I hate it when bloggers are away for a while and they spend post upon post informing readers of why they have been absent. So I'll try not to do that.
I've missed reading your goings on and plan to get back to it soon.
I've been feeling stressed lately--that unpinpointable tinge of anxious space in the brain that causes tension and general discomfort. I have an idea what could be causing it but I need to step back into Gropius space. The agitation is most likely stemming from disturbances related to situations encompassing prolonged uncertainty. Is that sufficiently vague?
We all occupy a place in which little is certain but we have varying degrees of feeling in control. When that tilts to feeling out of control, anxiety can rear up like Beaucephalus. I realize it's all a continuum. And it's all a matter of perception. The truth is, we're largely at the mercy of circumstance and grace all of the time.
Aside from that, D-Man has endured an extended period of being grounded due to continued inappropriate antics. Therefore, he is physically and emotionally clinging to every bit of personal space we have at home. We enjoy bonding time, but constant ADHD in every crevice of one's life can inflame traces of unrest and take my level of (already) diminishing calm to new drought levels.
In brighter more materialistic news, I finally caved in and purchased an iPhone. I love it and am trying to explore all elements of its functionality before becoming addicted to it. Naturally, my favorite aspect is the Audubon of Florida birding application, allowing me to peruse color photos, vocalizations, ranges and descriptions of Florida birds while on the go. It even allows me to photograph and catalog my own pictures of each species, right where they belong.
We did bikes for Christmas this year. My new two wheeled explorations of the always lovely Robinson Preserve have been fantastic. And while I've been thrilled to see so many people there, I'm longing to reclaim quiet mornings there where I can enjoy it without having to run into what seems like hundreds of others---with dogs, kids, strollers and on bikes, roller blades, etc.
I continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude in the midst of so much suffering in the local and world wide spectrum. To have a meaningful job, to have a family, good health, sweet Flanders in senior stride, dependable friends....all of these things are incredible blessings. And they make my stress seem silly.
I'm hoping your year is off to a good start and I'm looking forward to catching up on your posts.
Showing posts with label recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recommendations. Show all posts
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Not on the Cheerleading Team
Tonight at the Girls, Inc. fundraiser we heard the story of a girl in the program who had tried out for the cheerleading team at school but didn't make it.
When asked if she was doing okay with it all, the girl replied, "Yes, I'm just fine. I guess they don't deserve to have me on the team."
At Girls, Inc., she's learned not to let her confidence get shaken or her inner being diminished by any outside circumstance. That's pretty cool.
And it's something we could all remind ourselves of at times.
When asked if she was doing okay with it all, the girl replied, "Yes, I'm just fine. I guess they don't deserve to have me on the team."
At Girls, Inc., she's learned not to let her confidence get shaken or her inner being diminished by any outside circumstance. That's pretty cool.
And it's something we could all remind ourselves of at times.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Becoming My Grandmother
I'll never forget the fateful trip to Greenville, North Carolina for my parents' high school reunion.
I was in elementary school, probably in 6th grade, and that would have placed my brother in 3rd grade. I had been dying to see Dirty Dancing of course. With my parents gone for the evening, it was the perfect opportunity for Grandmother to take us to the movies. The two hours we would spend together with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey would form the basis for a lifetime of hilarity.
Not believing the "dirty" dancing scenes of Dirty Dancing proved to be the tip of the proverbial iceberg. After that, there were other things to worry about, like sex. The line my grandmother uttered loud enough for everyone in three rows to hear has lived on in stories ever since...
(Say in deep Southern accent) "If there is one more suggestive scene, we are leaving this theater!"
I remember silence on the way home. The next day was filled just as much with talk of who was fat, who never married, etc. as it was filled with Grandmother uttering her disbelief at the inappropriateness of Dirty Dancing. Grandmother wasn't the type to keep bringing something up, but you could tell it continued to bother her.
Fast forward 23 years, and I am becoming my Grandmother.
I literally cannot believe the crap in movies "these days." (Ah yes, another Grandmother phrase.) And it's nothing that enhances the plot. The rampant violence, sex, disgusting language (not used a few times for emphasis, but in literally every other line) are unbearable. Most of it is senseless--there's literally no reason for it.
We took the D-Man (now 14) with us to see a PG-13 film recently, and among other things I would have chosen not to expose D-Man to, I counted at least 5 references to oral sex in the language. Everyone laughed, and while that may be okay for adult humor, is that something you want to hear your 14 year old laughing at?! I was completely embarrassed and in the spirit of Grandmother almost stood up and shouted, "If there is one more reference to oral sex, we are leaving this theatre!"
I felt like a terrible parent for not checking out the movie more thoroughly before going. It's not that I'm living in a freaking box. But I am ultra-sensitive to the fact that what is portrayed on television and in movies is perceived as "the norm" and "acceptable" by young audiences. That's how behavior is modeled, and of course, it's what's cool.
He needs to know all about sex, drugs, alcohol, and to a greater extent, he'll be making decisions about those things on a regular basis. But seeing them treated so irreverently in movies doesn't contribute to the cause.
D-Man wants to go to a PG-13 movie with his friend today, and of course I'm thinking "Today's PG-13 is like way beyond what would have been in the last decade's rated R. What the heck is in this film?"
I just found a website called Parent Previews, and although I'm not interested in someone else's judgement on what's appropriate and what's not, each movie review lists explicit details about each occurrence of violence, sex, reference to sex and language. I love it because it gives me the chance to make the call--not who is rating movies.
If you have a teen or tween at home, it's a great resource. Even if you want to see if you should waste your money on a movie full of crap just for the heck of it (not because it's part of a compelling story), you should check it out too. http://www.parentpreviews.com/
Sadly, I may have never seen Dirty Dancing if Al Gore was quicker to invent the Internet and spread it around virally back in the late '80's. Grandmother would be writing those reviews herself. I'd hate to see her face if she saw what our middle school audiences were exposed to now.
