Leslie in Adams Morgan

Freedom Square

2011-10-31T22:08:00.006-04:00

April 20, 1932

2011-10-14T11:16:00.013-04:00

Dearest Kat -

Guess you're saying - damn a woman like Lucile Nowlin anyway - has she got writers cramp. I answer no. I merely have spring fever plus complications like, blueness, disappointment and discouragement. And this last two weeks have been test weeks - and your letter was missent. The mail service to this town is zero minus.

Thanks for the poem - that was the one I wanted. As for the answer to the question - I know darned well I have to face life without him. I've known all along I couldn't ever have him - ever since I started going with him. But I'll have to break down and admit I could face the next forty or fifty years of my life with a great deal more joy and equanimity if I thought all the things I dream of could be true. But I have no allusions about that. And could I just enjoy being around him? I think so. Katherine, I'm honestly learning things about being in love. I know I've never even remotely been in love before. Ain't this a helluva note. I don't know how I'll survive this summer. He said once he wasn't going to write. (I'll change his mind.) But three days is as long as I can stand even when I see him downtown or when he comes for Donald & Doris at school, so what will I do for 2 months. He'll come to Mobile to see me before I leave. He'd better. I got the cutest picture Monday. I think it was one made for the annual last year. Anyways, it's plumb good. I just loves it.

Weep, Weep. the orchestra is playing "Auf Weidersen." I really like that piece.
We're going on a fish fry tomorrow night. I'm really glad its turned warm. Moonlight. The man I love, a campfire. Oh la la. They put it off twice last week for Beverly and me. I had to go to P.T.A. Thurs and Wed. he had to keep the kids.

There's no news. I'm afraid I'd get morbid if I wrote the things I've been thinking since last Friday. I'm really discouraged and tired. Wish the next six weeks would pass while I slept some night. We were supposed to get out May 27 but got 2 wks Xmas so we don't get out until June 3. Then I don't know how I'm going to N.Y. Mary Jane is going so I don't know where I'll meet her, Nash. or Memphis or Atlanta. We'll leave about June 15 or 20. I dread thoughts of school, but it's perferable to teaching. 'Less "somepin" happens I won't be alive to go anywhere. Gotta stop & go mail this.

Love, Cile.

April 8, 1932

2011-10-11T18:17:00.014-04:00

Dearest Kat:

I really was all surrounded. Imagine keeping the secret so long. I don't see how they managed it. Get all the details and let me know. He would do something like that - but me - I'm so damned in love that I can't see straight. Honestly you've no idea to what a state I've been reduced. But to return to N. P. G. you're quite correct in assuming that in April 1930 he was making eloquent love to me and writing compromising letters to me. Will have to drag 'em out next weekend and read 'em. "Darling, I hope I can prove to you someday how much I love you" - or words to that effect. (I'll have to hand it to him. He had a most marvelous line.) He has, by marrying the girl he thinks he loves. He must to marry her. Saw in the Herald where Carolyn Hardison got married. I wish her happiness.

I have enjoyed seeing Beverly this week so much. He came for me Sunday and I saw him Mon. & Wed. Haven't got a date tonite. He went on a wild party Tues. nite and has got to sleep tonight. But I'm gosh awful funny. I wake up at 5:30 thinking of him. And all day, little brother does things that are characteristic.* Sometimes I want to slap him and some days I want to squeeze him hard. But Beverly sees that I go to all the things around here to go to - comes for me Sunday and is so darned thoughtful and sweet. I was never gladder to see anybody than I was him last Thursday nite when I was sick. If that's a sample of this summer I'd better reserve myself a padded cell up at Tuscaloosa. I'm going to have an aching void and nothing to fill it with - if I had heap much money and plenty of friends in Mobile to play around with it would be different. But possessing neither and no prospects I wonder what I'll come to.

Enough of me and Beverly - you're probably bored still - but when I eat, sleep, dream, and almost teach him I have time for little else. Lyman, etc are just nil. They don't register one peg.
I am quite crushed over the wedding. I thought I'd at least always have him to fall back on. Remember how you used to tell me you thought I loved him or came nearer loving him than anyone I'd ever gone with. Guess it's all over now even the shouting. What are they doing - is Nolan still going to school - and are he and Mary living together - or is he home - and given up pursuit of higher learning. (Helen Rowland says that girls go to college so they an come home with a knowledge of how to apply make-up and a higher education in the "noble" art of necking - wonder why boys go?) I want all the dirt on this affair. I've heard no gossip in years - not since I left school anyway. I've been much to busy giving the village gossips something to wag their tongues about to hear any of the gossip much less Tennessee gossip.

Gotta quit and make maps for the little dears. I cordially hate 'em right now.

Love, 'Cile

*Beverly's little brother Donald must be in the class of students she teaches.

April 4, 1932

2011-10-10T07:03:00.018-04:00

Dearest Kat,

Remember the poem you sent me not long ago - I lost it and want you to send me another copy. It's the one J. gave you about recognizing your "life's love."

About Beverly - I can't write you all things - but if I could talk to you you might understand. (I'm afraid I understand too much.) He's forgotten to mention the "other girl" since January. If he's married he's a pretty unfaithful husband. If he's just engaged - like you I'd not feel sure of his love - tho' once he said he'd thought he didn't love her anymore but as soon as he saw her he knew he'd always love her. and he once told me that he'd love me for a lifetime, but I'd better not get out of sight!!! I take it he's one of the most fickle of the fickle males. Nevertheless, that doesn't help much the state of my feelings which are chaotic to say the least. Once when I first knew him (before he told me of his love affair) he remarked that I was an unbelievable person and I told him I believed nothing I heard and half I saw. He then asked me if I believed him and I swore I wouldn't - all laughing you know. He thanked me. But he's told me he loved me so many times I'm afraid it's beginning to make an impression. And wouldn't I love to believe it! I don't know where to start - or stop for that matter when I get started on him. He came up to see me last night (forgot to mention that I'm at home this week with the flu). Shore was glad to see him. I've missed him like hell and thought of little else for Wed. and Thurs.

The tornadoes haven't been too close to here. We've gotten rain - just lots of it. cold weather. a little wind but no storm.

My Easter was candy. I was so disgusted with Beverly I didn't know what to do. He's given me candy two or three times before and as I've never had flowers I wanted them terribly. I've had a terrible cold for two weeks and was feeling abdominable so Fri. nite he gave me my candy & said he wasn't sure he'd see me Sunday so I could have it then. I came home Sat. morn. crawled in bed and have been there every since. So see your letter came to cheer my lonely hours in bed. And believe me I've been plenty bored.

I crave me some new clothes like nobody's business but I'll need 'em too bad this summer to buy any now. And besides I need all the cash I can get to go to school. Hope to heck we continue to get paid - I can certainly use it. And may even have to borrow off 'en Mother. A little. But Frances isn't going to have much and I know I'm not quite as extravagant as she is, so maybe I'll manage.

Am up and dressed today for the first time. Just a little while this afternoon. Am weak - can hardly move a chair. First time I've been outside since a week ago. Unless I improve rapidly don't see how I can stand the kids Monday.
Guess I'll sign off and let you try to make heads or tails of the mess.

Lots of love, 'Cile

Sunday

This got mislaid and did I have seven varieties of kittens. I was afraid Daddy would read it and I couldn't remember exactly how much or how little I said. But I repeat: if you can make a thing of this you're a regular Sherlock Holmes.

Am parked waiting to see if Beverly is going to come for me. I have an idea he's going to make me ride the train just because I haven't in five weeks. He's mean enough to and then laugh about it and tease me. Ma mere says I should lie down and I guess she's right. Nevertheless, I don't want to.

If I wrote anymore it would be Beverly so I won't bore you. Honestly don't see why you don't tell me "fer cryin' out loud in church" to shut up about him. Must bore you to tears. He's hoping you have a big time from now until school is out.

Signing off a second time.

Love, 'Cile.

P.S. Got back up here and hear that when I wasn't here Mon. and Tues. (that) the town said I had eloped with Beverly. Don't know how they accounted for me being gone and him here.

Rock Creek Park Horse Center

2011-10-09T19:12:00.027-04:00

Right here in the middle of the city, there are stables and trees!

This is Asia leading Bertha from her stall.

First, she brushes Bertha and picks her hoofs.

Then she saddles and bridles her horse.

And, finally, Asia is mounted and riding. Today's lesson was about posting correctly. The kids learned how to walk their horses into a trot and then to canter smoothly. They do all of the grooming and prep work themselves. For more information about the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, go here.

The Fort Hunt Federals

2011-10-02T09:47:00.006-04:00

The Fort Hunt Federals right before their game win yesterday (13-7) in Alexandria. Cody is the player without socks. It's the only way we were able to keep track of him on the field.

Bud Taplin

2011-09-20T20:29:00.018-04:00

This is Eric and Bud Taplin at the Westsail Rendezvous this past weekend. Bud is a famous figure in the Westsail world. He was general manager for the company in the 1970s and can tell the true story behind the production of the one boat that is credited with popularizing the cruising lifestyle. He is the go-to person for technical advice, assistance, and hard-to-find materials. During the Saturday boat visits, Bud had lunch with us in our little 28 and over ham sandwiches shared a little bit about his grandchildren and life as it is sans boats. He's a down-to-earth guy and we're pleased to have spent time with him.

Herrington Harbour North

2011-09-19T18:42:00.036-04:00

Eric and I are currently tied up to Herrington Harbour's haul-out dock and will be pulling Clementine out of the water later this week for winter storage and heavy-duty maintenance, to include waterproofing and painting the hull, making repairs to the rudder, and polishing up the teak.

Herrington Harbour North has an enormous boat yard, resort-like amenities, and on-site expertise. The photo above is from their website and accurately depicts our surroundings. It was a no-brainer decision to stay here after we figured out how to take the 902 commuter bus back and forth to DC.

The challenge in these small parts, however, is to find food and supplies without the benefit of a car. West Marine is nearby; there's a decent hardware store around the corner, and after a lot of trial testing, we have decided that the South County Cafe is our best bet for food and the Happy Harbor our most interesting choice for local flavor. I'll keep posting as the cold weather approaches and Eric's real work begins.

Westsail Rendezvous

2011-09-17T15:32:00.033-04:00

Yesterday was Eric's 50th birthday. I left work early and met him in Deale, MD, where the Westsail "rondy" is taking place. There were appetizers on the dock and then we met Bud Taplin and approximately 20 other Westsail owners for dinner at the Calypso Cafe. Coincidently, Eric's boat purchase went through a year ago on his birthday, and now one year later, we had the pleasure of meeting the sailors behind Legend, Full Circle, Namida, Caprica, Melissa Claire, Bravura, and Odyssey.

At day break, Eric and I took a walk for coffee. We ran into this on the way. That's a lot of signage! Do you think they sell beer? I bought a small chair at a yard sale for $20. One of the other boaters has experience refinishing furniture and tells me the chair is mahogany, has authentic ceramic casters, and was probably made in the 1920s. All in all, a good bargain. It was a full day of boat visits, talks, and still more food. They are now showing the film The Perfect Storm so we can catch a glimpse here and there of the one boat that made it: Satori; but, instead of watching we are all cozied up inside Clementine.

the trip begins ...

2011-09-10T19:37:00.030-04:00

Eric is on his way to Deale, MD, to meet up with some other Westsailers. (It's a rendezvous, you know, a prearranged meeting place, especially an assembly point for troops or ships.) That's him motoring off this morning after we filled up the water jugs and fuel tank, loaded the boat down with food, and said our goodbyes. I won't be able to join him until next week.

So while I was making my way home via water taxi and bus, he was dodging crab pots and storm debris; and now, while he's anchored down for the night at Mathias Point Neck, I am settling in to watch all of those movies he has no interest in seeing. I miss you, Eric!

