The Star Wars Saga Flash Forward to Flash Back

Just to clarify to all those who love the Star Wars Saga--sadly, I am not a fan. Lets start with when I was  thirteen my Dad retired from the Fire Department. One of his many activities to fill in his free time was going to see movies. Most of the time he went by himself but sometimes as was what our family of three motto was; if he wanted to do it, we all did it. Don't get me wrong, I love movies just not this particular type.

Flash to the opening of the first Star Wars. I don't know that the hype of today happened back then, my guess is no.  I had to look up when the original actually opened, thinking maybe they opened this one to coincide with the first but, nope again the original opened May 25, 1977.  As a sixteen year old girl my idea of fun wasn't going to the movies with Dad but guess what we went to see? I remember the time distinctly because I had a terrible, ear infection and head cold, hard to believe May in California would create such a perfect storm. I remember I could barely hear and my head throbbed from sinus pressure. The only seats available were pretty much in the first couple rows of the packed theater. Go figure.  The only impressive thing I remember is the musical score. I knew as soon as I heard the opening music that every other person would be skating to routines to it in the near future. Did you doubt that this post would have some sort of skating connection?

Now cut to Christmas season of 2015 the first in an almost five year new generation of movies starting. Articles in the newspaper, cards and action figures in the store. Thank goodness no one in our family put Star Wars requests on Santa's list this year probably because they are too young to appreciate and truth be known I think after only a few days if I hear one more utterance I may implode. Could it be that my sinus have been bothering me the last few days? Brings back uncomfortable memories of childhood? Thanks George Lucas, putting you on the naughty list. Bah Humbug.

Sunrise, Sunset-December 2015

This past weekend I did something I haven't done in a long time. I was actually able to see a full sunrise and a full sunset both in the same day. Some would say, "Big deal" others would say "What a gift".

Lifestyle changes, demographic changes sometimes dictate how our days begin and end. As we age just the fact that we get up in the morning and go through a complete day and end our days is something lately isn't a given for everyone.

When I was skating, especially when I was doing team skating, many a weekend required me to get up at the "butt crack of before dawn" and drive to the skating rink and step on the ice at an ungodly hour. Some would say "why do such a thing" but when you love something so much you do practically anything to have the chance to do it. Those years were a gift that I miss dearly.

One year when I was in junior high school, I literally walked the few blocks to school in the dark. I would pick up a few friends along the way, but without fear we did it. Today, you sometimes wonder if stepping out to get your newspaper each morning, if you are safe.

Last week a horrific event happened in California. I am sure those worker's never thought in the morning when the woke up that it would be the last day they would.   Although the reasoning behind it is different, workplace safety has always been in question for as long as I can remember. Civil servants especially can be targeted because the public feels "they pay your salaries". I personally had several instances where between the public and the people you worked with created issues that your comfort level was taken into consideration each and every day I stepped into the office. 

The event that allowed me to see the above sunset was a road trip with a friend to attend a board meeting. I had distanced myself somewhat from the organization and was lured back after a request from the State President of the organization to handle some social media for them. Since I thought it would be a great opportunity to maybe guide the group into another direction my hope was that the weather would be great and the group listen to what I had to say. I think both reasons were successful. We shall see.

Many things can happen between the time you get up in the morning and the time you go to sleep at night. Not every day is a given anymore. Although I would rather see a sunset from the Pacific Ocean, this one was a keeper and the ending to a productive day.

When is a Good Time?

2012

2009

Well I guess it is that time again. Time to get on the soapbox. The media and just about everyone is filled with opinions about everything. That is the way the world turns today. You either get on the train and ride through the overly positive rainbow thinking people, or the doom and gloom or don't bother to get a ticket on the train at all.  Everything is a battlefield today, everything is a hot topic. The long line that is drawn in the sand seems to go into infinity.

At a time when people are quick to erase history by ripping flags down, or removing monuments that were meant to stand forever--history what does it mean anymore? You learn bits and pieces of it during the time you are in school but even that has changed drastically.

A simple question posted on a Facebook page that I am an administrator for (or as I was called recently a web guru) has brought me back to a  hot topic that I have been going back and forth with for the past six years if not probably my entire life.

The new movie entitled "Suffragette" written by Abi Morgan, Directed by Sarah Gavron and starring known actresses, Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, takes place in 19th century 1912 London and centers around the working wife and mother (Mulligan) and how she gets recruited to join the U.K's suffrage movement. (A note of concidence: Helena Bonham Carter is the great granddaughter to former Prime Minister of the U.K. during the early 1900's H.H. Asquith who was not in favor of the movement).

Unfortunately, this movie was released to only a few areas across the United States on October 23, 2015 and opened to a little larger market in the past week. I contacted our local theater and they will not be showing it.  I am assuming cost was involved and also they probably assumed that possibly not enough interest in our area for viewing. Our closest viewing possibilities are about 1-3 hours away depending on which direction you go either east or west.

