What is it about carvings in wood professing true love that makes my heart melt. I often wonder about the people who etched their names in history. How old were they? Are they still together? Do they ever come back and visit their special place? No one knows for sure what the future holds but when I see trees, or benches such as this, I see hope and love and commitment and passion. And I like it!
Carving names into trees
Poem by Dino Poetry
I built my house on
memory lane, because it was
the safest place
I had ever known.
You carved our names in the
tree there when I was just
a boy, I remember.
I love that place
because it never left me
and whenever I felt scared
or alone
I would walk its beaten path
with you and it would
take away all my pain.
I grew strong on
memory lane, and my
children will grow there
too.
And when they are afraid
in the night,
I will carry them there
like I was carried.
We will sing every song
there,
and read every book.
We will laugh there,
and jump there.
And when we feel alive
we will celebrate there.
We will skin knees there,
and heal there.
And when we cry there,
there will always be
a shoulder.
Your shoulder.
My shoulder.
Today I will walk to
our names
on our tree
on memory lane and carve
something else,
"Thank you."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 30
Stress. Anxiety. Frustration. Negative. All words that played a part in my day today. I rarely get this way. It takes just one thing to put it all in perspective and I get out of my "funk."
I do some of my best thinking while driving. Just my luck I was driving to PSU today. Up until the second I got into the car my head was spinning and I was stressed. The drive to Penn State has to be one of favorite drives. Once you hit 322 it is God at what he does best! Beautiful rolling mountains that seen to never stop with clouds so close I feel like I could reach out and touch one! So I packed the car including my best driving buddy, Juno, and off we went.
I do some of my best thinking while driving. Just my luck I was driving to PSU today. Up until the second I got into the car my head was spinning and I was stressed. The drive to Penn State has to be one of favorite drives. Once you hit 322 it is God at what he does best! Beautiful rolling mountains that seen to never stop with clouds so close I feel like I could reach out and touch one! So I packed the car including my best driving buddy, Juno, and off we went.
2 1/2 hours later and I have forgotten why I was so upset in the first place (well sorta), but it doesn't bother near as much as it did before. It gave me time to think, clear my head, and focus on the positive!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 29
Ever have one of those days when you just should've stayed in bed?
Talk about kick me while I'm down! Things happen in 3's and I got mine all in one day!
Today's post is gonna be short and sweet cause I off to bed... trying to dream today away...
Tomorrow's a new day, right?
Talk about kick me while I'm down! Things happen in 3's and I got mine all in one day!
Today's post is gonna be short and sweet cause I off to bed... trying to dream today away...
Tomorrow's a new day, right?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 28
Ryan: pronounced RYE-an. It is of Irish origin, and the meaning of Ryan is "little king".
In my own definition of Ryan, I believe it is synonymous with fighter, hero, victor, and all around superstar!
Today I had a chance to hang out with one of my best friends and her son, Ryan. I was so impressed with Ryan today! At 2 1/2 years old, Ryan may not have written his name on the board but he sure did identify every letter when his mom wrote them! He had a great time drawing on the board but it was even more fun to erase things! As we walked down the steps he counted them! He could tell me body parts, colors, numbers, letters, etc. And while he was playing, the most adorable little voice would not stop talking!
These things may not sound like a big deal but 2 1/2 years ago we weren't sure if he would be able to do these things... we weren't even sure he'd be around. You would never know that Ryan was a preemie. He was born at 30 weeks at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Ryan spent his first 35 days there and he never gave up. Not only was it rough for him but for his mommy and daddy too.
Spending time with him today shows the resilient nature of children. As proud of him as I was today I was even prouder of his mommy! It was due to her love and support, along with daddy and friends and family, that helped Ryan become the "little king" he is today.
In my own definition of Ryan, I believe it is synonymous with fighter, hero, victor, and all around superstar!
Today I had a chance to hang out with one of my best friends and her son, Ryan. I was so impressed with Ryan today! At 2 1/2 years old, Ryan may not have written his name on the board but he sure did identify every letter when his mom wrote them! He had a great time drawing on the board but it was even more fun to erase things! As we walked down the steps he counted them! He could tell me body parts, colors, numbers, letters, etc. And while he was playing, the most adorable little voice would not stop talking!
These things may not sound like a big deal but 2 1/2 years ago we weren't sure if he would be able to do these things... we weren't even sure he'd be around. You would never know that Ryan was a preemie. He was born at 30 weeks at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Ryan spent his first 35 days there and he never gave up. Not only was it rough for him but for his mommy and daddy too.
Spending time with him today shows the resilient nature of children. As proud of him as I was today I was even prouder of his mommy! It was due to her love and support, along with daddy and friends and family, that helped Ryan become the "little king" he is today.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 27
Don't be known as a taker, be a giver. - Bobby Funk
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12
I have been reminded of this my whole life. Always help people in need. Treat people the way you wish to be treated.
I will never have enough money that I can give to an organization to REALLY make a difference but what I do have is time. Time to do the leg work and labor that an organization may need.
