I remember this day so well...13 years ago. It was a beautiful September day, skies a vivid blue, temperatures in the 70's, white clouds drifting slowly across the city sky. It was Tuesday and I headed to the Brooklyn Park library for a training in the morning. It was close to 9 30 when a staff member shispered into the ear of a presenter that a plane had gone into the world trade center. I think all of us thought it was a plane that lost direction...a fluke. A few minutes later, it was reported a second one went into the towers.
That's when things changed. The room became uncomfortable and tense. And then the rumors began. Planes had hit NSA, Pentagon, other federal buildings in DC...one of the presenters had a husband at the Pentagon. She never broke her stride-just kept on going with the training. At that point I simply stood up and said I needed to leave and see what was going on at my branch as well as home. After all, all we knew was it was an attack and no idea how bad or widespread.
I got halfway home when I simply pulled over and wept. Life will change for all of us.
It was late morning before I saw any video. I opted to keep my one child at school-safer I thought, as we watched events unfold in horror and disbelief. The emotions of watching so many people die was beyond comprehension and my ability to handle it emotionally.
What struck me in the days following was not only unrelenting grief, but the silence. No planes in the sky. No one commuting. No one talking.
To this day when I see clips of this tragedy, it still seems so unreal to me. I can only hope our world can find peace and harmony and the ability to live together, despite our diversity. For our future adults.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Florida in August
My high school friend Marji was a resident of Florida shortlay after high school. We actually took a road trip to FLorida right after we graduated for about a month-travelling throughout the state and camping. In a tent. In summer. There was never a time when I was not slick with dampness and morning were the worse, as the tent was closed up for the night and the hot sun was beating down on the canvass. When you stepped out, it felt like 90 was air conditioning. However, being 17, it didn't matter. We rolled with it. We always looked great, unlike today when humidity makes limp hair look limper, make up melts, and a fresh look is of the past.
I knew what I was facing this month. I will say, however, that at least the air moves on the Gulf. It might be 90, with 90 percent humidity, but the air is moving. Last night, we headed to the drum circle, which is a weekly event on Wednesday. A number of FLorida residents come with their drums and bongos and rock out until the sun sets. There are a cast of characters that attend each week. Mick, a 70 something man who has a body of a young Arnold Schwartnegger, arrives and pays homages to the 4 directions of the earth, east, west, north, and south. We have hoola hoop girl, who has mastered the hoola hoop in more ways than I could imagine. A couple of belly dancers, some wannabe belly dancers, and various members of the public, all rocking out to the drum beat. My question-is this a west coast florida thing? Unique to this area? In any case, quite cool and spiritual in a way. We are celebrating the end of a beautiful day.
So, shrug off the heat. Pool swimming offers no relief...it is only a few degrees cooler than the air. Gulf is as warm, but you have dolphins doing flips for you so it worth it. To be continued...
I knew what I was facing this month. I will say, however, that at least the air moves on the Gulf. It might be 90, with 90 percent humidity, but the air is moving. Last night, we headed to the drum circle, which is a weekly event on Wednesday. A number of FLorida residents come with their drums and bongos and rock out until the sun sets. There are a cast of characters that attend each week. Mick, a 70 something man who has a body of a young Arnold Schwartnegger, arrives and pays homages to the 4 directions of the earth, east, west, north, and south. We have hoola hoop girl, who has mastered the hoola hoop in more ways than I could imagine. A couple of belly dancers, some wannabe belly dancers, and various members of the public, all rocking out to the drum beat. My question-is this a west coast florida thing? Unique to this area? In any case, quite cool and spiritual in a way. We are celebrating the end of a beautiful day.
So, shrug off the heat. Pool swimming offers no relief...it is only a few degrees cooler than the air. Gulf is as warm, but you have dolphins doing flips for you so it worth it. To be continued...
