From Charlotte to Charleston.
The last couple of weeks have been busy. I know, I'm always busy. Perhaps I should have said, the last couple of weeks have involved a lot of "moving" – moving around, fast-moving things, unpacking moving vans, "move that bus"...etc. Last week/weekend, ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition was in town (which you probably already know from the press release below.) Look for the episode in October, because a fine example of my design work will appear (probably for a flash of a millisecond, but still.)
Also last weekend was the Presbyterian Invitational Criterium – Charlotte's premier road bike race, which awards over $100,000 to some of the country's best cyclists. The week at work was full, but short, with Bryan and I leaving on Thursday to see Wilco at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, and spending the day on Friday touring the historic city. The concert was great – especially running into Ryan and Josh who I havn't seen since our Christmas dinner – and Charleston is a very unique place with amazing history.
Check out some pics here.
"Just as I was reaching a point in my life where I was beginning to feel part of something, I've become restless for a new me. When you know who you are, new ideas are icing."
Your attention please.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2008
Local Company/Charity Teams Up with National TV Event in a BIG Way for Charlotte
Playmore Design Corp., an environmentally friendly and locally-owned company, teamed up with ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition on their recent build in the Charlotte area. Creating active learning environments and playscapes from 100% recycled plastics, Playmore Design Corp., donated a large-scale play ground for the King family, who received a new home from ABC;s E.M.H.E. this past week.Scott Swimmer, CEO of Playmore Design Corp., is also the Founder of DrumsForCures, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to beating cancer through the power of music.
DrumsForCures, Inc. is the producer of drumSTRONG, a unique, multicultural event recognized as the world's longest drum circle – breaking records at over 26 hours of continuous rhythm. drumSTRONG showcases the local resources avaiilable to address cancer concerns by inviting exhibitors to their cancer resource "Health Fest" held annually at Misty Meadows Farm in Weddington, NC, and has raised over $250,000 in the past two years to support cancer survivorship, cancer research and cancer awareness programs. People glean solid info, receive positive direction and exhibtors meet their audience in a beautiful, relaxed, environment.
In addition, Swimmer and his drumSTRONG team take percussion to the local pediatric clinics, spreading the healing effects of rhythm and activity to children who are experiencing compromised health.
Swimmer's combined dedicated efforts to children, the environment and healing is what makes Playmore Design Corp. and DrumsForCures, Inc., a perfect fit for the ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition's project. Swimmer says,
"Being a participant in your own health and of those around you makes for a sound community. When we interact with our neighbors (from the playground and beyond) we learn of the values and resources around us. Strengths (and weaknesses) are appreciated. Those that have the resources and talent to lend a hand and those in need discover these values.
Our individual and communal core is stronger and the odds are in our favor for a healthier, more engaged life."
The beautiful, eco-friendly Playmore Design Corp. playscape built at the new King family home was donated in conjunction with DrumForCures, Inc. and drumSTRONG, and will help support the family's in-home daycare program. The ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition episode #604 featuring Playmore Design Corp. and DrumsForCures, Inc. will air this October.
To learn more about Playmore Design Corp., visit:
www.playmoredesign.com
To learn more about DrumsForCures, Inc. and drumSTRONG, visit:
www.drumstrong.org
To learn more about Extreme Makeover Home Edition, visit:
www.abc.com or www.extrememakeovercharlotte.com
Summer sunset.
One of the things I love most about Charlotte is how dramatic the evening sky can be. Especially in the summer when storms brush by, and the color of the sun reflects against the buildings, and trees, in town. Last night, while at the dog park for the better part of two hours, I captured this image of the sky... post-thunder, pre-dinner, and all that encompasses a southern summer.
Designs on you.
Friday night. The Visulite. Old 97s. Need I say more?
The show was great, dinner at Carpe Diem was great, and the nostalgic "missin'-CT-summer-concerts-jack'n'ginger-and-old-friends" feeling I was left with was great too. Saturday afternoon found me at Misty Meadows (surprise, surprise), followed by an evening of pizza and wine (yes, wine) with the Swimmers, the Byrnes and other assorted horse people. Overall, a healthy weekend with people, music and horses. Perfect.
Check back for exciting happenings later this week...
ericaanne
in old 97s, carpe diem, visulite, misty meadows
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Dog-tired.
The result? See below.
Yet another reason why I love July.
My Fourth of July weekend was spent in Raleigh, visiting Chris, Beth, Katie, Connor and Ben, with Bryan, and of course, Aida and Diego. We ate, colored (a lot), played video games, set off fireworks, and enjoyed some down-time. A big thanks to the northeastern Carolina branch of the Shugg family for opening their home to me, and my canine baggage.
See more pictures from the weekend here.
