The Joy of a Second Act

This Modern Love

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I borrowed the title of today's post from an article written by Frank McCourt, of Angela's Ashes fame. If anyone should be thrilled with his second act it is surely Frank. I'm enjoying my second act as well.

The picture is of the wetlands park again. Today on my to do list was a delivery of a picture to my brother Pat at his office. He works for the Environmental Protection Agency with the state of Florida. He particularly liked a picture I posted maybe two weeks ago of a great blue heron in the algae covered water at the urban wetlands park I've been visiting. The picture today is from about a week ago--I thought it was so amazing seeing the duck swimming along in the water and the bird's shadow that is flying over. While there he introduced me to Steve, a biologist who looked at the photo and determined it is a type of algae called duck weed so this picture seems a bit appropriate huh? He explained that the water there is nutritionally rich so the algae spreads quickly once it takes hold. As well talapia (algae eating fish) are plentiful in the waters there and should clean it up before too long. It is a nice place to walk Baxter so I'll be watching to see if the talapia do their job.

I needed a two hour nap yesterday afternoon, as well as a long night's sleep, but I'm back and busy now. I took care of some errands today, also just got off the phone with the carpet cleaning guy. Bruce was ready to kill me if I didn't schedule it, like everything else that requires maintenance (hair, nails, etc.), I kept putting it off in lieu of you know what.

I was going to paint this afternoon but realized the paint pan and rollers are missing. Could they still be over at Bills from when we were helping him with his place?

If anyone knows what a good cleaner is for a white pad keyboard please come forward. Amazing how gross they become with use.

It's always an adjustment to get used to a time change isn't it?

Bruce has gone first to Virginia and then on to Chicago. Actually his job is in a suburb of Chicago, about thirty minutes from downtown. Next time he meets with J & A that will be the place to hook up because they both work in the Loop. Of all things it is getting into the mid 40's in Chicago today--yeah for better weather.

Do you suppose the governor of New York spent as much on his wife's Valentine gift as he did on his own? Maybe he and his wife should have read this article from The Times, published quite awhile back. It was on the list of top ten e-mailed articles for nearly two months. Very insightful.

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Now playing: Muse - Knights Of Cydonia
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Sewing is the New Knitting

A story in the paper last week proclaiming that sewing is the new knitting--thus it won't be long before something else replaces it with the trendsters. I've mentioned in the past that my sewing machine was up and in use for at least twenty five years before it became too expensive to sew. Thinking about paying $12 for a pattern is unbelievable to me.

I am happy to report that the market was very good to me yesterday. You may have noticed when I pictured the booth two weeks ago that I've been doing some water abstracts of late. I usually don't post them because I think they have to be viewed in person rather than on a computer to be appreciated. Sunday I had a new one that was very colorful, apparently I wasn't the only one to like it. As I write this I realize it is the most expensive piece I've ever sold. If you can believe it, as I was taking it off the wall, another man came up and said he had to have it. My hands were shaking as I was doing the transaction for the ladies who were taking it home. I then got his name, number, and deposit. Wow--I was absolutely stunned. Mr. Roger prints them on canvas for me with a gallery wrap which apparently is becoming more popular. I'm a little bit of a traditionalist and still appreciate a frame, but it turns out lots of folks are happy to see only the artwork minus a frame.

I had encouraged Bruce to go home for a while to relax before his hard work week so he was not there to share in the excitement. I got my cellphone out to call Roger to find out a time frame for delivery for the other customer; I was so busy I was not able to call Bruce. Kathy, the plant vendor next to us, went running up to Bruce to share the good news upon his return. To tell you the truth, I'm still in shock.

I believe I mentioned last week about the long lost friends whose children I babysat coming by our booth. Yesterday they arrived with most of the grown children in tow. As the daughter was browsing through my bin she came across a picture I have taken through the car windshield with rain on it. Bruce was driving on a busy road with the sun setting on a stormy day. I call the photo "Film Noir." As the young lady was looking at it, she said,"I realize why you look so familiar--you were in my film class!" Ironic huh? She remarked that she sat in the back, and as you've already guessed I sat in the front row. Kindly, she said that she always read my posts on the discussion pages wishing she'd said what I had. If only she was my age she would have my experience to use when writing.

After our busy day yesterday, and the little market today, I'm tired (surprise, surprise!), but I wanted to tell you one other opportunity that has come my way. The designer who bought an abstract from me back in the fall had contacted me about working with her on a condo staging at one of the new high rises about a block from the market. She showed up yesterday when we were closing. After we packed up I went to the condo to consult with her on how we could use my photography in the staging. There is a reception planned for next week for about 75 people so we have to work fast.

