Hump Day Haiku #7

i went to art class

and then i went to dinner

now see my angel

Opening Day

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Dove season opens at noon.

My brother surveys the field.

He has spent the last 20 hours out at the farm.

Roasting a pig.

This is probably the last hunt we will have here.

Berry Farms is booming.

It was a bittersweet day.

 Mental P. shows up in the nick of time.

Can anyone spot her sporty hunting vehicle?

There is some shooting.

There is some laughing.

 The pig is ready.

 It was a feeding frenzy.

It was the best pulled pork I have ever had in my life.

And I've had some pulled pork...

 I'm sorry, but how cute are these girls and their Muck Boots?

I need some Muck Boots.

And a truck.

 Somebody found this baby chicken snake.

It may have found its way into a car truck full of cute girls.

And these little boys were so proud.

There is about to be a mighty fine dove dinner here in Middle Tennessee.

Life is grand. 

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Now that we are out of college,

we have begun to contemplate our later years....

Don't you think I cheered him up?

Parenting: always a new frontier.

This 'n That Thursday

Utter nonsense:

• I do not understand why people poke me on facebook.
• I went to a psychic yesterday. He was eerily spot on.
• I am having steak for breakfast.
• I have somehow become a dog sitter.
• I slept with the windows open last night and froze. In August. In Tennessee.
• I am ready for boots and sweater weather.
• Why do people keep saying "on point"?
• I have a wacky horoscope today. It's telling me to be in denial.
• I have lately become obsessed with the number 3 and angels.
• I have my sight set on a pair of brown and pink cowboy boots.
• I cannot eat enough kale.  It's quite odd.
• I might also have an issue with dill pickles.  And sauerkraut.
• And coconut milk.

You?

August?

So, the last time I blogged, it was July 10.  Maybe this will become just a monthly thing.  I don't know. Just like a butterfly, MPM is going through her own metamorphosis.  And a visit with the newly launched offspring is even more evidence of that.

They are happily settled into their new apartment in New York City.  Yes, the MPM rugrats are living under the same roof once again!  After 4 years at different universities, they have both secured jobs that pay a living wage, and are sharing an apartment.  I have seen it with my own eyes, and I am duly impressed.  Except for a minor detail, which has me quite flummoxed.  Apparently they were raised in a barn.

Sometimes I lie awake at night remembering this scene.  Where did I go wrong?

But I digress.  I had a spectacular time, and I got to visit with so many of my wonderful friends in New York and Connecticut.  I miss them so very much, but I know that I am on the right journey here in Tennessee, and they are just a quick 2 hour flight away.

There was lots of fun, too:

A wedding in Grand Central Station.

 

A visit with a spoiled dog who is summering in New England.

 Another expensive taxi trip downtown.

This one took us right past the Flatiron Building.

 A tapas restaurant that served champagne in the Ladies Room!

Thank you, Baby Bird for introducing us to Beauty and Essex!

 An early birthday dinner for my babies with Daryl.

This is our favorite restaurant on Columbus Circle, Robert.

 The best part of the whole trip:

Love them to the moon and back.

Even if they have no idea about the proper way to install toilet paper.

Blessings

“The cure for anything is salt water - tears, sweat, or the sea.” 
― Isak Dinesen, Seven Gothic Tales

Blog Post #1494

Did ya miss me?

I just returned from a little trip to the beach.

• It was heavenly. Although we had torrential rain most of the time, we managed to entertain ourselves.
• I began a 5 day juice cleanse yesterday.
• It has been almost a year since I moved home to Tennessee.
• The entire year has been restorative, healing and enlightening.
• I am so glad I am here.
• Dora went to Connecticut for the summer. I am going to Connecticut, too. In 11 sleeps.
• I am looking forward to seeing as many people as I can, celebrate some birthdays including my babies' who will be 22. 
• I am wondering if this blog has run its course.
• My babies are almost 22?
• I have discovered a new fountain of youth in skincare.  I am thinking about marketing it as well.
• Life is awesome.
• I am off to my 6 month oncology appointment this morning.  It's all good.
• Then to work.  Business is booming.
• Y'all come visit.
• Wait. My babies are 22?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

I really miss college.

