Meeting Dr. Angelou

January 16, 2014 The Gathering Site

This past week has been epic.

Long, but incredible and inspiring.

Earlier this week I shipped off to Winston-Salem with 5-time Grammy award winning producer Elaine Lee Martone to record Dr. Angelou (stay tuned for this project - it's going to be AMAZING!). I worked with two phenomenal and empowering women, received priceless advice and wisdom and it's all still just settling in.

It was such a quick trip - fly in Monday evening and out Tuesday - but worth every plane delay and reschedule. I had great conversations and was dolled incredible industry advice sandwiched between an unforgettable recording and visit with Dr. Angelou (she makes the best beets!). I don't even know how to begin describing what this trip was like - or what it meant to me personally.

Our session couldn't have run smoother thanks to Evan Richey and his partner Charlene. They were fantastic. From driving ProTools to giving us tips on Southern courtesy before Dr. Angelou arrived. What a great team! (pictured left to right: Elaine Lee Martone, Evan Richey, Charlene, and myself).

I still can't believe this happened. I am pretty sure I seemed mute for this whole visit, but you just can't stop listening to every word this incredible woman has to say. Her wisdom and knowledge are invaluable - and her sense of humor! I have her chuckle on tape - it's the most genuine and joyful sound. Wow...

lately...

August 29, 2013 The Gathering Site

I have been reading this great book. And this parenting classic.

I ran my first 5k in years and have picked up jogging with the little guy. He loves it! We use this stroller (a hand-me-down, so lucky!) and fitted myself for shoes at a wonderful store down the street. Planning on running this Sunday at the Zoo!! Any ideas for IT band support??

I am still on the Lumenocity high with the Symphony. Work is really starting to feel more settled... in a good way. I know it's taken 7 years, but I am really finding my happiness in recording.

However, I am still a doula by late night! My profile will be here soon and you can check out my services here.

I am hoping to DIY this shelving unit soon, staining the shelves to match the refinished table (an insane DIY I chose to do this summer. Whew! However... it looks a bit like driftwood, but I love it. It's OUR's)

I love this canvas printing service and know exactly where I'd like to put a special picture of our little guy. This DIY kitchen is right up our alley. Hope to paint some cabinets soon!

Trying to stay in our budget more these days with this app. Seems to be working - Rick and I just received free admission to New York's AES convention. He's never been to the big city so I am hoping we can make this a reality - tips for hotels and such???

'Once again, a toddler is teaching me to slow down and enjoy life' - Dr. Sears from The Discipline Book .

This book has been amazing. I wish I would have read it before Soren was born. Although we opted for attached parenting anyway (co-sleeping and all!), this book has great insight into the way our young (to 10) year old children think. I don't know that I ever gave Soren the credit he truly deserved. He's willful, lively and energetic. I admire his tenacity during play and learning. He won't be interrupted (but re-directed *wink) and he will always be questing for something new and inspiring.

I love and cherish his spirit.

Cousins

August 20, 2013 The Gathering Site

They just know. It's interesting to observe, really. Soren and Avery don't see each other often, maybe 2-3 times a year. Of course we prepare them for one another 'Soren - are you ready to see your cousin Avery??' 'Avery, are you ready to play with cousin Soren??'. Just like you would for playdates and outings. But for some reason - when these two get to see each other, it's as if they know - that they are cousins.

Their interactions with other kids are always different. I'm told Avery plays a shy - keeps to herself, parallel play, and Soren is a bit quiet but quickly turns into the clown. I'm not implying Soren didn't act the clown or they didn't parallel play, but they did instantly interact.

Avery was super excited and started pulling Soren around to see all her toys and showing him how EVERYTHING works (she's almost exactly a year older, took on the big kid role!). And Soren was quick to follow asking questions and examining her every move.

It was different. Maybe that is a better way to put it. In the best way. Like you could see the warmth and love between them even though the depth of that word they have yet to really comprehend. It was something special. I miss her already and her little sister. And so does Soren.

Every morning we were there, Soren would wake up asking 'Where's Avery?'. I would tell him she was still sleeping in her room. He would go in, climb up on her bed and wish her a good morning. Avery would then instruct me to make them oatmeal and orange juice as they began a day of play. Our sweet little blondies. He asked me yesterday morning, our first day back in Cincinnati 'Where's Avery??'. My heart melted.

Caribbean Travel

July 3, 2013 The Gathering Site

I have been helping our landlady with her travel business as of recent - when Soren is in dream land and on my days off - and have encountered an INSANE amount of great vacation ideas.

One being the Caribbean... So let's talk.

There are hundreds of resorts - adult only and others that accommodate all ages. Some in the mountains - some on Punta Cana, Jamaica and others on St. Lucia. And don't get me started with the alternative Mexico option. For simplicity, St. Lucia.

Absolutely... stunning. With so much to do it will make your head spin. And for quite a few different price points. Take a look...

The company I am working for is Integra Travel and the owner is Dolly Kohls. She is a travel genius. With well over 20 years travel experience in the business and personally she's the lady for you. She is 110% devoted to her clients and with her broad range of experience knows how to get the best vacation for the best price. Her emphasis is in international travel and national 5 star resorts.

I never imagined traveling like this would be possible for us, but she has proven otherwise. The world is your oyster! More locations to come!