Showing posts with label yayas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yayas. Show all posts
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wildey Theater
Thanks MB and MC for the great talk and for coming out on this cold night.
A special thanks to MB for giving me the perfect shot.
Hometown at night:
Even the funeral home next door to the theater has on it's holiday finery:
A special thanks to MB for giving me the perfect shot.
Hometown at night:
Even the funeral home next door to the theater has on it's holiday finery:
Friday, November 25, 2011
Yaya Wedding
A big event for the yayas because our dear friend, SM, got married today. I should probably call her SS now...nah, she'll always be SM to me. I've never seen her look more beautiful or more happy. It was touching to watch my friend take those vows and fantastic to cut loose with all the Yas. If you're reading, SM, thank you for being my friend and for letting me be a part of your special day.
SM and her mom bustin' a move in a surprise dance routine:
SM and her mom bustin' a move in a surprise dance routine:
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Eight Months Ago
Eight months ago I gave birth to my son, beautiful, still and silent.
He is no less, just because he is not here.
Support Group:
He is no less, just because he is not here.
Support Group:
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Till We Meet Again, Chicago
We started our last day in Chicago at a breakfast place called Hot Chocolate. We knew from the dark, chocolaty, trendy decor that it was a hip place. Of course we had to sample the beverage the place was named after. OMG! (and I don't use that acronym lightly) This hot cocoa was fantastic. Creamy, silky, chocolaty but not too chocolaty, sweet but not too sweet and perfect. I consider myself quite the connoisseur and this is without a doubt the best hot cocoa I have ever tasted. It was served with a homemade marshmallow which sweet and powdery and light. It was like tasting a cloud.
After breakfast we made our way to the Brown Elephant, a big thrift store. Kind of pricey, but JS and I both made small purchases. The most unusual thing about the store was the "porn and leather corner". I've never seen that in a thrift store before! They also offered free condoms from a big bowl on the checkout counter. Good to know they are promoting safety with their used leather items!
Through these subtle clues we discovered we were in the "Gay District". I don't know what else to call it. It was a very colorful and bright area. Since I was now accustomed to bobbing around the big city my eyes didn't pop out quite as much as yesterday but there was certainly a lot to see. We shopped a little in a store called Gay Mart. I bought two adorable plates in there. You might see a pic of them on my wall very soon.
Lots of cool stuff to photograph:
On the way out of town, we stopped at Ikea. There were babies everywhere in there causing me to have a mini panic attack. In trying to flee from all of them (impossible) I got seperated from my friends. Now, I like shopping just as much as the next gal but I wouldn't call it my life's forte. However ...ummm...something strange came over me in this store. I just wanted to buy EVERYTHING and could not stop putting stuff in my cart. I told JS and MB that I was NOT to be allowed inside that store unsupervised again.
I experienced so much this weekend, more than I could ever write about here and I truly cannot remember the last time I smiled and laughed so much. I was glad to be home before a bad storm blew in but so sorry to end our trip and leave my dear friends.
After breakfast we made our way to the Brown Elephant, a big thrift store. Kind of pricey, but JS and I both made small purchases. The most unusual thing about the store was the "porn and leather corner". I've never seen that in a thrift store before! They also offered free condoms from a big bowl on the checkout counter. Good to know they are promoting safety with their used leather items!
Through these subtle clues we discovered we were in the "Gay District". I don't know what else to call it. It was a very colorful and bright area. Since I was now accustomed to bobbing around the big city my eyes didn't pop out quite as much as yesterday but there was certainly a lot to see. We shopped a little in a store called Gay Mart. I bought two adorable plates in there. You might see a pic of them on my wall very soon.
Lots of cool stuff to photograph:
On the way out of town, we stopped at Ikea. There were babies everywhere in there causing me to have a mini panic attack. In trying to flee from all of them (impossible) I got seperated from my friends. Now, I like shopping just as much as the next gal but I wouldn't call it my life's forte. However ...ummm...something strange came over me in this store. I just wanted to buy EVERYTHING and could not stop putting stuff in my cart. I told JS and MB that I was NOT to be allowed inside that store unsupervised again.
I experienced so much this weekend, more than I could ever write about here and I truly cannot remember the last time I smiled and laughed so much. I was glad to be home before a bad storm blew in but so sorry to end our trip and leave my dear friends.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Windy City
I can't begin to talk about all the things we've seen and done here in the Windy City. Just walking around in Chicago is pretty amazing for this country mouse. Everything is so big and tall! Great architecture of every type everywhere you look. People watching is a feast for the eyes here. And all the food has been fabulous even through a stuffed up head and nose.
First on our agenda was Cloud Gate otherwise known as the Bean. Gave off kind of a weird feeling. Here is this HUGE shiny object in the middle of a park and people are just gravitating toward it. I just wished all those people would move out of my pictures.
Breakfast at The Corner Bakery and then off to the Navy Pier. There was lots going on there including Armed Forces Day so there were lots of yummy boys in uniform around. All of them looked young enough to be jailbait but you can't get put in the pokey just for looking.
