Whoo. Busy day. Painted a coat of trim in the living room, picked up my car which had it's annual oil change and checkup, and inspection*, shopped for Grandson's first birthday gifts (tub and beach toys and a super cute outfit :-) ), looked at some furniture (may have found a coffee table), got a few groceries, zoomed home and painted the other coat of trim, made dinner, took down wallpaper. And there in the middle of the day, I saw a tree, a stark and crooked tree, dark, broken branches against a clouded sky; and that was the sacred moment of my Good Friday.
* It needed a seal fixed…only one year old, but it was under warranty, so the cost for all of it together was (wait for it:) $0!! Sweet! Even the inspection was free because I bought my Mini there. :-D
Been waiting for this moment for 22 years. . . . In 1992, my husband had left, and I wasn't sleeping well at nights so I was taking naps during the day. With the radio on. He woke me, and I listened unbelieving, and called the station and asked that he be taken off (first and only time I've ever done that). Didn't take long to get the idea that his trajectory was up, no down. Alas.
My final season's meditation on a Jesus bucket list. (there is a reason they call it that) "He is risen.". Is the sharing of a holy spirit that binds us in a communion of saints that transcends time and life itself. And really, there is time for that, Here. Too. Now. Blessings to all, whatever your faith. (As for the Holstein heifer that continues to spill the pail ... Memorial Day grilling season is coming ... so don't keep "kicking the bucket" or you too will gain a fuller understanding of the Big Circle.)
We had a nice Easter. Last evening we ate out (real Italian) then went to the Easter Vigil at a beautiful church that has windows created by the same artisan who created our stained glass angel "Hopeful." Today we got up early and went to our son's house for Easter Breakfast with local Family, followed by a pretty cute Easter egg hunt with just VT*Grand gathering the eggs everybody else got to hide. :-) Then we came home and put up more wallpaper. We made it at last around the final corner, so we're in the home stretch now! :-D Happy Easter!!
Thank you for posting Phil's thoughts. "Is the sharing of a holy spirit that binds us in a communion of saints that transcends time and life itself." We humans need this so much. As I get older, contemplate the complexities of love and life, belief and trust in the spirit is the only solace. Thank you, Phil.
Easter Sunday, lovely. Spatterings of rain, and the wild hyacinths are up. We had Easter brunch at son and daughter-in-law's house, everyone present: four grand girls, younger son and his wife, daughter-in-law's parents. Good conversation, egg hunt in back yard, deep fired turkey,quiche, hash browned potatoes, fruit salad, and chocolate bunny cake for dessert.
I was thinking that temporality is a comfort because it tells us to appreciate the moment, to bring ourselves to now.
You DO lead an interesting night life, Puddle! My theory about knees is that once damaged--for whatever reason-- they can act up at any time. For several years I have kept a soft wrap around knee brace in my three wheeled cart which is always with me. Rest up, stay safe!!
Looks (right now) like my line is fixed. And I *just* got email for the last week! Funny--if stuff stays broke long enough, you start thinking it's your computer, and start wanting to mess with that, eh? Anyways, I'm grateful, and hope it holds!!!
Question for the Wordsmiths here. Do you have a favorite sentence from all your reading that you consider exquisite either for the meaning or the pure sound or both? For several years mine has been Isak Dinesen's opening sentence in "Out of Africa"-- 'I had a farm in Africa.'
I think it is both the simplicity of the words and the haunting meaning of 'had'. The original in Danish is 'Jeg havde en farm I Afrika ' ( I asked Kis --our Danish exchange student do the original for me when she visited this fall.)
My current one is from the Yayas--Vivi's speech: Once, a long time ago, I dropped my basket. A lot of this may have to do with the look on Ellen Burstyn's face. . . .
I am waiting patiently for my Netflix of the Ya-Ya's to arrive. First copy was unplayable:). I will be watching for your favorite!
Brenda is headed to the eye doc for an annual exam on Friday--a little early, but she has mis-placed her sun glasses and wants to have them before we head north for our Meet-Up!
As the family continues to investigate its past, it turns out that I may not be half Norwegian as I grew up believing, but a quarter Norwegian and a quarter Sami (Lapplander). . . .
A beautiful day here, just ordered plants and seeds from the Gurney catalogue. Despite the pocket gophers, rabbits, elk, deer, bear, squirrels, we keep trying. Aspens are my favorite tree, but they have a very hard time here. Ten year old trees are a foot high, chewed at the trunks. Well, we are persistent.
Just finished reading Pat Conroy's The Death of Santini. Whew, and if I thought my childhood was dysfunctional, it makes it look peaceful and stable compared to Conroy's. He's lived his life story over and over in most of the books he's written. I wonder if that hasn't been a terrible sacrifice in the sense that to continue to relive the past is to be consumed by it.
I wonder about my own genealogy: my cousins look very Native American, yet that was always vehemently denied. My grandfather grew up in Quebec, and there's a head of a Native American nation with the name of Le Mieux. My grandfather's name was LeMire.
We also have French, Scotts, Irish, and German. As Thich Nhat Hanh has said, we don't know which combination of ancestors makes up each individual. We see traits that resemble, but we can't know, at least now or until DNA testing becomes available to all of us at a reasonable price, and even then. We lose our stories, I think.
My sister had her DNA done ($99), and there wasn't near enough Norwegian. She started checking with cousins, and my Aunt Helen had figured out the Sami connection.
Which makes perfect sense to me: my "Aunt" Hannah, who was a missionary to China, always looked Mongolian to me. She wasn't really an Aunt, but a cousin. Name of Wang, lol!
The Lapplanders preexisted the Norwegians, Swedes, Finns and Russians by ten thousand years or so. But like pretty much everywhere else Christians met up with aboriginal peoples, they began to persecute them. Canada is dealing with the nightmare residue of their residential schools (removing children from their parents and sent to Christian schools to erase their heritage) -- the Sami's overlappers did the same. . . . Sometimes into the middle of the last century.
A few years ago when I was in Canada, my friend Clive, who is Six Nations, took me to the residential school in Brantford. Out behind the kitchen wing was a brick wall where the children had carved their names. The only other place I've ever been that *hurt* that much was Ground Zero. . . .
Add this to last year's discovery of my Iroquois roots, and have to say I'm glad I lived long enough to identify my connection with two different indigenous peoples.
Pat, too true about Conroy: horrendous! I remember thinking about a number of my friends in my thirties, that they seemed unable to let go of their relationships with one parent or another, and I couldn't understand. . . . I finally realized that one's parents are the ones that make us strong enough to let go. For the children of alcoholics, that isn't there. Good friend of mine didn't let go of her mother till she was in her sixties, and then only with the help of a very good AlAnon group.
