IA Retirement Celebration- COVID-19 style

End of an era...or really eras....Today we celebrated two incredible people! 

Murley Miller- Director of Major Gifts for Denison- my coach, manager, leader, friend, mentor. Murley retires after a long and successful tenure as a development professional. She's done it all, she has been incredibly instructive as she guiding me in my current role. I'm beyond grateful. Murley became a Denisonian immediately when she started with my alma mater just over five years ago. We- the full community of alumni, students, staff, faculty and our community have benefitted so very much. Murley retires to enjoy her family, golf, travel, reading and so much more. My life on Newark-Granville Road will not be the same and is better because she has been part of my life.  And the best thing is she'll remain- she is my coach and has agreed to always serve in that role!  So much more to share but keeping it brief for the blog- you get it. Murley is amazing and created a fantastic team. Fun pic from the morning:

Julie Houpt- Vice President Institutional Advancement- I have Julie to thank for my return to Denison, for support as a working mother, for an incredible platform and community and so much more.  Anyone that knows me or even reads this blog knows my pride for Denison.  Julie has played an instrumental role in so much. She has been a tremendous leader for our fair college on the hill and it was fun to celebrate her retirement today as a division...socially distanced with masks! She isn't finished until June 30. Our current campaign is not finished until June 30- Julie leads by example and will keep going until the 30th. Then she will transition to alumna and volunteer- roles she has maintained. She leaves us better than she found us (I worked for the college when she came on board). Her relationships- the Denison anchor-will remain and continue to make a difference- just as she did before becoming our VP.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is all about supporting and sharing the good.  Murley and Julie are good, have done good and contribute greatly to my life on NG Road.

Business, Stories and a little music: Ways to Give and Father's Day 2020

Business First, important FYIs to share:

Granville has a new emergency notification system sign-up here: https://www.granville.oh.us/  the Granville web page- village and township residents participate.  I signed up today- keep scrolling and enter your preferences phone, text and email.

New to when you give blood- COVID-19 antibody testing is part of the process. Sign up here https://www.redcrossblood.org/    Are you like Joe and think...maybe you had it when you had the icky flu before we even knew about COVID-19?  Like to give blood and  help our world and know there is another way to help.  Thank you to all that are considering this!

And speaking of donations- I hope you will read about Diane's Kidney Quest and consider this type of gift. I'm thinking about it. Diane is a special, kind, active friend, mother, wife, daughter, sister- we need to keep her going! And no doubt there are many in need.  More information here: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/transplant/living-kidney-donation?fbclid=IwAR1NNkPIoWpxL1ciOxj0-EfbDOoi7gawlnZBSrUCNcdRd_ceRg_hNxwpGZk

Okay, now the fun stuff...the rest of the story about my FB Father's Day post and the backstories of course!  We're always interested in what the kids are up to "these days".  Don't we wish we had invested in netflix when we would say- what are you doing up there? "netflix' was the answer.  Lately, it is "podcasts" and so Joe found a podcast for a car ride and the first one they all loved!  It was about sports which made them sigh...but it pulled them in as it was about 10 cent beer night at an Indian's game.  10 Cent Beer Night- Hall of Shame podcast  When Joe saw Homage had tshirts celebrating the event- bam- ordered!  And so sweet he even planned when he would present these to the kids going away to college.  Homage 10 cent beer Tees    Now....fast forward to a week or so ago....Clare says to me after dinner one night in our life on Newark-Granville Road....hey, I have a great idea for Dad for Father's Day. Let's get him....a 10 cent beer tee-shirt!  I smiled and said that is a great idea- go for it!  Unfortunately, the Homage order did not arrive.  Sally thought hmmm I know I saw a Homage package- maybe that was it.  And she went ahead and opened it.  The night before Father's Day Clare pulled me into her room...Mom, we're so confused. There was this Homage package Sally found but it has two shirts and it was addressed to Dad- this doesn't make any sense.  I smiled again and said- come with me.

The kids all gathered and shared with Joe their plans and he revealed his.  The actual gift was delayed but the sweet sentiments and chuckles in my life on Newark-Granville road made it blog-worthy.

Here is a pick from our breakfast out- our first since COVID-19 launched- a great morning at the Aladdin.