A big part of my life is volunteerism. I joined The Junior League of Lancaster about 2 years ago and have been very active volunteering for many worthwhile organizations. Guadenzia was the first organization I got my hands dirty with while in the League. We organized a party for the Women and Children Guadenzia services. We collected purses and each woman had a brand new (and in many cases a brand name) purse. Something as simple as a purse was just another confidence booster for these woman trying to better themselves and become a contributing member of society.
Aaron's Acres is another non-profit organization that I am very active with. One Sunday a month during the school year I volunteer with their respite school year program. This past year I decided to bring a long with me a troubled student from my school. It was amazing to see his hard shell disappear when he was working with the children. Aaron's Acres is an amazing organization that thrives on support of MANY volunteers.
Through Junior League I was hooked up with Girls on the Run. This is a character building program for young girls via a 10 wk course and actual physical running and training for a 5K. I have had first hand experience of how this program can change a girl's life for the better!
There are many more organizations that are doing good in our community that depend on volunteers to keep them running. No amount of money can replace time given, a hug given, encouragement given, etc.
Everyone needs to do their part in giving back to their community. You should be thankful for the gifts you have been given in your life and hope that if need be, someone is around giving of their time to you.
*This picture is taken at Loxley's, a restaurant in Lancaster. At the bottom of every check there are 3 organizations of the month for customers to choose from to have 5% of their bill donated to. Thank you Loxley's for giving back to your community!
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12
I have been reminded of this my whole life. Always help people in need. Treat people the way you wish to be treated.
I will never have enough money that I can give to an organization to REALLY make a difference but what I do have is time. Time to do the leg work and labor that an organization may need.
A big part of my life is volunteerism. I joined The Junior League of Lancaster about 2 years ago and have been very active volunteering for many worthwhile organizations. Guadenzia was the first organization I got my hands dirty with while in the League. We organized a party for the Women and Children Guadenzia services. We collected purses and each woman had a brand new (and in many cases a brand name) purse. Something as simple as a purse was just another confidence booster for these woman trying to better themselves and become a contributing member of society.
Aaron's Acres is another non-profit organization that I am very active with. One Sunday a month during the school year I volunteer with their respite school year program. This past year I decided to bring a long with me a troubled student from my school. It was amazing to see his hard shell disappear when he was working with the children. Aaron's Acres is an amazing organization that thrives on support of MANY volunteers.
Through Junior League I was hooked up with Girls on the Run. This is a character building program for young girls via a 10 wk course and actual physical running and training for a 5K. I have had first hand experience of how this program can change a girl's life for the better!
There are many more organizations that are doing good in our community that depend on volunteers to keep them running. No amount of money can replace time given, a hug given, encouragement given, etc.
Everyone needs to do their part in giving back to their community. You should be thankful for the gifts you have been given in your life and hope that if need be, someone is around giving of their time to you.
*This picture is taken at Loxley's, a restaurant in Lancaster. At the bottom of every check there are 3 organizations of the month for customers to choose from to have 5% of their bill donated to. Thank you Loxley's for giving back to your community!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 26
People can learn so much from animals. Tonight at the dog park I was reminded of the simplicity of getting along with one another. Why is it so hard for some people? It's not so hard for dogs...
When a new dog comes into the park, the other dogs run over and sniff the new dog from head to butt. They question who this new dog is coming into their area. Once the sniffing is over they start to play softly as if to test this new dog. Once they see that the new dog is there for the same reason (to run and play) they accept the dog and go on with their play time. All different dogs from all walks of life coming together with a common goal of running, chasing balls, chasing one another, sniffing butts, etc. If people were only as accepting and drama free...
Can't we all just get along?
“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” Emily Dickinson
Can't we all just get along?
“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” Emily Dickinson
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 25
I had the best ME day today! I had plans to go to a cookout but the rain kinda spoiled that so at 12:30pm I found myself with nothing to do. I decided to finish cleaning out my closet. It was one of those cleanings where I literally took everything out and piled it all over my room and then slowly went through things and put things in place.
What is it about clothing that makes it sooooo hard to get rid of? I know the rule, "If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it." THAT'S CRAP!!!!
As I was going through my clothes I had several different costume changes. I went from my pj's to an orange Virginia Tech t-shirt, a flowered flowy skirt, a pink bandanna, and a wrist band. (I looked damn sexy) Every piece I was wearing had some kind of significance to me. Each piece was comforting as I put it on. (None of them went in to the Goodwill pile!) Then came the bridesmaid dresses, one of which I wore 1 month before my surgery. I keep that as a reminder... I put it on and was amazed that I could have fit another person in it. I'll never wear it again but for some reason I can't let it go. After the bridesmaid dresses came my favorite sweatshirt. (yes, the AC so cranked so high I was comfortable in a sweatshirt.) And with each piece after came memories, some good bad, some bad. People always say that things are replaceable because you'll always have your memories... I've always been a pack rat. I can't get rid of anything! Maybe it is for security reasons or maybe it is just to keep the memories fresh and out in the open! Whichever the reason, overall I had a very enjoyable afternoon with all my stuff all by myself!
(Especially since most things eventually made their way BACK into the closet!)
What is it about clothing that makes it sooooo hard to get rid of? I know the rule, "If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it." THAT'S CRAP!!!!
