only 9:30 and happy happy happy!

So how did I get so happy by 9:30......
1. Beautiful Sunrise- soft pinks, grays, tangerines......
2. Exercise! with friend time- double happy happy!
3. Awesome breakfast- for the kids with Joe and take out from FPC's Holiday Harvest Fair- for me!!! The spinach egg casserole is divine! The coffee cake is a treat...miss making those.
4. Shopping with Clare at FPC's Holiday Harvest Fest!!  I wasn't going to go until later....but Clare said last night- let me know when you go.....my friend and I were remembering the past happy times there...so when I returned from walking the dog....Clare and I hopped in the car and popped in- so glad we did!  I love when she says..I love the food there!
5.Clare picked up an old compass- made me smile- she checked it against her i-phone compass....
6. I bought a new spooner! Life on Newark-Granville Road introduced me to spooners....a friend and neighbor uses one.....so I was on the look out for mine.  I found one a few years ago at above mentioned FPC Harvest Fest- didn't love the glass pattern but wanted it for function.  Yes I keep my spooner on my counter- you always need spoons- cereal, soup, scooping peanut butter, etc....just in time- always ready.....I bought a new spooner today!! Anyone need a spooner? If not I'll donate the old one back to the Grandma's Attic area of the holiday fair!
7. I bought all sorts of other little happy things....grapefruit spoons....for the spooner....fair trade chocolate for gifts, very cool craft bowls made out of recycled paper- go green, and some other misc things....All of this things are made or procured with love and support mission and the amazing effort of the women of our church.
8. I walked through our church and was greeted with love and care. The energy there is beautiful and I'm grateful a friend and daughter pointed me there.
9. Yesterday was an amazing day- amazing- wrapped up with beer and burger and sharing it with Joe.
10. Today is work day- house projects, Nutcracker project, and family movie night!
Yes Life on Newark-Granville Road is happy happy happy......

I hope you don't cross the street when you see me.....

I'm a person who isn't afraid to ask for money....I know you know this...many of you recently had me encourage you to learn more about the needs at our church and the importance of pledging....and of course I'm always asking for The Works...and if you are a classmate at Denison..I'm always asking around reunion time...so I hope when you see me you don't cross to the other side of the street.  I try not to ask that often. I try to let you know why I'm asking....

First- our government gives us incentive to give! Tax deductions!  Our government believes we're good people that support good organizations that help, improve people and communities.  I truly believe people are going to give somewhere because they care and the bonus is the benefit....and if you don't know about these good organizations, or are  not asked....you might over look (blank)- insert The Works, your church, your school, etc....

Second- my Dad taught me- like what is happening and want to stay in touch with a non-profit- get invited to the fun events, receive the newsletter, help a child experience it?  Then make a gift to support them. Stay on their mailing list.  And if you really like the place- volunteer, talk to the folks about how you can help with your time too.  By the way- my mother taught this to me as well- both parents walk their talk and lead by example.  So when you ask me- how do I do what I do- now you know- I inherited the ability. 

Third- I know that money really does make the world go around.  We're working on The Works budget and I know where the money goes and how much it takes.  A lot!  Church is in the same situation- in fact working @ The Works- amazing old buildings in downtown Newark- take a lot of upkeep.  Being here for this community, coordinating, delivering programing, keeping it really CLEAN and healthy- takes money. The same for FPC and all those non profits you care about and watch closely....money.  And every dollar adds up and matters.  THANK You to all those that support the amazing organizations in our communities- the food pantry, your own church, local museums, the united way, the local foundation, the band, the orchestra......

I also believe in the rising tide of philanthropy- we all lift one another up- when The Midland succeeds, so does The Works- love good things happening in downtown Newark- and lots of good things are happening!!  Licking County is an amazing place with lots of places that need your support.  Giving feels good and when we feel good it is contagious and makes our community and my life on Newark-Granville Road all the better!!  I hope you'll return the favor and tell me about the things you are supporting with your financial dollars!

wrapping up Cross Country......

I continue to be so impressed with the cross country program.  The coaches, the kids, the parents- it is all professional, positive and proven!  They get results.  These kids are progressing, winning, gaining confidence, poise and building relationships with one another, their coaches and themselves!

