Yankee, Transferred for 2012

January 10, 2012. Sixty.

2012-01-09T23:53:00.000-06:00

Sixty is here. I have so much. I am healthy, happily espoused, and the lucky mother of two wonderful young women that I can call forever mine, as well as a slew of peripheral young'uns. I have a home that I love, a job that I love, warm blankets and dry sox and clean unmentionables, every single day.
I remember a time many moons ago when my beloved father was struggling with addiction, and I looked at his fight and thought how lucky he was. He was lucky because many other men, of his age and without money or health insurance or any resources or a loving family, died every day from the wreckage of alcoholism. I thought then, as I do now, that I was born under a lucky star.

So what does 60 show? Gray hair? Well, yes, a few. But mostly...not yet. Wrinkles? Check. I have eyelids and other part that ~~sag~~ are not so perky any more. My feet tire easily, but my heart not so much. I have more patience than I had at 50, more peace than I had at 40, more money than I had at 30, and more brains than I had at 20. Fewer malted milk balls than I had at 10.

I sit in my den, the remnants of an afternoon fire evident on the hearth over my shoulder. The house huffs and puffs its own warm sounds, and the deep breath of a very large dog reminds me that I am never truly alone. The occasional car streaks by the front window, splashing up a winter rain in its wake and tearing my attention to the street. It's late. It's quiet. I am content. My breathing has slowed for the evening, my eyes are begging for mercy. As I prepare to shut them for the night, I am met with this image. A lucky star, indeed.

Happy Birthday

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T22:11:00.000-06:00

This is Bear. Since January of last year, I have been a volunteer at our local, city animal shelter. On occasion, when a dog gets a cough and there is the threat of spreading the germ, I take her/him home to foster until s/he is well. Bear is one such dog. You cannot see from the photos the magnitude of this dog, but trust me: he's big. He's a sweet, beautiful pup whose people saw fit to dump him on the street to fend for himself. He's been at the shelter since early December. He doesn't have great manners yet, but we are working on them. I hope to have him re-homed as soon as we cure his cough. Happy New Year, Bear!

For Julian, Because He Is

2011-11-02T17:10:00.001-05:00

I am a Beatles fan. I am not shy about it. I cut my radio-listening teeth on the Beatles. I love them. Ringo singing "Good Night," which John wrote to his son, Julian, used to move me to tears.

My grandson-yes, I will have a grandson in early Spring-will be named Julian. I plan to sing him this song.

I am over the moon.
Listen Here

Aftermath

2011-10-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

I'm on the verge of tears much of the day lately. Connecting with my Younger Daughter's birth mother has stirred up all kinds of feelings. Hearing my grandbaby's heartbeat, and subsequently seeing her/him waving and kicking on the ultrasound have made me so vulnerable.

The main thing that has been running around in my head is the connection between mothers and their birth children. My Older Daughter has always been so grateful to the cosmos for bringing us together. She and I are kindred spirits in so many ways, it has just seemed to both of us that it was some fluke of nature that another woman conceived and gave birth to her.  But obviously, it was not. Finding YD's birth mother has pushed my thoughts to OD's first mother, too. I think of what a profound gift I was given. I wonder if her heart hurts. Always, on Mother's Day and on OD's birthday, I cry for her. They are tears of gratitude and deep sorrow, because I know that the fact that my daughter is amazing, loving, brilliant, sweet, hard-working, and beautiful has little to do with me. Most of her traits are genetic. I take great pride in her achievements, because I know I have had a part in her confidence, optimism, and desire to succeed, but without the raw material to work with, I could not have done whatever I did.

OD is studying Social Work now. We talked today after one of her classes about the loss felt by the birth mother in adoption. She said she never really thought about it that way; that she thought always of the choice, not the loss. I explained that having now been to the doctor appointments with her sister, I can fully realize what D. might have felt, facing the choice she did.   While it's true that hers was a voluntary placement for adoption, it doesn't make the act any less consequential. Monumental.

Nothing could diminish my feelings for my children. The fact that I did not give birth to them does not in any way negate our connection, or my importance to them.   I have always held that there is no difference in the love, but now I know how wrong I was. I see Younger Daughter's birth mother and listen to her talk about her loss. I watch my Younger Daughter's reaction when she sees her baby on the screen. Hell, I see my OWN reaction. I hear the pain in my Older Daughter's voice when she realizes that her birth mother may have really suffered. I have never down-played the role of the birth mother in the adoption triad, but until recently I couldn't feel the difference in the love. I don't think their birth mothers love them more than I do, or better than I do, or even more deeply than I do. But it's different. And I'm humbled. So I cry.

Life Changing

2011-09-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

I awoke that morning with a feeling of anticipation, excitement, and joy. I didn't know what to expect. The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney and I dressed for a long day of driving and visiting with many of my family members. On our annual pilgrimage to their part of the world, which is always chock full of amazingly warm, enjoyable, rejuvenating visits, this day on the ocean with my brother and his family never disappoints. The food is always incredible (my sister-in-law is a fabulous cook), we always discuss movies, tell stories, and enjoy the entertainment provided by the littlest members of our family. Our arrival at their home this year would come on the heels of this morning-one that dawned bright and clear, with the promise of ocean breezes urging us out of our nest and onto the road. Before we got to their house, we had an appointment.

We pulled into the parking lot. I saw it. A late model Japanese car, sparkling in the fall sunlight, clean as a whistle and empty. The Attorney and I got out of our rental car, closed the doors in unison, and headed for the heavy, glass double door. Each of us grabbed a handle, and threw open our side. Another set of doors, and we were in. My eyes scanned the room, and immediately settled upon a face so familiar, yet so unique. A huge smile, a happy wave. I knew her immediately. We walked quickly toward one another, I dropped my purse and my camera bag on the table near her, and we embraced for a long, long time. We would step back and look in each others eyes, and hug again, tears streaming down both of our faces. Then the same process with the Attorney. I sat next to her in the booth, the Attorney went to get us coffee. I pulled out the laptop and started showing her pictures of my daughter. Her daughter. OUR daughter.

After 16 years of mystery, and only 10 days since we found each other, I was there, in a little town in the middle of nowhere, eating breakfast with my daughter's birth mother.

You may wonder if they look alike. See for yourself.

Fast Forward

2011-09-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

...she read the letter very slowly, very carefully. We saw her eyes land on each word. The enormity of the unfolding situation was evident on her young face. When she finished reading, the letter lay open, face up in her lap. Her head was down, her eyes fixed on the paper, but no longer scanning. After several minutes, the tears began to fall, plop-plop-plopping on the open palms that I have held and caressed so many times in the last 16 years. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking, but it was clear that there was a lot going on inside her head, despite the stillness of expression. We were all silent, as if to pay reverence to this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Jazzman slowly, carefully, wrapped his long arm around her tiny shoulders and pulled her gently closer to his heart. I spoke.

"Are you ok?" (nearly imperceptible nod)
"Did we do the right thing?" (again)
"Can you talk about what you're feeling?" (tiny shake, conveying "not yet.")
More silence.

I began to worry that they would leave. It seemed important to me and The Attorney that the four of us stay together until she was able to feel comfortable again. We offered to take them out to eat because ~~food is my drug~~ we thought it would be a nice transition and she said she would love to have dinner with us. At the restaurant, she opened up and the thoughts, questions, and ideas came tumbling out like so many clowns from a tiny circus car. Why? When? What about my birth-father? Siblings? The food took forever at a place where service is usually their signature trait. During the wait, my phone rang. It was her first mother. I could spend a lot of words and space on how we got from the letter in the mail to the phone call, but it's not important. What's important right now is maternity.

My daughter is pregnant.
She has been happily reunited thanks to the USPS and phone with her birth mother.
She is more deeply connected with us than ever.
I am fulfilled. And at peace. And thrilled.

...to be continued...

Of Letters and Serendipity

2011-09-14T10:42:00.000-05:00

(Stick with me here-it's a long one.)

It is not unlike me to write a letter. I love receiving "snail" mail, I love stamps and stationery and pens. How the pen feels on the paper is very important to me, and I have been known to throw out a beautiful note card on which I have started writing to a friend simply because it doesn't feel right.

Before the advent of email, I had written many a letter informing people of momentous events in my life: the arrivals of my daughters, the death of my father, my own job changes, moves, and changes of outlooks, opinions, or feelings.

