studio show at Eastworks

I just posted over at Sound Check about an in-studio I had the chance to attend this past Monday night.

My week off

People were asking me all week what I was doing during my week off.

On Monday it was about 60 degrees in the shade. I scraped and painted the floor of our front porch. Our doorway is on the right (the one with the cute home plate mat — which was an engagement gift from Jennifer Myszkowski. We also got a cute new floor mat for our wedding from Alyson and Bill. It has monkeys on it. We are saving that one for when this one wears out. But, enough about the doormats). One of our tenants gave me the news that it was going to rain that night, so I only got to put one coat of paint on the floor. When the weather gets warmer again, we plan to do more painting on the porch.

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miles the cat. he is not fat.

Along with our new computer we got a new printer/scanner combination thingy. So I’ve been scanning in photos. My most recent scan is this photo of Miles as a kitteh.

He was born in October 2002 in Springfield and spent his formative months in my apartment in Amherst. Here is what he looks like now.

Over the weekend, we did a Miles photo shoot for a Fat Cat Flickr Off. Miles did not win on account of his fat-concealing fur, but look at the competition. He’s really more big-boned than anything.

i can explain

It was suggested by one wise man that I should probably try to be a little less cryptic in my blog regarding some changes happening in my life.

Since I got married I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about life and what I want to be doing whilst living it. I remember when I was in college, a friend read my palm and told me that my lifeline drew its path through many different vocations — that I’d have many different careers in my life.

That’s always stuck with me.

More and more over the summer, circumstances and events were telling me that it’s time to try something new. An opportunity came about through a good friend at a small, successful children’s book publisher. The prospect of being able to switch to a whole different environment — the company is in Amherst and I currently work in Springfield — and to be able to learn a whole new way of doing business was exciting to me. I enjoy challenges and I enjoy learning new things.

I am going to be working as an editor, keeping the production of books on the right path. I’ll also be helping the company move into doing more multimedia.  I have a lot to learn about print media. I know a lot has changed since I was in college.

It’s always difficult to leave a job, but I didn’t know how hard it would be to leave a job where I love the work and the people so much.

Of course, MassLive.com is also where I met my husband and he will still be working in this office in his position with Advance Internet after I am gone. I’ll miss our lunches and carpooling. I’ll miss running errands and going to the grocery store. These have been mid-day rendezvous not afforded to most married couples.

changes

well, rumor mill, whoever and wherever you are.

Yes, I’m leaving my current job as of this Friday and it’s with a very heavy heart. I’m moving onto a publishing job, also in the valley. I’m not moving or anything.

Harrisburg got it right

The riverfront area in Downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, boasts several paths for walking and biking, lovely views of the river on one side and classic architecture on the other side. There is also an island with other outdoor activities available. You get to the island via a footbridge. I wish all cities with rivers were like this. I’m looking at you, Springfield.

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dillweedz in springfield, mass.

On Friday, Matthew and I went to check out a new lunch place in downtown Springfield. It’s in the spot where the Main Street Frigo Foods used to be.  We had low expectations, considering the name of the place. Yes, it’s Dillweedz. We were pleasantly surprised by the sandwiches and pleased by the portions. Thumbs up. I really wish they’d change their name or explain its significance, though.

I enoyed the decor, from the shiny, dark hardwood floors to the brightly painted green walls. Floors not pictured.

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quebec city

Matthew and I took a much-needed mini-honeymoon to Quebec City last weekend. All of my photos, which are being continuously added by a handful each day — are available at flickr. We also took a bunch of flip videos, which are currently available on facebook only, but I’m going to maybe add them to flickr at some point. I have a ton of those, but have only uploaded two so far. The sucky thing about Flip Cams is that you can only use the internal editing software on a PC. And our PC at home is pretty crappy at this point (sorry Matt). If I have more time or inclination, I’ll take to editing the raw files on the Mac. Not sure it’s worth it, but you know, we’ll see.

Tony’s story

My friend Tony experienced something quite shocking in the city of Holyoke a few weeks ago. When I first heard the story, I was, quite honestly, in disbelief. It wasn’t until yesterday when he sent me this testimony that I was able to see the horrifying event unfold. Many of you who read this blog also know Tony so I thought you should read this.

Here is, in his words, what happened.

My name is Anthony Jones. I am a 29 year-old college educated, professional African-American male who resides in Northampton, MA. I am writing to discuss a complaint against a public establishment in Holyoke named The Clover, as well as against the Holyoke Police Department.

Recently, my partner and I were out for the evening when we decided to go to The Clover Pub in Holyoke for a couple drinks. As we thought this establishment to be friendly enough (as it is in gay marriage friendly Massachusetts), my partner and I kissed one another on the lips. We were told that this behavior was “unacceptable” in this bar. We were told to stop. As I believe I have the right to kiss anyone I want, I asked why we were being asked to stop kissing. We were told that this bar was not “that kind of place.” I explained that what we were doing was not inappropriate. My partner and I were asked to leave. I said I would not leave the bar because I kissed my boyfriend and because we did nothing wrong.
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The Big E

More photos from the Big E here!