Jan's Journey

Sunday Brunch with my Family

2009-10-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday October 19th I had the great pleasure of having brunch in Dallas with all of my boys. This was the culmination of a great Texas/OU weekend. I planned a sales trip to Texas around the gathering of the boys for the weekend. After a week of traveling around Texas from Houston to San Antonio to Dallas and Fort Worth visiting many yarn stores I enjoyed a great weekend in Dallas.

Above is a picture of me with the guys. If I were still sending the annual Christmas card, this would be the photo of the year. the family was augmented by two beautiful young ladies giving me the female support that I have longed for!

Susie Presser and Katherine Ann Buck, pictured above were brought to this gathering by Tyler and Will. Tyler found Susie in Steamboat and Will, KA in Austin! Both great gals who share an allegiance with Alabama!

Here is the gang with the two pups, Silver who belongs to Tyler and Kinney Brown Dragon, son of Silver who belongs to Davey. An expanding family portrait!

Davey works in a beautiful restaurant in Dallas - Maximo's at Alpha and Noel. Tyler, in Steamboat on trees, John is in Dallas waiting on tables and playing the piano, and Will is tending bar at Carraba's in Austin. They are each taking care of themselves and continue to be great friends to each other. I only wish the geographic challenges weren't so large!

these pictures will help you see How they have matured and continue to enjoy each others company. I feel very blessed.

Tobacco Barns in Suffield

2009-09-01T06:06:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged for about a year here - and realize that I have missed it, if not for you but for myself. A sense of order and openness - back from the Creative Memories Days. With this gorgeous arrival of Fall, I will regress in future posts through some of the things I want to share in the passed year. Looking forward and looking back - lots to be thankful for.

Fall in Suffield and the height of the tobacco drying season. The area is famous world wide for the supreme tobacco leaves they produce for cigar WRAPPERS! Not the ring I used to love to get from Grandfather's cigars. It's all about the outside wrapper which requires an evenly dried, large tobacco leaf usually grown under tents to keep them from spotting in rain or sun.

The true beauty to me of this process is the BARNS. Incredible long rectangular structures that are very much the same as they have been for hundreds of years. Although there have been many technological attempts to simplify the process, it still has to be done the natural way. the barns are slatted so control air flow and are geometric visions while they are in use

Amazon Reviews

2009-08-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

August is slow in the yarn business so I have been laughing out loud at some very funny reviews on Amazon. This was all new to me since I thought amazon.com was a pretty serious site of commerce. It turns out that there is some real viral marketing going on there from the grass roots (or who knows where it is from but the big marketing companies might feel threatened). If you haven't seen these, I hope you enjoy the ride. If you have, and have some to add for me to see - bring 'em on.

I will give a quick view of some of the finds that have come across my computer and try to be relatively brief, you can get into much greater detail on your own, waste a day or two following links, and be amazed at the creativity out there. Or, you can get back to work, whatever that may be.

The first is the the "Three Wolf Moon T-shirt" - seems pretty simple and straightforward.

and then you might notice that there are 1363 reviews. of a t-shirt? what is this about? Read on... there are magical powers for sure here. and then you notice little things like 13,670 out of 14,222 found this review helpful. People have a lot of time on their hands.

After you have had the chance to read some of these reviews, jump over to youtube and check out this and you will actually witness the magic.

You may have noticed a reference to "Tuscan whole milk"... which leads you to think there is something else you might want to get from Amazon. Here, again, are some great reviews

My personal fave is the second one by Edgar from Baltimore... could this be E. Allen Poe? Such beautiful writing! Oh - wait, you can hear this read to you here

And lastly on this guided quest, I want to share, from other products you might be interested in the great reviews for "A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates (Paperback)"Such a terrific reference work! But with so many terrific random digits, it's a shame they didn't sort them, to make it easier to find the one you're looking for."

So simple and yet so powerful!

A special thank you goes to my brother John Babson who brought these wonderful finds to my attention - he really does have too much time on his hands!!

If you have more to add to this - please leave a comment and share with others. Consumerism rules!

July Fourth 2009

2009-07-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

The fourth of July proved to be a beautiful respit from the rain New England has been facing for the last... shall I say 40 days. Finally summer felt like it had arrived! The weather was perfect and my friend Cathy (Walker Hopkins) from way back in high school orchestrated a beautiful weekend in Madison, CT. It was great to be with old friends. Kathy (with a K) and Doug Velsor - again, since High School only he didn't go to the Academy - came down from Vermont to soak the sun and friendship. Cathy's Aunt Susan joined us from NYC with tales of city life and theater people.

Here is our group watching the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra Concert on the Green - Great seats Cathy!

Fire works on Friday, biking and walking on the beach, even found a great consignment store in Centerbrook... Peonies - had some good stuff and reasonable prices - I resisted but it was good to know.

