Sorry I've been so silent in this little world, as you might imagine, I've been spending much more time in my garden (it's weederiffic right now but I have a vision for it) and with my family. My class is over and I do think my students learned something, I know I did.

It's been sunnier and Spring-ier than any of us expected (we only signed on for a few days of warm up here in Upstate, but the truth is we all know there is no 'time when danger of frost has passed'). And I've been trying to make better daily decisions as well as I can:

just not letting things 'get under my fingernails' or get me cross at work or on the bus or what-have-you

wear a little pedometer and eat more fruits and veggies to see if I can be healthier

take the early bus so that I can stop at the hipster coffee shop across from the music school and then walk the couple of blocks to my little museum that could (sometimes can?)

following my curiosity to learn into little classes like one about writing micro-fiction because I'm hungry to be learning, thinking, writing

realizing that I don't have to DECIDE to enter the academy even if I do decide to sign up for a class or two...maybe a phd in Visual Studies but what does that mean and I did learn many moons ago that a phD doesn't make one smart....oh, yes, I do not have to DECIDE the big picture, just the little details of every day

read more, including novels like this one

trying to maintain friendships across the country and the block even if I am a bit too blah to call, I can write letters

yes and keeping lists

Other things to share:

Renee and Tiffany's (Two Girls Working) book is coming out soon and their project is a great one.

OK, then, more soon I hope...I'll try...thanks for listening!
Rachael

I don't know to call it coincidence, magic, or what but yesterday we said goodbye to my dear father-in-law through a special memorial service.

The sun was shining, so many wonderful people were there to remember him, and we all seemed to realize that he taught us so much. My husband,sister in law, and his loving wife of 37 years, my fabulous mother in law, continue to have the same kindness, generosity, honesty, humility and humor as he did as well as a boatload of memories. Plus we all love puzzles, crosswords and word games.

This morning, another sunny day, we woke up and started our day with a routine (weeding, grocery shopping, cleaning) different from how we start most sunday mornings (lounging in bed listening to NPR). So imagine our surprise when later in the day we learned that the winner of this week's puzzle shares the same name (and may even be a cousin) of our father and friend.

Thanks all for the kind words and deeds and sympathy to all who have had to say goodbye. We're off to spend more time with family, take good care,

Rachael

So I'll keep this short but but suffice it to say that the kind words, cards, hugs and thoughtful stuff from everyone helps as my sweet husband and I remember to live and love even as we greive and miss Joe. We're lucky to have painting (mine) and bowling (his) as habits and things we love. Right now he's at the alley (my husbands average is impressive ladies, sorry to brag :) and I'm going to hit send and go upstairs to my studio (where the average is not so high but there's always another chance to make the painting work).

Tomorrow will be calling hours, Saturday will be the memorial mass and since we know how loved, respected and be-friended he was, we are anticipating a large crowd of amazing people sharing their stories.

I hope the connecting, the kindness, the lesson of living to the fullest and not leaving with regrets will be themes tomorrow and everyday...

be good to the other kids,
Rachael

Death and Taxes, dammit.

One of my favorite people, my dear father in law, just passed away a few days ago after a battle with colon cancer. He was kind, funny, smart, honest, fair, true and good and so many many many people will miss him. He once told me that I was a great writer and so tonight I just wanted to put a couple of lines down in this soapbox before I crawl into bed with his amazing son, the love of my life. He's got so many of the good qualities his dad had, plus even more tossed in by his mom, seasoned with his sister and the experiences of his life. Meaning that I'm a lucky gal to be married to this fellow. I know this and I know a lot more today than I did a few days ago.

While struggling with this loss, we had to pay the stinkin' government some taxes even though their isn't universal health care, money enough for education and we are in a stupid senseless war.

Grump, sniff, and sigh. Life does go on and there is still joy in mudville. Amazing connections to wonderful people, poems by Barbara Crooker brought to my attention by one of the kindest women I've ever crossed paths with, and more reasons to listen, talk, share and enjoy every moment we can.

goodnight,
Rachael

Focus is a little tough lately. I'm wrapped up in responsibilities and trying to say goodbye to a dying loved one while supporting family in the process as well. I'm spending all my freetime trying to tread water and keep some prespective. Death is inevitable, growth is too.

I simply wanted to say something in this forum and maybe that something is best by showing some little things that help.

Watching Rauschenberg talk about erasing DeKooning

Looking at Hans Hoffman

I can't promise new content too often, but I'm not entirely swallowed by circumstances and hope you are not either...