Search This Blog

Thursday, June 18, 2015

missing shoes

as in the act of longing for- that kind of "missing".  I have a love hate relationship with shoes.  I often get dressed from the shoes up- what do my feet feel like wearing today- flats, heels, wedges, boots.  Oh do I love boots! I joke that I go from boots to open toed and struggle with the in-between! I love toes that show and toe polish is such a fun treat!  Now that I have real finger nails- yes it is official my horrible nail biting habit has been kept at bay for 6 months- I also get to have fun with color and that touch of finish there.  Before the toes were my only chance to select color and I embraced it.  I also love the pampering the pedi provides.  I digress- shoes!

So I am missing two pairs of shoes in particular. I know they were tossed in the last big clean or a dog ate one, better said- chewed on one! This is why when a wonderful puppy I know chewed on a garment I was wearing this week I didn't get upset-I giggled, hard.  The one pair were black sandals- a number of black straps, perfect 1 1/2-2 inch chunky heel- professional for summer and comfortable. I bought them at Talbot's years ago- I had them when I worked at DU the first time.  I miss them.  The other pair were nude platform wedges.  I bought them thinking no way I'd ever wear them.  I didn't like platforms, they were too thick, too much of a fad- but they looked great, were comfortable, gave me height and went soooo well with my maxi dresses.  I have not looked to replace them and now I'm thinking that is a mistake.

I walked all of DSW, Nordstroms, Nordy Rack and TJ Maxx last week- could not find the shoes I was looking for- strapy black sandals with the right heel or open toed nude flats- maybe a peep toe flat or with a small heel.  I love the nude shoe look but the heels I have are not my favorite to climb the 5 plus flights of steps to the new office.  The good news- last summer's broken ankle forced me into two pairs of very sensible- one not stylish at all- shoes that I find myself choosing to wear on certain mornings. Mornings like today in my life on Newark-Granville Road after standing at a swim meet last night are just what the feet ordered.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

life in the office.

I wish I remembered where I bought this lamp.
I remember when I bought the lamp and declared I wanted to be able to use it at work. I wanted an office that the lamp would fit and be accepted.  My ten years in corporate America- the automotive industry- evokes thoughts  of grays, neutrals.  At the time I felt a lamp like this was not appropriate. So when I bought the lamp I bought it as part of my transition to a different work world.

The first office the lamp donned was in Colwell House at Denison.  I had the office under the narrow stairs, in the space of the grand old stair case of the transitioned farmhouse- dining hall- office building.  When I interviewed for the job- I was shown the space with trepidation- the attitude seemed to be- why would anyone want to work in a small space.  To me it was perfect- I've always like old houses so working in an old house, in a college town, on a college campus with a lamp like this - perfection! Due to moves and shifts I snagged an incredible office overlooking chapel walk with a full wall of window.  The lamp looked particularly good there. And when we moved to Burton-Morgan the lamp went with me.  The new building was a bit more sophisticated and had more of a corporate/work professional feel with the furniture, nonetheless the liberal arts value of individualism and the division's roots from a farmhouse prevailed and the lamp blended right in on the 1st floor.

When I left Denison and the work in the Alumni Event world I packed up the lamp and there it stayed. I considered putting in a room- bequesting it to a daughter-but that was not what the lamp represented to me and away it stayed.  My next professional home was The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Science- a museum, an education center- with energy, class and character- just like my lamp!  The office with big book shelves was well suited for the lamp and me.  Again due to a happy circumstance my office moved across the hall and into the light. A wall of window to observe the guests making their way to the museum. A wonderful special place with very fond memories of catch-ups, plans and work to support an incredible place.

And  now the lamp is on the 5th floor of Burton-Morgan at Denison. The lamp joins my figure eight recycle back to the hill.  I've completed week four of the new job and am in the right place.  Our 25th Reunion, the parent receptions for June O and my orientation provided opportunities to reflect and affirm my call.  The lamp looks great and was the base for the other items that made their way to make the office my own.  Take a look at my life on Newark-Granville Road in the office on the hill in the photos below and let me know what you think. Better yet- come see my in person- you are welcome any time!  Work phone 740 587 5547.

As I type and reflect on the Federal-Mogul offices- if I was there today the lamp would work.  In Omaha in the Service Center Manager space, in Southfield's call center- even a cubical can have touches like this. The Maysville KY Human Resources Manager office I'm there now as I type - good times, challenging times- continued growth and confidence that help put me where I am today. I wrapped up my tenure with FM working out of our home in Granview. I traveled the country and globe delivering training. Charming and sweet I believe that is where the lamp was first procured and the notion of an artistic, colorful work environment was a fit for me.  Life is filled with twists and turns- it is nice to have this light with me and a story to share.