Since June of 1995, when my second precious child came into my life, I have dreamed for her of letters exchanged with her birth family. Her first family. The circumstances around her adoption are details that are hers only to share, but they are very different from those of Older Daughter, whom I was able to bring home in infancy. Younger Daughter was three when I got her. A whole different world.

The missing puzzle piece in her life has been monumental. "Who do I look like?" "Why did this happen?" "Am I somehow to blame?" "How different would my life have been?" These questions have colored her view of her reality.

Three weeks ago or so, Younger Daughter and her long-time boyfriend, whom we love, respect, and thank for his kindness to YD, came home to visit on a Sunday afternoon. They're expecting a baby. The Attorney and I were not terribly surprised, and I must say we took it with amazing grace. YD said she had known for a couple of weeks, but was afraid to tell us, because she was afraid we would be angry or disappointed. While the timing is less than ideal, we were neither. We went through the practicalities of it: what about college (she's a sophomore), housing (he shares an apartment with his sister), and money (they don't really have any)? When we got done with those obligatory issues, we moved straight into how exciting it would be to be grandparents, what we wanted to be called (me-Grammy, The Attorney-Grandma) and what we could do to help. We are eschewing any negativity and celebrating a new life with the bundle that will arrive in early March, we think.

How does this relate to letter writing? The very week that we heard about the baby, I found, after years of searching, a possible clue as to the whereabouts of YD's birth mom. I sat down and carefully crafted a very short letter to her. It included no identifying information, to eliminate the possibility of a misstep in making the connection with the right person.

"Dear _________"
I am writing to you to let you know that in 1995 I adopted a child through _________. If you are the birth mother of a child who was adopted then, or if you have contact with her, and you are interested in having information about the child, please send me a letter with any information that will help me make sure you are the right person. If you are unrelated to this child, or you do not wish to have contact, please disregard this and accept my apologies for any intrusion."
In Peace,
Yankee Transferred
Address

Yesterday, I received this in the mail:
"Dear Yankee Transferred,
I received your letter on 9/9/2011. My name is ____________ and I live in ___________. I am the mother of Younger Daughter. I gave birth to her in _______hospital. I have her birth certificate which I have kept in my safe for 19 years. The reason you ended up with her is because I couldn't take care of her due to ____________. God has been very good to me, He pulled me out of that situation and has stayed with me so that I could experience this very day. Please tell her she can contact me at any time. I have prayed for this day for 19 years. Thank you for contacting me.
Thank you again,
Birth Mother

We asked Younger Daughter and Jazz Man to come over last night. When they got there, we told them that we have tried her whole life to give her everything she needed and wanted, and we always knew that there was one thing that we had been unable to give her. We handed her the letter.

...to be continued...

Flower Girl and New York Boy

2011-08-16T21:52:00.001-05:00

My Younger Daughter has been BFF with Flower Girl since 2002. They were 10. It is a friendship that none of us really understands; they are worlds apart in most ways. Yet, it endures, and we all love that it does. Flower Girl's boyfriend, NYBoy is just as great as she is. Here they are, enjoying a swim on a hot Tennessee Sunday.

I love having them around.

Rest Stop Kitsch

2011-08-04T22:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, I bought a shot glass. And a key chain. And a hand towel. And Real! Handmade! Earrings!

No, I did not buy any of these. Sad, but true.

Cowboys And

2011-08-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

Rest Area Parking Lot Art


Wooden Guyz

My photos are not going to be chronological. We stopped in a rest area at a tacky souvenir shop that boasted Brand! New! Bathrooms! And that's what it had. Gorgeous, clean, large-stall, attended, rest rooms. My phone was in my pocket. I was afraid it was falling out so I took it out, laid it on a paper towel in the stall, and promptly left it there.

32 miles down the road, I said, "Uh...I'm sorry. I left my phone there."
Back we went, and there it was, at the register, waiting for me. Lucky.

Slacking

2011-07-30T00:55:00.000-05:00

I have some photos to post. Not as many as I'd like, as this has been the pedal-to-the-metal version of a cross-country trip, and, well, we have been driving too hard, too fast, for too long to stop and take pictures. Tonight we are here. My friend is in her new home, and I am...doing this:

Cross-Country Road Trip, Day One

2011-07-24T05:27:00.000-05:00

Today I'm off with my dear friend, Gladys Beatrice, on the first leg of our cross-country trip. I am hoping for wi-fi hot spots along the way, but since we are traveling with a dog, and low-budget, I make no promises. Stay tuned for photos whenever I get connected.

I'll be 60 in January. I'm calling this trip my 60th birthday kick-off.

What I'm Currently Working On

2011-07-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

My volunteer gigs are all so different: A daycare for kids who are HIV+, the local literacy council, the animal shelter, and an architectural preservation organization. The boards where I currently serve are comprised of such varied types, and each board has its own collective personality. One of them has what I would call a Cadillac budget, one a shoestring, and the other one, well...we're working on a budget. Each one draws out of me another part of my passion.

Where the daycare, the shelter, and the literacy organization all appeal to the humanitarian in me, the architectural preservation group awakens my sense of wonder about the beauty in my city, and prods my creative self to move. One of our fund raisers is a project where artists/craftspeople/musicians/builders/plain-folks-like-me take a salvaged door (or in my case, a window) and make whatever we want out of it. Over the years, there have been amazing creations: musical instruments, cabinetry, furniture. I decided, not surprisingly, to do something with photos. I am calling my piece, "A Dozen Reasons To Preserve" and have used 12 of my photographs of my city. Neither of the shots of the finished piece are very good-I had to shoot them inside at night just to get the pictures taken-the project is due tomorrow. But the pictures below will give you an idea of the thing. These are the original window, half done, and finished.

Rough Window Before

Painted Window During

Finished Window, No Flash

Finished Window, With Flash

Silver Friendship Anniversary

2011-07-17T00:23:00.000-05:00

In the summer of 1986, I had just begun the steps to adopt for the first time. I was single. People frowned. My family, true to form, believed in me and supported my idea. My sisters have always been my greatest advocates. If they have thought I was a total screwball with hair-brained ideas, they have never let on. The first step I took in the adoption process, after meeting with an adoption consultant (there's a story there, too) was to sign up for The Conference on Single Parent Adoption, sponsored by an organization known as SPACE (Single Parents for Adoption of Children Everywhere.) The conference was amazing! I met many families, and many prospective parents, and as I looked around at the 100+ people there, I realized that what I wanted to do was not only achievable, but not insane.
The organizer of the conference was a very funny, warm, smart woman who had adopted four children, all of whom were present. Her only girl was 21, and her sons were 14, 11, and one. I spent a lot of time talking to her, despite the fact that she was incredibly busy. We clicked. I loved her, and the feeling seemed mutual. I didn't see her again until two years later, when my own Older Daughter was an infant and we attended the conference again. And every two years, from then on, we went, through the adoption of my Younger Daughter and right up through OD's first year of undergraduate school. Gladys Beatrice, the conference leader and I became very close friends. Down to the soul friends. Our children grew up together; in fact, our children refer to each other as brothers and sisters. We weathered unspeakable difficulties together. We have had laughing fits so hard we've had to pull the car over. We spent hours and hours at the beach together, our children splashing in the lake while we sat in the shade and talked about everything there is. My move from New England was hard on me and all my family and friends there, and GB is no exception. But the friendship stands the test of time. She turned 65 in November. She retired. And she's moving from my beloved Massachusetts to California for a million great reasons, and also just because she wants to.
When she called me about a month ago and asked if I wanted to drive across country with her, I didn't hesitate. The Attorney agreed: it had to happen. So I'm packing a suitcase, flying to New England, and driving coast to coast with my friend. It will be a wild trip, and we are taking the southern route so as to slide through my current home town so she can see The Attorney and my Younger Daughter. We have cards, audio books, GPS, a laptop, 2 still cameras, and a video camera, and we are taking our Thelma and Louise trip, minus the seedy bars, lecherous cowboys, and flight off a cliff at the end.
Here we are in 2006. It's not the greatest shot of either one of us, but you can see the joy we feel in being together.

I cannot wait.

