Bowes of Maine

summer 2010

2010-07-29T05:11:00.000-07:00

These two had their braces put on around the same time so I thought I'd record this teen milestone. After much pressure from me they finally relented and allowed me to take their photo. While they are not brothers by blood they certainly have some simular traits.

like how to prepare to have a photo of your teeth taken

The planning to make it easier on the photographer

the act of togetherness

Here are two other people who seem to share the same sense to unity when I later asked to take their photo

Teens.....

the duck boats

2009-04-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

For years my boys have been curious about these large boat like cars that swim like ducks. Finally, two weekends ago... they were able to not only experience this but drive the boat on the Charles. Pretty cool. Plus we learned all sorts of Boston history that we never knew. Made me want to walk the freedom trail. Growing up in Boston you tend to take the history for granted. maybe it's age... maybe it's living in Portland.. not sure.. I just know that I am ready to put on the tourist hat and take that walk.

here is Gabriel driving

Aidan

and Aaron. Who actually was the first to drive the boat.

maine

2009-04-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

this was in the newspaper. Makes me thing of a few years back, Karin was visiting and said Portland reminds her of Sesame Street.

2009-02-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

G's soul mate.

ahhh!!!

okay....

2009-02-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

so here I am. haven't posted here much. nor anywhere. Once in a while I make an appearance on facebook but I lose interest too quickly and sign off. maybe I find it overwhelming. talking to so many people at once.

I shut my website down today. Haven't' been working and it seemed silly to be "out there" when I am not. Not sure I want to be. I think I am taking my work in another direction. I'll let you know when I get there.

so really I guess it's more of a, here I am.. and here I am not.

2009-01-17T05:55:00.000-08:00

I love this

off to Boston...

..

2008-12-31T04:58:00.000-08:00

Photo of G, Aa and me with my shine new and very fancy Blackberry.

I am slightly IN LOVE with it.

I admit. I am the worse blogger ever. though I stay away from NY resolutions I will promise to update this more. My excuse? This past month has been a blur. no time.. no time..

Off to a meeting about another book. how crazy is that?

Happy New Years!

2008-12-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

I have donated a photograph to Photo a go go. There a lot of good images this year. I especially like the one of Obama. Not 100% crazy about how my image came out. I had it printed from a file rather than doing it myself. you live you learn.

I must admit, I have serious blackberry envy.

aidan made me do it

2008-11-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

they boys are enjoying this. I cannot get it out of my head so I thought I share my pain

Your welcome.

2008-11-10T09:54:00.001-08:00

Did you see this?

Tuesday night....

2008-11-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Even Aidan's gum was blue

2008-11-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

I think she is pretty great.

2008-11-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

now this is odd news

2008-11-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

last night

2008-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

Max as Frodo. notice the bare feet. He insisted that he must stay in costume and walked around town all night like this. Ignoring the protests of his mother.

Aaron learned that creating fear does work very well. People were giving him extra candy just to go away.

We all know that G is truly his mummy's boy.

Be wary if this plumber shows up at your door.

Part of Aidan's Halloween gang. Notice Bobby as Sarah P. He was hilarious! K was McCain but he wasn't here when i took this photo.

OMG

2008-11-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

I had to post these... Luckily Frodo aka Max returned with far less loot.

2008-10-30T10:17:00.001-07:00

Karin posted this. heartbreaking.

this time last year....

2008-10-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Aaron, my mom and I were hanging on corners in Venice

Aaron was playing a sort of hopscotch game

Aaron was so inspired he was drawing everywhere (he was leaning his pad of paper against that wall)

2008-10-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from Karin's 30th b'day party. We had to drive back to Maine before the party got going but we had a great time.

This is interesting. Go to the links right above the map to see what the results were in past years.

I have been a lousy blogger lately. sorry.

Chris and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary, went out to our favorite restaurant, The Green Elephant, then to watch the debate in a bar. I know that sounds goofy but it was really fun.

other big birthday news... Ziggy turned 3 yesterday !!

Happy Birthday little Z

2008-10-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

From the MANITOBA HERALD, Canada

A flood of American liberals sneaking across the border into Canada has intensified in the past week, sparking calls for increased patrols to stop the illegal immigration. The possibility of a McCain/Palin election is prompting the exodus among left-leaning citizens who fear they'll soon be required to hunt, pray, and agree with Bill O'Reilly.

Canadian border farmers say it's not uncommon to see dozens of sociology professors, animal rights activists and Unitarians crossing their fields at night."

I went out to milk the cows the other day, and there was a Hollywood producer huddled in the barn," said Manitoba farmer Red Greenfield, whose acreage borders North Dakota . The producer was cold, exhausted and hungry. He asked me if I could spare a latte and some free-range chicken. When I said I didn't have any, he left. Didn't even get a chance to show him my screenplay, eh?