We took a neat and very informative boat ride where the guide talked all about Chicago and sang "Get Your Kicks On Route 66". The entire song. MB got a surprise when a sea gull pooped on her shoulder. We also rode the giant Ferris wheel, fun but kind of scary getting on and off.
We saw so many things on Michigan Avenue. Beautiful stores and all kinds of different people, wonderful buildings, a bride and groom running around with their photographer, street performers, homeless people. Scene after scene I wanted to capture with my camera. I had thoughts all day of my other photographer friends and my bro.
Street performers:
A random bride and groom just walkimg around Downtown:
Lunch was a "Cupcake for Courage" on Michigan Avenue:
I'm so happy that my friend, JS, got to visit some of her dream stores and I enjoyed shopping with her especially knowing that I would have missed out on them if she hadn't wanted to go:
And a Chicago style hotdog from a hotdog stand on the Museum Campus which was possibly the best hotdog I've ever eaten:
A very handsome waiter, raspberry mojitos and a fabulous dinner at Carnivale rounded out the evening. Wonderful ambiance, very colorful and artsy decor and Latin music. MB was in her element.
On the taxi ride back to the hotel, JS yet again, made best friends with our driver. He asked her what her nickname for her husband was...and then what her nickname for him during "romantic mood". He was originally from India with an adorable accent. Our friendliest driver so far. He told her his wife's nickname for him was "sugar cane" for romantic mood but "dirty naughty" for Sunday mornings. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Actually we're still laughing about it.
First on our agenda was Cloud Gate otherwise known as the Bean. Gave off kind of a weird feeling. Here is this HUGE shiny object in the middle of a park and people are just gravitating toward it. I just wished all those people would move out of my pictures.
Breakfast at The Corner Bakery and then off to the Navy Pier. There was lots going on there including Armed Forces Day so there were lots of yummy boys in uniform around. All of them looked young enough to be jailbait but you can't get put in the pokey just for looking.
We took a neat and very informative boat ride where the guide talked all about Chicago and sang "Get Your Kicks On Route 66". The entire song. MB got a surprise when a sea gull pooped on her shoulder. We also rode the giant Ferris wheel, fun but kind of scary getting on and off.
We saw so many things on Michigan Avenue. Beautiful stores and all kinds of different people, wonderful buildings, a bride and groom running around with their photographer, street performers, homeless people. Scene after scene I wanted to capture with my camera. I had thoughts all day of my other photographer friends and my bro.
Street performers:
A random bride and groom just walkimg around Downtown:
Lunch was a "Cupcake for Courage" on Michigan Avenue:
I'm so happy that my friend, JS, got to visit some of her dream stores and I enjoyed shopping with her especially knowing that I would have missed out on them if she hadn't wanted to go:
And a Chicago style hotdog from a hotdog stand on the Museum Campus which was possibly the best hotdog I've ever eaten:
A very handsome waiter, raspberry mojitos and a fabulous dinner at Carnivale rounded out the evening. Wonderful ambiance, very colorful and artsy decor and Latin music. MB was in her element.
On the taxi ride back to the hotel, JS yet again, made best friends with our driver. He asked her what her nickname for her husband was...and then what her nickname for him during "romantic mood". He was originally from India with an adorable accent. Our friendliest driver so far. He told her his wife's nickname for him was "sugar cane" for romantic mood but "dirty naughty" for Sunday mornings. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Actually we're still laughing about it.
Hello Chi-town!
Field Day at school. A busy and hectic morning but then chilling with a movie and popcorn. Fun for the kids.
Not sure which superhero Krishon is trying for here:
I was anxious for the day to end though because right after school I hit the road with two yayas headed for the Windy City.
I cannot believe that I've lived in Illinois for 39 years and never been to Chi-town till now. I guess these gals got tired of hearing me complain and here we are!
Lots of girly chatting which is exactly what I needed on the way up here.
Then, we hit the big city and I, of course, totally hicked out gawking at all the tall buildings, beautiful architecture and giggling with the girls while Gladys the GPS guided us around and around the city looking for things in the fog. Poor Gladys, I think we drove her kookyballs (yes, that is a JS original phrase)with all the quick turns and up and down one way streets. Or down and up them as we chose.
Dinner at Gino's East Pizza with all that crazy writing on the walls. Yes, the best pizza I've had in a long time. Even a stuffed up nose couldn't dampen the good food and fun.
Watch out, Chi-town! Country is comin' to town!
Not sure which superhero Krishon is trying for here:
I was anxious for the day to end though because right after school I hit the road with two yayas headed for the Windy City.
I cannot believe that I've lived in Illinois for 39 years and never been to Chi-town till now. I guess these gals got tired of hearing me complain and here we are!
Lots of girly chatting which is exactly what I needed on the way up here.
