Sandie's Amuse Bouche

It's what keeps you young . . .

2009-06-09T05:24:00.002-05:00

I have discovered that I am one of those individuals tht seems to be in a constant state of change. There just seems to be so many options "out there", why settle for not experiencing something new.

I'm not referring to huge changes, though I have done that in the past - ie: retiring, selling the house, heading to Europe, etc. It's the details that can sometimes make a difference. Examples: I've started using a whole different range of spices in my cooking. I'm partial to Penzey's [if you've not had a chance to go into one of their retail outlets, it's an amazing sensory adventure!].
I've also been clothes shopping recently. Having lost a few extra pounds, I needed to change the wardrobe[!]. Instead of heading to the familiar boutiques, I decided to give some new shops a try. Voila! A whole different look.

One thing seems to lead to another: a different route to work several times a week; different music on the radio; trying new wine varitals; etc, etc. Maybe there's just a part of me that doesn't want to be predictable. And maybe there's a part of me that wants to be sure I'm not missing out on anything really worth the experience.

A Mother's Story

2009-03-29T14:07:00.003-05:00

For a few days now, I have been trying to formulate in my head and my heart a blog that would speak to the loss of my child. My younger son took his life two weeks ago. So many questions that will never have answers.

Those that knew him from years ago, remember the intelligent, witty, kind and handsome guy that made no enemies and had a loyalty for friends that knew no bounds. The posted messages from friends, parents of friends, former teachers, and those whose lives he came in contact with are a testament to how many people one life can touch.

This is also the guy that slowly began slipping into a darkness that most of us can not, nor should not, have to comprehend. Watching your child fight for reality and realize there is little if nothing you can do as a parent, has to be one of the most painful experiences for a person to endure.

Our children are often referred to as our link to the future. But I really feel it is more than that. Like a pebble thrown in the water, that ripple-effect of their time on earth, no matter how long or how short, has an impact. As a mom, my hope is that we are all better people because we had Joe in our lives for awhile.

Paying close attention . . .

2009-02-22T10:23:00.002-06:00

It's finally that time of year when I notice the days truly are getting longer. I get up in the morning, head out the door, it's not the middle of the night - as I've been prone to think and grumble - but actually time to be up and out!

When the weather/news sources post the sunrise and sunset times, the differences day to day seem so minute that a person wouldn't think it makes any difference at all. But cumulatively [obviously!] it does.

I'm guessing this little bit of difference can make a whole lot of difference in other areas: counting calories, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, spending habits . . . and that's just in my little part of the world.

I wonder if "the powers that be" ever pay this close attention?

Re-booting

2009-01-04T08:59:00.002-06:00

Just as the 'old' year was coming to a close, I began to experience technical difficulties . . . having computer issues ranks right up there with car problems. Of course I went through the litany of: shut down, unplug everything, and as a last resort, call for help.

Once again, I was struck by how 'events' in every day life often mirror human nature. The end of the calendar year has never been in my list of top ten happenings, and yet, New Year's Day is absolutely my favorite. I've come to realize that by Dec. 31, it's time for me to reboot: unplugging, shutting down, and if necessary, call in the support of people who truly love and care for me.

I'm happy to report that the computer glitches have all been taken care of and me, well, I'm rebooted for yet another year!

Perceptions

2008-11-09T11:41:00.002-06:00

Now that the political season has calmed down a bit, I am once again struck by how every person has a perception of "what is the right thing to do" and I'm really not referring to governmental politics. [As we know, the word "politics" refers to the interaction amongst people, so it's not just about running the government.]

I would imagine that everyone has situations in their life that they don't have a lot of control over. There are choices to be made: cry about how unfair life is that this has happened; ignore it all, because it might go away; complain about how the situation and gaze at that 'greener grass' over the fence; or put energy into action.

For me the challenge is to not allow the comments and questions from others distract me from what you know in my own heart to be the direction I need to be headed. "You should/shouldn't be doing . . . [fill in the blank]." Or, "Why are you doing/not doing . . . ?"

Without getting too specific . . . I have a friend who is terminally ill. Nothing is going to change that. What appears to be the most passionate ideal in this person's life, is something that I can help sustain through my own efforts. And to that end, this is where I'm putting my energy.

