MONDAY MUSINGS

Ok, yes, I'll admit it, I'm guilty. Completely 100% guilty of blog neglect. I've ignored this thing first for a few days, then a couple of weeks, and before I knew it months, and now a new decade has dawned -- what was I thinking?! :)

So, new year, new decade, time for resolutions and all that, right? Well, at least I can give it my best shot at breathing some new life into the blog world here and see what happens...

Looking back at 2009 ~ becoming Mimi (welcoming my first grandchild!); finding love and saying "yes" (how wonderful to find and share such happiness); road-tripping with my youngest around the country (just call us "Thelma and Louise") for fun, soccer, and college exploration; saying a too-soon 'good-bye' to my remarkable, strong, and so loving father; celebrating my grandmother's 99th birthday (her "secret"? one highball everyday at 5pm)...

Looking ahead to 2010 ~ celebrating Abby's first birthday (my creative daughter has already selected a wonderful theme - "Winter ONE-derland!") ; celebrating "soccer girl's" college commitment (stay tuned - she's close to making an announcement, I think!), her high school graduation, and her travels abroad (Spain this spring, Nicaragua over the summer); planning our "simply" wonderful (key word is "simply") wedding and terrific trip; welcoming my son home from Tanzania for a three week visit before he returns to Africa to extend his work with the Peace Corps...much to look forward to in this new year and in this new decade, indeed.

SECTIONAL CHAMPS...NOW ON TO DISTRICTS!

Lady Monarchs capture sectional soccer title with emotional shootout win over Cardinals

By TIM MILLER, Journal-Tribune

After 110 minutes of regulation and overtime play, Marysville High School girls soccer coach Joe McSwords was left pondering another number .... five.

“We hadn’t practiced it (a shootout) since two-a-days,” said McSwords. “I really wasn’t even sure which five players I wanted to put up for shots.”

That was McSwords’ situation Thursday evening after two full halves and a pair of overtime sessions left the Lady Monarchs and Thomas Worthington stalemated at 0-0 in a Division I sectional final game. While McSwords and his captains were meeting with the officials at center field in Worthington, assistant coaches Neal Shaffer, Allen Hinderer and Katie Tracey were writing down some names.

“Those were the ones I thought,” said McSwords after seeing Taylor Spears, Sam Fisher, Casidy Jaggers, Ashley Wilson and KyLee Tuchfarber on a list of shooters.

That quintet came through in big fashion, as the Lady Monarchs outscored the Cardinals, 4-3, in the shootout to advance to Tuesday’s district semifinal game at Upper Arlington. After regulation play and overtime sessions that featured both teams missing on scoring opportunities, the season basically came down to which shooting lineup and which keeper would persevere. Somebody was going to win and somebody was going to end the campaign empty-handed. Soccer games can finish in ties during the regular season but not so during tournament competition. If two, 15-minute OTs are exhausted and the deadlock still stands, teams go to a shoot-out format. Both teams name five shooters who line up against the opposing keeper. Teams alternate shots. The Cardinals took the first opportunity and Hailey Reeb gave her team a 1-0 lead against MHS keeper Hannah Zacharias.

“It’s definitely a pressure situation,” said Zacharias. “It’s tough when you have to face so many kicking styles.”

Spears lined up her shot against TW keeper Rachel Chizever and tied the game at 1-1.

Rebecca Sheldon ripped the ball in for a 2-1 Cardinal lead and Fisher followed suit to make it a 2-all battle. With tension mounting, Zacharias came up with perhaps one of the biggest plays of the season. Meagan Endsley rifled the ball toward the upper part of the goal but Zacharias swiftly got an arm up to block the offering.

“I felt on top of the world after that,” Zacharias said.

Jaggers’ shot failed to hit the mark, leaving the game tied. Nikki Appel put the Cards ahead 3-2 but Wilson scored for yet another tie. Kristen Taylor was the final Worthington shooter and her effort failed to hit the mark. It appeared as though a second set of shooters would be needed when Tuchfarber’s shot went wide to the left. A whistle blew, though, and an official signaled that Chizever crossed the white line before Tuchfarber took the shot. That’s a no-no in soccer and it gave Tuchfarber another opportunity.

“On my second chance, I felt I had to get the ball to the back of the net,” she said. “I wanted to work it to the back corner on the ground.”

Tuchfarber’s mowing job was better than a Lawnboy and when the ball skipped past Chizever, the Lady Monarchs (9-5-4) had claimed an emotional sectional title.

“This was a huge win,” said McSwords as his eyes watered and his voice cracked. “For the past four years, we’ve been working to put this program on the map and I think this win may do that. The girls worked very hard to win this game.”

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

WHOA, A NEW MONTH!

