Otter's 43 X 365

Sunday Scribblings #44 and #45

2007-02-03T14:24:00.000-05:00

Good bye and Hello. This is my last post on this blog. What a beautiful and life changing journey!!!

The chronicles of a 44 year old woman. One post a day for a year. 44 words each day. 365 posts complete.

Want to play too? Click here for more information on becoming a fellow 365'er.

Click here to read more Sunday Scribblings.

To see/read this 365 blog in its entirety click here.

Lisa of the Now (365/365)

2007-02-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

Lisa Otter:

Who am I?
But a collection of all the people that have followed before me.

Both good and bad.
But mostly,
Caring, creative, playful, loving, kind, thoughtful.

This chronicle adds another layer to my story.
Which is not finished being told.

Goodbye and Hello.

This is a picture of me in my art studio.
A round peg that has found her round hole!

Lisa of the 90's (364/365)

2007-02-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Lisa in 1993: Juggling pregnancy, baby and job, we decided I should take one for the team and become a stay-at-home-mom. This became my new career; reading every book while developing my own creative approach. Learned babies grow fast for a reason; a mother's sanity is at stake.

Me and the family in 1997.

Lisa of the 80's (363/365)

2007-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lisa: One disastrous relationship after another; I finally came to my senses and gave up on the suburban three-children-with-a-Volvo-station-wagon dream. Putting all my energy into my career as a Pension Consultant. I'd make Partner! A round peg desperately trying to fit into a square hole.

Jumping for joy in 1986.

Lisa of the 70's (362/365)

2007-01-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

Lisa @ 12 1/2 (Live from my Journal - April 26,1975): “Hello, I must be the worst writer on earth. I didn't even bring you on my trip. I think somebody in this house even took and read you. Well I don’t care. The last night of the field trip we had a bonfire and everyone (well, almost everyone) got a girl or a boy and started kissing (I didn't).”

(This post is an excerpt from my 7th grade journal and is slightly over the 44 word count.)

Lisa (circa 1972)

Lisa of the 60's (361/365)

2007-01-30T05:56:00.000-05:00

Arrival Day: The day I was born my mother's water broke, ruining her shoes. Not wanting to go barefoot, she opted to wear the only others that fit; dressy pumps with a formal maternity gown. This required make-up, jewelry and curling her hair. I arrived naked.

This is me at one year old, happy to be fully clothed.

Sheila (360/365)

2007-01-29T08:57:00.000-05:00

Sheila M.: Freshman year we rode the same bus, where she taught me how to spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S both literally and figuratively. Turned me on to my first after-school job at Corn-A-Plenty*, a short-lived candy store in uptown Edgebrook, where we uncontrollably consumed much of the profits.

*Corn-A-Plenty and the adjacent beloved Lockwood Castle are now a Starbucks...ain't that America?

Steve (359/365)

2007-01-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

Steve (4/6): Ever read The Humble Stumble? This is how Steve describes himself. He's much more; constantly impressing me with his grace, love and parenting skills. Life hasn't always been gentle with him; yet he's more gentle with each passing year. My true hero and best-friend.

Cynthia (358/365)

2007-01-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

Cynthia S.: Is a walking encyclopedia of IRS laws, rules, regulations and facts. Don't call between January and April 15th unless it's about business. As her father slowly slips into an Alvina-state, she dutifully picks up his financial reigns with a loving spirit and professional accuracy.

Doug (357/365)

2007-01-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

Doug R. (B.I.L.): Described as a bearish man, his business acumen in advertising and Internet marketing makes him an industry leader. I never see this side of him. Going out to dinner will always be his treat, unless we can figure a way to out smart him.

Renee (356/365)

2007-01-25T20:57:00.000-05:00

Renee Hogg: One of my best friends during grammar school, Renee had the ability to make me laugh at just about anything and she was an excellent storyteller. We wandered the playground; talking, joking and catching snowflakes on our tongues. Made our First Holy Communions together.