Water, Water, Everywhere

2011-09-08T14:32:00.026-04:00

So, for two days, it did nothing here in the WDC area but rain buckets, several inches per hour, eleven or more total. These photos show places normally dry. The top two were taken outside of my office. The picnic tables are submerged almost up to the benches. The bottom two are of the marina at the start of high tide. The ducks are swimming in land and have a whole new cruising ground. Roads were flooded, schools were closed, and people were tubing down main intersections for entertainment. At this rate, after a hurricane, an earthquake, and now a tropical storm, I wonder what kind of a winter we will have.

Asia

2011-09-06T12:33:00.014-04:00

Today is Asia's birthday! She is 9 years old now and Maya's little sister. This pic was taken on Friday night when we treated her to the restaurant of her choice - Chipoltle - followed by another more sophisticated celebration at Petit Plats on her actual b-day.

Asia is a dancer and also likes to ride horses. She has a mind of her own and has decided that she will not eat red meat because she LOVES cows and pigs. Asia has a great appreciation for all things beautiful and, best of all, finds pleasure in making people laugh.

These pics were taken earlier in the evening. I am completely devoted to her.

Irene, our little hurricane

2011-08-29T06:34:00.032-04:00

Irene wasn't a treacherous storm, but our little hurricane was exciting and a great learning experience. Eric stayed on board Clementine in a small cove near the National Harbor. He was protected by a hill, the bridge, and an island. (I stayed home with the pets and kept him company by telephone when the wind was at its worst.) So what did we learn?

Advance planning. Make sure you have enough food, water, and sleep before the hurricane arrives. Know where you're going to put the boat and get there early. Watch the weather. Know which way the wind will be blowing, what path the storm is taking, and what the current is doing. Protect your nylon rode. Eric wrapped cloth around all of the potential chafe points to keep the line from breaking and the anchor secure. Clementine is stout. With winds at 47mph, gusting to 58, Clementine yawned and went back to sleep. We both have complete confidence in her ability to take on the elements.

The following day was bright and sunny, yet surprisingly dry. It was like Irene had never even been there. When all of the bigger boats started coming home in a long line down the river, it was like a joyous parade. We even got to see John, our neighbor on the water, who abandoned his boat in good times but came through for her in bad.

Earthquake!

2011-08-24T06:53:00.009-04:00

Yesterday, we experienced an earthquake! It registered 5.9 on the richter scale and shook the ground all the way from New York to North Carolina! Eric and I were in DC for a doctor's appointment and couldn't get out of the city. When the quake hit, everyone left their offices and classrooms, filing out into the street. Museums closed down and so did the subway system. Traffic was at a standstill. What did we do? We walked home! It took us 2-1/2 hours to get from Union Station to Virginia, at which time we took a pizza break and then were able to catch a bus the rest of the way home.

And today, we have to think about how we can prepare the boat for Irene, a category 4 hurricane expected to hit the area this Saturday.

Kisses

2011-08-21T19:51:00.003-04:00

A movie still from the book I am currently reading. Who can guess the title without looking at the photo caption?

The Island of Ibiza

2011-08-15T08:06:00.008-04:00

Also from the Jordi Canosa website, this house is found on the Island of Ibiza and is called la Casa Es Vedra. Do you notice there are no lamps in any of these photos ... only wall fixtures, lanterns, and candles?

The Island of Formentera

2011-08-15T07:05:00.027-04:00

These three interior shots are from the Jordi Canosa website and are of a house called Daisy on the island of Formentera. All of the furniture is lightweight and easily moved. There's no excess, not in style or in color. I find the space calm and inviting.

Resolution #2

2011-08-14T09:19:00.112-04:00

If there's a resolution #1, there has to be a resolution #2, in the same way you can't have a first annual event, now can you?

Resolution #2, Get My Financial House In Order, has made 2011 a tough year so far, mostly due to a big step I took in securing my retirement fund.

I started working at a local community college when I was just 20 years old. Part of my compensation package was that the Commonwealth of Virginia would pay into my pension plan 100%. So, having gone straight from my father's house and high school to my husband's house and night school, I found myself working full time and going to this same community college as a part-time student. After many years of sacrificing my social life, going through a divorce, and taking a few semesters off here and there, I was in my mid-30s and still working full time and pursing an undergraduate degree part time. I had transferred to a four-year university but was still plugging away one class at a time and getting increasingly tired. When my grandmother died and left me some money, I decided to take that gift and supplement it with my retirement fund which had accumulated quite a bit over time. I quit work and became a full-time student.

What I didn't plan for was going back to the same job I'd had before graduation and reaching the point where I am now with 28 years of service and only 13 years of retirement. Couple that with a very real economic fear of losing my option to buy back my retirement, I made the decision a few months ago to invest a whopping $42,000 into my future. In less than two short years, I can now "retire" at age 52 and will receive one half my current salary for doing absolutely nothing. I'll still have to work to survive, but one half my income will be free and without obligation. How can I pass that up?

But where does this big SMART move leave me today? Broke with no immediate savings and in debt to my mother for part of my investment and another $3,000 spent on medical bills for my cat who was suffering from hyperthyroidism. Throw in no pay raises for the last three years due to the economic downturn, a decline in my condo's property value, rising costs everywhere especially for food, and a potential major increase in my condo fee due to a window-replacement issue which seems to be going no where and I am suffering even more. I am downsizing everywhere I can in an attempt not to self destruct.

Here's my list of Top Ten Budget Cuts, including those accomplished and those yet to come:

1. Eliminate cable television and Internet service at home.

I was paying $80 a month for both only because to get Internet service alone was nearly as much as the two combined. The plan when I cancelled service was to tether my iPhone but unfortunately found out afterwards that the G3 doesn't have the capability to hotspot unless you jailbreak your phone and open yourself up to hackers. Hmmm, so no Internet at home right now and using up massive amounts of Eric's tethering service when he's here. (TY, Eric!) And no regular TV because I don't have and don't feel like buying a digital converter.

2. Spend less on books and movies.

Who knew the library was such a good option for books and movies? Luckily for me, I live less than two blocks away from Arlington County's largest library and it has every book I could ever want and a fairly decent DVD collection. This change has turned out okay.

3. Spend less at the hair salon.

Instead of going into Georgetown every month, I now walk down the street to a local salon. It's $20 less per month and saves me a lot of time. At first, I was pained by the change. Georgetown has a good vibe and the salon was beautiful ... hardwood floors, beautiful light, hip clientele. Now? Small, cramped, and the shampoo girl - as nice as she is - talks way too much but Joseph, my new hair guy, is quite intelligent and a lot more interesting than my old hair guy who was awfully cute but not that bright. Another adjustment that turned out okay.

4. Spend less on shampoo and cosmetics.

I was a bit shocked when I started looking at how much stuff costs, or rather, how much I was spending on certain items when other less expensive options were available. I've been buying a tube of mascara that costs $28 (!) when there are many alternatives out there for just $15. The cheaper version probably won't last as long but heck I probably won't replace it any earlier so the savings is still there. And the Bumble Gentle Shampoo I was ordering is pricey but the Seaweed version is a just a little bit less so and smells a whole lot better so no pain here.

5. Spend less on food, or more appropriately, shop more wisely.

This has been a tough one and I've made no progress in this area at all. I like to eat and I enjoy eating out. Harris Teeter, one of the most expensive grocery stores around, is one step outside my front door. I could walk down the street to the Spanish market in order to save money but I don't. I could bag my lunch at work but I haven't. I could give up convenience and cook everything at home but then I'd have to clean up and wash dishes and that just isn't me. I'll keep trying ... really I will ... right after Eric and I pick up our take-away salads from Marvelous Market on our way back from the library today.

6. No more Starbucks on my way to work.

I quit this habit a long time ago. $3 a day is a lot for coffee but the real reason for stopping the Starbucks trip was it's a 15-minute walk to the nearest store and I want my coffee hot right out of bed first thing in the morning. I still give myself credit, though, for making this switch because it wouldn't be that hard to pick it up again.

7. No more expensive clothes.

Actually, hardly any new clothes at all and this sucks. I don't like it. This has got to change. Thanks to my mom, I still get a little bit of a fashion fix, though. She gave me lovely Repetto ballet flats for my birthday and loaned me money for an Eileen Fisher black sweater I was able to get for a steal. Heck, the $9 stripey jam jam pants I bought in the check-out line at the grocery store are pretty awesome all the same and there are some fun treats out there even if they cost less. (Yeah, sure, keep telling yourself this, Leslie, and maybe you will start to believe it.)

8. No more taxi cab rides because I'm lazy.

I've been car-less for years but got spoiled when I started dating Eric. He'd drive me here and there and I got lazy. Now that he's car-free (since buying Clementine), we fell into the habit of taking taxi cab rides from the marina to the condo, and from the condo to the marina. The totals added up at $40 a pop but we are back on track with public transportation and are healthier because of it in the long run.

9. No more gym memberships.

I never go. I join with good intentions and then feel guilty for not going and develop an aversion to the whole thing. There are many good ways to get exercise without having to commit myself to a monthly fee and contract. Eric and I row the dinghy out to Clementine. I can sign up for a pay-as-I-go yoga class. We can run outside instead of inside on a treadmill. The key is in actually doing it but no sense in spending money in the effort. A financial investment does not make for an exercise commitment.

10. Sell my condo

Or better title, Get Out From Under My Mortgage. Home ownership is not all it's cracked up to be when you consider how much interest you pay and how little you actually get back at the end of the year. Owning a home ties you down to a certain geographic area; even if you decide to stay there, the noose is pretty tight, and what's the point when you can't afford to make any of the modifications you'd hope to make when you decided to buy the place originally?

So, in 2013, when I "retire," no longer have a mortgage holding me down, and my financial house in order, the whole world will be my oyster, insh'Allah. May my health and good fortune permit me the opportunity to travel. I may move back to Adams Morgan, or down to Old Town, closer to Eric's boat, or maybe I'll study a year in Spain and see all of the wonderful architecture I have been reading about this weekend.

And my promise for tomorrow?

Not to blog about such important stuff in such great detail. I have some great rustic interiors to show you from the Balearic Islands.

Celebration of Reading

2011-08-13T08:34:00.056-04:00

Well, my book-reading binge has slowed down quite a bit. DCs oppressive heat wave has subsided - somewhat - and there's more to do outside. It's strange when a 90-degree day provides noticeable relief and we can all breathe easier.

So, the common thread in the books I've read so far is DRINKING, and lots of it. I started Strangers on a Train and the two opening characters were sloppy drunk and I thought, I just can't handle this right now. In Breakfast at Tiffany's, they drink for fun; in Gray Flannel Suit, they drink out of habit; and in Peyton Place, they drink in basements for weeks on end and only come up and outside when the alcohol runs out. We all know that drinking during meetings and at work was common during the 1950s but, interestingly enough, there was no alcohol at all in the UK's To Sir with Love. Sure, Braithwaite was a straight-laced kind of guy and all of the American writers were serious alcoholics, but what does this say about American culture in general?

To give the whole 1950s literature challenge a temporary break and expansion, I've picked up a book on architecture (Architecture of the Islamic World) and added the Cairo Trilogy to my reading list. All three books (Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, and Sugar Street) were also published during the 1950s. I wonder if the characters in these books drink alcohol? I do know in Egypt you can't buy alcoholic drinks in restaurants but they will deliver alcoholic beverages right to your door and probably serve alcohol in clubs. What were the topics of concern during the 1950s in Egypt? We shall see.

So, in Celebration of Reading, I've created my own meme and hope you will link back and answer the questions. Please post a photo of your own bookshelf if you do participate.

1. Do you read for pleasure daily, in spurts, or rarely?

I read when I don't want to think. I've just realized that. I read three books back to back over one weekend when my grandmother died. I read quite a bit during the summer of 2008 when I didn't want to think about buying a condo, and I always like to read when I'm on vacation. I also read to pass the time when I have a long commute or bus ride. I don't have the ability, unfortunately, to read on an airplane. I feel too distracted by the fact that I am way too high up in the air and have a huge vacuum of space underneath me.

