So yesterday was filled with love, today stress.  For every action there is an oposite re-action? Hmmmm and as much as I sing the praises of Facebook and the great connections...today I was ready to swear off it until Monday- when Valentines is done and over.

Truth be told- the stress is warranted- new event to coordinate, lots going on, not enough hours- all good I just feel pulled in a lot of directions.  I know I posted on FB the article and phenomenum of people to wear shorts, not wear coats...but it still bothers me.  It was 7 degrees when my teenagers loaded into the car- without coats...hello...sorry I'm not the Mom that sweetly says- darling, please go back into the house and get a coat- you'll catch your death of cold. By the way Peter already has that cold.

And then I saw them- the Valentines boxes and bags....facebook posts of creative, elaborate, darling vessels for children (including 5th graders, Sally's age) to collect their valentines. Children dressed in darling ensembles....my child- had a red and white bag!  Yay to our awesome helper for taking her to the attic and tracking down a festive shopping bag- we were recycling!  They added some hearts, her name and voila- Valentines come hither!  I was good with it, Sally was good with it.  And also in my defense- God love the Dad from the packaging company (PCA) who had a daughter in Sally's classes for two years- 3rd and 4th grade- and he brought us cools Valentines collection boxes- little mini mail boxes- so cute! Sally decorated hers last year....love him for proving these!!  Darn that Sally isn't in that friend's class this year.  But that spoiled me and took me away from the Valentine creative outlet....but would I have ever embraced it?  I'm not taking anything away from the families that produce the clever bags and boxes- I admire you!  I recognize it is our strength to do this and it is OK...but for a moment this morning- sigh...I wasn't pleased, it added to my stress and it played into my bad mood...not the opposite of love but not the happy go lucky girl that usually is on this blog and in my life.

By the way- update- I asked Sally about the Valentines party and boxes...she said one child decorated hers in tin foil- very cool.  If we had done that it would peel and fall apart...she said other kids had bags- yay those Moms!!  Just typing this reminds me of the year Clare helped Sally decorate a box- yay Clare!

The bummer/blessing- it is only the 11th...Valentines Day is Sunday...not Saturday...I thought it was Saturday....Hmmmmm three more days of Valentine activities that might me feel a bit insecure....flip side-I mailed my family's Valentines today...yay more time- the fact that the special day is it a holiday? hmmmm what is the definition of a holiday....anyway since it falls on a Sunday that means delivery on Monday a bit more acceptable?!!

Life on Newark-Granville Road- real, some times stressed, some times insecure, some times not so lovely....but able to recognize how good it all is and how much help and love is all around.  I'll celebrate that love for the next four plus days!  Lots of Big Red love to go around...Denison hosts the NCAC Swimming and Diving Championships, Basketball game, lectures, visits....great connection to the Valentine's weekend.

actions of love....from an 11 year old to the downtown Newark-Community

I will crawl into my bed and sleep so very well in my own bed.  Not only because I'm happy to be home in my own bed but the day has been full and filled with love and there is nothing better than a tired happy, happiness that warms your soul.

Love filled activities in my life on Newark-Granville Road....

-Watching Clare's basketball team- last home game.  They won, Clare scored, teammates looked great on the court. Clare loves the sport, Joe loves the sport, I do too- we're a basketball family and we love to be in the gym together- some times playing (okay not me) some times cheering, watching and chatting with the great community.

-Sally worked on her Valentines for her class and then we added a few others to share our love. What a sweet activity to share with her tonight.  I picked her up from basketball and we completed the tasks to get us to the table.

-Whites- special treat snack with the kids- my welcome me home treat....nice to catch up over custard!

-Flying home from Regan National Airport- love that view, our country, our capital, the history, memorials....emailing and engaging with parents...what a great work trip- I do love my job!

-Coming home.... love our home, hometown.... absence makes the heart grow founder.

-Out pouring of love for The Sparta/ Project Main Street.... tonight was the fundraising/awareness-raising event at The Sparta. I made a quick trip there- leaving Sally in Valentine mode, Joe, Peter and Clare at the gym.... how fun to walk into a full house.  Julie Mulroy's love inspiring her to learn how to take credit card gifts- wow- impressive.  People I admire raising awareness and support for this important community institution and in attendance to learn more.  You can learn more by visiting www.spartaonmain.com consider a gift- on line, checks, credit cards there.... go eat there, take others, consider volunteering there.  Downtown Newark needs our love- The Works, the businesses, the restaurants and shops- it is so amazing what is happening there. I miss my daily treks there but oh do I love it.  Sparta adds a great service and dimension and is so much more than a great place for breakfast and lunch.