As I was going through my clothes I had several different costume changes. I went from my pj's to an orange Virginia Tech t-shirt, a flowered flowy skirt, a pink bandanna, and a wrist band. (I looked damn sexy) Every piece I was wearing had some kind of significance to me. Each piece was comforting as I put it on. (None of them went in to the Goodwill pile!) Then came the bridesmaid dresses, one of which I wore 1 month before my surgery. I keep that as a reminder... I put it on and was amazed that I could have fit another person in it. I'll never wear it again but for some reason I can't let it go. After the bridesmaid dresses came my favorite sweatshirt. (yes, the AC so cranked so high I was comfortable in a sweatshirt.) And with each piece after came memories, some good bad, some bad. People always say that things are replaceable because you'll always have your memories... I've always been a pack rat. I can't get rid of anything! Maybe it is for security reasons or maybe it is just to keep the memories fresh and out in the open! Whichever the reason, overall I had a very enjoyable afternoon with all my stuff all by myself!
(Especially since most things eventually made their way BACK into the closet!)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Day 24
Between Lititz Farmer's Market, Lancaster Central Market, and the 50 million road side stands in between, there is no excuse for not buying fresh local produce. Last week at Lititz Farmer"s Market, the farmer told me that every vegetable I bought that day was picked fresh that morning. Doesn't get any better than that!
I have been on a kick lately trying out different recipes with all the fresh produce I'm buying. A few weeks ago I made chicken with zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and of course my new favorite seasoning, Adobo. It was fantastic and full of flavor! Even a 6-year-old loved the healthy dish!
Tonight I made a dish with ingredients from Central Market. Chicken, brown rice, and tomatoes. Simple, quick, and easy... just the way I like it! I had the suggestion to add some cheese to it but while I am trying to make delicious dishes at the same time I want to stay low calorie, low fat. So I sprinkled a little Parmesan cheese for taste.
I'm really enjoying trying out new recipes and trying to cook healthier meals! Maybe someday I will start a garden of my own like I had when I was a kid...
I have been on a kick lately trying out different recipes with all the fresh produce I'm buying. A few weeks ago I made chicken with zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and of course my new favorite seasoning, Adobo. It was fantastic and full of flavor! Even a 6-year-old loved the healthy dish!
Tonight I made a dish with ingredients from Central Market. Chicken, brown rice, and tomatoes. Simple, quick, and easy... just the way I like it! I had the suggestion to add some cheese to it but while I am trying to make delicious dishes at the same time I want to stay low calorie, low fat. So I sprinkled a little Parmesan cheese for taste.
I'm really enjoying trying out new recipes and trying to cook healthier meals! Maybe someday I will start a garden of my own like I had when I was a kid...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day 23
Can I tell you how much I enjoy getting my hair done!?!?!? And it's not just because I get pampered and look better but it is because I get to chat, gossip, and smack talk with my Design Specialist, (I think that is his new title!?!?) Zach! He cracks me up! Today as I tell this person my deepest darkest secrets I realize the relationship between you and your stylist is special, if you have the right stylist that is! From day 1 I have told Zach personal stuff about my relationships, career goals, and just everyday stuff. The funny thing is, is that up until 8 weeks ago I didn't even know his last name! I'm not sure if that is bad or just the cherry on top of this unique relationship! I see him once every 8 weeks, sometimes longer, we don't talk outside of the salon, and yet I feel like I'm chatting with an old friend. After about a year of trying to get me to go short I decided to let him at it! I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted and even though I cringed at every snip, the final outcome was WAY better than I had pictured! I guess that's why he's the professional! THANKS ZACH!!!
PS> Zach works at Hair On The Avenue Salon in Sinking Spring. Yes it is about a 30min drive but it is well worth it! Check it out!
PS> Zach works at Hair On The Avenue Salon in Sinking Spring. Yes it is about a 30min drive but it is well worth it! Check it out!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Day 22
I have looked forward to this night every summer since becoming involved with Aaron's Acres. Aaron’s Acres is a non-profit organization that serves children between the ages of 5 and 21 with special needs.
Tonight was their annual carnival! Kids and their families come out for food, drinks, games, and of course the moon bounce! This year Hartz Physical Therapy really did a nice job organizing the games and bringing out a ton of volunteers! Kudos for Hartz!
In this picture is my buddy Chris. Chris was full of smiles and laughter all night! He and the other kids inspire me in so many ways! The games and activities were not easy for Chris but no one would have known. He played every game with a smile! I might add he is a competitive little bugger too!
A highlight of my night was when a kid was coming toward me in a wheelchair yelling, Hey! Hey! I know you! I realized it was a former student of mine I had in 6th grade. He was there with his family who own the Rita's on Manheim Pike (by the Subway and Isaac's) handing out water ice and coupons. It took him a second to remember where he knew me from. All he could get out at first was John Beck and Social Studies. He said, "I LOVED your social studies class! You made us watch the movie about that Bridges girl and write a paper. It was the best paper I ever wrote! It wasn't fair to treat her mean because she was black!" If that is all I taught him then I did my job! I can't believe he is a senior now!