I'm a lucky one- great Dads in my life- my partner Joe, his Dad and my own Dad. Plus so many I enjoy seeing father and help me and my children in fatherly ways. I miss our Pap, my Daddy. I think of him often and grateful for the care that continues to come my way knowing I'm living with grief.  We're talking about it and living his legacy. Enjoy a favorite song that popped into my head while writing this blog. Allison Krauss and Union Station- The Lucky One

A day of strawberries with cucumbers and the call bank.

This meant yesterday I was able to assist not just one friend but two in pursuit. We also had strawberry shortcake - using my mother's recipe- Sally baked.   To hull the berries, I found the simple tool I bought years ago at Doran's when the Mommy and me crew headed there to pick berries. I'm remember so vividly those days- small children in two, activities to get us out of the house and into the fresh air or the museum or water or...basically out of the house. I remember the VBS days- the scrambles and friendships.  I'm thinking of you Mums and Dads at this stage right now in these times.  I'm so glad to hear the parks have opened. I'm so glad our Granville businesses have opportunity to make more money and those of us who enjoy a libation can partake- in the fresh air.

Yesterday I posted on Facebook Day Noche's news about their margaritas being available outside. This is just lovely.  Susan- you drink Tequila? I thought you were all scotch?  Certain days call for different drinks I say.  Ansemlo makes THE BEST margarita ever- the cucumber is my favorite; I do also enjoy the cilantro pineapple. Yesterday it was taco Tuesday in our life on Newark-Granville Road and a day that called for a margarita.  I made the order, took a bike ride and in no time, I was back with my bevie.

Yesterday was my first day of call bank duty!  I'm proud of my alma mater and workplace. To support students and families a robust webpage is available to answer questions about our return in the fall in the time of COVID-19 and a corona virus pandemic.  To take it a step further for care and data collection we have a call bank. Last week my colleagues and I were trained- yesterday was my first day "manning the phones". This took me back to Federal-Mogul and the call center- telephony 101. Important work and a big growing time for me- mid 90s.  I admit to being a bit stressed but thanks to partnership and support of coworkers all is going well.  I was even able to wash and hull those berries wearing headphones and being prepared to take my calls!

And the zoom oops continue- yesterday my computer said the microphone was not working- yes, it was!  Oops when I shared some good news with Joe about work the whole Rotary club heard it. Sigh. You'll have to ask me in person about the one thing and of course you all know about the bad music before the call with Denison's president.

These days are special- savor the sunlight, make the memories, accept mother nature's gifts and partnership. 

Where to Be

Things are returning to "normal" and I know this because I had to pull out the Mom Agenda and update the calendar to know who is where when and figure out the how they get there.  I've been doing this for work, however family, life in Newark-Granvill Road had been pretty simple since...say March?   Sports are back:  basketball and field hockey conditioning for Sally.  Peter will ump starting Wednesday.   The Fall start-up schedule is coming into view: we received the official word on when Peter will head to Wabash, Clare's schedule will come soon and I'm supporting Denison families with their updates. We even were able to figure out Stoner family vacation.  No camp- sigh: they tried so very hard to make it work and I'm so sorry it did not.  We admire and respect all the efforts to keep our girls safe and developing.  I really cannot say enough about the approach the director Elizabeth utilizes to strengthen and develop the values of Camp Alleghany.

Looking back at last week I'll take the lessons provided- be in the moment.  I went looking for strawberries at u-pick- a tradition.  Slim pickings due to the frost. Oh well, it was a beautiful drive.  We drove to Maryland to help my Mom with IT support and I was able to take vacation time and be on the golf course.  The golf course provides the lesson to be in the moment similar to the yoga mat and I am grateful. I'm grateful for the walks and talks and moments to breathe in what nature provides.  I played three days in a row this weekend- wow.  Joe did the driving this trip and I was able to do my reading for school and take in the Denison Magazine! Good moments.

Summer officially arrives this week! This gives me something to look forward to as I love the summer solstice.  We'll also watch the Belmont- I've been waiting, I thought it was this weekend. Until then there is good work to do, places to go, and meals to cook right here in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

What to Call this...reflections, thoughts, musings..just me....

