Welcome Summer!

I love this day- the longest day of the year, summer solstice.  But know that I LOVE summer so it makes sense for me to love its first day!  There are so many things about summer I love and the first day is often filled with them. Today we welcomed summer on Newark-Granville Road by embracing the simplicity of the day.  My run with a friend was lovely- much to chat about so it went quickly. The morning was clear with a sparkly sunrise- the dew on the warm grass makes me smile. I was productive at work.  The kids enjoyed a similar pace- checking in mid day and then greeting me with happy counts of their activities that had them enjoying being at home during the daylight hours- they even baked!  We had a dinner with some fish and farmers market broccoli and then headed to the last T-ball practice.  It was a lovely night to watch happy kids and families on the ball field. We wrapped it up with some yummy Whit's frozen custard and again soaked in the beauty of Granville on a warm summer evening.  

There is just something in the air- happiness, a good appreciation of bounty that is coming.  Certainly there are challenges in our world and lives but for some reason today lets me move them away for a bit.  I can simply enjoy the daylight and all it brings, gives and warms.  The evening is peaceful and soft- the day seems is filled with the extra hours I long for- so much to do on Newark-Granville Road and today provides hope, reward, magic and happiness that what needs to get done will.  I hope you've enjoyed this day and the summer brings much bounty!

Hearing the Stories....

Based on my last post I should be blogging about this exciting day's figure eight loops- my family's movement through life's cycles- little eights.  The school changes are special (Clare is learning about the intermediate school (4th grade) and sally "graduates" from preschool this morning.  And I'm really looking forward to toasting a dear friend at a great place with good people around as she turns 40 at dinner tonight. 

But the things I have to share is the stories I heard yesterday, the opportunity to be enveloped- is that the right word- yes- I was comforted like a beautiful fabric- in the stories of these quilts- these amazing pieces of art.  You won't want to miss the opportunity to take in this art work at THE Works-details below, opening tonight- but try hard to meet and know the artist (Mary Helen Fernadez Stuart) or her family and friends- have them tell you what they know about the pieces!

Our community is a beautiful place and this art's show demonstrates that point in lovely ways.....

Whispers & Echoes of Women's Work: Public Reception

Friday, May 28 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Works Main Art Gallery
Admission is FREE
The Works welcomes Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart's Whispers and Echoes of Women's Works exhibit to the Main Art Gallery on May 28th with a Public Reception from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. giving visitors the opportunity to meet and talk with this fascinating artist who makes her marks with a needle and thread. Stewart has been making her works of art for more than 25 years. She has traveled and shown her work in Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, France, England, Italy and Greece as well as throughout the United States.  This Show will be at THE WORKS through July 30.

Figure Eights...

I'm sure you've heard (or read) my thoughts on life being "figure eights" and I'm looping back to another side...I'm returning to work.  I've loved being on the "stay at home mom" side of the 'eight" these past five years- I've made amazing friends, enjoyed fabulous time with the kids and family and engaged in our community in ways work didn't allow.   My theory on "figure eights" is also the motion- we're in motion, we're not standing still, we're drawn to things, we move away from things only to often return.

My figure eight motion right now not only draws me back to work, but to a place my family loves- THE WORKS! We come and go a great deal from this key place in our central ohio community.  I'm in week two and grateful for the opportunity to serve, learn, play, build and benefit.  The kids are excited and supportive. It is all happening and falling into place with such ease thanks to great care providers/friends that know the kids!  I'm grateful for the kind words, offers to assist and celebrate this exciting time for the Leithausers on newark-granville road. I'll keep you posted on this new perspective!

Thank you and Ahhhh.....

"Let out our breath" Ahhhhh- that is what I'm feeling this morning.  A fellow board member (who also lives on Newark-Granville Road) summed up my own feeling very well with the point about letting out our breath...it is wonderful to have the community's participation and support to pass the GPL library levy! The shared work continues with the upcoming strategic plan and other library business! I'm also so happy for our over all community-Licking County Library's levy passed too- hoorayyyyy!

