Once again - - -

Once again I've missed a whole month of blogging. And as I've checked (and checked and rechecked) other blogs - some of you have missed a month of blogging too. That's ok- I guess I need to learn how to Facebook.

So this was a neat summer. My brother and his wife and 2 teenage sons visited for a couple of days at the end of the summer. We don't get to see each other nearly enough, so it was quite a treat. They met us at a baseball game (and the Reds actually won that night!), and there were fireworks too, so that was fun. We also spent quite a bit of time at the American Sign Museum at the Essex art complex. It was really neat to see it with my brother. I had been there at least once before with Bari. My dad was a sign painter by trade. I remember his shop, and how he would letter the trucks seemingly with out much more than a steady hand. As we walked through the museum with the curator, I learned so much about my dad. Randy (being older- and the only boy) had a different relationship with Dad than I did. I'm sure I just didn't pay much attention to what was going on most of the time. Anyway, Randy went with Dad to paint the big billboards along the highway. I had forgotten that. He talked about what it was like to work with dad, and be that high up on scaffolding. Something I really didn't remember (I don't think I ever knew this)- Randy told me that Dad's dream was to become a Mural Painter. He even had some schooling set up in Berea, Ky when they lived in Richmond (Ky). But because of some family challenges, they had to leave Ky and move back to Ohio. That makes me a little sad, but even more proud of dad at the same time. I can't imagine giving up on a dream when it is so close- and to do it because - because - I don't really know why, except he had to support the family, and my mom, and that constituted moving back. In a side note, Randy said that Dad's talent for mural work made him a kind of specialist in the billboard field, because he could accurately paint a scene on one of those HUGE signs, and have it make sense to the viewer who was driving down the highway a 1/2 mile away. I miss my Dad.

Sam and I took a quick trip to my Mom's just before school started. We sat and talked most of the time. It was so quiet, and the weather so perfect, I actually started and finished a book while sitting on her front porch. Man, I really need a patio or something.

I went back (to the Clyde/Fremont/Sandusky area) with Bari in September and set up displays at another wedding show. We visited Mom a couple more times that weekend. She seems well. Bari and went up to Marblehead to the lighthouse and had a family member (my cousin's youngest daughter) model on the rocks for us. It was really fun to do that kind of shoot. Oh, she was in a wedding dress, sunglasses, rocks with waves crashing- really neat stuff.

Back in July and August we were sending Madeline to a different dance studio to get their opinion of her strength as a dancer. It was kind of cool, and stressful at the same time because they liked her so much, and she did so well, that she made their Competition team, too. So there was a week or so when she was on 2 teams for 2 studios. In the end, we decided to stay at the same studio where she has been for the last 5 years. They have added some (needed) classes in tumbling (for Hip Hop) and stretch (for Lyrical and Ballet). I just wasn't sure if we could commit to the new studio with the changes in Bari's job and the distance (it was near Ward's Corner). Madeline was good with either place. Thank heavens.

So Bari has been at home working for about a month now. He seems much more relaxed in lots of ways. And stressed in the same ways (money). He has worked diligently with the website, the promotions and the brides. The bonuses are the dinners every night, Madeline taken to dance, and Sam to Trombone lessons. It is less stressful for me. I think he is finding that there still aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. It seems like a really long time when you are away from home, at a job- but the time flies here- photo production, telephone calls, emails, dinner, Kroger, laundry and cat box. Yep, less stressful.

Honestly, I still am convinced that this is a really good move for Bari. He really has so much more talent that he knows. I just need to find a way to let the rest of Cincinnati know too.

I think that's all for now. My job is still really good. It is very physical, so I get tired (I'm not a spring chicken any more ! ! ). But I do like my boss, and the other women I work with. The framing is interesting most of the time. Every once in a while, there are hard - very boring - projects. Right now I have 73+ movie posters to frame before next Friday. They are 40inches tall and about 27inches wide, and get 4 1/2 inch wide moulding (which I have to cut and join). Along with dry mounting, and glass. Yes, it is every bit as physical as it sounds. Not one of my fun jobs- but then again they all can't be fun. Speaking of fun (or not) I just found out that I get to work a booth at the Golf Show (yea!)- the Home and Garden Show (YEA!) and Redsfest (WHOOT! ! ).

On a final note-- St X beat ELDER! ! ! ! (Bari Ray is on the Spirit team- - - -).

Miss you-all- Don't forget to blog once in a while.

Julie - Julia

Madeline and I just got home from seeing the movie "Julie, Julia". It is about a woman struggling with her place in life ( difficult job/ turning 30 / moving to a new-not so great home) and setting a goal of cooking her way through Julia Child's cook book.

It was really great. Of course I love everything Meryl Streep is in. But this was really good. Both women were really strong role models (well, at least Julia Child was). They certainly had passion for their love of cooking. They were supported by unbelievably wonderful men (if I didn't have one like this in my life- I don't know if I would have believed it).