In an effort to stop the illegal aliens, Greenfield erected higher fences, but the liberals scaled them. So he tried installing speakers that blare Rush Limbaugh across the fields. "Not real effective," he said. "The liberals still got through, and Rush annoyed the cows so much they wouldn't give milk."

Officials are particularly concerned about smugglers who meet liberals near the Canadian border, pack them into Volvo station wagons, drive them across the border and leave them to fend for themselves. "A lot of these people are not prepared for rugged conditions," an Ontario border patrolman said. "I found one carload without a drop of drinking water. "They did have a nice little Napa Valley cabernet, though."

When liberals are caught, they're sent back across the border, often wailing loudly that they fear retribution from conservatives. Rumors have been circulating about the McCain administration establishing re-education camps in which liberals will be forced to shoot wolves from airplanes, deny evolution, and act out drills preparing them for the Rapture.

In recent days, liberals have turned to sometimes-ingenious ways of crossing the border. Some have taken to posing as senior citizens on bus trips to buy cheap Canadian prescription drugs. After catching a half-dozen young vegans disguised in powdered wigs, Canadian immigration authorities began stopping buses and quizzing the supposed senior-citizen passengers on Perry Como and Rosemary Clooney hits to prove they were alive in the '50s."

If they can't identify the accordion player on The Lawrence Welk Show, we get suspicious about their age," an official said.Canadian citizens have complained that the illegal immigrants are creating an organic-broccoli shortage and renting all the good Susan Sarandon movies."I feel sorry for American liberals, but the Canadian economy just can't support them," an Ottawa resident said.

"How many art-history and English majors does one country need, Eh?

an election game

2008-10-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

how many stereotypes can you find?

2008-10-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

ouch

2008-10-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Karin!!!!

I think that Karin turning 30 is stranger than even Max being 15. I really liked my 30's. It was a good time. Like Good Times.

Totally unrelated but I'm thinking of the theme to Good Times. Here are the lyrics. Sing along with me. To Karin... A new tradition... when you turn 30, people sing you Good Times instead of happy Birthday.

raffle anyone?

2008-10-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Ari and G are selling raffle tickets. They are $5 a piece or 3 for $10.00. The prizes....

first

- 37" flat screen HD TV

second

- a Wii

third

- an ipod nano

let me know if you are interested.

2008-09-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

I want to miss the rain

2008-09-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Aidan reminded me this morning about how when he was a little and wanted something to go away, he would tell me that he wanted to miss it. Remembering that along with the fact he woudl proudly tell me naughty things he did not do, like pee on the curtains make me think he has a very funny brain.

We are having a lazy rain day. zzzzzz........

2008-09-26T04:50:00.001-07:00

Something to keep in mind.

finally....

2008-09-24T05:35:00.001-07:00

I finally watched the Sex and The City movie. Really liked it. I was surprised since i heard such tepid reviews from people... maybe my expectations were lowered. How the relationships ended seemed right. Not perfect... but real.

I want to watch again.

On another exciting note... Liz lent me a sewing machine. And taught me how to use it. I am thinking I want to make a skirt and duvet covers. I wish I time to start on things right now. Thanks Liz!!

2008-09-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

Max finds this and this to be highly amusing. I agree.

2008-09-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

look what karin is doing!

funny faces

2008-09-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Need I say more....

2008-09-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Max and I went to his open house. I am so very happy he is at PHS. So impressed by the teachers, principal, atmosphere. Also, he was very helpful... there were so many stairs to climb. ouch. I ended up taking a painkillers before the walk home. I took drugs in school.

I am really wanting to make a skirt. by hand. Last time I attempted such a feat Chris ended up with a lopsided pillowcase. I am determined to try though. This is inspired by all those design shows I watched this weekend. Now I must figure out how.

2008-09-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

What a weekend.

My surgery went well. painful but got lot's of help. THANK YOU MOM!! I think you made a great football grandma.

Max... not much to say about his shoulder besides he is in pain. On Wednesday he will see an orthopedic specialist. hoping he will not need surgery.

I think I may have watched more tv during these past 2 days than I have in months. Lot's of project runway, top design and even a lifetime movie about CoCo Chanel. Some movies too. I forget though. Mom? oh... Aidan and I watched The Shining on Friday night. such a good scary movie.

some pretty crazy stuff going on in the political arena. I am a bit worn down on that front. not sure if I can make it until the election. Did see Tina Fey as Palin. how perfect was that?

2008-09-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

my boy

2008-08-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Aidan is 13 today.

Yesterday he warned us that as of today, he would become incredibly difficult. and know everything.

I'll keep ya posted on this but thus far... he is as sweet as ever.

