Creative Cottage Dreamer

Vital

2012-02-11T20:37:00.004-06:00

This week's prompt at One Single Impression is "vital." As I go into my busiest time of year doing all my tedious special ed reports and meetings, I find myself craving creativity breaks; these are vital to me, especially at home. In the last week I have discovered Pinterest and Polyvore- both time suckers to the max, BUT both are full of creativity! On Pinterest, I have pinned many different images and ideas for school (and have already used a few). I love the different forms that creativity takes and the way people interpret them. Polyvore is so much fun; can't believe I have not heard about it before I literally "stumbled across it" today- it is perfect for me to do my "collagey" types of things- mixing thoughts and color and images... but without the mess of all the art products (which I know is half the fun, right?). Mike is thrilled because both of these new-found hobbies of mine take up no space and have not cost us a cent (I was planning on buying the Cake Pop Maker anyway )- it's a win-win right there for him!
Hopefully your week is full of the things that are vital to you...Thanks for stopping by!

Sour Grapes

2012-02-04T20:02:00.004-06:00

on and off the vine

sour grapes lead to bad " whine"

bitterness lingers

This post took a different turn than I had expected. Originally I was planning on posting about my love of wine and some pictures of Michigan vineyards I have visited, but...I got to thinking about the term sour grapes and people being bitter for one thing or another and how it relates to me. I seem to be surrounded by friends who come from large families- nuclear and extended. With the exception of a few friends- most have upwards of at least 3 or more siblings and parents who are still alive. Plus these friends have more than 2 children- creating large extended families- who tend to all live within the same area as each other- some within the same block. I think that is so cool. I don't have that. At all. Having lost both my parents to death and my only sibling- a sister- lost because of her betrayal and deceit towards me, (as well as her whole family; extended as well), aside from my immediate family, I am alone. None of my cousins live in my state or ever did, so I don't really have any real relationships with most of them at all. Mike's family is in the area and that is a good thing, but his extended family is kind of small as well. It is just strange how things like that work out, I guess. I try not to think about this too closely very often, but sometimes I can't help it- or the thoughts come out of nowhere and can take my breath away; I feel so gut-wrenchingly sad about it. My friends are great about sharing their families and I have many "sisters" and for that am truly blessed; but sometimes it's just not the same thing and I miss my sense of family. That's where the" sour grapes" feeling comes in for me. I try not to dwell on it too much but I know "they" are there just waiting to be picked if I so desire.

The prompt at OSI this week is " sour grapes"....check it out!

Wrong

2012-01-28T22:35:00.006-06:00

many wrong choices

led me to today's moments

serendipitous

I always try and use mistakes as stepping stones. I try to remember that things that go wrong happened for a reason and there is a lesson to be learned from them. It is sometimes a struggle to find that lesson, and sometimes it isn't presented as quickly as I would like, but it's there. Wrong choice and mistakes remind me to slow down and they keep me humble and for that I am grateful!

The OSI prompt this week is "wrong." Please see how the other contributors interpreted this prompt.

Smile?

2012-01-22T10:15:00.002-06:00

The prompt at One Single Impression this week is from Geraldine and it is the word "smile" Please check out the site and see the other posts!

midwestern winter
mother nature sadly smiles
global warming change

(50's one week- major snowstorm the next- bck to the 50's to melt the stuff....)
***************************************************

the alarm clock rings
her feet hit the floor
another day of pounding pavement (and head and heart)
she dresses for the day
in a well-worn cloak - (an invisibility cloak at times)
of insecurities, self-doubt,and criticism-
she wears it well...
she hears, "You're beautiful" "You are so strong" "You are so passionate"
but it's always directed to the ones around her- not to her
never to her...
she feels invisible
but she knows she's not
because the pain is real and it hurts- a lot!
she desperately wants to be the Center of Anything
to hear those words, confident as they reign down on her
but she can't and they aren't-
so all she can do is smile...
and pretend all is ok-
hoping Somebody will look beyond that smile
and notice that it's really not
and care.

Soul

2012-01-15T21:20:00.004-06:00

a soul-full journey

in the deep depths of winter

waves of renewed bliss

The prompt for the site One Single Impression this week is "soul." Please check out the other poems for this prompt- Have a wonderful week!!!

Fool's Paradise

2011-11-28T07:46:00.003-06:00

lost within my tattered memories
time is not my enemy here
for I have nothing but time...
allowing myself the luxury of
remembering, re-living, (re-inventing?)
what really happened
and why
things happened the way they did
(or the way I allowed them to?)
or the way they were meant to be .
some may call me a fool for that part of my life...
I prefer to think of it as a personal paradise...
it's all a matter of perspective,
isn't it?

The poem was written for the prompt "Fool's Paradise" over at OSI. It was inspired by a few books that I have read recently and a post on Facebook referencing someone sifting through her memories because they are all she has left in life.

Seeking

2011-11-20T19:10:00.004-06:00

You are always seeking outward~
Looking to others
For approval
and validation
Never finding what you are looking for
and always coming up short-
at least in your eyes...
You wonder why is this so elusive-
Do you need to look somewhere else...
No,
Just look within,
Where all you need
has always been-
waiting...
for you to acknowledge it!

"Seeking" is the prompt at OSI this week.

For all of you who celebrate Thanksgiving this week, have a wonderful celebration and hopefully have time to reflect on all the Blessings in your Life!

V is for Vignettes

2011-11-09T08:42:00.008-06:00

I love being walking into a store and being surrounded by Eye Candy in the form of little vignettes. It makes shopping and browsing so much more interesting- even if all the "pieces" aren't for sale. I tend to be drawn to those kind of stores and then am so happy if I happen to have my camera. This happened on Saturday when my friend Mary and I took a road trip up to Spring Green, WI to the store Country Sampler. What a treat for the eyes that was! It is a cross stitch/quilt/primitives store. So much to look at....from the fabrics, to the framed samplers to the quilts, to the seasonal displays- it was overwhelming and TOTALLY worth all the hype my stitching friends gave it! In another Life I would love to be a set designer for the movies or tv- I get so much pleasure thinking of all the details that make up a setting and all the little vignettes!

Sweet November

2011-11-02T17:45:00.004-05:00

Ah- November- that wonderful sigh between Halloween and Christmas...the time for me to catch my breath before all the craziness of the holidays are upon us! I love this time of year- the deep bittersweets, and goldens, russets, and scarlets. The sights and smells of late Autumn are ours to drink in and tantalize the senses; cinnamon, spices, bonfires, burning leaves, pumpkins, apples, cornstalks, crows...The temperatures rise and fall from chilly and misty to downright Indian Summerish. from sweaters to boots to jackets to hoodies- November is a potpourri of fashion options- sometimes all the aforementioned can be worn in a single day!

I feel November is highly underrated. Stores and radio stations advertise and start hawking Christmas merchandise and push it all in our faces. To me, November is a delicious secret that is not being shared and passed around. It's a great month to throw open the windows and doors on those Indian Summer evenings, light some candles and just be...To get started in a new craft or hunker down with an old craft as the days grow shorter...A time to crunch through the leaves and watch as the winds make them spin and twirl... Sit with a good book, a worn blanket and a favorite warm beverage and cozy it up!...November is my time to reflect, and revel in all that late Autumn holds.

Happy Accidents

2011-10-27T10:27:00.006-05:00

At the moment I home sick today with a self-diagnosed intense sinus infection (that started with a bad cold last weekend) and laryngitis. I should have stayed home Monday, Tuesday, and or Wednesday but my over-inflated sense of Responsibility made me go to school each day even though I felt really awful and had a horrific time talking. Today was the first day that I felt organized enough and the day at school was calm enough to actually stay home and try and get better and it is SO nice to not have to talk to anyone. In my world, my students are not the ones that a teacher can put up an assignment on the board and the kids can complete it on their own. I am pretty much in front of my class and directing them out loud (instruction and behavior) for the full 90 minutes of Language Arts classes. It's daunting on a good day but when I don't feel good it is overwhelming. I am lucky I have some very capable and helpful aides that will do what they can to help out. And in Middle School if the kids see a "crack in the wall" they will do everything in their power to push through that crack and destroy that wall- so it has been a challenging week to say the least.

Anyway, I have been told to "get some rest" via email from my sub this morning- the same lady who, after subbing for me yesterday afternoon so I could attend a staffing and then a district meeting (which I never made it to because I was double booked and ran out of time) and then stay after school for my Newspaper Club until 4- ran home and came back and dropped a care package off on my desk of homemade pumpkin bread, tea bags, and chocolate- is she FABULOUS or what; LOVE her! So I have been working on resting and doing some reading and just finished the book Happy Accidents by Jane Lynch (who currently stars as the cheerleading coach, Sue Sylvester, on the Fox hit tv show Glee) that my bibliophile friend Laura loaned me. I am usually NOT a fan of anything non-fiction and rarely read biographical books (Rob Lowe- exception), but this one I loved for a bunch of Happy Accidents that I found out about Jane's life while reading the book.

First of all, she and I are about the same age (within a year). She grew up in Dolton, IL which is 2 towns away from where I grew up- Glenwood- and she makes MANY references to localities that really took me back. She attended an area high school -Thornridge- that was a rival of my own, Homewood Flossmoor. As she chronicled her tumultuous journey through high school through theater and choir productions, it brought back many memories of my own- same time period- as I was a part of our school's prestigious Viking Choir and the cultural times of the late 70's. If that were not enough similarities, she then headed to Normal, Illinois to Illinois State at the same time I did and we lived in the same residence hall !!! There the Happy Accidents cease for me but it just nails home one of my personal beliefs- that "everyone has their own stories." Everyone has their own path to take Life and their own Way to make- sometimes intersecting others' on their own journeys, but invariably leading to the Life one is supposed to lead. I enjoyed Jane's book on so many levels- the references I could relate too, as well as the cultural time periods she mentioned and the tenaciousness with which she embraced her own life goals and life style- eventually leading her to the happiness and fame she is experiencing today. We should all be so lucky!