When we were camping in Chinle, Arizona at Canyon de Chelly, we had to stop in at the bank. I looked around, and I would have sworn I was in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The Dine, Navajo, came across the Bering Strait, and even the languages are similar. Nadaam, for instance, means rodeo in Navajo and Mongolian.
I wish somehow, we humans could retain the stories, learn our histories and keep them in our consciousness.
And yes, children of alcoholics, and I am one, have a difficult time remembering all the hard things. The memories stay with us, and the hurts as well.
But, compared to Conroy, and with the guidance, love, and mentoring of a beloved teacher, I knew I could make a life.
A caveat, in fairness, alcoholism was not so out of control that my family couldn't function. The Upper Peninsula had the highest rate of alcoholism in the country, and most of the adults I knew drank, and many were alcoholics. A number of people close to my family died of cirrhosis of the liver.
Talked wit the kiddle last night (my granddaughter's 16th birthday). He says he misses the four year old. I told him that wouldn't stop: I miss his four year old self. . . .
Ah, yes, puddle. I miss all my little kidlets. They grew up and they're good people, but they're definitely not so cute or easily conversed with anymore. :-)
We're up to two crocuses and three snowdrops. The deer came by and chomped off our one lone tulip, which hadn't even budded yet. The daffodils will be in their glory in another week or two. Everything is about 2-4 weeks late! All the Fairy Houses got a spruce this week, just in time to entertain three granddaughters this weekend. We're actually going to see all four grands together, at Grandson's 1st birthday party.
Things have changed. I know of at least three (including this one) one-year-old birthday parties taking place this month which involve a huge guest list and big party. What happened to a sweet little family party, or having a few children over?
A nice morning today, blue skies, some clouds, warmer. It's a delight to see the greening grasses. We ordered plants and seeds, and three aspens from Gurney's catalogue. I have a vision of aspens, which I know, I'll probably not see as 30 feet high in my lifetime, but that's okay. Someone will.
Hi Listener, I felt a resonance with your comment about grown children. I think sometimes there's one who converses on an equal level, doesn't seem to have the insularity that Generation X appears to have, but every generation, I think, has a different perspective and different values I think of the conformity imposed on my generation (War Babies) growing up, and how difficult it is to deal with authoritarian decisions. There's almost an instinctive feeling of rebellion.
But, it's good to be in contact, to care about each other, and to observe how we humans do things.
Today, preparing for a poetry reading in Loveland on Saturday. It will be at the home of the publisher of Green Fuse Press. We'll bring baked beans for a potluck.
I do remember my five little ones and how much fun we had--but I sure am enjoying them as adults--and they are as different from one another as began to be apparent as small children. A little gray here today, but warm, Greensboro's greenery is in full bloom and leaf, the birds are singing...and next week at this time Brenda and I will be just about ready to take off for Puddle's territory and rest up for our lunch on Saturday!!!
Someday, I'd like to see North Carolina. I read that the state has more wildflowers than any other state. I have a former student there and we are still in contact.
This year, not much desire to travel, maybe because of the floods and evacuation. It feels good to be home.
Yes, our children are all different. Thich Nhat Hanh remarked how we each carry the genes of many ancestors. I think it's a hard thing though when personalities clash, but, we do have the opportunity to learn how to interact and broaden our perspectives and flexibility.
I wish I could say we had lots of fun, but mostly we experienced adventures together, and that was at times stressful. For instance, when we were in American Samoa, David was in Hawaii at the university studying, and the boys and I were robbed in the middle of the night. We woke up to find the doors open, the speakers missing. That summer we all watched Days of Our Lives every night when the local television station broadcast it. It was a comfort. The village patrolled every night after that, and that was also a comfort.
A teacher friend said that teachers should not have children because all their energies go to their students. I think there's some truth in that. But, am I glad for our boys, yes, absolutely. They are a gift.
Well, Pat if you ever get to North Carolina be SURE to stop in Greensboro--north central section of the state-- the Piedmont---about midway between our coastline and the mountains. Brenda gives a great around the area driving tour!
Everyone busy today? Beautiful day here in Greensboro. Blue, blue sky and mid 70's. Took some photos to the prints and frames shop down the block, stopped in the book store to get my 'fix'! Feels so good just to walk in and browse with other like minded folks.
A blustery, chilly, overcast day here with rain expected.
Shirlee, about 40 years ago, I read a memoir called, In the Arms of Mountains. It was about someone who went to live in the mountains of North Carolina. I never forgot it because the description of where she lived were just what I wanted. A while ago, I wrote a poem about it, found the title and author on Amazon, but now I can't. I even tried the Library of Congress. As a librarian, do you have any ideas of where I might search. I've also tried used books stores.
And, yesterday I prepared to give a reading for my book of interactive poetry and journaling. It's called On Retreat in Rocky Mountain National Park with Thich Nhat Hanh.
We went to the publisher's house, and three of us read from our books. Mostly family and friends were the audience and it felt very supportive and engaged. I've read that that's a new trend, to have entertainers come to your house and perform. It's a great feeling, much more personal and comfortable than a public venue.
Here's a sample poem from the book.
Have a fun day today.
Mantra
We walk in dark before the dawn solemn, silent, moving slowly. The soft voice of the Buddhist nun echoing like ripples on a lake.
Each of us calling to mind the breath of being, breathing in and out joining the land, the rocks, the trees recognizing we are the same and unique. Thoughts are slow, sluggish from sleep they don't dance and interfere, not yet. We repeat, should they arise, the phrase we've learned to quiet them:
“Breathing in and breathing out”. But for me today, my mind repeats The signs on the cottage doors: “Keep doors shut because of bears.”
“Keep doors shut because of bears.” “Keep doors shut because of bears.”
Pat after a quick check and thought--this seems as though it might be a small press book devoted to local or NC history. I plan on visiting my favorite and very knowledgeable bookman's shop this week and see if he knows anything about it. Can you describe the copy you had? Paper or hardcover? Length?
Do you remember if it was a recent publication when you read it, or an older title at that time. Where did you find it?
The author was a woman. The book was hard cover. I took it out from the Chicago Public Library. It was a memoir, and since this was 1971, it may well be 50 or more years old.
I did find the author about a year or two ago, but not now. It was probably under 300 pages, dealt with the mountains of North Carolina. The woman loved living there, and her descriptions were enthralling.
I'm definitely getting dotty. I'd forgotten I'd posted "Mantra" before but remembered your suggestion, Puddle, which we incorporated into the book.
Yesterday I attended a baby shower an hour early here. I think I've been exhausted with performing. Introverts lose energy in interactions; extroverts gain energy. I noticed something else, in conversation, introverts talk about serious subjects, and that too can be exhausting.
