tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14466922237158674102024-03-05T14:01:41.284-05:00Dear Paper Cup, Just screaming into a paper cupThat Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-52030346003412431002018-03-31T17:26:00.001-04:002018-03-31T18:03:59.322-04:00Dear paper cup, I often speak/text into the void/paper cup. I don’t actually mind that the disembodied-vaguely interested voice rarely replies. It does when I need them too. Mostly. <img alt="" id="id_d24_4f50_1ea6_abb0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhI9ZeRxsULcisD4LVRV5IYL2wRUNuFwwLAbDF59YR7S7qPKLRJmBB8NjTe_BySXoN_U16Bfo0pHRHMytzESgoxUOrgbqdFdYJ4vWBk-HDWDpfcCUJW5D8KtRIwybH2RRgNvUn5gvDVA/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Dear paper cup, does my hair look ok today? People keep asking if I colored it. I haven’t touched up my greys since last Christmas. Do I look ok? </div>
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Dear paper cup, I’m super bored this weekend and that’s never a good idea. Help? </div>
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Dear paper cup, do you have a pair of pliers? I screwed up building my ikea table, natch. </div>
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Dear paper cup, inspire me to go get quarters to do laundry. You’re gonna have to work hard at this. </div>
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Dear paper cup, tomorrow is Easter and I have no plans which makes me sad. However at least this way I won’t break three bones in my foot while carrying a kale quiche. Mmm kale quiche. </div>
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Dear paper cup, I’m renaming my blog for you! You lucky cup. </div>
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Dear paper cup, your empty. Someone should fill you up. But with water, not alcohol. </div>
That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-16528521154360356822018-01-25T13:06:00.000-05:002018-01-25T13:06:11.241-05:00One Lucky Duck<div style="text-align: center;">
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Once upon a time...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHFNwEhL7Ki87yvdpR-b2KuRO7rBDiyLpC0npdZRMYS2eCigQ7Aj4UKWXzTFeT6B_ClEboWYvHmd0byyzmJF4E1fdLG9RSVp9ZVFeRtKFkhDFkp4bsfVN-8BTGqt7pcGfIGC-1Jm88e0/s1600/12310466_1055653527813206_3785115717346027358_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="750" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHFNwEhL7Ki87yvdpR-b2KuRO7rBDiyLpC0npdZRMYS2eCigQ7Aj4UKWXzTFeT6B_ClEboWYvHmd0byyzmJF4E1fdLG9RSVp9ZVFeRtKFkhDFkp4bsfVN-8BTGqt7pcGfIGC-1Jm88e0/s320/12310466_1055653527813206_3785115717346027358_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegan Thanksgiving 2016</td></tr>
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I remember my kids coming home from school upset about a Pokemon card. One of the boys in Nicks grade had tricked Zak into giving him a rather precious Pokemon card. When Nick found out he confronted the kid and defended his brother. </div>
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Words were exchanged. Nick got the card back for his brother. </div>
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I remember shortly after my now ex husband and I split, standing in the kitchen of our studio apartment making spaghetti. We could hear the couple next door fighting through the walls. The phone rang, one of those old clunky cordless phones, and I picked it up and settled it into the crook of my neck. Zak was only 2, playing by my feet. Nick, age 4 was watching Teletubbies or Barney on a VHS. </div>
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I was tired, I was broke, it was the fourth day of spaghetti dinner. </div>
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I never found out who was on the phone because it slipped out of neck crook and into the boiling water before I could say hello. </div>
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Straw meet the camels back. I swore loud enough to scare my kids. They both stopped and stared at me and I started to cry. I turned off the pot and sat down on the floor and Nick came over, put his arms around me and said </div>
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"It's ok Mom. It will be okay." 4 years old and already trying to take care of me. Did you know it was possible to be filled with love and broken hearted at the same time? It is. </div>
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So it should come as no surprise that now, at 19 and 21, my boys are still trying to take care of me. Its a funny thing how that works. Sometimes the best way to take care of me is to let me take care of you. I am never more calm than when I am taking care of someone else. It's my jam (oh hot dam..)</div>
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They have been pushing me to date and recently they revealed it's because they don't want me to be alone and so they can worry less about me. See? Filled with love/broken hearted. They are not mutually exclusive. </div>
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We had dinner the other night and when they walked inside two of my friends were just leaving. They might not know it but I saw their reactions to my reaction upon seeing my boys. I'm pretty sure I light up because their faces reflected it. (And yes I heard you say 'aw' when Zak hugged me) We talked for an hour or so, about their lives, music, things on the news. I can't tell you how proud I am to have raised two beautiful young men who can have an informed intelligent conversation about the media, sexual harassment and world politics. </div>
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And then they tried to get me to move into the empty apartment in house they live in. Filled with love/broken hearted. </div>
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Zak gave me the sweetest lecture about the make up I wore last weekend to the Mayors Inaugural ball. A friend had done some serious work on my face and he was upset. "You look pretty everyday just being you Mom." </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1pVjkITJzAIWpRnPLkWcbR1XxpXod4dBfXHMoSWoXI2fM6J3y1XMLSnIasgJzjjSCUepdKSvp8U95ZavfotfPWV6b4cSorTtALrY0EoAW3NaFiBpmX4da0ZU9IRL76eYL3cgbXTxPFc/s1600/26815423_1769222243123108_2395398772792081590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1pVjkITJzAIWpRnPLkWcbR1XxpXod4dBfXHMoSWoXI2fM6J3y1XMLSnIasgJzjjSCUepdKSvp8U95ZavfotfPWV6b4cSorTtALrY0EoAW3NaFiBpmX4da0ZU9IRL76eYL3cgbXTxPFc/s320/26815423_1769222243123108_2395398772792081590_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Rob Deza</td></tr>
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I'm not crying, YOU are crying!</div>
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After dinner Zak and I went to the laundromat. He let me teach him a few things about laundry, things I am pretty sure he already knows. But that is how they best take care of me, by letting me take care of them. </div>
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I am one lucky duck. </div>
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That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-16333194531625270712017-12-31T18:23:00.001-05:002017-12-31T18:23:51.248-05:00 2018 listical! Hello, hello!<br />
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First, I’ve been sad. So sad. Tonight however, I was reminded how good people can be. I stopped at a local MickyDs to pee and ran into my sons bandmate whose van was stuck in the ice. His mom was trying to chop it away. Mind you it’s like 3 degrees here. So I stopped and rummaged in my trunk for anything to help. Finally I went inside and asked them to bring out some salt. A few strangers stopped and helped us rock and push the van out of the ice. Everyone cheered and hugged. I felt genuinely happy and connected. I needed that.<br />
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My hands are freezing.<br />
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It’s New Year’s Eve and you know what that means! One of my very favorite things.<br />
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A listicle!<br />
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Things I want for 2018.<br />
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1. Drink less<br />
2. Go camping at the beach. Ideally with the boys and friends but alone is okay too.<br />
3. Get a haircut<br />
4. Sing aloud more<br />
5. Let go and let god<br />
6. Just kidding, god doesn’t know I exist<br />
7. Be in the moment<br />
8. Just enjoy the bubble<br />
9. Dance naked under a full moon.<br />
10. Spend more brunches with Rachel<br />
11. Return those damn student loan calls.<br />
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And 12? Start writing down all the autobiographical short stories in my head and make a book. (Thanks Maura for the encouragement)<br />
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13. Blog more, it’s like free theray<br />
14. On that note go to therapy more.<br />
15. Get in the car one Friday afternoon and drive somewhere by accident and don’t return till Sunday.<br />
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And some oldies I am still working on<br />
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16. Learn to freaking sew.<br />
17. Make more art no matter how shitty<br />
18 . Get a tattoo or two<br />
19. Fix my nose piercing<br />
20. Love more freely and unconditionally<br />
21. Be more adventures.<br />
22. Wear my glasses every day.<br />
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Ps. I posted this on my phone, fingers crossed it’s not all wonky looking. </div>
That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-85999889525379389892017-12-27T15:06:00.003-05:002017-12-27T15:16:27.703-05:00Chachacha....changes: On Transitions-ahem-<br />
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Hi! How are you?! Friend? Are you there, Friend?<br />
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My last post here was <a href="http://plasticrevolution.blogspot.com/2012/12/what-do-you-do.html">What do you DO?</a> and I am so pleased to finally be doing something I love enough that I would, and have, do it for free. I'm helping grow young leaders in my community, teaching the most entertaining sex ed classes ever and exposing young people to all the opportunities I can.<br />
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I don't really work but I do get paid for it.<br />
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That's not what I want to write about today though. Today I want to write about.. change.<br />
