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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

color of the sky.....

Last night I wanted to come home and capture my awe at the color of the sky.  Yesterday was a blue day- I wanted to wear blue, I recognized that I missed wearing blue- I wore a lot of blue working at The Works.  I noticed that I noticed blue in the morning and in the evening.  That color- that beautiful light blue fading to dark- it is that in between that is stunning! 

This morning as Sally prepared to get on the bus: again- the color of the sky- gorgeous! As I looked east it was the in between: the bright sunrise and the already blue sky-as you look west it is a deeper blue-magnificent!

I know there is inspiration here. I recognize how hard it is to capture color, how we must be in the moment and embrace what is given to us.  I googled crayon colors- what fun it would be to name the crayons.  The whole Pantone, Crayola and beyond world is fun but certainly not without challenge.


Time to go to work, I just wanted to share the beauty I found in my life on Newark-Granville Road. Something that inspires me- the color of the sky is one of those things- the dusk and dawn blue sky in particular.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Catching up with the blog....

So many ideas and so little time to post my thoughts. So you're getting the big update!  Here we go:

-http://denison.edu/news-events  It is the time of year when there are extra fabulous things to do at Denison. And you are invited!!  Amazing music, recitals, speakers, sporting events...we sat on the sunny side (visitor/student) at Saturday's lax game- so nice!   Check out the website for details, text, message me or call and I will give you scoop and share what I'm attending!

-I am attending Sunday's 5Knobel Race with the 1.5 mile Weinberg walk benefiting important causes related to cancer and injury. Family outing- all five of us there! Jazz Music weekend- lots of buzz...starts on Wed at Moe's 8 pm and Sunday at 4 has Tom Carrol, some cool recitals I want to get to, more sports and then off campus- Columbus- Sunday 8 pm - Caroline Spence '11 at Natalie's Coalfire Pizza!!  Alumni/Denison friends after the gathering.....Denisoneverywhere.edu for scoop!

-Spring sports here we go- tomorrow we have Peter's first baseball game or scrimmage, Thursday's is Clare's first Lax game I'll see and then Monday Sally's 1st last game for Spring '16! Here we go!

-Easter- ahhhh lovely, lovely, lovely- a big shout out to the First Presbyterian Adult Choir- beautiful, beautiful and smart- more seating with the choir in their chairs! Andy Carlson and our pianists added a great touch for this special day! Children's moment was quite well done as well- Alleluia Alleluia- that is two and yes we were counting!  http://www.granpres.org

-Easter Weekend- loved having my sister and her family here, Louisa and Sally kept disappearing to make mud pies and such- love it!  Hanging with my sister in brother in law Friday night was such a treat.  My parents made their way west and Joe's parents came for Easter dinner- we are so blessed.  Pictures on Facebook.  We kept it festive with a cocktail party egg hunt for some small friends/neighbors- what a treat! A favorite picture now on the blog- duck with egg!  I also made some new recipes and loved cooking with my family.  Menu Easter 2016 Granville: Ham- one with a mustard glaze and one plain, spinach salad- classic with a citrus vinaigrette, asparagus, scalloped potatoes, rolls, lemon meringue pie and orange cake, add some beet eggs, fruit and veggies, Goumas Confections chocolates, Gordon's appetizers....yum and full!

-The few days without kids was wonderful! Joe and enjoyed a late night beverage or two, easily attended a meeting, a lecture (Bobby Jindal and then talked politics.)  We also loved to hear how happy they were in Maryland and how happy my parents were to have them...and Clare off with her adopted family- what a treat!  I will say I get it- when my Mom wants us all under one roof- I slept so well last night after tucking Clare in to her bed...all my chicks in the nest!

-Denison's National Champions- on Thursday Denison had a rally for the Men's Swim and Dive Team to celebrate the NCAA National title for Div III.  Yes it was incredible to travel and watch it unfold, watch the parents, young alums, and students jump, shout, chant, cheer the team on....the energy between the team, the on-deck swimmers, the stands was quite electric.  I also loved being with this group of parents and alums at a beautiful hotel in Greensboro! Bonus- seeing Camp Alleghany friends- wow! And being in a Hagerstown friend's home town- beautiful, beautiful....southern fauna and flora is quite spectacular.

-Summer helpers- I know of folks available- let me know if I can help you track down summer help!!

