Fear of Decorating

I'm not sure if the title of this blog clearly states my point today, but I think it all boils down to my profound fear of decorating!  

Some people have a gene that allows them to shift their environment, I think.  But I don't think I was born with that one.  I think I was born with the one that sets things up when they move into a place, and keeps it that way. 

 I also have a tough time envisioning window treatments, stuff on the walls, little knick-knacks on the tables and other decorative touches.

I think it stems from a fear of getting it wrong.  My friend Terry LOVES to paint.  And she loves trying new colors on the walls.  If she doesn't like it, she just paints over it.  And feels no remorse.

Not me, baby.  I can make mistakes on the air, and just move on.  If I mispronounce a word, I can shrug it off.  But God forbid if I paint something wrong on the wall, or make a bad decorating decision.  There's NO undo for me.  I live with it.  It's like I'm punishing myself or something!

So, I need to repaint the doors inside my house where my dog Dudley has scratched little lines.  That's just about every door.  But they're all WHITE.  But my paint is a different shade of WHITE.  How the heck do you match WHITE?  There's like 45 different shades!

You see my problem.

My OTHER Heroes

There's a point in life when you get just as big a thrill living the high points of other's lives, as you do your own.

This posting is about just such an experience.

The two people in the photo are Sheryl and Jeremy Grater. Jeremy and I are colleagues at work, and I've had the extreme pleasure of getting to know his beautful wife as well.

The photo was taken at the Youth Ball, celebrating Barak Obama's Inauguration last night.

And what I admire most about these guys is the way they got there, their hope, determination and sheer energy. It took so much for them to be there and they deserved every minute!

Jeremy and Sheryl knew they had to be at the Inauguration from the beginning. They got to D.C. by way of NYC, and since they couldn't find a hotel room, they ended up renting an RV in Virginia, and driving around to Maryland, where they found a space at a campground.

Jeremy used every contact he could think of and finally scored tickets to the Inauguration AND the Youth Ball. But even if they hadn't been lucky, they were going to go anyway.

They took public transportation to many places, walked when they couldn't find any, and stood in a crushing crowd to watch Mr. Obama take the oath of office.

It's history, and I get to live it vicariously through these beautiful souls.

And now, so do YOU!

A Day for the Ages

So much pride.  So many times today my heart soared as I watched and listened to the events this Inaugural Day 2009.  

I woke at 4:00 this morning, had the radio on KUOW, which was running nonstop live coverage of the pre-inaugural events.  I moved to the TV around 5:30, and tuned around for constant coverage.

Such pride.  Not only for Barak Obama.  My heart also swelled as Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Diane Feinstein led President-elect Obama through the halls of the Capital to the dais where he would be inaugurated.  Two women leading an African American man.  20 years ago, even the thought of this would be impossible.

I was surprised at the somber tone of the Inaugural Address.   It seemed as if President Obama was saying "OK, America, stop this hero-worship thing.  We've got WORK to do".  There was no sugar-coating or false hopes.  There was reality laced with respect.

I especially appreciated it as he offered a hand to those in the Muslim world and urged them to unclench their fist.  It was a very poignant moment.

There are many observations, but since this blog is entitled "Dancing Again", I have one last thought.

Somebody has to give this guy dancing lessons.   Those slow dances with First Lady Michelle Obama were kind of embarrassing.  They verged on "awkward white guy" at times.

'Nuf said.  

Now let's get down to business and HEAL this country.

Incredibly Delicious

The dish pictured above is called "Palek Paneer".  

I have to admit it's one of the most unattractive foods I've ever seen, but I ate it last night at a dinner party and it was INCREDIBLE!!!

The dinner party was hosted by my sister's friend Arijit, a man she met while studying Ethno-Musicology at the University of Washington.  He is a master in Indian Drupat singing, which is ancient Indian classical music.  And he invited Anne, and some other good friends at the UW over for a dinner of homemade Indian cuisine.  I was lucky enough to be invited to tag along.