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My children are grown and have recently gotten apartment together. Since I recently took a.. like.. 15,000 pay cut and I moved into a friends spare room for a bit. Just me and my best guy.<br />
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So here I am, on my own, with no one to wait up for or to carry the groceries for me or to blame for the mess.<br />
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It is the saddest I have felt in a very long time and the first time I actually felt lonely. I am finding myself getting really invested in things to worry about because worry is my comfort food. I feel calmer when I am worried about something. Don't <i>you </i>worry though because goddamn I can find things to worry about. City Council being dumbasses? Worry! Youth in trouble and can't go to their parents? Worry! Our fucking asshat douche canoe of a 'President' is still allowed to use twitter? WORRY!<br />
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2017 has been a bitter disappointment. I had some of the most anxiety ridden days of my life, some of the <i>sweetest</i> and some of the darkest. And I got to go to the beach, once.<br />
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(I love Snapchat, its so unbelievably narcissistic and hilarious at the same time)</div>
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Things that happened in 2017:</div>
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1. We actually inaugurated a vile sociopathic sexual predator and I don't want him impeached because Pence is even more fucking dangerous. </div>
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2. I started swearing a lot more. </div>
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3. I went to a Casino for the first time (holy shit that was bizarre.. and kind of wonderful)</div>
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4. I got to play bartender at an event! Bucket list! ($100 in tips ain't too shabby)</div>
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5. I broke my ankle again AND a toe. Two separate events. </div>
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6. I ran a super kick ass summer camp. </div>
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7. Actual text exchange I had with my boss one day </div>
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Me: <i>So I am at the beach and I really want to stay another day, is there any way you can cover for me tomorrow?</i></div>
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Boss: <i>Do you mean you went to the beach with friends and the car broke down and it can't be fixed until tomorrow?</i></div>
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Me: <i>....... Yes, that is exactly what I meant, damn auto correct. </i></div>
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8. I quit a job and it was spectacular. </div>
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9. I was almost immediately offered two part time jobs instead. <i>They called me and asked me to apply. </i></div>
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10. I took a giant leap of faith and fell flat on my face. Which I am pretty sure we all saw coming.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: proxima-nova-n4, proxima-nova, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">“When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they’re not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They’re upset because they’ve gone from supervisor of a child’s life to a spectator. It’s like being the vice president of the United States.”</span></div>
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—Erma Bombeck</div>
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Oh, and one more</div>
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I made it to level 23 in Pokemon Go. #TeamYellow</div>
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This transition is scary for me but I know that everything will be okay. </div>
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Right?</div>
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That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-22814209782030427272012-12-10T10:15:00.000-05:002012-12-10T10:15:06.733-05:00What do you do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"What do you do?" People always ask when we meet for the first
time. I always hesitate because it is such a broad question. What <em>do</em> I
do? Think about it for a moment. What do you do?<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
I suppose the correct answer is that I work in an office. I order supplies
from staples (which remind me I need to order coffee today) and I answer the
phone. I get the mail and sort the invoices. I finalize reports and edit
letters. I water the plants. This is what I am paid to do. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p> </o:p>It is not the answer I want to give though. I want to tell people that I
make a difference and that my existence matters outside of the small circle of
my life. I want to say I do something interesting, something meaningful. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<o:p><em>But the best answer to the question “What do you do?” is “Here's what I'm passionately learning right now.”-</em><a href="http://www.penelopetrunk.com/">Penelope Trunk</a></o:p></blockquote>
<br />
<o:p> </o:p>Because, what I do is so much more then how I earn a paycheck. I am raising
two fantastic children. I help my friends when they need it. I plan <a href="http://www.nuestras-raices.org/">parties</a> and
<a href="http://www.nmhschool.org/upwardbound">fundraisers</a> and <a href="http://jeffreybphotography.com/">exhibits</a> and write press releases. I chair <a href="http://friendsoftheholyokepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/">meetings</a> and I advocate for
literacy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
That’s what brought me to Baypath College and fuels my desire for a bachelor’s
degree. That piece of paper represents so much more than just a few classes and
grades. It means opportunity for me; it is a key to open so many doors that are
currently locked. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
With that piece of paper I will change my world. <o:p></o:p><br />
That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-39035540558390857952011-01-03T10:32:00.000-05:002011-01-03T10:32:12.215-05:00Hello 2011, please wipe your feet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSQR1qDT5UhzVeMQok9kgLeOnNSg5eG-zsspUw-L9e4Q5At5p_EAdHGhZfFNwh9u5L_WV-WzjgXmpTUQLQ1YIHEKc0L8Riwnpirxtsm-ZHcynxyx2X-NEcYjiD8Gdfoixlgdfth4c13c/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSQR1qDT5UhzVeMQok9kgLeOnNSg5eG-zsspUw-L9e4Q5At5p_EAdHGhZfFNwh9u5L_WV-WzjgXmpTUQLQ1YIHEKc0L8Riwnpirxtsm-ZHcynxyx2X-NEcYjiD8Gdfoixlgdfth4c13c/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over at <a href="http://www.holyokehome.com/2011/01/new-year-new-approach-to-resolutions.html?showComment=1294060747623_AIe9_BEs5SIwZjsMaOz2JnrO7wp0K-qvNuPD6FBic1mUyt8Tsg839Gm7PYiG4UNb7jgdyuHCyxwSJWkPS4AxTfqTVU7N4T9wp3l1p47buvF1flnptxsfYLdwJqNuMaMJeCKY5svYuA3TIHrchGThGuy_IpLBNvy4ds0HygrmIU4W_F2LGwrtjl-4NQppJyfFoPPZtBR7D02xEl836Y9pExUhCC2-4yGvbMHyo2lx-MWufn0Aq4jqtkNqSC6NY4B_wxpf6-wsN1GR2aVnAcb4xMQ2ppALBYnR3ca2tj-VMEmE8hUaY2RatlkRTEiOwVvKVV_-VJWoTDd3fl8gdsww3LFeg8GajftnapxWALU9WIpqFkwcZu2t2JZ1mUCFWz1ohZQ-iS-L8SSHBeUbayzSkSlBEerTNCjKSVn_mHkwhNymVjeHPcfWl2xMV7-59SjJn3p3-8X3CEF7NKREBAUdbHJzxE_6xBt7d5f6r1n0lLCid2RP_n5Nrhz2neWy-FI3va0fSN_YpvfkFhRjJSODqqkR7ByfwX8jGWavUXLfbk8su_ABQSLRTG2yUPIEp0eNpvvjXXE0iHIpGYmCkAadR4NgEdNUruQAUgVSz3R7sABoskyAOJSuAx7jAKwv2hIhJR2G-2JItFZU2wSY8jcO868nvZJP3fsVOtcMB4WXylv-8Pgr9ZibrSbrPJdmnUtE1GX0mAR5VQRosjJlblmKV6VXestvKA1Yf2P6DL8ng9CR1W6Otjz4DlxFvN2pREJYLtgxfPTd4N96eHAzn9-Q4KrqLnMS9C_ZyQ#c3199710890034081665">Holyoke Home</a> there is a great post about New Years Resolutions and actionable and achievable goals. I wasn't going to commit to any resolutions this year publicly, but after reading that blog post I realized I do have resolutions and telling you you will help me hold myself accountable. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHgHmr3iuvWyrNQhmVRLrkQGNDSiLwyz2YcW8nN2jUC9KpchTL-yrIXkbLQtlipmLWxzzyPplUv007VXRoEKvznbRDxWGxzkWKIu-CrgMlCm5X9Wz1nJ24LrdFAqWpJ2wJkNFK2vH1NE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHgHmr3iuvWyrNQhmVRLrkQGNDSiLwyz2YcW8nN2jUC9KpchTL-yrIXkbLQtlipmLWxzzyPplUv007VXRoEKvznbRDxWGxzkWKIu-CrgMlCm5X9Wz1nJ24LrdFAqWpJ2wJkNFK2vH1NE/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last year <a href="http://plasticrevolution.blogspot.com/2010/01/less-then-plastic-resolutions.html">I blogged my resolutions</a> and I kept most of them. I did learn to make sushi from my friend over at <a href="http://waab.bugink.com/">We are All Beasts</a>. I did use less, including getting myself <a href="http://www.reuseit.com/store/reisenthel-market-basket-baroque-sand-p-1069.html">this amazing thing</a>. I did smile more.<br />
I smiled when I replaced my car, when my kids threw me a huge surprise birthday party, when I got the best gift ever from <a href="http://suttersjewelry.com/">Sutters</a> jewelry and when all the fund raising events I worked on went extra well. I was less judgmental, even when it was really, <b><i>really</i> </b>hard. I painted and drew and even made some jewelry, I took two art classes. I did let Nick take a girl to the movies. I took compliments better, I think. Maybe. <br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpIDiQBosRkm9ZXjoPNngHifrVrpW3RxvqgOLagbJKb12KkGVkZDkber170SUMtzk7aTx_cFZkA4bPYPc5IPGxgvfdVe35f4gL0KycoNRa7GH8XheAr2-tiyrqMekjleRlrABz905no4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpIDiQBosRkm9ZXjoPNngHifrVrpW3RxvqgOLagbJKb12KkGVkZDkber170SUMtzk7aTx_cFZkA4bPYPc5IPGxgvfdVe35f4gL0KycoNRa7GH8XheAr2-tiyrqMekjleRlrABz905no4/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a>So this year I will set more goals. Actionable and achievable goals. </div><br />
<br />
I will loose some undefined amount of weight by cutting out the junk that has been creeping back into my life. I will cook more soups instead of buying them in a can for lunch. I won't put feta cheese on my salad (at least not every day) I'll cut back on coffee and cake. I'll stop eating in the car, in a rush. Back to Yoga twice a week and maybe the occasional Zumba class. I'll do one of the dozens of walk run things that are going to help save the world in someones memory.<br />
<br />
I <i>will </i>do the Hot Chocolate run in 2011. I will take my vitamins every damn day. <br />
<br />
I will listen more and talk less. Really. (...This<i> might</i> be a two year resolution)<br />