I was in elementary school, probably in 6th grade, and that would have placed my brother in 3rd grade. I had been dying to see Dirty Dancing of course. With my parents gone for the evening, it was the perfect opportunity for Grandmother to take us to the movies. The two hours we would spend together with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey would form the basis for a lifetime of hilarity.
Not believing the "dirty" dancing scenes of Dirty Dancing proved to be the tip of the proverbial iceberg. After that, there were other things to worry about, like sex. The line my grandmother uttered loud enough for everyone in three rows to hear has lived on in stories ever since...
(Say in deep Southern accent) "If there is one more suggestive scene, we are leaving this theater!"
I remember silence on the way home. The next day was filled just as much with talk of who was fat, who never married, etc. as it was filled with Grandmother uttering her disbelief at the inappropriateness of Dirty Dancing. Grandmother wasn't the type to keep bringing something up, but you could tell it continued to bother her.
Fast forward 23 years, and I am becoming my Grandmother.
I literally cannot believe the crap in movies "these days." (Ah yes, another Grandmother phrase.) And it's nothing that enhances the plot. The rampant violence, sex, disgusting language (not used a few times for emphasis, but in literally every other line) are unbearable. Most of it is senseless--there's literally no reason for it.
We took the D-Man (now 14) with us to see a PG-13 film recently, and among other things I would have chosen not to expose D-Man to, I counted at least 5 references to oral sex in the language. Everyone laughed, and while that may be okay for adult humor, is that something you want to hear your 14 year old laughing at?! I was completely embarrassed and in the spirit of Grandmother almost stood up and shouted, "If there is one more reference to oral sex, we are leaving this theatre!"
I felt like a terrible parent for not checking out the movie more thoroughly before going. It's not that I'm living in a freaking box. But I am ultra-sensitive to the fact that what is portrayed on television and in movies is perceived as "the norm" and "acceptable" by young audiences. That's how behavior is modeled, and of course, it's what's cool.
He needs to know all about sex, drugs, alcohol, and to a greater extent, he'll be making decisions about those things on a regular basis. But seeing them treated so irreverently in movies doesn't contribute to the cause.
D-Man wants to go to a PG-13 movie with his friend today, and of course I'm thinking "Today's PG-13 is like way beyond what would have been in the last decade's rated R. What the heck is in this film?"
I just found a website called Parent Previews, and although I'm not interested in someone else's judgement on what's appropriate and what's not, each movie review lists explicit details about each occurrence of violence, sex, reference to sex and language. I love it because it gives me the chance to make the call--not who is rating movies.
If you have a teen or tween at home, it's a great resource. Even if you want to see if you should waste your money on a movie full of crap just for the heck of it (not because it's part of a compelling story), you should check it out too. http://www.parentpreviews.com/
Sadly, I may have never seen Dirty Dancing if Al Gore was quicker to invent the Internet and spread it around virally back in the late '80's. Grandmother would be writing those reviews herself. I'd hate to see her face if she saw what our middle school audiences were exposed to now.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Twitter, The Majestic Plastic Bag & Birds and Bunnies Environmentalism
One of my favorite aspects of Twitter is its use as a quick source of news, updates and information about the issues that are important to me. If you follow organizations and news sources that understand how to use Twitter, you get a constant stream of links to breaking stories, articles and media that are useful and thought-provoking. I use it a lot at work to stay on top of nonprofit trends and resources.
Anyway, Audubon of California just tweeted a link to this video called "The Majestic Plastic Bag: A Mockumentary." It follows the personified life of a plastic bag and it's migration. We follow it floating about in the breeze through parking lots and parks, down sewage drains, down a river and into the ocean. You can see the path of destruction as it makes its way to the Pacific Garbage Patch, this massive collection of crap--plastic, sludge, waste, etc.-- that's come together through ocean currents off the west coast of the US.
When I first heard about this a few years ago, I thought it was another Snopes story. But apparently, it's the size of Texas (perhaps even larger) and is estimated to contain millions of tons of trash.
We have plenty of reusable grocery bags, and most of the time these days, I actually remember to bring them with me to the store. But even those bags have a limited life and are made of materials that require processing and consume resources. The bottom line is that I need to consume less altogether.
I had this great environmental politics professor when I was at the University of Florida. He referred to "Birds and Bunnies Environmentalism" when he talked about this very American view that we can still consume the same amount of stuff and it will all be okay because of new scientific advances, technology and recycling. We all tend to forget (myself included) the "reduce" and the "reuse" parts. It involves a culture change. And that takes time. I just wonder how much time we really have before we've screwed things up so much they can't be repaired.
Interesting...this cycle of consumption beyond our means and beyond what earth can support is also causing the breakdown of our economy.
If you have 3 minutes, the "Mockumentary" is a cleverly written and filmed video (very funny too)....although for some reason, it's stretching waaay across my blog.
Anyway, Audubon of California just tweeted a link to this video called "The Majestic Plastic Bag: A Mockumentary." It follows the personified life of a plastic bag and it's migration. We follow it floating about in the breeze through parking lots and parks, down sewage drains, down a river and into the ocean. You can see the path of destruction as it makes its way to the Pacific Garbage Patch, this massive collection of crap--plastic, sludge, waste, etc.-- that's come together through ocean currents off the west coast of the US.
When I first heard about this a few years ago, I thought it was another Snopes story. But apparently, it's the size of Texas (perhaps even larger) and is estimated to contain millions of tons of trash.
We have plenty of reusable grocery bags, and most of the time these days, I actually remember to bring them with me to the store. But even those bags have a limited life and are made of materials that require processing and consume resources. The bottom line is that I need to consume less altogether.
