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Skyewriting ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? - it is the same the angels breathe." ~Mark Twain ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance." ~Thomas Merton ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Why I'm Here~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive." ~from Six Degrees of Separation "Writing can be a creative and invigorating way to make our lives available to ourselves...We may discover that the better we tell our stories, the better we will want to live them." ~Henri Nouwen You can also read my poetry at "Invalid Item"  I'm so glad you dropped in! Peace and Blessings  ~Mandy~ |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. ~Jean de la Bruyere Wow...Let's see if I can remember how to do this blogging thing. To say May has been a full month would be an understatement. The month began with a visit from my mother, sister, and 2-year-old niece. During their visit, we enjoyed a road trip to Omaha to celebrate the impending birth of the newest family member. My cousin has decided to wait until the child is born to learn the gender. Estrogen surges through the veins of our family tree, so it should be interesting to see whether Andrea gives birth to a little boy or a little girl. My niece, Zöe, is an absolute delight in wispy blonde pigtails, but her halo is slightly tilted. She has a strong will that would challenge the patience of Ghandi. My sister is equally strong-willed. If she thinks the twos are difficult, just wait until the teen years! Of course I chuckle at this. My sister has always been the one who dripped of self-confidence while I was the one who was less sure of myself. To have her turning to me for advice is curious and mildly amusing. The second weekend of May brought unseasonably cool temperatures, but that didn't prevent me from venturing out and enjoying Des Moine's Downtown Farmer's Market with my aunt and her grandson. Little Jaxson had fun planting a marigold and I had fun playing with my camera. A farmer's market is filled with a rich assortment of sensory experiences that would consume an entire entry, so I'll let the photos speak for themselves... http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Downtown%20Farmers%20Market/?... After the farmer's market, I ventured about forty-five miles southeast to the town of Pella which celebrates its Dutch heritage with an annual tulip festival. Sadly, the tulips were mostly spent and not worthy of photographing, but I did enjoy the festivities... http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Pella%20Tulip%20Festival/?act... On May 14, Kåre arrived and we departed immediately for Guthrie Center to watch Emily participate in a district track meet. Her shuttle hurdle team took second and qualified to compete at state. Aside from two days spent in Peoria, Kåre remained until the 22nd and was able to attend the State Track Meet. Emily ran her best time of the season, with a 16.3 in her leg of the relay. Unfortunately, a teammate fell and the girls weren't able to make up the time that would have put them in the finals. Still, it was a privilege just for them to be there. Emily's contribution didn't go unnoticed either. As I type this, she is coaching a group of up-and-coming hurdlers for a local track club. On weekend three, Kåre and I saw Celia — twice. Kåre has had the privilege of experiencing Celia before, but this was a first for me. Hers is a mix of Celtic and folk music with a bit of comic relief tossed in. Celia uses a technique called looping in which she's singing, playing, recording, harmonizing, and mixing all at once. The result is a rich chorus of voices and instrumentation that moves the spirit. Red, Alabaster, and Blue sent shivers through me, while Lonely Lion left me in tears. One of her alter egos may appear and if it happens to be the Trestle Foot Faery, you'd best hide your cell phone and cover your child's ears. Don't let her innocent facade fool you. You never know what mischief she'll get into and you'll be singing The Hoo Hoo Song for days. Kåre also likes to create mischief wherever he goes. On day two, we traveled to Cedar Rapids to see Celia again and arrived in time to enjoy a young flautist by the name of Jonny Lipford. Among Jonny's talents is the ability to play two flutes at once. What's important to know is that one of Celia's alter egos, Geezala Von Scheezenkopf, is renowned for her ability to play her nose. Enter our poet laureate, and young Jonny stood on deck with a flute up his left nostril sharing a duet with Geezala. As Celia would say, you never know what you're going to get live. I seriously need to invest in a camcorder! This week was fairly uneventful as I had to work and Kåre finalized preparations for Central America. He departed for Chicago yesterday and should be exploring the streets of Costa Rica by now. As for me, It's been nice to tend to some chores that have been neglected and grab a couple of catnaps today. There is still catching up to do — especially with my friends here. I look forward to dropping by your blogs over the next few days. I hope that like the adventurous child, you've all been enjoying your present. Peace, Love, and Blessings ~Mandy [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] |