One of my favorite visions at the concert was this little not quite 2 year old who got quite animated when I pulled out the camera. Having left scrapbooking behind and not fully moved into the bloggosphere, I am again reminded on how easy it is to make friends with little people when you take their pictures! All of the kids were amazingly well behaved throughout the two and a half hour show!

Cath even had sparklers for us to light for the finale.

texas annexation

2009-06-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Texas Traveling

Living in New England suits my soul as the changes of scenery and seasons are much appreciated. It's a great territory to sell yarn in and I get to many beautiful places. However, I truly miss the boys and the Texas connections. Being an enterprising person and looking out for opportunities that can meet my needs, I approached a couple of my vendors who do not have representation in Texas and was successful on annexing the state to my New England Territory. I know this may sound a bit wierd if not sacriligious, but it works for me! Having three sons that are living there, missing them a bunch, this combined business with pleasure in a beautiful way.

the last weekend in May, I headed to Texas to check out my new territory and spend some "quality time" with the boys. I arrived in Dallas on Friday, rented a car, fetched John from his condo and went to see Dave at the restaurant he is working at... Maximo's at the corner of Noel and Alpha (if you are in the area - stop by and say HI). John and I then headed to Austin for the weekend and to start my yarn prowl. We arrived at Will's appartment arround 11:30 and I was one tired puppy. After meeting Will's roommates and his girl (good job Will) I headed for bed while they stayed up till who know's when.

Saturday and Sunday were spent with John, Will and Katharine Ann (KA) and the pup the two or them were foster parenting while I was there (they have had quite a few and doing a great job with this). We went for Barbeque, to Greenway springs, in and around Austin, eateries, and just a generally good time. I even gave them a little space on Sunday as I headed out to Yarnorama in Paige Texas for a little drive by. Very nice store with a full table of ladies knitting a variety of wonderful things and talking up a storm.

This Will, John and one of Wills roommates at this video game van rentable for parties. The van pulls up in front of the party person's house with two games on the outside and inside full of screens and games for the party to enjoy. this one was full of four year olds doing parallel play! I am sure you are all wondering if this is a good idea.... but some people think it is!

The expressions on the faces tell the story...

Rudy's barbeque was a highlighted meal in Austin. John Will and KA are enjoying the feast! Note the picture at the top.

Here's John at the automatic hand washer... keeps away the swine flu germs I hope... maybe not since everyone used it. We survived

The week was full of yarn store visits and kid visits. Two days in the Austin area netted 7 store visits between San Antonio, Austin and surrounds, and Wimberley Texas. Going into a yarn store is like coming home. They are all so different but all so similar. Each has it's own colors, sense of design, fiber dedication and general personality. This is why they can exist comfortably even when located near by. Having the daily focus on my business, I was able to keep busy and let the boys be. Sometimes their late hours get to me, but since I had things to do from 7 am on, I was busy and content. I would return to meet them around four and we could wander around, eat and wander some more! It was great.

These pictures are from the Old Oak Ranch yarn store and sculpture garden located in Wimberley Texas, in the Hill country West of Austin. A great destination for all fiberologist and friends as there is Texas beauty all around - and some great fibers too.

Tuesday evening John and I returned to Dallas. There i also added to the mix of adventures visiting with a couple of good friends from back in the day. I hadn't called any friends because I wanted to focus on the boys and yarn. I wanted to keep my options open for availability when they were. Davey working in the restaurant business can be unpredictable. As time alloted and availability of a friend coincided, I was furtunate to get in a couple of great quick catch up visits. I even was there for the engagement announcement of one of Davey's good friends and the 30th birthday celebration of another of his friends. What a joy. Sharing in these happy milestones is a piece of the puzzle of life that I am missing by being far away.

Here's a picture of Sue Jones, an amazing lady who makes me laugh. It was her son who got engaged. Here she is pictures with her trailer preparing for her first official outting with the "sisters on the fly" group. Man, is she lucky! I hear-tell that she had a great time.

I didn't take enough pictures to represent all the good times I had, even totally missed a picture of Davey. I intend to go back in the Fall and will, hopefully be better about telling a story with pictures.

I returned from that trip and had to turn around and travel to the yarn convention in Columbus and a visit with my Dad and brother. More to come to get this all up to date.

Old Friends - book ends

2009-05-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

May 14th - Cathy Walker Hopkins' birthday. By happenstance, luck, or "fortunate circumstances" I reconnected with Cathy after a winter of quietness, just in time to get to share her birthday! Needing a reprieve from the quiet respit that Suffield offers between yarn calls, a social visit was a welcome relief. Gracie and I headed to Madison.

Silliness comes at all ages, and we all need some of that. So here we were, 5 full grown women, each with a diverse background and stories to tell, convening in honor of a dear friend.

