To be honest, I joined FACEBOOK mostly to keep up with my kids--spread over three states—from Alaska to Wisconsin to Washington. On my page, I mention I’m in Real Estate, and I sell crafts…but mostly, my aim is to keep an ear to what my kids post and talk about online, as well as keep up with other friends and family members. I don’t have a stylish, customized site, or music that starts up as you load my page, or any of the hundreds of gadgets and links one may have in order to be truly hip in the technological world of online networking. And, like many of my era, I struggle to MySpace and Twitter and Blog and Ecademy and Email and Skype…and I don’t do them all.
But, I love the little “gifts” of social networking; Photos and links to interesting things others want to share. This weekend I got a little message from a former boss/partner of mine whom I shared 13 years in the black tie dj entertaining business. It’s wedding promotion season in Wisconsin and the bridal fairs and shows have begun. Like our days of old, Joe has his system set up and is raking in the prospects. He wrote me to share that a photographer contact of ours stopped in to say hello, and had inquired after me – sending his hello via Joe through Facebook.
It was a warm spot all day and I mentioned it on the phone to my son the next evening. You know, sort of in the context of “Guess who remembered me!” because it’s almost 9 years since I’ve seen the gentleman. How nice to be remembered…and all that.
Not much further into the conversation my son mentioned that every so often, it occurs to him how very [SMALL, SHELTERED, NAÏVE] – he didn’t come up with the word he wanted to describe his rural upbringing in Smalltown, Midwest USA. So he illustrated his point. (I paraphrase) “Do you realize how little that photographer had on his mind, that he still thought of YOU after all of these years? Do you understand that just not that much goes on in Rural America….?”
Well, my happy little bubble burst as I thought of that. Perhaps the photographer wasn’t necessarily remembering ME so much as not that much has altered in the pattern of his life and he marks my absence because of it. Maybe that’s why the tendency to gossip is so rampant in Smalltown, USA? Not that much new, not that much different happens to disrupt a lifestyle that centers around folks and family.
Conversation pivots around folks and family. A professional in his business remembers co-workers in the industry a decade after the fact… People talk mainly…of other people. My son noted that the office turnaround in one of his Seattle places of employ has completely rotated in the past five years. No veteran staff. No history. No memories. Nobody remembers…
Days later, I find I’m still mulling the conversation over. I am also currently happy being almost anonymous in Tucson. But, I believe there’s a lot to be said for history, and relationships, and community. I LIKED being remembered by that Wisconsin photographer.
Social networking is the current way to “gossip” among folks and family in the age of computers. I use it almost daily to stay in tenuous touch with those I love and care about. And, hopefully, make a few new friends along the way. I’ll always be a small town girl and it just hit me that it’s so. My life has meaning because of folks and family.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Making Memories
I was on a road trip recently with my mother. We meandered down the main street of the town and our attention caught on a rustic saloon by the name of Sorry Gulch Saloon. It looked pretty sorry. It’s always fun to find places specific to the character of each place we visit…we turned in.
Our plan was to sit in the outside patio, as it was a lovely afternoon. However, patios in Arizona’s smoke free state generally mean SMOKE…so rather than join several clients enjoying their cigarettes, we ducked inside the dimly lit interior.
We bellied up to the much carved and autographed wood bar and took a look at the sparkling wall display of most every alcoholic beverage one could imagine. It had the usual beer banners and posters, beat up chairs and hardwood floor. Scarred pool tables dominated the main room, but around the bend in the room we could see a large dance floor and stage. Behind the bar looked very clean, but we both ordered a light beer in a bottle from the bearded bartender.
First thing we met was a friendly, scruffy regular whose first words were to let us know that though the town religious folk didn’t allow a Hooters on Main Street, Wednesday night they had a great stripper show right here at Sorry Gulch.
Well… we had to smile. What possessed this stranger to think an old lady and her daughter would need to know that? Hometown pride I guess…and as we sat and listened, this place was full of it. Pretty soon someone put a dollar in the juke box and Johnny Cash started serenading us…
I actually found internet reviews on the place --
“This is the best bar I have ever been in! And, I've been in plenty. I'm older than dirt and have been going to bars, night clubs, road houses and saloons all my life. The Sorry Gulch Saloon beats them all! The atmosphere can't be beat. “
“Great Bar: Very diverse crowd.”