Then, we hit the big city and I, of course, totally hicked out gawking at all the tall buildings, beautiful architecture and giggling with the girls while Gladys the GPS guided us around and around the city looking for things in the fog. Poor Gladys, I think we drove her kookyballs (yes, that is a JS original phrase)with all the quick turns and up and down one way streets. Or down and up them as we chose.
Dinner at Gino's East Pizza with all that crazy writing on the walls. Yes, the best pizza I've had in a long time. Even a stuffed up nose couldn't dampen the good food and fun.
Watch out, Chi-town! Country is comin' to town!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Anyway
SC and her mom were the epitome of grace at the visitation and the whole family seemed to be holding up pretty well. My heart just goes out to them. That has to be one of the toughest days to get through.
I'm really dreading the funeral tomorrow. Selfishly, I can't stop thinking about how I'm going to get through it since the jackass is the officiant. I keep telling myself I won't have to have any personal interaction with him. It's really not about me anyway. I want to be there for my friend and her family! This type of situation was bound to come up sooner or later since we live in such a small community. Anyway, that's what I keep telling myself.
100/365
I could hardly bring myself to pick up the camera tonight.
Does anyone see a baby in there?
I'm really dreading the funeral tomorrow. Selfishly, I can't stop thinking about how I'm going to get through it since the jackass is the officiant. I keep telling myself I won't have to have any personal interaction with him. It's really not about me anyway. I want to be there for my friend and her family! This type of situation was bound to come up sooner or later since we live in such a small community. Anyway, that's what I keep telling myself.
100/365
I could hardly bring myself to pick up the camera tonight.
Does anyone see a baby in there?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tribute To A Classic
Six months ago my dear friend learned her father had cancer. Today he lost the battle and will be greatly missed. My heart cries for you, SC, and your family.
My first memory of the Judge was at a slumber party at SC's house. It was her 10th birthday and the cake said "Congrats Double Digit S". You know how slumber parties go. Soon Dallas was over and it was late at night. A dozen or so giggling little girls were still up and making noise. We were startled by a very deep and loud voice calling down the stairs that it was late and time to go to sleep. You can be very sure that all those little girls went straight to sleep...after a final giggle or two. When SC's Dad said something in that voice, you can be sure as shootin' that it was done. Immediately.
SC's Dad was bigger than life. Physically a big man with a big beard, a big voice and a big personality. Later on I admired his big sense of humor and his big intelligence too. Most importantly, he had a big heart. I always felt welcomed at SC's home or when I was with her family. I admit I was a little scared of him as a child but really grew to admire him as I became an adult. I have so many good memories of the SC's Dad and her whole family.
I was privileged a few times to go on vacation with SC and her family. My 30th birthday happened to coincide with one beach trip. SC's parents cooked a huge Mexican meal for me. I can still taste the "meat pies". Although I was not with my own family, I felt special and I treasure that year as one of my favorite birthday memories.
I think it was during that same beach trip or maybe a different one (I wish I had been blogging back then so I could look back and see) SC's sister decided we would have a talent show for our evening entertainment one night. SC and I did a dramatic reading from the classic book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. We were outside practicing and got to laughing hard and very loudly. Pretty soon we were startled by a knock on the window and heard the familiar baritone through the glass door asking WHAT was going on out there. This time being "yelled" at made us laugh even harder.
Our reading was a great success. Everyone had a part, SC's sister played the guitar and sang. I don't recall what talent everyone else displayed but I do remember that SC's parents danced for us. Well, SC's mom danced and her dad...well...there was a lot of movement but I wouldn't call what he was doing dancing. I believe it was supposed to be The Twist but somehow seemed to resemble what I believe a drunk monkey in a hurricane might look like. We all laughed and laughed. I'm giggling now so many years later while I write.
I remember SC's Dad saying repeatedly afterwards how much he'd enjoyed the talent show. He really took pleasure in having his family around him.
Another thing was always big when you were with SC's family...the food. There was always amazing food at their house and a lot of it. The Judge's specialty was meat and it was par for the course to be served multiple types when you were a guest there. There was always such unusual fare along with traditional grilled and barbecued. I remember SC talking about strange and exotic foods such as lamb, duck and beaver (I think?). Experiencing or hearing about these helped stretch my horizons since beef and pork from our farm were only meats I can recall on our table.
The Judge enjoyed the finer things in life and sharing them with others. He had a beautiful library in his home and I remember, as a child, longing to have a wall of books like that when I grew up. He gave me my first taste of port from a hand painted Italian glass. Their extensive pantry was the first place I saw many exotic ingredients such as lemon curd and smoked paprika. Things I thought existed only on TV cooking shows.
I think what I'll remember most about the Judge was his dedication to his family. I've never met a man who cherished his wife more or took better care of her. On our beach vacations he insisted on sitting beside her at every meal. Even near the end of his life, making plans to insure she would be ok, come what may. I know both he and SC's Mom delighted in being with their children and grandchildren. I could see that so clearly during our vacations. I feel very fortunate to have so many memories with this kind and generous family.
SC -- if you're reading, thank you for sharing your family with me. Your dad will be greatly missed by many.
