Memory Lane

So my friend Betsy referenced our day together, years ago, at the 'paint your own pottery' place called The Clayroom in Coolidge Corner, Brookline. I resurrected this...................Betsy - are you SURE we weren't drinking?? Cuz I think I'd rather the old tale morph into "we were totally hammered..." and that would explain what the hell I was doing painting THIS:

No wonder I was stumbling down Beacon Street laughing my arse off! I now know Betsy wasn't totally into the gig because she was probably embarrassed by my "flair for the artistic", didn't want to have to acknowledge it, and suggested "let's bounce"........Seriously??? Dude - why didn't you stop me?? Was it cuz I had a hot blow dryer in my hand?

I love art too. In an effort to save my own reputation, I will share this other piece I created on a different visit to The Clayroom. I am proud to report that when I went back with my buddy to pick up this piece (they make you leave it with them until it goes through the oven and bakes - clearly something I would benefit from myself) it was displayed IN THE WINDOW for all to see on Beacon Street as they walked by. My fifteen minutes of fame. I must admit, I am proud of this one. Then again, how can you really mess up using a stencil and choosing only two colors? In case you can't decipher it, it's a divot* with the Japanese** character for "Peace". A nice dark orange background, with a forest green-type paint for the characters and matching green trim. Yo, thumbs up, right? I like it.



Okay - so maybe I CAN continue to dabble in the realm. These two clearly cancel one another out. Now I'm even - balanced perhaps (alright - that's questionable, but just roll with me on this one). Goes to show ya there are days you hit one out of the park and other days you're walking back to the bench with your head low after striking out in front of thousands. There's always another at bat. I'm keeping that teapot, come hell or high water. Cuz for me, there's just too many good things wrapped up inside it :)

Tea anyone?.....Peace.

* betsy has correctly pointed out to me that the term is TRIVET. and I wasn't even drinking writing this post...?? Golf anyone?

**disclaimer: not sure if it's Japanese or Chinese or which Asian language it is

Road Trip

I had the great pleasure of visiting the Higgins Family of Shrewsbury, NJ, these last few days. Between our busy schedules, Betsy and I were able to settle on this past Sunday - Tuesday to visit together at her home. I was thrilled to have the mini-vacation, before the hectic busyness of the holidays. It gave me a much needed break from the routine up here in Boston, and also gave me the opportunity to catch up with a wonderful friend. Not to mention meeting her beautiful boy, Wil.

During the journey and visit, I made some observations, learned some things along the way, and other things I already knew were brought back to the surface:

1.) I like hopping in the car every once-in-awhile and taking long drives, especially on a beautiful fall day.

2.) Some gas stations are just plain creepy.

3.) Eating a sandwich, following written directions, steering your car on the highway {at 80 mph} and maybe talking on the cell phone just might not be the best course of action - um, definitely not all at once.

4.) I, thankfully, do not have a bridge phobia. If I did, I would have been on the news as a helicopter rescue in New York.

5.) I, thankfully, did NOT have a deer running at my car, as did some by evidence on the highway. Sad.

6.) When driving the Interstate highways, one should not WEAVE back & forth between lanes while trying to determine which Toll Lane to be in - just get the freakin' Eazy-Pass, Rita! {'twas fortunate I was traveling on Sunday and then on a Federal holiday - no traffic, ergo, no fender-bender!}

7.) There's nothing like a friend who makes you feel at home. And who makes you laugh OUTLOUD.

8.) I need to get out & do more shopping and re-energize my wardrobe.

9.) I LOVE a fish dinner...the concept of brunch...and in case it's never been said before on these pages, chicken spaghetti.

10.) I love tea. I mean, I drink A LOT of tea.

11.) Animals rock.

12.) You can keep house plants alive. I witnessed it.

13.) I always enjoy meeting friends of friends.

14.) Trash day at abode de Higgins in Shrewsbury, NJ, is on Tuesdays.

15.) Trees shed a lot of leaves. A LOT.

16.) The i-phone and sirius radio are both pretty cool.

17.) There's nothing like sharing your living space with nature - in this case, a quick drive to the beautiful ocean. And I love driving around, checking out real estate, neighborhoods and "main streets" of towns new to me {and of some towns that are old to me too!}

18.) There is nothing like getting a fantastic night of sleep!

19.) There is nothing in the world like spending time with a baby. Perspectives shift, priorities shift, and kids carry their own light to the party. It's great.

20.) Traveling is good for the soul.

It was a great time. Thanks Betsy, Ryan and Wil for making it a cherished trip for me.

Hear That?

That's the echo of a penny falling down the hollow tunnel that is my blog of Nothingness...

Have I found Zen and my mind is open and full of light nothings? Instead of marbles? I think not. But until I can sort out all the marbles, Om to everyone. :)

Namaste.