Where Do I Belong

Yesterday, I had my inaugural listen to Alan Doyle's Boy on Bridge cd -- I know I've heard 'Where I Belong' sung live before, but just where I heard it escapes my memory.   In listening to it today, my mind wandered... 'Where (do) I Belong'; 'There's No Place Like Home' (Dorothy); 'Home is Wherever You Are' (SK6ers); 'You Can't Go Home Again' (Wolfe)   Which is it???   As a young adult, post college, I couldn't wait to get out of dodge...anywhere but where I grew up. Don't get me wrong, Connecticut is a beautiful state and I do miss it so, but it didn't offer the career path I was looking for and I wanted to explore. So over the last many years, I have lived in the DC area -- and for the last 14 years in Arlington, Virginia. I affectionately call it the 'near-south'.   It offers everything I think I want -- proximity to city life and the excitement of where laws and foreign policy exploits are hatched! It is an area steeped in history and rich in culture and I love showing it off to friends and family.   My love of live music is nourished as most singers and bands pass thru here often ( and those that don't suffer my twitter-scold for sure)   I live a short drive from bucolic horse country, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chessapeake Bay...and a little farther to the Atlantic Ocean!   I love that this is a walking area and one with so many diverse restaurants.  I thrive on the hustle and bustle and multitude of free events.   ...and I have made some wonderful friends.   But no matter how long I've lived here in Arlington, I often feel like a visitor. I vote and I pay taxes and I avail myself of the plethora of services that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City and County of Arlington provide -- but is this truly home? And what does home really mean? Maybe my adult life is one giant transient experiment or one long one-way work-study vacation.   Or maybe it's because I chose not to buy a home -- I didn't want the upkeep or responsibility and face it, I couldn't afford a house in Arlington these days. Maybe it's because I don't have kids in the school system and other activities but again, that was another choice and there are thousands of single residents like me.  There's no getting around it -- I have not found that place where 'everybody knows your name' and I always feel like I am at the mercy of service providers -- credit unions, car repair companies, retail organizations etc. When I go to CT, many business owners and neighbors may not know me, but they recognize the family name...the benefits of small city living for sure. But, every day I wake happy to be living here...it's just not the same type of place I grew up.    So as I prepare to travel to Connecticut many times this summer I will revel in those feelings and happenings that I just can't replicate here in Arlington -- the bright stars on a clear night; walking barefoot thru the green grass on a not-so-humid summer day; the constant buzz of lawn-mowers; the proximity to the shore (it's not an ocean); friends who have known me since I was a child; and the comfort of having family nearby. But it's not the same place I grew up...and it shouldn't be.   And then when I return 'home' to Arlington I will be thankful for public transportation; 7 days-a-week entertainment; free museums; sidewalks and bike lanes; and friends (near and far) that have chosen to be so -- thru proximity or becaue of similar interests. And, Arlington is not Connecticut, with its New-England heritage...and it can't be.   I guess I have the best of both worlds and I must try to be comfortable in the situation that presents itself...I guess it's more 'home is wherever you are'.

A shortcut to Europe

Taking advantage of events like an Embassy Open House is one of the reasons I love where I live. I only wish so many other people hadn't shown up on such a beautiful Spring day:) Lines into the Embassies were long and so I could only visit a few of the many on my list. At the EU delegation building I received a delegation cook book and I can't wait to try some of these recipes.

Note to self -- I really need to brush up on my 'study of flags'

As I went into some of the embassies my mind wandered back to my travels in that specific country. As I walked thru the doors to the off-the-beaten track embassy of Austria, I was reminded of my first solo European trip to Salzburg and my many photos (oh the many photos) of the Fort on the hill and all things Mozart and Sound of Music!

As I walked thru the Belgium Embassy door I was transported back to a summer afternoon sitting in the sunny Grand Place, searching out the Manneken-Pis, marveling at the Royal Palace and oh.the.mussels. But my first thought is always the terror I had when I discovered I got on the wrong train and instead of catching the quick train back to the airport to catch my flight to Dublin, I had jumped on an overnight train to Cologne:)

Saturday, I think the Belgium Embassy was my favorite -- a peek into the Ambassador's expansive office, lots of picture, a beautiful tapestry hanging in the foyer and the treats...oh.the.treats! Guests were able to sample chocolate, sugary waffles, bread with some amazing caramel spread called Speculoos, and beer! For a second, I thought about getting in line again:)



The Austrian and Slovakian Embassies had beautiful folk music and the British Embassy had whisky tasting! I now have packets of Austrian wild flower seeds that I am dying to try to grow.