A classic, dedicated to another classic, SC's Dad:
My first memory of the Judge was at a slumber party at SC's house. It was her 10th birthday and the cake said "Congrats Double Digit S". You know how slumber parties go. Soon Dallas was over and it was late at night. A dozen or so giggling little girls were still up and making noise. We were startled by a very deep and loud voice calling down the stairs that it was late and time to go to sleep. You can be very sure that all those little girls went straight to sleep...after a final giggle or two. When SC's Dad said something in that voice, you can be sure as shootin' that it was done. Immediately.
SC's Dad was bigger than life. Physically a big man with a big beard, a big voice and a big personality. Later on I admired his big sense of humor and his big intelligence too. Most importantly, he had a big heart. I always felt welcomed at SC's home or when I was with her family. I admit I was a little scared of him as a child but really grew to admire him as I became an adult. I have so many good memories of the SC's Dad and her whole family.
I was privileged a few times to go on vacation with SC and her family. My 30th birthday happened to coincide with one beach trip. SC's parents cooked a huge Mexican meal for me. I can still taste the "meat pies". Although I was not with my own family, I felt special and I treasure that year as one of my favorite birthday memories.
I think it was during that same beach trip or maybe a different one (I wish I had been blogging back then so I could look back and see) SC's sister decided we would have a talent show for our evening entertainment one night. SC and I did a dramatic reading from the classic book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. We were outside practicing and got to laughing hard and very loudly. Pretty soon we were startled by a knock on the window and heard the familiar baritone through the glass door asking WHAT was going on out there. This time being "yelled" at made us laugh even harder.
Our reading was a great success. Everyone had a part, SC's sister played the guitar and sang. I don't recall what talent everyone else displayed but I do remember that SC's parents danced for us. Well, SC's mom danced and her dad...well...there was a lot of movement but I wouldn't call what he was doing dancing. I believe it was supposed to be The Twist but somehow seemed to resemble what I believe a drunk monkey in a hurricane might look like. We all laughed and laughed. I'm giggling now so many years later while I write.
I remember SC's Dad saying repeatedly afterwards how much he'd enjoyed the talent show. He really took pleasure in having his family around him.
Another thing was always big when you were with SC's family...the food. There was always amazing food at their house and a lot of it. The Judge's specialty was meat and it was par for the course to be served multiple types when you were a guest there. There was always such unusual fare along with traditional grilled and barbecued. I remember SC talking about strange and exotic foods such as lamb, duck and beaver (I think?). Experiencing or hearing about these helped stretch my horizons since beef and pork from our farm were only meats I can recall on our table.
The Judge enjoyed the finer things in life and sharing them with others. He had a beautiful library in his home and I remember, as a child, longing to have a wall of books like that when I grew up. He gave me my first taste of port from a hand painted Italian glass. Their extensive pantry was the first place I saw many exotic ingredients such as lemon curd and smoked paprika. Things I thought existed only on TV cooking shows.
I think what I'll remember most about the Judge was his dedication to his family. I've never met a man who cherished his wife more or took better care of her. On our beach vacations he insisted on sitting beside her at every meal. Even near the end of his life, making plans to insure she would be ok, come what may. I know both he and SC's Mom delighted in being with their children and grandchildren. I could see that so clearly during our vacations. I feel very fortunate to have so many memories with this kind and generous family.
SC -- if you're reading, thank you for sharing your family with me. Your dad will be greatly missed by many.
A classic, dedicated to another classic, SC's Dad:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sneaky Finger
E and Dad come over early to tile the last bit of the kitchen. I had previous plans and felt very guilty running off to loaf while they were working so hard. I know all that knee work is hard on Dad and E kept complaining about his hands being so cold at the tile saw on this blustery, wet day. These are generous craftsmen I have in my family.
SC and I went to posh Frontenac Plaza to see the movie Jane Eyre. It was a very dark and there were some scary bits. For me anyway, I'm a scaredy cat at movies. The actress playing Jane didn't have many lines but was very expressive with her facial expressions.
The funny part was that we were the youngest people in the theater by about 30 years. Blue hair, oxygen tanks, and walkers...represent! The super heavy bathroom door about waylaid a few of the sweet old dears.
I haven't seen SC in a long time. We had good conversation on the drive to and from the movie. It was good to spend time with her.
Dad, doing the last of the tiling:
My clever, clever brother being RUDE!
As teenagers, my brother and I used to play a game where the object was to give each other the finger on the sly at the dinner table unbeknownst to our parents. For example, one of us would pick up our drink in a way that the finger was nonchalantly up in the air. The other's challenge would be NOT to laugh or if we couldn't hold it in to explain it to our parents without revealing the true game. More than once beverages got sprayed across the table because the drinker wasn't expecting the sneaky finger. One time I was "losing" and when he gave me the sneaky finger one too many times, I screamed across the table, "You think you're soooo smart, well you're NOT!!!" I'm sure my parents wondered why we were being weird. All that to say, as a result of that game, one of us will good naturedly give the other the finger once in a while. Guess it's our way of saying "I love you".
