Hello!

 

 

As some of you know, my "perpetual student" of a husband is often preoccupied by academic detours into his own peculiar fascinations d’jour. Some of these rather quirky obsessions have included extensive research of vintage lunchboxes, Turkish carpets, Sumo wresting, several classical composers and musicians, skateboard art, the authors of the Constitution, the lives of several poets, writers d’Toqueville, Samuel Johnson….and on and on, and who knows what next, or why…

 

 

His most recent fascination (and eventual acquisition) was…..an accordion. Does he play an accordion? No. Do we even KNOW anybody who can play an accordion? No. Is he planning on learning how to play an accordion? I mean, besides the fact that he strolls through the house pretending that he can play an accordion? Heaven help me through the bleats and squawks!

He bought it because it was beautiful. It sits in our living room as a pretty piece of musical sculpture. And someday, someone who can play an accordion will come into our house, pick it up, and make the purchase all the more worthwhile. And it really does look cool.

 

I love my life with him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My small world, for the moment, has gone from manically wild into just pleasantly busy. I have emerged, blinking, from the underworld of the costume shop and have discovered that it is spring outside. It is my very favorite height of spring right now– when the trees are pastel green fuzz and the fruit trees are whispering with color and the air is heaven to breathe. BUT when I turn around to look at the neglected interior our little house right now—and in the harsh light of day…well…there is much work to be done! I buckle down with spring cleaning for awhile…but then wander back here to my studio where there are MUCH more interesting, unfinished, or newly imagined projects waiting for me.

 

So, I have boy stories.

Ian.

My exuberant, adventurous, extroverted boy and his equally adventurous girlfriend Miriah, had been planning on an extensive visit to the British Isles. They saved a (surprisingly large) sum of money between the two of them, researched possibly volunteering with WOFA (World Organic Farm Assciation), but scrapped that idea when they accidentally met a European circus family online. After a volley of excited emails back and forth, Ian and Miriah were planning on staying with the family for a few weeks, learning some tricks of the circus trade and working with the animals (dogs and trick horses) before continuing their travels. They bought their tickets, packed their backpacks, and planned on being gone four months–traveling all over as cheaply as possible, living in hostels and Hotel Eurail. Off they flew, and landed in London.

Heathrow customs, wondering about the four month return flight, interviewed them. “Where are you planning on traveling and staying?” asked the customs agent. Happily and innocently, Miriah explained, “Oh we’ll be traveling around Scotland and then all over Europe. We’re going to be staying for awhile with a circus family and working with their animals and learning about their traveling act, and….” Sternly the customs agent said, “Working? You’re going to be working?” They explained that it wasn’t going to be working for money—just learning and staying with the family for awhile.

At that, Ian and Miriah were separated, interrogated and held in holding cells for hours. Customs eventually switched their return tickets, and immediately put them both on the very next plane…home. The two of them were utterly devastated. Two years of planning and saving, only to have an exhausting and scary experience, and immediately sent home. In retrospect, much was learned (carrying proof of bank accounts, and perhaps letters of parental accountability in the case of depleted funds, and never EVER using the word work, no matter what the context…) *sigh*

And then, with the wonderful resilience of youth, they regrouped, repacked, purchased new tickets and went to Thailand for 6 weeks. They spent time on beautiful tropical islands, swam with elephants, went snorkeling in turquoise waters, zip-lined through the jungle, went on river trips, and had the time of their lives. They are back now—tanned and relaxed and brimming with stories.

 

Trevor.