August already? Where has the summer gone? Well....here's an idea of what I've been up to ~

~ Being "Soccer Mom"

~ Preparing for Hannah's senior year of high school...helping her research colleges, making some visits, prospect camps for soccer ~ lots of road-tripping :)

~ Playing with the beads :)

"Turquoise Dreams" Necklace


"Playing with Fire" Bracelet


"Mint Juleps"


~ Enjoying my Mimi time with Abby




~ Falling in Love :) :)






Well, it HAS been quite a summer! Here's to a great August!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, July 13, 2009

Outside my window...there is a beautiful morning sun already climbing high, a sign that I enjoyed a late morning sleep ;-)

I am thinking...of what a long day yesterday was ~ quite the trek ~ but so much fun watching Hannah "do her stuff" all day and "wow" the coaches :-)...definitely worth the trip!

From the learning room...would love to find time this week to continue working with wire and want to check out the other bead shops I've heard about as well.

From the kitchen...had such fun cooking a great dinner Saturday night after the show.

I am wearing...my pj's and summer robe.

I am creating...with the turquoise necklace and earrings complete, it's time for the bracelet now!

I am going...to make another "soccer Mom" road trip this weekend :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (II), John Adams, A Year in The World...and lots of magazines :-)

I am hoping...that Sarah is feeling better soon.

I am hearing...MSNBC as I try to catch up a bit since I was on the road the last 24 hours.

Around the house...time to tackle the bedrooms for a bit of midsummer's streamcleaning, I think.

One of my favorite things...was finally reconnecting with Andrew by phone and seeing Mamma Mia on Saturday with Kevin ~ so much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

shop photos, FB shop page (still not done!!), "Miriam" work for Hannah (it is nonstop right now!) :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 22, 2009

Outside my window...bright summer morning sunshine is streaming in, promising a glorious day.

I am thinking...of Andrew and hoping that his PCV training film project is going well ~ looking forward to hearing more about it today when we hopefully chat.

From the learning room..."playing" with the new alcohol inks and glass, wire wrapping has resulted in two new pendants.

From the kitchen...we are keeping it "simple" after a weekend of eating out with friends and family :-)

I am wearing...my yoga gear.

I am creating...going to work with the carnelian and turquoise that I brought back from Toronto ~ definitely a couple of necklaces "brewing" and earrings....hopefully a bracelet or two as well.

I am going...to finally meet another dear friend who've I known for several months but it feels like forever :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am still amazed with the connections being made...still enjoying John Adams, A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that we enjoy more "pool" time with Abby this week, that Anne and Mike's multiple moves are going smoothly, that our next road trip later this week is fun and safe ~ and brings Hannah what she's looking for in training and her goals.

I am hearing...PS 22 Chorus sing "Don't Stop Believing"

Around the house...you can tell we're home again - LOL!

One of my favorite things...seeing Abby experience her first "big" pool ~ she LOVES the water :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finalize arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt; coffee(s) with two wonderful friends; re-doing photos in the shops (a long, ongoing project)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 1, 2009

Outside my window...a morning summer thunderstom is brewing...

I am thinking...of Mom, of Hannah, of Andrew and am so very thankful for family and friends, old and new in my life.

From the learning room...Andrew's manual on Photoshop, my wiring books.

From the kitchen...need to call Mom and see if perhaps this might be Hannah's "chicken enchilada" night?!

I am wearing...my robe (early morning run out for a quick car repair and now back to hit the shower!)

I am creating...did some "dumpster diving" at the bead shop this weekend and am eager to identify my finds with help from my online pals :-) and get designing with these.

I am going...Goodwill Hunting TODAY - woo-hoo!

I am reading...just finished a pure indulgence (Mary Higgens Clark - think I've read everything she's written..LOL!) and still working on John Adams - a wonderful read.

I am hoping...that Hannah's week of finals go well for her, that I make it across the border without too much angst (oops!), that Hannah has an incredible, life-remembering trip to France this week, that Mom has a wonderful time with us in Canada.

I am hearing...the sound of distant thunder.

Around the house...we are enjoying a quieter dog ~ who is "enjoying" his new muzzle.

One of my favorite things...will be visiting with my dear Abby and seeing how much she has grown (Mimi picked up a new outfit for her this weekend!).

A few plans for the rest of the week:
paperwork for Hannah's ODP team, more paperwork for Hannah's summer soccer plans :-), more paperwork for Hannah's college plans -- eek! she's going to be a senior now!, enjoying my weekly "check-in" with Andrew and finding out how life in Tanzania is going.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

WHERE HAS IT GONE?

I have been seriously AWOL the last six weeks or so due to life, etc. (as those closest to me understand) and from my sporadic posts you've been able to ascertain some of the significant changes ~ your comments, cyber hugs, thoughts and prayers have been appreciated.

But as I face a rapidly approaching end of May and beginning of June, I ask, goodness, where did spring go? Summer will be upon me before I know it ~ "soccer girl" has less than two weeks left of school and leaves immediately for a "whirlwind" trip to Paris with my sister and brother-in-law....alas, leaving me behind, LOL! She is counting down the days and trying desperately to stay focused on these final days of classes, finals, and yes, still soccer, having made the final ODP pool for the state team. It is most hard for me to believe that in a few short days she will "officially" be a senior in high school -- that makes me ask, "Where has it gone?" indeed!