 


Saturday, June 13, 2015

say it out loud and make it happen…..

Last week after dropping Peter off for baseball I sat and read in the car before the game.  When I met Joe I did the "ah- we could of, we should of gone out for breakfast at Sparta".  So last night when I came home after wrapping up two weeks of awesome parent receptions with June Orientation he said- "want to go to breakfast in the morning?"  Yay Joe for saying it out loud, remembering and the invite.  We had a great breakfast with Sally today and saw good folks and supported a wonderful venture.

Sally and I checked in with Janice who was there and Janice read Sally's shirt to her in question form-"what amazing thing are you going to do today"?  Sally said- "watch my brother play baseball".  Sweet but not what was to be!  I was suppose to play tennis today but not enough signed up and it was cancelled. I was disappointed but embraced it. Then at check out Joe noticed the young eagles free flight day flier and said to me "if we had known"….  I seized the day and said- "Sally want to get a free airplane ride"? Sally said "yes"!  We said good bye to Janice and she said- "go do something amazing"!  And Sally did!

I love this program and applaud the volunteers that make this happen. Clare and Peter have done it in the past a few times and loved it.  Sally was never old enough and we have been busy the past few years to make it happen. You need to be 8.  Want to learn more- face boo.com/EAAYoungEagles or YougEagles.org/join  Sally was able to join for free- this organization does a great job promoting STEM learning, not to mention building confidence and making ah-ha moments happen for youth from all over! It was a lovely day seeing the families take to the skies today. Dreams came true, fears were conquered and passions were passed around as pilots of all ages donated their time.

Life on Newark-Granville Road enjoyed quality time with my youngest today- it started at breakfast and included a ride in the sky!  She was brave, confident and beautiful. She held my hand a good bit too. Sally saw the Longaberger Basket Building, Buckeye Lake- she said it has not been drained yet and the Don Edward Baseball Park where Peter was playing- they tipped their wings to say hello! Share, talk and say it out loud and good things happen!!

Friday, June 12, 2015

went to town…..

The phrase "go to town" popped into my head to describe my day yesterday.  I was "in town" quite a bit. 

I was downtown Newark for a meeting about Festa Bianco (August 1st www.attheworks.org).  I'm so happy to be in the role of volunteer at The Works.  I am really looking forward to a very special evening and event there in August- I hope you will join us- invites are in the mail very soon!! Woo Hoo!  What was special about being in Newark was seeing good friends, good people- my colleagues from The Works.

I went to Granville many times yesterday. I stopped on my way back to Denison for lunch and a run through the James Store with the 50 percent off sale. Sigh…..I cant' wait for them to re-open I'm so sad about their move from the beautiful downtown location.  But I won't wish away summer.  It was great to run into friends in there- various trips.  I was able to delight Clare by including her on the deals!

I went to Easton for a happy touch-up pedi and manicure- I'm looking good!  I went with Denison red toes and my first french manicure on my grown, no longer biting nails- woo hoo!  

I ended back in Granville meeting a Denison friend and classmate in town to show their daughter Denison!! 

In all of these places I picked up gifts, a red dress I've been desiring for the new job and some little bits and pieces!  I enjoyed taking a seat outside at the Buxton and saying hello and ahhh. Going to Town has many meanings- traditional and urban- google it and you'll see.  Life on Newark-Road went to town in many ways yesterday and it was wonderful!

Monday, June 8, 2015

a Triple Crown Winner for 2015!

After American Pharoah won The Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown- Joe captured the moment- "now in your life time" he told the kids.  With our care of horse races due to our annual Derby party and attention to the Preakness and Belmont, plus trips to Keeneland- it is pretty special to have a three time winner!  I am looking forward to our Derby glasses for next year- an asterisk
will accompany American Pharoah's name indicating the triple crown winner.  What a race, what a horse, what a lovely night for a triple crown!

So how do we celebrate on Newark-Granville Road?  We watched Secretariat tonight.  Rainy night with "to do work" for me- personalizing invitations to Festa Binaco- see the events to attend on the left or visit www.attheworks.org  Joe had not seen this Disney story of the amazing.  Sally did not remember going to the theater with me when it was released.  It was a movie I'd watch over and over again- a great story, beautiful scenery- yes Keeneland is a film site!  We all enjoyed the movie and the attention on the feat that American Pharaoh accomplished this weekend- three cheers for the triple crown winner of 2015!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

getting into summer mode…..