But, in two sleeps, I get company!

On the Day You Were Born

When my babies were born, we were given this book.  It immediately became my favorite, and as soon as they could talk, The Bird and Augie asked us to read it to them every day.  They actually asked us to read hundreds of books every day; "Hello comb, hello brush...."  It was a rare day that I could get through reading this one to them that I didn't choke up a bit, and that was just the way it was.

And now?  In the 10 or so days since they have become college graduates, and have set their sights on their next steps, all I can think about is this book.  And how we did, indeed, sing when they came to this Earth.  And to us.  And I still get teary.

The gift of all gifts; they are my heart.  I am so very honored that they came through me. And this spinning world is all theirs.

On the day you were born
the moon pulled on the ocean below,
and, wave by wave,
a rising tide washed the beaches clean
for your footprints...
...while far out at sea
clouds swelled with water drops,
sailed to shore on a wind,
and rained you a welcome
across the Earth's green lands.

On the day you were born
the Earth turned, the Moon pulled,
the Sun flared, and, then, with a push,

you slipped out of the dark quiet
where suddenly you could hear...
...a circle of people singing
with voices familiar and clear.

"Welcome to the spinning world." the people sang,
as they washed your new, tiny hands.

"Welcome to the green Earth," the people sang,
as they wrapped your wet, slippery body.

And as they held you close
they whispered into your open, curving ear,
"We are so glad you've come."

- From On the Day You Were Born by Debra Frasier

This 'n That Thursday

Did I mention that my children are graduating from college this weekend?  On the same day?  At the same hour?  Here's how we're gonna do it:

• Friday morning: MPM flies to Charlottesville, Virginia, rents car.
• Friday evening: MPM and The Bird have dinner at Monticello.  Yes, Monticello!
• Friday night: MPM has been invited to a party at The Bird's apartment.
• Meanwhile, the MP Dad is is Philadelphia attending festivities with Augie.
• Saturday morning: Stephen Colbert delivers the Valedictory speech at UVA.  MPM is a little bit excited about this.
• Saturday afternoon: MPM drives to Philadelphia and MP Dad drives from Philadelphia to Virginia.
• Saturday evening: MPM attends party with Augie and other friends and parents.
• Sunday morning: the babies graduate from their respective universities.  MPM cries.
• Sunday afternoon/evening: festivities ensue.  
• Monday morning: MPM begins to pester Augie to wake up so she can help him throw away all the crap and fumigate  pack his apartment.
• Monday evening: MPM flies back to Nashville.  MPM cries a little bit more.

Where did the time go?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

The one where The Bird gives shopping advice to her brother:

I don't think I know the outcome of this shopping adventure.

But I will find out in 3 sleeps!

I am Virginia and Philly bound!

My college graduates.

Wasn't it just yesterday when they went to kindergarten?

This 'n That Thursday

Listen up!

• Nashville and Franklin are in the top of the job market nationally.
• Tennessee was just named the number one retirement destination.
• Did you know I sell real estate in Tennessee?  In Franklin and Nashville?
• I cannot believe that my babies are graduating from college next weekend.
• I had my 35th high school reunion last weekend.  It was wonderful.
• Did you know Amy Grant was in my high school class?  We had an evening at her home.
• I get to hear Stephen Colbert speak at UVA.  I'm way excited.
• Whatever happened to grape Nehi?
• Today is an eclipse of the new moon.  It is a time for new beginnings.
• Did I tell you I sell real estate?
• I can't decide whether or not to go see "The Great Gatsby."  
• I am obsessed with my juicer.
• I have an urge to smell a baby's head lately.
• I think the book is always better than the movie.
• I bought cilantro instead of parsley the other day.  I thought I was gonna die of the smell.
• My favorite juice is kale, chard, parsley, cucumber, celery, lemon.
• I think cilantro is the scourge of the earth.
• Can you believe my babies are graduating from college?

What's going on in your world?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Party planning across the miles...

Such a little hostess she is.

Monday Morning Memories

 The Nashville Marathon has come and gone.