Just a thought....

2011-10-18T08:59:00.003-05:00

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."

~ Emily Bronte

Universal Languages

2011-10-02T14:26:00.008-05:00

I have a lot to "say" on the prompt of Language that OSI has going on this week. Here is my first interpretation:

the language of teens~
silent, sullen, stonewalling...
it's like pulling teeth

**************************************************

as Summer stealthily sneaks away
so goes its special Language
a vacation of sorts from the ordinary...
imagined in bold strokes- a cheerful colored bright font-
its many statements in capital letters punctuated by exclamation points!
only to be replaced with the Language of Fall-
an elegant, formal script ~
reminiscent of Golden Days and Harvest Moonlit Nights-
a bounty of treats to delight all of the senses...
it's "stems and roots" seeded and planted across time and place...
this Language is spoken in cadences of red, golden, and amber
the pitch and intensity swelling as the season gets underway...
the Colors of Summer brightness fade a bit
to their more refined synonyms...
crimson, bittersweet, eggplant, olive, topaz, wheat
Summer rains replaced by leaf showers at first
drifting dreamily downward...
then turning into a whirlwind of colors and shapes
kicked into high gear by the chilly autumn gusts whistling down the pike-
as the leaves scurry before they are whisked away in a leafy tornado...
the Language of Fall-
spoken for such a short time
but enjoyed and understood by so many everywhere
***************************************************
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to pack the car with all my weekend "stuff" (movies, cross stitching, books, papers to grade) and one of our dogs and head to Michigan to spend my last weekend there before we close up for the season. Saturday was chilly and rainy but I decided to go for a drive anyway. Without GPS, I just took off into the countryside and basically went where I wanted to. I love finding out of the way places and going down untraveled roads looking for picturesque or unusual things to take pictures of. I was out for about 4 hours doing this and had the best time. Here are some of the pictures I took- more to come later this week.
Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!

Step Right Up (amuse)

2011-09-25T19:51:00.007-05:00

Many days I find myself a Ringmaster
in my own 3 Ring Circus
surrounded by a bevy of Clowns-
who provide laughter and amusement
usually for their own enjoyment~
although some even try and call the shots
(until they are escorted out of the ring)
Then there are the animals...
both wild and tame-
with a thin line dividing the two-
sometimes hard to tell which is which...
It takes years of training
to make sure I am not eaten alive
and even then there is no guarantee!
Jumping through hoops
is part of my shtick-
as well as daring balancing acts
(usually without a safety net)
and juggling feats
not intended for the faint of heart
leaving me winded and breathless -
my head spinning-
as I command (or attempt to) Center Ring-
playing to a tough crowd
with 5 shows daily
185 days a year (closed on weekends and holidays)
in The Greatest Show on Earth...

MY CLASSROOM!

This week's prompt at OSI is "amuse." The idea for this poem came about because of the pictures that I took this summer up in Baraboo, Wisconsin near Circus World Museum. I was there many years ago as a kid, but seeing the buildings this summer brought back lots of nostalgia. I love the old buildings and vintage circus posters. Last weekend up in Michigan I saw the Ringling Brothers Circus train parked outside of Grand Rapids; we were driving too fast for me to get a picture :(. The whole circus atmosphere has always intrigued me- even though personally I am not a fan of the circus (go figure). I thought the circus theme fit with my life as a teacher and I am often amused at the juggling that goes on within a 45 minute period; it IS something like a 3 ring circus. Between the schedules and their constant changes, and the curriculum, the disabilities, interruptions, the behavior, the administration, the aides, the other teachers, the related services, and sometimes the parent demands- it is AMAZING and somewhat amusing anything ever gets done and progress is made...but it does!

Betrayal

2011-09-19T19:46:00.003-05:00

They say
actions
speak louder than words...
You
are keeping your word-
But-
your actions-
which speak volumes...
are a betrayal
of those words~
If you only knew
what I know...

"Betrayal" is the prompt at OSI this week. Please visit and see the other poems for this prompt! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!

September Mornings

2011-09-12T19:06:00.010-05:00

september mornings bring with them
a chill where there used to be warmth
as things are beginning to turn..
light into darker
green into gold-
perseverating into living-
experiences into memories-
a bounty of those that were not meant to be...
foggy and eerily ethereal-
golden, yet bittersweet...
these secrets that dance around
the corners of my mind
belonging to only me
as i peruse
the pages of my tear -stained notebooks-
alive with these secrets...
feeling like they belong to someone else
but they don't-
these secrets are mine to keep...
locked in my heart and soul
not only just on these september mornings,
but for always...

****************************************************************

This week's prompt at OSI is "notebook." Please visit and see how others interpreted this prompt.

September is in full swing- one of my favorite months! It brings such a promise of autumn and all of its riches! The darkness is returning, the mornings are cool- the light takes on a more golden hue tinting the wildflowers more brilliant shades of purples and amber. In the mornings, there is often ground fog- which swirls around the world enveloping it in silence and mist and the night is illuminated by the Harvest Moon, as it is as we speak. Here are some glimpses into my September Mornings.

Weeds

2011-09-05T08:05:00.004-05:00

What do you see when you gaze out across a garden?
What catches your eye?
Garners your attention?
Sure there are the gorgeous Blooms
filled with heady fragrance
in a riot of colors...
But what about the Others?
They may not be as showy
or as overstated in their blooms and hues...
Instead, prickly and scraggly-
But their roots go deep beneath the surface-
Deeper than you can imagine...
Often entangling each other deep below
They grow steady and hardy and return again and again...
Resistant and tolerant to Life and all the things that try and bring them down...
Gaining in persistence and numbers as they grow-
Stronger than when they started...
Often outliving and outlasting the Showy Ones
Whose blooms last but an instant-
To be replaced with a new crop;
Dried-up, dead-headed, and discarded is their fate.
But the Others endure...
They grow, and thrive, and flourish~
I root for Them!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the last few weeks, I started back to school- which is where I got my inspiration for this poem from. Middle School is all about the showiness, appearances; as kids try and achieve their place in the Social Pecking Order. Because of the classes I teach (special ed), I am usually drawn to the kids who are quieter, less self- assured , more the Underdogs of the classes. They are the ones whose roots tend to run deep and there is just so much more beneath the surface than always believed. They are the ones who will thrive and make a lasting impact once they have the guidance and self confidence to do so!

Have a wonderful week and make sure to visit OSI and see other interpretations of this prompt.

Colliding Passions = Obsession?

2011-08-21T14:03:00.011-05:00

the fabric of my time
is woven
with all kinds of passions
that I count on
to challenge and calm
the fiber of my being~
I often get needled about these passions-
that sometimes
cross the line into obsessions...
but these passions
are stitched into my heart
and their benefits
are not (knot) to be questioned
as they help chart the design of my life

This week's prompt at OSI is "obsession"- something I know all about! Two of my "sions" (either passions and or obsessions) are cross stitch and all things autumn. Below are some of the works in progress I am currently working on and some of the charts that I have recently purchased- most of which are "kitted up" and ready to go with fabric and fibers - and in the Cross Stitch world kitted up counts (pun intended)!!! I am so very lucky to have a stitching group that all share my "sions" with and get excited over patterns and fabric and fibers- such fun!!!

Just a few more finishing touches and Quaker Boo will be finished!!!

My Candy Corn Witch needs her head and the tip and she will be done!

I just started on this Acorn Sampler and am using the color Indian Summer

I started this design yesterday- not photograph worthy- all that's done is the door. But I have high hopes....

I apologize that some of the pictures are blurrier than I would like

I just LOVE the names of some of the fibers....they scream Halloween and Fall!!! And the colors....ahhh!!!

Silence

2011-08-16T07:43:00.006-05:00

This week's prompt at OSI is "silence." For such a quiet invoking word, I have A LOT to say on the topic- my interpretations are below.

The perfect storm
of feelings and emotions
tore through my entire being
leaving devastation in its wake...
and the silence of the aftermath
is more heart wrenching
than the cacophony of this storm.
waiting patiently in this silence
for the connection
that I know is still there-
to be restored once more

**********************************************************

you're dared to reach out-
your silence is deafening...
what're you afraid of?

***********************************************************
only in the silence
i am who i need to be
not who i should be
********************************************************

in the stillness between Now and Soon
I find myself reveling in the silence
as it wraps around me
hushed in the secrets of this time
pearls of moments
strung together-
each one escaping into the past...
before the explosion of sound and energy
there is only the quiet of Now
letting me know I can handle this.
This is the way it should be
always...
in the stillness.

Dreams

2011-08-09T14:41:00.008-05:00

You're "living the Dream" they say

"Really?" she thinks....
SHE dreams of running away
just getting into her car
and driving ~
wherever she deigns to go
following the path of her heart- her soul being the Guide
Wanderlust?
She's got it bad-
the Gypsy in her soul has had her bags packed and ready to go long before now!)
Maybe a little Cottage on the beach~
or a Cabin in the woods...
with only the sound of the surf
or the babble of the birds
to lull her to sleep and rouse her in the morning
wind whispering through the trees- her only audience...
Where she can wile away the hours
doing the Things she does best-
and listening to her heart and her soul
whisper
about the things she doesn't want to face (from the Now and Then)
Until her Thoughts and Fears and Joys and Sorrows
are calmed and reconciled and she becomes centered again
finally replaced with the Dreams (Reality?) of what she has Now-
Solitary in her Solace-for awhile-
until she finds Herself
or They find her
and bring her Home
because she is an Adult and has Responsibilities...
but it is so sweet to Dream,
isn't it...?

This week's prompt at OSI is "Dreams"- something I never seem to be in short supply of. Please check out the other poems for this prompt. Have a wonderful week!!!