I had this great environmental politics professor when I was at the University of Florida. He referred to "Birds and Bunnies Environmentalism" when he talked about this very American view that we can still consume the same amount of stuff and it will all be okay because of new scientific advances, technology and recycling. We all tend to forget (myself included) the "reduce" and the "reuse" parts. It involves a culture change. And that takes time. I just wonder how much time we really have before we've screwed things up so much they can't be repaired.
Interesting...this cycle of consumption beyond our means and beyond what earth can support is also causing the breakdown of our economy.
If you have 3 minutes, the "Mockumentary" is a cleverly written and filmed video (very funny too)....although for some reason, it's stretching waaay across my blog.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Alive
Yesterday morning I went to Emerson Point Preserve, one of my favorite places in Manatee County. Laced with enchanted mangrove trails along the Terra Ceia Bay, a view of the grand Skyway Bridge in the distance and an upland trail through a transitioning habitat, it's diverse and full of subjects for any inspired photographer. I didn't bring my camera yesterday. I'm glad I didn't. I was able to focus on all the senses, and found some extraordinary things.
The night before we were fortunate to get drenched with a heavy storm. When the rain hits and soaks in, the world rejoices. Emerson was alive with sounds, smells and colors. Everything looked so bright.
Seven Roseate Spoonbills stood on the side of a shrinking pond that still didn't get nearly enough water to restore the normal levels. Tracks from a wandering armadillo were clear enough to observe from dig to dig, where it had scraped a string of three inch holes searching for a tasty dinner, each laced with a thin line from its receding tail.
Recently the upland trail had been burned. Prescribed fire is a popular habitat management tool here in Florida, where invasive plants are destroyed and pine flatwoods are stopped from the process of succession to hardwood hammocks. Because of the rain, the smell of the burned earth was ripe again, and filled my nose with the scent of a raging campfire the morning after. Beautiful.
The wild limes, a native plant which doesn't actually bear limes, were blooming with clusters of tiny flowers. As I approached each wild lime, a sound like a muffled airstrip grew louder. Hundreds and hundreds of bees were pollinating them, and no matter how close I got, it wasn't close enough to disturb them from their deliberate work of working the small blossoms. Incredible.
I love how the world becomes even more alive after the rain. Although I'm not sure if the plants and creatures are sure of what they're missing, when it comes, they buzz with gratitude and celebration.
The night before we were fortunate to get drenched with a heavy storm. When the rain hits and soaks in, the world rejoices. Emerson was alive with sounds, smells and colors. Everything looked so bright.
Seven Roseate Spoonbills stood on the side of a shrinking pond that still didn't get nearly enough water to restore the normal levels. Tracks from a wandering armadillo were clear enough to observe from dig to dig, where it had scraped a string of three inch holes searching for a tasty dinner, each laced with a thin line from its receding tail.
Recently the upland trail had been burned. Prescribed fire is a popular habitat management tool here in Florida, where invasive plants are destroyed and pine flatwoods are stopped from the process of succession to hardwood hammocks. Because of the rain, the smell of the burned earth was ripe again, and filled my nose with the scent of a raging campfire the morning after. Beautiful.
The wild limes, a native plant which doesn't actually bear limes, were blooming with clusters of tiny flowers. As I approached each wild lime, a sound like a muffled airstrip grew louder. Hundreds and hundreds of bees were pollinating them, and no matter how close I got, it wasn't close enough to disturb them from their deliberate work of working the small blossoms. Incredible.
I love how the world becomes even more alive after the rain. Although I'm not sure if the plants and creatures are sure of what they're missing, when it comes, they buzz with gratitude and celebration.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Three More Chunks of Inspiration
So the presentation of the 10 slides that inspire me on Friday night at the Art Center was an interesting test of timing. The shows were pre-timed so that we had exactly 30 seconds to talk about each one--no more, no less. Loved the challenge!
Here are several more inspirations I shared. If you're good enough to leave a comment, tell me three things that inspire you--could be people, actions, places, ideas--anything!
Remember Bob Ross, the wet-on-wet oil painter from PBS? What an inspiration he was for me as a young artist. To this day, I'm not sure how much of my love for him was the painting and how much was the calm, soothing voice of caring in his narration of the process.
When I had the opportunity to meet him after a painting demonstration in Charlotte, he remarked in that same genuine kindness how nice it was for him to meet young painters. Bob stayed until he had spoken personally with each and every one of the people who stayed to meet him. Bob died of cancer in his mid 50's. I never knew he was sick until I heard he passed away.
This photograph courtesy of Getty Images was taken of slums in India. It's inspiring for me because it reminds me that I'm a minority in this world--I don't live in poverty. It's easy to take green space, food, resources for granted when you've been surrounded by them during every part of your life. Keeping this image in mind reminds me to be grateful for this rare abundance. I think about this a lot and hope I give back enough to earn the privileged place I hold. I am so thankful for what I have...and for what I do not have to worry about on a daily basis.
Photography inspires me. I took this image at Hillsborough River State Park, surrounded by infinite details of color, light and texture in a backdrop of green. Photography makes me slow down and take note of the little things, the beauty we often walk past. I used to be the program director of a nature center and it drove me crazy to hear people coming back from their walks, talking about how "we didn't seen anything." They were hoping for an otter or a bobcat and didn't notice the abundance of beauty all around them. So sad. I love that taking pictures keeps me focused on the extraordinary in the ordinary. It's there for all of us.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sanibel Treasures
My only hesitation in another beach posting is that readers who aren't from Florida get the shore stereotype reinforced. So I'll preface the sandy photos with a comment that there are many treasured ecosystems in our state--from pine flatwoods to cypress hammocks, saltwater marshes to turkey oak sandhills. It's a beautiful state.
