Another Symphony Photo

Wausau Symphony photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Thanks to Angela Uhl-Chmiel for the photos!

Wausau Symphony in the Clouds

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

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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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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Rowan and me
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Vacation - OVER

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.....

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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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Mine is almost done!!!
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Chalk Fest Photos

Chalk Fest Photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Putting the finishing touches on Devon's piece.

Chalk Fest Photos

Chalk Fest Photos
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Devon, almost finished!

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

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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More summer shandy please!
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At hodag and getting silly!
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Tonights show features my good friends in johnny and the motones. It will be packed!!!
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At devons first game of the season. Getting creamed.
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Missing Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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.....

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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

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Getting ready to hit the river!

Kayaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

Almost May~

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

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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!

Views From the Pit

Photos taken from the pit during the Allegro dance performances last month. I was in the orchestra pit, and it was hard to get a decent angle.

Happy Spring

April showers bring May flowers. So what does the snow bring? A headache! But some gorgeous views this morning! Still....the late snow is not doing great things for my psyche. Can summer really be just around the corner? Stay tuned.....

Better Hair Photo

Okay, here is a better look at the new hair.

It Doesn't Take Much....

....to make me laugh. Your video of the day:

Ahhh.....Spring.....

....when a young girl's fancy turns to - new haircuts! I went in for a trim and a highlight today and wound up having six inches cut off. What was I thinking? It was just getting too long - and I was feeling "too forty" - maybe this will help perk me up a bit.

Simon and Rowan

Simon and Rowan
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Rowan discusses the facts about his new laptop with Simon, who listens intently.

Happy Birthday to you....

Family
Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

Rowan turned 12 today, so we had the family over for dinner. It was a great day. Looking at the photo I just realized that Rowan is now just about the same height has me. How depressing is that? My little boy - growing up so fast.

It should not be called a sleepover.....

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

.....if NO ONE SLEEPS! Happy 12th birthday to Rowan, who celebrated last night by inviting his closest friends for a sleepover. I offer the kids a birthday buyout program - they choose, a party or cash - and this is the first time he has not taken the cash in a loooong time. Very little (if any) sleep was had, but the kids had a great time and Rowan had a wonderful birthday. Tonight the family comes for dinner for another round of festivities!

Goldmine?

Yesterday morning, I saw a terrific piece on Good Morning America about the soaring price of gold - and how many are cashing in on the old, broken jewelry hidden in their closets at home. The reporter who put together the story took several of her old necklaces & bracelets to a reputable gold dealer and cashed them in for nearly $400 - and it was a very small pile, let me tell you. Inspired, I rummaged through my jewelry box yesterday for the few things I knew I owned that were broken or hopelessly out of date, and gathered a small package of necklaces, bracelets, rings and pins I've had for 25 years or so - and began researching in earnest.
Selling your gold on the Internet is pretty easy. Googling "selling my gold" will give you a host of sites - some reputable, some questionable - as well as some message boards with great hints. After comparing prices and Better Business Bureau ratings, I selected www.goldpak.com who had an easily downloadable form including a prepaid FedEx shipment label to overnight your valuables, a tracking number, and complete instructions that were simple to follow. I shipped my package that day, and according to the tracking, a check has already been issued for my gold items. I can't wait to see how much it's for. I'm hoping for something in the 200 to 300 dollar range.
They'll send me a complete inventory of each item's value, and if I've changed my mind I have 10 days in which to send the check back if I'd like my jewelry returned. I'm sure I won't change my mind - but it's nice to know there's an option just in case. Watch for the final total - I'll be sure to post it as soon as the check arrives. How exciting!

Casey Kasem's American Top 40

I've worked for Mediabase 24/7 for over 8 years, spending the first 6 and a half under the supervision of Michael Kelly, a man I so enjoyed working with. He was a wonderful boss and a great friend. He passed away after a short battle with cancer - and I still miss him so much.
The oldies format coordinator took over Michael's responsibilities after his passing, and became my "new" boss. Rob has a vast radio knowledge and has an impressive resume - including working for Casey Kasem at one point.
On hundreds of radio stations across the country this weekend, Casey will play one of his famous "long distance dedications" in honor of Michael as submitted by Rob on behalf of all of us at Mediabase. This will play on his American Top 10, Top 20, and Top 40 shows nationwide. Hear the clip by clicking this audio link. Thanks, Rob.

Pit Orchestra

This weekend, I am performing with the pit orchestra for the Allegro dance company. I have mixed feelings about it, because although I enjoy playing in the pit, the politics behind it all make it difficult to be enthusiastic. I am a fervent supporter of Wausau Dance Theatre, so playing with this troupe feels a little traitorous. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed working with the other musicians in the group, and Dan Larsen, the orchestra director and composer, is always fantastic. Here are a few photos from the pit.

After the show

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Originally uploaded by shereenflynn

I met up with Dana (left) and Julie at City Grill for a cocktail after last night's performance. They did not attend, but had been at a Women's Community Fundraiser earlier in the evening.