Alberto (355/365)

2007-01-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

Alberto: His name alone causes wild fits of laughter among my children. But our favorite Alberto story happened the week after we were aboard the Lady Evangeline. He knocked on the Captain's door panicked. "Captain Terry! Captain Terry! One of the jet skis is missing!!!"

Ms. Micucci (354/365)

2007-01-23T07:39:00.003-05:00

Ms. Pat Micucci: Beloved Kindergarten teacher patiently taught us how to hang our coats in the cloak room, sit still during story time and stack the cardboard bricks neatly after playtime. Personally, I learned not to use a jump rope as weapon on anyone, especially Brenda Root.

Henley (353/365)

2007-01-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

Henley S.: Probably doesn't even remember me, yet he's taught me life's most valuable lessons.

Know your passion.
Follow your dreams.
Fish.

In college, I sat weekends for seven y.o. Henley, who entertained himself endlessly for hours perfecting his cast. Googling him I unearthed these sweet finds.

Diane (352/365)

2007-01-21T10:40:00.001-05:00

Diane F.: New to town last summer, took her children to a coin club meeting. Typically the ONLY non-numismatist/non-male/non-AARP'er present, I was thrilled to have someone to talk with. Slowly we are becoming friends, finding out we have more and more in common. Admire her sensibility.

Mike (351/365)

2007-01-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

Mike D.: Cathy's boyfriend, Schuhie's best friend. Sincere and humble. Played H.S. basketball until his parents decided he was getting too wild. Entered seminary prep school, where he confessed over a beer he'd be happier serving the Lord as a firefighter. Signed letters to Cathy: P.F.S.

Ileen (350/365)

2007-01-19T11:27:00.000-05:00

Ileen H.: Across the pulchritudinous prairies, woods and farms of the heartland we pedaled for a time in two parallel lines. Scientific environmentalist with a deep love for conversation, music and the great outdoors. We've lost touch, but she remains a happy memory in my heart.

John (349/365)

2007-01-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

John H.: Actually never met Hiatt, but I've been to some shows and listened to his music long enough to know his heart. His wisely crafted lyrics have guided my soul through some pretty rough terrain. Glad he's earned his G.E.D. and no longer steals Thunderbirds.

Cheryl (348/365)

2007-01-17T06:50:00.000-05:00

Cheryl B.: = (Down-to-earth) + (best-of-heart) + (fellow stamper/crafter) + (mathematically gifted) + (fun)
She's the kind of person I could call at 3:30 am and she'd be there for me in a heartbeat. When I was new to town she graciously opened up her creative door and invited me in.

Billy (347/365)

2007-01-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Billy G.: Member of the elite L.A. Torch Club in H.S., but before that he was just a goofy middle-school'er like the rest of us. His Afro has become an unforgettable legend in my mind. Heard the all-night SLAP of his hockey stick from my house.

Mary (346/365)

2007-01-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

Mary O.: In her dorm room she turned me on to David Letterman. Magically knew how to make salt shakers stand on end in the tea room. A social worker in the public schools, her ability to nurture guided her to adopt a colorful little boy.

Fernando (345/365)

2007-01-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

Fernando R.: At age five, he told his mom , "When I grow-up I want to live and work in downtown Chicago just like aunt CeCe". At age twenty, he's living and working in rural Kentucky. He has plenty of time to discover what best suits him.

Patty (344/365)

2007-01-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

Patty D.: "Gross!!! There's no way my parents ever did that!" Patty exclaims after learning about o-sex. Elizabeth and I giggled... until we realized the serious work we had ahead of us. Arriving at college sheltered can be very dangerous.
She's a lobbyist now. In D.C.

Fernie (343/365)

2007-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Fernie R.:Ultra-father; authoritative, yet loving and kind. He is quiet and disciplined and works harder than most men I know. He has a lot to juggle, but he's able to keep it balanced. He's like a one-man band. Love that he still calls me “Ce-Ce”.