So that said, let's give it a whirl. Here are some photos of the beautiful, untained-by-oil beaches of Sanibel Island. Get there if you can. It hasn't been spoiled...yet. I'm praying for it.
A frothy surf glides over thousands of years of broken shells and sand leaving a few delicate bubbles--
not to be confused with those hideous Bubble Room bubbles.
A Florida fighting conch's egg case sits on the sand with glimmers of salty film. Damn, laying that many eggs must suck.
White ibises, one adult and one immature, harvest tiny mollusks from the sand. These guys have it right. Never understand the ones you see in urban yards and retention ponds behind big box retailers. What are they THINKING?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Amazing People & Programs Make This World Go Round
When you consider special and underserved people and places needing someone to speak for them, nonprofit organizations are always there to make voices heard. Thank you for sharing so many organizations and missions with me through your comments. In my daily work, I get to learn about and work with local nonprofits all over my area, but I seldom get to learn about your personal charitable passions.
The random number generator spit out 2 for me, which means that Poindexter's nonprofit, Camp for All, will get a $20 donation from Gropius. The impressive program of this camp for special needs children and adults is one she's witnessed first-hand.
Camp For All works in partnership with other nonprofits to provide self-esteem, self-awareness and independence to special needs kids and adults through participation in recreational, therapeutic and educational programs. The camp provides a fully-accessible environment with no barriers, tailored to meet the needs of diverse campers.
I don't always remember how fortunate I am to be free from disease and to have full use of my body. I guarantee I wouldn't forget to be grateful if someone in my household had physical limitations. It's odd that so many of us grow up without a single noticeable impact from genetics or accidents-- with so many things left to chance in our development and our environment, it wouldn't seem we could all be so lucky.
When I think of those who do have special needs, I have a great respect for what they do and accomplish in spite of the world not being quite as easy to navigate. It's wonderful to know a camp like this exists to make kids and adults feel uninhibited and as part of a caring, empowered group! Thanks for passing it along, Poindexter.
The random number generator spit out 2 for me, which means that Poindexter's nonprofit, Camp for All, will get a $20 donation from Gropius. The impressive program of this camp for special needs children and adults is one she's witnessed first-hand.
Camp For All works in partnership with other nonprofits to provide self-esteem, self-awareness and independence to special needs kids and adults through participation in recreational, therapeutic and educational programs. The camp provides a fully-accessible environment with no barriers, tailored to meet the needs of diverse campers.
I don't always remember how fortunate I am to be free from disease and to have full use of my body. I guarantee I wouldn't forget to be grateful if someone in my household had physical limitations. It's odd that so many of us grow up without a single noticeable impact from genetics or accidents-- with so many things left to chance in our development and our environment, it wouldn't seem we could all be so lucky.
When I think of those who do have special needs, I have a great respect for what they do and accomplish in spite of the world not being quite as easy to navigate. It's wonderful to know a camp like this exists to make kids and adults feel uninhibited and as part of a caring, empowered group! Thanks for passing it along, Poindexter.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Making Your Mark with Big Pranks
For whatever reason, most adults do not enjoy---or find acceptable---even the most thoughtfully crafted, well-meaning prank. That's unfortunate. I often dream about how to creatively get a surprise out of someone without actually causing any harm.
It's just so easy to imagine how nice a steaming pile of excrement might look in a certain locale. Or how funny an anonymous e-mail containing some speck of racy information could be to a certain deserving individual.
...Hmmm, maybe those aren’t pranks but something else more sinister?
It's all about how you brand it, right? Not so with me. I always got busted for anything. The little mischievous behavior I engaged in, I got called out for. It just works that way with some people…and for whatever reason, that includes me. Call it instant karma.
Growing up, I was always amazed at how our asinine neighbors got away with bloody murder. One day they ran around the house and coated every external doorknob with Vaseline. You obviously didn't see the slime coating until you’re reached for it. And sadly, we opened more than one door before conducting a full environmental scan. (Think about it…you’re just so angry after the first one, you run the next with such a mad eagerness to get inside you do it again. I'm sure you could hear "Goddamn it!" several miles away.)
On another occasion, the oldest and most physically unattractive of the three boys (who was in high school at the time) came to the door offering a plate of crackers to my mother. They were filled with a mysterious paste--toothpaste to be exact. Did we try one? HELLO. Of course not. it was just a little too suspicious. I did give the boy credit. It was probably all he could do to arrive with a serious expression of heartfelt kindness.
To this day one of the few things I regret in life is not carrying out a full fledged assault on those boys. The good side of that is that all 4 of us--the 3 neighbors and me--are still alive now. And tomorrow is another day--another chance, if you will. A chance for a big prank, nearly twenty years later.
It's just so easy to imagine how nice a steaming pile of excrement might look in a certain locale. Or how funny an anonymous e-mail containing some speck of racy information could be to a certain deserving individual.
...Hmmm, maybe those aren’t pranks but something else more sinister?
It's all about how you brand it, right? Not so with me. I always got busted for anything. The little mischievous behavior I engaged in, I got called out for. It just works that way with some people…and for whatever reason, that includes me. Call it instant karma.
Growing up, I was always amazed at how our asinine neighbors got away with bloody murder. One day they ran around the house and coated every external doorknob with Vaseline. You obviously didn't see the slime coating until you’re reached for it. And sadly, we opened more than one door before conducting a full environmental scan. (Think about it…you’re just so angry after the first one, you run the next with such a mad eagerness to get inside you do it again. I'm sure you could hear "Goddamn it!" several miles away.)
On another occasion, the oldest and most physically unattractive of the three boys (who was in high school at the time) came to the door offering a plate of crackers to my mother. They were filled with a mysterious paste--toothpaste to be exact. Did we try one? HELLO. Of course not. it was just a little too suspicious. I did give the boy credit. It was probably all he could do to arrive with a serious expression of heartfelt kindness.
