Friday, January 23, 2009

Mr. President


I was up 3 times the night before he took the oath that would make him our 44th president. I was so excited for that moment to arrive, I could barely sleep. So I finally awoke at 6:00 am to watch all the goings on up to the actual swearing in.
Tears of joy and an indescribable feeling of pride in the entire American experience this time around.
That same evening we hosted an inaugural ball at our Digital Media Factory. I post a jpeg of the beautiful friends and family who joined us in the celebration.
Hand on the Bible
A song
A speech
Tears of joy, we hug each other
One big group world hug
Hope

Home and renewal

I am four days late in this posting...

My favorite moment of any journey is my arrival home.
Winston began standing up to look out the window as we began our ascent up Highway 17. Only 19 miles to go.
My sweet husband was off singing at an open mic, so Star was there to greet us. She wimpered a warm greeting, I knew she was saying, "Oh Mom, I am soooo happy you are home". The house was clean and quiet, two good words that go together well. When Marty got home there was so much catching up to do. Isn't it a lovely thing when you are so anxious to see your husband after being gone only one week?

Ocean air

drizzling rain

West Coast homecoming...


Thursday, January 15, 2009

Northern Composure


The quiet here in Puget Sound is thick, as thick as the velvet black night outside. My constant companion, my little Yorkie, Winston has sat mostly still as we have driven in the rented Toyota 4-runner. We have driven to and through the cities of Portland and Seattle.

Two days ago I drove up to my friend Julie's house. It was a quiet, thoughtful journey. Pulling into her drive to retrieve her beautiful bird bath, I felt the sadness that she would never again be there, or anywhere to greet me with her familiar " Ginny!!!!!!...". Just a black crow on her roof to oversee my careful gathering of one more item of her worldly goods. The house has had most of the wild and wooley overgrowth pruned back. The steps are cleared of the potted plants and whimsical chimes she had to greet you upon arrival. No cats or birds...save the one lone crow still warning me that he was watching.

I was relieved to have a good destination ahead of me. A ferry ride to Julie's mom's house. A lovely dinner with beautiful reminiscing. We laughed and cried some. Then home for a few songs with her husband. Last night I slept with Winston close by my side, and a deep sleep with the sweet sound of a quiet night in the countryside.

Aaaah morning and low hanging clouds. A chill in the air. Coffee, cereal and more conversation. CNN and then watching videos of Julie... each of us savoring the sounds of her laughter and each familiar gesture. Then more items to treasure, packed carefully into the 4-runner. Sad to say good-bye, and a promise to return. 2 hours and 45 minutes later...7 PM at dinner in Gig Harbor.

It is 10:45 PM now...tired and very relaxed.

Now we are staying with Julie's sister and will greet the morning with a view of Puget Sound , the Northern waters...out in the front yard. What a journey.

Eagles sleep in the cedars beyond my door.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Northern Exposure

Early in the day. Portland in January. Green lawns iced with frost. Large houses in beautiful tree lined neighborhoods.

First day of this trip Winston and I made it to Medford. Then on to Portland. Two nights with an old friend. Her kids are in grades 6 & 8. So grown up.

Woke this morning before dawn to listen to a house full of kids getting ready for school, breaksfasts and coffee. Lunches made.

The light of the day long gone before 5 in the evening. Last night Lil and I got a chance to have a bite to eat and see a movie. Slumdog Millionaire. Wonderful.

I remember now the feeling of long cold winters. it is a fresh look at an old memory.

I am grateful for the life and choices I have made and created.