figure eight looping with camp!

Nothing feels like summer quite like camp prep and thunder storms- today is a summer day! Full and fun filled with amazing scents and feelings, activities and tastes.  However those have been distractions from the main focus in our life on Newark-Granville Road today of preparing  for camps!

Clare has done a wonderful job with her list and efforts- the last bathing suit was secured this afternoon and we do need a disposable camera but we're close. We can also mail her forgotten items and the camp store and fellow campers will fill in any missing items. She is a good packer- organizer- and Joe put her good efforts to use in assisting Peter for his departure next Sunday.  Nice to witness this sibling support in our home!

So Clare- going to Camp Alleghany for 3 weeks- it gets my memories going and not just my own from my time there the summer following my 5th and 6th grade years.  I'm thinking back to our tour a few summers ago with Clare and her interest in the tents, particularly the trunks! Christmas morning had a trunk under the tree for Clare this year and it made her smile that sweet sincere smile I adore. I wonder if you can check out the trunk in the photo- focus in- I love how she has adorned it with stickers-stickers that reflect who she is and what she values.  She has been wearing that smile a good bit today and had it on as we loaded up the car a few minutes ago....No doubt tomorrow will bring a variety of feelings and butterflies and tears for me and quite a bit to blog about in the future!

seeing the comfort.

I often find myself saying- funerals are for the living.  A friend and I were sharing preferences when paying our respect to the deceased. She prefers calling hours, I prefer the funeral.  She remarks on the comfort the family members give those that attend calling hours, when it feels as if it should be the other way.  I spoke of wanting to attend funerals for the living, to show my support.

Here is something I'm not sure I'm suppose to say but because this is a journal of such and I work out feelings and thoughts here, and you all help with comments and follow-up conversations.  I thought maybe I'd revealed this before, but it looks like I've only shared sentiments about funerals I've attended. But here it is - I like funerals. Okay- maybe "like" isn't the correct word.  Please know I don't wish for them, I don't seek them out, I don't attend them if I don't know someone or feel a true reason for attending. However when I go I find great comfort. I benefit from seeing families together.  Seeing friends gathering to comfort one another, honor, respect and celebrate.  I love being together with the Holy Spirit and worshiping, singing, praying. I like closure and funerals provide a bit of that. I value the learning that happens about the deceased and the family. Since my own grandmother's funeral I'm amazed and pleased with the comfort scripture, reflections and music provide.

Today was no exception.  Today the community gathered at Swasey Chapel for the: Celebration of Life and Witness to the Resurrection for James E. Barton.  Reverend Dick Ellsworth led us with wonderful explanations that moved us along. He confirmed things I know but found benefited in hearing.  The Unison Prayer- we're not to be alone in life. God is with us and give us one another - friends and family.  It was an intentional service with family involvement by all generations that was quite remarkable. Tears, laughs, smiles, hugs, sighs, prayers, stories and scripture joined together to provide comfort. Jim Barton's influence and legacy was indeed celebrated and his faith and our faith prevails and comforts.  Faith builds our communities and allows us to comfort and be comforted- a lesson I want to provide in my life on Newark-Granville Road.  I wish much comfort for The Barton families and all those that love Big Jim.  I'm grateful to have known Jim and am fortunate his family has made my life richer on Newark-Granville Road thanks to the friendships provided to me and my family. It was very evident today of those that were touched by Jim's big love of life. Alleluia, Amen.

changing plans....

I thought I had my day planned. I left the office with the "to-dos" outlined yesterday.  Joe and I coordinated the schedule.  I woke up and changed the plans.  I'm glad I did.  It required asking for help. I needed Joe to switch his plans so I could get a run in- a run which kept me on track with preparation for a 5K, kept me in a happy place and gave the dog some exercise.  Yeah Joe and his flexibility.

The day at the office didn't go as planned either but it was a good day. It is always a productive day when I get to interact with good people, converse and share, gather and give input.  I did check a few to-dos off the list.  I also ended up at Calling Hours and being with wonderful members of our community celebrating the life of Jim Barton.  It was the right thing to do, the right place to be.  This family has always welcomed me and treated me well- my heart aches for them. They are all giving to the community and their friends. Jim leaves a legacy. They were in good places of comfort and strength. We'll continue to support them as they process this loss/change.

The day did get to end with friend dinner and that did go as planned making life on Newark-Granville Road flexible and fun.

Singing all the way back to Newark-Granville Road

I love to listen to public radio in the morning on the way to work.  I feel like lately so many of the "articles" are things I can relate to, are of great interest.  I always think I'm going to be able to log on and learn more....tonight I did because I'm blogging about the topic and wanted to give you the access:
http://wosu.org/2012/allsides/narrative-medicine-how-listening-heals/   I found the topic interesting, but within the broadcast was the point about what shaman will ask to diagnosis-"when did you stop dancing, when did you stop singing"...and go from there about valuing stories and silence.  Those questions made me pause and reflect on the happy times in my life on Newark-Granville Road and beyond that includes dancing and singing. I'm grateful Joe and I find time to dance. I'm grateful we sing a fair amount for a variety of reasons and the kids love it too.  In fact tonight was a wonderful sing-a-long to the radio drive home.  As frustrated as I was when trying to get out the door tonight- Sally was in tears because her siblings wouldn't let her sing a solo (allegedly)- she ended up singing it on the drive to the swim meet and it was beautiful.  Recently with some girl friends we sang "American Pie" and some other songs from our era....I smiled so much my jaws hurt!  Hip Hip Hooray for technology that makes singing on Newark-Granville Road all the easier....Make sure you're singing and dancing as it makes life all the more fulfilling.

feeling like I don't leave Newark-Granville Road much.....

http://wearelongstride.com

Wonderful presentation/seminar this afternoon at the Columbus Foundation. Longstride's founder (website above) shared with a room full of nonprofit folks all sorts of inspiring tidbits and perspectives today.  Our purpose was to learn to tell the stories that will help us in our efforts to promote and develop our institutions.  We were given fun and effective examples, lots of inspiration and great coaching. I'll share more later but had to get some of these examples out there for you to enjoy.