I've been exposed to Indian food several times, always in restaurants, and usually involving one or two dishes at a time.  Usually it's been a chicken or vegetable dish looking pretty Western, or at least familiar to my eyes.

Last night, almost nothing was familiar, and it was all spectacular.  Palek Paneer is a spinach-based sauce prepared with onions, ghee (clarified butter), cumin, onions and other spices, pureed in a food processor.  The white chunks are Paneer, a mild, slightly firm cheese.  

Wow.  I had seconds.  It was amazing.

Other dishes were a rice dish made with golden raisins and vegetables, "Sour Fish Curry", which had chunks of a white fish in a wonderful sauce, some turkey meatballs which looked very nice,  homemade vegetable samosas, which are a mashed potato fritter kind of thing, and the most wonderful homemade chai.

Arijit and his mother were wonderful hosts, and there was a lot of laughter last night.

Milk, please!

Just can't do it.  

I'm out of milk.

I'm not awake.

How do people drink black coffee??

The grocery store isn't open yet.

Need.  Milk.  Now.

help......

My Sister and Barry Manilow

This is a story I'm hoping my sister Anne blogs about at some point, but I wanted to share my memories on my blog, just in case she never gets around to it.

The photo above is of Anne in 1978, the year she was invited and flown to New York City, put up in the St. Regis Hotel and attended a "welcome home to NY" party for Barry Manilow.  A year later, that photo made it into our High School yearbook.   She (and my Father as chaperone) were given limos everywhere they wanted to go, and were treated like real celebrities.   

Anne became a big Barry Manilow fan about the time his 3rd album came out.  That's the one with "I Write the Songs", "Copacabana" and "Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again" (my favorite).

I'm not sure when the letter writing began, but she eventually wrote many, many letters, always in red envelopes, and would send them to his record label.  She wasn't pouring out her love for him, but was, instead, providing insightful critiques of his music, from her teenaged perspective.   She was also sharing moments of her life.  In fact, she hated the word "fan" and wanted nothing to do with fan clubs or activities.

Eventually, he started writing back.  They were hand-written, usually about a page long, and were very nice.   They were encouraging and thankful, and helped Anne, I'm sure, get through those angst-filled teenage years.

The record company started sending Anne all of Barry's albums for free.  Also, we were given free concert tickets whenever Barry was performing near or in Harrisburg.  We even got to go backstage to meet him afterwards.

Once, when he performed at the Hersheypark Arena, Anne got herself in with the Lebanon Valley College Choir, which was performing "One Voice" and "It's A Miracle" with Barry.  (They recruited a college choir from each city to perform these songs).  When Barry walked on stage to rehearse with the choir, he reportedly said "OK, Where's Anne?" before the rehearsal began. 

During the Three-Mile-Island Nuclear Accident in 1979, Barry sent a telegram to our house, asking if everything was OK, and if he could do anything.  (we lived within the 10-mile radius of the plant).

He sent her flowers that were presented during our high-school graduation, much to Anne's embarrassment and chagrin.  She would have much rather been given these in private, instead of pulled up to the stage with all the students receiving academic awards.  The card read: "Looks Like You Made It".  

Anyway, I was looking through Google Images, and came across a couple of photos from that big party all those years ago in New York City.  They are below:

This is of Barry and Ron Dante, one of his favorite lyricists.  

And this one must have been shot through the limo window as he was arriving or departing the party.  The woman is "Reparata", one of the members of "Lady Flash", his back-up group at the time.  One of the members, Deborah Byrd, is now the featured vocal coach on "American Idol".

The last time I met Barry was with Anne after a concert around 1990, I think.  We actually bought the tickets, since she hadn't heard from him in years.

He was performing at the Opera House.  I told Anne to bring a letter to him in a red envelope. We got the letter in the hands of his personal assistant, who searched the crowd for us after the show, and brought us backstage to chat with Barry. 

It was a nice reunion, but I must say, each time I met him, I was kind of tongue-tied.   Anne had no such problem.