Here he is

2008-08-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

Noah Asher!!

our new baby

2008-08-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

has been named, Noah Escher Chateauneuf . I do not have photo's yet. I hear he is beautiful (of course!). Sammy is acting as the proud big brother, checking his heart and belly with his stethoscope. Little Ziggy is ignoring him.

in other news. My most curious one broke his tooth the other day. while looking at a light bulb. go figure.. luckily, he caught the other part of his tooth and his dentist was able to reattach it.

He's here!

2008-08-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

not sure of his name yet. Maybe Noah... was born, 10:36!!

what make me grumpy

2008-08-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

when i come home from work @ midnight and someone is parked in my parking spot

People... do not park in other peoples parking spots. seriously. Now I am parked at the post, hoping I do not get towed.

turning 40

I know that was really almost a year ago but it's just hitting me now. for the first time in my life, I am age conscious.

delicate camera's

why would a $1700.00 camera be so easy to break? why $200.00 to fix?

why??!!!

state inspections

does all that stuff really matter?

is my car safe to drive around my children? yes.

polluting more than another car of it's type? no.

then what the $&!*.... let me drive my crappy car and put that $700.00 to better use.

rain

rain is nice.

rain has it's benefits.

but please... enough is enough. no more rain for a while. please. no more muddy little boys. no more driving somewhere we can walk. no more closed windows on summer days. rain should only happen on days I wish to watch movies

Atonement (the movie)

i loved it. it really only makes me grumpy because I want to see it again. now. but cannot since it's 12:38 and I do not have it. Also, why is K. Knightly throwing herself at my sisters boyfriend? she has no shame.

Mail

why must I only get bills. Or requests for money. Oh arts foundations... how I would love to support you. Shiny showy advertisements, stop trying to taunt me.... I am wise to your wicked ways... no matter how many %'s off you offer me.

how about some invites to parties of people I like. or good news from afar. checks would be nice too. no bills. please. I am full. thanks.

2008-08-07T03:58:00.001-07:00

At Papa's house before the big game. We had a great time. Aidan loved the game but beating Papa and Judy at scrabble may have been the highlight. Seeing Varitek up close and seeing Ortiz steal a base came in a close second i'm sure.

Chris doing his best impression of a daddy duck

all my boys playing cards @ Echo Lake.

sweet little family. Little ? still snug in his mommy. not quite ready to join us yet.

Sammy about to ask a question. one of is many questions. he is so very curious about everything around him!!!

this is how Ziggy listen to Susie and Banshee's Peeka Boo! He and Sammy kept asking for Joelle to play it. they'd hold hands then when it came on Z would cover his face. then sing!

Ari and Big Papi

2008-07-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

It really was pretty cool to have Big Papi in Portland

some of his biggest fans were there

but really... it was the little guy at the end of the line who stole our hearts.

Here you can see him watching. he is to the right of the dugout wearing a batting helmet

and here is doing his best to ignore the giant man walking by him. He like to keep it cool.

When ever he ran onto the field the crowd went nuts. at least our row and a bunch of his friends who were at the game.

we now know for sure that nobody picks up bats and delivers ball like my boy he's a true SUPERSTAR

2008-07-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

I will eventually post photo's of the Ari/Ortiz game. i have having some camera problems. problems meaning it is broken and I have to send it to Nikon to be fixed. mildly stressful.

I am sure I have more to report. but not now.... it's 12:20am.. I can't sleep but not awake enough to think.

night

Unbelievable

2008-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

when in Hannafords I entered Aidan, Ari and G in a contest to be the bat boy for the Sea Dogs.

Well... this evening we heard that Aaron won. He will be the bat boy for the Sea Dogs on Tuesday. A NIGHT BIG PAPI IS PLAYING!!!

this is so very big.

How awesome is this

2008-07-15T13:32:00.001-07:00

for non Portland people... this is my friend Karen's cover photo.

And today's downer is.....

2008-07-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

Trader Joes = German Walmart. It's owned by Aldi Group .

On a brighter note... Ari is spreading his love of origami. I picked him up from his metalsmith camp yesterday and saw kids walking out with origami pieces. He was giving mini lessons.

sad bowe boys

2008-07-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

David Ortiz is playing in Portland on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of July. I just tried to get my boys tickets but they are already sold out. sadness....

Here is a photo of Aidan's all-star jersey.

I had a dream I was pushing a chunky little baby girl in a swing. she was so very cute... I was play biting her knees to make her laugh. Joelle's baby (Benji) is due in 3 weeks but the ultrasound said boy. odd....

emmy + john 4-eva

2008-07-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Doesn't J.T. look like he is about to tell nick and roger that he is leaving the band for the love of his life. See, He has been searching ever since he saw a glimpse of her at a concert in New England. And to think he finally found her in Florence Italy. What a world!

