It's Christmas time and I should be rushing around cleaning, making grocery lists, doing laundry and readying for an after Christmas trip, but instead I was stopped in my busy tracks upon reading this excerpt of a following email:
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for the card with the wonderful photos. You have real talent. I am amazed at how big your boys are and I am glad that Romeo is doing well. I think back on the day I helped Romeo and how two or three other folks stopped to help also. There are good people out there.
I will sign the writers name for you....Guardian Angel.
Seven years ago on a Thursday afternoon on her way home from work a woman by the name of Brenda was driving home to her Greyhounds dogs when she spotted my cat on the side of the road. Two other Good Samaritans were turning their car around as they had just seen Romeo hit, no run over, by a truck. Brenda and these two other people (never found out who they were) took it upon themselves to try and contact me (this is before I had a cell phone) and then Animal Control to get Romeo help. Brenda knew he wouldn't have time to wait for the officers to come retrieve him so she drove out-of her way to deliver him to animal Control, who then took him to a local Veterinarian. The following is an unedited description of Romeo's Story as I briefed friends and family in a slue of e-mails during those days and weeks that passed.
And just an aside, I have sent Brenda Christmas cards each year with a note of Romeo's health and well-being. This is the first time I had heard back. If interested in his story start reading October 3, 2002 and then continue with The Romeo Diaries.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday! (and yes, Romeo is sitting here beside me as I write this)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Romeo Diaries
October 6, 2002
Dear Romeo Fans,
When we visited him today he was much more alert and his breathing had stabilized. We showed up just in time for him to be feed so they let us do the honors (he was very interested in this!). Yesterday when my mother and I saw him he was really out of it, and would not take the tuna water I offered him (his favorite treat). He had just woken up from being under anesthesia for cleaning and rewrapping of his hind leg (so he was a little confused). So we were extra happy to see him eat today.
In the pictures attached you will see him wrapped up! His hind leg which is wrapped is the one with the fractures, the patch on the middle delivers some strong painkillers and his front paw is wrapped up for the IV.
Again today the nursing staff commented on what a nice cat he was and how they are really getting attached to him.
Monday he goes in for surgery. I'll try and let everyone knows how it goes on Monday night. Thanks to everyone for their encouraging words and prayers. So far I think all of our prayers have been answered.
Love,
Andrea
October 8, 2002
Dear Friends,
We just got home from visiting Romeo. He was able to keep his hind leg and it is now in a cast that will stay on him for the next month. His whole rear is shaved due to the hip surgery and he doesn't have a very good sense of humor about the whole thing (yet!). We can bring him home on Wednesday.
Meanwhile I talked to the officer that took him to the vet that night and he said the citizen that found him did most of the work. She offered to drive him to Animal Control after finding him on the side of the road. I hope to contact her to thank her. She is our guardian angel!
Sorry about the super big photos last night. Hope they didn't bog down your machines.
To our hotmail friends-yours did not go through for some reason, but we sent some recovery pics.
Andrea
Romeo on Wednesday, October 9, 2002
October 9, 2002
I picked him up today from the vet and they all said he was eager to leave. He is back to ol' restless self (although right now he is finally sleeping) and he has even started grooming again. I tried to put him in his new bed we got for him, but he squirmed out of it. He is pulling himself across the floor with his front legs and tries to stand up, but the cast is too cumbersome for him to do this. He has not yet eaten tonight so I hope to entice him with food later. The vet said there is still a chance that we would need to amputate the leg if he doesn't heal well with it.
In the meantime his guardian angel called tonight. Her name is Brenda and she came upon him right after the accident. Another couple had pulled over to check on him after they saw the truck hit him. They put him in Brenda's red sports car, made many phone calls and then she drove him to Animal Control talking to him the whole time. She said when she said his name he looked at her and tried to scoot closer to her. She said she then knew he came from a good home. Brenda lives in Sharpsburg, right outside of Shepherdstown where Ryan and I went to college. Apparently she has saved many animals on her long commute through the country.
Love, Andrea
October 30, 2002
The "Romeo Diaries" continue... (Thanks Debbi for idea for the title)
Romeo had his cast removed today and now has a nice hunter green bandage on the leg for the next 3-4 weeks. It still takes up his whole leg but I suspect it is lighter. He was just getting used to navigating with the cast and now that they put something new on him he will have to adjust to it. There are two wires sticking out of his hock about 3mm in length which will probably require one more surgery to fix (but they are covered by the bandages). Otherwise he is doing well and will still probably keep the leg.
