Notes of a High Docent

So, I've decided to return to blogging and focus  on art. I will probably go off the path a bit, but I think my main goal is to keep my mind out of the gutter of politics, hoaxes, etc brought on by Facebook. I think the last rumor spread around was about your Facebook account being compromised. People just forwarded it on to all of their friends without bothering to check and see if it was a hoax or not..and for some reason it really annoyed me. I think its great to connect with friends, but things have gotten to be too much for me. I can't allow a social network to control my life. So, I am blogging. Particularly blogging about all of the art at the High Museum.  The museum was recently renovated with tons of art and I need to learn about those pieces...so why not share my knowledge with friends. Please know that I do not have a degree in Art History. I am generally providing tours to elementary and middle school aged children. At times I will give a tour to High Schools, but those are rare.

I would eventually like to focus on one type of art and just pursue that all that I can.  My interests have changed over time.  Its been from African, European Renaissance, Folk art and then dipped my feet into photography.  Also, my blog is not The High Museum....in that whatever I am posting...could be copied and pasted from the website or from Wikipedia etc. However, I am not a representative of the High in this Blog. You get what I mean. \

The Blog will roll like this : African, American, Contemporary, European, Folk Art, and then Photography. So, its alphabetical order...not preference.  I don't expect fame, fortune or 4 million hits...its pretty much resource and trying to get into a piece as much as possible.  I have learned so much about art and history by volunteering at The High...its truly a privilege and an adventure !!

Summer is coming to an end..

Okay it really isn't coming to an end...why because August is so freaking hot here and so is September. I am not looking forward to more hot and humid weather. However, Monday is the first day of school. The twinzies start middle school and rah rah is going to be a senior. The twins are playing their billionth game of Mine Craft and Rah Rah is still doing her summer homework which is Calculus AB . I on the other hand...well not such great news. I can't enroll in school until January. Unaware that I needed to have a fresh transcript of JR College AND my freaking failure of a HS transcript. They will be bewildered as to how I graduated. Also, there was no way I was going to learn Elementary Algebra in two weeks. Besides, I want to fly out to see my mom. 

When I turn 50 this year I had a plan. I wanted to go to Spain and walk the Camino de Santiago. Unfortunately, this walk takes weeks. It is a spiritual journey and thought it would be great to accomplish that. I have no time and my Achilles is not going to be well until I have a procedure done on it. The doctor will numb it, shock it and then I have to stay off of it for weeks. Then I will be able to walk. I haven't walked in years. I can walk, but I just can't do it for long periods of time. So, then I though a couple of days in the Florida Keys and well...I would have to go alone and I don't know if I want to do that. So, as boring as it might seem I am going to visit my mother. I want to go to CA but everyone I know works. So, I fly out for a weekend ? Maybe that isn't such a bad idea. Anyway, I don't like being apart from my kids for long.

My child got her drivers license and I cried. I think its just one of those steps into becoming an adult and it broke my heart. It shouldn't...we even bought her a used Volvo. I absolutely love it and she doesn't like it . The front end is too big for her. Seriously ? The Volvo Stay Wag is AWESOME !  So, now we have adopted it and love it for ourselves. She gets to have a mini van instead. She drives to school on Monday....oh that is going to be fun ! Anyway, I am sad that she will be in college next year and I don't feel like I have had my fill of Rah Rah. Rowing has kept her so busy that I will miss her. 

Well today is Saturday and I will be doing laundry and dishes and grocery shopping while the rest of our city is going to the beach. Oh well, maybe its another trip to the pool today. Sadly we bought a membership to the local pool and the kids never wanted to go. What is wrong with the world ?? My great childhood memories were spent at the pools in my community....now its computers :( 

The Neverending Freaking Cycle of Dishes

There are only 5 people in this family. Yet by looking at my sink you would think there were 100 people . Those 100 people would be using every single pot and dish in house every day. I seriously have 2 loads of dishes a day. Have you seen the kitchen of that family with 4000 kids...the Duggars? You can like that family, but they absolutely freak me out. So, no, I don't care for them, but that kitchen is awesome. It's an industrial kitchen. If I had crazy money I would have a regular sized house with one of those industrial kitchens. So, today I am looking forward to lots and lots of dishes and grocery shopping. Don't you wish you were having my day ? 

