good place to be

While driving back to Newark-Granville Road from Hillard this aftnernoon I was teary listening to Clare call my parents, then Joe to share the good news- her tourney lax team won two games today and should be going back to play tomorrow!  The pure happiness, the pride, the tired enthusiasm poured into the world.  Clare is in this place due to her own hard work- getting to practices on her bike, listening and applying the lessons of her coaches.  Instrumental has been the support and work of many.  I love team sports and what they teach our kids.  I love the camaraderie it provides- I'm a terrible play date mom with three kids going their directions, my own work and volunteerism- it is hard to make that happen.  I'm grateful to coaches and families of the coaches and the behind the scene organizers.  The other parents that make spending five and half hours together such a lovely experience.

However it goes beyond just happy to be doing it- it is fun to be in those moments. Today was a great day.  Getting to just hang out with a whole bunch of nice, hard working healthy families, in the sunshine, in the grass- I was barefoot most of they day. We watched, we cheered, we chatted, we encouraged one anothers children and our community- only Granville group out there - I wore my blingy blue ace with pride.  How fun it made its way to my hands this am- havent' thought about this shirt in ages.  The coaches have worked hard and their faces beamed with pride too.... Last night they lost but they played well and they were all pleased to be competing at this level. Joe and Clare had quality daddy/daughter time over dinner too.  I'm proud of Clare being able to articulate and understand the accomplishments. The wins were deserved and we're in a good place.

(curious what is going on with the other kids on Newark-Granville Road...Peter's baseball team- which I could be writing about above as well- is competing in the Shrine- Joe is there with Sally.  I was in a good place last night as well, watching his team compete. It was a tough loss but still a place of learning and activity and support that I value.)

is alive with the arts!

Shout out to PNC and their support of the Arts. It was a treat to be on hand for the announcements of the PNC Arts Alive Grant Recipients this week. The Works has benefited in the past as we've partnered with The Midland and the Newark-Granville Symphony.  I'm a fan of the arts and how much richer our lives are when our brains create, escape, re-think, soothe, question and enjoy in only ways the arts can stimulate!  So thank you PNC!

That said- it is a weekend full of the arts in our communities.  The Columbus Art Festival is happening and The Works glass artist is there- Lawrence Tuber!  Down the street the Granville Art Festival- Kathy Anderson, Tony Reynold, Pearly Vine are my favs...and when driving to work today- Knit Bombers did a number on a bike and tree - so so fun and happy and artistic....and metal worker made a horse on the lawn of the Baptist/UCC church...it made me smile to see the arts surrounding me in life on Newark-Granville Road!

appreciates readers!

Thank you for reading my blog.  I value the input I've received lately. It is nice to know you are out there.  I also enjoy knowing when our lives intersect- coffee in the morning while a child has breakfast, wrap up of the day...even from Dublin.  I appreciate the data Blogger provides and the feedback about the ways you connect- facebook the most popular.  I need to figure out more connections from other social media sites too....I truly am grateful that you are sharing my life on Newark-Granville Life.

I look forward to connecting with you in real life ways too- lots of fun events coming up this weekend!! The Columbus Art festival is another that is worth a shout-out- I won't be there but I am looking forward to baseball with Peter, Lax with Clare (Ohio Cup), some Bryn Du art and wine (and Matesich beer!) and The NG Symphony event on Saturday night!

Also Young Eagles has their free flights for 8 to 18 year olds on Saturday from 9 to 12...this year this ties to the Works efforts with aeronautics and STEMfest 2014....plus it is just cool! Clare and Peter have done it a few times...the big question...will Sally be airborne....I'll let you know.  Life on Newark-Granville Road has so much to offer but it is all the richer when you share it with me. Warmest wishes for a great end to your week and kick-off to your weekend!

Times have changed.....

Wow- there is a lot to do in our larger community.....I went on to the Columbus parent magazine best of Columbus ballot and didn't know two thirds of the places nominated!! Take a look...maybe I need to get off Newark-Granville Road and into Columbus a bit more.....in the mean time please do vote for The Works- it is a great place and we need all the help we can get in the Columbus market....love when people from beyond our lovely corner find The Works- they're always so pleased they did!  The Works stays vibrant thanks to lots of visitors- admissions dollars- members, donors.  The Works is a great secret and it is time to let the secret out- this is a great way!  Let others know too and vote daily!!