<br />
I will find a new job that has meaning, even if it means less money. At this new job I will be able to walk to work (unless it's really freaking cold, I hate the cold)<br />
<br />
And once again I will keep my chin up, I will not let lifes obstacles throw me. I will get though this year and it will be <strike>just as good</strike> better then last year. After all, no one drowns from falling in the water...<br />
<br />
...they drown by staying there.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-1649329874264353942010-12-29T12:04:00.000-05:002010-12-29T12:04:17.686-05:00You cannot read Loss<div style="text-align: center;">You cannot read loss, or think about it or know it. You cannot be prepared for it or brace for it and come to terms with it either. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It just is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZb0lJkN3X0Hg7LreVLsf81D-v-ZLQm0kP8Dy5U6rsQNMJAbcUWqWv8RVbs1PsZF9cQBdWR57u1q_3Lr7EBrScAph0WkjlyCFNOi6olVdCVC6-11ODrDkd-7_JL3qh3xf2yuy1uuobR8/s1600/n1676271868_29219_1522571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZb0lJkN3X0Hg7LreVLsf81D-v-ZLQm0kP8Dy5U6rsQNMJAbcUWqWv8RVbs1PsZF9cQBdWR57u1q_3Lr7EBrScAph0WkjlyCFNOi6olVdCVC6-11ODrDkd-7_JL3qh3xf2yuy1uuobR8/s320/n1676271868_29219_1522571.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Janice Kenneman </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All you can do is feel it. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
My Aunt Jany passed away Saturday the 18th of December. It was sudden and unexpected. I had not been close to her for many years and as a child I only saw her occasionally. I always thought she was so .. cool. Calm, collected and reasonable in ways few of the adults in my every day world ever were or would be. I remember her laugh was always a little bit throaty and made her eyes dance. That phrase 'eyes that dance' is utter nonsense when used to describe most people but for <i>her</i> it makes sense. <br />
<br />
When I was maybe 11 or 12 I was visiting their house in East Hartford (they had the coolest bathroom in Connecticut) and she wanted to take a picture of me and cousin Nicky, and her daughter Rene all sitting on the couch. We were sitting there smiling like the models we all thought we were and then heard a funny noise above us. We looked up to see a teeny... tiny... bat. <br />
<br />
Ever heard three preteen girls screech at the same time? <br />
<br />
Aunt Jany laughed for an hour, I swear. <br />
<br />
Later, about 5 or 6 years ago, Aunt Jany and I began to email each other. She got up at dawn each day and would sit and have her coffee while she read her emails and the news. I'd chat with her for 20 minutes or so before I went to work. After a year or so I changed jobs and the early morning emails tapered off. <br />
<br />
I regret that. <br />
<br />
<i>I am so glad to have had you in my life however briefly it may have been.</i>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-28927490071930500622010-07-08T10:03:00.000-04:002010-07-08T10:03:39.926-04:00Eat yer weeds!<o:smarttagtype name="State" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="place" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Always be careful not to gather wild edibles within 50 feet of any regularly traveled road. Disclaimer: <i>Poison</i> Sumac is POISON.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The red or staghorn sumac is not the same as poison sumac which has white, drooping berries. Look for the red, upright clusters of seeds on the edible type sumac. These seeds are ripe in August and September....when the white crystals form on the surface and before the autumn rains wash the flavor off.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Edible sumac</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/others/staghorn--sumac-32024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/photos/others/staghorn--sumac-32024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Dangerous bad will kill you to death Sumac</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>berries</o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://z.about.com/d/landscaping/1/0/G/D/poison_sumac_white_berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://z.about.com/d/landscaping/1/0/G/D/poison_sumac_white_berries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p>Plant</o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://z.about.com/d/landscaping/1/0/i/C/poison_sumac_berry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://z.about.com/d/landscaping/1/0/i/C/poison_sumac_berry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p>If you try any of these please let me know!</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">SUMAC LEMONADE <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The fruit of the staghorn sumac (Rhushirta) was frequently used by Indians and pioneers to make a cool, sour drink. The name staghorn comes from the likeness of the down-covered branches to deer's antlers. The fruit clusters are plucked and boiled in water, strained and sugar is added to give the juice an agreeable lemonade-like flavor.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">SUMAC MERINGUE PIE <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Take 4 or 5 red sumac seed heads. (Do not wash for the flavor is concentrated on outside of berries.) Cover with water; bring to a boil, strain through a cloth. Add water if necessary to make 2 cupsful.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Combine: 1 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Add 2 cups hot sumac extract prepared as above. Cook in double boiler until thick. Beat 3 egg yolks; add a little of the hot mixture. Stir and pour back into double boiler. Cook 2 minutes longer.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remove from heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter; cool. Pour into baked pie shell. Top with meringue prepared by beating 3 egg whites with 6 tablespoons sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until browned.</div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">ELDERBERRY AND SUMAC JELLY <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cover sumac with water. Pound and stir for 10 minutes; strain to make an extraction.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 c. sumac extract<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 pkg. Sure Jell<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">5 c. sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bring juice, extract, and Sure Jell to a boil. Add sugar and hard boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim. Pour into jars and seal immediately.</div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cattail Casserole<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 cups of scraped bud material<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 cup of bread crumbs<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 egg<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">½ cup of milk<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">salt to taste<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"…scrape the bud material from the cores, mix 2 cups of buds with 1 cup of bread crumbs, a beaten egg and ½ cup of milk. Then salt and black pepper to taste and bake in a casserole dish in a medium oven for 25 minutes."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Juniper Marinade<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 cup red wine vinegar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 and 1/2 cups red wine (<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Burgundy</st1:place></st1:state> works well)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 Juniper berries<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 bay laurel leaf<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">6 whole peppercorns<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 medium onion, sliced<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 small clove garlic, crushed<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 tsp. salt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 pinches mace<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 whole cloves<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/8 tsp. thyme<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 pounds meat or game<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Directions:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Combine all the ingredients and store in a covered jar in the refrigerator for at least one day before using. Place the meat or game in a bowl and pour marinade over it. Turn the meat every couple of hours to allow the marinade to penetrate. Marinate at room temperature for 1 to 2 days depending on how strong a marinade flavor you like. Strain the marinade and use it to baste the meat every 20 minutes while it roasts. One pint of marinade is adequate for 4 pounds of meat. Serves 8. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> ~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Black Birch Tea<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"To make a wintergreen-flavored tea, cut some sweet birch twigs in small pieces and cover them with boiling birch sap. Let it steep for a minute or two, then strain out the twigs and sweeten the tea to taste. Some like to add cream or hot milk…<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Birch Tea can also be made of the red, inner bark of sweet birches, but removing this bark from standing timber disfigures and injures the trees. If sweet birches are being cut down anyway, as in land clearing or limbering, one can gather a supply of this fragrant bark without feeling like a vandal. The bark from the stumps and roots is considered best. Use a knife or a carpenter’s wood scraper to remove the outer, dry layer and then peeel off the red inner bark. It peels best in the spring or early summer. If this is cut in small pieces and dried at ordinary room temperature, then sealed in fruit jars one can have the makings of Birch Tea throughout the year. Use boiling water when birch sap is not available. Never boil the twigs or bark in making this tea and never dry the bark in too warm a place, for the wintergreen flavor is very volatile, and is easily driven off by too much heat."