Musings from the Desk

Today....

2011-12-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Today I exercised my right to free speech.
I signed the recall petition for Governor Scott Walker.
Never in my life have I supported recall efforts in the past; in general, I think they're a waste of taxpayer dollars. Not this time.
Central Wisconsin is reeling after the elimination of more than 1,000 well-paying jobs announced within the past week alone. Naysayers mention the 1,000 jobs on RelyLocal Wausau that are available. It's easy to point to those low paying jobs when you're employed, or have never been subject to layoff, as I have been. I spent over a year without work, and went from making $50K a year to less than half that. These workers will be forced to make the same sacrifices, which all trickles down to even the smallest shops and businesses when there are less dollars to spend in the community.
So, Governor Walker, it would be nice if you'd deliver on that campaign promise you made of creating 250,000 new jobs, just in time for Christmas.
Really. We've been good all year.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy Galway

2011-12-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

This morning, I've tuned in XM's Symphony Hall as I begin my work day; I find the music both satisfying and calming. Famed flutist James Galway is on, my second favorite flute player of all time (you just can't beat Jean Pierre Rampal....sorry, Jimmy!)
As I listen to Devienne's Flute Concerto #8, my fingers mimic his, patterns becoming familiar as I hear it once again. I played this as as state contest piece more than 25 years ago, back when I practiced 3 hours a day - every day - and no, I'm not kidding.
I aced it then. Now, anxiety grips my heart when I play, struggling through what once would have been effortless passages as a flutist with the Wausau Symphony Orchestra. What happened to me? What changed?
I once dreamed only of playing....now that dream is just a wisp of smoke. I wipe away tears as I mourn what I once was, and try to find contentment in what I have become.

My Worst Fear......

2011-11-08T13:55:00.001-08:00

It all started when the coffee pot refused to brew. Never a good sign. Even the dogs know not to speak to me until I’ve had my first cup, and today is a big day that’s starting earlier than usual. The flooring guys are coming and I need everyone up, showered, and out of the house by 7, when Bill should get here to remove the toilet. Flooring guys will move your appliances, I’m told, but they don’t do toilets.
I’m a voice girl. I do commercials, training videos, and the occasional documentary. Sometimes clients, especially small businesses, like to pay in trade instead of cash. I love trade deals. So far, trade has landed me a mountain bike, a ridiculously expensive gas grill, some haircuts, new windows, and one of my two dogs (long story). My latest client signed on for a year of radio ads in exchange for updating my 1950’s style flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. This is about 50 years overdue. I feel like I’m getting the better end of the deal, since it takes me about two minutes to record an ad for them every month. I almost feel guilty about it.
The toilet thing goes fine; Bill, my stepdad, is a whiz at that kind of thing. I’m just a little worried, since that’s the only toilet in the house.
“Maybe the coffee thing is for the best,” he says, “with no toilet, and all.”
He’s got a point.
In real life, I’m a copy editor, since the voice work comes in fits and spurts. My home office is small, but I love my ancient desk and well-worn chair, and my giant windows overlooking the river. When I sit at my desk with the doors and windows shut, it’s peaceful; I can hardly hear the whir of the saw in the next room.
Booting up my MacBook, I see I have 82 articles waiting in my queue to be edited. “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” I whisper, crinkling my nose and resisting the urge to curse. I average about 50 a day, so this is going to be a long one. And 20 from my least favorite writer, though we’re not supposed to single people out like that. I can’t help it.
What I wouldn’t give for a coffee.
With a sigh, I open my first article, just as one of the flooring guys pokes his head through the doorway.
“Gotta problem,” he says. “Your bathroom floor is a mess.”
I go to look, and sure enough. My bathroom floor is a mess. Underneath the old linoleum, there’s loads of thick, black rot next to the tub, and even more where the toilet used to be.
“Wow,” is all I can muster.
“Good thing we found it,” he says. “You could have fallen through the floor on that toilet, see?”
I see.
They can’t lay the tile until someone comes and fixes it, but they know someone and he’s on his way. At least they can do the kitchen, where the dead coffee maker still sits on the countertop.
Back in my office, my Yahoo messenger buzzes; it’s a message from Dana.
“Flooring guys there?” she asks.
I explain about the rot.
“My worst fear,” she says, “is dying on the toilet.”
I’ve got plenty of phobias, but that wasn’t one of them. Until today, anyway.
My phone is ringing in my office, and it’s the school calling. My son forgot his asthma inhaler. Could I bring it?
“My son hasn’t had an asthma attack in two years,” I wanted to say, but I shut my mouth just in time. Bad mom for even thinking it, I know.
I grab the inhaler along with the car keys, mumble an apology to the flooring guys and take off. Those 82 articles are just going to have to wait.
At least I can stop for coffee along the way.

The Secret Is In The Lard

2011-11-08T13:53:00.001-08:00

“If we’re ever going to make it right,” my mother said to me, “I think we’re going to have to take a road trip.”
Though we’ve often tried, my mother and I have never been able to duplicate my great-grandmother’s lefse. No fancy roller, special griddle, or hotsy-totsy organic flour has ever helped us recreate this Norwegian specialty, a staple in my mother’s household when she was a child. Still, we remain determined.
“There has to be a secret,” she added. “Something I missed.”
This was hardly a surprise. Though we come from a long line of Norwegian chefs, my mother was not so hot in the kitchen. We think it skipped a generation.
Still, after years spent in her grandmother’s kitchen, which doubled as a bakery for a hotel and boarding house in Iola, Wisconsin, you’d think she could have figured it out.
“All right,” I said, resigned to spending two hours in the car with my mother. “A road trip, then.”
Traditional Norwegian fare, lefse is a soft flatbread made from potato, cream, and butter. Not exactly healthy, see? But oh - the taste! My mouth waters just to think of it, served with butter, sugar, and cinnamon sprinkles. Heaven.
We set out on a crisp, fall morning. The maple leaves had just turned to shades of red and gold, and the bright sun cut through the chill in the air - just enough to put the top down on my vintage convertible. Well, if you cranked the heat and put the windows up.
“What’s the point of putting the top down if you’re just going to have to have the windows up?” my mother grumbled. “We look ridiculous.” I didn’t care.
Iola is a small town about an hour’s drive from Wausau, Wisconsin, where we both live now. Time flew as the car twisted through the country roads.
“If you’re going to make the lefse, it’s important that you understand it,” she said. “Not everyone makes it right.”
“Obviously,” I said, giving her a pointed look. She ignored me.
We arrived at the Iola Bakery & Cafe, owned by my mother’s cousin Vi, well before the lunch crowd. Downtown Iola is a lesson in history; the red brick buildings have been there for a century or more. A fire took out the hotel years ago, but the rest of the downtown remains much the same as it was in my mother’s day. I could picture her giggling with her sister at the corner ice cream shop, or going to see a movie at the ancient theater, now shuttered and empty. I wondered when the last film graced its screen.
A small woman dressed in purple from head to toe, Viola greeted us warmly as we walked through the door. She hugged me fiercely, while eying her cousin critically.
“Too thin,” she said. “Don’t you eat?”
“There’s no lefse in Wausau,” my mother replied.
“It’s not rocket science,” said Vi. “You should have helped out in the bakery when we were kids.” She turned to me. “Your mother was too busy chasing boys,” she added. My mother pretended not to hear.
“She still does that,” I said.
Vi led us to the back of the bakery. Among the ovens was an enormous griddle, next to which she had put out the supplies we’d need for our lesson in Norwegian cooking. She explained each step in the process, patiently taking us through boiling and ricing the potatoes, melting the lard, and mixing in the sugar, milk, and salt.
“Okay,” I said. “Lard is just gross. Nobody uses lard anymore.”
“We used melted butter,” my mother explained.
“There’s your trouble,” said Vi. “It’s gotta be lard. And don’t turn up your nose, young lady,” she warned, shaking her finger at me. My mother had obviously warned her about my health-nut tendencies.
We shrugged. Vi knew what to do.
After the flour was added, the dough was formed into balls, rolled out with a special rolling pin, and placed on a dry, hot griddle. We worked as a team, rolling one ball while the other one cooked, and quickly, it all came together. In under an hour, we had over a pound of lefse to take home and share. Amazing!
“You can freeze it for later,” our teacher explained.
On the way home, our package tucked carefully in the back seat, my mother smiled at me and grasped my hands in hers.
“Success!” she exclaimed. Suddenly, she wrinkled her nose. “You know,” she added, ”Vi was right. I should have paid better attention when we were kids.”
I laughed.
“At least now we know,” I said. “The secret is in the lard.”

