Sunday, December 06, 2009

Still life in a our fire pit

Check out the impromptu still life I discovered frozen in our outdoor
firepit this morning. I swear there was no staging. Looks very Christmasy
doesn't it?

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Mom quote

“To be successful when you’re sweeping you need to look at the floor, not the ceiling.”

 

 

Monday, October 26, 2009

Mugs

I asked my kids to pick my mug for coffee this morning and tell me whey they picked it.  Isabel chose a mug and said it was because the design looks like sea shells, which reminds her of when we go to the beach together and how much she really likes going to the beach with me.  It’s cool to see a pot through a kids eyes.

 

Friday, September 25, 2009

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Change

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

          -Mahatma Gandi

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Clinton and Gore, Together Again

A must read article.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/us/politics/06gore.html?hp

 

Wow.  I remember the promise of hope, the excitement, the disappointment, the anguish, the worry, the anger, and finally the disgust…

 

Interesting how events and emotions that seemed to fill our minds, the airwaves and every waking moment can be wrapped up in a well-written, one-page article.

 

Friday, July 10, 2009

Carbon Leaf

Debi and I saw Carbon Leaf last night at the Visulite Theater in Charlotte. It was one of the best live performances we’ve ever seen (and we’ve seen a few). We’ve been listening to their music for a couple of years now and both enjoy it immensely, although we’re still debating who “discovered” the band.

This was our first time seeing them live -- you know how some bands sounds great in the studio but then suck on stage? Not these guys, they were amazing. Their set (which went on for almost two hours) contained a good blend of old & new songs and they mixed it up a bit so that it wasn’t the same thing you’d hear on an album.

I might call their sound Celtic Rock, but each album has its own character and feel. If you look online, their albums might be classified as Folk, Alternative, Rock, Bluegrass, and Blues but trying to pigeon-hole these guys is focusing on the wrong thing, just enjoy the music.

Their talent is more than creating rhythmically catchy tunes with some studio magic. I find the lyrics refreshing but real; they evoke a shared imagery of having “been there.” The band, especially the lead singer Barry Privett, puts emotional content behind them - the composition is sublime.

You can find them on itunes or at
www.carbonleaf.com.


Saturday, May 30, 2009

Wild Kingdom...

We've seen an increase in wildlife around the old homestead lately.  In the past couple of weeks we've had bunnies in our backyard, a guinea bird in our front yard and today I found a 'possum outside in our recycle bin.  Crazy.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Self Expression Through Art

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BCXMq4B8VU

 

Maybe I should have had a hot pocket instead of taking pottery classes.  LOL.

 

(got this link from Ron Philbeck’s blog).

 

Monday, May 04, 2009

Neighborrow

Doesn’t seem to have caught on just yet, but it’s an interesting concept.

http://neighborrow.com/

 

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Kentucky Derby In The Mountains

Here are a few images from our weekend trip to the mountains to see the Races. The Lembergers were there too. The pretext for the get-together was to watch the Kentucky Derby (which we did). We had good food and drinks (some more than others) and we had a fine time. Amelia even picked the winner of the Derby, Mine That Bird. At 50:1, it's too bad we didn't put some money on that horse. If you're interested there are a few more photos of the weekend posted at http://www.oursmithhill.shutterfly.com/.



































































Sunday, April 26, 2009

Went to a croquet tournament yesterday, hosted by Jason & Sarah Lane. It was quite warm early in the day, but with a spot of shade and an occasional breeze it turned out to be quite a nice day to be outside. The gin & tonic might’ve helped to relieve the heat of the day too.

This being my first croquet tournament, I had no idea what to expect. There were ladies with big hats, gentlemen with bow ties, and there was even a seersucker suit. The food was was delicious and the bar was well-stocked (did I mention the gin & tonics?). The croquet lawn was perfectly manicured and the court set.

All of the Lane's careful preparations were secondary to the rivalry. Would the Bradfords win for the 4th straight year? Could the participants conspire to keep them from the victory? The early rounds were civil at least, but the final was filled with adrenaline, trash-talking and debates over rules.

The reigning champs were out in the semi-final round. The final consisted of the Lanes, the other Bradfords and the Roberts. The Lanes got off to a strong start, then faltered and fell behind. The Bradfords were playing the strong & steady game, while the newcomer Roberts took an early lead. In the end, the Lanes made an incredible comeback but ultimately it would not be enough. The Roberts of Charlotte stole the victory and the right to wear the Pink Jacket and wield the Golden Mallet for the coming year.

It was a load of fun and great to visit with friends, old and new.

Below are a few of my favorite images from the event. Here is a link to all of the photos (all 193 of them) for those who are really interested… http://yorkcroquet2009.shutterfly.com/






































Saturday, April 25, 2009

Rock Hill School District Challenger Program

The Challenger after school program has been cut from the budget as of June 4, 2009. This program serves all children in the Rock Hill school district but Rosewood Elementary International School has one of the largest student enrollments. Without this program, parents will have to find alternative programs for their children. It’s a decision that will have a big impact on OUR community.

Here are some links to the Herald Reports:
http://www.heraldonline.com/front/story/1288708.html
http://www.heraldonline.com/front/story/1285235.html

How you can get involved: You can attend the District Board Meeting to voice your opinion.

The Rock Hill District Three Board meeting is Monday, April 27th at 6:00pm at the District office, located at 660 N. Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29731. This meeting is open to the public. Business meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month, January through November, in the district office. Citizens are always welcome to attend, but for those who can't attend, a tape of the meeting is shown on Cable 18 at 6:00 p.m. on the first two Tuesdays and Thursdays following the meeting.

You can respond to the Herald poll at www.heraldonline.com. The Challenger poll is on the right side, about ½ way down the page. The question is “Should Rock Hill schools eliminate the Challenger after-school program as a cost-cutting measure?”

Please attend the meeting and voice your support of the Challenger Program. Don’t be afraid to share your opinion!!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Isabel's Art

The hand represents the people of the world, grasping for the secret to achieving happiness and equality. The squiggly lines represent the long and sometimes tangled history that each person brings to bear upon the world in which we live. And the circles represent the outside influences in the world, constantly tugging at our hearts and minds. The black and white symbolize man’s eternal struggle between good and evil. The purple represents the magical hope of a child that all people can come together and join hands in peace and unity.

Ok, so I just made that up – but that might be what she was thinking when she drew this.