preoccupied

There are many things to do. So many different subjects pique my interest. How does one decide which?

From dozens of handmade creations--art and food-- to reading and studying different subjects and authors, to outdoor activities, to volunteering and philanthropic pursuits (my secret passion---if only I had millions!), to travel, to entertainment. The list goes on and on.

I've been feeling rushed about getting my reading done. The fatigue I feel in my left eye continually reminds me of the time limit there may be on my ability to read. As well as my artistic ideas. Tick-tock tick-tock.

Who said "there's no time like the present"?

Quote from Robert Bresson, French film director;

Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.


make something happen today!

paltry picnic

I'm trying to pull together some sort of lunch to take somewhere. Patrick wants to be outside. It is a lovely day to do so, but I do not have the supplies on hand for a picnic. Yet another reason I love living in the Midtown building---instant picnic! Or sushi like last night when we took the elevator downstairs to see the most talented sushi chef in the Twin Cities, Tony. So very convenient.

Another menu subject is what to plan for the weekend of the 4th. We'll be going to Schaffran's Resort on the beautiful shores of Lake Latoka (a.k.a. Uncle and Aunt's cabin). The summer grill options are endless with possibilities especially when there is a group involved. Lisa and Karla, should we try grilling peaches? That would go nicely with the homemade ice cream!


Quote from Lucy Maud Montgomery;


I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those days that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.


Have a wonderfully ordinary day.

potent popularity

Wow. Can you believe how much media coverage there has been on the recent deaths of famous people? On the Today show this morning Al Roker had a saying about death that I can't get out of my mind. He commented, "it's like the old saying--the elderly, the sick, and the sudden--and we've had one of each this week."
Twin Cities reporters recounted the last concert Michael Jackson performed here. It was in 1988 at the old Metropolitan Stadium. Interestingly, since I'm hardly the first in line for big star events, I was there! In fact, my sister Janet and I took our children, Nicholas and Johanna to their first concert. Who knew that would be the last performance here before his death.



Quote from Emory Austin;

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.


take care!

poignant position

On Sunday there was a shift in perception of my extended family. I was seated in the very back row (actually usher seats) of St. Francis Catholic Church in Winthrop participating in the first mass led by my cousin Ben. There, from that position with my Dad's white-haired noggin rising above the crowd, I realized my aunts and uncles are now the "elders" of the family and I'm a "middle." No longer a grandchild, but a niece, and part of a larger cousin group that will slowly be diluted as our own families grow and move away. However, the tie to these aunts and uncles will not fail. They remain constant and connected to their siblings children. It is quite amazing to get that spark of recognition and excitement from them during conversations. You know these are people who have witnessed your entire existence.

How wonderful to observe these stalwart Norwegian Lutherans brought to tears with love and pride for little Ben. Oops, I mean all grown-up Ben, Fr. R. Benjamin Osborne.

How wonderful also, to have all these built in friends--my cousins--who are infinitely interesting and so very good-looking! I am thankful to the elders on this family trait!

Good job Oliver and Hazel.

Quote from Anne Ortlund;

To feel loved, to belong, to have a place and to here one's worth and dignity often affirmed--these are to the soul what food is to the body.

take care~

pensive patrol

Large gatherings are a challenge to host. I am poor at encouraging social mingling. That's why most of our parties are doused with alcohol--the social lubricant!

The social butterfly escape eludes me. The host who can flit from one guest to another and manage party socializing with ease is what I aspire to be. I tend to get stuck with a guest who is genuinely happy to be at my event, yet regales me with stories of people in their lives of whom I don't--or barely-- know. I feel my eyes glazing over and my posture drooping and my mind racing to find the escape route. And truly, I do want everyone to have a great time at my parties and I am interested in their lives. However I am concerned about the food, the beverages, the recycling, the door, the elevator, the people I haven't spoken with yet, the time, the dishes, the husband, etc.

Perhaps I need to go out more often. Anyone want to go out into the world with me?


Quote from H.W. Sylvester:

Joy comes not to him who seeks it for himself, but to him who seeks it for other people.


take care...

pendants

I have quite a collection of pendants. From way back when I bought a nail cross necklace at vacation bible school, to the jewelry buyer days when I was in retail, to today when I so enjoy beading and creating my own. I have two overloaded necklace holders in my room, and a bin of fabulous beads and such that are screaming to be strung. I may have to begin wearing a necklace a day and see how many weeks I could go without a repeat!

That's my preview/trailer for my new blog---" Peggy Poses Pretty Pendants"

Would you still read?

Quote I believe from Coco Chanel....

The ability to accessorize is what separates us from the animals.

ta-ta for now...

perhaps

Today is retina day. I will be seeing the retina specialist for a check on the "good" eye and a look at the post surgery eye. I'm still having some headache pain on that side of my head. I am eager to find out if it's normal, and to continue taking Advil two or three times a day, or if I need to change my glasses prescription. I can't wait to get my eyes dilated---it's so fun! Not really...

I have lots to post on my blog regarding the graduation party.


Stay tuned.