Pros: inexpensive drinks, friendly people, diverse crowd
Cons: the nasty strippers
“This local hang out has more to offer than strippers. A local Cheer's to those regulars and daring outsiders who come to visit. Not for the faint at heart. The robust conversation among regulars covers many topics. Harley Riders frequent the joint adding to the flavor.”
“All I can say is Thursday night, stripper night, stripper night, stripper night!!!”
Pros: stripper night
Cons: stripper night
So our reviewers are tactful and this mother-daughter duo enjoyed kicking back and enjoying some local flavor for a little while. If you’re ever taking a road trip through the military town of Sierra Vista, AZ (we went for the balloon festival) and you feel adventurous…stop in for a soda or beverage at the Sorry Gulch Saloon.
Our favorite moment? Spotting the rack of t-shirts for sale…we were oh…so… tempted….
“Good Girl Gone Gulch”
Exactly. :)
Everyone should go gulch in their lifetime.
Our plan was to sit in the outside patio, as it was a lovely afternoon. However, patios in Arizona’s smoke free state generally mean SMOKE…so rather than join several clients enjoying their cigarettes, we ducked inside the dimly lit interior.
We bellied up to the much carved and autographed wood bar and took a look at the sparkling wall display of most every alcoholic beverage one could imagine. It had the usual beer banners and posters, beat up chairs and hardwood floor. Scarred pool tables dominated the main room, but around the bend in the room we could see a large dance floor and stage. Behind the bar looked very clean, but we both ordered a light beer in a bottle from the bearded bartender.
First thing we met was a friendly, scruffy regular whose first words were to let us know that though the town religious folk didn’t allow a Hooters on Main Street, Wednesday night they had a great stripper show right here at Sorry Gulch.
Well… we had to smile. What possessed this stranger to think an old lady and her daughter would need to know that? Hometown pride I guess…and as we sat and listened, this place was full of it. Pretty soon someone put a dollar in the juke box and Johnny Cash started serenading us…
I actually found internet reviews on the place --
“This is the best bar I have ever been in! And, I've been in plenty. I'm older than dirt and have been going to bars, night clubs, road houses and saloons all my life. The Sorry Gulch Saloon beats them all! The atmosphere can't be beat. “
“Great Bar: Very diverse crowd.”
Pros: inexpensive drinks, friendly people, diverse crowd
Cons: the nasty strippers
“This local hang out has more to offer than strippers. A local Cheer's to those regulars and daring outsiders who come to visit. Not for the faint at heart. The robust conversation among regulars covers many topics. Harley Riders frequent the joint adding to the flavor.”
“All I can say is Thursday night, stripper night, stripper night, stripper night!!!”
Pros: stripper night
Cons: stripper night
So our reviewers are tactful and this mother-daughter duo enjoyed kicking back and enjoying some local flavor for a little while. If you’re ever taking a road trip through the military town of Sierra Vista, AZ (we went for the balloon festival) and you feel adventurous…stop in for a soda or beverage at the Sorry Gulch Saloon.
Our favorite moment? Spotting the rack of t-shirts for sale…we were oh…so… tempted….
“Good Girl Gone Gulch”
Exactly. :)
Everyone should go gulch in their lifetime.
P.S. My SECOND favorite moment? Giggling with my reputably austere mother like two girls sneaking out at midnight....
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Path less Traveled...
We live about 20 minutes north of Tucson, in a newer community of Marana a few miles off the main interstate running from Tucson to Phoenix. In the last few months, a new road was completed just off the freeway, with four lanes and a wide, beautiful median of desert floral. It replaces the bumpy, lumpy frontage road and two lane jaunt through the cotton fields.
After taking the ‘new” road for over a month, I got to thinking that it was LONGER to take the new, smooth road at 45 mph, than the old, construction truck-frequented bumpy, 35 mph lane. So, in my typical analytical fashion, set my odometer and set off to measure time and distance.
