What A Night!

My dear friends/family; the n's invited me to see the Pink Martini's at the Crystal Ballroom last night. Here is an article about the band and the director....what a wonderful story about following your passion and then it becomes your life work...Portland is very lucky to have them..they are originally from Portland so everyone here is very proud of them. Thank you L, H, & D for the fun night. It was our way of celebrating New Year's early... by the way---she looked like she was going to deliver her baby on stage to address a question in the following article. That kid is going to sing that's for sure. From the Harvard Alumni News: CHINA FORBES ’92 AND THOMAS M. LAUDERDALE ’92. Musicians, Portland, Oregon. Pink Martini’s 1997 debut CD, Sympathique, is a quirky amalgam of sounds: rhumba beats thump alongside Edith Piaf-styled tunes, with a bucketful of jazz on the side. But just when listeners think they’ve "got it," the music turns and robust, orchestral elements sweep in. "It’s global music, but not ‘world music,’" says Thomas Lauderdale, 32, the classically trained pianist who founded the 11-piece band in 1994 and is its musical director. "It is generally urban, kind of old-fashioned, pop-y, and it draws a lot upon the atmosphere of Hollywood in the late 1940s." However described, the band has immense appeal: the group has toured worldwide and performed with various symphonies around the country for the past five years. Two new CDs are in the works, says the quick-talking Lauderdale, one based on the Japanese concept of ukiyo, or "the floating world," which "refers to an artistic and cultural renaissance in Japan brought about by urban culture’s newfound wealth." The other, shepherded by lead singer China Forbes (Lauderdale’s Adams Housemate) is more "groovy urban." Both are due out next spring. Lauderdale’s flamboyant, eclectic nature explains much of the band’s musical mystique—and his frustration with how time flies. A few current projects: teaching music with Forbes—pro bono—at a Portland high school that lost its music funding; writing a nonfiction book about a woman who disguised herself as a man for 45 years; developing an artistic scholarship fund; and creating a snow globe of the Portland skyline ("Every city should have one of its own"). Half Asian, Lauderdale grew up as one of four adopted children—his siblings are black and Iranian—on an Indiana plant nursery. The family moved to Oregon (deemed "greener and more liberal") after his father, a Church of the Brethren minister, came out of the closet. (Lauderdale is also gay.) This atypical background, he agrees, may also account for his emphasis on "inclusion" and artistic and personal freedom—trans-Atlantic style. "Pink Martini and everything it does is very much wrapped up in the way I want to live—to be an ambassador and have a dialogue with people around the world," he says. "And to be inclusive—writing songs that are as appealing to little kids and grandmothers as to Hollywood moguls and people growing up on a farm in Iowa." The "embassy" is a central downtown building he bought to house the band’s headquarters and, he hopes, to host language classes, parties, film festivals, art openings, and other artistic and political activities. Upon returning to Portland after graduation, he played solos with the Oregon and Seattle symphonies and involved himself in various causes, including the fight against Oregon’s anti-gay rights initiative, Measure 13. Finding the bands at political events bland, he threw together a new group: Pink Martini, which often featured Lauderdale in drag. The band was a huge success with its campy, lounge-style renditions of Big Band tunes, and themes from 1960s television shows like I Dream of Jeannie. Very soon, however, the music, though still fun and danceable, became more serious. "Camp," Lauderdale explains, referencing Susan Sontag, "can only go so far because there is a negative bitterness to camp that, hopefully, we don’t have. In a very pure way, this music pushes forward the idea of hope despite all the sadness in the world." Leading the band also brought major changes in personal responsibilities. "I couldn’t be as flitty. I had to be more seriously engaged, diplomatic, and become more like a benevolent dictator. Music, like everything else that is artistic, is a very sensitive area for each of us, very personal," he says of the band members, who range from garage-band to symphony-level players. "I have to keep things on track, keeping the music pure as we become bigger, and not be distracted by the applause." Despite his disparate projects, Lauderdale’s life mission is clear: "Ultimately, I’m just trying to be good," he says. "I have probably the same goals other people have for their lives—to do good things and to find a reason to like oneself at the end of the day." For Forbes, 32, joining Pink Martini made "perfect sense." She had been performing folk tunes on the New York City club circuit (she recorded a solo album, Love Handle, and the theme song for UPN’s sitcom Clueless) when Lauderdale called. "I never saw myself as Peggy Lee or Julie London—doing torch songs and jazzy, sultry standards in front of 17,000 people with a 11-piece band behind me," she says. "But it turns out that it combines my experience in acting, musical theater, and singing." She took voice lessons, experimented with a sassier persona, and unleashed a voluptuous range of sounds. Life has run interestingly since then. "On the road, we’re constantly going and it’s exhausting. Sometimes the show doesn’t end until 2 a.m. and we have to leave at 5 a.m. to get on another plane," she explains. "The band wants to go out and meet people and dance. But one Brazilian rum drink or cigarette and I wake up with a sore throat, guaranteed. I am the one who wants to go to bed right after the show." In between shows and hours at the recording studio, Forbes says, "there is no routine. It’s very random. I don’t think a lot of people would like that, but I’ve gotten used to it." She recently began recording her own songs at home ("That muse doesn’t come to me all the time") and takes care of her two dogs. Forbes is newly married, to an optometrist (they met when she bought sunglasses at his store), and wonders when to have children. "Do I do it at a convenient time for the band or do I just do it when I’m ready?" she asks. "Our dream is for him to take care of the kids with me while I’m on the road. But we’re not sure how that would work yet….I’ll figure that out when it happens. The way I function is to act without thinking—I’m the opposite of Hamlet. I’m good at problem-solving when problems do arise. It’s worked well for me so far."