Cathy and I have been friends since High school, where we would knit during our classes, not knowing how ahead of our time we were. Still knitting, I gave Cath a skein of a personal favorite yarn of mine - the Blue Heron Rayon Metallic - the Denim color will be terrific with her coloring.
Simon and Garfunkel - Old friends- I have it playing as I write... "time it was, what a time it was.. I have some photographs...." but here's the line I forgot was there " how terribly strange to be seventy." Woof (as John Robison would say) - what were we thinking. How terribly strange to be sixty would work as a concept - although not for the rhyme. What a journey.
Friendships a precious and as I have moved a bunch I realize how important it is to be "intentional" about friendships. How quickly they can fade into oblivion if not nurtured and cared for. In our fast paced world, although communication tools abound, the preciousness of shared history needs our attention. If you have taken the time to read this, maybe you would take minute to call a friend you haven't talked to in a while and let me know how that worked for you. It works for me. let's share.

The Silent Winter

2009-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes your just not in the mood to write - or there isn't much to write about. Both were true whenever I might have had the time to write. So a brief catch up to keep things up to date and not be saddled with the "dreaded Christmas update letter" that this is supposed to take the place of. Here it is SPRING and my last post was Christmas.

February brought a welcome relief as I turned in some frequent flier miles and headed out to Steamboat to visit Tyler. It was a beautiful trip with some great sunny days and good times with Tyler and Silver - the grand dog and father of Kinney who I met over Christmas. I was fortunate enough to get to stay with dear friends, Karen Harrison and Walter Freedman in their lovely home. It was incredibly relaxing and recharging. It seems so long ago.

Tyler is a delight to be with. Silver is very well behaved and he and ty take good care of each other. Neither strays to far - and the grounding is good. I didn't take many pictures as my battery had drained and the charger had gone missing. It's much easier to tell a tale when it's accompanied by photos. And I haven't quite gotten the knack of the cell phone camera. There is one picture of tyler and his friend Reagan - but that's all I've got. Enjoy it

Check out the knitted caps - EVERY one has them of all shapes and sizes - and mostly handmade! Praise the Lord! I actually knitted 5 alpaca hats out of Kraemer alpaca bulky - sooo soft - on my trip and passed them out to whomever was dearest at the moment!

I found this picture of Tyler and Silver - i think from when he was first adopted. I had another on my phone, but it seems to have disappeared. He is one fine dog.

Other than that, the winter has been long and focused on the yarn business and creating enough interest to keep the recession at bay. I have been focusing on my work and my lines, trying to bring good products and sales to the local yarn stores in new England. Knitting still continues as many seek comfort and satisfaction with working with their hands and enjoying the many great fibers that are available. As we all pull in the reigns of our economic lives, there is comfort in creativity. I, myself, have been knitting up a storm and creating fun pieces to show off the fibers I sell. I have also worked at improving my skills at spinning fibers. The rhythmic repetition of knitting and spinning combined with the tactile pleasures of same brings needed respite.

Having focused on work, I miss the kids and am working on a plan to combine the two. I will be taking my show on the road to Texas and seeing if I can drum up a little excitement in fiber business there, but more importantly, having some time with the boys.

This is a bit of a catch up post - just to bridge the gap between then and now and let you know that I am still here, looking for giggles and finding adventures. Hopefully to be posted in a more timely basis.

Holiday Highlights

2008-12-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas brings joy and togetherness to most of the family Anderson.. When the boys hinted that they would NOT be able to come East for Christmas, I got a little panicky - I knew I had to be with as many of them as I could be. Dad (Babson) and I booked flights to Dallas and rooms near Davey's home. And what a time we had! Dallasites always seem to maintain a very positive attitude of success and more than survival. Maybe LaLa - but it certainly was fun to be there.

A three day trip to a place I lived for 16 years did NOT allow me to see all the great people that I wanted to see. I differed to Davey, John and Will to schedule Dad's and my time. I am sorry i missed so many, but please forgive... and come east to see me! It was a wonderful full three days. Let me share some photos that will catch you all up in a way the "dreaded Christmas letter" (thanks Jack Link for that phrase) used to in years passed.

The first "star" in my visit is and was Kinny! This is my Great grand dog! Davey adopted Kinny over Thanksgiving with a quick flight to Steamboat with a puppy carry on bag that came back full of Kinny. Kinny is the puppy of Silver who is Tyler's English Sheep dog which he adopted at age 2. Silver roomed with a standard poodle for his first weekend in Steamboat - and the rest is Kinny history. An Old English Sheep dog and a French Poodle - any suggestions for a name for this new Breed? It won't shed and could be a calm, smart, overly friendly pup - and Kinny is showing those signs. Here he is with Davey.

