Juliette Low Birthplace

DSC01983, a photo by IndigoBleuePhoto on Flickr.

Miss M's troop had their first "BIG" trip ... to Savannah, GA to see the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts: Juliette Gordon Low (aka "Daisy").

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Miss M's Girl Scout troop bridged at a very special place today ... the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, GA. For those of you not in the Girl Scout realm, Juliette Low is the founder of Girl Scouting. So, we did a quick bridging ceremony in the garden and they "flew up" from Girl Scout Juniors to Girl Scout Cadettes!

Leaping Lizards!

OK - not lizards - but one fancy little dancer in her first pointe solo (a modified version of her competition piece).  This one shared with her school during the 5th grade talent show.  She was one of 60 auditions, and won a spot to perform for her peers.  It was WONDERFUL!  So glad I caught one of her full split leaps.

Pride and Joy

The last time I sat in on my daughter's classes (last fall), her pointe shoes were new and barely scuffed.  They have now become proudly well-worn.  I hear complaints after class when toes hurt, but it is evidently worth it.  Every other story is sheer bliss.  She is joyfully counting down the days to her recital May 21 ... MAY 21 ... MAY 21!

Horizon (for Poetry Month)

Wind swept hill
Dust at my back
Horizon beckons to follow the sun

Desperately Seeking Thirsty

Aching For Change ...

Aching for growth, for change, for direction, for peace.  There's a sun that shines ... and it shines on all ... I'm aching to stop running to and fro and soak it in somehow.

I'm In The Credits!

This is the credits page in the 3DiCD virtual artwork for the launch of Imogen Heap's new project. Can you see my name? YAY!!!

Welcome In A Heartbeat

WOW! Now this isn't final artwork, but as of right now, my image is on the first page of Imogen Heap's new song!  The lyrics say "Welcome in a heartbeat ..." Part of Imogen's inspiration was the birth of her niece (her heartbeat is used in the song) coinciding with the birth of this project.  She became an aunt.  And I became a grandmother (2 days ago)!  So those lines almost give me the shivers, but in a very good way.  I hope this image stays!

Aiden Christopher Leitnick

March 23, 2011 at 5:56 p.m., little Aiden Christopher Leitnick showed up 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 inches long ... bringing a whole new generation to the family!  Madison is SO excited to be an aunt.  When she heard the news, there were screams of delight.  We were anxiously awaiting photos ... and even though I promised I'd check first thing in the morning, she is the one who knocked on my door to show me the photo (I don't know HOW she woke up so early).  This GRANDMOTHER thing has had its first moments of reality.  Funny how Jeremy's call saying that Sarah was in labor just flipped some kind of switch!  It's quite an amazing time.

Even more Imogen Heap Excitement!

This screen shot of the video concept has me wondering if that just might be my sunflower video projected on her back!  MAYBE!!!  I was catching up on the video blog tonight and in addition to this, there were some MORE specific photo mentions!!!  Imogen was sharing some of her personal favorites, and the second mentioned was one of my dirty rusty things, the third was of my "teal" dirty rusty things.

I'm beginning to think/hope that I might have a chance at being one of those invited to Imogen Heap's house on Monday!  I wonder if I could/should consider going as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity (should it happen, of course).  Hmmmmmm.

Here's the link to the video blog.  You can look for the following things in the timeline:
11:10 - "Somebody's Sunflower" projected on her back ... maybe mine????
26:30 - my photos of "dirty rusty things"
26:52 - bicycle things - not specific, but two of mine are bicycle images!
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13496853

By the way, her sketch of the video concept will be going on ebay with the $$ being donated and the person winning the sketch also being invited to attend Monday.

Imogen Heap Excitement ... UPDATE!

This is page one of the favorite images for Imogen Heap's new album project starting with "heapsong1" (and I LOVE the concept - everything released electronically as the songs are created) ... and 8 of my images are in it! WOW! I don't know if what I've done will make it to the final project, but I'm QUITE thrilled as is.  I'm trying not to geek out but I guess a blog post makes me guilty (blush).  IT'S JUST SO EXCITING!

Imogen Heap EXCITEMENT!

So ... I'm working along at the computer, listening to Imogen Heap's live video blog.  She shares about the song, where it's at, plays a bit (I'm loving it all), and then she and Andy Carne (I think) talk a bit about the images being shared.  I hear her mention spokes, he mentions "IndigoBleue" (GASP! ME!), and she talks a bit about liking the concept and how seeing things close up can convey such a depth and width of meaning.

I had to go back later to actually see the footage since I was working on something else ... and they showed my picture on the air!  How cool is that?  My photo ... and Imogen Heap right there.  For family and friends interested in seeing the little segment, here's the link (it happens at the 30 minute mark):  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13359689

Glad I got up the courage to go find a bike shop and ask if I could take some photos!