"Uncomfortable"

2011-07-30T20:03:00.016-05:00

On our trip to New England, our first stop was Pennsylvania. We dropped the girls off in Hershey at Hershey World Amusement Park, and Mike and I headed to Lancaster County to get a feel of Amish Country. One of the towns of Lancaster County we visited was Intercourse. It was a plethora of quilt shops and other little gift shops with many of the stores selling Amish goods and novelties. Many of the store employees were Amish and the experience, in my opinion, was that of a tourist attraction- similar to Nappanee and Shipshewana, Indiana which is about 2 hours from Chicago and our home.

Once we exhausted looking around the little towns, Mike and I headed out into the back roads. THIS was the experience I was looking for! We literally meandered through the winding back roads amidst the rolling hills and farmland. What a beautiful area of the country! In contrast to what we saw in the town- this "back road" experience gave us a real glimpse into the REAL Amish community.

OSI's prompt this week is "uncomfortable." Here is my poem for the prompt...

At the intersection of Here and There
Two worlds collide
Here
we are the Outsiders, the Interlopers...
somewhat uncomfortable in our watching, and observing, (invading?)
the plain lifestyles of these people
wanting to catch a glimpse of a slice of their daily lives~
so drastically and dramatically different from our own...
hoping to better understand
and appreciate all we have seen There.

div>

Need

2011-07-24T19:32:00.009-05:00

In the last 2 weeks, I have been doing a bit of traveling, so OSI's prompt of "need" is quite appropriate. I "needed" this vacation- I "needed" to spend time with my family- I "needed" to see the East Coast" and I "NEED" to go back there again! One of our stops on the East Coast was Salem, MA. I wanted to see it for the "supernatural historic lore." Although parts of the town were very touristy- other parts, I felt were "alive" with history. Looking at the buildings, and the architecture, and dates and hearing the history of the town and the people who lived and died there was fascinating- to say the least. Here is my haiku for the prompt "need"

Souls floating though time...
wanting to be remembered~
stories needing to be told...

Independence!

2011-07-04T08:40:00.008-05:00

Over at One Single Impression, the prompt this week, courtessy of Jim, is "crater." Here is my haiku :

fight for our freedom

left holes in land and in hearts

the end was our choice

***********************************************************************************

the loss of your life

has left a hole in so many

never to be filled....

~ this is dedicated to my friend and colleague, who tragically lost his life life a few weeks ago- he will be greatly missed!
*********************************************************************************

June 28, was Tau Day. What’s a tau? The value of tau is twice the value of pi, or 6.28, so OSI had a Tau Ku contest to write a 3 line poem with the syllables being 6-2-8. I ended up not entering the contest due to lateness but I made up one anyway. Here is my Tau Ku:

Independence won

freedom

but what was the price paid for it?

Happy 4th of July to all of you in the States!! Hope you have a wonderful day (and week)

Beach Chair Reflections

2011-06-29T17:18:00.008-05:00

I'm proud of myself for not being so angry
that summer has taken a little longer to come~
finally acknowledging
that I can lay around
all season long
doing a whole lot of nothing~
dallying to my every whim and desire...
lusting after more and more of those
picture perfect sunshiny days-
wanting to savor each one
hoping they will last forever
and still wanting more...
with the complete knowledge-
as I recline in my beach chair,
soaking up the sun
pondering my profound thoughts...
that I am envied as
the rest of my world
is hard at work

The prompt this week at OSI is the Seven Sins. According to Wikipedia they are: envy, pride, lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, and wrath; all of which I believe I experience on a daily basis during the Summer.

Wind

2011-06-20T08:46:00.004-05:00

This week's prompt at OSI is "wind." Please check out others' interpretations~

people are blown into our lives
on the winds
of circumstance and chance (and change?)
sometimes they are a soft refreshing breeze
offering relief and comfort
and
other times destructive and damaging- unpredictable
leaving devastation and damage control in their wake
all -though
leave their marks on our lives
(whether we want them to or not)
affecting our life's course
(whether we are aware of it or not)
forever changing us
and we will never be quite the same as we were ....
********************************************************************************
wind is picking up
i've been stagnant too long
it's time to sail on

Below are some images I captured from this past weekend

Playing Catch-up!

2011-06-17T15:58:00.006-05:00

I REALLY REALLY apologize for not being around in the last few weeks. Between the end of the school year chaos and summer starting off on a rocky start, blogging has been at the bottom of my list. In the next week, I plan on catching up with the Blogworld- I have really missed it! And as always- I REALLY REALLY appreciate all of your comments! See you SOON!!!

Here are a few of the things that have occupied my world as of late besides seeing concerts by Sugarland and the Beach Boys WITH JOHN STAMOS (!!!!!)

From The Cross Stitch World:

A project I am planning to start- it is already "kitted"- although the pattern is "Yellow Bird", the fiber called for is really brown- go figure!

My Cross Stitch Group's Spring Project (Spring Pin Tuck)- that I have started but ran out of floss for (booooo)- and THEY have already moved on the the Summer Project- I can't keep up!!!

My "Yearly" Bunny that seems to take a year to complete- I am getting there...

This Quaker Moments patterns that I am attempting in Bluegrass silk- very pretty

The Blackbird Designs pattern I am doing as a stitch along with my friend Teresa (she is farther) but I should be done with this when we get together on Tues. night).
My Brother-in-law's garden in Evanston during a recent family party

The "whatevers" (gargoyles?) on the top of the Chicago Public Library- very cool!

Printer's Row Lit Fest in Chicago- I picked up a Nancy Drew book and a 1939 Needlecraft magazine

A real Flash Mob!!!

Our last trip to Michigan- a bench in St Joseph- kind of sums it up!

Painted barnyard animals throughout St. Joe's this year (every year it is something else)

Molly's high school soccer banquet- not only was she honored as the only Junior Captain on her team but she won MVP and ALL Conference!!! We are very proud of her!

And finally...Prom!!!!

Rambling

2011-05-21T21:56:00.005-05:00

When I least expect it-
especially ensconced in the folds of the Night
as the sky rains stars
and Quiet envelopes me~
my mind wanders
(wonders?)
into the Danger Zone
of Whatifs
and Whys...
the place where secret wishes,
rambling thoughts,
hurt, denials and truths
are kept locked up
nice and tight-
like my feelings...
except for
when my mind
starts to wonder
(wander?)

Below are some pictures of a store that Mike and I meandered into one recent rainy Saturday afternoon. The display was so welcoming especially because of the awful gloom outside!

An Exhibition

2011-05-14T21:24:00.004-05:00

random musings "rock...."

a dreamer's exhibition

painted for the World's eyes...

Last weekend for Mother's Day, we went up to Evanston (IL) to visit family. While they went on a house walk through some of the mansions, Mike and I rode our bikes along the lake shore and through the Northwestern University campus. My nephew said to make sure to stop and look at the painted rocks along the lake. I had no idea what he was referring to until I saw it all- quite amazing!

Love

2011-05-09T07:46:00.002-05:00

The prompt at OSI this week is "love"

how can
i
love another
when i
don't
even love
myself?
how did this
get so complicated
confusing?
i just want
peace, love, and
understanding
of myself
and
then
i
can love
you
(if you are still there)

On the Border

2011-05-01T18:29:00.010-05:00

The prompt this week at OSI is "border"- here is my offering~

on the border between
Here and There
things are finally
starting to change-
a welcome change
after all this time...
to blossom and bloom~
a re-birth of sorts...

warmth and light-
visual sights
of re-growth
in many different ways and places
temptation to the senses everywhere~
heavily anticipated
and eagerly waited for
and not a moment too soon!
Re-growth indeed!

The pictures for this post were taken this morning on the bike trail on my ride. After SO many soggy, cold days it was such a welcome relief to be out in the sunshine once again. The woods were a plethora of new growth and buzzing with activity as they come back to life once again.

"Place"

2011-04-27T07:59:00.002-05:00

you place your feelings-
all organized and catalogued
in a box
and put them
high on a shelf
to be picked through and looked at
some time during your leisure-
because that's what you were taught to do.
maybe you'll even forget about them
if you're lucky...
but how about
keeping that box
out in the open~
with the lid off
and spilling the contents out-
letting them make a mess all over the place
and dealing with "the clean up"-
(i bet you would have a lot of help)

This poem is for the OSI prompt this week - "place"

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T20:18:00.003-05:00

All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny!
Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans.
Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
May the joy of the season fill your heart.
AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Happy Easter!

The Ties That Bind

2011-04-18T17:35:00.003-05:00

another morning...
"have-to's" swirling around her
like the raindrops beating outside her window~
gathering momentum as she begins her day-
pulled like taffy~
her wants and wishes
getting buried
under that pile
of "have-to's" (instead of "want- to's")
relegated to be done another time;
shackles holding her down
from the day she envisions having...
maintaining and placating the moods of many-
she is Everything to Everybody
but no one to herself...
checking her (almost maxed out)inbox-
a new message...
"It's Not Too Late to Plan For Your Dream Life!"
she sardonically smiles
and presses delete

Thanks to OSI and the prompt of "shackles"- please visit the site and see how others interpreted this prompt. Have a wonderful week!!!

Spring?

2011-04-11T20:26:00.005-05:00

winter into spring

nature's reciprocity

death means rebirth

Reciprocate is the prompt over at OSI this week- please check out the other poems! What are the signs of Spring in your corner of the world?

Connections (epidemic-OSI)

2011-04-03T12:11:00.009-05:00

It's all about "being connected," isn't it-
an epidemic- really...
But what does it mean to be "connected?"
It's about the connections we make with one another-
those people we encounter for the first time
or maybe after not seeing them for awhile-
or never meeting them face to face...
but through our thoughts and words
and effort and energy spent ~
they "get us"
It's those kindred souls-
the ones who share our passions,
our joys, sorrows, and grief...
It's our families
and the friends who become our families
And the time we spend:
the silliness, laughter, and the tears ~
these friends seem to know you more than you might know yourself...
It's connecting with an old friend-
and looking into their eyes
and catching a glimpse of the hopes and dreams and possibilities
of their younger self
as it merges with the person they are today...
It's knowing
that there is a reason, purpose, and gift
for each and every connection we make and hold onto...
It's connecting with oneself~
with the essence of who you are-
and who you once were-
knowing what makes you happy, peaceful, content-
sad, anxious, and angry- (it's the knowing that makes it all ok)
These connections should be an epidemic-
one that should be handled gently and with care~
It's not about the number of connections we make-
it's about cherishing and holding tight to the connections we have...

this image was found here

Hollow

2011-03-26T22:45:00.005-05:00

This week's OSI prompt is "hollow." Here is my haiku; please check out others' interpretations of the same prompt.

you think you're so rich~

all your things and possessions...