So May happened and it was amazing and June is here! Just a peak into the reality of my life.  At some point I need to find and clean up all the things- papers- I've hidden. It started with Derby party clean up and continued all the way to reunion last weekend.  The dumpster in the drive way is the bonus to the construction project in our basement so now is the time to clean!



Peter missed a camp start day yesterday- oops. I had it down for next week. I'm glad his pal told him- "they called your name yesterday".  We're figuring out the basement project as we go- the floor was in worse shape than anticipated- Dad you were right. Griffey is barking at the arrival of the construction guys as I type!



Life on Newark-Granville Road in the summer-every day is different, we ride the wave, we sit loosely and say a prayer of thanksgiving when the sitters walk in the door.  We hug them and cry hallelujah when they take the kids on fun outings and keep the TV off with games.  Joe has the math and reading assignments ready to go. I get reports of seeing my kids on their bikes in town and a pat on the back for parenting this way.  The wet towels show up in interesting places and do they ever get dry on their own? I'm enjoying the last of the peonies- boy I love them- all the petals, full but delicate and the scent....ahh!



Welcome June and a change of pace with fresh air!  Tonight we get a bonus- Peter's baseball game at Don Edwards Park has us there for the opening of the Licking County Settlers- the summer wood bat league- college kids from all over doing what they love, supported by the awesome folks of this community.  Join us-   http://www.settlersbaseball.com

Sunday, May 31, 2015

our 25th Denison Reunion

This won't be a play by play post of the weekend.  Our reunion was tearfully good and as I type on Sunday afternoon I simply want to share a few take-aways from the amazing time at our fair college on the hill with really good people.

Here is the link to Denison's photos-they are beautiful!  Most of the events I didn't attend but a great way to see what went on and some of who was there:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/denisonuniversity/sets/72157653675287891/with/18093044509/ 
What I love having is the conversations from classmates about how beautiful the campus and Granville are, how well the events were received, and the pride and alignment of what is happening at Denison today. The reflection on our time on campus 25 years ago was pretty special too!

If you know Byl Cameron you should follow him if you are on social media- his posts and perspective from the weekend are beautiful and insightful.  He has a great eye with the camera. It was great to have quality fun time with Byl.

I so valued the real life time with denisonians- the triple 20th (1994-95-96 my sister!!) fellow volunteers, staff and students! Dr. Adam Weinberg's State of the College was wonderful- the education and experience Denison provides allows students to be the architects of their lives- Allison Bolch Moran the take away that resonated with us.

The deep beauty of this reunion was an invigoration of relationships with 1990 classmates.  Very good people I have seen or not seen in years.  A good sized group together- happy to be here in Granville, on campus and reconnecting.  Our time exceeded my expectations.

Thank you to each person that attended reunion.  Those that didn't not and wanted to- you know who you are- thank you.  Thanks for being part of the months of processing and fundraising to care for Denison and your fellow volunteers.  For my friends that didnt' make it- please take this the right way-you were very missed and you missed out- we had a great time.  I share this to hopefully inspire you make it back for our 30th and beyond.  I loved hearing from people what was the one thing that helped them clear the calender to be able to attend.  Of course children's graduations and other hallmark events are an unfortunate clash of calendars- the best things are always on the same dates and that was just unfortunate.  I love those that followed along on facebook and chimed in with communications doing their best to connect regardless!

I was a bit concerned about the changes in town and missing go-tos from our era would disappoint.  Granville pleased all.  The Granville Inn was a wonderful back drop for Thursday- the larger pub space is beautiful and well poised for conversations.  The porch last night - no better place to be- under the stars. I wasn't happy to see the screened in porch go- but the historic cause and experience now have me a supporter.  The room I stayed in Friday night with girlfriends was simply gorgeous!  Thanks to the late last calls and fun neighborhood bar feel of the Broadway Pub - good times there too!

Thank you Mrs. Weather- the small amounts of rain did not affect events- we loved our outside time all weekend- in particular on the row- the tear drop - with The Ark Band.  We made the right decision there- Terry and Steve!  Thank you David Gewant, David Howitt, Joel Spencer and our SAE hosts- that was a great party and perfect kick-off to the weekend.

And finally-Hooray to Greg Christopher for coming with my sister and niece.  Bonus time with them and extra hands to help throw together the quick drinks party that I valued.

I'm going to wrap this up- those are a few of the reasons my cheeks are sore from smiling and I hold in my heart dear memories from the Denison class of 1990's 25th Reunion.  My life on Newark-Granville Road was full and fulfilled this weekend.