The River

2011-11-08T13:51:00.001-08:00

There are too many waterfalls here, too many rocks in the river
and too many years have passed.
There was a time when you made my heart bleed
and oh, how I loved you and wanted you.
Not so long ago I kissed you good-bye.
You waited, you say.
Still waiting, I know.
I long ago tired of all of your rules
I’d lost the match, had enough of your schemes
My chess men have been pulled from the now empty board
Each lured into playing another man’s game
You can’t understand why I’ve left you
and still don’t believe that I’ve gone
I turn away from the jagged rocks in the water
And when my anchor drops, past the chaos
I furtively sneak a quick look behind
It’s you I see in the distance
still watching,
still waiting for me.

May 20

2011-05-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

What is success, and how do we measure it? Is it measured by the happiness we feel? The money we make? The prestige of a job, a position, a label?

Lately, I'm not so sure. I work, but my work is at home. That doesn't seem to cut it with everyone. My doorbell constantly rings, my phone is always buzzing. My mother simply walks in my door, unannounced, and starts talking. When I let her know politely that I'm in the middle of an article, she says, "Oh, that's okay!" and loudly starts fawning over the cats.

I just don't get it.

Even now, at this very moment, my daughter won't stop talking to me, even though she can see that I'm typing. (Blogging isn't working, I know - but she doesn't know that.)

How do you deal with it - the constant interruptions? Battling the constant perception that writers "don't work"? Because I'd sure love to hear your ideas.

In the meantime, I'll sign off - since the doorbell is ringing once again and it's time to run errands with my son. (*sigh*).......
Happy Friday.

Monday, Monday

2011-05-02T11:30:00.001-07:00

Tra la, tra la la la....
The boys come home today. It feels as though the older they get, the less time they have for their mama. Isn't that the truth? Of course, being divorced means sharing them much more than I'd like to as it is, but now that they're teenagers they have so many interests and friends.
Mondays are always busy days around the house - the boys have their lessons at the Conservatory - but I hope that tonight we can curl up by the fireplace and talk a little bit.....just like we used to.
One can dream, yes?
On another note, I have been having a lot of fun with the 6S Network, which I mentioned on an earlier post. It's a website in which you are encouraged to blog your own 6-sentence story. You'd be surprised how much you can say in just six sentences - curiously addicting! Check it out here: Six Sentences. Very cool.

Clearing the Cobwebs

2011-04-18T12:19:00.001-07:00

I receive Writer's Digest monthly, and it never fails to stimulate the writer within me. This month featured a list of great websites for writers, several of which are now bookmarked and visited daily.
Once in a while, the magazine sends facebook fans a Friday prompt, with the start of a story for anyone to continue with a sentence or two. I look forward to those, and this morning got the idea that perhaps a little jolt is all you really need to get writing.
For my fellow writers, and you know who you are.....please check out my new blog, named "A Writer's Daily Prompt", that I'll update daily with a starter sentence. You decide where the story goes next. I hope to help clear your cobwebs while at the same time clearing my own. Have fun!

A Writer's Daily Prompt: April 18

2011-04-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

A Writer's Daily Prompt: April 18: "Okay writers.....here's your first prompt. In the comments section, post the next sentence to the story that begins here: 'When the tail l..."

A Writer's Daily Prompt: April 18

2011-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

A Writer's Daily Prompt: April 18: "When the tail lights vanished around the bend, leaving Sam in total darkness, a shiver ran down her spine."

Six Sentences

2011-04-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

How's this for a good creativity starter? Write six sentences and see what you have to say. Submit and you might have your work published with the top entries.

Click here: Formatting

April 4

2011-04-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, cold winter. Snow still blankets the ground, though hopeful patches of dead grass are poking through, a promise of the warmth to come.
My depression lingers.
My classes are going well, but my creativity has dried up. I blame my medication, though I know it's much more complicated than that.
I am overwhelmed with responsibility. The smallest things can send me into a tailspin. I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, always the fixer. All I really want to do is crawl into bed and stay there until the sun shines long enough to melt the snow, warm the river waters, and caress my skin.
I need a vacation. What kind of unemployed person needs a vacation? It makes me feel weak, and selfish.
I'm tired of figuring everything out. I long for a simpler life.

Me with my boys this fall

2010-12-29T09:54:00.001-08:00

DSCF2046
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Here's a nice shot of the boys. I'm standing on a higher step, otherwise you'd see that Rowan is much taller than I am, actually - it's ridiculous.

Leads

2010-11-23T15:36:00.001-08:00

In the last few days, I sent several letters of introduction to newspapers, magazines, and trade publications in hopes of finding some more steady lines of revenue. I received several thoughtful replies, including two that were interested in pitched stories along with submission guidelines. I also was referred by my friend Deb Robinson to a woman who wants to write two short books and needs a wordsmith to put it all together and get it published. I'm meeting with her in December to start putting together the first of two books on death. The first will be informational, intended to guide families faced with sudden death through the process that follows. Who to call - what to expect at the funeral home - those things that none of us knows until we're faced with it ourselves. The second book will be targeted toward helping children deal with the death of a loved one. It's a good opportunity.
In the meantime, I have three very large, very important papers due in the next two weeks that I'll be working on feverishly.
Oh.....that.....and hoping Congress passes an Unemployment Benefits extension. Otherwise, I do believe I'm going to go to bed and not wake up until next year.