Fostering

2011-07-12T23:01:00.000-05:00

When my kids both moved out, even with the amazing luxury of extra time with The Attorney, I found myself floundering a little. It definitely was not that I was lost without them, but I missed the ~~time suck~~ rewarding activities that parenting teenagers brings. For years, I have volunteered and sat on the board of Hope House and have really enjoyed it. This June ended my tenure as Board President. So I went looking for other things to do. I am now on the board of Literacy Mid-South and Memphis Heritage. I am also VP of my neighborhood association, where I have met several ~~busy-bodies and complainers~~ wonderful neighbors. But the volunteering I do now that is by far the most difficult and the most gratifying is working at our city animal ~~depository~~ shelter. Every year, over 15,000 cats,dogs, and other stray animals are ~~dumped~~ lovingly surrendered at our intake counter. The Attorney is violently allergic to cats, so I cannot do much with them, but I play with, clean, walk, cuddle, train, talk to, and most importantly: foster dogs. It started out innocently enough. Our Younger Daughter found a puppy running on a busy street a couple of years ago. Knowing that we are ~~suckers~~ compassionate dog-lovers, she wagged that puppy home. The sweet little doggie was about 8 weeks old. We found her a home, and she moved along just in time to be a Christmas present for 4 sweet young boys whose mother works with me. In the 3 weeks that we had her, she was house-trained, and knew "go to bed," "sit," and "stay." Very smart dog. And I loved fostering. We got to have the fun of another ~~thankless creature~~ canine companion to add to the 3 we already have, and we didn't have to keep her.
Shortly after I started at the shelter, an outbreak of kennel cough required them to get several dogs out before they infected other dogs. The shelter would have to euthanize them. So I ran over and got a pair of litter-mates, Marley and Joy. We nursed them back to health, and returned them to the shelter, from where they were subsequently adopted by 2 great families. Within a couple of weeks, another plea went out. Back I trotted, and got Abby. Same story-back to health, back to the shelter, happily adopted. And so on. We are now up to our fifth dog. I don't have still shots of all of them, but here are Abby, Buster, and Rusty. Plus a video of Marley and Joy. And I feel sure there will be more.

Abby

Buddy Hiding At The Shelter

Buddy, One Day Later At Home

Was Punkin, Then Rusty, Now Poncho

Where I'm From

2011-07-11T23:50:00.001-05:00

I am from cameras, from Hellman's Mayonnaise and humor. And from Scotties and Tuxedo cats named after authors.

I am from the Big yellow house, warm, honey-dipped and steeped in pool chlorine.

I am from the peonies, the cardinals, and the black-capped chickadees.

I am from road trips and wiseasses, from Aida and He Who Must Be Obeyed.

I am from the sarcastic and the compassionate.

From Democrat in Republican clothing and flat-out Republican

I am from recovering Catholics.

I'm from Pennsylvania and New York and Canada, from fine French Food and too much wine.
From the Car People and the Loving People and the Dog Lovers.

I am from handmade photo albums filled with black and white pictures with ruffled edges and deep cracks.

Restaurant Recommendation-Thai in New Orleans

2011-07-10T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Attorney and I went for Thai food in New Orleans. That may sound bizarre, given all the Creole/French/Southern food available, but we did a little of a lot of things. Basil Leaf is not in the French Quarter, but we had a car and it was an easy drive. It came recommended to us. We were not disappointed. Behold the Shrimp Dumplings. Pretty, and very tasty.

"Us" Time

2011-07-08T21:54:00.000-05:00

My love and I had grown accustomed to the empty nest. Our Older Daughter, off in the cold but beautiful Midwest (go Wolverines!) for graduate school, visits occasionally. Holidays. Our Younger Daughter is in college (how is that possible?) in our home town, but living on campus. Our life rhythm has changed; much more volunteering on my part, less formal meals, more reading. We miss the sounds, the fragrance, the laughter that our daughters and their friends brought to the house-ours has been the "go-to" house for many late nights, parties, games nights. We miss the detritus of teenage girls, the visits of favorite local cousins, the anticipation of first dates, the sounds of strange things falling on the third floor. "Was that the cue stick? The futon? WHAT WAS THAT??"
As much as we miss all of it, we sort of like just us. Because YD is here for the summer, and her (fabulous, sweet, kind, calm) boyfriend a lot of the time, too, we haven't had the luxury of just shuffling downstairs, circling our hands around warm cups, and soaking in eachother's company. So off to New Orleans we went. And it was fabulous. We read, we talked, we sang, we swam, we held hands and wandered around in the heat. It was only 4 days, but it felt like a really nice, long treat.

Report From The Field: There Is More Work To Be Done

2011-07-05T23:47:00.002-05:00

The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney and I had the opportunity to make use of a very generous offer from a family member: use of her condo in the French Quarter. We had not been to New Orleans since May of 2000, when we went there to exchange vows and rings. In addition to having wonderful food, we did a lot of walking and a lot of driving. We wanted to visit the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the areas most hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina. Our desire to visit there was two-fold: we wanted to see how much progress had been made, and we wanted to see the neighborhood where our Older Daughter worked building houses with Habitat for Humanity over her Spring Breaks during her undergraduate career at Excellent Women's College. We have always been proud of her desire to help others, and her willingness to work hard.
What we found in the Ninth Ward was disheartening. Progress has been made, undoubtedly. Look at these houses.

But there is still SO much devastation. So many houses that are completely demolished. Where have the people gone? What happened to them, and what are their stories? And mostly, mostly...How is it possible that this kind of nightmare can take place in the United States, and almost six years later, the houses are still like this:

I have heard it said that perhaps these houses looked like this beforehand, or that it is the result of the "rampant looting" that took place in New Orleans after the storm. I have heard people compare how the Japanese people reacted after their recent earthquake and tsunami to the people in the poor sections of New Orleans. Words like "honor" and "courage" are used to describe the people in Japan, and words like "thugs" and "savages" describing the Americans. I have also heard accounts from people who were there, in New Orleans, during and after Katrina. People who worked in hospitals and rebuilding neighborhoods, people who rescued strangers from rushing water by boat, and helped airlift people from their roofs. These people, not the armchair sociologists, have given accounts of courage, risk-taking, love, and cooperation that far outnumber the crimes. As a country, we should be ashamed that this is the way one of the most beautiful cities in our nation still looks, six years hence.

Birthday Cards

2011-01-18T22:48:00.001-06:00

Birthday Cards
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

Years ago, when I first adopted my Older Daughter and money became incredibly tight, I gave up purchasing three things for myself: wine, cut flowers, and greeting cards. Prior to that, I had been the Queen of the Card, with quite an investment in a drawer. Over time, as I became more financially stable, the wine and flowers re-entered my sphere, and although I still spent more than I should on note cards and stationery, because of the proliferation of e-greetings, my card-sending didn't really ever get back up to my old standards.
In 2010, I started anew. I tried, with some success, to send a birthday card to every family member and as many friends as possible.
I vow to do even better in 2011. As you can see, a card sender is also a card recipient. Here is this year's haul of birthday cards.
I love them, and I will hate taking them down.

Open Arms

2011-01-15T14:14:00.000-06:00

Splash!

2011-01-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

Outdoor Art

2011-01-13T06:52:00.000-06:00

St. Louis, a city that I had never visited before this past fall, is filled with outdoor sculpture. I loved it!

Cities

2011-01-12T06:40:00.000-06:00

I know I will not be able to post a photo a day that I have taken that day. Right now I leave too early in the morning for work, and come home too tired. So when I don't take one that day, I'll post from my archives.

This is St. Louis in October:

Fifty Nine

2011-01-10T02:11:00.001-06:00

Re-Post, Preparation for Snow

2011-01-07T22:23:00.000-06:00

In preparation for the snow we are supposed to get this weekend, I am re-posting photos of my favorite Memphis street in all four seasons. I will be hard pressed not to go there on Monday and take another shot if we really do get the storm. I will be one of the few on the road-native Memphians hide with the first flake.
Which is your favorite of the four?

head flappin'

2011-01-06T22:33:00.001-06:00

head flappin'
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

Getting ready to sneeze, he was.

Sketchbook Back Cover

2011-01-05T19:28:00.002-06:00

Sketchbook Back Cover
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

I have been working on my sketchbook which must be postmarked January 15th. Here is the back cover. The theme of my book, as assigned to me, is "Down Your Street." These are my shoes. My book has some drawing, some writing, some stenciling, some photographs.
It's been a huge project, and I don't feel very talented, but it has forced me to get creative.

