Let me try this again.....

..........at least I can write! I began my posting yesterday with that declaration, but never expounded upon it. In speaking with folks at the art show at Great Hang Ups Sunday, some were sad that I did not enter a piece in the show this time. I told some how I entered three times and was juried in three times, so did not wish to ruin my track record. Others I told how intimidated I am with the work of others and the singing I heard on Thursday at Mozart's Requiem making me not want to sing any longer....Boy, that opened a flood gate of encouragement! What a great place for me to be when I am picking on myself! The book Michael let me borrow yesterday came along at just the right time, although I do not know if he read the blog about my plans to quit everything or not. As I told those, when they offered counsel and advice, at least I can write!

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One man, Bob, from whom I have taken classes, was most encouraging and even admitted to feeling intimidated by the art work he saw at the show. Some of the pieces were 3-D, including a dog made from parts of a garden hose nozzle, a hammer head, a big spring, and magnets. Won the first prize in that category, too! The collage pieces are quite interesting, as several collages were in this show, and many more in the show at the Thrasher-Horne. I have two months to get back over there to better enjoy the art work, as it was so mobbed on Friday night that it was difficult to take in each piece. My former spouses' attorney was there, too, so I made the tour a bit more quickly than I would have otherwise. I know, it is only business, and while she used to love me, which she declared one night at scrapbooking, I do not need that kind of love, you know? The skin crawling does not suit me!

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Last night I enjoyed some time on the sundeck with the "shelf sitters", an informal gathering of folks from the building who enjoy some wine and a light snack before going in for dinner, or out, as the case might be. There used to be an unspoken "rule" about not staying out later than 8:30 or folks would forget to eat dinner but it was going on 9:00 before we broke up. Jessica brought out brownies which make a fine dinner if you ask me!

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While I enjoyed my time with my neighbors, I was also saddened to hear that more units in the building are now for sale, as folks, for whatever reason, are trying to sell their condos. One single man has health problems and might want to move closer to his daughter. Another man, a newly wed older man, is selling because the market has clobbered him so hard. Another newly wed couple wants to start a family and fear that The Palace is not the suitable, safe environment for an infant or toddler, the railings and such are not within limits established for cribs and such. I had the same concern when first moving here that Memrie or Sarah would try to fit through the railing on my balcony, and easily could have if we had not watched like hawks! My sister has a family with little children living above her in a rented house and is constantly annoyed by the noise they make overhead. I can only imagine what sort of racket would emanate from above with Big Wheels and noisy toys being banged on the floor. Even though they are substantial floors between the units, sound still finds it way to other homes, and can be bothersome. I am sad to think about my neighbors/friends moving away, and am also concerned about what their pricing will do to those who are remaining for the time being....