So have my Virginia Belles.

CBW and Baby Sis.

But not before they slogged through 13.1 miles.

In a wind driven rain.

Up and down Nashville's friendly, hilly roads.

In an amazing race time 2:37-- they rocked it.

While I waited in my toasty, dry car.

Dozing.

 

Oh, and there may have been cocktails.

Now, we detox.

We will let our stomach muscles rest from all the laughing.

And make plans for the next reunion.

Nashville Blogfest anyone?

This 'n That Thursday

Nonsense:

• That newscaster who dropped the F-bomb on his first broadcast?  He sure has had a lot of attention, and has anyone but me noticed that he cannot speak or even read a teleprompter?
• The Nashville Marathon and Half is in 2 sleeps.  It's supposed to rain and thunder. The last time I ran this race, we were under a tornado warning.  Those conditions were not the best.
• CBW and her Baby Sis are coming tomorrow morning to participate with me.
• I expect we'll manage to entertain ourselves. I've been building my wine reserves. There is lots to do here.
• I do not care for Michael Buble.
• Don't tell anyone, but I have already decided not to run the race on Saturday.
• My beloved dog Dora is now terrified of her empty food bowl.  What is that all about?
• I am celebrating the full moon today as a sign of a great new phase.
• Jimmy Buffet is our entertainment after the race.
• I wonder if I might be a Druid.

You?

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

My soon-to-be college grads coming down to the wire:

I know I sound like a broken record,

but where has the time gone?

Hold your babies tight.

Forever and forever.

Life is precious and capricious.

And sometimes too short.

Today I ask you to send special love and prayers

to my Virginia Blister Ann Marie.

As she says a final goodbye to her teenaged daughter.

Hold your babies tight.

And, please, everyone wear a seat belt.

This 'n That Thursday

Randomness:

• My babies graduate from college in one month.  On the same day.  At different schools.
• I hope they nab that Boston murderer today.  How cool is the FBI?
• I replaced my totaled car with a snappy Prius.  Her name is Princess.
• Remember when you used to get dressed up to go on a plane?
• I am "running" the Nashville Half Marathon next weekend with her and her Baby Sis.  I am not at all prepared.  Could be ugly.
• I have become slightly obsessed with vegetable juicing lately.  
• It was 90 here yesterday, and I just heard we have a slight frost risk Saturday morning.  And I thought Connecticut had wacky weather.
• Is there anything better than a bath with lavender epsom salts before bed?
• I wish I could train Dora to sweep her hair off the floor. But since she is afraid of the wood floor, it probably won't be possible.  Oh, and also because she's a dog.

What random goodness do you have to add?  I really want to know.

Hump Day Haiku

last night's art class piece

inspired by all my angels

both seen and unseen

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

A tale of two relationships:

I still don't know my wifi password.

sigh

I can always count on The Bird

for some levity.

We just love our cheese.

Angels Everywhere

The Players:

A jack-knifing semi

Mental P

A drunk driver

Many, many angels

The Scene:

Very foggy interstate

Easter Night

And all I feel is lucky and blessed.

Strangers on the highway

Tennessee State Police

EMS

University Medical Center staff

Loving friends and coworkers

Family

Angels are everywhere.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

So, I went to a concert.

And I sent little snapchats to my children.

Because they were fun.

And?

I become fodder for entertainment on Instagram.

Just wait til I go to the symphony.

Well, Crap

It would appear that I have brought Connecticut "spring" to Tennessee.
Sorry.

This n That Thursday

Wondering:

• Why am I all excited for basketball madness?  I don't really like it.
• Got any good veggie combos for juicing?  I'm obsessed.
• How long can you go to one vein for blood before it scars up?
• When did blinkers become optional? No, I'm serious.
• Whose idea was it to eat brussels sprouts and cabbage for dinner?  Oh, yeah.
• Did anybody else notice this last Mercury retrograde?  It knocked me out.
• Tamoxifen and night sweat advice?  Even the dog won't sleep next to me now.
• Anybody doing that Oprah 21 day meditation thingy?  I think the prompts are very good.
• Now, what do we do with this?  And how come they make money just being idiots, and children are starving to death all over the world?  Please explain.