2. What kind of books and magazines do you like to read?

I like fashion and interior design magazines but will confess, I don't really read them. I read fictional novels and art books. I don't like celebrity biographies, how-to books, or modern-day horror fiction. I do like gothic novels, though, and vampires stories. I read crime fiction and mysteries when I'm tired. They don't require a lot of mental focus.

3. Who are your favorite authors?

I'm going to say Willa Cather and Thomas Hardy right now because I've read multiple books by both authors and, after a great purge of books, still have their novels on my bookshelf.

4. How do you organize your books?

By subject matter or genre, then by country of author or topic, and then by size (height and depth). One shelf - the top one - is all fiction, the next shelf is all cookbooks, the third shelf down is for art books, and finally the lower shelf is for history, including genealogical research documents, and Elle Decor magazines. I'm getting ready to move my reference books over to the top of my desk to make more room for art books and have stacks and stacks of books around my house right now in anticipation of another major purge. It's crazy that when I move I have one box of dishes, three suitcases, and 15 boxes of heavy-ass books. (Getting ready to move, you ask? Not this year, but maybe next. More on that in tomorrow's post.)

5. Have you made the transition from printed material to e-books?

No, I'm resisting it. It makes sense having all of my books in one place and portable, especially if I decide to spend a lot of time out on Eric's boat, but after having worked in publications for years, I like how a printed book feels. I like turning the page and touching the weight of the paper. For now, I'm sticking with traditional.

I am tagging Evil Pixie, What She Said, Vacant Lot, Shining Lotus, Siobhan, Kevin's Stills, Do These Shoes Match this Purse, and Tourist Cup. Remember to include a photo of your own personal library if you post! Let's see how far my little meme can travel ...

To Sir, With Love (1959)

2011-07-19T08:17:00.111-04:00

Ricardo Braithwaite is a bright, educated black man, but after his service in the RAF, he can't find work due to the color of his skin and is forced to take an appointment teaching unruly "children" in a working-class neighborhood. To Sir with Love is an autobiographical description of this man's first year in London's East End school Greenslade.

Braithwaite's primary message is that a black man is no different than a white man, that his color is only skin deep and does not determine his character or ability. "Sir" expects his students to present themselves well, and insists on clean clothes, polished shoes, proper manners, and good speech. Braithwaite teaches his "children" how to think and express themselves with control and confidence.

It's a quick read, but the language isn't simplified to allow for it. Braithwaite is intelligent, as is evidenced by his writing, and his thinking is good, but his emotions are clinical and he seems a little too self important. The female students, Pamela Dare, in particular, are infatuated with him. Characters comment on how good looking he is and neighborhood mothers give him special treatment. Unintentionally, Braithwaite presents himself as superior to his charges and their families. He has an "us versus them" attitude and the division isn't based on color or on heirarcy within the school system, but instead on social class.

The most interesting part of this novel, however, is Braithwaite's assessment of racism and how Americans are open and vocal about their differences whereas the British are closed, hiding behind the pretense that they treat all men equally, yet in truth they resist fair treatment and behave badly in the process.

To Sir, with Love is one of the first inner-city inspirational teacher novels. Blackboard Jungle, published in 1954, is credited with being the first. Braithwaite currently serves as a university writer in resident right here in Washington, D.C.

Peyton Place (1956)

2011-07-13T10:35:00.027-04:00

Well, I hardly even know what to say about this book ...

I included Peyton Place on my list of books to read because I've been aware of the title since early childhood and research tells me the novel was a huge scandalous success with 60,000 copies sold during the first 10 days of publication. What, I asked myself, could cause such a stir in 1956?

Well, the book deals with everything: puberty, sex, menopause, infidelity, spousal abuse, murder, jealousy, incest, rape, mental illness, suicide, and even, surprisingly for the 1950s, alcoholism. The general conclusion I reach is that Grace Metalious believes most people are motivated by their base desires and character defects. Unfortunately, there's very little happiness lurking in the small miserable lives of Peyton Place. I'll take away Selena's strength to survive, her love for Joey, Matt Swain's honor and sacrifice, but will try my best to forget all of the rest, especially Norman's creepy mother.

Adorable!

2011-07-12T15:53:00.004-04:00

Eric and I were walking from the marina to the shopping center for groceries earlier this week, and came across this sign. What a great relationship this dad and daughter must have. :-)

The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1955)

2011-07-06T11:59:00.017-04:00

Tom, his wife Betsy, and their three kids live in the Connecticut suburbs. Tom commutes to work in Manhattan. They hate their average house, need a new car, and constantly worry about how they are going to make ends meet. Tom works for a foundation but accepts a new position with the United Broadcast Corporation in order to make more money. Out of fear, he begins to play corporate games, telling others what he thinks they want to hear and trying to judge people's positions so he can mimic them. As time goes on, the problems begin to mount, both personal and financial. The couple no longer feel pleasure and the harder they work at their perceived goals toward happiness, the more dissatisfied they become with their lives. It isn't until Tom becomes honest with himself, his boss, and his wife that they find the contentment they seek.

To a lesser degree, the story is also about mental illness, the discomfort people feel discussing it, and the lack of understanding people have about it. Tom is charged with running a campaign to promote an awareness about mental illness yet he suffers from PTSD and doesn't recognize his condition. He wonders how he can be rewarded for having killed seventeen men in the war yet potentially ostracized for having fathered a child during the same time period.

In the same vein, Tom's boss works non-stop from morning until late at night in spite of the toll it has on his health and the damage it does to his family relations. Tom tries to perform at the same level but eventually decides he'd rather work a standard 9 to 5 job and spend more time with his family.

Many of the issues Sloan Wilson presents in The Man in the Gray Flannel Suitare ones we still wrestle with today: debt, overwork, consumerism, dissatisfaction, and a lack of honesty to self.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958)

2011-07-05T11:50:00.036-04:00

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a 2oth-century novella that follows a small group of people living in New York City during the early 1940s. None of the characters have immediate family or regular jobs, and for that reason live as they wish on the edge of society. Holly Golightly, the story's protagonist, is described as being a free spirit, one who sets her own course depending on whim and circumstance. She has smoked marijuana, drinks often and sometimes early, and wants to see the world. She likes to shock her friends and feels no remorse when she steals another woman's lover in order to advance her own pleasure in Cuba and the Keys. Holly is a complex character, well written and multi-faceted, and I like her in spite of her many moral shortcomings.

Throughout Breakfast at Tiffany's, Holly is alone and without family. She has a brother but he's away in the army and was left behind when Holly escaped Texas. Holly has been on the run since at least age 14 and her background is a mystery. According to Doc, the girl's parents died of tuberculosis when she was young but he has nothing to support this story. Holly paints the most idealistic childhood possible, mentioning summers swimming and pretty parties but her account is thought to be untrue. At no time does she mention her parents and never does she seem to miss them.

Holly is unreliable. She lies to protect and support herself. She tells guests at a party that Mag has a venereal disease when she wants to transfer male attention away from her friend and back to herself. In conversations with the narrator, she calls Mag a prostitute and Rusty a homosexual but neither claim is substantiated. Mag is actually quite shy about sex and Rusty is never shown to be interested in men.

Many readers assume Holly is a prostitute but Truman Capote has insisted in interviews that she's not. Instead, Holly is a companion to older, generally unattractive men with money. She accepts cash gifts, leading her escort to believe she will sleep with them, and then, as often as not, refuses their advances.

Holly suffers from depression, the "mean reds," and it's possible she was sexually abused as a child. Married at 14, Holly is 18 and claims to have had eleven lovers in between. She believes that any sexual activity prior to age 13 should not be included in her list of partners. If Holly speaks the truth, her promiscuity and inability to love others tends to support it.

Capote suggests Holly might have been different given the opportunity. At one point, she is in a relationship, happily making dinner and preparing for motherhood. She is practically the perfect 1950s housewife but subsequent problems with the law make it impossible for Holly's Brazilian lover to continue with their affair. She is destined to live an unconventional life.

Holly takes her failure bravely. She is resilient and continues to thrive, precariously, on the edge of society. At the story's conclusion, she leaves for Rio, writes from Argentina, and fifteen years later is thought to be in Africa where she continues to infatuate men with her charm and fragility.

Literature in the 1950s

2011-07-01T15:22:00.065-04:00

I have decided to put a little purpose in my reading, and here's my revised New Year's resolution #1. I am going to read 10 novels published in the 1950s by American authors and will supplement with a few French and British who were writing during the same decade. See potential list below:

1950
Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith

1951
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene (British)

1952
Giant by Edna Ferber (American)
East of Eden by John Steinbeck (maybe, he's not my favorite author)

1953
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

1954
Blackboard Jungle by Evan Hunter

Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan (French)

1955
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit by Sloan Wilson (American)

1956
Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz (Egyptian)

Peyton Place by Grace Metalious (American)

1957
On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Palace of Desire by Naguib Mahfouz (Egyptian)

Sugar Street by Naguib Mahfouz (Egyptian)

1958
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote (American)
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac (American)
From the Terrace by John O'Hara
A Summer Place by Sloan Wilson

1959
To Sir, with Love by E. R. Braithwaite (British)

Rock the Boat, Baby

2011-06-28T12:30:00.015-04:00

The free online dictionary defines "wake" as follows: "The visible track of turbulence left by something moving through water."

And near our anchorage and close to all marinas, there is a sign like the one to your left. It's common courtesy not to fly by certain areas or near boats on the waterway at maximum speed causing turbulence and a general discomfort to others.

Eric and I get waked all of the time and actually enjoy it. A little rocking at night can be soothing while asleep and an occasional heavy hit can be fun. This morning, however, Clementine was rocked like never before. Things were falling off the shelves. We were getting slammed from side to side and it didn't stop for quite some time. I managed to save my laptop and remain standing. Eric got by with a small cut when he was thrown face first into a bronze portal. He may even have a black eye. A little taste of the ocean right in the middle of the Potomac River.

Farmer, Cowboy, Soldier, Spy

2011-06-27T07:45:00.028-04:00

Everyone should write a book like this one. Farmer, Cowboy, Soldier, Spy is the story of Eric's Dad's youth and working life with a glimpse into his current retirement and winter trips to Mexico.

Born in America, Bob was raised in New York City and Sweden. He shows us what it's like to work on a farm in Marklunda and a ranch in Wyoming. His quest for knowledge and security eventually lead him to join the Army where he is finally recognized for his intellect. He sees the world, both on assignment and through extensive travel. He finds his soulmate and together, he and Ans, raise their six kids while establishing their careers.

I have spent hours and hours researching my family's history. In the end, through wills and other documentation, I can pull together a very slight idea who someone actually was. While a book like this one allows us to see our parents more clearly, the value it will have to our descendants is immeasurable.

Angels

2011-06-26T16:31:00.017-04:00

I like stone sculpture, in particular angels in grave yards and near churches. The photo on the left was taken near the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Coptic Cairo and the one on the right was taken this past weekend when Eric and I wandered around St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Old Town Alexandria (Virginia) on our way to the hardware store.

The Shape Shifter

2011-06-12T07:06:00.111-04:00

Joe Leaphorn is a coffee drinking, doughnut eating lieutenant of the Navajo Tribal Police. He is adjusting to retirement, the world of technology, and still feels the loss of his wife, Emma. When a tale teller rug, thought to be lost in a fire, appears intact on a rich man's wall, Leaphorn becomes interested in an old case, one of the first he worked on as a young man. His research uncovers events in Vietnam, CIA involvement, a few poison-filled cherries, and eventually comes back to two missing buckets of pinyon sap.