Here is a picture of Dad and John. John is living with Davey in Dallas and working at a couple of jobs on and off. Still not expressing his musical talent in a funded way - but he finds pianos in churches and plays his music much to the surprise and encouragement of anyone who happens upon him. this is a young man who thrives on having a piano at his fingertips and has proved incredibly resourceful to make that happen. Davey has extolled his prowess here - I regret that I couldn't get John to take me to one of his piano's - it was Christmas and they were being used for other things.

This picture was taken at the home of The Eddies who are new friends of Davey's from his restaurant experience at Nonna's.... whic came to an abrupt end two days before Christmas when the family owned business decided to cut Davey out of the manager's position! So goes the economy - but there are better opportunities around the corner.

Will arrived from Austin Christmas Eve Morning after having worked as many shifts at Carabba's as he could to earn money for his Christmas travels. He arrived the conquering hero of the year- as he has completed his degree in English at University of Texas at Austin and graduated earlier in December. I couldn't be prouder as he accomplished this amidst much adversity, attending a community college in Connecticut to get many credits taken care of at a discounted rate. After successfully transferring from Asnuntuck to UT Austin, he arranged the financing and worked for spending money while completing his last two years of his education. He did it and did it well!

Christmas Eve found us running around town surveying the shopping frenzie in Dallas. there doesn't seem to be much concern of economic uncertainty there. We spent a little time at the Salvation army (it was Wednesday - family day) and Northpark - such a dicotomy - we were living the appropriate paradox of the season. Fortunately we did the Northpark tour after most stores has closed - not that we were looking to spend anything. That Mall is truly unbelievable. It is probably twice the size as the last time I was there - but the stores have gone Madison Avenue upscale. The temptations could have been drastic.

Christmas Day was a time of visiting friends and sharing stories. Brunch was enjoyed with Jo and Joe Nichols and their daughter MiMi. The Nichols' have been Dallas parents for Will since we moved East. Mimi and Will have been close friends since kindergarten. I am so grateful for their support and friendship. Here's the gang in front of their tree.

To the right is my favorite photo from the brunch - Will, without any encouragement, washed the dishes after the great brunch Jo served! the College Graduate just quietly got up from the table, grabbled some dishes and positioned himself at the sink until all the dishes were done. Granted, he feels very comfortable in this home, as Jo and Joe have offered him a resting spot whenever he needs on in Dallas - and have for the last seven years.

To the left is Mimi, Will and Dave.

From the Nichols', we proceeded to the home of Susan and Emory Johnson. Susan was my first close friend in Dallas. She guided me into the new culture and we shared many laughs over the years about the differences between Texas ans New England. Will was 3 when we moved to Texas and her son Robert was beginning high school. Robert was tall then, and would lift a giggling Will up on his arm until he was exhausted. This picture shows the continuation of the tradition as Will lifts Roberts son Nick on his arm! Also pictured is Roberts daughter, who also got lifted, with great ease.

Here are Susan and Emory, very proud grandparents and steadfast friends. They were frequent visitors to Davey's ex- restaurant which made this reconnection very easy and fun.

Christmas day continued with a visit to Sarah Smith's family and a trip back to the old neighborhood. It was a quick but great visit as time was running down on the day and we were all feeling a little overwhelmed - so much socializing and connecting with friends.

It was with a song in my heart and lovely memories of family times together that I left Dallas, Dad and the three guys to return to Connecticut. We talked with Tyler frequently on the phone, but he was surely missed from the gathering. He and Silver spent good times with friends but, I believe, he too missed being all together. I hope next Christmas will be more friendly for that actuality.

Back in Suffield, my friend Bob met me at the airport with Gracie. Brother John and his wife Rin joined us for a holiday lunch on route from Boston to North Carolina, visiting their two children, spouses and grand babies over the holidays. fortunately, weather agreed with the friendly driving conditions and all is well. Here are photo's from that event... so, I think you have to total picture!

This record of Christmas 2008 for the Babson - Anderson clan hopefully finds each reader enjoying getting caught up. If you would like contact information or individual update information, e-mail me or leave a comment. I wish each of you and yours a new year filled with family, friends, and much joy - and a little frivolity. May I suggest sky-diving? May we all be a bit more intentional about staying in touch.

Thanks for taking the time and interest,

Jan

Giving thanks

2008-11-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone. It was a hectic and great weekend here in Suffield. Ten people enjoyed the feast. It was wonderful to pull out all the pretties and set a beautiful table to share with friends, old and new. We all had a grand time with close to sevenhours of eatting and drinking, and a lot of giggles. Friendship, full stomachs, and fun memories - a great time to be thankful.