Hope it's OK that I shared this, Anne.  There's much more to tell here, and I hope you do it sometime.  It's a great story.

 

A Week Off....What to do?

I see that I will be granted my week of vacation February 9th through the 13th.  So I'm open to suggestions.

I am very good at sitting around and doing nothing.  In fact, it's my favorite occupation.  But, what should I do?

Can you recommend a resort nearby where I could spend a couple of days doing nothing?  Maybe getting a good massage and a nice meal?

Maybe you have a man you could introduce me to who will squire me to the theater, symphony, or a lovely dinner?  I'm hoping he is single, preferably straight, and within 15 years of my age, either younger or older.

Or, maybe you can recommend a place where it would be fun to go as a local tourist for a day or two.  Is there a museum, local attraction, or fun shopping adventure.

Bottom line:  I get to spend a week relaxing, don't want to break the bank, and want to return feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Thanks!

Soggy Puppy

Dudley smelled so bad when I got home from work, that I just knew it was bath night.

I am EXHAUSTED!!!  But at least he's clean and smells better.

This Takes the Cake!

My birthday was Monday, so I decided to bake one of my favorite cakes for myself and my twin sister.

It turned out great!  It's a yellow pound cake with dark chocolate ganache....made with butter instead of heavy cream.  

I finished it with some chopped walnuts.  YUMMY!

Mac Mock

Where's Gregoire?

Here's what I know as of this posting:

1. She suddenly cancelled her entire schedule for today and Tuesday in Washington.

2. She left the state abruptly.

3. Nobody on her staff will say where she is.

4. She has reserved satellite time for 6:00 tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

5. The Obama Cabinet is not yet completely filled.

I doubt she's about to make an announcement on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

My selfish thought is that if she ditches the state for a high-profile political appointment, then what was that nasty campaign for last year?

Tea with Jammin' Bread

Oh, I wish I had a photo of the winner of the costume contest at this afternoon's "Sound of Music" sing-a-long at the 5th Avenue Theater.

The place was packed. And the tickets I was given were for the previous night. Of course I didn't check them ahead of time, assuming they were the Saturday afternoon seats I requested. But, the folks at the box office were nice enough to offer me a seat in the "viewing room" (a glassed-walled enclosed room behind the last row on the main floor). The sound was great, but the sight lines...not so good.

This was my first experience with the "Sound of Music" sing-a-long, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure, there were the requisite nuns and girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Plenty of Marias, Liezels and little tiny Gretels. But the most original people in the nearly hour-long costume contest were a guy dressed head to toe in bright yellow with the letters R-A-Y across his chest ("Ray, a drop of golden sun"), and Tea with Jam and Bread. But in their case, it was "Tea with Jammin' Bread".

Let me describe them to you. "T", was a woman dressed in black, wearing an enormous capital letter "T". "With" was a guy dressed like the devil with a big "with" written in cursive. And finally, "Jammin' Bread" was a skinny girl dressed as an enormous slice of bread, carrying an inflatable electric guitar. And let me tell you, she ROCKED it! They owned that theme costume and completely deserved to win.

When the movie started, I darted out of that viewing room and found myself an empty seat on the floor, about 30 rows back. It was a great seat. And, I proceeded to look in my Sing-a-long goodie bag. The contents are displayed below:


The question mark was to be held up when we sang "How do you Solve a Problem Like Maria?" Same with the picture of Maria.
Tiny eidelweiss flowers go without saying. Plus there's an invitation to the Captain's ball, a piece of fabric to wear when the Von Trapp children wear their play clothes made out of curtains, and a little champagne cork to pop, when the Captain and Maria kiss. Lame, but fun.

And the singing was great. The lyrics were on the bottom of the screen and everyone in the capacity crowd sang with every song. Here's a little taste:

It was a lot of fun.  And I left just before the Captain learned the Nazis had commissioned him to fight for their cause.

None of that ugly war stuff.  Just happiness, music and love.