I took a day off yesterday.  It was a full week and ended with an upswing in work- good work but it took my attention and focus. On Saturday, I didn't reply to email. I left my phone and didn't reply to texts and it felt so good.  I volunteered at the Farmers Market, missed the march/walk/protest in Granville.  On my drive to the school I thought to myself: I wonder why Granville has not had a gathering/event? I didn't know it was happening? When I arrived at the market to work I was given the update since it was starting at the school and at some point, in planning there was to be some market engagement. When I left the market, and ran an errand downtown it made me happy to see the peaceful activity. 

I continue to be in the AND, yang/yang world. I'm pulled in so many ways. I never thought I'd like working from home. Never say never, now I do like working from home. However, summer is hard I don't want to work I want to go play. I remember this feeling when the kids were young and why I loved my five years of not working.  But I always worked, when I volunteer I work.  We all do. We all have commitments, responsibilities and to-dos.  Our COVID/great disruption situation that is all the more disrupted with the attention on race relations and inequities is making us all rethink how and when we do work and view our place here.  How and when we engage and socialize.  And many of us are in different places as we journey.

I miss social time. Thank goodness this weekend I finally had some. I've caught up with friends - in person- outside. I've talked with colleagues over a drink and it made me so happy. It feeds me.  At the market the hardest component was not lingering and having conversations with people. Being the market greeter and spraying hand sanitizer was the perfect job for me.  And those that are like me and needed some social chat time- I obliged. To the Nats fan- thank you- I hope you had a lovely drive to Maryland!  I visited "happy" special places and it really was lovely.

I'm on my screened in porch typing. It is time to make lunch. It was a productive trip to the store. We missed church, I was excited we would be home in time. Nope- 10 am now- summer hour- not 11. I was looking forward to settling in for the service. I can watch the recording later or even now but it is different.  I took the hour to catch-up by phone with two important friends.  Friends serving, working hard. 

This blog post has no profound message or remarks. I just want to me and stay in touch via the blog.  I'm figuring things out and processing. I'm listening to friends and family. I'm taking breaks and doing my best to find balance. To integrate work (comprehensive- not just Denison) and rest, play and focus, paddling and floating. I'm lucky to share this with Joe and the kids. I'm fortunate to have this porch and home and town and community. I love that I love going home to help my Mom. I am learning and growing and evolving in my life on Newark-Granville Road. Thanks for reading and supporting me.

Tie Dyed World

Dear friends are the best. They are the scaffolding for my mother right now and I'm grateful.
I was welcomed home after my father died by dear friends with so many touches. The tissues everywhere are coming in handy this morning.  I'm teary- this world's pain and darkness AND sitting in light and beauty make it harder.

What to wear is always interesting to me.  Pandemic dressing has been fascinating and a fun source of jokes- yoga/athletic lounge...don't forget to put pants on...and sure enough, I am putting on comfy yoga pants often! I love that I have bright ones that make me happy and mean spring, blue and green with palm leaves, "slimming" black and then the tie dye...these inspired my thought process about what we're all dealing with before our current inequality events. I shared it with a friend and it keeps entering my head I need to get it down...

The ribbons of color- the pants I have are navy, gray, white, may look black and are all in subtle shades. There are fades and bolds and it is all jumbled together but it doesn't appear chaotic or messy- it is beautiful and attractive, imaginative and cool, fun, and elegant in its own way.  Then you look at tie dyes with mixed colors and our world keeps adding color! Ha- is that what these trying times are: color? They feel dark but again we're inspired to see the light, the opportunity, the beauty...at the base it is about color- color of skin.  How did this ever start...Joe will tell me and I will understand the need to survive and threat...but really we have not evolved? No, we haven't.  I have been watching high school graduations and am in awe of the diversity,  Then I see how we still cluster and don't mingle and I hate it.  What to do.  I believe in education and conversation and hope and tears.

I'm dressed today in a new red shirt- it is flowy and peaceful, reminds me of our trip to India.  It is loose and comfy and airy...it really isn't red but a subtle shade, it has decorative tassels- it is light and lovely and that is how I want to be today in peace but I'm not there.  Life on Newark-Granville road is good for me and needs to be better for others it can be better for others.  We are all tie dyed and need to be more united and connected.

June 1, 2020- Pausing to reflect

It is June 1- new and fresh month.  In Granville things are opening and I'm supporting local and this movement for the economy as best I can.  I took a yoga class in the studio today- ahhhhhhh- I can breathe.