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." [Erma Bombeck]
ericaanne
in july fourth, fireworks, family, kids
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A "Mitey" Moment.
I recently realized that I don’t often write about my experiences with therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning. I post enough pictures, I mention it in my blog, and I definitely talk about it to those around me, but I never express my thoughts through writing. And truthfully, I am not sure I can organize my thoughts into just one article, or even all that well. However, I am going to try, because it is one of the few things that I can pinpoint has physically, emotionally, and mentally changed my life.
The kids who came for the program were in Juvie because they had committed crimes—arson, theft, violence, murder—and they most definitely did not look like anyone I grew up or went to school with. They clamored out of their buses in dark, oversized clothing—a sharp contrast to my svelte jodphurs and riding boots. They never made eye contact, and their demeanors were more than just a little rough around the edges. However, each afternoon I was there, I experienced something that you really need to see to believe. As the weeks went on, these kids became my peers, and the horses became their friends. Their rough edges disappeared, and they handled their mounts as though they were carrying a raw egg around all day without breaking it. They sat tall in the saddle, they looked me in the eye, and they had conversations without curse words. They delivered pats on the neck to their kind steeds, and for the first time in their lives, no one was telling them that they were “wrong,” a “detriment to society,” or “useless.”
And yes, it has taken me years to realize the effect that those kids had on me, and the hope that existed those afternoons. The “problems” I thought I had as a teenager were not really problems at all. And now, almost thirteen years later, I am having a similar experience with a different group of kids and their families—realizing yet again that the challenges we think we face daily are not even close to those of who may be around us.
Following my experience in high school, I investigated volunteer opportunities with an equine therapy program for kids and adults with mental, physical, and social handicaps.
I remember going to the Special Olympics Equestrian Games for the most successful of these riders, and then going about my own way to hoity-toity horse shows where blue ribbons meant status, not accomplishment. And once out on my own, I had an epiphany that pushed me to seek out another of these facilities, work towards my certification as an instructor, and get involved in something that could affect others in immeasurable ways, not just be a rich girl’s hobby.
What I wasn’t prepared for was how greatly my own life would be affected every day.
I found Misty Meadows Mitey Riders through a simple web search, and realized that they were only twenty minutes from my apartment. I contacted them about volunteering, and started helping out with the horses on the weekends. The family who founded Misty Meadows—and everything that comes with it—has since become a second family to me, and now I spend my weekends on the farm, working with the kids, riding horses, and enjoying time with some of the most genuine people I have ever found.
Just over a year after contacting Mitey Riders for the first time, I am a few hours and one workshop away from my NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructor certification. The children I work with all day on Saturday leave my body sore and my heart full. The day does not go by when a child who spends their day in a wheelchair gets to see the world from a different view, or a rider with Autism pushes past their challenges and completes a task without effort. By evening, I have had countless hugs, emotional ups-and-downs, and life-changing moments. The children in the program are the most affectionate, loving, and appreciative human beings I have ever met, and their parents treat every child on the farm as their own. For one hour that day, I get the honor of working with a child who challenges me—changes me—and their parents get a moment to catch their breath from a lifestyle that they manage every day.
Through all of this, I have learned several things that would otherwise seem obvious—unconditional love, patience, communication, and motivation. I have always known that there is power in the human-animal relationship—and our amazing horses bring that not only to their riders, but to their handlers as well. But moreover, I have had my faith in the human-human relationship strengthened. And it is definitely safe to say that the kids who ride at Mitey Riders are not the only ones receiving a healthy dose of therapy.
Photography by Bryan Shugg.
ericaanne
in misty meadows, mitey riders, equine therapy, horses
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Au lait.
The Top Ten Reasons I love Dean+DeLucas:
10. Their proximity to my office.
09. Their decor utilizes white space and stainless steel.
08. You can get any coffee with steamed milk.
07. The revolving door.
06. Outdoor patio seating for the lunchtime I never take anymore. [This could also translate into: "Great people watching."]
05. Four words: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars.
04. I'm there so often they don't even ask what I want anymore, and free refills are often in my future.
03. They appreciate good typography.
02. Brie is a cheese option for all sandwiches.
01. Where else can you buy custom wedding cakes, gourmet sandwiches, rice krispy treats, organic juice, sushi and a 6-pack of Corona in one easy stop?
I am from.
Lately, I have been doing a lot of focused reading on writing, activism through language, and methods of other writers. One of my recent finds is a book by reknowned author Mary Pipher named "Writing to Change the World." Her book is fascinating, even for non-writers, and is not only straightforward and honest, but creative and inspiring. Woven into her text, she provides exercises for her readers, all of which I am doing my best to complete in the hopes of walking into grad school with a written portfolio, as well as a visual one. And what does that mean for you - my readers? That means you are posed subject to countless non-conforming writing exercises, that may or may not diminish my readership ... *wink* ...with that said, here is the first one. Below is the result of a poetry exercise that is meant to pull all authenticty of a writer to the surface - the good, the bad, the history, the present and focus literally on where "I am from" and how a realization of these facts will - in Pipher's words - make me a stronger writer.