SC and I went to posh Frontenac Plaza to see the movie Jane Eyre. It was a very dark and there were some scary bits. For me anyway, I'm a scaredy cat at movies. The actress playing Jane didn't have many lines but was very expressive with her facial expressions.
The funny part was that we were the youngest people in the theater by about 30 years. Blue hair, oxygen tanks, and walkers...represent! The super heavy bathroom door about waylaid a few of the sweet old dears.
I haven't seen SC in a long time. We had good conversation on the drive to and from the movie. It was good to spend time with her.
Dad, doing the last of the tiling:
My clever, clever brother being RUDE!
As teenagers, my brother and I used to play a game where the object was to give each other the finger on the sly at the dinner table unbeknownst to our parents. For example, one of us would pick up our drink in a way that the finger was nonchalantly up in the air. The other's challenge would be NOT to laugh or if we couldn't hold it in to explain it to our parents without revealing the true game. More than once beverages got sprayed across the table because the drinker wasn't expecting the sneaky finger. One time I was "losing" and when he gave me the sneaky finger one too many times, I screamed across the table, "You think you're soooo smart, well you're NOT!!!" I'm sure my parents wondered why we were being weird. All that to say, as a result of that game, one of us will good naturedly give the other the finger once in a while. Guess it's our way of saying "I love you".
Friday, April 8, 2011
Pop In 2
I remembered my camera when I did my second round of pop in visits to MB and JK in their high school Spanish classrooms. I'm loving getting a snapshot of my friends in their workplaces. Teaching high school seems like such fun! Although I'm sure my friends would disagree and I realize I only had a very short time to experience it as a visitor. They really know their stuff and I could tell their kids knew a lot of Spanish. I really got a kick out of them playing "Chispa" which is Spanish for "Sparkle", a spelling game we play in first grade too.
Sometimes I wish my friends and I could all work together is some fantasy charter school or live together in a Yaya sorority house. It would be a great reality series. Any ideas for a title or jazzy theme song?
I actually made the call today.
I am actually signed up for a May/June FET.
Even the possibility of pregnancy is special.
The slimmest chance of a baby is a great treasure.
Let the anxiety and worry begin.
Let hope grow and grow.
Let the praying begin.
The Amazing MB:
(Note what the student's t-shirt says. This is the fourth reference to twins I've seen this week.)
The Amazing JK:
Sometimes I wish my friends and I could all work together is some fantasy charter school or live together in a Yaya sorority house. It would be a great reality series. Any ideas for a title or jazzy theme song?
I actually made the call today.
I am actually signed up for a May/June FET.
Even the possibility of pregnancy is special.
The slimmest chance of a baby is a great treasure.
Let the anxiety and worry begin.
Let hope grow and grow.
Let the praying begin.
The Amazing MB:
(Note what the student's t-shirt says. This is the fourth reference to twins I've seen this week.)
The Amazing JK:
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Pop In
I had the very enjoyable experience today of popping in on my friend MC while she was teaching at her school. High school. Spanish. Two worlds with which I am not in the least familiar except through hearing my friends talk about them.
I want to teach high school now. The kids were huge (in comparison with my first graders) and very goofy and funny. I can see they keep MC on her toes but she kept them totally in line sometimes with just a look. You know....THE look. But there was also singing and dancing. It all looked like such fun. I know I smiled and laughed the whole time I was there.
I'm looking forward to having faces and places to picture when MC is talking about work.
Tomorrow I'm planning another pop in. Who will it be? Maybe YOU?
Unfortunately, I somehow forgot my camera and was very disappointed that I didn't get to capture MC in action.
I colored my hair at home last night.
A job I realize should really be left to someone with a license.
Dollface asked if I had tie dyed my hair:
A hit to the heart from the mailbox:
I want to teach high school now. The kids were huge (in comparison with my first graders) and very goofy and funny. I can see they keep MC on her toes but she kept them totally in line sometimes with just a look. You know....THE look. But there was also singing and dancing. It all looked like such fun. I know I smiled and laughed the whole time I was there.
I'm looking forward to having faces and places to picture when MC is talking about work.
Tomorrow I'm planning another pop in. Who will it be? Maybe YOU?
Unfortunately, I somehow forgot my camera and was very disappointed that I didn't get to capture MC in action.
I colored my hair at home last night.
A job I realize should really be left to someone with a license.
Dollface asked if I had tie dyed my hair:
A hit to the heart from the mailbox:
Saturday, March 26, 2011
In The Next Room
I went to see a...ummm...very interesting play with a few of the yayas tonight. In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Yes, it's about what you think it's about. I'll just quote the play's synopsis verbatim:
"Set at the dawn of the age of electricity in a well-to-do 1880s Victorian home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has innocently invented an extraordinary device for treating “hysteria” in women (and, occasionally, men): the vibrator. His young wife tends to their newborn daughter and wonders exactly what is going on in the next room. This 2010 Tony Nominee for Best Play is based on actual bizarre history."
