December 21, 2009
Chivalry is dead. I lodge my car in ice and snow at the end of my drive, and all the passing men look the other way or sit in their vodka delivery trucks while my friend & I dig and salt and push and yell. The sole offer of help comes from a teen-age girl who probably weighs 100 pound soaking wet. But we persevere and our efforts are finally rewarded with an un-stuck car, and a sense of accomplishment. As Aretha says, sisters are doin’ it for themselves. So what if there are no knights.
December 20, 2009
We awake to a world of snow. A foot and a half has fallen and it doesn’t stop until noon. And then the great plow-up and shovel-fest fling us all outdoors and into action. Plus baking & decorating for the much-anticipated ever-annual Carol Sing this evening. To which the revelers arrive ready for holiday cheer after braving the snowy streets and highways. We sing, and drink & toast, and wassail, and eat delicious morsels and wish each other well until after midnight. This is the best event of the season, every year, for there’s no other purpose than to have fun and enjoy the gathered community as we enthusiastically sing carols that date back centuries, songs that have the spirit and mystery of ancient Christmases, harder, simpler, but no less jolly.
December 19, 2009
And now the cleaning, and the last phases of home repair. And then a few friends come by for lunch and a time-out from the holiday prep. And suddenly everything seems easy. My friend is snowed out of her flight into NYC, but can rebook directly here, saving train fare and arriving 3 hours early. We celebrate with martinis, and at 9:30 the snow starts to fall.
December 18, 2009
Running errands like a madwoman, with a snowstorm bearing down on us, a house guest coming, and a couple of parties to host over the week-end. Still I do manage to remember that a good attitude is paramount, and far more important that amount accomplished. Home to grade.
December 17, 2009
Worlds colliding– I pry them apart and continue knocking away at the requirements of all. I hope you’re enjoying the pictures– stealing the moments to get out, walk, and snap them seems the only creative element in my life this week. Oh, and the poems. I’m getting quite addicted to the many characters of the villanelle– this week’s funny, last week’s more somber and reflective.
week 61 ~ thank you has a gender
thank you has a gender
when speaking in Rio
it’s hard to remember
so you won’t offend her
if you should tell her so
thank you has a gender
hello doesn’t neither
does please or because though
it’s hard to remember
just give it a shot for
in places un-gringo
thank you has a gender
but in moments tender
when reflexes run slow
it’s hard to remember
the essence of grammar
you don’t completely know
thank you has a gender
it’s hard to remember
December 16, 2009
Sending packages, catching up loose ends, grading, and planning– a typical unremarkable day in the life of an academic/mom/daughter in December. The only difference is the twinkle of Rio in my eye. The fun of the holidays, and then I’m off. So, back to the grading…
December 15, 2009
The last exam, and now there’s just a mountain of papers between me and the end of the semester.
December 13, 2009
And the 12 days of Christmas begin! Today I bustle about, moving along my list of things to do. This neighborhood Christmas tree shot will have to suffice until my own is lighted, but holiday cheer shines brightly in my heart, anticipating all that is to come, even the tedious stuff.
