Inadequate Me

Lisa Belkin recently wrote a fascinating blogpost about the Obamas' parenting rules vis à vis their daughters, the two first children Saskia and Malia. I am in awe of Michelle's ability to dictate what her girls do or don't do- and frankly, as she is the wife of the commander in chief, I shouldn't be amazed at all. Afterall, if her husband has figured out how to get hired to run the county, it should be a no brainer that she can have such a tight grip on two girls aged 14 and 11. I think if as a kid, my dad's job included calling The White House your primary residence, I would get that what my parents say, goes. Still, here in Sleepy Hollow, I am routinely locking horms with my kids on matters large and small and while I can be pretty unwavering on the big stuff, ethics, conduct and morals- when it comes to screen time or an unwillingess to do sports after school, I can't always prevail.  So, once again, an opportunity to do better as I seek to accept myself as a parent, faults and all.

Show Time

I love libraries. They have always played an integral part of my life and since my childhood, weekly visits to our local library have constituted one of my favorite routines. My parents encouraged us by sharing their appreciation of all things written and those outings with them to their favorite branch where I grew up in suburban Cleveland, Ohio etched special memories of curling up in the children's section, the possibility of all those books whose titles beckoned to me and which made for many happy hours of discovering the bounty of the printed word.
We have a wonderful library in our community and it seemed a perfect place to install an exhibition of my images that I have created locally over the past few years. Titled "Our Towns", it is my love letter of sorts to where we reside, featuring the many lively people, their activities and their endeavors that make these villages along the Hudson River so special.
Later today, there will will be an opening from 3-5 p.m. and I look forward to seeing the faces of strangers and friends alike as they peruse the photographs, hopefully discover someone they know depicted and enjoy my efforts. So, if you are nearby, stop in at The Warner Library, say hello and take a look. I'll be happy to see you.

Kind Words from a Good Friend

                     (My good friend Joyce, has been reading my blog since I began this effort in    

                 2010. I asked her if she would write what she enjoys about my blog and to     

                 pick a few favorite images. Below find her thoughts which I am honored to 

                share with you.)

                      "Curb Appeal in Sleepy Hollow" is a rich story of family life that I have

                      followed from its beginning in January of 2010. I love seeing Dorothy's fine,

                      professional photographs and the stories that accompany them. I am an avid 

                      follower because I know I'll be refreshed by the sense of well-being that 

                      accompanies each entry.

                   

                   Through the seasons, comings and goings, ups and downs, and many excursions

                   Dorothy's internal gyroscope returns the world and her active household of 5 to

                   its rightful place in a few carefully crafted paragraphs.

               

                     The quality of this blog reminds me of why I read The New Yorker. It often 

                     reveals interesting topics and is always dependably executed. Talent to

                     achieve these ends is a given, but being dependable through almost 350

                     entries is truly rare.

                     There are many who consider creating a record of their lives, and there 

                     are a few who actually try. But very, very few who deliver a record as

                     potent as this one. Brava, Dorothy.

Back to School Countdown (is here)

We are in the midst of a spate of Wuthering Heights weather- where the sky is gray and foreboding and  the light outdoors fluctuates from dark to darker. The leaves swoosh in the wind and staying indoors seems infinitely attractive. Nature's latest turn renders us introspective, able to decipher lengthy paragraphs without needing to burst outside for fresh air. Now is the back to school countdown. In less than 48 hours my darlings Sarah and Jacob will be grumbling and socializing like mad. It's lovely to pause now, and appreciate our humble (and messy) home, our comforts, each other, and the fascination that future events hold. Wishing you similar happiness and excitement from our cloudy berth in Sleepy Hollow.

Lakes, bikes and automobiles

Had a little family road trip up near Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains for a few days. James, Sarah, Jacob and I made our way to a rental house. A nice chance to explore a region new to us. While the guys went biking, Sarah and I went thrifting at yard sales along the country roads.The area was lightly populated, lots of sunshine and the best part were the wonderful lakes. We fell in love with Schroon Lake and spent an afternoon on a motor boat where tubing, water skiing, swimming and sunning prevailed. It was great to be on the water, something I've missed. Heading home, we checked out Sarataoga Springs and visited their state park. Situated within the park is a gem of a car museum. James was intrigued by the vintage automobiles and displays.  Couldn't resist making some arty shots of a Pierce Arrow hood ornament and a few luxurious interiors from yesteryear. Looking at old cars makes my husband happy and I like that.