"May No Act of Ours Bring Shame...

...to one heart that loves thy name,

May our lives but swell thy fame.

Dear old State, dear old State."

--Penn State Alma Mater

"Sundown on a Legend"

Beaver Stadium

University Park, PA

"May No Act of Ours' Bring Shame"

State College, PA

(the town mural of notable Penn Stater's, where former coach Jerry Sandusky has been painted over and replaced by a blue ribbon, the symbol of child abuse awareness)

If EVER there was an "Out of the Blue",  it hit with full force this past week in Happy Valley and reverberated around the world.  It drove home the fact that character is much easier to maintain, than to recover.  

Some background for those who don't know me well...I am Penn State.  I met my Better Half while a sophomore in Happy Valley.  The Better Half wrestled for the Blue and White. My two sisters followed at Penn State.  Thing #1 was brought home from the hospital proudly donning a Penn State one-sie.  Things #1, #2 and #3 have all gone out for Halloween as Joe Paterno, a Penn State cheerleader, and the Nittany Lion respectively.  Thing #1 was captain of the Penn State baseball team and MVP for two years.  Thing #2 was a Schreyer's Honor College student at Penn State.  Thing #3 has been told she doesn't HAVE to go to Penn State BUT....we shall see.  We are football season ticket holders and have a second home in Happy Valley.  We ARE Penn State.  Which makes this a difficult post to write.

I am use to seeing Penn State in the National spotlight.  We are a "Public Ivy".  We have the the world's largest student run philanthropic organization, THON.  We have one of the largest alumni associations in the world.  And we have football and Joe Paterno. Now we have scandal, shame and extreme sadness for the victims...and that a blind eye was cast by so many, for so long.  The world was looking at Penn State this past week, and will continue to do so.  We are now defined by one horrible and indefensible action...that of doing NOTHING.

"The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology"

 -- Red Auerbach

To add insult to injury,  Penn State continued to be negatively defined by the actions of 2,000 (out of 55,000) students who's rioting in support of the firing of football coach Joe Paterno, was broadcast not only nationally....but internationally.  I was embarrassed and appalled by their actions.  They did not speak for me, or for any other Penn Stater I know.  Therefore, when the Nebraska Cornhuskers came to town this weekend, for the first football game in over 61 years at Penn State WITHOUT Joe Paterno on the sidelines...the presence of security was everywhere.

Many only know Joe Paterno as a football coach.  But to Penn Staters, he is so much more. Not only has he put Penn State on the map as a football powerhouse, he has helped put the university on the map as an academic powerhouse too.  Millions of dollars have been donated by Joepa to both the university and the town.  Joepa lives right off the north end of campus, in the same small home he and Sue Paterno raised their family in.  You can often see him walking in town and to the creamery for an ice cream (yep, they named a flavor after him "Peachy Paterno"..their biggest seller).  He is one of "us".  Which is why the news that altho Joepa did react correctly "legally" in responding to allegations that atrocities towards children were occurring by Mr. Sandusky within the the walls of his football program...it wasn't enough.  We expect more from our icons and legends.  Heck, we expect more from everyday citizens.  Passing the buck, putting one's head in the sand, turning a blind's eye...whatever you want to call it...it just simply was not enough and children suffered when they didn't have to.

So much sadness to go around.  So much poor handling of horrible situations, all around.  Heads have rolled, legends have tumbled, and the major perpetrator JERRY SANDUSKY has largely been forgotten, for the present time being, as the focus has fallen upon Joe Paterno and the Penn State football program.  So perhaps it is fitting that the healing begins with the football program.  Which is exactly what happened on Saturday when the Penn State Nittany  Lions met the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium.  No Joe Paterno within the walls of the house he built.  His first row bus seat remained empty as the players' buses rolled towards the stadium.  Traditionally, the Nittany Lions are lead out onto the field in a run from the tunnels by Joepa himself.  What would happen on Saturday?  Should it even matter?  

Sometimes the thoughtless actions of young and old are brought into clearer focus by the simple action of another. No exuberant explosion onto the field this Saturday.  But a group of young men who slowly walked arm and arm in solidarity, lead by no one but themselves. 