Honey, Warm Milk and Dear Friends

If you want to give yourself a delicious treat...go to the DragonFly spa...take wine, cookies, cheese, tea, crackers, chocolate, and of course YOUR FEET WHICH YOU WALK ON ALL THE TIME. They will be rubbed and then placed into hot milk and honey with flowers and spices...yummy....went with 6 friends from psu and we all just loved it. I hope we can do it again at the end of the year! Dreamy...then some of us walked down 23rd street in the section of town known as the Northwest...looks like Georgetown, DC...quaint tiny stores with Christmas decorations and lights all twinkling...I loved it.

Belated Merry Christmas

Had a lovely Christmas eve, Day, and post Christmas day with the Nissen's...2 cats, 2 dogs, 1 youth, and 2 wonderful parents/couple/friends/relatives/sweetfamily...they gave me a beautiful stocking to open with them on Christ mas day....love the cozy green shawl...listening to fun music now....cooking in a new fancy pot (for making witches brew)...and many other loving gifts from them....I am so lucky to have them as my family in Portland. Thank you all! Blessed to you and all of your 4 legged and big young pre-teen...lov, charchar

Yes I Can: My internet is back!

yes, I am back online...what a mess it has been but I am so grateful to be "back online"; crazy how dependent I am on this technology...had a great day. Went to the new little UU; it was their Dec 12 service about "light" from all different world traditions; very sweet to see the children all dressed up as various cultures and religions. Went to the movies then went shopping for FOOD for the week. So happy I don't have to wait for next Friday for someone to come and "rescue" me from my internet blues.

Snowboundagainandagain

If you want to know what Portland looks like now...take a look at this site...I went downtown this am on the streetcar....ordel...the walk from the streetcar to my apartment was so hard; icy, slippery, hard..I got back and I was so tired I had to take a nap...I was carrying bags...decided to post phone our play to Friday night..more snow coming tonight..I am so happy we decided to post phone it for a couple of days. it is unreal...PSU closed again today...Portland basically has no snow ploys to do the back streets so everyone is being held hostage in their own homes; at least I have access to public transportation somewhat...at least I now have the book I want to start reading...The Golden Notebook...thanks to l who has been calling me daily to see how I am doing...bought myself some new soft slippers....very cute and WARM. They are a bit different than my regular "conservative" slippers...apparently this is the worst snow storm for 40+ years...what an ordeal this has been.

Say "Really Stupid" with a Smile & Glee

So, my plan was to take the streetcar and go downtown this morning...I didn't. So about 2:00pm I thought--it can't be THAT BAD so I took my car out of the apartment complex garage and after about 1 minute of driving--I GOT STUCK IN THE SNOW. Now how many years did I live in Flag? so it was snowing...no kidding...I was sitting there listening to the music and 2 guys come over and started to push my car back into the driving area toward the open garage..they tried, they tried, they tried...both had tennis shoes on, one had a scarf and one had some gloves...but they ARE BOTH YOUNG. So, after about 20 minutes and not much had happened 2 more guys came along...they had shovels and boots and the four guys pushed my Honda toward the garage door and I MADE IT BACK. So I offered to take out them out for pizza (walking of course) and they all just smiled and went their merry way....so, back to my little abode and watching the snow get deeper in the circle driveway outside of where I live--saw someone cross country sking this afternoon...about 5 went across the way and had dinner at a "happy hour event". So PSU is closed tomorrow too...Before I left the garage this am I did not hear that chains were required on all cars downtown...so say "really stupid" with a tiny smile...please keep it a small smile! At least I have caught up with most of my accrediation writing the last few days...that is a relief. so, hopefully the snow will let us all get out of the house tomorrow..going to see a play tomorrow night with L, H, D. "Christmas Carol" that is.