The Shape Shifter is a straightforward story. There's very little mystery in how all of the facts tie together and the culprit is known early, primarily because unlike in classic detective fiction, there's no pool of suspects to mask the killer's identity and keep the audience guessing.

What makes this book worth reading is the insight it provides into Navajo culture. The supernatural and mythological references build suspense. The differences between the Navajo people and the bilagaana (the white man) are thought provoking, and the story of the Long Walk, woven into the tale teller rug, led me to read more online. Here's what I learned:

In 1864, the Navajo people were forced at gun point to walk 450 miles over the course of 18 days. They were dislocated from their home in the Arizona and New Mexico territories and resettled in Fort Sumner. Approximately 9,000 people were moved to an area sized 4o square miles. Their walk was one full of sorrow and tears. Finally, in 1868, the Navajo people were allowed to return to their homeland at which time they were given 3.5 million acres inside their four sacred mountains. This is one of the few times the Indian people were recompensed fairly.

The Shape Shifter, published in 2006, is author Tony Hillerman's last novel in the series. He died in 2008 after publishing 18 novels about the American Southwest.

Genre: Crime Fiction

Sub-category: Regional Mystery

Sub-category: Police Procedural

This is my interpretation of a "regional" mystery. While there are other authors whose books are categorized this way, there's very little discussion online about the traits that encompass them all.

Traits:

Story takes place in a specific region or city and the site is more than just a setting in the novel. It is instructional about the society and its traditions in addition to providing ambiance.

The people and culture become an important part of the story, in some ways overshadowing the mystery itself.

The Shape Shifter can also be categorized as a Police Procedural, although a true example would probably include technical elements about how the crime is solved.

Traits:

Police officers are central characters, men or women with ordinary abilities, whose "real" lives play a part of the story.

The story is told from the police point of view.

The criminal is often known or thinly disguised.

I will expand on this list after reading a more complex Police Procedural. If you have input, please post a comment or email.

Starlight

2011-06-04T19:11:00.008-04:00

If you read my blog regularly you know that my family has an affection for cats. My sister - who was living in Egypt at the time of the revolution - was recently able to return and bring back Starlight, one of the street kitties she was feeding while living there. My mom has decided to adopt him! So now Cheezecake (aka Noot), Moo, and Starlight have all found forever homes in America. Don't you love his fuzzy black tail?

Back to Belle Haven

2011-06-03T11:58:00.004-04:00

And then back to Belle Haven, where the air is healthy, the pace is easy, and the water is rolly, just the way we like it.

Titanic Memorial

2011-06-02T00:03:00.019-04:00

My favorite day of the long weekend was Monday. Eric and I woke early, as we often do, and after a breakfast of cheese, bread, and fruit, took a stroll down to the Titanic Memorial. I'd discovered this site several years ago when I worked in the area and wanted to see it again. The 13-foot high granite statue is positioned along the waterfront and is surrounded by shady trees and old stone benches. Thank you, Eric, for indulging me. xxoo.

Maine Avenue Fish Market

2011-06-01T18:26:00.032-04:00

Right next to the Capital Yacht Club is the famous Maine Avenue Fish Market, in operation since 1805. It's a busy smelly place and throngs of people stand up and eat generous portions of food and then leave piles of garbage behind them. Eric and I bought our dinner there Sunday night but took it back to the Yacht Club for a more civilized sit-down meal in air conditioning.

I'm glad to have gone to the Wharf, but it brings back memories of the one and only time I was on jury duty. This was a case where two of the workers had an altercation after putting in 12 or more hours a day for six days straight. Tempers flared, threats were made, and one of the two men - the one on trial - charged at the other with a gaff in hand and hit him on the head. While we wanted to find extenuating circumstances, there were none and the man was ultimately found guilty.

(A better place to eat if you are in the area is Jenny's Asian Fusion directly above the Capital Yacht Club. The food is fresh, light, and very satisfying.)

Capital Yacht Club

2011-05-31T11:50:00.024-04:00

After a trip to the public library and a few shopping-related errands, Eric and I raised anchor on Saturday morning and motored on down to the Capital Yacht Club near the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, DC.

This is a noisy spot with an airport nearby, road traffic and trains overhead, low-flying helicopters, and tour boats turning around right next to us but it's a good change of pace and quite convenient to the Metro.

For a reasonable $15 a night, we can anchor out and dinghy in to the air-conditioned Club House that offers bar service in the evening, showers (including hair dryers and an iron), laundry facilities, and Internet access. The best part, however, is the crowd ... real transients who are living the life and always willing to chat. This weekend we met Martin from Switzerland who had arrived moments earlier and was looking for a place to take English classes. We went aboard a beautiful custom-built Pacific Seacraft and spent a few hours talking to a man from Texas, and Eric met a woman who has the ability to make new sun covers for us. That should help a little with the DC heat that has already started to descend down upon us.

Fireworks!

2011-05-30T20:40:00.018-04:00

Eric and I started the Memorial Day weekend at Belle Haven, our normal Friday night meeting place. We were pleasantly surprised that evening when the "National Monstrosity" hosted a fireworks display, an event that seemed - from our side of the river - to be held solely for our own benefit.

The National Harbor is located directly across the Potomac River from our anchorage in Belle Haven and it lights up like an obscene Christmas tree at night. While the NH professes to be a marina, it is in fact a tourist attraction for land people with non-boat-related shops on shore, water taxi tours into DC, and a large convention center on site that hosts out-of-town visitors. While marine life does exist, it seems to be there for ambiance only.

A month or so ago, we called over to the NH to inquire about prices. We wanted to invite our families out to see the boat and thought it might make a good meeting place, a general location where everyone could come and go as they please. As we found out, the NH requires a reservation (even though they're relatively empty) and the cost per night is a cool $100 minimum. How pretentious is that! And what a shame that such a good idea turned out to be such a sterile contrived Disney Land ... but, in spite of the huge FAIL, they do a few things right, and the fireworks display was one of them.

A Study in Scarlet

2011-05-14T22:00:00.078-04:00

Sherlock Holmes is a consulting detective, a man outside of the police force system, who uses logic, intellect, and close observation to solve the crime at hand. While Miss Marple and Avery Baker (both mentioned earlier) use gossip and eavesdropping to solve their mystery, this eccentric 19th century detective relies on scientific reasoning to bring his investigation to a close.

Sherlock Homes first appears in literature during the Industrial Age at a time when people were concerned about containing crime and maintaining order. His legacy is far reaching. He is said to have inspired and influenced the future of all literary detectives, including those we watch today on television in shows like CSI.

A Study in Scarlet, published in 1887, is presented in two parts, the first taking place in Victorian England after the body is found and the second in the American West where the transgression unfolds. In London, the sense of mystery is increased by Watson's curiosity about Sherlock Holmes but it is the action in Salt Lake City that moves the story along to its exciting conclusion.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle creates an outstanding visual painting of the American West. He gives his text a great sense of open space juxtaposed against the smallness of his characters in a vulnerable landscape where protection is paramount. I quickly sympathized with the character Lucy and was concerned about her safety. While I enjoyed part one of 'A Study in Scarlet,' I approached it as I would a required reading. Part two, however, was like a good old fashioned Western with a lot of adventure and drama. I couldn't put the book down until the story was finished.

Genre: Crime Fiction
Sub-category: Early Detective Fiction

Traits:

The brilliant investigating detective, introduced earlier with Poe's Dupin, is further developed in Sherlock Holmes and the genre becomes one still produced and read today.
The less intelligent assistant narrates the story.
The police force does not have the skill set necessary to solve the crime.
The solution is presented before the reasoning that leads up to it. The reader is not given the clues necessary to solve the crime. Sherlock Holmes awes his audience with the solution using information only he has been able to uncover.
The two-story structure, the crime itself and the investigation following, becomes a common literary framework for crime fiction. While a loss of order is introduced in the first, it is almost always restored in the second.

Click on the link to find out more about this book.

Purpose

2011-05-13T15:03:00.006-04:00

Jason's and my latest project to be used on t-shirts, name tags, an invitation, and agenda for an international conference being held in Washington, D.C. this June.

Lessons in How to Save a 'Boat Marriage'

2011-05-08T10:46:00.017-04:00

Eric and I have been living on the boat ... Eric more than myself, but pretty much full time now on the weekends. It's a great life in the open air but with a 20-minute row first thing in the morning and then a 15-minute walk to Dunkin Donuts for coffee, we were both, how shall I say, extremely grumpy.

But then, the Little Cod arrived. What a beautiful thing this stove has turned out to be. Hot coffee in the morning, pasta with pesto later on in the day, and then a little lemon cake and hot tea for a Mother's Day celebration this afternoon. It makes the lack of a real shower a whole lot more bearable.

I think I am in love.

Belle Haven

2011-05-05T07:43:00.060-04:00

This past Easter Week, Eric and Cody brought the boat up the Potomac River from Lewisetta to our hailing port in Alexandria, Virginia. It was a few days of solid motoring and only one delay that required engine repair. (We will start actual sailing this summer.)

Clementine is now anchored at Belle Haven, an easy-going marina that offers sail boat rentals and a bike path along the wildlife preserve called Dyke Marsh. The photo on the left is a bird's nest close to our boat. The one on the right is my favorite flying scot. It's happily painted with the American flag, fish symbols, and bright colors.

It was a lovely four-day weekend living on the boat. We watched the Georgetown University crew slide by at dawn and waved at fishermen in the early morning. Eric rode the dinghy out for water depth checks and we lamented our absent neighbor John.

At one point we had a little excitement. We watched one of the rentals overturn. The occupants toppled out into the chilly water and Chip, Belle Haven's dock master, zoomed out in his power boat to rescue them. After they were safely in their cars, Chip managed to raise the mast and pull the boat back to shore. Unfortunately, we did not catch on camera his little "this is how we do it" dance. :-)

But, in addition to close-up entertainment, quiet moments relaxing in the open air, the weekend included frequent anchor checks, 20-minute rows to shore, long walks for supplies, and hard work sanding.

I can't wait to do it again this weekend.

Murder at the Vicarage (1930)

2011-04-25T18:30:00.030-04:00

A man no one likes is found dead with a gun shot wound to his head. Threats have been made against him; his wife is now free to marry another and his scatter-brained child can do what she wants with his money. The police must first establish the exact time of death and then determine who has a motive. As new clues are uncovered, no one is above suspicion, not even the clergy! Agatha Christie's The Murder at the Vicarage is told by Leonard Clement, a fair-minded vicar, but it is the elderly spinster Miss Marple who, through local gossip and an interest in human nature, solves the crime.

Genre: Crime Fiction

Sub-category: Classic Detective Fiction (Golden Age)

Traits:

Reader can unravel the mystery and solve the puzzle before the murderer is disclosed.
Curiosity is aroused and gratified at the end.
Novel includes multiple suspects, all of whom have a motive or secret to hide.
Red herrings disguise the real events of the murder.
Supernatural elements are avoided.
Solution does not rely on clues or information unavailable to the reader (as it does in Sherlock Holmes novels).

The following 'cosy mystery' traits also apply:

Gentle, no graphic violence, no profanity, no explicit sex.
Detective = amateur, usually a female. (Miss Marple)
Police force connection through spouse, lover, friend, or family member. (Clement, who shares information with Miss Marple, has access to police knowledge)
Murder takes place off-stage, usually bloodless. (gun shot to the head)
Setting = country house, small town or village to allow for closed group of suspects where it is believable they would all know each other. (small village of St. Mary Mead)

Murder at the Vicarage is well written and quick to read. Best of all, my intelligence wasn't insulted by its simplicity (as is was with Mortar and Murder). It is recommended that the Miss Marple books are read in sequence because many of the characters are reoccurring throughout the 12 novels.

Click on the link to find out more about this book.

New York City: A Snap Shot View

2011-04-19T08:49:00.055-04:00

During the summer of 2007 and the winter of 2008, I took the train up to New York City specifically to see the Poiret Exhibit at the Met and the broadway show, the Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre.