2008-06-26T20:33:00.000-07:00

Now that my mother has quit her job at whole foods I can say how much I hate that store. Not that I never go there. I do, because I have no other choice.

phew.. that feels better. thanks.

G's birthday went well. He was so surprised!!

Hi Dad!!

2008-06-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

So... Today we are having G's (ssshhhh) surprise birthday party. He thinks it's on Sunday. So very exciting. Here's the plan. Chris is going to bring him to pick up Aidan from camp while I meet his friends @ the park. Can't wait to see his face. The only tricky part is baking his cake choice, pineapple upside down cake, without him getting suspicious.

I'll let ya know how it goes.

2008-06-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday G!!!!

2008-06-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from Venice & Murano from my Holga.

In typical film fashion I waited 8 months to develop.

I wanted to take a photo of Max walking into this first college class last night. Of course it would have embarrassed him beyond repair so I didn't. I will say I got a little choked up.

We are all very excited round here about Obama. Also very annoyed with Hillary but I won't go there.

you need to know this

2008-06-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Mercury is in Retrograde for the first 3 weeks of June. It is not wise to spend large sums of money, sign a contract or give verbal agreement to any important new venture. Do not try to speed things up or force matters. Be patient- if there are delays, let them happen.

2008-05-31T04:31:00.000-07:00

it's been a crazy week. I am 3 jobs under so I havent' had time to edit any wedding photographs

but here are a few that will give you an idea about Dad and Judy's day.

Love

Beauty

yikes..okay I lied.. there are just two photo's. I added the wrong images and need to get to baseball. will fix later.

Tonight my friend Karen and I are shooting a local Prom. She has all sorts of fun/tacky old prom dresses for us to wear!

2008-05-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

Dad's getting married in 3 days!! Crazy.....

2008-05-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

a good site . some of this I knew but Lead in lipsticks was a shocker. to get to the page to find specific product information go to .

sad

2008-05-16T07:22:00.001-07:00

I have finally figured out what I like the least about staying in one location for so long. You start to know people, a lot of people. The newspaper headlines start to be about people who are part of your life. When you are new to an city, those names involved in tragedies are just sad stories, not personal loses. This has been a tough month for my sons group of friends. A few weeks ago they lost a good friend in a horrible highway accident and just recently a friend lost his Dad.

Our family has also recenetly lost a member. My Uncle Louis passed away a few days ago.

for music and book lovers

2008-05-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

Deb started this blog as a companion to her next two books.

enjoy!

Sono jealous

2008-05-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

Right now Karin is in Florence. She should have arrived sometime yesterday after a grueling 5 hour layover in Paris. (I hated the Paris airport. It made me sneeze)

yeah Karin, Emmy and Eddie!! Sono Jealous!!!!

What's in your living room?

2008-05-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

a giant lego using frog?

a score board?

no? that's odd.

now that we have a giant score board of our very own we need to figure out what to do with it. Chris and the boys want to bring it back to it's original beauty and hang it on the wall.

2008-04-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

yesterday while pumping my bank account into the tank of my car I noticed a woman searching the trash for cans. Why I find this worthy of sharing is because how "normal" she looked. like a few months ago she was one of us.

Saturday

2008-04-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

it's a lovely Saturday morning. my house is a mess, Aidan has baseball @ noon, my Max is in Bar Harbour, our cubboard is bare and I cannot motivate myself to rise from this chair.

so what to do? how about I post some images.

G and E were walking around Portsmouth arm in arm. here they are sharing their mutual hate of the Yankees. who said teaching your kids not to hate is the way to go. hate can bring us together.

This was a strange play structure. not how it was meant to be used but they used it like one would ride a bull. rocked it in attempt to knock eachother off.

Here they are on Earth day

Kidding. they have been wanting to try go-karting so we took them many days before earth day. what a toxic way to have some fun. who said ruining the earth and all life cant' be fun?

strange

2008-04-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Since Aidan started wearing contacts he has been getting a lot of comments about the shape of his eyes. Mostly friends/students asking if he is part Asian*. One of his teachers who is 1/2 Japanese said to him, "Your eyes look strange. Are you part Asian?"

What has really caught my attention is the word Strange being used by an Asian person to describe a feature she shares.

*I am thinking it is possible that this could come from our N.A. roots. a random gene that popped up in the cornucopia of heritages that makes my boy. I am thinking that my grandmothers eyes were sort of hooded but I am not sure and too lazy to look for photo's.

update... i did a quick google search for micmac and found this woman with Aidan eyes. very odd. feeling like I did after seeing photo's of my Italian great-grandmother and her shocking resemblance to Aaron. Especially the eyes.

2008-04-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

why I am a complete loser? I read and enjoyed the Twilight series books and am really excited for the movie. am I 40 or 14?