Its a Dog's Life--So much fun

Yes, Portland State University is closed again today...so I am going downtown for a little of playtime outside...if the streetcar is working...it is! So enjoy this video--a bit long but well worth it---anyway what else can you do today except to take a deep breath and RELAX SOME MORE. dogsnow

House Bound Today

House bound today...snow, snow, and more snow plus ice...portland just basically closes down...no chains=no driving...so I worked on AS 8 assessment for the accrediation; read; more work on search committee; cooked turkey/pototoes for lunch...very good. I am trying to get my confidence up to start cooking more often..went for a walk this afternoon but turned around after about 1 block, if that--too icy and windy. Stayed in bed this am and watched the birds fly around the tall buildings...snow falling...so peaceful...just rest, work, and some reading...pretty balanced today for a change...got the big project over so don't need to worry about this vacation time. PSU is closed tomorrow but I am going to get out of here for awhile...downtown at least...getting cabin fever...not really. So, glad I am not traveling anywhere cuz it would be pretty messy trying to leave portland. So nite nite....quiet dreams! Just like this arrangement of soaps from Paris...

Funny Story

So about a week ago I hurt my right wrist/hand and could not grasp at all without pain shooting up my arm...now the story...I bought a fake tree last year and it actually is very sweet with lights and all...well I had packed it in its orginal box (long and square) and I tried all sorts of ways to get the XXX tree out of the box with my hurt hand; pulling, pushing, looking, turning the box over..you name it and I was not making any progress with getting it out; so I stopped and left the box on its side in my living room all week long...(told l and d about it yesterday and we laughted) my hand is better now...so last night I called my friend a in olympia and was telling her my sad silly story...and she said "cut the box off the tree"---and I even have a phd...so we laughed a lot about that---that is so pratical and direct! so I was comparing it to: I left the box on the floor to think about it and find meaning in the experience (qualitative) and she on the other hand had a linear direct approach (quantiative)...so, you just never know what is going to happen...so...this moring I cut off the box and it is standing next to the window twinkling with its white lights...so..the moral of the story is: ask for help from your friends! It is snowing more today....it is all toasty in my little abode. I heard a new term yesterday "agent narrative"; so I guess this story is my agent narrative...it used to be called "telling a story"---

You Just Never Know

1. did not sleep very well

2. PSU closed due to weather

3. up and then back to sleep

4. up and had lunch

5. went to Safeway

6. went to get my INR done

7. went to my office to get a project

8. worked on applications for a search

9. read emails

10. read blogs

11. started to take a nap

12. fire alarm

13. down the stairs

14. waited outside in the cold

15. called 911 to report it

16. watched people come out the building

17. all of us "perplexed"

18. found out it was the water pipes freezing and burst

19. went back to my little home

20. decided to have dinner

21. walked to the club for the hottub and excercise

22. it was closed--darn it

22. wanted to wash the dishes

23. the water was turned off

24. more work on accrediation stuff

25. more stuff.....

26. grateful for all that I have and all my dear friends

27. going to bed

fin for today....

Fixated Like a Dog: No Kidding

Sometimes I get an idea and I just go wild...searching, digging, hunting, chewing, waging my tail, licking my chops, (I think you get my drift); so....the other day I came across The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing ...went to Powell's to see it; ordered from the library for home delivery, tonight reading all that I can get on the Internet about the authors life...I guess I am searching to know the truth, her truth, my truth, my vision, my quest, my adventure,...my mother was a reader so when I came across this quote by Ms. Lessing when she was interviewed for her last book it prompted me to write in my little earthly blog o sphere...The question was:

Is a society that doesn't read a dangerous place?

