Beautiful Harvest, Embracing Transitions

Yesterday was the Autumn Equinox, the official day to say farewell to summer and welcome fall.  It was a beautiful day ending with a stunning sunset.  It was the perfect day to harvest our bonus crop in our life on Newark-Granville Road this Fall- homegrown decor!

Yes- volunteer pumpkins!  This happened YEARS ago and I've been hoping for the return of the vine.  In both the front and back yards, discarded pumpkins and gourds from last  or maybe even past year's decorations sprouted and produced fruit er- vegetables.  We've been watching, waiting and hoping they would ripen and not be eaten by wildlife.  Two orange globes were enticing to something and ended up with holes- they'll remain in the back yard.  Three pumpkins made it to decoration status- two on the front steps and one on the mantel.  Two gourds are part of the stoop!

The week and the weekend have provided plentiful activity- what else is new on NGR.  Denison's ReMix- Entrepreneurial Summit was simply amazing, incredible.  The Vail Series Concert on Friday night- unbelievably fantastic.  Ideas, inspiration, relationships and pure bliss were the harvests of the week.  I welcomed some me time on Saturday as I drove Clare to Wooster, Ohio for an overnight stay.  The gift of my drive time- an amazing sunset.  A sky that looked like it went on forever. Clouds in a repetitive pattern I've never quite seen- designer delight. The colors vibrant and luminescent.  The sun's true state of fire apparent and powerful.  Bean's ready for harvest on the east side of the road's reflected back the red light casting a color all its own, an answer, a ripple, a cry of gratitude to the west's presentation.  It felt like I was on top of the world. Ohio's Amish Country was shining, showing me a special site.

A site we'll get use to as Clare enjoyed her time so much she has decided to apply Early Decision.  We'll keep you posted, it looks pretty good.  Her first visit last winter included time in a class and a conversation with the Women's Lacrosse Coach. She has stayed in touch and benefited from team time twice. Last night's stay included the opportunity to meet potential future classmates from NY, IL, OH and WI...her host from Kansas City offered great hospitality.  Life on Newark-Granville Road reaping what has been sowed.

HATSOFF happened, what is next- all thanks to Partnership.

Congratulations to all volunteer leaders, particularly this year's co-chairs, Jill and Andrew Guanciale, and the staff at The Works, HATSOFF was another huge hit. Knowing first hand what it takes, I tip my hat to a beautiful evening.  Fantastic crowd of new faces for us- that means new people engaging with this central Ohio treasure, and a mix of dear friends we love seeing out and about dressed up for a celebratory night.  Every component of this important fundraiser was executed well: food (yay LMH), servers (Park National), entertainment, the emcee and auctioneers, donated items, decorations, bars and bartenders, the balance of showcasing the museum and NEW SCIDOME, and delivering a theme of heavenly delight.  The Celestial Ball was indeed out of this world.

A Newark-Granville shout-out to my neighbor, friend and designer table partner.  Amanda Love's creative talent and energy is magnificent.  I knew this soon upon our introduction and our family has benefited as it shines within her hospitality.    What a treat to tap her time and expertise for The Works' benefit ball.  It was a bonus for me to assist, accompanying the journey from concept to delight of Mars inspired glow, delighting the Denison table's guests on Saturday night.  I enjoyed having a way to participate beyond a auction donation and happy party attendee.  It was a small role, but an important one and one made possible because of Amanda.

Life on Newark-Granville road is all about partnerships.  Joe and I are partners and embracing the Granville School Levy- stay tuned!  We're often asking for money- for Denison, The Works, FPC and other causes....many of you received a letter to help fund the levy. Joe was cosigner as co-chair with Matt Miller. I'm listed on letterhead as committee member.  We're fitting this in to a busy Fall because it is important and so very worth it.  Stay tuned, we'll share more soon.

Thank you to all are partners- our neighbors, friends, family, colleagues and committee members.  Good things in 2018 within so many organizations- book clubs, dinner dance groups, museums, schools, business and even our family.

Pictures on Facebook- a few coming soon here.

Me time in Maine

I ran away to Maine. I've always wanted to experience Maine. Thanks to a dear friend I went to Maine and: ate lobster in many forms- steamed, pie, pizza.  I like lobster enough (you know crab is my all time favorite food, not just seafood) but in Maine I loved lobster.  I also loved learning about lobster fishing.  It is beautiful.  I also enjoyed lots of clams- steamed, fried and in chowder.  Seafood chowder at The Maine Diner- amazing!

I swam in the ocean, I walked the beach and took in the rocky shore line.  I found the rocks of Maine that have called to me since we bought a beautiful Kathy Anderson painting. Just as I love to know an author's process and the "rest of the story" in photographs...paintings in our home have their own back stories/ connections.

I enjoyed good old girl time. I made new friends. I celebrated with an old friend.  I relaxed, slept unbelievably well and read a wonderful book.  I took a plane, train and car ride.   I walked and shopped, went to a sing-along bar and we had many toasts. I missed Joe, Clare, Peter and Sally so very much and am grateful for thier support of my trip, my vacation, my time for me- in Maine!  Some pictures that capture only some of the fun....

sunrise from my window....ahhhh

exhilarating swim!

 

& Long Weekend Love

&,  I love "and"
It was a long weekend of "ands" and I loved every moment.

I loved the end of the week, kick-off of the new school year Friday fun.  Strawberries on the Lawn is Denison code for First Faculty Meeting, new faculty introductions and a reception that includes partners/spouses.  Even Joe loves to attend!  Work and Fun, End of week Beginnings!
Double the fun with a 50th birthday surprise party for Denison friend- James Benseler '91.  Christina entertains well, it was a treat to share the fun and see the great folks they united.

Saturday Summer- Farmer's Market, Denison field hockey with a shoot-out WIN, a dip in the pool, a ride in the convertible, arranging Dahlias, creating cocktails- happy place.  Relaxing AND some tasks all balanced for a great day.  Family trek to Apple Valley, led to a beautiful summer night under the stars....with college football.  Let the transition/ the in between Summer AND Fall commence.

Sunday Funday- Sleeping in felt great- mother nature brought in the fog to prevent the annual swim across the lake.  Brunch Mexican-style soaking up family festivities, complete with a pinata!  The kids were so happy to go tubing and I loved being the spotter. Seeing all three kids smiling, laughing, helping, encouraging and just having fun together.  My heart was so full.  Thank you Scott and Ann for creating such atmosphere and memories.  The day ended with MCC's Seafood Fest!!  Oh what a night....Sally and Peter joined us with dear friends at this special treat.  We're lucky to balance family AND friends.

Monday did bring some work.  Denison's year is started and classes go on and I had a productive morning. AND THEN I  took a half day vacation to do what I do on Labor Day- go to the pool. The Moundbuilders pool.  The beautiful pool. The safe, happy, community focused, happy place where I float, sip, read, relax, swim, talk, cool-off and just be with good people. I share this with kids, Joe and so many wonderful friends.  Thank you friends who shared the day and all the days that have made beautiful memories at the pool.

It was a weekend of being the moments, being with wonderful people in beautiful places, just being in love with my life on Newark-Granville Road AND balancing and appreciating the place of shifts & transition.