I am always struck by the size of the city and by the number of small intimate spaces tucked away in such multitude. Such a huge amount of life and activity!

But it wasn't all hoity toity museums and broadway shows. On our way to do more important things, we ducked into Katz for hot dogs and beer while everyone else was having breakfast. A completely unorthodox thing to do and something I still laugh about, but mostly because it was Nancy's idea and she's a vegetarian.

At one point, when we were out and about, someone tried to steal my purse! A guy slammed into me and swung me around as if he were being chased. I am certain it was an attempt to jostle and unbalance me but being the city girl I am at heart, I was prepared. My wallet was zipped up inside a pocket and my instinct was to immediately pull my elbow in and tightly up against my chest. "You're not getting my money!"

... and finally at the end of every bustling New York City day, I was able to relax. The first time in a small Lower East side apartment dressed up with flowers and the second in a glamorous Midtown hotel room for a relatively low price.

All photos taken by Nancy.

Ireland: A Snap Shot View

2011-04-18T19:28:00.050-04:00

In 2001, before 9-11, I had the opportunity to visit Ireland with 4 people I hadn't met up until that point and 1 person I had known only for a few months. Since one of my fellow travelers had plans to open a pub when he returned to America, we did a lot of research on his behalf and visited the famous Guinness Storehouse, in addition to quite a few drinking establishments.

We started in Dublin, drove down to Kilkenny, stopped at their 13th century castle, and ended up in Kinsale, the gourmet capital of the south.

It was here, in Old Head, we gave our respects to the ship Lusitania that went down off the coast in May 1915 and wondered about the history of these two items.

We climbed the 127 narrow stairs to the top of the obligatory Blarney Castle, foregoing the kiss and actually preferring the gardens to the hype.

And all throughout, we paid homage to Ireland's long fight for self determination and independence. I brought back three things with me: a reinforced respect for the country, a nubby open-weave scarf I still wear and this poem: I was here, here I was, was I here, yes, I was.

Blog Love

2011-04-15T20:30:00.019-04:00

Evil Pixie has awarded me again! This time it's an acknowledgement that focuses on those of us who have small numbers of followers (under 300) and asks that we pass the love along.

Here's my list of favorite bloggers who more people should read:

Back @ Evil Pixie who's clever, has a great sense of humor, and clearly loves her family (always a big plus in my eyes).

Hariklia from What She Said who writes beautifully and has led an interesting music-filled life.

Erika from Ocean Girl when she was a single-girl sailor and now from Rain Dog with her new best mate. (She's "busy" now and doesn't post often!)

Mina from Shining Lotus who's a photographer, yoga teacher, cat mama, and the wife of a rock-star who's just shown us all that challenges can be kicked in the ass!

Natsumi from n. who posts deceptively sweet little water colors and is gaining numbers fast. Follow her and maybe we can help put her over the qualification mark!

And, finally, Eric from Westsail 28 Clementine, because he's easy to love, has one follower (me!) and might be pushed to share his adventures if others were waiting for him to post like I am!

Boat Lettering

2011-04-13T15:55:00.020-04:00

A while back, I wrote a post about selecting Clem's typeface. After searching through 2,289 options on fontshop, Eric and I decided last night on Brioso. Described as lively and energetic, this typeface is based on calligraphic tradition yet is "tempered by an ordered structure and lucid form." We think it honors our Westsail's reputation for being a solid ocean-going vessel yet allows for rhythm and grace. Tomorrow, BoatUS is printing this out on vinyl and next fall we will have it hand-painted on Clementine's hull.

The name and hailing port graphic was created by my good friend Jason who is most definitely the best designer I know.

Raising the Mast

2011-04-12T06:41:00.033-04:00

Mortar and Murder

2011-04-11T17:12:00.030-04:00

Avery Baker was "born and raised in Manhattan" and has since moved to Maine where she and her boyfriend Derek renovate and turn over houses. Both are fairly new in the business. She was a textile designer in New York City and he was a doctor who discovers he likes manual labor more than he does practicing medicine. A young Eastern European girl is found floating dead in the water and from there the mystery begins.

Mortar and Murder is a light and easy read, an enjoyable diversion, but plot aside, I don't buy Avery is from New York City and I don't think she makes a convincing designer. Here's the evidence:

In the opening pages Avery, nicknamed "Tink," is described as wearing a knit sweater with reindeer and snowflakes. In April! Not even acceptable at a Christmas party! Would a native of New York City, the fashion capital of America, wear a holiday sweater? I don't think so. Enough said.

Her relationship with Derek is a little suspect as well. He's tall, blond, and described as being every woman's dream guy. She's got "mello-yellow" hair, is small, bouncy, and asks a lot of annoying questions ... constantly. Good for an amateur sleuth but not very agreeable for a girl friend.

Genre: Crime Fiction

Sub-category: Cosy Mystery

Traits:

Gentle: no graphic violence, no profanity, no explicit sex. (implied sex)
Detective= amateur, usually female. (Avery Baker)
Police force connection through spouse, lover, friend, or family member. (Wayne, the police chief friend).
Murders take place off-stage, usually bloodless. (drowning and blow to the head)
Setting = country house, small town, or village to allow for closed group of suspects where it's believalbe they would all know each other. (small coastal town with an array of barely inhabited surrounding islands)

Jennie Bentley is the author of Mortar and Murder, the fourth in her cosy mystery series focusing on home renovation. Other authors of DIY cosys include the sub-topics scrapbooking, knitting, decoupage, and sewing (ugh).

Click on the link to find out more about this book.

Hariklia

2011-04-08T19:03:00.008-04:00

Hariklia is a true to type Gemini who can almost always see both side of an argument and so has trouble making any type of decision (she also writes some very long sentences). She is short (in stature), often prickly (in temperament) and loves ice-cream.

She is a writer, a blogger, an ex-graphic designer and for the past 10 years a mum. This last job has been the most difficult as well as the most rewarding.

Hariklia's life has been defined by growing up in a working class, non English speaking family; by her obsession with certain bands and certain musicians; and by a love of travel, art and reading.

She is currently posting entries from her (until now, hidden) diaries, for the world to read, on her blog; the irony of which is not wasted on her. She hopes to have a book of fiction published later this year.

To learn more about Hariklia and to read her diaries, visit What She Said found here.

Get your free avatar here and then send your image and story to leslieinadamsmorgan (at) gmail (dot) com. For more avatar stories, click here.

Evil Pixie

2011-04-05T10:09:00.032-04:00

Evil Pixie is a daughter, sister, writer, photographer, consultant, PhD student, adjunct professor, London lover, cupcake connoisseur, and all-around extraordinaire (or least tries to be). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, Wicked Pixie and Naughty Pixie. However, one of her goals is to move the Pixie Household to London as soon as financially possible.

When not blogging, snapping, studying, grading, or sampling cupcakes, Evil Pixie is either out exploring the great landscapes of the Pacific Northwest or plotting three of the major photography trips she plans to drag Wicked Pixie and Naughty Pixie on (photographing the U.S. National Parks, the National Parks around the World, and the Antarctica/Galapagos Islands).

This Pixie's 5-year plan is to be living in London, running a successful photography studio, and racking up the writing credits. While she would love world domination (in the form of writing and photography), she'll settle for finding the perfect pillow to sleep on.

To find out more about Evil Pixie and to see some of her photos, click here.

Brightwork

2011-03-29T14:14:00.028-04:00

We've been traveling down to Lewisetta the last few weekends getting the boat ready to put back into the water. It's been cold but good for outdoor work during the late afternoon. There's a lot of satisfaction in taking something worn and weathered and giving it a nice clean look. When I'm done, polished hatches and trim will go a long way in giving Clementine the respectability she deserves.

Bandanas

2011-03-28T19:13:00.177-04:00

A few days ago, Garance was discussing how some people have a signature style. You know, a certain color lipstick or always wearing boots or flats. If I have any sort of a fashion constant, it's displayed in my wearing of scarves, primarily in the winter, yes, but I have drawers of warm weather versions I wear less often. This post comes about because the olive drab bandana I've had for years and use only when doing something active was recently ruined while sanding and staining Clementine's now beautiful teak hatches.

So what are my replacement options? See below.

The most common bandana is the western paisley, shown here in blue or green, but available in every imaginable color. These were worn by cowboys in the movies and by railroad workers, laborers, and anyone making a living outdoors. The main purpose was to wipe away sweat and to keep dust from getting inside the collar.

Variations of the traditional design include the teardrop bandana and the less interesting open-square bandana.

The word bandana comes from the Hindi bandhana (बन्धन) which means to bind or tie. Yoga studios sell the om bandana in a variety of colors and use them to help contain energy and create focus. The intricate India Star bandana is sold only in green, gold, and violet or in brown, gray, and tan.

The hippie bandanas make me smile. I used to wear my bandana (probably the olive one!) tied around my leg ala Jimi Hendrix. Here's a bright tie-dye version and a Grateful Dead Blue Bear Mandala.

I like the sportier versions, both of which remind of the beach, sand, and sun-tan lotion. These are referred to as the Hawaiian-style or the floral hibiscus bandanas.

The "rougher" bandanas are desert camo prints and those decorated with skulls, one fashion statement I don't quite get. And by the way, I'm intentionally leaving out any discussion about gang affiliations, colors, or back-pocket code.

I especially like the Guadalupe bandana and how sophisticated wearing a bandana can look. How do you wear your bandana?

Year Two Celebration

2011-03-27T17:56:00.007-04:00

Seriously, not our best photo but in the spirit of honest documentation, here's to us ... still having a laugh after two years. That's a chocolate mousse desert with a party-sized candle on top. Happy 2nd anniversary.

Charcoal (instead of Black)

2011-03-05T16:04:00.012-05:00

Inspiration from Eileen Fisher, recently re-focused to appeal to a younger audience. The current pieces have a closer fit and a more modern approach.

Southern Spain

2011-03-03T06:50:00.007-05:00

Photos from the Web.

Celebration in Egypt!

2011-02-11T20:06:00.029-05:00

Congratulations go out to the people of Egypt for their persistence and dedication to democracy over the last few weeks. Hosni Mubarak has stepped down and left office.

Their collective spirit has been there for a while. In late 2008, I visited Alexandria right after Barack Obama was elected president. The Egyptian people were crazy about him. As soon as they found out I was American (and not British which was their first guess), they would smile and greet me with "Obama!" This happened more than once and was always celebratory. During this same trip, while wandering through a shopping mall, I came across a book on Barack Obama's life. It was written in basic English and included a hand-drawn picture that showed with an arrow how Barack was born next to a vacant lot. He was a ordinary man (with an Arabic name) who was able to win the honest vote of his people, particularly meaningful after all of the hanging chads and years of corruption related to George W. Bush.

Maybe, in addition to Tunisia's success, Barack Obama was one of the many things that touched the Egyptian heart and gave them confidence that a people's voice can be heard, even in an oppressive dictatorial state like their own. Their spirit, with an assertive attitude, toppled a corrupt government without bloodshed, without assassination, and without intrigue in just under three weeks through peaceful demonstration. What an amazing thing to have witnessed in the course of history.

Communication

2011-02-01T05:34:00.055-05:00

At long last, my sister, nieces, and the famous little Chonsy were able to board an Italian airline. I realized at that time just how exhausted I really was. But the drama wasn't over yet; they sat on the runway for another two hours before they were finally able to take off.

Text message (Sunday, 10:33am ET): hi Leslie! Hows it going? I can only send one text, im going to write alot. We are stuck on the airplane and have been for 2 hours. IT STINKS! Im so bored the crew just said we are going to move now. YAY! Gtg, to turn off phone. Bye! Lots of love! Maya

They stayed in good humor, I am sure, and upbeat as evidenced by a text received earlier that day:

Text message (Sunday, 5:43am ET):

Hi its asia.