Thursday, July 17, 2014
updates from our patrons
Well, we all are familiar with our illustrious sit down man. he walks to our building on a daily basis and spends more time here than we would prefer. He dresses in the latest basement fashion-smelly jeans with holes, a rain jacket that is more duck tape than jacket, and various ropes that are slung over his shoulder for his groceries that are carfully (not) packed in plastic bags. he ties them to his body for his walk home. But before he leaves, he has an array of questions he asks that pertain to the issue at hand. Recently, the questions were "Can you drink the water from your dehumidifier?" Well, I suppose you could if you really wanted to. "Well, how bout water from the pool?" Uh, no. "Toilet water?" Sure..go ahead and drink water from your toilet. Why are you asking? "Well, I no longer have plumbing and need a water source." This was verified by a neighbor who believes he is flinging waste into his yard. After all, it has to go SOMEWHERE.
Today has brought a few more of the regulars here. Our patron who lives about 1000 feet from the branch rides his motorcycle over to peruse the DVDs in his usual state of inebriation. His bright red hair defies gravity, coupled with a silver motorcycle jacket and today, a helmet. He is friendly. Way too friendly. He wants to talk. Apparently he drives his mother crazy as well and has been sent to live in the barn (he is easily in his 50's). So, mode of operation-don't make eye contact! Pretend he is not there. he stands in front of the information desk, staring in hopes you will look up so he can talk to you. No. Not gonna happen. He finds his victim at the circulation desk. Poor Rebecca-we give him 3 minutes and we do a rescue. he leaves, much to our relief, but returns with an enormous motorcycle helmet on. Complete with an 18 inch length of silver hair hanging out of the back of the helmet and down his back. No one dares to ask what that is. But he volunteers the information. "Do you like my tail?" "I cut it off a dead horse'" "People follow me down the road when they see my tail blowing in the wind."
I can't make this stuff up.
Today has brought a few more of the regulars here. Our patron who lives about 1000 feet from the branch rides his motorcycle over to peruse the DVDs in his usual state of inebriation. His bright red hair defies gravity, coupled with a silver motorcycle jacket and today, a helmet. He is friendly. Way too friendly. He wants to talk. Apparently he drives his mother crazy as well and has been sent to live in the barn (he is easily in his 50's). So, mode of operation-don't make eye contact! Pretend he is not there. he stands in front of the information desk, staring in hopes you will look up so he can talk to you. No. Not gonna happen. He finds his victim at the circulation desk. Poor Rebecca-we give him 3 minutes and we do a rescue. he leaves, much to our relief, but returns with an enormous motorcycle helmet on. Complete with an 18 inch length of silver hair hanging out of the back of the helmet and down his back. No one dares to ask what that is. But he volunteers the information. "Do you like my tail?" "I cut it off a dead horse'" "People follow me down the road when they see my tail blowing in the wind."
I can't make this stuff up.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
summer postings
I just reached my 30 years with working in the public library system in Maryland. A milestone that is a relief..knowing if I wanted to, I could call it a day and pursue other interests. Or work a part time job doing something. Always thought counselling would be interesting, but hell no, requires another master's degree. I could be like Lucy in Peanuts and simply set up a booth in the heart of Pasadena. I'm sure I would be quite busy.
Maddie had her wisdom teeth out last week. Despite the stress of having your child go through what is equal to surgery, it sure is fun to see your kid under the influence of the remnants of twilight sleep. It always reminds me of the teen who woke up and thought she was a NASCAR driver. On you tube and worth a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LV6XSxVkI
Andrew is focused on getting his loom up and running. We spent some time at the Eastern Shore Fiber Arts Center speaking to other weavers, which was inspiring. His loom is ridiculously large. It was meant to be a work horse in the day when businesses were pushing out weaved pieces by the dozens. Getting it in the house was not an easy feat-had to be taken apart to get it in the house.
Our chicken population has increased to 12. Good lord.
