Category Archives: Family Times

December 21, 2012 · 9:28 pm

The First Day of Winter

I am sitting here in the basement with the Christmas tree in my view, the fireplace is on and it is snowing outside! Yes! Finally! Last year, we had none. Nothing. Coming from Colorado, well, it gets to you. It has been snowing all day. Somewhat sticking, somewhat wet, somewhat blown all around from the wind. But it snowed. 😀 How convenient. On the first day of Winter no less!

I have to admit, I could make up things like excuses for how “busy” things are around here. I could pretend to be bustling with activities that cause me not to be able to write (ok, but I did go Christmas caroling with my church and to a performance of Handel’s Messiah with my parents.) 🙂 In all honesty though, I have not been feeling too well. I have been struggling with some physical things that I can’t discuss at this time. I feel this problem has built over time–most likely from my new medicines–but last week was the highlight of it all. And I felt sick…still do most often, but not at the present moment. Another honest blurb–I am craving a Sprite! I love peppermint tea, but I just am in a need for Sprite! But, because the eye medicine makes pops taste like metal, I cannot. Thus, adding another momentary frustration to a sick stomach feeling. You get the drift.

Not the greatest way to be spending the holidays, but to keep my mind off how I feel I wrote most of my Christmas cards, did some reading, and watched a lot of Christmas movies. Nothing too productive, but I did enjoy watching for the first time the classic film, Christmas in Connecticut. I think it might be one of my new favorite holiday movies! Speaking of movies, I wrote about the book, “52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life” when I first started it two weeks ago. What a book! I read a few a day…last week, some days the words would just pop off the page. The little lesson would hit directly home…mostly because I was feeling a lot like George…wanting to do big and great things or travel the world but feeling stuck at home. My family resembled “Clarence.” Just again reminding me that I am not a burden and that it is ok to share my feelings and hurts–because then they understand what I am going through and why some days I am just ~~a tad~~ grumpy.

But I am learning. I am learning to be open, to share. But it will take some time and a re-wiring of the normal thought process my mind usually goes through. Seems like a great time of the year for it…taking time to step back, rewind and think about the joy of the Christmas season.

Music has always helped me rewind. This is from one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Christmastime” by Michael W. Smith, 1998.

Ring Christmas bells
Ring them loud with the message bringing
Peace on the earth
Tidings of good cheer
Come carolers
Come and join with the angels singing
Joy to the world
Christmas time is here again.

P.S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFq3GJicC78

More to come…

“Hey! Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter!”

Yeah, probably one of my favorite lines from Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Filmed in 1946, just timeless family classic. Growing up, we had a family tradition to watch Jim Henson’s The Muppet Christmas Carol on Christmas Eve after the church services and It’s a Wonderful Life on New Year’s Eve. Yes, it is a story that takes place on Christmas Eve, but the message always brought in a great ring to the New Year (“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”) No traditions seemed to be any greater than those two.

Yesterday, I had an eye appointment with the neuro ophthalmologist to see how my optic nerves are doing. I had another visual field test and everything seems to be going the direction that they are wanting. The plan is just to stay on the medicine they prescribed for me last appointment and have another follow-up appointment in February. On our way home from Cincinnati, Mom and I stopped by a Barnes and Nobles there in one of the suburbs. I did not have to have my eyes dilated so imagine the ecstatic feeling that I was having. 🙂 We synchronized our cell phone clocks and set a time limit we were for sure bound not to keep. Then we went inside. I just love books! I was not intending really to buy any, because I have been in the process of downsizing my own shelf. But as I passed by the Christmas selection table, my eyes spotted one titled, 52 Little Lessons from It’s a Wonderful Life. I had seen this book before from a trip to BN a week before Thanksgiving–it was a coffee run (Starbucks are limited around this area). But I had decided at that point to wait. Then I forgot about it.

I skimmed over the introduction by its author, Bob Welch. Fifty-two lessons for each week of the year. I bought it and started it this morning. It is like a little devotional that incorporates the lessons taught from the movie. I like it so much I decided to finish it in 52 days instead of weeks. I believe that takes me to almost the end of January. So in essence, I will still be bringing in the New Year with the movie…even if I am not watching it on New Year’s Eve.