Egg On My Plate

2011-01-04T21:20:00.000-06:00

In about 1979 or 1980, when I was living in Boston with a fabulous roommate who turned into such a good friend that my first daughter bears her name as a middle name, we went to an enormous outdoor flea market in Somerville. There were table after table of all manner of "fleas": old car parts, post cards, clothes, tires...you get the picture. At one table we found a fabulous deviled egg plate. Instantly, I fell in love. I think it was $5.00, well within my twenty-something's beginner travel agent budget. I snatched it up. I used that plate often, and took great pleasure in it every single time. In 1989, I walked home from a neighborhood party with my precious egg plate in hand, tripped on my own stairs going up, and in an effort to save my just-walking one year old from doing a face-plant on brick, I sacrificed my egg plate which smashed to smithereens. I was heart broken. Several years later, maybe 10 or so, that same friend, the one with whom I had lived, brought me a wonderful deviled egg plate; not the same, but also vintage, and also very cool. And I loved it and treasured it. It had belonged to her mother.
In November, her father died. The day of his funeral, a rogue glass baking dish committed suicide by leaping from an upper cabinet in my house, and crashed down on the egg plate, breaking it in 2.
What does any resourceful person do, when trying to recreate one's youth? I leaped into action and checked EB*ay. There I found many deviled egg plates, but alas, none just like the one from my friend's mother. Lo and behold, however, the self-same plate that I had purchased in 1979. My new old plate is pictured here.
I raise my deviled egg to my dear friend in toast.

Party Games

2011-01-03T08:13:00.002-06:00

Party Games
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

My birthday comes on the heels of New Year. It's the 10th. Yesterday, The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney dragged out all the games to see what we would play, because I insist on games for my birthday.
What to choose, what to choose?

Last Day

2011-01-02T06:21:00.001-06:00

I get a lot of vacation at my job. Along with the pleasure of working side-by-side with a mostly funny, cooperative group of people and having respect for my boss, my time off is probably my main pleasure at work.
This year, I really relaxed on my Christmas time off. I read a lot, I hung out with the kids a lot, and I enjoyed the company of my friends and extended family.
My vacation was over on Tuesday. Today my tree comes down. Usually by this time I'm sick of it-the tree is often brown, the needles are all over, and it gives everyone an excuse for not carrying their stuff upstairs.
This year, the tree is still green and I know once it's down, my Older Daughter's return to grad school is imminent. My Younger Daughter will be home from college for another week or so. I'm sort of not liking the last day.

January to June 2010

2011-01-01T14:59:00.003-06:00

January to June 2010
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

2010 was, for my family, a very good year, marked with much success and many changes. The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney ended her career at Juvenile Court, where for six years she represented the best interest of the child in dependency and neglect cases. Exhausting, draining work. On January 3, she hangs her shingle on her own practice. We are excited and apprehensive at once.
Both girls graduated and moved on in their academic careers. I passed the 10-year mark at my job, working for a company that has been very, very good to me, and which I never for granted, not for a second.

I made new blogging acquaintances, some of whom have suffered unspeakable losses. I hope with everything that is in me that Jackie, Katie, and Mandy find relief in the new year.

We look forward to 2011. My sketchbook project is coming along, and I am going to once again attempt blogging regularly. I wish everyone peace and tranquility in the upcoming year.

Bring it on!

Sketchbook Theme: "Down Your Street"

2010-10-27T23:35:00.001-05:00

So there are themes from which to choose for the sketchbook. I chose, "Down Your Street." That is all the limitation there is. I figured, why not start with a map? So...I drew a map. And then I started filling it in with my own feelings about my street. Well, about my whole neighborhood. Here is the result. The photo isn't great, but until I figure out a better way to shoot these pages, it's all there is. You can click on it to enlarge.

My Sketchbook Project - Take II

2010-10-26T21:56:00.000-05:00

The kids are gone to their respective schools and are happily settled. The Attorney and I are in a wonderful place in our lives. We've hit a rhythm. And it's slow. In August, I had three photographs in a local show. Right now, I have my first "different" project going. You can read about it here. The opening was a couple of Fridays ago, and the show comes down this Friday. I learned a lot. I'll do it again next year, but with improvements.
Now, I have found a similar, but much larger project. I'm going to start it soon. Like tonight. Or tomorrow. Or this weekend. It has to be mailed in January, and it has many, many pages. Some will be photographs, some will be poetry, some will be calligraphy. I think. But I'm not sure. But y'all, here's the thing:
I'M SCARED. I have no self-confidence when it comes to this. So I hope you'll follow my progress, and maybe, just maybe, someone will live near one of the shows and you'll see it next year.
Help me, wouldja? I need encouragement.
So here's the beginning. Wish me luck.

Both Up, Up, and Away

2010-08-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

It's official. Older Daughter and Younger Daughter are both at institutions of higher learning. That Older Daughter is in graduate school and making plans for her future is no surprise. It is wonderful, and we are so proud. That Younger Daughter pulled herself up by her bootstraps, got her head together, and pulled off this wonderful feat makes my heart leap and fills me with joy for her. She has worked so hard to get where she is today. She has done what a friend of mine calls, "Human Homework." We are so happy, and so proud for her.

(It's terribly quiet in here.)

I Have No Photos Of A Mother's Heart

2010-08-24T23:06:00.001-05:00

One of the things I have tried to convey over the years is my deep love for family, especially for my children. We have been through so much in the last several years, as is the case with many parents of teens. The teenagers, they are challenging. And wondrous.
I turned this blog into a photo blog 2 years ago. I got tired of hearing myself ramble on. But today I am moved to write about a blogger whom I have never met, but who has touched me in a way I cannot describe. Her name is Jackie and she belongs to the club that none of us would ever wish on another human being: she is the mother of a child who has died. Jackie's handsome, brilliant, precious son, Jordan, died in a car accident in 2008, at just 19. Jordan was her first child of four-the responsible oldest sibling to whom her other three turned for companionship and example. Is Jackie more important than the (scores of)other mothers who have lost children? Probably not . There is something about Jackie's writing and Jordan's story, however, that moves me with every single posting. I feel that if Jordan had met my Older Daughter (which would not have been impossible, given that they went to college very close to one another, at 2 schools with reciprocal class privileges and many cross-campus social events) they would have been friends. He seems like just the kind of young man that she would love.
All of our children are exceptional in our eyes. I know that I think that my children are outstanding and a cut above. I love the way they love each other, and the way they are tuned into my heart. I love the way we laugh together, and how we have family sayings and stories that will live forever because of our usage and repetition. Jackie has all of this with all four of her children, and the hole that Jordan's death has left in her family and in her heart is palpable.
Go visit Jackie. Lay some virtual flowers down for Jordan. Read about this incredible young man and the family that loves him. You won't be sorry.

Seven Twenty Seven Twenty Ten: Puppyhood

2010-07-27T23:09:00.001-05:00

On December 1, Younger Daughter found a puppy running down the center of a very busy Memphis street. We all know what happened next! We did not agree to keep her, but we did agree to foster her until a suitable home was found. Fortunately for me, one of my co-workers was looking for a dog for her sons for Christmas. So we kept the puppy until December 24th. We got her housebroken (she is SMART) and socialized with our four dogs and the numerous people in our lives, and off she went. I offered to dog-sit if they ever needed it.
This past weekend, we cared for her. See how she's grown! She is a sweet, loving, adorable young dog, and really good company.
We had a great time!

Seven Twelve Twenty Ten: Mural

2010-07-12T18:04:00.000-05:00

Murals! We have murals! All over our city, there is public art of all kinds. This is enormous, and in our downtown area, just behind our fabulous minor league ball field.

The only way to get just the right perspective would be to climb the fence behind the stadium, and, well...not my idea of a good time. So this is the best I have to offer.

Seven Eleven Twenty Ten: Baseball

2010-07-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

Today we were lucky enough to have tickets to the Redbirds game-they played the Nashville Sound. We had seats in an air conditioned suite, courtesy of the greatest charity ever, Hope House Day Care, where I happen to volunteer. Hope House was given the tickets by one of their corporate sponsors.

Both The Attorney and I like to attend one baseball game per season. We try to go in April or May, before it gets beastly. This year, it didn't matter...we stayed cool and enjoyed the game.

I like photographing baseball. They are better if you click on them to enlarge.