I am trying to refocus and re-center my energies in my jewelry ~ my muse and motivation took a hiatus as well these last few weeks which was to be expected, I suppose. I am busy again,

• re-vamping my ArtFire shop - you can check out the new look here:

SignatureSterling on ArtFire

• designing and creating again:

~ SUMMER GARDEN Earrings

• opening a new shop at a brand new site ~ Twolia, online now but grand opening will be in June!

SignatureSterling at Twolia

And, now, no more "where has it gone?" Time to look ahead, to the now, to the summer and to celebrate what is, what will be and what will lay ahead. I do not know what's in store, but I know with certainty that the surprises of life will always be filled with grace.

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, May 18, 2009

Outside my window...sunshine is streaming, a hopeful spring Monday...

I am thinking...of my Dad, of Hannah, of Mom, and how my life circles and journeys ahead.

From the learning room...are a couple of wire and beading books waiting for me.

From the kitchen...will be Hannah's "last meal" request before her surgery :-)...whoops, "no nose, Mom!" :).

I am wearing...my pj's still...

I am creating...played with alcohol inks this past week with Ellen and am "hooked" so will be anxious to get some new materials and "play" again.

I am going...to be sticking close to home as Hannah recuperates.

I am reading...not enough - too much "life" interrupting and need to get back to the stack...

I am hoping...that Mom feels better today, that Hannah's surgery goes well with a quick recovery, that Dad's spirit is abounding as the glads are planted this week...

I am hearing..."Your Eyes Are Open," Keane (pandora.com)

Around the house...Hannah and I are organizing chores...again... ;P

One of my favorite things...will be my weekly "phone date" with Andrew, arranged now so that I should no longer just hear funky Tanzanian music when I call...

A few plans for the rest of the week:
planting glads; helping Hannah recuperate - plans include a Harry Potter marathon and much studying - exams soon after she returns (!!); much needed Abby fixes; watching soccer games maybe - but NOT having a player this weekend; hopefully our traditional Memorial Day summer kick-off cookout

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, April 20, 2009

Outside my window...the morning hides behind an early, dark, and rainy beginning to the week.

I am thinking...of how Dad is doing and his test today, of Hannah's busy soccer week ahead.

From the learning room..."The Artist's Life" has been buried and needs to resurface.

From the kitchen...depending on how things go at the hospital today, it may be a good evening for a simple supper at home here with Mom ~ may put together something in the crockpot before heading to the hospital this morning.

I am wearing...still my pj's as I ease into my morning before the week takes off at a break-neck pace.

I am creating...a custom bracelet and Abby's heirloom bracelet.

I am going...to ODP state training every week now for Hannah (lots of driving, but well worth the trips!).

I am reading..."John Adams," ~ a terrific biography.

I am hoping...Dad had a restful night and that the test today provides definitive answers/solutions.

I am hearing...Hannah get ready for school and the beginning of her busy week...April showers & showers & showers!

Around the house..."recover from spring break" week. :-)

One of my favorite things...will be Abby's baptism celebration.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hannah's soccer tournament, catching up with friends, continuing to be "Miriam" (Hannah's 'secretary') :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing..."The Happy Tree" :-)

COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU...THE ADVENTURES OF THELMA & LOUISE...

Coming soon....Thelma and Louise's NEW Adventure! What can you expect?

• Thelma's recommended playlist (especially for annoying Louise)
• Louise's favorite road music
• Favorite traveling gnoshes
• Answers to "burning questions" like where can you get the the BEST fruit smoothie EVER? Where is Raccoon Valley Road? And, WHO is Crazy Ed?

Stay tuned - this is one sequel you don't want to miss!

FRIDAY FAVORITES....one day later

Yes, it can be a "bad" sign when I'm one day behind by the end of the week and there's no chance of catching up. So, I think I'll just throw in the towel and admit that "catching up" isn't an option, LOL! Instead, I thought I'd take a little time out and enjoy some favorites of the week...

I received very special treats in the mail this week. Some of them came from one of my favorite lampwork artisan, Deronda, of DerondaDesigns. Deronda is such a talented designer as you can see from just a glimpse at some of my newest additions ~ thanks, again, D! :-)

Regular season play began this week for our soccer ladies. Thursday's game was going well, but ended up being called with maybe ten minutes to go due to lightening. Still got some good pictures...a couple favorites here ~

Posting will be spotty the next week and a half as "soccer girl" and I leave for spring break aka "road trip from h..." LOL ~ "affectionately" called that as we are visiting 5 colleges in 11 days...whew! BUT...no worries, there is still a favorite to look forward to as we will get spend several days amid the rush in what we call paradise...ahh...