Today we met my Mom and Ethan in Portsmouth. was very fun. Karin... I should have brought the pipes photo with me. sorry. ducks aren't ready yet. G and Ethan were so cute... walking around with their arms around each other.

i will at some point post photo's. been a bad blogger.

2008-04-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

happy earth day. Earthlings.

what sort of exciting things are happening in boweville... we cleaned up the yard and planted some perennials. bought paint for the front door... hoping to get to it soon. what else? not much except for a lot of much needed out door play.

I received a really nice compliment re: my book the other day. A local woman who just opened a photography gallery told me my book was her jumping point and inspiration.

2008-04-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

spring it has finally arrived. happy day!

G and I took an evening walk, felt so nice to walk around town at dusk. I love Portland again. I especially love that Granny's Burritos is opening so very close to my house.

This weekend we had our first monthly family/friend get together. Was great fun. Karin hosted and we had plenty of food. we also learned that wine and beer is much appreciated. all the boys were able to play outside, even sweet little baby Z. Eva hosts next month... she has picked the theme of Southern Comfort. not sure what I am going to bring yet.

While we were in Boston Chris and Aaron decided to try out, Green Elephant the new restaurant in the neighborhood. The gave it a 4 star review. Portland is certainly a yummy place.

The big news is that my dad bought crocs. yes, crocs. my dad wears crocs. i am still in shock. I am over the shock when I heard the news of his selling the house in the cape... thrilled about the wedding of the year! shocked over the crocs. Must remember to take a photo... am thinking back to a time ago (a long time ago) when my father demanded to take a photo of my shoes. stating that they were so ugly he had to record my wearing such hideous footwear. your turn dad (and yes... those were UGLY shoes)

2008-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am so very relieved... The Saturday Market will be under a new format this year. Artist run... not organized by me. therefore...we will have to obtain permission or pay fee's. whew....

Once it came time to plan the Saturday Market again I realized that I am not really up to it. Not that I don't feel the same passion for it but just didn't' know how I was going to find the time. The city and other people involved where ready to move forward but i knew the majority of the work would fall on me. While I am going to help out... I have to do no more. I am just so happy.

for locals I will post updates here.

also.. anyone interested in 3.00 Sea Dogs tickets for April 21 st let me know. tickets nice and cheap just how we like 'em.

2008-03-26T09:15:00.001-07:00

Today G and I are home with colds. Please feel very bad for us. we did get to watch the Princess Diaries. he was a bit hesitant since it looked like a movie that ends with kissing. he enjoyed despite seeing kissing in one of the first scenes. yuck. kissing is way to pass on cold. just an fyi.

I am too thick headed to do the work I scheduled in for this morning. planning my class and attempting to understand the more boring and technical aspects to digital photography. boring but good to know. i miss film.

because

2008-03-25T04:38:00.000-07:00

i know you need a reason so waste time...

http://www.myheritage.com/celebrity-face-recognition?morph=1

you do not have to sign in...just go to "my files" to choose a photo.

Karin is amazing

2008-03-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Karin just accepted the position of director of Public Art for the city of Boston.

I am so excited/proud!

(Not sure if that is the correct title)

seriously folks

2008-03-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Max's school has installed a security systems. Now, as you enter the building there are big signs that state "This property is being monitored by Siemens"

seriously... I am 40 years old and I burst out laughing. did they really not think of this when they posted the signs?

2008-03-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

did you hear Obama's speech today? if not.... http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hiswords

a thought

2008-03-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

my mom and I were talking today about happiness and misery. How happiness is often not recognized except in retrospect and misery/unhappiness is apparent instantaneously.

I do know that certain aspects of happiness I catch immediately. for example... tonight at the Y I was in the weight room and I saw Max on the treadmill and had a rush to joy seeing my baby moving so fluidly along ( yes... I realize that the "treadmill" holds a whole other meaning all together... "go baby go... just do not stray very far"). or the other day at fast little Aidan's track meet... G, Aaron and I were playing the line game and I saw how far Aaron's drawings have progressed and the ease in which he does so. those were immediate moments of joy. The big picture of an idyllic time is often lost in the day to day. Unhappiness, boredom, apathy I am all over that.

anyway.. that is my thought of the day.

Finally

2008-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

I was able to get a current photo of Aidan. Doesn't he look GREAT without glasses!

2008-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

think of hot humid nights... stifling days....mosquitoes... smelly streets... sunburns...stickiness... black flies....people in skimpy clothing (who should not dare to wear them)...weekend turnpike traffic...throngs of tourist looking for lobster... sand in your toes... sand in your bathing suit...

better?

2008-03-15T05:18:00.001-07:00

good morning! it is snowing here... so very excited about that. I just LOVE snow. I am not sick of it all. I hope it snows enough that I have to shovel my car out. that would sure be a treat!