I'm sure there is more but those are the highlights....thanks for reading. My life on Newark-Granville Road was filled with blessings, opportunities, prayers and praise this past week!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

A day in the life.....vacation day!

Since I posed a game/activity on Facebook about the day....asking for one word about the day, giving a friend one word about my day...I'll go ahead and document this special day with more than one word.  Or I'll use one word for an activity and then back it up with "the rest of the story".....

Proud- Sally and Peter flew on their own to MD to be with my parents.  A big help over spring break when it wasn't a great fit/time to take a vacation. We're saving for India in October! Since Clare was going with dear friends to Florida we wanted to give the other kids something fun.  Meeting my Mom half way is our usual m.o. but thanks to a Southwest Airlines sale we went for it.  In theory we wanted to give them the opportunity to do this on their own. It felt safe- a process that is explainable, well marked with helpers all around.  I admit to being a bit worried but focused on the theory.  Sally was a bit nervous and Peter a bit cool but with coaching they embraced it and agreed to move forward.  We arrived at the airport early enough to go back to the car to retrieve forgotten items and give them ample time.  They made their way through security and texted they arrived at the gate- I asked for a picture.  I sat outside security (in the lovely remodeled CMH airport near ticketing) and waited for the text that arrived next- on plane.  I asked for a photo.  Then I watched the plane's status to BWI on my phone- giving updates to my parents.  I did leave the airport at that point to run errands. While in Target I checked my phone every five minutes and had a huge smile on my face when they landed. A few minutes later the photo arrived- a selfie of Sally, Peter, Nana and Pap!  YES!  I'm proud of my brave kids, Peter for carrying for Sally, the independence and confidence we provided. My parents added a bonus challenge. Nana was able to secure a pass to go beyond security and wait for them at the gate.  They didn't know this, they missed her.  They found their way to baggage claim, stopped and called Nana.  She found them- then they found Pap! My parents raised us to go on adventures and we provided a special one today.

Pleased- with the the relationship my parents have with our kids and vice versa.  When I called to talk to the kids later in the day I ended up on the phone with just my Dad. The tone in his voice was lovely- happy, joy filed, content, pleased.  It took me back to the call I made the first time I left Clare with my parents- she was 6 months old.  I recall the same tone and joy in their voices.  The kids were with my Mom at the church soup kitchen- this has been going on for years. I admire my mother's work feeding those in need and that she has always shared it with my kids.

Independent- is the word I put on Facebook about my day...selfish was the first word I typed.  Today I took a day away from work to focus on the kids. The bonus was the afternoon was all mine!  I went to Target, Nostrom- ate lunch alone- a delicious salad served to me while I read my book! I had a mani/pedi in the middle of the day! I bought flowers and yummies at Trader Joes.  I rode my bike to the gym.  I didn't get everyone thing on my list- my list- my list done but there is tomorrow because my kids are all in great hands.  Oh and I found an Easter skirt, Easter/Derby hat/fascinator- I wasn't looking for them- they were there waiting for me!  Back to the word pleased- better word- Delighted!

Fullfilling-The day isn't over  on Newark-Granville Road there is more to enjoy! And there were certainly other components related to emails received, thoughts about a darling niece's birthday, chatting by phone with kids and hearing about their days.  Dinner with Joe and run in with friends. My day was indeed

Blessed- that is the word I should of put on Facebook to describe not only my day...but my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Championships on Newark-Granville Road

Before I blog about the wonderful honor to venture off of Newark-Granville Road and witness the Big Red Men's Swim and Dive Team NCAA Championship....I want to document our own champion- Joe Leithauser!  Joe won his fantasy baseball league season last year and we're proud of him. So proud of him I've allowed the trophy (picture on left) to remain in the house.  In the past it has gone to the basement. The basement is no longer themed for such trophes.  It certainly doesn't fit in living room or dining room- so the kitchen is it for now.  It doesn't quite seem right to put it in the garage...well not yet- maybe when we get the garage cleaned up for Derby?!  I love the combination of passion, math and friendship that goes into the Pure Praire League. I'm sorry I didn't get to see the guys this year but timing worked with my travel to be away which is fine.   Life on Newark-Granville Road was happy to host said draft and experience it from Joe, Clare and Peter's point of view. And I'm happy to welcome the trophy home, way to go Champion Joe Leithauser-2015

More soon on the adventure to witness Denison championship in North Carolina!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

lessons from "The Wright Brothers"


Sally and I listened to The Wright Brothers by David McCullough on our drive to and from Maryland.  I quickly realized I could not do another trip with popular music and recalled Crackerbarrell's rental program.  I'm grateful they still offer these CDs you purchase then return with a small fee deducted. So smart to get you into their store- Sally enjoyed the "treat" stop and I picked up Easter goodies!

