Saturday, November 26 Gratefotos
Friday, November 18 -- Gratefotos --
November 9 – “Gratefotos” Today I am thankful for . . .
That’s right – you do see snow in that picture. Today we had our first snow of the season. It was thick and wet and gloppy – and not very safe. But – to me it was still beautiful. I’m always a little fearful of saying that too loudly. Too many haters.
Tuesday, November 8 – Another day in “Gratefotos”
I’ve decided that this month really needs its own title. I can’t think of anything clever – or very clever that is. I’ve decided to go with “gratefotos” because I’m trying to combine the idea of gratefulness in photos. The funny part, I think, is that to the ear, this sounds like I’m saying “great photos.” One look at the pics posted here should immediately exhibit the humor in that idea! I have been taking the pictures with my phone. Few of them are even decent. So – even if the title isn’t clever – it is kind of funny in its own way.
So – yesterday – my pics are of the main floor of The Waters – which is the elegant yacht club at the end of my block – right next to the lake. I forgot to take pictures until the last minute – so I missed the most important part. The thing I’m grateful for is bigger than just the beautiful venue. Last night we had our Annual Banquet for Valley Christian High School/Oshkosh Christian School. I wish I would have captured a frame of the people involved. This is an awesome event that showcases our school and encourages individuals to invest in its students. The evening started with appetizers and music provided by the students on the main floor. Later dinner was served in the banquet room upstairs. During dinner, different people told stories about their connection with the school. I felt so blessed to be there – to hear the stories – to rub elbows with students, parents, staff, and donors. In some ways I feel humbled to be a part of this – when the people/things that fostered this great institution happened long before I ever came to town – as though I am just a “hanger-on”.
Afterwards, while talking to some neighbors – I told them about walking past The Waters for months before I ever got to come inside. I told them that I felt like a little girl wanting to peek in the windows of someone else’s party. They replied, “And now you’re hosting parties here!” I know the school is hosting the event, but I felt so blessed to be a part of the evening. I thank God for Valley Christian High School/ Oshkosh Christian School and the role it is playing in our lives!
Sunday, November 6 -- 
Lucky for me, I arrived in Chicago first after Mindi Wood cleaned out her closet. This meant that I was the lucky recipient of the clothing she was discarding! I know, I'm kind of gloating about my good fortune!
In the fancy bag of goodies was a top that Mindi said didn't work for her. It was very cute, so I gave it a whirl. Let's just say that if it didn't work for Mindi -- it was a total disaster on me! I think perhaps it was one of those items designed for those 5'10" women who are mostly legs -- not really a Wood trait.
So -- in the spirit of Dave Ramsey, I decided to make-do. Mostly I just made-over. I cut the top along the sides, then re-cut the front -- and the back band -- stitched together the leftovers -- and voila! -- an apron!!!!!
Yeah -- check the picture -- it's awesome! I have never really had a fancy apron before. I had no idea how cool this would be! I swear the thing has super powers. And, upon further reflection, I've discovered why: an apron is pretty much just like a superhero cape -- only when you tie it around your neck, it hangs down the front of you! I almost like cooking when I wear it –clearly something magical going on there! Think any of Mindi’s cooking skills will rub off on me? The apron also emits this sense of comfort as well – kind of like a security blanket. I put it on – think of Mindi and the other nieces – and I just feel safe and happy.
I checked out the aprons at the local boutique: $25 - $35 (and not as cute as Mindi’s shirt-apron). I didn’t recognize the label in shirt (no big surprise there), but I preserved it – just in case it’s something really groovy!
!
I have worn it nearly every day for the past 2 weeks. I even speed over to the neighbor’s while wearing it – entertain company in it, have a hard time taking it off when I’m done in the kitchen.
Probably should have checked to be sure it was machine-washable before I started the project. Oh, well!
Thank you, Mindi!
Every now and then in my adult life something lovely happens that probably would have made more sense if it had happened when I was younger.
Two years ago, my friend Gail asked me to sit for her. She didn’t mean she needed a babysitter. She is a portrait artist. Generally, she takes lots of photos of her subjects, and then selects the best parts and pieces from the photos to combine them into a portrait. Then, she sells the masterpiece for hundreds – possibly a couple thousand -- dollars (depending on how many subjects are involved). She told me that she needed more practice painting from real life – rather than from photos. Would I sit for her? Would I sit for her!!! There is something intensely flattering about having someone want to paint your portrait. And, if that wasn’t already lovely enough, she insisted on paying me for “modeling” for her. Several afternoons a week for a couple of weeks, I went to her beautiful home and stood in my pose in the window of her studio. I loved the experience! Part of what made this so magical was spending time with my friend. I confess a little hero worship for Gail Palpant. Sometimes I think that I would like to be Gail Palpant when I grow up!