•••
I Am From
I am from Noel and Elizabeth, Ib Barnabe and Inge, Eddy and Noelle;I am from Copenhagen, Dublin, Brugge, Galway and Guilford;
From a northern Irish plain to a quaint sea port, fish-yielding town,
From small Shoreline town to big city.
I am from dark chocolate, pickled herring, Christmas beer and canned peas;
From home-baked bread and organic fruit,
From Cajun culinary school to pastry chef.
I am from Master Mason, Knighted Dane, Minister and Doctor;
From Lutheran to Protestant to Atheist,
From resourceful, respectful, proper and ill-directed.
I am from a lack of emotion, but an abundance of love;
From miscommunication to handwritten letters,
From estranged brothers to close sisters.
I am from "Why aren't you married?" to "Are those the rich, Jewish people?";
From "It adds character" to "I love you,"
From "Winter was cancelled due to lack of interest" to "Skøl.."
I am from owning your own business to pursuing the American Dream;
From standing on your own two feet to moving back home,
From taking a risk to making one place your own place.
I am from strings of paper Danish flags to Irish shortbread and clotted cream;
From handcrafted hardwoods to handspun yarns,
From Belgian pistols to French horseshoes.
I am from blonde hair, blue eyes and crooked smiles;
From light skin, dark curls and freckles,
From youthful genes with bad knees.
I am from artists, sailors, athletes and comedians;
From entrepreneurs to chefs to doctors and engineers,
From traditionalists to non-conformists.
I am from Labradors with tennis balls and Irish Wolfhounds with big hearts;
From bay ponies who ran through fence-lines,
From a black Siamese named Benson, and a dog that "came with the house."
I am from obsessive compulsive to overly dramatic;
From passive to dishonest to deceitful,
From a decision to change some of our family's missteps.
I am from alcoholism and drug addiction;
From diabetes to breast cancer to arthritis,
From self-inflicted illness to never complaining about one's pain.
I am from cabins on the lake to castles in the country;
From modest living to an over abundance,
From having more than enough to wanting nothing at all.
I am from the Danish Underground and the Royal Palace Guard;
From the persecuted Irish, kidnapped child and lost soul,
From the empowered woman to the pioneering family.
I am from Guiness and Schnapps and Hot Toddies to cure colds;
From Bailey's Irish Cream to Jack Daniels,
From Japanese Plum wines to Gammeldansk.
I am from years of historical records and family heirlooms;
From changed names and missing identities,
From perseverance of truth and recovery of information.
I am from a strong sense of self and an even stronger will to live.
A beer with my grandmother.
Right now, I find myself sitting at a bar table at Bradley, trying to put my brain back together after the weekend, and convincing myself (like always) that its okay to get on the plane. And in between emails from colleagues and text messages from the midwest, I have a strange sense of peace, which I'm hoping will finally allow me to focus on things other than death.
[click to enlarge]My weekend was full of highs. This struck me as odd, seeing as the purpose of my visit was to bury a member of my family, but in truth, the celebratory nature of everything over the past few days leaves a very positive memory for an otherwise depressing occasion. I'll spare everyone the details, and just put forth a bullet list of moments, in no particular order.
In the last 72 hours, I...
• Had a very bumpy flight home - and a descent that was too quick my my tastes.
• Found the perfect black dress.
• Missed the town I grew up in.
• Was overwhelmed by the turnout and support at my grandfather's service.
• Ate too many homemade confections.
• Had "a chance meeting with an old friend" at The Mooring.
• Split a beer with my grandma.
• Saw my dad cry for the first time in my life.
• Set sail on a 60' wooden schooner that was merely days old.
• Went swimming with 3 chocolate labs.
• Hugged family and friends I haven't seen since I was very young.
• Learned new things about my grandfather.
• Listened to bagpipe music.
• Had Stony Creek pizza.
• Wandered through my dad's job site.
• Practiced being a yuppie. [Some would argue that I need practice at all.]
One of the only things I didn't do, is one of things I think I need to do the most - cry. However, I am certain that at some point in the next week, as life returns to some sense of normalcy, and looks forward to other things, reality will come across me the next time I stumble across a tiny paper Danish flag or smell pipe tobacco.
In the meantime, I just want to thank everyone who has been there for me over the past couple of months, and all who came on Saturday to support my family. Your unexpected warmth and generosity is appreciated more than you may ever realize.