George Floyd could not breathe.  I pause and think of him.  I can't stop thinking about what his death represents and has launched. How can this keep happening?

During this whole stay at home time I've wondered- why hasn't the world stopped for mental health. The teenage suicide rate is horrible, terrifying. It is an important topic at work and it has stopped our lives, we've paused to remember AND we've continued to carry these beautiful lives with us to keep talking, walking and thinking.

Now with our world slowed down we're again forced to pause and remember George Floyd and way too many others that live in fear. Acknowledge the racism in our world, community, families, selves.  I won't say the right thing here and I live in that fear. I have questions and want to discuss it. We are discussing it at our dinner table, in our book club, at work AND it isn't enough.

The environment is thanking us for slowing down and pausing AND I'm grateful and finding comfort  and inspiration in the outdoors, sunshine and the heavens!  Way to go SpaceX, NASA on the successful launch on Saturday.

I had me time this weekend. I went to see my mother- she is doing great. I'm so proud of her. We all miss Daddy And our lives are continuing AND we're supporting the grief and adjustment, the disruption.  And I had time with my sister and her dear family- we had hardshell crabs on the back deck- ahhhhh- summer is here and happy times do exist.  

I had car time that gave me pause to learn about what is happening in the world with the riots and to think.  I had car time to escape- NPR had the best piece on EELS!  Who would have thought- fascinating- this story has it all- mystery, history, research, laughterhttps://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/radiolab/articles/silky-love  Do yourself a favor and tune in on your next walk or drive or?

My life on Newark-Granville road figure eights- overlaps.  I'm reading Aristotle for my grad school class and Artistotle is in this article.  It is book club night and we're discussing a beautiful book on mental health and teens, published in 2008- The Shape of Water by Anne Spollen, not the book/movie a few years ago. For work we're connecting with my Denison classmate, David Howitt about the Power of 'And' or the Tyranny of 'Or'..... reading his insights on Friday was the backdrop to my car time reflection, conversation with my mother and sister and Joe.  So much of we're doing and contemplating, wrestling with goes back to the AND/OR rub. I want the world to stop so we can fix things and keep everyone safe and loved.  In the world of the pandemic that is impossible as we need health care workers and sanitation workers and business owners to survive and our mental health to be healthy and we need to breathe and be safe.  None of it is easy, I'm thinking, praying and holding so many and so much in my heart.  

So much more to say...our church worship service - FPC- did a great job from the opening prayer and perspective that pulled me in during this unsettling times to the music to the sermon-and what a sermon Karen- ahhttps://www.granpres.org  to reading Columbus Foundation's statement about our world where George Floyd can't breathe and die. https://www.facebook.com/TheColumbusFoundation/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARD0vJoKE8aOMQvvQiF4Icsc7q4AtzeaYtycOI-J5EZJyDLCJxcWspRPjsaKoJHUbBvLRRANKAFYO2Xj&hc_ref=ARQVoQTWeuuLwjEYl2yALsHjrTiLYl5GCVI7UxkB0tvalsJXnBIy_iXOqejYQ1lFyNs&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARBX1nKXuf0XoG9ik9GiIkqfpchzRPJ_Af8o_5wwdGeQZxjSD2uTKH5TbupuClKmXJiwvjLOlFHeOMlaRExTnsBt6Q76qh8LL9wMxYS9nryZNBwrTwlHWNCnTwVt61Y7NnqCqqgv6YOCXMN28RlwECgSbRWEbmo4mTOoa0R4p1cifmt4upBWFUvP6aRZ6P9Crs64y6gE9Bl4MLir6Z6aSfEH00DhZ3qP2nUEVJNTVFQDlizm8ST5yocuF6zOGVmznetsR-clyMEgD6oUqwWtT814vbTsBY1gZOzXS0cTdI2SZNb_ZJ21ManUX3aPUQ88sLBA1Io_pNuE_0YQ4w   and the role of philanthropy and love.

In our lives on Newark-Granville Road we are moving forward, living AND trying to be safe, supportive and loving while slowing down.  Today's picture is the pause- I went to the office to pick up my pretty calendar- it was stuck in March.  I can't put the months away. I'm keeping the beauty with me and grateful for what we've had AND will have.