This n That Thursday

• I have not seen or heard the Harlem Shake.  And I could care less.
• Why does spinach make your teeth all fuzzy?
• Did you know that it is good luck to carry a green purse?
• I am obsessed with vegetable juicing.
• So not interested in that new Oz movie at all.
• Have you guys ever heard of oil pulling?  It is really fascinating.
• I am so sad about Valerie Harper's brain cancer.  I always thought she was so cool.
• Should we believe all those new warnings about gel manicures?  Because I love them.
• I really like Chanel Bleu, a men's cologne.  For myself.  Do I dare?
• When Dora and I were out on a walk yesterday, we passed by a garage that had paintings hung all around on the walls.  In an arranged way.  That was some man cave.
• Speaking of Dora, she has a new fancy Martha Stewart collar.  And some spring colored poopy pick-up bags.  She feels really posh.
• I went to a bourbon tasting last night.  I have a headache this morning.
• I think I will use the word "posh" a lot today.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Another day of mother/daughter shopping.

Across the miles and the mountains between Tennessee and Virginia.

So, we got the lime green dress for her, and the camo flats for me.

Not that icky white/floral blazer.

And in 6 sleeps?

 We will be together at the beach!

Life is good.  Indeed.  So thankful.

This n That Thursday

Drivel

• I am physically, emotionally and spiritually incapable of parking straight within a denoted space.
• All these joking Cardinals on the news are annoying me.
• The real estate market is hot here.  Almost every house is selling for above asking price.  And within a few days of listing.  I think this is good news for all of us.
• Also, Wall Street clearly could care less about this sequester business.
• The birds are all very amorous around these parts.
• And the coyotes are loud at night.
• Life is good in these here hills.
• In 12 sleeps, The Baby Bird and I are going to Florida for a little dose of sea and sun.
• Has anyone checked out the new app Vine?  It's like Instagram, but in a six second video you can start and stop as you film to make a fun vignette.  I am a little obsessed.
• I am making my budget for the year for my new real estate business.  It is a lot like asking a crystal ball for answers.

What do you think of this:
                                               Goose & Co.
                                Nesting Specialists Since 1982?

Having Trust Issues...

With that damn groundhog, Phil.

Disjointed haiku.

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

They grow up so fast these days...

Makes a mama so proud.

Friday Funny

Stolen What I found on Augie's Instagram:

I wonder if he has met those fun neighbors yet.

Some things a mother should just not know....

Tuesday Text: Parentexting™

Pretty scary stuff.

I wonder what it all means.

This n That Thursday

In honor of the blizzard that is bearing down on my former home, I have blogged about the benefits of living in Tennessee.  This is the link to that blog. That is all.  Go read it and let me know your thoughts!

PS--Today, in Franklin, Tennessee, I am wearing jeans and a little cardigan sweater.

Hump Day Haiku

i know it looks it

but i promise i am not

prom seventy eight

Monday Morning Mishmash

• How about that Beyonce show last night??
• I already miss football.
• I cannot seem to eat enough beets these days.
• Why can't I blow out my hair like my hairdresser does?
• Dora has a newfound fear of hardwood floors.
• I misplaced my keys at the mall last week.  The mall.  As in, "I went into about 20 different stores," mall.  Sigh.
• We had a dusting of snow on Saturday morning.  There were 38 car accidents in Franklin alone by 9 am.  I got such a kick out of that for some reason.
• I have never seen the movie "Groundhog Day."  It is 20 years old this year.
• I am not allowing myself to leave home today until all the laundry is done and put away.
• In other words, I have no clean underwear.

How's your day going along?

This n That Thursday

More things I love about being back in Tennessee when I'm not hunkered down during tornado warnings:

• My CSA baskets in the dead of winter.

• Walks with Dora at Berry Farms. 

• Fundraiser Songwriter Nights.  Especially when your brother is a sponsor of the Patron's Party.  And also when Lee Greenwood is there, joined by his sons, who attend BGA, and they give you chills.  Turn it up.