Coming up for air . . .

2008-11-03T06:28:00.002-06:00

There are several different posts that have been formulated in my head . . . and just haven't gotten done. So - time to get writing!

Not long ago a group of really good friends, the kind that you have worked with for 20, 30 years plus - who have shared weddings, divorces, health scares: the good, the bad, the ugly - all headed "to the lake" for the weekend. This is an annual trip that has been going on for almost 30 years.

It use to be that we spent time boating the waters, tanning, eating, drinking, etc., with discussions of men, diets, fashion . . . secret plans, hopes and dreams.
The last few years have been a bit slower pace, reminiscing on those crazy times, but still eating and drinking and cherising the moments together.

There are times when a person just needs to have 'the predictible'. For me it is knowing that this trip will include an afternoon of high tea at a wonderful tea house; a trip to the outlet mall for perceived bargains; those got-to-have chocolate chip cookies; and checking in with our favorite boutiques in those little towns on the way home.

Maybe it's the time of the year, but I can't help feeling that these trips have become more and more important because there may not be 30 more years of them happening. These are the memories that stay.

Another journey taken . . .

2008-09-22T19:26:00.002-05:00

It was just something that had to be done. A personal "thing", perhaps a bit defiant on my part, but something to be proved to no one but myself.

Sixty miles in three days. I had tried this once before, and through inexperience or just plain stupidity, I wasn't able to 'go the distance'. [Hard to talk about this without a lot of tired cliques . . .] But now I can say, "I did it. ALL 60 miles."

I'm referring to the Susan G. Komen, The 3 Day walk I participated in Sept. 12-14 in Seattle, WA. The reasons why various people participate in this event are as numerous as the people who are there [3500 in Seattle]. The motives are valid, the stories incredible, and the people you meet . . . well, nothing like having 3500 new best friends.

For me, the 60 miles represented the every day frustrations that try to beat a person down. Like walking against a river current, if you're not careful, you'll slip and fall or be swept away in the wrong direction. These were the two images I held in my mind during the hours of traipsing around Seattle.

For awhile, it's going to be easier to get through the day without letting 'the day' try to bring me down: I did it; and nothing can ever change that.

The Spirit Within

2008-08-16T06:48:00.002-05:00

This week I attended the dedication of a Legacy Sculpture presented to the City of Olathe honoring the city's sesquicentennial [150 years]. This life-sized monument, which is nearly 60 feet long, depicts a stagecoach, people and horses all in recognition of the heritage of Olathe as one of the final stopping places along the trails heading West.
Kwan Wu, the artist of this sculpture [who is internationally recognized for much of his work and happens to be a resident of Olathe], spent two years creating this bronze mural.
He commented that as he worked on this piece he found himself talking with the people as he fashioned them from metal - their spirits very much alive and vibrant.

I understand this very well. During the 31 years I was employed at the school for the deaf, I often felt the presence of those who had lived and worked on those grounds since 1867. Now that I am beginning to write their story, I find myself carefully listening to them and hoping to give accurate 'voice' to their tales, for these people are very real, very alive and very much a part of my life.

The Classics

2008-08-03T07:48:00.002-05:00

Now that I am traveling almost weekly on a research project - 150 miles roundtrip - I have a lot more time to listen to my collection of CD's. I'm not much one to listen to the radio because I haven't found a station that plays only what I want to listen to . . . yeah, I'm getting set in my ways!

Which brings me to the question: What makes some songs classic? I'm sure everyone has their own opinion as to which music is 'classical' but since this is my weblog, I feel compelled to speak from my own point of view.

Songs can either be about the music or about the lyrics. If the song is about the music, the melody (as it were) needs to be complex enough that every time you hear it, you hear something new. Not an easy task, I would guess . . . having been someone who has never written music, but has an appreciation for the complexity that can be heard in 'classics'. [My current favorite is Howard Shore, composer for Lord of the Rings trilogy.]

If it's about the lyrics, the story line should be timeless and personal to the listener. Some of my favorite classical song writers are Harry Chapin and Simon / Garfunkel. I love storytelling in song and love that their stories are as relevant today as they were in the '70's. Fortunately or unfortunately, I measure other story writers against these people . . .