In the meantime he has been bugging me to go outside again. I keep opening the door to show him all the cold rain we have been getting. I don't think his short-term memory is very good, because he'll bug me about 3 minutes later to go out!
All is well!
Andrea
November 21, 2002
Dear Friends,
Seven weeks from the day that Romeo was hit he has had his cast taken off. He is cleaning his leg as I type! It looks strange (skinny and weak) but he'll regain movement in it soon. One more minor surgery in 3 weeks to cut the exposed wires. As long as he adapts to it we are in the clear. He even has feeling in one of his toes that he wasn't able to feel at the last visit.
In the meantime I need to prepare him for our annual Christmas card. What to do, what to do....
Andrea
December 11, 2002
We have a new ornament to put on the tree this year. A vile of Romeo's pins and wires from his leg. Dr. King thought we might like to keep them in remembrance of all we have been through these past few months. The surgery today was a success and relatively easy. No metal was left in him-he feels like a natural kitty.
Love, Andrea
February 27, 2003 sent on February 28, 2003
Autobiography as a Haiku
October 3rd. People arrive home and turn on the TV to watch the sniper news unfold. I arrive home to do the same, but instead listen to two messages on my machine saying, Romeo, our cat has been hit. He is still alive. My husband and I spend the next week transporting him to and from the vet’s office and the overnight hospital. I visit him everyday. In the lobby at the vet’s office I pick up the paper, which I haven’t had time to read all week. I think, “What is this world coming too?” Then I remember the compassion of three good Samaritans that stopped to aid my cat. My faith is restored.
Dear Romeo Fans,
When we visited him today he was much more alert and his breathing had stabilized. We showed up just in time for him to be feed so they let us do the honors (he was very interested in this!). Yesterday when my mother and I saw him he was really out of it, and would not take the tuna water I offered him (his favorite treat). He had just woken up from being under anesthesia for cleaning and rewrapping of his hind leg (so he was a little confused). So we were extra happy to see him eat today.
In the pictures attached you will see him wrapped up! His hind leg which is wrapped is the one with the fractures, the patch on the middle delivers some strong painkillers and his front paw is wrapped up for the IV.
Again today the nursing staff commented on what a nice cat he was and how they are really getting attached to him.
Monday he goes in for surgery. I'll try and let everyone knows how it goes on Monday night. Thanks to everyone for their encouraging words and prayers. So far I think all of our prayers have been answered.
Love,
Andrea
Dear Friends,
We just got home from visiting Romeo. He was able to keep his hind leg and it is now in a cast that will stay on him for the next month. His whole rear is shaved due to the hip surgery and he doesn't have a very good sense of humor about the whole thing (yet!). We can bring him home on Wednesday.
Meanwhile I talked to the officer that took him to the vet that night and he said the citizen that found him did most of the work. She offered to drive him to Animal Control after finding him on the side of the road. I hope to contact her to thank her. She is our guardian angel!
Sorry about the super big photos last night. Hope they didn't bog down your machines.
To our hotmail friends-yours did not go through for some reason, but we sent some recovery pics.
Andrea
Romeo on Wednesday, October 9, 2002
 |
| First night home after surgery. |
October 9, 2002
I picked him up today from the vet and they all said he was eager to leave. He is back to ol' restless self (although right now he is finally sleeping) and he has even started grooming again. I tried to put him in his new bed we got for him, but he squirmed out of it. He is pulling himself across the floor with his front legs and tries to stand up, but the cast is too cumbersome for him to do this. He has not yet eaten tonight so I hope to entice him with food later. The vet said there is still a chance that we would need to amputate the leg if he doesn't heal well with it.
In the meantime his guardian angel called tonight. Her name is Brenda and she came upon him right after the accident. Another couple had pulled over to check on him after they saw the truck hit him. They put him in Brenda's red sports car, made many phone calls and then she drove him to Animal Control talking to him the whole time. She said when she said his name he looked at her and tried to scoot closer to her. She said she then knew he came from a good home. Brenda lives in Sharpsburg, right outside of Shepherdstown where Ryan and I went to college. Apparently she has saved many animals on her long commute through the country.
