milestones

We remember our own milestones:  high school graduation, getting engaged, having a child.

And then we get to experience our children's milestones.  First foods-in Charlie's case it was strained squash.  He loved it.  First steps, no more diapers, first words.

Suddenly you are holding his hand as you walk to the bus stop for the first day of kindergarten, and he pulls away from you and runs, so eager to start a new adventure.

Time fast forwards, and he is walking to the grocery store by himself, and starting middle school.

I woke up this morning knowing today would be another milestone, and that I better bring a lot of tissues.

We didn't celebrate the end of 8th grade when I was in school, it was simply the end of another year.  But today, many schools have 8th grade ceremonies and receptions, to honor the achievement of completing middle school.  Charlie's school has their ceremony today, in the church next to their school, followed by a reception.  He informed me YESTERDAY morning that he planned to wear a SUIT.  Running around last night buying pants, shirt and dress shoes, I convinced him that a coat and tie would be just fine.


So last night was spent hemming and pressing, seeing him emerge from his room this morning it was worth it.

How in the world did the time fly this fast?

They had a competition to see who would deliver the graduations speeches at the ceremony.  Charlie had been working on his for a while, the night before he was to give it I asked if I could read it, or if he would like to practice.  I was already in bed, so he came upstairs and sat on the corner of my bed and read it to me.  I thought back to the nights when he was a little boy, and I would sit by his side, on his bed, and tell him his 'day story'.  And that night, he was telling me his own story.

I asked him if I could please share it with you, and he agreed.

Three years. Three amazing wonderful years. And each one of those years, happened here at

TCA. My name is Charlie Pohl, and whenever I hear the letters T,C, and A all I can think of is every

single thing, both good and bad that happened to me over the past 3 years. But let's start from the

beginning, way back on September 2, 2009, my first day here at TCA.. Most of that day is now a blur

to me, but I met two people that day, that without them, I don't know if I would be the same person

talking to you right now. The first person I met was a gentleman by the name of Jock Tuttle. Little did I

know then that he would be one of my best friends throughout my entire TCA career. During that same

class I also met another wonderful person, Carli Weber. Instant friends. Making two new friends within

45 minutes of being at a new school, I knew this was the right place for me. I also met so many other

cool people over the years who have quite honestly changed me. After that first day of school, I was no

longer worried. I just couldn't wait for school the next day. Once the year ended all I could think of was

what new people I would meet and what new memories I would make next year .

7th grade was supposedly the hardest year at TCA and it certainly was more difficult than 6th

grade. 7th grade was such a great year, by this point most everyone knew the routines and what was

expected of them, so while it got harder, it also got easier at the same time. You learned from last year’s

mistakes and let them be your greatest teacher. There were many new faces around the building, one in

particular that stood out to me. Savon Reetz. The only person I have ever met that has one hand and a

great personality to go with it.  I  have so many amazing memories with him, I simply couldn’t ask for a

better friend. He is one of the most fun and influential people that have been a part of my life. He 

reminds me that no no matter what obstacles you face in life, you should never give up.

I try and apply that mentality to everything I do now even if I’m pretty sure it’s gonna 
fail but it usually

ends up working. The rest of the year was a learning experience for me about what things did and didn't

work for me and how I could make the next year even better.

8th grade, the big finale. A time to finish what you started. Coming in on the first day of school

was a wonderful reunion, getting to see everyone again after 3 months was simply delightful. The main

reason I love this school so much, is the people. Everyone is so nice and accepting. There are rarely any

fights between us that last past 4:40. I never thought a school year would go by fast, but it did. I

honestly have trouble remembering if some things happened this year or last year. Time flies when

you’re having fun.

Now when I look back to that first day in sixth grade, it seems like it was a month ago, not 3

years. I guarantee I would not be the same person I am today without this school, mainly because of the

people. I just wanted to thank everyone in this entire 8th grade class for everything they’ve done over

however long they’ve been here. All of you are the best group of people I have ever been around in my

life, and whether you know it or not you have helped me in one way or another. There is no greater gift

in life that I could of asked from you. Also I wanted to thank my teachers for sticking with me through

the thick of it. In particular, Ms.Schneck, who helped steer me in the right direction when I was getting off

course.  This speech is supposed to sum up my career here and be my goodbye. But it's impossible

to say goodbye to everything and everyone that has helped me so much over the years in one speech.