Mrs. Rogers (342/365)

2007-01-11T09:40:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Rogers (circa 1975): Coolest music teacher on the planet! Memories include; her fake fireplace, learning to play the glockenspiel, in-depth study of The Who's Tommy, Beatlemania, playing albums backwards. My appreciation for music started in her classroom and continues to this day. Rock on Mrs. Rogers!

Alan (341/365)

2007-01-10T11:06:00.001-05:00

Alan Pavia: Otter always sat in front of Pavia. At first Otter hated Pavia. Pavia was very annoying. Eventually after passing enough notes to Otter with interesting cartoons, Pavia got Otter's attention. Otter started liking Pavia. During recorder lessons Pavia's amusing faces would make Otter laugh.

Maria (340/365)

2007-01-09T19:29:00.000-05:00

Maria K.: Junior high friends that became separated by schools; you to the public, me to the private. See your big beautiful brown eyes in my memory. I think about the type of woman (and mother?) you've become. Someone I would still care to call friend.

Mr. Priban (339/365)

2007-01-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Mr. Ken Priban: Terrified of him on day-one. Everything in his class had to be written in black ink. The bar was high, which most seventh graders hated. Leaf identification project, that intoxicating aroma of pond scum and frog dissections still prism to mind thirty-two years later.

Carrie (338/365)

2007-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

Carrie Thackham: My cousin lived to be 103. She was always learning something new, like computers in her early 90's. Mostly her long life can be attributed to her Bohemian genes and her tenacity for life. Her newsy and rich handwritten letters will be greatly missed.

Rob (337/365)

2007-01-06T16:56:00.000-05:00

Rob S. (B.I.L.): Mid 1960's, his dad ministered at a beautiful rock church. He lived and went to school there until his father was transferred to another church in another state. The little rock church became a blur until years later when we moved to the area...

Bea (336/365)

2007-01-05T07:28:00.000-05:00

Bea: Sharp minded at 102 years old and still going strong. Mary asked her recently, "Girl, what you made of?" She doesn't need glasses or use a cane. Her attitude and opinions are from a generation all but passed and one ours should never forget.

Bob (335/365)

2007-01-04T07:27:00.001-05:00

Bob Gussin: O.K., so you're sitting at lunch thinking back to Junior High..."Wonder what the Lieb twins are doing now?" Google them and suddenly you're reading about characters from your youth. Thinking: "Whoa I know these people." The Internet is an amazing (and scary) thing.

Maria (334/365)

2007-01-03T07:29:00.000-05:00

Maria A.: What a joy! Laughed ourselves through cáñamo-induced sessions. Walking, talking, tossing the Frisbee, clubbing, dancing all night, biking to Gilson Park to play a little folf. Helped me pull off the impossible, sneaking Dan into Coffey Hall overnight. Her mom's tamale's were the best!

Chris (333/365)

2007-01-02T07:26:00.000-05:00

Chris from Columbus: We could have helped each other grow-up, but miles kept us apart. Twenty-four years later and still I recall those breathless phone calls, the intensity of emotion and "one night of magic rush". All that from listening to Jose Gonzalez cover The Knife's Heartbeats.

Alvina (332/365)

2007-01-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

Alvina O.: The photo-slides from her years of travels sat neglected by her side. Stories repeated themselves until even those ceased. Disease slowly stole her mind. Cruelly and deliberately erasing everything, until there was nothing left, but the shell of the vibrant woman who was Alvina.

Mark (331/365)

2006-12-31T18:31:00.000-05:00

Mark: Gracefully lands the bird out of the Jacksonville, Florida sky just as we arrive. Perfect timing. He and Danny promise a smooth and quick ride home. Little do they know at that same moment a single-engine plane crashes near CLT killing all on board.