Do you like pizza
I do
I also like pie
Dont you!!
I like
sugar!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay!!!!!!!!
Yummy yummy sugar

I guess there wasn't a lot to do in the airport and the snack bar helped.

Without SMS, I would have been frantic but without Facebook I would have been alone. In addition to, uh, I don't know, help start a revolution, FB kept me in touch with a huge number of people over the last four days. Marek determined which flight my sister was on and tracked the plane once it was in the air. Jeanne was available, supportive, and on top of the latest news through her many connections in Egypt. We were able to read about the neighborhood patrols but she had specific details, confirmed markets were stocked with food (in case they decided to turn around), and was pro-active in sending out information about Embassy evacuations (in case that became the only option). Even without consistent contact, I felt informed and comfortable Andi and the kids were okay.

Leslie yes! I will feel so much better when they are actually in the air.

Sunday at 6:45am

Jason They'll make it. Hang tight.

Sunday at 6:52am

Wendy Keep us posted. Hang in there.

Sunday at 10:42am ·

Christine Thanks for the update. I'm really sorry to hear that they didn't fly today. :-(

Sunday at 12:27pm ·

Tony Hi Leslie. I've been keeping up the last couple of days. Andi, Maya and Asia are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm looking forward to your post that says they are in the air :-)

Sunday at 2:24pm

Jeanne Check your inbox, I just sent info. Might be good to get the ball rolling.

Sunday at 5:42pm

Roger Wonderful News!!!! Keep us up to date.

22 hours ago

Ilene Glad to hear they are making it out safely!

22 hours ago

Theodore so great to hear

21 hours ago

Wendy Wow, I guess it takes a Revolution to get Tony to post. :-P *Hi Tony!*

8 hours ago

Sonia did they make it?

3 minutes ago

Leslie yes in Turin this morning!!! and shopping because while they made it, their bags did not.

about a minute ago

And now, happily, we are back to chat, our normal means of long-distance communication:

Andi: Have landed in Turin! We're with rick. Chonsy excited

me: yay!

me: how did you manage to let chonsy use the potty throughout??

Andi: Now is maya

me: hi maya

Andi: Hi

me: bet that was a long trip!

Andi: Chonsy didn't pee for like 16 hours

me: poor little puppy

Andi: Yeah

me: was he scared?

Andi: Only on the plane when we took off

Happy when we landed

me: its so loud, that's probably why

Andi: Yeah

Sent at 7:11 AM on Tuesday

It's all about what's really important when you come down to the basics.

Well, not that fast ...

2011-01-30T21:05:00.027-05:00

With the 7-hour time difference and all of my sleepless nights, I have no idea how long my sister has been waiting to get out of Cairo but she's still at the airport and somewhere in that crowd of people you see above. The really fun part of this whole revolution business is that she was interviewed by The New York Times today and appears both in print and audio on their Web site.

Here's an excerpt:

CAIRO -- Andrea Bosch had been waiting for hours at Cairo International Airport for a flight to whisk her and her young daughters away from the maelstrom that Egypt's capital had become.

The planes were ready, but few crews could be assembled to fly them.

"They said it was a combination of people who couldn't or wouldn't come in today," Ms. Bosch, 45, an administrator of an education project of the United States Agency for International Development, said Sunday. "I don't know what it means, but that's what they said. I can imagine people are home trying to take care of their families."

and then further down:

Ms. Bosch was booked on Egypt Air with her daughters Maya, 12, and Asia, 8, and a Yorkshire terrier, Chauncey, to join her husband in Turin, Italy. Although some "random planes" were flying, she said, some passengers had been waiting for 48 hours without a flight.

and here's the best part:

"People are just wandering back and forth, and they're running out of food," she said. "People are serving pizza, but the lines are really long."

"We're kind of grumpy," she said, adding that most passengers were relieved to be off streets where the crackle of automatic gunfire was heard throughout the night.

For the complete article and audio, go here. And just for the record, Andi is 47, not 45, and it's Chonsy rather than Chauncey. I don't want it to sound like we live on Park Avenue or something. If we had that kind of money, we would have hired a private jet to whisk them away like movie stars.

Exit in a Hurry

2011-01-30T05:40:00.018-05:00

Egypt is in chaos. The neighborhoods are being looted and gun fire is reported in Maadi. The curfew has been moved from 6pm to 4pm and tomorrow it will start at 3pm. Markets no longer have any food on their shelves. Al-Jazeera is being shut down. Americans are being advised to leave. My sister and nieces are at the airport and hopefully on their way to Italy within the next few hours.

Egypt's Day of Anger

2011-01-28T17:17:00.019-05:00

I've spent the entire day in front of the TV and online watching Operation Egypt updates on Facebook. My sister and family are fine but staying close to home and inside during curfew. The most amazing moment was when protestors stopped rioting and lined up during the day's final prayer call. In case you've been misled by Fox News, this is not a fight between the religious extreme and the government. It's an expression of anger against government corruption, election fraud, police brutality, and poverty. Tonight Mubarak promised a new government in the morning but that's not likely to make a difference to those who want a greater change in leadership.

Photos from The New York Times.

The Yummi Cookbook

2011-01-20T06:59:00.027-05:00

The Yummi Cookbook is now available on Amazon! The author, Nathalie Thandiwe, is an Adams Morgan friend of mine who now lives in the NYC area. Jason and I collaborated with her on the cover design and interior layout. She's a holistic chef, a trained herbalist, a radio show host, and an awesome mom. Recipes include clever titles like Jamaican Me Crazy Red Beans and Rice. To find out more, click on the link.

Egypt's Cats

2011-01-18T09:52:00.014-05:00

My friend Ahmad has just returned from a visit to Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine. I've written before about Egypt's feline population. These cats are wild, but not feral. It's not unusual for cats to enter restaurants and wait for scraps. They will eat anything. I was sitting at a similar restaurant and ordered a nicoise salad. After giving my attending cat all of my tuna, I gave her my green beans and lettuce. The mama cat ate it all. This is the life that Moo and Cheezecake escaped. If you'd like to adopt an Egyptian kitty, please let me know.

Eat Pray Love

2011-01-08T21:20:00.056-05:00

Well, done with #1.

In quick summary, Eat Pray Love is the travelogue memoir of an American woman who in her mid-30s decides it's time to face her emotional baggage. Having gone from one man to the next, and from her husband to a failed relationship, Liz Gilbert takes a year of travel and learns how to live alone. In Italy, she recovers health and overcomes depression; in India, she quiets her mind and let's go of control; and finally in Indonesia, she returns to society a stronger and more balanced person.

Highly readable and humorous in parts, this book has been a huge success, translated into more than 30 languages and made into a big screen movie with Julia Roberts. Perhaps learning to live alone is an unrecognized rite of passage for single women in America and abroad. But, as many have complained, and I tend to agree, Gilbert's account comes across selfish and annoying. I never really cared about her journey, even while reading her story, in spite of my having learned to live alone in my 30s as well. I am sure others out there feel differently and would love to hear another perspective. What did you think about Eat Pray Love, the book? And if you read the book and then saw the movie, what did you think about the film interpretation?

Click on the link to find out more about this book.

Resolution #1

2011-01-01T22:09:00.039-05:00

I resolve to read more in 2011.

This year, I will blog about at least 12 books. That's not such a great number when you consider some people make their year's purpose the goal to read 150 books or more, but one a month is all I'm willing to commit to finishing.

Winter's Bone

2010-12-26T05:32:00.020-05:00

Winter's Bone is a 2o1o film I came across unexpectedly through Redbox. It has been compared by many online to Frozen River, another Sundance release I discussed earlier this year. Both movies profile a strong female lead isolated in a rural environment, recently deserted by the male in their family, and solely responsible for dependent children (FR on the Canadian border and WB in Missouri's bleak stretch of the Ozark Mountains).

Ultimately, the two women deal with their predicament differently. WB's Ree Dolly is restricted by a cultural code that determines how and when she can accept charity, when she should talk or keep quiet, and how much input she can give as a woman regardless of the severity of her situation. By comparison, FR's Ray Eddy makes decisions based on personal want and desire. She is limited only by her own small view of the world. While both women are to be admired, the relentless Ree Dolly is without a doubt the more courageous character and her success the more honorable one. Let me know if you feel the same.

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:10:00.005-05:00

Santa on waterskis, an ordinary event in Washington, DC every Christmas Eve. Photo taken on the Potomac River near the Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, VA and posted by the Xinhua news agency in China.

General Store

2010-12-23T06:41:00.014-05:00

There's been a change in plans. The boat is being loaded onto the truck today and will still be transported to Virginia in early January but instead of going to Olverson's, Clementine will be now be delivered to the Lewisetta Marina on the Coan River. (There were several issues with the offload capabilities of boat yards in close proximity to Lottsburg.) This pic is of the historic general store that will soon be available to us. Online research tells me they sell deli sandwiches, make coffee, and have a reasonable supply of hardware. I'm still hoping they have showers and laundry facilities. Photo by R.W. Dawson.

Orange Line: Foggy Bottom (Kennedy Center)

2010-12-18T21:10:00.013-05:00

A week or so ago, while on Florida furlough, I attended the symphony with my mom and dad. It wasn't until today that I realized it would make a good "orange line" post. All you have to do is take the orange line to Foggy Bottom and then catch the free shuttle bus to the Kennedy Center. This pic was taken before the performance began, even before the lights went down, but I was chastised for having a camera and had to pocket my iPhone. All in all, it was a very lovely evening.

***

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F Street, NW

Washington, DC 20566

Delta Airlines

2010-12-15T05:30:00.080-05:00

Over the last few months, I have travelled to Florida by train, plane, and automobile. It wasn't until my third trip on Delta that I actually noticed they have a logo. While the all-red "widget" received a lot of praise when the rebranding was unveiled in 2007, I didn't like it at first. I felt it was at odds with the rest of the wordmark, a little too heavy perhaps or not sufficiently coordinated with the type. Other critics have suggested the problem may be with the letter spacing and not with the symbol at all.

According to Delta's impressive style manual, they want to appear fresh and modern. Their typeface selection (H&FJ's Whitney) does this. Their approach to photography supports their goal as well. Images are cropped close with a focus on one small detail suggesting something "greater beyond the boundaries of the piece." The idea of mystery and potential resonnates with me in terms of travel but after three gate changes, one cancellation, and a lengthy delay on a rebooked flight, I think I'll give Delta a rest for now.

Fort Pierce

2010-12-10T17:36:00.022-05:00

Clem came out of the water today and will go into storage for the next few weeks. We are paying C&J Transport to bring her north in early January. Cold weather aside, it's the only way to deal with the fact that Georgia doesn't maintain their portion of the Intracoastal Waterway and we don't have the ability to take her offshore. Florida has been a great place to take our shakedown cruise. We've learned so much and now have a good idea what work we need to do, both to improve our skill set and the condition of the boat. My next nautical post will be from Olverson's Marina positioned on the Yeocomico River in southern Virginia. Until then, on to different stuff.

Stuart

2010-12-07T07:08:00.031-05:00

Here's what exhausted looks like! (That, and the lack of a hair dryer!)

So, we made it to Stuart and were right around the corner (so to speak) from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Suddenly we were in civilization tied up to mooring ball 65 at the Sunset Bay Marina with a busy bridge and railroad track almost right above us. We were connected to the Internet and had everything available to us.

It was then I realized that s/v Kasidah was also in the Stuart Mooring Field! I posted a note to Jon and Arline's blog and they stopped by for a visit. Unfortunately, I wasn't on the boat. (I was in the lounge online, of course). They misunderstood my blog title and their conversation with Eric went something like this: Are you Adam? No? Well, are you Morgan? No? Do you know Leslie??? Later that day, I had an opportunity to speak with Jon and Arline and explained to them that Adams Morgan is a Washington, DC neighborhood. I didn't bother to explain that I no longer live there. I invite you to follow the adventures of Kasidah here. Jon and Arline: thanks for stopping by.