Love, Andrea
October 30, 2002
The "Romeo Diaries" continue... (Thanks Debbi for idea for the title)
Romeo had his cast removed today and now has a nice hunter green bandage on the leg for the next 3-4 weeks. It still takes up his whole leg but I suspect it is lighter. He was just getting used to navigating with the cast and now that they put something new on him he will have to adjust to it. There are two wires sticking out of his hock about 3mm in length which will probably require one more surgery to fix (but they are covered by the bandages). Otherwise he is doing well and will still probably keep the leg.
In the meantime he has been bugging me to go outside again. I keep opening the door to show him all the cold rain we have been getting. I don't think his short-term memory is very good, because he'll bug me about 3 minutes later to go out!
All is well!
Andrea
November 21, 2002
Dear Friends,
Seven weeks from the day that Romeo was hit he has had his cast taken off. He is cleaning his leg as I type! It looks strange (skinny and weak) but he'll regain movement in it soon. One more minor surgery in 3 weeks to cut the exposed wires. As long as he adapts to it we are in the clear. He even has feeling in one of his toes that he wasn't able to feel at the last visit.
In the meantime I need to prepare him for our annual Christmas card. What to do, what to do....
Andrea
December 11, 2002
We have a new ornament to put on the tree this year. A vile of Romeo's pins and wires from his leg. Dr. King thought we might like to keep them in remembrance of all we have been through these past few months. The surgery today was a success and relatively easy. No metal was left in him-he feels like a natural kitty.
Love, Andrea
February 27, 2003 sent on February 28, 2003
Autobiography as a Haiku
October 3rd. People arrive home and turn on the TV to watch the sniper news unfold. I arrive home to do the same, but instead listen to two messages on my machine saying, Romeo, our cat has been hit. He is still alive. My husband and I spend the next week transporting him to and from the vet’s office and the overnight hospital. I visit him everyday. In the lobby at the vet’s office I pick up the paper, which I haven’t had time to read all week. I think, “What is this world coming too?” Then I remember the compassion of three good Samaritans that stopped to aid my cat. My faith is restored.
October 3, 2002
Saturday, October 5th, 2002 5:00am
Dear Friends and Family,
On Thursday evening I got home later than usual to find several disturbing messages on the answering machine regarding Romeo. He had been hit by a car in the train station parking lot across the road from our home at 4:30pm and was luckily rushed to a veterinarian in Frederick by an Animal Control Officer. Ryan happened to arrive home as I was on my way out the door (in the biggest tizzy I have ever been in).
When we arrived at the vet’s office we learned of his injuries and of the fact that he might not make it through the night. He was hit in the rear with one hind leg (right?) severely fractured, a broken pelvis, and a dislocated hip in the opposite hind leg. He also had a slow leak in his lung, which caused him to pant. The shock that he had faced was one of the biggest concerns.
Unfortunately the vet’s office does not have overnight care, so at 7:00pm on Thursday we had to transport him to the Overnight Emergency Room 30 minutes away (45 from home) and then transport him back to the vet’s in the morning. When we arrived with him swaddled in towels and heating pads we met with the Emergency Room doctor and learned in more detail (to my shock) the true extent of his injuries. She sent us home at about 8:30 pm telling us she would not call in the night unless it was a true emergency. We finally got to bed and at about 11:00 the phone rang. We were both sure we had lost him. She told us that there was blood in his urine and that she had to tap (suck out) air from his chest several times. I didn’t sleep after that.
By 5:00am on Friday morning he was doing better and his urine had run clearer. Ryan transported him back to the vet’s office where he recovered for the day. I got to see him at 5:00pm and the doctor and I discussed surgery for his hip, pelvis and fractured leg. If he does not regain feeling in his fractured leg, they will amputate, but honestly that is not the biggest concern for me. In my mind a three-legged cat is better than no cat. I really like the doctor who will perform the surgery. Dr. King has a wonderful bedside manner (with both us and Romeo) and truly likes this cat (as does every doctor and nurse we have come in contact with).
Romeo is now at the Overnight Emergency Room where he will stay until Monday morning. I just called and he has been eating and is comfortable sleeping with his head on his favorite wool sweater.