I just wanted to share this book with you, because it is a good reminder of little lessons of faith and life that we so often forget…we turn into George Bailey without realizing it. I know I have. It is then that God sends people like Clarence to show me once again how important and special my life is and that it is worth living to the fullest.

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?

~Clarence

4 Comments

Filed under Books and Movies, Family Times

Tagged as Christmas movies and books, family traditions, It's a Wonderful Life, New Year

December 4, 2012 · 11:59 pm

Let me catch my breath.

Hey all!! 😀

Last week I spent my time chasing after my nose as it kept running away from me!!!! (Get it??? HAHA!) Ok–I had a bad cold and I was taking care of my sister’s dog for the week, so my energy was not much of anything. Sorry if I had anyone worried. I am doing much better…cold is gone…and the sick stomach issue that I have going on due to some of the new medicines is now mostly under control (I hope). Nothing like the excuse for a big cup of peppermint tea! 😀 ‘Tis the season!!

This past weekend was fun! Saturday night we went to the town’s parade of lights. It was short and festive and bright. It was really a good time though. Afterwards, the shops were open, free coffee was distributed and people filled the street. My sister and I even got a picture with Santa.

Sunday we ventured to downtown Dayton for the musical performance based on Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. It was very well done! The dancing and choreography was amazing! I really had a good time and it helped me forget about my sick stomach and pain spasms. I was a bit grumpy that morning–like a Scrooge. I need to work on not being grumpy when I am tired and in pain. It is not fair to those around me, especially my family. We all enjoyed the play and I especially look forward to the spring musical: Mary Poppins!! 😀

Monday was Mom’s Christmas cookie exchange party. We ladies enjoyed a time of cookie taste-testing, talking, a few Christmas hymns and a devotion on gratitude. The party was a lot of fun. I baked my favorite cookie–Peppermint Candy Canes. Be sure to check back later this week, because I will post the recipe. 😀

And today, Mom and I ventured to the college student center for their noon-hour music presentation of different Christmas songs by different groups of students. We heard some group singing, bell presentation songs, a little jazz and my favorite–the flute ensemble. 🙂 I do miss playing the flute. But this is where I learned last night to have a heart of gratitude. I cannot understand why I lost my hearing and hand function (all needed to play the flute). In college, I finally learned to stop asking the question, “Why me?” And I was content.

I guess the blood clot is when my attitude started to change back to the old questionable self that I was. Things leveled out, then I stopped work (for mostly health related issues). And I have not been able to get back to where I used to be in my relationship with God. I am not bitter–not even asking why really. More–“You just have to be the One to do something about all this because I am tired of trying.” And that attitude wears me down. It comes and goes like my pain spasms but I need to start taking those thoughts and turning them into gratitude for all that God has done for me.

Today as I listened to the flute ensemble, I remembered that I can be thankful for the memories of when I did have the chance to play; I can be thankful that my hearing aids allowed me to hear them being played today; and I can be thankful that God sees any resounding noise as praise as long as it is from a heart of worship to Him. A resounding noise. I think that best describes me. My scratchy voice can’t sing, but I can’t help but sing anyway; I can’t play an instrument, but I paint with my hands; and I can’t always know the reason why, but I can trust God does.

I see a pattern in my life. It always comes down to that last segment of the sentence, about not knowing all the answers–which means I am not in control. I think I struggle most with this, because I fight so hard against my decaying aging body to be normal and do things under my control with no other help. “I am fine. I can do this.” It starts the wall…and God slowly starts to tear it down, reminding me that I cannot do this on my own. Look at all He has done. I think about even just this year alone. It was a hard year…and yet it was so perfectly orchestrated. Just is so awesome to think about and share. I love writing these thoughts out, because then my mind sees it on “paper” and I start to understand and learn from it. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I look forward to writing more in the days to come.