Our small vacation will be in FLorida this year. In August. Where no one goes in the summer. it will require A/C and pools. And the gulf. Would be nice to take a side trip to Sanibel Island, which is beautiful.
I attended an 80th birthday party last weekend at the American Visionary Arts Museum. Yes, I was one of the youngest attending. I went with the flow and drank lots of wine. Food was amazing and certainly wine will help you relate to anyone. I helped that we were sitting at a table full of liberals. People are fascinating to observe. I liked the gentleman who had a huge array of great food-scallop bites, curried chicken lollipops, stuffed mushrooms, potato fritters, crab cakes, filet mignon, goat cheese salad to choose from. He ate 10 strawberries, 4 large pieces of filet mignon, 3 biscuits and 5 brownies. He explained he did not eat vegetables. or seafood. or potatoes. Or salad. The best produce in the world is right now.
People are flooding the library this summer. On program days, we are averaging 225 people. What is going on? Free entertainment? A/C building?
Let summer live on.
Maddie had her wisdom teeth out last week. Despite the stress of having your child go through what is equal to surgery, it sure is fun to see your kid under the influence of the remnants of twilight sleep. It always reminds me of the teen who woke up and thought she was a NASCAR driver. On you tube and worth a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17LV6XSxVkI
Andrew is focused on getting his loom up and running. We spent some time at the Eastern Shore Fiber Arts Center speaking to other weavers, which was inspiring. His loom is ridiculously large. It was meant to be a work horse in the day when businesses were pushing out weaved pieces by the dozens. Getting it in the house was not an easy feat-had to be taken apart to get it in the house.
Our chicken population has increased to 12. Good lord.
Our small vacation will be in FLorida this year. In August. Where no one goes in the summer. it will require A/C and pools. And the gulf. Would be nice to take a side trip to Sanibel Island, which is beautiful.
I attended an 80th birthday party last weekend at the American Visionary Arts Museum. Yes, I was one of the youngest attending. I went with the flow and drank lots of wine. Food was amazing and certainly wine will help you relate to anyone. I helped that we were sitting at a table full of liberals. People are fascinating to observe. I liked the gentleman who had a huge array of great food-scallop bites, curried chicken lollipops, stuffed mushrooms, potato fritters, crab cakes, filet mignon, goat cheese salad to choose from. He ate 10 strawberries, 4 large pieces of filet mignon, 3 biscuits and 5 brownies. He explained he did not eat vegetables. or seafood. or potatoes. Or salad. The best produce in the world is right now.
People are flooding the library this summer. On program days, we are averaging 225 people. What is going on? Free entertainment? A/C building?
Let summer live on.
Monday, July 7, 2014
back! With great summer reads
I have had to creative flow lately. Maybe I need a phenomenal experience or something. Wonder if I joined a 'meetup' group i would find interesting people to blog about. Even the library incidents have been a big snooze.
So, I will share some great summer reads. After all I am a librarian....
1. Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman Tom and his wife Isabelle take on a job of minding the lighthouse on the island of Janus Rock. Isabelle is desperate to have children, and after 2 miscarriages, she had given up hope. Until she hears the wail of a baby. A boat has washed ashore with a dead man and an alive baby. This read is filled with moral dilemmas and hard decisions one makes in life.
2. I Know this Much is True by Wally Lamb I read his earlier works and is by far my favorite of his. He tells of a story of Dominic and his twin brother Thomas, who suffers from schizophrenia and the intense trials of being his caretaker. Maybe because I have twin brother I could relate to this so well. Not that my brother is schizophrenic, but that's up to interpretation.
3. Wild:From Lost to Found of the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed I happen to find travel books fun to read, especially ones with humor and some insight. I k=now know more about the Pacific Crest trail that I ever knew before. And I was convinced I could do what she did..walk the whole thing solo. Then I came to my senses and realized reading about it is just as good.