Middle School is starting soon. I dread it, I completely and totally dread it. It's horrible how society has to send these girls to bullies and drama. If I could home school my kids I would do it in a heartbeat. I almost wish I could go to school with them and knock over the girls that are mean. You know what kills me is the parents. The denial that their kids are bullies. I dread the parents who believe that their children are perfect. I remember when Rah Rah was in 5th grade or 6th grade she had a friend named Sarah. Sarah was okay, she was nice enough. Her little sister however was a serious brat. 

Rah Rah goes over to the house of this Sarah for a play date. Her bratty daughter picks up her mothers pearls and breaks them. So, when the mom gets home the brat tells the mom that my daughter broke the necklace and that she threatened harm to her daughter. I was livid, because I know that my kids are not perfect, but Rah Rah would never ever do any of that. She would be crying hysterically. The mother, she calls me and unfortunately she has a valley girl accent. Like the founders of third love bra company.. TOTALLY ANNOYING VOICES. Telling me that my daughter did it and in total denial that her daughter is lying to her. PLEASE I have some really tragic news for you....your kids are not perfect. Everything looks fabulous on the outside, but the inside is a freaking nightmare.  I dread these kind of people ! I know these kind of people !! So, pray that my girls survive middle school without being harmed by the bullies. 

I am waiting for Georgia State to hear if I have been accepted to Perimeter. I am so scared of taking math and science classes because its so not my brain. Despite the fact that math and science are logical I still struggle with them. It's like the game Settlers of Catan...I just don't get it. I am off to do chores and sweating profusely.  

Dead Beat Dinner Mom

This morning I had all these intentions of  having a productive morning. I planned on finishing up the laundry and dishes and go grocery shopping and make dinner. Today, I have done all of that, but now...now its 6:00 pm and I am pooped. Thinking this lady is a stay at home, that I sit at home and watch repeats of Downton Abbey eating Oatmeal Squares and Diet Coke. Okay, so that is sorta true. I am actually on the third season of Granchester and its TAB. lfeel like a deadbeat wife. I should be throwing on a dress and an apron and preparing dinner in a flash. So, what I am I doing ? Blogging....drinking TAB and watching the last two episodes of "Grimm".

So, I had this dream a few nights ago where I was working at grocery store. I am not sure what I was doing there....but I know in my dream that I had skipped out on working. This is  a reoccurring dream...leaving without notice. Then I dream I am at the new improved High Museum. Which has a mall in it of high end department stores and they have revamped the entire collection. I am looking for a job and I can't get one because I left that grocery store.

I wake up in the morning and I feel horrible. It's a dream and I am feeling horrible about it. The truth is I do need a job. Kids are getting to be older, so it's time. I am absolutely terrified. It has been so long since I have a job and I am getting older...I am wondering who is going to hire me ? It's depressing, so have decided to go back to school. I am taking a tour of a college tomorrow. I am probably taking my daughter because she wants to go to a college that is also on the same campus . I would like major in Art History. What job would come from this ? Oh probably a job at a museum. Doing what ? I have no freaking clue.

School is beginning soon for mah gurls. They have spent plenty of time playing Mine Craft and watching videos of people playing Mine Craft and producing their own videos. They are ready to return. I have spent a couple hours planning out all of our schedules....rowing, girl scouts, docenting, etc So, no really there isn't a lot of time for Tab, Cereal, and Granchester. I do however recommend it . I also recommend "The Durrells in Corfu".

My TAB is kicking in...perhaps I can make at least half what I have planned...found it on Pinterest where all my meals come from....

Shake and Bake Baby....

So here we go again....unfortunately I am tired. When I am tired I blog crazy stuff and then I have to go back and delete what I posted. I have been asked to on one or more occasion to remove my post. One time T and I were at a party and two extremely superficial people came in. I find superficial people interesting.    Anyway, the man totally insulted my husband which really ticked me off so...what did I do ? I blogged...complete and total strangers. I had no names and no pictures. Someone read it and threatened me to take it down. I took it down, and thought well...they chose the superficial couple over me... cool beans ! So, if you friend is dressing like an absolute slut with fake everything...I will not talk about her...

