And on a More Inspiring Note...

I met a super creative, innovative group of folks on Wednesday who have started a website called The Garden Now. It's a very cool place where for-profits and nonprofits can go to post their mind, body & spirit related events. And if you're an individual, you can register as a user, check the preferences for what kinds of events you're into, and get a customized glance at what's coming up for you.

At first I was thinking, these people are soooo together, but another website for events? But this one is definitely different. The intersection of design and functionality is perfecto. You feel calm just going on the site. And it's really easy to find what you want. Did I mention that groups will even have a system for ticketing and registration? It's a prayer answered for lots of small organizations with very worthwhile events that tend to get lost in the shuffle of bigger media.

The Garden Blog also shares very insightful, well-written thoughts. It's new and a little sparcely populated, but the current entries are interesting and so worth checking out. Looking forward to more...

Face-Off

This week, I've been forced to confront a number of unpleasant things.

One of them was a person who has insisted on plowing full steam ahead for months with something, despite repeated kind-hearted pleas from those affected...pleas to take stock of the fact that the effort just wasn't going anywhere.

A second was an inner-ego aspect that had to be recognized, dealt with and controlled. A third was the realization that no matter how much I want to control certain things, I just have to deal with the parts of life that can be changed...and often, those things aren't people or the economy or even transforming every person into someone who cares about what I care about. (And although I realized this third thing long before, I still find myself struggling with it.) I see a big theme here.

I guess the truth is, we all have to endure Face-Offs from time to time throughout life. The more honest we are with others and ourselves, the less frequently they occur.

I've noticed an abundance of street corner characters over the past few months, people dressed in costumes trying to wave you in to a restaurant, tire store or furniture outlet. It seems to be a symptom of the economy. The best of them are dressed in very silly--and sometimes obsurd--outfits, waving like hell to get you to notice. The worst of them have lame, unimaginative costumes with people inside of them who stand there, barely moving.

So my friend shared a little tid-bit with me yesterday as we chatted at a light: "No matter how many Face-Offs you're having, no matter how frustrating things can seem, at least you're not dressed up as a pizza standing there in 5:00 traffic."

Downtown Bradentuky is Down in the Dumps

Every now and then, I start to feel really bad about referring to my current hometown as "Bradentucky." But it certainly may be true that this name--derived from a reputation as the culture-free, hick stepchild of its posh southern cousin Sarasota--is well deserved.

Today, husband and I took a vacation day and decided to spend part of it on a walking trip through the streets of downtown Bradentucky. The most interesting things we came across were a patchouli-drenched incense store and a ginormous congregation of minnows swimming near the water's surface at the river front. While enjoying the tiny fish, we did get to witness the background conversation of three relaxed city employees spending over 30 minutes propping up a 2 foot tall, 1960's style Christmas ornament on the lawn.

Despite my (perhaps overly harsh?) assessment of downtown Bradentucky, there are a few things I'd recommend: The South Florida Museum, Art Center Manatee, and Mattison's Riverside. But if you seek people, culture, a cup of coffee in a bookstore, excitement (or basically anything a downtown might typically have), better check Sarasota or Anna Maria Island....um, or even Arcadia or Palmetto.

The Highlight of Today

I can't decide if it's...

• 2 seconds ago, when husband came in the room with a look of fear, desperately wanting me to pull off the 15 year old cowboy boots he tried on for the first time in forever and couldn't get off...OR
  
• The happy Verizon customer service rep who was thrilled to help me add more services but would not--could not--help me downgrade. (That's a separate number you have to call during the business week, thank you very much) ....OR


• The kayaking trip through Fort Hammer & the Manatee River.

I think I'll take the kayaking. The clouds were in wispy craziness across the sky, peeping migratory birds were conversing in inexplicable tongues while hidden in the tall grasses, and I got to lose myself and all worries in the entire landscape.

The lizard that hitched a ride inside the kayak from our backyard all the way to the river didn't even complain. I picture him sleeping soundly back in the overturned vessel outside the office window.

Seeking Qualified Applicants

Unmotivated individual with zero personality, lack of accountability and proficiency in making excuses sought to lead school. Prefer a male with demonstrated history of squishing creative, out of the box teaching methods. Must have proven track record of unresponsiveness to concerned parents and leading by example in the field of "do nothing, be nothing." Education: B.S. required. Piss ants are encouraged to apply. Deadline: December 1. Only applications received after this deadline will be considered.


Yes, my friends, this is the employment ad that at least two Manatee school principals answered, landing them jobs overseeing the educational institutions where our kids spend their Wonder years. I'm so over it. What's up with this?

I Had to Do It

I've debated and debated about this. But despite my best efforts to keep Gropius politics-neutral, this is after all my blog and I am afforded the opportunity to say what I want. (Just as you readers are afforded the opportunity to comment...)

So hear it is: I can't remember a time when I felt as hopeful, inspired, excited and frankly down right proud of my country as I was last night.

When I heard Barak Obama, our new leader speaking for the first time as president-elect, I could not keep a spot on my cheeks dry. The words, though reflective and carefully chosen, were secondary to the meaning behind our country's choice. And for once, I felt that the man was secondary to the message. It's the first time I can recall feeling the authenticity of a leader who is more about the voice of the people than himself.

In the eyes of the young voters, the old voters, the black voters and the white voters that the camera spanned, there wasn't a single cocky look of conquest. Instead there was a look of sincere gratitude, hope, eagerness and willingness to continue in being part of the change that needs to happen. You see, that is who Barak is for me. Not someone who will be that change, but who will help all of us be the change. From a campaign that thrived on small donations from many and from being the voice of people who have had enough of not being heard, real action rose out of what had become apathy. And it's just the beginning.

I will add that John McCain's concession speech was remarkably eloquent and beautiful. He and Obama complimented each other in presenting the need for unity bridging our differences, whether they are differences of party, color or religious beliefs.


There's hope if you're a McCain-lover...My Gropius message for you is three-fold:

1. Echoing Obama, who said in his acceptance speech that he will be your President too, I'm still your blogging friend. I hope you will still be mine.
2. A blogosphere is a terrible thing to waste: start your own and share.
3. You're always welcome to comment here.

And finally, if you're a fellow Obama fan, please be liberal in sharing your post-election thoughts on Gropius!

Local Campaign Humor

I've seen enough throw-away flyers, intersection lobbyists and yard signs to last me 10 centuries. When this flow of serious, hard core campaigning finally ends on Tuesday, it will not be too soon for me. But as with all important matters, if humor and jest don't fit in somewhere, no one is being serviced.

I'll be able to laugh at will when the Presidential candidate of my choice clearly wins on the 4th, but until then, enjoy this photo from a local contractor who kindly thinks of Gropius readers while cruising between site visits.

According to a small plot of land near the Waffle House on US 41 in Sarasota, the butler from the 80's sitcom Benson is running for a seat on the Florida House. Great stuff.

The other fave that I've come across is two warring households a couple of blocks away. One home has at least 10 McCain/Palin signs and the home beside it has just as many Obama/Biden signs. The most entertaining part is this: several signs were erected by both families directly against the property line, so that the McCain and Obama endorsements are facing each other, not the street. I'm hoping to get up enough nerve to knock on their doors and ask, "Hey, are you and your neighbor on speaking terms?"

Whatever your views, my friends, don't forget to vote.