Seven Three Twenty Ten: Ten-Nine-Eight-Seven...

2010-07-03T22:48:00.000-05:00

We spent the afternoon by the pool at the home of some dear friends today. We talked, ate, swam, and talked some more. Younger Daughter had a marvelous time performing jumps and dives for everyone.

Six Twenty Seven Twenty Ten: Twenty Two

2010-06-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

Scary Spice. That's my daughter. She's twenty two today, and driving her brand new "Spicy Red" car. Pictured below with her cupcakes (oven broken: No MOM cake) and her best cousin/friend. They're third cousins, but they're also friends down to the soul. It was a lucky, lucky thing for them to end up in the same class in high school, next to each other alphabetically. It wasn't until parents' night that we discovered that the "R" she was talking about was the daughter of The Attorney's second cousin.
They have brought the families close together, and we are all grateful.
Bless you, dear R.

And Happy Birthday to my wonderful Older Daughter. Twenty two years terrific.

Six Eight Twenty Ten: Good Lord, THAT THING IS HUGE!

2010-06-08T19:28:00.000-05:00

Seen on the way to Chicago...somewhere in Arkansas, I believe, but maybe in Missouri.

Six Six Twenty Ten: A Room With A View/Pairodocs

2010-06-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

We are lucky to have wonderful friends and family members in the Chicago area. The closest relative is The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney's brother, Opera Man. He and his spouse, (with whom he becomes "pair-o-docs") live in a lake view condo. We saw them briefly while we were there, but they had other weekend plans far away...so they let us have the condo. Gorgeous lake sunrises, beautiful afternoon views, it was all ours for the asking. Below are morning and afternoon shots through the window.
We love them and thank them for their generosity.

Six Four Twenty Ten: My Coffee

2010-06-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has ~~wasted any~~ spent time following my blog for the last five years knows that coffee is very important to me. I cannot settle for a cuppa from the diner. I have to have good, fresh coffee and the feeling of community that goes with a nice coffee shop. Everywhere we go The Attorney gets dragged around looking for coffee for me.
We scored quite nicely in Chicago-several great, independent, fair trade coffee shops.

Six Two Twenty Ten: More Chicago

2010-06-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

The school that we saw and wished we had sent our children to was called The Nettelhorst. It is in the East Lakeview section of Chicago. We were fascinated by the fabric tied to the gate posts all around the school yard. The explanation hanging on the fence was essentially that the rainbow of fabric swatches is a shout-out to the neighborhood-so diverse and inclusive. Indeed, we felt very much accepted and safe there. Feast your eyes.

Chicago-May 2010

2010-06-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney and I love Chicago. We have family and dear friends there, and it's just our kind of place. We love a city. This past weekend we spent a lot of time in the neighborhood surrounding her brother's lakefront condo. This neighborhood has what seems to be a wonderful school in it, with lots of outdoor art. Behold:

Graduation, Part Deux

2010-05-31T21:44:00.001-05:00

It was a whirlwind weekend. Younger Daughter's graduation in Tennessee 9 a.m. on 5/15, and Older Daughter's in Massachusetts at 10 a.m. on 5/16. We made both of them with room to spare, and had the most wonderful time doing so. Here are some snippets from OD's graduation, at which Rachel Maddow was the Commencement Speaker. It was terrific!
First up, proud Mama.

Here she is, in a crowd, waiting to march in. We found each other from a LOOOONG way away.

Immediately post-diploma. On her way back to her seat. I could hardly see through the tears.

Forget the 365...Here Is May, 2010: Graduations

2010-05-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

Younger Daughter graduated from high school on May 15. Here she is with her REAL b.f.f., Flower Girl, who graduated the next weekend.

Here are the proud mamas.

Here she is, pleased as punch with herself.

And here she is, dancin' out of the building with Flower Girl.

When Is A Baby Not A Baby?

2010-05-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

My baby turned 18 yesterday. I've never known a child to want to be 18 more than this one. It's as if a magic switch were going to be flipped and she would be grown.

I sent her a text during the week: "What kind of birthday cake would you like?" Her answer, "I want my Sponge Bob cake, mama." She has had a Sponge Bob cake every year for five years now. I was sure she was kidding. I said, "Are you serious?" She said, "Yes."

This child has never called me Mama. When she was little, I was Mommy, but have been Mom for at least 12 years.

My baby. My big girl. My puzzle, my challenge, my mystery. My love.

Four Twenty Three Twenty Ten: Two Good Friends and The Fringe That Binds Them

2010-04-23T20:23:00.003-05:00

Today is the birthday of my beloved friend, Barby Doll. On her birthday, for the last 8 years, I have also always thought of another of my dearest friends, Tall Pretty Blonde. The reason for the connection is below: My North American Fringe Tree, which was a gift from TPB and is always in glorious bloom on Barby Doll's birthday.

So happy, happy day, dear Barby, and happy Arbor Day, Dear Blonde. I love you both with all my heart.

36 Years Ago This Week

2010-04-21T17:08:00.002-05:00

These are my parents. This photo was taken on April 20th, 1974, at the wedding of my dear friends, J and B.

My father's detached look was, well, because he was pretty much detached in those days. He got better with age. My mother's smile was genuine. She loved people, and social occasions made her smile. Plus she loved my high school friends.

Most of my life I have been told I look like my father. Now I know it's wrong. I see myself in Mom.

I miss them both. A lot.

Four Eighteen Twenty Ten: Socializing

2010-04-18T22:02:00.003-05:00

We had a very social weekend. On Saturday we hosted my friend of longest standing and some of her family. Since they are out-of-towners, we made the obligatory pilgrimage for ribs and barbecue. YUM.
Today we had my good friend, "E'erbody", as we call her, join us for coffee and CBS Sunday Morning. After that our favorite neighbors came over for brunch, which involved an inordinate amount of fresh fruit and a delicious quiche with Gruyere and Black Forest ham, which I made in honor of my father who loved to cook, and LOVED Gruyere. The day was gorgeous-cool, breezy, sunny and clear. The fruit was unbelievably fresh and juicy: pears, kiwi, pineapple, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, and two kinds of melon. I always like a little fresh lime and mint with my fruit, so I put that out as well. Even if your guests don't choose it, it looks great on the table. I don't like to make fruit salad-I think everyone has ONE kind of fruit that they always end up picking around, so we just cut the fruit up and put it out all over the table, and everyone can make her/his own combination. Today, I just had kiwi, strawberries, pears, mint, and lime. It was all sweet and luscious.

Later still, our good friend Music Store Owner came over, supposedly for dinner...we were not hungry enough to cook a big meal, so The Attorney made her a fabulous sandwich of fresh turkey breast, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and some of the Gruyere from this morning's quiche on Ezekiel bread!!

We love to entertain-join us for a weekend sometime and we'll make sure you're well fed. (And Susan-the skies are very blue in Memphis these days-you should come see!)

???/365 Four Ten Twenty Ten: Oh, Crap

2010-04-10T17:44:00.003-05:00

I CANNOT keep up with this poor old blog. I'm too freakin' busy. So I'm doing the best I can, but I feel sure I will not reach 365 this year. As my lovely Older Daughter would say, "Whatev."

Here is that damned tree again, only this time, totally green with the white dogwood in front of it in bloom.

Another One For Cat

2010-04-03T23:10:00.004-05:00

This is the room we re-did last weekend. It had started out blue when Older Daughter inhabited it, remained blue when Gigi moved in, but with new color trim and all new "stuff." Most recently, it had been a bedroom for Younger Daughter's B.F.F., Flower Girl. YD and FG had painted it purple together. Now everyone has flown the coop, so I decided to take one of the spare rooms and make it my office and a sitting room for our guests . The color isn't exactly right-incandescent light and no flash, at night...what can I say?
But quite a transformation, I think.

75-80/365 Three Twenty Seven Twenty Ten: For Cat

2010-03-27T18:09:00.006-05:00

On my facebook page, my fabulous niece the inimitable Cat, clothing designer extraordinaire and all-around cool person, said, "You're always doin' something!" These first 6 photos are for her. They are the before and after of my front garden, which was ignored for over a year while I was busy avoiding a melt-down. Avoiding a melt-down took all my energy. Anyway, in response to Cat saying that I am always doing something, I said...ok, so this weekend I'm going to paint a room and plant my front garden! 1/2 done.

The top two are BEFORE.