It really makes me think. Watching it with Madeline made me even more aware of the messages in the movie. Besides "lobsta-killa" (joke in the move)- there were very moving messages about true love- love of passion and support, best friends. It was, like I said, a movie about strong women who persevered through discouragement and change, to see their passion come to reality.

I told Madeline that when ever (in MANY years) she thinks she is in a serious relationship, she needs to think of Paul, Julia's husband. He was a saint. I also told Madeline that passion for SOMETHING is important. I told her that was why it is important that Bari leaves his studio to photograph for us full time. His passion/creativity is being crushed where he is.

Passion can come from anything. It doesn't have to be a job where you go to work everyday.
It can be seeing neatly folded clothes in a drawer, beautiful nutritious dinner on the table. Thank heavens I married a domestic goddess- the whole housekeeping thing is very old- as well as cooking dinner every night. I do find passion in helping my husband. I feed off of his creativity. And I love my job. Thank heavens, because I need to stay there another couple of years until the photography bus keeps us both busy full time.

Anyway, grab a girlfriend (or husband if he's willing- he might enjoy it)- and go see the movie. It would be a good movie night for the girls. (I would suggest 14+ - Madeline did ok- but generally, it was a bit mature).

And - bon appetite!

Jeez-

Holy Cow,
I didn't realize I missed blogging ALL of July. Lots happened. We were busy. Now it is August.
So much for a detailed update.

Seriously, I'm feeling pretty bad that we've been so busy I haven't had a chance to visit my Mom. I told my sis I'd make a trip up in July, but didn't make it.

I'll be happy when Bari is finally finished with his studio (incase you haven't heard, his last day is August 28). Right now, I feel like we both each have 2 full time jobs. When he's out of the studio, he'll be able to take the Wedding business and run with it. That will help.

This weekend we were part of a Bridal Show in Anderson Twp. It went really well. We'll see how many calls we get. It was brutal trying to get ready for it- the displays, cards, set up, etc. We also stopped by a big wedding show at the convention center. We wanted to check out other photography displays to compare with ours. All in all, we made some good connections with some vendors that Bari knows. We will link to some Video, Dj and even Dress designer web sites. Things are movin and shaken- we just need the bookings! (Remember, we do families - and kids).

Madeline is in Idaho this week with Katy and Will. They went to see Katy's friend. So, I just have Sam and Bari Ray- (besides Joey and Jillian). Anytime we have 1 less person around, every thing gets a little easier. Sad, but true.

I got an email from my step son Dane. He is being transferred to Ft. Knox. It will be nice to have him a little closer. I'm sure his dad is thrilled.

Work is still great. Ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs. Little side note, I met Pete Rose last Monday. He was in my shop for almost an hour.

I'm tired, I took Madeline and Katy to the airport at 3 this morning- after having the wedding show yesterday- after setting up the wedding show late the night before (after working all day). It was one long weekend.

Allrighty then- - - -

So, what a week. Every one is busy and out of trouble at the moment. That's always good.

Just a couple of tidbits.
Some of the fish we bought Bari for Father's Day died before he could see them (we were in Lexington). He looked in the aquarium when we got home and said ' Oh, you got me dead fish for Father's Day'. But not just that! We also found him a couple of fish with hearts (yes- HEARTS) on their side. It looks like someone Magic Markered them. THEY didn't die. (Yea for us!).

Our new (old) washer broke at the end of last week. He is on the way home now- Bari had to take it to Bethel for the repairman to see. At least it didn't cost us anything- it was a hose. (Yea for Us!).

This weekend is Madeline's last dance competition. It is in Mason, at the High School and there is no charge. So, if you are looking for cheap entertainment (and air conditioning)- she's dancing.
The schedule has her at 5 and 5:30 friday, and on Saturday at 9:30, 10:30 and12:30. Then in the evening at 7 and 8pm. Let me know and I'll get you the titles of the songs, so you know what to look for.

So, she has dance this weekend, her first Girls camp on Tuesday (through Saturday). Williams blessing on Sunday, Dance camp on Monday for a week. And another dance camp in August. Good thing she likes to keep busy. (Yea for Madeline!!)

Work is still going well. There are bumps in the road at times, but not too often, and the boss seems to like me, so that helps. It is all production right now. I cut probably 30-40 wood frames today. It wasn't too bad. The warehouse where the saws are, is hot, but we have fans. I really don't mind. (Yea for ME!)

Get the word out OUT!!! Bari is pulling away from the studio where he has been working for 13 years-- we are willing, anxious and very able to pick up ANY photography work -freelance. Wedding, even familys and Seniors (later in the summer- early fall). (We can do weddings anytime). So - - - at work- family friends whoever- we are ready for business. Check out the updated website - still in the process- but it's lookin pretty good.

cherryblossomdesign.net Yea!!!!!