Afterwards I took myself out to dinner and hummed to myself.

Time Passes

I thought a look at the passage of 2008 in a forest in Oslo, Norway would be a beautiful way to start 2009.

Happy New Year to you.

Reflections and Anticipations

What a year.

I'm not the kind of person who writes lists and catalogues her accomplishments. But every once in a while, I sit back and count my blessings. And on this, the last day of 2008, I'm also counting my memories of the year.

I've already blogged about the fact that 2008 became the most-documented year of my life, and that I am moving forward in learning and trying new digital technologies. So I won't go into detail about that right now. But it was a significant year. This blog is one example of that.

Here are a few other highlights in the memory department:

1. My sister Anne successfully made it through open-heart valve-replacement surgery and is moving forward in starting the next chapter of her life.

There were so many issues tied up with this, that it's hard to mention them all. But since we were born, (we're twins) we have all known Anne had a valve that didn't work normally. What a miracle that not only did she get the surgery in the nick of time, but that it was performed by the head of cardio-thoracic surgery at Swedish Hospital, AND that it was all paid for by Swedish Charity funds, since Anne had no health insurance. Much to be thankful about.

2. I renewed my relationship and friendship with my sister Linda, who went through huge transitions in order to be in Seattle for Anne's recovery.

I think we were both extremely nervous about this and both took steps toward each other and healing the rift. I enjoyed having her stay in my home when Anne was able to move back to her apartment, and really miss her, now that she is beginning the next chapter of
her life in New York City.

3. My co-anchor of nearly 5 years moved on to his next chapter, writing a book. That meant he

gave up his anchor chair and left KOMO. But it was more than that. He left a hole that may or may not be filled again.

4. I took a wonderful vacation to Kauai with my good friend, Miss Terry Brown. You may also know her as Terry Travis, anchor at KPAM in Portland and former reporter at KOMO 1000 Newsradio. She is a great woman, a dream to travel with and a wonderful champion of me, and many, many other people. If you missed our adventures, here is our farewell from the island:

6. I got to interview my musical hero, Jason Mraz! And, since Herb Weisbaum was my co-anchor that day, and since he had to be out of the studio at the time, it was a solo interview. It was wonderful. Colleen O'Brien, our editor, took a video of the interview. Here it is on YouTube:

It has garnered the most hits of any of my posts so far on YouTube, receiving more than 33-thousand hits. After the interview, he hung out, clutched my crystal that I bring into the studio, and took photos. He was very nice.

7. I have finally (knock wood) healed the infection/swelling of my left leg. It has been an issue since 2003, when a series of mosquito bites became inflamed, and just never healed. Imagine having a yukky open wound for 5 years. But visits to a naturopath, an infectious disease specialist, and a dermatologist finally figured out what's going on. Thank God!

8. I also got a handle on an extreme vitamin B deficiency, a vitamin D deficiency and an under-active thyroid. So, I've gone from being drug-free, to taking a number of supplements. But I am feeling better.

9. I started taking dance classes again. I love dancing, and have only been dancing at workshops and nighttime dances. The classes free me up to be myself more, instead of trying to be the perfect partner. I'll keep doing this in 2009.

10. I got much more involved in my church, The Center for Spiritual Living. While I have not yet become a member, I volunteer at the registration desk and have also lent my voice to several commercials and even to the telephone answering system. I'm making a few friends there as well. This is the most involved I have ever been in a church, and I find I really look forward to Sunday services.

11. This was a good year for freelance voiceover work.

Even though 2-year campaign with the University of Washington Endowment campaign came to an end, they still needed me for several more spots. I also had a few jobs from the "Voice-123" site, and did some TV imaging for a station in Upstate New York. In addition, I continue my regular weekly gig with United Broadcasting Sales.

But the most fun I had was in early March, when Microsoft asked me to voice some spots with my old radio partner, Pat Cashman. It was such a blast to work with him again, and I loved the professional session, with a director, writer, engineer, compliance guy from Microsoft and an assistant, in addition to Pat and me in the voice booth. I love this kind of work.
It also allowed me to keep ahead of the bills and take a couple of trips.