This book's content, history and lessons for real life of today were fantastic! Some simple thoughts to share:
-Wright Bros efforts to bring motorized flying, the birth of flying today to us- $1000- this included their travel from Ohio to Kitty Hawk, NC.  The public money funded similar effort happening in DC, on the Potomac river - $7,000....wow!  The author's point- private industry is an impressive way to make progress and get things doe.
-I loved learning about the bicycle shop, the production of their bikes, name selections, photography- all things of interest, that tied to flight and innovation and to funding their dreams.
-I continue to be amazed and grateful for the dedication and focus of these two men- their partnership in business and quest for flight.
-The phrase "building an airplane while flying" has been said about projects at work.  I've heard it used and I used it to describe what is happening with my work. The book brought the concept home.  The Wright brothers figured out they had to fly their machine to understand what it needed.  The nuances of the rudders and wings- they could take off but not go far- it was while on the machine they figured out the next step.  The book shares the passage and notes of one brother comparing the effort to taming a horse. I paraphrase: You can sit on the fence post and observe the brunking beast, or you can get on and learn what your body needs to do with him.
-Of course the lesson of failure- it isn't failure- they are steps to success- just getting off the ground with the first flying machine was important. The crashes.
-The regard for risk- the brothers only flew together late in the plane's evolution-understanding the risk of their efforts and not wanting to loose what they've learned.
-art and science- lots and lots of science, but art is part of the journey, the gut, the feel, the human element that is hard to document- not to mention sweat, hard work and hours, days, years of attention and focus.
-letters- thank heavens for letters- so much of this book is taken from that documentation. But also notes- the scientific process!
-Sally says she learned about their sister- her amazing dedication and support! 
-So many names for flight- past and present- the gliding world and the research happening their that The Wright brothers incorporated into their research- this ties to the building and airplane while flying for me.

Of course we hear these lessons often and know them. This book brought beautiful important history to life for me. Sally and I while traveling to Maryland thanks to the author's narration visited Kitty Hawk without bridges- only way there was by boat! We think life there today during the winter is isolated?  The commitment to their research- their journey from Ohio to NC- trains and boats.  We vacation in the Outer banks and love the Wright Brother Memorial and exhibits. This book provides new insights and will inspire a return visit soon.  

Ohio Pride- Dayton- the museums there have been calling but now they are shouting!  We must go visit!!  The book is quite clear about the love and commitment to their home of Dayton.  The innovation in the area- Ohio is a special place for so many reasons.  I love Licking County's history our innovation.  It is good to hear more stories from all over the state. I'm proud of Ohio and what we have and continue to offer our country.  

Life on Newark-Granville Road loves a good book, enjoys sharing "extroverting" about the book experience and was happy to do so with Sally and now you!






Monday, March 14, 2016

Ohio Vote and thoughts on my mind.....

So many blog post ideas after a drive to and from Maryland and March in full force....and happy exciting things happening on Newark-Granville Road to chronicle.  However as I plan the week- one filled with celebratory occasions- voting is top priority!

I am happy to be in town to vote! I am grateful I get to vote.  I went early last election due to travel. I have been concerned about the upcoming election- presidential and when looking beyond the primaries it is depressing, alarming..... disconcerting- that is the word.  But I won't go there today.....tomorrow is the primary, tomorrow I think local for the candidate with the sign in our yard- Chris Reamer. Chris is running for Licking County Prosecutor and would do a great job!We've heard from those involved in government process he is the right person for the job. We know Chris as a hard working, good Dad, community oriented, positive. We've sat on the side lines together and cheered for our kids and attended Rotary meetings and non profit fundraisers together. He loves this community and wants to use his talents and serve the legal process. I hope you'll join me in voting for Chris tomorrow if he is on your ballot. We'll talk the next later down the road....  http://www.prosecutorchris.com

I hope you'll make time to vote. You may even vote outside of your party/comfort zone- do what you need to do.   Joe is advocating for this, has done this himself in the past.  Know what is on your ballot here:  http://www.electionsonthe.net/oh/licking/  thanks to all those that serve the voting process- my parents work the poll booths in MD!  Dinner on pi day (3/14) will have good conversation this Monday evening in my life on Newark-Granville Road.