For those of you who know him, you will understand why he is so important to us. He is a member of the family and changed our lives the moment he showed up at our doorstep the day we moved into Blacksburg. During our time in graduate school he taught us it was okay to slow down and take a nap. We are depleting his college fund to pay for this (he didn’t want to go anyway) and also our hardwood floor fund. So we’ll be spending another year with pink carpet, but at least Romeo will be on it!
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially on Monday when we plan to have his surgery! Love to all and remember to kiss you furry friends every day!
Love,
Dear Friends and Family,
On Thursday evening I got home later than usual to find several disturbing messages on the answering machine regarding Romeo. He had been hit by a car in the train station parking lot across the road from our home at 4:30pm and was luckily rushed to a veterinarian in Frederick by an Animal Control Officer. Ryan happened to arrive home as I was on my way out the door (in the biggest tizzy I have ever been in).
When we arrived at the vet’s office we learned of his injuries and of the fact that he might not make it through the night. He was hit in the rear with one hind leg (right?) severely fractured, a broken pelvis, and a dislocated hip in the opposite hind leg. He also had a slow leak in his lung, which caused him to pant. The shock that he had faced was one of the biggest concerns.
Unfortunately the vet’s office does not have overnight care, so at 7:00pm on Thursday we had to transport him to the Overnight Emergency Room 30 minutes away (45 from home) and then transport him back to the vet’s in the morning. When we arrived with him swaddled in towels and heating pads we met with the Emergency Room doctor and learned in more detail (to my shock) the true extent of his injuries. She sent us home at about 8:30 pm telling us she would not call in the night unless it was a true emergency. We finally got to bed and at about 11:00 the phone rang. We were both sure we had lost him. She told us that there was blood in his urine and that she had to tap (suck out) air from his chest several times. I didn’t sleep after that.
By 5:00am on Friday morning he was doing better and his urine had run clearer. Ryan transported him back to the vet’s office where he recovered for the day. I got to see him at 5:00pm and the doctor and I discussed surgery for his hip, pelvis and fractured leg. If he does not regain feeling in his fractured leg, they will amputate, but honestly that is not the biggest concern for me. In my mind a three-legged cat is better than no cat. I really like the doctor who will perform the surgery. Dr. King has a wonderful bedside manner (with both us and Romeo) and truly likes this cat (as does every doctor and nurse we have come in contact with).
Romeo is now at the Overnight Emergency Room where he will stay until Monday morning. I just called and he has been eating and is comfortable sleeping with his head on his favorite wool sweater.
For those of you who know him, you will understand why he is so important to us. He is a member of the family and changed our lives the moment he showed up at our doorstep the day we moved into Blacksburg. During our time in graduate school he taught us it was okay to slow down and take a nap. We are depleting his college fund to pay for this (he didn’t want to go anyway) and also our hardwood floor fund. So we’ll be spending another year with pink carpet, but at least Romeo will be on it!
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, especially on Monday when we plan to have his surgery! Love to all and remember to kiss you furry friends every day!
Love,
Andrea & Ryan
Friday, October 29, 2010
New logo
A logo for my photography business is in the making. This is exciting because it will help me launch other parts of the photography business. Stay tuned....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
New to Point of Rocks?
A new family just moved into town. We meet the banjo playing wife who has twin boys (about the same age as my sons) so we promised to get together. We suggested going to the Saturday Night Lucketts Bluegrass Concert this past weekend only to find that my husband and her husband knew each other from VA TECH’s graduate program that they were in 9 years ago. Small world.
After we left the concert I started spouting off things to my husband to tell them about or places to go near and around town. Ryan said I would overwhelm them, but after nine years of living in the same town just down the road from my own hometown of Germantown some of this info might not only be useful for them , but for others. Enjoy and add on…..
The cool things to see and do out and about Point of Rocks other than hiking on the C&O Canal:
• Edward F Fry Memorial Library in POR Storytime on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings
• Hike on Sugarloaf Mountain
• Art classes, gallery shows, culture, even a chance to pose for life drawing classes: Delaplaine Visual Arts Center in Frederick and the Loudoun Academy of Arts in Leesburg for
• Dragonfly Art Co-op for purchasing unique art in Frederick
• Countryside Artisan Tour in Upper Montgomery County. Tours of artists studios-check the schedule.
• Beans in the Belfry in downtown Brunswick. Coffee shop, funky restaurant, live music, kids programs, etc.
