I am an artist. I am here to live out loud.

Really!  OK, I knew my roof wasn't in the best condition inspite of the fact that I don't spend a lot of time up there.  But when last week's hail storm came through and I had to get out the buckets to collect the water, I realized that it might be time to address the issue.  I called Allstate, they were very pleasant and asked numerous questions - did I need emergency shelter?  could I still drive my vehicle?  Were other buildings damaged?  It was a leak in the ceiling - and after the rain stopped, you wouldn't have know there was damage.  I started to feel guilty for calling but they said no,  it should be checked, so they sent someone to look it over. 

Dave and Bob arrived today to estimate the damage which was extensive - though none of it will be covered by insurance since it has been deteriorating for quite some time.  Now if the roof had blown off, or if a tree had fallen through, it would be covered.  But no such luck.  lol! Bob promised to prepare an estimate in multiple parts - most urgent, not quite as urgent and we can hold out for another week. 

While they were here they agreed to examine my festivus pole, installed when I realized that the upstairs floor was collapsing after the tile floor was put in the downstairs floor.  (It's complicated).  It, the festivus pole, not the floor, was installed upside down - I take full credit for this since I put it in.  I had a 50-50 chance of having it right side up or up side down. Somehow, with my construction skills being what they are, it came as no surprise to me that I opted for the wrong end.  

Again, we have issues related to the sky falling. Sigh.

Mycala and Tashie visited for the 4th of July weekend - they arrived on Thursday evening and the dogs frolicked in the yard while I cooked and Mycala unloaded the car.  Sadly an e-mail arrived with the news that the Aerosmith/ ZZ Top concert was cancelled for the following evening because Steven Tyler pulled a muscle. 

Friday evening we decided to try to salvage our change in plans - Mycala suggested we get in the car and either go straight or turn right to see where we would end up which led us to a roadside restaurant in Yocumtown where the Don Johnson Band was playing. I had heard Don Johnson in A Jar of Tears at the Whitaker Center and knew we were in for a treat!  They had a new key board player - replacing the superlative Chris Novak (previously engaged to someone very close to us).  She was excellent on both vocals and keyboard and made it all look effortless. 

The rest of the weekend was spent creekside with a campfire going all day.  We journaled, painted and brainstormed ideas for upcoming projects.  Mycala and Tashie left early Sunday morning and Barbara arrived mid-afternoon after church and stayed for lunch and dinner.  My neighbor's oldest son and his wife had Lia, their new three week old baby, and I got to hold her!  She is so precious!  I'm painting rainbow trout on bib overalls for her and for her older brother.
 
This week is filled with bittersweet events so a relaxing weekend has me refreshed and ready to tackle divorce court and a visit to help my brother work through some challenges.  The highlight undoubtedly be dinner with the chicks at Benihana's for my Celebrate or Commiserate Party, the meeting about illustrating "Candy from Heaven", and the book signing at Strawberry Square on Thursday evening.

Seems like most of my time recently has been spent interviewing and writing. When given the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with people it is amazing the talents you can discover. There is so much beneath the surface and we seldom have the time or opportunity to really delve into people's life experience and ask them about their journey, what motivates them and how they have become so accomplished!  All 8 articles - 4 Feature and 4 Living Out Loud - have been delivered to Women-CONNECT for their final review by our incomparable Allyson!  It's great to have back up! And the graphic artists, Tracie and Rachel, are superlative. 

Ran into a friend at the Chamber of Commerce event who asked me to illustrate his book cover and possibly some sketches for the beginning of each chapter.  We're meeting today to discuss details!

Also need to work on my speech for Saturday after next - I was asked to be the keynote speaker for a group of peer educators who have graduated from a very intense training.  It is an honor to be asked!  These young people are such an inspiration.  They educate their peers on the dangers of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, sexual activity, sedentary lifestyles, improper nutrition, etc. Young people are much more likely to listen to their peers than adults and to have them give up part of their summer vacation to be educated and to make a commitment to share the information is awesome.

Had a call that today's United Way meeting would be rescheduled due to a personal matter. Instead of the meeting, the afternoon was dominated by the worst storm I've ever experienced.  The sky dartkened to nearly black, winds raged, hail pounded the windows, roof, lawn furniture and precious plants. My swing flipped over backwards and landed like a helpless turtle and my umbrella lifted and twisted - blowing toward the creek.  I decided to run after it and was drenched in seconds - kept it from littering the creek but was unable to bring it back on the porch. I had visions of flying through the air like Mary Poppins if I held on so I dropped it by the side of the house.  I don't think I've ever been so wet!