A little history on how Aaron's Acres got started...
Aaron's Acres was established in 1998. At that time, Risa Paskoff, a well-respected clinical (child) social worker in the Lancaster community, read an article from a group of parents who wanted to provide a summer camp experience for their children who had developmental disabilities.
Their request was to have a camp that provided experiences similar to what most parents throughout the United States want for their children. Risa immediately offered her assistance. With Risa's help and the financial support of a small grant, a one-week summer camp program was established serving 11 children in Lancaster County, ages 4-9 in 1998. Risa became the executive director of Aaron's Acres, and has been the executive director ever since.
Since then , Aaron's Acres has expanded its programs tremendously. In 2003, as a result of receiving feedback from the parents, Risa added a monthly school year program in Lancaster. In 2004, both camps and school year programs were established in Berks County. Beginning in 2006, Aaron's Acres established programs in Dapuhin County as well. The program continues to provide year round recreational and therapeutic services to children in 3 counties - Lancaster, Berks and Dauphin.
Tonight was their annual carnival! Kids and their families come out for food, drinks, games, and of course the moon bounce! This year Hartz Physical Therapy really did a nice job organizing the games and bringing out a ton of volunteers! Kudos for Hartz!
In this picture is my buddy Chris. Chris was full of smiles and laughter all night! He and the other kids inspire me in so many ways! The games and activities were not easy for Chris but no one would have known. He played every game with a smile! I might add he is a competitive little bugger too!
A highlight of my night was when a kid was coming toward me in a wheelchair yelling, Hey! Hey! I know you! I realized it was a former student of mine I had in 6th grade. He was there with his family who own the Rita's on Manheim Pike (by the Subway and Isaac's) handing out water ice and coupons. It took him a second to remember where he knew me from. All he could get out at first was John Beck and Social Studies. He said, "I LOVED your social studies class! You made us watch the movie about that Bridges girl and write a paper. It was the best paper I ever wrote! It wasn't fair to treat her mean because she was black!" If that is all I taught him then I did my job! I can't believe he is a senior now!
A little history on how Aaron's Acres got started...
Aaron's Acres was established in 1998. At that time, Risa Paskoff, a well-respected clinical (child) social worker in the Lancaster community, read an article from a group of parents who wanted to provide a summer camp experience for their children who had developmental disabilities.
Their request was to have a camp that provided experiences similar to what most parents throughout the United States want for their children. Risa immediately offered her assistance. With Risa's help and the financial support of a small grant, a one-week summer camp program was established serving 11 children in Lancaster County, ages 4-9 in 1998. Risa became the executive director of Aaron's Acres, and has been the executive director ever since.
Since then , Aaron's Acres has expanded its programs tremendously. In 2003, as a result of receiving feedback from the parents, Risa added a monthly school year program in Lancaster. In 2004, both camps and school year programs were established in Berks County. Beginning in 2006, Aaron's Acres established programs in Dapuhin County as well. The program continues to provide year round recreational and therapeutic services to children in 3 counties - Lancaster, Berks and Dauphin.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 21
Perspective...
Today I was reminded that there is always someone worse off in this world than yourself. When you think you've hit rock bottom some people would kill to be in your shoes. Just when you think you know someones situation, you realize it's not even the tip of the iceberg.
Juno will sit like this for 10-20 mins at a time. I'm looking in the same direction as she is and I see nothing... yet something has her attention. I'll never know her perspective on things, I can only assume.
We really don't know how other people view things, how they live behind closed doors.... I guess the saying is true,
"Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in their shoes,"
For some of us, I bet we wouldn't last 2 steps in some peoples' shoes let alone a mile...
Today I was reminded that there is always someone worse off in this world than yourself. When you think you've hit rock bottom some people would kill to be in your shoes. Just when you think you know someones situation, you realize it's not even the tip of the iceberg.
Juno will sit like this for 10-20 mins at a time. I'm looking in the same direction as she is and I see nothing... yet something has her attention. I'll never know her perspective on things, I can only assume.
We really don't know how other people view things, how they live behind closed doors.... I guess the saying is true,
"Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in their shoes,"
For some of us, I bet we wouldn't last 2 steps in some peoples' shoes let alone a mile...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 20
Progress...
prog·ress [n. prog-res, -ruhs or, especially Brit., proh-gres; v. pruh-gres]
prog·ress [n. prog-res, -ruhs or, especially Brit., proh-gres; v. pruh-gres]
1. a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage: the progress of a student toward a degree.
2. developmental activity in science, technology, etc., esp. with reference the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level.
This is a picture just outside my new office in our our NEW school! I really should have a before picture for you to really appreciate this picture! Come September, our students will walk into a new, shiny, bright, clean building full of light! This building comes complete with air conditioning (now students won't be throwing up due to the heat), technology advancements (smartboards, mounted projectors, mobile laptop carts), "green" construction and windows, etc. To some of you, this is nothing new... but come September the gap between city schools and suburban schools just got a little closer, at least in this building. The opportunities are endless!
Best part is... it's only gonna get better!
This is an ongoing process and we've made PROGRESS!