...a hollow lifestyle

your things are just that~

replace feelings and people

filling up your holes...

but what will you have

after all your holes are filled?

you will have nothing

I WON!! Thank you Keke!!

2011-03-24T19:38:00.009-05:00

Recently over at my friend Keke's blog, I entered a contest she was having; the Big I Love You Contest to help vote for her niece Olivia on Facebook for a scholarship and I WON the contest!! Oh my GOODNESS- I feel like I have hit the Jackpot of wonderfulness... Below are pictures of some of the cool things that arrived in 2 boxes (ephemera, fabric, jewelry, an apron, tea mug with a Keke made fabric "hugger", journals, candy, books, crafts, a beautiful matted photo that Olivia took...)!!! Thank you sooo much Keke (I am NOT worthy)!!!! By the way, Keke's blog Cherry Kingdom always has so much inspiration, ideas, and fun- make sure to check it out; she always finds the COOLEST things!!!!

Sarcasm

2011-03-19T20:29:00.005-05:00

To You:

I really must commend you
on a job well done!
Did you realize
what effects your actions
would have?
Did you ever even care
about someone other than yourself?
You have to live with
your decisions and actions~
I don't get it-
I always thought
I meant something to you;
that I mattered
(you mattered to me)~
I thought
you were being honest with me;
I was always myself-
authentic and real-
But you chose this path
to follow
and unfortunately
I was dragged along
unwittingly
unwillingly...
I hope you are happy-
you did a GREAT job messing up my life!!

From :
Me

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spring in Illinois
great attempt at sarcasm
by Mother Nature

The prompt this week at OSI is "sarcasm" which I always seem to have way too much of! Speaking of sarcasm- I am on Spring Break, which of course means lousy weather...It was beautiful today and yesterday but by the middle of the week it is supposed to be 39 degrees. Lovely. Typical Illinois spring...

Hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Age is JUST a number (and some Bon Jovi Eye Candy)

2011-03-17T17:16:00.018-05:00

Yes- Age is just a number- and usually a very overrated one at that- as spoken by someone who celebrated a Milestone Birthday last Friday. I am a firm believer in dragging out Birthday Celebrations to their fullest and celebrating Birthday Week as well as Birthday Month if I can! My Birthday Month started on March 1 at my favorite Home Away From Home- Inspired Needle in Lemont. 2 Tuesdays a month is Stitch Night and this is a time for a group of us to get together, often for dinner beforehand, and then spend the evening stitching and talking and laughing. The women involved have become very special to me, so it was a major surprise when they had a cake and presents. Their present turned out to be a beautiful circular box that had a design on it that they had ALL stitched on and left their initials on as well. It is such a special piece- one that I will treasure forever- as well as their friendship. (Laura blogged about my birthday before I did- here is her post)

Birthday Week started with a few days of some yummy lunches out and in at school. My team celebrated my birthday and my teammate Laurie's birthday with a delicious homemade ice cream cake and presents. Last Wed. a group of my friends and I all went to see Bon Jovi at the United Center in Chicago!! I had never seen him before and I can't wait to see him again! He sang for almost 3 hours straight- it was amazing! ( Another friend was at the show down in front (row 6) and so these pics were taken by her). Great friends- great band- great musician- great show- GREAT NIGHT!

Friday- Birthday Day was great- I had a sub for some meetings (best gift ever) and after school some friends took me out - great way to end the work week and the day!

Mike told me I needed to be home around 6:30 because we were planning to go out with some friends that night. It turned out he had planned a surprise party for me that was held at a friend's house! They did an awesome job keeping it from me and I was truly surprised- good job Mike! Lots of friends, kids, food... It was a great time!!!

Finally, Sunday, I got together with my best college girlfriends and we met up in Schaumberg for lunch and celebrating. All in all, as much as I dreaded this birthday, it did turn out to be a very fun one- and hey- the month still has 2 more weeks in it to go and a couple more get togethers planned!!!

Passion's Flower

2011-03-14T12:13:00.005-05:00

there's a hole

in my heart

waiting to be filled

with something new to grow~

once upon a time

a flower was planted "there"

with hopes and dreams

and memories...

it started to grow...

then

withered and died-

taking part of me with it...

the remnants are still there-

a twisted vine with thorns

and every so often

i wince

when i remember

how tenderly

and passionately

it was cared for

(and hoped for)

and how it started to flower~

only

never coming

into full bloom.

This week's prompt at One Single Impression is "passionate" Please check out others' interpretations of this prompt. Thank you all so very much for the kind thoughts about my brother-in-law's recent health challenges- it is all so very much appreciated! He started chemo and radiation this past week...

Today on 3-14- it is "Pi day" at school (celebrating Pi- aka 3.14) as well as over at OSI. We were challenged to write a Pi-Ku with 3 syllables, 1 syllable, and 4 syllables. Since math was NEVER my forte and it (and I) tend to go around in circles with it- here is MY attempt:

circular-

math

doesn't make sense

Accidental

2011-03-06T12:19:00.004-06:00

Accidental discovery...
...life threatening-
...life or death-
...life altering-
...life expectancy-
...life span-
...life cycle-
...life insurance-
...life saving-
...life force-
...life affirming-
...life lesson -
...life support

The week's prompt at OSI is "accidental." Recently my brother-in-law went to the doctor for a chest cold that would not go away. As a result he has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to his liver and lung. He is about to start his treatment and we are trying to figure out ways to support he and his family during this challenging time. His doctor has said had he not gone in for the cold he would have been dead within 2-3 months; with treatment he has a chance.

Signs (OSI)

2011-02-28T17:18:00.005-06:00

it all starts with an awakening~
of sorts
a couple of songs heard from afar...
a dream?
a memory?
light lingering a little longer...
touches of green and gold
less white
my thoughts and soul are lighter
there's a spring in my step
that hasn't been there for awhile---
as the calendar marches ahead~
so does my mind-
hopping and flitting from one idea to another
as my world begins to unfurl from its seasonal slumber
my heart and soul are vellicated
with thoughts of hopeThe prompt this week over at OSI is vellicate; please stop by and check out the other poems. I want to apologize for not getting around and commenting as much as I want. School and an incredible work load has kept me from doing this- I hope things change for me soon! I love and appreciate all the comments you leave~~~Have a wonderful week.

Good News! (OSI)

2011-02-21T18:14:00.005-06:00

a little good news

can send me over the top

where I'd like to stay

This week's prompt at OSI is "top"...please check out other poems with that prompt. My "good news" is that my daughter decided that she is going to her Prom. This is huge in our world- she is very shy, but she decided that she wanted to go, so she set out to find a date and she did! Of course there is a soccer game (semi finals or something equally ridiculously important) scheduled for the morning after...of course, but we will cross that bridge when it gets closer. But I am just thrilled that she is going and am looking forward to helping her get ready for this fun event!

Moonstruck (OSI)

2011-02-13T18:20:00.003-06:00

your incandescence~

still glowing bright in my mind

long after you've gone....

This week's prompt at OSI is "incandescent." I thought these pictures of the gorgeous full winter moon we had last month went perfectly with the haiku (along with some thoughts of some people who have recently left my life). Have a wonderful week and as always- thank you for the comments- always appreciated!

Humility

2011-02-06T19:42:00.003-06:00

The prompt this week at OSI is "humility;" please stop by and see how others interpreted this prompt. When thinking about my poem for this week, the Blizzard of 2011 came to mind. Wild weather doesn't even begin to describe it- 24 + inches or so of snow later, including "thunder snow" and below 0 temps as well as 2 Snow Days- this storm will be one to remember!

we're humbled and awed

when Mother Nature's unleashed

can be jaw dropping

The morning after....

It's Reigning Deer!!!

2011-01-19T20:14:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite winter "motifs" is the reindeer. I feel they are not JUST for Christmas and after all the Christmas Pretties are put away I like to keep out my reindeer collection to decorate with as well as with pine boughs,berries, snowmen, and snowflakes. In the World of Cross Stitch, reindeer patterns abound! Here are a few things I have finished:

This one was called "Christmas Eve" by The Sampler Girl (I changed it up quite a bit- colors and design). It was the first Christmas ornament I ever finished and I made it for my stitching group's ornament exchange- which Karin ended up getting.

This little reindeer was from a Praiseworthy Stitches pattern and actually my first "finish for 2011!!!

This is an old project I have had around for about 20 years from my first foray into cross stitching.

This last reindeer is the "French Country Reindeer" by JBW Designs- fun to stitch!

Carnival Time!

2011-01-17T17:33:00.003-06:00

all the lights, sounds, smells
send me back to my childhood
a welcome escape!

I loved the early summer when the carnival would come to our town. They would set up in the park behind the street across from us. We could see some of the rides from our front window- which my daughter (and myself) really loved! One day would just be a mish-mash of trucks and trailers and the next day the park would have been transformed into a sea of lights, activity, sounds, and smells! In fact, we would often pack a picnic lunch and walk over to the park with some of our friends and spend an entire afternoon watching them set up- the kids LOVED this! And once it opened... Ah- the odor of popcorn, and funnel cakes, and spiced nuts, and elephant ears....the sounds of the bells ringing when oversized prizes were won, music blaring, kids screaming with delighted fear from the rides, and the whir of the motors powering the rides...the sights of all the lights draped across the carnival area, the whirl of bright colors as the rides whipped by- and the people- I always enjoyed people watching at the Carnival; it was sometimes hard to tell who the workers were and who the Carnival goers were. Sadly, it was decided last year that for safety reasons it would no longer be held in that park- so the Carnival is no more; just the memories remain...