While on my 5 mile trek around the the streets of Washington, DC, I decided to get acquainted with some of the non-EU embassies/consulate and chanceries, too -- many of which had their Open House last weekend -- and some of them are quite spectacular from the outside. I think three of the most striking are the UAE, Indonesian and the expansive Chinese one. (I'd really love to visit those).





I also discovered 2 new statues -- one of Gandhi and one of fomer Czechoslovakian leade, President Mazaryk.  The Cosmos Club only allowed women into its environs in the late '80s...1980s! And, there is something called the Society of the Cincinnati that keeps alive the ideals and fellowship of the Revolutionary War.  Who needs a classroom when you have the streets of DC:)

It wasn't just all about treats and art -- I actually learned that beginning on June 1, certified organic products in the US or EU can be sold in either region, cutting down on dual fees and certifications. I also got to meet some brave members of the British Royal Navy and get some information on the Olympics.

I love Europe so visiting the embassies was a way to dream about future trips. It was also a reminder of how inter-related we all are and how much we can learn and grow from one another. On Saturday, it was all about people enjoying learning about other cultures and embracing the differences!

Til next year!

Saying Good-bye

Consider this part of my ongoing grieving process -- _________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Two weeks ago I lost my faithful companion of 14 years -- my sweet Blarney -- a domestic shorthair cat that I adopted from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in February 1998.  I named him after the Blarney Stone because I had just visited Ireland a few weeks previous.   From the moment he came into my home, he ruled the roost! He was, as my friend often said, 'one cool cat'! He had a great disposition -- cuddly on his terms, friendly to visitors and aloof as cats tend to be. He was my feline alarm clock and furry blanket.   He was a very strong cat, having battled thru many maladies over the years...for a couple of years I took him to a cat cardiologist for an echocardiogram (yes, they really do have cat cardiologists) He took the same heart meds that my dad still takes, though Blarney's were in smaller doses:)   He didn't really like to travel but once or twice a year we made the trek up to Connecticut to see my parents -- my parents doted on their grandcat and Blarney soaked it in and showed them great affection.   I think what I miss the most are the sweet meows and just his always being there and making me smile. There are 100 reminders around the home...   Walking in the door after work is the hardest for me because he would always come to greet me at the door. I've caught myself a few times about to call out to him. The first few days I put a sticky on my front-door key as a reminder. We also watched TV together and cheered on our favorite sports teams.  Blarney would also be right here by the keyboard. In fact just a few days prior to his death, he scratched at the keypad and pulled up the 'I' and '9' keys. I think I even tweeted about it:) He was my confidante and my closest companion and he loved me unconditionally.   I am still grieving, but the sadness comes in spurts. I just let the tears come and I feel better. I have wonderful memories,100s of pictures and a sweet clay paw print that the veterinarians provided me.   Saying good-bye was heart-wrenching but watching him suffer, even for just a few hours, was worse. I am comforted knowing that he had a good life.  Blarney brought joy to my life and I am forever grateful for the 14 years we had together. He is irreplaceable in my heart!

Fired Up!

On Saturday, just 6 months shy of the November election, I drove down to Richmond, VA for President Obama's campaign kick-off rally. I could not miss the opportunity -- I may not get too many chances for a VA rally on a weekend afternoon. The rally was energetic and inspiring, both serious and with moments of frivolity -- it was an afternoon spent with like-minded and friendly folks from around the Commonwealth. If the events in Virginia this past year taught me anything it is that one can't sit on the sidelines and just hope things get better. So for the next 6 months, I must get active in Virginia to make sure that our federal leadership is in place. I used to work on Capital Hill for many years and in many roles and it saddens me now to see the state of discord, vitriol and partisan fighting. Re-election seems to be the name of the game now -- not governing, not moving the country forward, not compromising. I am not sure when compromise became a 4-letter word -- the line in the sand not to be crossed -- but I don't like it! Don't get me wrong, Representatives in Congress have always been about self-preservation, but today men and women running for election are more often judged on what they can't or won't do rather than what they can and will do. And to get things done, we all have to work together! I believe that while 4 years may be a blip in our country's history -- the choices, the laws enacted, the regulatory promulgations and the Supreme Court decisions are vitally important to my life right now and in the future! For me, the distinction between the candidates is strong!  I want continued strong leadership with a willingness to reach consensus.  I want to end the war in Afghanistan and grow the economy for everyone.  I want the Affordable Care Act to stand and I want our country to embrace our differences and move forward...together! Elections have consequences and these are just a few of the reasons why I am getting involved -- whether to register new voters, educate people about the issues or get out the vote (GOTV) I may have to go outside my comfort zone but it's just too important not to! So after Saturday, I am officially Fired Up and Ready to Move Forward for the Obama/Biden/Kaine team!