So as I'm cruising along I-70 you might see me singing the stories of these never-out-of-date writers or lost in the battle for Middle Earth. It really makes the trip to Topeka go quickly!

The Writing Process

2008-07-24T18:38:00.003-05:00

For anyone who writes and actually thinks about it, there is a very personal process that is travelled . . .

As many of my close friends and perhaps not so close acquaintances are aware, I have been asked [and accepted] the task of writing a book about the history of the Kansas School for the Deaf. This was well over a year ago, and I am finally at a point of actually putting pencil to paper.

This is not to say that the writing process didn't start many months ago, because it really did. Too often, there are those who think if you don't see the tangible proof of the 'fruits of labor' nothing has happened. I have personally found that the start of the process happens in the churnings inside my head. This can go on for a very long time. The trick is to know when it's gone on long enough and recognize that the ideas are ready to 'be birthed'.

It's exciting to be at that point, because often you can't write fast enough to get the ideas committed to paper. I do know that this is not going to be a matter of a few weeks or months, but at least two solid years of research and writing before sending material off to a yet-to-be-discovered publisher.

What's reassuring to me, is the task is very personal and very fulfilling - so whether anyone is interested in reading the book when I'm finished is not the point. Some of us write for others and some of us write for ourselves. This has a bit of both, perhaps, but I do recognize that it's going to be a journey and labor of love for me.

Being connected . . .

2008-07-20T08:32:00.018-05:00

It's amazing how many avenues for "connection" are available to any person with access to a computer. I'm finding that the time a person can spend in front of the screen is a bit daunting at best.

I've recently joined LinkedIn and Facebook: one for business connections, the other for fun [much to the chagrin of the younger generation!].

Like anything else, if you're going to make it worth your while to become part of "an organizaation" it takes responsibility to keep up-to-date and active with what's happening. A person gets very little out of something by just sitting on the sidelines watching.

Hence the challenge to check on the status of the groups. I still belong to three service organizations . . . though I'm finding it challenging to attend meetings on a regular basis - time and gas, both. It makes me wonder about the groups a person joins online and if this is just a fad or another option, or is this the movement of the future . . .

Personally, I'm more comfortable with face-to-face, but there is something about being able to tell your side without interruption [and sometimes, no comments because you've been so tardy with entries, like this one!]

So, hello to anyone who might still be checking my blog! I do plan to keep it going, if for no other reason than it gives me an outlet for writing!

Picking a Cause

2008-04-06T16:12:00.003-05:00

It's fairly obvious that times are getting tough all over for everyone. I've heard more people talking about budgeting their personal finances than ever before [myself included!]

Most of my work career has been in the non-profit arena - I tend to include the educational system in this genre - and certainly where I'm working now, we have felt "the pinch".

Because of my background, I have a special place in my heart for organizations that work hard to raise money for research since tax monies are usually not allocated for these purposes. As many of you may know, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day, 60 mile walk twice before - once as a walker in New York, then as a pit crew worker in Kansas City.

Once again I have signed up to walk. This time in Seattle, in September. Why this cause? Probably because I have had too many friends who have been through the ordeal of fighting cancer, something I haven't been faced with personally, and hopefully, will never have to.

So, this is my blatant request for help! In order to participate in the walk, each person raises $2100. I've gotten a start on this, but could use some help. If you want, please click on this link: The 3-Day which should take you directly to my donation page!

Thanks for giving this some consideration and I promise not to solicit too often on my blog!

Grapes of Spring!

2008-03-12T07:32:00.004-05:00

March has always been a transitional month in my mind. Living in the midwest, the month of March seems to signal Mother Nature's struggle and reluctance to give up the cold of winter and give way to the warmth and hope of a new season.

I don't even mind the snow storms we sometimes have, because you just know the cold wetness won't last that long. There's a feeling of getting out of old ruts and awakening to new avenues of adventure.

Given a chance, this discovery can happen in just about any aspect of life: hence, my new found affection for the grape variety, Malbec. This is a grape from Argentina that I find to be very pleasing to the palate. I'm not even going to try to use the appropriate terminology in describing the flavor - I'm just not that refined as a wine connoisseur. But I do know what I like!