Your friend, Mel

1 Comment

Filed under Family Times, Funny Stories

November 24, 2012 · 3:40 pm

Thanksgiving Lessons 101

This Thanksgiving was a very special time. We celebrated my Grandpa’s M.’s 90th birthday with a surprise family reunion. And he was surprised!!! 🙂 What a great time it was to have the family here. I just don’t think it could have been any better!! Dinners ran buffet style through the kitchen; we somehow got all of us to fit together in the same dining room area/hallway so we could all eat together; we enjoyed chatting, pictures, playing games with the kids; and most of all, we enjoyed the precious time spent with Grandpa and Grandma. 🙂

Grandpa has taught me so much over the past years, but these are my top favorites: Don’t put your elbows on the table and collecting coins is a cool thing. Grandma taught me that it is okay to eat dessert first (you only have one life to live) and writing letters brightens the day. And together they taught me the most important lessons of life: Give and you receive, trust God in all circumstances, and to honor the ones you love as you honor God by doing so. Grandpa and Grandma have been married for 66 years. And they still love each other, care for each other. It is such a testimony. I have been blessed with not one set of grandparents, but three who all have shown me the same lessons of faith and love in their own special ways. Each give me a glimpse of something in my life that I can improve on. During the family reunion, Grandpa yet again showed me a life lesson, but this time I don’t think he realized it.

I must say it was refreshing to not be the only one with hearing aids. I actually had some good conversations about hearing aids with my uncle. It was fun for someone to “understand.” But Grandpa showed me a different way to understand the communication problems that come with lack of hearing. The first night we all were together–after the “SURPRISE!!!”–things were still on the energetic level and it was loud. I could not hear anything but the constant vibe of the family chatting and laughing murmur in my ears. That might be hard to understand, but it is hard to explain. Anyway, after giving my hello and hugs, I went over to sit by Grandpa. I can’t speak for him, but I wonder if the murmur was the same for him–either that or it was just still complete shock that we all were there. 😀 We exchanged a few sentences, then just sat quiet. I noticed as he looked around the room that he was just all smiles. He was not even engaging in any conversations, but still had joy in his face just as if he were chatting with someone right next to him.

I did pretty well at Thanksgiving. I had my hard moments with hearing but for the most part I did well, just hopping from one conversation to the next. It was last night when my frustrations reached a peak. After the extended family left, we decided to play Mexican Train (dominoes game). I got the rules down and we started to play. Then things started changing like “you have to cover the double” and then I said, “I don’t want to cover the double, I want to play here.” That kind of started it. By the next few rounds I had one question about the trains and doubles that I was trying to get an answer for, and everyone was telling me answers at the same time. Finally, after much frustration, we got it quiet and my brother-in-law restated why we had to put the trains down if we can’t cover the double and it clicked. I finally got it.

I am not blaming my family…they are not at fault (although we should work on the talking at the same time part). I could have not raised my voice in frustration of not understanding but because often in loud conversations I can’t get my voice heard, I get so used to shouting louder than I should just to be heard. I have always have had that problem. I just want to be heard. But Grandpa’s approach was the complete opposite. He does not shout to be heard, but when he speaks it is sincere and it is heard. So as the family left this morning I reflected on the past few days and how I see myself every time in these situations. I speak loudly before I try to lip read (which is my version of listening); I get angry when I cannot be heard and frustrated when I cannot hear or understand or know what is going on. It is a constant battle, but it is not for Grandpa. He showed me that you can live out James 1:19 and still enjoy life as if I had regular hearing.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

I have tried so hard to live out this verse, but I think it is now time for a new course of action: Be more like Grandpa, because Grandpa is an example of Christ’s love and humility. So thank you Grandpa for the lesson you taught me while you were enjoying your birthday festivities. I love you so much. 🙂

More to come…

5 Comments

Filed under Adjusting to NF2, Books and Movies, Family Times

Tagged as Deaf, family reunions, lessons from grandpa, lip reading, silence, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinner

October 27, 2012 · 6:30 pm

KY Horses.

Hi guys! I thought I would clump all our horse experiences into one post. I also updated the Downtown Lexington, KY post with the pictures.

We saw three main attractions: Old Friends, Kentucky Horse Park, and Keeneland (a race park).

