Wednesday, July 31, 2013

New role, new schedule

Fine company indeed! The lovely Miss Arrietty G. Teaspoon
is my constant and affectionate companion.
Dear friends,

My excuse? Sunny days, dusty hides, tender grasses, and the pleasure of fine company. It's hard to blog in these lazy days of summer.

FarmWife's excuse? She's been busy settling into a really exciting new position as Communications Manager for the Whidbey Institute, a Clinton, Washington-based organization which works in the three areas of leadership transformation, community vitality, and sustainable action. The half-time position compliments her work at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, where she is continuing, and gives her a sense of balance in her work with animals, people, and the earth.

We have a new schedule, and it's a far sight more predictable than the one we had before. It includes blogging time. You will hear from me again soon.

Ears,
FenBar

Mama, why are you so boring?

Robin: "Mama, why are you so boring?"

Mama: "Because I have a lot of jobs."

I'm writing this morning to share the very happy news that I am transitioning into the Communications Manager role at Whidbey Institute, a South Whidbey organization dedicated to work in leadership transformation, sustainable action, and community vitalization. After my first day on the job I can say with utter conviction that the people, place, and work are inspiring and beautiful.

I'm continuing in my half-time role at the Humane Society of Skagit Valley as Webmaster/Publications Editor, but stepping back from my broad role at the Timber Framers Guild (though I will continue as their newsletter layout editor for the immediate future, as it's work I very much enjoy). I am officially closing my poetry order form and getting out of the freelancing business. Robin, that should make me a little less boring! Just give me a week or two to tie up loose ends and then you'll have your fun and flexible mama back. I promise.

This is a very exciting change. Wish me luck!



Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Well, we made it

"I'll tell you where to stick your
'no white after Labor Day' rule!"
—Missy, Empress of All the Light Touches
Whatever it is that compels you human Americans to celebrate freedom by recreating the terror of war in your own backyards each July 4th evades my understanding. I, Fenway Bartholomule, am an unflappable mule (except when visited upon by an Avenging Phantom Line from Beyond or a Place where One is Taken to Die) and was therefore unfazed by the sounds, smells, and sights of your explosive festivities, but poor FarmWife spent the evening holding her trembling chihuahua and experiencing strong feelings of resentment. FarmWife associates July 4th with bad things: the memory of her childhood dog Brumby, for instance, running away and being hit by a car (he suffered a collapsed lung, but survived). 

Luckily, Labor Day is coming! I think that's when the working people of the world celebrate their hard work by not working. Oh, and not wearing white dresses and open-toed shoes together. Or something like that.

Ears,
FenBar

Thursday, July 4, 2013

What semi-retirement looks like

Semi-retirement means carrying medium-sized children . . .

And semi-retirement means carrying little children . . . 

And semi-retirement means carrying great big children
who are hardly even children anymore . . . 

And semi-retirement means lots of hugs.
I can go with that.