In January, Trevor and his girlfriend, Monica moved from WashingtonDC, to Seattle, Washington. Trevor and Monica were ready to leave DC, and, because it’s kind of an identical twin thing, the boys can’t seem to be far from each other for long. Both Ian and Trevor have many mutual friends in Seattle, and Monica was ready for a change. So off they went. They found a teeny apartment in the heart of downtown, and within a couple weeks, both had found jobs. Trevor had been cooking for a large catering/reception company for several years in DC, and was ready to branch out into a different culinary field. Upon glowing recommendation from his former DC employer, Trevor was hired at “Earth and Ocean”, a prestigious four-star restaurant at the Hotel W. Trevor knew that he was making a big leap by moving into high-end restaurant work, and he enjoyed the tremendous new experiences and skills that he was learning. What he didn’t expect, however, was the competitive and back-stabbing nature of his co-workers. “It’s like being on some sick TV reality kitchen show, mom. It’s hard and exacting work, but everyone literally tries to make others look bad, so that they can look good. It’s not just me that is being undermined—although I’m a great target. I’ve never been in such a non-supportive and ugly working situation”. He worked for 7 weeks, dreading every day of work and constantly guarding his back. He gracefully gave his two-week notice last Friday—and they are going to give him good recommendations. Thank goodness. He and Monica are flying back to DC for Monica’s brother’s graduation, and then they are packing up some things left behind in DC and driving cross-country back to Seattle. They will be HERE for a few days on their way through!!! *beams*

 

Charlie.

Charlie has finished his fourth year of a five year athletic (cross-country/track) scholarship in Little Rock. He usually spends summers here at home, training at our high altitude, and hanging out with me. We are happy movie-going buddies—(bless his heart for not minding to be seen with his step-mother!). We enjoy our great conversations about many topics— often about relationships, as he thinks I’m a good advice-giver. Heh. Last summer, we had a big heart-to-heart about divorce and growing up with two households and blended families and all those complexities. I told him that I knew how hard it was—especially on him. He said, “You know, Kari—in retrospect, you are one of the best things to ever happen to me. Without you in my life, I never would have had Ian and Trevor as brothers. And I also know what a really good relationship looks like, and how happy my dad is. You are just amazing.” I told him he was an absolute gift in my life. Of course we got all teary eyed and then laughed. I sooooo love having him around all summer. BUT. This year he found a part time job in Little Rock and has decided to stay THERE for the summer. Auuuuggghhh! Breaks. My. Heart. I knowIknowIknow this is what they need to do…these children of ours that we raised to embrace independence out there in the world….but still. *sobs*

 

And so, my summer stretches out before me…projects of this and that…travels here and there…visitors from near and far. I will struggle to not melt in the heat, but I look forward to all that will unfold.

All is well in my little world.

 

Love to you all!

:)xo Adagio

 

 

 

 

 

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Cat
May 22, 2010

wow… what a story about the dangers of uttering the word WORK out loud to customs… you’d think he’d said “bomb” or something! Glad they regrouped so quickly and went on to adventure elsewhere. I want to learn accordian 🙂 That’s a lovely one up there.

May 22, 2010

Your husband is a renaissance man 🙂 I was shocked to read about Ian’s experience at Heathrow! Who knew?? “Work” is a bad word coming from a foreigner. Is this attitude somewhat fueled by fear of terrorists? Poor Trevor! I watch those reality TV shows about cooking. It sounds like he truly did end up in Hell’s Kitchen! Glad he’s outta there. Charlie and your relationship is soooo heartwarming. The words he spoke to you – best gift in a lifetime! Hugs,

May 22, 2010

As always, your entries brighten my day and bring a smile to my face! 🙂 Be well,

May 22, 2010

🙂

May 22, 2010

Such a lovely entry. Your life is so full and so busy! There must be something about accordions….I have a concertina I’ve never learned to play and Cat has a beautiful antique squeezebox in her office.

The accordion is beautiful. So are the sons and their stories. Your summer will seem calm and empty in some ways.. but I bet you’ll fill it with beauty and memories. THAT seems to be one of your special talents!

May 23, 2010

Lots going on! I am not surprised… you’ve always got a flurry of exciting things going on around you, it seems. <3

May 23, 2010

Several years ago, my son went on a Mission trip to Belize. Before he went, he and his group were required to attend several orientation meetings about traveling to foriegn countries. Except for one man who was too important and too busy to attend the meetings. I asked if he could not give commitment now, how effective would he be on a Missions trip? Everyone accommodated Mr. Busy. Son tells me, when he returns home two weeks later, that they almost didn’t get into the country because when everyone said “Missions Work” when asked their purpose in the country, Mr. Busy said “Missions and work” (apparently he also had the idea to do some scouting for his own business). It was by God’s grace that the entire trip was not scrapped before they started. Sons. They always come back. You raised them to be strong, independent men. Well done!