More here if you're interested.
Pretty hilarious, with tons of double entendre which I love. The lead actress was outstanding, very expressive facial and body expression playing a lonely character who was a bit flighty but also very thoughtful and deep. It was in a very small theater at Webster University. We sat in the very front row of this intimate venue and so close we could feel the breeze as the door on the set slammed. Mostly funny but there were a few choke up moments for me since there was a character in the play, the wet nurse, who'd lost a baby and her faith too.
Afterwards, a quick stop at City Garden to snap a few pics. This isn't a good one but I was able to learn a little from MB about making lights into stars.
"Set at the dawn of the age of electricity in a well-to-do 1880s Victorian home, proper gentleman and scientist Dr. Givings has innocently invented an extraordinary device for treating “hysteria” in women (and, occasionally, men): the vibrator. His young wife tends to their newborn daughter and wonders exactly what is going on in the next room. This 2010 Tony Nominee for Best Play is based on actual bizarre history."
More here if you're interested.
Pretty hilarious, with tons of double entendre which I love. The lead actress was outstanding, very expressive facial and body expression playing a lonely character who was a bit flighty but also very thoughtful and deep. It was in a very small theater at Webster University. We sat in the very front row of this intimate venue and so close we could feel the breeze as the door on the set slammed. Mostly funny but there were a few choke up moments for me since there was a character in the play, the wet nurse, who'd lost a baby and her faith too.
Afterwards, a quick stop at City Garden to snap a few pics. This isn't a good one but I was able to learn a little from MB about making lights into stars.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Girly Date
Oh boy, I'm really glad it's Friday. I had a fabulous "date" with my beautiful friend MB. We had Mexican food and Margaritas followed by some NEW CAMERA shopping. I didn't actually buy anything but MB gave me a lot of good advice and a lot of info to think about. I CAN'T wait to take that plunge and it will be soon, my friends. Then, off to the Bread Co for some more chatting. It was good to talk over all the good, bad and ugly going on in our lives and have a few laughs. Best "date" I've had in a while. Thanks MB!
On the way out, we spotted this fluttering flag and moonlit background. So we both snapped a few. As usual, graininess and fuzziness prevails. Oh well, you can still see it was a pretty sight.
On the way out, we spotted this fluttering flag and moonlit background. So we both snapped a few. As usual, graininess and fuzziness prevails. Oh well, you can still see it was a pretty sight.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
First Ever Yaya Photo Adventure
Today was The First (annual? biannual? seasonal?) Yaya Photo Adventure! Thanks MB, for being the driving force behind the concept. Earlier this week, we each had the task of creating a list of 10 (5 easy, 5 difficult) scavenger hunt type items to find and take a photo of. Today we embarked on the adventure of running around St. Louis looking for and photographing the items. Not really a scavenger hunt or competition because we worked as a group to find the items and each took pictures of the items we wanted to photograph. It was really fun to find each item and we all got caught up in the excitement of the "hunt".
We started out in the Delmar Loop this morning and found quite a few items on our list of 50 items, laughing and gabbing the entire time. It was cool to walk around the area in the morning when there were only a few people around. Then, we were off to Forest Park where we found many of the nature related items. While there, we rolled up to an athletic couple who were running with a double stroller. We were so excited to have found the item "twins" from the list that we were laughing and screaming. I believe we frightened them. Next, a cruise around town looking for the last few items and then back to the Loop to have lunch at the Noodle Co., a little shopping and finally a bubble tea for the road.
You can see more of the pictures I took over here.
Many more coming soon from the other girls.
The first thing I did on our adventure was to find a penny. Here is the second penny I found today with the help of MC's friend, Ducky:
I kept my eyes peeled all day for 555 but didn't see it until I'd stopped looking and was on my own driving home:
Here is the list of items we searched for and photographs. All of our little lists compiled into one giant list. Can you believe we found every item on the list except the pink car? What can I say...we're just that good!
EASY:
1. something moving
2. someone pumping gas
3. a sculpture
4. a refreshment of some kind
5. an old person
6. a piece of litter
7. a telephone pole
8. someone talking on a phone
9. a red car
10. a baby
11. steps/stairs
12. stop light/sign
13. Something to sit on
14. a reflection
15. movie theater
16. hookah
17. purple dress
18. litter
19. SUV
20. a statue
21. a barn
22. gelato
23. playground toys
24. a church
25. a mailbox
HARD:
1. a bridge that is NOT over water
2. 3 animals together
3. a barn that is about to collapse
4. a delicious dessert
5. a store window with a mannequin
6. a found penny (not from purse)
7. two people holding hands
8. a bicycle
9. a woman wearing a hat
10. twins
11. someone with facial hair
12. a musical instrument (bonus if someone playing it)
13. duck or any bird
14. signs of spring
15. something that looks like a letter of the alphabet, but no print
16. natural redhead (m or f)
17. little kids playing outside together
18. a woman with 3 inch or higher heels
19. a sign in a language other than English
20. a stray cat
21. a white picket fence
22. a celebrity
23. a daffodil
24. a rainbow or prism of some sort
25. a pink car.