New Website

2010-11-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

One of my clients has been asking me to design a website for him, and I've been playing around with a bunch of different programs. I already have my own website, www.theideadiva.net, that I designed on GoDaddy when I bought the domain. I used GoDaddy's website creator, but was less than thrilled with the results.
I did a lot of research and found a site that offers better templates and more options, and the basic membership is free (though I chose to buy a premium account so I could add sound files to promote my voice over business). It's Weebly.com - and so far I'm very happy. I just changed the DNS servers on GoDaddy to point my site to the newly created one - and within 48 hours it should be up and running. Check it out in the next few days and tell me what you think.
In the meantime, I'm beginning to panic about whether or not I can financially make it as a writer. This week, my goal is to submit my resume and writing samples to at least five outlets in hopes of becoming a regular freelance contributor. Clients come and go. October was a stellar month (though I haven't gotten paid for most of it yet) but November has been dry as a bone. I've published several articles, but it's not enough to keep food on the table.
I may have to find a real job. Lord, I hope not.

Mad, Mad, Mad

2010-11-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was happy. Today, I am angry. Very, very angry.
I know high school is hard. I know kids can be mean. But for my oldest son, who lets EVERYTHING roll off his back, to come home begging for a transfer to a different high school, it's become a nightmare. I don't know what to do.
My beautiful, wonderful, smart, talented kid.
He looked forward to starting Wausau East all summer long. Couldn't wait! Came home after day one so enthused. Joined curling, debate, German club. Going out for lacrosse in the spring. In band. This is my mostly A's and a few B's student who has plenty of friends. Works out 3 times a week, runs and lifts weights whenever he can. And all it took to destroy it all was a couple of mean kids spreading rumors, calling him names, and making life completely miserable for him.
They call him slow and retarded. They say he's on drugs, his dad is on drugs, he's a moron.
Initially I called the school for help and was satisfied they'd nipped the problem in the bud. Now? The problem is continuing, and getting worse, and my formerly happy child dreads going to school, has headaches every week, and is having trouble concentrating on anything.
What is the MATTER with people today? With kids? With their parents? I am far from perfect and so are my children. But at least I know they're not mean, not bullies, not participating in that kind of crap.
I wish I could get my hands on the kids that do.

The Magical Place by shereenflynn| Lulu Poetry

2010-11-11T14:28:00.000-08:00

The Magical Place by shereenflynn| Lulu Poetry

Home at Last

2010-11-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

If you're wondering why I haven't blogged in so long, I'll tell you. It's because my idiot divorce lawyer suggested I do not. He worried I might say something I shouldn't.
He's not my lawyer anymore.
Three years into it, I'm still not divorced. How does this happen? And yes, I'll admit it, I've been practically living with my boyfriend for the past 2 1/2 years. How he puts up with it, I'll never know.
Much has happened. In May, I lost my job with Clear Channel. The news was not unexpected - the entire department, for the most part, was eliminated after a merger with Media Monitors. After 13 years, it still stung.
In June, I lost my mind. I'm working at slowly getting it back.
I spent the summer searching frantically for a job until I realized I had been given an extraordinary opportunity - to start over. Completely. I have always known what I truly wanted to do with my life, but it always seemed so......unrealistic. After all, how many SUCCESSFUL writers do you really know?
It took an eye-opening lunch with a voiceover client looking for a scriptwriter, a referral from a friend, and a freelance position with Demand Media to convince me I was moving in the right direction. I began writing in earnest, and have thrown myself into my journalism classes at UMass with renewed vigor and determination.
And yes, I'm still working on that book. Five pages a day, minimum.
A post from a fellow classmate at UMass reminded me how much I missed writing the blog every day. I'm just glad it still exists! So....lawyers be damned.....here we go.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is this weekend and I face it with feelings approaching dread. I know many people dismiss the "holiday" as Hallmark created, but as with other holidays, I adore celebrating and always work to make it special. It may seem silly, but I love all the hoopla. Sending valentines, buying little gifts for those I love - it all makes me smile.
Last year, a week before Valentine's Day, I confessed to Darren how much I loved the day and wanted to make it special. I think he was surprised, but he rose to the occasion and took me out for a fabulous dinner at Greenwood Hills. We dressed up and went out and had a terrific time, one I'll never forget.
A friend of mine asked recently why Valentine's Day, of all days, makes such a difference to me - and it's difficult to explain. I love holidays - all of them. I make a big deal out of birthdays, out of Christmas, even out of the 4th of July. But I know not everyone in my life shares my enthusiasm. I realized today that it has been over 20 years since someone sent or brought me flowers. I haven't received a romantic valentine's day card since I was 22, and haven't gotten a birthday or Christmas gift from a husband or boyfriend for.....well.....hmmm......probably a dozen years or more. This is not to say I only give cards or gifts with the expectation that they be returned (or, frankly, I'd have learned my lesson years ago.) But I can't even explain how much even the smallest gesture is so appreciated.
A year has gone by. We're more comfortable together, more apt to take each other for granted. It's a given that we love one another - it's no longer a question. But does that make Valentine's Day less important? Or - more?
Regardless of whether you're a romantic, everyone wants to be loved. What's more, they want to FEEL loved. It doesn't have to be expensive - a five dollar bouquet is just as effective as an 80 dollar vase filled with roses. Letting the day go by without even a small gesture.....well...I guess I just don't want to settle for that anymore.

Summer

2009-06-25T16:16:00.001-07:00

Summer is in full swing with 90 degree days and stormy nights. Tonight I'm playing with the Wausau City Band at Marathon Park. Just waiting for the director to arrive with the crate of music and enjoying the breeze in the park!
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

April Madness

2009-04-19T18:21:00.000-07:00

It's been months since my last blog entry - what gives? I feel like I've been living in a fog. Life has been good in so many ways, heartbreaking in others. It's the good and the bad of divorce and finding a new place in life.
Today I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness and what it takes to get past mistakes that people make. Recently, someone very close to me hurt me very much. I'm having a difficult time getting past it. Apologies were made, reassurances given, but the tenor of our relationship is, I fear, changed forever. At the very least it will take time for me to once again feel as confident as I did just days ago.
Yesterday's horoscope encouraged me to take off the rose colored glasses and see people for who they really are. And who are we? Flawed, all of us. We all make mistakes - huge ones, sometimes. We all hurt one another for reasons that seem reasonable at the time, unfathomable later. So, why is it so hard to forgive?
Perhaps we expect too much from one another. No one is perfect, least of all me. I know I just need to let it go and move forward or it will be ruined forever.

2009-02-01T15:26:00.001-08:00

A bugs eye view of the superbowl....LOL.....

--
Sent from my Helio Ocean

Great Music Weekend

2009-01-18T11:39:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a terrific music weekend in our area. We stopped for "a drink" on the way home at Lopps but was told about an interesting musician performing at Malarkey's downtown Friday night, so decided to give it a whirl, despite the fact that it isn't exactly our favorite venue. Pat MacDonald was playing, onetime member of the 80's band Timbuk 3. He has an interesting style and performed Friday with a cellist who had an incredible style and voice. Her rendition of Come Together was amazing and we loved it. Shot this photo with my cell phone - low light but you can see her very cool electric cello. We'd love to see them again.

Saturday night we checked out our friend Cuda playing with the Mumblers at Intermission. John Greiner was the guest on sax and it sounded superb. One thing about Wausau, there is a surprising amount of quality music up for grabs in the area and there's almost always something to do - not always true of other communities this size.