"I think so. For one thing it makes people very ignorant. You see, when it comes to people of my age, if you talk to someone who has had anything like the same experience, reading and so on, and contrast that with talking to a young person who hasn't, it's like talking to a different kind of creature. You talk to someone with your kind of experience, and you share a language and references, you talk in a completely different way--and I don't mean that you are using more advanced language. This human need to think and understand, which has in the past been feed by books, literature and learning, it will prevail. At the moment though I can't foresee which form it will come out in". (Lessing, from the Internet, obtained today by cg)

She is a practical person and has spunk! So I am looking forward to getting The Golden Notebook--it is over 600 pages long so we will see if I have the determination to finish it; but you know when you are over 60 you can decide not to finish a book by whomever! If you see a picture of her now she reminds me of the photos of Jane Addams of the Hull House in Chicago.

So, I am fixated right now on reading more and more....good nite...it is just darn cold!

PS..the photo is the dog Lincoln had while he was president---named Fido, so I wonder if Obama is going to have a similiar one...for the girls of course...

Winter in Portland

Huge winter storm yesterday so it basically closed Portland down and I do mean down...PSU--no school today, public schools closed....roads are horrible--who would think at 1,000 ft this would happen...it is the ice that is causing all the problems. Finished the book by W Lamb The Day I First Believed...what a novel of epic portions. love, hate, fear, anger, sadness, grief, mental illness, death, secrets, extended families, major national events...historical, different books with one book---he sure can tell a tale! Glad I finished it too; sometimes I just pick up a book and only read about 1/3 to 2/3 and not finish it...so this was a hard one to stop reading...he writes with grace, eloquence, and honesty. Now on for the rest of my day at home....can see Mt Hood, blue skies, dark blue/green river, and snow from my little adobe in the city. Snow person from the view of a little child...upwards.

Memories of the Rez and Mom

Had lunch with a woman who knew my mother in the mid 70's on the rez...the first thing she said to me was "you look like your mother"--we had a nice time talking about how they met, the influence my mom had on her, and other sweet memories...very nice and sweet....well got 99% of my grades in today...just one more paper to read. What a relief to be done with the term and teaching; as much as I love it; the other side is that I kinda loose myself in the process...so now to take care of charchar...some quiet and peaceful time now.....yea!

It is Over & I am Happy

Last class this afternoon and I am really happy....less pressure to "be on" so now I can start taking care of myself....went to the Pearl this evening with j and had a very nice time; Happy Hour is a big deal in Portland so we went to a place called The Palomino then walked around for awhile---went and had tea at another place. We laughed and that always feels so good. So, meeting tomorrow and finish my grades and then it is official over....no more classes until March, or Spring quarter. At the end of Dec I will have been in Portland for 6 months..amazing...pretty good so far; I am not missing Flag as much as I thought I would but I also have been really busy so it has not been on my mind. I was invited to go to Oklahoma and to Washington but have decided not to go anywhere but stay here and take care of myself at the club! Can't wait to see l when she gets back--if you are reading this--safe travels back to Portland. nite nite

almost over

i lost myself this quarter and my weight gain is directly related to this concept and behavior; so now for my leaf turning over behavior; quarter is almost over; last class on Thursday; students need to finish their group presentations; i am looking forward to not teaching this next quarter; i know other stuff will be put on my plate (so to speak); so, the last few days i have been feeling like i was getting another cold and so that has not helped. it looks like (fingers crossed) it has not developed into a "real" cold...just running nose; too much information; so i have not been writing in my blog since dec 1st. kc had a small dinner party for a few of her friends and family on sat and that was really fun; met new people and laughed and laughed more. went to a new uu fellowship _Wy'east, which is starting up at a new location in Hollywood near l, d and h. it is tiny compared to the downtown UU...it is so nice to be in a smaller uu; like flag; it had joys/concerns with individuals coming to the front; i actually went to the front; stories for children; singing the children and youth out to their educational activities; welcomed a lot by everyone; we stayed for the potluck; went with l,d, h...very nice experience--it is even named after Mt. Hood from an indigenous name...so i think i will go to this uu and visit the big kid on the block once in awhile; like i said to l and d; I have met more people at this uu than the entire 6 months i attended the big sister uu downtown. i even received a handwritten card from one of their members today thanking me for attending their service...it is the personal i have been missing---a real community--not just an abstract message--so---woke up with flog today. so pretty. so now i will be getting love and attention from a small community and so i can feel better about myself and say no to all the overeating i have been involved in since i got here; it will all be ok and i will be ok....i need to be in a smaller community---this is even smaller than UUFF at Flag---50+ members but has lots of life and love. the first quarter will be over for me on Thursday and that will be wonderful; i can start to give to myself in a more positive manner---my gaining weight is OLD behavior...I have been using my pedometer so that is positive. nite nite