Saturday, my friend Bob and I went to Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA - the home of Heifer International. Check them out a Heifer.org. This is a great organization that sends animals to third world countries to help those less fortunate to provide food, clothing and even commerce. Last year I donated a sheep in honor of all my Local Yarn Store customers in New England. This was a well received Christmas gift, that I felt meant more than giving little tokens of my appreciation. THIS year Heiffer is offering a "knitting package" to contribute to - which will provide 2 sheep and 2 alpacas to a community or family. Hopefully they will procreate and provide an opportunity for trade as well. I am excited to become a part of this offer. I realize my own fortune from this industry and hope others can share in this. Providing warmth as well as the opportunity for commerce will be well appreciated.

Here are pictures of some of the great animals on the farm. These animals provide the opportunities for visitors to appreciate the gifts this organization provides. Heifer also provides experiential programs where you can live as someof the third world individuals Heifer supports.

Weekend programs and camps provide education on farming, caring for animals, milking and sheering. Here's a picture of one of the Camps you can enjoy and farm.

And finally - a thanksgiving picture of Gracie giving a little RAZ to the turkeys who survived the holiday. She had a great time at the farm and met many new friends - some just didn't understand her sense of humor!

Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving weekend - and in giving thanks will join me in the spirit of giving. Check out Heifer.

first trip

2008-11-18T17:37:00.000-08:00

I had a great first outting.... sent to Vermont and New Hampshire and saw 8 customers in 2 days.... that really felt great.

My first instincts on the market are good. Although sales are not huge, there is still a lot of interest in knitting. perhaps it's one of those things that do well in recession. And why not? It's not all that expensive, even with beautiful fibers. What could bemore relaxing? A great method to contemplate. Something you can get involved in mentally and enjoy the repetitiveness and rhythm of it. Especially when one uses really fine fibers - the tactile pleasure is enormous. Makes sense to me. And I am acutally seeing it in the yarns stores.

Here are some pictures, to show you what I do. This is outside our hotel in White River Junction, Vermont the night before our "hotel show." My little mini, great on gas but not so much on space.... but all of that luggage AND Gracie fit in with me! Even Gracie is amazed that it will all fit. I set up all of my samples and yarn cards and welcomed peopel from 7 stores during the day. At one point is was so crowded it was hard to find a place to sit down. I was almost thinking of taking appointments the next time I do this.

I also spent time with another customer and feel that my first outting was a total success. I scheduled more appointments next week. It feels great to be back.

On the Road Again...

2008-11-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's been almost 5 weeks since my back surgery!!! and I am feeling GREAT! The surgery went well. They removed 80% of my herniated disc and I have no pain... NO PAIN. I am trying to take it easy as recommended but the road is calling.

The car is full - already, and I still have more to go. I have lots of samples to show the customers. Then I need my stuff and, of course, Gracie.

I will be doing a hotel show with my fibers on Monday and making a customer call on Tuesday (they have offered to unload my car!). I have been knitting and computer networking but it's time for some face to face. In one more week I should be pretty free to lift most of my stuff although I will be easy on myself.

It will be good to be back out there and hopefully catching up with my friends in the business, in person.

To the left is the Baby Surprise Sweater that I finished. This is a pattern by Elizabeth Zimmerman from 1968. I made it with one skein of Fiesta Boomerang - a beautiful washable sofgt merino. It is all one single piece and the only seams are across the top of the arms - a topological delight.

I guess I need to make another Moebius Strip.

I am blessed with amazing friends

2008-10-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday I drove down to Greenwich with my skydiving friend to spend time with two of the most remarkable people in my life. John and Estelle have been dear friends for over... well - 40 years. That's about the longest I have known anyone outside of family. This couple has been married for 63 or more years - pretty amazing. And they are cuter than ever with each other. The little things they do to support each other is a marvelous example of the importance of sharing your life with another - each one making the other look and be as great as they can be.

Left is a picture of the two of them, on our return from dinner at the their favorite restaurant. Amazingly, the was full of black tied men and gowned women enjoying a formal evening of dinner and dancing. No indication that the stock market had been in a freefall the previous week and panic is settling into many households around the country.

Our dinner was less formal but the most enjoyable of an evening sharing stories of life experiences and an incredibly close friendship and understanding.

To the right is a picture I took from their dining room with a vision to the west of a bright sunset over New York City. What you can't see, but I could were the lights of the Triboro and Whitestone Bridges sparkling and a vague outline of the city skyscape. It was from this point that John actually witnessed the second plane flying into the World Trade Center on that fateful day September 11, 2001. He could see the explosion, flames and distruction from 35 miles away.

My heart is still singing with the pleasure of the afternoon/evening. As always, I wasn't sure where the conversations would go - I knew we would cover subjects of catching up on the wherabouts of others and knew politics and economy would be included. We also, as always included a little religion (John told Bob of his meeting of the Pope (the last one) - a very comical and serious story). My brain was in full gear just keeping up with these two people. Humor, thoughtfulness, opportunities, talents, incredible sensitivity and honesty - that's what makes a true friendship like this last that long.