• Berwick Ribbon Outlet in Hagerstown…so worth the drive…I’m talking about spending $5.00 on a huge bag of ribbon!
• Chartreuse & Company antiques & tag sales once a month near Buckystown (Friday-Sunday)
• The Old Lucketts Store antiques-open all the time
• The best playground around is in Dickerson, MD just off Big Woods Road-hidden gem, where you can watch horses graze
• Of course helping out with the Point of Rocks Garden Club or in the Annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up on the Canal (each year in April)
• Frederick and Leesburg both have ghost tours, house tours, garden tours…Harpers Ferry is known for their ghost tours. I love the Frederick Christmas House tour in early December.
• Antietam Battlefield 23,000 Candles - One for Each Soldier Killed, Wounded or Missing at the Battle of Antietam One of the most incredible displays I have ever seen-December 4, 2010.
• Antique Emporium, Great Stuff by Paul both in downtown Frederick
• Frederick Earth & Space and Science Lab…a must if you have kids or need a unique date night…don’t ask, just go. $4.00 per person per movie. Open House Night Nov 1
• Fresh eggs for $2.00 a dozen on Stunkle’s Farm off of Rte. 28 call Cheryl at 301-874-2146
• Visit some cats and kittens…need to make an appointment but they love to have youngsters come play with them. Last year instead of accepting b-day gifts for Liam we asked for animal food and then donated to the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County. So much fun for my boys to visit these cats.
What have I missed?
After spending an hour typing this up in Word than transferring it to Blogger, my links did not go through...so check out the document here for links.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T46V9ysSktNov16fUwNcjqA3MY6OPJmp4Up2w5yCCfw/edit?hl=en
After we left the concert I started spouting off things to my husband to tell them about or places to go near and around town. Ryan said I would overwhelm them, but after nine years of living in the same town just down the road from my own hometown of Germantown some of this info might not only be useful for them , but for others. Enjoy and add on…..
The cool things to see and do out and about Point of Rocks other than hiking on the C&O Canal:
• Edward F Fry Memorial Library in POR Storytime on Monday nights and Tuesday mornings
• Hike on Sugarloaf Mountain
• Art classes, gallery shows, culture, even a chance to pose for life drawing classes: Delaplaine Visual Arts Center in Frederick and the Loudoun Academy of Arts in Leesburg for
• Dragonfly Art Co-op for purchasing unique art in Frederick
• Countryside Artisan Tour in Upper Montgomery County. Tours of artists studios-check the schedule.
• Beans in the Belfry in downtown Brunswick. Coffee shop, funky restaurant, live music, kids programs, etc.
• Berwick Ribbon Outlet in Hagerstown…so worth the drive…I’m talking about spending $5.00 on a huge bag of ribbon!
• Chartreuse & Company antiques & tag sales once a month near Buckystown (Friday-Sunday)
• The Old Lucketts Store antiques-open all the time
• The best playground around is in Dickerson, MD just off Big Woods Road-hidden gem, where you can watch horses graze
• Of course helping out with the Point of Rocks Garden Club or in the Annual Potomac Watershed Clean-up on the Canal (each year in April)
• Frederick and Leesburg both have ghost tours, house tours, garden tours…Harpers Ferry is known for their ghost tours. I love the Frederick Christmas House tour in early December.
• Antietam Battlefield 23,000 Candles - One for Each Soldier Killed, Wounded or Missing at the Battle of Antietam One of the most incredible displays I have ever seen-December 4, 2010.
• Antique Emporium, Great Stuff by Paul both in downtown Frederick
• Frederick Earth & Space and Science Lab…a must if you have kids or need a unique date night…don’t ask, just go. $4.00 per person per movie. Open House Night Nov 1
• Fresh eggs for $2.00 a dozen on Stunkle’s Farm off of Rte. 28 call Cheryl at 301-874-2146
• Visit some cats and kittens…need to make an appointment but they love to have youngsters come play with them. Last year instead of accepting b-day gifts for Liam we asked for animal food and then donated to the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County. So much fun for my boys to visit these cats.
What have I missed?
