Rising to the Occasion of Finding the Horses?

So, last blog, I told you about the graduation and the whirlwind trip to Indiana after my son graduated, rushing to watch my niece graduate.  Somewhere between graduations ( I think), I lost my camera.  Now its not a fancy camera, just a Panasonic Lumix TZ4.  Here is an ebay link to one so you can see what it looks like. http://www.ebay.com/ctg/100135083?_imid=140572129651#

The horse photo is just to get your attention. Keep reading the blog for more information.

I have had it for a long time and it had several SD cards with photos of my daughter riding, horses, family gatherings, videos, etc.  Most of it, probably not so valuable to anyone but me.

I called everywhere.  When I called the civic center http://www.tlccc.org/,  I got a recording and left messages.  No return calls from them.  I called Tallahassee Airport, thinking that perhaps I left it in the screening area and some kind soul turned it in. I have to say that getting someone to help you look for something requires a lot of skill.  Most of those folks have other things to do and did not sound too terribly interested in my plight.  They told me they turn everything over to the Tallahassee Police Department.  More on that later.  Finally, I spoke to one very nice officer who said, yes he does have a Panasonic camera in a black case.  I drive all the way to the airport, stand in security, watch the line of travelers proceed to the pat and chat area.  Soon,  the ever helpful TSA comes to show me the camera.  He lifted it out of the bag and then I saw that it was not mine.  Drat!

While I was there, I stopped to see the lonely Delta Airline baggage claim lady, who genuinely looked happy to see me.
think the Maytag repairman of Delta Airlines.  Surrounded by nondescript black bags (don't those people know the ribbon trick?), she jumped to the file cabinet to search through her 18 inch wide lost and found drawer.  Books, combs, brushes, make up bags, wires that go to whatever, no camera.  On with the search.

Next, I called Tallahassee Police Department and asked speak to the officer in charge of the PROPERTY ROOM.
The PROPERTY ROOM is clearly identified on the TPD website as the place to call.  I have never seen this place, but it must be like a morgue of lost things because the officer sounded as if her first career was in a funeral parlor. Her voice was a little echoy and she said with no hint of emotion whatsoever, there isn't a camera like that here.  And that ended it, there was no more to say. She made that clear. Click and another dead end (no pun intended).

Next is the Enterprise rental car company who refers me to the Airport Security of Indianapolis airport to check.  I get through to the lost and found in the Indianapolis airport and talk to a woman who is as sweet and concerned as the day is long.  She assures me that when she has a relief person on the switchboard, she will go look for my camera.  When I call her back hours later, she says in the softedt, but most professional manner, "Yes, we have Panasonic camera that was turned in on June 4, 2011 AND has horses on it."  The case was gone, but it sounds so close to the description. I asked her to open the little doors and describe the SD Card, but she didn't want to risk damage.  But hallelujah, I have a camera!  It had to be!

I had it shipped second day, laying out the $20 with confidence.  It came in a flat envelope, remarkably undamaged.  I opened it and carefully unwrapped the Indianapolis map that it was folded into, and of course, it isn't mine.  But now is the question. Perhaps an ethical one, perhaps one of fate.

No one claimed this camera.  No one called the Indy airport.  I paid for the shipping.  And I have the camera.  And should I keep it? Maybe, but not without trying to find the owners.

Now here is the CLINCHER!  They ate at a BJ's restaurant http://www.bjsbrewhouse.com/locations and had a party and the restaurants are here in Florida!  Some one in the horse community of Florida can help fine the owners.  This little camera must have flown to Florida and returned to Indy, while mine was flying to Indy maybe.

So, all of you out there, I need your help to identify the horses and the scenery.  Maybe if I can figure this out, fate will send me my camera back!  I want to be careful.  I want to be thourough, but mostly, I don't want those folks to have the same feeling as me.  So pass this to all your horse friends and lets get this back to the owners! Thank you to other sites like

Horses for Sale - - HorseShowCentral provides many FREE ads for sale horses, all breeds. http://www.horseshowcentral.com

http://www.ifoundyourcamera.net

Rising to the Occasion of graduation.....

