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.

Inspirational people

TED has so many, and I listened to this one again this morning.

Recent Reads

1. Three Cups of Tea
This is my book club's selection for July. It has gotten rave reviews, and I did enjoy it. An inspirational story about one man's journey and how he has made such a difference for many thousands of children in some of the poorest parts of the Muslim world. I do have a gripe with the editing of the book - there are numerous errors throughout the book that I found extremely annoying, but if you can get past that, this is an interesting account.

2. Chez Moi
Delightful little book I stumbled upon recently. Translated from French, this is the story of a woman who has lost everything and re-creates her world one piece at a time. I was constantly hungry as I read, and would love to have her restaurant in my neighborhood. Philosophy mixed in with food, friendship and life.

Fashion Alert

Ooh the critics have been harsh - too harsh in my opinion. I for am delighted. I cannot wait to see men wear clothes like these.

Pacts

There are so many issues that can be discussed about this story, but what is uppermost in my mind is that we as a society have failed these girls. At 16, they have no idea of what is in store for them.

Who cares whether they made a pact or not? The fact remains that these girls did not get the guidance they needed. Fingers can be pointed at parents, at school administrators, at movies (what a joke that is), but all that pointing is sure easier than looking at our collective responsibility in this matter. Have we not proved time and time again that the "abstinence program" does not work? How is that we continue to refuse to see how education about options, risks and contraceptives can only help our kids?

Dexter

As you might know, I'm not a big TV fan, and tend to watch shows on DVD that get highly recommended. Recently watched a couple of episodes of this show, and cannot tell you how much it disturbed me. There is something creepy about the protagonist being a serial killer - am I supposed to relate to him in some way? Does killing "bad" people make it ok? I am fascinated by how crimes are solved, and think there are some really interesting ideas - but cannot get past how creeped out I got watching the show.

Okay, and here's another pet peeve - what is with how women are portrayed? Could they be any less ridiculous? Where are the shows with interesting women roles?

Do you watch it? What do you think?

Do you Roomba?

I've been excited ever since the iRobot launched their first versions of the Roomba. I have wonderful memories of a house cleaned daily, freshly laundered and ironed sheets, etc. I assume that it's obvious that I had little to do with achieving this Shangri-La, though I did wallow in it. So when iRobot started up, I figured this could be my way of re-creating paradise (did you know that my version of heaven is a wonderful library with a large fireplace, huge windows, leather couches and a cat - but that's another story). The Roomba cleans while I'm gone; goes back to it's docking station, maybe it is only a matter of time before it makes dinner!

I have yet to buy one - but think so often about getting one that I might as well do it. So, here's my question. Do you Roomba? What do you like or not like about it?

Public Art

Loved exploring the Santa Monica pier. Here are pics of a cool art wall.

Summer Solstice

Hope you get to spend some time outside to celebrate the summer solstice. This is a special day at our house. Happy versary Babes. 82

Star Sighting

You know the stories about how people see actors everywhere in LA?

We were walking along Santa Monica beach early one morning, and this guy looks really familiar. As the walked by (about a foot away) I realized who he was (though I had the wrong name). John was walking really fast, followed by a boy (maybe his son?).

I know there are websites where people call in and track the location of famous people every moment. Not sure I understand why you'd want to do that, but it's fun to have someone you recognize from the movies stroll by. Such an LA experience!

Tiger Rocks

It's a thing of beauty to watch this man play golf. Mediate gave him a run for the title this year - they tied and had to go another 18 holes - also tied, so sudden death on the 7th hole at Torrey Pines. Some really incredible golf.

Home again

Back from sunny SoCal - and as always, I wonder why I do not live there? Love the beaches and mountains, and the weather is simply delicious. Then I open up the local paper and see a house on sale for $24M - that's a lot of zeros! After browsing through several pages, a little house for $800K seems like a deal! Ouch.

Show update

DAC is going well so far. It's lovely weather out here, and I hope to spend some time on the beach this weekend.

I was on a panel yesterday entitled "Networking, Negotiation and Nonsense" - part of the Women In Design Automation workshop. It was fun, and I got to meet some really great women from around the world. It was wonderful to be surrounded by women - so much of my career, I have been the only woman in the room.

Here are some of my lessons learned that I shared:

1. Say YES to things that make you nervous.
2. Have a vision - what is you want? Success means different things to different people, and it changes over time, so get clear on what you really want, and check in with yourself regularly.
   