-Planning for a Joe and Susan get away.....kids get to go to camp...Joe and I love our time and part of the fun is the planning!!

I hope you are doing things you love, sharing your love during this Valentines week....you know- Valentines Day isn't just for Lovers......It is for people you just love.  xoxoxo from Newark-Granville Road!  Now time to crawl into that bed!  Goodnight.

For a gloomy winter day....a visit to the Greenhouse

Thanks to Barbara and Joe for helping make this happen- I love a visit to the greenhouse in the evening, or when I need a dose of color and warm!  Poinsettias and Geraniums together....we keep it warm enough to keep things alive from summer to spring...nothing heroic or overly scientific....but ahhhh....

Expanding the Camp Circle…in Granville!

Camp Alleghany is a great place for Granville girls.  The camp color's are blue and white and Granville's colors are blue and white.  It works well for securing dinner clothes for Camp Alleghany. We're so pleased Sally's friends are making the trek to West Virginia this year to attend the three week, sleep in platform tents, be with out electronics,  make friends with girls from all over- including international counselors, discover  more about themselves camp!  And oh did I have fun watching our girls- Clare (going on year four) and Sally (going on year two) share, coach, give the real scoop, entertain and support the prep for their friends.

It was a simple gathering. Friday at 4:30 pm I called from work and asked the kids to get the trunks down from the attic and set up displays of what goes to camp. By the time I was home- it was done! Trunks in the living room and the pillows, crazy creeks, shower caddies (with lice repelling shampoo, fans, t-shirts and tu-tus all on display. We set a table and served camp food- hot dogs family style, chips, cookies and milk, bug juice,  treats, apples, and of course PB&J just in case. Discussion at the table was fun and informative and non stop.   I learned a thing or two as well- water must be consumed before bug juice (koolaid).  Nice….the other Moms and I gave all sorts of "that is good" as we heard about the variety of guidelines at camp- try everything, one bite, no gossip, try- it days for activities….Bonus of the event- all the girls wore gray and blue!  They are ready, ready!

A WVA Dad picked up one friend and we talked about the bonus of camp- drop off and pick up adventures- the Greenbrier, Lewisburg, go further to Va and explore Charlottesville or Lexington, Va or ???? Ohhh we forgot to talk about our breakfast stop in Marietta, OH- the Busy Bee!

If there are others who want to learn more about camp let me know and visit: http://campalleghany.com
This year Peter will probably join the fun on the river- Camp Greenbrier!!  AND our niece in Baltimore is going to Mini-Camp- woo hoo…..so much fun!  The camp fills up and waiting lists are created- talking directly to the camp is the way to go! Sally and Clare go first term, others are headed to 2nd term.

What a treat for me, a former Ghany girl myself- to see the next generation happy and excited to leave Granville for three weeks of amazing camaraderie, growth and fun to create memories to last a life time.  Thank you Dawson family…I raise a cheer for you today in my life on NG Road.

 
 

what can I do….take away from Piper Kerman's Denison talk….

So here it is, my take aways- no order, no ranking, no prose or reflections…okay maybe a few:

• http://piperkerman.com- more info there- Prison Reform info in particular.
• empathy- lack there of is the root of crime that leads to prison, empathy critical to survival and transition out.  This hit home with me…what empathy can I offer.
• support the Sparta  http://www.spartaonmain.com  and other social entrepreneur efforts supporting returning citizens.  Our whole family loves to eat and visit the Sparta!
• books- prisoners need books- they are locked up- their best escape is through the written word- a book- all the places they can go….I Love this!! So true..I liked the opportunity to go to prison via the book Orange is the New Black   the reality is our TV shows allow us to escape too and this show is making a difference…earlier I said I was done with it…nah- I'll be back in JUNE!!! Woo hoo season four!  But read the book and tell others to read the book…..
• help prisoners get books- programs out there….Denison has a program- English professor runs a non profit- monetary donations go 100% to shipping the books….drop them at Room 200 in Barney Davis- text books you can't sell, fantasy, mystery…if they can't use them to send to Ohio prisons- they'll donate them somewhere…woo hoo (month of Feb- Children's books can be taken to FPC for a food drive for libraries in the Caribbean, wiped about by hurricanes.)
• Communities that shut down libraries, don't have good schools, eliminate arts facilities and museums open the doors to prison….keep communities healthy by supporting these institutions everywhere! They keep communities safe.
• Ohio Proud- Piper moved here to work in Ohio Prisons, to teach writing, she came here for the Ted Talk housed  https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/11335  1st state to do this…..wow….
• Sesame Street has curriculum for children with incarcerated parents- wow- yes Piper you are right- it is telling that there are that many kids needing this for SS to be involved.  To the woman asking a question about what to say to kids she is fostering with parents in jail- yay you, thank you..Piper says keep them connected- research shows how important that is on both sides…wow…
• Piper is a 1992 Smith grad- impressive….her journey is not typical and should be avoided- lack of empathy- but way to turn your life, find the positive, teach, drive change, make a difference….well done Smith.  Well done Denison for hosting and having an alum partnering working with Piper.
• Great questions Denison/Licking County- thank you!
• I ended up going alone and was sad about that for a number of reasons…sad for the reasons my friends couldn't join me, sad to be alone but it was part of the lesson, part of the empathy.  One of Piper's take aways is how she went in to prison thinking she could do it alone, could be within her own thoughts….she was wrong- friendship matters, support and camaraderie matter and make a differnce….
• I took away the theme of hospitality- the shock and surprise of how she was greeted by a welcome wagon, the care and support- she was shown hospitality on her first day in prison by her fellow inmates.
• I love the hospitality at the Sparta…..
• Life on Newark-Granville Road is a bit more appreciative of all those around me, my freedom and will work harder at empathy thanks to time reading the book and hearing from Piper Kerman tonight.

wish I would of read the book first…..

This may be a blog post that starts today and is added to later…in fact it will be.  Today I share about a book I just read to encourage you to read it, share your thoughts with me and if able join me to hear from the author!

Orange is the New Black by Piper Kermin- long ago I heard about this book and then the net flix show….I meant to get the book but didn't.  Non book club books are rare and this year I've added work reading…so the "want to read" stack is high.  I need to write it down. Right now it appears when I scan a real book shelf and go…oh yeah i need to read that…example: Girl on a Train.  Although book club does have the recommended list and many of my "to reads" are there.

Because I do love to hear from an author of a book I've enjoyed I just finished Orange is the New Black  just in time- Piper Kerman will be at Denison on Tuesday, Feb 2nd at 7 pm!  http://denison.edu/events/event/47589   This book is more than just a good read- it unveils a world needing reform and attention, awareness and support.  It ties to good work in our communities and others to employee and support returning citizens. And I know there will be more….I'll have more to share when I hear from Piper and attend the presentation on Tuesday. Join me if you like, spread the word and bring a friend.  I'll have more to say after I discuss the book at the Denison book club I'm glad to have joined.

I am so glad I read the book. I valued the experience and miss Lichfield and Piper….Tuesday will be a good day in my life on Newark-Granville Road!

January Travel and Coaching

I'm back in the saddle…or back on the plane…..work for Denison is taking me great places to see amazing people!  Last week was a trip to Florida and this week I'm going to Boston!  After Work with Denison….Everywhere is Wednesday night and I'll be in Bean town.

With it being Leithauser Christmas, I had not traveled much these past few weeks.  I have to say I was happy to get back in the swing with my travel south last week.  I was happy to be in a warmer (not by much) climate and and have green surroundings. Ruling the day was the interaction with good people.  Pictured below, was my documenting a special opportunity. I'll be in DC soon and I asked for advice from former Senator Richard Lugar- Denisonian! He gave me some perspectives and input as I plan to engage with parents and parents of alumni in the area.  The quick work part of the trip had many inspiring moments, and some good old laughs and fun. I work with  pretty special team.

Another highlight of the trip was adding a night to stay with my brother Matthew, and his family. More Denisonian time…Matt is DU Class of 1991!  I admit to have been pretty tired and a low key evening complete with a delicious family dinner around the kitchen table and record party in my niece's room was just what I needed.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is focused on Denison work and appreciated the adventures from this past week and is looking forward to the week ahead and into February…..Thanks to all those that help with the kids and Joe (and Griffey) that make the travel possible for me!