An Abundance of Fun

2011-01-09T20:24:00.013-06:00

me acknowledging
the abundance of my life
a personal goal

Abundance is the prompt for OSI this week( please check out the others' poems!). I sometimes don't always realize how abundant my life truly is until I really sit down and take stock of how blessed I am to live the life that I do!

My Christmas Break from school was a whirlwind 2 weeks of nonstop abundance of activities involving lots of get-togethers with different groups of friends and family- as well as soccer games, shopping, lunches, dinner, a gift exchange with my stamping friends as well as 2 parties I hosted; a Girl's Night and a White Elephant Party for my teacher friends. I kind of needed a break from Break! Below are some pictures of some of the things I got to do-

A visit to the Christkindl Market in Chicago

The tree at Daley Plaza and the Christkindl Market

A trip into Chicago to see the sights

Learning a new craft

Sledding!!!

High School friends get together at a favorite pizza place

Ornament exchange and dinner with Stitchy Friends

Family get together with cousins for a silly gift exchange

Christmas Eve with family

Christmas Morning!

A Christmas afternoon walk in the woods

A White Christmas !

Celebrating Laura's Birthday at Stitch Night at Inspired needle

A Girlfriend sleepover; movies, games, conversation...- this is her backyard

Tea with my sisters-in-laws, mother-in-law and family

New Year's Eve extravaganza

New Year's Day get together to watch the Northwestern football game on tv and look for our niece who works with the team!

My Word...

2011-01-05T09:05:00.000-06:00

The trend as the New Year begins is to pick a word that will define "your" year. I struggled somewhat picking that word and actually tossed around quite a few before settling on the one I felt I could live with for a year and quite truthfully, this word kind of picked me. The word I chose was "embrace."

According to an online dictionary:
v.tr.
1. To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.
2.
a. To surround; enclose: We allowed the warm water to embrace us.
b. To twine around: a trellis that was embraced by vines.
3. To include as part of something broader.
4. To take up willingly or eagerly: embrace a social cause.
5. To avail oneself of: "I only regret, in my chilled age, certain occasions and possibilities I didn't embrace" (Henry James).
v.intr.
To join in an embrace.
n.
1. An act of holding close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection; a hug.
2. An enclosure or encirclement: caught in the jungle's embrace.
3. Eager acceptance: your embrace of Catholicism.

First of all, being a Grammar Girl- I love when a word does double duty as both a noun and a verb. I especially am fond of the definition number 2a (as a verb) and number 3 as a noun. Last year for me was a year of personal change and growth and yes- I have a long way to go and am definitely a "work in progress." This year with a milestone birthday fast approaching, I want to focus on embracing all facets of my world and personality and really living with "arms wide open" in eager acceptance in looking to really continue to experience Life!

New Year's Wish

2010-12-31T17:53:00.009-06:00

as the Old Year steals away into the night
it takes with it
memories of the year-
some good, some not so good
new friendships and old
unresolved dreams and visions,
and some personal goals met
and experiences

that i would not want to change-
not one bit,
but all of "it"

afforded me the opportunity
to be the person i am right now~
to welcome this New Year-

a gift
that is filled with "ties";
opportunities...
possibilities...
for those dreams
and visions
and goals
to become realized
and acted upon
and for all to be calmed
and filled with a peaceful hope
as a New Year begins -
again.

One of my favorite Eagles songs is "I Wish You Peace,"

and the lyrics sum up my wish for all of YOU in this new year:

"I Wish You Peace"

I wish you peace when the cold winds blow
Warmed by the fire's glow
I wish you comfort in the, the lonely time
And arms to hold you when you ache inside

I wish you hope when things are going bad
Kind words when times are sad
I wish you shelter from the, the raging wind
Cooling waters at the fever's end

I wish you peace when times are hard
The light to guide you through the dark
And when storms are high and your, your dreams are low

I wish you the strength to let love grow on,
I wish you the strength to let love flow

Memories... (OSI)

2010-12-28T14:35:00.004-06:00

gathered memories
to comb through and untangle
on a winter's day

vividly recall
re-live, re-examining
look for things I missed

This week's prompt is "comb" over at OSI. I posted this week only because I haven't missed a week in 2 almost 2 years! I am on Christmas break this week and last and have been having a hard time finding time to visit the computer, so I apologize if I have not commented on your posts, but it IS on my agenda when I can get some down time to do so! I am almost (I said almost) looking forward to going back to school and getting back into routine. I need a break from Break!!!! Have a great end to 2010!!
ALSO- if ANYONE knows how I can make my picture at the top in the header smaller, could you PLEASE let me know? I am using the watermark template and whenever I preview the picture it looks fine and then it is huge when it is applied to the blog (and that is after checking the box- shrink to fit) I am stumped, stymied, and stuck about what to do, so any suggestions would be helpful!!! Thanks so much!!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:58:00.006-06:00

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

From now onour troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Make the Yule-tide gay

From now on our troubles will be miles away

Here were are as in olden days happy golden days of yore

Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together

If the Fates allow

Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

My wishes for you on this Holiday is...wherever you are, whatever you do - may you be surrounded with a sense of peace and contentment and be able to capture the child-like wonder and excitement and magic of truly believing in the season and all of its gifts~~~

Merry Christmas to ALL and to all...a Good-Night!!!

The images are from a cd that I own, so PLEASE feel free to copy and use them if you would like!! Enjoy!

Stillness Abounds

2010-12-22T14:57:00.010-06:00

Winter's warm embrace

wraps her arms

around our hearts

insulating them in her softness

as we gather

our dreams and memories and prayers

to go deep

deep into Winter's soul

where a sense of

quiet

stillness

peace

transcends over all~

while above-

the faded light
slowly returns~

gifts are readied

stars shine bright-
especially one,
and

angels gather~

in anticipation

and hope...

This week's prompt at OSI is stillness- please check out the other poems that incorporate this word.

I hope this Winter brings to you a sense of stillness in your corner of the world.

PEACE!

A Theatrical Treat!

2010-12-16T14:19:00.003-06:00

The other day after school, my school's Drama department was treated to a visit from 2 of the stars of the Chicago production of the Million Dollar Quartet; Kelly Lamont and David Lago.

Kelly and David are both right now starring in the Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater in Chicago. David is starring as Elvis and Kelly is playing his girlfriend, Dyanne. Kelly is a native of Orland Park, graduate of Sandburg High School (one of the local high schools) and is friends with our Drama sponsor Katie. Kelly has been with the production since October of 2008 in MDQ. David comes from California and has been on shows such as Young and The Restless (for which he won an Emmy for his portrayal of Raul) and 7th Heaven. He has been with MDQ since 2009.

They sat and talked with about 100 kids about their lives both on and off stage and the motivation needed to follow your dreams. They shared funny stories, took questions from the kids, sang, David played his guitar, and even invited the kids to come on-stage and dance with them. The kids were even able to do a number from the musical that they are currently working on; The Music Man. These 2 actors had the crowd mesmerized (myself included) for about an hour and a half and ended the session with a raffle of 4 pairs of tickets to the show for lucky winners. It was a wonderful end to the day for all involved and it sure makes me want to go see the show!!!

Winner!

2010-12-12T18:43:00.004-06:00

to win

is to triumph

over challenges

adversaries

hurdling forward

making attempts

to move ahead

yet~

winning isn't everything

the winning is

actually

in the doing;

the risking

taking action

and sometimes

that can hurt,

but unless you

take that risk

to move

to do-

you won't know

the result

and regardless

of the outcome

because of that

action or risk

you are

the winner!

The prompt at OSI this week is "winner." Please check the other poems out!

Skating Away

2010-12-10T12:43:00.003-06:00

click here to see a beautiful version of the Joni Mitchell classic song "River" with some beautiful winter photographs to go with.

River

Joni Mitchell

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees

They're putting up reindeer

And singing songs of joy and peace

Oh I wish I had a river

I could skate away on

But it don't snow here

It stays pretty green

I'm going to make a lot of money

Then I'm going to quit this crazy scene

I wish I had a river

I could skate away on

I wish I had a river so long

I would teach my feet to fly

Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on....

The lyrics of that song seem to embody my mood as of late. The Holiday season is so full of expectations and pressure that sometimes I do WISH I had a river to skate away on. For many people the holidays are filled with trepidation, sadness and painful memories. I know for me personally that there are some people that I really have been missing a lot lately that are no longer part of my life and that is hard. Memories swirl around me and it's sometimes hard to put those aside especially during this time of year when one is expected and sometimes required to be "up" and happy through it all when all they want to do is skate away...

I wish all the people -including myself- who are struggling this Holiday season to be able to find some semblance of peace....

When I was in the forest preserve yesterday morning before school (7:00) to take pictures there was a man taking pictures of his 3 children out on the ice - most likely the Christmas picture- it was very sweet to see.

Free

2010-12-07T07:39:00.004-06:00

i dreamed

that i could fly...

really fly

way up with the clouds

and the wind...

slip-sliding down the rainbows

playing tag

with the sunbeams and snowflakes

and racing the raindrops~

it was a glorious, giggly feeling-

this flying...

free of all the tethers

of my world-

like a let-go balloon

floating sedately

up into the netheregions-

rising beyond gazes

until seen no more-

but not gone...

just flying...

free

The prompt this week at OSI is" free." Please feel free to visit the site and see how the prompt is interpreted by others. Have a wonderful week and thank you fro all the comments!

2010-11-27T20:13:00.002-06:00

The prompt for OSI this week is the word "meld" which is actually the word I picked! It is a word I use a lot when talking and writing, but when I went to my favorite on-line dictionary site to double check the meaning I started to get scared. The first definition that came up dealt with playing cards (pun intended) and I had to dig to find the definition for how I use the word (which is "to blend"). So with that in mind, it will be interesting to see how everyone used this particular prompt.

If I were a book....
My cover
would be eye catching-
decorated
with colorful words,
fabric and lace
and vintage images...