The word goodbye has two words which generally aren't associated with each other, good and bye. I

don't think i've ever said goodbye and felt happy afterwards. But for the first time in my life, I can say

goodbye and be happy. Be happy about everything that I've learned, be happy about everything that

I've experienced, be happy about the fact that I can look back to the day where I spilled milk all over

my pants in 6th grade and laugh about it. Be happy about how I now feel prepared to tackle high school

and everything after that.

The only part to be sad about is that I will be leaving most of my friends this years, not all but most.

There is a quote by Charles Caleb Colton that describes exactly how I feel right now “True friendship

is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.”

Even though we’ll be able to communicate on facebook and whatnot, It will never be the same as it is

right now. But at least we have all these memories to look back on and remind ourselves how amazing

this whole time has been.

Thank you  


Oh, that's my boy. Or should I say, young man. Off to pack a bunch of tissues into my handbag.

surprise!

Now that all of the hoopla has died down, and I have recovered from the numerous birthday activities last week, I need to write and tell you about My Very Best Day Ever.  (If I could, I would illustrate it like Richard Scarry, instead I will share pictures.)

First, it started with this post, from my dear friend Tracy M.:  http://sellabitmum.com/2012/05/22/50/

So I started my morning crying.  Then my guys showered me with gifts and cards and hugs, a perfect way to start the day.  Mike took me to my favorite breakfast spot, Bon Vie (which in case you didn't know means 'good life' in French, which is exactly what I have).  My favorite waiter Ben was there to wish me a happy day, and sent me home with a beautiful lemon cupcake.  My hubby then brought me to Shu, to buy me new shoes!  I am the kind of person who will only buy new shoes with a discount and a coupon and a DEAL, so to buy beautiful shoes without looking at price tags, or waiting for a sale, was a complete treat.

Upon arriving home there was a long box waiting at my door.  I opened it in eager anticipation and found a dozen roses, in shades of yellow, pink, and orange.  Imagine the most beautiful sunset, and that is what was in that box.  And the smell-heaven!  I had never received a box of roses, what a treat.  My sweet sis and her son know how to make a girl feel special.  And then Mike insisted on taking photos, I felt like I was a senior in high school again!

Next up was a knock on my side door, dearest Tracy L. was there with all of the day care kids in tow.  They sweetly sang Happy Birthday to me, and showered me with hugs and homemade cards.  Absolutely adorable!  Tracy presented me with an exquisite necklace she had made for me, along with the cutest Fossil bag you have ever seen.  Can you say spoiled?

The mailman came and delivered cards from loved ones near and far  (and a Cycle magazine for Mike, he was happy too!), and before I knew it there was another knock on my door, and there stood a cute old deliveryman with MORE flowers!  From my inlaws!

My flower heart was so happy.

But wait, there's more.

Another knock on my door, and there was sweet Astrid, all smiles and wispy blond ringlets and flowers on her shoes, holding FIFTY sweetheart roses, and singing Happy Birthday.  Seriously?  My heart nearly exploded from the sweetness.  Her mom Tracy lavished me with more gifts than anyone is deserving of, and homemade cards from all of her girls, AND a just right sized birthday cake for the three of us to share.

After they left, I went online and found my sister had posted this:  http://hansongirl2.blogspot.com/2012/05/just-for-today.html so then I was crying, in a puddle, all over again.

At this point, I told Mike that I had had the best birthday ever, and we really didn't need to do one more thing to celebrate.  But we had made plans to have dinner with Kate and Jonathan Eisenthal, and so I ran a brush through my hair and put on more mascara and wondered where they would be taking us.

Small things started niggling at me.  Both Tracy's had asked where I was going for dinner, and since I had no idea I told them so.  Mike didn't know either, but I brushed it off, as it wasn't our night to plan, Kate and Jonathan had invited us a couple of weeks ago, and this night just happened to be free.