To this day one of the few things I regret in life is not carrying out a full fledged assault on those boys. The good side of that is that all 4 of us--the 3 neighbors and me--are still alive now. And tomorrow is another day--another chance, if you will. A chance for a big prank, nearly twenty years later.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Big Win
I'll preface this post by admitting that for most of my life I a.) hated sports, both playing and watching them; b.) suck at playing any sport; and c.) knew about 2 professional athletes by name.
For whatever reason, that all changed the year the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series. I just clung on to them---the players are all young, (seemingly) wholesome, so eager to win, and extremely likeable. Husband even has a man crush on one of them. So I learned all of their names, the funny little things each of them does while pitching or hitting, and I started loving the game of baseball. It helped tremendously that the Rays team has a strong commitment to community service and actively raises money for and participates in charitable service all over our bay area.
Going to baseball games has become an activity everyone in the fam can enjoy. Last night we had a blast at our first game of the season, and the boys made us proud with a 9-3 win.
Loved watching catcher Jaso enjoy an interview after the game...especially when he was decked with a ginormous whipped creme pie.
When they win, the Tropicana Dome is lit up orange as a signal of victory.
And yes, he TOTALLY rocked. He's turning 65 this week, and who would know? His voice, his energy and mastery of the guitar were all impressive in this live show beyond what I could have imagined. He sang basically every Creedence Clearwater Revival hit, left us all wanting more and knowing we witnessed someone who deserved the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame designation for his band in 1993.
Guess what D-Man was doing during much of the game and the show afterward...
For whatever reason, that all changed the year the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series. I just clung on to them---the players are all young, (seemingly) wholesome, so eager to win, and extremely likeable. Husband even has a man crush on one of them. So I learned all of their names, the funny little things each of them does while pitching or hitting, and I started loving the game of baseball. It helped tremendously that the Rays team has a strong commitment to community service and actively raises money for and participates in charitable service all over our bay area.
Going to baseball games has become an activity everyone in the fam can enjoy. Last night we had a blast at our first game of the season, and the boys made us proud with a 9-3 win.
Aren't they adorable? From left: Evan Longoria, Jason Bartlett, Ben Zobrist and Carlos Pena
Oh yes, they also kick serious behind out on the field.
Oh yes, they also kick serious behind out on the field.
Loved watching catcher Jaso enjoy an interview after the game...especially when he was decked with a ginormous whipped creme pie.
When they win, the Tropicana Dome is lit up orange as a signal of victory.
Here's a shot of that from the inside, while we enjoyed an awesome post-game show from legendary rocker John Fogerty.
And yes, he TOTALLY rocked. He's turning 65 this week, and who would know? His voice, his energy and mastery of the guitar were all impressive in this live show beyond what I could have imagined. He sang basically every Creedence Clearwater Revival hit, left us all wanting more and knowing we witnessed someone who deserved the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame designation for his band in 1993.
Guess what D-Man was doing during much of the game and the show afterward...
Good grief, someone save me.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Big Fan
I'm a big fan of...
- People who make me laugh
- Krispie Creme chocolate iced donuts
- Imagination
- Toni Morrison
- U2: any & all, from the old days to the new
- Tampa Bay Rays baseball
- Baskin Robbins chocolate chip ice cream (and milkshakes)
- Saturday afternoons
- The World According to Garp
- Peppermint Mocha
- Honest politicians
- When I can crack myself up with fantasies (see above)
- Good conversation
- People-watching
- Rain
- Making a stand
Monday, March 29, 2010
An Ear Is Better Than A Tongue
I was just thinking today about a powerful realization my friend the Coaching Goddess imparted on me several years ago.
Are you ready? Here it is:
Many times the best thing you can do for anyone is listen. Acknowledge that you hear them. Don't try to fix. Don't try to advise. Don't even try to soothe with sweet nothings. Just listen and let them know you hear them and support them.
Your friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances will figure it out. If they want your thoughts, they'll most likely ask. Listening validates that all is as it should be, installs confidence that the person confiding in you can figure it out, and if they can't, it provides the knowledge indirectly that she can turn to you for an answer or an idea.
So before any reader goes and decides that this post is about you and any bone I have to pick with you, it ISN'T. Promise. Was just thinking about this today and how it uncomplicates relationships, makes them more whole and provides empowerment to both parties in a discussion.
Are you ready? Here it is:
Many times the best thing you can do for anyone is listen. Acknowledge that you hear them. Don't try to fix. Don't try to advise. Don't even try to soothe with sweet nothings. Just listen and let them know you hear them and support them.
Your friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances will figure it out. If they want your thoughts, they'll most likely ask. Listening validates that all is as it should be, installs confidence that the person confiding in you can figure it out, and if they can't, it provides the knowledge indirectly that she can turn to you for an answer or an idea.
So before any reader goes and decides that this post is about you and any bone I have to pick with you, it ISN'T. Promise. Was just thinking about this today and how it uncomplicates relationships, makes them more whole and provides empowerment to both parties in a discussion.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Earth: A powerful image.
It's true. The sight of the Earth from space is one that practically brings a tear to my eye everytime I see it.
If you think I'm a cornball, so be it. But for me, it's an overwhelming image seeing the oneness of our planet's experiences--wrapped up in one package including all of nature, people, continents, weather, atoms forming every material, cells forming every simple and complex organism--as one swirl of blue and green.
It's extremely powerful. I love it. And at times when we seem so diverse in thought, when differences seem to surmount similarity in the human experience, this image brings me back to the reality of what we all share.
From an artistic perspective, this sphere of spectacular color and pattern is simple and complex at once, encapsulating the brush strokes of cloud formations atop massive continents and the reflections of the distant but heavy influence of the sun.