12. I got to travel to Montreal. What a wonderful trip. I blogged about it every day, so just click on the bottom of the next 2 pages to get to the posts if you want to see them. Lots of wonderful memories.

And while there are many other highlights, these are the top 12. And I would be remiss in ignoring the importance of you, my readers. You have supported me with your comments and friendship, and I thank you for your continued readership.

Here's to a loving, prosperous, joyful, fun, healthy 2009.

And Happy New Year to You!

Letting Go

Have you ever been hated?  I don't mean disliked or snubbed by a friend or a co-worker who didn't invite you to her Halloween party for reasons unknown to you.

I mean deeply, totally and wholeheartedly hated?  Like Osama bin Laden hated? 

I am that hated by my ex-husband and his family.  

My divorce was finalized in 2004.  After that, he appealed his settlement to the Washington State Court of appeals.  That took 2 more years and many thousands of dollars.  After he did not win the appeal, he took the matter to the Washington State Supreme Court.  Again, more time, and much more money.  I had no choice but to fight.  But I did not file my own appeals or requests.  I simply responded to his arguments, which I was legally obligated to do.

And, in May of 2007, the Washington State Supreme Court, in its' infinite wisdom, decided there was no constitutionally compelling reason to hear the case of a simple divorce, with no children and no money involved.  

The question was over the issue of jurisdiction.  His argument was that I was not within my legal rights to file for divorce in Washington State, after he had asked me for a divorce, demanded I move out of our home, and I found a job back home in Seattle.   I moved across the country from Cleveland and negotiated for a settlement through my Seattle attorney.

During the required face-to-face mediation, my attorney served him with divorce papers by hand.  He had already been served by mail, but this was a legal formality that had to be carried out. 

That's when he got mad.  And that, I think, is when the hating began.  But I'll never know for sure.  Because I have been cut out of his life, and the life of his family forever.  Even though his mother said we could resume our conversations after the divorce was over, she changed her mind and did not respond to my notes.

I have to let it all go.  I know that.  Most days I don't think about it.  But I wonder about his sister.   What happened to Lizzy?

During the trial, it was the one conversation we had.  I asked how Lizzy was, in July of 2004, and Andy said "she's fine".  That's all we said to each other.

But I'm worried.  Like Andy, Lizzy, too, had a heart transplant.   She was 2 at the time, and when I last saw her, she was 20 and doing well.  When she was a teenager, she had a kidney transplant received from her father.  Her kidney was damaged because of all the years of anti-rejection medication for her transplanted heart.  

I have seen the Facebook pages of a few of Andy's friends, and of one relative, and Lizzy is not on their lists of friends.  But her good friend from school is listed as a contact.  Andy has blocked me from seeing his list of friends on Facebook.  

I hope Lizzy is doing OK.  If she's not, please let me know.

Divorce is awful.  It rips up hearts and souls and families and hopes and dreams and lives.

I forgave Andy a long time ago.  I will always wish him well.  I am sorry I am so hated and shut out by him and his family.

But if that's the way it has to be, what choice do I have?

It is time to put all of this aside and move on.   I know there is love and life out there.  

I don't hate him.  I miss his family.  I wish them well.

Like Family to Me

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting for coffee with some of my former co-workers and present friends today.  We laughed and shared and had so much fun with none of those pesky news deadlines getting in the way.

I miss these guys, but am so thrilled at all of their accomplishments and futures.  

I love them like family.

And for my Cat Loving Friends...

And to all, a good night!

Again with the Snow!

Here we are on Christmas Day....in the SNOW!  And it's beautiful and perfect and won't stop falling!

I haven't been able to leave my driveway since Sunday, but I'm hoping that comes to an end tomorrow.  My ride to work isn't going to the station tomorrow, so I'll have to figure something out.

If I can get out of my driveway and out of the alley, I should be fine.  

