Clairol and Me

I was leaning toward a more natural way of looking at things. Well, to be specific I was really studying my grey roots and trying to imagine myself as a silver haired gal. I thought, "I'm ready to go down this road". You know, embrace aging and all that. It's not that I don't like getting older, even though it feels incredibly odd to realize how many years I have already lived. Where did the time go? And what's next? (after childhood, college, career, romantic adventures, and a little later than I thought, marriage and motherhood). So, now as a major milestone birthday hovers in the not too distant future I am thinking, enough with coloring with my hair. I've got to be me!
There is difference between looking one's age and acting it and I'm guess not ready. So I succumbed with a little harried help from one of my eye-rolling daughters. Later, the grey gone I felt that funny boost of feeling better about my appearance. Hopefully all is not vanity in the end.

High School Theatrics

I contracted a virus from somewhere and fell off the map midweek and into bed. Luckily, before I cratered I had the chance to photograph a rehearsal of our community high school's production of The Pajama Game for our local Patch. As Nora is a senior and this is her last musical, it was a sentimental affair for her and her friends. We had quick overnight guests from Seattle on Tuesday and more rushing around- and on Wednesday I succumbed to a sore throat, runny nose and fatigue that I could not shake. I got out of bed to go see the last performance of the show. My daughter was very funny as her character and seemed at ease and natural onstage. Sitting in the dark of the audience, I felt her happiness envelop me.

Mom

I'm the resident nag. That's me. I'm the one who pores over receipts, notices untended laundry, dirty dishes and unattended pets. Fold in overdue library books, unmade beds and unfinished homework, that's me. I can easily make enemies of three people who allegedly love me to pieces- or something like that. No, there's nothing like being a parent. The, why aren't you ready for school, why did you get a d on the quiz, and yes you are wearing that? Join me in all the stressors, please. It's not for the timid or for the faint of heart. So get all your ducks in a row and get ready for the best and worst of times. I'm right there with you. Totally.

A True Wit

I chaired the PTSA meeting last night at the high school and today I feel a sense of relief and the desire to rest up a little. Liza invited me to do something fun tonight. She got tickets for the Jacob Burns to see the Fran Lebovitz documentary Public Speaking where afterward Fran herself will be appearing. She is such a great raconteur- I imagine she will drop a few amazing zingers. (which she did and then some more.) Lucky me.

Mondaze

There are some overwhelming feelings that come with being a parent for me. Conflict between
siblings, crossed swords and dramatic moments- fun it's not. I have my own bouts of low moments on a kind of cyclical basis and have toughed out my share of stressful times. The emotional component of family life is a powerful force all its own. Happiness, fear, anxiety and hope all rolled into one.

An Affair to Remember

Sometimes there is nothing more fun than photographing a party and Dominic Chianese's 80th birthday was really great. Many of his fellow cast members from the Sopranos were there which raised the excitement factor for all involved. The room that evening was very low lit so I was especially aware of my flash firing off. Suddenly I find myself immersed into someone's intimate world where my job is to create memorable images. It definitely gets your adrenalin going.

Unexpectedly

The heavy rain removed all the snow and it's reassuring to see grass and dirt again and everything stirring back to life- including the patch of brussels sprouts that I forgot to pick. (Has that ever happened to you?) I felt so bad that I yanked one out and proceeded to harvest it. As I tackled the spouts- I was impressed by what had survived the winter. They will make a special addition when roasted and added to our evening meal. I appreciate how some things can thrive under the most adverse of conditions.

A Treat for Mom

While running errands with Sarah after school we zipped in to Loehmann's to pick up some tights for her. We had to check out the huge clearance section in the back. Sure enough- this wonderful phony fur coat with a neat shape jumped out at me and with all the discounts it came to $50.00 plus tax. I was especially delighted when I found it on Nordstrom's website sold out. It's a very pretty coat and I feel like a dream in my phony affordable fur.

The Next Generation

Because I am a photographer, my kids have grown up in a home surrounded by cameras, books, periodicals and computers. Currently the girls are both really interested in photography but don't generally care to be photographed by me. My son mostly says no. So, I'm really not given much access to my children as photographic subjects. They can be downright irate on the whole matter and will even make threatening remarks like "I don't feel like having my picture taken today or ever!!!" Ah yes, cooperation is the world in which I reside. I do love seeing the photos they take of themselves and each other. It's very touching when I remember my beginnings using the photo booth machine to capture my likeness. They have many opportunities to express their creativity with good equipment at their disposal and the expertise required to use it. Their images can be amazingly complex to me and at times I'm a little jealous. I would love to have the time with them in front of my camera that they give to each other. (I should add that the photos above were taken by Nora.)

A Happy Anniversay

Spending a really nice wedding anniversary around the house and interacting with everyone. (Except Jacob who has vanished off on his bike with pal. The temperature is that warm- 50's with mild sunshine and it's just right.) I've been reading a lot lately, magazines, books and websites and blogs. Came upon a beautifully written blog by a woman whose husband works for the U. S. Foreign Service and they are currently posted in Amman, Jordan. So many amazing people working, writing and contributing all over the world. The weather is definitely warming and things are popping out of the ground everywhere. Spring is in the offing. As we nest around the house- I am reminded of all the creature comforts our home provides. 1 Husband, 3 kids, 1 Rabbit, 1 Dog, 1 snake, 2 cars, & 1 house with 2 mortgages is a lot to be grateful for and I am. Now I need to go find my husband so that I can give him his frugalista anniversary present. It's a gift certificate from Groupon to take a Porsche out for a spin. I really hope he likes it. He does love cars.

Unavoidably Engaged

I did the unthinkable today. Or rather the unimaginable- but it's over now. Yes, I broke down and cleaned my daughters' bathroom. Did I want to? Of course not. It hasn't been cleaned for months. Instead of doing the work,they end up bickering over whose turn it is to clean it next. But I couldn't enter the room without feeling like I was on the set of some bad "B" movie. Hours later, with the room measurably improved- I was able to tear myself away. I wish I could manage them better as I resent their indifference to their squalor. Months in to the mess, I couldn't take it a minute longer. Does that ever happen to you?