Friday, August 7, 2020
When Days are Rough...
...a lovely photo of Martin Clunes can instantly cheer me up. And this one has the bonus feature of an adorable pupper. Result!
(photo found on Pinterest - kidnapped from dorsetmagazine)
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Late Night Adventure
Tonight I went to see Xavier, Mary, and the three kids with the bonus of meeting Syd's paramour, Rey. While in Jackson's room, reading Dog Man and Cat Kid, he confided in me that he and his brother and sister were gonna wait til their parents went to bed and then sneak out for a late night drive. He was super excited and sweetly agreed that he would leave a note on the kitchen table in case the grown ups woke up and got worried. Later Syd and Zach texted me that they told Xavier and Mary but let Jackson think that it was a secret mission. How cute is that? Oh, and Rey joined in and Syd sent me this selfie!
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Autumn's Post
Checking out Autumn's latest post on her Book Joy blog (beautiful and clean with zero ads and annoying pop ups) and deciding halfway through the read that I needed to share it here. If only for myself to look back on years from now.
Six hours north of my life in Ohio, there is a quaint, humble home on the Western side of Michigan where, for fourteen indulgent days in the middle of July, my family and I have lived out our ultimate vacation for the last five seasons. Tucked inside a lush, forested state park, this charming cottage holds the keys to an enchanting summer. One midday during our 2019 vacation, I sat journal writing in view of my children in life jackets leaping off the dock below the house into the cool lake waters while my husband coasted nearby atop the orange, stand-up paddle board. Mesmerized by the essence of July and the promise of a warm summer’s day set before me, my mind traveled back to the Atlantic Ocean beach vacations of my youth, often spent at the home of my youngest sister’s godparents with their two sons and a daughter, my age. Aside from yearly Christmas cards, I hadn’t written to my lifelong friend in perhaps, decades. Beside my journal sat a stack of postcards provided by the owners of the cottage. Fueled by nostalgia of the past, I scrawled a succinct greeting to my friend before joining my family’s delight in a day’s worth of sunshine and water.
One, unassuming postcard reinvigorated a cherished friendship through the art of letter writing. Ever since that postcard arrived days later surprising my friend with glee, we have continued the practice of frequent correspondence. Dropping a thought, word of encouragement, or funny anecdote in the mail whenever the fancy strikes shortens the 586 miles between our homes, allowing words to unite us closer than, perhaps, ever before. Between the lines, we speak fondly of our past travels and experiences, current happenings, and lately, the ill effects of cancer and other family maladies. Seldom do we fail to mention the books we’re reading. With each passing note, my heart and to-read list have grown exponentially, and the words between my friend and I have helped to close the gap of idle loneliness in an unprecedented time.
In case you are wondering about the postcard that started it all here's a link. Coincidentally my receiving said postcard was one year ago to the day of Autumn's reminiscing on her blog to when she wrote it out. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some correspondences to catch up on...
Six hours north of my life in Ohio, there is a quaint, humble home on the Western side of Michigan where, for fourteen indulgent days in the middle of July, my family and I have lived out our ultimate vacation for the last five seasons. Tucked inside a lush, forested state park, this charming cottage holds the keys to an enchanting summer. One midday during our 2019 vacation, I sat journal writing in view of my children in life jackets leaping off the dock below the house into the cool lake waters while my husband coasted nearby atop the orange, stand-up paddle board. Mesmerized by the essence of July and the promise of a warm summer’s day set before me, my mind traveled back to the Atlantic Ocean beach vacations of my youth, often spent at the home of my youngest sister’s godparents with their two sons and a daughter, my age. Aside from yearly Christmas cards, I hadn’t written to my lifelong friend in perhaps, decades. Beside my journal sat a stack of postcards provided by the owners of the cottage. Fueled by nostalgia of the past, I scrawled a succinct greeting to my friend before joining my family’s delight in a day’s worth of sunshine and water.
One, unassuming postcard reinvigorated a cherished friendship through the art of letter writing. Ever since that postcard arrived days later surprising my friend with glee, we have continued the practice of frequent correspondence. Dropping a thought, word of encouragement, or funny anecdote in the mail whenever the fancy strikes shortens the 586 miles between our homes, allowing words to unite us closer than, perhaps, ever before. Between the lines, we speak fondly of our past travels and experiences, current happenings, and lately, the ill effects of cancer and other family maladies. Seldom do we fail to mention the books we’re reading. With each passing note, my heart and to-read list have grown exponentially, and the words between my friend and I have helped to close the gap of idle loneliness in an unprecedented time.
In case you are wondering about the postcard that started it all here's a link. Coincidentally my receiving said postcard was one year ago to the day of Autumn's reminiscing on her blog to when she wrote it out. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some correspondences to catch up on...
