Visual Journal

Have not been as creative as usual this summer - been tough with Niks missing. I tend to have a hard time creating pages with no words, but I do like how some of these have words as part of the design.

Education matters

I have never listened to a TED episode and not been inspired. Look at this link to hear about something near and dear to my heart - how we can all help with the education of our kids.

Back to school

It's that time of year in the US where kids go back to school. The mad flurry to get new books, pencils, clothes, etc are done and it's time to meet new teachers, learn new things and make new friends.

On my drive to work yesterday morning, saw a group of first time kindergartners, getting on the school bus for their very first time. It was an incredibly poignant moment - those little kids looking so nervous, excited and solemn, while the gaggle of parents all looked like they were about to burst into tears. Simply adorable - though I constantly marvel at the size of backpacks kids carry around these days.

September does not bring back similar memories for me - our school year started in January - a very sensible time to start - but don't get me going on that topic! Can you not recall the feelings - nervous, jittery, excited, scared? A rite of passage was what I witnessed.

Recent Reads

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
I love when I learn about a new angle to world events and this book did just that. I had never given a moment's thought to the occupation of the English Channel Islands during WW2. This book gave me a view into that period in time using my favourite medium - letters. The entire story is told in letter form, and in addition to being delightfully well done, it made me sorely miss the days when I got long letters in the mail. Yes, I love the immediacy of email/phone, etc, but is there really anything quite as wonderful as getting a letter in the mail?

2. Nectar in a Sieve
Another book that introduced me to a life I do not know well - Indian tenant farmers and the story of one family and town told from Rukmani's point of view. This slender novel beautifully and hauntingly tells the tale of the joys and pain of this family.

I find it interesting that these two books I read last week had starvation as a common theme. I found myself constantly hungry and was so grateful that I had food easily available.

Newport, OR

Another beautiful day to explore the Oregon coast - this time we headed to Newport with a stop along the way. You can see additional pics taken that day here.

Pacific City, OR

This is really a lovely spot along the Oregon Coast. Had fun watching the surfers, and climbing the huge sand dune. Saf works at the the Pelican, so has this incredible view almost daily. Additional pics from that day can be seen here.

What a day

We are in the midst of an incredible weather window. Decided to work from the boat today - beats being indoors on such a lovely day. Am meeting members of my book club at Castle Island for a picnic and book discussion later this evening. Life is good.

Tillamook, OR

The reason to go to Tillamook is to sample the cheese and ice-cream. Simply delicious.
We made a stop along to way for additional sampling at the Blue Heron creamery - yum yum. I brought home a block of Tillamook cheese, and was stopped at security - the guy actually asked me if I had a block of cheese in my bag - so I am not the first to do it. Though, he did have to open the bag and check the cheese out.

Here are some of the pics of my parents and sister. Additional pics from that day can be seen here.

Lincoln City, OR

Love the Oregon coast - it stretches out endlessly and the fog makes it spooky. You can see the rest of the pics from Lincoln City here.

Exploring

A lovely day to explore. The Blue Heron creamery has delicious samples and an impressive array of old rusting farm equipment.

Beach Walk

The rain clouds have parted and it's a beautiful morning on the Oregon Coast - at least this part of the coast. The yellow ball in the sky plays peek-a-boo. Lovely photo walk along the beach. I love the sound of surf. Why is it that I do not live on the ocean again?

Oregon Coast

Lucked out with a nice couple hour weather window, so Saf, Mom and I headed out for a stroll.

Recent Reads

Last weekend I started the search for a book for my week long trip to Oregon. Picked The Favored Child, the second book in the Wideacre Trilogy. I figured with 600+ pages, I could immerse myself in the story for the week. The best laid plans ... completed the book in about 24 hours, so now what do I read next? Well, lucky for me I always have several books waiting in the wings.

2008 Olympics

Am I the only one disappointed by what is shown on prime time? Not sure that I need to watch any more synchro diving or beach volleyball, though it has been fun to watch Michael Phelps rock the swimming world. I do love that you can watch other events like badminton, judo, etc online - that is such a great option - not live, but ad free.

Traveling Week

Am in Lincoln City, Oregon this week. Looking forward to catching up with my sister and family. Uneventful flights out here - beautiful day to fly. The flights are so full - however Delta does provide free water and soft drinks - such a luxury these days. And your first checked bag is free. Woo hoo! The great news is that since most people check bags, there is plenty of room for my carry on - not a checked bag kinda person.

Celebration

I for one have never understood people who do not celebrate their birthdays. I love them so much I celebrate my birthday month - and this has been a great one so far. Yesterday was my last day of one year (complete with really yummy dinner and presents), and today is the first day of the next. My own new year if you will. Am taking the day off to prepare for my next revolution around the sun.

Recent Reads

1. Belong to Me
I primarily picked this book because I liked the photo on the cover. My first time reading work by the author, and while it is classic chick lit, it's better than I expected.

2. True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling
Fun read. Got some good ideas. Love to see how others capture thoughts, time, feelings, etc.