My Morning Word Cloud (join in!)

Before I dive in to editing words (voice overs for a work project), I'm sharing my favorite words on Imogen Heap's word cloud for her new music project.  This is what is present at the moment.  In light of what we are witnessing in Japan, it is a tender and powerful moment to see such things as "wave" and "hope" coming to the forefront.

For my creative friends who might want to participate ... this is your week!  The word cloud is only for today. But there is something different each day.  This is Imogen's "keyboard" - just click for more! And if you want to follow along in other ways, here's where to find Imogen.

TWITTER.com/imogenheap
FACEBOOK.com/imogenheap
USTREAM.tv/user/imogenheap
SOUNDCLOUD.com/imogenheap

Bits of Light

Today marks a point in time where I'm going to set out to make things right ... one little bit at a time.  Certainly God has been good to me in my circumstances, but I'm pretty sure I'm just sliding along on His grace.  My postponed hopes often flicker and fade just out of reach.  But I'm going to try and make more decisions in the present ... things based on now ... things I can actually change or do.  Maybe it will illuminate the myriad of possibilities I know are there.

HOPE (Jeremiah 29)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b]

[b] Jeremiah 29:14 Or will restore your fortunes

Joy of Dance and Life

There are times I forget how young my daughter is ... especially when I put it in context of my own youth. Fifth grade. I think I sang a song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar (with sign language, of course, my nearly trademarked choice of communication that always seemed to so easily fit with song) at a reunion of some sort in North Dakota. WAIT! It had to be later ... we were living on the farm, and I think I went to study some sign language with my former teacher out there somewhere (I'll have to ask on Facebook).

Well, if I was older ... then I'm not sure I had any kind of solo experience (except that of piano recitals, I guess ... but it was an expected end to a year of lessons, not really a performance in my mind).

I did two dance solos, both in my early twenties. She has technically done 4 dance solos by age eleven. I know there are other girls who have grown up performing and one would think they were born on stage. But I guess I'm finding myself realizing how proud I can be when she is brave enough to try something like this. She didn't start when all the other girls did. The timing of divorce and additional financial challenges limited the exposure my kids had to extracurricular opportunities.

Once in Oklahoma, I was able to start making one or two things available to my kids. At first, she chose baseball like her brother. The pink batting helmet in a sea of boys got her in the newspaper, but not into the big leagues. She found she didn't really enjoy the game, and wasn't too sure about the boys (though they were VERY sweet and didn't bat an eye to having a girl on their team) as they were just ... well ... boys.

Once she was in dance, it fit. Teachers would ask where she had danced before (she hadn't), and each year she would be advanced more than her experience suggested. So while she is still a novice in this area, she LOVES it and is doing well. And seeing her face BEAM for hours and watching her personality soften and expand in the light of feeling so amazing, I am not only proud but encouraged. Maybe she is finding her place early in life?

I find myself struggling with that from time to time as an adult. Even today, I asked myself what I wanted out of life. I answered myself aloud as honestly as I could. "I want someone to tell me what I want to do. I want it to click. I want it to give me energy. And I want to do it." (Yes, it's a little pathetic that I need someone to tell me. I think it's sheer exhaustion speaking. As soon as I said the words, I felt like inside I already know - it's just either getting quiet enough or brave enough to hear it.)

My hope for her? That she follows her heart fully ... and I guess that's my hope for every person. But that's not always a good thing, depending on the heart! So maybe I should say it more accurately. My hope is that she has her heart in a good place and follows it fully.

Suburban Sleigh Ride

Oh, how deep the snow!

I have more "fun" photos to share when I have some time ... but I wanted to show everyone how much snow is in our back yard in OKLAHOMA! I think I heard the official measurement from the airport was 16" of snow. I don't think we'll be going anywhere for a while. Get this - they're not even printing the Tulsa World newspaper for the rest of the week! Of course, it will be online. And since we have power and computers and such, I'm still working away from home. But I had to at least share one photo from yesterday morning!

Forgetting Coffee ... and Remembering Italy

I tried to enjoy a cup of coffee this morning. I think it took me 2 hours to finish. I'm the most distractable person sometimes! With the schools closed for winter weather and a 2-hour delay at the office, I was determined (or so I thought) to take a personal moment ... coffee and a notebook.

Personal moments = quiet time to remember other things I meant to do already.

Of course, I don't want to forget those things. I pop up and go take care of this little thing ... and then that little thing ... oh, and then the other thing. And it all leads to one much bigger thing. Good thing I don't need hot coffee (mine tends to turn into "frapuccino" most days). I still have my craving for personal time, but now I realize I have to HURRY to get to work. *SIGH*

Sometimes I think I absolutely have to travel in order to disconnect and unwind a bit (and even then, it's a challenge). I wanted an Italy coffee moment this morning. This photo is about as close as I got!