But then Charlie told me he was riding his bike down to Alec's house to work on homework together.  Seriously? Again I brushed it off and was excited to be going out, Jonathan informed me they were taking us to Shamrocks, they thought it was a perfect night for a really good burger, and I agreed.

As we arrived, and Mike told us we really should just go in the back door, my steps slowed and I knew I really should have worn something else, or spent more time on my hair, and as we entered the restaurant and Mike said "Let me show you the room where I have our dirt bike club meetings"  I very nearly ran back to the car.  I am not good with this kind of thing, being the center of attention and all that.  But Kate made sure I moved along.

So I walked into the room, and there they were, shouting SURPRISE and clapping and smiling as I tried to hold myself together, and slow the torrent of tears.
   


Charlie hadn't gone to Alec's, he had RIDDEN HIS BIKE there (it's quite a ride from our home).



It was an amazing night, I felt like I was floating a few feet off the ground.  We drank, we ate, we laughed.  My dear friend Helen (who has known me since high school) shared stories, and a poem I had written to her on May 23, 1977, and she had pictures from our yearbook and photos from the days scattered on the tables.   She also shared some other stories from high school that made me glad Charlie had gone home already...



Karen, who I have known since college days, bought me a 'root beer barrel' to cap off the night.

Mike read Tracy's tribute to me,



there was a beyond delicious birthday cake from La Patisserie,



and a giant photo of me from when I was four years old, that everyone signed like a great big birthday card.



Friends from high school and college that I have known for ages, friends from my Target days,



friends I have made through Charlie's school years, friends from just down the street,



and friends who I have met through Mike-they were all there. (There are no photos of Tracy M, as she was the photographer.  Thanks Tracy!)



Honestly, it was like being able to attend your own funeral, and hear how much people love you.  Except there was alcohol, and smiles instead of tears, and cake.

I owe it all to Mike, he planned it and pulled it off, I didn't suspect a thing until the end.  He even cut the cake!  Now that is true love.



And then the next day, he whisked me away in the rain for an overnight trip to Brainerd.  So glad I met him 32 years ago (about a week after my birthday!)

To know that you are loved, and appreciated, is probably the best thing in the whole world.  I am starting out my fiftieth year on top of the world, on the shoulders of those who care for me, and I pretty much think I have become invincible.  Who needs a gold medal at the Olympics, or a trophy for winning the Indy 500, when you have people in your life like that?

Decoration Day

That is what Memorial Day was originally called, it officially changed to Memorial Day in the '60's, I believe.


Today I look back in my post archive to share this one with you, that I wrote a couple of years ago for Memorial day.  I am thinking of those I loved who are not here to see this beautiful day, and hear the birds sing.

I think I need a trip to the garden center today, to pick up some hollyhocks and maybe a rose, like the ones that grew in my grandmother's yard.

http://ohfercute.blogspot.com/2010/05/always-in-our-hearts.html

a may baby turns fifty

My small backyard, edged with perennials in bloom and annuals popping out of cheerful pots, is the setting as I attempt to write a post about turning fifty.  The birds are singing their songs, as they always have, and it is nice to know that some things don't change.

I am not quite sure how it happened.  The years have sped by and multiplied and I am wondering how I got here, to a sum of fifty years.

When I was a little girl, playing with my Barbie dolls in the dream house I had constructed for them out of shoe boxes and fabric and small treasures, I always pictured Barbie as being twenty.  Never older or younger.  My parents?  They would always be thirty.  And my grandparents would always be fifty.

In my mind, they will always be that age.  No matter that my grandmother turns 92 this summer, and my parents turn 70-they will eternally be 30, and 50, respectively.

Perhaps that is why I can't wrap my brain around the thought that I am turning 50.  So to remind myself of just how far I have come, I decided to dig through old photos:

Here I am, at a year old (thank you for labeling this picture mom, as most of the photos I have are not dated).