Wow, what a weekend starting June 3.  Worked till 11:00 a.m. on Friday and had a crowd by 3:30 p.m. gathering to celebrate the youngest son's graduation from high school.  Everyone a flitter and a flutter trying to get ready, see everyone, hug and get in the right photo.  So excited was the youngest of the family to finish, that he almost forgot to go to the stadium for pre-ceremony assembly!

He rushed from the house in white sports socks and black shoes, a polo shirt (school colors), but at least he had the Cap and Gown.  Whew!  Then, trying to get everone out the door in time for the ceremony was a struggle.  Much more fun to stand around and eat and talk in the air condition when you know that it is a 102 degrees outside with humidity to match.  But upward and onward we drove to the  civic center for the last high school graduation of our little nuclear family.  The last assembly, commencement speech, class president memory tour, and the rocking Florida High School orchestra that I will hear for a very long time.  It is fabulous to see the teachers, the enthusiam, the dedication, year after year.  It has to be a profession of love, for who else could go to high school graduation every single year!?!

We arrive at the stadium with five senior citizens all over 70, who do not like climbing bleachers.  There is the hearing problem as in too loud and deafening at the same time.  There is the height problem, the too far to walk problem and the too far away problem.  I assure them all, that the critical thing is their presence.  The fact that they are there, standing to applaud the newest graduate is all that is expected. And it is wonderful.  They struggle though the inconveniences of places planned for young noisy crowds, to celebrate the members of the young noisy crowd.  And though they cannot wait to leave the stadium, they stay till the end, and applaud with enthusiasm.  They truly rise to the occasion of the event.

My son, young and eager to be finished, is celebrating the change of the tassel from right to left.  He is running around with the other now non-students, the soon to be soldiers and the one that got into med school early.  He is ecstatic about his future, going to the community college (this one doesn't want to leave home) and then to FSU.  He is my quiet one and probably the most reliable.

Soon after, my father and daughter and I left the house to jump on a plane to Indiana.  My sister's oldest graduated Sunday.  We flew and drove all day Saturday; the small town of Benton is not near an airport. They do have incredible wind farms. The vast fields of corn and soy were beautiful and reminded me I have no idea how to plow so well, such straight and perfect looking lines.  Indiana, where basketball is a way of life like farming.  Where boys in jeans with boots really work on a farm and drive tractors and trucks before they get licenses.  Where swimming pools are in-doors and buildings have sharp pitched roofs to deflect the snow.

We arrived in time to go to Lowes and buy the gifts every girl needs: a drill, a hammer, tape measure, picture hanging stuff, and of course a bunch of screwdrivers.  We loaded the tools into a trashcan and wrapped it with a new welcome mat.  It was quite different than the prettily wrapped packages of cooking wares and bed spreads.

The event was at the high school gym and the air condition was on full bore, freezing us in the nose bleed section.  The people were excited and anxious about their child approaching the stage, as each set of photographers rushed to the front to snap the action shot of their loved one.

Our beautiful neice, grandaughter and cousin was all smiles as she debuted a graduate, an independent a young woman ready for the experiment of life.  She was as lovely as she could be, all smiles and hope.  She is the promise of the future, and I look at her and my son and think they will rule the show one day soon.  My generation will gracefully or not so gracefully,  choose to move over and let the young cell phone, laptop, android, ipad, 4g generation have the reins.  And I wish them the best, and know that they will do fine and lead the next set of graduates to the platforms that mark our lives.

And I already am planning for my trips up the bleachers, to attend the ceremonies that I can't hear, can't really see, but will joyously celebrate, as others have theirs.  Good luck class of 2011.

Rising to the Occassion Texas Style

This past month, I had the opportunity to visit Texas.  With the exception of passing through to change planes, I had not been there since I was a kid.  So visiting Austin, Texas was quite an experience.

First off, Austin is not what one thinks of when you say Texas.  Very few cowboy hats.  But there were boots.  Lots of boots, but more on the boots later.

