Art Today!

I'm waiting to be picked up today by my friend and former photo student, Melissa. We are headed to Columbus, Ohio today to attend our former professor's (and always dear friend) 30 year retrospective art show opening.  Linda Adele Goodine has been a huge influence on me as an artist and a person.  View her website here. The show information is here.

When I worked as Adele's studio assistant, I helped her in making the series, The Beekeeper's Daughter.  The image below is one from that series (one I pulled from a blog of another of her students-by clicking on the image-you will be led to her site).

Source: oldladyisawake.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

So many beautiful works will be on display; I am so fortunate to get to see it!  I am thrilled to be celebrating this wonderful span of work, study and beauty with the talent and scholar, Adele!  Thanks to Melissa for inviting me to ride with.  I know we will have a great time connecting and doing a little exploring in a city I have never visited.  

Happy Halloween

Mama's Little Helper

Last week, Hayes was on Fall Break on Thursday and Friday.  I had to take off of work to be with him--which, of course, is fine by me.... even though I had that nagging feeling that I should be somewhere else during those short morning hours.  Nonetheless, we did what we had to do.  I heard that one of the designers made a bouquet for an Indianapolis Monthly magazine shoot.  The bouquet came back on Thursday.  I took the opportunity to run up to the shop, toddler in tow, to conduct my own little shoot.  Hayes was very good, as usual... yet, I know the air was a bit thicker--filled with short breaths and sighs of relief when the tall arrangement remained standing after some close calls..... What can I do?  Roll with it, I suppose.  I did manage to get some good shots-but below are examples of the reality of the situation.  Every time I would frame up.... if I took too long to press the shutter button, enter frame left, right and center: bumbling red sweatered child closing in on the subject arms open hopeful to hug the crystal clear tapered pole... the coolest firefighter pole to date.... or hurrying to the window to see a garbage truck go by.  Here is what I snagged from those fractions of moments.

We both had a good time in the flower shop.  I am pretty sure the breaths were drawn in a little easier after we left.  Inventory in tact.  Fwew!

The images I went to the flower shop intending to capture: here.

You Can Also Find Me....

I read several blogs where the author is contributing to other blogs, as well as their own.  Often they have large badge links boasting "You can also find me at...."  I love that.  I have always secretly hoped that one day some one would invite me to write for their blog.... Pinch me, because-if you read my previous post, you already know that my secret wish has come true.  I am writing for JP Parker Flowers in Indianapolis and Franklin, Indiana.  I published my first post today--the first of many to come and I am very much looking forward to it!  Large Badge to come...at some point!

Have a great Monday!

Working Mom; That's Me

Well, well, well... Did I have anyone guessing about what I am up to?  Going to work...?  Yes.  It is true. While Hayes is enjoying his Montessori, I am spending mornings downtown working at JP Parker Flowers.   Yes, can you believe it?  The Dooce returns.  If you have been reading for more than a year, you know what I did.  I sabotaged (so I thought) my career with JP Parker Flowers by writing about something that happened there that left a bad taste in my mouth (in their mouths, too, I am sure).  I couldn't help but to get what was on my chest off-and at the time I was asked to keep carrying that burden...when, really, what I should have done was insist that I be heard.  And, too, then--not in my defense-just fact of the matter--I didn't know as much about blogging as I do now.  Lesson learned.  Now, it is easy to just say, "lesson learned".  In fact, it was quite a painful thing.  (I would tell people that I was going through a re-birth.... true.)  I thought I was a loser.  Well, I was, in a sense-I lost my job.  What I mean is-I slipped into a bit of a depression-questioning myself-what is my worth....and convinced it couldn't be very much.  After several posts that revealed probably too much about my state of mind....and constant asking of myself, "What am I doing?" and a year of just doing...going....moving forward...I convinced myself that I was exactly where I needed to be.  I was.  I am completely happy.... Hayes was happy but beginning to get a little bored.  Not that I am at my limit of what I can teach him-I am always teaching... but I was beginning to see his need for more structured learning and socialization.  I have had my eye on a Montessori School for some time-but with no job-there is no way to pay for it.  Also, I have been helping my friend with her business-designing and communicating and, ya, cleaning the toilet.  I have been quite the busy photographer lately, as well.  In fact, instead of writing this post, I should be cleaning my house ironing clothes listing etsy merchandise planning dinner retouching images.  But I am so thrilled about my reunion with JP Parker Flowers.  I wanted to get it out into the world.  I want people to know that bridges can be rebuilt.