<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mulled Sumac<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 cups sumacade<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">4 whole cloves<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 stick of cinnamon<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/2 tsp. allspice<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/3 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1 lemon<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">freshly grated nutmeg<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Directions:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Put the sumacade in a saucepan and add the cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and sugar. Add the slices of lemon peel and juice of the lemon. Heat the mixture over low heat for 20 minutes. Do not let it boil. Pour into glasses and add a little grated nutmeg on top. Serves 4 to 6. For a winter warm-up, try adding 1/2 ounce of rum. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dandelion Coffee<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">1/4 cup dandelion roots<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tsp. chocolate bits<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">2 tbs. rum<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Directions:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Collect dandelion roots from healthy plants. Wash and scrub roots to remove all dirt. Dry the roots thoroughly and roast in a 250 degree oven for 2 to 4 hours, until they are brittle and dark brown inside. Grind them and use the powder to make a 4 cups coffee. A drip pot with filter paper works well. Add chocolate and rum to serve after dinner. Serves 4.</div><div class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-71696349278475846252010-07-02T09:34:00.001-04:002010-07-02T09:50:58.162-04:00Dating 2.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs163.snc1/6120_115264952544_684757544_2132254_4833868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs163.snc1/6120_115264952544_684757544_2132254_4833868_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A rainbow seemed a good choice to begin this post with. Hopeful, bright and colorful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lately I have been really busy so it may seem like the worst time ever to be thinking about dating but, it turns out that when I am busy ... I think about it the most. It would be nice to have someone to talk to at 11 pm when I am finally done with the day. Also, it would be nice to not always be the odd one out. Not that I mind terribly but it would make tables at restaurants more, you know, even. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I guess the first step is picking a site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plenty of fish? Match.com? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second step is writing an ad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This.. could take awhile. Any help would be appreciated! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last step is choosing some photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(thanks to<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29133656@N03/sets/72157624306830286/"> Peter</a> this shouldn't be too hard.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4670772773_1661e9b440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4670772773_1661e9b440.jpg" width="320" /></a>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-57384566124971822342010-07-01T09:32:00.000-04:002010-07-01T09:32:28.643-04:00Still here, still thankfull<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31881_1282310390284_1605810604_30605084_8364933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31881_1282310390284_1605810604_30605084_8364933_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'm too busy to write, really. Tonight though, I am going to the very first Holyoke writers meet-up and I am feeling inspired in a ragged way. My favorite way to write when I do not have time to write? Lists, natch. <br />
<br />
Things I am thankful for<br />
<br />
1. Cold pressed coffee (Thanks Maggie and Nancy)<br />
<br />
2. More friends then I can recall in an academy award acceptance speech. <br />
<br />
3. Kids who wash dishes and water gardens<br />
<br />
4. White out tape<br />
<br />
5. Fancy foot lotion and socks<br />
<br />
Things I could really do without<br />
<br />
1. Paper logs<br />
<br />
2. Another meeting<br />
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3. Invader Zim cartoons on Netflix streaming<br />
<br />
4. My lab partner<br />
<br />
5. My lecture professor who seems to have checked out of the class so .. actually I guess I am already doing without him. <br />
<br />
Things I want<br />
<br />
1. Naps<br />
<br />
2. A new car antennae and someone to fix that for me<br />
<br />
3. A washin' machine and a hook up<br />
<br />
4. 2 thousand bucks<br />
<br />
5. More naps<br />
<br />
Things said recently<br />
<br />
1. "Spiders are good luck, unless they eat your face off, then.. they suck." -Nick<br />
<br />
2. "Well SOMEONE got some sun." -work friend in an angry tone. <br />
<br />
3. "Excuse me, I have a business call" -Zak<br />
<br />
4. "Can I sit on your lap?" - Helena<br />
<br />
5. "OMG There is a huge Zucchini under there!" -Rachel<br />
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Fourth of July plans<br />
<br />
1. Cook out on Friday, then fireworks!<br />
<br />
2. Saturday: Yoga, laundry, block party meeting.<br />
<br />
3. Sunday: Yoga... nap?<br />
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4. Monday: Werk<br />
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5. Homework! Every day. <br />
<br />
Whats new with you?! ... is anyone here?That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-76843523169630608482010-01-14T20:38:00.004-05:002010-01-14T20:43:56.677-05:00Extra! Extra!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ehPzRIcViqJzLbxiZjR9poAs6eO0XEo78iSuJ2aWMKdFafJbGh2n3Ubfarb8x81seiyggV7nM8XJ7vCy-DxZFLX-HP6B4Q2yRBfAx2LiMB0n5khSoLGNXc4HcrEqzYTf3zdUTBjcNS0/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ehPzRIcViqJzLbxiZjR9poAs6eO0XEo78iSuJ2aWMKdFafJbGh2n3Ubfarb8x81seiyggV7nM8XJ7vCy-DxZFLX-HP6B4Q2yRBfAx2LiMB0n5khSoLGNXc4HcrEqzYTf3zdUTBjcNS0/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426776123558878466" /></a>So.. I blog for the Masslive Parenting Project now. But I probably can't swear there so don't worry! I will still post here.. at least whenever I want to write bad words and call people names. <br /><br />Check me out <a href="http://blog.masslive.com/parentingproject/2010/01/the_selfish_mother.html">here</a> and leave comments! Maybe then I will one day get PAID to do this. :o)That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-30406528548678898062010-01-01T21:46:00.005-05:002010-01-02T23:07:54.932-05:00Less then Plastic Resolutions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0PpSTX3c3uQVxcZAqQY3uQrL02e8qhdzAd52C1tLU4ixfDzi1YV2J-JDG4N6nDOm7NuyOXgUPjvgzzGsZQGRVilDey3sVI70bQkZuv8IQqIRrtDiDQZzE9cxNg3ewCv6BB4kJc-m6Pk/s1600-h/075+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0PpSTX3c3uQVxcZAqQY3uQrL02e8qhdzAd52C1tLU4ixfDzi1YV2J-JDG4N6nDOm7NuyOXgUPjvgzzGsZQGRVilDey3sVI70bQkZuv8IQqIRrtDiDQZzE9cxNg3ewCv6BB4kJc-m6Pk/s320/075+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421968791505222930" /></a><br /><br />This is one of my favorite photos from 2009. We were at my cousin Nicole's place, a nifty restored old house on the Westfield river. We took a picnic lunch and the kids (I took a personal day from work) and went swimming. In 2010 I want more days like that care free happy day. <br /><br />I resolve to take compliments better. I will not shrug them off, deny them or make excuses. I will accept them gracefully. <br /><br />I will say <span style="font-style:italic;">yes</span> more often. To myself, to my children, to my friends, to handsome men in hats and too chocolate cake. Mostly to the cake. <br /><br />Which bring me to the obligatory "I will lose 20 pounds this year" resolution. Blah, I have a woman's hips which works out well because I am a women. So.. more salad, yes. But also, more cake. More Sushi too! I'll stop saving that treat for special occasions. <br /><br />I will learn at least two of the following. <br />Sewing<br />Making Sushi<br />Book binding<br />Photography<br />Tennis<br /><br />I will buy less, use less, consume less and throw less away. <br /><br />I will smile more. At you. <br /><br />I will be less judgmental. Seriously. Who the eff am I?<br /><br />I will dedicate more time to my art. Whatever it may be.<br /><br />I will do what the boys want to do more often. Hiking, biking, playing Guitar Hero, eating at gross Friendly's and maybe.. just maybe.. letting Nick take a girl to the movies. (But probably not, who am I kidding?)<br /><br />Mostly though I resolve to make the best of 2010. I will not kneel to any circumstance, I will not give in or give up. Like compliments I will take each little crisis and calamity in stride, with a smile and never forget that.. this too shall pass.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-70198291482148223452009-12-26T13:34:00.002-05:002009-12-26T14:08:06.450-05:00Dear Nick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs182.snc3/18975_233966447544_684757544_3192420_4044364_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs182.snc3/18975_233966447544_684757544_3192420_4044364_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Dear Nickolas,<br /><br />Yesterday you turned 13. For weeks now I have been preoccupied with this birthday which seems to effect me over any previous birthday any of us have had. <br /><br />Scenes from the day you were born flash though my memory as you blow out 13 candles with your super cool floppy haircut and devil may care half smile. Your braces cannot even detract from the effortless cool you carry. I won't gross you out with details but there <span style="font-style:italic;">was</span> blood and screaming and your father had to leave the room when things reached... when they got bad. When you finally arrived, you did not scream and cry as you should have. You barely gave us a whimper and I knew, innately that SOMETHING WAS WRONG. It was just like that too, a big meaningless sentence. No one spoke to me as you were poked and prodded and then finally cried, soft but alive. I cried too. I was not allowed to hold you but they let me see you, briefly. Already they were sticking needles in your tiny arms and a plastic tent over your head to keep you breathing. Ask me what terror feels like. <br /><br />A moment later you were gone and the anesthesiologist spoke as your Daddy walked back into the room, pale and shaky. (Later he would tell me he had gotten sick in the hallway from the stress and the fear and seeing so much blood)<br /><br />"You must be starving, I'll get you a meal."