Stacey Kent at the UCO Jazz Lab

Ah, Saturday night in the big town, as Gary England likes to say. Last night, I had a wonderful dinner with a friend at 501 Cafe, and then we went to see Stacey Kent at the UCO Jazz Lab. The place was sold out, but it is so small and intimate, that all the seats are good. One couple at our table had driven here from Memphis to see her. The show was well worth it. If you are not familiar with Stacey Kent, check out here website. Her husband, Jim Tomlinson, plays the sax and composed some of the songs. She had a wonderful band. I particularly loved her interpretation of Stevie Nicks song "Landslide" - funny thing is, I had always thought the title of the song was "Changes" ;o) Stacey Kent and her husband were both very gracious and signed autographs after the show. I forgot my camera in the car.
But I did take a photo of myself later.
~ Bye for now.

Good Memories

These are two of my favorite photos from many (about 20) years ago. Happy times. My son is the joy, the sunshine in my life. I am so proud of him. He is about to graduate from OU and make his own way in the world. Well, I can't figure out why the top photo is so small. And I can't seem to get it to let me delete it. Hm mm.

Transitions are difficult for me. I am in a new season of my life. Empty nest. Death of dreams of what this time of my life would be like. Realizing that some things are just completely out of my control. You can't control what anyone else does, even when, or perhaps especially when, it's someone you love. Finally facing reality, and deciding to stop living in a fantasy world, although I really didn't want to face the uncomfortable reality, for it was so much easier to live in denial, even though it wasn't healthy. It was easier living in that world of make believe. Roles and dreams are devastating to give up, although necessary at times. Dark, and painful.

Benefit for FaithWorks of the Inner City

Last night I attended a benefit dinner for FaithWorks of the Inner City at the Petroleum Club. It was heartwarming to see how well attended it was. I am a volunteer tutor for FaithWorks of the Inner City. We work with the community south of Bricktown, with the children of Shidler Elementary. FaithWorks is raising money for a Community Center, to be built across the street from Shidler Elementary. The guest speaker last night was Barbara Green, co-owner of Hobby Lobby. There was also a silent auction, and I was able to purchase an original watercolor by Cletus Smith. Sally Goin, a retired Edmond teacher, founded FaithWorks of the Inner City after becoming acquainted with the children and their families while doing volunteer work at the old City Rescue Mission. If you would like more information about FaithWorks, see their website: http://www.faithworksokc.com/

~ Bye for now

Wedding

I attended a wedding recently of two good friends from my church. They each have a large extended family, and it was so wonderful to get to meet them and to see families getting along, each person truly being interested in the other. It gave me such joy to be around my friends in their joy. This wedding was especially poignant for many reasons. After the reception was officially over and the bride and groom left in the limousine, they even went to the local pizza place (with the bride still in her wedding gown and the groom in his tuxedo) and brought boxes and boxes of pizza back to those of us who were remaining at the reception.
They will have problems of course, they are human, but it such a blessing to know that God is the head of their marriage.
I am not posting any photos of my friends out of respect for their privacy.
~ Bye for now

Geese

Spring days. I like to watch the geese. I don't know why. I also like to look at the water. I took this photo the other day. There is just something about geese, watching them fly in formation, seeing the way they land on the water. They innately know what to do. If only we humans always knew what to do...
~ Bye for now

Tour de Palate

I had the privilege last Thursday evening, March 27th, 2008, of attending the first annual Tour de Palate, a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, held at the Oklahoma History Center. Many wonderful restaurants gave of their time, food and wine. There were also silent and live auctions. And there was a contest with four chefs from the Food Network, who came at their own expense, to compete in a cake decorating contest while we watched. Commentary was provided by Ruth of Ruth's Sweet Justice. Below are a few photos I took of the event. I had never been to the Oklahoma History Center before - the view of the State Capitol is breathtaking.

~Bye for now.