4. Fault in our Stars by John GreenNow don't turn your nose up to Young Adult fiction. This is a story of a 16 year old with cancer, who meets a boy in group therapy and they develop a smart, witty, tender, relationship. Green has excellent writing skills-would recommend any of his books.
5. Molok'ai by Alan Brennert Set in Hawaii a century ago, 7 year old Rachel dreams of far away places like her merchant marine father. But one day, a rose colored mark shows up on her leg and she is sent to the quarantined leprosy colony, away from her family and friends. There is warmth, humor, and, and passion that will keep you turning pages. Just an aside, we read this for my book club and we have one member who is ultra conservative and very vocal. Her only comment about the book was perhaps we should have rounded up all the AIDS patients in the 80's and did the same thing to them and we wouldn't be having an epidemic right now. Yes, really.
6. 11/22/63 by Stephen King I used to read alot of Stephen King and then he went off on a fantasy tangent and I lost interest. But he is back in full force. JakeEpping, 35, who teaches English, is told by his pal Al (on his death bed) that he had developed a time travel portal and wants Jake to return to 11/22/63 and stop the assasination of John F. Kennedy. Don't be intimidated by the size...great read.
7. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell She is quirky, odd, and living a tough life with an abusive stepfather. He is a smart, balanced Asian boy with a serious side and a love for music. Set over the course of a school year, it is a story of star crossed 16 year olds-smart enough to know love doesn't last but brave enough to try. I am NOT a romance reader, but this was outstanding.
Happy Reading!!!
So, I will share some great summer reads. After all I am a librarian....
1. Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman Tom and his wife Isabelle take on a job of minding the lighthouse on the island of Janus Rock. Isabelle is desperate to have children, and after 2 miscarriages, she had given up hope. Until she hears the wail of a baby. A boat has washed ashore with a dead man and an alive baby. This read is filled with moral dilemmas and hard decisions one makes in life.
2. I Know this Much is True by Wally Lamb I read his earlier works and is by far my favorite of his. He tells of a story of Dominic and his twin brother Thomas, who suffers from schizophrenia and the intense trials of being his caretaker. Maybe because I have twin brother I could relate to this so well. Not that my brother is schizophrenic, but that's up to interpretation.
3. Wild:From Lost to Found of the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed I happen to find travel books fun to read, especially ones with humor and some insight. I k=now know more about the Pacific Crest trail that I ever knew before. And I was convinced I could do what she did..walk the whole thing solo. Then I came to my senses and realized reading about it is just as good.
4. Fault in our Stars by John GreenNow don't turn your nose up to Young Adult fiction. This is a story of a 16 year old with cancer, who meets a boy in group therapy and they develop a smart, witty, tender, relationship. Green has excellent writing skills-would recommend any of his books.
5. Molok'ai by Alan Brennert Set in Hawaii a century ago, 7 year old Rachel dreams of far away places like her merchant marine father. But one day, a rose colored mark shows up on her leg and she is sent to the quarantined leprosy colony, away from her family and friends. There is warmth, humor, and, and passion that will keep you turning pages. Just an aside, we read this for my book club and we have one member who is ultra conservative and very vocal. Her only comment about the book was perhaps we should have rounded up all the AIDS patients in the 80's and did the same thing to them and we wouldn't be having an epidemic right now. Yes, really.
6. 11/22/63 by Stephen King I used to read alot of Stephen King and then he went off on a fantasy tangent and I lost interest. But he is back in full force. JakeEpping, 35, who teaches English, is told by his pal Al (on his death bed) that he had developed a time travel portal and wants Jake to return to 11/22/63 and stop the assasination of John F. Kennedy. Don't be intimidated by the size...great read.
7. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell She is quirky, odd, and living a tough life with an abusive stepfather. He is a smart, balanced Asian boy with a serious side and a love for music. Set over the course of a school year, it is a story of star crossed 16 year olds-smart enough to know love doesn't last but brave enough to try. I am NOT a romance reader, but this was outstanding.