Off to a pre-op eye appointment in preparation for my second eye surgery. A cold but sunny day today. We need rain, just a little bit.
Am rereading Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers by Thich Nhat Hanh. Why doesn't wisdom stay with me!?
Well, enjoy your day. It's great to have time, isn't it. What a gift.
rain will continue through Wednesday evening... with the heaviest rain expected Tuesday night through Wednesday evening. Storm total rainfall amounts will average between 3 and 5 inches with locally higher amounts likely.
Pat, Greensboro Public Library has an extensive NC collection. I scanned though that last night --no matches. 450 titles in the collection and lots things about the mountains. No memoirs by a woman, but quite a lot of fiction. Next stop is to get a link Brenda has to UNC and state library holdings. Hang on-- there must be some record of it somewhere!
Thank you, Shirlee. That's so generous and kind. I know I read that book. I've never forgotten the title, and when I look out at the mountain through our living room window, it has a flank on each side. I thought, yes, at last I've come to live in the arms of mountains.
Cold wind today. I'm so thrilled with the clarity and light in my left eye. I can read signs now without having to be five feet away.
We watched The Years of Living Dangerously on Showtime last night. It's all about the environment. I'm so glad we are finally seeing and hearing about it other than just the right wing and fossil fuel deniers.
I have been so stretched this week, but all for good reasons and events! On Friday we finished wallpapering the living room at 1am, got up and cleaned house, then picked up VT*Grand at 3pm and had her with us until Sunday evening! On Saturday, Grandson turned 1 in NH and we had all 4 Grands together there!!!! That evening PhD*Son and his family stayed with us in VT. On Sunday, Eldest was director of the big TKD event and we were bursting with pride at how gracefully he lead the day. Because he is such a well respected International Referee, they ended up with the highest number of Referees in attendance. As a result, not one bone was broken and not one participant got knocked out. Apparently there are usually 2-3 such moments in a typical tournament at this (collegiate) level. MIT won for the day. We took our 3 Granddaughters to the Ben & Jerry's factory in the afternoon, which their parents took part in the event. What bliss! What energy! They left last night and what tired people we were all day!! LOL! I had to go to a Staff Meeting this morning, but otherwise we had Monday and Tuesday off because Tuesday is Mah*Sweetie's birthday! :-D
Good morning all. A long week in San Jose with Daughter and Grand. Covered both birthdays. Saturday before last, took Molly's softball team and some adults to climb through an obstacle course some 25 feet up in the air and finishing with a zip line. They all came through with flying colors.
Then on to the annual Easter Egg hunt sponsored by their church. Easter Sunday fount most really really tired. Rested most of the day and went to evening services at church.
Monday, a friend took us fishing for Kimberly and Molly's bday's. So relaxing.
And the rest of the week was just as busy. Was glad to be able to come home and get some needed rest.
I've missed you all and glad everyone is here and safe. Much love to all.
Good to hear from you Listener and Barb. Whew! I expect you both do need some rest, but it sounds like your activities were memorable and fun.
Thank you again, Shirlee. How did you find it? As a librarian I was pretty adept at activities, buying books, but research and inventory were more difficult for me.
Ive been tired too. My book has come out, and I gave a reading Saturday night. I'd like to send each of you a book as a gift if you'd like that. Let me know your snail mail address. My email is pdmaslow@runbox.com
Well, off today for another eye appointment. This is a post op.
You all HAVE been busy! Pat-- the University of North Carolina has its catalog om-line. Was able to find full cataloging information there. I have two daughters who deal in used books part time. I have alerted one to watch for it and will mention it to the other one also. I don't think the book man here in GSO would have it. He pretty much has University Press and some small press titles. I am sure a copy will turn up at some point.
23 years of working as a bibliographer at Michigan State University gave me plenty of experience. Even easier now with on-line access to most collections. Glad I could help.
Went out to move the car (5 or 6 inches of rain predicted), and the battery was stone cold dead (it was fine two weeks ago when I tested it). Called the garage, and she said the boys had gone home. Told her that I'd be under water by morning if I couldn't move it. Sent their kiddle, fired it up. And also pointed out I had a major belt that was about to snap. . . . So he let his wife drive his truck, and took my car. Sometimes not hard to see the finger of angels messing around in your life. . . . Thought when the battery was dead, I sure didn't feel that way. . . .
Tomorrow my suitcase gets packed, and car gets filled with gas! As a bonus Master and Mistress of The Rock are stopping overnight in Greensboro on their way north! Will be good to see them again.
Well, after all escaped any significant rain, so blessedly, no flooding at all. The car has a new battery (the old one wouldn't recharge), and a new serpentine belt. I'm good to travel.
Excellent! Interesting-- I needed a new battery last month when the car went in for its yearly physical! Suitcase gets packed tomorrow. Wicked looking sky out there tonight. We have been under a tornado watch for a couple of days, but mostly it has been a bit too cold. Sunshine predicted for tomorrow. We are good to party, Puddle!
I hope your trip is pleasant, Shirlee, and I know your meeting with be memorable. Puddle, so glad you haven't had flooding. The damage we have here on the Front Range is disheartening. It will be years, maybe decades for the land to recover.
Shirlee, a note to say I ordered In the Arms of the Mountain from ABE books. It was only $8.00 but it's coming from Great Britain, which costs more than the book. Won't be here for maybe a month or so. When I'm finished with it, if you'd like me to send it to you, I'd be happy to do so.
Listener, I just wrote you an email. I'll need your snail mail address. I hope you are feeling better. Maybe a good rest will help.
It's chilly today, but at least it's not snowing. On Sunday it's supposed to be 80 degrees.
Barb, I just wrote you an email. We go into Estes Park on Friday, so I'll be mailing things then.
Delighted we were able to help, Pat! I couldn't have found it alone (I tried!), but once Shirley had, finding the two copies wasn't hard.
Flood damage looks really awful for the first several years, but Mother moves quickly to soften the look, at least. We had a huge flood here in '86, and a book, named "Pendleton County Destroyed" was published. Looking at the pictures, one didn't blame them for believing that, yet by the time I came, nine years later, none of it was visible. Wrenching to live through, though.
I think we're alive, bright, curious and represent a wide spectrum of talents which we all put at each others disposal. Exceptional friends, exceptional friendships! And of course, have to say that there's *what* in Howard that he brought us together and gave us space to ripen.
Gorgeous bright, blue and white, warm, slightly windy day. Altogether lovely--full spring, rather than one day grabbed from the gray and cold.
Yes, Howard was and is just more than a presidential candidate. It was hard to see him lose--but he is an anchor for liberal, humane souls in the political world. He just makes so much SENSE.