It was the end of the season banquet and a pleasure to be a part of- that is how we felt about the whole season.  It is such a nice thing to watch your child interact with other good kids, hear encouraging remarks and see her take them in with pride and confidence.

We don't wrap up running...races await- Turkey Trot- if you are near Licking County come on over- Thanksgiving morning- benefits the Food Pantry- and is a community building good time. Jingle Bell Run in Columbus for Juvenile Arthritis and keeping Griffey happy!  The Whit's run is an all time favorite on Newark-Granville Road.

inspirational lessons.....

A big thank you to the friend that gave me the opportunity to hear Liz Murray speak tonight.  WOW!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtybvFW0ncY   Here is one small taste of what was shared tonight...I will buy and read her book- "Breaking Light"....I will apply some lessons learned and I will share more!  My big take was "you never know what the person that will change your life looks like, they all look the same".....Such an inspiring, articulate, impressive, wise young woman.  Staty tuned to Life on Newark-Granville Road....my life will be enriched thanks to tonight!

And woo- hoo for an election! Every election gives us information to learn, apply, share, inspire...gives us community connections, shines positive light on goodness....yes tonight's speaker helped shape this perspective.  The Granville School Levy has passed by a hair but it passed- THANK YOU to all that voted for it, to all that voted, to all that worked to support our education system for my/our children. THANK YOU to all those in other school districts....I'm sorry some school districts didn't get the results they wanted....learn and apply...try try again.....

Life on Newark-Granville Road provided many many lesson today...I sleep tonight inspired for the work that waits for me tomorrow.

VOTE!!! election day-Tuesday- Nov 5th!

Tomorrow morning, or today if you are reading this in the morning...is election day- please vote! New voting locations for many, live in the village- you're with me - my life on Newark-Granville Road takes me to the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of Broadway and Main Street!

Yes we're in the village.  A few houses behind us- township, house the west- township.....across the street- village.

Thanks to those that knew they couldn't vote today- and went ahead of time!!

Have a great Tuesday and election day!

Starting off November- preparing the kids.

Okay- trick-or-treat is over and so now I can embrace November.  Trick or Treat is suppose to be on (or if you live in Ohio) around October 31st.  Due to bad weather it was rescheduled for last night- Nov 3rd.  I love the the idea of trick or treat, and luckily I have a brain that can overlook the challenges that accompany it and recall the beauty.  Never mind it is always a rush and challenge to get out the door and costumes are never quite complete, and they come off or cause great annoyance to the "beggar" and last night in particular was cold and dark fast.  My life on Newark-Granville Road has a side walk on the other side and houses spread out and up hills....so few beggars make their way to us.  So we embrace the going out...leaving candy on the door step for those that want it.  Some year I will join us with friends in the village and help give out candy there or just walk and observe- I LOVE to see photos.  I asked Sally if she wanted the village this year- nope- she was happy to stick with tradition and make her way with friends through the sub-division across the street and into the planned community with easy to access landscaping. We're grateful for the social time and the kids are grateful for the candy.  Check it off and welcome November!

Church is always a good way for me to start me week and starting the month is extra special with communion at FPC.  Yesterday I was pleased the kids didnt' want to miss communion and were with me in the balcony.  We had special moment of coaching, coaching I received as an Elder in my 30s.  When the bread and wine are given to you, you say- "thanks be to God"....when serving someone else- you can say: the blood of salvation poured for you, the bread of life, body of Christ for you....it is the for you that I love.   The kids embraced this - they take communion seriously and with delight.  Yesterday was a moment that couldn't of been planned and was a gift.

John Weigand did the children's moment and gave us a gift as well.  He had chairs representing all the "generations" as defined by ??  who does define- gen x, y, baby boomer....hmmmm- I have some homework to do.  And I do- I left church yesterday wanting to know more about what my children will face as they mature and lead.  John put people representing the generations in the chairs and it was an impressive group- Janie Drake, Don Wiper, Barb Martin, Eric Miller, Amelia Anderson and Sally Leithauser.  John asked Sally as she was running into church. She did a great job.  She is gen Z...Amelia gen Y....I learned that Clare is the end of gen Y...Gen Y is going to be larger than the baby boomer group.  And the most common last name in America is or soon will be Rodriguez, not Smith.  All things to help Joe and I prepare our children.  Nothing I didn't really know - I've heard- but yesterday I listened and I want to apply it a bit more intentionally.  The big thought for John's presentation tied to All Saints Day and how the saints of yesterday and today are preparing the future generations from a spiritual perspective.  We're grateful for those that have gone before us and the work they have done and are doing- saints are among us- heaven is on earth- the gifts we are giving our children- not just those that live with us, but our neighbors, community and world children.  My life on Newark-Granville road is guided by this thought and yesterday's reminder and lessons were beautiful. November is off to a good start- I hope the same for you.

lets hear it for the parents.......real life Saturday morning....