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Challenge Accepted
A few days back on Instagram I got tagged by Natalia for a black and white photo she posted of herself when she graduated college. She messaged me directly saying "I was careful to choose who I think will meet the challenge, but above all who I know who shares this type of thinking, we should take care of each other. We are beautiful the way we are. Post a photo in black and white alone, written “challenge accepted” and mention my name. Identify 50 women to do the same, in private. I chose you because you are beautiful, strong and incredible. Let's ❤️ each other!" I wasn't sure what the #ChallengeAccepted was about so it lead me to Google. I saw that it was meant to show solidarity between women; to show that we support one another. So I posted my own photo not fully realising where this hashtag began until I came across a post mentioning the unbelievable domestic violence occurring in Turkey. Vahit Tuna is the artist who created this incredibly moving installation to bring focus to the 440 women killed in 2018 by men, mostly their husbands.
(photo kidnapped from boredpanda - please read the article that gives a brief background on the piece)
For more information there's this article on The Sun and this one on KQED. The latter site gives some good ideas on how to support and help the women of Turkey. Please consider following this link to Change.org's petition regarding the Istanbul Convention. It's in Turkish but this is what the petition is for:
The Istanbul Convention and Law No. 6284 were adopted to prevent violence against women and domestic violence. While this law protecting women has not been implemented properly, it is now on the agenda to be completely abolished.
While discussing the Istanbul Convention:
Women lose their lives
Killed by torment
Trying to cover up women's murders
With this campaign, we demand that the discussions on the abolition of the law end and be implemented effectively.
If you are not aware of the contents of the Istanbul Convention and the law numbered 6284, please continue reading the campaign text. Because the rights given to women by law are vital for all women.
By signing and sharing the campaign, you can both demand our existing rights and ensure that this campaign reaches women who are not aware of these rights.
Law No. 6284, which exists but is not implemented effectively, gives women the following rights:
● Placement of women and children in a shelter located in another city or city,
● Providing temporary protection (close protection) in case of life-threatening,
Removing the violent from the house and preventing the woman who is exposed to violence from approaching your addresses such as residence, school, workplace,
● Preventing violent users from disturbing them via communication tools such as telephone, mail, social media,
● Hiding the address of the woman who has been subjected to violence in order not to be seen in any institution,
● Change of the workplace,
● The violator surrendering his gun to the police (even if he is serving as a police and gendarmerie),
● Temporary financial assistance,
● A family residence comment on the house where the woman lives,
● Temporary custody and measure alimony,
● Changing your identity and other related information may be requested,
● In addition, even if the woman is not insured or even if the insurance premium debt is valid, she can benefit from health services within the scope of the insurance and can take your medicines under insurance.
Adding your name to the petition is such a small thing that may lead to great change. It is the very least someone can do to save lives.
For more information there's this article on The Sun and this one on KQED. The latter site gives some good ideas on how to support and help the women of Turkey. Please consider following this link to Change.org's petition regarding the Istanbul Convention. It's in Turkish but this is what the petition is for:
The Istanbul Convention and Law No. 6284 were adopted to prevent violence against women and domestic violence. While this law protecting women has not been implemented properly, it is now on the agenda to be completely abolished.
While discussing the Istanbul Convention:
Women lose their lives
Killed by torment
Trying to cover up women's murders
With this campaign, we demand that the discussions on the abolition of the law end and be implemented effectively.
If you are not aware of the contents of the Istanbul Convention and the law numbered 6284, please continue reading the campaign text. Because the rights given to women by law are vital for all women.
By signing and sharing the campaign, you can both demand our existing rights and ensure that this campaign reaches women who are not aware of these rights.
Law No. 6284, which exists but is not implemented effectively, gives women the following rights:
● Placement of women and children in a shelter located in another city or city,
● Providing temporary protection (close protection) in case of life-threatening,
Removing the violent from the house and preventing the woman who is exposed to violence from approaching your addresses such as residence, school, workplace,
● Preventing violent users from disturbing them via communication tools such as telephone, mail, social media,
● Hiding the address of the woman who has been subjected to violence in order not to be seen in any institution,
● Change of the workplace,
● The violator surrendering his gun to the police (even if he is serving as a police and gendarmerie),
● Temporary financial assistance,
● A family residence comment on the house where the woman lives,
● Temporary custody and measure alimony,
● Changing your identity and other related information may be requested,
● In addition, even if the woman is not insured or even if the insurance premium debt is valid, she can benefit from health services within the scope of the insurance and can take your medicines under insurance.
Adding your name to the petition is such a small thing that may lead to great change. It is the very least someone can do to save lives.
Monday, August 3, 2020
Letters from Office Besties!
Tonight I looked in my little mail slot and saw not one, not two, but THREE letters! A zing of glee shot through me as I opened them - two from Lauryn and one from good ole Renee. Lauryn coloured in the Jason Momoa page I sent her and then in another letter hooked me up with my own page to brighten!
(somebody went to art school!)
Then I got a cute card from Renee (plus a sticker of adorable yawning puppers on the envelope!) where she told me that she's currently hooked on old favourites like Mrs. Winterbourne, The Lucky One, Pitch Perfect and Dawson's Creek. Oh how I do so love having pen pals in this day and age. Such fun!