My findings were that the smooth “new” road took 5 minutes, and was 3 miles long. The former pathway took 6 minutes, and was 3.5 miles long.
Again, I mention my analytical nature because I couldn’t just drop it at that. Upon reflection of my results, I began to parallel it with life, past and present.
I remember being a passenger as we drove across the Dakotas. We swore that if we looked far enough down the road we saw ahead of us straight and narrow AND SMOOTH, we’d see our night’s destination. BORING, LONG, UNEVENTFUL!!!!
Or...When you’re sitting in a jury duty waiting room ALL DAY, it seems to take forever. However if you’re sitting in the aisle awaiting TRAFFIC COURT…your time can come too SOON!
Or... how about the safe pleasure of a merry go round—at what age does the majority begin to desire speed, thrills, spins, flips….
For us the drive to Phoenix is pretty dull until you get close in. It’s a flat, barren land broken by occasional small towns and farm areas. We enjoy our mountains as we near Tucson and find the canyons, peaks and rocks of Arizona preferable to the scrub-filled flats. I have driven all day on the dirt backroads of AZ along the southern border and found that more “fun” than the first 80 miles driving north to Phoenix…
So, what do you think? Bumps or smooth sailing?
Don’t the potholes and curves and detours in life add the interest, the spice, the COMPLEXITY to life?
Or from another perspective….the differences between the roads we journey help us to appreciate both as they come…at least in hindsight?
Or digging deeper…the curves the bad roads toss our way prepare us to be better drivers on the straightaway?
See…I told you that road is long going home…lots of time for reflection….
By the way...the photo above was taken at the tip of Door County, WI...the final 2 miles to catch the ferry to Washington Island. Gorgeous summer, winter and fall. The best part???? The ric-rack, zig zag, up and down!!!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Clearing the Air
Did you know this is National Pet Peeve Week? I excused myself during my morning break to take a walk today at work because I was strung out regarding a pet peeve. During my lunch break I did a little “surfing” on the pet peeve subject. This is what I found that made sense to me:
"The main reason I hate "so busy" is because it is used as an excuse - an excuse for not being a good friend, not being a nice person, not following through on promises, not completing jobs well, etc. For example, I know many women use this as a way to explain why they haven't called, texted or emailed other friends.
The other "so busy" type is the uber-mom. We all know her. She is living through her kids, and is often a really cool mom. I usually like her alot, and she is a good soul most of the time. But there is a darkness lurking within her - the overscheduling madness that seems to overtake certain moms. Her children are in ballet, in baseball, in piano lessons, in the band, cheerleading, taking drama and cooking and art and gymnastics. They are going camping four weekends this summer and the family will hike the Grand Canyon. The kids are taking horseback and golf lessons and French too. They are active in church, and in fact, they attend the children's program. And the youth. And VBS. And church camp.
This sweet mom, who does seem really busy, spends most summer hours driving around dropping kids off here and there. Her kids are whiny and gripey, and she is grumpy too - She really is busy - but is "so busy" an excuse you can use, when you put yourself there?
The ones who don't say they are "so busy" only really differ from the overscheduling mom in that they don't complain about the life they have chosen, and they don't use it to excuse them from basic social skills."
A recent poll indicates that office workers have plenty of gripes, and most of them are about the behavior of their co-workers.
Here’s just the top 3:
Gossip (60%)
Poor time management (including personal calls and non work-related web surfing) (54%)
General messiness in shared spaces, such as dirty dishes in the sink (45%)
So in honor of National Pet Peeve Week…are you venting, internalizing, or getting some good exercize???
Comment from S. Fox: Cara, My dad used to have a little saying on the wall above his desk. It read, "I'm not interested in the storms you endured, but did you bring in the ship?" This as of late has been my motto, and as you note about pet peeves the same thing goes for those people that don't have time for people.I don't know if you knew I have just returned from two weeks in Hungary. Every day someone had to give a thought for the day. This is one I keep on my list: "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world" Burt Bacharach. You would know the words and you can sing.