<br /><br />"That would be nice." I replied.<br /><br />8 hours later I woke up. It was Christmas afternoon and a Doctor was there, telling me things that I couldn't wrap my head around. Water in your lungs, <a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/ttn.html">transient tachypnea of the newborn </a>, birth stress, oxygen levels, MRI, CPR.. too many big words and mismatches initials. All I heard, all I could understand was that my son, who I had not yet held, was dying. <br /><br />For two days I sat in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit pumping breast milk for you (don't be grossed out, really) and talking to you. I made you promises.<br /><br />The impossible.<br />"If you just be strong I will take you to the park every day for the rest of your life."<br /><br />And the important.<br />"I'll never let you go, never leave you."<br /><br />You heard me, I think. I'd like to think you did because you came back to us. The hood was removed, needles extracted until one day as I sat in my room, still recovering from blood loss and my own injuries, your Daddy walked in the room and gave me the best gift of my life. <br /><br />You.<br /><br />It was the first time I had ever held you in my arms. You were six days old. <br /><br />Today you are a teenager but you are still, sometimes, that cute 3 year old who fell asleep on his wooden ride on airplane because you couldn't bear to part with it. It was pink and second hand but you did not care. It was an 'arghpaned!' and nothing else mattered. <br /><br />When you were 5 I gave you a bucket of homemade bubbles and left you in the yard while I got your baby brother down for a nap. When I came back, no less then five minutes later, you were soaked in soapy water, bare ass naked and running around with the bubble wand gleefully. You <span style="font-style:italic;">invented</span> happiness.<br /><br />I watched you Christmas eve with the mug you did not want. When you smiled and said it would hold lots of hot cocoa I had to refrain from reaching over and hugging you. You always see the bright side. Did you get that from me? Or is that all your own?<br /><br />Last night you heard me tell Pepe that you were the 'great event' in my life that made me wake up. Having you, nearly losing you and then getting you all over again was exactly what I needed then. I needed to understand the value of life. Of my own life. Every day since then has been a journey to be better then I was before, a better mother, a better friend, a better human being. Thank you. <br /><br />Lastly I want to tell you I am sorry for how much responsibility you bear. I wish you felt more carefree and had less to worry about. Our lives have not been easy, I know. But I hope one day, Nick, you will look back and be grateful for your childhood, for it's hardships and struggles and shining moments of unrivaled joy because those will be the things that make you into the wonderful man you are so close to being. <br /><br />Love,<br />MomThat Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-91671275533298579292009-12-25T07:52:00.005-05:002009-12-25T08:00:38.993-05:00A heartbeat away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4209842122_3ebd672dce.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4209842122_3ebd672dce.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Images snagged from <a href="http://ramblingvandog.blogspot.com/">Peter.</a></span><br /><br />Last night from the window of Vega Yoga I watched an apartment building on Lyman St burn. 15 families lived there and countless families have lived there in the past. It was heartbreaking to watch. My thoughts, as they always do in such situations, turned to the after effects of this fire. Homelessness, tragedy, loss. No one died in the fire but it looks as though everyone lost all their belongings.<br /><br />Two days before Christmas.<br /><br />It was a low income building and it is not lost on me that I have lived in a similar building, I know first hand what Christmas is like in those places. I know how much it hurts to lose hard earned Christmas gifts, things you have scrimped and saved for. I know what it is like to eat ramen noodles 3 days a week to buy some trivial but coveted gift for a child. To lose that feels like all your insides have suddenly burst into flames and then melted, the world tilts a little and you feel overcome with an urge to cry and stomp your feet and shout “It’s not fair!”<br /><br />It is not fair.<br /><br />I called the Red Cross but they were unable to offer any way to help those particular families. You can send them money or drop off clothing but it all goes into a pool for disaster relief which is great and all but I would really like to do something for the Lyman St families.<br /><br />This Christmas is a tough one for us but nothing at all compared to how tough it could be or has been. One Christmas we were robbed. Once there were only a few dollar store gifts and once there was only a paper tree. In comparison this is a wonderful Christmas for my children and me. We are together; we are warm and well fed and happy.<br /><br />Christmas eve we will be with wonderful new friends who have come to mean so much to us. Christmas Day we will be with people we are not related too but have been my family in every way that matters since I was an angry and confused 14 year old girl who needed someone to look past my outrage and my mother and see the girl I really was. People who, without fail, love us.<br /><br />I will keep in mind, every moment, those 15 families who just lost everything at the end of a year that was full of growth and laughter for us. Keeping them in mind will remind me (as if I need reminding) that we are all only a moment away from poverty and devastation. <br /><br />More Photos from amazing local photographers and dear friends. <br /><br /><a href="http://seethebrick.blogspot.com">http://seethebrick.blogspot.com</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29133656@N03/sets/72157623058930366/show/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/29133656@N03/sets/72157623058930366/show/</a>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-62196816215791573562009-12-13T00:30:00.001-05:002009-12-13T00:30:45.183-05:00Coolest kids in the 'Yoke!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H2Qo_iGDTrM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H2Qo_iGDTrM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-64451114333149366442009-12-10T22:57:00.002-05:002009-12-10T22:59:24.783-05:00Naked girls.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3396126304_0e925be6a7.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 383px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3396126304_0e925be6a7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />It seems like last week that Nick was still shorter then me. Actually it very well could have been last week, he grows so.. fast. Sometimes I look over at him at home and my heart flutters in a sort pf panicked way. Every inch is another pull away from my own youth and from his youth.<br /><br />People keep commenting on how pretty soon he won’t want to talk to me anymore but to those people I thumb my nose. I am pretty sure Nick will always feel comfortable talking to me. Not every child becomes a surly angry teen. I have already laid the groundwork with my children for openness, even when it makes us uncomfortable or angry. My boys know I am always ready to listen.. even when I don’t want too. Even when it is about girls.<br /><br />The boys are sharing a birthday party this weekend and I ordered a Sponge Bob cake for them.<br /><br />Nick: You got me a Sponge Bob cake for my 13th birthday?<br /><br />Me, happily: Yes, you like Sponge Bob.<br /><br />Nick stares at me, waiting.<br /><br />I sigh.<br /><br />Me: Well, what did you want? A cake with swimsuit models on it?<br /><br />And he grinned.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-13223523140748287692009-12-05T17:52:00.006-05:002009-12-05T18:01:27.558-05:00From London to Holyoke<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUmH2gzNs_PaVX45WLgwQAhRscXm-0CNIJPPbLzMb_X4BliwkuSNZvmPEEIV7OiYFSstXaV3egQ3z2hM322LbZOd1HKdOCp56n6-cJ4-rGjuksiUlxire7hj7Cmmy0aed0WvStGg6nNU/s1600-h/038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUmH2gzNs_PaVX45WLgwQAhRscXm-0CNIJPPbLzMb_X4BliwkuSNZvmPEEIV7OiYFSstXaV3egQ3z2hM322LbZOd1HKdOCp56n6-cJ4-rGjuksiUlxire7hj7Cmmy0aed0WvStGg6nNU/s320/038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411889988371949650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyPpaItxyPcr1uDEs2KWwlNLVGZ3kY6oupxzvd1ptAzde3p3QjAaZHJ8OcaymYAhdij2tDD2oSDrX8ct-nPi8wV_hhCBQDxpnSuBC0p9IfihhG2LIA9LCte-lxi1n_26SMGQ-CehJd-0/s1600-h/040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyPpaItxyPcr1uDEs2KWwlNLVGZ3kY6oupxzvd1ptAzde3p3QjAaZHJ8OcaymYAhdij2tDD2oSDrX8ct-nPi8wV_hhCBQDxpnSuBC0p9IfihhG2LIA9LCte-lxi1n_26SMGQ-CehJd-0/s320/040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411890323622602930" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCj8q9ijv9s0wB-E-ECdAOkvU-0adfqRu3KYHXjqaZFNBd9Z6M06UGWbfkhKqMxuDOlwWlD66MMm8fJ-ArmksBqDvXx1lyeJYLKI66DVdO5YqGDbNk1KMjpMBXPut2D5aYg-8RUYh6pY/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCj8q9ijv9s0wB-E-ECdAOkvU-0adfqRu3KYHXjqaZFNBd9Z6M06UGWbfkhKqMxuDOlwWlD66MMm8fJ-ArmksBqDvXx1lyeJYLKI66DVdO5YqGDbNk1KMjpMBXPut2D5aYg-8RUYh6pY/s320/042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411890595945657842" border="0" /></a>That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-91996505679026024042009-11-27T16:50:00.002-05:002009-11-27T16:59:15.682-05:00ThanksGiving 09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs068.snc3/13546_199889832544_684757544_3013246_7583980_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs068.snc3/13546_199889832544_684757544_3013246_7583980_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Last year the boys and I made a small turkey dinner and hung out in our jammies all day. I think at some point I napped and then I worked on a paper about how Little Red Riding Hood is actually a cautionary tale about dating the wrong kind of men. . It was a dull, dreary day for us and this year I decided not to repeat it. I wanted to take what could have been the worst Thanksgiving for us in years and make it the best ever. I refused to focus on what we have lost and do not have and instead told the boys this year we would focus entirely on how much we do have. Once we did that we realized we have so much.<br /><br />All three of us are healthy. We have no significant health issues.