The power went out and emergency vehicles paraded past the house - two PP&L trucks, EMS, firetrucks, ambulances, and township vehicles. Trees were felled up and down the road and branches were caught in a number of power lines.  Several neighbors were interviewed as Sheepford Road once again made the news.

On another note, my brother has found a place to live in Denver, PA.  I'm not familiar with the area but will undoubtedly be able to find my way blindfolded by the end of the summer. He moved only two months ago and it hasn't worked out so he'll try again.  Peggy, his case worker, is superlative but the "help" he has been getting from the VA is another story altogether.  The person who is assigned to see that his living conditions are acceptable has decided - three months after doing nothing - that he doesn't think my brother is part of his case load. No mention of helping us find a person who is assigned.  But he has a place that seems to please him so all is well for now.

My neighbors were in their back yard examining the damage to their yard and plants when I realized that my swing was back in an upright position.  Once again they have saved the day - have I mentioned I have the world's best neighbors?   

Today I moved from Stage 2 to Stage 3 on Sparkpeople.com! http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/foxnews.aspI highly recommend it for anyone who wants to live a healthier life style 

Our monthly America's Promise meeting relocated for this month's meeting to a conference room at Deloitte for the debut of our new website! Kamlesh led us through the website  - americaspromisegreaterhbg.org/

We had requested that the site have a look that was friendly, easy to navigate, not too corporate, and that would compliment the style of the national organization.  They went beyond our expectations!  They even created a form that provided an approachable and consistent look at each of our volunteers - partners, officers and champions. 

Unfortunately most of the Deloitte volunteer team was not able to attend but we at America's Promise of Greater Harrisburg extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you.  Retired General Colin Powell's dream of having every child receive the five promises begins with access and this site will be a powerful step in linking our children and their parents with the resources they need!  Thank you Deloitte!

Seven Story Stone reunited for a final gig before Mycenea heads for warmer horizons!  Jesse on drums, Darell on bass, and Chris Auxt on guitar - there is simply no way to describe he crowd (my brother's best friend from high school even showed up - he taught me how to drive and I haven't seen him since I was 16 years old!), the energy and the food.  I LOVE the cooks at the Brewhouse!  Even thinking of the sound simply gives me chills - these are all superlative musicians who played together in a band years ago - having them back - each even more expert  than they were years ago - was a memory that will last for years. 

 

( photos behind cut )

 

Doris and I have been planning a trip to Ladew Topiary Gardens in Maryland, one of my favorite places on the entire planet,  for years - we finally decided to take the trek inspite of a forecast of thunderstorms and torrential rains.  They came - but not until after we toured the gardens and picked Mycala up to go to Ocean Pride for Seafood Bisque.  We were warm and dry inside and the storm had subsided by the time we got back on the road. The photos are the story.

We spent the day at Deloitte Consulting Extended Business Services, LLC  finalizing a project that has been underway for several months. Ann McGinnis offered to include America's Promise as a recipient of Deloitte's annual Impact Day, a day where all work at Deloitte shuts down across the country as employees dedicate their time, talents and expertise to benefit people throughout their communities.  The variety and scope of the project is staggering and the benefits are immeasurable.  What a generous and phenomenal concept!  Thank you Deloitte!!!!

 Kamlesh Andhare, heading up the CAPS Application Team,  joined some of the officers of America's Promise at Passage to India in mid-April to ask questions about our needs and expectations.  Then he set up a schedule for us to meet weekly at the Deloitte office in Camp Hill for six weeks. 

1. Initially we held a Visioning Session to get acquainted, determine the site name, location, and budget and maintenance.  It was apparent that the work had begun long before we arrived.  Kamlesh Andhare had been exploring the national America's Promise web site as well as additional resources.  He introduced us to Rahul Bagkar who kept excellent records of what had been received and what was outstanding in an effort to keep us on task.
2. The second session was a Requirement Session to update the site maps and identify the sections
3. General Design was next.  We began with the main structure of the site.
4. In the next session he provided a work estimate, finalized the content and discussed the design template.
5. The Detail System Design continued the next week as we finalized the template, the scope of the work and decided the location of the day of the website development.  Through out the last several weeks Kamlesh and Rahul patiently encouraged us to submit all of the needed documentation - not an easy task as most of our officers and champions have high level priorities. But finally almost everyone came through.
6. The day of Development finally arrived (today) and we met at Deloitte's Harrisburg location on Vartan Way. Kamlesh and Rahul introduced us to the other Deloitte volunteers who proved to be equally patient, congenial and pleasant!  Rajeev Gopalakkrishnan, Rajesh Namicavasagam, David Sternberg and Pasupathy Naresh Trilok worked steadily for hours to provide us with superlative technical assistance!