As we were leaving out the drive, John insisted on loading us up with the dahlias he grew this summer, in his newest venture in the world of horticulture. A man of great patience and understanding who has many varied talents of gentleness and nurture. These are two of the most incredible people I will ever be blessed to know in my life. I honor them here.

Moving Forward after a Setback

2008-10-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have updated this but now is the time. I need to record the progress of the "back" lest it becomes a blur.

I left you last with the hopes of the steroid shot working.... and the answer is - yes and no. Oh the paradoxes of life. Here's how it went. I got progressively better - a great thing. I could walk a bit farther, sleep a lot better, and move more easily. So - I went to work. The next week found me in Vermont making calls and enjoying being out on the road again. My left leg got tired and a little weak - and I was really happy to get home.

Here comes the NO part. Friday morning I woke up, showered, walked the dog.... leaned over for something and BOOM - I couldn't stand. Excruciating pain. Fortunately I had my phone in my back pocket... a word to the wise - have a back pocket for your phone. I called Christina who rushed over and somehow got me, eventually to the emergency room. This time when they asked pain level between 1 to 10 - no thought needed - it was a 10. Worse than childbirth. They gave me morphine and many many other drugs - bottom line - knocked out for 5 days - truly. And surgery scheduled for October 13th. Yep - this Monday in the morning and should be home Tuesday - and them for some time. Maybe a month.

And more good news is that - after that painful Friday, I have had little pain, am off of pain pills and stronger than in the last 6 months. Numbness in my foot and fear of a repeat of that Friday indicate that I need to follow through with the surgery. I am looking forward to having it over.

I have been working all week on the computer and phone, trying to contact customers and sell what little I can over the phone and net, but I actually think that the buying this week would have been slight had I been driving around the country. What a week!

I am trying to figure out some of the networking groups and connections on the net that might provide a way to encourage sales in the companies I represent. I sure would like to find some ways to do a little less driving.

That's the update - not too exciting but I felt I needed to document the moves forward so that I can complete the story next week and be done with it!

Happy Columbus Day - I hope you go out for a walk in the woods to celebrate - that's what I want to do.

J

Another Leap of Faith

2008-09-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Before I jumped out of the air plane, I had been dealing with a lot of back pain, hip pain yada yada. I had been going to a physical therapist, a Michael Fall in Suffield who has worked wonders for friends. We both thought it was something called and SI problem, which I had had before and had cured by PT some years ago. Michael wasn’t concerned about the plane jump – and truthfully there is no connection. However, continued therapy only made the pain worse until I was restricted to 40 steps! 40 steps barely made it to the mail box. 40 steps is less than almost any doctor’s office is from a place to park the car. 40 steps worked ok for my many business calls because I could park outside. Unfortunately, my motivation to work was hindered by continued pain.

Walking Gracie with the limit of 40 steps led me to pull out my bicycle. Gracie, being the super dog that she is, learned quickly to avoid the tires and run alongside. We do our best to make due, but this isn’t going to last too long.

From my GP to and MRI on August 27^th, and back the GP, the quest for relief continued. When I went back to the GP – Mary Anne Webster, women I highly respect and feel very comfortable talking with, she entered the examining room with a very sad face. This caused the blood to rush from my face and I felt faint. This was not a good sign. There seemed to be a number of potential issues but the one that was causing the problem was identified between L4 and L5. She referred me to a neuro surgeon. I made an appointment with a Dr. Wakefield, and had one in three weeks. Yuck. Waiting was painful. I picked up the actual MRI CD and took it to Wakefield’s office to try to get an earlier appointment. 49 steps to the elevator from the car and another 52 to the office door. I delivered the CD and sat; I couldn’t walk, but also hoped that I could get in right away! That didn’t work but I did get the appointment moved up.

On Tuesday the 9^th I went to see Sean Brennan, Wakefield’s partner who was very thorough and straightforward. He referred me to a Dr Lucier who would give me an injection of steroids that would have an 80% chance of relief. At least I had a plan! The cure to anxiety is a plan! But the cure for the pain in the meantime was more drugs. So – vicadin, a muscle relaxer…. And then I found my yoga bolster which became my intimate sleeping partner.

Monday, Sept. 15^th I got a call from the steroid man and I could get in on Tuesday – that was the leap – oh, please let’s keep the faith. Nerves, fear, pain – this is exhausting. I made the appointment for noon. Arriving full of trepidation and anticipation I was issues a penoir set – not very attractive although the gown and robe did match. After signing many papers for many people to bill my insurance company and agreeing to take the leap, I was escorted into the operating room. Two nurses assisted getting me comfortable and situating the x-ray machine for the good Doctor to view his destination. Twenty minutes later it was done! No burning sensation, just some pinching and pulling. I still felt the pain, had trouble walking any distance. Given my exit papers and my clothes, I exited and returned home – for yet another nap! No relief. I had hoped that I would wake up cured, and continue to do so.