Angela (330/365)

2006-12-30T23:31:00.000-05:00

Angela: Solo sister to three brothers. When she was eight and came to visit us in Raleigh, I glimpsed the pearl of the woman she will become behind the wheel of a go-kart. Quietly observing through big brown eyes, there's an entire world awaiting her.

Donnie (329/365)

2006-12-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

Donnie Foster: Incredible burst of enthusiasm. Every time he entered a room or exited the woods. Pow! Bam! There he was in all his glory. Came bounding out of the Canadian bush to visit Chicago because he had a hot-crush on Jamie. Never needed a coat.

Linda (328/365)

2006-12-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

Linda H.: On the outside, she seems like the good witch, especially stacked next to her bitter and angry mother, but like an onion, peel back the first few paper thin layers and all you're left with are tears and the pretentious dank stench of inherited-married-into-money.

Mark (327/365)

2006-12-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

Mark A.: Every summer when it was really his winter he would arrive on holiday with his mum to visit his Chicago relatives. Exotic accent and expressions along with his sexy smile made him simply adorable. Got abso-bloody-lutely wobbly when Americans confused him for an Aussie.

Angel (326/365)

2006-12-26T23:29:00.000-05:00

Angel: The day a closet door was accidentally slammed on Brennan's finger, amputating his fingertip, was the day our relationship shifted to a whole new level. Doing for her what soon she would do for me. Each learning to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Joe (325/365)

2006-12-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

Joe E.: A potter with his own pottery barn. In a Hawaiian shirt he teaches clay, the barn his classroom. Clay slipping and slapping and taking shape right before your eyes. Brings intensity, charged by his excitement to make all of life a lesson in clay.

Donna (324/365)

2006-12-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

Donna B. (My Godmother): Whenever someone is in need Donna is the go-to-woman, organizing the Essentials. This is her calling. Every Christmas, with her present tucked under our tree, I would sit for hours watching the twinkling lights, feeling deep internal peace. Her gift still nourishing my soul.

*******************************
Merry Christmas Aunt Donna!
*******************************

Charleston (323/365)

2006-12-23T23:27:00.000-05:00

Charleston: Our next door neighbor is as tall as he is wide, which makes him perfect for his job; guarding the body of a beloved rock and roll icon. Emulates his boss by incorporating the "island escapism" lifestyle full heartily. He seldom leaves his island.

Leslie (322/365)

2006-12-22T23:27:00.000-05:00

Leslie Carter: Dances sacred and enchanting dances with juicy brushes. Experiences life in fuller color than the majority of us. On her daily walks her faithful camera captures whatever catches her eye for later exploration and experimentation. Her enthusiasm for the smallest of wonders is contagious.

Tulip Sunset
Leslie Carter

Kurt (321/365)

2006-12-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

Kurt V.H.: Every Thursday my prince arrives carrying his arsenal: mops, brooms, dust clothes and vacuum cleaner. He dusts, cleans, scrubs, vacuums and even does windows. Four hours of his complete dust-free attention! Friends always ask: "HOW do you get a man to clean?" Easy: $$$.

Mrs. Bartholomew (320/365)

2006-12-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

.
Dear Mrs. Bartholomew,

On behave of all the hooligans involved with accidentally pouring green McGook through your mailbox slot, please accept this most sincere apology. We had no idea your mink coat was hanging that close to the mail slot. We are truly sorry.

Knife Sharpener (319/365)

2006-12-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

Neighborhood Knife Sharpener
(Lincolnwood, IL ~ Circa 1966):

He's pushing his hand-cart,
with bells loudly clanging,
announcing his arrival to the housewives.

His skin the color of dark honey,
the grinding whir of his tools,
the scratching sounds of metal on metal,
the iron-metallic smell hanging in the air.

Wide-eyed children watching.

This is not my neighborhood knife sharpener, but looks very similar especially the cart.

Karen (318/365)

2006-12-18T17:41:00.000-05:00

Karen G.: Never struck me as the type to marry a man, especially someone as manly as Charles. Ironically, she's the mother to two girly-girls. She's as stiff and predictable as an Army General until she speaks of her growing-up years then all seems to soften.