Love and Care…yes, this group exactly! Well said, puddle!
Thank you, Pat! Yes, I am feeling a lot better today. I even went to work. We learned this morning that our couches will be delivered on Wednesday! So now we will have wallpaper and trim paint done, plus have the couches (a full-size couch and a somewhat smaller than Love Seat size). Now we are saving up for carpeting. We have a little more trim to add in the living room, and we hope to get a new chair sometime. But in between we need to find just the right coffee and end tables. It's kind of fun turning "40" together. :-)
Yes, fine friends here: kind, thoughtful, many unique life experiences, and talents.
Listener, I have to smile. It's an adventure decorating our homes. I look around here when we moved in 2001, all the painting, the arrangement of things, selection of furniture, a heady time. Our living room has a warm blue called Hope Floats, and it seems to extend the sky outside our window. In my study, we have a Pueblo rug hanging on the wall in colors of mauve, cream, umber, and brown. I like it very much. It reminds me of our camping trip to Chinle, Arizona to visit the Navajo Reservation.
Well, not much news, will take my book into McDonald's bookstore today to see if they want to carry it. Who'd a thought I'd be a saleswoman? Everything is an experience.
Yay for Puddle and Shirlee! Listener, it is so much fun redecorating! one fun thing for sure for me when I get to do it.
Pat, an experience that Burt had when he took his book to an independent book store - he mentioned that he was offering it on Amazon and they just exploded at him telling him how awful he was for doing that. Not saying not to mention it if you are offering it on Amazon, just be cautious. The Third Place book store was mildly interested but Burt never followed up as he should have. His problem, I can only do so much to help out.
much love to my blog friends today. It's been glorious here, warm and sunny and the lilacs are heady.
Lord! Having a hellish time getting directions to the hotel. Got six map tabs up, and only one (mapquest) will load enough to begin. And *it* wants to take me some bizarre back way roads way. T'was better 10 years ago. . . .
We are in Hampton Inn South in Harrisonburg--arrived safely about an hour ago. We found some areas where It seems road work had been done recently and some weIrd turns. It is on Covenant Drive. I don't haveBrenda's Little notebook in my room--think it was highway 81 we came in on. Typical hotel corner -- it sits on a hill, but from the road is obscured by a Holiday Inn.
When we went to Michigan last year we found a lot of road construction on interstates and the old US highways. Hope it is Mr. Obama's stimulus program-- but some of the routing did seem strange even in flat Ohio!
Quick hello. Thanks, Barb, for the advice. The MacDonald Bookstore was gracious. They took six books and I have a contract with them. I hadn't thought about putting this on Amazon, though I will for others. The book is very local, and my thoughts were that I would try to get it out locally. There are photos of the YMCA and wildlife among the poems.
A beautiful day to day, but I am still tired. I'm surprised that this tiredness has lasted so long. Spring Fever?
Shirlee, I have the addy, and have had for a couple of months. But it's not in an area of HRG that I've ever frequented, though between two roads that I've used often. I'm thinking I may just go over to Staunton and take #81 up, since it seems to be directly off of an exit.
Brenda, thankX!! That was about what I'd managed to scope out of my day's work, lol! Nice to hear it from the horse's mouth! See you both at two tomorrow!! ♥
94 comments:
DEAN is how we keep our enthusiasm!
Whoo. Busy day. Painted a coat of trim in the living room, picked up my car which had it's annual oil change and checkup, and inspection*, shopped for Grandson's first birthday gifts (tub and beach toys and a super cute outfit :-) ), looked at some furniture (may have found a coffee table), got a few groceries, zoomed home and painted the other coat of trim, made dinner, took down wallpaper. And there in the middle of the day, I saw a tree, a stark and crooked tree, dark, broken branches against a clouded sky; and that was the sacred moment of my Good Friday.
* It needed a seal fixed…only one year old, but it was under warranty, so the cost for all of it together was (wait for it:) $0!! Sweet! Even the inspection was free because I bought my Mini there. :-D
Thanks for t.he new thread, Puddle--wIthh it's wise.words
of A.H. Happy Saturday all.
I utterly fell in love with the picture; the words were a pure bonus!
Warmish and overcast. But it *feels* wonderful for a change!
A giftie from Jo, who thinks it'll do yer hearts good. . . .
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/04/18/1293043/-Rush-Limbaugh-Is-In-Ruins-Bad-News-Coming-From-Every-Direction-Including-The-Right?detail=email
Been waiting for this moment for 22 years. . . . In 1992, my husband had left, and I wasn't sleeping well at nights so I was taking naps during the day. With the radio on. He woke me, and I listened unbelieving, and called the station and asked that he be taken off (first and only time I've ever done that). Didn't take long to get the idea that his trajectory was up, no down. Alas.
quick hello, yes, a great picture, a poem, a story.
Cloudy, dour day, but warm. Woke up this morning and the temperature in the living room was 70 degrees. No furnace on at night.
Thanks to Jo for the article and you for posting it. I think of Jo often. She is missed here.
Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Wildflowers, Birds, Butterflies, Sunshine.
Thanks, Jo! Come by and lurk sometimes please, and post when you feel up to it. You are loved here.
Here is a link to some Easter Vigil photos I took tonight.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152472141561754.1073741932.637766753&type=1&l=83b81ef158
♥ H A P P Y * E A S T E R * T O * A L L !!! ♥
Happy Easter All--and thanks for the links and information. Yep-- good to see that nasty Rush
headed down the drain, finally!!!
Phil Specht
2 hrs ·
My final season's meditation on a Jesus bucket list. (there is a reason they call it that) "He is risen.". Is the sharing of a holy spirit that binds us in a communion of saints that transcends time and life itself. And really, there is time for that, Here. Too. Now. Blessings to all, whatever your faith. (As for the Holstein heifer that continues to spill the pail ... Memorial Day grilling season is coming ... so don't keep "kicking the bucket" or you too will gain a fuller understanding of the Big Circle.)
Ah, Phil--don't we always love you--and your way with words--and much else? Thank You...
Amazing warm blue and white day out there!
Lovely day here also. Blue skies, warm temp, lovely day
with Brenda and a ride and picnic in our lovely, hilly
countryside.
We had a nice Easter. Last evening we ate out (real Italian) then went to the Easter Vigil at a beautiful church that has windows created by the same artisan who created our stained glass angel "Hopeful." Today we got up early and went to our son's house for Easter Breakfast with local Family, followed by a pretty cute Easter egg hunt with just VT*Grand gathering the eggs everybody else got to hide. :-) Then we came home and put up more wallpaper. We made it at last around the final corner, so we're in the home stretch now! :-D Happy Easter!!
