My friend in Seattle, MK, blogs. A lot. And VERY well. She is obviously dedicated to her "weigh out" as she calls it, and her experience in opening herself to possibility. Check out her blog at MyWeighOut http://mkweighout.blogspot.com
You won't regret it. She is a wonderful inspiration to me. THANK YOU!
As for my sad little blog project, I know I've been beyond remiss in posting. And I am sorry. Not so much to anyone who might want to read it, but to me, for not keeping it up. College has kicked my ass in many ways, but I DID get a 4.0 for the fall semester. However, getting well into spring term, it occurs to me that while academic success is important and admirable, over-focus on academics is the same as over-focus on anything-- the rest of my life falls WAY off kilter.
Although my family has been intimating this to me for weeks, my moment of realization came when taking my French mid-term last week. I was unprepared. While I am doing well in that class, it is the only one I don't have an A in. Normally, that would precipitate a huge cram session and stress. Instead, I decided to spend the time I needed on my writing classes, knowing full well I was shortchanging my French studies, because I am a writer.
I don't yet know what my mid-term grade in French was, but I am sure it was sub-par by my standards. Interestingly, I am okay with that. I was so tired and strung out, completely aware of all I wasn't doing in my non-academic life, that I HAD to let go of the 4.0 dream. Who knows, I may still redeem it, but I am not worrying over it too much.
Along with all the other changes I've been making, embracing my European sensibilities is long overdue. So about a month ago, I started to do so. I haven't had Absinthe yet, but I'll get there.
This week is my spring break from college. My daughter still has school daily, which means I am up at 5:30 each morning, but my husband and I have enjoyed our time with each other this week thus far, especially last evening. Last night, the hubster and I worked together to make a lovely french meal: Omelettes with fresh veggies, sauteed potatoes, tender asparagus, a nice reisling and chocolate cake. Bon Temps Roulez pour Mardi Gras! Yum.
That meal is indicative of HOW I WANT TO LIVE. The ingredients weren't fancy- peppers, mushrooms, eggs, and cheeses combined to make a wonderful plate principal and the wine was a lovely partner to it and the asparagus (I think a pieceporter michelsberg would work well too). The cake was from a box mix in the interest of time, but it was moist and the hubby iced it for me. The love and care we took in cooking, even in the midst of our daughter and her friend watching the funny, but loud Hot Fuzz! in the living room felt just right, and having the hubster help out with real sincerity was a special treat.
We'd planned to have a family game night, but our daughter was into her art, so we put 300 into the dvd player and snuggled up on the couch together. Wonderful. Every evening should be so special.
Showing posts with label College. Show all posts
Showing posts with label College. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Saturday, July 31, 2010
College Library & "Do" Decisions
The first half of this blog is way fast. I have decided on my new "do". See the photo. Gwen Stephani in her Marilyn style, but mine will be red. Now if I could just borrow her face & figure... :))This Saturday morning, I woke early-ish at 8:00. During the school year, Saturday will be the only day I can sleep that late, so it allowed me to cast my thoughts ahead to the fall. Anyone who's been watching the weather of late knows that Ohio had a terribly hot July. So autumnal dreaming feels like relief.
Adding to my back-to-school thoughts was the slate grey sky and much cooler temperature this morning. That had me lacing up my sneakers to finally get in some real exercise. The recent heat indexes in excess of 105, 80% humidity and asthma just don't go together.
The hubster surprised me by wanting to tag along. My objective: The Jerome Library- I needed to re-activate my college ID for use as a library card. We shared a pleasant walk at a good pace to campus, and were happy to find that at least one wall of construction fence, which has been cordening off the library like Alcatraz, making it virtually inaccessible, has been moved. We had very little trouble making our way to the entrance.
This was completely unlike my experience just two days ago. That is when I was out walking from a commuter parking lot on the north side of campus (in the 105 heat, et al.) for over a half hour- unable to find a way past the maze of chain link to get into the place. Hating to admit defeat, I asked a landscape crew of students if they knew a way in. They did not, but did send me halfway around campus again before I determined it.