I hope you've been able to get from here to there in all this snowy madness!

Merry Merry

First an update: Abbey is one week into her course of super-strong antibiotics and she is doing much, much better!

She still has some sort of tumor "down there", but she has much more energy and has even jumped up on the bed with me at times to snuggle close.

She also posed long enough for me to take a Christmas photo for you:

And Dudley looks like he's had 4 or 5 drinks already:

Thanks for reading my blog, putting up with dog pictures entirely too often, and commenting!

And have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukah!!

Snow Day

Instead of feeling annoyed about having to make my way to work in this mess, I am able to feel the enchantment of the beauty because it is Sunday and I can simply enjoy this rare Northwest treat.



These photos are from my house, looking out to the street.



What a beautiful morning. I awoke around 5:00 and just delighted in the white crusty snow.



I got about 5-6 inches of snow at my home which is near Greenlake.

Snow Adds a Special Challenge!

You can hear how crusty the snow is this morning. Dudley has a special challenge just trying to do the "usual business".

Christmas Tea at the Sorrento Hotel

Every year, my friend Mary Lou Harris and I make a point of having a special Christmas High

Tea at the Sorrento Hotel in Downtown Seattle.

This year, we had to make some special arrangements because of the impending snowstorm, moving up our appointed time a couple of hours.  I'm so glad we decided to brave the elements because it's such a great place for a holiday celebration.

This is my friend, Mary Lou.  We've known each other for about 6 years now, serving together on the board of the Northwest Dance Network.  In addition to being a remarkable dancer of both follow and lead roles, she is also one of the most tech-savvy people I have ever met!

Mary Lou is always among the first to explore new technology.  She has a new Mac laptop, an iPhone, and has very advanced computer user skills.  I always marvel at her abilities!
This is the beautiful Fireside Room at the Sorrento Hotel.  We had the seats of honor, beside the fireplace.  Our 2 other guests couldn't make it because of the ice, snow, and impending storm.  They really missed a treat!

The Sorrento serves a wonderful High Tea every weekend, and at Christmastime, it's extra special with holiday decorations and festive caroling.   

Yes, the weather outside was frightful, but the fire was so delightful!   
Their Christmas tree is always so beautifully decorated.  Click on the photo to blow up the detail.  I love the red, gold and silver decorations.

We had to cut our High Tea a little short, but it's such a wonderful tradition.  

That Dastardly Weather Channel

HAPPY UPDATE

After 5 agonizing days waiting for the test results, the vet FINALLY got ahold of me today and guess what?

After telling me Abbey has cancer, and an inoperable tumor and that I'd better prepare myself and Abbey for euthanization, I learned the test results show there is NO TUMOR AT ALL!!!

In fact, the test says Abbey has a very bad septic infection and will need some strong antibiotics. But it's NOT CANCER!!

I'll put her on the antibiotics for a week and take her to another vet. Please give me good recommendations!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

A Snowy Morning

This morning at 4:45 outside my front door.   If you look closely at the puppy paws in the snow, you'll see some belonging to Abbey as well.  

It's very pretty right now.

My Sweet Girl

apI took Abbey to the vet today because it looked like her anal glands were infected. (sorry to be so graphic here).

Yes they were.  But the vet also found a large tumor just underneath her tail.   She says it's inoperable, but she is running some tests to find out what kind of cells they are, and if they are likely to spread.

She prepared me for the worst.  She says at the very best, we may be able to give some drugs that might keep the tumor from growing, but that there is probably already a lot of damage to her system.  When the test results come back, I will know more about my options with my Abbey-puppy.

She's 13 years old.  She's been with me since she was 12 weeks old.  She drove across the country with me to move to Seattle.

She has been my very good friend and saw me through college, the brewery, my first 2 "Tuxes and Tails", she flew across the country from Cleveland to Redwood City, California one Christmas AND travelled back home again, landing in a windshear at Hopkins International Airport.  Her barks were so panicky that I never ever would fly her again.  

