Crawling towards spring

I just shoveled banana nut bread into my system for breakfast. It’s no way to behave; I shouldn’t be eating at my desk (no food in the library — I mean learning commons). And today, my morning window is telling me that Atlanta is not there yet. Considering yesterday found me at Piedmont park eating al fresco, today’s gloomy morn is a bit of a blow. Of course it’s still March and others have pointed out their out and out cold state. Indeed, my colleagues in Denver spent the weekend shoveling snow. I don’t have a right to complain.

Instead I’ll just say that seeing Amy Lowell’s poem Vernal Equinox struck me as appropriate today. Especially her unease with the thrusting of green shoots and wondering at the absence of her overpowering love. It’s good stuff.

The scent of hyacinths, like a pale mist, lies between me and my book;
And the South Wind, washing through the room,
Makes the candles quiver.
My nerves sting at a spatter of rain on the shutter,
And I am uneasy with the thrusting of green shoots
Outside, in the night.

Why are you not here to overpower me with your tense and urgent love?

2009–an appeal

(with apologies to Devon)

Dear 2009,

March is sliding into April. I’m pointing that out, because clearly I’ve been holding on to hope. But now I’m officially voicing a complaint. I don’t know if it’s because I wore a flaming pink scarf on New Year’s Eve (and I never wear neon colors), you saw our giddy heights around Jan. 20th, maybe it’s the pleasure I had several weekends ago with my friends at a concert or recently in Miami.  Regardless, there seems to be a universal gloom and crankiness about you. People are depressed. My friends’ health issues and my own scares are alarming and exhausting. The financial tatters that the world is clinging to is causing winkles around normally smiling mouths. There is a tightness in everyone’s eyes that makes me hurt on the inside.

So what is up? What is it you want? A little recognition? In American history, you’re already going to go down as the year of change. I mean, that’s big stuff right there. And personally, there is so much potential for you. Travel. Steady income. I mean, you and I could have a lot of fun while you are around. Can you ease up a bit? Because lately, you really have been a bit of a killjoy and insomnia inducing. And that’s cutting into my positive energy I’m trying to emit. Consider my appeal and call me when you’re ready to have some fun.

In peace,

Bibliotecaria

Miami

Miami 2009

What can I say? Well, lots actually. I should preface my trip with the fact that my family, Mentone, and the world lost one of the originals, Andy Talton. Andy became the steward of the Mentone Springs Hotel. So, while I was sipping a Mojito on the beaches of Miami in his honor — Mentone, my parents, and a couple of hundred of Andy’s nearest and dearest celebrated what he gave us — his life and his vision. Reports came to me that it was dreary day on the mountain. Probably fitting for a farewell. But I think Andy will not fault me my moment in the sun. Actually, I think he was right there with me, blue eyes sparking with mischief and checking out the finer things in life. And as much as could be written about him, this is not the place. Perhaps a longer work of a life lived is in order?
So I left. Did my mourning in Miami. I never really thought I’d care for it. Sure, I enjoyed Miami Vice when I was little. Art Deco is one of my favorite periods of architecture and design. But I think the new, night club, fashionista, spoiled rich kid image that conveys Miami didn’t appeal to my down-to-earth persona. My students tried to prepare me “Auntie Julia, don’t wear brown or gray or any thing you wear to school.” (Yes, some of the girls do call me Auntie Julia.) I took their advice, hesitantly. And arrived. And was blown away by the blue of the ocean. The sound. The occasional crow on the beach (what were they doing?). Everything was as I wanted. Relaxing, warm, restful. I didn’t even take my laptop. I didn’t turn on the TV but once for the weather. I could rave and rave. Just enjoy the pics.
Please though, remember all the forces (scrupulous and otherwise) that create places, spaces and works of beauty. All the originals that will not stop until their vision is realized. The Hofhausers, Altmans, Olmsteads, Murakamis and the Andy Taltons. We are richer and better for them. Thanks.

Miami bound

Yep, you read it right. I’m headed south for some R&R.

I have lots of things to tell you. Some are about the moon, some are about loss, and Spring.

There are pictures too.

But all of this must wait for my refreshing pause and return.

Until then —- enjoy!

shhh . . .

I’m supposed to be working.

It’s a busy day of accreditation here at Westwood. Actually, this is the “quality audit” stage. Regardless, I really shouldn’t be writing. But that’s me — always the rebel, never the ruler.

I just had to say how much fun I had with the gang. It was a great gathering of friends, music, personality profiling (I’m an INFP) and cheddar biscuits and snow and a whole lot of laughter. Thanks to all of you: Miche, Shane, Will and Shelby for driving down and Lori for joining in the merriment.

Great fun. But no, I didn’t get any pictures of my guests — I did take tons at Lea’s First Birthday Party (which I will upload at some point).

Until more news and pics, feel free to discover yourself at http://typelogic.com/