Charles (317/365)

2006-12-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

Charles G.: The memory of our neighbor Charles sliding across his hardwood floors a la "Risky Business" will forever be etched in my mind. Instantly changing my perception of what grown men do after the kids go to bed when they think no one is looking.

Kay (316/365)

2006-12-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

Kay O.: "Caw, Caw," sang Kay from the seat of her bike as she continuously circled our neighborhood, stopping only to unashamedly flirt with the lawn care men. Every year her playmates grew younger and younger, until finally she was old enough to be their mother.

Bob (315/365)

2006-12-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

Bob T.: My family has many Bobs. This one happens to be my "golden boy" cousin. Drop-dead handsome, third in his class at Annapolis, Top Gun flight instructor and an extra in the movie, youngest co-pilot in history of American Airlines. We all pale in comparison.

Abby (314/365)

2006-12-14T07:49:00.000-05:00

Abby: Here are some useful tips for attending a formal Christmas Ball:

Don't get so drunk that you fall down on the bathroom floor in front of Boss's wife.
F.Y.I. strapless gowns don't conceal full-back tattoos.
Have your boyfriend/child's father shave the day of the Ball.

Oliver (313/365)

2006-12-13T11:36:00.000-05:00

Oliver R.: Just turned sixteen yesterday, my nephew/godson is more than handsome and charming. He has brains, musical talent and "eye twinkle". At his high school, he holds a chair in the band (guitar) and is a member of the High-Q Club. His future excites me!

**********************************
Happy 16th Birthday Oliver!!!!!
**********************************

Donna (312/365)

2006-12-12T07:51:00.000-05:00

Donna Godfrey: During a Raleigh city council meeting she passed a note. It read, "After this want to take the kids to McDonald's?" I was new to town and her kindness was so appreciated. Makes the best cup of tea, steeps it with love and compassion.

Dr. C. (311/365)

2006-12-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

Dr. CooKoo (or something like that): Was my first O.B. Gyn. I lasted only one appointment. See I was a teenager and he was an old man. Which wasn't too bad. Except for the fact that he was missing two fingers on his right hand. That really creeped me out.

Missy (310/365)

2006-12-10T22:54:00.001-05:00

Missy M.: Kicked-out of public school, $tart$ Catholic education. Trouble packed into petite sexy blonde body, complete with smirk and sticky fingers. Once when she thought no one was looking she stooped down and stole a lot more than some smokes from her newly found friends.

Ken (309/365)

2006-12-09T07:49:00.000-05:00

Ken: Gary's job vanished two days after we bought our new van. Very next day Ken shows-up looking for Gary's skills. Since then, my life's been whirled into a world I could only have fantasized. His generosity: unbelievable. Breakfast at Tiffany's, sweetest cherry on top.

Ellen (308/365)

2006-12-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

Ellen: Appears like a fairy godmother to put Cinderella together for the ball. She waves her magic wand. Then spies a gorgeous plum gown from the rack. Teams it with the perfect earrings and necklace, adds in a silver purse. Stands back and smiles, pleased.

Bradley (307/365)

2006-12-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

Bradley: Earned his nickname Hurricane Bradley because he knew no bounds, urinating on busy street corners in broad daylight in front of cops, yelling at me to "clean-up the f#@%ing Cheerios" that he spilled. Still have his art in my sketchbook. What joy to baby-sit!

Holly (306/365)

2006-12-06T18:20:00.000-05:00

Holly: The one I'll call if I ever get thrown in jail because our phone numbers are one digit apart. Turned me onto blogging. High energy, creative, crafty. Artist and writer. Asks great questions. Organized. Enthusiastic. Takes artistic risks. Has the most kick-ass art studio.

Tom (305/365)

2006-12-05T07:31:00.000-05:00

Tom Collins: When I was kid, I thought it was completely hysterical that I had a relative who shared his name with a mixed drink. It still makes me smile when I think of the humor of it all. As usual though, pictures wordlessly say 1,000.