Image of the Day

2009-01-02T08:57:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

This year, I broke away from tradition and celebrated New Year's Eve with Darren at the Jefferson downtown. We bought tickets to the Swing Shift fundraiser for Community Theater where John Greiner (not - as the sign said - JIM Greiner!) and his Big Band played - Dana sang and did a beautiful job as always. It was elegant and wonderful and I'm still sore from dancing. We stayed at the hotel for the night so we wouldn't have to drive or worry about cabs, and it was a great time! The kids all had overnight parties to attend, so the whole family did something new and different this year - and it worked out well! New Year's Day we stayed at the hotel until about noon - then watched football by the fireplace until it was time to return to reality.

I know that 2009 will bring many changes and some will be difficult to get through. But I'm so blessed with friends, family, and love, that I am truly optimistic about the future and what it holds.

As for resolutions? The big one for me is not to worry incessantly about those things I have no control over. I intend to enjoy my life, and live one day at a time.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe, but Christmas has come and gone, and now we're staring 2009 square in the face. Where did the time go? Looking back on the year, it's amazing how many changes have come to our lives.

Christmas was really nice this year. Darren and Megan spent the holiday with us. Darren made a great meal, we opened gifts and went to church, then stayed up until 4 AM talking to my brother and his girlfriend. Reminiscing, telling stories. It was a nice first Christmas together.

Christmas Day we had lunch at my mom's and dinner with Darren's family while the boys went with their dad. Darren's dad makes beautiful wooden pens and gave me a set of two - I was really touched by the gesture.

Of course on Christmas night we had to meet up with our friends at Loppnow's for a holiday drink and the funniest thing of the week walked in the door in the form of our friend Derek, who lost a bet and was forced to wear nothing but long johns and a pimp jacket to the bar. You've gotta love THAT photo - hysterical!

After six days off for me and five for Darren, it's back to work as usual, though we are looking forward to spending New Year's Eve at the Jefferson for John Greiner's Big Band celebration. 2009, here we come.

Rowan Scores....

2008-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Rowan scored his first ever points tonight at his basketball game. He's worked really hard to improve his game and I'm so proud of him for reaching beyond his comfort zone and going out for a sport. When I look at these pictures of him I can hardly believe how grown up he's getting.

Choraliers Concert Photos

2008-12-15T07:14:00.001-08:00

Holidays Are Coming....

2008-12-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

It seems like just yesterday that we were lounging by the pool enjoying the heat. Now, the temperature is 4 below zero with a wind chill of 20 below. Crazy. Why do we live here? Someone remind me!
Here at the house we're getting ready for the holidays. I've decided to pare down my shopping considerably this year and I'm almost done. The last two Christmases have been difficult, to say the least, but I find myself looking forward to this one with unexpected optimism. We've had plenty of events to get us into the holiday mood. Nutcracker was last week, the boys were in their Choraliers Christmas concert last night, and tonight we'll head to the Grand to see Megan in the Wausau West choir concert.
The tree is up and decorated and I managed to throw some lights on the bushes outside, so the house looks ready. This weekend we plan to lay low and just bake some cookies, enjoy our families together. Though this year has brought so many changes - not all of them good ones - I do find myself happier and more content than I have been in a long time. I just wish my dad was here to share in it with all of us.

Free Starbucks Today

2008-11-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

Free Starbucks coffee today for voters (and liars, as my friend Ed Bove supposes) - just head on in, tell 'em you voted, and get a free cuppa joe. Not sure if this makes them liberal or conservative, but it sure is nice of 'em.

Halloween

2008-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween has come and gone - it's one of my favorite holidays. Always fun to dress up and be someone else for a night - and see the craziness everywhere. This year I was Marilyn Monroe to Darren's Joe DiMaggio. We had tickets to the very ill-attended Copper Box Halloween Party on Artsblock, then went to City Grill, Lopps, and finally Mountain Lanes. Kind of a weird night - not as many people out and about as I would have thought. The kids all went trick or treating together and had a good night of fun. I've never seen so much candy in this house, I swear.

I've been thinking a lot about how damaged past relationships can make us. How we cling to fear - the fear of history repeating itself. I don't know how to get past that, at times. I suppose it all just takes time.

This is my final weekend off until my vacation in December, so we're making the most of it by having a complete "do nothing" day. The sun is shining, the air is warm, and I think it's just really going to be a great day.

Una Notte Bella a Success

2008-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

The planning is over and the 26th annual Una Notte Bella fundraiser for the Wausau Conservatory was a success. 150 people attended this event, and thousands of dollars were raised for scholarships at our school. I co-chaired this year's event with Amy Plier. French Milwaukee based musician Robin Pluer provided the entertainment to match the french theme, and our french dinner was superb. The kids both sang with Choraliers for the event as well. Darren and I had a great night.

Thriller - the Scramble

2008-10-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - when Halloween is near, it's time to put together the soundtrack for Wausau Dance Theatre's annual production of THRILLER - a Dance SpookTacular. Always fun - but always hectic! This year's script is a good one and I think the show will be great. Devon will have a cameo walk on role but nothing too big, which is good, we are far too busy this year to be running to a million practices. I'm still waiting on one more piece of music to come in to make the final podcast.....and I'm trying not to pull my hair out by the handful.

Unwritten Rules for Men - from Men's Health

2008-10-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Oh, these are good for men OR women.....

Never ask a woman if she wants to have sex by asking her if she wants to have sex.
It is more important to have good health insurance than good health.
Don't bluff more than once in a poker game with friends.
When one of the big bosses at work unexpectedly says something really cheery and friendly to you, he means absolutely nothing by it. Not even if he's your father.
Wear as much black as you can. It makes you look slimmer and cooler. But avoid black jeans, they just look silly.
When someone in your family is going through a divorce, always side with the blood relative.
Pointedly praising something unusual a person owns or has done will make you appear far smarter in his eyes than a 10-minute discourse on world events.
Be aware that most people are operating on a very condensed version of the 10 Commandments: the part about murder.
Be careful about publicly discussing your hobbies, as most hobbies strike people as somewhat pathetic: most notably, collecting stamps, coins, or anything else, bird-watching, bowling, rockhounding, spelunking, table tennis, poetry, dog shows, chat rooms, polka music, yoga, herpetology, marathon running, and religion. The only hobbies you can safely own up to when among people you need to impress are fly-fishing and golf.
Never buy anyone a gift at a kiosk.
When choosing a bottle of wine to bring to a dinner party, spend between 10 and 15 dollars. That's for a bottle, not a gallon.
The person who sincerely says to you, "I want to get to know you better," is a person you don't want to know at all.