This movie starts at the beginning of the movement at a time in history where even the voting privilege wasn't available to women.  After reading a couple reviews posted by Variety and History Today about the movie, some of the comments listed were interesting. Several made mention that because they didn't live in a major city they had the same dilemma. I myself have in that the movie seems to be only as important as the time it takes to get to go see it. Several comments I myself have come across in mentioning going to see is "well it sounds interesting but not sure if it can be fit into the schedules at short notice".

My question is "When is a Good Time?" Was the time during which this movie is depicting just the right time to bring up that women's rights were needed?  It's obvious that the initial opening of the movie was significant since October 23, 1850 was the first Women's Rights Convention held in Worcester, Massachusetts, October 23, 1915 women flooded New York for Women's Suffrage. Recently a posting on a Facebook page, ERA Coalition posted an article from USA Today about Feminist Majority President, Eleanor Smeal call for the ERA to be passed by the year 2020. "Twenty-twenty is the 100th anniversary of the women's vote", she stated "Seems like a good year to us, but pushing for it as soon as possible".  I find this attitude a little disconcerting.

Suddenly other issues become more important.   Sometimes I think it boils down to actually who brings up whether it is a good time rather than actually when is it a good time. Sometimes killing the messenger also kills the message that is staring you at that point in time. I believe things happen for a reason. History sometimes repeats itself and our fight may be far worse down the line if we don't take notice. Every day things happen that we don't expect, either personally or just by an event that may not directly affect us. Actually, there is never a perfect time, or perfect scenario for issues that could not just concern one but a whole group.   Whatever the case may be, I hope people will make the time to see the movie Suffragette. It's a part of history that could change very soon.

The way our world is today, our rights as women and society as a whole could change in the blink of an eye. Will it be a good time? You be the judge.

Filling our Life with Positivity

For anyone who really knows me they know I am pretty much game for just about anything; within reason that is.

I haven't always had a big adventurous streak.  When I was a kid I pretty much did what I was told and kept to a pretty routine life. Figure skating taught me discipline, interpretation skills, and the ability to move with freedom. You don't realize what you had until you no longer have it. Although I keep abreast of things in the skating world with the help of many and the Internet I have not found anything in my life that compares to the time I spent on the ice. Whether it be a bad day at school or work keeping a positive outlook becomes really difficult in the world we live today.

 Lets face it not everyday will be a walk in the park no matter how positive you think.  I seem to do so much inhalation breaths during the course of a day I sometimes wonder if I might pass out. Today we live in a society of social media bullying, constantly being told be positive not negative but lets face it---sometimes its not always that easy.

A few months ago, I received a flyer that has coupons and ads for local businesses in the area. Most of the time I toss it in the recycle pile, but it had been a while since I thumbed through and thought maybe something new and useful might catch my eye. I had heard from the town grapevine that a new Yoga business was getting started in town.  Truth be told I have done some form of Yoga all my life. Stretching is a big part of prep before you step foot on the ice or any form of dance so my interest was peaked as to what actually was taught in a full-fledged class.

So off I went just to observe what the class was like. I don't like to jump in and get my feet wet with anything right at the beginning, I like to ease my way into things before I fully commit especially when it comes to manipulating this body. It was fascinating to see what the different positions are named and what they stretch.  Just the fact the for a few minutes of your day you can focus on yourself, the music and the movements (a little like I did skating) is a much needed distraction.  It is also a treat that I truly enjoy the instructor. She is a breath of fresh air two times a week when my day has been sucky; I know this is not probably the proper word but inserting it anyway. 

Loosing yourself in the moment can be oh so relaxing and since I started over two months ago; (gee has it been that long already) I have been able to get back to a limber me, lose a couple pounds and inches and change a little about my eating. I fall off the wagon once in a while but really who doesn't.

So far the class has been a positive in my often negative world that I live in. I truly hope our town embraces this new world of yoga, that has been around for thousands of years. Sometimes it takes them a little while to fully embrace things, they don't always except big changes but I am trying to think positive. 

For those who actually read my blog, Go to Facebook page Body Retreat 2. They also offer other classes that might interest you. I highly recommend Audrey, she is our red headed gem.

The Man of Few Words--90th Birthday Celebration

What can you say about someone who has lived 90 years?  Some have traveled the world, other's have worked exciting jobs. That doesn't define a man I have known for 33 years.

 The first time I met my father-in-law was as a surprise Christmas visit to Missouri. We had just had our son a few months before and secretly planned a special Christmas delivery of our family. The trip is still vivid, one because we had just moved into our home a couple weeks before the trip and were in the process of trying to get settled and two because we would be arriving just a few days before Christmas and I was hoping for snow. The surprise went off without a hitch. I remember my mother-in-law opening the door with utter shock, my father-in-law probably had a funny smile on his face. You have to know; this man rarely shows any emotion. 

I have heard tales of him being so mad that he jumped over the hood of a car. A story about when he was a custodian for the local school district came to mind recently after my encounter with a snake at our storage unit.  The principal at the school he worked came upon a rather large snake and went into extreme panic. My father-in-law was called to access the situation. In he came with a shovel and hacked the snake in half and turned and left. A true farm boy reaction.

His life has been filled with the love of bowling, baseball,  Las Vegas trips, making things out of wood, his love for his family and enjoying many other things in life from his easy chair in later years. I know everyone in our family has probably at least one special story about him that may bring a laugh or a tear. Another story that I remember was an old fish story, literally.  

When they moved back to Missouri from California after retiring, they purchased a lake trailer. Many a weekend were spent down at the lake by many in the family (yes even by myself surprisingly). One weekend they went down with his sister and brother-in-law. He loved to go night fishing. He and his brother-in-law ventured out one summer I am sure humid evening to the peace and quiet of the lake. Many hours had passed and my mother-in-law started to get worried when they didn't return as expected. (Mind you it doesn't take much to get her worried). Finally out of the dark they both appeared soaking wet. I can only imagine the picture in my mind of what occurred next. As the story was told his brother-in-law stood up in the boat to get a better grip on his line and tipped himself and my father-in-law over into the water. Neither had life vests on, and neither were swimmers. They were in the water for sometime, lost the fish, fishing equipment, boat motor etc.  I don't think my mother-in-law ever allowed him to night fish again after that.

Dad holding our son Matthew, Dad on picture day for Sedalia School District, Dad in his favorite seat in the house, Dad carving meat for holiday dinners.

The Young Goalder Family-Mom, Dad L to R (Back) Tim, Harvey Dean, L to R (Front) David, Steve

Over the 33 years I have been in the family probably the last several years have been the hardest for him. He has lost his two oldest son's way to soon and has dealt with my mother-in-laws 10 plus year cancer battle with all he has in him. I have seen the sadness in his eyes and also tears.

 I am sure I speak for everyone in our family when I say he has been above and beyond a great brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  

No pomp and circumstance for this celebration. Pizza, cards, scratch-off tickets and cupcakes with family around was all this wonderful man needed. The man of few words, smiled and blew out his candles on his big day.

MO State Fair 2015 Highlights-From Beginning to End

Thursday 1st Day of Fair 2015 

All photos courtesy of Cindy Goalder

I can probably count the times in the 19 years we have lived in MO that I have went to the fair. I still am not sure how people can manage to go everyday and also attend all the concerts. Apparently the consensus is wide that do, but yet I talk to many who don't step foot at the fair ever. Usually our attendance is based on two main categories: schedule, weather. These two aligned perfectly for some strange reason this year.

The actual festivities started the day before the fair when the Budweiser Clydesdale's and the local distributor celebrated the 82nd Anniversary of the First Delivery of Beer to the White House. It was definitely an experience to have that many people on one street and see the larger than life horses make a few stops along the way.

We were able to attend some of the actual opening parade for the beginning of the State Fair. Although it didn't seem as organized as a few we had seen in the past, the day was beautiful, not to hot and no rain which is always a plus for fair goers. The picture above showed off the colorful sunset at the end of the first day.

It was definitely interesting to observe and or hear some of the people and comments about the week.  The first concert was old rock and roll Def Leppard,Styx and Tesla. Apparently it was a sold out crowd and I know just living blocks away we could hear them pretty clearly. That seemed to be the norm for all the concerts the air and weather was just right for just about every concert for me to sit out on my front steps and sing along with most if not every act.

Thursday was MO Women in Agriculture, Governor's, Legislature and Judge's Day for which ladies had free admission to the fair.  The weather was again very beautiful (I have a feeling we have been spoiled for spring and summer and that fall and winter may not be so kind to the Midwest). Starting off walking down the midway and wondered why everyone was just standing around, only to discover they were playing the National Anthem (rather softly from where I was standing) for the start of the day.

 I made it a day, not really what I had planned but got a early start with my daughter and granddaughter. I actually thought I would save space in my bag and leave my keys in my daughters' car, NOT A GOOD IDEA.  I was surprised that the crowd that day was rather light.  The first sighting of the day was our MO Governor, Jay Nixon and his group of dark suited guards. I don't know if he thought he was hiding out from the front gate admissions crowd but  he looked as though he was ready for a long day of meet and greets and handshaking.  We later saw the Governor's wife at the pie judging contest at the Home Economics Building.

It is always entertaining to just people watch at the fair. Young, old its something that brings a smile and a chuckle to my face.  I know the food during the fair is greasy, fried heaven for most people but since I have tried to stay away from such gastronomical cuisine, we chose a newer trendy food. The AgriMissouri Bistro and Market had a delicious lunch. Anyone who asked I pointed them around the horse stalls and near the cow pens to savor this wonderful food. One such couple had indicated to me that they were tired of eating the usual fried, fattening food for the past three days and wanted something real. This was definitely the place. I hope the fair continue the bistro for years to come, just move it to a better location.

 Braised Short Ribs, polenta corn and green beans-Agri Missouri Bistro

 Butterfly hitching a ride

We couldn't go without stopping at the Floriculture Building with all the beautiful plants and flowers. Of course by Thursday some of the flowers had already stood the test of time, but the winning ribbons still sat proudly on the table. I also was able to finally locate the type of mystery plant that appears each year in front of my windows. Who would have thought that a Mimosa wasn't just a brunch drink. Another peculiar sight was this tiny butterfly attached to this plant entry. As I always say a butterfly comes from out of nowhere at any given time.

 The Trash to Treasure Division was also something new for me. Who would think you could recycle used kitchen ware and sports items into works of art. I wonder how many you might find around town hanging out in yards?  Isn't recycling and grand!

 Trash to Treasure Division

  At the end of my over 8 hour day and 14,000+ steps walked on Thursday, the funnel cake stop just as you leave the Midway was calling to me. I decided on the  Red Velvet Funnel Cake as my last stop of the day. I walked home with it so that was all the justification I needed. Unfortunately, by the time I got it home it slightly resembled an early Halloween decoration. Admittedly great tasting. 

By the last day of the fair, hubby had returned home so we made another trip. As all the last visiting customers attended the Amazing Anastasini Circus, not without controversy this year the Amazing Rainforest Experience, or any of the other fair attractions it was a little sad that another fair had come and gone. One bathroom attendant in the Family Fun Center said it best. "I have worked in several areas during the fair and this place is my favorite". "I usually strike up conversations in the weirdest place expected, but I hope every year that I can work in the Center" she said. 

 In clicking my last picture as we were leaving, not until I got home and looked through the pictures did I notice the 10 day fair had come full circle with almost identical pictures from the beginning to the end. 

Last Day of Fair 2015

Coloring Your World-- No Staying within the Lines Required

If you are like I was as a kid I had Crayola's and coloring book's to keep me occupied. It was one of my favorite past times in childhood. Whether it be a rainy day, or no kids to play with which happens often for only children, a coloring book can provide hours upon hours of fun. My early pictures were I am sure scribbles all over the page with no concept or reasoning. Then as I got older I came up with my own technique of color schemes and outlining the pictures. Somewhere down the line I decided to add the date then my picture was complete.

Back then I figured coloring books were invented by someone who knew that not everyone could be a free-handed artist, for which I am definitely NOT.

The closest I ever came to artistic design was as a figure skater. In school figures you could draw a figure eight with or without a scribe and follow the intricate pattern. In ice dancing each dance has a pattern to follow and most if looked at in a book or up close on the ice you can determine what dance it is.  Each skater's routine is usually plotted out with precise steps by a coach and choreographer.  Go to iceskatingresources.org or usfsa.org to check ice dancing/compulsory figure diagrams. They are not as detailed as they were at the start of figures but still a lost art of sorts since figures are no longer a requirement (sad but true).

Another fascinating use of coloring or art therapy is used for Alzheimer's patients. Used as an alternative therapy, The Alzheimer's Association of Orange County (AAOC) and artist Selly Jenny and Marilyn Oropeza developed Memories in the Making art program. This program works with persons with dementia and helps them express themselves through art when they otherwise may have little or no communication skills.  For some patients this outlet of expression has opened doors that were otherwise closed due to this terrible disease. Training sessions are available and additional information about this program is available by going to the alz.org website. Many chapters around the country are participating in this program.

Recently I came across several articles on adult coloring books. These are not just ordinary books. Most have themes as the one's I purchased below on Amazon. They have a wide variety of prices and styles to chose from. Other's are large scale posters with thin, fine lines that sadly even the older adult eyes might have difficulty in completing. Pull out that trusty lighted magnifying glass if you tackle those books!

Pinterest also has pinners who have started coloring book boards (myself included). Most pages you can print out and add your own unique colors too. Also the coloring craze seems to have a wide variety of printable pages available for free you just have to know where to look.

To keep with my connection to my figure skating roots a few months ago I found that former Two Time Olympic and World Champion Tai Babilonia was in the process of developing her own coloring book.  So far the pictures on her Facebook page "Tai Art" looks like it will be a fun one to add to my collection. I look forward to its release soon. 

Coloring is great therapy for any age, it can be a calming way to get your mind off hectic schedules or just a bad day in general.  I guarantee  your kids and grandchildren may want you to share your colors with them. It's your choice to stay within the lines, but it isn't required. 

Tai's Facebook Page is "Tai Art".