3. Ask for what you want. Once you really internalize that the worst case scenario is that someone says no, you 'll find yourself daring to ask for things important to you - and often getting it.
4. Charge your batteries. Find things that interest you and make time to pursue them.
5. Careers do not have to be linear - they can be elliptical or even convoluted.
6. Never, ever burn a bridge.
7. Be your own best advocate.
8. Follow the 80/20 rule - let go of being a perfectionist.
   

What advice would you give to your younger self knowing what you now know?

On the road

On tap for today is to pack and get ready for my week in sunny LA. I'm headed out for a trade show, and hope to spend some time wandering aimlessly on the beach. Not ready yet for a panel discussion I'm signed up for on Monday, but other than that, all the work items have been crossed off my to-do list. Next on my list is to start packing - the good news, have picked my reading material for the trip.

Night at the movies

Recently watched There Will be Blood, and actually feel asleep about 2 hours in. Had to finish watching the last 20 mins or so the next night. Not sure what all the hype was about. Certainly Daniel Day Lewis is a good actor, but did not enjoy the movie at all. Does not make me want to rush out and read the Upton Sinclair book it was based on either. Very disappointing.

Random Items

• Kitty has now been gone for over a week. Still getting calls from kind neighbors
• Rainy day - would rather be home with a good book and a fire right now
• Getting ready for a trade show next week - a thousand little details to keep track of
• I'm on a panel Monday at the show and have not given it a moment's thought
• Love my local library - picked up stacks of books yesterday
  
• Having bad dreams and a constant feeling that I'm forgetting something
• Really miss Niks
  

Senator Kennedy

I was saddened to hear about the Senator's brain cancer diagnosis, and am glad that his operation yesterday was a success. Our state is world renowned as having the best medical facilities in the world - people come from here from all over the globe for treatment. Am I the only one who wondered at the fact that the senior senator from Massachusetts went to Duke for his surgery?

Recent Reads

1. Idyll Banter
A quick and fun read - with some real gems. It felt like reading letters from a friend.

2. The Passion
My book club is reading this book for June. A quick and delicious read and I's sure that I read the book when it was first released. The author is quite a poet, and I loved so many of the passages in this book. Here is an example: "We gamble with the hope of winning, but it's the thought of what we might lose that excites us".

3. The Decorated Page
Have read this book over a dozen times - simply looking at the pictures makes me happy.

4. The Decorated Journal
Another book that makes me happy to simply browse through.

5. Living the Creative Life
The book interviews various artists and I really enjoyed seeing some of the art created and learning more about how people play.

Visual Journal

Some recent pages. You can see the 2008 collection here.

The Kindness of Strangers

Our kitty is still missing in action - cannot even begin to describe our angst.

What has been amazing is how wonderful people in the area have been. They have called to say that they saw a similar cat in their yard. They have called to see if a stray is ours (he was not). They have called to see if we have found him yet. They have called because their kid saw a similar cat at the bus stop. They have called to say that they looked in their garage and shed, and he was not trapped in there.

Mind you - most of these people are folks we do not even know. We are indeed surrounded by wonderful souls.

Rafiki MIA

Came home from the long weekend to find him gone. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Recent Reads

1. Body Surfing
Been a while since I last read a chick lit book that had interesting dynamics. Also really liked the writing style - have read other books by the author, and have found them all with thought provoking angles.

2. The Appeal
Not his best book - but certainly better than the non-fiction he recently released. I know that there is corruption and lobbying (not considered corruption) at all levels of government - and this book reminded me of how well organized and funded special interest groups are, and the dangers this presents us all with.

Night at the movies

Am always in search of a good movie .....

1. 1408
Should have been good - John Cusack in a Stephen King short story adaptation. JC's mug was in every shot, and he did an admirable job of conveying a range of emotions, but the movie itself was missing something - direction? editing?

2. I am Legend
Am a Will Smith fan - and you are not - do not even bother to read further. His mug is in every shot - a sci-fi post apocalyptic story - where it turns out that everyone is incredibly clean and pulled together. I mean if you were in this scenario, would you seriously be concerned about shaping your eye brows? A huge disappointment, and I really wanted to like it. Again missing good writing, direction or something.

3. The Namesake
Enjoyed the book, and was looking forward to this Mira Nair movie, but again, not quite what I expected. A good story about Indian immigrants and their struggles. The loss of culture as kids are raised in the diaspora, and the strange things that work out and don't. Still, felt that it was a movie for the west, not for the Indian diaspora.

4. Love Comes Softly
Remember Little House on the Prairie? If you do and loved it, you might enjoy this movie. Not sure how I stumbled upon it - and watched it to see the sure thing ending really. Not hard hitting or though provoking in any way, but a movie one could watch with kids.