Sunday - not FunDay

2008-10-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

There are days when it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. You know the kind.
Spilled her coffee, broke her shoelace.....smeared the lipstick on her face.....she left a note and said I'm sorry, I......had a bad day again.....
Ah, Fuel. But, I digress.
I seem to be a bit of an emotional wreck these days, on a rollercoaster that just won't stop. After being comfortably unhappy for so long, it's hard for me now to be......oh, I don't know.....someone who gives a shit. Because good grief, now I worry about everything.
Some days I find myself missing my dad so much. I wish he was here to talk to, to run things past. I wish he could whisk in and take over, helping the boys with their homework and unloading the dishwasher. I wish I could have had just one more year, one more chance to learn all I could from him, because he was always so wise, and always seemed to have the answers. Now, all I have is my memories.
I really did have a great weekend, but now the work week starts anew, the running begins, the hectic schedule, the getting up at 6AM. Sometimes I just feel as though the work never ends.

Something To Keep In Mind for Valentine's Day

2008-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Megan's First High School Dance

2008-10-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Wausau West homecoming, and Megan went to the dance. We shopped together for her dress and had a great time picking out the perfect thing. We were so happy for her to go - how fun. And she looks absolutely beautiful!

SNL Weekend Update

2008-09-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

Gas Signs Truth in Advertising

2008-09-25T08:20:00.001-07:00

Here's A Tip.....

2008-09-22T09:02:00.001-07:00

DO NOT FLIP OFF A SHERIFF'S DEPUTY _ A man was arrested over the weekend after he gave a Dodge County, Wisconsin, sheriff's deputy the middle finger. The deputy was driving along in his squad car when Ronald Whatley gave him the middle finger after driving past the officer. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and Whatley was arrested for operating on a suspended driver's license and for having open intoxicants in the vehicle. The deputy later stated, "One would think that if you do not have a valid driver's license and have open intoxicants in the vehicle you may not want to attract attention to yourself."
Special thanks to Interprep for that little tidbit.

Where Does The Time Go?

2008-09-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

Good grief, it's really been 11 days since I last posted? Sheesh. What a slacker. It's that time of year.
Though fall is beautiful, it's one of my least favorite seasons because the falling leaves combined with my birthday always make me sad. Another year has passed, another school year begins, the kids are another year older and closer to leaving. So, while I have much happiness in my life right now, I'm still a bit melancholy.
Snap out of it, I know.
After Simon died, I couldn't take Sasha's crying, so I have adopted a wonderful kitten from the Humane Society. We've named her Cleo (despite Darren's best efforts to have us name her Mrs. Butterworth...) and she immediately blended into our houseful of animals. Just a funny little purr box. I love her!
In the meantime, life has been good as we have all adjusted to the many changes in our lives these past few months. John is moving in with his girlfriend, who seems to make him very happy (and the kids like her, too). The kids have eased into a new school year. And I have found happiness as well, most unexpectedly. So we're all good.
This weekend, the last weekend of summer, we saw the most beautiful avacado shaped moon. What a sight. It even brought out the romantic in me (which, trust me, is saying something.) We all went downtown to Exhibitour, had a lazy Sunday, enjoyed Darren's ribs and corn.....and enjoyed the summerlike weather. I wish it would stay this way forever.

2008-09-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

Went to see Meg play volleyball for West against Mosinee. Had a great time but just could not get past those horrid purple swirly socks the Mosinee girls had to wear. What volleyball mom thought up this bright little idea?

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2008-09-09T09:10:00.001-07:00

Last night on the way to rehearsal I saw the biggest and most beautiful rainbow ever. Snapped a cell photo from the car. How beautiful is that?

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More Birthday Photos

2008-09-08T05:34:00.001-07:00

40th Birthday Party

2008-09-07T16:49:00.001-07:00

P9050003
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

This weekend, a milestone - turned 40 on Saturday. My best friends were awesome. Had abbreviated book club followed by a night at the Fillmor where we made a ridiculous spectacle of ourselves. I seriously have not laughed that hard in so long. It was absolutely the best birthday. I had been dreading it - but now I feel fine. I spent Saturday with my family and had everyone here for a cookout. Darren and the kids went swimming (even though it was FREEZING) and played basketball for hours, the kids all hit the hot tub, and we all had a great, relaxing, lazy day and night. Just terrific.
The only (and significant) thing that ruined an otherwise perfect weekend off was that Simon, my incredible, smart, sassy cat - died Saturday afternoon. He'd gotten sick for the third and final time just Friday - it happened so fast. I'm absolutely devastated - he was without a doubt the best cat I have ever had. Not exactly a great birthday present - yet, in a way, it was easier on the kids to have it happen when there was so much positive stuff happening - they didn't have time to dwell on the sadness.

Click on the photo of me and Dana to visit my Flickr site and see all the photos from the weekend. (Well, okay, not ALL the photos.......LOL.....)

Corn Roast 2008

2008-08-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

A family tradition for decades is the annual Big Falls Corn Roast, which I know I've written about on this blog on previous years. The roast is held on the Sunday before Labor Day every year, and Big Falls (pop. 75) swells to hold five to ten thousand visitors. There's a parade followed by a festival with live music, beer, raffles, lots of food, and all the corn you care to eat. The corn is free, donated by area farmers, and each year they go through about 6 TONS of corn. It's insanity. I didn't attend last year, because it was too close to my father's passing - and going without him just seemed unthinkable. But this year the kids talked me into it. Just before I left, Darren called from his big music camping festival in Birnamwood, asking me to come get his 14 year old daughter Meg, who was not having a good weekend of it, so I picked her and her best friend Grace up along the way. I would have just taken them home, but they were game to come to the fest, so we all went and had a great time. When I drove them home, all the lights were off on the north end of town (EVERYTHING - creepy!) so I just brought the girls to my house, and they and the boys are in the living room watching a movie and eating plenty of junk food. It's nice to have a house full - and they are great girls.

Tattoo Photos

2008-08-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

In celebration of turning 40 and beginning life anew, my friends Julie and Dana gave me a tattoo - and yesterday was the day. It's a lower back tattoo (TRAMP STAMP at 40 - OMG) and it's my 4th tattoo. The other ones were done years ago and I thought I was over the tattoo thing, but I found that I really wanted this - so Hoss fit me in and after 2 1/2 hours of excruciating pain I now have a beautiful musical back tattoo. I say excruciating pain because truly it was, and that's saying something.....I have NEVER had pain during a tattoo before but this location is so sensitive I almost passed out - CRIPES! But it was worth it - I love it. Check out the photos.

I chose Hoss partly for his reputation, but largely because he for years has supported the Arts Alive Hospice fundraisers that I work with. He has been a sponsor every year, and I feel it's important to recognize those who give to the community by giving back business when I can. He was terrific (and didn't laugh at me when I almost died on the table.....)

Meanwhile on the home front, we are all settling into our new lives. The kids seem at peace. The time they spend with John (which is frequent) is filled with fun and laughter. And at home we are having a blast together. I reconnected with someone from my past who makes me feel terrific. And I'm so blessed to have support from family and friends who have been wonderful to all of us. There will be bumps in the road.....but I feel positive we'll all make it through.

Today"s Plan.....A New Tattoo

2008-08-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

At 3 crucial junctures in my life I have gotten tattoos. After the last one, I thought I was finished. But turning 40 next week coupled with the big change in my personal life has led me to decide on a new one - a lower back tattoo that I'm getting today at 4pm with Hoss. Dana and Julie pitched together to pay - it's a birthday gift. Can't wait. Watch for photos - Dana's coming to take pics for me.