The first day, I had flown all day from Tallahassee to Austin.  That means going through Atlanta airport.  The longest, never change planes on the same concourse, ever, airport in the U.S.  Ride the train, wait to get off, ride the escalator, ride the elevator.  The only thing they didn't make you ride was a horse (that could at least be fun).  Then off to the skies to Austin.

After sitting endlessly through the "cattle car" section, I arrived at the Austin airport.  It was a genuine Texas welcome, with a towering guitar.  Showing my ignorance, I asked about the guitar.  Who knew that Austin was famous for music?  Okay, who in Tallahassee knew Austin was famous for music?  The guitars are everywhere.  Huge colorful guitars for varying corners with much appreciated color and meaning.  Also, a very convenient way of navigating the city.  This is particularly true for the direction challenged.

My traveling companion wanted to head to the hotel, so after checking in, I went walking to discover the lay of the land.  It was fairly straight forward and grid like, so all I needed to remember was Congress Avenue, and the numbered streets.  All the other streets are named after rivers.  That single piece of information made the walking pleasant. Once I had oriented, it was back to the hotel to make the plan for sight seeing after attending training at the huge civic center across from our hotel.

The second evening, it was a walker's paradise.  We strolled west along fourth, made it over the bridge, then turned and went toward the park.  We had heard about the bat colony: http://www.austin360.com/search/content/events/special/bats.html  It is alleged to be the biggest in urban America, but you will have to do your own research.. Though we made it to the Lamar Street Bridge and crossed over to watch.  No bats emerged where we could see, so we went back down to hike Lady Bird Lake Trail.  It was filled with people walking, jogging, running and showing their pets the outdoors.  It was lovely and laced with Texas Flowers: the bluebonnet http://www.50states.com/flower/texas.htm

They are some kind of blue and very spicey to look at.  They decorate the hillside where the lake is and make the landscape a vast canvas of color.  We continued the hike, but came to the detour site, that said the roads were closed and so was Congress Ave.  An art show was in progress of dismantling.  We missed the show, but it must have been fabulous because the streets were packed with semi trucks and porta potty vehicles.  We had to climb the hill and slip through a fence to avoid another long walk.  I personally would have kept going, but my sidekick was starting to fade on me.  She kept muttering about a coldbeer.  Coldbeer is one word for her.  And apparently, not just her.

We emerged at congress and started the long hike back.  We decided to stop at Frank's for a coldbeer and a ginger beer.  http://hotdogscoldbeer.com/  Frank's is a pretty cool place, that looks like a grocery store, but inside is a bar, restaurant, coffee shop and music hall.  We had the privelege of listening to Ava.  The photos almost can let you hear her soft melodious voice belting out crooner music.  Check her out! http://www.avaarenella.com/#!music

After that we strolled back tot he hotel.  A bit refreshed (where my sidekick decided a pizza was in order).

The next day we had time to slip out for lunch at the Driskill.  If you have never been, it is quite lovely with a story behind every pillar and room.  It was breathtaking and truly awesome when you see it  for the first time.  I can see why LBJ took Ladybird there for dates.  Quite impressive.  http://www.driskillhotel.com/

Lunch was divine and all of us had our fill.  They have the most incredible burger that you have ever had.  Amazing.  Bacon, egg, cheese, hashbrown, burgehttp://www.austinducks.com/r, bun, just oozing with caloric goodness.  It is huge too.  What a fabulous walk back to the convention center after such a lunch!

No tour would be complete without a tour with the "Ducks".  Ausitn Ducks tour http://www.austinducks.com/  took us on the river, by the capital and past the UT campus.  It was great weather and lots of fun.  Our guide was a part time tour leader who full times as a firefighter.  Handsome, fun and brave in one package!

I will visit Ausitn again, with better walking shoes (did I mention walking with my broken foot boot on?).  I really appreciate the sights, the friendly residents and the lovely atmosphere.  I wish my daughter had been in Stubbs barbeque and I wish that my sons could have heard the music.  Maybe I can put Austin on their to do lists for the future.