I do not believe I have announced the 2 new additions to our family; Bobo and Trigger. Gerbils that Aidan's class bred for science (they were studying genetics, not sex ed) and were then raised by the kids. He had proven to be the devoted father we always thought he would be. He has worked and saved his money to buy them all two little gerbils would want. seriously they live in a 3 story luxury suite that is constantly being renovated by Aidan and his brothers and friends.

I will post photo's soon. promise. Speaking of Aidan, did I mention that he has contacts now? and Max's braces are off? G lost his front teeth?

in other news... My friend who I have been working on stock photography with/for is truly brilliant. though we are not done with the entire editing process 2 agencies have already expressed an interest. the whole process takes a while but knowing all this work will ultimately be profitable feels great.

hmm... what else. the parent company of the restaurant next to the bookstore went bankrupt. poor people. they were really doing a good job. I believe one of the employees is going to take it over.

2008-03-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

okay... i will try to be more diligent in keeping up this blog. here's my issue... I am been so busy. i know, i know.... you are too. here i go...

Yesterday was Max's 15th birthday. He shadowed at a local high school (he is now more confused about which is the best fit), had a mellow afternoon then had a friend over for strawberry pancakes, fruit & watched The Darjeeling Limited. simple, nice, sweet.

oh... Aidan is now wearing contacts. happy day. that's new.

a boring entry. sorry but I must run. will try to be more entertaining later.

since we are on the subject of Boring... it's snowing again. i am bored with it. wouldn't you think that the snow would be bored with us?

2008-03-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

i've been told that my blog is boring.

2008-02-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

Dad and Judy are back from Prague. I found it funny that they were able to walk around without coats while we're here freezing. When I think Prague, I think cold. hmm....could other things I assume be wrong? must think on this some more.

I have unusual company in my wanderlust club. I am usually living vicariously through Karin.

so excited for Project Runway tonight? Rami or Chris... i wonder

sort'a scary

2008-02-26T04:41:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how dangerous these are. I am not sure I even know how I to recycle one. havent' had to yet.

What to do when compact fluorescents crack
Boston Globe

Compact fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of toxic mercury that can vaporize when the bulbs break, creating a potential health risk for infants, young children, and pregnant women. If a lamp does break, follow these cleanup procedures:

-Keep people and pets away. Open windows, and leave the area for 15 minutes before beginning the cleanup.
-Do not use a vacuum cleaner, even on a carpet. This will spread the mercury vapor and dust and potentially contaminate the vacuum.
-Wear rubber gloves.
-Carefully remove the larger pieces and place them in a secure closed container, preferably a glass jar with a metal screw top lid and seal like a canning jar.
-Next, scoop up the smaller pieces and dust using two stiff pieces of paper such as index cards or playing cards.
-Pick up fine particles with duct tape, packing tape, or masking tape, and then use a wet wipe or damp paper towel.
-Put all waste into the glass container, including all material used in the cleanup. Remove the container from your home and call your local solid waste district or municipality for disposal instructions.
-Continue ventilating the room for several hours.
-Wash your hands and face.
-As a precaution, consider discarding throw rugs or the area of carpet where the breakage occurred, particularly if the rug is in an area frequented by infants, small children or pregnant women. Otherwise, open windows during the next several times you vacuum the carpet to provide good ventilation.

SOURCES: Maine Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management; Mercury Policy Project

what to say

2008-02-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

Max shaved for the first time.

this is happening too fast. :(

2008-02-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

sometimes I forget how young G really is. After Max had his braces removed (woo hoo!!!) the boys were speaking of who would or wouldn't need braces. G said that he would definitely need braces, to keep his teeth in. What, we asked?? yes, he said, my teeth keep falling out.

Max is in Boston. he is having a great time. strange for me though. For one thing, I miss him terribly.... an other, he is with my family. i miss him... i miss my family. was thinking we should just move down and he could go to Boston Latin. not sure where we'd live or work or where the other boys would go to school. it would be nice to be near my family though.

Had a big shoot on Saturday. thinking the results may be very good. we'll see.

snow snow snow... all we need is snow

2008-02-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am not complaining .. just going to mention that it is snowing. again. and more is expected.

really, it's sort of funny. ha ha ha ha. ha

Obama was in Maine yesterday. Max and Aidan are not feeling well so we didnt' go up. We are so sad...we could have met him. we missed him when he was around the corner from our house. talk about bad luck. today we vote.

i forget who, but one of my boys had quite the realization about the state of the world. things have been going down hill. yes? well.. what is one universal change that may have caused this??

the lack of phone booths!!! where is superman supposed to change?!!?? jeesh.....

2008-02-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

You most likely saw this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY&3 already but I thought it was worth posting just in case you didnt'.