Space -- last flight of the Shuttle Discovery

Today I had the privilege to watch the Shuttle Discovery makes its fly-over curtain call. I almost missed it because it arrived over the skies of Washington DC a wee bit early. I only had time to get to Lafayette Park across the street from the White House but I think that was a beautiful spot -- the double decker flying machines with the White House and Washington Monument in frame -- can't get much more USA than that:)

I've always had an affinity for space. I marveled at those men and women that defied gravity and actually burst out there -- I watched many of the launches, but sadly, never once in person:( When I do stop and look at the moon on a cool, clear crisp night, I am reminded that some lucky men and women actually went there...lucky! It is the end of an era and I hope our country can dream big again!

As a child, I remember pouring over books and posters about the planets, making dioramas of the solar system, and a family vacation stop at the Kennedy Center in Florida -- wow, that place seemed HUGE! Over the years I watched the various incarnations of Star Trek, Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5 (sorry Sheldon) and repeats of Lost in Space. What's your favorite?

The Air and Space Museum is a must see for visitors to this area. I've been there many, many times so now I just point my visiting friends in that general direction. Sadly, I have yet to visit the Udvar-Hazy museum out in Virginia. That the Discovery will be residing there now is a great incentive to go out and wander. I just wish that, like the Air & Space Museum, I could wander for free...that $15 parking fee is steep (and it requires a car to get there)

Just Sit Right Back and You'll Hear a Tale -- The Rock Boat XII

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale...

It has been a full month since returning from my inaugural Rock Boat -- that Sixthman sponsored, Sister-Hazel-hosted, floating rock concert aboard the Carnival Elation, sailing from New Orleans to Cozumel (and back). Settle in...this might take a while and good thing for you, there's still time to plan for The Rock Boat XIII! It was at times raucous, at times sublime; at times solitary, at times a brotherhood; at times festive, at time contemplative... First, I have to thank Barb and Mary for graciously inviting me to come aboard for the adventure that was Rock Boat XII. I jumped at the chance to go when I learned Carbon Leaf, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and The Alternate Routes would be aboard. Along the way, I also discovered many more bands (see way below) I had been given a spreadsheet of the schedule for the 4 days -- each band performing three times from noon until the wee hours of the morning over those four days! What's a girl to do?! Anticipation was high, check in was a breeze and from the moment we stepped aboard the Carnival Elation tethered in New Orleans, we were entertained in the Atrium by Bronze Radio Return, a band based in Hartford, CT (my old stomping ground). We dutifully sat thru the muster drill and laughed when we saw that the guys from Carbon Leaf would be our hall mates -- not sure they found it as amusing as we did:) For the next four days and nights, music and booze would be flowing from every nook and cranny of the ship -- yes, there was a bar called the Drama Bar (my sign and sail bill says so). Although I may have sacrificed to lose those extra inches pre-cruise (survey is still out on that), not a day went by ship-side that I didn't partake of the molten chocolate cake or a fruity Drink of the Day in a commemorative glass! The Highs That instant when you cross the threshold onto the ship and the guitar chords are heard in the distance...everything is new The sunshine Being (mostly) unplugged from the world Camaraderie among strangers -- guests and musicians alike -- I only met a fraction of the passengers but we were bound by our love of music and a vacation spirit Sail-aways with Sister Hazel, Vertical Horizon and Tony Lucca Picture this: sunset; intimate deck party; acoustic show; talent and emotion oozing and the guests moved to tears and laughter! (Will Hodge sunset cruise) Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and Carbon Leaf -- both bands dug into their vast catalog to give us three, no-repeat shows of different calibers...energy level at 11! Red Wanting Blue rock show from a 2-tiered stage in the 8-story atrium packed to the gills When artists guest-gigged with each other -- Goose (Kit Karlson) and Chip Johnson of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers  were everywhere! Michael Tolcher doing his best 'Taylor Swift' impersonation (Unfortunately) leaving for another show just as The Alternate Routes lost power, went unexpectedly unplugged and didn't miss a beat -- heard it was spectacular Post-midnight whiskeys near the casino -- the late-night meeting place Fruity drinks and chocolate molten cake Running on-deck on the ocean Eureka moments Discovering great new music -- Brian Jarvis Band, Alpha Rev, Bronze Radio Return & Drew Holcomb   New friends and great memories The Lows The choppy seas...oh, the choppy seas -- nothing says rough seas more than seeing 'airplane vomit bags' attached to all the elevators one fine Sunday morning The buffet not being open during that one 30 minute downtime between sets A few schedule conflicts No encores Not nearly enough time to sleep in the sun That nagging allergy-ridden cough that wouldn't (hasn't ) abate(d) and the post-Elation Plague The post-midnight pizza that really was quite awful That Bloody Bingo host that was kinda mean and not too funny (ok, maybe it was the choppy seas and the fact that I missed winning by one damn B#)   That final 'Sign and Sail' bill -- seriously, someone MUST have had access to my card Truthfully, there are just a few items I would like to see changed and I had ample opportunity to offer my suggestions in a post-cruise survey. Videos Now, take a moment, or 30, to check out a song from some of my favorite new musical discoveries -- These are NOT my Rock Boat XII videos but I have provided attribution Red Wanting Blue http://bit.ly/Hy6T5r (naptownblue) Tony Lucca http://bit.ly/HyJezV (poetess232) Brian Jarvis Band w/Stephen Kellogg http://bit.ly/IJpA04 (brianjarvisband official) The Alternate Routes http://bit.ly/IhzydM (mmtumbleweeds) Bronze Radio Return http://bit.ly/rogdqQ (InsiderIowa1) Not on the ship Will Hodge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irUYZniP7hI (tera311) Michael Tolcher http://bit.ly/Hqxi0w (izzyb721) Alpha Rev http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dl5QvjvniE (official video, not on ship) Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors http://bit.ly/IhXQpm (naptownblue) The Damnwells http://www.thedamnwells.com/ video not from ship