So today, we got there unscathed. We were a half hour early- the place wasn't yet open- so we sat on a nearby bench and enjoyed the cooler temperature, speculating on the purposes of the handful of students who kept arriving and trying the doors before they opened, and just being together. It was lovely. Once we could get in, I was told it would be easy to activate the ID. It isn't so easy when your Student ID number is so old that they can't find you in the system. So, I had to fill out a form that allowed them to enter me as a new student. Funny.
We were able to cut across campus much faster when we left and overall it made for a nice long stretch of the legs- which mine sorely needed.
How did you spend your Saturday morning?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Audrey Hepburn, Contact Lenses & Back To School Clothes... Oh My!
In another life, I was a costume designer. That was before the world fell apart and I spent months getting surgeries, and the last two years recovering.
If any of my old clients or colleagues happen by here: You all have my most sincere apology for dropping off the face of the earth without notice. I hope the work I did for you was fondly thought of. Please know that I have nothing but kindness in my memories, and sorrow & guilt for having to end a budding career, but it was for the best. In the end, illness made me stop, because nothing else would have.
Anyhoo- I was a costume designer for theater and film. In the "real world" I have never attempted to do more than make an odd piece of clothing for myself or some costumes for my daughter. Others have suggested I try to do a "collection", but it seemed pretentious, even for me. As my thoughts turn to walking back onto a college campus in the fall, I keep seeing myself dressed-- differently. Since I have no money, the only way this can happen is for me to rummage through what's left of my fabric remnants, buy a few notions (zippers & buttons), and make the clothes myself.
The nexus of this decision was a design for a black cotton skirt. I was in a mall last week (not to buy anything, but I had to be there). It's been a long time since I've been in a mall. I was walking behind a tiny woman who was wearing a skirt that was, to my mind, a work of art. It was made of a cotton fabric, printed with an abstract stained glass design. The thing that got me thinking was the hemline. It was a standard straight skirt, but the hem was covered in binding. It made the artistry of the skirt pop, giving a 'frame' to the print. And, it got me thinking...
I have this bolt of black cotton in the garage. There's a lot of it, at least five yards. I also have a few packages of wide seam binding. What if I made a 1950's inspired skirt: narrow with maybe some wide tuck pleating at the waist, falling into a bell just below the knee? I could add some heft to the bottom by binding the hem edge... And voila! The first piece of my own personal "Back To School" collection was designed.
Hot on its heels was an idea to convert my daughter's two A-line tanks into something "legal" for school. I am going to embellish them with ribbon-work embroidery and then tack them on to some inexpensive short sleeve tee shirts. This way, the few bucks I spent this summer will have life through the fall and into next spring at least. And, it will lend some much needed style to a child who thinks a sloppy over-sized tee shirt, sweatpants and flip-flips is fashion. She has requested I make her an updated version of a "feed sack dress" circa 1935. I have the cambric to do it. What can I say? She loved Kit Kitteredge.
The rest of this "collection" is yet to be born into completeness. I have somewhat hazy visions of Audrey Hepburn's turtleneck and boatneck tops, skinny black pants, full and pencil skirts, cardigans, colorful heels and ballet flats... Some I am capable of making. Others, I will shop thrift and clearance for. If I meet with success, I may post some photos here.
The other tipping point of this style change is that after three looonnnggg years, I will finally have contact lenses again in the fall! I've worn contacts for nearly 30 years, so it has been killing me to walk around in glasses. I have been scrimping & saving pennies for this. Crazy, you may think, but I feel as though part of my personality has gone missing. I am not a glasses girl, unless it works style-wise, and most of the time it does not.
The last item of what I can see here is becoming a major make-over for me is a new hairstyle. I've known for some years now that I am in a rut with my hair. The same style for damned near 20 years. I think along with the rest of the "new me", I will try a slightly darker color and a whole new 'do'. Any suggestions on cut are welcome. Just know I won't go short again- I look like my mom when my hair is short. I love her, but I don't want to look like her. :)
If any of my old clients or colleagues happen by here: You all have my most sincere apology for dropping off the face of the earth without notice. I hope the work I did for you was fondly thought of. Please know that I have nothing but kindness in my memories, and sorrow & guilt for having to end a budding career, but it was for the best. In the end, illness made me stop, because nothing else would have.
