Turns!

I have been away from my blog but have a very good reason ~ a new grandson! He’s super and sweet, a bit of an early arrival but all okay! 

My life has taken so many turns and some days I am surprised by where I am.  The other day, I was thinking of my age.  I’ve written about my age before and its not something that I get super hung up on or anything but, I am really surprised by my age at times.  Even more surprised by my hubs age! Seriously, I am married to an old man.  Not really but when I hear him say something along the line of “Now that I am almost 60...” I think to myself “Wow, he’s old” and have to remember that although younger than him, I am not far behind.  Now, I’m a grandmother to three beautiful babies and I am surprised at the turns it has taken to get here.  But, here I am! 

A few weeks ago, our son and his beautiful fiancee arrived to stay with us for a few weeks.   We talk weddings and we talk jobs, music, travel.  They will be here only until she moves on to her next assignment as a travel occupational therapist.  In the meantime, we are enjoying the time and learning more about the boy we raised that is now a man.  Speaking of age, it surprises me when I think about this soon to be 32 year old that is my boy!  He said to me yesterday “I use to ride my bike all over town” and I realized yes, when he was 15...and that was a very long time ago.  

The big benefit that comes from them being here, however, is the cooking.  He’s a fine cook and she’s as creative as can be.  She thinks “Well, why wouldn’t that be good in there?” and in the dish it goes.  She is also a vegetarian, which brings a new and exciting element to our evening meals.  Several times in the last couple of weeks I have come home to surprises from them at the table.  

We all know how boring our weekly menus can become...cooking the same thing week after week.  But, with them here, it’s shaken things up a bit and may even challenge me to think a bit more creatively for the menu, as I want to be considerate of her vegetarianismness..(yes, I made that word up).  

One day last week I reported at work that I went home the night before to find falafel and salad and other yummie goodness.   We talked about how nice it was to get home from work, find the meal ready, tasty and different. One of my favorite co-workers stomped her foot and said “I want a vegetarian to come stay at my house!”  So, there’s my challenge to you...invite a cooking vegetarian to stay at your house! You won’t be sorry! 

Spacey

The space exhibit at the art center where I work is coming down next week ~ it's been up since January and leaves March 11.  I'll miss it.  We have had about 700 school children visit this last two months, the center is often alive with little voices.  


The great thing about our center is that it is both art gallery and art education.  There are classes there almost every day and we have a close relationship with Michiana Industries and Social Learning.  We host social events and sponsor the summer art festival, which is in its 35th year.  It's an all around great place. 


I hope more of my friends and family are exposed to art in their community this year.  Whether its coming to see our center or another location, expose yourself to some art.  Last week, we had a young man playing his cello in the gallery which houses the Earth from Space exhibit and it was awesome.  To have the music and the images together.  Well, now, awesome is a word but it's not even close ~ it was goose bumpily.  


I remember being hesitant to visit something I was not familiar with...an art gallery? Okay, I'll give it a shot.  It made me apprehensive.  What if I don't look like everyone else? What if I don't fit in? But art, and art education, is for everyone.  Even you. 


Our local media did a fabulous job, along with our director of marketing, of getting the word out to people about this exhibit and we have seen many new faces.  It's great to hear the "Wow" and "I had no idea this was here".  


My center is supported by donations and grants...not taxpayer money.  We have a membership opportunity as well, with members receiving a couple of little perks for their investment.   Shameless plug.  However, if you are looking for a worthy not for profit to donate to, or want to support art education in your county, let me know and I'll get you some information.  


Come see us at Lubeznik Center for the Arts before space moves on; or come see us when the circus sideshow exhibit goes up in about a week! Long live the arts!