My sweet, sweet baby girl.  

I don't know what to think right now.  Please send her your prayers.  

Pets and Their People

Every Wednesday, we have Brenda Barnette, CEO of the Seattle Humane Society in the studio for our "Pet of the Week" feature. I look forward to it, because I get to play with a pooch at work. What could be better than that.

I'd like to introduce you to Grady. He's tomorrow's pet of the week.

Remind you of anyone?

No? What about....

The late Rick James?

Yes, the Super Freak himself has reincarnated in the form of a cocker spaniel mix, to spread joy and goodwill to one and all. And he will be on the radio tomorrow.

My Weekend

Well, here it is, Monday morning and I have to start getting ready to go to work. But before I begin the ritual of washing, drying, dressing, brushing etc., I thought I'd reflect on my weekend, and take you, my cyber-friends along. (cue glissando.....)

It started with an intense desire to sleep in, as long as possible. For that reason, I missed an invitation to a gathering on Whidbey Island, where I was invited to cut holiday greens, drink hot chocolate and share the day with friends and acquaintances. I had already RSVP'd, but utter exhaustion won out. I have very bad social skills sometimes.

But, when I finally did wake up, I used the 3 hours before my next commitment to pay all my bills, including the bill for repairing the garage door opener ($381 as opposed to the first price quote of $750!) and the car insurance bill. While I was paying bills, I watched "Dance With Me", a romantic little film starring Vanessa L. Williams and some latin hunk named "Cheyanne" who fall in love with a background of competitive ballroom dancing.

There were a LOT of bills to pay. And during the sorting process, I was interrupted by a telephone call with Helena (a welcome distraction)--which, of course, delayed the process. I was also invited (i.e. NAGGED) into a rousing game of "Toys" (or "fetch" as most humans know it) with the dogs.

Once the bills were finally paid, I knew I had to get them to the post office BEFORE my 3:00 volunteer stint at the Phinney Neighborhood Association's annual Holiday Crafts Fair. So, I had to hustle and get ready.

It was 2:45 when I left the house, dashed to the Post Office, and managed to find a street parking place less than 2 blocks from the Red Brick Building behind the better-known Blue Building which houses most of the offices of the Phinney Neighborhood Center. And, since I had arrived 15 minutes before my shift as a ticket-taker, I had time to shop the crafts fair. Yay! In those 15 minutes, I managed to spend nearly 300 dollars on a number of beautiful handmade things, that will be given to many friends for Christmas. Hmm....maybe you, dear reader, will be the recipient of one of those hand-made treasures! What could it be???

This is my 3rd year as a volunteer at the festival. It's a fundraiser for the Neighborhood Association, which is in the process of raising millions of dollars to finally buy the schoolhouses they have occupied for years from the Seattle School District. It's a great organization. I volunteer for a number of annual events. They're always well-organized, fun, and colorful events. ( Colorful is a relative term here. Sometimes, like at the crafts fair, it applies to the goods and services. And sometimes, like at the annual winter beer tasting, it applies to the crowd and vendors after a few hours.)

Anyway, there was one big controversy as I stood at the door, taking cash and stamping hands for entry to the event. The steel drum band they had scheduled to play on the tiny basement stage, in the low-ceilinged room where about a dozen craft vendors had set up, was playing at outdoor street festival volume, rather than tiny enclosed stage volume. The vendors were PISSED!!!!! I was approached by a half-dozen of them, demanding the music be turned down. I told the appropriate people, who in turn, told the band, who in response turned UP the volume and played 30 minutes longer than their alloted 30 minute set out of spite. I was glad I was near the door, an entire floor away. It was really loud! I doubt they'll be invited back next year.

Another highlight as admissions volunteer was seeing 2 friends, whom I haven't seen in YEARS! Anne Fitzpatrick, who used to be known as Anne Martin in her broadcasting days at KPLU and KJR was there with her now-grown twin daughters. I haven't seen her in at least 15 years. Also, Brenda Goldstein-Young, a former co-worker at Kidstar Radio attended. Too short a time catching up with both of them. But what a pleasant surprise.