Indiantown

2010-12-06T06:22:00.012-05:00

In spite of the difficult start, the lake proved to be a fine crossing and was a lot less stressful with s/v Antigone leading the way. After completing route 1, we passed through Port Mayorca, traveled another two hours, and stopped in Indiantown for a fully-catered 100%-free Thanksgiving dinner. The Indiantown Marina was exceptionally nice, the owners extending their generosity to all of those with slips and even those like us who were anchored out. They even let us dinghy in to use their showers and facilities the day after Thanksgiving. This photo is of the sunset we viewed from our boat.

Clewiston

2010-12-05T20:13:00.015-05:00

It's been my practice not to bad mouth anyone or anything on "Leslie in Adams Morgan" but today I'm making an exception. After leaving Glades Boat Storage, we stopped at Moore Haven for a few hours, went through the lock, and then down the side of Lake Okeechobee to Clewiston for the night.

The Roland Martin Marina is the worst ever (although they do have an acceptable restaurant and a nice gift shop). The cleats on the dock are falling off and we had to try four or five electrical posts before we found one that actually worked. All of this for $56 a night, which is pretty pricey for what we got.

The worst insult, however, was when we specifically asked at sign-in about the canal's depth and believed the woman when she said 8 feet. I see on Active Captain now that the fuel dock depth drops to 7 feet but know for certain that it's much more shallow than that. Our 4.6 draft was definitely touching bottom. It was a tight turnaround but Eric made it and we were out of there and moving across the lake the very next morning. This map - courtesy of the marina - shows our route from beginning to end.

Martha and David (s/v Antigone)

2010-12-04T00:47:00.021-05:00

The next day, we took off early and made our way to Labelle where I enjoyed a delicious latte at the Bridge Street Cafe. Life's pleasures at their most basic are a good cup of coffee and a hot shower. With that in mind, we slid like bandits up to the Glades Boat Storage dock a little after dark. We'd take our showers in the morning and be out of there before the office opened at 8am.

Upon arrival we met Martha and David, a cruising couple from Michigan who were headed for the Bahamas. They became our friends for the next few days and provided us with a lot of laughs, advice, and good humor. They even pulled us off a sandbar and didn't make too much fun of us for running aground.

Navigation Charts

2010-12-03T06:27:00.009-05:00

When the weekend was over, we left Estero Island, passed through Fort Myers, and entered the Okeechobee Waterway which intersects the state of Florida. It was during this trip that Eric and I first started using charts to navigate our course. It turned out to be a great learning experience in a relatively safe environment. After a long day, we stopped at the Franklin Lock Recreation Center, an RV park with docks, showers, and electrical hookups. While the camp ground is nothing special, it's affordable, clean, and convenient. I recommend it for a night or two.

Pirate Ship

2010-12-02T20:30:00.021-05:00

I've been away again ... in Florida, of course, but this time I started my adventure in Fort Myers Beach, a real tourist town with lots of restaurants, bars, and vacationing partiers. This pirate ship was docked near the Matanzas Mooring Field where Clementine was tied up. Twice a day, it blew canons and carried singing actors up and down the waterway. Their lively performance pretty much says it all.

Moo - another Egyptian Kitty

2010-11-17T23:15:00.007-05:00

Moo currently lives the good life in upstate New York with Chuck and Angie.

Staffetta Dell'Amicizia

2010-11-10T12:16:00.041-05:00

Yay! I've been tagged by Evil Pixie! This blog award is called the "Relay of Friendship" and in good graphics form, I have replaced the badge with a new one and rewritten the questions so they no longer are a direct translation from Italian. Here goes my answers:

1. When you were young and were asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, what did you say? Well, when I was in grade school, I wanted to drive the big yellow bus that came to pick me up every morning and during that same year, I was fascinated by the library van that came into our neighborhood even though they rarely had books that fit my age group. It's funny, in retrospect, because I have no interest in cars now, let my drivers license expire 6 years ago, and have to go take the DMV test this weekend so I can water Bob's plants while he and Ans are in Mexico and Eric is off learning how to sail our boat.

Later on, around age 10, I wanted to be a writer. I developed complex characters in my mind but soon discovered I didn't want anything bad to happen to them. The dream finally died when I was in college and realized there was no way I would reach a standard high enough to satisfy my expectations. In some ways, my blog reflects this younger mindset. Nothing bad ever happens to Leslie in Adams Morgan and I never have to stand up to anyone's criticism but my own.

2. What were your favorite cartoons? Josie and the Pussycats and The Flintstones (kazoo, in particular).

3. What were your favorite games? Well, I liked Barbies the best and even though that's not a board game, which I assume to be the direction this question is meant to take me, that's my final answer.

4. Which birthday was your nicest and why? In my childhood, I remember riding a white pony on my 8th birthday and receiving a Cheerful Tearful doll, knowing full well that it was very precious to me because I would never ask for a baby doll again. And now in my adulthood, I am going to say my most recent birthday, my 50th, because I have dreaded the ticking clock for so long and finally, this year, it didn't matter.

5. What things did you want to do when you were young that you haven't done yet? Well, young is relative. I want to walk the Camino de Santiago Compostela Pilgrimage in northern Spain. I want to speak Spanish fluently and I want to live in a foreign country again. I mean to do the last two. I doubt I'll do the first.

6. What was your first love? Sports or something else? Reading. I sucked at sports. I was small and am non-competitive by nature.

7. Who was your first musical idol? Donny Osmond, Bobby Sherman, David Cassidy, and John Lennon. Topo Gigio (not really).

8. What was your first sought-after and eventually received holiday gift (Santa Claus, St. Lucia, or Jesus Child)? Hmmm. I am still waiting for that Barbie Dream House with the convertible in the garage and the vanity table on the second floor.

There you have it! So, in the continuing spirit of friendship, I tag Mina (Shining Lotus), Hariklia (What-She-Said), and Jason (no vacancy), the designer who quickly rolled out a new Staffeta Dell'Amicizia badge this morning when I cried out for help. If you want to see the original, you can follow it back to Evil Pixie.

Cheezecake in America!

2010-11-07T17:33:00.023-05:00

This is Cheezecake right after going through customs in the Washington Dulles Airport. As regular readers know, my sister lives in Egypt. There are huge numbers of street kitties in Cairo and most of them die young and don't do well. My sister has been feeding an entire posse of yard cats and is now finding homes for them in America. Cheezecake had an impressive 18-hour flight but arrived safely and this *fantastic* man above handed her over to Kevin who has agreed to adopt her.

And here she is settling in and telling us all about the long journey.

Labelle

2010-11-05T07:00:00.033-04:00

I'm back in Virginia (again) and for the next two weeks while I'm dealing with colder climates and an overdriven population, Eric is hanging out in Labelle with these two guys: Don Shuler, an engine repair guy and Jim, his buddy. Both are sailors and have a lot of knowledge they are willing to share.

After dropping me off at the Fort Myers airport, the car was picked up by United Freight and Eric left the boat yard. Almost immediately, he had a major insult as one of the more experienced sailors likes to call all mishaps and delays. Tiny's line wrapped around Clem's propeller bringing everything to a halt. After a few calls for advice and with an ever-sinking battery life, Eric dipped into alligator-infested waters and untangled the line himself. I was beside myself, texting him like mad: don't go in the water, call BoatUS, see if Don will come out and help you.

Finally free, Eric then made his way through the Ortona Lock single handed and down the canal to Labelle where he has access to coffee shops, libraries, and the local USave grocery store. These little accomplishments go a long way in our introduction to boating. We have so much to learn and are having to take our days one insult at a time, each in the spirit of nautical progress.

Gators

2010-11-03T07:16:00.013-04:00

In general, I'm not a brave girl. I come around but only after expressing a lot of verbal insecurity and topping it off with some grade-school whining. When we first arrived at the boat yard, I was a bit timid walking down the dock. There are alligators in the water, for God's sake. But now, after living on the boat for a few days, I actually seek out the local gator and feel a kinship when I see him. On this day in particular, I was looking down trying to distinguish nature from reptile, and when I glanced up, there he was taking in the sun with half-closed eyes.

Splash!

2010-11-02T21:31:00.042-04:00

Yay! Our boat is in the water! Isn't she pretty? Everything is new (to us) and nothing is routine. In the last six days, I have perfected climbing in and out, up and down, and can move effectively around an incredibly disorganized interior. My boating vocabulary has increased. I can operate the tiller, have assisted with the anchor, and can tie up the fenders and throw out a dock line. It hasn't been smooth sailing, though. The salon cushions shrank when we tried to wash them, the engine gave us trouble, and, worst of all, the insect population is growing. The good news is Hurricane Tomas is not a threat and the local boating community is kind even when we slip up or make mistakes.

Clemen-tiny

2010-10-23T21:14:00.015-04:00

For the last ten days, I've been in northern Virginia and Eric has been in Florida fixing up our boat Clementine, getting her ready for their trip home early next month. This is Clemen-tiny, Clementine's little sister, the dinghy.

Today, Eric replaced the screws, bolts, and washers with new ones, caulked the ribs, and painted the outside. He's still working on getting the outboard functional, but all in good time.

Me, I did very little. It's been a long week catching up at work and taking care of obligations. All the rest can wait until tomorrow ...

Okeechobee

2010-10-15T06:17:00.027-04:00

This sad little train station is where I boarded Amtrak to start my trip home. The safety poster reminds me of an IRA mural in Northern Ireland. The surrounding area wasn't as bleak as it looks but I sure wouldn't want to stand here alone at night.

It was a long 24 hours from Okeechobee to Alexandria, Virginia and I got to see a lot of America's country side along the way. When the train hit North Carolina and started to climb from flat swamp land to deciduous forest, I felt comforted by what's familiar, but right now it's too far a distance from my heart.

Sugar Cane

2010-10-14T10:20:00.030-04:00

Clementine is about 20 miles away from Clewiston in one direction and 15 miles away from Labelle in the opposite. In between are sugar cane fields and it's harvest time in southwest Florida. We kept seeing dark clouds of smoke in the sky and learned that farmers burn their crops prior to harvest in order to remove leafy material and help push out any poisonous snakes that might be lurking about.

Boat Yard Cat

2010-10-11T06:05:00.020-04:00

This is Byc the boat yard cat (pronounced Bick). During the week, when Kim is in the office, Byc sleeps in a card board box and enjoys air conditioning. On the weekends and at night, she spends her time stretched out on the porch visiting the small group of people who temporarily have their boats on the hard.

Byc is too calm and friendly to have been a feral cat, but she definitely has the skills necessary to fight as is evidenced by the minor cuts and scrapes around her ears. Maybe Byc jumped ship or was accidentally left behind, or maybe she just found her way to the boat yard and decided she liked it.

Sunday

2010-10-10T16:54:00.008-04:00

(photo to come)

So here we are in the middle of nowhere ... the nearest town is something like 20 miles away and it's a full 2.5 miles of dirt road just to get out of the boat yard.

It's unbelievably hot without air conditioning. Like farmers, we rise at dawn, work until the sun is too much, and then turn in for the night at dusk. In our two days since arriving, we've gone through the entire boat, cleaned up the interior, and made the engine accessible. The galley is stocked with essentials: water, nuts, cheese, fruit ... all items that store well and don't require cooking or major refrigeration.

It's an adjustment for two people who are used to city living. We have no Internet, no television, and very little company outside ourselves and the few people who are working on their boats during the day. We sleep soundly and our daily labor produces satisfying results.

The best part, however, is waking up in the middle of the night and looking up to a full sky of stars. It's amazing how different the world feels when the Universe is right outside your companion way hatch.

Amtrak

2010-10-01T14:02:00.065-04:00

Next week, Eric and I are going back to Florida to claim our boat Clementine. This time, however, there's no road trip for us. We're traveling by rail with comfy seats, a dining car, and free movies.

