Lucy Says Vote

 

Life on Newark-Granville Road- we put a yard sign in our yard.

We put this sign up to:

-make sure people that go by know our darling pup's name- Lucy.  She really is nicer and does not bark as much when you use her name. Hmmm, life lesson.

We love hearing stories about how folks do engage with her. COVID home time allows us to witness the engagement. THANK YOU to the mailman that sits down with her, rubs her belly and gives her treats. SORRY amazon driver that can't get out of the van-appreciate your calls.

-encourage an activity we feel strongly about- voting! https://www.boe.ohio.gov/licking/  In our area- here is where you can find the ballot to be a prepared voter, voter registration- OCT 5 deadline and so much more.  You can even track your absentee ballot application!  Note from here- check out this site: https://www.vote411.org/ and do it now, please!  Proud to say Peter sent for his ballot in August- shortly after moving in at Wabash.  

We'll take this moment to share that we don't put many yard signs in our yard. If we know the person running well we may place a sign.  If we're working on an issue we'll put a sign.  It is unfortunate how not-positive this all can be and is another reason we place a picture of sweet lucy on a yard sign! We hope people will respect differing opinions and value freedom of speech in our beautiful country.  It is not perfect and there are problems. Our freedoms allow us to continue to be inspired, to say thank you to all that care and work and run and lead.  Voting is a key component of these freedoms.

There is so much more I could say about politics on Sept 26, 2020, but I won't.  I will talk about it carefully when there is a good time to do so.  I am glad when people do talk and share and we listen and value the differences.  It isn't easy to do that.  

Life on NG Road loves Lucy and those that love her too.  And we truly do hope you will vote this year.

Church Day- FPC 9/20/20 This is the Day

This is the Day the Lord has made......Let us rejoice and Rally in It.  Yes we'll be glad and rally and meet.

11:30  Rally day at GHS- come learn all about happenings with focus on faith formation at Granville First Presbyterian Church.  All are welcome.  (This is the new date- rain date!)

6:30 PM Senior High Parent Meeting- FPC Parking Lot!  Like we attend sports and arts meetings it will be good to gather to learn and unite to support our high school students faith formation.  (This is a new time due to Rally day move.)

 I'm home from the 9 am outdoor worship- ahhhhhh- we were given kudos for being out in the "colder temps"we are not "fair weather christians".  It was beautiful and wonderful to be there and bundling up is just what you need to do. I think of all the sporting events - field hockey, football, soccer- for little kids and college...even the pros (Joe tells the story of prepared fans bringing wood for their feet in real winter temps- insulation from the cement's chill.  Thank you to all that make the Bryn Du service happen!

(BONUS- took a few minutes to take in some of the beautiful sculpture on the back lawn at Bryn Du! https://www.bryndu.com/about  And art was everywhere I looked...the barn, the parking lot...

Now watching on-line so I can listen to the beautiful harmony of Carol and Hugh- thankful to Facebook for the reminder so I could tune in.....want to hear this music AND a great sermon with important lesson about God's Grace...find the replay here: https://www.granpres.org/

The work we are doing at FPC is not easy. It is frustrating but things worth having take work and work is not easy. The not easy part is where the growth is and we are growing and evolving in COVID times, in the social network world, in the world of being pulled in so many directions.  I am called to this role and excited to be with others even when it is not easy.  In my life on Newark-Granville Road I'm grateful for Sundays- church days, catch up with Peter and Clare days, planning meals days, thinking, reading, loving and being loved days.  I hope you are feeling God's Grace today and if you are called, curious, interested, have time- join us at FPC!

Fall's Arrival, Thoughts on Faith- FPC RALLY DAY is SUNDAY!

 Fall is here....the pumpkins prove it!  Truth: we've had pumpkins in our volunteer patch (this year in the back along the fence, created from last year's discarded pumpkins) since early August- too early for me.

Fall means back to school and that too was August for us- Peter continues to love Wabash and we appreciate the match; Clare is happy as can be in her house at Wabash and anxious to start in-person classes and practice for field hockey and lacrosse; Sally is doing her thing at GHS and acclimating to the change in social time- thank heavens for field hockey here.  And Denison back to school continues to provide a great deal of rewarding work for me.  The labor day weekend is another signal that summer is ending and fall is to be embraced.  Transitions are fascinating times- hard, beautiful, freeing, opportunities, and of course inevitable!  I love love summer and am always sad to see it fade away. I do love fall and what it provides. More about these signals and season transitions in a future blog- I wanted to get the pumpkin posted and start the transition in post.