| This week has been a busy one...chasing my daughter around Central Iowa, making preparations for the arrival of my mother, sister, and niece, and finally getting to greet and hug them yesterday. Time online will be minimal until Sunday, so I just thought to pop in and share a few bits and pieces of my world through photos. They're best viewed by clicking the red slideshow tab in the upper right hand corner of the album page. Please enjoy! Country Roads: http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Country%20Roads/ Sporty Girl: http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Sporty%20Girl/ Earth Day 2010: http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Earth%20Day%202010/ Zöe Spring 2010: http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Zoe%20Spring%202010/ Spring Images 2010: http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll77/mandy_howe/Spring%202010/ Have a lovely weekend WDC friends! Peace and Blessings ~Mandy |
“Music is perpetual, and only the hearing is intermittent.” ~Henry David Thoreau Josie is the most recent addition to our classroom. She's an animated child who delights us with her enthusiasm, squeals of laughter, and love of music. In the two months that she's been with us, she has astounded us with her capabilities. Because of confidentiality guidelines, I have to be mindful of what I share about the students in our classroom. However, since this story is made public, I'll let the video speak for itself... This evening, my walk was a prayer for Josie and her adoptive family. Because Josie is affected by cortical blindness (Imagine viewing the world through a slice of Swiss cheese), I chose to leave my camera at home and focus primarily on my auditory observations. Will you say a prayer for her also? Peace and Blessings ~Mandy Josie's song:  the chirping of sparrows the roar of a motorcycle engine the back and forth squeaks of a swing in motion the whirring of bicycle wheels the cheer up song of robins the screech of a blue jay the clink of an aluminum baseball bat a chorus of leopard frogs: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/northern-leopard-frog/ the trill of two red-winged blackbirds sharing a conversation Roscoe's toenails clicking on the pavement/his rhythmic panting the dreek, dreek, dreek of a mallard in flight the cheer of a crowd at the high school stadium the cry of a sandpiper music drifting through an open window: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW1hv37imjw high-pitched yips, deep ruffs—and everything in between—of fenced-in canines the swishing of a lawn sprinkler the friendly greetings of other pedestrians the purdy, purdy, purdy song of a cardinal: http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=3 |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. ~John Muir During the month of April, there is precious little time I can call my own. In between spending several hours per day on my feet, basking in the artificial glow of florescent lights, spinning the miles on my odometer, and tending to those tasks which refuse to be overlooked, I need to reconnect with my Creator; so I head outdoors... My daughter's track meets often take me to small rural communities around central Iowa. While en route, the two lane highways offer plenty of photo opportunities. On this evening, I am driving through a torrential downpour. The rain eventually stops. More cumulonimbus clouds billow to the west with rays of sunlight streaming through—God light, illuminating the wide, open plains. I open the windows and draw in a slow, deep breath. The clean scent of rain mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly tilled soil is invigorating. I am blessed to live in America's Heartland. I feel alive. The following evening, I have an hour to myself as I wait for Emily to finish up with training. It's a beautiful evening so I grab my camera and head for Jester Park. There, the lake, ponds, soft white pines, and towering oak trees provide a quiet sanctuary for wildlife—and for nature lovers seeking respite. Year-round, the park is home to several white-tail deer and Canadian geese. When spring arrives, white-billed coots and mallards take up residence on the lake while a colorful array of birdsong fills the skies. In one evening, I've spotted a blue jay, a pair of cardinals, a goldfinch, and several bluebirds. At dusk, raccoons seek sustenance and mischief while bats control the mosquito populations. After dark, an owl may swoop by—ever so silently. Autumn brings white pelicans to the lake—small white islands gliding and dipping in unison. I love this place. My residence is merely a place to lay my head at night. I could spend every waking hour of my day right here. I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown; for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir I've never visited; but I've been told that the locals who reside in the Florida Keys applaud at sunset. To me, this is worship. Even when Jesus prayed, he went to the wilderness...the water...or to the garden. The natural world can be harsh at times; but it offers many valuable lessons. I trust it. It is my sanctuary. You can't be suspicious of a tree, or accuse a bird or a squirrel of subversion or challenge the ideology of a violet. ~Hal Borland Jester Park also borders a golf course. The only thing to separate the manicured greens from this delicate habitat is a narrow line of trees. As I wend my way through the park, my heart sinks when I discover that several of those trees have been felled by men with chainsaws. On the same evening, a former classmate laments on Facebook about the damage to his truck. He blames the (expletive) deer for the incident and vows to wipe out the entire population. I've seen photos of the damage; it's minimal. An object is worth more than a