Blogged Down

I'm just terrified of change. And a new job might mean just that.

Power Bloom

The cherry blossoms are fluttering all over Washington DC. Julia and I are compatible travelers. She is off to the White House with her Uncle, Aunt and cousins. Me, I am enjoying the luxuries of a gloriously appointed hotel.

Spring Break Fatigue

Spring Break with Julia began with a jumpstart! Got going 4 hours too early so have spent an unremarkable morning downing Starbucks and watching CNN as President Obama signed the Healthcare Bill.

Dream Job Paralysis

I have an acute case of dream job paralysis. This means that when presented with an option or opportunity that perfectly fits my life vision, I stop dead in my tracks, paralyzed with fear of EVERYTHING UNKNOWN. Afraid to go for it and get rejected. Afraid to ignore it and get hit a backlash of regret.

But let it be known that today, I will break out of my pattern, shatter my own paradigm and GO FOR IT with reckless resolve. Onward and forward into the fertile frontier of the unknown. Godspeed.

mothers & daughters

Today Lexi let me photograph her.

Spending time with my lovely daughter Lexi, is something I've not done for 20 years. Being with her every day is a joyful surprise and delight. We shop.

I took Velvet for a walk today and by chance, we crossed paths with a dalmation, who from the accoutrements in its yard, i.e. dalmation dog statues, jumping track, rings—looked to be a show dog. I cheerfully greeted his owner with a friendly...."does your dog compete?" to which she replied "yes" without a touch of pride or joy in her voice. At this point, since we were stopped, Velvet started to pull on the leash and I had to say "settle" to regain control of her. Big deal! I went on to say..."oh, I've been told that my dog has the temperment for competing," and the lady looked at Velvet (with unveiled disdain), and snarled at me (with uncompromising annoyance)—"I don't know if they have competitive venues for uh, mixed—um, non breed specific animals. I looked up at her, smiled, then looked down at Velvet and said, "don't take it personally Vel."
I quickly realized that the conversation was derailing and said, well thank you for your insight. Goodbye. As we walked away from them toward the opposite end of the street, she called out..."You'll have to get better control over that animal if you plan to do any kind of show work."

Lexi is my shining star.

The Turning Point

As Lexi, my first born turned 20 on February 27, 2010, I marveled at how she had, before my eyes stepped confidently into her own two shoes. With such purposeful grace, she stepped up to reach for her own stars. A turning point to be sure. And a beginning just brimming with promise.

I'm so proud of her.