Another Year Older...

I know I know, we all hate to get older but really...what's the alternative?

 

 

My birthday is inextricably tied to The Wearing of the Green, Erin Go Braugh, The Luck of the Irish, Kiss Me I'm Irish pins, green cupcakes, green beer...etc.

 

 

                                                                               

 

 

Yep, here I am sporting my frilly green dress standing next to yep, you guessed it...a green car:) I loved that car...and that dress!

 

                                                                                

I'm reminded of family celebrations; green cupcakes in elementary school; pizza parties with school friends; a raucous happy hour in college when unbeknownst to me, my roommates hired a male stripper; partying in various DC-area Irish bars; standing in the 9:30 Club for a Great Big Sea show sporting three broken ribs that kept me from exercising my 'vertical movement' to its fullest; many trips to see other bands play; toasts with friends; and a long walk around a lake this past weekend.

 

                                                                                 

                                                                 ShamrockFest

 

 

                                                                                    

                                                        GBS show in Windsor, Ontario

  

 

Yep, this past weekend I turned the page on another year...all in all, not too shabby a 365-day journey. I am grateful that my dad's emergency surgery went without a hitch and I am also grateful for the companionship of my sweet Blarney -- 14 years with me (15 years pawing the earth). I traveled to Colorado, NC, Louisiana and up and down the mid-Atlantic and New England to visit family, friends, sightsee and hear some great music. I closed out my year with a vacation aboard The Rock Boat...sweet!

 

But I want more...I want better...and this year, I'm going to shake things up!

 

Sure, I'm going to continue my attempt to tone and sculpt, so maybe my body can look like a 35-yr old again..ha ha (yes, the bar has been lowered). I'm going to look for opportunities that challenge me professionally and emotionally; and I'm not going to neglect my well-being. Maybe...just maybe, I'll get that half-marathon under my belt, take a stab at Ulysses and go visit friends I've missed for too many years.

 

But I feel like somewhere along the way I suffered a crisis of confidence. I'm not sure if one thing precipitated it or whether it's been lurking beneath the surface for awhile...

...but things are going to change. Time is fleeting and I don't want to wake up next March 18th wondering why I let stupid things get to me or get me down.

 

The new and improved me is on its way! That's my wish for my 2012/2013!