We started out in the Delmar Loop this morning and found quite a few items on our list of 50 items, laughing and gabbing the entire time. It was cool to walk around the area in the morning when there were only a few people around. Then, we were off to Forest Park where we found many of the nature related items. While there, we rolled up to an athletic couple who were running with a double stroller. We were so excited to have found the item "twins" from the list that we were laughing and screaming. I believe we frightened them. Next, a cruise around town looking for the last few items and then back to the Loop to have lunch at the Noodle Co., a little shopping and finally a bubble tea for the road.
You can see more of the pictures I took over here.
Many more coming soon from the other girls.
The first thing I did on our adventure was to find a penny. Here is the second penny I found today with the help of MC's friend, Ducky:
I kept my eyes peeled all day for 555 but didn't see it until I'd stopped looking and was on my own driving home:
Here is the list of items we searched for and photographs. All of our little lists compiled into one giant list. Can you believe we found every item on the list except the pink car? What can I say...we're just that good!
EASY:
1. something moving
2. someone pumping gas
3. a sculpture
4. a refreshment of some kind
5. an old person
6. a piece of litter
7. a telephone pole
8. someone talking on a phone
9. a red car
10. a baby
11. steps/stairs
12. stop light/sign
13. Something to sit on
14. a reflection
15. movie theater
16. hookah
17. purple dress
18. litter
19. SUV
20. a statue
21. a barn
22. gelato
23. playground toys
24. a church
25. a mailbox
HARD:
1. a bridge that is NOT over water
2. 3 animals together
3. a barn that is about to collapse
4. a delicious dessert
5. a store window with a mannequin
6. a found penny (not from purse)
7. two people holding hands
8. a bicycle
9. a woman wearing a hat
10. twins
11. someone with facial hair
12. a musical instrument (bonus if someone playing it)
13. duck or any bird
14. signs of spring
15. something that looks like a letter of the alphabet, but no print
16. natural redhead (m or f)
17. little kids playing outside together
18. a woman with 3 inch or higher heels
19. a sign in a language other than English
20. a stray cat
21. a white picket fence
22. a celebrity
23. a daffodil
24. a rainbow or prism of some sort
25. a pink car.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tigerstock
I did the ditziest thing EVER on the way to work this morning. I was thinking so hard and so fast about Sweet Pea and what Dr. A said and 555 and trying again and not trying again. I was driving but I wasn't really there. Maybe the medication had something to do with it too, I do seem to get "fuzzed out" at times. Anyway, I missed my exit off the freeway. The next exit down was closed for construction. Somehow I ended up wandering around the serious hood. I was 15 minutes late for work and felt totally foolish. Stupid overdrive brain! Stupid depression that I have to take drugs for! I'm surpised stuff like this doesn't happen more often.
My picture today is dedicated to my amazing friend MB. I went to her school to support her as she managed a huge concert for more than 400 high school students. Everything went smoothly and I could tell she was well respected and liked by all the student council kids. She handled it all with calm grace.
Hang in there MB! Sunday is coming!
My picture today is dedicated to my amazing friend MB. I went to her school to support her as she managed a huge concert for more than 400 high school students. Everything went smoothly and I could tell she was well respected and liked by all the student council kids. She handled it all with calm grace.
Hang in there MB! Sunday is coming!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Leclede's Landing Outing
My photography friends took me on a little photo outing to Leclede's Landing and the Riverfront in St.Louis. I don't know how these girls knew what I needed to help me move forward and heal. I'm surprised every day that I've taken interest in photography but so grateful they pulled me into this challenge and this new hobby.
Loved this train for the color and for some reason it reminded me of the opening of that old 70's show "Good Times". Which, of course, made us attempt to sing the song.
Eades Bridge
Street Corner Clock
Valve thingies on the street.
Brass Number Plate on an old building.
Marti Gras Aftermath
St. Louis Arch
Penny From Heaven
Dime from Heaven?
A few more pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paige367/
Loved this train for the color and for some reason it reminded me of the opening of that old 70's show "Good Times". Which, of course, made us attempt to sing the song.
Eades Bridge
Street Corner Clock
Valve thingies on the street.
Brass Number Plate on an old building.
Marti Gras Aftermath
St. Louis Arch
Penny From Heaven
Dime from Heaven?
A few more pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paige367/
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Surviving Sunday
An outing to the Working Women's Survival Show, with a few of the Yas, to see our adorable and talented fellowya, JS. I couldn't be prouder of how she's made her hobby into way more than a hobby. She's a local celebrity now and I'm inspired every time I see her on TV, in a mag or in person. As always, it's uplifting for me to be around these gals.
Then a bit of a sad chore. Attending the visitation of my great Aunt Ella Mae. Aunt Ella Mae was my great Uncle Mel's third wife. She was a character and she brought so much vibrancy into my mother's conservative family. I believe she had a rough time of it when she first came into the family because she was a bit of a busybody and didn't seem to understand that she wouldn't be the matriarch of the extended family or really even of her own family. Everyone knew my Aunt Alys had that role.