Old Friends, in Georgetown, started as a means to provide care and a home for those Thoroughbred racehorses who are classified as retired (but I like to add– retired racehorse champions.) 🙂 We saw a few of these legend horses and heard all about their past victories and what led them to Old Friends. They were very friendly horses and enjoyed their share of carrots while we listened to the guide. You can read all about the different horses and their stories at their website. (Also note: Their facilities were part of the Seabiscuit extras filming and one of the horses–Popcorn Deelites–was one of the eight horses used as Seabiscuit in the movie). 🙂 http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/

Popcorn Deelites is on the left.

Friday after visiting Old Friends, we went to the Kentucky Horse Park and saw just about everything from equestrian competitions in the distance, to a presentation of world horses, other retired champion horses, the Budweiser team horses getting their baths for being presented at Keeneland races the next day, and the museum all devoted to horse history (very neat to see!) Here is the website: http://kyhorsepark.com/

This horse theme was my favorite. 🙂

On our way out, our last stop was to see Man O’ War’s statue. He is actually buried beneath. On the walk there, they had a bunch of different facts about who his offspring were and what races they won. They also had this sign that said that Man O’ War’s stride was 28ft!!!! It took ten of my strides to make his one. Crazy!!

– – –

We also got to Keeneland: Thoroughbred Racing and Sales. They were having a strand of races from October 5th until today. When we first walked in, it was a zoo and we were very under dressed for the occasion (but I did bring my big white hat). 🙂 Have you ever seen Dreamer? The movie was filmed at Keeneland. When you walk it, you recognize it. They have this open area with circle fences and right before a race, the horses are brought out and shown to the people then the jockeys get on and get set out towards the track. We walked in the entrance to the race building right when everyone was putting in their bids at the cash office part and it was so crowded we hardly made it out to see the race. We somehow managed to get to an area where we were right next to the fence so we could see pretty good once we claimed our spot. We also were right in the back of all the horse winner’s pictures as the horses would come and go right at the spot where we were. It was neat to watch all the different aspects of the race…very complicated process again. I felt like I was in a different world! 🙂

During a little intermission presentation, we saw (a) the Budweiser horse team (and Dalmatians) that we had seen the previous day at the KY Horse Park, and (b) a presentation for the disabled jockey foundation. Later when my sister looked on the website that night, we are in the picture. 😀 See if you can spot us…I have my hat on!

http://www.keeneland.com/sites/default/files/shared/6448/PDJFpresentationKLD61.jpg

I am glad to report there were no accidents during the race! 🙂 It was a fun time seeing this sport, as I really went into the weekend not knowing much about horses except being thrown off one by our pony when I was eight. I guess that is why these majestic creatures intimidate me, but they were amazing to watch!

This guy had a cool job: He blew the horn as the horses were about to come on the track.

And their off!!

“Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!!!!” ~Roy Rogers

1 Comment

Filed under Family Times

Tagged as horses, Keeneland, Kentucky, Kentucky Horse Park, legendary race horses, Old Friends

October 24, 2012 · 11:59 pm

Downtown Lextington, KY.

Our trip to KY inspired me to get back reading in the subject none other than history! 😀 I never realized that Kentucky was so historical. Take Lexington for example. Lexington was named after the first American Revolution battle: Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. I read that soldiers were camped out in the area (of KY) and heard the news of the start of the battle, and so decided to name their camp “Lexington” in honor of the battle. History did not stop there, but why bore you with facts? I will just tell you stories of what we saw and experienced in four days.

The first night we got to Lexington, we went to a place called Victorian Square. It was built in the 1880’s. It now hosts a variety of shops and dining all under one roof. A very spectacular way to preserve the old buildings and history there.

We walked to the Convention Center, which is right behind Triangle Park. The waterfall there is very unique! It runs from April until the temperatures freeze. It was a freezing night as we walked all around downtown Lexington but I’m glad it was not “freezing” freezing temperature. 😉

We then ventured to Thoroughbred Park to see the sculptures of “legendary” horses and historical markers of the people behind the legend horses. I was ~~sort of~~ shocked to see Bing Crosby on one land marker. Very interesting. Most names I did not recognize but a few I did…same with the horses. There are so many names of when speaking of the horses, but a few you hear over and over such as Lexington (the horse), Seabiscuit, Secretariat, and of course, the legend–Man 0′ War. The Thoroughbred Park was just the first hint of my realization of how complicated and fascinating the breeding and training process of race horses really is!!! I think I found a new area of interest to study this winter. 🙂