Anyhoo- I was a costume designer for theater and film. In the "real world" I have never attempted to do more than make an odd piece of clothing for myself or some costumes for my daughter. Others have suggested I try to do a "collection", but it seemed pretentious, even for me. As my thoughts turn to walking back onto a college campus in the fall, I keep seeing myself dressed-- differently. Since I have no money, the only way this can happen is for me to rummage through what's left of my fabric remnants, buy a few notions (zippers & buttons), and make the clothes myself.
The nexus of this decision was a design for a black cotton skirt. I was in a mall last week (not to buy anything, but I had to be there). It's been a long time since I've been in a mall. I was walking behind a tiny woman who was wearing a skirt that was, to my mind, a work of art. It was made of a cotton fabric, printed with an abstract stained glass design. The thing that got me thinking was the hemline. It was a standard straight skirt, but the hem was covered in binding. It made the artistry of the skirt pop, giving a 'frame' to the print. And, it got me thinking...
I have this bolt of black cotton in the garage. There's a lot of it, at least five yards. I also have a few packages of wide seam binding. What if I made a 1950's inspired skirt: narrow with maybe some wide tuck pleating at the waist, falling into a bell just below the knee? I could add some heft to the bottom by binding the hem edge... And voila! The first piece of my own personal "Back To School" collection was designed.
Hot on its heels was an idea to convert my daughter's two A-line tanks into something "legal" for school. I am going to embellish them with ribbon-work embroidery and then tack them on to some inexpensive short sleeve tee shirts. This way, the few bucks I spent this summer will have life through the fall and into next spring at least. And, it will lend some much needed style to a child who thinks a sloppy over-sized tee shirt, sweatpants and flip-flips is fashion. She has requested I make her an updated version of a "feed sack dress" circa 1935. I have the cambric to do it. What can I say? She loved Kit Kitteredge.
The rest of this "collection" is yet to be born into completeness. I have somewhat hazy visions of Audrey Hepburn's turtleneck and boatneck tops, skinny black pants, full and pencil skirts, cardigans, colorful heels and ballet flats... Some I am capable of making. Others, I will shop thrift and clearance for. If I meet with success, I may post some photos here.
The other tipping point of this style change is that after three looonnnggg years, I will finally have contact lenses again in the fall! I've worn contacts for nearly 30 years, so it has been killing me to walk around in glasses. I have been scrimping & saving pennies for this. Crazy, you may think, but I feel as though part of my personality has gone missing. I am not a glasses girl, unless it works style-wise, and most of the time it does not.
The last item of what I can see here is becoming a major make-over for me is a new hairstyle. I've known for some years now that I am in a rut with my hair. The same style for damned near 20 years. I think along with the rest of the "new me", I will try a slightly darker color and a whole new 'do'. Any suggestions on cut are welcome. Just know I won't go short again- I look like my mom when my hair is short. I love her, but I don't want to look like her. :)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
College Papers, New Friends & Broadway Dreamin'
The weekend was supposed to be a two day hedonistic bacchanal of one dollar movie rentals, soda and chips... Yes, I know that calling cheapo movies and Coca Cola bacchanalia is a crime of pedestrian proportion... But it was the best I could do...
Instead, I had one evening of junking out to Leap Year and watching enormous storm clouds roll in. I had two more movies to watch (like I said, hedonistic), but the hubster needed my help in preparing a paper for school. Admittedly, I spent most of the day Saturday procrastinating. I didn't want to read over sixty pages of research materials just so I could edit a paper.
So, The Lives Of Pippa Lee went in the dvd player around four p.m.- which unfortunately was about the time the texts started flowing from my daughter, who was with my parents for the weekend. It is unfortunate that I had to pause the film about five times to answer the kiddo, because it is a lovely little character piece, and I was surprised to find Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder in it. I also love that Alan Arkin is enjoying a major career resurgence.