My binding
would be
tough,
but well- worn
and well- read
lasting the test of time...
(starting to fray maybe just a little)

My pages~
like the years-
melded together -
woven
with special memories
and experiences...
snapshots
of the people
and places and times
that make my life my own
filled with
the poetry of my life.

There would be pockets
and little niches
that would house
the special tokens
of my life
important icons
important to only me.

Hopefully this book
would be handed down
from generation to generation
and read often

These pictures are repeats (sorry) of a book that my dad made for me many years ago with verses, poetry, and flowers from special places. It is one of my favorite treasures and thought it fit perfectly with this poem.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T19:10:00.005-06:00

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God." ~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

My wish for you this Thanksgiving is that you have some time to reflect on the gratitude and abundance that surrounds you in your life and to remember that in all the days that follow. There's just so much goodness in the world and really so much to be thankful for!

On a personal note- I am so very thankful for all the wonderful people I have met through my blog and consider each of you a blessing in my life! My life is enriched by you being a part of it!

However you celebrate this holiday I hope you enjoy it to the fullest!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." ~Theodore Roosevelt

Work in Progress (Apprentice)

2010-11-21T20:39:00.007-06:00

This week's prompt at OSI is "Apprentice." I love how these prompts tend to align with whatever is going on in my life at the moment both literally and often on a higher more abstract level as well. Here is a haiku for the prompt as well as another poem...

a work in progress

an apprentice to my life

who I want to be

******************

a beginner

and a learner...

always~

attempting

to grow and change

unfurling wings

that have been

held tightly closed

and sometimes

even clipped.

looking to be

unchained

from all the

~"isms"

that have

grounded

and stymied me

for so long...

learning to fly?

(and maybe even one day to soar)

...trying to acknowledge

the "Messengers"

that have been sent to me...

it's up to me

to receive their messages,

to ponder their meanings

and apply them where needed

and then

let those "Messengers" go

(if i can- the hardest part yet...)~

i have all the tools of the trade

that i need,

but

i can't do this alone...

Below are some cards I made for a card swap for Red Lead. I only had to make 3 Christmas/ winter cards using stamps from their store. No problem there as I realized I had more of their stamps than I thought. I can't wait to get my swap cards!

Below are my WIPs; works in progress in cross stitch-ese. The first is Belle Pepper from Little House Needleworks. I actually kept the colors the same but got different material. It's hard to see , but mine is very sparkly and over-dyed, giving it a mottled look.

This is my Crescent Angel by The Primitive Needle- this is almost done!

The bottom picture is ALL I accomplished in about an hour's worth of time last night at my friend Jayne's house (after ripping out the second row about 5 times). It is my first real attempt on linen and I am not doing really well. All my stitching friends are very supportive and so helpful (thanks again Karin for all your patience), but for some reason it is just so hard for me to do the counting and visualizing required to make this work. And of course everyone makes it look so darn easy. I gave up last night but I will attempt this again soon, as I just love the look that the different fabrics have.

Echoes

2010-11-14T19:08:00.006-06:00

echoes
of voices in my past
invade my thoughts
when I least expect them to~
ringing loud and clear-
stopping me dead in my tracks
with yearning, sadness, regret, and anger
so profound
it can literally
take my breath away~
why can't these voices
be reduced to a
faint whisper
and gently
fade away
to
a
wispy
nothingness
and just leave me alone
to heal,

get on with my life
and
just
be?

This week's prompt at OSI is "echoes"- please check out the other poems!

Time Out- OSI

2010-11-09T19:39:00.006-06:00

OSI's prompt this week is "pause." I find November to be the perfect pause before the holiday season and all of the things that go with it are upon us. This past weekend I had the opportunity to go up near Rockford to visit a college friend for our Annual Fall Visit. We took a road trip up to Mineral Point, WI on Saturday to enjoy the fall scenery and the charm of a small town. It was just perfect...

November~
the proverbial pause
before the freneticness sets in~
a time to draw in
as the shadows darken
and deepen
to rest, re-charge, and reflect
to gather
thoughts on thankfulness
and my life's bounties
to revel in the final
golden glow
before
descending into
the depth of the season

A New Friend and a lot of Fabulosity

2010-11-03T06:28:00.009-05:00

I came home from school recently to a box marked "Royal Mail!" That just doesn't happen everyday!!! ALL this fabulosity started when I joined Relyn's Autumn swap a few weeks ago. ("Fabulosity" is a word my friend Laura uses to describe fabulous, wonderful things). Relyn matched us up with partners who we got to know over a 2 week period. The premise of the swap was to send a book, something hand-made, and something autumn related. Getting to know Jenny was fun and we found out we had a lot in common from crafting (card maker, paper crafter and jewelry maker) to career choices ( education related). I loved putting her box of swap items together almost as much as I loved opening up her box of Fabulosity for me! Jenny encompasses this word, so hop across the pond and pay her a visit and see what I am talking about! You can visit her here! THANK YOU SO MUCH JENNY!!!!!

Look at all the cute and creatively wrapped gifts

Autumn and Halloween cross stitch charts from an old cross stitch book....Whoo hoo!

All kinds of wonderful goodies....

Jenny's Grandmother's cookie recipe and a beautiful hand-made fall necklace with a lovely autumn memory written by Jenny on the tag

BOOKS! One for leisure, one to journal in, and a cookbook

Jenny also made me the beautiful sparkly scarf and the cute card as well as sending all kinds of embellishments for cards and crafts and beads for a necklace

A beautiful hand-made card and bag -above- filled with Halloween chocolate candies

OSI- Fancy

2010-10-30T13:58:00.011-05:00

The prompt this week at OSI is "fancy" Please visit the site and check out the other authors' interpretations.

it's just a passing fancy

or a little whim...

those words sound so benign

yet-

a mark is left~

lives are changed~

ripples are created

where there were none before~

with effects...

for better or for worse

that may not be realized

for quite some time-

until we can stand apart

and see

just how powerful

those little fancies and whims

really are

How ever you spend it, I hope YOUR Halloween is filled with TREATS! Have a wonderful week and as always, your comments are very much appreciated!!

Grace

2010-10-25T16:41:00.006-05:00

The prompt this week at OSI is "Grace"- one of my favorite words. I sure could have used a huge dose of it today and should memorize what I wrote to recite to myself when I am feeling

a) emotional and/or b) frazzled and frustrated. Here are my interpretations for the prompt.

Grace is letting go
and trusting the Universe
to work things out

Graciously

Realizing and accepting that

All things are unfolding

Carefully and

Exactly the way they are meant to according to plan

These pictures were taken within a mile of my school, which is set amidst the Cook County forest preserves. I went out on my lunch time recently and just drove around taking pics of the stunning trees and scenery. I just can't get enough of this season!

2010-10-21T08:15:00.002-05:00

This was from an email going around. I thought the message was one to share...

Being a good person is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all of the yucky stuff -- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a bright new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

HAPPY FALL!!!

Champion (OSI)

2010-10-16T19:53:00.005-05:00

Last weekend was my final trip to Michigan before our place was closed up this weekend. I went by myself and had the most wonderful time. I hung out with some friends in St Joseph, sat on the beach at Lake Michigan and read for awhile, went shopping, watched movies, cross stitched and also spent time on the beach at our lake as well as driving around taking pictures of the beautiful autumn countryside. The weather in the midwest has been glorious- 65- 81 degrees and sunny for about 2 weeks now; absolutely perfect!
The prompt at OSI this week is "champion." Here is my tanka for that prompt.

strung like golden pearls

fall proudly wears this medal

gilded golden days

leaf showers rain from above

my world turns multi-colored

Lonely?

2010-10-11T14:10:00.004-05:00

locked up and lonely

the forgotten ancient ones

are night-time playmates

"Lonely" is the prompt at OSI this week. The 2 pictures are from the cemetery in my neighborhood. There is the regular cemetery and then in the back- all locked up tight and lonely looking- is a real old one. Of course I am always drawn to that one. I "played" around with the pictures using Photoshop- which I feel is one of the hardest programs out there. It was hard to tell the difference between the "before and after" shots even after all the layers and filters. Oh well... Have a great week!

Some Halloween Creativity and a Book List!

2010-10-06T12:10:00.007-05:00

Below are some pictures of the Halloween postcard tags I made for the Halloween Postcard Swap for Red Lead- I had to make 3 and I will recieve 3 from other people. I can't wait to see the ones I get!

Below are a trio of witches that I have been cross stitching. The top one was finished last night at Stitch Night at Inspired Needle- yea!!! And it's NOT even Halloween yet - Whoo Hoo!

This witch was a pattern from With Thy Needle, which was loaned to me by Linda, one of my stitching friends. I love the colors.

This was an adorable witch pattern from Sampler Girl

The last witch was a kit from Shepherd's Bush that I bought over the summer. You can't see, but the fabric is kind of mottled green and sparkley- very pretty.

I recently asked the staff at my school to send me a title of a book that has somehow left an impact on them in some way; they didn't have to say why or how, just the title. The response was amazing- so I am sharing the list here. Interestingly, certain titles kept showing up from people: To Kill A Mockingbird, The Help, My Sister's Keeper, Hunger Games Series, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series. So, if you are ever in need of a book to read, these are among the favorites and ones that have stayed with the reader long after the last page was turned. Enjoy!