The middle two are one hour into the project

Done! Click on the pictures to enlarge.

73-74/365 Three Twenty Five Twenty Ten: Tree

2010-03-25T08:20:00.004-05:00

Here is my tree, photographed again Monday the 22nd and today, the 25th. You can see that today there are petals on the ground. When I awoke at 5:05 this morning, we were in the midst of an enormous thunder and lightning storm. It was windy. I started worrying immediately that my tree would lose its petals prematurely. That is what drove me to stick my camera out the car window on the way to work, despite the rain.

March 22

March 25

61-72/365 Three Twenty One Twenty Ten: Catchup!

2010-03-21T20:17:00.011-05:00

The cool used book store in my favorite part of my little area has a great window display right now-all the book covers are blue. I have window displays of clusters before-biography, mystery, politics, etc., but I have never seen one that was strictly visual. I love this window! At first I didn't like the reflection being so prominent, but I grew to like this photo.

...and this one. Sort of. But not as much as the other one.

Anyone who has followed this blog or its mother-blog in the Five! Years! since I started blogging will know that I love coffee. I love coffee shops, coffee cups, and all things coffee. Imagine my delight when a new breakfast and lunch place opened and I got to go with my beloved to meet a dear friend for COFFEE yesterday morning! FUN! The coffee was DELICIOUS. I had cappucino. YUM. At any rate, this photo and the next few below were taken inside the new shop. We'll be back. It was very bright and airy. Loved it!

Coming soon, across the street, is a restaurant serving "Low Country" Food. I have not yet experienced the pleasure, but I am sure I will love it! I pretty much love food. It runs in the family.

Guess you can tell what the place is called, anyway!

In the restaurant where we had our morning warm beverage, they are creating a shop. It has a superb looking cheese case, wonderful homemade breads, specialty oils...you get the picture. This part of town is known for its restaurants and independent shops. We have had a shortage of moderately priced eateries down there, but that is changing. Face it-nobody has money to burn.

Exit here.

I photograph this tree nearly every year. This year I am going to try to photograph it often to record the progression. This picture was taken on Wednesday, March 17th

This picture was taken on Saturday, March 20th. The bare tree to its left is a gorgeous white dogwood when it is in bloom. You will see then the tulip magnolia a deep, dark green. The contrast is striking.

I discovered this wasp nest under my porch ceiling the other day. How does one get rid of this?

This unholy mess is one of the pieces of desk in my cube at work. At a point, I had an office. Then we moved. Everyone from managers on down went into cubes. Recently, my new boss suggested an office again. I actually like being out with the other people. The offices are too isolating for me. The ony good thing is I would have bookshelves for all my crap. Look at all the pictures! It is obligatory for my coworkers to bring me photos of their children, plus I have my own family all over the joint.

Bari is a favorite place of the Attorney and me. They have a wonderful bar with a terrific bartender, and although we don't drink much or often, he remembers us every time. Since her MS diagnosis, we drink even less. We both miss our Friday evening Cosmopolitans with Brad.

60/365 Three Three Twenty Ten: Tripod Needed

2010-03-03T21:04:00.002-06:00

We were on the trolley downtown. I should have gotten off and steadied myself. I could have brought my tripod along. I did neither of these things, instead I just wagged that camera out the open trolley window and clicked. As you can see, our bridge over the Mississippi to Arkansas is shaped like an "M". And it's not for "Mississippi." I tell the kids it's for "Mom." They don't believe me.

58-59/365 Three Two Twenty Ten: No Dander

2010-03-02T21:10:00.003-06:00

When people come to visit us, we like to do something a little special for them: chocolates on the pillows, photos of us with them on the dresser, special books we know they'd like on the bedside table...you get the picture. For The Attorney's 50th birthday in September, I learned a lot of new fun things and made our bedroom special every evening. I taught myself to make these animals made of folded towels-something I had seen on cruise ships and really liked. I have now incorporated these dander-free pets into my guest room repertoire. So if you come to visit, don't be surprised to find a red-tongued puppy or a blue elephant on your bed. So come on!

56-57/365 Two Twenty Eight Twenty Ten: Weekend

2010-02-28T15:28:00.002-06:00

Chicago! Over the years, like most families, our travel choices have been dictated by multiple factors: Occasions, location of offspring/family/friends, finances. We have kept a piggy bank and thrown our change in, and given ourselves travel gifts from the collection. One year we had enough money to bring a friend to visit. Another year, a niece. This year, we are taking ourselves to Chicago. We have weathered some storms with money and health (The Attorney was diagnosed with MS in June) and feel we deserve a treat. We'll be in New England in May to watch our fabulous Older Daughter graduate from college, and when we return a dear friend of The Attorney will be in Chicago. We have other friends there, as well as The Attorney's only brother, and it's among our favorite cities. So off we go, aided in no small part by our piggy bank's contents, which are now safely deposited in the "real" bank. Or how I spent my Saturday morning.

Today when I settled in to read the Sunday paper and drink my coffee, I noticed the shadow coming through the south-facing front window-it is our blinds and one of our crape myrtle trees. It reminded me a bit of the photo down below of the building in Paris with the tree shadows painted on it.
Hope it was a great weekend.

55/365 Two Twenty Six Twenty Ten: Mmmmorning

2010-02-26T21:51:00.004-06:00

I have had, in my almost 8 years here, several early morning coffee rituals, all of which have been changed by the sands of time. The places go out of business. Right now my ritual is half-decaf, half city roast from WFM. Made at home. Easier in cold weather, probably less expensive, but not nearly as social. I miss my coffee buddies.

54/365 Two Twenty Five Twenty Ten: Faye

2010-02-25T22:08:00.004-06:00

I would give my friend, Faye, a pseudonym, but it IS her pseudonym. Don't ask why-I don't think anyone knows how she ended up being called Faye. I know it was shortened from Juanita Faye, but Juanita is not her name, either. Faye turned 60 on Tuesday. She is funny! She's so funny that there were times during the birthday visit that The Attorney and I were BEGGING her to stop so we could catch our breath. Happy Birthday, Faye. Here's to 60 more!

49-53/365: Two Twenty Four Twenty Ten: Old and New

2010-02-24T21:03:00.004-06:00

I have trouble doing the multiple-photo catch up. I have pictures on the memory card in the camera, but the camera is downstairs and I'm too freakin' lazy. So here's a series of mish-mosh photos.

Because, as we know, I don't have enough to do, we fostered a puppy for a few weeks this winter. Younger Daughter found this sweet puppy trotting down the middle of a busy street...you know what happened next. Here they are, posing together just hours later.

Next comes Flower Girl, blowing a kiss. Flower Girl got a full scholarship to a wonderful, small, liberal arts college in New England. She's so happy and excited. The kiss is one of gratitude for the help she thinks we were. All we did was encourage.
I like the red and blue sign downtown. There's really no story to it.

The last 2 photos remind me of each other. One is here in Memphis, and the other is in Paris. The effect of the trees painted on the buildings intrigues me.
Enjoy!

48/365 Two Eighteen Twenty Ten: Shifting Winds

2010-02-18T20:09:00.004-06:00

There comes a moment in February down here where there's no turning back. Today, 51 degrees. Tomorrow, 57. It may get colder again for a day or two, but we have turned the corner. A friend said her rose bushes have tiny buds. I can see the green tufts of daffodil beginnings all around. I'm happy to let my firewood season on the porch. I am SO READY.

48/365 Two Seventeen Twenty Ten: Local Movement

2010-02-17T20:24:00.003-06:00

One of my passions is giving to a local charity that offers day care to children affected by and/or infected with HIV. There are several fund raisers each year, at many of which we volunteer to set up, or clean up, or take tickets...whatever. But at one, several years ago, we were not able to resist purchasing this sculpture by a local artist. The Attorney is a musician. Much of our art has a musical theme. This fellow is my favorite.

47/365 Two Sixteen Twenty Ten: RELENTLESS

2010-02-16T20:33:00.003-06:00

There is that one day with roses-that day right before it's a minute too late.

today is that day.

And now, for my relentless sister: the Quinoa Tabbouleh recipe:
Ingredients: 2 cups quinoa, rinsed well
3-1/2 cups water
2 cups chopped parsley
1 pound plum tomatoes, seeded, diced small
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 small cloves garlic, minced (1-1/2 teaspoons)
1-1/2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Place the quinoa into a fine-mesh colander, and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.