Things going on in the Gretchie Verse:

Dear Rah Rah : This has been a very productive two weeks. You have picked a college, got your braces off, took 6 hours of driving lessons and had your senior photos taken. That is a lot of stuff...senior year is going to be crazy. I am sure fun for you and torture for the parents.

Dear Twinzies: I am sorry that its super hot outside and rowing wasn't absolutely perfect for you. Like the coaches were not running behind you with hand held fans. They weren't patting your foreheads with cold washcloths. I am sorry they did not speak to you like a 5 year old, but like the 11 year old that you are. Rowing is a very hardcore sport and it takes a lot of focus and commitment. I know you don't like those things. I know you would rather sit in your room at your desks. Creating videos for You Tube, and what ever it is that you do on Mindcraft. Me too, I would rather be at home playing spider solitaire and shoving oatmeal squares in my mouth and sipping on diet coke. I get it I get it...well not the video part...I don't think people really want me lip syncing to The Chainsmokers. Do even know what a chain smoker is ??

To the ladies that I insulted on Instagram: You have every right to believe whatever it is you believe. That is what America is what it is...right ? Yeah, I am not going discuss politics on this blog. Mom always said...never discuss Religion or Politics with anyone. You know what ? My mom is right ...now more than ever.

I actually feel 70

Anyway me...what  about ME..me me me...what about turning the big 50. Do you now much I dread getting older ?

Shake and Bake Baby

 Will Ferrell and I are the same age. So, I figure if Will can handle it so can I. Okay, lets get back to ME again. What am I going to do ? Where am I going to go ? I really want to go see my mom who lives in the middle of Utah. Seriously, she lives in a tiny town with like less than 600 people. She lives in the middle of that town and is funny. You want to find out anything that's happening around there my mom will tell you. Also, I want to go to California. I miss my friends. Sometimes I dream that I move back to California..and then I wake up and I am of course not there. I wonder if people realize that if I was to move back there...we would probably have to live in an apartment.

 Back to me...oh we are still talking about me...then I thought what about going to the Florida Keys. Like rent a house for a couple of days and do nothing but drink diet coke, eat Oatmeal Squares and read books with British authors. Anyone ? Anyone ? Just do me a favor and don't dress like an absolute slut...Thank you...

The return of blogging ....

I just posted on Facebook and I realized how much I missed the Gretchie Verse. Probably because I felt that its really good therapy.

Yesterday went with my rowing moms to see Baby Driver.  Now, if you're super religious then you really should not be seeing baby driver. There is plenty of violence and swearing...no nudity. It was good though...I swear my heart stopped a few times because it was such an intense movie. If I was 21 I would be all over Ansel Elgort... he is really a talented actor. His role in the movie was extremely talented as well...he was no dummy.

Mah gurls had another day of Summer Camp rowing. It's hot, the coach was a little un nerved when the boat hit the bridge (can't blame her) but the girls had a pretty good time. They said it was hard work, but I am praying PRAYING that they like it. I obviously don't row...I tried but my back is crap. Its such a good sport and it was great for Rah Rah. . I hope she rows in college, but its not looking like it. Its only July and I am back into the rowing world. I am looking forward to being busy again.

I need a job....I have to have a job...like yesterday. I have applied with the school district and well..that went nowhere. I also applied as a librarian at hospital  and they didn't even call me for an interview. It would have been absolutely the best job for me. After all we are a regulars at the hospital. Our punch card would send us Antigua or somewhere exotic. My daughter was diagnosed with mild epilepsy. It is under control with drugs and hopefully she will outgrow it. It's been no sleep for everyone here. There is nothing more frightening than watching your daughter have a grand mal seizure. It is the sound of her breathing that haunts me. I missed seeing the whole thing because I was calling 911 for an ambulance.  So we have absolutely met our deductible.