"The main reason I hate "so busy" is because it is used as an excuse - an excuse for not being a good friend, not being a nice person, not following through on promises, not completing jobs well, etc. For example, I know many women use this as a way to explain why they haven't called, texted or emailed other friends.
The other "so busy" type is the uber-mom. We all know her. She is living through her kids, and is often a really cool mom. I usually like her alot, and she is a good soul most of the time. But there is a darkness lurking within her - the overscheduling madness that seems to overtake certain moms. Her children are in ballet, in baseball, in piano lessons, in the band, cheerleading, taking drama and cooking and art and gymnastics. They are going camping four weekends this summer and the family will hike the Grand Canyon. The kids are taking horseback and golf lessons and French too. They are active in church, and in fact, they attend the children's program. And the youth. And VBS. And church camp.
This sweet mom, who does seem really busy, spends most summer hours driving around dropping kids off here and there. Her kids are whiny and gripey, and she is grumpy too - She really is busy - but is "so busy" an excuse you can use, when you put yourself there?
The ones who don't say they are "so busy" only really differ from the overscheduling mom in that they don't complain about the life they have chosen, and they don't use it to excuse them from basic social skills."
A recent poll indicates that office workers have plenty of gripes, and most of them are about the behavior of their co-workers.
Here’s just the top 3:
Gossip (60%)
Poor time management (including personal calls and non work-related web surfing) (54%)
General messiness in shared spaces, such as dirty dishes in the sink (45%)
So in honor of National Pet Peeve Week…are you venting, internalizing, or getting some good exercize???
Comment from S. Fox: Cara, My dad used to have a little saying on the wall above his desk. It read, "I'm not interested in the storms you endured, but did you bring in the ship?" This as of late has been my motto, and as you note about pet peeves the same thing goes for those people that don't have time for people.I don't know if you knew I have just returned from two weeks in Hungary. Every day someone had to give a thought for the day. This is one I keep on my list: "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world" Burt Bacharach. You would know the words and you can sing.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Have you seen the bumper snicker...I'm not having hot flashes, I'm experiencing POWER SURGES!?
So I’ve been reading up on hot flashes…or more specifically, the eradication of them…without the weight inducing factor of hormones. Ever nearing 50, I’m sure you can figure out WHY I’d be suddenly interested.
I am a great source of amusement to those I live and socialize with. In Tucson, we learn to dress in layers…you have to be prepared for blasts of air conditioning co-existing with temps in the 100’s. Even today, October 1, it was 80 at 8:00 a.m. I’m bringing the term, dressing layers, to a whole new level!
Recently, I spent a week in Green Bay, WI visiting my enchanting first grandchild, Calianna Cadence Malcore. It was cooler, so I had heavy sweaters, light sweaters, long sleeved shirts…and tank tops. Any given 2 hour period of time included various additions or subtractions of each. Blankets even…and then, spaghetti strap tops a few moments later. This is a 24 hour thing.
I’ve learned that foundation makeup is a waste of time, waterproof mascara is a must, and ponytails are good enough for fashion nowadays.
According to WEB MD and other fun sites, I have to ride out the initial rollercoaster, or experiment with acupuncture (uh, don’t think so) or prescription drugs. (Um, I really don’t think so)
I’ve done the dietary changes over the past 5 years…doing pretty good with whole wheat, fiber, higher protein and low carbs. Trying the herb Black Cohash too, despite posts that its really just a placebo. (Having positive attitude here) Exercise I’m increasing, although I hate the compounded sweat on top of hot flash sweat. Oh well, its 40 minutes three times a week, throwing in a walk or two as it cools. (Still 100 degree days happening here)
So here’s hoping that the ride levels out as I get more into it. I pity my husband who endures my tossing and turning and blanket flipping and pillow fluffing….night after night after night. I even have my own personal fan running on my side of the bed! And heaven forbid if he wants to “cuddle”. I have heard him describe me as “clammy”. Romantic huh!
I am counting my blessings that I am not experiencing the characteristic mood swings or depression…that’s gotta be good right???
