Cruella and more...

Every year in October, our office celebrates customer service week. We have a different theme every day and dress in costumes. It's always fun to play dress-up, and one of the days this year focused on cartoons. I thought this was one of my best yet. Keep an eye on your puppies, dahlings.

Referencing back two blogs ago, Run by Ann Patchett was enjoyable. It was an easier read than Bel Canto and less thought provoking, but it still keeps me wanting more of her writing. Overall, it was a nice story about how the most unexpected, imperfect families can be quite beautiful at the heart.

Veronica came home on Friday. After three months away at college in San Francisco, having her in the same vicinity and knowing that we can see her any time is comforting.

We're celebrating Thanksgiving as usual and in our most favorite way - at home with the girls. Christmas carols will accompany pumpkin pie, beginning with Little St. Nick by The Beach Boys (Rachel and Veronica wouldn't accept any other song to start the season).

In closing for today...may you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving and remember how much there is to be grateful for.

Silly in NC

After spending most of the day hanging out with Mama while Daddy got some rest, we had dinner with Dana, Austin, Dakota and Ivy. These pictures are basically how the night went. How much more fun can you have than a silly face contest, followed by a girl pirate competition?

Getting My Groove Back

I realize my shortcomings - one of which is my inconsistency in keeping up this blog. I suppose that Tony has it right, updating his once per month - he gives himself time to think about it, he keeps it interesting, and he's reliable. I, on the other hand, login and realize I've not even touched my blog since vacation, and that's been enough weeks ago that I can say it was over a month and two books ago. Well, I'm getting my groove back and will try to find a way to bring that reliability to my blog as well.

So, for anybody left that actually checks my blog who is wondering what's new and exciting...I'm reading a new book by Ann Patchett. She is an amazing writer, beautifully connecting you with the characters and story she tells. I'm just at the beginning, and it's my hope that her new novel is as impressive as Bel Canto, which captivated me.

Here's to good intentions and great writers.

Federico Garcia Lorca

I'm smitten. Lorca is eloquent, magnificent, and one of Spain's most acclaimed poets. He believed himself the descendent of Egyptian Gypsys, and most certainly exemplifies duende. If you don't know what that means and you like to do research, you now have your assignment for the month. For those of you who couldn't do research with the help of a 19-year-old computer whiz, I offer the following explanation, expressed by Lorca in 1930...

"The duende is a power and not a behavior, it is a struggle and not a concept. I have heard an old guitarist say: 'Duende is not in the throat; duende surges up from the soles of the feet.' Which means it is not a matter of ability, but of real, live form; of blood; of ancient culture; of creative action."

It is also explained by Goethe, when speaking of Paganini: "A mysterious power that all may feel and no philosophy can explain." Don't know Goethe or Paganini - you're on your own.

For good examples of duende American style, listen to Billie Holiday, Cassandra Wilson, Miles Davis, or John Coltrane. For good measure, really sit down and listen to "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.

So there you have it...my latest crush(es)...Lorca and Sam Cooke.

Escape

Vacation can't come quickly enough. Both Tony and I are ready to be away from the day-to-day routine and spend some time together. Personally, I'm ready to escape. I'm ready to wander, to explore, and to let my mind unwind. At least this is a 3-day weekend, right?

Ivy & Daddy

A better picture of my pretty, pretty niece and her daddy.

My Brother's Family

Most of you have never met my brother, so here he is - Dana, with his wife Chris and their kids (also known as my nephews and niece). Austin is 7, Dakota just turned 5, and Ivy will be 3 in September. In case you didn't notice, Ivy loves to pose.