During the last year, as I continued to mother Hayes, freelance and post both desperately and cheerfully-I had no idea that the owner, Pam Parker, of JP Parker was following along with my blog.  She called me up one morning as Hayes and I were on our way to go see Wilson.  She wanted to meet for lunch.  I, caught off guard just a bit, agreed that it would be lovely.  The following week, we met at Aunt Judy's Country Kitchen in Franklin.  (It was delicious, by the way.)  She talked about her grand plans for Holiday Decorating and Super Bowl!  She was asking for my help.  I was surprised and flattered by all of it.  I had to think about it.  The next thing I know, she is calling me and setting up another lunch meeting because plans had changed.  Needs had changed.  On our way to the meeting, Hayes and I dropped by the school to pick up information and let them know that we would be applying.  At the meeting, I happily laid out what I could offer the company.  Pam and Pam, owner and Indy shop manager, laid out what the company needed from me.  After going home, mulling it over and discussing it with Scott-it was a done deal.  My working relationship with the best flower shop in Indiana (I would say the world but no one would take me seriously if I went around saying stuff like that.) has been reestablished.  I am a company woman.  I am pleased to be in the shop at opening doing various tasks such as data entry, communications, customer service, research and more.  Anything that needs doing, I am there to do.  Then, after picking Hayes up from Montessori, we have lunch, take a walk and when he is down for his nap--Yes! Nap!  I haven't known nap time for a long while--now that he is tired out from his sensational mornings-he is always due for down time.---I get back into work mode, following up on emails sent/received, research, website maintenance, twitter....and yes, their blog.  As of today, I admit-not much has happened on the website and blog-I am just getting acquainted with the marketing company-so, soon....I will be writing for JP Parker.  I will post links and even maybe they will have their very own badge in my sidebar.  This is just the first week-I am just getting going-I am loving it and I know that I will be very busy.

Over a year ago, I thought I would never be welcome in that lovely and creative space again.  I was afraid that I would offend someone by coming in as a customer.  So, I didn't.  It really is exciting to belong in a professional space again.  I am always a professional--but to be attached to one of the most outstanding businesses with some of the most talented and hardworking people in downtown Indianapolis (and Franklin)-well, that is empowering.

JP Parker, thank you for welcoming me back!

As I was opening a page to grab the url for my "Dooced" post, I ran across this great article in the New York Times.  I really enjoyed reading about Heather Armstrong's success as the most powerful woman blogger.  I suggest you read it.  If you are a blogger-then, I am sure you know all about it.  If you are not-you might learn some things... and find more people to follow.

Time for School, Hayes!

A lot of things are changing around this household.  I am going to work-starting Monday.  Hayes started school on Tuesday, October 4th-ten four, good buddy.  He is going to a Montessori school... I am thrilled.  He is, too.  We had been talking a lot about school lately... not because we knew that he would be going this week, but because we wanted to see how he feels about the subject....knowing that eventually, he would be going.  We have been reading books like Time for School, Mouse! and Grover Goes to School which have aided in starting the conversation.  (I love Grover Goes to School because it deals with the unease that comes along with meeting new people--and in the midst of that-being yourself.)  

There are so many layers to this story of evolution-I think I need to keep it simple for now.  I am so excited about my new job for many, many reasons.  For now, though, let me focus on Hayes.

We awoke bright and early on Tuesday morning to make the 8:30am school start time.  We had all we needed together and ready to go in his backpack.  

The evening before, I chatted on the phone with my Sister about the plans for Hayes's first day of school... she asked if I was going to take a traditional first day photo(we had first day portraits every year)....and then laughed at herself for asking-because, of course I would take pictures, right?  Well, before she mentioned it, I hadn't even thought of it... I was so wrapped up in all of the other details... so, thank you, Laura, for reminding me to carry on the tradition!!!!

 The big boy with his backpack....