Real life snap shot......Saturday morning sleep in...woo hoo! So rare and special- nothing scheduled this Saturday morning. And if there was I and I missed it- don't tell me!  I'm LOVING my morning.  I didn't get out of bed until I heard the coffee grinder.  I'm like a cat and the can opener.  I just looked out the front window- perfect timing- here rides Peter (helmet on!!) from town- he wanted coffee shop and we said no.  He whined and we still said no. He said can I ride my bike?  I said- not to River Road but to town...and he said OK.    He walked in the door- "HELLO EVERYONE, THAT WAS A GOOD BREAKFAST"...I saw the Millers, and Sam and the Kurtz.....

I'm also smelling yummy waffles Joe made for Sally.  Clare is sniffly with a cold so I will run out to get her some OJ and isn't happy about walking Griffey.  Sally - not sure what Saly is up to- I had an early morning hug- she is our earliest riser.  Laundry is on the to-do list as is basic catch up with Blogs, email.....and maybe a quick run with the dog for me.

Oh- so my topic- lets hear it for the Parents.....quick review of highlight of yesterday- my last Elementary School Halloween Party!   These parties happen because of the parents and awesome teachers that create a classroom atmosphere and coach the parents.  I've come a long way....

I remember the awkward Valentines Party I signed up to help with when Clare was in Pre School.  It was a disaster.  I spent way too much time prepping a play list for the CD (Ok I still love to run to that play list.)  There was miscommunication all around with the teacher. I took time off of work and ended up sitting in the hall most of the morning....and I don't remember much else.   And I just asked Clare- she remembers nothing about it.  I remember leaving saying to myself...I plan successful events all around the country, yet I can't execute a party for 4 year olds.

Fast forward to yesterday.  I've learned some things.  And I've learned these things from my fellow parents and friends. 1. Don't take responsibility for the whole party unless you really want to and know what you're doing with this age group and have a good relationship with the teacher.  2. Find an activity that you really like to offer- offer it and if they say yes- do it.  For me it is the "potions/experiments"beverages.  I saw a mom present this as a witch with potions- she was dressed up and had all sorts of bottles with powders-she was excellent!  The next year I borrowed it and had fun.  The next year I transformed it to "Mad Scientist" since I worked at The Works.  What fun!  I was so pleased yesterday when setting up a classmate of Sally's said- are you doing that again? with a happy expectation tone!  And Sally being pleased and grateful I was part of the fun.   Of course anyone that saw me at Walmart at 1:10 was shaking their head..I was getting those powders and Sally's panda tummy....but that is me and my life on Newark-Granville Road!  3.  Be OK when it doesn't work....it doesn't work for everyone.  Some class chemistry isn't the party thing...I've heard this from other friends and experienced it myself.  I lucked out this year.  I don't get to be in the classroom much and I value the chance to walk the halls and see the interactions happening.  I love this Granville Elementary tradition of the parade and greeting friends and seeing all the kids- kids I see at the pool, on the bus, on the playing field, at church...in their costumes.  I'm so impressed with the control Sally's teacher has in the classroom and the respect she has from the students. She playfully teaches and bonds with them in impressive ways.  I'm thankful to the parent that brought the good toilet paper for the mummy game.  The kids had a blast wrapping one another up...but the highlight was the team effort and smiles as they made Ms Browning into a Mummy.  Lots of parents chipped into make it fun- crafts, games, snacks galore- happy energy yesterday in that classroom.  And the take-home favor really made me smile...good ole PCA!  PCA helps soooo much at The Works - the corrugated puzzle/cut-out activities help make STEMfest and other events extra special.  Sally lucked out and took home a coffin....see the picture- very cool!  Lets hear it for that Dad linking work and school!

My life on Newark-Granville Road is rich and I'm grateful for the time this morning to reflect, share and soak in the joy.