How we can change for the better, open back up to beauty and come back to a single focal point when we observe the brilliance of our world from this point of view!
It's extremely powerful. I love it. And at times when we seem so diverse in thought, when differences seem to surmount similarity in the human experience, this image brings me back to the reality of what we all share.
From an artistic perspective, this sphere of spectacular color and pattern is simple and complex at once, encapsulating the brush strokes of cloud formations atop massive continents and the reflections of the distant but heavy influence of the sun.
How we can change for the better, open back up to beauty and come back to a single focal point when we observe the brilliance of our world from this point of view!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Peerenting
...And while I'm on the subject of parenting, I'll just drop an unpaid advertisement for Modern Family. Husband and I think this show is an absolute riot. It adequately portrays the plight of husband, wife, kids, gay couple raising an adopted daughter, mixed raced couples....everything that exemplifies today's fam. We adore all of the characters. And the show provides such a good laugh, precisely because it's so right on.
In light of Friday night's post, I'd just like to throw this out there for those with kids and those without kids:
Did your mom/dad ever try to play the "friend" role instead of that more formal "parent" role? Did it work? Did you see through it? Do you do this with your kids?
I'm always on Husband to enjoy his relationship with D-Man but to do it less in a "hey, I'm just another one of your buddies" role and more in a "let's have some quality time together but don't talk to me like I'm an abused peer" role.
D-Man is frequently using a new set of words--like "that's so BEAST" to describe coolness and a dramatic "Woooooow" to describe an unfair decision we've made. We've started using them too. Maybe because we know if we do, it may reduce the number of times we hear D-Man say them. It's just not as cool if your parents are saying them.
Enjoy this typical clip from Modern Family on peerenting:
In light of Friday night's post, I'd just like to throw this out there for those with kids and those without kids:
Did your mom/dad ever try to play the "friend" role instead of that more formal "parent" role? Did it work? Did you see through it? Do you do this with your kids?
I'm always on Husband to enjoy his relationship with D-Man but to do it less in a "hey, I'm just another one of your buddies" role and more in a "let's have some quality time together but don't talk to me like I'm an abused peer" role.
D-Man is frequently using a new set of words--like "that's so BEAST" to describe coolness and a dramatic "Woooooow" to describe an unfair decision we've made. We've started using them too. Maybe because we know if we do, it may reduce the number of times we hear D-Man say them. It's just not as cool if your parents are saying them.
Enjoy this typical clip from Modern Family on peerenting:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Urge to Purge
I’ve tried to make a deal with myself this year: whenever I get something new, I have to part with something else, casting it out into the universe of new ownership a la Goodwill or a friend’s open closet.
I’ve done pretty good with this so far. The year hasn’t started on a conservative note in terms of clothes shopping (I say with a grin of enjoyment and triumph). But I’ve managed to clean some stuff out of drawers and closets that I’m obviously holding onto for no good reason. Off you go, polka dotted blouse I could fit into 10 years ago! Good riddance, nearly new dress that now looks like a teen age prom dress to me! Farewell, skirts that now constrict the waste line!
Om…there’s just one problemo. Most of the articles I am purging are being expunged from the wardrobe because I can no longer fit my size 6 largess into the size 4’s. I’m even purging old photos, and in doing so, recently discovered how much I have allowed myself to gain over the last 6 or 7 years. It’s ridiculous.
No doubt the body has changed--okay my body has changed. I used to be able to eat freaking anything and wouldn’t know the difference on a scale. I never owned a scale. Never never.
I wonder if marriage is part of the culprit too. In a way, it’s nice to know that your mate loves you and approves of you no matter what. (I’m not complaining about that…Husband is truly a kind, complimentary and appreciative partner.) In another, I realize all of the energy I once expended on remaining sharp looking for the potential Prince Charming is now used for something else. Like laundry. I simply don’t have to worry about having such a tight behind. But I really do. ...For my own sense of not feeling so “ten days older than water”-like.
So in exchange for my “new” awareness, I’m going to try and dump some bad habits and get at least somewhat closer to my original size. Purging is not and never will be a smart, healthy or self-caring way to lose excess poundage, so I’ll stick to exercising more and not eating so much shite’. Yes, even a vegetarian can have too much junk food.
I did take one step by vowing not to eat out in the month of February. I’ll let you know how I’m doing on that one soon. It’s been a truly enlightening experience.
What are you gaining & dropping this year?
I’ve done pretty good with this so far. The year hasn’t started on a conservative note in terms of clothes shopping (I say with a grin of enjoyment and triumph). But I’ve managed to clean some stuff out of drawers and closets that I’m obviously holding onto for no good reason. Off you go, polka dotted blouse I could fit into 10 years ago! Good riddance, nearly new dress that now looks like a teen age prom dress to me! Farewell, skirts that now constrict the waste line!
Om…there’s just one problemo. Most of the articles I am purging are being expunged from the wardrobe because I can no longer fit my size 6 largess into the size 4’s. I’m even purging old photos, and in doing so, recently discovered how much I have allowed myself to gain over the last 6 or 7 years. It’s ridiculous.
No doubt the body has changed--okay my body has changed. I used to be able to eat freaking anything and wouldn’t know the difference on a scale. I never owned a scale. Never never.
I wonder if marriage is part of the culprit too. In a way, it’s nice to know that your mate loves you and approves of you no matter what. (I’m not complaining about that…Husband is truly a kind, complimentary and appreciative partner.) In another, I realize all of the energy I once expended on remaining sharp looking for the potential Prince Charming is now used for something else. Like laundry. I simply don’t have to worry about having such a tight behind. But I really do. ...For my own sense of not feeling so “ten days older than water”-like.
