I'm So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It

That about sums it up folks.

First off, I wanted to give you a closer look at the prints. I took this before I sold the front one. They look so professional and as I said--I could hardly believe it was my stuff.

Here's why I'm so excited: I was finishing making dinner when the phone rang. Unknownnumber. If you're like me you don't answer those calls. Well...it went to voice mail. A male voice said: This message is for Gail, I'm a friend of Ed and I saw your great pictures at his house this weekend. I snatched that baby off the hook--Hello, Hello, this is Gail. Yeah!--a referral. Ed is the man who bought five of my pieces as he'd had a house fire and had to start over. This new man was interested in my groupings of fruits and vegetables for his kitchen. Don't take this wrong please because I have a gay son. We've got that straight right? Anyway, they seem to visit each other's homes more than some folks and some of them (Matt would say I'm stereotyping) are interested in decorating their own homes. So how perfect is this?
He even asked what payment I take, and how long after he selected stuff would it take me to deliver. It sounds promising; you know that I'll keep you posted if it pans out as I hope. The more stuff I get out there the better--I hope that's how it works.

In another bit of good news: Maureen is attending a wedding shower for her friend's daughter on Saturday. She called this afternoon and said she'd like to buy a picture as her gift. I know what you are thinking--its your sister for crying out loud! You are right, but she seemed genuinely interested in giving her something unique. She came over after work to select. Her cell rang and it was the mother of the bride who happened to be in the vicinity. She popped over and helped Maureen select something! Can you believe it? Me, at age 53, selling things of my own making for the first time in my life. I read recently about a 54 year old woman whose novel produced a bidding war. Apparently if you are really passionate about something you can re-invent yourself.

Matt booked his ticket to come home for Christmas. He'll be home for a week. He may be here for my graduation although I can't find the date on the website. I do know I'll be having finals the week before Christmas.

Unrelated. David makes a lot of money as a stock broker but I wouldn't want to be in his shoes this week. What misery.

Before all the excitement of this afternoon I made a few CDs for the car. Here's who I put on one of the mixes:

Muse
Boxer Rebellion
Bishops
K's Choice
Kings of Leon
The Kooks
Kula Shaker
Ladytron
Lodger
Stephen Malkmus
The Charlatans
Manic Street Preachers
Mercury Rev
Milburn
The Charlatans
Neat people
Pete Yorn.
Good stuff.

Calendar

Maureen called the other day to tell me about a photo contest of sorts here in town. The Orlando Historical Society puts together a calendar each year showcasing some of Orlando's historic neighborhoods. Four black and white submissions are allowed per photographer. Because I live close to this area it is a natural for me to attempt. Yesterday I roamed a few streets on foot and noticed things I hadn't previously. Almost all of the houses are great with their own personalities. I noticed this pretty kitty on one of the houses porch railing and couldn't resist. We no longer have a cat, but they still fascinate me. So quiet, and regal.

A few years ago I thought about retiring from work because Bruce is able to support our household without my income. A patient asked--"What will you do with yourself?" At the time I said, "I'll think of something," however I never would have dreamed up what I'm now doing. I am basically re-inventing myself. Most people don't get that opportunity, either because they are frightened of the prospect, or they don't have the financial support. Not to mention the psychological support. Bruce is my biggest cheerleader, encourage me every step of the way. The boys also indulge me.

Speaking of which, when Carol and Hank were here she was mentioning how interesting it was to see what the Peck boys have become. It is truly amazing to me. People used to pity me because I had four sons in seven years--no longer. I have free computer, decorating, financial, educational advice, and really, just about any other help you could think of. I could have never gotten through some of my classes without their help. Matthew critiqued my papers for a while, pointing out my penchant for too short sentences, and passive voice. I worked super hard trying to correct those problems. I am one lucky girl.

We seem to be having a vegetarian week around here. With the okra the other night we had, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, and boiled new potatoes. Last night it was a frittata with some of that lovely basil, sun dried tomatoes, and jalapeños with an arugula salad. The night before, broccoli and gruyere soup. Bruce is trying to lose weight, or at least stop the forward progress.

Jonathan and Alissa are home from the cruise and are dead set on moving to Chicago to experience big city life. Jobs and apartments are being sought as I type. Keep your fingers crossed for them.