there is some kiss we want with our whole lives

the best one, originally uploaded by eag.

Going back to therapy has proved to be harder work then I remembered. I'm glad for the work.

I'm glad for my husband.

winona, mn

From Garvin Heights in Winona, MN, originally uploaded by Lisa monster.

I've spent, nearly, my entire life in Minnesota and can't ever remember traveling significantly south of the cities. You go "Up North" to the lake, to Duluth, to the Boundary Waters. You go "Down To" Mayo or Northfield. But I'm talking south, further south down the little woods slicing highways to Red Wing, to Winona.

On Friday I got up at 6am, printed a resume, did my makeup (gag) and hopped in the car to drive 2 1/2 hours for an effing audition. As the miles wore on and the scenery got more lush and hilly my mood lifted and my love of Minnesota swelled. The audition went well but, more importantly, I found the yarn store, the independent bookseller, the co-op and the charming cafe with fresh natural food. I'm ready to move in.

Here's hoping the absolutely charming Great River Shakespeare Festival feels the same way.

emma lazarus

Miracle on the Hudson, originally uploaded by ilina s.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

safety first

Skeleton Down, originally uploaded by v-nick.

I hear Ken's words ringing in my ears.

"The first rule is safety first. The second rule is safety first. Safety. First."

When in a physical workshop don't play a game that involves wrestling with teenage boys unless you remember to apply the first and second rules. You know what will happen otherwise one of said teenagers will fall on top of you and fracture your rib.