life? This isn't the same person I knew twenty-some years ago. Tonight, I have learned that someone is shooting the wildlife in Davis County. Four bald eagles, a red-tailed hawk, and twelve deer have fallen victim. I am grieving. As islands of rubbish drift on the Atlantic and honeybee populations disappear, I'm afraid mankind's arrogance will be his downfall. One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can. ~William Wordsworth Thursday, April 22, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day; but is it just another day of celebration—or a manner of living? As long as mankind continues to live under the delusion that he is in control, nature will have the last word. If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature's way. ~Aristotle Peace and Blessings ~Mandy [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwG0yromS1c&feature=PlayList&p=4C15314BA517388D&i... |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Look at everything as though you were seeing it for the first time or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory. ~Betty Smith "Did you know that the glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher?" Charlie — blemish-faced, with a charming smile and engaging blue eyes — catches the customer off-guard as she rifles through her satchel in search of her debit card. She pauses and looks for the first time into those sparkling eyes. Charlie is a cashier at my favorite retailer. He often throws out random questions along with the suggestive selling that the company requires. He does this partially to break up the monotony of the day and also, to see if people are really listening. Caught up in the busyness of their daily lives, far too many people are out of tune with each other — and the world around them. Even as I walked along a wooded trail the other day, I encountered a man with his eyes to the ground and earbuds blasting in his head. He may as well have been on a treadmill, spinning like a hamster on a wheel. Why do we do this when there are so many treasures all around? If you look at a tree from a distance, all you'll notice is a tree; but come closer and see—the texture of the bark, the veins and colors of the leaves, the ants making a path up and down, the robin's nest nestled amongst the branches, the yellow balloon caught up on a limb... There's a great big beautiful world out there. I hope you'll go out and experience it for the first time — each and every day. Peace and Blessings ~Mandy Do-Re-Mi: My favorite park recently reopened after being closed due to high water levels. I did a little happy dance and immediately went exploring. I captured the above image of the snail using the camera setting on my cell phone and then used editing tools on picnik.com to enhance it. It's my new not-so-guilty pleasure. Since being caught off-guard a couple of times, I'm mindful to carry my camera with me at all times. I've also got my eyes on a Canon SLR. Once I make that purchase, I may never come back indoors! It's an Uphill Climb: My latest entry in my journey to losing weight and rediscovering me. "Invalid Entry" You Fill Up My Senses: A discovery I made during a recent outing. "Invalid Entry" Useless Trivia: A raisin dropped in a fresh glass of soda will bounce up and down continually from the bottom of the glass to the top. (Have fun on the next rainy day!  )It Happened On This Day: In 1968, President Johnson signed the 1968 Civil Rights Act. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1968 Iowegian Skies: 68° and clear blue skies at 13:50 CDST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** See the land, her Easter keeping, Rises as her Maker rose. Seeds, so long in darkness sleeping, Burst at last from winter snows. Earth with heaven above rejoices... ~Charles Kingsley I've experienced many harsh winters, but none so ruthless as this past season. Never before, have I been more cognizant of the transformations that occur as the Master Artist paints his canvas and fills the air with birdsong. May this season of rebirth awaken your spirit and fill it with hope.  Peace and Blessings To All Greater love hath no man... [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df9mFYO02f4 |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Most of us live in the past, carrying our hurts, guilts and fears. We have to face the pain we carry, lest we spend the rest of our lives running away from it or letting it run us. But the only place you'll ever meet the real is now-here. ~Richard Rohr Okay...Putting myself out here a bit, but as my friend SummerLyn Guthrie  said in a recent entry, "If it helps someone else..."For most of my adult life, I've struggled with excess weight. I've dieted, exercised, struggled, succeeded, regained, given up hope, and started all over again. I've educated myself and learned what does and doesn't work for me. I love eating a variety of healthy foods and feeling my body move. So why then, haven't I been able to shed the pounds and keep them off once and for all? My truth is that diet and exercise aren't enough. At some point in my life, food became my drug of choice. When a negative experience or emotion surfaces, I literally and figuratively stuff it back down. For this reason, I'm beginning another blog that will focus on diet, exercise, and the spiritual work required to finally rid myself of this baggage once and for all. It's time to finally get it right. Anyone who would like to join me on this journey is welcome to come along. I can't think of a better time than the resurrection weekend to get started!