Click here to discover what this is an actual micro-photo of...SURPRISE!!!!
Cool, huh?
Check out their website, especially the cocktails and beers photos. It is so awesome.

Jamie (304/365)

2006-12-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

Jamie: One of the most attractive people I've ever known. Life has never been easy for her, but you would never know by looking. She has it all together, raised her four children solo, works her butt off and daily puts up with "Hated Hugh".

Gerry (303/365)

2006-12-03T22:53:00.000-05:00

Gerry Conlan: Diabetic great-uncle was my most favorite relative. He often joined me in my room for tea parties at my little white round table. Kneeling, he daintily sipped "tea" from my china tea set and ate little Salerno butter cookies that he wore like rings.

Beth (302/365)

2006-12-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Beth G.: Who really wants to hear all that ugly gossip? What business is it of yours who in town has had a boob job? Why do you always talk so loud? When will you finally move to that gated community that keeps your type in?

This is a forty-four word excerpt from In Question, a piece I recently wrote.

Joe (301/365)

2006-12-01T22:54:00.000-05:00

Joe: Ex-landlord, Cheapest-Joe ever encountered. Moving out he finds a reason to withhold our deposit from his mice infested dump. Years later, Madelon at a Park West concert tries for closer seats, Joe-the-scam-artist "saved" a swath of seats and readily sells "his" for $25 a pop.

*************************
Happy B-Day Madelon!
*************************

Sharon (300/365)

2006-11-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

Sharon: Dan was insanely jealous of you. Didn't understand. I arrived greenly naive to the Mundelein sub-culture. And even though I wasn't, you still persisted. Later it became crystal clear, RE: the crazy immature games you were playing, but back then I was dumbly oblivious.

Pat (299/365)

2006-11-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

Pat A.: Played Risk in all night dorm room marathons at Campion Hall where absolutely no beer or alcohol was consumed. Definitely not on Jesuit property. Honest Father. That smell ? Why that's coming from next door. The BVM's must be burning leaves and/or their bras again.

Dawn (298/365)

2006-11-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

Dawn G.: Filled some pretty significant voids in each other's lives. But too soon a new job to a new city, a new baby on the way and our roots not deep enough to withstand the impact has shriveled to an annual card with family photo.

Jimmy (297/365)

2006-11-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

Jimmy S.: Spent hours under elm trees talking or not. Showed me that in all bad things can come some good. At four his was the greatest of losses. His shining eyes and beautiful freckles masked the horrible pain and guilt that framed his early years.

Lady MacGyver (296/365)

2006-11-26T23:27:00.000-05:00

Lady MacGyver: Spent five minutes together in an alley. I'll never forget her R.A.O.K.. Discovered me and my two young sons stranded; one of the wheels popped off our stroller. Slipped out a comb, popped it into place and vanished before I could shout thank-you twice.

Harland (295/365)

2006-11-25T16:29:00.000-05:00

Harland S.: I was seven when I met the Colonel. We rehearsed and rehearsed until we got the bucket passing just right. As soon as it was perfected, he showed up, exclaimed "Finger Lickin' Good", the commercial was shot and then he and his goatee vanished.

Imogene (294/365)

2006-11-24T17:48:00.001-05:00

Imogene: Spinster-in-law great-aunt who I believed was so old, it was as if she could drop dead at any moment. For a spell, I constantly braced myself for her death, practicing little made-up rituals using candles and meditation with Sandy to ward off her death.

Bob (293/365)

2006-11-23T18:46:00.000-05:00

Bob Otter: My dad and I were at Marshall Fields shopping when I became separated from him. Some kind soul brought me to Management, where we joyfully reunited. I was four, but remember it like it was yesterday; that deep complete feeling of love and belonging.

Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday be filled with the comfort of love and belonging.