first homemade meal in about X months--no kidding

made my first crockpot dinner (started this morning before going to work..7:15 ish) then came home tonight about 7:00 ish...well, it had all burned down into a horrible terrible smelling mess of black chared chicken and soy sauce + herbs etc...the best of intentions...but too many hours left without supervision....so, i will try again....so much for the easy way of cooking...i am sure it is but i also should not leave it alone for sooooooooooooooooooo many hours...so, back to the drawing board....ha ha ha ha ha ---I did laugh that's for sure! Oh well...off to sleep (this picture of chicken actually looks good in comparison)...

Grace

December 1st is World AIDS Day and also the 53rd year since Rosa Parks sat down and People all stood up...

A New Kitty for Ascona Way

Yea for Z for finding a baby kitten for Ascona Way re my home in Flag....I had three cats so bringing this new kitten home will be three now...z described it as "full of fur"---grey...he heard it crying behind a fence off I-17th and 40th st in Phx...so....thank you z for being such a gentle human being....I know you have a speical place in your heart for hearing speical voices...happy holidays and prayers for your gm. (maybe this is an example of grief coming back in another form???)

Good bye to Richard Hubbell

My Lupton family, the Hubbells lost their eldest son, Richard....he was always so sweet and kind to me...he had a twinkle in his eye...sleep dreams, my dear cousin.

Ode To Ruby

ruby was a little black and white bundle of loving fur; bouncing up and down everywhere; until one night she did not come back; she caused all of us to smile and laugh with her; running down the hallway and running to the bed and then jumping up on the bed; her ears flying back like a small elephant; she would slide around corners; play with libby; run after libby; chase libby; and take naps by libby....love was her first name and is her last name....we loved you ruby...thank you for being with us for so long...i have your last resting box with me in portland; you bring me happiness just thinking about you...one year ago i took you to the doctor's and saw you after work and you were sick but seemed a bit lively; then on tuesday at 4:30 am the doc called and said you had left our world....i am sorry i did not take you home to be with me but i thought you would be better...i know you know i loved you. i am sorry ruby. you were my only little dog; t gave me you when you were about 5 weeks old...tiny little bit of white and black curly fur...black and white spots...a darling....the first night we had you and you were in our bedroom you just ran around; so we put you in the other bedroom and you started to bark...and bark...and bark...and bark...so about 3:00 am we brought back to our bed and you stayed there for years and years.....thank you for being in my life. my love hugs find you were ever you are...maybe in the fourth dimension you are sitting on my computer desk looking at me right now...i hope so. sweet little puppydog...good bye. at uu on sunday the minster quoted rumi "don't be sad at grief because it comes back in another form"---your spirit is somewhere giving love to another being.

the sun came out today

Yes, I did say "the sun"---this is such a blessing here! I used to take it for granted so much but now I don't. Special treat tonight-l and h came over for a visit....just love them so much. thanks for the pretty folders too. went to the office today and worked on boring stuff; want to have this done so I will not have to work over the holiday...later

Twightlight: 12 year old girl dream boat

went to see Twighlight with d,l,h and many other girls (one boy)....an event for my 12 year "little charlotte"--fun, cute, refreshing, and sweet. nite nite

CSWE

We passed the site visit....! Yea for Portland State University teamwork! and my dear friend a recieved her Ph.D. today from NAU...you go girl! yea!

cswe site visit--do our grandparents really lov us?

we are having a site visit from our accrediation body...cswe

beauty is in the eye of the beholder

All of these photos are from a site "myparisapartment"--I think that was the name; it is close anyway...just love the blue and softness of the lighting...I think I want to go to Paris again....after all these many years...it still calls me...we will see....my cold is getting better. nite nite--miss u l, hope u are doing well.

The Wonders of Facebook Social Networking

had contact with two of my friends, one from when I lived in Phx in the early 1970's....rbh and another social work friend in denver from the mid 80's...(bb)...still have my cold...blahhhh; did not go to UU this am...too tired. my humidifier seems to be making a difference---feels moist in the room...hope it helps my nose condition...(no details). shopped for turkey day with phone advice from l,h,d...that was fun...it was a very pretty day; saw Mt Hood...that sure is a big mountain...talked with cm, jg, mm from Flag...hope i have some energy for the site visit from cswe this week. i am sure it will go wonderfully! PSU certainly knows how to prepare and do quality work! I love this pix of the o family..