When we began the market (almost a year ago!) Bruce was hoping that we could provide art work for the walls of all the new condos, of course the real estate meltdown has for the most part squelched that. Not entirely it turns out. This afternoon we planned out each room. Fortunately she picked out things which I believe will sell, if not there, at least at one of our upcoming art shows.

Did I mention that it is not only challenging but exciting to be a business owner?



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Now playing: Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday
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Aging

Keeping up with the Teenagers

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Someone asked me yesterday if I texted....need I say more?

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Much Maligned

Here's a picture of a glass sculpture in front of City Hall which has enjoyed much criticism over the years. I took this last week and e-mailed it to a friend who is a newspaper columnist at our paper. He abhors the sculpture but responded by saying I almost made it look nice.

Bruce is finally home with another Friday night passing without our customary date. He has been working so hard that he's just exhausted. To tell you the truth I'd just as soon cook at home. Whenever we go out to eat I'm almost always stymied by the choices and usually order something at the last minute. Frequently I'm disappointed with my choice. That said I do like to be out and about enjoying the ambiance at various hot spots around town. Maybe tomorrow night.

Today I took Bruce's dental cleaning appointment because he had to drive down to Vero Beach early. After I returned I called Trish (Mr. Roger's wife) and convinced her to brave our stormy weather and go to IKEA. She'd never been and I promised her I'd take her. The day was so gloomy but I told her there was enough silly stuff at IKEA to make her smile. The first trip to IKEA is always overwhelming; we managed to leave there with only cinnamon rolls for me.

Before she got to the house I received an e-mail from someone I met at the art show two weeks ago who is putting together activities for a convention in October. The upshot is if I am chosen I'll be PAID to show up and sell my photographs. I had completely forgotten our meeting until I heard from her I am embarrassed to say. Usually when someone discusses something like this with me at the market/show I respond to them within a day to keep communication going. I am thrilled she did not lose my card and hope it works out. I'll definitely keep you posted. Orlando is one of the prime convention destinations hosting large shows all the time. Many months ago someone suggested I try and hook up with some convention people which is another thing I'd forgotten until this reminder.

Congratulations to our son Bill! Last evening while driving to what he thought was a bank get together, he called me complaining bitterly about the traffic he was stuck in, among other things. I was optimistic, trying to convince him life was not so bad. About two hours later he called back to tell me the gathering was an awards ceremony and he was the recipient of "Rookie of the Year" award for Wachovia in Seminole County, the location of his branch. How about that? He is a hard worker; this is a wonderful recognition of his efforts. Aren't we lucky parents? Our children have turned out so well. I apologize if that sounds like bragging. Today people wait so long to have children hoping that they can provide them with all the advantages money can buy. We, on the other hand, started our family when we were 23. By the time I was 29 we had four children. I'm not saying that they couldn't have had more material things but somehow our provisions and love brought them to this place in life. I am so grateful for what they have become.

Thankfully Finster is improving slowly.


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De-Tauping

I've not mentioned that we have been working with some local interior designers about our living room. We have one big room with five openings making for a challenge when arranging furniture. I'd been trying to come up with a new scheme for some time as well as tackle the darkness in the room. It would seem impossible with all the windows and light coming in, but it is really too dark in there, possibly because the ceiling is wood. Unsuspecting I would be solving one of our problems, I pulled the couch back to watch a movie with Bruce (it used to be perpendicular to the fireplace)and it seemed to work. I then did the same with the other couch--not only a better way to watch the television, but it just seems larger.

So, the designers came and I'd already moved the couches. There are some problems remaining, like what to do about the coffee table. They suggested I get some small ones, but we are hesitant to get rid of the current one, not the least because it was so darn expensive. We considered reupholstering the sofas but have decided against it. Lightness will have to come from accessories. The rug will go, as will the pillows and lamps. James picked the new wall color; I like it, especially with the ceiling. I only got the one wall done today because I'm still puny, but it's a start. I haven't done anything to the house in so long that whatever price I pay will be worth it in the long run.

Painful as it will be for Bruce, two cabinets on the walls by the dining table will be retired. He built them especially for me years ago, but our tastes have changed since then. New dining room furniture is also a priority. We've had the current set since Matthew was one year old. I can still remember our excitement when we got it from Ethan Allen while living in California. We're still considering the one the designers picked out. I just realized the dining furniture is not pictured but trust me it is outdated. Because we host most large family gatherings, we'll still need something that can be expanded for company.