Great Sportsmanship.....LOL!

2008-08-28T07:05:00.001-07:00

Adjusting.....

2008-08-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my husband of 13 years moved out of the house. This has been a long time coming and I can honestly say that I think we will be better friends once the dust has settled. We are both looking forward to a new chapter in our lives and the challenges ahead. Finally told the kids yesterday afternoon when they got home from the lake......after a few tears they too realized that this will be better for all of us. And so.....a new life begins. Sad. Scared. But relieved, too.

My dad always said 13 was the luckiest number - maybe it's true, and this was the best time to leave. I know it won't be easy, but luckily John moved in with his brother about 6 blocks away, so the kids can go back and forth easily. And despite the tears, we are both moving forward and wish each other well. Still.....it's a huge adjustment for all of us. I know my dad is watching me and giving me the strength I need to make it through - and I have incredible friends and family for support....I am not alone.

2008-08-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

Photos from Julies family bbq!

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2008-08-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the view from backstage at blues fest. Thanks Darren!
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2008-08-25T05:20:00.000-07:00

Pic from blues fest
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Una Notte Bella 2008

2008-08-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

The planning is on for Una Notte Bella 2008, the Conservatory's annual fundraiser in October and this year I'm co-chairing the event with Amy Plier. Our theme this year is France, and we're planning an incredible evening with a french flair - wonderful food and an incredible Milwaukee based French musician, Robin Pluer. One cool thing this year is a project started by one of the WCM parents - taking completely unusable violins and turning them into artwork to auction off. 16 regional artists have agreed to create a piece, and the first one has just arrived from artist Mark Mittlestadt - this is entitled - HOT MUSIC. I love it - and can't wait to see the rest as they begin to trickle in.

Olympics

2008-08-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Summer Olympics has me mesmerized - I love the games as I always have. Is Michael Phelps not the Bionic Man? Holy crap. Gotta love it. And those synchronized divers? Wow. We saw the Chinese pair with their hair cut and styled exactly the same.....Rowan looked at me, shook his head and said - now, that's just creepy.

Still irritated that the games ended up in China....but watching those Chinese gymnasts last night I couldn't help but root for them. Their floor exercises were works of art compared to our tumbling acts. And, too, you've gotta wonder what it's like for them if they lose. (They won gold - a sigh of relief, no one's gonna get shot today.)

Oh, I'm being unfair, I suppose.

Note to the volleyball players - get the undies out of your @sses, please. (Yes, I am obsessed with the volleyball outfits. I know. I KNOW!)

In Olympics news, (and in support of my what-it's-like-not-to-win-in-China-theory), China's men's gymnastics coach said he would throw himself off the highest building in China if his men's team didn't win gold.

Seriously. SERIOUSLY?

In which case Michael Phelps would have rushed to the nearest phone booth, ripped off his clothes, and flown to save the coach in the nick of time.

One would hope, anyway. Thankfully, the Chinese won gold and we'll never have to know.

Lose Your Camera?

2008-08-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Check the I Found Your Camera blog at www.ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com - It posts photos that people have found, either physical pictures or those in cameras or on memory cards. People email the photos to the blog’s founder, Matt Preprost, along with information about where and when they were found. Preprost then posts the pictures online, hoping that people will spot themselves in the photos and claim them. Nearly 100 photo sets have been posted to the blog, and 10 of them have been claimed. That 10% success rate encourages Preprost to keep up his work. He says the photos contain memories that their owners probably thought were gone for good, and to give those memories back to them is very rewarding.

Three years ago Dana and I lost a camera up at the Hodag Country Music Festival - I can honestly say I hope those photos DON'T show up on the I Found Your Camera blog......LOL!

Central WI Idol

2008-08-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was asked to judge a singing competition for Fox called Central Wisconsin Idol. The winner of this local competition won a guaranteed audition with American Idol Producers on August 18th in New Jersey along with an all expenses paid trip. I was happy to be part of the process and there was a lot of raw talent there. Trayce, the other judge, agreed that with training some of these people could be incredible. But the minute I heard the winner open her mouth and sing I knew she was the one - the total package. Congratulations to Tana DeLonay, who is a Conservatory student and former Choralation singer. I would not be surprised if she ended up on the show - she is amazing!

Summertime....

2008-08-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

....is my favorite season.

I love everything about it. The sunshine, the breezes. The cool nights. I love that the kids are here with me instead of off at school all day long. I love not having to get up early to get them off to school, since I always have to work really late at night. I love spending my lunch hour floating in the pool with a good book and an iced tea. And I love that the kids and I have time to do silly things together. Tonight at about 9, we decided to all climb into the convertible and go for a spin. We went to visit my dad at the cemetery, then went and got an ice cream at DQ.....then sat around the kitchen table and played a rip roaring game of Yahtzee, which Rowan won handily. (I came in 2nd, and Devon 3rd. Good thing they are both good sports!) I suppose most people reading this would roll their eyes and think - eghad, a Saturday night playing Yahtzee and eating ice cream? But to us it was fun. We laughed and giggled and broke the zoom on my blackberry trying to take photos in the car (don't ask) and discussed why, exactly, their friend Joey has decided not to take a shower for the rest of the summer. (Again - you don't want to know.)

At 11 and 12, I'm lucky they still want to hang out with their old mom. I must seem pretty ancient to them sometimes.

I wish the summer would never end.

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2008-08-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Simon thinks those olympics volleyball outfits look just a little too tight in the butt. How comfortable can THAT be?
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2008-08-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

Why I love working at home!
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WOMAN FINDS CHEESUS

2008-07-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

A Missouri woman (High Ridge) says she has found Jesus in a bag of Cheetos. Kelly Ramey bought a bag of the popular snack food at a convenience store, and inside the bag she felt something unusual. Ramey said, "I thought, 'Oh my that looks like Jesus on the cross.' It was just like wow." Most family and friends agree with her that the Cheeto looks like Jesus on the cross, though one friend says the snack looks like a horse head. Ramey says her husband has a special name for it. "He calls him Cheesus." If you plan to buy it from her through an eBay auction, forget it -- she plans to keep it in a safe deposit box.

Just So We're Clear.......

2008-07-24T17:03:00.001-07:00

.....she said......"There will be no f$cking crying when the hair starts falling to the floor".

This is what Dana said when I asked her to CUT IT OFF - glad she did it. "And throw some BLONDE in it too, while you're at it, willya?"

Midlife crisis? WHAT midlife crisis, silly?

Rowan's Tapout

2008-07-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

Rowan's Tapout
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Last night at Camp Tesomas, Rowan was chosen for the Order of the Arrow, a high honor in scouting. Those chosen are voted upon secretly, and they are grabbed from the crowd, tapped out by the "chief", and put through what is called "the ordeal" - spending a night alone in the woods, followed by a day of hard labor with nothing but bread and water for food. This culminates in a huge celebration and dinner as the boys become members of the Order. This was Rowan's first year of eligibility and both he and his best friend Wyatt were both chosen. Here's a photo of him being tapped out. Click on the photo for more pictures of the ceremony. We are so proud of him!