Last night I had the privilege of accompanying friends to a wine-tasting event [they own a wine and spirits store and wanted opinions on various wines]. I was more than happy to oblige. Rows and rows of tables, laden with bottles of every imaginable variety of grape.

Welcome to Spring!

Fiddles and Violins

2008-02-17T12:47:00.002-06:00

I have often wondered why I feel more inclined to get out to cultural events when I'm on vacation or out of town. There are so many opportunities around if a person just pays attention!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to see and hear Joshua Bell playing with the Kansas City Sympony. It's difficult to find the words that can describe the beauty he can coax out of an instrument. Of course having a Stradivarius violin doesn't hurt! [By the way, if you have never seen The Red Violin, it's a great movie.]

This past weekend I saw and heard an equally amazing performance by the StepCrew. [A lot of people don't realize how very Irish Kansas City can be!] What these performers are able to do with 'fiddles' is incredible! For two hours, with a short intermission, there was non stop fiddlin', dancing and singing on stage!

Two very different but equally wonderful performances using basically a similar instrument . . .

Mid-winter Musings . . .

2008-02-12T16:23:00.000-06:00

A good friend commented to me today, that I have been "lax" in keeping my blog going. I'm actually thrilled that someone still checks! So, I thought I'd better post a note to let those of you out there [who haven't given up on me!] catch up a bit with what's been happening.

The cast is off my arm! So, no more excuses about not being able to type. Getting range of mobility back takes some time, but I find that I'm saying 'ouch' a lot less. Once again, I have changed my work status, finding that part-time right now is fitting in better with my personal life.

In a sense I have come back home, as I'm now the Interim Executive Director for the Deaf Cultural Center . . . a one of a kind museum and facility, located in Olathe, Kansas. The position title may sound fancy, but the work is a labor of love. Once I can get the webpage figured out on how to make changes, I'll post the link! We're hoping the position will evolve into a permanent, full-time job - part of what I'm working on: securing corporate sponsorships. [If anyone is interested, let me know!]

I recently heard someone talk about how life's challenges can be handled in three ways: do nothing, complain and wish that someone else would take the problem over and "make it all better", or deal with the issues head on and realize that the stress and strain, heartache and tears are all a part of the journey. And what I have come to realize is - the journey doesn't stop just because you think you've reached a certain age. No specifics . . . just an observation . . .

New Perspectives

2007-12-22T11:53:00.000-06:00

Hopefully, some of you are still out there reading this blog. I realize I have been remiss in keeping it current . . . I now find I have a bit more time due to an "imposed" slowdown. Two weeks ago, I slipped on the ice [gotta love the fickle nature of Midwest weather!] and broke both bones in the forearm of my right arm, at the wrist. Yes, this is the same arm that had the dislocated finger in June. And yes, I am right handed, so typing with one hand, let alone anything else [!] has provided me a new perspective on my day to day routine.At this point, I'm not able to drive my 5-speed [I'm seeing quite a savings on the weekly bills], so at times I truly feel like I've had my wing clipped. I don't mind walking, however, as I'm trying to get this written, there is sleet tapping at the windows and a prediction of 5-7 inches of snow expected throughout the day. [The photo looks out on the backyard.]
As cumbersome and annoying as it is to have to deal with one-handedness, I am humbled to know that for me, this is temporary. I suppose we all need occasional reminders to cherish what we have. It can be gone in a blink of an eye.

Working to live . . . living to work

2007-10-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

I've given a lot of thought to this very recently, now that I have re-entered the world of work. Am I working to live? - those pesky bills keep coming on a regular basis, or am I living to work - that passionate drive that gets you up and out the door every morning.

It's too early to say at the moment. I didn't realize that I had neglected to mention to friends that I began work in July with a start up company , and part of my job includes travel across the country. Her email was very short and succinct: what job . . . ? [Sorry, Carol! I promise to get back with you!]

Going from the 'service' industry [education] to the 'corporate' industry [sales] is quite a leap. I find myself trying to merge the two worlds. I'll keep you posted on how that goes!

In the mean time, I look for a way to balance putting my time and energy into both my personal as well as my work life.