I have to ask the question- did you know about these?  I didn't, how did I miss them...Okay- I did know about the the Dos Equis "stay thirsty" ads- I've seen them but it is sooo much more interesting when presented in the context of "telling a story" and some industry background/perspective.   I liked the ads but didn't really get them, now I do and I laugh.  Next go to Youtube and track down the "no more whoppers"- that one is old and was from my traveling like crazy with two small children phase- no wonder I didn't see that...and really I'm not sure I even knew what youtube was until fairly recently. This campaign is a fascinating approach to tell a story!  And then there is the powerful ad from Levi's- profit and nonprofit partnership- wow! New frontiers...There was a library levy campaign....I was almost snorting watching this one...http://www.metafilter.com/116987/Book-Burning-Party-to-Save-a-Library   Little too close to home from my own library levy effort days.....

These may be "htbt"s- had to be theres.....take a peak and let me know your thoughts or lets chat.  I was inspired and can't wait to share with my coworkers and Works volunteers.  I also had the ah-ha that Longstride was confirming the direction I'm trying to do with my blog- sharing my story with the why.....thanks for being part of my purpose on Newark-Granville Road.  It was good to venture off Newark-Granville and into Columbus, to be surrounded by other nonprofit talking about making nonprofits stronger in a place that celebrates non profits and the greater community we're a part of on Newark-Granville Road.  Thank you Columbus Foundation for a wonderful end to the working day today.

sleeping single in a double bed.....

Okay it is a queen size bed, but you get the point.  Joe is on a business trip. I'm the one who loves to travel- he use to and now doesn't. And it is one more reason I adore him.  I'm fine by myself. I spent years alone- Michigan, Omaha, back to Michigan and then Kentucky- it was what it was- I'm glad I had that time, I'm glad I built the confidence I have now and can hopefully pass to the kids.  However my preference is for him to be here- I miss him.  I'm just sharing some details about me and my life on Newark-Granville Road tonight...nothing prolific- just is what it is. I miss him as he is great company and processes and listens. We're busy and don't communicate as much as we should but we do.  He's a great help- the laundry calls right now- if he were home it would be done. I'll stop there...absence makes the heart grow fonder on Newark-Granville Road.

camping!

I've been anxious to share with you the fun of camping this weekend- the extended daylight hours time out doors trump typing time.  Thank you again to those that share with me when and how they enjoy this blog- it means a great day and was a nice part of my "longest day of the year" camping trip!

Camping at MCC is a true treat and here is the "why"....I enjoy camping. I've enjoyed it since I was a kid with my parents. I enjoyed sleeping in a tent- albeit a platform tent- at Girl Scout Camp and then Camp Alleghany. I loved our family camping trips at Lake Raystown in high school/college summers and I loved camping with my friends those same summers.  Joe and I camped early in our relationships...ahhh campsite number 4 in Hocking Hills.  All of my camping has taken place in lovely settings with lots of trees.  MCC is a lovely setting with lots of trees.  All of my camping experiences extend the time with friends and don't have much on the agenda other than- eating well, enjoying a prolonged cocktail time (even when I don't consume alcohol, childhood included- I love what cocktail time represents), looking at the night sky, enjoying the quiet of morning.  Camping at MCC includes all of these things and the most important- creating happy positive memories as family.

So some details from MCC time to help explain the why.  I need to give accolades to others who help make the event what it is. We've been doing this for 8 years now and each year is unique and special. Each year there are campers who impress and help the others.  Years past it has been Abbotts, Tells, Fords and Wilsons-each setting up their camp site with unique options like music, or impressive tents. Or delivering The Leithausers simply erect tents, put our belongings in and soak up the atmosphere.  This year James Houstaeu's tent made the endeavor so very picturesque- hopefully enticing others to join the fun on July 20th.  The Malishenko family became our hosts this year. They were ready- brought their own fire pita nd supplies, awesome chairs, table, lantern- it was so inviting!  We had a lovey late evening samore feast with music to set the tone.  Even the next morning Natalie provided delicious coffee in pottery mugs and donuts that delighted the children.  Thank you Malishenkos- we enjoyed the time together and your outdoor hospitality.

The other fun of MCC camping is the fact that my family and I spend extended time at a place we love.  A place that allows me to relax and enjoy, escape and vacation just down the street.  We arrived at 5 pm on Friday and left at 4 pm on Saturday. Okay I did make a quick trip home to walk the dog and go to the farmer's market Sat am.  The conversations around the table or campfire, or by the pool are not rushed and happen with all ages 3 to 90. Dinner and lunch were a bonus- my favorite soft shell crabs- I'm telling you I had the same happy feeling at MCC this weekend that I do when I go home to Maryland or gather at the beach with my full family.  I loved lying in my tent with the open air screen. Looking at the bright night sky-amazing moon this weekend and listening to the whispers and giggles, low chatter, crickets and snaps.So wonderfully relaxing.  It was the same in the morning watching the shade of blues lighten and glow. Listening to the birds incredible range of twirts, tweets, chirps and songs was a great start to the day.  The kids adore the time and make their own fun.  I enjoy the time with other family and other children. 

It wasn't perfect and there are some snafus I'll talk about in future blogs but for now know how happy my life was on Newark-Granville with camping at MCC.