<br /><br />We have a roof over our heads, a wood floor under our feet and warm things to wear in the cold.<br /><br />We all have access to education, books, music and culture.<br /><br />And we have wonderful friends.<br /><br />So we invited those friends, all of them, to come by and have a meal or a drink or just to say hello. And they came, in pairs and alone, in a hurry and taking their time. With breads and brussels sprouts and delicious pies. They came with hugs and smiles and easy laughter. A generous friend washed my dishes! Nick made a pumpkin cheesecake and Zak showed off his Soccer winnings over and over again.<br /><br />When I finally got to bed last night it was well after midnight and I was exhausted, I’d cooked for 6 hours and talked for 6 more! I left the kitchen a disaster but its okay, it was worth it. I think we will do this every year on Thanksgiving.<br /><br />We are making our own definition of family.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Other small things I am thankful for this year. Besides the obvious…</span><br /><br />Yellow high lighters<br /><br />Drawing classes at night<br /><br />The confidence to be photographs in yoga poses. <br /><br />Pumpkin Spice coffee<br /><br />Splenda<br /><br />Hampshire tailors<br /><br />Meeting old friends and making them new again<br /><br />Wooden spoons<br /><br />Having windows in my office<br /><br />Etsy<br /><br />5 o’clock working committee meetings.<br /><br />And my unfailing ability to pick myself up, dust myself off and get the hell on with the business of every day.<br /><br />What, besides the obvious family, friends etc are YOU thankful for?That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-1186593778694827682009-11-25T21:22:00.001-05:002009-11-25T21:27:24.446-05:00Eleven.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG8ygxeoZtwT6-9tu89P08buWIoaGw_DaxbK8oMhprowvEXX4VvtMRQARdrTZl2nDkgJbepqVi_aU6AMXIoccZPfySlE35aTh39DuNVUu8qta8iMfSZMZivLny6HvLNcVdj77K-18V0E/s1600/102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG8ygxeoZtwT6-9tu89P08buWIoaGw_DaxbK8oMhprowvEXX4VvtMRQARdrTZl2nDkgJbepqVi_aU6AMXIoccZPfySlE35aTh39DuNVUu8qta8iMfSZMZivLny6HvLNcVdj77K-18V0E/s320/102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408233163874078306" /></a><br />Dear Zak,<br /><br /> Today you turn eleven. I wish you wouldn’t. I wish I could keep you small and sweet forever. Today you are eleven and filled with your own ideas and thoughts opinions that differ from my own. It is a bittersweet discovery to find you are becoming your own person and that person is not a reflection of my own thoughts and ideals. I could not be prouder of you for it.<br /><br /> You were a small baby, seven pounds seven ounces but you were perfect. Unlike your older brothers journey into this world there was no blood, no machinery, nothing was sliced or diced. You simply arrived when you were ready and without a fuss.<br /><br /> ‘I’m here now.” You seemed to say. “The rest of your life can begin just as soon as you get me a blanket.” Your father cut the cord after it stopped pulsing, when you no longer needed it. His hand shook and I would be a liar if I did not admit I was nervous. You hardly cried for the two days we were in the hospital and I took all the credit for that. You were the perfect newborn baby. Karma loves a good joke. Two months later you began to cry and I do not think you stopped until you were four. You tested my patience repeatedly but still you were my baby, my youngest and likely last, child. <br /><br /> Your brother loved you immediately. Countless times I found him by your basket, by the swing, by the crib talking to you, soothing you, showing you his toys and how cool they were and promising that one day you could play with them too. <br /><br /> You have always been headstrong. You refused to wear underwear for a year. The next year it was a refusal of socks. And then in kindergarten you insisted on wearing the same pants every day for a month. You drove me crazy and you still do but I see myself in you and better still, I see such strength.<br /><br /> Everywhere we go people flock to you. You’re a modern day Prince Charming, handsome and thoughtful. You ask people how they are, you smile at them and pay attention. You take in interest in what other people like and do. These are invaluable traits. Every day you ask how my day was. You still want to hold my hand and you will sit with me no matter who sees.<br /><br /> Today you turn eleven. On the day you were born I loved you more then I could fathom and as impossible as it may seem.. I love you eleven times more today then I did then. With every smile, every giggle, every question and every moment I love you even more.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-28586177609750620432009-11-22T13:13:00.000-05:002009-11-22T13:14:55.503-05:00Nogs, please!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCVNBKLt8DDdVD0XHdkCYtpcX61PJAjVAX4VW_VC4epbJDxG7kHI08T_zrEUwtn5XD6Stc2ZJJ2LofZ7MIIVnfFJj0iIV5_Rq8PssEOIpzjksLwpWNZRAxr2tEHfpaI0OFIG9XhcnAKQ/s1600/Flowered_Eggnog_Latte.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCVNBKLt8DDdVD0XHdkCYtpcX61PJAjVAX4VW_VC4epbJDxG7kHI08T_zrEUwtn5XD6Stc2ZJJ2LofZ7MIIVnfFJj0iIV5_Rq8PssEOIpzjksLwpWNZRAxr2tEHfpaI0OFIG9XhcnAKQ/s320/Flowered_Eggnog_Latte.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406993002665079778" /></a><br />My baby turns eleven in a few days. I feel my youth shrivel up just a tiny bit when I say that. Since both of my children have birthdays in the next 31 days and Christmas is coming as well, they share a birthday gift. Last year they got a Wii, this year.. well I have no idea yet. They will have a big pizza party together too. <br /><br />I still try to recognize each childs birthday separately and this year Zaks falls on the day before Thanksgiving. So yesterday we had this brief conversation in the kitchen. <br /><br />Zak: “Are we doing anything on my birthday?”<br /><br />Me: “We will have a cake on Thanksgiving but the night before will be really busy, do you mind if we don't?”<br /><br />Zak: “Ok but can we have eggnog on my birthday?”<br /><br />Me: “Sure.. really?”<br /><br />Zak: “Yea! Can you make it? With eggs from the farm? Can you get nogs? Are they expensive?”<br /><br />........<br /><br />Me: “Of course I will get you nogs, I will hunt them down and pay whatever I have too because I love you.”<br /><br />Nick: scoffs from the next room.<br /><br />Me: “You shush!”<br /><br />Zak: “AWESOME!”<br /><br />Parenting means never missing an opportunity to remind your kid why you are the best mother ever.<br /><br />To that note.. is anyone there?That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-42270408612770069552009-11-20T21:33:00.002-05:002009-11-20T21:45:54.705-05:00The bard and the wooden spoon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dallaslibrary.org/fineBooks/images/shakespeare.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 640px;" src="http://dallaslibrary.org/fineBooks/images/shakespeare.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,<br />Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows<br />Quite overcanopied with luscious woodbine,<br />With sweet musk-roses and with elgantine. <br />A Midsummer’s Night Dream</span><br /><br />I took the boys to see a Shakespeare show at the Holyoke Public Library the other night. You should have been there! It was incredible. One guy stands up there doing different monologues and sonnets but with these great, amusing little explanations about them. I did not expect my boys to hang out for long but, to my surprise (and swollen parental pride) they did.<br /> <br />At one point the actor paused and asked Nick how old he was. Nick blushed, being the only kid there.<br /> <br />"Uh.. 12?" He replied nervously.<br /> <br />"PERFECT!" The man boomed, making us all jump and chuckle. "Because that is exactly how old Romeo was in this next scene!"<br /> <br />He went on to explain how the balcony scene, where Romeo only sees Juliet, is not really a love scene at all. Romeo does not <span style="font-style:italic;">love</span> Juliet then, he is simply admiring her in a fantastical, hormonal, adolescent way. He is enthralled with her eleven year old beauty and see's her as not a person at all but a piece of fine art, to be cherished and looked upon. Really.. the scene is funny, because Romeo is a bit of a goof in it.<br /> <br /><blockquote>ROMEO [Coming forward.]:<br />But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?<br />It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!<br />Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon<br />Who is already sick and pale with grief<br />That thou her maid art far more fair than she.<br />Be not her maid, since she is envious.<br />Her vestal livery is but sick and green, <br />And none but fools do wear it. Cast it off. <br />It is my lady! O, it is my love!<br />O, that she knew she were!<br />She speaks, yet she says nothing.<br />What of that? Her eye discourses; I will answer it.<br />I am too bold; 'tis not to me she speaks.<br />Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven<br />Having some business, do entreat her eyes<br />To twinkle in their spheres till they return. <br />What if her eyes were there, they in her head?<br />The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars<br />As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven<br />Would through the airy region stream so bright<br />That birds would sing and think it were not night.<br />See how she leans her cheek upon her hand!<br />O, that I were a glove upon that hand,<br />That I might touch that cheek!</blockquote><br /><br /><br />It was the best introduction to Shakespeare my children could have gotten.<br /> <br />Afterwards they went up to the man and spoke to him briefly. They got some recommendations for which plays they might like and discussed the speeches they liked best. I was disgustingly proud of my boys that night.<br /> <br />Onto the wooden spoon. Before the show began I was speaking with some "<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holyoke-MA/Friends-of-the-Holyoke-Public-Library/176213072319">Friends</a>" and I remarked, yet again, how I think we need dishes and cups that can be washed. The amount of waste we create at our events with paper plates and plastic single use cups is, to me, excessive and unacceptable. They did not disagree, people rarely do. It would also save us money and who isn’t in favor of that?<br /> <br />I mentioned some of the things I do. I have a set of dishes at work. Plate, bowl, cup, 2 coffee mugs, a set of chopsticks, fork, knife and spoon as well as a cloth napkin. In my purse I often keep a set of utensils made of bamboo for take out occasions. As always, someone was impressed and wished they too could be so dedicated.