Monday, March 7, 2016

get it done!

How do I get things done in our life on Newark-Granville Road?  I blog about it, I write it down, I ask for help.  Joe asked me about our spring break projects and I told him "I had blogged about it".  Then we we started our day yesterday with the question- "what projects should we do?" he was reading the blog!

I'm happy to report the Sally room project made huge strides forward! She has a new desk, comforter and art on the walls.  The shades have been replaced and she is happy happy!  Feels great! Joe also stayed home from church and made major progress on taxes...argh....but the sermon directed us the right way- abundance, we're fortunate to be in a place to pay taxes.  Did I really type that?

The back hallway has the rack up as well and boy it feels good.  All this putting things where they belong inspired more tidying, having people over Saturday night helped too!  We're getting ready to host Easter, then Derby....woo hoo!! Spring is on its way.  Life on Newark-Granville Road loves closure and crossing things off the list.

Sneak peak at Sally's room:
 

Friday, March 4, 2016

make a difference...one petal at a time...

 


This is the message for me today it has been delivered in a few ways I'd like to share:


 
1st it was a Facebook video posted by Carol Apacki.  How lucky am I to have met and served with Carol in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  Although we don't see one another as often as we did during Mission Committee co-chair days I benefit daily- today directly.  The video was Michele Obama surprising children and adults working on public and school gardens, learning and excited about feeding themselves, caring for the earth and one another- good stuff.  It touched me. Gardening is hard work and matters- one person can make a big difference.  One first lady can inspire with visits to inner city schools and engaging with people making a difference- ripple effect!




2nd a NPR story after driving kids to school (which I love now- bonus time with them) http://www.npr.org/2016/03/04/469149247/italian-schoolboy-invents-new-word  I LOVE this-it brought me to tears...again!  One boy, with the beautiful Italian accent, creates a new word and the linguist from the keepers of dictionaries encourages him- allows him to go through the process-she wants him to learn the lesson that language is fluid, evolving- that is what made me cry. Liberal art education is everywhere!


The quote above came to my mind and ties to this new word- petaloso! Our acts unite like a petal on a flower-together, petaloso (filled with petals) they unite to make a flower, bring beauty to the world and keep things moving. Flowers play a key role in the life of a plant- each petal matters.


These are the stories I carry with me off of Newark-Granville road today.  An exciting day filled with special opportunities- I can't wait!  And I look forward to sharing with you and reflecting on how it all connects and ties together.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

projects, to-dos and dinner.....

I'm taking a break from writing about work and instead going inside the house...here is reality. What is happening with us. What needs to get done....I welcome your input and suggestions!

1. Sally's room- we need to get closer to finish. Notice I didn't say done....figure out the right color comforter...the yellow isn't right.  Blue/Indigo-ish walls pretty- her call. Beautiful silk pink/cream/blues/ oriental- thank you MD and HL!  Art needs up, the clothes we're taking to MD need to go, she needs a desk...window blinds too!

2. Basement....yay Greg is coming to visit- he is handy, perfectionist- perfect person to put up the wall map- decal like!  Some more furniture and the art...great art work stuff in the works....

3. Door knobs- on the bathroom, the back door....

4. Back hall- black bench, hang shelf, pillows......

5. Furniture re-upholster- the big chair and other items.....but that means picking fabric.....

I'll stop, the other to-dos are the piles. Joe does well keeping laundry moving....

Dinner- tonight it was fish- simple lemon butter with Italian seasoning, rice, fresh veggies- asparagus or broccoli, last night pizza/ stromboli with salad as the fish was frozen....Sunday- steak on the grill, salad, baked potatoes for 3 and french fries for two....a week ago we grilled bbq chicken...bring on warm weather and summer cooking!  I did make some fast marshmallow krispies to delight Clare last week.  Quiches- the crust less was good!  Two more in the freezer need to bring one out- so nice to start the day with a piece of quiche- doing quiche due to egg delivery- yum!

Life on Newark-Granville Road- real, messy, behind but ours and surrounded with love and activity. We sleep well here.