Old Friends, New Memories

Old friends ... new memories ... PRICELESS!

The Bling Has Begun!

We're getting ready for DANCE NATIONALS! Even though the spring and summer have been a whirlwind already, the excitement has broken through ... along with the sequins (photo from her new beanie)!  Miss M is SO excited.  Our list is still long for the day, but now it's becoming fun.  Before long, we'll have a trunk full of dance things and bling for her, work things and cameras for me, with paint and glitter adorning the windows!

Stars and Stripes (and SWIRLS)

This year, our celebration involved children ... always a treat!  For the past few summers, my kids have been in Ohio on visitation.  Even though J is grown and living there now (and couldn't come here), M had to return for dance nationals and her dad was no longer able to attend, so she was flown in a day early.  She was just in time to be part of a birthday party for Uncle J and Miss P.  We even had a delightful accompaniment to fireworks on bongo drums!

Juliette Low Birthplace

DSC01983, a photo by IndigoBleuePhoto on Flickr.

Miss M's troop had their first "BIG" trip ... to Savannah, GA to see the birthplace of the founder of Girl Scouts: Juliette Gordon Low (aka "Daisy").

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

Miss M's Girl Scout troop bridged at a very special place today ... the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, GA. For those of you not in the Girl Scout realm, Juliette Low is the founder of Girl Scouting. So, we did a quick bridging ceremony in the garden and they "flew up" from Girl Scout Juniors to Girl Scout Cadettes!

Leaping Lizards!

OK - not lizards - but one fancy little dancer in her first pointe solo (a modified version of her competition piece).  This one shared with her school during the 5th grade talent show.  She was one of 60 auditions, and won a spot to perform for her peers.  It was WONDERFUL!  So glad I caught one of her full split leaps.

Pride and Joy

The last time I sat in on my daughter's classes (last fall), her pointe shoes were new and barely scuffed.  They have now become proudly well-worn.  I hear complaints after class when toes hurt, but it is evidently worth it.  Every other story is sheer bliss.  She is joyfully counting down the days to her recital May 21 ... MAY 21 ... MAY 21!

Horizon (for Poetry Month)

Wind swept hill
Dust at my back
Horizon beckons to follow the sun

Desperately Seeking Thirsty

Aching For Change ...

Aching for growth, for change, for direction, for peace.  There's a sun that shines ... and it shines on all ... I'm aching to stop running to and fro and soak it in somehow.

I'm In The Credits!

This is the credits page in the 3DiCD virtual artwork for the launch of Imogen Heap's new project. Can you see my name? YAY!!!

Welcome In A Heartbeat

WOW! Now this isn't final artwork, but as of right now, my image is on the first page of Imogen Heap's new song!  The lyrics say "Welcome in a heartbeat ..." Part of Imogen's inspiration was the birth of her niece (her heartbeat is used in the song) coinciding with the birth of this project.  She became an aunt.  And I became a grandmother (2 days ago)!  So those lines almost give me the shivers, but in a very good way.  I hope this image stays!

Aiden Christopher Leitnick

March 23, 2011 at 5:56 p.m., little Aiden Christopher Leitnick showed up 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 inches long ... bringing a whole new generation to the family!  Madison is SO excited to be an aunt.  When she heard the news, there were screams of delight.  We were anxiously awaiting photos ... and even though I promised I'd check first thing in the morning, she is the one who knocked on my door to show me the photo (I don't know HOW she woke up so early).  This GRANDMOTHER thing has had its first moments of reality.  Funny how Jeremy's call saying that Sarah was in labor just flipped some kind of switch!  It's quite an amazing time.

Even more Imogen Heap Excitement!

This screen shot of the video concept has me wondering if that just might be my sunflower video projected on her back!  MAYBE!!!  I was catching up on the video blog tonight and in addition to this, there were some MORE specific photo mentions!!!  Imogen was sharing some of her personal favorites, and the second mentioned was one of my dirty rusty things, the third was of my "teal" dirty rusty things.