As I was digging through the pictures, I was so impressed by the clarity of the old black and whites, compared to the crummy polaroids or color photos from the 70's.  How are we saving our Instagram photos, to be reviewed in fifty years?  Will there be an archive we can access, of all of the wonderful pictures we are now able to take with today's amazing technology and equipment?


For several years I had a phase where I posed for every picture taken of me with my hands on my thighs. Standing up in a garden, sitting on a chair, even in cowboy boots:

As the first and only grandchild, for five whole years, you could say I was spoiled.  Yes, I had a pony (her name was Lady) and a beautiful cart that my grandfather made (in a rare color photo from that time frame).  I fondly recall rides down Sherman Avenue, and then in to Lavinia to the candy store.  Sometimes I even got to hold the reins.

Who else had Pixie prints taken at JC Penney?  I recall the tiny 'studio', down in the basement, and the blanket we would rest our hands on, turning just so to get the proper angle.   I wonder if they ever washed that blanket....I think I had my picture taken there every year, until I entered school and could get school photos.  (I may have had that same pose years later in a senior photo, against either a wagon wheel or a birch tree...)


My brother Kelly arrived a few days before my fifth birthday-it was so exciting!  We nearly always celebrated our birthdays together-perhaps it was just easier for my parents to have both sets of families in our house all at once, and be done with it.  Kelly was the sweetest little boy, I loved helping to care for him, it was like having my own real life doll.  And because disposable diapers were not yet available, I ended up on diaper pail duty more times than I can count.

I recall when my mom got tired of managing my long hair (we didn't have a shower back then, and hair was washed in the kitchen sink, rather than the bathtub-it was always an ordeal...).  One day she brought me downtown to the 'beauty shop' over Gibsons, and they simply cut off my ponytail and went from there.

Once my real teeth came in, I was often told I had the 'Hanson teeth'.  While my parents did not want to spend the money on braces, I recall the dentist giving me a small paper envelope full of tiny rubber bands, that I would place on my two front teeth to pull them together.  Apparently it worked a little, although the gap in her teeth certainly worked for Lauren Hutton!

My mom used to trim my bangs with pink adhesive tape, Dippity Do, and a dull scissors...my father told me that the freckles on my face were from spending too much time outside underneath the birds.

Clearly by this time Mom was tired of trimming my bangs, and decided I should grow them out.  World's highest forehead!  I think that was when I learned yellow was not one of my colors, and that I should always have bangs.

Obviously I had not yet perfected smiling for photos with my lips closed to hide my ugly teeth-they say it's never too late to get braces!

Those are a few years worth of school photos, I am guessing they are from 4th grade, 8th grade, and perhaps 10th grade?  No dates of course.  Quite the evolution of hair styles, and either their photo processing was less than great, or my hair was red during those years.

Senior prom-posing with my date Jerome Dosdahl on the big night ( I bet they don't even rent burgundy tuxedos any more).   There were no tanning beds in Bemidji in 1980, and I did my own hair.  As I see photos on Facebook of my friend's daughters and sons going to prom, I try to remember that night.  I do recall shopping for dresses, with my very best friend Bonnie.  I found mine when we were on a DECA trip in Minneapolis-my first ever purchase at Dayton's.  Bonnie and I went to prom together, our dates were just friends-but other than that it was not very memorable.  Bonnie and I share the same birthday, so I am thinking of her fondly today, and of all of the other wonderful memories we shared.  She was also the one who introduced me to Mike, she was a pretty big part of my life back then!

My very first car, a Vega hatchback.  I purchased it right after my birthday (once I turned 18 I could get a loan on my own), and before graduation.  I had scrimped and saved money from my job at Patterson's Menswear, as a senior I attended school half days and worked the other half.  Even then, I had to take out a loan for $1000-back then the interest rates were over 18%!  I still have my loan papers, just astonishing.  I wonder how long it took me to pay it off?  Considering I was also paying room and board to live at home, and saving money to go to school-probably quite a while!  What was more interesting was the fact that it was a manual, and I had no idea how to drive a stick. But with persistence, and the help of my brother (who dad had taught to drive in the woods....) I learned on the back roads of Bemidji.  This photo makes it look like a graduation gift-when instead my gift was money and luggage.  I eventually took the hint and moved away from my hometown, after working multiple jobs to earn enough to send myself off to college at UND.