So in exchange for my “new” awareness, I’m going to try and dump some bad habits and get at least somewhat closer to my original size. Purging is not and never will be a smart, healthy or self-caring way to lose excess poundage, so I’ll stick to exercising more and not eating so much shite’. Yes, even a vegetarian can have too much junk food.
I did take one step by vowing not to eat out in the month of February. I’ll let you know how I’m doing on that one soon. It’s been a truly enlightening experience.
What are you gaining & dropping this year?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Love Inside Three Cups of Tea
I ponder this often. And just finishing Three Cups of Tea, the story of Greg Mortenson and his tireless quest to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, I am thinking of the sacrifices families can make for "the cause."
Greg first became drawn to his life-long quest of delivering education (free from Christian, American or fundamentalist Islamic persuasion) to the children of Pakistan after a failed attempt to summit K-2, the second highest peak in the world. When he could have easily died, a family in the village of Korphe took him in and provided for him--a complete stranger--with precious resources that were scarcely used withing their own circle of need. When he became healthy enough to return to America, Greg promised to return and build a school for their children.
Without financial reserves or knowledge of fundraising, Greg spent the greater part of his time as a single man trying to raise enough awareness and interest in the cause to make his vow a reality. Eventually, he would marry and he succeeded in finding a donor who would not only pay for the school, but who would leave a $1 million legacy to fund schools all over Pakistan, leading to an slow-moving but exponential growth in education, self-sufficiency and stability in the serviced areas.
For me, Greg's story delivered the sort of cultural understanding of that part of the world I have been yearning for. And for anyone who either wants to know more about the land occupied by the Taliban or who tends to brand the entire mid-East with a cloak of terror and extremism, I highly recommend Three Cups of Tea.
Love can be seen in every part of Greg's story, but what was most striking to me is the sense of love and heroism exuded from Tara, Greg's wife. She waited patiently, faithfully and steadfastly at home with her children while her husband stayed away for months on end. She knew how great and important his work was, and she was acutely aware how the future of many rested on his effectiveness to materialize one more building that contained books, teachers and hope. Yet with every departure he made, Tara sacrificed a piece of her own life. Only a tiny part of the book even discussed it, but I am left full of admiration for this silent but equal heroine.
I started thinking about all of the great humanitarians of our age. No matter how the "two loves" can complement one another, there is a conflict among the greatest and most active of social heroes between the love and sense of duty to help your fellow man vs. the love and sense of duty to be with and support your family. With such a dedication of time and the weight of the world on your mind even when you're not on the job, so to speak, it's hard to give yourself completely to your spouse and children.
Here's to Tara and her amazing sacrifice. Put Three Cups of Tea on your reading list. You'll be glad you did.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Myakka and the Peanut Man
I’m a nature girl. It’s my inspiration. It makes me feel alive--youthful and ancient at once--and restores my perception of abundance.
Yesterday Husband swooped me out of the sick ward for a drive through Myakka River State Park. And though I still don’t have a long walk in me yet, the drive through winding roads was a fantastic reviver. It was laced with grandmotherly oaks trying to hold on to their Spanish moss in the wind and busy armadillos loving the harvest of worms from the damp earth courtesy of Friday’s rain. Even a few gators surfaced for photo ops.
Resurrection fern is brown and crinkly in times of drought or little rain, and when the water comes from the sky again, it bounces back to green lushness. I never recall seeing it so pronounced as it was on Saturday. Just look at it.
This 'dillo stopped to take his head out of the ground for a few seconds and seems to be saying, “Damn. It feels good to be alive.”
But you know what I loved almost as much as anything? The peanut man. Still there on the corner of Fruitville and Myakka Road, Peanut Man sits on the side of his pickup on Saturdays. The old dog I used to see with him as a faithful companion had passed on, and a new friend was with him.
I used to drive this road every day on my way to work running programs at a nature center near the state park. I knew I had to move on, but I sure miss the natural environment out there. It felt like a homecoming yesterday. On the way back I carried the refreshed vivid imagery I love, the feeling of wind still on my face, and peanuts on the pallet.
Yesterday Husband swooped me out of the sick ward for a drive through Myakka River State Park. And though I still don’t have a long walk in me yet, the drive through winding roads was a fantastic reviver. It was laced with grandmotherly oaks trying to hold on to their Spanish moss in the wind and busy armadillos loving the harvest of worms from the damp earth courtesy of Friday’s rain. Even a few gators surfaced for photo ops.
Resurrection fern is brown and crinkly in times of drought or little rain, and when the water comes from the sky again, it bounces back to green lushness. I never recall seeing it so pronounced as it was on Saturday. Just look at it.
This 'dillo stopped to take his head out of the ground for a few seconds and seems to be saying, “Damn. It feels good to be alive.”
But you know what I loved almost as much as anything? The peanut man. Still there on the corner of Fruitville and Myakka Road, Peanut Man sits on the side of his pickup on Saturdays. The old dog I used to see with him as a faithful companion had passed on, and a new friend was with him.
I used to drive this road every day on my way to work running programs at a nature center near the state park. I knew I had to move on, but I sure miss the natural environment out there. It felt like a homecoming yesterday. On the way back I carried the refreshed vivid imagery I love, the feeling of wind still on my face, and peanuts on the pallet.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Going back. Way back. A visit to Cracker Country.
I realize that "way back" may mean something a little different in the state of Florida. So pardon my "way" back and know that I'm talking about the late 1800's.
On Saturday, my little family trecked up to Cracker Country. (The term "cracker" in Florida comes from the old cow hunting days, where the brave folks who lived here actually hunted the free roaming cows when it was time to bring them to market or in for branding. Now of course I can't endorse this as a vegetarian, but hey, people did what they needed to. The cow hunters would crack their whips and came to be called "crackers.")