And then the Nebraska Cornhuskers walked from their sideline to extend a hand to their opponents and counterparts at center field.  It was the simplest yet most profound gesture of community I had witnessed in a long time.  Together they knelt at the 50 yard line for prayer,  and the 100,000+ in the stands grew silent.  So silent you could literally hear the proverbial pin drop in Beaver Stadium.  Whether you believe in God or not, there was a presence greater than all of us in the stadium at that moment.  

And who would have thought on that Saturday afternoon, perhaps some healing had begun and we were defined by something grander and greater than football and scandal...and it came, out of the blue.

For the Glory, For the Kids...

--Kathy

I came upon a Summer's Day, in November...

...while strolling along an Autumn leaf laden path that crunched as I tread.  It's a strange feeling to happen upon a swimming hole complete with swinging rope when it is 45 degrees outside.  But out of the blue I stumbled upon some one's summer daydream. Altho, in November it's a quickly fading memory.  In my mind's eye I swear could almost see kids splashing, hear them laughing, and trying to figure out how they were going to get home and slip pass mom all muddy!

"I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering." 

--Steven Wright

"Faded Daydreams"

Philadelphia, PA

--Kathy

Out of the blue...

...Uh Oh!  October Snow!

"October Snow"
Ambler, PA

Now THAT was certainly "Out of the Blue"!  My pooooooooor mums, R.I.P.  

--Kathy

Blowin' In the Wind...

"Blowin' In the Wind"

Whitemarsh, PA

I'm late to the party today.

I had an amazing photo session with a spectacular tree the other day.  Actually I was there to photograph a Civil War Encampment for my church, but the tree wound up being more exciting (sad to say).  I had planned on waiting awhile to post any photos from my tree adventure via Civil War non-lollapalooza. BUT...I've had a couple of days that I wish I could wish away that changed my outlook.  

I just got home from my "Parental Unit" visit.  Yep, a quick visit turned into an over nighter.  Not to get too detailed but I just want to say...getting old stinks!  And my dad is feeling the brunt of it right now.  I  took no photos of the glorious Lancaster County autumnal sights.  Nothing was interesting or inspiring.  Apparently my mood converted all the brilliant fall colors to dull grey.

But upon returning home I glanced thru my weekend tree photos and this one just called out to me.  A pretty strong wind was gusting this day, making these pods hold on for dear life.  Yet they all survived anchored to their branch.  The sky was brilliant and blue, belying the fact that a storm was brewing.  A bunch of pods hanging strong together, bending with the winds so they don't break...yep, I can relate to that.

So I just want to say to my mom and sisters...hang in there my pods.  And to our branch, our anchor, our dad...we love you, stay strong!

--Kathy

Out of the Blue...

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me,
fluttering from the autum trees"

--Emily Bronte

You just can't hide your true colors forever.  Eventually, they will always come out and burst forward.   And more often than not...those true colors are so much more vibrant than what you were hiding behind anyway.   Isn't it interesting this happens in the autumn of one's life?  So says the 51 year old!  Think I'll wear some red today and celebrate my true colors, which means....I'm going shopping for a new pair of leather boots!  

--Kathy

Out of the (Penn State) Blue...

 Hope you are ready for some blue overload!
 Penn State style....

If ever there was a place custom made for capturing "blue"....it's Happy Valley.  Just one look at the blue and white sky, and you know God has to be a Nittany Lion at heart.  A bitter acknowledgement I'm sure for you Ohio State peeps.  Football weekends?  We bleed blue and white. When we lose....we are blue (and grumpy). Yes, we are a Penn State family.  I keep telling Thing #3 she doesn't HAVE to go to Penn State ....like EVERYONE else in the fam. I hope she realizes these are shallow words with no meaning behind them.  Akin to "I wish you would just TELL me if these pants make my butt look big!"

Of course, NO WAY do those flannel pj pants with the lion paw on each butt cheek make your butt look big.

No, it's not mandatory you arrive at Beaver Stadium via a blue vehicle, but the team does.  And apparently so do some of the fans...

Welcome the house that Joe built.  Beaver Stadium,
second largest collegiate football stadium behind that
"other" blue school, Michigan (boo hiss!)...

Sometimes, it's hard finding the perfect place to catch a view of the Nittany Lions...

OR, the best way to show your Penn State pride...

OR, your Blue & White spirit...

Happy Valley has the bluest skies, when it's not raining or snowing.  We are #1.  Maybe not in the football polls, but definitely in our hearts.

For the Glory of old State!