Then I got a cute card from Renee (plus a sticker of adorable yawning puppers on the envelope!) where she told me that she's currently hooked on old favourites like Mrs. Winterbourne, The Lucky One, Pitch Perfect and Dawson's Creek. Oh how I do so love having pen pals in this day and age. Such fun!
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Adult Alternatives: Adult-Pop & New Age
Back when I worked at Pier 1 we used to have a series of cassettes that would play pre-made mixes from AEI Music. The 9550 Mixed Tempo mix from May of 1994 was so good that when I left I swiped the track listing.
Michael Franks - Coming to Life
David Arkenstone - Firedance
k.d. lang - Just Keep Me Movin'
Al Stewart - Don't Forget Me
David Lanz and Paul Speer - Walking with Alfredo
Basia - Run for Cover
Exchange - Beyond Reach
Sting - It's Probably Me
Mae Moore - Shape of Love
Ottmar Liebert - Thru the Trees/Cloudless Sky
Donald Fagen - Florida Room
Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumble - Bonsai Picnic
Tasmin Archer - Sleeping Satellite
Andreas Vollenweider - Book of Roses
Nick Heyward - Kite
Shadowfax - Castaneda's Boogie
Concrete Blonde - Mexican Moon
The Cranberries - Linger
Michael Gettel - Anasazi Roads
Fleetwood Mac - Behind the Mask
Patrick O'Hearn - Down Hill Racer
Evreything But the Girl - Driving
Chris Isaak - 5:15
Ralf Illenberger - Dancing Kachinas
10,000 Maniacs - Candy Everybody Wants
Grant Geissman - Baroque
Enya - Orinoco Flow
Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumble - The Gardener
Sting - Fields of Gold
Lowen and Navarro - All is Quiet
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra - Snakecharmer
October Project - Eyes of Mercy
Govi - Spirit Rider
Mae Moore - Bohemia
Bryan Ferry - Kiss & Tell
Ancient Future - Ja Nam
Basia - From Now On (Band Version)
Peter White - Peeto Bandito
Al Stewart - Feel Like
Sundays - Here's Where the Story Ends
Michael Franks - The Dream
B-52's - Follow Your Bliss
Rembrandts - Just the Way It Is, Baby
k.d. lang - Ride of Bonanza Jellybean
k.d. lang - Lifted By Love
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Suzanne Ciani - Simple Song
Lindsey Buckingham - Surrender the Rain
David Arkenstone - Valley in the Clouds
Kate Bush - And So Is Love
Boy George - The Crying Game
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra - Neon Ghost Sense (Overflowing)
Nick Heyward - Into Your Life
Exchange - Compass Rose
Peter Gabriel - Come Talk To Me
10,000 Maniacs - These Are The Days
Chris Isaak - Can't Do A Thing (To Stop Me)
Govi - Child's Play
Michael Franks - Coming to Life
David Arkenstone - Firedance
k.d. lang - Just Keep Me Movin'
Al Stewart - Don't Forget Me
David Lanz and Paul Speer - Walking with Alfredo
Basia - Run for Cover
Exchange - Beyond Reach
Sting - It's Probably Me
Mae Moore - Shape of Love
Ottmar Liebert - Thru the Trees/Cloudless Sky
Donald Fagen - Florida Room
Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumble - Bonsai Picnic
Tasmin Archer - Sleeping Satellite
Andreas Vollenweider - Book of Roses
Nick Heyward - Kite
Shadowfax - Castaneda's Boogie
Concrete Blonde - Mexican Moon
The Cranberries - Linger
Michael Gettel - Anasazi Roads
Fleetwood Mac - Behind the Mask
Patrick O'Hearn - Down Hill Racer
Evreything But the Girl - Driving
Chris Isaak - 5:15
Ralf Illenberger - Dancing Kachinas
10,000 Maniacs - Candy Everybody Wants
Grant Geissman - Baroque
Enya - Orinoco Flow
Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumble - The Gardener
Sting - Fields of Gold
Lowen and Navarro - All is Quiet
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra - Snakecharmer
October Project - Eyes of Mercy
Govi - Spirit Rider
Mae Moore - Bohemia
Bryan Ferry - Kiss & Tell
Ancient Future - Ja Nam
Basia - From Now On (Band Version)
Peter White - Peeto Bandito
Al Stewart - Feel Like
Sundays - Here's Where the Story Ends
Michael Franks - The Dream
B-52's - Follow Your Bliss
Rembrandts - Just the Way It Is, Baby
k.d. lang - Ride of Bonanza Jellybean
k.d. lang - Lifted By Love
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Suzanne Ciani - Simple Song
Lindsey Buckingham - Surrender the Rain
David Arkenstone - Valley in the Clouds
Kate Bush - And So Is Love
Boy George - The Crying Game
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra - Neon Ghost Sense (Overflowing)
Nick Heyward - Into Your Life
Exchange - Compass Rose
Peter Gabriel - Come Talk To Me
10,000 Maniacs - These Are The Days
Chris Isaak - Can't Do A Thing (To Stop Me)
Govi - Child's Play
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