Good Morning,
Thank you for posting Phil's thoughts. "Is the sharing of a holy spirit that binds us in a communion of saints that transcends time and life itself." We humans need this so much. As I get older, contemplate the complexities of love and life, belief and trust in the spirit is the only solace. Thank you, Phil.
Easter Sunday, lovely. Spatterings of rain, and the wild hyacinths are up. We had Easter brunch at son and daughter-in-law's house, everyone present: four grand girls, younger son and his wife, daughter-in-law's parents. Good conversation, egg hunt in back yard, deep fired turkey,quiche, hash browned potatoes, fruit salad, and chocolate bunny cake for dessert.
I was thinking that temporality is a comfort because it tells us to appreciate the moment, to bring ourselves to now.
A cloudy day today, but spring is happening.
Love to everyone.
Phil Specht
5 hrs ·
Light of My World
Inside a mini flashlight on my key chain
(you have never left me, Nate)
not content to carry memories
I carry you, your ashes.
As this day passes, another year marked
your mother and I tell this story
or that
we miss you still.
So this year it is Easter
the blood moon has passed
the Savior is risen
We cry and laugh and love ...
Love ever love
Oh, Phil...how beautiful...unbelievable how the words
and thoughts you choose pierce te heart.
Thank you for sharing your words with us....
Don't mean to fly under a false flag: I'm stealing facebook offerings. . . .
Isn't that what Facebook is all about? Thanks for
snagging it, Puddle.
Knees really hurting tonight. Have no idea why. Hasn't been bad all winter; gotta wonder why *now*?
71ยบ today; below freezing tomorrow night. . . . go away, Winter!!!
Odd night: not aware of restlessness, but woke with the quilt sandwich (just two, now) upside down, and sidewise. Wonder what I was doing, lol!
You DO lead an interesting night life, Puddle! My theory about knees is that once damaged--for whatever reason--
they can act up at any time. For several years I have kept
a soft wrap around knee brace in my three wheeled cart
which is always with me. Rest up, stay safe!!
Looks (right now) like my line is fixed. And I *just* got email for the last week! Funny--if stuff stays broke long enough, you start thinking it's your computer, and start wanting to mess with that, eh? Anyways, I'm grateful, and hope it holds!!!
Good news--contact with the world!!!
Just talked to Nancy--hers is still staticy and clicky. Will see. . . .
Question for the Wordsmiths here. Do you have a favorite sentence from all your reading that you consider exquisite either for the meaning or the pure sound or both?
For several years mine has been Isak Dinesen's opening sentence in "Out of Africa"-- 'I had a farm in Africa.'
I think it is both the simplicity of the words and the haunting meaning of 'had'. The original in Danish is
'Jeg havde en farm I Afrika ' ( I asked Kis --our Danish
exchange student do the original for me when she visited this fall.)
My current one is from the Yayas--Vivi's speech: Once, a long time ago, I dropped my basket. A lot of this may have to do with the look on Ellen Burstyn's face. . . .
Shirlee, at one point in my life I tried to read everything Karen Blixen ever wrote. Amazing woman.
I am waiting patiently for my Netflix of the Ya-Ya's to arrive. First copy was unplayable:). I will be watching for
your favorite!
Brenda is headed to the eye doc for an annual exam
on Friday--a little early, but she has mis-placed her
sun glasses and wants to have them before we head
north for our Meet-Up!
As the family continues to investigate its past, it turns out that I may not be half Norwegian as I grew up believing, but a quarter Norwegian and a quarter Sami (Lapplander). . . .
Interesting combination you have there, Puddle.
Some migration path there?
Good Morning,
A beautiful day here, just ordered plants and seeds from the Gurney catalogue. Despite the pocket gophers, rabbits, elk, deer, bear, squirrels, we keep trying. Aspens are my favorite tree, but they have a very hard time here. Ten year old trees are a foot high, chewed at the trunks. Well, we are persistent.
Just finished reading Pat Conroy's The Death of Santini. Whew, and if I thought my childhood was dysfunctional, it makes it look peaceful and stable compared to Conroy's. He's lived his life story over and over in most of the books he's written. I wonder if that hasn't been a terrible sacrifice in the sense that to continue to relive the past is to be consumed by it.
I wonder about my own genealogy: my cousins look very Native American, yet that was always vehemently denied. My grandfather grew up in Quebec, and there's a head of a Native American nation with the name of Le Mieux. My grandfather's name was LeMire.
We also have French, Scotts, Irish, and German. As Thich Nhat Hanh has said, we don't know which combination of ancestors makes up each individual. We see traits that resemble, but we can't know, at least now or until DNA testing becomes available to all of us at a reasonable price, and even then. We lose our stories, I think.
Have a nice day today.
My sister had her DNA done ($99), and there wasn't near enough Norwegian. She started checking with cousins, and my Aunt Helen had figured out the Sami connection.
Which makes perfect sense to me: my "Aunt" Hannah, who was a missionary to China, always looked Mongolian to me. She wasn't really an Aunt, but a cousin. Name of Wang, lol!
The Lapplanders preexisted the Norwegians, Swedes, Finns and Russians by ten thousand years or so. But like pretty much everywhere else Christians met up with aboriginal peoples, they began to persecute them. Canada is dealing with the nightmare residue of their residential schools (removing children from their parents and sent to Christian schools to erase their heritage) -- the Sami's overlappers did the same. . . . Sometimes into the middle of the last century.
A few years ago when I was in Canada, my friend Clive, who is Six Nations, took me to the residential school in Brantford. Out behind the kitchen wing was a brick wall where the children had carved their names. The only other place I've ever been that *hurt* that much was Ground Zero. . . .
Add this to last year's discovery of my Iroquois roots, and have to say I'm glad I lived long enough to identify my connection with two different indigenous peoples.
Pat, too true about Conroy: horrendous! I remember thinking about a number of my friends in my thirties, that they seemed unable to let go of their relationships with one parent or another, and I couldn't understand. . . . I finally realized that one's parents are the ones that make us strong enough to let go. For the children of alcoholics, that isn't there. Good friend of mine didn't let go of her mother till she was in her sixties, and then only with the help of a very good AlAnon group.
Hi again,
Interesting background, Puddle.
When we were camping in Chinle, Arizona at Canyon de Chelly, we had to stop in at the bank. I looked around, and I would have sworn I was in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The Dine, Navajo, came across the Bering Strait, and even the languages are similar. Nadaam, for instance, means rodeo in Navajo and Mongolian.
I wish somehow, we humans could retain the stories, learn our histories and keep them in our consciousness.
And yes, children of alcoholics, and I am one, have a difficult time remembering all the hard things. The memories stay with us, and the hurts as well.
