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DG Photography Club, Nanowrimo
I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that if you are in the neighborhood, into photography and female, you should join us at the DG Photography Club! This fantastic group of women are inspiring and it really is nice to spend time with others who share our passions. Even if you can’t attend in person, you can join us ‘virtually’ by taking part in our monthly assignments. Speaking of passion–check out what we’re working on now!
I also wanted to mention Nanowrimo. Will you be participating? Have you come up with any strategies? I’m really excited about this year–I’m finally starting my novel, which I’ve been researching for years! I’m even contemplating hosting my own G+ Hangout for disenfranchised authors *grin* – what do you think?
A Visit to Ft. Wayne
Yesterday we ventured into Fort Wayne, Indiana. We started our excursion with a trip to buy Suzie her very first personal computer, then stopped off for lunch at Fazoli’s, where I indulged in a smoked turkey and basil Submarino and some of the most sinful breadsticks I’ve ever had—garlic and butter encased in light, soft dough. It was fantastic.
Once everyone had consumed their weight in Italian food, we headed for our first destination, the Ardmore Stone Quarry. The quarry is an amazing contradiction for me. I still can’t quite decide if it is a terrible scar on the face of the earth or a beautiful look into the geology of the region. Can it be both at once? Anyway, I really enjoyed the visit, though I did have a touch of vertigo on the observation tower.
Our next stop was downtown Fort Wayne, where we took in the historic buildings and the children were amazed to discover that the YMCA is actually a real place, not just an amusing song. We toured the streets, from the Masonic Lodge, whose cornerstone was laid Oct. 19, 1923, to St. Paul’s (congregation established 1837). I loved the Embassy Theatre (originally the Emboyd Theatre) and it’s sibling (in the same building) the Indiana Hotel, both built in 1928.
By the time I was done snapping photographs, it was getting late and we were all getting hot and tired, so Stacy decided it was time we visit Atz’s (a Fort Wayne tradition since 1956). Stacy had Almond Joy ice cream—dark chocolate chips and roasted almonds in a coconut ice cream chocked full of flaky coconut—while James and I ordered hot fudge sundaes. Samantha opted for the Black Forrest, a brownie smothered with a sundae. I couldn’t finish mine, but the kids polished theirs off. To say it was a tasty treat would be like saying Mother Theresa was somewhat nice.
After I forced the gang to pull over so I could snap a few pictures of the Hillcrest School and the amazing bus outside, we headed home. It was a fantastic day and we all spent the evening lounging around the house. Suzie got her email and Facebook accounts up and running, and Samantha and I topped off the night with a with a stroll around town. I was in such a good mood, I even laughed at the Amish guys checking out my daughter.
A Trip to the Fair
My Blue Rosette Winner by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Samantha was awarded two second place ribbons and one first place ribbon for her photographs.
Sam’s First Place Winner by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Dad garnered two second place ribbons for his drop pull eggs.
Dad’s Second Place Winners by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
We had a blast checking out all the arts and crafts (the best of show was a beautiful quilt made by a man!) and the school exhibits, then watched a bit of the cattle auction. As we checked out the swine barn, Zach commented that the pigs were much bigger than he’d expected and, “That’s a LOT of bacon!”. We watched a circus perform for a bit, took in the pig races and even got to see the sea lions.
2011-02-25 021 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Then it was time for the midway. We got the kids the unlimited ride bracelets and they all took advantage of them.
2011-02-25 039 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 043 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 050 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Jim and I only went on one ride- as ‘ghost hunters’ we couldn’t pass up the haunted mansion.
2011-02-25 054 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
Jim’s final report on the location? “I am excited to report frequent activity of screaming banshees, animated skeletons and moaning zombies.”
After all the excitement, it was time to get some food. This is my husband’s favorite part…lol.
2011-02-25 030 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
2011-02-25 031 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
I’ll admit to indulging myself a bit as well. Who can pass up fried dough with cinnamon and sugar? Certainly not me!
All in all, it was one fantastic night at the local fair. It was even more enjoyable because it reminded me of when I was a kid; every year, my parents would take me to the fair for my birthday. which falls within the same week. As we headed out to the parking lot, I paused to take one last look.
2011-02-25 057 by Acts of Creativity, on Flickr
I don’t know if they placed that retention pond there with the intent of reflections or not, but it certainly made for a beautiful sight!
What I’ve been up to
Here’s what I’ve been up to since my last post.
Attended the Raid on Fort Pierce
Attended the Christmas Parade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3ltpCAC2Q
Enjoyed the musical holiday lights and a wonderful Christmas with my family around me
Went on a camping trip on an island in the Indian River Lagoon for New Year’s Eve
Took photos of a subtle sunrise on a winter morning
Read a book or two and dealt with two sinus infections (one of which was mine, the other James’), acute bronchitis (Jim), one failing student (who managed to eek by in the end) and one history fair project (on the Indian Removal Act). I also continued working on the story I’ve been writing and of course, kept up with Saponifier (love the last issue, and the next one is on high end products, so it’ll be fabulous!)
I also designed a new type of tarot card, which is about to go into publication. You can check it out here or preview the prototype deck here. I’m working hard to have all the changes to the deck (suggested by those using the prototype decks) ready to go for a spring launch.
In an exciting turn of events, I found out that
I’m a Craftster Best of 2010 Winner!
How exciting is that? They chose to feature my post on Drop Pull Eggs (which are on the agenda for the next two months and are the inspiration for the Gypsy Road Tarot mentioned above!)
And, last but certainly not least, not only did I give my blog a face-lift, I promised myself I would post more often, so stay tuned! I hope to get back on track with my themed days, but I’m easy enough on myself to understand that life happens…