Little Bee- Chris Cleave
Travels- Michael Crichton
Columbine- Dave Cullen
Twilight Saga Stephanie Meyer
The Necklace- Cheryl Jarvis
Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
Mockingjay- Suzanne Collins
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance-Robert Pirsig
A Reliable Wife- Robert Goolrick
Swing- Rupert Holmes
Crank- Ellen Hopkins
Anything But Typical- Nora Raleigh Baskin
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series- Stieg Larrson
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest- Stieg Larrson
The Girl Who Played With Fire- Steig Larrson
Cutting For Stone- Abraham Verghese
Still Alice- Lisa Genova
We Need To Talk About Kevin- Lionel Shriver- (a past Book Club selection- still one of the best books- however- very disturbing)
The Well and the Mine-Gin Phillips
Nineteen Minutes- Jodi Picoult
Bitter is the New Black- Jen Lancaster
Pull of the Moon- Elizabeth Berg
Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake- Aimee Bender
Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time- Mark Haddon
Blue Bistro- Elin Hildebrand
Flags Of Our Fathers- James Bradly
The Secret- Rhonda Byrne
Firefly Lane- Krsiten Hannah
House Rules- Jodi Picoult
My Sister's Keeper- Jodi Picoult
In Cold Blood- Truman Capote
Three Cups of Tea- Greg Mortensen
To Kill A Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Mrs. de Winter- Susan Hill
East of Eden- John Steinbeck
The Help- Kathyrn Stockett
The Other Boleyn Girl- Phillipa Gregory
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee- Dee Brown
Summer Sisters- Judy Blume
Marley and Me- Josh Grogan
Salem's Lot- Stephen King
Of Mice and Men- John Steinbeck
I Know This Much Is True- Wally Lamb
Bluebeard - Kurt Vonnegut
The Lucky One- Nicholas Sparks
The Road- Cormac McCarthy
Chasing Vermeer- Blue Balliett
Jurassic Park- Michael Crichton
The Diary of Anne Frank
Gone With the Wind- Margaret Mitchell
5 People You Meet in Heaven- Mitch Albom
Red Tent- Anita Diamant
1,000 Women; The Journals of May Dodd- Jim Fergus
She's Come Undone- Wally Lamb
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff- Richard Carlson
Half Asleep In Frog Pajamas- Tom Robbins
Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates-Tom Robbins
Fountainhead- Ayn Rand
Memoirs of a Geisha- Arthur Golden
The DaVinci Code- Dan Brown
The Thorn Birds- Colleen McCullough
Why We Still Suck - Dennis Leary- current Book Club read

A Trying Time

2010-10-03T08:21:00.006-05:00

tried

tries

will try...

at the end of the day

i want to look back

and know that i tried my best...

it takes such courage to try~

even when there doesn't seem to be
a shred of hope
at all...

trying is at least an action-

a moving forward-

doing something

rather than nothing at all-

even if the results desired

are not yielded

and there is hurt -

i tried to do

something about it~

there is learning

and growing

in this trying time as well

even though it may not be noticed

for awhile

and there is change-

maybe not a big one

but change nonetheless...

i will try-

because not to try

is to admit to defeat,

to fail,

to give up hope

and to just give up...

and the worst thing

would be to

keep wondering

what could have been

if i had not tried~

past

present

future...

OSI's prompt this week is "try." Please TRY and stop over there for a visit to see what the other poets have been up to with this prompt. Have a wonderful week!

Always Remember...

2010-09-26T09:31:00.003-05:00

a country's monuments

are testaments

to the struggles fought over

injustice

freedom

change

ideas (ideals)

problems and solutions...

as well as to celebrate

those same things~

we can think of our daily actions

as though we are

in the process of building

a monument to the

life we have chosen to live...

behind each monument

are the lives of those

who helped make it happen~

whether these monuments

are patriotic

religious

or personal ones,

they serve

as a legacy

to those who come after

and a reminder

to never forget

what they stand for

This week's OSI prompt is monument. Please check out the other poetic talent from that site. All of the following pictures were taken by my daughter on a summer trip to Washington DC.

Simple Joys

2010-09-21T07:33:00.003-05:00

image from Little House Needleworks

in our journeying

to find our joy-filled life

we pass by so many

simple moments

(looking for the BIG ones)

when added all up equal

a joy fulled life:

laughter shared

the sound of waves lapping

a song i sing along with by heart

a look of understanding between my husband and me

my face turned toward the warm sunshine

when i can't sit still during a song and just have to move

the wishing star in the night sky

the sights and sounds of nature

a rainy afternoon with nothing to do

the glory of the changing seasons

all the connections i have made with others

the opportunity to find out about myself

coming home after a long day

a dog curled up next to me

knowing everyone i love is safe...

simply live

and these moments will come to you

because

it's these little unsung joys

that let us know we're alive~

embrace them and

wear them well...

This week's prompt at OSI is joie de vivre-please stop by and see how others interpreted this prompt.

Lake Shore Drive- A Different View

2010-09-18T08:47:00.007-05:00

Last Sunday when we got up and saw what a beautiful day it was and that there was NO possible way that we would spend it indoors, Mike and I decided to load the Jeep with our bikes and head into the city. I have always wanted to bike along the lakefront, and that's what we decided to do! We parked in Hyde Park (home of Obama) and got on the trail there and headed north. From this vantage the city seemed so far away, but off we went. With Lake Michigan to our right, and the city looming ahead, it was such an amazing trip! It was so cool to see Chicago get closer and closer until we were literally in the heart of it! From the other side of McCormick Place (that one never gets to see) to the tailgaters getting ready for the first home Bears football game at Soldier's Field (that we passed), to the hidden marinas and the back side of the Shedd Aquarium, the whole trip was a feast for the eyes. It was also cool to hear all the different languages being spoken as well. On many parts of the trail, hundreds of dragonflies hovered while butterflies flitted- truly magical! Round trip was about 14-15 miles- well worth it and I can not wait to do it again- this time with the goal of going beyond the Shedd and up to Navy Pier!

The Winner Is... (passing- OSI)

2010-09-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

passing the baton

the seasonal relays start

autumn wins hands down!

This time of year gives me such pleasure! There are changes starting everywhere as one season begins passing into the other. The light shifts from bright yellow to a more mellow golden. The evening air is often tinged with the fragrance of woodsmoke from bonfires. The mornings and evenings are crispy- cool; with the appearance of ground fog in the mornings. The days are quickly and quietly getting shorter and shorter- easing us into that mode instead of all at once. The leaves are starting to turn a little at a time and the squirrels sensing this change have become more active as they revel in the seasonal change as well. Ah...Autumn...

It's Your Choice

2010-09-06T08:29:00.002-05:00

"Choices" is the word of the week over at OSI. That is one of the words that I have so much to say about... We are faced with so many choices each day- some seemingly very trivial and some truly monumental. Unfortunately we don't posses the ability to see the far reaching effect, ripple, and outcome of those choices or we may choose differently. We can only go on our life experiences and the knowledge we have and often our own "gut" feelings to approach those choices we make- taking that blind "leap of faith" that we made the right one. Even then we often don't know the full effect of that choice until way down the road after the choice's path has been revealed and followed. Here are a few thoughts of my "choosing" about choice.

the choices we make
lead us onto
the paths we
(are destined to?) follow...
or is it the other way around?

**********************

the choices we make
can sometimes be considered
choices that make us

*************************************

someone else's choice
though right for them might just be
the wrong choice for you

************************************

I've been the victim
of other people's choices
out of my control

A Dream Come True!

2010-09-01T10:23:00.012-05:00

An eleven year old girl sits in her bedroom gazing longingly at taped up posters torn out of Tiger Beat of her favorite guy at the time- Donny Osmond - as "Puppy Love" and "Go Away Little Girl" play nonstop on her record player. Her best friend has just finished writing a letter to Donny that she is sure will be read and responded to! Boy troubles? Family troubles? No worries; Marie Osmond is consulted at every turn in her column "Ask Marie" and all problems of the time are solved! Marie- having so many brothers and being a teen herself was the "Go To Girl" of the early 70's and a role model of many girls while we envied her for her teen age dreamboat brother!

Fast forward a few decades as I now have NOT lost my love for Donny Osmond and have had the good fortune to see him in Joseph 3 times, with Jim Brickman 2 times, alone many times and even got a chance to meet him personally and talk on the phone with him as a part of a Chicago telethon . However ONE dream remained....at EVERY concert, I am always envious of those women who have front row seats! I mean- how do they do it? They are always the ones that Donny leans over to meet during the show and with all the concerts I have ever been to, the front row seats have always been sold out immediately!

Some of my friends and I went to see both Donny and Marie at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond IN last week. We had gotten the tickets from a friend's sister who was comped the tickets. None of us thought about the seats- it was a nice venue- all good seats- even the balcony- and they were free so ...whatever! So...imagine our surprise when the usher started taking us to the front and our utter shock when the free tickets turned out to be FRONT ROW!!!! We could NOT believe it! And sure enough, not only did Marie talk to us when she was on our side, but Donny DID come over and we got to go up to the stage (just about 2-3 feet away mind you) and shake his hand! The show was amazing- all high energy and dancing- Donny and Marie were great! All of us were in heaven especially me since THIS dream did come true!

There's just something about a Teen Age Hearthrob that can make a girl of any age feel like she's 14 again!

We were allowed to take pictures, so below are just a "few" of the many pics I took during the concert.

This is where Donny came over to us and we got to go to him and shake his hand!

Empty

2010-08-29T07:57:00.003-05:00

I've been told
that my mind is like a "steel trap"
because I remember
so many things so vividly
that others may have forgotten
but~
this remembering is not always
a good thing...
For just once
I wish my mind was empty;
devoid of all the
memories
conversations
words
images
swirling around in my head-
constant reminders of you
and what you did
to make my heart
and my world
so empty-
yet...
my mind so uncomfortably
full...
You have chosen
to not be a part of my world
anymore,
so why do the memories and thoughts
keep plaguing me?
Why can't they just leave me alone
so I can understand
and heal?
I wish this "steel trap"
would just open up
and let it all go
so I can move on?
Empty would be good~
for awhile.

The prompt this week at OSI is "empty." Please check out others' responses to this prompt. My life has been anything BUT empty recently. School has started and filled up my days and nights with things to do. I saw 2 concerts last week (unheard of in my world)- Aerosmith on Sun. night and Donny and Marie Osmond (front row!!!!!) on Thurs. night (that deserves its own post). Fun times!!! Have a wonderful week and as always, thank you for your comments!

Distractions are not ALWAYS bad...

