The Firehouse Project

I was just sitting here thinking how fortunate I've been always having something to do that brings me joy. Of course I would love to have that occupy my prime time slot but thank goodness I can look forward to it daily. The past six months have been especially rewarding as they have consisted of projects for the wallpaper company I now work for on a freelance basis. Each project has been more exciting than the next. My current project is complicated and extensive but all I have to do is look over at my drafting table and I get a rush. See, I'm so easy to entertain! It is a project that will be a dynamic addition to my portfolio. It consists of eight different papers for one room and is breathtaking. It is from a firehouse in Colorado that was built in the 1880's. It's amazing how an embellished design such as this was considered for a functionally intended space . There was such pride in anything built in those days. It didn't matter if it's use was utilitarian. Perhaps they took into consideration the amount of time their firemen spent there and aesthetics were a primary factor. I would think in those days there were men that called it home. I think it's wonderful that the importance of maintaining such jewels is recognized today. I actually feel honored to have a hand in this historical venture. The paper is Anglo Japanese. It has an Arts and Crafts feel and despite the imagery ( birds and flowers ) having a Japanese slant it feels very American. The colors are rich and subtle - gold, oxblood, army green, plum, taupe and putty are the primary colors. What a wonderful experience it would be to visit this firehouse when the restoration is complete!

I'm Going To Blame it on Walgreens

Now that I'm committed to this trip there are some details I must tend to; one of which is updating my passport. I remember when I got that passport 14 years ago. I was so unhappy with my picture but too embarrassed to ask for a reshoot. It's not a document I need to use on a daily basis by any means but just knowing it existed bugged me. I haven't needed my passport in some time but now that it needs to be renewed I pulled it out of my file and filled out the proper forms for updating it by mail. I looked at the photo again and now I wish I could keep that one. Why was I so unhappy with it? It was decent enough. Who knows what my next one will look like. When I was filling out the form all the basic questions regarding my physical self needed updating. Not much has changed; still the same height and weight, eye color still brown, but wait... hair color. There aren't enough choices. No pun intended but there's no gray area here. Where's the distinguished salt and pepper option? Just gray? Just brown? Can't check brown so I have to go with gray. A stunning reality for me. Can't I check the "formerly brown but currently sprinkled" category? Well, I want to expedite all of this, so time for a picture. No time for glamour shots so I'll go to the convenient Walgreens across the street . It should only take a few minutes and I'm back at work. I walk in, request a passport photo and am escorted to the crackers and day old banana aisle where they have a well hidden pull down screen. There's nothing like preparing for a photo when you've got a line of people waiting to make their purchases wondering what the hell you're doing and scrutinizing your facial pose. I could feel my lips quivering in an attempt to smile but it was more like a grimace. Why did I think I'd look decent at 8:00 a.m.? In 10 seconds my pictures were taken. More time is taken capturing the image of dental floss for their weekly ad. I need two pictures to mail and two were taken; no more, no less. Oh boy! I get to choose from the "puffy face - eyes partially closed and skin bleached out by the flash" or "puffy face lip stuck on my tooth and bulbous nose due to the angle" shot. No, wait. I have to mail them both. I'm sure the very thoughtful recipient of those photos at the passport office will take much time deliberating on which to use. "Now, let's see...I know this means a lot to Todd so what's his best side?" I hope all the passport checkers in the countries I visit will be doing a double take once they see my passport in utter disbelief that this handsome creature could be so unphotogenic. Perhaps I'll look the other way when I hand it to them.

Have Some Faith

Wow...that's a big one. Having faith. It's hard for me to trust my judgement sometimes. I have a history of believing in myself and taking a risk and having it bite me in the butt later. I've become risk shy and so conservative when it comes to making a change or taking a chance. Where has that gotten me? Well, no steps back but not many forward, either. Is that really a life worth living? Well, After much deliberation Mark and I have signed on to participate in what I think is a once in a lifetime event. We've been invited to join a group of substantial size that will be embarking on an amazing journey. In the twenties, an opera was performed in Monaco and then went on a brief tour. It has not been performed since. A few members of this group thought it would be wonderful to recreate the opera and have a single performance where it was originally performed. Those involved in bringing it back to life have been working on it for two years and are now in rehearsal. Mark and I have agreed to assist in the making of the headdresses that coordinate with the costumes that are being created. The trip even without the opera element is something I've dreamed about. We start by flying into Rome, spend the night and take a shuttle the next day for a two hour ride to a fortressed village called Gargonza which is near Monte San Savino in Tuscany. We will spend four days there, culminating in a dress rehearsal performed at the local opera house. This location is the only place that has ever been revisited by this group and the hosts will be entertaining us. I believe the mayor of the town is throwing us a party as well. When we leave Gargonza we then board the Windstar, a sailing vessel that this group has taken over and booked an amazing all-inclusive package. We will visit both the Italian and French Rivieras where we end up in Monte Carlo and spend two nights; one of which will be the performance. There will then be a post performance party for us. Mark and I have been to Monaco and we have very special memories so it will be amazing to be back.
When we were first invited we couldn't believe our eyes when we scanned the itinery. It ws quickly tempered with the reality of today's economy and my unsettled position at the store. Many layoffs were brewing and I couldn't commit to a trip of this magnitude without the assurance that I will continue to be employed. So far, so good. I'm leaving it up to the Gods once again, abandoning my fear and my tendency to crave the safe place. I have a substancial list of regrets and I may be adding to that list soon but one thing I won't be doing is vicariously experiencing this trip. Bonvoyage, sideliner!