Archive for September, 2009

Posted on September 27, 2009 - by Cate

America’s National Parks: August Memories

To commemorate the latest work of Ken Burns, and in keeping with this blog’s theme, I thought I would write some pieces on the National Parks as I recollect them from my youth.

My father worked for many years, at RCA, here in Indianapolis and the company would shut down in August for two weeks each year. Dad took that opportunity to further a mission he had, which was to make sure that his family had the opportunity to see America’s great national parks. So each year, we would pack up the family car and head out to explore a new area of the country and specifically, a national park.

I can not tell you how much I cherish the memories of those trips and what a gift my father gave us. At the time, I did not recognize nor fully appreciate the great adventures and the planning that went into them. But now, with some time and perspective under my belt, I realize, how invaluable those experiences really were. I am sure that this documentary will resurrect memories of those fantastic journeys.

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Posted on September 26, 2009 - by Cate

She’s Gone

She’s gone.

Just like that, 19 years in the making, and she’s off to college. The girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead, proclaiming “so big” with her arms stretched high. My pain is staggering. The anxiety, overwhelming.

I’m having a hard time comprehending what just happened. Despite filling out the countless forms and schlepping to several campuses, in the dead of winter no less, I’m still in denial.

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Posted on September 26, 2009 - by Cate

My Honey Pot

The doctor was kinda talking to herself, murmuring really. Checking her notes from my last annual violation.

“uh huh, mmm hmmm, a couple centimeters I think…”

My mind is elsewhere. I’m doing my deep breathing exercises and wondering if we can just get this over with. Now mind you my ass (which has reached an unflattering middle-aged flabbiness) is hanging out of an ugly hospital gown and over the edge of an examination table, sock covered feet in the stirrups, my eyes fixed firmly on the ceiling, while I try to concentrate on anything but the doctor’s usual … “you’re going to feel something cold and then some pressure …”, but wait a minute, did she mention measurements? The last time I was measured in my nether regions was 1991, cervix dilated to 10, just before I delivered Erica. What the hell?

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