3. 500 Handmade Books
Ooh - what a treat! The only thing missing is how to make the books. I have yet to meet a handmade book I did not like.

4. Books Unbound
Been in a book binding reading jag lately. So many wonderful ways to create a book. This was fun in that the books are not bound - a different way of looking at things? What makes a book a book?

5. How to Make Books
Simple clear directions.

6. Ideaspotting
Am currently reading this thought provoking book.

7. The Lying Tongue
Strange, disturbing and interesting story. Made me want to go back to Venice.

Quote of The Day

Honor the land. Revere the horse.

- seen on a billboard in KY (cannot seem to get Kentucky out of my system)

Night at the movies

Check out Rendition - an excellent post 9/11 movie. So excited to finally see a good movie! Good cast and a good story, albeit a very disturbing one.

Sailing dogs

We continue to be in a strange weather this summer - huge thunderstorms and pouring rain almost daily - what is up with that? On our sail today, sneaked back in before the heavens opened up - it's really scary to see those dark clouds and lighting strikes when you're out on the water.

Summer Festivals

Summer in the North End is festival time. Strolled through last night in search of my Baccio gellato - yum yum.

Rust

I got a thing about rust - it's fascinating abstract natural art. These are from the marina.

Recent Reads

If you know me, you know that I always travel with 2-5 books, and one of the things I've been working on the past several months is narrowing it down to 1 book - after all I'm not headed to sub-sahara Africa, and there are book stores readily accessible. Well, my fear was realized this week when I traveled with one book - this one - and realized that I was not even remotely interested in it - yup I saw all those stars too. Of course I was on a flight when that discovery happened, so no book stores available - though I did look longingly at what others were reading. That Kindle is looking mighty attractive at the moment - and yes I do realize that if that is my largest problem this week, I'm the luckiest girl alive - but still ....

Blue Grass Country

Am in Lexington, Kentucky - blue grass, horse and bourbon country. It's incredibly beautiful. Lush green meadows and white horse fences. Am only here for a quick trip, so will have to come back for an in-depth exploration.

Random items:

• Marriott Courtyard is completely smoke-free and there is a $250 fine if your room was smoked in - finally!
• Exposed to way too many out-of-control kids today - and I blame the parents, not the kids
• Dinner was at local Japanese joint, and it was fun watching a master chef at work at the sushi bar
• Really, really like flying in and out of little airports - Manchester, NH and Blue Grass, KY
• With gas prices climbing, it's way more expensive to rent a compact car - keep getting SUVs at a cheaper rate, and there are no compacts to be had - my Carbon footprint went through the roof today - must plant a tree, must plant a tree ....

Recent Reads

1. Water for Elephants
My book club is reading this book for August, and I really enjoyed it. Very different from other books I've read - and I got interesting insights into circus life. My first time reading this author and I will certainly check out her other work.

2. Wideacre
My fun summer read. It's Gone with the Wind on steroids. The first part of a trilogy - and I cannot wait to dive into the next 2. A story about how one strong woman loses her way - I shook my head ruefully so many times in the book. It is a bit of a bodice ripper - but so incredibly well done. My 2nd book by this author, and I have loved both. Gulped the 600+ pages in a couple of days - so very satisfying.

Wordle

How cool is this?
Create a word cloud.
Here is a could using random words from my blog.
Create your own here.

Click to enlarge.

Couch Needed

There are days when I think that I should simply break down and get a leather couch for my office. After all I am the office therapist. I fix problems. I listen to folks vent. I talk people off ledges. But the part that excites me about adding a couch to my office is that I could simply lie down and take an afternoon nap.

Recent Reads

My book club had a very lively discussion this past weekend. We were discussing this book, and it's always fun when people see things differently that you do. Makes for stimulating conversation.

1. When You Are Engulfed in Flames
This guy is funny. At times he's a bit too much - I mean how self-absorbed can you be? But on the whole, really enjoyed this book - there are laugh out loud stories in here.

2. What It Is
If you've never read books by this author, you are in for a treat. Read this book on writing in one sitting. Really like her style and artwork. Find more authors are writing in "comic strip" form and I for one am glad for the resurgence of the style.

Night at the movies

Am so looking for a good movie - and if at first I do not succeed, I try and try again...

1. Wanted
Saw this in the theater - figured it had Angelina Jolie, how bad could it be? BAD. My $10 would have been better spent on some good ice-cream or a new book.

2. Mistress of Spices
Who do these movies get made for? Are we not tired of cliches and the notion that "other" some how equates to "exotic"? Really not worth the time - but then again, the book was not good, so my expectations were set low.

3. Margot at the Wedding
I like Nicole Kidman, but this was too depressing a movie without any redeeming qualities what-so-ever. Do not bother

4. Pride
The first movie I've seen in ages that I actually liked. This one is worth watching.

Peddocks Island

Headed out to explore the Boston Harbor Islands yesterday. So many boats out - think everyone is so excited to see some sun after all the rain we've had. Picked up a mooring at Peddocks and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening on the water. Spent the night, and just got back into the slip. I'm headed off to book club. Aren't weekends such fun?

