December 03, 2009
November 27, 2009
Gratefulness
Thanksgiving has since come and gone, but I find myself continuing to think about what I'm grateful for in my life. A reminder that I need to do this for all days outside of Thanksgiving as well.
I'm spending the week with my fabulous friend Misty and her family in Virginia. Since I'm still unemployed, I decided to drive from Wisconsin. I must say, I loved every minute of the 900 miles that it took to get here. I love to drive. What's better then solitude, time to think, 24/7 music and so much beauty to see through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia. Okay, maybe not so much throughout Indiana...at least what I was able to see. My apologies to anyone reading this who may be from Indiana. I just didn't see very much during my time there.
Back to gratefulness. Over the past eight years of my life since my mom passed away, I've been searching for my own direction. After caring for my mom for so many years, I had forgotten what it was to do what I wanted to do. My choice was to center that time of my life around my mom which I wouldn't trade for anything. I lived with her for a number of years before she died so we were able to spend so much time together just being roommates more then anything else.
It was eight years ago on the 19th that she passed away. Today, the day after Thanksgiving, was the day of her funeral. I have so many thoughts going through my head. Fantastic memories, but at the same time thoughts of things that I wish she were here to experience with me.
My life has changed so much over the last few years, specifically since exploring more of the creative side of myself. This has opened the door to one area that I am most grateful for...my friends. You see, I'm not one to have a ton of friends. I find myself with a very close knit group of people that I can turn to when I need them.
In the past, a lot of these people were people that I labeled takers. Friends that I continually wanted to help, to save, to rescue... I was the giver, they were the taker. During that part of my life, I needed this. After my mom died, all I knew how to do (and wanted to do) was take care of people. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to be the caregiver. However, after only playing this part for so many years you begin to wonder what it's like to be the one being taken of...a bit of a role reversal per se.
I'm blessed to say that I now feel that I have that balance in my life with the people that I've chosen to share myself with...a little bit of giving, a little bit of taking. If you've never been the one to be taken care of, it's something that I probably cannot put in to words on this page. It's just something you'll have to experience.
After losing my job in August, I went through yet another transition of finding out who would stick with me through this time of my life. You know who you are, I am so fortunate to not only have you in my life, but also to be able to learn so much from you.
I am becoming a better person, a stronger soul, more patient and more understanding of what it is to appreciate the good and not so good in my life. With love, I thank you.
Pictures from our Thanksgiving hike @ Mint Springs.
November 23, 2009
So much for daily blogging this month....
I really didn't follow through with what I set out to do: blog every day in November. I had a great start, but then I fell off the map. I've been reminded of this quite often from my friend Scott who delivers the highest level of peer pressure and guilt of anyone I know. In a positive, endearing way, of course. So Scott, I'm turning over a new leaf today in an effort to get back on the bandwagon with somewhat daily (or at least weekly) posts.
A few week's back, I spent a great afternoon at the Milwaukee Art Museum. We have a Warhol exhibit here until the first week of January. I've read mixed reviews, but I very much enjoyed it. I think people may be looking for his standard Campbell's soup can pieces, where this exhibit shows a bit more of a different side during the last 10 years of his life.
I find it so interesting that with ever visit to an art museum, my tastes change depending on my mood, the weather, what art classes I may be taking, etc. I love that I just only now recognized this after this visit. I found myself pulled completely to the contemporary side and didn't even have a minute that I wanted to spare for areas that I usually visit (renaissance, impressionism, etc.) Maybe my tastes have changed over the past three to four months since I'm not working and spending way more time on the right side of my brain then the left. Even my taste in decor has changed .... finding that I'm loving the clean cut lines of West Elm to that of where I've been the last few years (French country meets Pottery Barn maybe?).
Regardless, I find that the changes I've gone through during the last three months of unemployment to be that of excitement, confusion, mystery and challenge. I'm uncertain what the future holds for me right now and I think I'm beginning to be okay with that answer. Things will work out, regardless where I end up.
I need to get motivated now to start packing and get organized since I leave tomorrow morning for my longest road trip yet. I'm heading to Virginia to spend a fabulous extended Thanksgiving with Misty and her family. I think they're as anxious as I am for me to arrive - about 850 miles standing between us which I'm completely ready to tackle. Hopefully more pictures from the road and this coming week in Virginia, so I will definitely be posting soon.
Yes Scott, I really will...I promise.
November 08, 2009
71 Degree High
That's exactly what I was on today....a 71 degree high.
We had fabulous weather in Wisconsin setting a record at 71 degrees for November 7th. What more could you ask for really? I had a wonderful day spent with the oldest friends I have in my life. I've known the neighbors I grew up with since 1970. That's a lifetime of memories, both old and new.