The whole depression thing is under control. The drug that I am taking for it is perfect for me. So, I am much less emotional ...except when it comes to politics. It has been totally addictive listening to podcasts and the news. I am also a huge podcast addict as well...here the podcasts I listen to:

#1 Minutia Men- These guys are from Chicago and hilarious. Its my friends buddies from college and they love baseball. I am not even a Cubs Fan or better yet a baseball fan, but love the podcast anyway. They have BEST minutia and stories about encounters with stars..rock and movie stars. It's Rick and Dave...make my Thursdays !!

#2 The Carson Podcast: I am not a super huge fan of Johnny Carson, in fact I don't think that I had ever watched an episode, but I am a fan of Mark Malkoff . It also brings me back to times with my dad. Many of the stars he interviews takes me back to another time. He has VERY cool guests. He had Paul Williams awhile ago. I thought dang what is Paul Williams up to..and sure enough he had a cameo role in "Baby Driver" . Anyway, if you are a fan of Carson or that era...this will definitely take you back and its very  interesting.

#3 There was a number 3 and then I took it down...

#4 Myths and Legends: This really should be tied with Minutia Men. Its a guy named Jason and here is the description copied from the website. So good for an evening story or in the car on the way to the museum,etc. He pretty much summarizes the story so everyone understands it.

Ever wonder about the original stories behind King Arthur and his legendary knights, Robin Hood, or Aladdin?

Did you know that fairy tales weren't originally for children and are way more bizarre, ridiculous, and interesting than you ever thought possible?

Maybe you've heard of characters like Thor, Odin, and Hercules from modern movies- stories stretching back centuries. Well, the originals that inspired the adaptations are even better.

This show brings you folklore that has shaped our world. Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen.

These are stories of magic, kings, Vikings, dragons, knights, princesses, and wizards from a time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous, wonderful, and terrifying place.

#5 NPR  Hidden Brain, Invisibilia, Fresh Air, Freakonomics, Radio Lab 

#6 Paranormal Podcast : Its about ghosts, spirits, ufos, creatures, etc. Yes, I am not a believer, but the people he interviews are entertaining. 

#7 Drama of the week: Love love love it. Its from the BBC and they tell stories like Journey to the Center of the Earth, or The Forsyth Saga, etc. Since I am a great fan of all things British...it works for me. 

#8  BBC Home Front Omnibus: Dramas about WWI in England. Its like a soap opera...

#9 BBC  In Our Time and Great Lives. Okay if you want to feel really really smart than listen to In Our Time. Melvin Bragg has a panel of people who are educated on different subjects : Science, Literature, History, Spirituality, etc. These people are from Oxford, Cambridge, and other universities in the United Kingdom. My favorite episode is about The Grand Tour ...It was more about sexually transmitted diseases, losing your virginity and affairs ...then it was about art and becoming sophisticated.  Great Lives with Matthew Parris. He asks famous people to discuss who inspired them who is their champion. Generally its people who I have heard of but sometimes I learn about someone new. They always have an expert on the subject. I am a little ticked of that Matthew Parris thinks that the Houses of Parliament needs to shut down and made into a tourist spot. He also has to ask if the person they are talking about is gay or their sexual status..who cares ? 

#10 Revisionist History : Malcom Gladwell. I want to marry him...because he is so freaking intelligent and real. Knowledge is so entertaining to me. Anyway, I don't know what I would without him. 

#11 Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave it :
I love this podcast, but its not for everyone...

I think that's enough reading for today right ??

Good Morning Life !

I guess I haven't blogged because life got in the way of things. I have been busy and this week has been busy as busy gets for me. Fortunately, things went terribly wrong yesterday and in fact I was able to make dinner to the surprise of my whole family. I love cooking, but my kids don't care for what I make. Anyway, I made chicken divan and my kids loved it. I even added more curry and they didn't seem to notice. I will have to try add even more next time.

Could not find the cake, here is a hippo

Trying to think about what has been nice in my life. I won a cake contest ! The city of Roswell had a Grass Roots week and one of the days was a pound cake bake off. I came in 2nd place ! In the healthy category Strawberry Pound Cake ! I was up against a professional baker, so hey I would have won if she hadn't entered ! I even sold one of my cakes right off of the table. I wish I could be a professional cake baker, but how much that would cost and entail...do I really want to deal with that ?