Happy Reading!!!
Friday, June 13, 2014
Remembering Vic Adams
We lost another dear friend this week to pancreatic cancer. Second one in 6 months. So my week has consisted of 3 funerals and a court date for my son, which had to be the most stressful experience as of late.
Today was the celebration of life for William Victor Adams III, who has been part of our lives for 30+ years. I met Vic when I begans to date Alan back in 1982-we had them visit Alan's apartment in Baltimore one afternoon. He arrived with laura, who was 7 months pregnant with Abi. He had a great smile and a warm heart and I liked him immediately,
During those early years, we spent a great deal of time with social events. I went to my first bluegrass festival, where I was introduced to moonshine. Not sure that was such a good thing...but key here with Vic was fun with capital letters.
We spent many years at the Preakness. They would come up the night before and we would head to the races with our shopping cart full of booze, in hopes of staying awake for the big race (which rarely happened). Vic was part of a quad-it was Alan, Mike Weber, Vic, and Steve Dudley. I am sure they raised enough hell in their youth and we probably don't know the half of it.
I also could count on an annual appearance at our Bop Til you Drop parties, since dancing was a passion of his. He was invested-shot, chat,dance, chat, dance, shot. And partners made no difference. He was there to get his groove on.
There was a life transition for Vic when he and Laura went their seperate ways and he showed up at my 50th birthday party with a hot 22 year old. A very sweet girl, and I can't say I blame him. They stayed the night and conversation the next morning was limited to was she finished with school and what career had she hoped for. A very sweet girl..but a short lived relationship.
Vic informed us that he had met someone on Match.com and it was a serious thing and wanted us to come for dinner. I was skeptical-after all, Marcia had not had much success in this venue. But okay, dinner. We arrived and walked in and met Joanne, a bright smiling midwesterner with a heart of gold and a tiny dog she dressed in clothes. And the physical difference was striking as well-Laura was a blonde, freckled california girl who was petite. Jo was a silver haired beauty with glasses, a bit taller and curves in the right places. I was wary....until she served a kick ass dinner, chattering the whole time with a laugh that was infectious and concluded the dinner with copious ammounts of lemon drop shots with invites to all to spend the night. Ah, now I get it. She is a foodie who loves good times. A match indeed.
We spent years having international dinners with Vic being a big part of them. he loved to cook, share stories, smoke cigars, and share shots of whiskey. He was forthright with his roller coaster life, his ups, his downs, his loves, his hurts. He struggled when Laura left, but rebounded nicely when Jo came into his life.
I will miss his smile, his laugh, his hugs, his warmth. Please say hello to Julie for me.
Today was the celebration of life for William Victor Adams III, who has been part of our lives for 30+ years. I met Vic when I begans to date Alan back in 1982-we had them visit Alan's apartment in Baltimore one afternoon. He arrived with laura, who was 7 months pregnant with Abi. He had a great smile and a warm heart and I liked him immediately,
During those early years, we spent a great deal of time with social events. I went to my first bluegrass festival, where I was introduced to moonshine. Not sure that was such a good thing...but key here with Vic was fun with capital letters.
We spent many years at the Preakness. They would come up the night before and we would head to the races with our shopping cart full of booze, in hopes of staying awake for the big race (which rarely happened). Vic was part of a quad-it was Alan, Mike Weber, Vic, and Steve Dudley. I am sure they raised enough hell in their youth and we probably don't know the half of it.
I also could count on an annual appearance at our Bop Til you Drop parties, since dancing was a passion of his. He was invested-shot, chat,dance, chat, dance, shot. And partners made no difference. He was there to get his groove on.
There was a life transition for Vic when he and Laura went their seperate ways and he showed up at my 50th birthday party with a hot 22 year old. A very sweet girl, and I can't say I blame him. They stayed the night and conversation the next morning was limited to was she finished with school and what career had she hoped for. A very sweet girl..but a short lived relationship.