<br /> <br />And there it is. The great farce.<br /> <br />I am not so dedicated! I still buy Dunkin' Donuts coffee in polystyrene cups and I still buy store bread in plastic bags. Sometimes I forget my bags and use plastic, sometimes I forget my fork and use the disposable one. I am, by no means, environmentally perfect. I am simply working towards a goal. Every now and again I will add something to my list of things I do to save the world and now and again I will forget to do them here and there.<br /> <br />I oppose big box stores but I went down to Ikea last month.<br /> <br />I 'eat locally' but I buy strawberries in February.<br /><br />I buy used clothing but have a shiny new cell phone.<br /> <br />I started using chemical free, organic make up but.. it comes shipped from Sweden.<br /> <br />For me being environmentally friendly is all about compromises. Sometimes I make them, sometimes the world does.<br /> <br />I can be a hypocrite but only in the eyes of others. People assume since I talk about being green I must be <span style="font-style:italic;">110 percent</span> green. But I am much more of a pretty sage color with flecks of gold. <br /><br />I am perfectly imperfect.<br /> <br />I hope no one ever feels like they must be <span style="font-weight:bold;">Deep Dark 100 Percent Greenie Green</span> in order to make a difference. Every little tiny change does make a difference and don’t you let anyone <span style="font-weight:bold;">ever<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> tell you different.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-31044407938686488032009-11-16T20:44:00.006-05:002009-11-16T21:26:33.171-05:00The one who loves you<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6MqPVZl6VbUcrX98KwnydgY-6dhjCCCQl-4zledXwcKFrbI6nAtCAY6ZH4v5vz3rF89FCeXTuGCGjJ8P8z2IFgnlP2MWJmNX3sB_nDibXD6tN_iJIm_rrUxeD4dHRxyIrJ6N8PNcTr0/s1600/12140_189728917544_684757544_2939689_2462515_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6MqPVZl6VbUcrX98KwnydgY-6dhjCCCQl-4zledXwcKFrbI6nAtCAY6ZH4v5vz3rF89FCeXTuGCGjJ8P8z2IFgnlP2MWJmNX3sB_nDibXD6tN_iJIm_rrUxeD4dHRxyIrJ6N8PNcTr0/s200/12140_189728917544_684757544_2939689_2462515_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404892933663642482" /></a><br /><br />When you're all alone and blue<br />No one to tell your troubles to<br />Remember me, I'm the one who loves you<br /><br />When this world has turned you down<br />And not a true friend can be found<br />Remember me, I'm the one who loves you<br /><br />And through all kinds of weather<br />You'll find I'll never change<br />Through the sunshine and the shadows<br />I'll always be the same<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgnsMhhXD6zO9N8vYGBq34vT30WeF3K3ARNQHdwYWtN_tlfbEjGYY5t1q34SZN3bqF6_Rbm0YDIrQubicwpax0JAZLdNBSXhBKBdbQwyzCVzHnfVfcokLUySwVlS3HFmqnkJvnoehZNo/s1600/6320_123368222544_684757544_2258354_4730472_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgnsMhhXD6zO9N8vYGBq34vT30WeF3K3ARNQHdwYWtN_tlfbEjGYY5t1q34SZN3bqF6_Rbm0YDIrQubicwpax0JAZLdNBSXhBKBdbQwyzCVzHnfVfcokLUySwVlS3HFmqnkJvnoehZNo/s200/6320_123368222544_684757544_2258354_4730472_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404892861341979954" /></a><br />We're together right or wrong<br />Where you go I'll tag along<br />Remember me, I'm the one who loves you<br /><br />And through all kinds of weather<br />You'll find I'll never change<br />Through the sunshine and the shadows<br />I'll always be the same<br /><br />We're together right or wrong<br />Where you go I'll tag along<br />Remember me, I'm the one who loves you<br />Remember me, I'm the one who loves you<br />-Dean MartinThat Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-2257564175144995862009-11-13T21:06:00.002-05:002009-11-13T21:13:57.712-05:00The littlest things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs266.snc1/9326_171075712544_684757544_2772593_4388584_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs266.snc1/9326_171075712544_684757544_2772593_4388584_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The littlest things make us happy. No, really. It’s not about your fancy car or your stylish shoes. It’s not about your Mcmansion or your prestigious degree. Right now, in this moment.. none of it matters. Because none of it makes you smile.<br /><br />What <span style="font-style:italic;">does</span> make us smile are the littlest things.<br /><br />Last night my youngest son asked to stay at the Laundromat with me ‘to keep me company’.<br /><br />“I’m just going to read, I really won’t want to talk or play.” I told him, somewhat annoyed.<br /><br />“I know, It’s ok, I brought a book!” He held up a book I bought him at the school book fair and said he would never read. There he was, wanting to just sit next to me and read it. And read it he did. I never read much of my own book because he kept stopping to tell me about the amazing adventure in his own story.<br /><br />That made me smile.<br /><br />This morning I got an e-mail from Terri. She is a really good friend who I hardly know at all but once gave me a phone number that changed my entire life and saved me from years of personal struggle. Yay for Terri, right? Yesterday I returned the favor with a phone number to share a few words of encouragement. She wrote back to tell me how much I inspired her which in turn, inspires me to work harder and do better.<br /><br />That made me smile.<br /><br />One of my bosses brought me back a coffee and left it on my desk as a thank you for ..showing up every day I guess? Who knows.. but it made me smile.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">List of little things that make me smile</span><br /><br />The above picture of my kitchen window.<br /><br />Lots of compliments on my new curtains!<br /><br />The comforting knowledge that life goes on.<br /><br />Knee high socks worn to bed.<br /><br />Catching a friend in her office by accident and wasting a good 40 minutes chatting.<br /><br />Shopping for a party dress. (I got one and I love it!)<br /><br />Being asked how my day was.<br /><br />Being told I need to get shiny-ed up.<br /><br />A random offer of “Happy Friday!”<br /><br />2 o’clock green tea.<br /><br />Frank Sinatra.<br /><br />NPR coming in all day long<br /><br />Jazz after dark<br /><br />And blog comments!<br /><br />So I urge you, today, and tomorrow, to pay attention to the little things. Notice when a stranger smiles at you and smile at the stranger who frowns. Our actions are like ripples in a still, clear pond. They create change, no matter how small. Notice all the little things today and tell me what makes you smile?That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-77215191211944091682009-11-06T17:27:00.002-05:002009-11-06T17:39:58.977-05:00In response...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_Tur7fUoSJ8itCIzbZKjZsyVOhEirSA__7U7jFihl2OWGdh6K2F7zM1el_YyteDFdl-EZnqYck4mJolNQeUBU_5KuRAK4-Dwrh7iiJVXN8Jsd6qOzKuD0ksZqW-jLj-vlU_h83rjOus/s1600-h/Love_by_ladyrapid.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_Tur7fUoSJ8itCIzbZKjZsyVOhEirSA__7U7jFihl2OWGdh6K2F7zM1el_YyteDFdl-EZnqYck4mJolNQeUBU_5KuRAK4-Dwrh7iiJVXN8Jsd6qOzKuD0ksZqW-jLj-vlU_h83rjOus/s400/Love_by_ladyrapid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401121280153240962" /></a><br />My friend (may I call you my friend, William?) William writes a blog called <a href="http://will4words.wordpress.com/">Will for Words</a>. I most recall him from the fifth grade, when he used to wear very high waisted pants and horizontal striped shirts and had really neat hair, perfectly feathered every day. I do not think he liked me very much then but I forgive him his gross lack of judgment.. I was kind of a mess that year.<br /><br />William recently wrote a reactionary <a href="http://will4words.wordpress.com/2009/11/02/wondering-out-loud/">blog</a> about relationships and parenting and other things that made me want to call him up and start talking and explaining and sighing. Instead.. I wrote down all the things his blog made me think and with his permission I am reprinting his post along with my interjections, here.<br /><br /><blockquote>Over the last few days the posts, real and virtual, of various friends has left me thinking. From many different backgrounds and widely varying circumstances we come, but one thread connects us all. We all are divorced. We all have children we happily devote our lives to. And to a person, not one of us has found the new relationship that we have sought and expected since taking our first new steps out into the world, newly single.<br /><br />I’m not pessimistic by nature, but after almost as many years divorced as I was married, my perspective has evolved somewhat. My own experience has showed me that either the person I’m with may have trouble understanding their role (or lack thereof) in my children’s lives, or I may not be willing to give enough of myself to them. See, to give yourself to another person, another adult, at least in my mind, means you have to hold something in reserve from your children. They can’t have everything you have to give if you’re giving it to someone else. I’m not referring to some kind of codependent relationship between parents and children, either. All of the people I know—myself included—have healthy, well-developed personalities and independent aspects to the self, separate from their role and self-image as parents and caregivers to their children (don’t try the Dr. Phil junk here, I’ve got a degree in this—literally).</blockquote> <br /><br />I disagree with the idea that to give yourself to another person is too with hold something from your children. Sadly, I am coming to realize I may be in the minority here.. and <span style="font-style:italic;">everywhere</span>. I left my husband in 2000. Nearly 10 years ago. While our divorce took 6 years to be finalized I have been single for nearly 10 years. I dated here and there but I did not dip my toe into the pool of commitment because I thought, like William and many others do, that to do so was to take something away from my children. <br /><br />In the past year I have come to realize that I was wrong and, in fact, was not only wrong but my romantic avoidance was more harmful to my children then beneficial. I did not give my children ‘my all’ because I was not the best person I could have been. I was lonely, I lacked support, I had no one to turn to at the end of the day and say “You will never guess what happened today”. I probably, by default, leaned on my children to be that person far too often. Anyone who has met my oldest son can see that he is a mature responsible young man and while that is a great thing.. sometimes I wonder if he has missed out. By focusing too much on them.. did I rob them of their chance to see a healthy relationship? Did I steal away a more carefree childhood? What family dynamic will they have as Fathers when they have no examples to draw from. From the men who have been in their lives and mine they have known divorce, deceit and disappointment. Is this really what is best?