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2008-07-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

One of the auction items for una notte bella!
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Another Symphony Photo

2008-07-19T19:23:00.003-07:00

Wausau Symphony photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Thanks to Angela Uhl-Chmiel for the photos!

Wausau Symphony in the Clouds

2008-07-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

Wausau Symphony photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Earlier tonight, I was so pleased to perform with the Wausau Symphony as part of the Concert in the Clouds series at Rib Mountain State Park. The concerts are performed there in the ampitheater looking over Wauasu. it is a beautiful place to hear music, bring wine, take a picnic - concerts I have enjoyed hearing for years - but this is the first time I actually PLAYED in one. It was wonderful - and we played to a record crowd despite a tornado watch and impending severe storms. Bravo!

Goodbye, Annmarie

2008-07-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, my mother's best friend would visit frequently with her husband and three daughters. Annie, two years my junior, was my playmate over many summers at our cottage. I can still see her smile and hear her laughter as we splashed on the shoreline, though it always seemed she was a little afraid of the water.

How ironic, then, that she chose to die by drowning herself.

After weeks of wondering, Annie's body washed ashore across Lake Michigan near Grand Rapids, some 90 miles from Milwaukee where she took her own life. Click here for the story.

Rest in peace, my old friend.

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2008-07-16T17:58:00.001-07:00

This weeks show, a celtic group called Green Tea, was moved inside due to inclement weather. Good music though. Bought the CD!
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2008-07-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Rowan and me
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Vacation - OVER

2008-07-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

It was a great week of vacation. For the most part, the weather cooperated and I enjoyed myself so much. Nice break! My last vacation was in November, so this was a much needed respite. I spent a lot of time in the pool and have a nasty burn to prove it. Dana and I went to Hodag as always, stayed at the cottage, and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. The only bummer was that my convertible's window is now stuck in the "down" position and I'm certain it's going to be ridiculously expensive to fix it. It's at the shop now, and they'll call me Monday with the damages.

Chalk fest was a blast, not happy with my piece this year but had fun doing it anyway. My whole body is sore from chalking. Balloon fest was a bust since we have 25 mph winds that have prevailed the entire weekend. Julie and her kids came over twice this weekend and had a blast in the pool - so nice that our kids get along so well. We played cards, drank wine, and just had a great weekend.....very low key.

One more week and the kids head up to Scout camp. I hope the weather is great for their adventures.

I have a huge assignment to finish today for class, and as I said, it's back to the grind.....so that's it for the update today!

Finishing up.....

2008-07-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Still not sure what it needs yet but taking a break. Worked on it for four hours in the blazing sun - glad of the breeze!

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2008-07-12T13:30:00.004-07:00

Mine is almost done!!!
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Chalk Fest Photos

2008-07-12T13:30:00.003-07:00

Chalk Fest Photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Putting the finishing touches on Devon's piece.

Chalk Fest Photos

2008-07-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

Chalk Fest Photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Devon, almost finished!

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2008-07-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

Devon at chalkfest. we have begun! Watch for photos thru the weekend!
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Duff Damos at Hodag

2008-07-11T20:15:00.001-07:00

Duff Damos at Hodag
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Going on Thursday to Hodag this year was a great idea since the crowds were thinner and Duff had much more time to hang out with us. THANK YOU, my dear friend, for always making time for me!!!!

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2008-07-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

More summer shandy please!
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2008-07-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

At hodag and getting silly!
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2008-07-09T15:07:00.001-07:00

Tonights show features my good friends in johnny and the motones. It will be packed!!!
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2008-07-08T15:43:00.001-07:00

At devons first game of the season. Getting creamed.
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Missing Friend

2008-07-07T20:59:00.001-07:00

Though I haven't seen her in years, I was extremely distressed to learn that my mother's best friend's daughter has been missing for nearly 3 weeks from her Milwaukee home.

Ann is 2 years younger than I am, but we played together every single summer growing up when her parents would come to visit for a week or so at our cottage.

Click here for the story.

Tabby and me at Lopps

2008-07-06T08:06:00.003-07:00

Tabby and me at Lopps
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Hung out last night with Tabby, first at the 4th of July festival and then at Lopp's. The kids are gone for the weekend. Had a good time hanging out.

Tabby and me at Lopps

2008-07-06T08:06:00.001-07:00

Tabby and me at Lopps
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Hung out last night with Tabby, first at the 4th of July festival and then at Lopp's. The kids are gone for the weekend. Had a good time hanging out.

4th of July Photos

2008-07-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

4th of July Photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Spent 4th of July working, but took a break later in the day to head up to gorgeous Rib Mountain with John, Dana and John Greiner, and my brother David. We picked an awesome picnic site, cooked out, and had a great time. Stayed to watch the fireworks in the city - always a great view. Here's a photo of me with Dana on the observation tower. (We were only on the 2nd level!) Click on the photo to be directed to my Flickr site for more 4th of July photos of everyone.

concerts on the square

2008-07-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

This week its reggae downtown. Every song sounds the same - ugh! Still fun tho.
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Summertime

2008-06-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

It seems summertime is finally here with great temperatures and sunshine. This past week has been notably good and we are all enjoying the pool.

The summer concert series has begun as well, a Wednesday night tradition that we all enjoy. My symphony played in the one two weeks ago, then John & Dana Greiner's group played one week after that. This week it's reggae, followed by John Altenburgh's group the next week. Concerts in the Clouds have also begun and my symphony will be playing on Saturday, July 19th. Looking forward to that.

As of about a month ago, I officially became a full-fledged DePaul University student. Did I mention that? Looking to complete my degree with an emphasis in arts management. Of course I had to accessorize.....and I am now the proud owner of a DePaul t-shirt, sweatshirt, hat and license plate frame. (Dork. I know.) Classes are going well this summer and I am working at testing out of a few subject areas to accelerate the process.

Wednesday morning my friend Dana and I are going for massages at the spa - I can't wait. Then vacation starts Sunday for a week. Love my job - but I'm still counting the days and looking forward to a nice break with not a lot on my plate!

More kayaking.....

2008-06-30T18:11:00.003-07:00

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Rowan was all smiles. Beth said he had great instincts - now he can't wait to learn more about the sport!

Devon in his gear

2008-06-30T18:11:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Getting ready to hit the river!

Kayaking

2008-06-30T18:10:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

My dear friend Beth Rypstadt was in town over the weekend for kayaking fun, and she kindly offered to show the kids the ropes. They had a great time - THANKS, BETH!!!!

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2008-06-25T17:50:00.001-07:00

Chilling out at the 400 block watching Greiner and co. Its great!
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Bah! Humbug!

2008-06-23T16:56:00.001-07:00

After just a year and a half, my MacBook bit the dust on Saturday. One minute it was on and working fine.....the next, it was dead. Fried motherboard. WTF??? SO incredibly mad. Took it to HappyMac (where, by the way, they are awesome) but got the bad news today that my problem would cost more than a new MacBook to fix. Crazy! All my papers, files.....gone. So......after negotiating a decent trade for parts and getting a DePaul University discount, I came home with a brand new MacBook. The new one isn't quite as nice as the old one, I'm afraid, but I'm on a budget - feel guilty enough as it is having to buy this one - but I would have spent the same on a new PC.....and I am in love with the macs.....so here we are. I have never been so happy to have a Blackberry, though, because thanks to the synchronization software I was able to transfer all my iCal entries back onto my new Mac - and all my contacts, too - whew! That saved a LOT of headaches. And I was able to transfer my ipod stuff back to iTunes.