This time of year always has young people looking forward, what school to attend, what will the next years bring?  And we send them off with our congratulations and best wishes and hopes for wonderful things.  As a bright eyed, freshly turned 18 year old and legal adult, I had absolutely no idea what the next 32 years would bring me.  While I certainly had dreams, I think most of us end up with a life far different than the one we imagined at 18.

I certainly hoped and dreamed that I would meet the love of my life, but I never could have imagined that I would start a business with him, and build a life that makes me so happy and content.  I hoped that I would do something creative, but the idea of an Etsy shop, where I would sell my creations to people all over the world, could not have entered my mind.

And it never occurred to me that at the age of fifty I would not be a grandma, but the mom of a sweet 14 year old about to enter high school, whose arrival in our life was such an amazing miracle.

My little sister was just 7 years old at the time, the idea that she would become my very best friend, and a woman who I so admire, was not even a thought in my head.

And I absolutely never dreamed of the special people I would have in my life-friends who are so important to me, and who make my life full and rich.

Thanks ahead of time to all of you who will wish me well on my birthday-whether you are a cherished person in my circle, or one I have yet to meet, I appreciate your place in my life!

a time to plant

(warning:  long post about gardening-if you aren't interested in plants, skip this one!)

While there is no one telling me "Goodness sakes, you don't have your yard ready yet!" I am feeling quite behind in the garden category of my life.  I planted pansies very early this year, with the ultra warm March we had, but they have been the only spot of color in my yard.  I have been too busy creating....

I have even had people walk by, who have been checking out my yard for 20 years, and asking what is up!

Since one of the reasons I love to garden and create fun combinations in pots, is to put a smile on people's faces as they walk by, I better get my act together.

Flats of plants are waiting on my outdoor table-Saturday was hot in the 90's, then we had a huge hail storm Saturday night,  and yesterday was in the 50's and raining all day (welcome to Minnesota...)

But today?  It is supposed to be my favorite kind of day:  sunny, light winds, high of 75.  Perfect.

What will I be planting this year?  With our new house and trim paint job, I wasn't sure what direction to go.  Then I found the perfect fabric for new outdoor cushions, and the color combination has inspired my flower choices this year.  Bright red, sunny yellow, mango, olive, and deep blue dance across an ivory background, and I found a companion fabric that is a deep blue background, with giant polka dots in all of the other colors.  FUN!  New cushion covers and pillows will be sewn soon.

(all upcoming plant photos borrowed from the web, I haven't had a chance to take pictures of my own plants yet....)



I bought 30 red geraniums, to plant in back window boxes, and cheerful yellow pots, and will put some in my sunny garden bed as well.  While geraniums seem rather blase, I love how cheerful they are, and on top of that they really don't need to be watered all that much. Bonus!  I plan to mix them with cheerful yellow zinnias and fresh green herbs, orange lantana, and sun happy coleus.



I bought two huge "dreamsicle" calibrocha early in the season (loved the name as much as the color). They have been doing well, but I have found that callibrocha doesn't always last through the season.  I have picked spots where they get the morning sun, rather than the hot afternoon sun, so perhaps that will help.



My shade window boxes and plants will hold bright red, yellow, and orange begonias, along with all of the happy pansies that have not turned leggy yet.  I haven't decided what else to mix in yet, full shade in a window box doesn't have a lot of options, but I am sure I will find some obscure wonder.



I have lots of climbing plants this year:  scarlet runner bean on my iron mannequin (this picture is mine from a few years ago):

black eyed susan vine in a rusty color and also a bright yellow, red morning glory vine, and a 'black knight' morning glory vine that looks so unusual!



I scored a climbing hydrangea vine that wants shade (so rare).



I have candy corn vine in my front window box (thanks Tracy L!), accenting strawberry Nemesia, "sweet georgia" light green sweet potato vine, "fireglow" oxalis (pictured below) and "dallas red" lantana.