Yesterday afternoon it was very windy and I remembered I'd bought some little pinwheels from World Market last week. I stuck all ten in the ground trying to get a fun shot of them spinning. Inadvertently, I got the cutest picture of Baxter I think I've ever taken. He was sitting there watching me, wondering what the heck I was doing laying on my stomach in the grass. I believe his concern for me kept him still. He is such a little cutie--when I'm in a bad way he lays as close to the bed as he can.

Speaking of dogs, Dave and Michelle's pug, Fenster, has been very sick. Today they were supposed to be going to the Ritz Carlton in Jamaica for five days, however they decided to forgo it. The trip was a reward from Dave's employer for his excellent service. That said, because Fenster is 17 years old they were deeply concerned he might die while they were gone. He has pneumonia; he is responding slowly to medication, but it is still dicey. I'll keep you updated.

The pictures we took of Michelle have done their job--she's been getting shows. Mostly she stands in the booth at a convention looking pretty, chatting with the lookers, and passing out brochures. She is way smarter than this job requires, but the pay is excellent and there is lots of flexibility--two very good things.

Then there is the matter of facebook which we'll discuss tomorrow.
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Apology

Sorry for sounding so grouchy yesterday. The truth of the matter is I shouldn't have even posted as I knew I was sinking. Bruce put me to bed at 7:30 last night and I slept until 6:30 this morning. When the pain hits me hard sometimes I just can't go on.

Earlier I'd made an appointment to have a mani/pedi which was WAY overdue. Sometimes I just let myself go but it was time to clean up a bit. I feel bad now because I barely spoke to the nice woman doing it. She knows me and knows I'm usually a chatter but again when I'm sinking I just shut down. I'm glad I went through with it because my red toenails looks much better. I let her wax my eyebrows as well which was also way behind any reasonable schedule. I absolutely hate having it done and almost chickened out for the above mentioned. Reason prevailed and now they are tame.

Two neat things about Saturday I neglected to mention:
* I got into the Maitland Art Show in April (you may recall it was the one I posted the web album for suggestions to submit)
*I received a check and nice note for a photo I'd mailed to some folks in Cocoa. They said I was charging too little and sent more.

The photo today is from the market on Sunday. Our manager sometimes puts me on the spot regarding taking a photo for a promotional flyer at a moments notice. I really don't like to work like that, but hey--what are you going to do? Apparently, she is starting a Dog Day once a month like they have Parrot in the Park once a month. You've seen photos of some of those birds in the past. I can't imagine they need a designated Sunday as there are so many dogs as it is. The pictured woman is a "Avian & Canine Behavorist", commonly known as "The Parrot Whisperer." She is the host of a show called Pet Pals. It really was remarkable to see her with these dogs. She went around asking owners if she could use their dogs. She worked with them a bit then they all cooperated nicely. Can you believe they are all looking at the camera, as is she? Good thing for me; I get nervous thinking it might not come out. The two large dogs are at the park every week, one is named Gail! They are wolfhounds--one Russian, one Irish. So aside from selling, I had other excitement as well.

I haven't chatted with Matt in way too long--I miss him.

Did I tell you Maureen is going to Peru in April? She's really had quite a time recovering from the accident--we are thinking positive that she'll be good when the time comes.
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It's Good for You

Scrabble Anyone?
When you are a street vendor everyone else's sales pitch enters your space. Today at the little market the women next to me were annoyingly chatting loudly on cell phones; once customers started coming along, one of the women gave this sales pitch for healing oils. She claimed--"They are all natural, they are good for you." Apparently they work for sinuses (she also claimed she always has sinuses), tendinitis, headaches, and any other annoyance/pain you can think of. I saw no claims to cure being a nuisance.

Yesterday I had the best day at the market ever. As you know, oftentimes people mosey by that we haven't seen for years. Yesterday was no exception. Janet and Jay's children are all grown now but at one time I babysat for them. Although I haven't seen them for years whenever I do she never fails to remind me how I potty trained one of her girls. The picture she purchased was for one of the girl's upcoming 21st birthday.

I finally did some work on my photo library. I made DVDs of all the pictures I've taken each Sunday for the market. Normally I take anywhere from 30-100 pictures depending on what is going on. All told, it was well over 1,500 pictures!

Orlando is not a very old city. You may remember that we live a block or so away from the original settlement. This grave marker is around a mile down Orange Ave.(the main drag through Orlando) which is a very busy road. There is a tiny cemetery that you can barely see almost next door to a gas station. When I was getting gas the other day I walked over to see it first hand. I was stunned at how old the graves were. There are only about 10 or so markers left. This one seemed particularly poignant. When your children are babies you often give their age very specifically as is pictured here; I wonder if people still do this when a young person is buried.

I've posted this fun story about online Scrabble, one of my all time favorite games.
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