What More Could a Mother Ask For?

Debra, Ray, Beth, Audrey

Color My World

Remember these?

I loved my 64 Crayola Crayons. I used them very carefully, so as to keep a point on them as long as possible - sharpening took a lot off, and I tried to preserve them as long as possible. I knew all the colors. I liked strong, vibrant colors, not the ones I considered "wimpy."

The last couple of weeks I realized I have a new favorite in the Crayola box. It has the perfect name, and it used to be one of the colors I disdained. Three weeks ago there were only bare branches in my yard. Now all the bushes are in leaf, and some of my trees have blossoms on them. I am reveling in the start of a new season, despite some late snow showers. So even though it means I will shortly be on my hands and knees, wielding my gardening tools, Spring has brought a new lift to my heart.

There it is--on the far left--my new favorite Crayola color.

Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner

Written from the point of view of one of the dancers painted by Degas, this book is more about life in the Paris Opera Ballet during the late 1860s. I found it somewhat interesting, but certainly not compelling. The story line drags a little, and it was wrapped up much too conveniently at the end.

It is a work of fiction, but I was disappointed to learn in an interview with the author at the end of the book that some of the parts that I found interesting to learn about were not true: that ballerinas were all expected to become a mistress of a patron of the opera, or else be available as an "escort" if they were not. Turns out this happened sometimes, but not always. Also the parts she included to flesh out Degas' character were not true. Too bad, because I like learning a little more about real people and events in historical fiction.

Personally, rather than read this book, I would recommend either of Susan Vreeland's books, Girl in Hyacinth Blue, or The Luncheon of the Boating Party. I liked The Luncheon of the Boating Party much more than this book.

CSI: Sandy

This afternoon I investigated a homicide.

Something died in my fridge, and I had to get to the bottom of it. It turns out there was a serial killer.

I do not enjoy having my face that close to any part of my refrigerator, but its malodorous presence was seriously affecting my kitchen. I finally caved and cleaned it out today. It turns out some--well, I won't give you the gory details. It's clean, and all evidence is disposed of. Now I can stop burning candles and enter the kitchen without a clothes pin on my nose once again.

Oh happy day!

501 Must-Read Books

My friend Tamara brought this for me when she came to town last week. She knows how much I love to read and thought I would enjoy it.

The book lists 501 books that the reviewers feel are must-reads. They include the following categories: children's fiction, classic fiction, history, memoirs, modern fiction, science fiction, thrillers, and travel. There is a one page summary/review of each book.

It looks like a pretty fun resource. I've read 60 of the 501 recommended books already. That's just a tiny bit under 12%. Sometime when I've made it through the gigantic pile of books by my bed, I'll look at suggestions this book has to offer. Perhaps a couple of books in my pile might even be on this list...

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew is a widower and retired Army officer living in a small village in England. Mrs. Ali is a widow who owns a local shop. The book is about their blossoming friendship and the family and village issues they are both dealing with, tossed together with cultural differences.

I found it a delightful read. I recommend it.

Midnight

The clock strikes midnight.

The sailing ship is once again an ordinary window seat:

The swords and lasers revert back to train tracks:

The farms and bridges return to simple building blocks:

The pirate ship is back to a gently swinging hammock:

Not even a glass slipper left on the stairs:

The Hanks' have moved to Wendover. They have their own place, and it is happily ever after for them.

But this is one lonely g'ma, left alone.

A Celebration of Learning

It's that time of year again. Graduation ceremonies at BYU. Although many people find the process tedious, I find it exhilarating. (If you want to read how I feel about learning, and graduation, click here.)

This year it was Beth's (BS in Mathematics), and Randy's turn (BM in Piano Performance). We went down for the general Commencement ceremonies in the Marriott Center on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning we went to the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences convocation, then the College of Fine Arts and Communications convocation following that one.

It was our fourth time at the Math convocation (Audrey BA in 2003, MA in 2008, Debra BS in 2004, and now Beth). There was a young man receiving his PhD on Friday, who had also received his BS in 2003. We were there for both of them!

Good for both Beth and Randy for this great accomplishment. It is something not everyone achieves, and it is theirs forever. It's interesting to me how many graduates do not feel inclined to attend their graduation. I know that as a parent it means a lot more to me than it did when I was the graduate. Perhaps it is because in the graduate's world, everyone they know is graduating, it's no big deal. At my age I certainly realize that graduation is not something everyone accomplishes. Maybe that's why it means more to me now. I have a different perspective now than I did 30 years ago (yes, I walked at the April commencement 30 years ago this year).

We went crazy with the cameras. I have chosen just a few of the many pictures taken to post here (it won't seem like a few, but in comparison to what is available, it is only a few).

Here I am with Carolyn, Beth's mother-in-law, and my friend long before Beth and Bruce even began to date. All of the Petersens came to honor Beth at her graduation.

Here is Debra with her mother-in-law, Jeanie. Bob and Jeanie came for Randy's graduation. Lucky me to have a ready made friend in Jeanie. We were quite a crowd sitting together in the Marriott Center, 21 people, I think.

We gather at the same location after each graduation. Beth is here, holding Elizabeth (Audrey's baby). This may be when the rest of us were scrambling, looking for Madeleine, who had taken off. It is scary to try to find an independent two year old among about 20,000 people. We found her quickly - but trusted we could have mobilized the entire 20,000 in about 20 seconds if necessary.

Ray, holding Elizabeth:

Beth, with Bruce and her baby Rachel:

Me and Ray with Beth, Rachel, and Bruce:

Here we have Ray, me, Debra, Diane, Madeleine, and Randy:

Friday morning at the Math convocation Audrey got this great shot of Beth and Dr. Jarvis:

After the Math convocation we took a few pictures before we dashed off to the Fine Arts convocation. Here are Steve and Carolyn Petersen with Bruce, Rachel and Beth:

Following the Fine Arts convocation we managed a few photos between raindrops. Here are Debra and Randy:

The Peck family - Diane, Debra, Madeleine, Randy:

Jeanie and Bob Peck with Diane, Debra, Randy and Madeleine:

That concludes our photo shoot. Two great days of celebration!