So feel free to warn me if you catch any mood swings. I’m trying to stay positive. Just keep out of the way of my tossed blankets, sweaters, socks and shoes….
I am a great source of amusement to those I live and socialize with. In Tucson, we learn to dress in layers…you have to be prepared for blasts of air conditioning co-existing with temps in the 100’s. Even today, October 1, it was 80 at 8:00 a.m. I’m bringing the term, dressing layers, to a whole new level!
Recently, I spent a week in Green Bay, WI visiting my enchanting first grandchild, Calianna Cadence Malcore. It was cooler, so I had heavy sweaters, light sweaters, long sleeved shirts…and tank tops. Any given 2 hour period of time included various additions or subtractions of each. Blankets even…and then, spaghetti strap tops a few moments later. This is a 24 hour thing.
I’ve learned that foundation makeup is a waste of time, waterproof mascara is a must, and ponytails are good enough for fashion nowadays.
According to WEB MD and other fun sites, I have to ride out the initial rollercoaster, or experiment with acupuncture (uh, don’t think so) or prescription drugs. (Um, I really don’t think so)
I’ve done the dietary changes over the past 5 years…doing pretty good with whole wheat, fiber, higher protein and low carbs. Trying the herb Black Cohash too, despite posts that its really just a placebo. (Having positive attitude here) Exercise I’m increasing, although I hate the compounded sweat on top of hot flash sweat. Oh well, its 40 minutes three times a week, throwing in a walk or two as it cools. (Still 100 degree days happening here)
So here’s hoping that the ride levels out as I get more into it. I pity my husband who endures my tossing and turning and blanket flipping and pillow fluffing….night after night after night. I even have my own personal fan running on my side of the bed! And heaven forbid if he wants to “cuddle”. I have heard him describe me as “clammy”. Romantic huh!
I am counting my blessings that I am not experiencing the characteristic mood swings or depression…that’s gotta be good right???
So feel free to warn me if you catch any mood swings. I’m trying to stay positive. Just keep out of the way of my tossed blankets, sweaters, socks and shoes….
Thursday, August 28, 2008
It's a GIRL!!!!!!!
A Baby Girl!!! Calianna Cadence Malcore
7 lbs 3 ounces
19.5 inches long
August 28, 2008
All are well, healthy, happy!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Commercialism of America
So I work up this morning to the blare of my Hannah Montana radio singing, what else, “10 Things I hate about you” and confirmed the time on my Hannah Montana wrist watch. Yep…had to go to work. Reluctantly, I climbed out of my Hannah Montana silk coverlet, smoothed my Hannah Montana pillow set, and set to get up.
Moving aside my Hannah Montana shower curtain, I had a nice shower with my Hannah Montana shower wash and used my special Hannah Montana hand mitten for a good wake up call. Drying off with my Hannah Montana beach towel, I added a little Hannah Montana lotion from my special Hannah Montana hand dispenser to make everything silky smooth. I brushed my hair with my Hannah Montana hairbrush and then I put on my Hannah Montana t-shirt, bermudas, baseball hat and co-ordinating pink scarf, waved to my Hannah Montana wall poster and grabbed a Hannah Montana cheese stick on the way out the door. (I’ll save the Hannah Montana Breakfast crunch for another day – watching carbs)
Starting the car, I hummed along with Best of Both Worlds on my Hannah Montana CD and read the back to school billboards along the route featuring my favorite Hannah Montana clothing wear. SALE TIME!
At lunch, I pulled out my Hannah Montana frozen dinner, and set it on my Hannah Montana plate, got me a Hannah Montana yogurt stick, and poured some drink into my Hannah Montana plastic cup. Keeping neat, I was sure to use my Hannah Montana napkin set too. Then it was back to work and I pulled out my Hannah Montana pencil, pen set, out of my Hannah Montana purse and set to writing notes on my Hannah Montana notepaper.
I got a lovely surprise in the afternoon – my hunnie sent me some pink carnations with Hannah Montana Balloons. What a mind reader! I blew him a kiss, because I keep his face close by on my Hannah Montana bentwood table in my favorite Hannah Montana picture frame. After a quick stretch in my Hannah Montana director’s chair, it was back to finish my day!