At some level this beautiful moment seemed odd to me, though – to be painted when I was older, when my most beautiful, youthful days were long behind me.
See if you can find me on her website: http://www.gailpalpant.com/gallery-II.htm
Just recently I had another such experience. Our school had a huge auction in March – a major gala event. Because John was serving as Master of Ceremonies – or host – or whatever the title was, the auction committee wanted him to wear a tuxedo. A friend of the school offered to buy me an evening gown for the event. This charming, generous benefactor prefers to remain anonymous; so, sadly, I cannot name him or post his picture. He did give me an extremely generous budget for shopping. I don’t believe I have ever shopped for an evening gown before. I wasn’t even sure how to go about it! I thought I needed something long – since John was going to be very formal. After looking at the mall – and rejecting the cupcake prom look – we tried a bridal shop. The little sales girl had an interesting idea. She asked if I would like to look at some of the bridal gowns on the discount rack. I hadn’t thought of that – but it sure sounded fun! What old married lady gets to try on wedding gowns?! I believe she was thinking that some of the champagne or cream-colored ones would suit as an evening gown. The auction had an old Hollywood “red carpet” theme, and one of the wedding gowns looked like retro glam to me. And it fit! – Mostly. Of course it was 6 inches too long and had a significant train.
After trying on wedding gowns – all of the bridesmaid gowns at the shop looked so – um, ordinary. I put the dress on hold so that I could “sleep” on it. I slept well and went back to buy it the next day. I then had to take it to a tailor to have the 6 inches cut off – as well as have the train removed. Let’s just say I spent nearly as much $$ at the tailor as I did for the dress in the first place. I tried to find a wrap to add some color to my outfit – but with no success. (I really didn’t want to look like a bride.) In the end, I bought a white cape – also retro glam. So – off I went to the ball in the most-incredibly exquisite Cinderella gown of my life! The auction itself was so magical. I continue to be amazed by the staff/faculty/friends and family that comprise our school.
Again I had that odd feeling that the timing was muddled – as though my days for dressing up like a princess should probably remain in my past.
So here’s to my past youth – and some of the leftover glories of it – still lingering into my “later” youth! I feel so thankful that God would put these untimely blessings and beautiful people in my life!
I am a MI girl. I was born in Grand Rapids. And I spent 6 years of my adult life in MI as well. Winter is not exactly a picnic there. For several years, we lived in Watervliet -- an itty-bitty burg in the "lake-effect snow zone" near Lake Michigan. Recently we moved to WI. While the move was in process, people asked me if I was ready to be cold.
Am I ready to be cold? What kind of question is that? I'm a MI girl, for Pete's sake! You think I don't know what winter is? People then looked at me wisely, smiled politely and changed the subject.
Haughty of me, I suppose. Now I know. And, no -- I'm not ready to be cold!!!
When the thermometer launches into the 20's -- I think, -- oh, it's warm! I won't need so many layers! I wear hiking boots to Walmart in order to accommodate that extra layer of wool socks. Sometimes I just keep my bib-overall-snowpants on inside the house. Cuddle Duds are a standard part of the WI wardrobe (along with a great deal of green and gold). I have a personal relationship w/my space heaters -- one at home, one at work.
I try to remember to run down to do laundry while I still have my boots and coat on -- so much more comfortable. Actually, our basement is so very cold that I have considered just washing the laundry in a bucket in the back yard because it might be warmer!
If the refrigerator gets too full -- no problem. We can just store the perishables in the kitchen cupboards -- plenty cold in there!
A previous owner of our antique house explained to us the importance of running a fan behind the vent to the pipes to the shower in the master bathroom. Failing to do so might allow the pipes to freeze. Doesn't that create images of a warm toasty bathroom? We didn't follow his directions one night, and the water in the shower drain did indeed freeze. After a few minutes of running the water, the ice melted and the water drained. Thank goodness!
Even on the most painfully cold days, I still walk the dog about 3 miles. Sometimes I think it takes longer to put on all of my layers - and later take them off again -- than it takes to walk the 3 miles! Don't envy my "Nanook of the North" fashion statement!
This week -- on Wednesday -- March 23 -- we received 6 inches of fresh snow. So --yeah -- WI stands for WInter! I gotta run. I need to empty the dryer before the clothes get freezer burn. Where's my parka?