Place quinoa and water in a saucepan and cover. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork, and spread the grains out evenly on a plate (I use a cookie sheet) and chill completely before mixing with the remaining ingredients.

Combine the cooked quinoa, parsley, tomatoes, lemons juice, olive oil, garlic, and mint. Season with salt and pepper.

46/365 Two Fifteen Twenty Ten: Hanger

2010-02-15T20:42:00.003-06:00

My artisitic, creative, generous friend, Older Daughter is Named After, made us this hanging bead wonder that is in our fireplace room, hanging down from a chandelier that otherwise has little to offer but light. I love the colors. My house is filled with gifts from her. Hi, there, ODINA!

34-45/365 Two Fourteen Twenty Ten: CatchUp, WorkAround (Pick a Bale of Cotton?)

2010-02-14T12:36:00.005-06:00

My computer is still jacked up. I'm really sad. I have to slide into The Attorney's computer before she fires it up in the morning or while she's getting ready for bed at night. Otherwise I'd be blogging at work, which we all know I would NEVER do! I do have my work laptop, but because life is uncertain at the best of times, I don't store precious photos on it. You never know when you will wake up and your computer will be getting restaged by IT and given to someone else while you languish on the unemployment lines! Heaven forbid my photos would only be stored there!

My friend, Tall Pretty Blonde, is off on a several-month adventure of travel with her beloved, and I have been cyber-stalking her blog, Facebook page, and email! She linked to my photoblog the other day, which inspired me to figure out how to get this thing rolling, despite the challenges. So here we go-I've put up a photo for TPB and will add 11 photos below.

We spent 2.5 hours (sad, but true) yesterday in line to get our cars inspected. We thought we were being clever by 1. going mid-month and 2. going EARLY morning on Saturday! HA! I would say there were easily cars number 90 and 91 in line. The Attorney had her Bluegrass music and a book. I had the soundtrack to Boys on the Side and 3 days of unread newspapers. We both had our phones. We were entertained, but oh-so-annoyed.

Younger Daughter has a huge research project to do in order to graduate from high school. The topic she chose is Adoption. She came over yesterday to get some books and videos, along with a tuna sandwich (she only likes mine) and some guidance. Her dog was thrilled to see her.

The yellow sleeping dog below is my dog, Thankless Dog Number One. There are few photographs of this neurotic beast because she is afraid of the camera. In fact, as soon as I took this picture she was up like a shot and hiding in the kitchen! Even though I rarely use the flash, she HATES the camera.

The bookshelves have a story. My dear uncle, my father's only brother, lived in New York in a rent-controlled apartment for decades. His apartment was filled with lovely antique furniture and rugs, and some not-so-lovely but wonderfully serviceable book cases. When he died in November of 2001, he left the contents of his apartment to my sister, the fabulous Grandma Blue. She and her husband had a house full of furniture and offered everything to The Attorney and me. We have reupholstered everything, and have stacked the bookshelves all over the house. We both owned a TON of books when we got together, and each had boxes of them in storage. Our large house and plentiful shelves have allowed us to bring them all out, and we love them. We both love to read and are book addicts. We use the library, but not as often as we should. We end up buying books.

The white mug in the photo was a birthday gift from me to The Attorney several years ago. I thought it only fitting to use it today, Valentines Day, when I made her tea.

The brown mug is mine. I love the rich, melted-chocolate color of it, and the handle is nice and large-I like to slip 3 fingers into my cup handle, and this more than accommodates them. Plus, it's really good for wrapping the left hand around to warm it while I drink my strong, hot coffee.

The angel was a gift from Tall Pretty Blonde. She holds bird seed. She was all grey when we got her, and the weather has chipped some of the grey off to reveal the brick color underneath. She is nesteled in our front garden, next to the rosemary.

The profusion of roses is my Valentine's Day gift. They are all over the house. Although I love red roses, I don't have a great history with them lasting. These are stunningly beautiful, I think. Enjoy the pictures.

HIJACKED

2010-02-04T11:27:00.001-06:00

The move in my house has rendered my wireless dazed and confused. I am taking pictures, but will have to post in a cluster when the situation is not so FUBAR.
Stay tuned...

32-33/365 Two Two Twenty Ten: Ambivalence

2010-02-02T12:51:00.003-06:00

The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney and I have made some changes inside the house. Our nest is officially empty. We have too many bedrooms, and not enough space for ourselves. She needs an office, I want a room for my creations, such as they are: photographs, origami, greeting cards, etc. We have taken what were the girls' rooms and changed them around-we still have plenty of room for them when they come to visit, but nothing looks exactly the same.

Behold "The Yellow Room", before and after. This has gone from a teenager's room to a guest room. I feel very torn.

29-30-31/365 One Thirty One Twenty Ten:ICY

2010-01-31T07:54:00.005-06:00

I hate winter, and all things wintry. I hate ice, snow, cold weather, warm coats, boots, and cleaning off my car. I must say that I don't hate photographing winter, but if I had to leave winter photos out of my repertoire, it wouldn't kill me. For years I lived in New England-18 years in Connecticut, and another 24 in Boston. I never complained about winter then. It was part of life, and I dealt. But the last almost 8 years in Tennessee have weakened my Yankee spirit, I'm afraid. So these pictures are for my friend, jo(e), who neither hates winter nor complains about anything, as far as I can tell

27/365 One Twenty Seven Twenty Ten: Recipe Book

2010-01-27T23:11:00.003-06:00

I am compiling a recipe book for my daughters. It will include some photos. Our family favorites will be in there, as well as dishes that work really well for parties. There will be a vegetarian section to make accommodating for vegan/vegetarian friends easier for them, although they both eat meat. This is a wonderful recipe for tabouleh, made from quinoa. It is SO YUMMY. It has just enough mint and just enough lemon juice to make your mouth surprised. We love it.

26/365 One Twenty Six Twenty Ten: No Small Potatoes

2010-01-26T21:47:00.003-06:00

Back to the store with the camera. You want golden or russet? I'll bake 'em, steam 'em, casserole 'em...whatever you want.

25/365 One Twenty Five Twenty Ten: Double

2010-01-25T20:27:00.001-06:00

Double dozen roses on sale at the local food store. Cheaper to photograph them than to buy them, and they last longer.

24/365 One Twenty Four Twenty Ten: Sisters

2010-01-24T20:56:00.004-06:00

They have their differences: biological makeup, birth family circumstances, personality, needs.

They have their strong qualities: One is more academic, one is more artistic; one is more introspective, one is naturally funnier. They have their weaknesses, too. Very different.

Yet sisters, nonetheless. They have a deep and abiding love for one another that goes down to the soul. Younger Daughter would hear nothing of staying in bed when we went to the airport yesterday morning to deliver Older Daughter.

23/365 One Twenty Three Twenty Ten: Sunrise

2010-01-23T07:03:00.003-06:00

Good Morning! Today my Older Daughter returns to Massachusetts for her last undergraduate semester. She hopes to spend her summer studying and working in Korea. Or Ohio. (?) Or even perhaps back here, at home. In September she begins working toward her MSW. Where did my baby go? It's only fitting that this day brings a beautiful sunrise.

BLOGGING FOR CHOICE 2010

2010-01-22T07:35:00.004-06:00

The theme of Blog for Choice Day 2010 is TRUST WOMEN.
I write about choice from the perspective of one whose choices were a bit unconventional. I have never been pregnant, oh, not for lack of carelessness in my youth, but just because I have been lucky. I know, though, that had I found myself pregnant in my 20s, I would have been hard-pressed to have an abortion. However, that would have been MY CHOICE. Like it or not, our society is a patriarchy. Men: doctors, politicians, clergy, whoever, believe they have the right to make suggestions and demands about what women do with their bodies. The truth is, people don't trust women.
When I was looking to build a family, I had choices. I could have opted for donor insemination, I could have gotten pregnant by traditional methods, or I could adopt. I chose adoption because it felt right to me. I was single, and although healthy, I knew that if pregnancy left me incapacitated at all, I would run the risk of losing my job or worse: being alone and having to stay in bed, or not perform physical tasks that my single life called on me to perform. I had a very good friend at the time who was on 4 months of bed rest in order to carry her baby to term. What would have become of me?
But some people did not trust me with my own decision to adopt: it was too expensive, I didn't know what "kind" of child I would get, on and on. "Why don't you just be a foster parent? Then you could change your mind if it didn't go well." While I welcomed the support of my family, who were all wonderful, I was frustrated by others who acted as though I had not thought my decision out and weighed all the options.
My hope is that my daughters will also have the choice to build their families-or not-by choice. They must be trusted to make these important decisions about their own bodies and futures.