After spending an hour typing this up in Word than transferring it to Blogger, my links did not go through...so check out the document here for links.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T46V9ysSktNov16fUwNcjqA3MY6OPJmp4Up2w5yCCfw/edit?hl=en
Still Crossing
Being apart of the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange's performance of Still Crossing as two of the "Community of Dancers" was one of the best mother/son experiences I have ever had. I am proud that Liam participated, learned the dance and finally performed on stage. But I was even more thrilled that he was part of the group rehearsals with all of the circle gathering, movements, singing, clapping and laughing. At one point I felt like I should be paying them for this experience-people would pay for this type class!
The fact that people of all ages and abilities were included in this performance opened up a wonderful dialogue about people with disabilities. I hope Liam grows up thinking this inclusion is the norm rather than the exception.
For me it was wonderful to meet and connect with several people . It was also nice to meet other Sandy Spring Friends alumni and current students. This year is my 20 reunion (glup!). And of course watching the company perform on stage. I really couldn't get enough of Ben who is a phenomenal dancer!
Several funny quotes and conversations with Liam included:
Friday before arriving and both of us needing to change clothes: "Mom, will I get to use the dressing room?" Andy and I pointed it our the night before and the dressing room idea must have stuck in his head. If you want him to perform again, his wants his own dressing room with his name on the door!
Late Friday night on the way home: "Mom, I think I'll be happy when this is over 'cause all we do is practice, practice, practice.....but I will be a little sad too. Will we ever see these people again?"
"Mom, why are we always doing this circle stuff." referring to all the circles we made as a group.
Just the fact that he now knows about Ellis Island, which turned into a conversation about slavery and so many other things!
http://www.gazette.net/stories/05122010/entemon152315_32549.php
The fact that people of all ages and abilities were included in this performance opened up a wonderful dialogue about people with disabilities. I hope Liam grows up thinking this inclusion is the norm rather than the exception.
For me it was wonderful to meet and connect with several people . It was also nice to meet other Sandy Spring Friends alumni and current students. This year is my 20 reunion (glup!). And of course watching the company perform on stage. I really couldn't get enough of Ben who is a phenomenal dancer!
Several funny quotes and conversations with Liam included:
Friday before arriving and both of us needing to change clothes: "Mom, will I get to use the dressing room?" Andy and I pointed it our the night before and the dressing room idea must have stuck in his head. If you want him to perform again, his wants his own dressing room with his name on the door!
Late Friday night on the way home: "Mom, I think I'll be happy when this is over 'cause all we do is practice, practice, practice.....but I will be a little sad too. Will we ever see these people again?"
"Mom, why are we always doing this circle stuff." referring to all the circles we made as a group.
Just the fact that he now knows about Ellis Island, which turned into a conversation about slavery and so many other things!
http://www.gazette.net/stories/05122010/entemon152315_32549.php
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Webpage
I keep tinkering with the Andrea's Point website and think I have it where I want it (almost). Let me know what you think. www.andreaspoint.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Been busy
Like many people with a blog, I took a bit of a break. Not that I haven't been inspired, on the contrary, just not about blogging I guess. I do have one or two posts tucked away, waiting for more time with me, but until then they must rest.
In the meantime I have been putting much of my free creative time into my photography, art and website, http://www.andreaspoint.com/ Come on over and check it out.
Many of the images can be turned into holiday or greeting cards so let me know if you would like to place an order. They received a good response at this past weekend at the first ever Art at the Point here in my town of Point of Rocks.
I am also beginning to book portrait sessions for children and families. Let me know if you would like me to capture a moment in time of your loved ones in a pumpkin field, dressed for Halloween or for your upcoming holiday card.
Cheers!
In the meantime I have been putting much of my free creative time into my photography, art and website, http://www.andreaspoint.com/ Come on over and check it out.
Many of the images can be turned into holiday or greeting cards so let me know if you would like to place an order. They received a good response at this past weekend at the first ever Art at the Point here in my town of Point of Rocks.
I am also beginning to book portrait sessions for children and families. Let me know if you would like me to capture a moment in time of your loved ones in a pumpkin field, dressed for Halloween or for your upcoming holiday card.
Cheers!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Novel Travel
Take me to Cornwall or Florence or India, anyplace but Maryland. One of the primary reasons I read novels is to be swept away to a different place, one so unlike where I live in Maryland. I recently picked up a biography that took place in Brunswick, Maryland the next town over, and put it down after two chapters since it felt too close to home.