<br /><br />For the record.. I do believe kids need a father figure and I am aware my children mostly lack one and that too has to play a part in my romantic life. Everyone is potentially their role model. <br /><br /><blockquote>Sometimes it’s not you, though. Sometimes it’s them. In that case I find friends with partners (and I use that term loosely, in some cases) who are unwilling or unable to act in an adult manner becoming of a parent. It’s not always their fault. Being a parent is no easy task, and many people (most?) are ill-equipped for it. If you happen to be in a relationship with a partner who has children, you even lack the benefit of having been there from the beginning. It’s a hard road to walk. Of course, some of you just make crappy choices in partners and it is their fault. But let’s not cast aspersions.</blockquote><br /><br />With this I do agree. Have you ever been told what a great parent you are? You smile and blush but inside you feel like a fraud. You know you shouted at your kids over breakfast and you secretly wished for a moment that you were not there, not a parent, not responsible for the dishes, the homework, the bills. Parents have such a hard time being less then perfect but.. does perfect parenting really benefit our children? Are we setting up impossible examples? Why is it wrong to want to get the hell out of dodge now and then? Why is it so wrong to want adult companionship and to want to share your life and your children with a partner? Why can’t we just forgive ourselves for our choices? Why do we punish ourselves and then say it's good for our children? Since when are unhappy, sad parents good for anyone? <br /><br />As a parent dating is a whole new ball game. It is no longer enough for a guy to be cute and charming. I need to know facts. I need to know if he has a good job, if he is reliable, if he is short tempered, if he likes Saturday morning soccer games and is he patient. Because I have kids that I need to think of. Parents do not get to date for fun like you do before kids.<br /><br />I think.. I think it is best to be friends with as many people as you can and hope that somewhere among all of your wonderful friends who you already like.. someone clicks. I think I’d like to take the dating equation out of the picture actually. Lets all just.. go about friending and then see if one day someone gives you goose bumps when they walk into a room and you have one of those little moments of.. “oh! Look at the potato masher! I think my hand will fit just right around it’s handle!”<br /><br /><blockquote><br />What does all this boil down to? Well, apart from my rambling and inability to structure a clear thought here, it leaves me with the question “is it possible?” Is it possible to start again? Really? I want to believe it is, I really do. I think deep down I do believe it. But I can’t believe it is as easy or as natural or—let’s be honest—as likely as conventional wisdom would have us believe. The Brady Bunch gave everyone of my generation some thoroughly silly ideas about marrying families, and the only time it becomes really clear just how silly that was, is when you look at how twisted all the cast members were and are.</blockquote><br /><br />It is possible. People do it all the time but we have to be ready to admit how hard it is and will be. We have to be prepared for the anger, hurt and jealously of our ex’s and our children and.. most damaging, ourselves. You have to be willing to work for it. On the same token we must be more careful, we must consider the repercussions of our actions before we make decisions that will hurt someone and in these situations someone will always get hurt. You have to be ready to be there to hold them and love anthem and work though the hurt together.<br /><br /><blockquote>I still believe in the fantasy of starting over (at least in my personal relationships) with someone new, reaping the benefit of my knowledge, perspective and experience gleaned from years of work, triumph and failure. At least I want to. But more and more I find myself asking questions about what else I will have to give up, what more sacrifice will be needed to keep the ship afloat and on course. Is there really another chance on the horizon? Or has that opportunity passed me by? Has it passed us all by? I don’t envision a life of solitude and melancholy, and I’m not preparing myself to start a new career as a hermit (right now). I am, however, questioning the dream I have been sold about how second chances will largely resemble first chances but with fewer painful lessons to learn this time around.</blockquote><br /><br />We all have those fears. For me personally I was afraid that I would be unable to share myself with another adult after 9 years of carefully not sharing. Even the thimble full of relationships I did have I kept at arms length. While none of what I have written here is directly about my most recent failed attempt at romantic happiness .. I must admit I am glad it happened. I am really glad I went though that (and happily surprised to find myself using a past tense already!) because now I know.. I can share. Now I know that I didn’t lose the ability to care deeply for another adult and still love my children. Now I know that my emotional happiness only added to their lives and took nothing, at all, away from them. Now.. I know.<br /><br /><blockquote>With any luck, time and fate will prove my fears largely unfounded, and we’ll all find ourselves standing around a lavishly appointed kitchen in expensive clothing, a perfect ethnically diverse group reflecting the precise demographics of the nation, sipping wine and trading bon mots as we cook dinner for our trendy adults-night-in, drowning in our own witty reparté, just like a wine commercial. But at the moment I’m having a little trouble seeing how we’re all supposed to get there.</blockquote><br /><br />In my version there is a board game of questionable age and stacks of dusty books and my own clothing, at least, is charmingly second hand but sweet and there will be at least one good natured political argument which will be quickly remedied by another glass of wine and the offering of a well frosted cupcake.That Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1446692223715867410.post-1585655570309728692009-10-23T17:10:00.002-04:002009-10-23T17:13:50.404-04:00All mashed up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-evis7jph6CgTCt6_a466UA32vIIzS_twvZ1JA-DEvF5HNE6LmInkcgn_bYZEK6EdEbqYtNkrpCOkzkuCFf9xvGGEw2Ive2RTDnNXa2XrOjr_c7RY3Hdob01FeYKyjwaQdqQOKPXCM7g/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-evis7jph6CgTCt6_a466UA32vIIzS_twvZ1JA-DEvF5HNE6LmInkcgn_bYZEK6EdEbqYtNkrpCOkzkuCFf9xvGGEw2Ive2RTDnNXa2XrOjr_c7RY3Hdob01FeYKyjwaQdqQOKPXCM7g/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395906594498157394" /></a><br />“At the temple, there is a poem called "Loss" carved into the stone. It has three words, but the poet has scratched them out…You cannot read loss, only feel it." — Arthur Golden (Memoirs of a Geisha) ...<br /><br />Loss is a tiny word. It is often lightly used. Today I feel a loss heavily, heavier then I think I can handle. I know I will handle it because that’s what you do. You pick up the broken shards, quietly wrap them in a soft blue cloth and tuck them away for when you are older and wiser and can look back and chuckle at yourself. Even though you think that day will never come. <br /><br />This is the kind of loss that will ripple into every inch of my life. It will affect me at work and at home. It will change the dynamic with some of my friends, it has hurt my children. <br /><br />I lost a potato masher. He had a better one so when I was making my annual winter applesauce I tossed my newer cruddy one and replaced it with his older but better one. I remember how I felt when I used it. A little bit sneaky because I had not asked and it was not mine. Content.. because I was sharing my space, my life and my kitchen utensils with someone I loved. <br /><br />Turns out that the potato masher will never be mine. I am not allowed to use it to make applesauce or mashed turnips. The sweet potato pie at my small sad thanksgiving table will be from a box this year. I won’t be buying a new masher. It won’t be the same. There is a measuring cup too, that I will miss and several paintings I was rather fond of. The slightly spicy yet commercial scent of edge shave gel in the shower. <br /><br />I will miss the word we. I had not realized how tired I was of the word I. <br /><br />The whole thing, in reality, was very brief. Kind of like a flash fire. Two flammable objects meet, touch and then explode. Then someone else, who has no place being there, douses one of them with water and all you have left is a little tiny sad fire with no potato masher. <br /><br />Suddenly I am reminded of the value of things. How precarious my college education is and how quickly I will lose it. Suddenly I am confronted with the very real possibility of being in a situation that causes poverty again. Suddenly I have to worry about heating oil versus food again. I preach a lot about poverty and how we are all one paycheck away from being there. It is easy for me to prattle on about the injustices heaped upon the poor when I am no longer one of them. Today I have to accept I may slide back there again.. more quickly then I can deal with. <br /><br />I am also reminded of how strong I can be and have been in the past. I am reminded of other mistakes I have made and how I crawled up out of those too. I will take this and learn from it. I will wallow over my loss and I will cry and vent and I will mourn. Every time I see a potato masher I will feel my cheeks get hot with fresh hurt. I will keep my head held high, even if I am walking in a swamp. I will throw myself back into work and school. I will concentrate on the causes that have meaning for me. I will make dates with my friends and I will probably drink too much wine. Eventually I will look at another potato masher and smile and think.. “Gosh it would be nice to make applesauce with that masher there.” <br /><br />But it will never be the sameThat Library Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16771712506698987486noreply@blogger.com9