What fascinating boys! And what experiences they have! I’m glad Ian, though prevented from going to Scotland, was able to have his adventures in Thailand. Enjoy your (relatively) lazy summer.

May 23, 2010

Those are quite the stories. And yeah, you never ever say “work” unless you have permits. The accordion is pretty. Does he know the provenance? How old is it, it looks vintage. And you actually do know at least one person who knows (knew) how to play an accordion. (wave) 🙂

May 24, 2010

My grandpa used to play the accordion. I think of him whenever I hear (or see) one.

May 26, 2010

You sound delightful… describing both your eccentric hubby’s aquisitions, and your boys! All is well…. : )

ryn: my PT, Dave, does that. Unfortunately I am not yet to the point where that would do much for me. I will get there, though. 🙂

May 26, 2010

Reading the first 2 paragraphs I was thinking, oh what a wonderful husband you have! I still think that, but think HE has a wonderful wife, too. And you write the ‘mother stories’ so well, I was almost with your sons in their traveling ‘adventures’. Reading about Charlie told me what a great guy he is…and the whole entry repeats to me how special YOU are. Come back here more often and write,okay?? Warm hugs…and thanks for your notes.

May 27, 2010

What a lovely accordion! Ian’s trip…horrors! Trevor’s experience…I know that his field is highly competitive, but my goodness, no one, in the final analysis, looks good by making another look bad. Charlie…he’s just a hop, skip, jump, and two wrong turns from here (I always get lost in cities). Take care.

May 29, 2010

What amazing tales of ALL the boys (of ALL ages 🙂 Life isn’t dull, is it? I completely understand wandering from the routine aspects of housekeeping back to the creative corner of your universe. It would seem odd NOT to do that 🙂 xxoo,

If I only knew…I just went through Little Rock on wednesday and had I known I would have called Charlie and taken him out for dinner. I will get his info later as I now have Arkansas in my territory. BRO

May 29, 2010

RYN: My Mama passed away on the 18th. I come in to read and note as I can, but time seems to be controlling my life these days. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts, I do you, as well, and have not forgotton your sis’s magnificent painting of the Lady in Blue Gown.

May 30, 2010

Wonderful update on the boys. Glad things turned out alright for them all. I think the accordian is beautiful. Just found out recently that my BIL who died last year not only played the accordian but the harmonica too. Who knew?

May 30, 2010

The accordian is beautiful – a work of art as many of them are. It reminds me of my mother’s, which was a beautiful deep blue with mother of pearl inlays.

wow, fabulous updates. K came home when I just opened your entry, and although I knew I could log out and log back in again, I left your blog page open until I could return to read it. 🙂 I’ll have to tell him about swimming with elephants – he adores elephants. 🙂 I most definitely will need more details about this! Wow, about saying “work” and not realizing the effects – I once had to explain to Canadian customs why I had a different last name on my passport than my birth certificate (since my driver’s license was missing) and I flippantly said that I had changed my last name because I wanted to be an actress, thinking that was an easier explanation. I nearly wasn’t allowed on the plane home! Never tell customs you are an actress – they get very suspicious that you’re a good liar!

July 3, 2010

ACK! However could I have missed this brilliant gem of an entry??? I LOVE hearing about your boys, and am excited that they’re right here in my area! We don’t eat out often, but our anniversary is coming up in early August and we always eat out then! Would you care to share where we might find an extra special meal, hmmm? 😉 What Charlie said to you was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful things I’ve ever heard! 🙂 The accordion is very cool! (and so is Don!) My mom actually had one, although not a fancy one like that. The thing is, she could scarcely play it, either. Brad and his cousin were in a mental tug-o’-war over possession of it, but in the end, although he has never played any keyboard other than a qwerty, everyone who heard them both practice playing it thought Brad sounded like a natural, so in the end, he got it!