300 posts-I am impressed!

This is my 300 posting on my blog...my my...went to the Portland Art Musuem last night with k and k re a fundraiser for the naya. Very fancy event; I bought a new top for the occasion..very pretty and more formal...my cold is holding steady...not worse but still here. Spent day doing mundane stuff like washing, shopping, etc. Went to the Bagdad theartre and saw Dark Knight...what an intense movie...walked around the area for awhile; felt very "portlander"...moon is beautiful tonight. home and now time for bed...it was a beautiful day...clear skies. nite nite

Veteran's Day

I actually took today off from working...went to the club, pool, etc. Slept in late...had a nice visit with c & n..nice couple. I think I am getting a cold...hope not. Lots of rain today but its ok. I called several of my friends in Flag...great to hear their voices. Teaching l's class tomorrow so that will be interesting...Stayed at the office late last night so I did not have to go there today and that was good. So, not much to say....nite nite

just a weekend

went to see Guys and Dolls on Sat afternoon...had dinner out...went to bed early and got up very early due to a nosebleed...went back to sleep then woke up later and went to UU....manageing my nosebleeds a bit better but still really hard...went out to lunch with the g/l/b/t group at UU in Goose Hollow...meeting nice women...wanted to do some other stuff today but did not get around to it...now I am tired and want to go to bed early but will get up too early...need to get my sleep more balanced...oh well...what's new? so much fun to see all the reaction re the Obama election...

It Really Happened! A Post Modern President-Elect

It is still unreal but we really voted and the outcome was for Obama...went to the convention center with l,d,h and experienced the entire event with hundreds of other democrats...tears, joy, yelling, dancing, screaming, happiness...what an event to share with everyone...afterwards drove home via downtown and the party was out in the streets...we actually did it...a new life for America! Also I can really say that "Portland loves to party!"---so much excitment. Thank you hp.

For Freedom and Justice--We Pray

36 hours and counting

vote----vote----vote-----vote.

It is our only democracy.

Ode to my Office Today

UU was so powerful today. Hope messages and tears, conversations all around re obama..prayers for Tuesday...whatever the outcome. Spent all day at my office working on several projects, other faculty were there too, so that helped. Then at 4:30ish I walked downtown and had dinner at a sushi place near the square after a commerce visit to Macy's. Sale was the operative word. Went back to office and walked up 2 flights and not worried...it is all for my new health committment...walk and walk and walk more...did 6750 steps today!

Apartment Living: 5 floors UP

I can hear the wind, rain, more rain, more wind...and see lots of raindrops falling in the river below me. I guess I know how now so guess what you are going to be linked to? Finally got it now....oh dear; watch out..more wind and rain...oh I forgot...fall back one hour tonight....this picture is from flag of the moon and venus...love the sky in flag...miss it tonight...goodnite flag

This is a test.

this is a test of my knowledge about getting to a website via this blog; so here goes.

it was a long day....of rain....more rain...or "just get used to it c"

Went to Obama's office today---made a few calls and picked up buttons and a flyer. Big prayers for he and his family for a safe journal as he gets closer to "Nov 4th"...please hp take care of them. Our country needs his love, passion, hope, intelligence, and his leadership....safe travels to l. got to get real about my situation with f.--RAIN RAIN RAIN...It is so interesting to be living under a shadow. The photo is of Peggy McIntosh who wrote "White Privilege" checklist over 25 years ago. Heard her on Thursday night with l at Lewis & Clark College.

Happy Holoweeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnn...

Yes this is me...I am "Stick it to Me"...ha ha and of course we are doing very important work!

back again

fun trip to Seattle this past weekend...saw my dear friend, a and her kids. attended the National Indian Education Association convention and it was big....went to their pow wow and saw n and c from psu...even ran into a former bsw student from nau...small world; fun to see him quite frankly...full circle. saw lots of other Navajos from the rez. did some shopping; mini trip to the Pike's Peak Market with a; spent the night there on Fri and drove to a house in Olympia on Sat then home on Sun am to attend UU at 11:15 AM. still not feeling too attached to UU re smaller groups; got to get going on this; feel attached to the ministers; starting to see people I have been introduced to so that is a good start; it is not uuff Flag....small and informal; it is LARGE AND FORMAL. this is a hugh change for me. oh well...it will be fine sometime. music is very special...handbells on Sun...25th year of handbells at UU. pretty tired today. comfy chair...i need one now...