On a personal note I'm so grateful for this amazing learning opportunity. I've gained so much insight and perspective on individual's talents and gifts, leadership and group dynamics- things that fascinate me. The opportunity to serve Granville and assist with the Licking County campaign has taught me things that will stay with me and serve me well.

I feel for the many that worked on levy campaigns that didn't pass.  Don't give up- take the passion and care for your organiztion or cause and keep going! One of my lessons in the past few months is that the challenge of finding funding is like the search for the perfect golf swing, runner's high, the dog chasing his tail- it is never ending, unique and the reward is in the pursuit!

VOTE This week- Tuesday!

What time are you voting tomorrow- Tuesday, May 4th?  It seems hard to believe that the day is here- we've been talking about this date on Newark-Granville Road for quite some time! I'm so grateful to all those supporting the Library Levies- for those in the Granville School district we're issue number 4 on the ballot, for those served by Licking County Libraries- Issue 12, anyone in Homer reading this- you're on the ballot too and I hope you'll vote to support your library.  Want to know where your voting location is: http://voterfind.tzo.org/lickingoh/pollfinder.aspx

Voters and Libraries make communities better places too- so be involved, share your voice and Vote tomorrow for your library!

Derby Wrap Up.....

****Dishes left at Derby can be picked up in the green house- door is open! We still have some "earnings" to distribute!!  THANK YOU to everyone for the amazing participation- food was fabulous, kids just darling playing and engaging with one another and another fun race.  This event is something we love to do. We missed friends will ill kids, sporting events, etc...1st Saturday in May 2011 - save the date for the fun again!  Anyone who missed the race or wants more details visit: http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

Derby is extra special when it not only falls on the 1st Saturday in May but also the 1st day in May!  The strawberries are dipped in chocolate,  the mint is steeping in the simple syrup and the kids are out to their activities (thank you Nana/Pap and friends) and the calm before the storm has settled in.....do I dare type that with the forecast?!! On Newark-Granville Road I'm getting ready to put on my rain boots and help ward it off- we're prepared with our tent and will figure out what we need to do with what the day brings! Looking forward to sharing this special, fun day that brings really good people together.

Derby Party Details

We're enjoying spring because in Ohio we feel like the 1st Saturday in May kicks off Summer! And of course the 1st Saturday in May on Newark-Granville Road is all about the Kentucky Derby and bringing our friends from various parts of our life together!  You never know what will happen with this party but our hope is you enjoy catching up with us, one another and enjoying some fun traditions we like to share.

Details for 2010: I will update this as things come together and I remember things.....

-WEATHER- no rain, no rain, join us as we visualize a day like last year- clear skies, great friends....reality is rain or shine or snow- we've seen it all- come dressed for the weather!

-PARKING- always a challenge.  The churches on Newark-Granville Road and the golf course are a good option.  Drop off at our drive way and go back to Newark-Granville Road via Heckman's house (red brick)

-PONY-**One pony will be there- 75lb weight limit, there will be a show!  4 to 6 pm.....and as always we'll have stick ponies, bouncy spring ponies.... ***

-Guests/Invites- invites are going in the mail- help us encourage others to come- new folks to town, someone who slipped through the cracks- once invited, always invited- we love to include good people and Derby always hits at a very busy time of year.

-Busier than ever this year with the fun of an election!  Many of you know I'm chairing the Granville Library Levy as I serve on the Granville Library Board. I'm also helping out with the Licking County Levy.  Libraries all over Ohio have been affected by tax cuts on the state level- help your library in some way, some how- they play key roles in all of our communities.

But whatever is on your ballot- learn about it and plan now to VOTE to make a difference.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday May 1st!  And oh yes- party starts at 4, race is a 6 (it goes fast) pony rides 4-6, stay and enjoy until ?? live music at 4.....once invited always invited so if the paper invite missed you forgive us and come on over....