Meg posted it yesterday and then I recieved from the Obama campain this morning. sort of funny that Meg posted before they did. hmmm....

sorry I couldn't link it. why can't I cut and paste a link with my mac? it adds it to he bottom of the page. I am SO confused.

2008-02-01T11:59:00.001-08:00

I am so proud. I did some bean shopping today and took home a 1 sleeping bag, 1 spring coat, 2 prs of gloves, a winter coat, 2 pairs of slippers, 2 long sleeve t's and two sweaters and one pair of pants. All in all I spent 28.00. how did I pull off this amazing stint? I shoplifted. finally after 40 years of traveling down that honest narrow path of life I realized that it was getting me nowhere. from this day on... it is a life of crime for me.

okay...that's not true. the true story is far more boring (actually... the entire story is boring... not sure why you are wasting your time reading it). I bought most of these at the employee store the rest was marked down. sigh... sorry. told you it was boring.

no more boring stories. something fun. ummm... well... I helped a friend who is a casting director do callbacks the other day. that was fun. fun meaning funny. ummm.... I am still reading about life in the 19th century. that's fun for me. I am still learning to navigate this Mac. that would be fun for other people to laugh at how stupid I am. Max spends a lot of time laughing at me. Max shadowed @ PHS the other day. he had fun. My kids are fun but that is not new.

oh well....

If being cute was a crime

2008-01-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

I believe you'd find this face on the most wanted list.

I always said that I could handle the boys growing out of babyhood without lamenting too much on what has past. I handled starting kindergarten, the end of toddler years and bedtime rituals without any problem. As I bravely moved forward I knew that there would be one thing that I would not handle so well. When my baby loses his front teeth.

Now we are here. The time I have been dreading. I am truly very, very, sad. I just hope that it takes months for his new teeth to grow in.

Thank goodness for Ethan, Sammy and Z.

2008-01-06T06:02:00.000-08:00

Emitalia is back. She says that she will not be able to post a lot (school and not having Internet at the apt). Doesn't' it look lovely?

2008-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

thought you may find this interesting.

2008-01-04T05:48:00.000-08:00

The boys did their own shopping this year. We took the Little's out but Max and Aidan went by themselves. They had so much fun and it was really fun opening what they picked out.

Aidan as a Christmas light

here it is. The Wii (the clouds should have parted and ray of sun shown down upon you as you read that. You may have also heard the singing of angels but that depends on how good YOU are). If you cannot tell. They are playing baseball. Aidan is at bat and G is the pitcher. Since this photo we have had to rearrange the living room. Those tall bookcases are now far from any wii playing.

not sure why I added this photo's. I guess I thought they looked so handsome. Actually, I do not think that I have ever seen a better photo of them.

Christmas Eve

2008-01-03T06:48:00.001-08:00

David and Fabiane were visiting from Arizona. They were stuck in Portland an extra day due to a storm and spent the day making us this very cool garland.

Papa loved his gift. I was still add the fringe as he walked in. Sometimes I think I am crazy... I know one stitch and decide to knit a blanket.

Karin and Michael were both very sleepy. or we were really boring.

Henry sure is glad Michael is back... this is all he wants someone to hug

Aidan looking a bit cartoonish

2008-01-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

this morning I was alone in the house for the first time in weeks. An odd but nice feeling. we had a really nice vacation. I know that my being so lenient with the wii playing helped. a lot!

project runway was pretty great last night. Loved hearing Spartacus aka Kevin say he wanted to knock Christian out (of the show.. those were not his exact words). that boy annoys me to no end. someone gave him an extra dose of self confidence and not enough empathy. I loved what Rami did and was pleasantly surprised with Chris's dress.

Got an e-mail from Emmy! She starts classes on Monday. Her apt sounds great, over looks a courtyard and is 10 min away from school. She said it's chilly but not cold and she has plenty of room for visitors! Florence anyone?

oh... on new years Deb, Lisa and I got together (did I post this already?) before the family party. was so much fun. expect,Lisa's house was so peaceful and mine was alike a 3 ring circus.

Happy New Years

2007-12-31T08:52:00.001-08:00

I suppose i should write a bit about our Christmas. (I will eventually post some images too)

we had a nice, peaceful day. Chris and I woke before the boys (okay.. really Chris did and was kind enough to wake me and make us tea) so we were ready for the race to the living room. While Santa did not bring many presents the boys declared that this was the best Christmas ever (I know.. they say this every year). The biggest surprise was the that Santa was able to supply them with the object of their desire.. a Wii!! Not sure if it was a fluke or miracle but it's here and my boys are in heaven (I am leaning towards the material miracle).

Now we are waiting for Deb, Courtney, Clyde and Mickey so we can ring in the new year with our oldest, dearest friends. As a special bonus for me, I am going to get together with Deb and Lisa!!

Happy New Year!! I hope 2008 is the best year yet!