As we walked back to the main section of Lexington–by this time my feet were freezing and my hands were so cold they could hardly move–we passed by the First National Bank, which I read was the highest building from Cincinnati to Atlanta during the year of 1914. It was/is 14 stories high. Now seeing a 14 story building against the 5/3 bank right behind…seems a little tiny. 🙂 We also stopped in at the public library–VERY COOL!!!!!!!! 😀

(Inside the library)

We finally made our way back to the Victorian Square area and ate at a cafe/restaurant called “Shakespeare & Co.” Very lively, quaint decor and seating and excellent food/service. We ate out on the patio and they had these lamps that heated the area. I was freezing when I first sat down, and sweating when I left. 😀

And that was our first few hours in Lexington. 🙂 I am sorry, but my pictures are not cooperating, so I will post what I have, then add pictures when I can get them uploaded. So, I will sign off. My doctor appointments are tomorrow, so I will keep you posted on the MRI results.

[Uploaded pictures October 26, 2012]

2 Comments

Filed under Family Times

Tagged as historical places, history, horse racing, horses, Kentucky, Lexington

October 15, 2012 · 11:59 pm

God Knows.

One of my favorite singers is Nancy Honeytree. I don’t remember this too well, but the story goes that my parents went to one of her concerts back when I was about 2 years old or so. They put me in the nursery and set out to enjoy the concert. I am not sure if they were told or if it was a mother’s instinct, but when they came back to check on me I had been SCREAMING my head off. They decided to give me a try at the concert and as soon as Honeytree restarted her set, I sat silent enjoying the music. 🙂 It didn’t stop there…I sang her songs in church when I was in kindergarten; I listened to her cassette tapes when I was in elementary school; and my parents gave me her “Every Single Day/Best of Honeytree Classics” CD in high school for my birthday. I must say that it is one of my all-time favorite cd’s, ever!

Honeytree has a song titled, “Diamond in the Rough.” Up until last week, the song has not really come into my head that often and I am not sure why it did come, but I think that was God’s timing. I had just ended three and a half years of work with a company and feeling at loss for what comes next. I take pride in my work and want to do my share for a living, but I never thought that I would just be without a job. It was my choice to leave and it was a hard decision to make…but when the door closes in one area, God can open another. I just have to trust God with that promise.

Don’t give up, no matter what you do…

Your God isn’t through with you;

Someday you will be a polished living stone

Though now you are a diamond in the rough.

I am learning that life is work…whether you get paid for it or whether you volunteer, or how you spend your time otherwise. Friend and family relationships take work. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise takes work. Learning new things takes work. Loving, forgiving, serving–takes work. My relationship with God takes work. I think I get so caught up in thinking that “work” is only associated with making money that I got upset at the thought of not making anymore. I felt like a quitter…a lazy person…weak (more in the pride), vulnerable and unsure of my abilities.

Don’t give in, not even if you sin;

Just cast all your cares on Him.

Someday you will be a polished living stone

Though now you are a diamond in the rough.

One week out of work and I have been on a roller coaster of trying to manage my time and energy on getting things done counter with relaxing and enjoying my time. I started a few new books and a devotional and felt pretty sure of myself by the weekend. I traveled with my parents to see my Grandparents/aunt and uncle. I got to chat with my aunt during a short drive to and from places. I just sort of rambled about health and being out of work and then honestly said how I was feeling stuck in a few areas of my life, mostly because my relationship with God is distant. I said, “I don’t really know where this is going.” And she said, “God knows.”

Love your neighbor as you love yourself,

But you must learn to love yourself.

—

Esteem your brother higher, higher than yourself

But you must first esteem yourself.

I must also work on seeing past my limitations. God sees possibilities. Most of my reasons for leaving work were due to physical limitations. It is hard to see what I can do in sight of another job. It reminds me of when Jesus called his disciples, specifically Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20). They were fisherman…not scribes, not priests, not anyone of significance and yet God saw possibilities for His kingdom though their lives. They were not perfect and had lots to learn, but God used them. That is the beauty of being a diamond in the rough.