Faith....on Sunday I was installed as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Granville.  I accepted the call to co-lead Christian Education Faith Formation a few months ago by joining the committee to help navigate what our senior high students needed/need. This led to co-chairing the committee and joining our session.  I can only do this because of the incredible staff member Ellen, our small but mighty committee and lay leaders, the families engaged, youth, pastor support and God's love.  I welcome and need the engagement of others to execute this call, gain its rewards, and meet our youth and adult faith formation needs. On Saturday we Rally for FPC. 

If you are an FPC member- PLEASE COME- if you want to learn about ways to engage at FPC as a nonmember, person in our community- PLEASE COME 11:30 am Granville High- in your car, bring lawn chairs, let me know if you have questions.  Granville FPC Website!  ALSO Senior High parent meeting- next Sunday, Sept 20...Worship with Centenary on the lawn at Bryn Du- Sundays at 9...so good to have this option.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is ready for fall..holding on to some summer and grateful for all of God's bounty and love delivered through family, friends and the beauty of our world.

Life real life on Newark-Granville Road Labor Day Weekend 2020

Wedding, marriage, celebration of life and a milestone birthday: a full weekend of joy, laughter, tears sustained by faith.  Faith on my mind these days.  In 2020 we need our faith and commitment to traditions. Faith we can carry on, faith we'll be okay, faith we'll care for one another, faith we'll find a way even when we can't find away or it goes wrong it doesn't and we are grieving, God is with us.

God was with Karen and Roland on Sunday.  Congratulations to Karen and Roland- a beautiful wedding celebrated with a ceremony centered around scripture, family and love. The bride and groom glowed while taking their vows before God, immediate family, the Holy Spirit and the youtube audience.  The FPC parade was called to action to provide in person cheers, honks and well wishes.  And it gave me the chance to wear a hat or two...as it was Derby weekend...in September!  Traditions with a COVID twist.

We were going to try to do a modified party to watch the derby and it was not to be.  Instead we shifted to the Oaks and watched the race to toast a beautiful couple who postponed a wedding but said I do. And while the world was cheering for the 146th Run for the Roses and Authentic to cross the finish line we were were watching Beth's sunset with a toast.  The Eckels/Barton family with dear friends did a beautiful job  to say farewell to beloved Beth and celebrate her life and legacy.  The stories and messages showed us God's love and promise and life everlasting. All with masks, outdoor beauty and social distance.  It isn't going to be easy for Beth's family- join me in keeping them in prayer for faith, comfort and peace.  Of course Beth's passing has me thinking of my father's death and my own family. Faith has been important for us and we're doing okay.

Friends that become family are a gift from God,  We are meant to share the good and the bad together on this earth. We and others did that this weekend in so many ways. Oh the planning, brainstorming, dreaming that happened for a dear friends 50th birthday- London, Chicago, NY but in the COVID year we ended up in Lancaster, Ohio and it was beautiful. A wonderful adventure to the Rock Mill Brewery for live music, good food, drink and friends in a fantastic outdoor setting. God's hand in all of it.  

It was a long weekend- a weekend with work in the morning on Labor day, school work (graduate school has me in a history of philanthropy class) and wrapped up with pool time...ahhh pool time. Friends that are family, traditions and pictures to wrap up a summer season.  A season that had ups and downs, challenges for sure but we did it together. Sad to see it coming to a close but grateful for the comfort of traditions, special places and people in our world.  Life on Newark-Granville road was as real as it gets this weekend.

Missing Beth

Updated 9/3/20- now if you follow the link you'll read the beautiful obituary- well done. Having written one recently I know what goes into this important chronicle. I appreciate so very much the direction to honor Beth's life with a scholarship, here is that information:

The family is establishing a scholarship focused on Cosmetology in Beth’s memory. Please send memorial contributions to the Licking County Foundation, P.O. Box 4212, Newark OH 43058-4212 or make a contribution online to the Licking County Foundation’s unrestricted fund in memory of Beth by visiting www.thelcfoundation.org.