After I left the festival around 5, I did more Christmas Shopping in my Greenwood neighborhood, and returned home for a toaster oven supper of doctored-up Trader Joe's Pizza and some wine. Oh, and another movie. I watched "The Producers" and loved it. There was also laundry-folding involved, since you asked.

Sunday morning I went to church at The Center for Spiritual Living. It was an OK service, led by a guest minister. The music was great though. Gypsy Soul performed. Great music! Click on the link to listen to them and watch their videos. It's not traditional "churchy" stuff. Just positive, great music.

After church, I picked up my sister Anne, and we went to the Seattle Art Museum to finally see the Edward Hopper exhibit. It was great. I am always taken by his use of color and shadows, and his almost crude style when he paints faces. The mod is important to him. Not the individuals. And Travis's suggestion about viewing the accompanying photography exhibit was well taken. It was also wonderful.

Anne and I had lunch at the museum's "Taste" cafe. I've heard a lot about it but had never eaten there before. It was very good, and the food was, appropriately enough, very artistically done and displayed. I had soup and a half a sandwich. Anne had the fritatta. Here's a photo of Anne pre-fritatta. She was looking very lovely with her new haircut and color.

We returned home around 5:00 and took the dogs out for a walk.  She handled Dudley and I walked with Abbey.  We did about 12-15 blocks, long enough for Abbey and just a start for Dudley.

I then made us a green salad with basil and feta thrown in for good measure.  I had to eat something because Salsa Class started soon.    I left Anne with the dogs because a friend was picking her up and taking her home.

It was the final class of the 6-week session, and lots of fun!  It's a big class. There are maybe 50 people.  We rotate partners regularly, so you get to see how lots of people dance, and adjust your style accordingly.  During the classes, we learned 3 significant Salsa combinations.  They were very fun!  I think I'll take another Salsa 2 class next session.  This one features "Tricks and Illusions"

Anyway, after class, I stopped at the Metropolitan Market for a few items, and returned home to the pooches, who were exceptionally happy to see me and gave me many kisses.

Thanks for letting me share my weekend with you.

Black Nativity

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been CHURCED!   (pronounced "Choyched")

Anne and I went to see the opening night performance of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity" at the Intiman Theater tonight.

At least the first half was Langston Hughes' Black Nativity.  The traditional story of Jesus' birth was told through gospel music, narration and poetry.  It was great.  Top notch stuff.    This is the 11th year for the performance here in Seattle and the place was nearly filled to capacity.

Then the second half began.  Pat Wright and the Total Experience Gospel Choir again filled the stage, but this time, there was no Passion Play presentation.  This time, we learned what it was like to be in CHURCH.  

It was great.  Lots more singing, praising, a good message.....all in a theatrical setting.  

I don't know what I was expecting, but this was not it.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed it, cried at the beauty of one soloist's rendition of "The Alabaster Box", laughed at the antics of the choir, and felt uplifted.

Thus, the feeling of being "Choyched".

Amen.   And so it is.

Changing Times

This may be a little too much information....but it's starting to happen and it's very strange. I still feel like I'm in my late 20's or early 30's, but certain parts of me are reminding me otherwise.

We all remember puberty and have our own horror stories. I was an early bloomer and it took forever to get through the cramps and into womanhood.

I don't know what to expect as I move into the next stage.

I'm collecting stories from those women who have gone before me. It was very easy for some, and very difficult for others. Hormonal shifts knocked me for such a loop this week that it took me out of commission for a couple of days. But here's the odd part. I didn't get hot, I got COLD. I was shivering and shivering for hours. Almost 2 days, in fact.

And I frequently feel like screaming at my boss and co-anchor. So far, I have not, but I hope they forgive me if I do.

Me, who takes pride in the calm I so enjoy.....a woman at a crossroads. A woman on edge.

A woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown?