On my own, I went to an outdoor jazz festival, Smokey Robinson, Dave Brubeck, Stanley Clarke, Susan Tedeschi, Robin Eubanks, Etta James and more. Green blankets on the lawn, blue tents on the side paths, kids and adults clapping, dancing, tossing Frisbees, “This is my 20th time to this festival and it just gets better and better,” said a woman with her red baseball hat, blue and white jazz t-shirt, and swaying hips. Next year is the 30th Jazz Festival here.”

Little ones jumping and blowing bubbles, dad’s carrying their pre- schoolers on their shoulders, couples holding each other’s hands as they stepped off the lawn to the sheltered concert seats, I opened my red folding chair and set my black back pack on the grass. The young college kids in khakis and blue t shirts were smooching on their blankets. The setting is a forest with a full running river, all ages of people in shorts, t shirts, and hats, vendors selling corn and burgers, CD’s to take home and t shirt sales for 2006 Plus, fantastic acoustics and big screens to see and hear all the artists. There is no bad seat.

THIRTHY EIGHT DOLLARS, for a day and night of outdoor jazz, I saw tables set with fresh flowers, kids playing cards, others pushed in strollers and some doing the wiggle dance to keyboards, and guitars.

I, danced, sang shared stories with others about favorite concerts and where we came from.

Singing,” At last my lonely days are over,” as I was driving out of the park, there was, a navy car in front of me. It had a college sticker in the window,” Ohio University” Wow, I went to Ohio University. I wanted to follow that car.

Natalie

Posted by Natalie Caine at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

WOW I am in the leap of setting up a place to live, making new friends and yes, taking classes. I am attending a writing conference on a college campus with 500 women.

WOW again that is what I have to say…finding my classes, getting food, paper, pencils, taking notes, homework, on my own as a stranger here, and getting home sick. This is great, exciting, creative, stimulating and WOW again, scary at times and lots of multitasking. More later

WOW again. I just keep hearing myself say WOW. I had a great talk with my daughter apologizing for keeping her on the cell phone when she had to get to class or wondering and being disappointed she didn't call back.

I GET IT NOW always dashing and hoping to get the work done and the list goes on...wanting to have a new friend. Hats off to our kids , so young who are leaping . and I forgot to tell you about that yucky cafeteria , fat filled food and no time to exercise plus it is so humid.

Lucky me, to have this dream come true and I will keep sharing it with all of you. Write me and send care packages...Natalie

Posted by Natalie Caine at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I peaked in her room and she was curled up on her side sleeping. I just stood there, smiled, saw the little one still in her 21 year old soft face and said to myself she finally fell asleep. Those words reminded me of rocking her to sleep when she was so tiny. Isn’t it funny how mothers fall right into that language at any age?

My daughter has been studying abroad since January and after a 17 hour flight, she can let go.

I know her well. She doesn’t want to answer questions. She doesn’t want to talk much or do show and tell and yet she wants to connect. She is hungry, sad to have left that world she grew to love, and exhausted.

I have never seen her dark hair so long. Her hugs are still the best. I keep telling myself how thankful I am that she had this life changing experience and that she is home safe and well.

I adore hearing her say,”Mom, I love you.” I hope I will be able to see her peacefully sleep many times in the future. I like gently covering her with the light white blanket and letting my mothering her so automatically come back out.

Welcome Home, Rachael.

Posted by Natalie Caine at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My brother and I were laughing on the phone about his three boys, ages, 23, 21, 17, and my daughter, 21. I said, ”Oh the things parents don’t really talk about on the way to their kids leaving home and coming back.”

Here is an example:

1. Yes, I will be home for dinner, and then they change their plans.

2. Yes, I can go to the baseball game Saturday, and they get a better offer.

3. Yes, I will turn off the lights next time. I know you work so hard for your money and I am wasting electricity…lights are still on.

4. Yes, I will be quiet when I come home because I know you have to get up early for work…they talk so loud in the house on their cell phone, as they are opening the front door.

5. Yes, I want you to come in and sit on my bed and we can talk and talk and talk like we use to, and the door is locked.

6. Yes, I want to hear about your life, mom, oh wait, I have to get that call, and the wait means forget it.

Well, at least he and I could laugh about it. The list was much longer. What would you add to this list? Send me your comments.

Take care, Natalie

Posted by Natalie Caine at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)