Home Again

Back from a trip to Raleigh, NC - a flight that should have taken no more than 2 hours, took me almost a full day to get back. Since I always tend to see the sliver lining, here are some from this trip:

1. Skipped the rainy weather at home and spent some time in sunny NC
2. Was able to get a confirmed seat on a flight home yesterday - many people had to go stand-by all day
   
3. United put me up for the night at the Westin-Restin in a room at the Preferred Guest level - only wish I had more time to enjoy the room - simply wonderful
4. Got to catch up on my fave podcasts
5. Customer meetings went well

Back to fantastic weather. Am on the boat. Going sailing today. Life is Good.

I'd rather be sailing

Is it just me or is time simply whizzing by? How to make it slow down? One way for me is spending time on the boat. Here are pics of her in her slip. She's the sailboat with the blue dodger and the flag.

Cleo

Found this little stray kitten and named her Cleopatra - check out her eyes. She was hurt and starving - so after a week of R&R, and a visit to the vet, found her a good home.

Constitution Marina

Really love being at the marina. It feels like a world away, and is a great location from which to explore Boston.

Catching my breath

Sometimes there simply seems to be too much going on - and then I go to a wake and realize that every little bit of my life is important to me! Some random snippets:

• Kiwi cousins, Deepti and Sandhya, spent about 5 days with us on their whirl-wind tour of the US (Vegas, San Fran, Boston and NYC). It was fun to get to know the young women they have become - I last saw them when one was still in diapers (and yes, she's sick of hearing about it).
• Weather has been simply beautiful out here.
• Rafiki is still missing - though was given hope with a call this past weekend. It was not him, but a cute kitty badly hurt. The vet would not take her, the animal shelter is full, so she's home with us until someone calls for her (we've put up flyers), or we can find her a home. Calling her Cleo (short of Cleopatra), and when I post a pic you'll see why.
• A co-workers husband lost his battle with cancer this past Sat. Went to the wake yesterday - they had an open casket - which I was not expecting.
• My worldwide sales team is in town this week, and we had our board meeting yesterday.
• I'm in between books at the moment - cannot get settle my mind long enough to read.
  
• Finding that I need lots of sleep these days.
  

Jellies

It's jelly fish time at the marina. There are literally thousands of them - it looks like you could step of the docks and walk on them. This one must have needed a little alone time.

Floating B&B

Our marina has these little floating rooms that they rent out to visitors to Boston. It's an interesting way to get a slice of life of the city. Great views, and a walk to everything. But you gotta like roughing it a bit - if you do not camp, do not even think about it.
























The floating flower and herb garden.

Recent Reads

Yesterday, I finished The Friday Night Knitting Club - classic chick lit light. I needed a break from some of the non-fiction I'm currently reading, and this was my popcorn read of the week. Do not expect great writing, and it's not one you can brag about having read - but if you're in the mood for a light story about circle of friends give it a read. I picked up knitting myself a couple of years ago, and have only made scarves - so found some of the knitting misadventures fun.

There's something about getting books in the mail that is almost too pleasurable to bear. Looking forward to diving into 2 new books - this and this.

Tennis post-partum

What an incredible set of Wimbledon finals this past week. I don't think I've ever seen such good games. Was rooting for Venus, so glad she bit little sister Serena (us big sisters have to stick together). The men's final lasted all day, and I was wrung out at the end - and I was not even playing! Was rooting for Nadal - though have to respect the skill and conditioning both men displayed.

Recent Reads

1. My Stroke of Insight
Would highly recommend this quick read. It's amazing how much more we now know about the brain and how it works. One of the rare books that Babes and I both read. Give it a try - you'll have much to think and talk about. The link also has the short video presentation that the author did at TED.

2. The Moment it Clicks
Another good read, and when I was done, felt like I had completed a fun photography class. I'm always interested in how others see/perceive/capture moments, and this book does a bit of that as well.

Photo Walk

Scenes around town:

Boston Beach House

What a beautiful morning. This is the view from the cockpit looking south towards the North End.

LaBrea Tar Pits

In the middle of downtown LA, surrounded by office buildings and the HQ for the screen actors guild, the ground oozes black gooey stuff. This is not a movie set, as you might be forgiven for thinking - this is the LaBrea Tar Pits. Scientists and volunteers dig in search of fossils, and there have been massive amounts found - dirge wolves, camels, saber tooth cats, woolly mammoths, horses, and at least one person! Quite a fun way to spend an afternoon while in LA.

Digging in Pit #91:
























You can see additional LaBrea pics here.

Recent Reads

One of the wonderful things about a vacation is the opportunity to read as little or as much as I wish. Love lazing in bed (one cup rule) and sinking into a good book. Completed Unaccustomed Earth this past weekend. Love how this author tells stories - but have the same issue I've always had with shorts - by the time I really get into the story, it's over. Never-the-less this is a delightful read.

Have found that I love shorts read aloud. If you'd like to give it a go, download the PRI Selected Shorts from iTunes and enjoy. The stories are read by actors and are quite a delight.