Sunday, June 22, 2008

"A String and a Prayer"


This Saturday, I spent a glorious 6 hours with 15 amazing women and Eleanor Wiley. Eleanor is a nationally recognized bead artist and author (of A string and a Prayer) and who specializes in making and sharing prayer beads.
I have been making prayer beads myself, very different from the ones I created this weekend, as well as Chakra bracelets however, I did not grow up with a religious tradition that used beads for prayer. What I learned was that prayer beads can also help us remember the things we are thankful for, things we need to pay more attention to, and of course people we want to remember in thought and prayer, and reminding us to be present.
I couldn't imagine how I would fill 6 hours with making prayer beads but the camaraderie, exploration, sharing and listening to Eleanor share her stories and experiences wasn't nearly enough time. I look forward to getting together with this group of women to continue to create and share.
The great news is that Eleanor will be back here again next year for another workshop.

Open House



Mark, Sue, David, Bill, Mary K. Anne and Nora
Standoff between Izzy and the ferocious Sushi (Wendy's dog) Katie, Grandma, Cristine


John and friends (From Left) John, Austin, Christine, Darcy
Thought I'd share a few photos of John's graduation open house.

All Decked Out


The deck extension that liked the two back decks was completed just in time for John's open house. Larry did such a great job!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Famous Threes

Harry, Ron and Hermione
The Three Musketeers
The Three Stooges
Brain, Brawn, Beauty

John, Jacob, and Andrea

at John's Open House and Andrea's Open House

All three cousins graduating this year!

Friday, June 13, 2008

A Bad Break


On his own...carefree, graduated, new apartment, new job...then.... finger meets doorframe....doorframe wins.
John caught his right little finger on a door frame in his new apartment and broke the finger at the Carpo-metacarpal joint. (How about that impressive medical terminology, Dr. Katie? :)
He's taped and splinted and is supposed to give it a break for 6 weeks.
Makes it tough to work construction and if your thank-you note from John looks a little weird, (or heaven forbid...mass produced) you'll know why.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Nominees Are


8.....That's right....1776 has been nominated for 8 Awards.
The Nominees are.....drum roll, please;
Best Musical
Director of a Musical
Ensemble
Lead Actor; Doak Bloss
Supporting Actor: Paul Tarr
Featured Actor: Zechariah Schrum
Costumes: Mary K. Hodges Nees
Hair: Danile Moore

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Empty Nest


We are now officially "Empty Nesters." A whole lot sooner than we ever expected or could even get used to. I could have used a few months to wrap my head around the idea. I don't deal really well to change. Especially sudden and immediate change of such huge consequence.
You shout, " What???? Didn't John JUST graduate on Sunday? " From HIGH SCHOOL
Yes, you are absolutely right. He did just graduate (see his cute graduation photos below). BTW, school isn't even out yet for most student.
I thought he'd be working this summer, hanging out here and with his friends and then maybe by fall, start looking for a place. So it came as a huge shock to us.
We didn't have much time to get used to the idea; he moved into his new apartment with a friend (maybe two) last night. But, the shock has worn off; I'm looking around the house for things he can use and I let him take one of our old couches from downstairs and a chair of my Dad's and by Saturday he'll have a cool glass topped dining table.
It will be a huge reality check for John and I think it will be great for him. We'll be there to support him.