Portland Art Museum

After UU this morning (Marilyn gave one of the best sermans of what UU is than I have ever heard or read before); I went to the Portland Art Museum and treated myself to lunch at their cute cafe next to the gift shop. Saw photographs from the earliest time re the Columbia Gorge...black and white and stunning. Saw an amazing Native show of beaded handbags/medicine bags...what dazzling colors and close intricate work. Then saw the China show (pottery from over 2000 year ago)...muted pale, green, brown, reddish...these were my favorite of everything....before paper was invented and during their warring period. It is the show just as you enter into the building...I am so happy I made myself go there...then worked at the office for awhile then came home and went to the club....I feel really good that I took care of myself today and had balance (mind, body, spirit). Sleeping better these days too.

music all around me

listening to the cd from l1---makes me want to dance and cheer...(after cleaning the tiny apartment that is good). It is small but it does get crazy. When you don't have a large garage, 2 bedrooms, 2 closets, linen closet, hall closet, shall I go on? oh I forgot the laundry room (ode to the washer and dryer; sure hope z is enjoying them)...the biggest regret about being in this apartment! So I guess the honeymoon is over...4.5 months...so off to speciall events at PSU today. Anyway, it is a beauiful fall day in Portland!

Sure looks like the Grand Canyon...miss u!

a few minutes left in friday

just saying---glad this week is over...long couple of days but lots of fun at the beginning of the week.

Beauty Way

love this person's artwork---I adore her sense of color and design...had some fruit today and it had figs in it...a rare treat for me. trying to get some balance in my life...off to the treadmill and did some "weights"...my muscles are going "are you kidding me after all these years and you really want me to work?" yep I do...there will be more. It felt good actually. Happy Birthday to H! I am using the pictures l took of us at the party she gave me on Sat. plus some other pix from an artist who has a site called http://www.patternoftheday.wordpress.com/. love it...nite nite

The Handmade Quilt re L1

Need I say more....quilt in beauty...lot of lov to l1 [pix taken by l1 from her blog..www.laura'severydayblog.blogspot.com]

October 13 or 14: You Select

Just let it be said "I had a wonderful, fun filled, joyous, crazy, happy, tear filled, sung to, hugged, dancing, walking, swimming, smiling, eating, cake making, shopping, & sparkling wine drinking birthday" for several days..thank you to everyone who called, sent cards [uu from flag----loved your card!, gave me a party, gave me presents [large Autumn design quilt from l], books, calendars, stationary, candles, etc. I am now officially one year older. Yea. So thanks mom even though I still don't know my real day of birth...but it sure has given me lots of stories that's for sure. I gave myself a new 32 in flat screen tv...plus got my taxes done! Thanks to all, miss u c in flag, Happy Birthday to U too.

Happy Birthday to H

joy plus laughter plus youth plus loving parents plus lots of girls plus pink cakes plus book/movie poster with frame: screaming H...she almost fainted! the delightfulness of being part of her growing up...she is letting my own 12 year old grown up again...thank you l and d. see u tomorrow. char (and thanks for the elevator working tonight! ).

Everyone Has a Story

just a busy week....started going to the club and that has been wonderful; swimming, treadmil, new friends, splashing around...it is next door. teaching today with the "Cultural Chest" I am doing race/culture, age, and ability...I think it will be so revealing for all of us and how complex our lives are; circles within circles within circles....sunny today! (the image is from another website; I did not write it down so I want others to know to give your thoughts to this other person's creativity). Just listened to a song "No One is Promised Tomorrow"---love and be joyous today.

Social Workers Rock!

We all look so cute don't we? thanks to l for taking the pictures...love what they are all saying about "why do they want to be social workers?" on our first day of class, last Thursday.

Here They R: Hot off the L Press--some other time

This quote is a replacement picture for the following story of the other picture. This is a picture l took of my first class at pdx re Diversity and Social Justice. These students look they are going to "take the world" by their loving hands, hearts, and heads...to help others by being social workers. Thanks, l. (well I tried) it will not do a doc format. Too bad...they are really cute! I was up at 4:30am and then walked downtown to see the Portland marathon...what an event. I got my own walking in by doing this...came home and fell asleep then went to UU. Raining most of the day....so it is here....yea for umbrellas!