It’s now Wednesday, and I am pleased to say that there IS relief. Not total but I can walk farther and rest better. I am still exhausted and napping but each time I awake it is with a bit more strength and less pain. May the next nine days continue with this progress!

I’ll keep you posted!

Lake George Revisited

2008-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the time traveling machine was in motion as all four of the boys came back east, enticed by the invitation from great friends, the Adlers, to spend a long weekend at their home in Lake George. Since we all have fond memories of "summering" with the Adlers for about 10 years of the growing up period, no one could resist. Davey with Sarah Smith, Tyler, John Will and I drove up on Thursday and spent 4 glorious days totally enjoying the lake at good friendships. The Adlers and Andersons had not reunited like this since mid 90's.

You know you are getting older when your kids are experiencing that wonder of friendships of being able to pick up right where they left off.... after 10 years on not seeing each other! Ah- the bitter with the sweet.

The Adler hospitality was stupendous. Only Anne could be organized enough to seamlessly feed and direct 20 plus adults through a weekend of water fun, hiking, great eatting and the best fresh air ever. She wasn't at all flustered when the numbers for dinner inched over the 20 mark as was counting plates. A bit perplexed on the bed arrangement but it all worked well.

Here are some pictures of the fun.

This is our crew checking out the flotilla collection. John is in "the AMY" which has been around as long as he has and has many adventures to tell from their childhood. Davey, Sarah and Tyler are testing the Hobie. Will is swimming and I am in the Kayak with my buddy Gracie who enjoys going along even if she has to balance in a Kayak.

This is looking north from the Adler's property.

Here's a shot of the Anderson boys and Sarah on a boat ride - this is essentially the view looking south down the lake. Davey grabbed the alpha dog seat quickly on this trip.

John and Will hiked up the Black Mountain and were rewarded with this incredible view. The islands you see in the distance are the scene for our picnic on Saturday - as Davey rented an island to have a repeat of the picnic opportunities Anne and I took the kids on almost daily while we were running our "family camp".

This is our group - which was only a third of the total picnicers. No one seemed too anxious to spend the night there - although the afternoon was just right. A crew of kids went to the jumping rock down the lake a bit and apparently Will took alpha dog status in jumping off the high rocks reserved for crazy college students. I have no pictures - they wouldn't share- Will did admit that his toes split a little on the landing and he is still recovering.

After a full day of water play and hiking, repairing and firing up the sauna was the perfect thing to do. Tyler moved to alpha dog status when he repaired the ceiling of the sauna which seemed to have run into some candle accident the weekend before. Sauna building ready - a bondfire was build and guitars were made ready for after dinner campfire and sauna. the music was quite phenomenal as four musicians joined voices and instruments. John moved up in alpha dog status as he joined in the entertainment.

Tyler, the newly christened "arbor Barber" was called into service more than once during his visit - as a professional, he alone was qualified to stand on this ladder with a saw. He would have been the one to try is 10 years and more ago, but we all felt a bit more confidence in his doing it now. Although, there are still more pictures I have not been shown of some incredible tree climbing of this same man when the rest were berry picking. Some things just don't change.

It was an awesome weekend of family - families together. All the boys are headed back to their homes and I am savoring the memories and sharing them here- so we can return to them when we choose.

the wonders of blogging!

One more thing - for those who might be interested.... Lake George is big on recycling but since even before that, while islands were available for rent, the garbage needed to be picked up by park services. We always enjoyed seeing the garbage barge with it's elongated bow. The driver steers the bow over rocks at a point on the island as the partner garbage controller walks onto the island to collect the trash - no tying up, messing with docks - just efficient and you never could mistake the garbage barge! This picture was taken on the fly as we were on our way to get out 'island permit' and this vision pleasantly surprised us all. Little boys and big ones somehow are fascinated with garbage.

The Fall Out

2008-08-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I entered the world of story telling on the net. It's not going to be easy with a follow up dramatic story like the first, but I hope to offer some interesting thoughts as well as experiences to my friends. The reaction of you to my "leap" offers encouragement. I have reconnected with friends and brought new conversations to our interactions. It's similar to the annual responses I used to get from sending the Christmas photo and newsletter, but more specific and less time sensitive. A wonderful feeling of connectedness. thank you each for your interest. I was encouraged to activate my accounts of FACEBOOK and MYSPACE where I reconnected with more friends - mostly young people - what a gift! I have yet to update information on RAVELRY - a network for fiber freak - aka knitters, spinners etc. There is something for everyone - and they are all interconnected.