There are times when I am tempted-

To turn off this rugged road I travel on.

There are times when I say, ‘Jesus, can’t you find another girl to sing your song?’

Well, I know that I’m not the only one

Who can sing this melody.

But He’s chosen me to bless me

And to bring me into what is best for me.*

References:

Honeytree. “Diamond in the Rough.” Melodies in Me. Myrrh Records, 1978.

*Honeytree. “Live for Jesus.” Maranatha Marathon. Myrrh Records, 1979.

2 Comments

Filed under Adjusting to NF2, Family Times, Random

Tagged as finding a job, God's calling, Nancy Honeytree, possibilities, work

October 3, 2012 · 12:15 am

Everything Pumpkin.

At work I see new and interesting things. Yesterday, I saw a few new things containing the pumpkin flavor: Yoplait’s Light yogurt flavored pumpkin pie and Pop Tarts flavored pumpkin pie. I like the pumpkin flavor!!! This morning I had a Crimson Cup Coffee flavored Pumpkin with Carmel Pecan at Beans and Cream. It was so sweet. Might be just one of those I have once, because I could hardly finish it. Of course, there is always a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. 🙂 Both amazing, but sweet!

Pumpkin. The word is a typical connotation for carving creepy faces at Halloween or yummy pie at Thanksgiving. In my thinking, I asked my mom a question: Why do we only eat pumpkin in the Fall? There are frozen pumpkin pies all year round in the freezer section, yet I see no one buying them. Interesting. I know that, obviously, they grow in gardens during the summer–thus being available fresh produce in the fall season–but there are endless amounts of canned pumpkins in the grocery store, yet we don’t buy any. Isn’t that a strange habit. I would venture to say it is cultural…like it follows holidays and tradition more than just buying it on an everyday basis. Except, I could rule out dogs. People buy cans of pumpkin for their dogs, because it is supposed to be good for their digestive system (but please talk to your veterinarian before you load your dog with good fiber. 🙂 )

Do you like pumpkins? I decided to write down all my favorite things associated with pumpkins: Pumpkin pies, frozen pumpkin pie (scrumptious!!!); “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” [you can watch clippings on YouTube or you can easily find it in stores at this time of year]; fall decorations with pumpkins. I think I might attempt to paint something fall-ish with a big pumpkin somewhere in the midst of it. I would rather paint something creative with fall colors than carve. Last time I carved a pumpkin, my sister and I had to rotate shifts. Carving is not so easy on big pumpkins. But it was fun and it turned out well, not to mention, the seeds are quite the treat!!! 😀 Note the lack of top teeth was my carving abilities. 🙂

I also love walking through pumpkin patches! Each pumpkin is so unique!! In college, there was always a little patch on the corner of the block where campus ended. It started around this time of year and lasted a few weeks. It was used to profit the food banks with the donations received. It was also in college that my freshman dorm carved pumpkins and set them outside for display. One of my friends carved the state of Texas, since she was from there. I go to class and come back to find an upside down ice cream cone melting inside the heart of Texas. 🙂 I have no doubt it was a joke from our brother dorm. It seemed to be an ongoing thing the whole year. I must say my freshman year was a good one! 🙂

There is a dairy farm the next town over who launches an annual event: Pumpkin Chunkin. Pretty hilarious!!

If you want more information regarding that event, click here: http://youngsdairy.com/pumpkin-chunkin/. Of course I think Cinderella’s fairy godmother had more in mind than the above picture for a stagecoach. A pumpkin was the first thing she suggested to complete her magic in preparation for the ball. Talk about a sweet ride! 😉

Speaking of sweet: there is pumpkin flavored candles (that smell sweet), pumpkin shaped candy corn, and pumpkin bread. Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin. There is so much to like about it. What is your favorite thing about pumpkins?