I love to travel and explore although I haven’t had as much time to engage in it as I am now a mother of two young boys. As a teenager I attended a wedding in Venezuela traveling with the bride and groom on their honeymoon, took an art trip to Italy with my college professor and peers, visited my husband (then boyfriend) in Guatemala while he served in the Peace Corps, saw Jamaica by way of local buses and other rickety transport, and finally discovered my father’s homeland as he introduced Hungary to me through his own eyes.
Our trips are now relegated to short mini-vacations and a camping trip thrown in here and there. On occasion I even get to slip away without the ties of my family to have a girl’s weekend in New York City, Miami or at a secluded cabin in West Virginia. But I do crave the adventure that foreign travel promises.
So in the meantime, I read. I am currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert which is as much a travelogue as it is a memoir about a woman seeking to find her authentic self through pleasure and spiritual devotion. What could be better than packing up your life for one year to travel to three very distinct places? It may not be for everyone, but at least we can read about her experiences.
As the boys grow older we have our sights on more adventurous travel, but until then I have my novels and wonderful memories of trips taken to exotic and foreign lands to tide me over.
I love to travel and explore although I haven’t had as much time to engage in it as I am now a mother of two young boys. As a teenager I attended a wedding in Venezuela traveling with the bride and groom on their honeymoon, took an art trip to Italy with my college professor and peers, visited my husband (then boyfriend) in Guatemala while he served in the Peace Corps, saw Jamaica by way of local buses and other rickety transport, and finally discovered my father’s homeland as he introduced Hungary to me through his own eyes.
Our trips are now relegated to short mini-vacations and a camping trip thrown in here and there. On occasion I even get to slip away without the ties of my family to have a girl’s weekend in New York City, Miami or at a secluded cabin in West Virginia. But I do crave the adventure that foreign travel promises.
So in the meantime, I read. I am currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert which is as much a travelogue as it is a memoir about a woman seeking to find her authentic self through pleasure and spiritual devotion. What could be better than packing up your life for one year to travel to three very distinct places? It may not be for everyone, but at least we can read about her experiences.
As the boys grow older we have our sights on more adventurous travel, but until then I have my novels and wonderful memories of trips taken to exotic and foreign lands to tide me over.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Pie Day
Pie Day takes place in Scott, Louisiana annually on Good Friday at the home of Paul Begnaud. Begnaud’s home is situated in the middle of town in the old red brick bank which he converted into his home. Artwork covers his yellow walls from floor to ceiling and even hangs on the exterior of the garage. Inside Begnaud greets visitors, mostly friends from town or nearby Lafayette as the morning hours increased.
The tradition of Pie Day has been occurring in Begnaud’s family and first began with his Grandmother over 100 years ago. His mother took it over, followed by his sister for 15 years when Mr. Begnaud’s “inherited’ the tradition. The pies are made the day before and this year’s count totaled 104. My husband enjoyed the fig pie, while I tasted the lemon custard and my sons loved the chocolate.
Pies were laid out on tables covered in red and white checkered tablecloths both inside and out. The crowd spilled out into the windy springtime sidewalk due to the tight quarters inside. Music was played by a guitarist and fiddle player who hailed from Kentucky.
Mr. Begnaud insists his guests eat pie of off his mismatched china, with sterling silverware and porcelain tea cups. When one of his guests came into the room holding a Styrofoam cup of coffee he chastised them telling them to use the real tea cups. Women were in the tiny kitchen which used to be the bank vault, quickly scrubbing so once you put you teacup in the kitchen it was then cleaned, dried and filled with coffee for another guests within minutes.
As we left, I asked to take one piece of pie home since I had only sampled one flavor. He insisted that I fill an entire pie tin full of different varieties and then cover it with a paper napkin. My family and I left with a full stomach and a sweet feeling that can only be experienced when you eat pie on a spring day at 10:00am in the morning.
For the photo essay please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIKc0j2kvCA
The tradition of Pie Day has been occurring in Begnaud’s family and first began with his Grandmother over 100 years ago. His mother took it over, followed by his sister for 15 years when Mr. Begnaud’s “inherited’ the tradition. The pies are made the day before and this year’s count totaled 104. My husband enjoyed the fig pie, while I tasted the lemon custard and my sons loved the chocolate.
Pies were laid out on tables covered in red and white checkered tablecloths both inside and out. The crowd spilled out into the windy springtime sidewalk due to the tight quarters inside. Music was played by a guitarist and fiddle player who hailed from Kentucky.