I'm beginning to think/hope that I might have a chance at being one of those invited to Imogen Heap's house on Monday!  I wonder if I could/should consider going as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity (should it happen, of course).  Hmmmmmm.

Here's the link to the video blog.  You can look for the following things in the timeline:
11:10 - "Somebody's Sunflower" projected on her back ... maybe mine????
26:30 - my photos of "dirty rusty things"
26:52 - bicycle things - not specific, but two of mine are bicycle images!
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13496853

By the way, her sketch of the video concept will be going on ebay with the $$ being donated and the person winning the sketch also being invited to attend Monday.

Imogen Heap Excitement ... UPDATE!

This is page one of the favorite images for Imogen Heap's new album project starting with "heapsong1" (and I LOVE the concept - everything released electronically as the songs are created) ... and 8 of my images are in it! WOW! I don't know if what I've done will make it to the final project, but I'm QUITE thrilled as is.  I'm trying not to geek out but I guess a blog post makes me guilty (blush).  IT'S JUST SO EXCITING!

Imogen Heap EXCITEMENT!

So ... I'm working along at the computer, listening to Imogen Heap's live video blog.  She shares about the song, where it's at, plays a bit (I'm loving it all), and then she and Andy Carne (I think) talk a bit about the images being shared.  I hear her mention spokes, he mentions "IndigoBleue" (GASP! ME!), and she talks a bit about liking the concept and how seeing things close up can convey such a depth and width of meaning.

I had to go back later to actually see the footage since I was working on something else ... and they showed my picture on the air!  How cool is that?  My photo ... and Imogen Heap right there.  For family and friends interested in seeing the little segment, here's the link (it happens at the 30 minute mark):  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/13359689

Glad I got up the courage to go find a bike shop and ask if I could take some photos!

My Morning Word Cloud (join in!)

Before I dive in to editing words (voice overs for a work project), I'm sharing my favorite words on Imogen Heap's word cloud for her new music project.  This is what is present at the moment.  In light of what we are witnessing in Japan, it is a tender and powerful moment to see such things as "wave" and "hope" coming to the forefront.

For my creative friends who might want to participate ... this is your week!  The word cloud is only for today. But there is something different each day.  This is Imogen's "keyboard" - just click for more! And if you want to follow along in other ways, here's where to find Imogen.

TWITTER.com/imogenheap
FACEBOOK.com/imogenheap
USTREAM.tv/user/imogenheap
SOUNDCLOUD.com/imogenheap

Bits of Light

Today marks a point in time where I'm going to set out to make things right ... one little bit at a time.  Certainly God has been good to me in my circumstances, but I'm pretty sure I'm just sliding along on His grace.  My postponed hopes often flicker and fade just out of reach.  But I'm going to try and make more decisions in the present ... things based on now ... things I can actually change or do.  Maybe it will illuminate the myriad of possibilities I know are there.

HOPE (Jeremiah 29)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b]

[b] Jeremiah 29:14 Or will restore your fortunes

Joy of Dance and Life

There are times I forget how young my daughter is ... especially when I put it in context of my own youth. Fifth grade. I think I sang a song from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar (with sign language, of course, my nearly trademarked choice of communication that always seemed to so easily fit with song) at a reunion of some sort in North Dakota. WAIT! It had to be later ... we were living on the farm, and I think I went to study some sign language with my former teacher out there somewhere (I'll have to ask on Facebook).

Well, if I was older ... then I'm not sure I had any kind of solo experience (except that of piano recitals, I guess ... but it was an expected end to a year of lessons, not really a performance in my mind).

I did two dance solos, both in my early twenties. She has technically done 4 dance solos by age eleven. I know there are other girls who have grown up performing and one would think they were born on stage. But I guess I'm finding myself realizing how proud I can be when she is brave enough to try something like this. She didn't start when all the other girls did. The timing of divorce and additional financial challenges limited the exposure my kids had to extracurricular opportunities.