Moving in a few months to yet my third home here in 5 years. Why own anything ? If I keep having to move like this . Anyway the house above is not the the house I am considering, but what I am considering is moving into a very small home. Less than 1,100 square feet. Its like living in an apartment on a piece of large property with two gardens. Think about it..people live in apartments in NYC and London and it works for them. It helps rid of crap and for once in my life...WE OWN THE HOUSE ...THE HOUSE DOES NOT OWN US. My kids are totally down with it. Its not a super fabulous neighborhood..but its better than going into serious debt.

I could also get a shed in the backyard ! Wayfair has some pretty spiffy ones the size of a garage which would be perfect for all of our crap.  This one is only 3K not too bad ! They have a ton more that look like little homes, but I am not looking for a studio just a place to put crap. Anyway, I am getting tired and its hard to blog.


The elections are coming up and I am not happy about any of the candidates . Do I bother voting ? Do I just not vote Donald Trump ? What do I do ? Would Queen Elizabeth allow me to live in England ? What if I could work for her ? Being her volunteer coordinator ? Her personal secretary for everyday life ?  Would she give me a flat at Buckingham Palace  ? Just until a new president is elected and then I can come back . I do love the UK, but 3 to 5 years tops. I would miss ...I would miss something about the US...

Sleep you need to friend me again...and the death of David Bowie

I haven't really slept in two days. I am wondering if it's starring into my iPad and playing games or reading. So, I am going to revisit going to bed earlier and forgetting my games and reading. Not fun walking around in a daze and everyone thinking you are stoned out of your mind.
I am also revisiting Facebook. Like deleting it permanently. Social media is depressing. Lets take for example the death of David Bowie .
The day David Bowie died...what I would have appreciated learning about the information just once. Just once like in the newspapers or on the news. No, it was post after post that David Bowie was dead. I KNOW HE IS  DEAD !! Post after post of the same news articles and pictures of David Bowie. I am not ruthless and have a cold heart . I do like David Bowie. No, I am not the hugest fan, but I did enjoy all of his music.  I think it was the obvious that he was dead and yet I had to be reminded over and over again and I really then wanted to read something uplifting  and maybe even slightly intellectual. Yes, I said intellectual. Not snobby (ish) perhaps a article where I might learn something.

So, is it wrong to be upset that everyone kept posting David Bowie died ? Is it wrong for everyone to express their grief ? NO. However, it's how it made me feel. It made me really sad. Yes I was sad he died. I thought he goodbye album is amazing and poetic. This is new though a new way of dealing with death. Where its in your face over and over again. It was one day, but there will be more deaths.  Yes, I am really bothered by this..

It's just an example of things that I am reading on Facebook. People being butchered on beaches, babies being raped, babies being murdered, people from Syria trying to move to the US and being rejected. Are these up lifting powerful stories or just stories that I read that make me unhappy ? However, I do like being able to keep in touch with people globally. Hmm... I need a job...I need a life...and a house...and a maid...and..a freaking hobby. I am trying painting and stitchery...but I don't know what to paint...and I need some guidance with the stitchery. Everyone is online all the time and NOBODY does anything creative anymore.

Planning at trip by train to NOLA. I am going to drink and eat the most amazing food and listen to the most amazing Jazz....well, that's the plan.

Now, how long is it going to take for me to delete this post ?

The Bruise Cruz

Okay, so, people have been asking me about the cruise I just took. It was a 7 Day Disney Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean which included Tortola and St. Thomas. We spent Christmas day on their Castaway Cay Island.  We were on the Disney Fantasy Ship which is very much like the Disney Dream we rode almost 3 years ago. So, pretty much we were on the same ship with different destinations.

The Positives:
A) Disney Ships are always clean and the service is excellent.

B) Despite the fact we did not have a balcony, it was okay, the weather was mostly unpleasant and having a large round window was a perfect match.