Posted Beth Barton Eckels-  Honoring Beth's Life I am thinking, praying and caring for her children, mother, husband, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, step mother, dearest friends and clients.  I am thinking of those like me that enjoyed each opportunity to sit in her chair and allow her to care and do magic, talk, listen and catch-up.  I am mourning these days.

We went through over sixteen year of sharing life as mothers to children and big dogs with so many friends and things in common.  (I love thinking back to when we didn't know one another Ben and Clare were together at Little Village.)  Every time I was at Designs by Beth I would learn about how she was caring for someone- taking chicken and noodles, arranging something special for someone going through something not so nice or just aligning actions in her way.  She kept it real- we compared notes on the ups and downs of family life, ultimately she would shrug her shoulders and take it back to the good and the now.  I loved Beth and know she loved me.  I know how much she loved her family and closest friends.  She felt the love of this town, the Florida sun, those pups and God.   She was love.  Karen Chakoians's sermon today expressed that so beautifully.

I've been saying she leaves a beautiful legacy on the Facebook posts and want to share that here.  Her children and grandbaby are beautiful and carry her light.  Her good and care inspires others. I am so sad she is gone. I believe in heaven and her spirit shining on earth through all that were touched by her.  We will honor and remember her.  I am making sure we all have seen these details. Information to honor Beth's Beautiful Life  Beth was discreet- so many of us may not have known we were clients if we didn't happen to pass on the path or in the chair on Hankinson.  We should make sure to reach out and connect with one another and celebrate Beth.  In my life on Newark-Granville Road I am missing her, continuing to love her and thinking and holding all of those in prayer in this place.

Continued update on 9/3/20:

I dress for the day- dressing for the calling hours...and then the first athletic event in the new stadium- Field Hockey!! Beth loved Gamedays so it will be appropriate to go cheer for Sally and these girls.  What I so wish is I'd be in her chair to talk and reflect all about it in a few days. I'm thinking about how to support this family in their time of grief.  Having recently been on the receiving end of care at the loss of a family member I've learned some things.  First- flowers are nice.  I use to poo-poo flowers- they die, you get so many..I love each delivery and bloom in April.  I also loved each card and food delivery.  We couldn't eat everything. We couldn't even use the full generous door dash gift card- but it went to good use later...it stayed with us.  Each thoughtful gesture, word, look, text mattered.  If you are thinking- should you go to one of the events- tonight or Saturday- the answer is- yes- if you feel safe. COVID will keep some at home and that should be the case. If we have any symptoms we should not go.  Send a card- it matters, call, email, drop something at a home...and please consider supporting the scholarship!  I just love this option and we will make a gift here:

The family is establishing a scholarship focused on Cosmetology in Beth’s memory. Please send memorial contributions to the Licking County Foundation, P.O. Box 4212, Newark OH 43058-4212 or make a contribution online to the Licking County Foundation’s unrestricted fund in memory of Beth by visiting www.thelcfoundation.org.

LC Foundation Link- Scholarship to Honor Beth

Prayers and peace to all of us missing the love of Beth.

We can say- All are Back to School- Fall 2020

Clare and Sally are sharing this post. Here is the scoop.  On Sunday two cars headed north to Wooster, Ohio- it was Clare's turn to move-in to her new service house. She is living with I believe 5 other women. many teammates- FH/Lax. One that was to live there is now remote learning or taking a gap-year?  Clare could not be happier to be reunited with friends, living on her own, not here at 1142 NG Road and launching her sophomore year at Wooster.  She has a great slate of classes and actually started remotely last week.  She would not let me document that in a picture.  She did let me snag this one outside of the house.  It was fun to make sure Bessie went with Clare properly accessorized- wearing Wooster, Denison and Wabash stickers.  Thank you Wooster for the process, the risk, the lessons and the care.  Clare was swabbed and is being supported in quarantine in her house until she gets the test results back- hopefully sooner than later. In the mean time they are making memories and in my life on Newark-Granville Road I'm a proud and grateful mama.