2010-08-24T20:23:00.007-05:00

I just love when my horoscope actually truly fits with my life (how do they DO that?). I received this AFTER getting home from my second day of school aka...2nd day off of summer break and back to "work". It was so very fitting to my situation today that I just had to share!

"August 24, 2010
Taking Time to Look
Pisces Daily Horoscope
A lack of focus can plague you today, preventing you from making the most of the time you have available. Though you may feel that you ought to be working, thoughts of play, nature, and tranquility can distract you from your purpose. You may be in a spontaneous and carefree mood that is simply not compatible with a serious approach to work. However, consider that you can, with a little effort, find ways to incorporate your desire for fun into your day’s schedule today without sacrificing your commitment to a job well done. This can be a good time to work outdoors or turn a serious project into a challenging race against the clock.

The distractions that keep us from fully immersing ourselves in our obligations can occasionally be beneficial as they often remind us that ours is a world filled with much that is deserving of our attention and awe. While we may feel a sense of guilt upon temporarily abandoning our duties, the tranquility and restfulness that subsequently establish themselves in our hearts and minds will convince us we made the right choice. There is so much we can learn from those parts of life not traditionally associated with education, but it is only when we are willing to give ourselves permission to step outside of our structured comfort zones that we can fully appreciate how replete with beauty the universe truly is. When you take an unfocused approach to growth today, you will discover that there are many ways to achieve a new level of enlightenment. "

Yes, I had trouble with the focus issue, and being carefree and non- serious about work ( does laughing during the in-service and not wanting to listen count?) and yes to the guilt, and double yes to the abandoning our duties; so...I will be looking for my new levels of enlightenment- but I will have to do it tomorrow as I am tired tonight from my spontaneous bike ride and playing on the computer all evening long and successfully avoiding or abandoning all the "work" I brought home to do!

Kids come tomorrow- calm before the storm and this is the neatest the room will look all year!

Summer Love (pensive)

2010-08-21T12:50:00.013-05:00

I anticipated our reuniting for a long time...

at the beginning I felt like we had all the time in the world-

from early in the morning to late at night...

I gave up my current passions for you~

You became my passion-

my reason for rising each day-

anticipating what was in store

as we got into our familiar routine.

I basked in your warmth;

as I lay lazily in your light

as if glowing from within

drenched in your heat

your breath was warm against my skin...

You were there for me-

indulging me in my every whim and vice-

your days- pure poetry

of cloud-speckled unending time

while your nights sparkled

with the secrets of stars

and punctuated by the glow of fireflies..

But...

I have recently felt a tap on my shoulder

and -

it's getting more insistent...

garnering my attention-

A new love I will soon be falling for...

I'm feeling pensive about our parting-

there are so many things I still wanted to do with you

and now I won't be able;

something is changing

it's just not the same~

but I know in my heart -

I will see you again

and we'll pick up where we left off-

I hope......

I don't really mean to be fickle~

but you seasons are just so seductive for me...

****************************************

As I have been out and about recently, I have noticed a few signs that autumn is just around the corner...So yes, I am sad to see the summer leave, but fall is my absolute favorite season, so I am looking very forward to it's arrival!

A Big Finish!

2010-08-19T19:46:00.014-05:00

For all intents and purposes, my Summer Vacation is basically over in the next few days...finished! All in all, it was a good summer! Although I didn't do too much blogging or stamping, there are some things that I did do. I saw a few concerts- with a biggie coming up next Thurs....Donny and Marie (I know- you're jealous...can't wait!), went a lot of fun places with many different groups of friends; basically living out my suitcase during the month of July and beginning of August, took some cool tech classes through school, spent a lot of time in and near the water, spent a lot of quality time with family and good friends, read some good books,and rode my bike LOTS of different places.

I also learned a lot about myself this summer and dealt with some rather harsh and sad issues, but with the help of my amazing friends and family (and some other special people as well), feel in a better place to deal with those issues. Lots of tears; it's not easy, and it's not going to be easy, but it is getting easier.

My summer vacation will end with an evening of dinner and stamping at my house with some good friends tomorrow night, and an evening of cross stitching and dinner at Jayne's house with the cross stitch group on Saturday. A perfect finish to a great summer!

So...here are a few pictures of things I have completed:

Mermaids- my goal was to get it done before summer was over and I did! This will be framed and hung in Michigan.

The book Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert. Excellent book, in my opinion, about the tradition of marriage around the world ( as well as somewhat of a sequel to Eat, Pray, Love). On a side note, I saw Eat, Pray, Love the other night with a group of friends. I had read the book and liked it, but I really enjoyed the movie a lot! I thought Julia Roberts was excellent. I love to hear her laugh and have missed seeing her on the big screen, so I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The following pictures were taken on my last real bike ride this morning. The weather was perfect and I got as far as I wanted to go but then just kept riding ( 2 1/2 more miles). I had brought my camera with, so there is a nature preserve that the trail runs through, and I got off my bike and just stood and listened to all the sounds around me and snapped pictures for awhile. I think I will miss that part of summer the most!

The pictures below were taken on our trip to Michigan last week- the last one before school starts when Molly brought up her two friends Miranda and Shannon. Even though Michigan will be visited a few more times before we close up for the season, it just isn't the same as going in the summertime!

The last 2 pictures were the final finish of Mollyfest 2010, aka Molly's 16th birthday and all the celebrations that ensued. "Mollyfest" concluded almost a week after her actual birthday with a group of 8 friends going to see a sold out Chicago Fire soccer game against the New York Red Bulls.

Beginnings

2010-08-15T08:13:00.010-05:00

Beginnings always seem so daunting-
they are like that you know...
tantalizing and teasing-
pulling me in,
seducing me with
the dreams ...
the expectations ...
the possibilities ...
goading me to take that first step
sometimes whether I am ready to
or not.
But...
What if I can't do it?
What if I fail?
How do I deal with the uncertainty
of not knowing how this beginning will end?
Is there a do-over if this doesn't work?
But- wait-
What if the beginning ends?
(they always do)
Then what?
I will have already surrendered myself to this
beginning-
made that choice (but sometimes it's not a choice, is it?)
to start something new~
I need to remember
that every beginning offers a chance
for growth and change
to let go
let be
and just begin (feet first)
but regardless of what happens
I need to believe
that I'm right where I am supposed to be-
beginning....

What if my alarm doesn't go off and I'm late?
What if I didn't get as much work done as I was supposed to?
What if they don't like me?
What if I don't like them?
What if they laugh at me?
What if it looks like I don't know what I'm doing?
What if I make a mistake?
What if they think I dress weirdly?
What if they don't listen to me?
What if I am not important enough to them?

"Every beginning is some other beginning's end". Just yesterday it was the beginning of summer and today marks the beginning of the last week before the school year starts. You just can't run from beginnings, can you? There's always a new one somewhere. The beginning of a school year is wrought with anxiety not only on the part of some of the kids but on the part of the teachers too. We always have those "back to school dreams"- mine started in July, focusing on one catastrophe after another with the theme being loss of control. Lovely. Anyway- summer is ending, a new year is beginning- as it always does- and after 26 1/2 years teaching, I still get nervous and can't/won't sleep the first few nights of school. Monday will be the day to go in and organize my room and look for everything I crammed away last June. Maybe the "Room Fairies" will have visited and I will walk into organization- right- definitely not in my realm of possibilities. My reality will be boxes everywhere, furniture everywhere, no clue to where anything was shoved, and the air conditioner and pop machine not working. Here's to Beginnings...

A Summer Connoisseur

2010-08-09T18:32:00.007-05:00

A Summer Connoisseur

each daily nuance
dearly coveted by me
summer slipping by

This week's prompt at OSI is "connoisseur." As I have been enjoying to the fullest, my increasingly fleeting summer days, I feel I am qualified to speak on the behalf of being a Summer Connoisseur. How have you enjoyed your Summer Days?

From the Diary of a Water Bug

2010-08-06T09:06:00.012-05:00

I am a Pisces and I love the water. I am drawn to it, love to sit by it, and love to be in it, and on it in any form. I am just getting home from 2 days away with friends to another friend's lake house. There were 10 of us total (because the boat holds 10) and we spent 2 whole days on the water. That means 2 whole days of being constantly wet, running around in a bathing suit, my wet hair up, outside in the sun, laughing and giggling with a group of women who know each other really well. That can only lead to a good time.

We went on multiple boat rides -with the "Captain" doing his best to get the BIGGEST waves to go over the bow and drench my friend and I since we insisted on sitting up on the bow egging him on to to this (note- he was very successful in this endeavor). We anchored in a cove at one point and jumped off the boat to float around for awhile and swim. The 2 ladies who chose not to do this, set up a "wet bar" on the back of the boat (and gave that term new meaning) and made sure that our "summer beverages" were constantly replenished. Tubing was a blast! The Captain assured us that the tube was unflippable- with that said- I'm in -along with 3 of my friends. The Captain had a riot proving us otherwise and yes, The Missile (appropriately named) did indeed flip after being whipped around and around in very fast circles. I flew off thinking I was the only one- only to see the other 3 in the water as well. Because we had been going so fast when we hit the water- I was having a hard time catching my breath and spluttering- only to have my one friend say- "put your feet down" - so I did and I could touch bottom! Too funny- that ended my spluttering around.

The second day we spent a couple of hours hanging out in a huge round raft that holds eight, with a cooler trailing behind as well as a couple of other single rafts; talking and sipping summer beverages, floating down the the river with the current. That was hastened by The Captain who boarded the Waverunner and would roar up and tried (successfully I might add) to splash us and create huge waves- loved it!!!

Because there were so many of us- we split the meal duties- and we each had a team to work with and one meal to deal with- perfect and lots of delicious food. So the fact that I am totally sore places I never thought I had from hanging on for dear life (and getting in and out of the boat, raft...), and the fact that when I am still or have my eyes closed I still feel like I am on the boat, it was great hanging out with all of these special ladies- and Kudos to the Captain (and his lovely Wife) who put up with 9 women and made sure everyone had such a wonderful summer getaway!