Individual stories are inspiring, especially when we know the characters involved. There are paradigms to be shared. I seem to have encouraged a few of you to think about jumping out an airplane, if only a momentary contemplation.

Let me now encourage you to take a more Global view of story telling from a person I have only met on TED talks. If you aren't familiar with these talks, you have an intellectual treat in store for you.

Jonathan Harris's talk at TED conference in Monterey California presents a "passive" view of stories on the internet at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jonathan_harris_tells_the_web_s_secret_stories.html
trying to make sense of the emotions of stories on the net. He concludes with an amazing view of the news and the universe which could be the way we will be able to study and learn in the future. His realization of going from feeling like a small fish in a big pond to "feeling bigger again." The many paradoxes (appropriate?) of life are rife in his presentation. Another paradox is stated as our "need to express ourselves and number of sympathetic friends willing to sit around and listen. "We feel fine" is a timely visualization of feelings expressed on blogs. I hope you will take 20 minutes to look at this. You will be amazed.

Thanks for taking a moment away from the dailiness of your life for a mental exercise which may bring you a different perspective of our stories. Maybe encourage you to do your own, in a leap for you. Let me know what you think, leave a comment or email me...... then get back to what you are supposed to be doing. I am returning to selling and telling yarns.

Happy Tales

A Leap of Faith

2008-07-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today I have accomplished something I never knew I wanted to do - but it was GRAND. Exhilarating, adrenaline rush, truly amazing and liberating. Because of taking THAT leap I decided to take another leap and start a BLOG.

This is the leap- pictured here with my new best friend Cameron, A competent 28 year old who I threatened with the wrath of my own four boys. Fortunately, that wasn't needed.

This all started a couple of months ago when my friend Bob mentioned that he had always wanted to go skydiving but hadn't because of family obligations. Now, being empty nesters with kids responsible for themselves... it's time to move on. He asked if I wanted to go! Whoa - what could I say? I did hesitate, waffle, and worry - but inevitably I had to say "yes". I mentioned it to a few friends but got little encouragement - except from my 91 year old Dad who seriously considered coming along. Glad I didn't have to tell him "No".

So, this morning at 8 am we set off to Orange, Ma. and a little place called "jumptown" at the Orange municipal airport. The place was buzzing. Looked like a going concern. We had reservations for 10 am - it was the only time left. So they were booked for the day and making money while the sun did shine. An accident this early in the day would ruin all profitability. I could tell they were careful and in control. We proceeded through training and before I knew it, I had met Cameron my tandem partner, Gary my photographer, and was in the plane with 16 other jumpers (maybe 8 were paying guests). Sardines tethered together.

There was no time to back out - no second thoughts - although they did pass through my mind. It was better that way. I had made my decision before.

One after the other we filed out. I watched the open door as people jumped - what a view. Gary was in front of me - he jumped out and into the air. Bob's photographer climbed out the door and held on to the plane. Cameron and I walked to the door.... or Cameron walked me to the door... and pushed me out - or did I jump?

It was all too fast - but then the cold air - the rush of adrenaline, the realization I was going down backwards and this wasn't right. Kicking the legs back made all the difference as I spun around to the free fall position! Phew... that's better. The badminton birdie was a good analogy.

Cold, fast air flew around my body. The view was incredible. Cameron was close by.

I felt I had the hang of it. A real smile, not the petrified smile from earlier shot. The camera does tell an amazing story. Beautiful country view - Quabbin reservoir, even the edge of the world. And this was NOT the part I was looking forward to. Fifty seconds went by very quickly - then the rip cord and the part I anticipated. The parachute opened and we got to ride the wind. Cameron and I (I wasn't strong enough myself) pulled the cord and manipulated the parachute ride to the left, right, and in circles. Like Jonathan Livingston Seagull! That probably dates me! This supposedly lasted 4 or 5 minutes - time was not easily discernible - it was just lovely.

As the ground grew nearer I realized we had another issue to deal with. I was a bit euphoric and had great trust in Cameron - after all he had my name - and followed his instructions to a T.

My landing gear was neatly raised until well after his had settled on the earth and I was clearly out of danger. I was a bit wobbly from the adrenaline rush and the relief of being safe. Pictures show this - so YOU don't get to see them! This is where I edit the blog since it isn't just for me!

So, by stepping out of my comfort zone, I grew. I do that with starting by blog- this too is not comfortable. nothing ventures and all that. I see the advantages of journaling, making each day count (or every fourth or fifth day). At least is I make myself value the day, learn a lesson, or commit something to memory, I look at things with more purpose. Selfishly, yes. But so it goes for each of us. The value is in our own perception.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Leave a comment. Share with a friend..... then get back to whatever it is you are supposed to be doing!

Happy Landings!