Some say that she married Uncle Mel for his money, but I say if she did, she earned every penny. Uncle Mel was obsessive about some things and could be a critical grouch. She stuck with him to the end, though, giving him much happiness. I think the women of my mother's family were hard on her but she persevered and when you needed her she was there. She nursed my Aunt Coco on her deathbed even though Aunt Coco had been pretty awful to her.
One time my brother and I were at Aunt Alys' and we had dinner with candles lit on the table. It was such a treat! Nosy Aunt Ella Mae drove by the house periodically just to see what was going on. She called the next day to ask just who Aunt Alys was having a candle lit dinner with.
The children of the family always loved her though. She would squeal your name when she saw you and always added an "ey" to the ending. So I was "Paigeyyyy!, Linda was "Lindeyyyy!" and so on. And she never greeted you with out enveloping you in a big hug. She used to send us holiday cards signed by "Uncle Mel" but she'd hide her own name in teeny tiny letters within the picture on the front. We liked hunting for her name and then comparing cards with eachother.
After Uncle Mel passed away, she came to family gatherings for a while but eventually married again and finally her daughter moved her to Texas to be close to her. That was quite a few years ago and we haven't heard from her or about her in a long time until now. Sadly, she battled Alzheimer's these last few years. She wanted to come back to the Midwest to be buried and she'll be laid to rest in the same cemetery as Greyson.
Afterward, I visited Greyson's grave.
I should have been 32 weeks pregnant today.
Picture of the Day:
MC uses a phrase that I've picked up. None of the pics I took at the Working Women's Show or at the resturant were any good so this is literally and figuratively "Low hanging fruit". But still fruit.
Then a bit of a sad chore. Attending the visitation of my great Aunt Ella Mae. Aunt Ella Mae was my great Uncle Mel's third wife. She was a character and she brought so much vibrancy into my mother's conservative family. I believe she had a rough time of it when she first came into the family because she was a bit of a busybody and didn't seem to understand that she wouldn't be the matriarch of the extended family or really even of her own family. Everyone knew my Aunt Alys had that role.
Some say that she married Uncle Mel for his money, but I say if she did, she earned every penny. Uncle Mel was obsessive about some things and could be a critical grouch. She stuck with him to the end, though, giving him much happiness. I think the women of my mother's family were hard on her but she persevered and when you needed her she was there. She nursed my Aunt Coco on her deathbed even though Aunt Coco had been pretty awful to her.
One time my brother and I were at Aunt Alys' and we had dinner with candles lit on the table. It was such a treat! Nosy Aunt Ella Mae drove by the house periodically just to see what was going on. She called the next day to ask just who Aunt Alys was having a candle lit dinner with.
The children of the family always loved her though. She would squeal your name when she saw you and always added an "ey" to the ending. So I was "Paigeyyyy!, Linda was "Lindeyyyy!" and so on. And she never greeted you with out enveloping you in a big hug. She used to send us holiday cards signed by "Uncle Mel" but she'd hide her own name in teeny tiny letters within the picture on the front. We liked hunting for her name and then comparing cards with eachother.
After Uncle Mel passed away, she came to family gatherings for a while but eventually married again and finally her daughter moved her to Texas to be close to her. That was quite a few years ago and we haven't heard from her or about her in a long time until now. Sadly, she battled Alzheimer's these last few years. She wanted to come back to the Midwest to be buried and she'll be laid to rest in the same cemetery as Greyson.
Afterward, I visited Greyson's grave.
I should have been 32 weeks pregnant today.
Picture of the Day:
MC uses a phrase that I've picked up. None of the pics I took at the Working Women's Show or at the resturant were any good so this is literally and figuratively "Low hanging fruit". But still fruit.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Mayan Orchid Show
This was my favorite orchid at the Mayan Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens. You can't really tell on the picture but it actually sparkled. Not with dew or mist, it was the petals themselves that had a tiny shimmer to them.
I had wondered how they would incorporate the Mayan aspect with orchids. I know the Mayans lived in a tropical climate but I couldn't quite envision Mayan orchids. It was just beautiful. They mixed in statuary and moss sculptures like this one. I liked this Mossy Mayan maiden dressed up in her floral and feathery finery. (alliteration much?) She was kneeling by a pool of water and surrounded with gorgeous orchids.
I thought it was quite clever of me to shoot peeking through this foliage.
But the best part was the time with my friends. It is wonderful to be with the Yas, who are completely accepting and love me for who I am. The lovely, tranquil setting and ideal weather along with ice cream (thanks JS for the idea and MB for treating) made it a perfect day with my girls.This is not the best picture of the day compositionally and it does not show all the Yas but I LOVE this photo because it shows the spirit of the day. Just us girls, relaxed, laughing and enjoying the gardens, the weather and eachother. I love you, Girls!
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