BTW I am not sure why, but Austin just makes you feel more beautiful and alive.

The Herb Garden Occasion

Sometimes a day just works out.  I didn't have a real plan, just wanted to see the family.  Just wanted to enjoy the beautiful spring.  But today, worked better than I could have imagined.  I spent the day with some of the people I love.  I spent the day at the farm, a place I love.  Then we had a small adventure to the herb farm.  What a fabulous place to walk and look and learn.

My father wanted to get a few herbs for his garden and I wanted to see the choices.  What a fabulous choice of plants.  Some even medicinal.  Today I learned about Comfrey: One of the country names for comfrey was ‘knitbone’, a reminder of its traditional use in healing bone fractures. Modern science confirms that comfrey can influence the course of bone ailments.  And of course, I have broken toes and an ailing foot.  How timely.

The sunny day, the cool breezes, the fun environment all contributed to a great day.  My purchases were: a columbine, a clematis, basil, oregano, thyme and comfrey.  I loved this occasion and can't wait till my next visit.

O'Toole's Herb Farm Greenhouse

Lots of oregano, parsley and basil.

Thyme Began in a Garden

Pay and then take it all home.  Tomorrow is a garden day!

http://www.otoolesherbfarm.com/

Rising to the Occasion in Stirrups

When I was young, I used to ride my horse like the wind with just a halter, me and her pounding through the orange groves in our Florida area.  The year was 19 seventy something and life was much simpler and wants much fewer.

As I aged, I lost my boldness in riding and transferred my bravery to my daughter, who rides like the wind and pounds hooves on the ground in Gainesville.  Watching her fills me with memories and envy.  I know I should be back on a horse now, but there is always a reason not to: time, money, patience, fear.

Today I saw this article and talk about rising to the occasion.  This woman is facing the fight of a lifetime and still riding dressage on huge competitive horses.  And then to read this line,"Right after the operation, I had to rest. I also use crutches because I’m an amputee, and the doctor told me I couldn’t use them because it put strain on the area. So I had to stay home for a couple of weeks."


Double brave woman filled with determination.  Makes me feel like I should quit making excuses and find the time, find the money, face the fear, earn the patience.  There is no guarantee for a "later" for any of us.  I should rise to the occasion my self.  


http://www.equisearch.com/magazines/dressage-today/rider-fitness-tip-of-the-month-breast-cancer-challenge?utm_source=edt&utm_medium=DTnewsletter&utm_campaign=eqs

Rider Fitness Tip of the Month: Breast Cancer Challenge

By Heather Sansom

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An interview with an equestrian breast cancer survivor and exercises to build shoulder strength and improve range of motion.

My Mother's Hands

As a child, I remember looking up over the counter at the grocery store while my mother wrote the check to pay for the loot.  She had the most beautiful hands, writing so gracefully across the check book.  She gently tore out the page and handed it to the clerk.  Her wedding ring sat just perfectly on her finger as her wrist flicked over for the receipt.  She seemed so grown up, so adult.

When you are small you tend to see heads with no neck, stomachs with smiles sitting on top of them, way up high - and hands.  My mother's hands always gave me a sense of security and calm.  They were graceful and soft and yet so in control. Her hands ran the house, comforted the hurtful moments and waved at us furiously when we acted up in the back seat of the car.  They directed the world. Her hands commanded little events and large plans.  They dialed the phone with the utmost of grace; the dial going round and round while she selected which hole to place her index finger into.  The memories of watching it make me smile still.

My mother's hands knew all that needed to be done, and yet they also rose to the occasion of artistry. They drew lovely sketches with charcoal.  They managed to paint water colors of beautiful scenery.  They showed a creative side need not be suppressed in spite of the daily grind.  They held wonder and they held control.  What power and mystery they possessed.

And yet my mother's hands grow old, fragile and more beautiful.  And now mine are aging too.  As I talked to a friend today waving my hands in the air, I saw the spots.  You know the spots that reflect the sunshine hours you spent and the horses you rode.  They reflect the hours of typing and the years of holding babies.