2. developmental activity in science, technology, etc., esp. with reference the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level.
This is a picture just outside my new office in our our NEW school! I really should have a before picture for you to really appreciate this picture! Come September, our students will walk into a new, shiny, bright, clean building full of light! This building comes complete with air conditioning (now students won't be throwing up due to the heat), technology advancements (smartboards, mounted projectors, mobile laptop carts), "green" construction and windows, etc. To some of you, this is nothing new... but come September the gap between city schools and suburban schools just got a little closer, at least in this building. The opportunities are endless!
Best part is... it's only gonna get better!
This is an ongoing process and we've made PROGRESS!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Day 19
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
I LOVE to travel. Whether it is a trip across the country or a trip an hour down the road, I love to explore new places and meet new people.
I'm not a big collector. I'm not big on souvenir t-shirts or shot glasses, but I did want to keep a visible trail of the places I've been. Some how I decided on magnets. This picture is of my refrigerator. There are various magnets from as far as London, UK and from as close as Downtown Lititz. Each magnet represents more than just a place. They represent a place where I discovered new things, learned from the land, and enjoyed the company of new people, There is something to be said about the experiences of travel that no book could tell you.
Here's to many more adventures!
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
I LOVE to travel. Whether it is a trip across the country or a trip an hour down the road, I love to explore new places and meet new people.
I'm not a big collector. I'm not big on souvenir t-shirts or shot glasses, but I did want to keep a visible trail of the places I've been. Some how I decided on magnets. This picture is of my refrigerator. There are various magnets from as far as London, UK and from as close as Downtown Lititz. Each magnet represents more than just a place. They represent a place where I discovered new things, learned from the land, and enjoyed the company of new people, There is something to be said about the experiences of travel that no book could tell you.
Here's to many more adventures!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 18
In honor of Nelson Mandela's birthday. I believe he was and is a light in a world of darkness. He is a role model for every human being in every walk of life.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. ~ Nelson Mandela
Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished. ~Michael Strassfeld
We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar
There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton
How do you spread light?
We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar
There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton
How do you spread light?
Happy Birthday Madiba!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 17
There's no place like home...
I've worked very hard to make my house a home. Being a homeowner has its pros and cons but there is nothing like walking through the front door and being able to say, at the end of the day, this is mine. There is a sense of accomplishment, most days...
Today, there was no such sense. After getting home from the whole airport chaos at 4am I finally fell asleep somewhere around 4:30am. Woke up at 10am ish and my first thought was to go get my fuzzy puppy! Juno spent 4 days at the Petsmart Hotel. She loves this place! While I have separation anxiety dropping her off, she on the other hand can't wait to get back to the playroom!
After picking her up, we came straight home. She ran through the door, said hello to the cats, rounded up all the toys, and passed out within minutes. I can just hear her saying, "There's no place like home."
We spent the majority of the day doing what we do best, napping, laying out on the deck, napping, watching movies, and did I mention napping. We got nothing accomplished, but that was ok because we were both just glad to be... home!
I've worked very hard to make my house a home. Being a homeowner has its pros and cons but there is nothing like walking through the front door and being able to say, at the end of the day, this is mine. There is a sense of accomplishment, most days...
Today, there was no such sense. After getting home from the whole airport chaos at 4am I finally fell asleep somewhere around 4:30am. Woke up at 10am ish and my first thought was to go get my fuzzy puppy! Juno spent 4 days at the Petsmart Hotel. She loves this place! While I have separation anxiety dropping her off, she on the other hand can't wait to get back to the playroom!
After picking her up, we came straight home. She ran through the door, said hello to the cats, rounded up all the toys, and passed out within minutes. I can just hear her saying, "There's no place like home."
We spent the majority of the day doing what we do best, napping, laying out on the deck, napping, watching movies, and did I mention napping. We got nothing accomplished, but that was ok because we were both just glad to be... home!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Day 16
Elliot ErwittThis photo barely made it in my pic of the day... It was taken shortly after midnight at O'Hare. Aside from the composition of this picture, I like it for another reason...There aren't many people in the photo. Very strange that you would be able to take a picture at an airport that is basically the hub for the mid-west with one or two people in it!
In college, my first photography class for my major, my professor was very concerned with me. My first portfolio critique was compositionally a success however the content is what had people talking.
All my pictures were of places that you would expect to see people yet were void of any human life. I had a playground shot at different angles but not a single child. There was a baseball field with the only evidence of people being the footprints left in the infield. I shot the lawn in front of Old Main (PSU) where there are usually several people at any given time... not in my pics! I had the opportunity to go into Beaver Stadium and get some great shots but none of them included people... So on and so on and so on.
Most of those photographs actually ended up in my year end portfolio and in the year end art show. Since college I have often remembered those unintentional themed photographs and have tried to find other venues and purposely shoot them excluding people, this picture included.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Day 15
The past week seems to be a blur... PA, IL, NE, and IA! That's 4 states in 3 days! I began writing this blog in the Chicago airport as people were whizzing by with completely tense faces. Do people ever take the time to slow down and smell the Starbucks? I had a whole blog entry in my head about taking time to stop and smell the roses. To take life one step at a time. To find the good in each situation instead of always dwelling on the negative. But I got distracted and tense and pissed off about my delayed flight that I never finished it.