I need to quit writing and get planting, I can hear them calling me!  I promise to post pictures when things are done.  And apparently I will be doing my real job tonight, after the sun goes down...

back to normal, eventually

Shepherd's Harvest is now in the history books, and it was fun!  The weather cooperated, the crowds were huge, and I sold stuff.  Which is the whole point of doing a show, right?  The absolute highlight of the whole event for me, was when one of my blog readers, Dara Dorkas (read her here: http://planetparenting.blogspot.com/  ) showed up to meet me in person!  And now she has blogged about it!  She was there with her adorable daughter and sweet husband, it was such a delightful surprise and really shows the power of the internet to bring people together.  Isn't that something???

The boxes and bags are still waiting to be unpacked, the piles of jewelry findings and gift boxes and string are strewn across my desk and piled in the dining room, and I just want a magic wand to whisk it all away.

The flowers I bought to plant have been languishing on my outside table, my floor needs to be swept, and there are piles of laundry waiting their turn.

Oh, I'll get to it.  One of the joys of aging is that you don't care so much.  Ten years ago I would have stayed up until the wee hours of the morning as soon as the show was over, getting my life back in order.

But as I near 50, I realize you have to take care of yourself.  Which is the excuse I  used for sitting on my couch yesterday afternoon, doing nothing but snuggling my cat and catching up on last week's episodes of "Doc Martin" and "Mad Men".  No one can say I don't have my priorities straight!

Today it's time to attack the piles of sales and invoices that accumulated from my real job when I ignored it last week, I need to do payroll and visit the bank, and maybe hit up the grocery store to restock the fridge.

But right now I need to read the newspaper and hug my cat.

what not to wear

No one will ever come to my blog for fashion tips, and I won't post pictures of what I am wearing.

But today I send out a plea to fashion designers, to please start making clothes for women who don't wish to bear their upper arms.

I love seeing a woman with toned arms in a sleeveless dress or shirt.  Mrs. Obama-you can rock a dress with no sleeves!  But not every woman wants to share her upper arms with the world.

As I browse the spring and summer offerings, the majority of shirts, tops, and dresses are sleeveless, or if they do have sleeves they are a token piece of fabric that barely skims the shoulder.  Come on!

I learned a long time ago that I should wear what I am comfortable in, not necessarily the hottest fashion trend. That is why I don't own a single pair of leggings, and I won't be purchasing a maxi dress this season.  And I won't wear a dress or shirt that doesn't have sleeves, unless the tank top is layered with a sweater.  My upper arms will remain winter white.

The warm summer months will find me in t-shirts and skirts-my seasonal uniform.  I don't wear shorts, and I ditched all of my capris a couple of summers ago.  So I began a quest to find a t-shirt that fit my ample bosom, covered my upper arms, was long enough to cover my midriff, and didn't look like a maternity top.

I finally found it, and I bought it in seven colors.  The sleeves cover my upper arms, it is long enough in the torso, it is cut for a woman's body, and the v neck keeps me cool.  There, done.  (sorry, I couldn't get a picture to post)

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=XI031D&PFID=12&BID=85141261&h=M&sk=M

Of course, I bought it when it was on sale, and I had a coupon....

Do you have fashion issues?  Are there things you have just quit wearing as your body changes (or settles) through the years?

serendipity

On Thursday my dear friend Tracy http://www.sellabitmum.com/ invited me to attend a book reading with her.

Currently at stress level four (out of five) in my quest to prepare for Shepherd's Harvest in one week, I jumped at the chance to leave all of my jewelry preparation on the dining room table and escape my house.

I checked out the invite on Facebook to learn a little more about the book, and the author who would be presenting it.  I had not heard of Kate Hopper, but it sounded like a very interesting night at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.  Here is a link to her website:  http://www.katehopper.com/

                                                     (image borrowed from Kate's website)

We arrived and the second floor was already filled with happy people I did not know, and Tracy introduced me to Kate, who she had met through Blogher.  A vivacious, delightful woman, she warmly welcomed me.  Her book sounds wonderful, (don't you just LOVE the title?) and I couldn't wait to learn more.  You can buy a copy too!  Here is a link to the book on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Use-Your-Words-Writing-Mothers/dp/1936740125

After purchasing a copy of the book and picking up a glass of wine, Tracy and I headed to the hall to secure seats.  I opened the book to the back page to learn more about Kate, and then I moved to the page where she thanked all who had helped her publish her book, including "...my mom and step-dad Nancy and Karl Olson."