But, compared to Conroy, and with the guidance, love, and mentoring of a beloved teacher, I knew I could make a life.
A caveat, in fairness, alcoholism was not so out of control that my family couldn't function. The Upper Peninsula had the highest rate of alcoholism in the country, and most of the adults I knew drank, and many were alcoholics. A number of people close to my family died of cirrhosis of the liver.
Gonna freeze out there tonight: all them little wet nekkid peepers. . . .
Talked wit the kiddle last night (my granddaughter's 16th birthday). He says he misses the four year old. I told him that wouldn't stop: I miss his four year old self. . . .
Ah, yes, puddle. I miss all my little kidlets. They grew up and they're good people, but they're definitely not so cute or easily conversed with anymore. :-)
We're up to two crocuses and three snowdrops. The deer came by and chomped off our one lone tulip, which hadn't even budded yet. The daffodils will be in their glory in another week or two. Everything is about 2-4 weeks late! All the Fairy Houses got a spruce this week, just in time to entertain three granddaughters this weekend. We're actually going to see all four grands together, at Grandson's 1st birthday party.
Things have changed. I know of at least three (including this one) one-year-old birthday parties taking place this month which involve a huge guest list and big party. What happened to a sweet little family party, or having a few children over?
A nice morning today, blue skies, some clouds, warmer. It's a delight to see the greening grasses. We ordered plants and seeds, and three aspens from Gurney's catalogue. I have a vision of aspens, which I know, I'll probably not see as 30 feet high in my lifetime, but that's okay. Someone will.
Hi Listener, I felt a resonance with your comment about grown children. I think sometimes there's one who converses on an equal level, doesn't seem to have the insularity that Generation X appears to have, but every generation, I think, has a different perspective and different values I think of the conformity imposed on my generation (War Babies) growing up, and how difficult it is to deal with authoritarian decisions. There's almost an instinctive feeling of rebellion.
But, it's good to be in contact, to care about each other, and to observe how we humans do things.
Today, preparing for a poetry reading in Loveland on Saturday. It will be at the home of the publisher of Green Fuse Press. We'll bring baked beans for a potluck.
Have a nice day today.
I do remember my five little ones and how much fun we had--but I sure am enjoying them as adults--and they are as different from one another as began to be apparent as
small children. A little gray here today, but warm, Greensboro's greenery is in full bloom and leaf, the birds are singing...and next week at this time Brenda and I will be just about ready to take off for Puddle's territory and rest up for our lunch on Saturday!!!
Someday, I'd like to see North
Carolina. I read that the state has more wildflowers than any other state. I have a former student there and we are still in contact.
This year, not much desire to travel, maybe because of the floods and evacuation. It feels good to be home.
Yes, our children are all different. Thich Nhat Hanh remarked how we each carry the genes of many ancestors. I think it's a hard thing though when personalities clash, but, we do have the opportunity to learn how to interact and broaden our perspectives and flexibility.
I wish I could say we had lots of fun, but mostly we experienced adventures together, and that was at times stressful. For instance, when we were in American Samoa, David was in Hawaii at the university studying, and the boys and I were robbed in the middle of the night. We woke up to find the doors open, the speakers missing. That summer we all watched Days of Our Lives every night when the local television station broadcast it. It was a comfort. The village patrolled every night after that, and that was also a comfort.
A teacher friend said that teachers should not have children because all their energies go to their students. I think there's some truth in that. But, am I glad for our boys, yes, absolutely. They are a gift.
Well, Pat if you ever get to North Carolina be SURE to stop in Greensboro--north central section of the state-- the
Piedmont---about midway between our coastline and the
mountains. Brenda gives a great around the area
driving tour!
Thank you, Shirlee. Someday.
You are welcome!!!
Everyone busy today? Beautiful day here in Greensboro.
Blue, blue sky and mid 70's. Took some photos to the
prints and frames shop down the block, stopped in the
book store to get my 'fix'! Feels so good just to walk in and browse with other like minded folks.
Good Morning,
A blustery, chilly, overcast day here with rain expected.
Shirlee, about 40 years ago, I read a memoir called, In the Arms of Mountains. It was about someone who went to live in the mountains of North Carolina. I never forgot it because the description of where she lived were just what I wanted. A while ago, I wrote a poem about it, found the title and author on Amazon, but now I can't. I even tried the Library of Congress. As a librarian, do you have any ideas of where I might search. I've also tried used books stores.
And, yesterday I prepared to give a reading for my book of interactive poetry and journaling. It's called On Retreat in Rocky Mountain National Park with Thich Nhat Hanh.
We went to the publisher's house, and three of us read from our books. Mostly family and friends were the audience and it felt very supportive and engaged. I've read that that's a new trend, to have entertainers come to your house and perform. It's a great feeling, much more personal and comfortable than a public venue.
Here's a sample poem from the book.
Have a fun day today.
Mantra
We walk in dark before the dawn
solemn, silent, moving slowly.
The soft voice of the Buddhist nun
echoing like ripples on a lake.
Each of us calling to mind the breath
of being, breathing in and out
joining the land, the rocks, the trees
recognizing we are the same and unique.
Thoughts are slow, sluggish from sleep
they don't dance and interfere, not yet.
We repeat, should they arise, the phrase
we've learned to quiet them:
“Breathing in and breathing out”.
But for me today, my mind repeats
The signs on the cottage doors:
“Keep doors shut because of bears.”
“Keep doors shut because of bears.”
“Keep doors shut because of bears.”
Should be description was, not were.
Also, a question mark should have ended the sentence that was a question. It's so easy not to proofread. : )
Pat after a quick check and thought--this seems as though it might be a small press book devoted to local or NC history. I plan on visiting my favorite and very knowledgeable bookman's shop this week and see if he
knows anything about it. Can you describe the copy you had? Paper or hardcover? Length?
Do you remember if it was
a recent publication when you read it, or an older title at
that time. Where did you find it?
Thanks for the assignment :)
Hi Shirlee,
The author was a woman. The book was hard cover. I took it out from the Chicago Public Library. It was a memoir, and since this was 1971, it may well be 50 or more years old.
I did find the author about a year or two ago, but not now. It was probably under 300 pages, dealt with the mountains of North Carolina. The woman loved living there, and her descriptions were enthralling.
Thank you, Shirlee.
Great description. Thanks, Pat. That rules out the small press theory. Very helpful.
Coming up for air after a three day immersion in Downton Abbey. Whew!
Now, take a deep breath! Welcome back:)
Good Morning,
I'm definitely getting dotty. I'd forgotten I'd posted "Mantra" before but remembered your suggestion, Puddle, which we incorporated into the book.