This blog entry couldn't have been more appropriate for what would happen next...
My plane from Chicago to Harrisburg was to leave ORD at 9:12pm. After mechanical issues and a missing flight attendant, we finally boarded our plane around midnight. Grumpy, tired, and complaining, we all just wanted to get home. As I wait for the plane to take off you'd think I would just sit and relax and be thankful I am one step closer to being home. However, my mind went straight into overload mode. I began thinking about the training I had just attended and how I wanted to implement it into my daily routine at school, and what things I could do to make it better. I began making a list of things I needed to do and get ready for, for summer school next week. I made up my grocery list, planned out my to do list for Friday, etc, etc, etc. At some point the captain said we could turn on our electronic devices, so I turned on my iPod, put in my headphones, and actually drifted off to sleep. I was abruptly awoken by an unsteady plane and the captain over the load speaker informing us that there were issues with the plane and to brace for a rough landing. He also added that he requested emergency services to be available and meet us on the runway. Oh and by the way, everything is under control. Wait... WHAT!?!?! It took a little while for the message to actually sink in. We were circling the airport attempting to get our landing gear to come out of the plane. No such luck... There were times when we would descend and slow down, only to speed up and rise again. At one point it hit me... I might really be in danger.
I went into survival mode (a bit dramatic but, come on... it's me). I took my cell phone out of my purse and secured it on my body. I also took out my license and put it in my pocket for, god forbid, identification purposes if something happened. I began looking around planning the shortest route to an emergency exit. I even zipped up the cardigan I had on because I thought it would be unmanegable unzipped, if we crashed in water...
The plane began to descend again, this was it. We were attempting to land! My heart was racing, my mouth was dry, I was thinking about the people I loved and if I made a difference in this world. I thought about all the big plans I have and that a plan I was going to add and make sure I do was to stop and smell the roses. We got closer and closer to the runway with only water beneath us... I could see the fire trucks and the EMT crews lining the runway waiting for us. I braced myself for what seemed like hours and... BAM! We landed, rockin' and rollin', shaking and bouncing, but we were on the ground!!!! I felt this HUGE feeling of relief come over me (but was still nervous the plane was gonna suddenly explode!)
My point to all of this is... don't let life get so crazy and hectic, like this picture, that it becomes blurry and you forget your focus, your plan, your dreams. Make sure to have that balance in life of the intense, I'm gonna die in a plane crash, moments and the laid back, smell the Starbucks, decaf that is, moments! LIVE your life!
This blog entry couldn't have been more appropriate for what would happen next...
My plane from Chicago to Harrisburg was to leave ORD at 9:12pm. After mechanical issues and a missing flight attendant, we finally boarded our plane around midnight. Grumpy, tired, and complaining, we all just wanted to get home. As I wait for the plane to take off you'd think I would just sit and relax and be thankful I am one step closer to being home. However, my mind went straight into overload mode. I began thinking about the training I had just attended and how I wanted to implement it into my daily routine at school, and what things I could do to make it better. I began making a list of things I needed to do and get ready for, for summer school next week. I made up my grocery list, planned out my to do list for Friday, etc, etc, etc. At some point the captain said we could turn on our electronic devices, so I turned on my iPod, put in my headphones, and actually drifted off to sleep. I was abruptly awoken by an unsteady plane and the captain over the load speaker informing us that there were issues with the plane and to brace for a rough landing. He also added that he requested emergency services to be available and meet us on the runway. Oh and by the way, everything is under control. Wait... WHAT!?!?! It took a little while for the message to actually sink in. We were circling the airport attempting to get our landing gear to come out of the plane. No such luck... There were times when we would descend and slow down, only to speed up and rise again. At one point it hit me... I might really be in danger.
I went into survival mode (a bit dramatic but, come on... it's me). I took my cell phone out of my purse and secured it on my body. I also took out my license and put it in my pocket for, god forbid, identification purposes if something happened. I began looking around planning the shortest route to an emergency exit. I even zipped up the cardigan I had on because I thought it would be unmanegable unzipped, if we crashed in water...
The plane began to descend again, this was it. We were attempting to land! My heart was racing, my mouth was dry, I was thinking about the people I loved and if I made a difference in this world. I thought about all the big plans I have and that a plan I was going to add and make sure I do was to stop and smell the roses. We got closer and closer to the runway with only water beneath us... I could see the fire trucks and the EMT crews lining the runway waiting for us. I braced myself for what seemed like hours and... BAM! We landed, rockin' and rollin', shaking and bouncing, but we were on the ground!!!! I felt this HUGE feeling of relief come over me (but was still nervous the plane was gonna suddenly explode!)