Once in Oklahoma, I was able to start making one or two things available to my kids. At first, she chose baseball like her brother. The pink batting helmet in a sea of boys got her in the newspaper, but not into the big leagues. She found she didn't really enjoy the game, and wasn't too sure about the boys (though they were VERY sweet and didn't bat an eye to having a girl on their team) as they were just ... well ... boys.

Once she was in dance, it fit. Teachers would ask where she had danced before (she hadn't), and each year she would be advanced more than her experience suggested. So while she is still a novice in this area, she LOVES it and is doing well. And seeing her face BEAM for hours and watching her personality soften and expand in the light of feeling so amazing, I am not only proud but encouraged. Maybe she is finding her place early in life?

I find myself struggling with that from time to time as an adult. Even today, I asked myself what I wanted out of life. I answered myself aloud as honestly as I could. "I want someone to tell me what I want to do. I want it to click. I want it to give me energy. And I want to do it." (Yes, it's a little pathetic that I need someone to tell me. I think it's sheer exhaustion speaking. As soon as I said the words, I felt like inside I already know - it's just either getting quiet enough or brave enough to hear it.)

My hope for her? That she follows her heart fully ... and I guess that's my hope for every person. But that's not always a good thing, depending on the heart! So maybe I should say it more accurately. My hope is that she has her heart in a good place and follows it fully.

Suburban Sleigh Ride

Oh, how deep the snow!

I have more "fun" photos to share when I have some time ... but I wanted to show everyone how much snow is in our back yard in OKLAHOMA! I think I heard the official measurement from the airport was 16" of snow. I don't think we'll be going anywhere for a while. Get this - they're not even printing the Tulsa World newspaper for the rest of the week! Of course, it will be online. And since we have power and computers and such, I'm still working away from home. But I had to at least share one photo from yesterday morning!

Forgetting Coffee ... and Remembering Italy

I tried to enjoy a cup of coffee this morning. I think it took me 2 hours to finish. I'm the most distractable person sometimes! With the schools closed for winter weather and a 2-hour delay at the office, I was determined (or so I thought) to take a personal moment ... coffee and a notebook.

Personal moments = quiet time to remember other things I meant to do already.

Of course, I don't want to forget those things. I pop up and go take care of this little thing ... and then that little thing ... oh, and then the other thing. And it all leads to one much bigger thing. Good thing I don't need hot coffee (mine tends to turn into "frapuccino" most days). I still have my craving for personal time, but now I realize I have to HURRY to get to work. *SIGH*

Sometimes I think I absolutely have to travel in order to disconnect and unwind a bit (and even then, it's a challenge). I wanted an Italy coffee moment this morning. This photo is about as close as I got!

Girl Scouts ... Not Just For Girls

I remember walking into a room full of incarcerated women all waiting for a very non-traditional Girl Scout troop meeting. Hidden behind the crowd of children were two - a brother and sister - there for the first time. The room quickly filled with chatter and hugs, but one moment stood out above the rest. It happened so quickly, I don't remember who saw whom first, but they ran toward one another and the room opened to give them their moment. Hearing the emotion-filled, stabbing cries of a mother mingled with those of her children as they embrace for the first time in years is ... well ... for lack of a better word, it is profound. A Girl Scout, a "tagalong" brother, an incarcerated mother all joined together, now working together toward hope. This is one of the faces of Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouting truly goes far beyond the young girls. I've been thinking about how many connections a girl has in her life ... and they are significant. Imaging if you could inject courage, confidence and character into each of those relationships. How does that affect her mother? Her brother? Her schoolmates? Her teachers? Her mentors? Her future?

I remember interviewing a volunteer who works for her local school district. She shared stories that spanned from Girl Scouting to the schoolyard. I laughed and cried right along with her as she shared moments that changed girls, parents, teachers, volunteers and her. I was humbled by the increasing ripples of impact I heard just through one voice.