The Works

Liked · 13 hours ago 

CAST YOUR VOTE TO MAKE THE WORKS THE BEST MUSEUM IN COLUMBUS! Go to:www.columbusparent.com/bestofcolumbus to vote. This link takes you to the entire survey. If you don’t wish to complete the entire survey, simply go to Page 4 and cast your vote for the best museum on question #12 then scroll to the end of the survey and hit DONE. SHARE THIS LINK WITH FRIENDS!

Do Over Day

So yesterday I didn't sit very loosely in the saddle of life...my mantra...in fact I stood on top of the saddle and yelled- yes me.  It was one of those days that every turn things didn't go as planned and it bummed me out. It shouldn't of - everyone was safe and found, others were rolling with it well. It wasn't one thing or child or task...all together...all day....I did get a lovely chance to sit and chat with work friends and that was delightful. I did get great interaction with a professor and intern in a special part of the museum and I had a great morning seeing Peter back in the gym and connecting with a friend.  I read some incredible updates from traveling friends- but all that goodness didn't carry me when it was time to roll with my crazy pulled in to many directions life- sigh.

So today is a do over day.  Today I cried as I shared my concerns, I went for a beautiful run and made a list.  I listened to the song- catchy tune, nice pace and words that are simple:  "Move Along", the band's name is the all American rejects- hmmm.  I will have to google and find out more about them.  Anyway I made my mental list and kept myself going.  I found a penny when getting a breakfast treat for the kids...life on Newark-Granville Road will be better today.  If you need to keep moving take a listen to the song- I'll try to learn how to post here soon...need to move along and keep this day moving along on Newark-Granville Road.

is good and even better having enjoyed Livingston Taylor at The Midland...

Thank you MedBen and congratulations on 75 years.  What a treat to enjoy this show and learn about bit about your history- thank you for all you and have done for this community- life is good thanks to your support of people and our health!  Lots of great blog ideas while sitting in a beautiful restored theater, listening to great talent, presenting music and poetry in simple way, holding Joe's hand, surrounded by good people and great friends.  Kids happily engaged and cared for, dinner with lots of laughter and good food and conversation across the street...life is good on Newark-Granville road for sure. Thank you Livingston Taylor and my friends I shared the evening with and Joe Leithauser for being next to me.

Graduation Parties

What a delight to be included in so many graduation parties this year and the extra bonus was the fun the kids had as well. We're lucky to have great friends and what a treat to have friends with great kids that we have enjoyed getting to know in the community.  It was an honor to celebrate with many families and share this special time in these families' lives.  Church also honored our seniors with a lovely service and blessing- well done FPC!

A highlight of the weekend was a dear friend and her daughters friends brought family brought friends and families to The Works for a party.  I so enjoyed being the connection and staff/host with the event.  The courtyard was decorated in clever and darling ways making a unique and special celebration for these four great kids and their guests.  We heard many people say they never thought about utilizing the works in this way...wahoo- many fun ways to entertain at The Works and I'm happy to help you make something happen- visit www.attheworks.org for more details!  The Works also have team building and meeting space!

Another fun part of graduation hoo-hah is the memories it wakes-up...my own graduation from Altoona Area High School.  The white dress I loved, the graduation party at my parents house, going out after the actual ceremony...what was the name of that restaurant...strawberry lemonade, mozzarella sticks....I can see it in my head.....hmmm....Anyway it doesn't feel that long ago but it actually was...over 25 years....1986!

And speaking of long time ago..The Memorial Golf Tournament was Joe's and my first date- 1997- it rained but that didn't matter. The tourney was the invited date- the informal dinner before was deemed the first date.....And Reunion Weekend at Denison- good things always happen on the hill in June.  We benefit from the opportunity to connect with great alums back in town every year- and this year was no different.

A great weekend kicking off June, saying farewell to crazy May and getting ready to embrace summer on Newark-Granville Road!