Yay!!!!!!

OK, so I whined about all my work on the grant proposal for the Art Center. I'll admit it. I worked hard for several reasons. The first, of course, is that I wanted the Art Center to have the opportunuties the grant would offer. I also felt that I would not be fulfilling my obligation to the center if I didn't at least try for the grant. The third reason is ego. I would have been embarrassed to submit something with my name on it that was less than polished. So I polished and polished.

Yesterday, I found a large white envelope in my mail slot. I was chatting with other Art Center members about silly stuff while casually opening it. Then my eyes just about popped out! We got the grant!!!!! $7,500 to be spent on computer equipment that will allow me to make digital presentations about the Art Center and for a display wall and storage in our classroom. We use that wall for our children's shows.

I am pleased....to say the least. My ego is intact, and the Art Center benefits:)

Now I will probably whine about all I must do to develop the presentations. I apologize in advance.

Reflection

When my iPad screen is dark, I see my reflection. Since the iPad rests on my lap, the angle is just the worst possible, doubling my chin, wrinkling my neck ......well, you get the picture. The iPad reflection, for some reason, also points out more clearly than any mirror all little scars, creases, and rough patches.

I am learning to avoid looking. Seeing myself the way iPad does is damaging to my self image. I want to be delusional bit longer.

Hint #2

Also put on your gloves when you use the new caramel and butterscotch inks:) Slow learner.

Weather Alert

On my iPad, the Weather Channel has posted a weather alert for Los Osos. Our unseasonably hot weather will continue through tomorrow, it says. It might reach 80 for the third day in a row:) Not sure it really made it up to 80 today, but the day was beautiful. Love it.

Adding to my sense of wellbeing is a big load of art supplies my friend brought me from San Francisco.

Happiness.

Little Spooks

When Papa, my daughter, and my son-in-law picked out the house Papa and I live in, they had no idea we would be buying into the best Halloween spot ever. In 2003, our neighbor warned me that we would have lots of little spooks, so I bought what I thought was a lot of candy. We ran out. Now each year we buy in excess of fifteen pounds, and that lasts until 8:30. We figure all the little ones will have finished their trick or treating by then. And by that time, Papa is tired of going to the door, guessing what each kid is supposed to be. Kids are hauled in by van loads. Parents park at the end of the street and ghouls, ghosts, bananas, and witches swarm the neighborhood.

Daughter, SIL, Buddy, and Roo come for hot dogs and sides. (Some years friends and relatives join in - but not this year.) The kids get ready and then they, along with parents, leave to go out into Halloween land. This year Roo was a glorious witch. Buddy was a geologist - he's always some sort of scientist, now that he has passed the train engineer stage.

They return with filled pumpkins, eat their favorite candies, and leave us with fun memories, an almost empty candy basket, and a coffee table full of candy wrappers.

I like Halloween.

Labor

At this hour forty two years ago, I was in labor. Most of you will agree that labor is no picnic. It is not. And I did it the easy way - drugs. Still no fun. But so worth it.

In thinking over the last 42 years, only one brief moment of uncertainty about parenthood comes to mind. It had something to do with trying to make a payment at Sears, I think. The day was already in the tank. My plate was too full, I didn't feel well, and the kid decided to yell as only a toddler can. We both survived it, but I still remember the look on the customer service lady's face.Like "Do something!"

All that seems like yesterday.

This morning I considered my 42nd birthday. I was working as a school counselor in Indiana. My daughter was in middle school. And that seems like five minutes ago.

Parenthood has seemed fast and - except for the Sear's incident -easy. My child is no longer a kid, but a smart and beautiful almost middle aged, woman who juggles a family, job, and doctoral program. She'll present a scholarly paper in January. Yep - all grown.

And I am proud of her and her accomplishments - especially that she has achieved parenthood, too, giving me Buddy and Roo.

Happy Birthday!

Conniving

Yes, I am conniving. This afternoon with the kids, we made a bakery run for one chocolate frosted, long donut, one chocolate cupcake topped with a trick nor treat cat and a loaf of whole wheat bread. The bread is for Papa and me, mostly Papa.

So on the way home, I decided to put conditions on the treats. I explained to Buddy and Roo that I love to hear them read and that they hadn't done that in a while. I said that each could select a book, read, then have treats.

Worked. Buddy chose an easy one so he could read quickly and plow in to his donut; Roo picked a difficult one. I am amazed that she sounded out words all the way though two books. This may become the routine.

Smile.