My Darling Dear

From this funny site.

Love: Poem

Friend.

I miss seeing her everyday.

hekyll and jyde

"Cancer Strength (Ace of Pentacles) To affect change in the world, we must first make that change in ourselves. It’s easy to profess what’s right and wrong, but not so easy to be an example of these convictions. There are periods in life when you must account for your behavior, and, even more importantly, your contradictions. A frustrating situation is currently offering you this opportunity. Refrain from controlling things and you’ll uncover an area of vulnerability. This area is asking to be developed, so “walk your talk” and be proactive in your efforts to change."

My initial response to this horoscope was "screw you!" followed by "sigh" and then a memory. When I was at summer camp, I tie-dyed this shirt I had that was old and tattered, a real favorite. The shirt said, written every which way in the funky early nineties fashion, "To really make change, you must first change your mind." At the time, 8th grade me considered myself enlightened and profound, thoughtful and deep. Now, in photos, it just looks like a slightly idealistic baggy tshirt.

That summer at camp, we would sneak through the fence to the creek, and Teddy would have his guitar (he played so incredibly well). A group of us would hang out by the barely flowing water, not really doing anything aside from being together, and I lay there, staring up at the waving leaves of cottonwood. The sound of the leaves, all blowing and rustling, was poignant and drifted in and out of the guitar sound. Me to myself: "Remember this."

(remembering)

Update:

and so he's gone to Austin

(but he'll be back)

I had a moment this morning, but then crosby sent me this, and everything was better.

do yourself a favor

and listen to this.

(amanda palmer covering regina spektor= all shades of awesome)

Did he just go crazy and fall asleep? (also known as Camp Connell 2009)

Wassail

And so begins my favorite time of year. The foods with the cinnamon, the drinks all warm and social, the weather chilly on the outside, but warm and snuggly in. Boots and skirts, with the occasional scarf. Granted, I just spent the weekend up in Sea Ranch, where it was beautiful and, dare I say, balmy, but the twinge of fall is still in the air. Holiday parties, Thanksgiving food dishes, knitting hats, making presents to give...it's all there. For the next two months? Color me content. And my coffee will be flavored with soy nog.

Flashback Friday: love at first sight.

Somewhere around twelve years ago, Crosby and I were sitting in AP History contemplating Quakers and in walks Anna---new at Amador from Ithaca, New York. She walked in and an awesome vibe came with her: super intelligent, unconsciously cool and big curly poofy hair. Crosby and I were like Yes. We are going to be friends with her.

This picture was taken approximately three days later, as part of a photo assignment I had for class where I made everyone dress up gothy and we took pictures in black silky dresses. Friends then, friends now, and this first time hangout picture makes me very happy.

These are the pictures you always wanted someone to take.

Two Weeks ago:A bunch of folks loaded into a rather large van and went to see Motley Crue. Dressed for the occasion, we drank $12 coronas and watches with quirked eyebrows while Tommy Lee ran around with his "titty cam." The show was entertaining (mostly), the music was pretty terrible (entirely), and most strong was the awareness that things that seem awesome and carefree to do when you are 25, look a tad sad when you are late 40s. And wearing your own bands teeshirt.

One Week ago:Bill and I went up to the Sierras, to the cabin and Lake Alpine. We caught a Steely Dan concert at the Ironstone Winery in Murphys and watched middle-agers get reprimanded because their lawn chairs were too high. It was pretty rad.

This Last Weekend:I flew to San Diego to spend time with my Crosby. Fun fun undiluted girl time, we dancy danced, laid on the beach, shopped till we actually almost dropped, and ate the most fantastic breakfast: strawberries and ricotta on cranberry-orange-walnut toast, topped with drizzled honey. Color me happy.

made me so happy, i almost cried

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

For You!

If you at all need any sort of a pick-me-up this afternoon, go to THIS website and watch one of the mini-clips. Unbounded joy bounded. Nothing short of brilliant.

Bettina! Bettina! (Galway, Ireland, 2000)

There were Italians in our housing that couldn't believe her name was "little betty" and always insisted on saying it twice. Bettina! Bettina! Their enthusiasm was contagious and only slightly indicative of the energy and vivacity of this woman who's small stature could barely contain her. In Dublin, we ran around, giving bananas to street folk and walking way too far in a given day. In Davis, we hid from stuffy rooms and I gave her mugs. In San Francisco, we had our Tarot cards read in the early morning hours and a woman told her to stop wearing dark brown and black.

Now, she lives in Canada. Now, she is finishing her PhD in Native American Studies. And, now, Bettina is having a baby....a wee baby boy!

Bettina! Bettina! (love!love!)