Noi amiamo Emitalia!!

2007-12-29T10:54:00.001-08:00

Emmy and Eddie leave for Italy tomorrow.

Good luck! have fun! we love you!

2007-12-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!

My favorite time of the Holiday season is around 4pm Christmas Eve. All the shopping has been done... food has been made (or ordered)... Chris is home... all we have left to do is enjoy the holiday.

Today Michael, Karin, Dad and Judy were here. was so much fun! now the boys are getting ready for bed (by watching the Chargers game) and I am tired with wine and blissful after being with family.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!!

2007

2007-12-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

I know it's not over but I have been thinking about the last year. We've has some big changes, some surprises (which I still cannot write about) and some sadness (Cancer sucks).

For the most part I think it was a pretty good year. Max started high school (loves the school though strongly dislikes his peers.. ), Aidan loves middle school, Ari and G are happy as can be. I took a bit of a different route career wise and did more gallery/museum work than commercial (is that what you'd call it?) while Chris stayed on his same path.

Not sure where I am getting at with this... just rambling I suppose. Thinking back....dreaming of the future? maybe. what would i want? I really would love to go back to Italy. Emmy and Eddie will be there for some time (so exciting!!!). Venice seems to have made a big impression on me. i really hated it at first, now I find it is always on my mind. The other day we watch the YA movie, The Thief Lord which takes place in Venice and that didn't help. How can a place I've only visited once now seem so familiar. oh cripes.. I am pining away for a city. Deb is having similar reaction to Namibia... I think she will get back there before I return to Italy.

I would be greatly relieved if this high school drama was cleared up. There are few options but which is right for him? He has friends at both places who are putting a lot of pressure on him to join them. Actually, I went to a school event the other night and was told by one of his freinds that he was changing schools this january and going to join him at his school. that was sort of funny, sort of not. Is it even the right choice to remove him from where he is? All these questions!!

I'd like to learn Italian tehn get a job that takes me there often. with my family of course. notice that I didn't mention what kind of job. I really dont' care. maybe that's what I want for Christmas, a good italian program.

Karin, Dad and Judy are coming on Monday!

I really do not like to post photo's of me but here are a few.

2007-12-10T05:23:00.001-08:00

Yesterday went well. The show really looked great and it was highly attended.

Saturday night Karin had a surprise for Emmy... Me! We went to a holiday party @ Jane's fabulous Union Square condo and stayed out until 2am. Haven't' done that in a while. I have to say, after a bit of limoncello I felt quite at ease. Didn't do much to squash my desire to move though.

Yesterday, the boys, Janice and I met Deb and Mickey before the show. Her Africa photo's are amazing. AMAZING. truly unbelievable Amazing.

2007-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

After I posted my whining session I felt so much better! really...whining is good. try it!

Can't wait to see the show on Sunday!

Holiday Whine part 1

2007-12-04T06:20:00.001-08:00

- I do not like winter. why do i live here
- It is too cold. I Hate it.
- Someone parked in my spot last night. I wanted to call them a bad name.
- oil is so expensive and my house is drafty. my fingers are cold
- some people overact at the thought of not getting their fleece when they wanted it. They're stupid
- gloves are easy to lose.

okay... I think that's it for now. thanks for listening.

If you have some cash in your pocket

2007-11-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

and would like to add some art into your life. A few opportunities are on the horizon.

On 12/8 is the annual Photo a Go-Go . Why did I submit this image from 1998 you ask? Because it was already framed and I since I missed the official deadline I didn't have time to prepare anything else. This image is also up at S. Maasch but it sold (which is good...I'm not complaining) so now I have none. sort of odd.

Then on 12/9 is the party at Fuller Craft Museum . The exhibit runs from now until March so if you miss it...don't worry... there is plenty of time.

2007-11-24T12:54:00.000-08:00

Ethan sure does have a funny little brain. Got some good laughs out of these:

- when thinking about where he will go when he is 10, "I think I'll go to Italy... or maybe I'll watch a long movie"

- My mom, looking for something for him to wear on the car ride home, said, "hmmm this is dirty, but....." before she could finish he said, "did you just call me dirty butt?"

- Watching Henry and Tommy do their fighting-play-thing that they do he said, "... ooohhh... their going to kiss out"

- His description of a vampire, "things you plug in the wall and suck out all your electricity"

Nothing to do with Ethan.... this is my favorite sculpture

2007-11-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

yippee.. we made it through Hannaford's. horray... Karin and Kari are coming, Yay Yay... school conferences went extremely well.

I will be working day and night soon (if you'd like you can sing dolly partons 9-5 song when you think of me. just change it 10-2 then 7-1) . may not update blog a lot, not like I have been.

all is well up here in Maine.

oh.... Deb's new picture book is out. Dedicated to me and Aidan.