My point to all of this is... don't let life get so crazy and hectic, like this picture, that it becomes blurry and you forget your focus, your plan, your dreams. Make sure to have that balance in life of the intense, I'm gonna die in a plane crash, moments and the laid back, smell the Starbucks, decaf that is, moments! LIVE your life!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Day 14
Before coming to Omaha my only mention of the city was while I was singing the Counting Crows song. However, I will be thinking of Omaha very differently and often! 4 of us were sent to Omaha by our school for training. The people here are extremely nice and welcoming! Even the runners who are running down the street in full concentration mode with their iPod on, will say, "What's Up?" Not a nod, a smile, or a generic hi, but an actual sincere greeting! I could get used to this.
As we walked around the town we got to take in the sights and talk to a lot of people. However, in a matter of 2 min a storm rolled in and we quickly ducked into the closest bar. The storm was never ending and as the night went on we drank and we merry! I asked the bar tender for a plastic bag to protect my purse from the rain and off we went out into the streets of Omaha in the middle of a downpour! We had a blast! Far exceeded my expectations! Oh, and the training was good too! :0)
As we walked around the town we got to take in the sights and talk to a lot of people. However, in a matter of 2 min a storm rolled in and we quickly ducked into the closest bar. The storm was never ending and as the night went on we drank and we merry! I asked the bar tender for a plastic bag to protect my purse from the rain and off we went out into the streets of Omaha in the middle of a downpour! We had a blast! Far exceeded my expectations! Oh, and the training was good too! :0)
PS> Happy Day 14 DS!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 13
This is just breath-taking! There is something about looking out the window of a plane that is just mesmorizing. This was on my flight today look out at Chicago. This was my first trip to O'Hara and so far I am not a happy camper. I ended up having a 3 hour delayed flight on top of a 2 hour initial layover... Sitting in a PACKED airport for hours is annoying. HOWEVER, there are the nifty little charging stations for all your electronic needs... that made me HAPPY! See, it's no so hard to please me!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 12
I took this at my Dad's house today right before the rain came. If you've ever been to the Funky Farm, you should recognize the famous wagon wheels that decorate the flower bed so well! I don't really have a story behind this pic, just thought I'd play with the composition...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 11
So this is the second day in a row that I put up an altered pic... I know I said I wouldn't but the yesterday's pic I can make a case that it is not altered... However today is a special day that calls for a special picture... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUNO! My "little" girl turned 2 today! We did lots of fun stuff today! First we went for a long walk this morning around 6:30am. After church, we went to the dog park to play with some friends. Juno handed out her birthday treat bags to some of her friends at the park! After the park we went to the store to pick out a new toy, which she LOVES! The day ended with a trip to my dad's house where Juno could play with her new toy and then take a dive into the pool to cool off! We did all this before 1pm today and she has been passed out since we got home, but not before she scarfed down her birthday cupcake treat from the pet store!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Day 10
I originally said I would not alter/edit any photos... Not sure if this counts or not. I was playing around with a new app called Pano. I took 4 pictures and the app merged them together. I'm gonna have fun with this app!!!! This is the view from my front door. Any thoughts? Am I playing by the rules? Do you consider this to be altered?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Day 9
This is probably one of those, "Ya had to be there" stories, but it was funny none the less! A friend and I decided to go to Green Dragon, food and fake purses, a girl's dream place... Anyway, after buying a lovely purse and even heckling the vendor down in price, we set our eyes on the goal... food! It was so hot, you would have thought we walked through a sprinkler we were sweating so much! We finally found the perfect stand and indulged in sausage and fries... We were sitting at a table outside and tried putting up the umbrella for shade. We finally got it up but quickly realized there was little shade. Suddenly out of no where a gust of wind came and turned our umbrella inside out and the food and drinks were knocked over and off the table. Laughing yet, cause I'm in tears recalling the situation... Like I said, "Ya had to be there!"
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Day 8
Can you guys guess my cartoon friend?
He says things like...
“In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.”
“That's the secret to life... replace one worry with another....”
“I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time.”
*I just have one thing to say about that...
Quit being such a BLOCK HEAD!
PS > xoxo - we'll get through this together :0)
He says things like...
“In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back.”
“That's the secret to life... replace one worry with another....”
“I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time.”
*I just have one thing to say about that...
Quit being such a BLOCK HEAD!
PS > xoxo - we'll get through this together :0)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Day 7
Does this look like it is worth $900!?!?!? The heat is starting to make me crazy! If you look carefully the dashboard says 109 degrees at 4:07pm! I took this picture on my way home from the auto shop. Of all weeks my air conditioning broke in my car. I went to get it fixed and they did charge it but couldn't guarantee for how long it would work. They found a leak under the dashboard. Apparently it will cost around $900 and about 8 hours to fix. No thank you!!! Looks like I will be car shopping sometime before next summer!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Day 6
Summer is here! With temps this week teasing 100 degrees, I've been poolside daily! I think i'd wear flip-flops year round if I could!