I don't feel very eloquent on the subject, but I feel very passionate. The choice must remain with the woman.

21/365 One Twenty One Ten: Cat

2010-01-21T22:00:00.002-06:00

Shortly before his death, The Attorney's father and his wife took a European cruise-something they had done several times. When they returned, they gave her this crystal cat, reaching in the air. Neither The Attorney nor her father was a cat lover, so we thought the choice unusual. Yesterday I said I figured it was the piece with the most motion, and that was why they had chosen it. She cherishes this piece, as well as the other gifts he gave her during his lifetime. It sits on the mantel, back-lit now with blue lights. I should have dragged out the tripod and done it justice, and perhaps I will in the future.

20/365: One Twenty Twenty Ten: Mural

2010-01-20T17:47:00.002-06:00

In 2008 when I first attempted a 365 blog, I found wonderful murals in my city to photograph. I keep finding them, two years later. This one is downtown in the South Main Arts District.

19/365 One Nineteen Twenty Ten: Park

2010-01-19T21:41:00.003-06:00

Our downtown has some fun features, not the least of which are our colorful parking meters.

18/365 One Eighteen Twenty Ten: I Have A Dream

2010-01-18T20:40:00.004-06:00

I volunteer my time at an organization called Hope House. There, we provide day care, counseling, parenting classes, housing, and a host of other services to children affected by/infected with HIV/AIDS. I serve on the Board, I organize donations from my colleagues, I work at special events, and until recently I rode the bus in the morning to pick the kids up for preschool.

On this MLK Day, I am grateful for the changes he made that enable me to be comfortable with my life.

This is my friend, "Little Bee." Her mother has given permission for her to be photographed and for her photo to be on the internet.

17/365 One Seventeen Twenty Ten: Grown

2010-01-17T20:47:00.003-06:00

I have always loved to watch my kids play basketball, and have been doing so for 16 years. Yesterday Younger Daughter had a game-they got trounced, but you can see by this photo taken after the game, that the loss didn't seem to dampen her spirits.
She's so grown.

15/365 One Fifteen Twenty Ten: Come!

2010-01-16T08:50:00.001-06:00

14/365 One Fourteen Twenty Ten: Alley

2010-01-14T22:20:00.003-06:00

It's so much warmer this week than last. Warmer and sunnier. This alleyway is downtown and it's just warm enough to walk around with a light jacket and a turtleneck.

13/365 One Thirteen Twenty Ten: Up

2010-01-13T20:40:00.003-06:00

Look up. Shoot. Sometimes it's all I say to myself.

12/365 One Twelve Twenty Ten: Old

2010-01-12T21:19:00.003-06:00

The Courthouse is One Hundred. This staircase is irresistible when you have a camera around your neck. To celebrate the anniversary, an exhibit about The Attorney's father's law firm, the first integrated law firm in the Mid-South, is on display. We are so proud.

He would be very proud of her.

11/365 One Eleven Twenty Ten: Bounty

2010-01-11T08:46:00.003-06:00

Birthday=Books in my world. I love to read, and am particularly fond of biographies. And although I realize they are not great literature, I love to read anything by John Grisham, especially on airplanes. Not sure why. This is the bounty from this birthday, with a couple of Christmas goodies thrown in. I cannot start on any of it until I finish The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, which I am reading for my book club that meets once a month at our house. I have many presidential biographies, and am thrilled to add this book by Jimmy Carter about his mother to that stack.

10/365 One Ten Twenty Ten: Self-Explanatory

2010-01-10T08:11:00.005-06:00

It is mandatory to wear this button on your birthday in our house. We have 2 or 3 of them (I think we started out with 5!) and we guard them with our lives. We take birthdays very seriously. I took this photo just now, with the morning light streaming in my fireplace room. We have a big fire roaring and The Attorney, my dear friend, Frannie, and I are drinking coffee and having wonderful conversation. Happy Birthday, everyone! Fifty Eight feels good.

9/365 One Nine Twenty Ten: Blankie

2010-01-09T21:54:00.002-06:00

This is my great-nephew, E.H., head back, blankie all over it. He and his sister, Doodle Bug, both love their blankies.

8/365 One Eight Twenty Ten: Moi

2010-01-08T22:32:00.002-06:00

Well, no, the walls in our bedroom are really not this color. Incandescent light and no flash....you get this.

Here I am, just fooling around with the camera.

Have a great weekend!

7/365 One Seven Twenty Ten: You Call This Snow?

2010-01-07T21:49:00.003-06:00

I lived in New England from 1960 to 2002. I saw my share of "snow days." I had to find last-minute child care, I drove up and down perilous hills to my last home there, I shoveled, pushed, swept, scraped, and sanded snow.

This, my friends, is not a storm. This here? This is a DUSTING. Open the schools. Restock the grocery store shelves. Go to work, and get on with life. But enjoy the look of it for the one minute it's here. It is lovely.

And yes, I still have my Christmas lights out. I can't help myself.

6/365 One Six Twenty Ten: Sign of the Times

2010-01-06T21:47:00.003-06:00

One of the great pleasures of my life is looking up to see what I can photograph above me. I love this sign. There are many wonderful things about Memphis, not the least of which is our up-and-coming downtown area. This lovely lady adorns a storefront.
I believe I would make a good tour guide.

5/365 One Five Twenty Ten: Warm

2010-01-05T22:25:00.003-06:00

It's FREEZING outside, but inside The Center for Southern Folklore, it's warm.

4/365 One Four Twenty Ten: Fun With Photoshop

2010-01-04T20:16:00.004-06:00

This is my new favorite toy. You'll see more like this, I'm sure. The photo was taken in October at my fabulous brother's fabulous waterfront home in Rhode Island, but I just photoshopped it today, so as far as I'm concerned, it counts as today's photo. Hey, my blog, my rules, right?

This is my Older Daughter, with my great-niece, Doodle Bug. They are looking for pirate ships filled with booty to come down into the inlet and make us all rich. I love the tilt of Doodle Bug's head.

3/365 One Three Twenty Ten:Music

2010-01-03T21:25:00.002-06:00

The Attorney plays the guitar. I found this guitar player and knew she'd love it. It was an anniversary gift in November, when we celebrated ten years. TEN! Amazing.

One Two Twenty Ten

2010-01-02T21:40:00.003-06:00

Today the tree ornaments came down. The lights are still up, and the cards, which I love, linger.

Here is a narrow shot of the mantel with a few of the cards showing-we got a lot this year-lots of photo cards of friends and family. Lovely!

Tomorrow, it's all down for the year. The cards will be saved in a zippered baggie. I cannot bear to get rid of them! I'll take them out next December and compare them to the updated ones.

I'm looking forward to this year.

Out With The Old

2010-01-01T21:39:00.004-06:00

I have worn the exact same style of sneaker for years-they're the only ones I can find that don't go up too far in the back for my poor tendons.

It's only fitting to throw out a pair on December 31st and crack open a new one on January 1st.

These were a Christmas gift from The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney.

Happy New Year, everyone!

2010 Blog Attempt

2010-01-01T09:41:00.001-06:00

Me Setting Up My 2010 Blog
Originally uploaded by Yankee T

Here I am, getting ready for my attempt at a 365 Blog for 2010. Wish me luck!

Slipped In and Out

2009-11-15T22:33:00.003-06:00

Last month The World's Best Bleeding Heart Attorney and I slipped into and out of New England for Parents Weekend...our last at that particular college! Older Daughter graduates in May. She has grown into the loveliest, most self-assured, happy young adult. I'm totally taken with her.

And with the foliage. But it's too damned cold up there.

Younger Daughter Gone To The Dogs

2009-11-15T22:27:00.002-06:00

I volunteered at the Showcase for Dogs and brought my dog-loving Younger Daughter with me. We had a fabulous time, and she brought Thankless Dog Number Two with her. We were working for Hope House where I am on the Board of Directors and also serve as a volunteer. Older Daughter had an internship there this summer through Americorps/Vista. It's a family affair.