We loved the collection of authentic buildings, brought to Cracker Country (situated on a little section of the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa) from various areas of the state's interior. They included a general store, a church, a one room school house, a train depot and the old Carlton house. Each building was crafted from heart pine, the interior of the yellow pine that is both best and rot resistant. (Yepper, they just don't make 'em like they used to.) So here are a few lessons we learned:
A. Washing clothes was a bitch. We will never complain about it again. Boiling, washboarding, drying, hanging, and ironing with a 423 pound iron that you constantly had to bring back to the fire to warm up again.
B. Notebook paper may be quickly becoming a thing of the past with computers as far as the eye can see, but imagine writing on tiny chalkboards all day. My skin feels ashy just thinking about it.
C. I will never complain about the selection at our closest grocier again. Slim picken's back then. And you were damn thankful for what you had and thankful if the store would give you credit. Or exchange a bit of old timey bug repellant for your eggs.
D. Some things will never change. And wouldn't be any different had they happened 120 years ago.
We loved the collection of authentic buildings, brought to Cracker Country (situated on a little section of the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa) from various areas of the state's interior. They included a general store, a church, a one room school house, a train depot and the old Carlton house. Each building was crafted from heart pine, the interior of the yellow pine that is both best and rot resistant. (Yepper, they just don't make 'em like they used to.) So here are a few lessons we learned:
A. Washing clothes was a bitch. We will never complain about it again. Boiling, washboarding, drying, hanging, and ironing with a 423 pound iron that you constantly had to bring back to the fire to warm up again.
B. Notebook paper may be quickly becoming a thing of the past with computers as far as the eye can see, but imagine writing on tiny chalkboards all day. My skin feels ashy just thinking about it.
C. I will never complain about the selection at our closest grocier again. Slim picken's back then. And you were damn thankful for what you had and thankful if the store would give you credit. Or exchange a bit of old timey bug repellant for your eggs.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year! Here's to Courage.
I was happy to discover that we have a brand new themed section in NYC's New Year's Eve Ball: "Let There Be Courage." (And holy crap, Waterford has also released a New Year's Eve iPhone app called "Clink-Clink"...that didn't make my top 10 list.)
I've fought feelings of guilt this year because I still have a home, both my Husb and I have jobs, we have our health...so many things to be grateful for when there is so much suffering right here in the States, in Florida, here in Sarasota/ Bradenton, where we do a good job of covering up our problems with relative weath.
No doubt courage is needed at this time.
We have serious issues in the world that are approaching a level that seems insurmountable. I don't believe they are insurmountable. But still, we all know that perception is everything. It's really a time for us to step forward and be courageous--accepting new realities and changing those that are unacceptable; making personal choices that reflect our deepest convictions; and keeping a positive, hopeful stance toward people and our planet, even when it seems most difficult. (It's so much easier to be sarcastic, isn't it?)
I can think of several inner personal battles that require more courage on my part, and I love the person (or the bickering committee) who waded through millions of theme ideas to come up with this "Let There Be Courage" theme for the year 2010.
If you have two minutes, enjoy this short video of inspirational movie speeches. Although it depicts a little too many war scenes for my liking, "courage" is the prevailing theme. (Oh and don't miss the scenes of Sloth from The Goonies and one of my all time favorites, Dead Poet's Society.) It reminds me that times requiring great faith in dark hours also present the most opportunity for lasting change, whether it's personal, community-wide, or ocean-crossing.
So how about a glass of champagne today to "Courage": it's what's for dinner. We could all use it this year.
I've fought feelings of guilt this year because I still have a home, both my Husb and I have jobs, we have our health...so many things to be grateful for when there is so much suffering right here in the States, in Florida, here in Sarasota/ Bradenton, where we do a good job of covering up our problems with relative weath.
No doubt courage is needed at this time.
We have serious issues in the world that are approaching a level that seems insurmountable. I don't believe they are insurmountable. But still, we all know that perception is everything. It's really a time for us to step forward and be courageous--accepting new realities and changing those that are unacceptable; making personal choices that reflect our deepest convictions; and keeping a positive, hopeful stance toward people and our planet, even when it seems most difficult. (It's so much easier to be sarcastic, isn't it?)
I can think of several inner personal battles that require more courage on my part, and I love the person (or the bickering committee) who waded through millions of theme ideas to come up with this "Let There Be Courage" theme for the year 2010.
If you have two minutes, enjoy this short video of inspirational movie speeches. Although it depicts a little too many war scenes for my liking, "courage" is the prevailing theme. (Oh and don't miss the scenes of Sloth from The Goonies and one of my all time favorites, Dead Poet's Society.) It reminds me that times requiring great faith in dark hours also present the most opportunity for lasting change, whether it's personal, community-wide, or ocean-crossing.
So how about a glass of champagne today to "Courage": it's what's for dinner. We could all use it this year.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Space for Possibilities
Thanks to Cynthia at Running with Letters for this quotable quote in her post, taken from a column she wrote about the holidays in 2004:
“Being still means keeping space open for possibilities.
It means leaving room for moments of wonder.
It means not running the risk of being “too full” to assist in a miracle.”
I’m taking the time over the rest of this week and next to make a plan for possibilities. For my space has become a cluttered collection of time spent on too many projects to make a real difference in any of them. My plan must include space to be less rushed but more deliberate, less worried but more thoughtful in entertaining the endless goings-on in my mind, less influenced but more able to listen with both ears.
Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude and love, right? We yearn for that one day when nothing is expected of us but togetherness. But it wasn’t meant to be singular in its celebration. If I know the meaning, I hope to make it an every day sort of thing. I’ve particularly enjoyed Julia’s Thank You Project, finding something short and sweet to be thankful for in every day. Short and sweet but meaningful. It's often the shortest proclamations and reflections that have the most meaning, as any great writer (not me!) could tell you. What a lovely inspiration.
Wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and everyone in your life. Thanks for reading.
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