Mr. Begnaud insists his guests eat pie of off his mismatched china, with sterling silverware and porcelain tea cups. When one of his guests came into the room holding a Styrofoam cup of coffee he chastised them telling them to use the real tea cups. Women were in the tiny kitchen which used to be the bank vault, quickly scrubbing so once you put you teacup in the kitchen it was then cleaned, dried and filled with coffee for another guests within minutes.
As we left, I asked to take one piece of pie home since I had only sampled one flavor. He insisted that I fill an entire pie tin full of different varieties and then cover it with a paper napkin. My family and I left with a full stomach and a sweet feeling that can only be experienced when you eat pie on a spring day at 10:00am in the morning.
For the photo essay please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIKc0j2kvCA
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Self Portraits
A while back I was talking to a friend about needing some artistic inspiration. He suggested self portraits. I told him, "I did that in college." He told me to try it again and "you might be surprised." So here is the first few shots of me recreating a series I did in college. The background needs to be changed, I need to work on a lot of things in my newly set up studio, and reacquaint myself with my camera but it's a start.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Winter Doldrums
My kindergartner has been out of school since noon on February 5 through tomorrow, February 17 due to the winter snow storms that hit the DC area. I love snow. I love my family. I love fires in the fireplace, but this is a little much. It’s given me time to clean some things out, which is needed and therapeutic. It has also given me too much time with my own thoughts. I need to embark on a new project.
I worked at a furious rate on putting together photos of my mother-in-law, Gail the week after she died. It gave me a purpose and was cathartic. Everything happened so fast during those several weeks as she declined and then as we readied for the funeral and hosting family. Ryan’s father and Grandmother departed when the first snowflakes began to fall. Suddenly we were left with three feet of snow and dying funeral flowers.
A week prior to Gail’s death, my mother handed me a banker’s box full of my father’s collection of photos from his youth in Hungary and later California. Ryan was gone, saying his goodbyes and supporting his family and I was left home with two sick children. I began to look through the box, telling myself I’d look through just one envelope of pictures. The next thing I knew I was sorting them by era, subject matter and researching my Grandfather’s business connection with John Lloyd Wright, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s sons. I began scanning photos that my cousin, aunt and brother would appreciate including my parent’s wedding photo. I had never seen it before and thought my mother looked sophisticated in her pink pillbox hat. I emailed it to her and she told me not to show it to anyone since she looked horrible in it.
The project was interrupted by Gail’s decline and all the emotions that come with losing a loved one. So, I guess this is as good a time as ever to pick up the Bagdy Family Photo Project. My cousin, Alethea, knows other family members in Hungary that may be able to assist with recalling who are in these photos if my father adn aunt are unable. Maybe at some point once these images are digitized we can collect all of them in a book, for the surviving members of the family. In the meantime it gives me a good project to work and the purpose I need to keep me going until springtime.
I worked at a furious rate on putting together photos of my mother-in-law, Gail the week after she died. It gave me a purpose and was cathartic. Everything happened so fast during those several weeks as she declined and then as we readied for the funeral and hosting family. Ryan’s father and Grandmother departed when the first snowflakes began to fall. Suddenly we were left with three feet of snow and dying funeral flowers.
A week prior to Gail’s death, my mother handed me a banker’s box full of my father’s collection of photos from his youth in Hungary and later California. Ryan was gone, saying his goodbyes and supporting his family and I was left home with two sick children. I began to look through the box, telling myself I’d look through just one envelope of pictures. The next thing I knew I was sorting them by era, subject matter and researching my Grandfather’s business connection with John Lloyd Wright, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s sons. I began scanning photos that my cousin, aunt and brother would appreciate including my parent’s wedding photo. I had never seen it before and thought my mother looked sophisticated in her pink pillbox hat. I emailed it to her and she told me not to show it to anyone since she looked horrible in it.
The project was interrupted by Gail’s decline and all the emotions that come with losing a loved one. So, I guess this is as good a time as ever to pick up the Bagdy Family Photo Project. My cousin, Alethea, knows other family members in Hungary that may be able to assist with recalling who are in these photos if my father adn aunt are unable. Maybe at some point once these images are digitized we can collect all of them in a book, for the surviving members of the family. In the meantime it gives me a good project to work and the purpose I need to keep me going until springtime.
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