--Kathy

Out of the "little boy" Blue...

Trucks, scooters, dirt

and shades of blue,

But little boys can be angels too 

(sometimes).

"Little Boy Blue"

Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

All consuming panic, disorder and chaos.  There were many tiring and frustrating days (maybe even months!) I spent wishing time would move by quicker when Thing #1 was a young boy.  In retrospect, I unfortunately got my wish and learned....never wish away time, no matter how difficult some of those times might be.  Thing #1 has morphed into  a 26 year old man I am so very proud of.  But before they can be men, they must be boys.  And the job description calls for fatiguing their moms.  So I couldn't help but laugh "all-knowingly" when I saw this little boy blue scooting by in Rittenhouse Square....with his mom trailing waaaaay behind in pursuit, eating his dust.  I miss those days AND my nicely toned legs that went along with all that chasing I had to do!

--Kathy

2 + 2 = 5...

This week has been a struggle between creativity and moi. Epic failure on my end. I've hit a stretch where I am sooooo uninspired that nothing seems intriguing. I've always viewed creativity as noticing the obvious, but looking at it from a different angle.  Like 2 + 2 = 5!
Which might explain why I never could understand the logical thought process of math, OR it's importance in 90% of my daily life.

I've also learned that over thinking is the enemy of creativity. The more you reason, the less you create.  Paralysis by analysis. I equate this to Thing #1 and his batting average. Every ball player goes thru batting slumps. Thing #1 was no exception. He got frustrated, he analyzed his batting technique, he changed his stance, he altered his swing, he messed with his mechanics.  And you know what? It only made the slump worse.  I remember my better-half's wise, wise words.....STOP THINKING!!!!  Yes my friends....I'm in a batting slump.

So, in the immortal words of Scarlett O'Hara "I can't think about that right now, if I do I'll go crazy". Instead, I'm just going to enjoy my bundle of hydrangeas I picked up at Whole Foods today.  So Scarlett, just STOP THINKING and.......SWING!  Haha, I did just combine "Gone With the Wind" and baseball (those who know me shouldn't be too surprised, fiddle dee dee!)

A few shots with a white background (my  handy dandy piece of white poster board):

And a few with a black background (my handy dandy piece of black poster board):

I'm not sure which background I like better, what do you think?  And as for the creativity slump...."I'll think about that tomorrow. Because tomorrow is another day". Music crescendo, roll credits.

Hope you all have a creative Thursday!



--Kathy

Out of the Blue...

"When Life Gives you Lemons....Make Limoncello"

God sure has a wicked sense of humor.  Take for instance that I think God played a practical joke when he decided to pour German blood thru my veins.  That is the only explanation possible, because I truly believe I am Italian! Nothing against Germans, believe me, I am very proud of my German roots and I have a long line of Germans to answer to.  I am only 2nd generation American, so the German heritage and traditions are still very prominent in many aspects of my life.  BUT, I just seem to have a natural affinity, gravitation and joy towards anything Italian.

My dream is to follow in the footsteps of Frances Mayes and purchase my own run-down "Under the Tuscan Sun" villa and renovate it. Actually, I vacationed in Cortona a couple of summers ago, stalked out the villa Bramasole', and got to meet Frances Mayes and her husband Ed.  Truth-be-told, I probably freaked them out when they saw me taking photos from the small street outside their Bramasole'.  But for whatever reason...I got to meet her (and she was VERY nice, altho looks nothing like Diane Lane...altho who does?).

But since that is a far off and distant dream, I take solace that I am very fortunate to be able to travel to Italy and soak up the culture fairly often.  So much of what we experience here in America as "Italian" is in truth just an Americanized version.  Everything is brighter, cleaner, tastier, more colorful, just more ITALIAN in Italy.  For example, Limoncello.  On the Amalfi Coast, the lemons are "as big as your head".  Okay, not QUITE as big....but Italians also seem to exaggerate a bit.

"Limoncello Bottle"

I've always wanted to make my own Limoncello.  I've been told it is actually quite simple, but I am put off by my anticipation that it will not measure up and I will be disappointed.  Lucky for me, I have a friend who makes the most wonderful Limoncello!  It was a Christmas gift, and has long ago been happily consumed....but the bottle sits on my windowsill shining and glistening as the sun's rays hit the multi-faceted glass.  Grazie mille my friend!