I remember being introduced to a woman who said that Girl Scouting was just as much for her as it was for her daughter. The same courage, confidence and character that were being built in the girls was also growing in her. She was able to free herself from abuse and finally see that she, too, had a wonderful and hopeful life ahead of her.

I remember hearing about the adventures of a Girl Scout with disabilities and her troop as they were learning to rappel ... and once again laughed and cried through the trials and triumphs expressed. And I was so thankful for the man (one of our outdoor trainers) who encouraged, empowered and guided this young girl down the rock. Ask him, his wife, or his dedicated family (their daughters are also volunteer leaders) about Girl Scouts and they'll share stories that span generations and build families.

I remember reading a thank you note from a volunteer who never expected to use her first aid training to save her own son. And to the schoolmates of the two Girl Scouts I know who have literally saved lives because of what they learned in their troop? I can barely find words. The impact is eternally priceless.

And even I, being on the lowest scale as I simply hear these stories from the outside, am changed for the better. Imagine how making a difference in our youth could impact the world!

The Beauty of Balance

There is symmetry and beauty in many things. While the play of intricate detail all balanced one with another is remarkable ... I'm also discovering it's largely decorative.  BALANCE.  It always seems so exact.

So I'm thinking about balance in life, which is everything but exact or equal!  Balance is something I hear will save my work-a-holic soul, but I just can't figure out how to get there.  Until yesterday, my vision was one of the scale with two arms that balances everything equally.  I am not a rigid or even a very disciplined person, though I do have a desire for equality.  But I could drive myself mad in trying to achieve it.

Yesterday I was thinking about a number of things ... I started imagining the circus performer who balances a myriad of objects while on top of something ridiculous - like a unicicle or a ball - and it takes a great deal of constant motion to keep everything from toppling.  Now that's more like life.

Then I imagined the ecosystems of nature, how they maintain their own balance ... but it doesn't mean exact or equal, either.  There are seasons. There are storms. And yet, there is somehow a harmonious balance that exists and sustains the life within.

So my new thought is that there can be a great elastisicity to true balance.  This is my new picture of balance, and it's one I might be able to embrace!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Before I do anything else today (and the opportunities are HUGE as I have the day off and at least a dozen projects in flux) ... I want to be sure I publicly wish my mom a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I just happened to ask if there were plans for celebrating her birthday, thinking that I'd probably be able to make time to crash the event with some other Tulsa relatives, and was surprised to find that having special birthday dinners with my step-dad was more of the default and not the actual plan. And it hit me. She's a mom! Moms do everything for others ... They work to make the world go 'round and it doesn't always come back to them. (I'm learning.)

So this weekend, even though time is tight, we had enough to meet partway for a special birthday lunch in Independence, KS at an Italian restaurant Bella Vita. We arranged a special birthday surprise ... didn't they do a nice job? Of course, we also did our traditional birthday blessing (each of us wrote down how she has blessed us and reads it in the group as a way of honoring her), which I can never do without tears. But I get more teary-eyed thinking that we haven't done this for my mom enough!!!

So, Mom, I hope this year is one of the best ever for you. You deserve it! I won't get all mushy-gushy online ... just know you're loved!

Mini Me

Junior Achievement BizTown is something all 5th Graders get to do here ... and it's pretty awesome!  They run a miniature town for a day.  Usually I'm the one with a camera in my hands, but look at my little one! She's the BizTown Tulsa World Photographer.  They actually create and publish a little newspaper for the day.  How cool is that?

Sky Dreaming

We had an amazing opportunity to watch an eclipse.  Like most nights, I was pretty worn out.  I almost felt obligated to get out my camera, snap a few photos - just to say I did - and then go to bed.  I half-heartedly go outside with one of my cameras ... of course, it's the moon, and it's challenging (for me) to get an image I like.  That's all it took to get the juices going.  It was no longer sufficient to snap a few photos.