Mary Jane (292/365)

2006-11-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

Mary Jane: Vic and Betty's oldest, natural born leader, loves to take charge. Great conversationalist. Her husband's career has moved her to many different lands, which has served to perfect her consummate organizational skills. Music and laughter fill her home as does her creative designer's touch.

Vic (291/365)

2006-11-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

Vic L.: One part tough guy, one part teddy bear. Every squirrel was named Wally. A talented passionate boxer and Marine, he instilled precious and extraordinary values into his children (and every neighborhood kid too). He and Betty were like bookends made from oil and vinegar.

Betty (290/365)

2006-11-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

Betty Jane L.: Librarian. Mother. In 1988, before The Polar Express became all that, she brought home the book on film strip and after Christmas dinner we all gathered in the basement to watch it. Her death feels surreal, still expecting her to walk through Kay's door.

Pat (289/365)

2006-11-19T17:40:00.000-05:00

Pat: Cash-N-Crash royalty, just a regular guy though, watching a football game, high-fiving everyone after a touchdown, chatting about his latest diving trip to the Caribbean, introducing us to his sister Kay. Appreciate he's still down-to-earth enough to semi-publicly reenact the Who's Next album cover.

Cathy (288/365)

2006-11-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

Cathy: Good people skills are critical to the success of any business. Unfortunately being flat and unwilling was the death knoll for you. Buyers approached interested; you gave them the cold shoulder. Did you do better on eBay where nobody cared if you were impersonal?

John (287/365)

2006-11-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

John: The White Sox get John excited. His X is fragile but that doesn't stop him. He's learned to do things that others could only dream of accomplishing. Like his dad, he's a thinker and music lover. Someday he'll join his brother Paul at Misericordia.

Melissa (286/365)

2006-11-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

Melissa: Loves to bake. How is she a freshman so soon? Her feet now dancing over the same floors as mine 26 years before. Her role as a sister should automatically qualify her for a Masters in Special Education. Beautiful, caring, gentle Soul. Sweet Melissa.

Sonny (285/365)

2006-11-15T00:27:00.000-05:00

Sonny L.: Is usually my children's DDS, but on this day he sits me down to tell me how he shopped for his children's Easter clothes one year when they were still small. There is such tenderness in his face as he recalls this sweet memory.

Susan (284/365)

2006-11-14T07:53:00.000-05:00

Susan B.: It's November 14, 1975, Susan and I are walking down the steps of Lincoln Hall when we notice the snowflakes dancing. It's her birthday and she is excited about the early snowfall. Years later we see each on the beach at an Ouray concert.

Cullen (283/365)

2006-11-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

Cullen: Poetry in motion behind home plate, both as catcher and batter. Photogenic. Funny. Fisherman. He loves to cook, makes awesome scrambled eggs. Natural born Engineer. His talents like his body are on the verge of a huge growth spurt. Melt-in-your-mouth brown eyes. My son.

**************************
Happy 13th Birthday Cullen!
Happy Golden Birthday!
**************************

Mrs. Dickmann (282/365)

2006-11-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Marianne Dickmann: Earthy science teacher chaperoned all of our H.S. Quetico trips. Lipstick and make-up were not her bag. Educated us about the importance of daily applications of a good moisturizer, reminding us to never neglect our necks. (Please forgive me, I lied about the hemo-stat).

Jack (281/365)

2006-11-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

Jack S.: Old enough to be my grandfather. People warned me, said he was a cranky stingy dirty old man. But that's not what I experienced. He was funny, kind and thoughtful. I appreciated his guidance and mentorship through our daily chats on the CBOT floor.

Sari (280/365)

2006-11-10T08:51:00.000-05:00

Sari S.: Mrs. Flannery's second grade class, I met Sari and was instantly drawn to her. She had a kind-heart and sweet personality. We hung out at recess and had several play dates. But by seventh grade she became the cheerleader that I definitely was not.