Yesterday I attended a baby shower an hour early here. I think I've been exhausted with performing. Introverts lose energy in interactions; extroverts gain energy. I noticed something else, in conversation, introverts talk about serious subjects, and that too can be exhausting.
Off to a pre-op eye appointment in preparation for my second eye surgery. A cold but sunny day today. We need rain, just a little bit.
Am rereading Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers by Thich Nhat Hanh. Why doesn't wisdom stay with me!?
Well, enjoy your day. It's great to have time, isn't it. What a gift.
This is what's on the weather menu:
rain will continue through Wednesday evening... with the
heaviest rain expected Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.
Storm total rainfall amounts will average between 3 and 5 inches
with locally higher amounts likely.
Looks like we will be having a flood.
Stay high and dry, Puddle-- if you can!
Pat, Greensboro Public Library has an extensive NC
collection. I scanned though that last night --no matches.
450 titles in the collection and lots things about the mountains. No memoirs by a woman, but quite a lot of
fiction. Next stop is to get a link Brenda has to UNC and state library holdings. Hang on-- there must be some record of it somewhere!
Thank you, Shirlee. That's so generous and kind. I know I read that book. I've never forgotten the title, and when I look out at the mountain through our living room window, it has a flank on each side. I thought, yes, at last I've come to live in the arms of mountains.
Cold wind today. I'm so thrilled with the clarity and light in my left eye. I can read signs now without having to be five feet away.
We watched The Years of Living Dangerously on Showtime last night. It's all about the environment. I'm so glad we are finally seeing and hearing about it other than just the right wing and fossil fuel deniers.
Pat---Found--at University of NorthCarolina Chapel Hill
In the Arms of the Mountain. an intimate journal of
The Great Smokies. Elizabeth Seeman.
New York. Crown Publishing, 1961
For some reason I find Amazon hard to use.
But, if you don't find it. Let me know and I will
see what I might find.
Thanks for letting me help with this. Love it:)
WOW! That is so exciting. Thank you, thank you, Shirlee. You are a LIBRARIAN! I am thrilled.
I'll get back to you. For some reason, I'm really tired today, probably all the activities. Again, I am thrilled.
I have been so stretched this week, but all for good reasons and events! On Friday we finished wallpapering the living room at 1am, got up and cleaned house, then picked up VT*Grand at 3pm and had her with us until Sunday evening! On Saturday, Grandson turned 1 in NH and we had all 4 Grands together there!!!! That evening PhD*Son and his family stayed with us in VT. On Sunday, Eldest was director of the big TKD event and we were bursting with pride at how gracefully he lead the day. Because he is such a well respected International Referee, they ended up with the highest number of Referees in attendance. As a result, not one bone was broken and not one participant got knocked out. Apparently there are usually 2-3 such moments in a typical tournament at this (collegiate) level. MIT won for the day. We took our 3 Granddaughters to the Ben & Jerry's factory in the afternoon, which their parents took part in the event. What bliss! What energy! They left last night and what tired people we were all day!! LOL! I had to go to a Staff Meeting this morning, but otherwise we had Monday and Tuesday off because Tuesday is Mah*Sweetie's birthday! :-D
Good morning all. A long week in San Jose with Daughter and Grand. Covered both birthdays. Saturday before last, took Molly's softball team and some adults to climb through an obstacle course some 25 feet up in the air and finishing with a zip line. They all came through with flying colors.
Then on to the annual Easter Egg hunt sponsored by their church. Easter Sunday fount most really really tired. Rested most of the day and went to evening services at church.
Monday, a friend took us fishing for Kimberly and Molly's bday's. So relaxing.
And the rest of the week was just as busy. Was glad to be able to come home and get some needed rest.
I've missed you all and glad everyone is here and safe. Much love to all.
Good Morning,
It's snowing right now. Of course!
Good to hear from you Listener and Barb. Whew! I expect you both do need some rest, but it sounds like your activities were memorable and fun.
Thank you again, Shirlee. How did you find it? As a librarian I was pretty adept at activities, buying books, but research and inventory were more difficult for me.
Ive been tired too. My book has come out, and I gave a reading Saturday night. I'd like to send each of you a book as a gift if you'd like that. Let me know your snail mail address. My email is pdmaslow@runbox.com
Well, off today for another eye appointment. This is a post op.
Have a good day.
You all HAVE been busy! Pat-- the University of North
Carolina has its catalog om-line. Was able to find full
cataloging information there. I have two daughters who
deal in used books part time. I have alerted one to watch
for it and will mention it to the other one also. I don't think
the book man here in GSO would have it. He pretty much
has University Press and some small press titles. I am sure a copy will turn up at some point.
23 years of working as a bibliographer at Michigan State University gave me plenty of experience.
Even easier now with on-line access to most collections. Glad I could help.
Oh Pat! What a wonderful gift. I'll definitely send you my snail mail. Thank you so much!
~* * ♥ *~ ♥ ~* ♥ *~~* ♥ *~ ♥ ~* ♥ *~~* ♥ *~ ♥ ~* ♥ * *~
I am hoping Puddle didn't get flooded out. We were expecting 70 degrees with rain and possible tornadoes.
Nope, 60 degrees, damp with a bit of wind.
Pat, these were the only two copies I've found on the net.
http://www.amazon.com/In-Arms-Mountain-Elizabeth-Seeman/dp/B003VZU2C2
www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?kn=%22In+the+Arms+of+the+Mountain%22&sts=t&x=26&y=13
Went out to move the car (5 or 6 inches of rain predicted), and the battery was stone cold dead (it was fine two weeks ago when I tested it). Called the garage, and she said the boys had gone home. Told her that I'd be under water by morning if I couldn't move it. Sent their kiddle, fired it up. And also pointed out I had a major belt that was about to snap. . . . So he let his wife drive his truck, and took my car. Sometimes not hard to see the finger of angels messing around in your life. . . . Thought when the battery was dead, I sure didn't feel that way. . . .
Whew! Thank goodness for your car angels!!!
I sure am looking forward to a Puddle fix before
heading into this nasty surgery,
And I am looking forward to a Shirlee fix--been *much* too long!!
Meanwhile am swimming in Downton Abbey. A most remarkable show, that.
Tomorrow my suitcase gets packed, and car gets
filled with gas! As a bonus Master and Mistress of
The Rock are stopping overnight in Greensboro on
their way north! Will be good to see them again.
Traveling mercies, Shirlee!
Thank You, Barb!
Yes, have a wonderful trip, Shirlee.
Thank you for the sources. I went to Amazon and they want nearly $30.00 for the book, but ABE wants only $8.00. I appreciate all your research.
