Artist of Tomorrow Scholarship

Wednesday night Lauren and 4 other high school seniors in Wake County, were awarded $1000.00 scholarships each in their areas of art. Lauren received hers for literary arts. The other categories were visual arts, dance, theatre, and music.

This was a competitive scholarship awarded by the the Raleigh Arts Commission by the City of Raleigh. It is the inaugural year for the scholarship so Lauren and the other students are the first to receive it. They can use the scholarship money toward any school not just in state schools.

CONGRATS to Lauren for going through the application and interview process -- needless to say we are so proud of her!

The awards ceremony was held at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts (our version of the Kennedy Center only 1/16 the size!). The MC was a local news anchor and the awards was a small portion of the program that celebrated the arts in the Wake County Public Schools. It was the "best of the best" in all areas of art across the county and there was a full house.

Lauren was nervous but I think she began to realize the honor of the award and that it was a big deal. There was a professional photographer and she is featured on their website with the other winners. The scholarship money is completely privately funded by members of the community who love and support the arts. How cool is that?

Did I mention I couldn't be more proud of Lauren? Sorry, but I really do think she is one of the most talented and creative writers I know.

These pics are of us backstage and in the lobby.
Hopefully I'll get the professional ones stage ones soon.

A Final Farewell

This past weekend we made our final trip to Harrisonburg to pick the last of my parents' things from their house. The buyers go to closing early March.

The house was clean and freshly painted and looked great. It was empty and as I expected it to be an emotional experience saying "good-bye" it really wasn't. It was hard to wrap my brain and heart around the fact that this was the last time I'd ever be in a house my father designed and built and was part of my life for 17 years. Even weirder, was the idea that I'll probably never go back to Harrisonburg again any time in the next couple of years. I'm sure it will hit me at another time. All that is left of my parents is what is in my head and heart.

The trip turned out to be quite "social." When we arrived, we met my dear and lovely friend Lisa and family at Jess's Quick Lunch for their infamous chili dogs. If you were ever a JMU Duke or have spent any time in H'burg, you know about this experience.

We spent the night at Steve and Kathy Gardner's --- he was the dentist I worked for years ago. They are precious people/friends who I have many fond memories with. It was an opportunity for them to meet Danny and we all talked for hours upon hours catching up. It was good and a real blessing to get connected with them.

As we headed home Sunday, we swung through Roanoke to have lunch with the Kidds and Jenn. That was a lot of fun and I love love love those Kidd girls!! Good choice on the sandwich shop Lynn!!

Pics are below.

I know way too much about dentistry because of them!


We did not get Amelia! She was off at soccer practice :(

Presidents' Day with Fish Tacos

The final part of our California trip ended with us leaving Auntie Oanh, Chi & family on Monday to spend the night at my brother's Tim. He lives in Temecula Valley (45 minutes from San Diego). Although the sun was shining, we were all sad to say good-bye knowing we wouldn't know the next time we'd see each other. Aunie Oanh insisted "You come nex year!"

Our time with Tim and family was short but very relaxing. The sun was hot and conversation was plenty and fun. I had requested Tim make me fish tacos like the last time I was here (3 years ago) and he complied stating that the last time he made them was the last time I had them.

I was sorry not to get pictures of Tim and family, but their water heater busted the night before we arrived and they had been showerless for awhile and I didn't think they'd appreciate me pulling out my camera!

When we said our good-byes to them Michelle (Tim's wife) gave me a big hug and whispered in my ear, "So good to see you! He is a great guy; you guys seem so happy!" Indeed :)

The significance of the flight home is it was the first time Danny and I have flown TOGETHER. We have certainly had many experiences at an airport together, but never getting on the plane together. It did not surprise me I liked flying with him just like I like doing anything and everything with him.

On the flight home, I finished "Saving Fish from Drowning" by Amy Tan which was on my 2010 goals of things to do. I didn't enjoy it as much at her other books because it takes considerable brain power to keep all 11 characters and the narrator straight.

We enjoyed our trip, but were so grateful to be home despite the 33 degree weather that greeted us. We will not miss the awful traffic anywhere and everywhere in southern California. We also realized that one of the things we DON'T like about visiting family or friends for a long trip is that we don't actually get time to spend together. Is that a sign of old age? being in love? Or both?