The hubster and I planned to watch The Book of Eli Saturday night after 11:30, but I was in such a funk, we decided to postpone it to Sunday at 10:00 a.m. We should have been at church then, but we knew we had a lot of work to do on that paper... In retrospect, that was a mistake. I knew he had a lot of work to do. What I didn't know was that he'd misunderstood the assignment. From 12:30 Sunday afternoon until 11:00 Sunday night, he/we worked. (With many interruptions for texts from the kiddo, my mother, hubster's friends, visitors...) I fell into bed midnight Sunday with my head swimming. We were back at it at 7:30 a.m. Monday. We printed the final draft with a mere twenty minutes until it was due.
After that, I brushed my teeth, changed my clothes and headed to my parents' to pick up the kiddo. Thank God for Starbucks Venti Chai Latte (7 pumps, non-fat, light ice). It's a two plus hour round trip, plus a good hour of visiting. I don't mind that, but the hubby had an old friend coming into town. I had not met her and really wanted to do so. So, I loaded the kid in the car and sped back home. I was rumpled, unwashed and hot (no a/c in the car) and a bit intimidated to be meeting this woman my husband has known for over twenty years.
As I was walking up the driveway to the front door, I paused. I took a deep breath, smoothed my very rumpled hair and shirt and decided that I would just be me. I let go of any preconceptions I had (and I did have some), put a smile on and walked in the door...
To meet a woman who was nothing like I had supposed. I don't really know who I thought she'd be, but it wasn't the warm, witty, intelligent person I was privileged to meet. We were talking Shakespeare within two minutes, then moved on to college (we both attend (ed) the same one), both sing, love the arts and so many other interests. It was not kismet, but it was a wonderful, pleasant evening after a most hectic two days.
I feel I've made a new friend. For those who know me at all, you know how difficult that is for me. It was wonderful to let go and just enjoy. Thank you Chandler & M.K. It was grand!
After M.K. left, I found several thoughts coalescing into a desire. Air fares are pretty low right now if you shop smart- Al Pacino is reprising his role as Shylock in Merchant Of Venice on Broadway this fall- I am a theater minor in school and can get student priced tickets... You can see where I'm going with this, right?
Well, I don't think I'll see Pacino since they don't move to Broadway until October 9, but I have NEVER BEEN TO NYC. How can a theatre buff like me have managed that? If I can get amazingly lucky on airfare, I found a hostel-style hotel online- Candy- for $99 a night near Manhattan! I am dreaming of Labor Day weekend in NYC... I'd love to hear any tips from anyone who's traveled there recently, especially with regard to student tickets for Broadway shows.
Oh, and if you were wondering...
Leap Year: As predicted by me, it was a yawn. I wish it were otherwise because I love Amy Adams. BUT- somehow this film made Ireland look DRAB!!! Don't waste your time.
The Lives of Pippa Lee: I read about this first when it had limited theatrical release. The article I read (in either Elle or Marie Claire) lodged the project in my brain, so I was charmed to find it in my local redbox. As I said earlier, I couldn't watch it uninterrupted and I think my opinion of the film would be even better upon a second viewing. Robin Wright's stillness as Pippa is just beautiful.
The Book of Eli: My little brother suggested this when it was in theatrical release. He said I'd love it. I did like it a great deal, but was not inspired to love. I was a bit disappointed that I could see most of the plot coming from a mile away (not counting the delicious twist of what is really on the pages of "the book" in question), but found Denzel Washington more compelling than expected. I admit to often not enjoying Mr. Washington as much as others, although his performance in "The Inside Man" was wonderful as well. Here, beyond the first thirty seconds, you forget Mr. Washington completely- he is Eli.
Comments are always welcome. :) Catch you later...
Instead, I had one evening of junking out to Leap Year and watching enormous storm clouds roll in. I had two more movies to watch (like I said, hedonistic), but the hubster needed my help in preparing a paper for school. Admittedly, I spent most of the day Saturday procrastinating. I didn't want to read over sixty pages of research materials just so I could edit a paper.