Harry Potter and the Amazing Summer Event

2007-09-03T12:34:00.000-05:00

In the 1977, there was an amazing event which took place in movie theatres all over the country: Star Wars, Episode IV premiered. I remember. I was there. Nothing could probably be compared to such a happening until thirty years later: the final installment of Harry Potter.

Now I do recognize that there are some people out there that just don't 'get it.' But for those of you who are true lovers of Hogwarts Tales, you will undoubtedly understand what all the hoopla was about.

With camera in hand, I headed to the nearest Border's Book Store and awaited my turn at purchasing the books [I always buy two - one for me and one for the kids at my former school] I had requested months earlier on the 'wait' list.

It was a long evening of waiting, but at the stroke of midnight, I stood in line with 100's of others, patiently knowing that soon the questions uppermost in our minds, would be answered!

It wasn't easy, but before I 'cracked' the book open, I made a conscious decision to reread the previous six books, before starting on the final episode. There are so many characters and events to remember, I knew I would enjoy the last book much more if I wasn't trying to recall lost events. I was right!

Of course I won't divulge any information, but I really liked how J.K. Rowlings ended the series. No, this is not Lord of the Rings. But as an educator for life, you have to be thrilled that someone was able to create an intricate story aimed at kids!

Tribute to a Gentle-man

2007-09-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

My father died August 18. At the age of almost 91, his body just couldn't keep going, even though his mind appeared to be as vibrant as ever.

There are some people in this world who don't have to say much to be heard. Dad was one of these folks. When he spoke, people listened. He would give his opinion when asked, offer advise when asked, and believe in the goodness of others until they proved differently.

When my son, Jim was about six years old, I remember him asking, "Why is Grandpa so smart?" The answer: he read. Everything.

Growing up during the Depression at the start of World War I in Southwest Missouri [Ozark country], with many mouths to feed in the family and not much money, life was not easy. Dad talked about being in eleven different school during twelve years of schooling, yet somehow he was able to get a good education.

Occasionally, he would allude to adventures after graduating from high school: hitchhiking to California, working in the forestry service with the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps], then serving in Africa and Sicily during World War II. His stories were funny, poignant and always worth hearing again, yet never too personal.

There was no money for college once he got home, but the drive for life-long learning was ever-present throughout his life.

Dad was truly respected as a 'gentle man', a person with strength of character and great honor. A humble man whose spirit touched the lives of more people than he probably ever realized. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Larger photos . . .

2007-07-14T12:42:00.000-05:00

Technology is trying to get the better of me again! For some reason the photos I uploaded for my last post were way too small!!
So here they are in a larger format:

A New York state of mind . . .

2007-07-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's been almost two weeks since I returned to the midwest, but I had a few final photos and thoughts about my two months in New York.
Often I heard the comment from several different people, if you're bored in NYC, it's because you're not making the effort to walk out your front door. Every day there are choices of festivals, parades, concerts, 'happenings', many of them free [!!].
The annual Mermaid Parade [a celebration of the beginning of summer, held on Coney Island] and Pride Parade [one of the longest parades in NY, that makes it's way through Chelsea] fell the same weekend, and a group of us managed to get to both of them.

There's a wonderful magazine that comes out once a week called "Time Out New York." This is the answer to 'what do you want to do today?' publication, because it has a listing of just about anything and everything happening. One of the free events I went to was a meeting at the New York library on how to work at and solve the New York Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle!
I'll put in a plug for two of my favorite restaurants. If you travel north to about 198th street, there is a park area called The Cloisters. In this area is The Green Leaf Restaurant. If you happen to be there for Sunday brunch, I recommend the muffin basket!

For dessert, for those of us that recognize chocolate as one of the major food groups, head back to Union Square to Max Brenner's - Chocolate by the Bald Man. It's like walking into Willy Wonka's factory.

Did I spend a lot of time eating in New York? You betcha! And I was rarely disappointed! Did I get a chance to see and do everything I wanted? Absoluetly not! New York is one of those towns that leaves you wanting more.

Adventures in Chinatown

2007-06-26T10:45:00.001-05:00

There is so much more that goes on in Chinatown than just being a tourist destination - even though that is certainly a big draw for the crowds. My first venture there was to catch the bus to Boston.