Peace, love, and blessings to all... ~Mandy Do-Re-Mi: I'm playing follow-the-leader in the hopes of awakening my muse. Kåre เลียม Enga  inspired to to begin recording my observations with his blog "Nurture your Nature" . Since it's National Poetry Month, alfred booth, wanbli ska and NOVAcatmando  are both posting daily entries in their plogs, "Invalid Item" and "Invalid Item" . My entries in my own plog, "Invalid Item" will consist of short verses and observations. I've never attempted a blue month before; this could be a first!It Happened on This Day: In 1882 the outlaw (and original) Jesse James was killed by Robert Ford. Iowegian Skies: 54° with green, green grass and clear blue skies at 11:35 CDST. |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** You have the gift of sight...This is a blessing. Can you keep a secret? What is it? Promise not to tell anyone? Cross my heart and hope to die...Stick a needle in my eye! During my elementary years, this was a conversation that took place often, along with other such chants as Don't step on a crack, or you'll break your mother's back! No one really anticipated someone's mother breaking her back due to a mis-step, nor did we truly hope to die if a secret was revealed. I guarded my friends' confidence carefully, though I certainly never dreamt of needles in my eye. But then the wavy lines appeared... For as long as I can remember, I've had an affinity for our feathered friends. During my youth, my grandmother kept a bright red Foldger's coffee can filled with birdseed and I delighted in the pair of cardinals that visited her patio daily. I recall thumbing through my father's Audobon field guide and marveling at the variety and colors of North American birds. As an adult, I've familiarized myself with most birds native to this area and will quickly research and identify any foreigners that turn up. I used to send my father unique bird feeders as gifts, and for a time, I kept feeders in my own back yard. By now, we're all familiar with varieties of avian flu, including the H1N1 virus. A lesser known condition — called Histoplasmosis — can occur when birds congregate in one area. The fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, thrives on concentrations of bird or bat droppings. When the spores become airborne, they're easily inhaled and can leave lesions on the eyes or lungs. Pulmonary Histoplasmosis can result in life-long respiratory problems and in some cases, even death. The lesions affecting the eyes usually calcify as they heal, leaving scar tissue on the retina. In most cases of Ocular Histoplasmosis, the person affected may never realize that they've been affected. In rare cases however, a vitreous hemorrhage will form around the scar tissue and cause blood and fluid to leak into the eye. The symptoms are very similar to macular degeneration and without treatment, blindness occurs rapidly. When I first noticed the wavy lines in 2005, my optometrist immediately referred me to a retina specialist who diagnosed this rare condition. Treatment then began with the injection of a steroid, followed by a procedure called photodynamic therapy, or PDT: a drug is injected into the blood stream and a cold laser is used to activate the medication which dries up the abnormal vessels, though not immediately. Unfortunately, the results of this procedure are temporary and the steroid increases pressure in the eye, so cataracts are a common side effect. Between my initial diagnosis and 2007, I required two PDT procedures and one cataract extraction. The condition then went into remission for over a year. When the hemorrhage became active again in 2008, new treatment was available. This included receiving injections of the chemotherapy drug, Avastin...and not in the arm or buttocks. Though the technology was very new, my options were limited to treatment or blindness, so I received the injections. After the initial series, my vision was improved to 20/30 and the hemorrhage went into remission for a period of two years. Recently however, I began experiencing headaches and noticing some distortion and a flashing light in my central vision. An exam revealed that the original hemorrhage is active again; and a second hemorrhage directly above it as well. The vision in my left eye is currently somewhere between 20/40 and 20/50. With a series of Avastin injections at five week intervals, the condition will eventually go into remission again. The best I can hope for is for my vision to be restored to 20/30. What I can expect is for there to be no further loss of vision. What I need to be prepared for is that it may only slow down the progression of the disease. Once the hemorrhage is inactive, the injections will be gradually spaced out by adding two weeks between treatments — seven weeks, nine weeks, eleven weeks, etc. — until I'm receiving maintenance injections every three to six months. This is simply an inconvenience in my life and I'm not seeking sympathy. After just one injection, I'm already noticing a slight improvement. My right eye still remains unaffected. As few as ten years ago, there was no treatment for this condition, so I am grateful — for the research, technology, and