Kent (279/365)

2006-11-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

Kent L.: A fellow Catholic, he was my sixth grade crush. He was a gorgeous Italian/Irish mix with beautiful eyes and a gentle personality. For our clock assignment in Science he made his time keeper out of an ice blue mint that dissolved slowly in water.

Chris (278/365)

2006-11-08T11:36:00.000-05:00

Chris: Understands my hair as only few do. Worship the way she artistically snips and snaps it into something utterly obedient and amazing. Constantly burns my ears with details details details of her life while curling some interest into mine. Going for a walk someday soon.

Robert (277/365)

2006-11-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

Robert R.: Like his great-grandfather his brain favors engineering. College freshman on a full scholarship, he's headed into his future with a toolbox full of talent and possibilities. Sweet memory of his toddler-self enthralled with watching the cars from the 22nd floor of my city apartment.

Helen (276/365)

2006-11-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

Helen: After meeting me she advised her son to give me the sapphire earrings he had bought in Thailand for his sister. It was the first of many loving gestures she has bestowed upon me through the years. Careful never to step on any toes.

********************************
Happy Birthday Helen!!!! (11/7)
********************************

Warren (275/365)

2006-11-05T08:14:00.000-05:00

Warren: The first time I met this Walter Matthau look-alike was in the back alley of Leona's on Sheffield catching a smoke with a bunch of twenty-something skin heads. Grew-up on the mean streets of Racine. In town to visit his son and meet me.

Debbie (274/365)

2006-11-04T08:13:00.000-05:00

Debbie B.: In the fourth grade bathroom Debbie told a group of us she knew how to read palms. We all lined-up. Looking at my outstretched hand she proclaimed, "Your going to have three children; two boys and a girl. One boy crosses your heart line."

Hugh (273/365)

2006-11-03T08:12:00.000-05:00

Hugh: Bears the patriarchal name, which happens to be the same as his much disliked uncle. Outwardly the wildest cousin, he has landed in adulthood quite maturely. Tried his hand at the CBOT before he settled into the family business. Wow factor: sexy green eyes!

***************************************************************
P.S. This has nothing to do with my 365 blog but click here if your curious.

Happy 80th Birthday Mom!

Madelon (272/365)

2006-11-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

Madelon: Should've been an actress. My cousin uses millions of different characters/voices; elegantly amusing all. Taught me how to be cool. Stole some of her dad's and brought us to a field. Yep, ain't nothing cooler than two ten year olds smoking their first cigarettes.

Mark (271/365)

2006-11-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

Mark: Racing down the hallway, I stopped short to admire him. It was in that very moment I developed "cousin crush". As an adult he's still as charming; a twinkle in his eyes, a smile on his face and a lively story on his lips.

Julie (270/365)

2006-10-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

Julie W.: Has similarities in voice and looks with Melanie Griffith. To be sure though, Julie is softer, never rumored to have had plastic surgery and is raising her son and twin girls without a staff. Makes time for what matters most: her relationship with God.

Danny (269/365)

2006-10-30T13:50:00.000-05:00

Danny L.: Looks more like a leprechaun than a pilot. First time I met him, he was drunk and dancing like a crazy fool. "Holy shit!!! Your the man Gary trusted with my children's lives at 25,000 feet!" Turns out he's the only one I'd trust.

Foggy (268/365)

2006-10-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Foggy: Just writing about Foggy here is risky, but what the hey this is my blog. Besides, I love her, she helped me craft one of my favorite pieces of writing. Laughs like The Penguin, smiles like The Joker and looks like Cat Woman. Vixen.

Mike (267/365)

2006-10-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

Mike (6/6): Best outdoors man I know. Unafraid of bear or wolf. Took Cullen (an atheist) on a fishing trip to BWCA and brought him back God fearing. Acts like it was no big deal. Yea right. Dude you've got Gift. Now go use it Bro'.

*****************************
Happy Birthday Mike! (10/27)
Tonic Water Special
*****************************