Flip-flops, flip flops, thongs, pluggers,[1] double pluggers,[2] toesies, or jandals are an open type of outdoor footwear, consisting of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap, like a thin thong, that passes between the first (big) and second toes and around either side of the foot. Unlike sandals, flip-flops do not secure the ankle.[3]
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day 5
There's something about covered bridges I find fascinating, comforting, and serene. In high school I worked at Plain and Fancy which involved taking mostly back roads through Amish country to get there! I wouldn't have a lot of daylight to shoot on days I worked after school for my photography class. On the way to work I would stop at various places if something caught my eye. Most of my pictures consisted of Amish farms, covered bridges, Amish farms, streams, Amish farms, horse and buggies, and did I mention Amish farms? My teacher was so over my typical Lancaster County photographs. He made me push through and turn the common/typical into unfamiliar/new. From then on I always tried to take a common place and find the unnoticed aspects of that place. This is a covered bridge above Lititz that was on my way to a farmer's market I was looking for. So I decided to stop and take a picture... haven't done that in years! Reminded me of my senior year of high school, where my love for photography began!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Day 4
Happy Birthday America!
I am whatever you make me, nothing more. I am your belief in yourself, your dream of what a people may become.... I am the clutch of an idea, and the reasoned purpose of resolution. I am no more than you believe me to be and I am all that you believe I can be. I am whatever you make me, nothing more.
I am whatever you make me, nothing more. I am your belief in yourself, your dream of what a people may become.... I am the clutch of an idea, and the reasoned purpose of resolution. I am no more than you believe me to be and I am all that you believe I can be. I am whatever you make me, nothing more.
~Franklin Knight Lane
Cheers for the sailors that fought on the wave for it,
Cheers for the sailors that fought on the wave for it,
Cheers for the soldiers that always were brave for it,
Tears for the men that went down to the grave for it,
Here comes the flag!
~Arthur Macy, The Flag
~Arthur Macy, The Flag
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
~Francis Scott Key, The Star-Spangled Banner
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
~Francis Scott Key, The Star-Spangled Banner
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Day 3
Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays! Besides the cookouts, the warm weather, and the company of good friends and family... there are FIREWORKS!!! I love Fireworks! As a kid I can remember going to Lancaster Country Club every year with friends. My mom and I would go out and buy a new outfit just for the event. In addition to LCC we would go to the parade in Lititz and the fireworks later that night in Lititz Springs Park. Longs Park fireworks on Sundays would round out the weekend holiday! It was always a good time had by all!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Day 2
Growing up I remember working in our family's garden with my Nana and Pappy. We had potatoes, spinach, string beans, lettuce, strawberries, zucchini, flowers, etc. We even had a scarecrow! The most important thing we grew were our tomatoes! We would sell the tomatoes all summer long at our little stand at the end of the driveway! People would ask us every spring when our tomatoes would be ready. The reason the tomatoes were so important was because all the money we made from them was split between my brothers and I to use as spending money when we went to OCNJ every September. My brothers and I would help my Nana and Pappy everyday with something whether it be digging holes in the ground, planting seeds, picking vegtables, cutting flowers, or watering the plants. The tomatoes were the most work. We would help my Pappy plant them and water them. We would watch the plants grow and wait anxiously for Pappy to say it was ready for the stakes. We would put all the stakes in the wheelbarrow and then rip up old sheets into small strips to tie the plants to the stakes. My brothers and I would fight over who got to pound in the first stake. We would pound in the stakes and then Nana would help us tie the plant to the stake with the fabric strip. In a creative writing class in college I wrote about my experiences in the garden with my grandparents every summer and came across an analogy that means so much... My brothers and I were like those little tomato plants. We needed to be tended to and watched after carefully. We could have managed to grow up without our grandparents but we may have been hunched over and our tomatoes may have been bruised. My grandfather was that firm stake that kept us in line, kept us standing tall, and allowed us to weather any storm. All the while my Nana was the fabric strip wrapped around us loose enough for room to grow on our own but tight enough to know she and the stake would always be there...
Why do I write this story with a picture of a flower next to it? Somehow as much as I loved working in that garden as a child, I did not inherit the green thumb of my grandparents. This is the only standing flower in my flower bed. Somehow it has managed to defeat the odds and refused to give up! Maybe there's hope for me yet!?!?
Why do I write this story with a picture of a flower next to it? Somehow as much as I loved working in that garden as a child, I did not inherit the green thumb of my grandparents. This is the only standing flower in my flower bed. Somehow it has managed to defeat the odds and refused to give up! Maybe there's hope for me yet!?!?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Day 1
Juno! This is Juno, my German Shepherd Mix. She will probably be making several appearances during this project. She is my best friend! I was never a dog lover until she was a birthday present in 2008. Her birthday is July 11, 2008. She has been through a lot with me and at one point I credit her for saving my life! If not for her, making me get out of bed everyday to walk her, let her out, and/or feed her, I would have slipped into an even deeper depression causing me to lose friends, my job, and the desire to go on. She truly is man's best friend and brings me happiness and joy everyday!
Intro
I have decided to get back into my photography. I have boycotted my hobby for awhile because I miss the meditating atmosphere of a dark room. (Maybe I just miss the fumes!?!?) When I went to school I can remember spending very long evenings in the dark room and having a sense of accomplishment and creativity! Since I have made the switch the digital photography, I rarely edit the photos I take. With this project I will have different types of photos. All photos will be taken with my iPhone and will not be edited. Some will be normal everyday pics and some artistic in nature, but all will be a little part of my day. Everyday for a year! Here's to going out and finding the creativity again...
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