P.S. Check out this blog all devoted to pumpkins. You will find great recipies, food products and unique things. http://www.scottsevener.com/pumpkin/

Three-Day Weekend

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share with you some exciting and random news about my three-day weekend! Thursday evening I painted three boards all sized 12 by 12 for the Yellow Springs’ Village Artisans–Dare 2B Square–event taking place the whole month of October. Here is how it works: All artists paint (or whatever media they choose) on 12 by 12 sized boards. All the boards are hung at the Village Artisans location for the month of October. 🙂 They are for display and for sale. If you are in the area and would like to see Yellow Springs and the Village Artisans displays (really amazing artwork from local artists) here is their website. It is a really neat place. Yellow Springs is very artsy. If that is a word. 🙂

http://www.shopvillageartisans.com/

I submitted my work to Yellow Springs on Friday and came home to continue finishing two more paintings for the coffee shop, Beans and Cream, located in Cedarville. My paintings will be on display and for sale the month of October there as well. If you came to the Art on the Lawn on August 10th, you will notice much of the same paintings. I had hoped to get a few more new paintings in place, but time/energy did not permit. I am very thankful for Beans and Cream (and Village Artisans) for giving me the opportunity to submit my paintings for the entire month. I find that an exciting opportunity!! If you are interested in viewing my paintings at Beans and Cream, here is their website:

http://www.beans-n-cream.com/

Speaking of coffee shops, my dad and I celebrated National Coffee Day (yesterday) for some coffee/pastries/chat sort of morning. It was a great time! What? You don’t believe me when I say National Coffee Day?? 🙂 Coffee lovers: it is true! A holiday devoted to the love of coffee. 🙂 Still don’t believe me? Just google “National Coffee Day.” Be amazed. I thought it was so cool, plus I wanted to hang out with my dad so that is what we did!

We also got a chance to have a picnic dinner with my mom and sister that evening. We went to a state park nearby and enjoyed the beauty of the fresh fall colors! There is still a lot of green on the trees, so the peak is yet to come!! 🙂 And today, was a bit of relaxing and getting things done. What a beautiful day it was though! Can you believe the month of October is already here?? Wow! I look forward to October…

More to come!

1st and 10.

I must say this football season is unlike any other I have seen yet. Let’s just say WOW, and if you don’t follow the train of thought…no need. You might be saving yourself from Sunday afternoons full of yelling at the television screen. Football brings out the Dark Side of the Force in me; so yesterday I just shut the TV off and went upstairs to hang out with my family as they were all sitting in the living room reading and being studious! 😀 Of course, I had to give them a five-minute “touchdown” of my frustrations–which ended up giving me a few laughs. Today, I am sure the sports channels like ESPN were an endless discussion of stats, reruns of plays, analogies and the controversies…but tonight I want to take you back to a time where none of that mattered. The pros have to start somewhere: that is right. High School! (Technically junior high, but in this case, I start at high school!)

The town I grew up in was small, but second largest in the area. Truly amazing to say that I knew everyone in my high school. None of my roommates in college related to that aspect. Small towns meant that most of the shops in town were closed by 5pm for the day, so there was no problem getting the town together for a 7pm football game! The band was there, junior class selling concessions for their spring prom, rival team fans sat on the bleachers across the field. Finding friends to sit next to was not a hard issue; Most often you could share a blanket in the stands and “huddle” together to keep warm. (HAHA. The puns are getting to me!!) The home crowds stands and cheers as the team runs out of the locker room, which was from the gym that faced the field. Usually a student or the band played the National Anthem and then the announcers start their introductions. At the time, football games could just not get any better!

However, even high schools have their own set of controversies. Coming into my freshman year, being a newbies on the cross-country team meant that my sister and I did not realize the drifts between the football team and the cross-country team. Playful teasing went as followed: some football player pokes fun at our team running outfits, some cross-country runner pokes fun at their helmets (and the fact that on game days they “run”–aka jog–five minutes on main street with their helmets on…never understood that one); football players return the joke with our “team structure”, in return our team pokes fun at the way they say running 10 yards is hard. On and on…just little things that I had never thought about before that would seem to another team so weird.

Well, pride kicked in and I was ready to defend cross-country for all it’s worth. So that Labor Day, my sister and I made our own football outfits and went to the school to take some pictures. My mom did the photos. What ended up being “the ultimate comeback” turned out to be so hilarious, we just about died laughing on the field. A good high school memory for sure!!! Our team thought it was great too. I am not sure the football players even ever saw the pictures! 🙂