Sally started her sophomore year at Granville High School. She says tomorrow is the real day when all friends/classmates back together. Although not really the case as a number opted for remote.  She will drive the car, with Joe or me most mornings- then we'll bring the car home.  We really need to schedule her in-cars. Hopefully as close to her January birthday she will be solo and parking.  This may be the biggest adjustment in our life on Newark-Granville road. Seriously she is doing a great job getting rides- although harder in COVID times- we all want to stay safe. We value the partnership and help, flexibility of our colleagues and employers.  Nana- when can you visit again?  We're looking forward to the quality time with our pumpkin.  We know you will have a great year and are proud of your approach to back to school!  You are ready ready!  Keep being kind, sweet Sally.

 
 

Life on Newark-Granville road- quiet.  I've moved to the basement.  I started classes too- History of Philanthropy as part of my masters/certificate work at IUPUI- Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.  Joe is working non-stop- Spain in the am, California in the pm- data analytics- great expanded team.  Lucy will appreciate the hellos from walkers all the more with our house activity change of pace.

May we all be well and safe, stay apart but outdoors together (we need one another), wear a mask, support one another, respect the various views and approaches to our lives and world right now and always.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is good- the pictures tell the stories.  Enjoy.

August Energy- 2020

"I can hear it in your voice, happy energy" my friend said catching up with me while I was taking a slight break from Denison work yesterday.  Work that included unloading belongings stored in our basement after the impromptu vacate in March.  Work that allowed me to see first-hand the check-in during COVID process executed by impressive colleagues.  Work that took by the most beautiful wildflowers growing by the new road.  Work that connected me with seniors and parents moving into the "sunnies" and gave me the view of the new Silverstein Hall.  Yes, we all had masks and we kept our distance.

I typed this morning to a parent who shared where he put his energy these few days moving in two sons.  I wish I could have the bird's view- the aerial view of Granville and check in on all the connecting happening- the energy is bright, Granville is glowing.  It was different, a bit reserved but still radiating love, care, concern, happiness, relief, fear, confidence and so much more.  I wish I could have been in more places, old favorites (the Inn in stand-up mode, moving table to table, person to person) stopping by a res hall to check in on a beloved friend or meeting a daughter of a classmate. I do love hearing how time was spent in Granville- Facebook helps a bit and at the same time reinforces what is missed.

My director said- I see you are energized as I shared my plans for "move-in meetings" and introductions, as well as reconnections over Google Meet.  The energy it takes to plan, the energy it gives when organized, the energy produced when we come together.  Life on Newark-Granville this week has been all about Denison for me.  Clare, Sally and Joe supporting in ways requiring energy too- behind the scene heroes really.  Sally delivering lunch to my desk, Joe loading Martha and Clare making sure Sally was where she needed to be and not alone for dinner Friday night. I was so confused on what day it was- Thursday's move in often is on a Sunday so I thought we were in weekend mode and did confuse folks. (Although it was all in "the book").  The energy of who goes where when- COVID times-I can't even answer when Sally goes back to school! She knows and I know it isn't this week.  Day by day, week by week, bird by bird.... each bird takes and gives energy in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Positive and negative energy- attracts! Reflecting on this I like it.  I have felt and given negative and positive this week.  I'm grateful for the conversation and patient ears when I'm sharing frustration- this time of year and effort takes energy and produces stress even in nonCOVID times. I'm missing the energy produced from hugs of hello, welcome home, thank you, so good to be together, how are you, I know.... human touch produces so much important energy, the giving and receiving is so important, vital.  We're finding our way- we're connecting in conversation through masks, time together with space between, elbow bumps (probably shouldn't) but some of us just crave and need it- hardwired.  Pushing away and pulling together- energy- COVID energy, August energy, start-up energy.... yup we're glowing on Newark-Granville Road.

(thanks to all asking about Peter. We've had limited texts but all seems good!)

Oh and how do I recharge?  I take a walk in the rain to the farmer's market. I was craving a swim, the water from the sky quenched a thirst.  I talk to my best friend and partner. I cuddle with Lucy. I linger in the evening until dark with friends- outside. I curl up with a book on the porch. I call my mother. I embrace the sit and wait time. I find quiet. I pray. I embrace on-line worship. I arrange flowers from the farmers market. I cook. I breathe. I swing a golf club and walk in the green.