When we arrived, we went in, found his cubby for his belongings and proceed to an early morning care room(because we were early)... not long after that, we were moved to his classroom... we changed him out of his boots and into his slippers--because--they all wear slippers!  It was kind of funny to me to begin with--but I totally understand why... keep those floors clean!  He was a little clingy--wanting me to hold him, come with him.  Once he found something he liked and turned his attention toward it, I told him that I would be back to pick him up before lunchtime and I would have a sandwich ready for him, too.  I am not totally sure he heard all I said, but, I backed away and slowly walked out, tuning my ears-just in case, I would be able to hear Hayes call out for me..... By the time I got to the door, I had heard no little Hayes voice calling out requesting rescue.  I knew he would be just fine.  He is a morning only student-so, I went home, managed to scan some imagery, do some organizing, make that sandwich and post one item in my etsy shop.  When I went to pick him up, I came through the door and  he asked in a demanding sort of tone, "Where are my sandwiches?!" I assured him they were in the car(and then reminded him that is not the way we talk).  He acted as if he did not want to leave.  The teacher handed me a half sheet of paper-a form. It was filled with notes.  It was a report on what Hayes had done that day!!! I was so pleased to get this.... so that his three hours away from home aren't a complete mystery to me... she explained what she had written.  Hayes ate none of his snack... the snack was pizza.  He talked about "Fireman Sam" with Jackson; he did animal yoga; he built with twig blocks (very focused while he built); talked about the sense of touch at circle time; feeling things with different textures; ring around the rosey; explored the playground.... in the toileting department: he chose not to go at 9am; was successful at 10 and 11.  As of today, even, (Thursday) he has not had any accidents.  I do believe he is completely potty trained!!!  Oh, and--there is a grouping of words on this form that the teacher can choose from to describe his mood of the day.... "Cheerful, cooperative, sociable, testing limits, tired, tearful, quiet, vocal, frustrated"  So far, each morning, Hayes has been Sociable and Vocal.  That's my boy!!!  

That evening after Hayes's first day of school, we talked about snack time-asked him why he didn't eat. He told us, "it wasn't my food."  We tried to convince him that yes, it is his food.  Then he told us that there weren't any plates.  We weren't sure if there were any plates or not-so, there really wasn't much we could argue about that... but we did tell him that it was okay to ask for a plate.  We let it go-because it is likely that he wasn't hungry--and that it was sensory overload--too exciting to stop to eat.  (His second day of school, he didn't eat any of his snack, either.)  This morning at school, he ate ALL of his snack of soft pretzel with cream cheese and milk.  Moving right along, I'd say!  Tomorrow is a field trip to the pumpkin patch-I am required lucky to get to chaperone him... we are both excited about it.  Scott and I are so proud of our little guy.  

Remembering Randy

Saturday, I learned some horrific news.  A dear friend of mine had been killed in a car accident early that morning...he was on his way home from his second job.  Our mutual friend, Amber, called to tell me the bad news minutes after Hayes and I left her salon.  We had visited her for happy reasons: a birthday wish with card and gift.  I was driving.  I gasped.  I cried.  Hayes tried to console me from the back seat... first telling me it was okay and next trying to make me laugh by dancing in his seat.  I assured him that I was okay as best I could.  This sad briefing came as a surprise-of course it did.  I never expect to learn ghastly things like this... but, I just talked with him the previous Wednesday on the phone for 44 minutes.  Yes, 44-I know that because I stared at the log for a few minutes after I found out-as if spending time fixated on the evidence of our conversation might bring him back.  Back to his family.  Randy Carreon had a wife, two daughters, a son, a Mother, Father, sister and nephews...and many more. He loved them dearly as they loved him.  We even talked about that during our last conversation.  We didn't talk often-but when we did, it was always about life-our lives-trials, triumphs....we cheered each other, we offered ears to listen in place of shoulders to cry on.  Just things that good friends do--when they catch up.

We have known each other for something like 13 years.  I worked for him at Domino's Pizza when I was in High School.  He made some poor decisions in his life at that time, lost the business and relocated.  He found his way again,  made better decisions and fell in love with a beautiful and smart young lady....I remember the story at their wedding--she played hard to get for some time...until his persistence paid off... she would date him-get to know him-fall in love.  He was a lucky man with a full life.  I was so happy to get to go to his wedding in 2006-I brought along my camera and shot various photos throughout the event.  I have always loved this image of Randy-it was perfect of him-radiating light on his wedding day--the happiest I had ever seen him.

 And there was plenty of rejoicing going on at the reception--what a perfect party to celebrate a happy day.

I looked through my albums to try to find an early photo that I may have taken of him--but I could find none.  I probably didn't take any photos of him then-because he was a bit older than I.  We had mutual friends who bridged the gap...so there are more photos of those friends.... but I did run across the following images:

   These were shot by Randy.  I think Amber and I were headed out for a photo gathering excursion sometime in 1999...and I remember him saying that he had a camera, loved photography and wanted to come, too.... so we three and two cameras headed out for an adventure.  

 I have my camera over my shoulder, here--but I still haven't found the film I shot that day... ?

We did have fun this day-in the process, Randy managed to capture evidence of my (and Amber's) youth, preserved on film "forever"-a free and innocent time of no responsibility, friends and sure, ignorance....These images-now, a fond reminder of a great soul -a person I am lucky to have called a dear friend.  I pray for your Family.  Rest in Peace, Randy.
(Obituary)