NJ Folk Festival at Rutgers Day

     When I found out that Leigh Ann and John Stratakos were going to be at the NJ Folk Festival I started to ask some questions.  So glad that I did.  It turns out we didn't have enough time to even scratch the surface of all the day had to offer.  To think the kids were excited with the shuttle service to our destination. (It was a bus. But these kids are in the burbs and we don't really do the bus.)
     We headed to the Ag Field Day first.  Em found a yellow flowering plant she simply HAD to have...so much so that she carried her sunny little pal around all day.  Face painting included a rocket and a cupcake.  The entomology tent held our attention for quite some time.  We checked out many different insects and their larvae,  cockroach races and specimens.  OH, and I saw the largest tarantula ever.  Huge.  Humongous.  Heart racing/pounding big.  I moved along as it proceeded to climb OUT of the tank as the nice student explained it to us.  We listened to music, ate snacks, purchased herbs and mingled with one of the most diverse groups of people (and their dogs) I have ever seen. 
     Then we moved on.  The Folk Festival was next.  Each year the festival honors a different culture of the world.  Quite a cool concept.  Though we missed most of the music and events at this section we did indeed enjoy some time with our MudWorks buddies.  They were kind enough to let us crash the booth for a bit.  Pony rides and some tag with a few instant pals from the booth next door made the sunny afternoon a bit sweeter.  The weather could not have been more perfect and I have slight tan lines on my arms to serve as a reminder of one of the first pleasant days of the spring. 
     As I peruse the brochure I am being made aware of the vast amount of things we missed.  Never saw the animals or dipped our fingers in the touch tank.  Missed some pretty cool bands.  Could have been a bit more selective with the food.  But there is always next year and for the first time there we did alright.  We had a great time.  The kids were thrilled AND we had some giggles with our pals.  As for the craft show -  though I am thrilled we got to spend some time in a booth...I am slightly nervous of the plans being developed by my 9 year old to "find something to make to sell here".   I am glad I enjoyed being a visitor because my daughter might have me working her booth soon enough.  

See a lawyer about Dad

     I have known her for years and now I am seeing her for actual legal reasons.  My Dad will be turning 85 in a few weeks.  With Mom gone I have had to do so much around here that he has never had to deal with.  So I will step up and get it done.  Step by step.  I now have another appointment set for a will and power of attorney.  I guess those can be future new things.  In the meantime, this little task will kill two blogs with one event.  Please see my crumblings for the real dirt.  And kids...don't get old.  Ever. 

Listen to the podcast Mike and Tom Eat Snacks

     I have to thank Christine for the suggestion.  Well, Mickey gave me the podcast idea and she expanded on it.  Thanks to both of you.   So, here I am listening to the witty and goofy banter of Michael Ian Black and Tom Cavanagh.  I have loved these two together since way back in the days of the quirky little show called Ed.  I think there were about 5 of us who watched it but that's ok. 
     I have had many giggles, am excited to listen to the others, have a few new people to follow on twitter AND I will need to get a bag of Cheetos as soon as possible tomorrow!  Thanks guys, thanks. 

Abundance mantra

     Today I read aloud a new mantra passed along to me from Leigh Ann.  It does indeed seem to fit in with my themes lately.  I felt good saying it.  I believe I understand what it means and will mean to me.  I am ready for the next phase of life and hope this keeps me on the path to find it.   You know, I take that back...I KNOW it will keep me on the path.  Hope has nothing to do with it anymore.  If I know one thing lately it is that the more you believe...truly believe...in the bottom of your soul...anything can happen.  Thanks lady for yet another inspiration. 

Dance with Andy the Armadillo

     You know when you are walking and you come upon someone else walking...toward you?  You dip to the left...so do they.  You dart to the right...yep, they do as well.  You find yourself going back and forth in some strange waltz type dance.  Well, tonight I did this with a 7 foot tall armadillo.  I was headed to the bathroom at a restaurant and there he was blocking my path.  "Excuse me Andy but I need to get by". Now don't be alarmed - he is the mascot of said restaurant and therefore allowed to be there.  Wouldn't want any random wild armadillo characters running amok now would we?

First lesson in video editing with Final Cut

     As you recall for my 100th day of the challenge I decided to celebrate by saying hello to 100 folks.  I did it in many different ways but my prior post explained all of that craziness.  Some filming was done over the course of a few hours and that footage has been sitting on my lovely little Flip.  Until tonight.  HOURS later I have my first little movie.  Up till now the only thing I had ever rendered was meat. 

My speech if I should win some award will go a little something like this:
I would like to thank my friends and family for putting up with my challenge.  Also to those of you who reached out to me on this day...I appreciate the help.  To my kids for coming along for the ride. To the White Family for the camera to make it all possible.  And to John for the Final Cut program, the expertise in video editing and the patience to spend HOURS teaching me how to bring my vision to the screen. 

Took the road less traveled by in a yellow wood

     I carried on many traditions today.  I tried some new things as well.  The day had its hard moments as one can expect but for the most part I tried to stay positive...since it's a day of rebirth and all.  At the end of the meal and the dishes things started to quiet down.  The sky looked light in some places and ominous and looming in others.  It was symbolic of the mood...I was dancing somewhere between sadness and joy at the same time.  I decided a walk with my sweeties was in order.  We headed to a little pond path we have been waiting to walk upon since the fall.  I've walked this path many times before but have always headed to the left at the place where it splits.   As I come to the spot...without fail... in my head I quote the famous poem and end up pondering its meaning.   Ironically, I always stay on the same trail.  Until today.  I thought my new would simply be a walk on Easter but I took it one step further and went the path less traveled.  The clouds held onto their droplets and the sun beamed through with rays that made the mountain glow and the budding trees sparkle.  We have a choice.  A choice to smile or cry, a choice to push or retreat, a choice to go the same way we always have or to make changes.  On this day of renewal I made a choice to continue on my path of the new and that has made all the difference.