C) The food was amazing especially the dinners. It is always nice to have a few choices and the desserts are always fab ! We loved our servers from Serbia and Thailand.

D) My kids loved all the shows ....I think they saw 5 of them.

E) We were able to see Star Wars, The Good Dinosaur, and Bridge of Spies. You are watching the movie...suddenly you feel motion and you think WOW I forgot I was on a ship. They also serve popcorn and M&M's as well. There is an additional fee for that, but that's movies right ?
F) Mom and I were playing Skip Bo in the part of the ship where all the bars/nightclubs were. They had Disney Trivia and Crafts while we were sitting there. It made me realize that really there is something going on at all times.

G) Checked out the adult pool...very nice and if the weather had been warmer I would have enjoyed a Diet Coke at the swim up bar. The seats and lounges were nicer and people were reading books. One stupid lady was reading her Kindle in the pool. Sorry if you read your Kindle in a pool...you are an idiot.
H) They are always playing movies at the big screen pool at the pools for kids.

I) Endless amounts of Diet Coke and Soft Ice Cream cones can be consumed on the ship.

J) The decor in all the dining rooms is wonderful. I especially loved the Garden (ish) Alice in Wonderland themed dining room is my favorite. It was where we had our first meal on the first cruise. On our trip we were able to visit each dining room twice. The second evening in the animators dining room you can draw pictures and they come to life on the screen.

K) The ship isn't super Disney. It is certainly not Disneyland on water. You will not see any characters in your bedroom with the exception of a little Mickey Mouse.

L) I had 1 1/2 alcoholic drinks. I do not like to drink. They were however reasonably priced.
M) Everyone is friendly, clean cut, and smiles...there are very few Americans on staff. It's just nice to spend time on a ship where everyone comes from a different country. Mostly people from Indonesia, Serbia and South Africa.
N) I visited the doctor on the ship and she was very helpful and was able to provide me with the medicine I needed to cure what was going on with me.

O) Castaway Cay was warm, the weather was perfect, we rented bikes and snorkel equipment. We found a good spot on the beach and I even got a little color on my face.

My Negatives:
A) 7 days is WAY WAY WAY to long for me to be on a cruise ship. I like meeting people....this never happened..people stay to themselves.

B) Despite the fact it was the holidays there were people that were extremely rude. I don't know if it was because they were wealthy or felt they deserved extra special treatment, but even on Christmas Day...some guy was rude to my mother. I honestly wanted to RIP HIS HEAD OFF...but um ...I  was surrounded by kids. So I refrained from such behavior.
 
C) They have different levels. For our first cruise our lanyard was blue, this cruise it was silver, then there is gold, platinum etc. So, pretty much you know what people on your ship belong to the Disney Cruise Club and which ones have been on more than 10 cruises. People also leave stuff on their doors. So, you know they have been there more than once. Always a fun reminder " YOU ARE POOR". Yes, I LOVE BEING POOR !!!!
D) You can't pay for weather. The first few days on the ship were cold and windy. We spend all of our time inside. The kids only used the pool three times and the water slide twice.

E) Tortola would have been pretty had the weather not been over cast and raining. It's not a family friendly island. They are not know for their beaches but sailing. So, it was blah. Not only that, but the shopping wasn't that great either. They are new to cruise ships, so it was the very first time for Disney. Apparently, the President of Disney Ships was on our boat. So, it was sort of an exciting thing, but Tortola is going to take time to make it more exciting destination.

F) St. Thomas was absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately this is when I had to go to the doctor. So our trip was brief and ...the down town area is all jewelry shops. I am not into jewelry..no desire to own anything expensive, So, if we had planned an excursion it would have been better. I want to go back without being on a cruise ship so I can enjoy it for a few days and not just a few hours.

G) DO NOT EAT THE DOUGHNUTS, I REPEAT, DO NOT EAT THE DOUGHNUTS

Yeah, that was it as far as things that really bugged me. My kids spent far to much time watching Disney movies in our cabin. Not enough R&R and I think next time it will be shorter and I will bring my sisters family along...because there is non stop laughing..and I am all about laughing :)