I jumped in my chair, clutched Tracy's arm, and quietly squealed "I think Kate lived in my house!"

Twenty years ago we bought our house from Nancy and Karl Olson.  I know, there could be several couples in the cities with those names, but somehow I just knew it was them.  I scurried back out to the reception, waited for Kate to finish talking to an admirer, and simply said, "Did you live on Hamline and Hartford?"

Of course, she had.  She spent her teenage years, in MY HOUSE.  She took a shower in MY BATHROOM. She ate breakfast in MY DINING ROOM.  How AMAZING is that?

Kate quickly found her mom, told her the story, and Nancy hugged me and told me that they drive by the house all the time, to see what we have done to it and what we are up to.  I told her she should absolutely stop and have coffee, we exchanged phone numbers and email addresses, and I truly believe that she really will stop by.

The evening was incredible-the writers who read their portions of the book were incredibly talented, and I found myself swiping at tears several times that night.  Kate is a wonderful presenter, and made me laugh as well as cry.  I can hardly wait to read this book, and use it as a tool to drastically improve my writing.  And Tracy and I are planning to take one of Kate's writing classes the next chance we get.

But first I cannot wait to welcome Nancy back into her house, and hear stories about the life she had in this home, and what Kate was like as a teenager!

You may now conclude reading this blogpost by humming "It's a Small World After All...."

maypole dancing

Have you ever danced around a maypole?

It's on my list of things I want to do someday.



Not sure why, it just seems like the perfect way to celebrate a beautiful month.



I can see the pretty ribbons fluttering in the breeze, girls in white dresses with tiny blossoms in their hair joyfully raising their faces to the sun, soaking it in after a cold winter.



Doesn't that sound like fun?  The above image is from a post I found that tells how to make your own!  http://www.care2.com/greenliving/diy-making-a-may-pole-for-a-may-pole-dance.html

I did a little searching to find out the origins, here is a wonderful explanation, from historicalharmonies.org :

Maypole dancing is a form of folk dance from Germany, England, and Sweden. There are two forms. The first and most popular consists of dancers that perform circle dances around a tall, garland-festooned pole. In the second, dancers move in a circle, each holding a colored ribbon attached to a much smaller pole. As they move around the pole, the dancers intertwine their ribbons either in a web around the pole or to plait it to the pole, itself. To unravel the ribbons, the dancers retrace their steps.
Historians believe the first maypole dance originated as part of Germanic pagan fertility rituals. Originally, the dancers danced around a living tree. While dancers usually perform this dance in the spring on May 1 or May Day, those in Sweden perform it during their midsummer celebrations.
The second kind of maypole dance, with origins in the 18th Century, began as a traditional or artistic dance popular in Italy and France. Eventually, traveling dancing troupes performed it in London theaters, thus bringing this traditional dance to larger audiences. An English teacher training school adopted the maypole dance and soon it had spread across most of central and southern England. The dance became part of the repertoire of physical education for girls and remained popular in elementary schools in both England and the United States well into the 1950s.


Perhaps I should have had a maypole dance years ago, when I was trying to have a baby!

(all images borrowed from various sites-thanks for letting me share them)

MAY DAY!

My favorite month of the year has officially begun, and I am heading out to help my hubby celebrate his 51st birthday today.

We will start at Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown-then perhaps a bookstore stop.

I need to get his red velvet cake made, and tonight we are heading to Sea Salt at Minnehaha Falls for dinner.  WOOHOO!

A May Day baby!  I am so lucky I met him more than 30 years ago, he is one of the best parts of my life.

Send him wishes if you are so inclined!  mcpohl@gmail.com