Vic informed us that he had met someone on Match.com and it was a serious thing and wanted us to come for dinner. I was skeptical-after all, Marcia had not had much success in this venue. But okay, dinner. We arrived and walked in and met Joanne, a bright smiling midwesterner with a heart of gold and a tiny dog she dressed in clothes. And the physical difference was striking as well-Laura was a blonde, freckled california girl who was petite. Jo was a silver haired beauty with glasses, a bit taller and curves in the right places. I was wary....until she served a kick ass dinner, chattering the whole time with a laugh that was infectious and concluded the dinner with copious ammounts of lemon drop shots with invites to all to spend the night. Ah, now I get it. She is a foodie who loves good times. A match indeed.
We spent years having international dinners with Vic being a big part of them. he loved to cook, share stories, smoke cigars, and share shots of whiskey. He was forthright with his roller coaster life, his ups, his downs, his loves, his hurts. He struggled when Laura left, but rebounded nicely when Jo came into his life.
I will miss his smile, his laugh, his hugs, his warmth. Please say hello to Julie for me.
Monday, May 26, 2014
trials of young adults
No folks, it doesn't get easier. I yearn for those elementary days of my kids where the only decision that had to be made was what kind of jelly you want on your PB and J sandwich. Or what historical figure you were going to be for your 4th grade report. Yes, our only concern was finding a babysitter when you wanted to go out. Or staying home when one of them was sick.
So switch to 10 years later. We are college visiting in the beautiful state of Virginia. Maddie is driving for more practice on I85-it is a 70 mph zone. She is navigating tractor trailors while keeping her eyes on the road as a brand new driver with a learner permit. As she passes in the fast land, her speed creeps up and there is a cop immediately behind. Being the nice understanding officer dealing with a kid with a learner from another state, he kindly tells her she is doing a good job driving, but just slow down. Oh, and here is your ticket for reckless driving (83 mph is reckless-anything over 80).
Her court date is the Tuesday after Memorial Day at 10 AM....4 hours from us. I made a call to the court to ask the clerk for a continuance (as instructed on the website). She told me NO. Really? I explained I had a family emergency. NO. What am I going to have to do? She says report to court or be found guilty and possibly pay 2500.00 and get 6 points on your license. She said only a judge can grant a continuance and he won't because he has to remain neutral. What the hell does that mean?
So, in the end, we hire a lawyer. I think perhaps the lawyer needs to be on speed dial. He sends a letter to court and asks for a continuance-same woman I spoke to, it was granted.
I hate Virginia. And I would like to go 6 months without sitting in a courtroom for one of my children. I just want to make them a peanut butter and blackberry jelly sandwich.
So switch to 10 years later. We are college visiting in the beautiful state of Virginia. Maddie is driving for more practice on I85-it is a 70 mph zone. She is navigating tractor trailors while keeping her eyes on the road as a brand new driver with a learner permit. As she passes in the fast land, her speed creeps up and there is a cop immediately behind. Being the nice understanding officer dealing with a kid with a learner from another state, he kindly tells her she is doing a good job driving, but just slow down. Oh, and here is your ticket for reckless driving (83 mph is reckless-anything over 80).
Her court date is the Tuesday after Memorial Day at 10 AM....4 hours from us. I made a call to the court to ask the clerk for a continuance (as instructed on the website). She told me NO. Really? I explained I had a family emergency. NO. What am I going to have to do? She says report to court or be found guilty and possibly pay 2500.00 and get 6 points on your license. She said only a judge can grant a continuance and he won't because he has to remain neutral. What the hell does that mean?
So, in the end, we hire a lawyer. I think perhaps the lawyer needs to be on speed dial. He sends a letter to court and asks for a continuance-same woman I spoke to, it was granted.
I hate Virginia. And I would like to go 6 months without sitting in a courtroom for one of my children. I just want to make them a peanut butter and blackberry jelly sandwich.
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