specialists that have preserved my vision, and for the gift of sight. I'm also still grateful for birds, though I now admire them from afar. I don't wish to be a killjoy to those who enjoy a flurry of activity around a feeder; but please, if you must feed the birds, exercise caution and wear a surgical mask when tending the area. Peace, love, and blessings to all... ~Mandy Do-Re-Mi: How about a little good news, eh?! My little gazelle, Emily, has qualified to participate in the Girl's Indoor State Track Meet at the University of Northern Iowa. She'll be running the 60 meter hurdles. You Fill Up My Senses: Roscoe's whimpering and anticipation as I lace up my shoes and put on my ball cap, a flock of seagulls (not the 80's pop band!) concealed against the snowy bank of the pond, bird tracks of a hopping variety in the snow, brittle oak leaves (that somehow managed to cling to their progenitor all winter) rustling in the wind, the warmth of the sun and the bite of the wind, a flock of cedar waxwings flitting from tree to tree, a German shepherd that wanted my right arm for breakfast, a friendly mutt (sheltie/terrier?), a cloudless sky, a fragile layer of ice covering a mud puddle, no more ice on the pond, daffodil shoots pushing through the soil In Celebration of Spring and Sight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSw7CcAXPWk It Happened on This Day: In 1980, J.R. Ewing was shot on the television series, Dallas. Iowegian Skies: 45° and clear at 20:55 CDST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** To character and success, two things, contradictory as they may seem, must go together... humble dependence on God and manly reliance on self. ~William Wordsworth Control is an illusion... Any parent who has ventured into a portrait studio with a toddler in tow knows this. You select the perfect outfit, make sure the little darling is well rested, and then pack, primp, and prepare for the occasion. At best, the child will stare at the dorky photographer as if she has three heads; at worst, you discover why this stage is called the terrible twos. The non-compliant-alien-disguised-as-your-offspring thrashes and throws, a meltdown ensues, and suddenly, the child chortles at the sight of his parent in such disarray. The photographer captures the moment and the picture-perfect holiday cards are sent out. Time and time again, we delude ourselves into thinking we are in control of our lives. To a certain extent, that is true. While our lives are guided and impacted by the choices we make, it is also a truth that things don't always quite work out the way we think they will. This winter has been chock-full of reminders... I've got it under control...I have lots of experience driving in this weather. I'll turn the cell phone off, keep both hands on the wheel, and take it slow. The reality...Three teenage girls in the backseat, a patch of ice on a downhill slope, and a choice between an oncoming car and a snowbank. I chose the snowbank...No one was injured. I've got it under control...Small portions and moderation. The reality...If it contains chocolate, caramel, and nuts, it's not going to last the day. He's got it under control...The warnings about global warming have been extremely clear for a long time. ~Al Gore The reality...Snow in 49 states. Nearly sixty inches of snow here in Iowa. Sub-zero temperatures well into late February. I've got it under control...My job is secure. The reality...Proposed budget cuts to the district could mean a 13% reduction in pay next school year. I've got it under control...I'll talk to you tomorrow. The reality...For some, tomorrow never comes. I've got it under control...No SAD for me this year. I'll take vitamin D and add lots of color to my life. The reality...Who was I kidding? Though I know that many others have it much worse, I've struggled more this winter than any other I can remember. As a result, I've become increasingly withdrawn. The other night, I shared a two-hour conversation with a friend who struggles with similar issues. There were lots of tears and in the end, lots of laughter. I was also humbled by the realization that not only have I made myself unavailable to friends who might need me, but I've deprived myself of any cheer they might bring into my life. How much sense does that make? The lesson? Sometimes to be in control, you need to admit that you need a little help. Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it is a comfort to go hand in hand." ~Emily Kimbrough |
"Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart." ~from the television show My So-Called Life ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** a maxi-sized field of sunflowers caresses the new year as if the clouds themselves hold secret kisses for your dreams ~Alfred Booth~ © 2010 After alfred booth, wanbli ska left the above poem on my Facebook page, I responded with a comment thanking him for brightening my day. However, I failed to adequately share with him just how much his gift of words meant to me and why. Yesterday, when Alfred made a request in his most recent blog entry, "Invalid Entry" , asking that friends send him copies of Random Acts of Poetry that he'd left in blog comments and such, my intention was to send him a private email explaining why his sweet poem had left me a bit misty-eyed. After some contemplation, I've decided to do so publicly instead.For a quiet and simple girl growing up in the rural Midwest, the surname Maxfield was neither common, nor unusual; it was actually quite fitting. However, the folly of youth intervened and as adolescents often do, my peers amused themselves by creating clever nicknames for one another. Though my sensitive Piscean nature and inability to discern good-natured teasing from malicious jabs often left me feeling confused, the male populace left little doubt. Quips such as "Hey, Maxwell House...Are you good to the last drop?" and pranks such as plastering maxi-pads to my front door were not uncommon. The cruelest taunting came in the form of an ex-boyfriend and his cronies who would shout "Climax! accompanied by vulgar sound effects and laughter," each time that I passed them in the hallways. My name, in effect, became a source of anguish for me. That being said, I'm not one to dwell on such things or remain a victim. Adolescents especially can be very cruel and most(hopefully) mature as they grow older. Though they don't surface often, the memories are there nonetheless. And so it is that any positive I can associate with my maiden name—such as the Juanita Maxfield Aquatic Center (so-named after my grandmother) in McKinney, Texas, the dreamy works created by Maxfield Parrish, or a lofty poem written by a friend—is a gem, faithfully reset by the Jeweler's hand. Thank you once again, Alfred, for your thoughtfulness and the gift of your friendship. ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness." ~Richard Bach ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** This is the lovely tea blossom that Kåre presented me with during his visit.  During Kåre เลียม Enga 's stay in Iowa, we had hoped to make our way to Decorah to see the Vesterheim American Norwegian Museum. Unfortunately, we were at the mercy of the weather and a vehicle with over 150,000 miles on the odometer. Neither chose to cooperate, but as I recently told a friend, "When life hands you over-ripe bananas, make banana bread" and so...we made do.Fortunately, Kåre is an amiable and thoughtful guest who enjoys the simple pleasures that life has to offer: a good cup of coffee, the affection of a furry companion, a conversation with a new face, or a sliver of manchego on an apple slice. He prefers diners and coffee houses to restaurants, and open mic poetry readings to theatrical productions. No, Alfred, there were no risqué clubs  nor were there any smoke-filled cafes. We did visit Java Joe's and Smokey Row—both very nice coffee houses with very different atmospheres. Smokey Row has a turtle cheese cake that's to die for and the tiramisu looks enticing as well; I'll definitely be returning! We also strolled through the Gateway Market where Kåre photographed erotic exotic vegetables, including Sweet Scarlett turnips. There, he also visited with Barb about various and sundry cheeses and assigned me an interview with C.J., who will soon be departing to Vermont to learn the art of cheese-making. Before leaving, we purchased a delicious orange-cranberry cake and visited with a fascinating young man named Graham (with whom I've also been assigned an interview and who also happens to serve up brew at Smokey Row). Most of Sunday was spent planning the most desirable route to Lawrence or Tulsa. I can now sympathize with Kåre; under favorable conditions, these routes are difficult at best. And then there was Monday's blizzard...  All in all, it was a quiet but pleasant visit. Kåre knows he's welcome any time, but I suspect that he'll wait until the weather is more agreeable.  Thank you, Kåre, for the gift of your friendship. I'm delighted to add I, Katrina and Speak Soft My Name to my treasure trove of Enga compositions. They're even more precious now that I've experienced the poet's delivery. You are missed already... ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I mentioned in my previous entry that although Iowa is not a typical vacation destination, there is much to see and do here: partyof5 mentioned The Field of Dreams. Yes, Party, the movie site is still open to the public. The best time to visit: August when the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. Dyersville is also home to the National Farm Toy Museum. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and the Maquoketa caves are also nearby. Your kids would love it!NOVAcatmando mentioned The Bridges of Madison County. The best time to visit: During the month of October when the foliage is at its peak. Madison county features six covered bridges tucked in amongst the rolling hills. As Robert Kinkaid (Clint Eastwood) discovered, the region is a photographer's dream. The area also features John Wayne's birthplace and the Madison County Winery where pink label wine is made. Iowegian Skye recommends The Amana Colonies. The best time to visit: Anytime the weather is pleasant, but the autumn displays are especially beautiful. More to come in a future entry... |
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