As I look at my hands, I am grateful for my mother and her mother before her. Their hands showed what power there is in a simple gesture.  Yes, I remember well how beautiful my mother's hands are, and hopefully will be for many years to come.

Rising to the Occasion of the Seven Year Itch?

Perhaps its just my age, or maybe my friends age, but it seems like several of the "midlife crisis" set are changing big time.  It used to be that you heard about men leaving their wives of twenty years to find the new trophy wife or to pursue the sports car of their dreams.  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=trophy%20wife

But the people I hear about are women making mid life choices to leave their spouses or their comfortable habits and pursue a new lifestyle.  Some are leaving to change their life in big ways.  One I know of left her home and job to pursue marathon running competitively.  Another left because she wanted to live in a big city, having lived in the country for the last 20 years (could have been the commute).  And just tonight, my husband told me about another woman that we both know, planning to leave for a new love.

Perhaps it is just my imagination, but perhaps it is just my generation.  We are the ones that had to pursue it all: families, jobs, social activity, community service.  The soccer moms with their anti-tiger mom approach of giving theirs all the things they never had as youth.  My generation stormed in and now is changing the with the tide of age.  We may be tired of being it all, or we may just need to rejuvenate.  Some are doing it with their families, others are desiring to pursue who they are....  sort of like the teen years of finding one's self.  Many (mostly those left behind literally or figuratively) think they are making a bad trade and a poor choice.  But I am not so sure.  It isn't so much that the choices they made to begin with were right or wrong, as the choices they made twenty or thirty years ago don't apply anymore.

Articles on Crisis for Women

Several of the women I know are just plain unhappy with where they are.  They rose to the top of their game, raised their children, performed the house chores and were active wives.  They were challenged and took the challenge, rising to the occasion of ever more demands.  And now they face a long future.  Isn't 40 the new thirty? and 50 the new 40?  Don't they have another 30 years of life at least to pursue happiness and fulfillment?  Didn't they give enough and deserve a second shot?

What if their situation is not bad, it just isn't enough?  When one reaches the top or the plateau of career and a full family, you face more of your self.  You look in the mirror and see the inevitable change and maybe you think its now or never.  Maybe you think that you have so much time left, there is enough to be a whole new person with different aspirations and emotions and growth.  It is real; we do have a long time to be new or renewed when our children leave and our jobs top out - or are even gone.

AARP has many resources for those who want to enter a second career  ttp://www.aarp.org/work/working-after-retirement/

Other sites have info on rebranding yourself http://hbr.org/2011/03/reinventing-your-personal-brand/ar/1. I think people stop and wonder if they should be looking at a second life....  You know sort of the trophy wife scenario only now it is the trophy me instead.  I understand that feeling and the need to expand, to find something meaningful at this age and this time.  I look back on my mother's life and my grandmothers' lives and wonder if they didn't think and feel the same thing.  One of my grandmothers had already started a second family late in life.  I doubt she had time to think of new pursuits.  But surely those like my mother, who married at 19 and lived their entire life married and mothering, thought of pursuing a different dream or another course at some point.

I am not writing to advocate for leaving your spouse or changing your life.  That is a deeply personal choice that is way too complicated to indulge.  But I do understand the desire to be more than the supermom and the super employee.  I understand wanting to be a super you with a new identity and new purpose.  The options that we have are far greater than those who came before us. And those options present the challenge of choice.  Choosing is hard, as it is probably not reversible and not easy.  Even those who are certain that it is right will tell you how difficult the transition is.  Frightening really.  It does require some bravery to be someone new.

Don't be crabby about change.

I just wonder how it will turn out in thirty years.  I wonder if we look back and say that the choices we made on our second wind were as gratifying as the first.  This generation of women s broke a lot of ground and raised a fantastic group of children. They changed the workforce, the congress, and maybe the path of marriage for the future.  Now they are changing themselves again.  I guess the challenges aren't over.  I wish all of those looking down that path well. And I wish the ones that aren't going to change with you well too.