5. Juno
What a gem of a movie - loved everything about it.

6. A Jihad for Love
An interesting documentary I saw at a local film festival. Would recommend it - how do gay Muslims reconcile their sexuality with their faith? The Imam in the movie was at the show to answer questions - really inspirational. I hear that theatrical openings are scheduled in NYC this week. Go check it out.

7. The World Unseen
Another movie at the MFA film festival. An interesting POV on apartheid in South Africa. Beautiful photography, but the script was rather juvenile, and that was too bad, as the story was anything but.

Any movies you would recommend?

Recent Reads

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Really interesting little book that packs a huge punch. The story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. There is much written about that period of time, and this story tells it from the POV of a 10 year old girl. I loved that the book is in graphic black and white drawing format.

Pop the champagne

Amazing news from California.
2 down, 48 to go.

You get what you pay for?

There is a common myth that the more one pays for something, the higher the quality, the better the experience, etc.

That is not my typical experience when it comes to many things, including restaurants. In the last month or so I had lunch at a new local eatery and watched in astonishment as the waiter picked up a fork that was lying on the floor and put it back on a place setting. eeeuuuu. I jumped to a hasty (and it turns out incorrect) conclusion, that this was because it was an inexpensive venue.

Not a week later I was having lunch at this higher end, very popular joint, and wouldn't you know that exactly the same thing happened. Now at the 2nd place, the fork was picked up off the floor within the 10 second rule, but it too ended up in a nicely folded napkin at a nearby table. Makes you wonder what goes on that you cannot see doesn't it?

Body Image

A couple of images from the WAM. I find it fascinating to see how women's bodies have been represented through the ages, and in different cultures - it's amazing what is in fashion at a given moment in time. My book club is currently reading Trisha's book, and I'm learning how food issues can start as earlier as in the womb, or much later than the highly reported teenage years. Yes, there is the media and culture pressure to be thin - but there are really many reasons why women (and men) develop eating disorders. Fascinating - give it a read.

Cryonics

Let's start with a basic definition: "Cryonics is a speculative life support technology that seeks to preserve human life in a state that will be viable and treatable by future medicine. It is expected that future medicine will include mature nanotechnology, and the ability to heal at the cellular and molecular levels."

The topic has been on my mind the past several days. That and cloning. Had a fascinating discussion with Babes last night. I certainly think that there might well be a time when we can cure diseases we cannot cure today - though it must be pointed out that we still do not have a cure for the common cold. What fascinates me is not the technology itself - though it is fascinating - it's that people sign up to have their remains stored at no small cost.

Which brings up the question of old - what is it that makes me me and you you? Would I still be me after being frozen for decades, or centuries (never mind whether I could ever be brought to life again). I have no idea what happens to consciousness after death - but am uneasy about the idea of waiting around in cold storage until some time in the future. This is indeed a sci-fi blockbuster story, but what about the realities of the situation?

What do you think? If cost was no object, would you go into cold storage and wait for a (hopefully) better future?

Cat Art

There is a huge body of cat art - well animal art of all kinds, but I have a special interest in cats. Here are some really old creations on display at the WAM. Reminds me of one of my fave quotes: In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.

Mosaics

It is funny how we often neglect to visit places in our own backyard. Spent a couple of hours exploring WAM yesterday - pleasantly surprised at the quality of their collection. The current exhibit has amazing woodcuts from China. I also loved the mosaics - the lion is a portion of a huge floor mosaic - the largest in NA. Well worth a visit.

Eight Belles

Have finally got enough distance on this to write about the tragedy of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby last weekend. As the only filly in the race, it was hard not to root for her.

What is is about horses that broken legs equals death? There have been many articles and opinion pieces written about investigations into the entire sport, and some of the photos of her last moments are heart breaking. Barbaro was not killed (let's skip the cute language) until he had time to sire the next generation. So what was it about Belle's injuries that she was killed so quickly? More questions than answers, but for me the Derby lights have dimmed.

Nephews

Where has this week gone? Can hardly believe that it is already Thursday. Some recent pics of the cute boys in my life.

Rainy Days

We've had much needed rains the past several days, but it does seem rather unfair that it rains on the weekend and we have lovely weather during the week. What's up with that?
The boys were over Friday, and it was fun hanging out with them. Aren't their wellies cute?

Visual Journal

Inspired by bird song. I am lucky that I get to hear birds and not traffic or other heavy machinery on my morning walks and evening saunters.

Visual Journal

Visual Journal

My most recent hand made journal. I was inspired to use fabric sampler remnants as the spine - works great, and what wonderful colors. Covers are painted cardboard, and the inside pages are made of watercolor paper. Book size is approx. 9"x6".