 It is a reminder both of friendship AND that I need to start planting the seeds in my better half's brain (and wallet!) that I hear Italy calling my name.  By the way, it likes to call me....Sophia.

 Hmmmm...I wonder if I could take some Limoncello making classes there?  You know what they say, "when life gives you lemons make limoncello".

Ciao!

--Kathy

Out of the Blue...

Not sure where I heard this, but someone told  me the bluest skies occur after a hurricane.  I thought that might be an old sailor's tale, but it looks like they weren't exaggerating.

Black Eyed Susan

Beads of sweat glimmer to the ground

Golden tears shimmer, soft and round

Throwing small shadows

I catch those that fall at my feet

Black-Eyed Susan dancing in the breeze

"Orange is the happiest color," Frank Sinatra (really?)

And one more Black-Eyed Susan photo for a new venture..."Texture Tuesdays" with Kim Klassen.  This week's theme is "orange".  I'm not sure I EVER combined the colors blue and orange together before in either my wardrobe or decorating.

Actually, I do remember my Oma knitting my sister and me sweaters for Christmas one year when I was in elementary school.  We opened up our presents Christmas morning and it's been a family joke ever since.  There in glorious techni-color were MY olive green and orange sweater, and my SISTER'S blue and orange one.  Gag!  The joke was that my mom promptly unravelled the yarn from both sweaters and recycled it into some other craft project.  Those sweaters and color palettes have been our family's joke and our measuring stick for everything considered in bad taste since that Christmas morning.

But these flowers are more of a yellow-ISH orange.  After last week's earthquake AND hurricane...I'm just gonna leave the outdoor decor and color palette to Mother Nature's very good judgment, and not my Oma's.

--Kathy

Out of the (greenish) Blue...

I had the whole day to myself.  Thing #1 has vacated the premises and is back at law school (of course he "forgot" to make his bed before he left!).  Thing #3 was pounding the boards at a theatre camp. And Thing #2 is living in Cincy and boy do I miss watching our reality tv shows together (it's just no fun trashing "The Bachelor Pad" alone...sniff!).  Lots of laundry to do but you know what they say..."WHY?!?!"  Am I the only one who says that?

So, when laundry called I did what came naturally. I treated my camera to a little joy ride and wound up at a local park.  This is one of those places I drive by daily and keep making mental notes to stop in one of these days when I'm not rushing everywhere.  Well, it was one of those days.

Seriously, I had no idea I'd wind up tip-toeing thru goose poop...GROSS. The sacrifices I make to not do laundry! But it was totally worth it because I found a hidden treasure AND my "Out of the Blue" for the week  Both courtesy of an old painted and peeling park bench sprouting LICHEN.  I guess it is more of a "greenish" blue actually (think Tiffany box). But seriously, take a look at that texture and character.  Mother Nature is one fine artist.

This might just be my new favorite place to dodge the laundry...sans goose poop!

--Kathy 

Out of the Blue...

- I've Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day -

I was going to  hold off  posting these photos until next week when I had more time to go thru and tweak them a bit. BUT as I sit at my computer I can hear the rain bouncing off my windows.  It's pretty grey and dreary today.  I could use a little sunshine and blue right about now, so sometimes ya just gotta throw your plans out of the window. Which will ALSO be my explanation when my better half gets home from work today and discovers he STILL doesn't have any clean jeans to wear!

This past weekend we headed back to the old stomping grounds in Berks County.  For those unfamiliar with Berks County, it's the land of corn fields, Amish, apple dumplings and everything Pennsylvania  Dutch.  We lived here for 25 years and just relocated to Philly last year.  But Thing #3 had an ortho appointment and I decided to take my camera and use the visit to traipse thru some corn fields.  Can you believe Thing #3 would rather have her brackets tightened than join me???

I know, some think I'm crazy for wanting to move away from this.  But 25 years of corn fields is a LONG time!  And sometimes you just don't appreciate the beauty until you are removed from it.  Sort of how I felt when I was re-introduced to the Sephora store and Trader Joe's near my new home!

These were GREAT roads to bike on, something I haven't found yet at my new home.  Altho, can't say I miss the adventures of dodging groundhogs on many of those rides. FYI, those buggers are AMAZINGLY quick  and have a very warped sense of humor!

Country roads, take me home...

 Thanks for visiting!  Comments always welcomed and appreciated.

--Kathy