Students are also able to get a free ipod shuffle after rebate - so I'm going to get one for John. He has a super old one and would enjoy a new one, so I'll be doing that for him soon.

Gotta run.....programs to download......stuff to record!

Not FLIP Flops - FIT Flops

2008-06-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Today my new Fit Flops arrived. Incredible! My friend Dana told me about them - they're the flip flop "with the gym built in" - designed to give your calves a workout while you walk, ease back pain & fatigue, and mimic barefoot walking as much as possible. They're not the most GORGEOUS shoes I've ever owned - but one day in, and I'm sold. I bought the pink ones and after trying them have ordered the bronze. I walk barefoot all the time - in fact, if i didn't have to wear shoes, I never would. But of course, I can't walk barefoot all the time. :( Thought I'd give these a try, and I'm glad I did. Check out all the interesting benefits here.
At $49, it's definitely the most expensive flip flop I've ever owned. But I'm hoping it's also the best. Buy them online at Victoria's Secret, Bath & Bodyworks, and Macy's.

Coming of Age

2008-06-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

At 12, Rowan is looking for ways to earn money this summer, so one of the things he wanted to learn to do was to cut the grass. It will be nice for John, too, not to have to do it all summer anymore, so we agreed it was time for him to learn. My brother has oodles of patience with this kind of thing (unlike me!) so today he's teaching Rowan the art of Lawn Mowing. I can't believe he's old enough to be doing this. And of course......I know there will come a time when he regrets learning how! :)

Memorial Day parade

2008-05-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Parade photo
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

The kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade this weekend for their Boy Scout troop. I only had my small camera and they went by so quickly I didn't get many shots. But I was so proud of them. My dad would have been, too. The memorial ceremony following the parade was nice, too. Hard to believe summer is almost here!

1:1000 Photo Group #4: Music

2008-05-19T16:31:00.001-07:00

It's time to post photos for our photo group, a small group of fellow bloggers who enjoy photography. For each theme, we are to post five photos we've taken in the spirit of the theme, which this time is music. I've been slacking off and not posting as I should, but I did manage to snap a few photos this time around!
If you'd like to join the group, click here for details. I'll post links to participating blogs as soon as I know they've posted, so check back for the links in the days to come.
Regular participants blogs (and past photos) can be found here:
CJ's blog
Ed's blog
Tyson's blog
Ryan's blog

Family

2008-05-08T08:43:00.001-07:00

Ann and judge 2
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Here is Ann's award winning piece, shown with both Ann and one of the judges from the show. You really have to see the detail to appreciate the intricate work she's done. This will be on display in the Loft at the CVA, downtown Wausau, for a month.

Ann's Award

2008-05-08T08:42:00.001-07:00

P5020002
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

My incredibly talented aunt, Ann, is an amazing artist who excels at a variety of media types. Her paintings are beautiful, her wood carvings nothing short of incredible. During her recovery from breast cancer surgery earlier this year, she worked on a carving piece using a big hunk of wood from my father. The wood took shape into a surprising group of faces and arms - something she called "family". Last week, Ann entered the piece in the Center for Visual Arts annual Memorial Show. We all attended the opening cocktail party, and Ann had been notified she'd won something in the juried show, though she assumed it was an honorable mention, the only previous award she'd received through the CVA's shows. We were all so excited when the judges announced that Ann had won BEST OF SHOW for her piece! She won a cash prize - but most importantly, was given a much needed shot in the arm, validation that her work is appreciated. I cried when they called her name. This photo shows Ann accepting the award - I'll post a photo of the piece next.

Surviving High Gas Prices

2008-05-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

Almost May~

2008-04-27T17:03:00.001-07:00

April has been a busy month, and I'm glad to see May peeking around the corner on the calendar. Just six weeks until school lets out for the summer, and it will be nice to have the kids at home all day. Less running, too, and more sleep which always improves my mood and my health.
I've been busy in the yard despite the colder than normal April, fixing my stone patio (needed a fill between the crevices, that kind of thing), raking and cleaning up the backyard in preparation for the warmer months. I can't wait until it's time to put out bright pots of flowers and open the pool. We scored a free patio umbrella on Freecycle and it even matches our cushions, so that will add to the deck's usability this summer as well.
I hope to have my eons old student loans completely paid off this week - just in time to take out new ones, as I will be registering within the week for the summer session at DePaul. Looking to take Digital Photography and either a creative writing or Truth in Democracy class (or, perhaps, all 3 if I'm feeling particularly energetic.) I can't wait to begin!
This weekend, I played in the Wausau Symphony and Band's spring concert - "The Greatest Generation", featuring wonderful music from the 40's. Porgy and Bess, some Irving Berlin, Sentimental Journey......all that terrific music that reminds me of my parents. I cried on the way home, wishing Dad had been there to see it. He would have loved it. My dear friend Duff Damos was kind enough to make the trek here from Rhinelander to narrate a very special piece called the Navajo Code Talkers - a piece honoring the Navajo marines who developed an unbreakable code that helped the Allies win World War 2. His deep, wonderful voice was perfect for the narration, and the larger than usual audience appreciated every word. What a wonderful gift to share with us - thanks Duff!
Tomorrow, a new rite of passage for Rowan, who after 11 years wearing glasses will finally get contac lenses. He is so excited - and I'm so happy for him! It will make him so much more confident, which is especially important now that we know he'll be going to Horace Mann next year. (The Montessori school only goes through 6th grade, and isn't ready to expand quite yet.) I'll be sure to take a photo of Rowan, sans glasses, and post it tomorrow night.

Arts Alive

2008-04-12T09:31:00.001-07:00

P4110002
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

The girls and I at Arts Alive 2008. From left - me, Ann, Tabby, and Kathy. It was Ann's 40th birthday, so Kathy drove up from Rhinelader. We had a great time!

Arts Alive is an annual fundraiser for Aspirus Hospice - a cause near and dear to my heart, especially after my father's experience last year. I have been on their advisory board for three years, helping to plan this event that honors the life of the late Kathy Ferris, an old friend who deserves all the honors she can possibly receive. She was an incredible woman.

The event includes a three hour auction/cocktail party that I host annually at the Jefferson Street Inn. This year we had approximately 50 pieces of art donated by regional artists. Some were offered in a silent auction, some in the live auction part of the evening. There is live music, food, and a table of specialty beer available for free, always a big hit. Typically we raise between 15 and 20 thousand dollars after expenses - this year should be no exception, with over 400 tickets sold.

Kathy came from Chicago - one of my oldest friends - and stayed to celebrate Ann's 40th birthday. She was here for the whole weekend, and we had a nice time. It was great to see her, and nice to take a break from my hectic life for a change. Thanks, Kath!