Cold, cold, cold here today, and I'm really tired. So today I'll be a slug, read, nap, put away my to-do list.
Have a good day, friends.
Well, after all escaped any significant rain, so blessedly, no flooding at all. The car has a new battery (the old one wouldn't recharge), and a new serpentine belt. I'm good to travel.
Excellent! Interesting-- I needed a new battery last month when the car went in for its yearly physical! Suitcase gets packed tomorrow. Wicked looking sky out there tonight.
We have been under a tornado watch for a couple of days, but mostly it has been a bit too cold. Sunshine
predicted for tomorrow. We are good to party, Puddle!
Hope your book comes through, Pat!
Shirlee and puddle, we'll be wanting photos and updates! :-D
Pat, I am so very pleased about your book and look forward to some porch time with it.
Got some sort of tummy bug today, but plain yogurt is really helping.
Plain yogurt is a wonder drug! Hope you feel better soon,
Listener!
Good Morning,
I hope your trip is pleasant, Shirlee, and I know your meeting with be memorable. Puddle, so glad you haven't had flooding. The damage we have here on the Front Range is disheartening. It will be years, maybe decades for the land to recover.
Shirlee, a note to say I ordered In the Arms of the Mountain from ABE books. It was only $8.00 but it's coming from Great Britain, which costs more than the book. Won't be here for maybe a month or so. When I'm finished with it, if you'd like me to send it to you, I'd be happy to do so.
Listener, I just wrote you an email. I'll need your snail mail address. I hope you are feeling better. Maybe a good rest will help.
It's chilly today, but at least it's not snowing. On Sunday it's supposed to be 80 degrees.
Barb, I just wrote you an email. We go into Estes Park on Friday, so I'll be mailing things then.
Have a good day.
That is a lovely offer, Pat--I would interested in reading it.
Packing, packing...have a happy day, all!
So love this group for its love and care!!
Delighted we were able to help, Pat! I couldn't have found it alone (I tried!), but once Shirley had, finding the two copies wasn't hard.
Flood damage looks really awful for the first several years, but Mother moves quickly to soften the look, at least. We had a huge flood here in '86, and a book, named "Pendleton County Destroyed" was published. Looking at the pictures, one didn't blame them for believing that, yet by the time I came, nine years later, none of it was visible. Wrenching to live through, though.
Just a bunch of good bookies we are :) Now that a copy has been located I will call off the family book dealers!
Apartment is clean, luggage packed, ready for the Rockers this evening and then tomorrow we are off
Harrisonburg!
I think we're alive, bright, curious and represent a wide spectrum of talents which we all put at each others disposal. Exceptional friends, exceptional friendships! And of course, have to say that there's *what* in Howard that he brought us together and gave us space to ripen.
Gorgeous bright, blue and white, warm, slightly windy day. Altogether lovely--full spring, rather than one day grabbed from the gray and cold.
Yes, Howard was and is just more than a presidential
candidate. It was hard to see him lose--but he is an anchor for liberal, humane souls in the political world.
He just makes so much SENSE.
What if Hillary doesn't run and Howard does? ;-)
Love and Care…yes, this group exactly! Well said, puddle!
Thank you, Pat! Yes, I am feeling a lot better today. I even went to work. We learned this morning that our couches will be delivered on Wednesday! So now we will have wallpaper and trim paint done, plus have the couches (a full-size couch and a somewhat smaller than Love Seat size). Now we are saving up for carpeting. We have a little more trim to add in the living room, and we hope to get a new chair sometime. But in between we need to find just the right coffee and end tables. It's kind of fun turning "40" together. :-)
Good Morning,
Warmer today and maybe some rain.
Yes, fine friends here: kind, thoughtful, many unique life experiences, and talents.
Listener, I have to smile. It's an adventure decorating our homes. I look around here when we moved in 2001, all the painting, the arrangement of things, selection of furniture, a heady time. Our living room has a warm blue called Hope Floats, and it seems to extend the sky outside our window. In my study, we have a Pueblo rug hanging on the wall in colors of mauve, cream, umber, and brown. I like it very much. It reminds me of our camping trip to Chinle, Arizona to visit the Navajo Reservation.
Well, not much news, will take my book into McDonald's bookstore today to see if they want to carry it. Who'd a thought I'd be a saleswoman? Everything is an experience.
Have a good day.
Yay for Puddle and Shirlee! Listener, it is so much fun redecorating! one fun thing for sure for me when I get to do it.
Pat, an experience that Burt had when he took his book to an independent book store - he mentioned that he was offering it on Amazon and they just exploded at him telling him how awful he was for doing that. Not saying not to mention it if you are offering it on Amazon, just be cautious. The Third Place book store was mildly interested but Burt never followed up as he should have. His problem, I can only do so much to help out.
much love to my blog friends today. It's been glorious here, warm and sunny and the lilacs are heady.
Lord! Having a hellish time getting directions to the hotel. Got six map tabs up, and only one (mapquest) will load enough to begin. And *it* wants to take me some bizarre back way roads way. T'was better 10 years ago. . . .
We are in Hampton Inn South in Harrisonburg--arrived safely about an hour ago. We found some areas where
It seems road work had been done recently and some weIrd turns. It is on Covenant Drive. I don't haveBrenda's
Little notebook in my room--think it was highway 81 we came in on. Typical hotel corner -- it sits on a hill, but from the road is obscured by a Holiday Inn.
When we went to Michigan last year we found a lot of
road construction on interstates and the old US highways. Hope it is Mr. Obama's stimulus program--
but some of the routing did seem strange even in flat
Ohio!
See you tomorrow!
Quick hello. Thanks, Barb, for the advice. The MacDonald Bookstore was gracious. They took six books and I have a contract with them. I hadn't thought about putting this on Amazon, though I will for others. The book is very local, and my thoughts were that I would try to get it out locally. There are photos of the YMCA and wildlife among the poems.
A beautiful day to day, but I am still tired. I'm surprised that this tiredness has lasted so long. Spring Fever?
Well, will drop in again tomorrow.
Hey puddle -- we are at exit 243 from interstate 81. Straight across hwy 11 behind the quality inn and seven eleven. Can't wait to see you !
Brenda
Shirlee, I have the addy, and have had for a couple of months. But it's not in an area of HRG that I've ever frequented, though between two roads that I've used often. I'm thinking I may just go over to Staunton and take #81 up, since it seems to be directly off of an exit.
Brenda, thankX!! That was about what I'd managed to scope out of my day's work, lol! Nice to hear it from the horse's mouth! See you both at two tomorrow!! ♥
Finally got the hotel's page to give directions, and it's using the same backwards/outback directions as the others. Plus it's in kilometers, lol!
new thread
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