Serendipity basking in the glow after her theater debut.
Monday, August 6, 2007
New Beginning
Today is Monday and the first Monday in quite sometime that I am not sitting in a meeting. Instead I am able to write and share thoughts and memories of the weekend. Life is good!
Great food and fellowship were abundant. Gabby and Seren have spent their summer at theater camp at Seven Stages, a local independent theater. The program called Youth Creates, brings students together to learn all aspects of "creating"; self-discovery, writing, performing and technical. Serendipity, my "granddog", attended while her mother was vacationing. Friday she made her theatrical debut! Michele, Gabby's mother and Seren's aunt, prepared dinner for the family before the play Saturday night. She prepared our favorite meal, Pork Chips (grilled marinated pork tenderloin thinly sliced) baked sweet potatoes, salad and stuff (marinated cucumber. tomatoes, onions, etc.). Dessert was fresh cherries and chocolate! Lucretia and I were there, Gabby's friend Alex, as well as Michele's parents, George and Catherine and her brother Steve. The meal was delicious and set us right for the performance.
Seven Stages is a special place and part of our extended family. Lucretia volunteers, Mack, Lucretia's friend and Seren's uncle, is the financial and technical director. Seren goes theater camp whenever her mommy is out of town. It is a treasure chest of friendship and creativity.
The performance was amazing. Nothing existed when they started five weeks ago, music, costumes, sets, and all was created by the group. Complex themes were woven around acting, voice, song music and dance. The talent was impressive and spoke of healing and new beginnings. Seren and Gabby were great. The evening ended with Seven Stages staff serving ice cream sundaes and floats.
Sunday I braved the dogs days of August and grilled corn, garlic and hot dogs; gourmet dogs topped with onions, avocado, roasted garlic and salsa, yum! I made plenty in order to have leftovers today.
The weekend is tucked away in the Recipe Box. Now, it is Monday and life is good.
Great food and fellowship were abundant. Gabby and Seren have spent their summer at theater camp at Seven Stages, a local independent theater. The program called Youth Creates, brings students together to learn all aspects of "creating"; self-discovery, writing, performing and technical. Serendipity, my "granddog", attended while her mother was vacationing. Friday she made her theatrical debut! Michele, Gabby's mother and Seren's aunt, prepared dinner for the family before the play Saturday night. She prepared our favorite meal, Pork Chips (grilled marinated pork tenderloin thinly sliced) baked sweet potatoes, salad and stuff (marinated cucumber. tomatoes, onions, etc.). Dessert was fresh cherries and chocolate! Lucretia and I were there, Gabby's friend Alex, as well as Michele's parents, George and Catherine and her brother Steve. The meal was delicious and set us right for the performance.
Seven Stages is a special place and part of our extended family. Lucretia volunteers, Mack, Lucretia's friend and Seren's uncle, is the financial and technical director. Seren goes theater camp whenever her mommy is out of town. It is a treasure chest of friendship and creativity.
The performance was amazing. Nothing existed when they started five weeks ago, music, costumes, sets, and all was created by the group. Complex themes were woven around acting, voice, song music and dance. The talent was impressive and spoke of healing and new beginnings. Seren and Gabby were great. The evening ended with Seven Stages staff serving ice cream sundaes and floats.
Sunday I braved the dogs days of August and grilled corn, garlic and hot dogs; gourmet dogs topped with onions, avocado, roasted garlic and salsa, yum! I made plenty in order to have leftovers today.
The weekend is tucked away in the Recipe Box. Now, it is Monday and life is good.
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Long Goodbye
Today I am reflecting on seventeen years of service that came to an end yesterday and the long goodbye that ensues. All is appreciated but in my mind unnecessary. It was a lesson in receiving. I was given many words of wisdom and encouragement; lovely cards and bouquets of flowers. The staff took up a collection and wrote wonderful wishes on a card. Many wondered if I would be all right. A client shared that one and seven (17) equal 8 and in biblical terms indicates a new beginning. Coworkers took me to Manuel's Tavern, a popular Atlanta gathering place where ironically, I have been to many farewell parties. Food and drink were a big part of the long goodbye. We, five women, sat and enjoyed uncensored conversation about "work", children, family, boyfriends, cooking and new directions. We teased and encouraged one another over chicken patties and salads. The fare was pedestrian but the conversation was rich. We said good bye and I moved on to the "family" celebration over Mexican food. My "family" is thrilled that I am making this change. Today I have received encouraging e-mails and supportive phone calls. My heart is filled with gratitude. And now, I tuck these warm sentiments and fond memories in The Recipe Box for safe keeping. Today is perfect!
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