Glancing at my Hannah Montana wall calendar, I noted what was up for tomorrow, took one last look around my office adored with my Hannah Montana wall paper border, fluffed my Hannah Montana pillows arrayed in a special corner, and shut off my Hannah Montana lamp for the day.
…They said Elvis Pressley had difficulty adapting to fame and all that it entailed back in the day…leading to his lifestyle choices and eventual demise. (Yeah, I know, I'm dating myself) What is it about America that thrives on the Star, the Enquirer, People, the Media, YouTube, MySpace, and more?. Where does it end?…When does it start all over?... Where does it go from here? Can this be fixed?
It used to be you paid extra for cable and avoided commercials. Now we pay extra for stations like NFL or movie channels…and even those are saturated in commercialism. In watching the Jets against Giants this weekend, by the end of the first half (30 minutes game time) we’d been watching tv 90 minutes….COMMERCIALS. Now, we even get to watch advertisements BEFORE movies in the theatre.
So all this commercialism fuels the stars/athletes/talking head salaries they say. So, What happens NEXT? Are there limits?
To quote an 80’s icon, please, STOP THE INSANITY!!!
Well, let me know...I'll be watching the Hanna Montana Show...
Moving aside my Hannah Montana shower curtain, I had a nice shower with my Hannah Montana shower wash and used my special Hannah Montana hand mitten for a good wake up call. Drying off with my Hannah Montana beach towel, I added a little Hannah Montana lotion from my special Hannah Montana hand dispenser to make everything silky smooth. I brushed my hair with my Hannah Montana hairbrush and then I put on my Hannah Montana t-shirt, bermudas, baseball hat and co-ordinating pink scarf, waved to my Hannah Montana wall poster and grabbed a Hannah Montana cheese stick on the way out the door. (I’ll save the Hannah Montana Breakfast crunch for another day – watching carbs)
Starting the car, I hummed along with Best of Both Worlds on my Hannah Montana CD and read the back to school billboards along the route featuring my favorite Hannah Montana clothing wear. SALE TIME!
At lunch, I pulled out my Hannah Montana frozen dinner, and set it on my Hannah Montana plate, got me a Hannah Montana yogurt stick, and poured some drink into my Hannah Montana plastic cup. Keeping neat, I was sure to use my Hannah Montana napkin set too. Then it was back to work and I pulled out my Hannah Montana pencil, pen set, out of my Hannah Montana purse and set to writing notes on my Hannah Montana notepaper.
I got a lovely surprise in the afternoon – my hunnie sent me some pink carnations with Hannah Montana Balloons. What a mind reader! I blew him a kiss, because I keep his face close by on my Hannah Montana bentwood table in my favorite Hannah Montana picture frame. After a quick stretch in my Hannah Montana director’s chair, it was back to finish my day!
Glancing at my Hannah Montana wall calendar, I noted what was up for tomorrow, took one last look around my office adored with my Hannah Montana wall paper border, fluffed my Hannah Montana pillows arrayed in a special corner, and shut off my Hannah Montana lamp for the day.
…They said Elvis Pressley had difficulty adapting to fame and all that it entailed back in the day…leading to his lifestyle choices and eventual demise. (Yeah, I know, I'm dating myself) What is it about America that thrives on the Star, the Enquirer, People, the Media, YouTube, MySpace, and more?. Where does it end?…When does it start all over?... Where does it go from here? Can this be fixed?
It used to be you paid extra for cable and avoided commercials. Now we pay extra for stations like NFL or movie channels…and even those are saturated in commercialism. In watching the Jets against Giants this weekend, by the end of the first half (30 minutes game time) we’d been watching tv 90 minutes….COMMERCIALS. Now, we even get to watch advertisements BEFORE movies in the theatre.
So all this commercialism fuels the stars/athletes/talking head salaries they say. So, What happens NEXT? Are there limits?
To quote an 80’s icon, please, STOP THE INSANITY!!!
Well, let me know...I'll be watching the Hanna Montana Show...
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