Today we celebrated a baby shower for Theresa & her partner Mary who will legally be parents of Ty in a matter of weeks when the adoption goes through. They've been fostering Ty for over a year and now have been given the gift of being able to have him in their lives permanently. I could not be any happier for them.
I leave you with two things today. One, if you have not yet viewed the video that my dear friends Kathy & Bill created highlighting everything that makes Valley Ridge Art Studio so magical, please watch. You'll now see why I can't get enough of "art camp" year after year. Next year's 2010 schedule is also posted, so please take a peek.
And lastly, the picture below was one that I took during Misty's class at Valley Ridge. It was beautiful weather for a fantastic weekend of creating with such talent.
Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.
Anais Nin
November 06, 2009
...and boys will be boys.
Meet Jack & Wyatt.
I spent the fastest hour of my day with them on Thursday afternoon. Just a few shots that I wanted to post since I started processing them very late Thursday night.
As I'm sure you can guess, their only motivation to get through this 50 minutes with me was candy.
For this shot, I told Jack to give me a James Dean pose.
Okay, I'm lying.
They genuinely like one another and it showed.
This was the first shot. I told them to head over to the tree and stand together. With no direction, they both put their feet up on the tree and began to pose like pros. Christie and I couldn't stop laughing.
A shared moment.
My beautiful friend Christie and her two boys, Jack & Wyatt.
Life is good.
November 05, 2009
November 04, 2009
November 03, 2009
'Roid Week 2009
I almost forgot until I saw an update on my Flickr home page.
It's 'Roid Week 2009.
Everything Polaroid for one week. A celebration, if you will.
So pop over to Flickr, even if you don't have an account and check out the group of us who consider Polaroid a resurgence of a lost art.
Save Polaroid has had an online campaign for the past year to fight for the everything that is instant film. A successful campaign at that!
You may have one stashed in your attic and if you do, let me know and let's make a deal. Below is my Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera.
November 02, 2009
Is Patience REALLY a Virtue?
This is what I feel like today. I know, not very appealing or attractive for that matter....but it fits my mood nonetheless.
Most of you who are friends of mine are already aware that I'm currently unemployed. I've been interviewing with a company in Madison, WI since the first week of September. Everything has progressed very well. Phone interviews, in person interviews, online assessments, asking for my references....it's all moving in the right direction. The hitch, it's now a waiting game.
I am not a patient person. Never was, probably never will be.
This job would require a relocation which has some excitement for me. New job, new place to live, new people, maybe new friends, new adventures.
I'm just needing to know NOW how this chapter will turn out. I was to have heard last week Friday but that has now turned in to mid-week this week. Mid-week means Wednesday to me. It better mean the same to their human resource department.
The picture of the garden sculpture above is from a farm about 30 minutes outside of Milwaukee called Monches Farm. If you're ever in the area, it's worth a visit. Not only do they have beautiful perennials, plants and garden sculptures but also a absolutely fabulous shop filled with everything that you never knew you needed. Those kind are my favorite shops by the way.
On a warm Summer or Fall day you can walk throughout their property and see chickens, roosters and even a peacock that is so fabulous.
So take a walk through a few pictures of this past Summer with me and remember how great it felt to have the sun in your eyes (pre-daylight savings) and camera in-hand.
November 01, 2009
Tag, You're It.....
A tag from The English Muse .... but more importantly, a bit of random information from moi. If you'd like to share in my randomness, tag yourself on your blog, Facebook or even as a comment here.
1. Where is your cell phone: Right next to me, isn't yours?
2. Your hair: blonde-ish, brown...highlights just this past week.
3. Your favorite food: This is too difficult to answer.
4. Your dream from last night: I have a recurring dream that I'm back in high school or college, but at my current age. Last night's dream was that I had to pay for tuition and didn't have the cash to do it.
5. Your favorite drink: Starbucks, Soy Cinnamon Dolce Latte...please.
6. Your dream/goal: To become employed.
7. What room are you in: Guest bedroom @ my brother Rick's house.
8. What are your hobbies: Photography, Painting, Reading, Dreaming
9. What is your fear: Right now, not finding a job.
10. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Anywhere, as long as I'm happy.
11. Where were you last night: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin...at my brother Rick's house.
12. Something you are not: Shy.
13. Muffins: Rather have bagels or scones.
14. Wish list items: Recurring answer, to be employed.
15. Where did you grow up: New Berlin, Wisconsin
16. Last thing you did: Opened the shade to check out the sunrise.
17. What are you wearing: That's classified..it's 6AM.
18. Your TV: Ancient.
19. Your pets: My four year old Himalayan cat Mischa.
20. Your friends: The best part of my life...the most creative, funny, and unconditionally loving people I know.
21. Your favorite store: Tough one...always a fan of J.Jill.
22. Your favorite color: Any shade of purple.