Getting off the subway and heading to Fung Wah Bus, a few blocks away, I found myself feeling like a New Yorker . . . wishing there weren't quite so many tourists!

However, when I returned to explore the area, I decided there were a few "touristy" things I should do. One of which was to try the Ice Cream from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. I chose the Green Tea Ice Cream, and I wasn't disappointed!

A few days later I was back in Chinatown for Sunday brunch and Dim Sum at Ping's Restaurant - an experience I highly recommend. The restaurant was filled with 'locals', usually a good sign that the food is worth the trip!
Also found in Chinatown, or a bit south of the area, are the various courthouses, the City Hall, and other Municipal Buildings.
I'm also very taken with the neighborhood park areas. I suspect that many out-of-towners assume that the only Park in Manhattan is Central Park. However, amid the steel and concrete are some very beautiful and peaceful "green" spaces. There are always lots of people, young and old enjoying the chance to sit for awhile, or play: boccie to basketball.

Bus trip to Boston

2007-06-20T11:16:00.000-05:00

For a mere $30 round-trip ticket, you can catch a bus in Chinatown and head to Boston, which is what I did this past weekend. The 'four-hour' trip actually took a bit over five hours [Friday afternoon summer's-almost-here traffic] and unfortunately, the air-conditioning was not working on the bus. However, once I arrived, the weekend was great!

Jan and Simi are totally gracious hosts, and were very indulgent in taking the weekend to show me the sights and sounds of Cambridge and Boston.

When first visiting a new city, I feel compelled to check out landmarks the city may be best remembered for: Boston Commons, Beacon Hill, State House, the bay area, etc.
And Boston does not disappoint! There were several festivals going on throughout the weekend and the weather was made to order.

I also like to find "the touch of whimsy" that can be found. Again, no disappointment there! These two photos are just a sampling.

Boston clam chowder, Dave Brubeck and Quartet concert [he's 87 years old and going strong!], Cambridge Riverside Festival, Toscanini's Ice Cream, the Institute for Contemporary Art, The Barking Crab . . . it's amazing how much you can fit into a weekend if you really work at it!

Tribeca

2007-06-14T15:26:00.000-05:00

I have finally taken the time to get back to my exploring of Manhattan. Today's adventure took me to Tribeca.
From what I can discern, this fairly small neighborhood is made up of many, many restaurants - 52, according to the NFT guide book. I can attest to one of these dining meccas: Nobu's Next Door.

Nobu is a very high-end restaurant, where rumor has it, you put your name on a two to three month waiting list. Nobu's next door doesn't take reservations - you just show up. It was three years ago that we ate here and I can still remember the experience!

The mark of a restaurant that 'has made it' might be that there is no signage needed on the outside to "lure" people in. Everyone who needs to know, knows where it is.

One of the fun landmarks that can be found in Tribeca is the Ghostbuster's Firehouse. I had to get a photo!
And again, I never would have known this was here if I didn't have the NFT Guidebook, because there is nothing on the building to indicate what it is . . . so New Yorkish!

I did find one other reason for making the trip to Tribeca and that is the discovery of the Amish Market. There appears to be a wide variety of fresh food, as well as a cafe, and at reasonable prices! I wasn't hungry, so didn't stop to eat, but I would willingly come back to check it out later.

Swimming parallel to the shore

2007-06-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Recently I saw a news clip describing what to do if caught in a riptide while swimming. Rather than fight the current [which usually will win] by heading straight to the shore, you should swim parallel to the shore. This takes you out of the pull of the tide, enabling you to catch your breath and head for safety.
This past week has felt like a riptide . . .

Jim is in Venezuela and assures me he's fine . . . even though he talks about the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators down the block from where he's working; hot water in the apartment has become a 'hit and miss' kind of option; a good friend of mine emailed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer [regular mammograms are a must!]; then during the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, a very large dead tree in the backyard fell - very loudly!

These are not the kind of life events that I have any sense of control over, so I find myself 'swimming parallel to the shore' until I can catch my breath and head for land for awhile.

For those of you who have had the ultimate pleasure of dining on 'Jim Burgers' on the patio out back . . . these pictures are for you!