Suddenly, it seemed like the best idea in the world to camp out (in December) and watch the whole thing.  I dragged out all my gear and before long, I had a VERY comfy bed set up under the stars.  I was plugged in to chargers and had a few camera options on deck (you never know how quickly batteries will drain in cold weather).  Eventually, I got pretty cold, but there was no way I would go in and miss anything!  Once the real me kicks in, I just keep going and going.  My parents tell me I was like this from birth: if I could find something to be excited about (and I usually could) I'd stay up all night if possible.

And this night was pretty special.  Not only did I have the challenge of photographing something unusual, but I had hours and hours to look at the sky and dream.  I don't think I've done that in a very long time.

The lesson for me?  I could have had a normal, tired-out, run-of-the-mill night.  If I didn't take those few steps outside my door, I would have missed something amazing.  It was literally a handful of steps standing between me and a lifetime moment.  This time I can say I have no regrets!

My Daughter, The Butterfly

I am a proud mom! This year has been extra-special because it was her first duet and part of a scene in which two of her dance studio friends were also performing ... so the rehearsal days have flown (literally!) as have the performances.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Our video card to you ... enjoy!

Madison's Dancing Christmas Card from Ingrid Williams on Vimeo.
Especially for family, this "video card" is Madison's way of saying Merry Christmas and sharing the holiday with everyone (Daisy got in on the dancing a bit, too). We hope the season is certainly merry and bright with all the blessings one could hope to give and enjoy. When this is posted on the family and friends blog, we'll give a quick life update, too. MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

Lately, I feel like Daisy ...

This is Daisy. Daisy is lazy ... or at least VERY comfortable most of the time. We laugh because it's either this soft-throned queen napping or a vigilant pursuit of whatever she feels needs her attention to make things right. There's no middle ground. When she's in her comfort zone, she doesn't want to leave. When she's told it's time to go outside, she usually does so reluctantly. And if there's nothing to hold her attention, she's back at the door ready for her cushion again. If there is something to hold her attention, she goes overboard and once again, she has to be instructed (and sometimes forced) to go back inside. 

She really isn't interested in doing much of anything others think up for her.  She thinks too much.  She evaluates everything.  And she is already well aware that there is much to monitor ... and acts like she's the only one monitoring it.  (And I'll let you in on a secret.  She kind of is - no one would care if she didn't!)

Daisy has a dead-pan expression that can't quite imitate a smile. And even when she wants attention, it's a flat and authoritative grabbing paw that finds your arm or knee. "It's time for love," she paws. "It's time for love now."

I have to admit, I can find myself feeling that way sometimes. I'm going through my day doing things because I know they should be done. I can never get out the door of my own doing ... always being dragged by a schedule or a prompt or a pressure. When there's a moment to breathe, I can't seem to do anything. And if there is something that pulls me enough to snap me into focus, it will be hard to get me out! My furrowed brow is and indication of my consuming intent to finish or pursue something.

So when I realize this, I feel alone.

Like Daisy, I paw at myself with a monotone, you-know-you-need-to-do-this voice, "It's time for ________." What do I do? I don't have the luxury of someone at hand who takes care of everything in my world, sitting nearby ready to pour on the love. And I don't want to depend on anyone else for it, either. I want to stir it up myself.

"It's time for love."
"It's time for joy."
"It's time for peace."
"It's time for creativity."

Nothing.

I can't seem to summon the those things on my own lately. I'm just flat worn out.

P.S. Hank, on the other hand, is our happy-go-lucky lab. He's along for the ride and will turn with the tide. He, too, has a flop mode but his intensity isn't vigilance - it's usually playful and expressive. And if he exhausts himself with anything, it's with excitement over something - a toy, a person, another dog, FOOD. He begins to perk up when he hears, "Do you want to ...," in anticipation of "... go outside?" And bursts into action.

I wish I were more like Hank.