Laughing Out Loud

I became a member at the RiverPlace club yesterday; started on the treadmill; it is right next door, maybe 6 minutes away...it has all the services, pool, hottub, sauna, 80 classes in a week, etc. it is where i am going to put my stress instead of eating all my stress...i walked 20 minutes and fell asleep last night at 8:30PM...so, a new life and new beginning with my body...l and i went to see "Menapause: The Musical" yesterday and we were both laughing outloud and I almost fell over...great music adaptations, lots of women of all sorts of colors, textures, beauty, styles, ages, youth, and a few brave men. then we went to "Red Star" and had a mid afternoon dinner/lunch and talked and talked. just darn good ole 'sis-friend' activities. it is official fall in portland...cool, leaves falling all over, golden, red, bare limbs, etc. had a great time and will continue to. miss Flag of course....had calls from flag.

my first class is over

Why do you do what you do? l came to my class and took pix of all the students re sw...it was very emotional and meaningful for all of us. the class went pretty good until they got all the assignments...so much. oh well. 2 students wanted to talk with me afterwards...that was tiring. one student said thank you to me re my talk with them in the intro to sw on Tuesday.she said it was "inspirational"..that feels good. so, i want to adjust the syllabus and see if I put it together in an easier way for them to "get" it. went to l re palin and biden's debat. very tired.

Oct 1st

yesterday, the bsw was born...it was the first class with 21 students...what a day and evening it was...it made me cry today with joy, excitement, and exhaustion. Today is the beginning of October a month with many events. the 4th t and would have been married for 15 years...good bye t. my birthday is coming up and h was born...it is fall, Portland has been both hot and cool, woke up to fog this morning over the river...it was so peaceful looking and mysterious. i was pretty tired all day. many people said sweet things to me all day...making friends....miss Flag. Just a bunch of mixed up feelings. thank you hp for making the first day so wonderful. I will always remember it. It was an honor to be a part of it. I sent psu's president a handwritten note about what happened to share it with him....an undergraduate program was born! bsw's for our community! i teach my first class tomorrow at 2:00 pm...

france is calling me...again

this is a sentence from a woymn at her blog.. We have this thing that takes place all thru out the summer and fall here in providence called waterfire. it is fire on the canal, gondolas, and the most amazing and haunting music plays all around you, from classical, to dead can dance, opera, Tibetan, baroque and many others. you will find an array of food vendors such as indian, raw bar, creperie, nut vendors and ice cream. Different street performers like fire eaters,gargoyles, chinese dancers, jewish folk fiddlers and so on. The most incredible dance stage draped in red velvet curtains that feature, Argentinean salsa band one night, big band the next. people of all ages and levels come out to dance and you can easily get lost staring at the them...people walk, sit stare and listen...tonight was a small one so no stage, but i felt like walking it was such a beautiful fall night. i took photographs but i am afraid they were not the best, i hope you get get a sense of what ii's like!! I will get her address later...her photographs are romatic, mystic, soft, illusive...lov them--this photo is from her site....yummy for sure...i want to go there. I did not know it was Providence, RI....how funny...my heart was in France for sure...oh well, I can go to both places....liberation allows those choices!

the beginning is almost here

went to the office to get ready for "tomorrow when our BSW program starts with REAL STUDENTS"---I really can't get over the idea that a new undergraduate program is going to start with real students tomorrow...what a thrill...nervous, excited, questioning, no answers, support, cheerful people all around, many motivated students, supportive faculty, wonderful staff and friends...so here we go PSU...come on students it will be wonderful and I can't wait to meet all of you sometime this week...you go girl! congrats c. thank you to all made this possible!

the river looked like ice today

just love looking at our river....fall is beautiful here too. just household stuff all day...cleaning, washing, shopping, recycle, goodwill, etc etc.....taking out summer clothes and replacing with winter clothes...just the cycle of life....afterwards pretty tired and flat on my back napping...now i am awake..."Raindrops falling on my head..." "Sundance Kid"...we will miss you Paul. What a human being. When I saw his face on his salad dressing at Safeway it almost made me cry. What a guy. Thank you hp for his presence on earth....we will miss you. Pictures from yesterday at the quilt show with l and j...i love the textures, colors, creativity, "the grand canyon", and a cat that looks like it is ready to catch me! nite nite