The last two weeks have been anything but restful. Somehow, months and months ago, I said “Yes” to being the coordinator of Day Camp 2008. Yeah. I know what you’re thinking, you’re thinking, “What was SHE thinking!”
Honestly, I don’t know. These moments are blurry upon reflection. I remember saying “yes” but I don’t recall how I got to the place where I’d even consider it. Don’t get me wrong; Day Camp itself was amazing, especially where the kids were concerned. But organizing anything this large and complicated (and drama filled, oh my, oh my, oh my!) isn’t usually on my list of things to do. I shy away from these kinds of events because they tend to consume every waking hour. I like to think my plate is well balanced—I don’t have a big urge to fill what blank spaces are on my schedule. Being busy for the sake of being busy isn’t a mantra I ever intend to pick up. These sorts of endeavors find any and every blank space and claim it. Filling in your time until you can’t breathe. I like air.
In addition to coordinating the din, I was also staff photographer. I wish I could show you more photos. But, you know privacy of minors, yada yada yada. All their parents signed waivers, saying we could use their photos for publicity, but I seriously doubt my blog was what they all had in mind. Next year I think I’ll spend a day with a distance lens… these kids could see me coming a mile a way and boy do they all like to pose! But I did manage to capture a few portraits that take my breath away. I’m editing a slide-show for the kiddos and I think I might get a few prints made up to send off to parents. It all just screams, CAMP… and when you’re dropping your kid off in the morning, it has to be nice to have some photographic evidence that your child LOVED their time. Because if their children are anything like mine, the answer to “So, how was your day?” is nothing but a “Fine, grunt grunt grunt!”
So, I took two weeks off from this blog to do the Day Camp thing. In the process, I’ve neglected everything else. This house is falling apart, I’ve not stepped on my treadmill in AGES, and my poor vintage store has screeched to a halt. This week has been about making all that better, somehow. I’m still not ready for real words, here. But I’m getting there. I’m trying not to obsess. This is post 999, maybe I’ll write real words for 1000?
Speaking of obsessing, this will make Vicki’s professional flags go flying: Ok, so I’m completely enamored of this song. I’ve listened to it dozens (read: hundreds) of times. I don’t watch it, since there isn’t a video. When you hit “replay”, the little knob at the bottom of the video, slides back to the beginning. Right? So, if you listen to the song once and hit “replay”, the little knob slides back in perfect sync with the amazing downbeat that begins the song.
I love that.
These little moments of unplanned serendipity are all around you. And if you’re not too busy, they sometimes reveal themselves to you. There’s beauty in the chaos, people.
Obsessing is first cousin to busyness- and there are better ways to spend our time! I like that you did day camp, although the crop is no where near “knee-hi by the 4th of July.” Lordie, that child is cute. I like the Pinback tune- thanks for that. Dan will be playing in Marcola, Portland and Seattle on Aug 7, 8, 9 respectively. When I miss him I listen to the NOMO myspace page. 🙂
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I’ve been in a “paralysis of analysis” all day. OY OY OY. ~W
Oh! One of Abby’s best friends from HS designs for Hurley. Nice shirt. And why go for real words when you’re doing fine with, ah, faux? words…
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Yeah, I like that shirt. When we were in Nashville, we stayed about 25 minutes from where the church/my brother’s place was. Long story short, we lost track of time and didn’t have time to run back to our hotel to change for the rehearsal dinner. My kid was hanging out in uber dirty and old t-shirt that I think he’d had on for days. So, we were at a mall and I dashed in and told him to pick something. He did. 😀 ~W
Okay, I’ll bite. Why are these not “real” words?
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I suppose these are real words. I guess I was just thinking that I’ve been posting mostly photos and graphs and haven’t really been communicating. I’ve not “composed” anything, just given sketchy at best updates. I don’t know, as a writer, there are real words and not real words. Maybe it’s a false dichotomy? Perhaps I should have said I haven’t been as VERBOSE as usual. Hee. ~W
Day camp organizing would not be for me, honey! I admire you greatly though. I’ve been obsessing on cleaning out my cupboards and believe me, it is unhealthy at times. I sometimes listen to songs over and over again. I-tunes has made me not as obsessive because I can get Alison to buy me songs, then burn them to a CD. Today I got my hair foiled for the first time; it was costly, and I’m now(sort of) a blond. I’m not sure if I like it yet–I don’t look like myself, if you know what I mean!
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BLONDE??? I want to see pictures. 😀 ~W
Real-shmeal. I like your words. Yes, you often craft more but sometimes the brain/heart dumps speak more than the crafted writing. If you know what I mean.
I stand in awe of your Day Camp achievement. My mom has done that and maybe that’s why (even as a teacher) I wouldn’t tackle it. You rock.
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If I were a public school teacher, you wouldn’t catch me at Day Camp. It’s surprising to me, how many of our volunteers are either teachers now or retired. Oof. ~W
There IS beauty in the chaos! Words to live by!
But you still won’t see me volunteering for these sorts of activities. ;~)
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I bet not! It’s actually a stretch for me, only homeschooling one. My kid needs to do things AWAY from me. With 11 I wouldn’t even DREAM of it. 😀
Oh…is it over now? Can you breathe a sigh of relief and put your feet up and really rest now?!
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Yes! Some small paperworkish stuff to do, but the majority is finished. Whew! ~W