New Dollar Bill

I don't know about you, but I for one cannot even look at my statements. Why bother? It's not like I'm going to do anything anyway. All it would do is stress me out. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Rachel

This is little Rachel - my cousin's daugher - ain't she simply adorable?

Luke

Quote of The Day

"We are not the center of the universe. The immobility of our world is an illusion. We spin. We speed through space. We circle the Sun. We live on a wandering star."

Am loving reading Galileo's Daughter - great insight into the man and the times he lived in.

Window or Aisle?

No one is a middle seat flier - so are you a window or aisle person? I used to be exclusively a window person - look at all the wonders that we fly over - how could I be anything else? Then I started flying 3 times a week for work, and I quickly forgot about the beauty below me. I became an aisle person - easy to get in and out, easy to get up and stretch, etc. About a decade flew (pun intended) by in this manner, and I suddenly find myself back in the window seat again. Yes it's a pain to make everyone get up when you gotta go, but oh the views - I had forgotten how spectacular the Earth is seen from above.

Recent Reads

1. Beegu
Am always on the look out for books to read with my ns - this one is delightful. The boys cannot wait to read it.

2. Fingerprint
Great book for creative ideas. It's so cool to see what talented people come up with.

3. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
Really wanted to like this book. Got to about page 300 and simply could not get into it. So in the spirit that life is too short for bad books, ditched it - something that is hard for me to do - I feel guilty somehow.

Security

I am always inspired by Eve Ensler, and this talk does not disappoint.

Shout it out

Sometimes you just need a bigger car.

Race for 08

Is it just me or is Sarah Palin simply not prepared for her interviews? This honestly surprises me. In the past the republican party has always impressed me with their organizational skills - it does tend to be easier to rally people around black and white (no pun intended) issues. Liberals tend to go along to get along, and it's harder to get people excited about all the shades of grey. But does Ms. Palin really think that she is going to wow anyone with her experience - I think not. Why not take the high road - talk about what she has learned and how she can parlay that in this new role. Admit to not being the expert and talk about how she plans on surrounding herself with bright, knowledgeable advisers. etc, etc, etc. I really do not get what the strategy is on this one.

Quote of The Day

Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.
- Rainer Maria Rilke

Library Book Sale

I enjoy local community events - always interesting to see who turns up. This past weekend was the local library book sale - it's a way to raise funds for the library as well as circulate books in the community. Our household donated about 30 boxes of books and came home with one box of new books to read. Cannot beat the deal at $5/box.

And so it goes

Why is it again that we continue to bail out corporations that make bad business decisions? What's the lesson learned? No worries mate, the American tax payer will foot the bill. I don't see congress rushing to help out individuals who make bad financial decisions - oh but right, we hold individuals to a higher standard than we do corporations. Free markets my ass.

Recent Reads

1. 1000 Journals Project
Love the idea - hand out journals, people pass them on, see what comes back. There is also a website where people can scan and send in pages of journals that have stopped to visit.

2. Lost on Planet China
Finished this book last weekend. If you enjoy travel writing, or planning visit, you gotta read this book.

Night at the movies

I admit that I do not know the bad guys - joker? two-face? huh? I thought that they were all the same character played by different actors in various outfits. Yup, did not read the comics as a wee one, so give me a break on this. We went to watch The Dark Knight recently, and I enjoyed it - some really cool special effects. Heath Ledger absolutely stole the show - he was actually a little too realistic. Love when I feel like I got my money's worth of entertainment at the movies - a rather rare event these days.

Latest Audio Book

Since my commute has gotten shorter, I have not had the chance to listen to many audio books. Mind you, I am not complaining about the shortened commute, simply saying that it's hard to listen to a book 10 to 15 mins at a time - just when you get into the story, it's time to turn it off. Recently finished The Last Lecture. The book is chunked into little stories that pack quite the punch. Really enjoyed it, and agree with much of Randy's values, in particular:

1. We cannot give kids self-esteem, they have to earn it
2. People are way more important than stuff
3. Are you a Tigger or Eeyore - you gotta pick

I could go on - give this book a read - I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Boston Harbor

Sailing is Boston Harbor is always quite the experience. On an given day, there are planes landing overhead, barges, tug boats, jet skis, fishing boats, lobster boats pulling in their catch, folks learning to sail, huge container ships, cruise ships, etc, etc, etc.

You can see additional pics from our sail last weekend here.

Local color

Spent an afternoon recently walking around the Faneuil Hall area with my parents. Everyone has heard about the Big Dig fiasco - but what is lovely are all the parks built in town where they used to be a 6 lane highway - really quite nice.

Political humor

Spent some time on hulu recently, and love it. Click here to see a skit on SNL not to be missed.

Gloaming

With all this rain, I appreciate the nice days even more. These pics are from a walk in the gloaming at my local state park. Soothes the soul.

Park Passport

Those of you who travel to National Parks have probably seen the National Park Passport - it's a book into which you can collect stamps from all the parks you visit - a great hobby. What I did not know is that there is collection for Mass parks as well - need to get out my trusty journal and explore.

Long weekend

Cannot stop grinning today - taking the next 2 days off, so have a long weekend to play. Various plans in the works, and one is a cruise up to Gloucester.

TV Shows

Most of you already know that I do not watch much TV- though it is now officially the most wonderful time of the year again - assuming that Brady is not out for the season, and that Brett Farve is playing for the Jets ... anyways, sometimes I run into shows that I really enjoy on DVD:

1. The Closer
Love this show - with the exception of 2 lame shows when the main writer must have been sick or something - if you stopped there I would suggest putting those aside and watch on. I just completed the first season and this show is so well done - each episode would make an interesting salon discussion. Check it out if you are not already a fan.

2. Burn Notice
Okay, not sure how I feel about this yet, but so far am enjoying the first season. Interesting idea - though it certainly has some ludicrous parts. Let me know what you think.

Any other shows out there that I should check out?

Recent Reads

1. Creative Correspondence
Fun book with some good ideas. Who does not love getting fun things in the mail?

2. 1000 Greetings
Insight into some incredible talent - simply chock full of ideas.

3. 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
This book gave me so much to think about - things I had never considered - love that.

4. Lost on Planet China
Have laughed out loud at other books by the author and am really enjoying this one. There is so much do not know about China, and this is a fun primer to get me started. The writer has a great sense of humor and is skilled at story telling.

Visual Journal

Night at the movies

Love catching up on movies when I'm on the road - somehow takes the edge off being tightly packed into a little can hurtling through space.

1. The Great Debaters
I really liked this movie - a little choppy in parts, but what a great story. It is certainly a cut above much of the junk coming out of Hollywood lately.

2. The Jane Austen Book Club
Read the book a while back. The movie was a pleasant surprise - a chick flick that was very well done.

3. Vantage Point
Really loved the idea but not the execution of this movie.

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.