda good and bad. Bad for everyone; good that my things might not have really stunk.
And that’s about it for the negative. I really did enjoy myself, regardless of the lack of sales.
Instead of showing you the pictures I took tonight, I’m going to send my jewelry to BWildered…if she’s up for doing another jewelry shoot…we have a sweet little arrangement. Of course, I will share with you when I have something that looks cool.
While writing this post, I dropped my laptop and it broke. Aggghhhhh. We’re saving everything on hard drive now, with the help of Nate’s computer. Say a prayer that nothing will be lost.
I’m going to sign off for the day. It’s been a forever day.
First Thursdays
September 3, 2009Remember when I told you about my friend, Jennifer and her fabulous studio? And the fun First Thursdays? That’s today! Woohoo!
Oh my word, look at Jennifer’s website. She recently added a page of Greyley. It’s so fun to see the collage of her over the years. You can see what a phenomenal photographer Jennifer is…every picture she takes is exceptional.
I adore her “flora” paintings too.
Anyway, back to tonight…Jennifer is in the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, along with lots of other fabulous artists. The studios will all be open tonight from 5-9 PM. You can meander through, talk to the artists, and BUY, BUY, BUY!!!
Trust me, it will be WAY better than the State fair. WAY.
I’m keeping today’s post brief because I’m trying to finish up a few pieces for tonight~ Jennifer and Ken asked me to bring my jewelry. I’ve got some fun things ready to go and a little more work to do…
Check out the Northrup King Building website for details and directions. Hope to see you there.
Peace and Favre
September 2, 2009
I’m not a football fan, but you can’t turn around in Minnesota without hearing about Brett Favre joining the Minnesota Vikings.
Here is what I’m not understanding about the whole thing…
Brett was with the Green Bay Packers for 16 years…I don’t know much about the game and I don’t really follow the teams, but even I know that the Packers are the Vikings’ number one rival. For 16 years, he was causing Minnesota hearts to get all riled up.
Brett was the quarterback that Minnesota loved to hate.
So why is everyone so thrilled that he’s a Viking now?
The Brett Favre Vikings jersey is the number one seller. Ticket sales skyrocketed after it was announced Favre was going purple. It’s definitely given the media something to talk about, that’s for sure.
If I was a Packer fan, I’d be ticked. And if I was a Viking fan, I’d be ticked.
Where’s the loyalty?
Maybe if I liked football, I’d understand it better…
Nah.
So, after I’d written this, I found this next picture. I’m guessing whoever put this little picture together isn’t cheering on Favre either way.
I guess at the very least, all this hoopla has gotten me a teeny bit curious about how he’ll do with the Vikings.
And I think I just answered my own question.