We began the day with introductions of the additional staff from Deloitte who joined us and the America's Promise volunteers. Dave gave us a brief history of Deloite and then we began our project, breaking for a quick and delicious lunch - they even fed us!!! Energy was high as we reviewed what had already been submitted and downloaded, made corrections and additions when necessary, and ended the day with the successful completion of a website which will link parents, educators and children to resources based on America's Promise's Five Promises!!! And as you can see, we had a great time while we worked!!!!

I just had the pleasure of attending a dinner for Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar.  This was her first trip outside of Washington D. C. in her official role as Ambassador so the Harrisburg Community is feeling very fortunate.  She was in the State Capitol as the House adopted Bill 326.It is a resolution that shows Pennsylvania officially recognizes the terror attacks in Mumbai and shows sympathy for Indian residents.

It was such an honor to meet her and have a few minutes of conversation.  It was a small group so we had an opportunity to ask questions and listen to the background of her journey and her thoughts on the relationship between the United States and India, the current political situation and the changes that have come with the new administration, etc. She is gracious, very knowledgable and articulate and she has dedicated her life to promoting peace and understanding.

Vishnu and Leena, the owners of Passage to India, always have superlative food, but tonight they out did themselves. It is the best I've ever had there with a couple of dished that were new to me - not an easy task since we have had numerous community meals there over the last 10 years. 

It was an honor to be invited and was one of those evenings that will be remembered for a life time.

Two weekends in May were spent helping family members move - I spent this weekend doing a thorough house blessing for my little cabin. Keeping up with the yard work this time of year is always a challenge. And a  friend taught me the secret of washing windows - mine always seem to look worse after I wash them than before I start.  This time it worked. It is amazing how sparkling clean windows can make everything feel so clean and bright!

Paula's comment about Facebook has prompted me to think about my journey with Live Journal and other communication venues.  When I first started Live Journal I posted almost everyday and loved it - I felt like I had a network that was supportive and responsive. A number of things happened that caused me to disconnect (formost was the unexpected death of one of my live journal friends) and I haven't been posting nearly as often. 

I joined Facebook and Linked In but never really did a very stellar job of keeping up with either.  I have friends who check them hourly - really! 

I've been journaling literally every day for seven years since first reading The Artist's Way (for the 4th time) by Julia Cameron - and then Walking in This World, The Sound of Paper, Finding Water, Vein of Gold . . . I LOVE her books!!!!  And I also do illustrated journaling.  That time could be spent on Live Journal but there is something about writing "heart to hand" that satisfies a need in me.  Plus I can sit on my swing by the creek instead of in front of a computer screen.

M encouraged me to join Sparkpeople and I'm doing that daily - I pay a lot more attention to what I eat and how often I exercise when I have to post it every night!  Well, ok, yesterday I had a banana for breakfast and strawberry shortcake for dinner - skipped lunch entirely. I falied miserably - but I'm back on track today!!!!

Recently friends have been inviting me to Twitter - and there is Classmates. That one REALLY frustrates me. I would leave messages for people who never got back to me and didn't realize that they may not be active so they wouldn't be able to tell who left messages or to respond.  (I know this because after being active for a year with many people not responding I am now inactive and I can't respond!!!)

Just needed to process and vent. Think I'll go walk the dog so I can face Sparkpeople.com tonight!

Much of Memorial Day weekend was spent helping M move.  Her new place is sunny and bright, friendly, in a much less congested area and all in all - simply delightful!!!  Her weeks of packing and carrying boxes downstairs made the task much easier - the bulk of the move was finished in under three hours. Zippy and Tashie literally moved in together - both took the steps much better than we anticipated - and they settled in with enthusiasm.  Just being with us seemed to be all they needed to feel at home.  Tashie has been a little territorial at times so their entering the apartment simultaneously seems to have eliminated any ownership issues - even though Zippy is undoubtedly the guest dog!

The rest of the weekend was spent unpacking and arranging, shopping, and more unpacking.  That is not to say there weren't challenges - there seemed to be one glitch after the other - broken air conditioner, a plumbing problem that magically fixed itself, an inaccessible phone jack . . .  Each individually would have seemed minuscule but all together it began to fell oppressive.  We'll laugh about it by this time next week!