While making reservations, I noticed Amtrak's logo. Research tells me it was designed by Brent Oppenheimer and introduced as part of Amtrak's promise to improve customer service and overall performance in the year 2000.

With every brand, however, there's a history and this is what Amtrak's logo looked like in 1971 when the government-owned corporation was created by an Act of Congress to unify the nation's railways.

Called the chevron or the "inverted arrow" by some, it was also called the "pointless arrow" by others. The individual parts lack cohesiveness and the proclaimed patriotic colors are lost. There are many variations out there on the Web, some with the name on top and some with the name on left ... and many different designs on trains.

While it is said that an organization's logo should reflect its personality, this earlier version can be determined an accurate representation of Amtrak. It was used during a time when many different rail systems were struggling to come together as one entity.

Today, Amtrak has an online corporate identity page listing its Pantone color as 302 blue and acceptable alternatives as 1375 orange, 306 light blue, and 389 green. Their typeface is Frutiger. And, more recently, Arnold Worldwide, a creative agency right here in Arlington, VA, presented a coordinated ad campaign using the tagline, "Enjoy the journey." That's exactly what we hope to do.

Neighborhood Raccoons (Alexandria)

2010-09-10T22:50:00.024-04:00

Every night when it gets dark, raccoons come up the back steps and eat peanuts on Eric's dad's deck. They are about the size of cats, a little skittish, but very comfortable around humans. They have long slender front paws and their sense of touch is predominant. When they seek out their food, they locate it more with their hands than they do with their sense of sight. Tonight we watched five neighborhood raccoons eat, interact, and this one was the cutest.

Celebrity!

2010-09-07T19:30:00.061-04:00

The boat buying process is underway. We have agreed on a price and are waiting for the settlement date. Ordinarily, since the total expenditure is not, comparatively speaking, a large sum we would treat the transaction like an automobile purchase but with the boat in Florida, the owners in Oregon, and us in Virginia, the only way we can finalize the deal without brokers is to pay for a settlement service. Hopefully, within a few days we should have all of the details worked out.

This past weekend, Eric and I drove down to Lottsburg, Virginia to look at Olverson's Marina. Tagging themselves as the friendliest marina on the bay, I was happy to see in addition to good personalities, they have clean showers, laundry facilities, and Internet service. As this dream of Eric's materializes, the one overwhelming truth is that low-budget boating is going to be a highly romanticized version of outdoor camping.

So, while we were sitting in rocking chairs on the dock talking to the owner about lumber and crime rates and a variety of topics not related to boating, we were introduced to Jeffrey Siegel, the founder of Active Captain, a boating community wiki that lately has become a big deal with iPhone apps, guidebooks, and a wealth of online information. I considered asking the man for a photo op but instead raved about his logo.

I like the way the Internet symbol becomes blue waves, and how it ties into the word Captain. To illustrate just how far this site has come, see here for an earlier version of what the logo looked like. A big improvement, wouldn't you say?

Afghan Star

2010-08-27T06:57:00.021-04:00

After years of Taliban control, music is now allowed in Afghanistan and the TV station Tolo is holding a contest to see who will be the next Afghan Star. The final competition comes down to a diverse group of contestants (including women) and the public is responsible for determining who will be the next big winner. Everyone - male, female, rich, poor, Hazara, Pashtun - can submit their vote democratically via text message on their mobile phones. There are print campaigns, large donations, and private supporters who try to influence the outcome. Unfortunately, my first choice candidate did not win, but this documentary will remind you that Afghanistan is more than a battleground, a statistic, or a political debate. It is a country full of people with hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

Orange Line: Smithsonian (Holocaust Museum)

2010-08-22T18:57:00.022-04:00

Today Eric, his daughter, and I went to the Holocaust Museum. It's been open for a while but I have neglected going, in part because I was afraid it would be too disturbing. While there are moments when you hold your breath inside one of the rail cars, smelling the cedar, and not being able to comprehend what it must have been like standing there with a group of people on your way to a concentration camp, overall the exhibit was a celebration of those people who lived and suffered, some surviving and others not.

There is a three-story enclave filled with photographs of people in happier moments and a lower wall dedicated to non-Jews who risked their lives to help others emigrate or hide during the war. When you first enter the museum you are given an Identification Card, a small booklet with the story of a real person who lived during the Holocaust. Each card is different and the transaction immediately makes the visit more personal. Here is Sophie's story:

Name: Sophie Weisz

Date of Birth: February 23, 1927

Place of Birth: Valea-lui-Minhai, Romania

Sophie was born to a prosperous Jewish family in a village near the Hungarian border known for its winemaking and carriage wheel industries. The village had many Jewish merchants. Her father owned a lumber yard. Sophie loved to dance in the large living room of their home as her older sister, Agnes, played the piano.

1933-39: My father believed in a Jewish homeland and sent money to Palestine to plant trees and establish settlements there. When I was 10, I was sent to a school in nearby Ordea because our village had only elementary schools. I missed my family, but studied hard, and swam and ice skated for fun. Though we heard about the roundups of Jews after the Germans invaded Poland in 1939, we felt safe in Romania.

1940-44: Hungary annexed our region in 1940; by mid-1941 they'd joined the German forces. We were forced into the Ordea ghetto in May 1944, and then deported to Auschwitz. In August my mother, sister, and I were moved hundreds of miles north to Stuffhof on the Baltic coast for forced labor. The prisoners were asked to entertain the German soldiers at Christmas; I danced to the music of the ballet Coppelia in a costume fashioned from guaze and paper. I earned extra food for this, and shared it with my sister Agnes.

Sophie and her sister escaped while on a forced march in February 1945. Her mother and father perished in the camps. In February 1949 Sophie emigrated to the United States.

***

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW

Washington, DC 20024

Within walking distance of the orange line's Smithsonian stop. For more stories, click on the personal histories link above.

The Everglades

2010-08-18T21:32:00.012-04:00

We are home now after driving practically non-stop through Florida, Georgia, the two Carolinas, and Virginia. Here's my summary of Florida's Lake Okeechobee area: violent thunder storms, intense blue water and sky, and a bright hot sun. It's a world of rich fertile farm land and Walmart, surrounded by slow easy conversation about alligators, wild boar, and rattlesnakes. I'm glad to have made the visit.

The Survey

2010-08-17T14:19:00.022-04:00

My view from the porch. Clementine was surveyed this morning and she's in good shape. The boat needs a cosmetic makeover and doesn't have a lot of electronics but the hull is sound and the rigging is good.

Meet Clementine ...

2010-08-16T18:07:00.011-04:00

This is our boat pending survey and price negotiations.

Orlando

2010-08-15T17:55:00.029-04:00

We left WDC/VA late Friday night and travelled south down I95 through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, arriving in Florida on Saturday. We are in Orlando now and are leaving tomorrow morning to go look at our Westsail in Moore Haven. If this boat turns out not to be our Clementine, we have an appointment to see another boat this Wednesday in Fort Pierce (also a 28). The pic on the left is of our hotel room balcony, the one in the middle is us after a good steak dinner in the hip part of town, and the one on the right was taken along side Lake Eola.

Help us choose a typeface ...

2010-08-10T19:22:00.041-04:00

I'm a little ahead of myself but have been looking at which typefaces we can use for our boat's name. She will be Clementine, a name we chose based on the adventurous spirit of the wild west. Built in the 1970s, the Westsail 28 is a "design in efficiency ... stout enough to handle anything and beautiful enough to turn the head of even the most hardened sailor." The boat is meant to travel offshore and long distance. Which typeface suits her best?

Oberon, an enhanced 1970s typeface. A little too ornate for my taste but authentic enough to the period of the boat and, while it suggests unruliness, Clementine retains a little bit of elegance.

Jezebel, based on type from the 1970s. Clementine looks a little wide and rough around the edges but perhaps this typeface is well suited to a sturdy old boat with a long history.

Studio Sable is retro in feel but still modern in attitude. Clementine is smooth, happy, and a little bouncy like waves but is it the 1970s I'm feeling or a little bit of the late 1950s?

Which typeface do you like best? Please help us out while we make this big decision. Alternative typefaces welcome! thank you!

Mona's Designs

2010-08-09T20:32:00.015-04:00

My friend Mona, a graphic designer in India, is branching out and starting to create her own cards which will soon be available in America. (We have plans to meet during my layover in London this fall if she and I are in the same place at the same time.) This card is based on a painting Mona made of traditional Indian patterns that are mostly used in block printing for fabrics. More of her designs can be found here.

Cherry on Top

2010-08-05T06:40:00.028-04:00

Thank you to Evil Pixie who tagged me on my very first blog award. It's a pretty little cupcake thing and here are the rules: talk about three things I love about myself, and then pass the award on to bloggers I love.

1. Following Pixie's lead, who loves the fact that she's tall, I love the fact that I'm short. I enjoy the surprise some people get when they discover I'm not weak or timid just because I'm small. I'm strong, independent, and not afraid to speak up.

2. I love the fact that I am not your average American. I don't carry debt (other than my house). I am not religious and I'm worldly enough to know that Muslims and immigrants are not the enemy of our society.

3. I love the fact that I'm visually inclined. I appreciate interesting photography, thoughtful design, and well-written passages. Putting all of this together gives me great pleasure and I'm fortunate enough to have the skill set to make it happen.

4. I'm on a roll. Last night, when I discovered that Evil Pixie had tagged me, I thought about all of the things I love about my world externally but not about the things I love intrinsically to myself. I was stunned to realize that this might be a difficult exercise so one more is in order. I love the fact that I'm open to people and things outside the norm, that different doesn't scare me enough to walk away. More on this later and in future posts. :-)

And now I pass this award on to Shining Lotus, who has had a difficult year and has shown she has a lot to love about her awesome self.

Westsail 28

2010-08-04T19:45:00.021-04:00

It's been a busy summer and it looks like the next six months are going to keep up the pace (insha'allah). My little nieces left WDC last Sunday and are now back in Cairo. My Facebook status line said it all:

"Leslie went to the airport: gave up her shoes, agreed to be the Christmas mule, and promised to read a whole series of books. Ah, the power of kids! Much stronger than the power of cheese!"

And, as Maya and Asia will tell you, I have a huge appreciation for cheese. Asia is now wearing my black flip flops and I'm wearing her gold ones. I have signed up for Santa duty this fall (i.e., the carrying back and forth of Christmas gifts) and I am currently reading the first book in the Children of the Lamp series (quite well written for a YA novel).

In January, Eric and I are going back to Mexico for ten days. This is a repeat of the trip we took last March but had to cut short due to the massive snow storm that delayed our flight out. My sister was generous enough to give both of us plane tickets for my big birthday and we have booked a room at the same B&B since it's lovely and the two guys running it are easy going and dependable.

But, first, Eric and I are going to Florida week after next to take a look at this boat! The couple who own it are now working in the Alaskan canneries and have decided they want to sell their sailboat and buy a fishing boat in its place. It's going to be a long drive down I95, but I'm looking forward to the adventure that will follow.

Five-OMG!

2010-07-24T22:54:00.020-04:00

It's been a busy week of birthday fun ... delicious dinners, lovely gifts, cocktail parties, and smooth sailing on the Potomac. Life is good. Back to blogging soon.

Rain

2010-07-10T20:06:00.020-04:00

After several days of temperatures over 100 degrees, we finally got some rain today ... my little niece Asia had surgery this morning and when it was over, we were waiting outside for the car to come around. Maya took a moment to walk off into the rain. If you remember from your studies, the Nile River used to rise up and saturate the fields allowing for the seasonal growth of papyrus. It rarely rains in Egypt so while visiting DC the opportunity for Maya to experience rainfall is precious to her, just like knowing her little sister is going to be okay. This is one of those times when something we are grateful for means just a little bit more to someone else.