So, The Lives Of Pippa Lee went in the dvd player around four p.m.- which unfortunately was about the time the texts started flowing from my daughter, who was with my parents for the weekend. It is unfortunate that I had to pause the film about five times to answer the kiddo, because it is a lovely little character piece, and I was surprised to find Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder in it. I also love that Alan Arkin is enjoying a major career resurgence.
The hubster and I planned to watch The Book of Eli Saturday night after 11:30, but I was in such a funk, we decided to postpone it to Sunday at 10:00 a.m. We should have been at church then, but we knew we had a lot of work to do on that paper... In retrospect, that was a mistake. I knew he had a lot of work to do. What I didn't know was that he'd misunderstood the assignment. From 12:30 Sunday afternoon until 11:00 Sunday night, he/we worked. (With many interruptions for texts from the kiddo, my mother, hubster's friends, visitors...) I fell into bed midnight Sunday with my head swimming. We were back at it at 7:30 a.m. Monday. We printed the final draft with a mere twenty minutes until it was due.
After that, I brushed my teeth, changed my clothes and headed to my parents' to pick up the kiddo. Thank God for Starbucks Venti Chai Latte (7 pumps, non-fat, light ice). It's a two plus hour round trip, plus a good hour of visiting. I don't mind that, but the hubby had an old friend coming into town. I had not met her and really wanted to do so. So, I loaded the kid in the car and sped back home. I was rumpled, unwashed and hot (no a/c in the car) and a bit intimidated to be meeting this woman my husband has known for over twenty years.
As I was walking up the driveway to the front door, I paused. I took a deep breath, smoothed my very rumpled hair and shirt and decided that I would just be me. I let go of any preconceptions I had (and I did have some), put a smile on and walked in the door...
To meet a woman who was nothing like I had supposed. I don't really know who I thought she'd be, but it wasn't the warm, witty, intelligent person I was privileged to meet. We were talking Shakespeare within two minutes, then moved on to college (we both attend (ed) the same one), both sing, love the arts and so many other interests. It was not kismet, but it was a wonderful, pleasant evening after a most hectic two days.
I feel I've made a new friend. For those who know me at all, you know how difficult that is for me. It was wonderful to let go and just enjoy. Thank you Chandler & M.K. It was grand!
After M.K. left, I found several thoughts coalescing into a desire. Air fares are pretty low right now if you shop smart- Al Pacino is reprising his role as Shylock in Merchant Of Venice on Broadway this fall- I am a theater minor in school and can get student priced tickets... You can see where I'm going with this, right?
Well, I don't think I'll see Pacino since they don't move to Broadway until October 9, but I have NEVER BEEN TO NYC. How can a theatre buff like me have managed that? If I can get amazingly lucky on airfare, I found a hostel-style hotel online- Candy- for $99 a night near Manhattan! I am dreaming of Labor Day weekend in NYC... I'd love to hear any tips from anyone who's traveled there recently, especially with regard to student tickets for Broadway shows.
Oh, and if you were wondering...
Leap Year: As predicted by me, it was a yawn. I wish it were otherwise because I love Amy Adams. BUT- somehow this film made Ireland look DRAB!!! Don't waste your time.
The Lives of Pippa Lee: I read about this first when it had limited theatrical release. The article I read (in either Elle or Marie Claire) lodged the project in my brain, so I was charmed to find it in my local redbox. As I said earlier, I couldn't watch it uninterrupted and I think my opinion of the film would be even better upon a second viewing. Robin Wright's stillness as Pippa is just beautiful.
The Book of Eli: My little brother suggested this when it was in theatrical release. He said I'd love it. I did like it a great deal, but was not inspired to love. I was a bit disappointed that I could see most of the plot coming from a mile away (not counting the delicious twist of what is really on the pages of "the book" in question), but found Denzel Washington more compelling than expected. I admit to often not enjoying Mr. Washington as much as others, although his performance in "The Inside Man" was wonderful as well. Here, beyond the first thirty seconds, you forget Mr. Washington completely- he is Eli.
Comments are always welcome. :) Catch you later...
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