Vituary: Carol F.

1. My first memory of Carol, possibly a memory acquired after hearing Carol tell the story years later: I marched right up to Carol, stuck out my little hand and said, “Nicole Harkin, nice to meet you.”

2. Carol’s description of me at that time: The oldest 5 year old she had ever met.

3. Actual memories of Carol from my childhood: Carol visiting our house every weekend with her dogs. She visited the lake to help my mom with me and the kids.

4. Number of Children Carol has: four, by acquisition.

5. Best Childhood Memory of Carol: Going with her to work in downtown Atlanta. It was take your daughter to work and she took me. I stayed at her architecturally inspired home, with its modern furniture, overlooking the Chattahoochee River. I think we went to a diner for breakfast, and maybe even had coffee. Oh the joy. I could almost taste how fabulous it would be to be an adult.

6. Hours my Mom and Carol Spoke on the Phone per Week: at least 3, if not more. Therefore, they spoke on the phone at least 150 hours per year, or 6 days. With four children, my mom needed adult contact. Thank you Carol.

7. Concerns my mom had about Carol’s new love, then: that he was going to take our friend and family member for all she was worth.

8. Reality: He loved her. Thank you Don.

9. Years Carol and Don have been married: around 20 I think.

10. My re-entry into Carol’s life: After college I worked for my Senator. Two days before moving to DC, and with no place to live, mom suggested we call Carol. Carol put me up then and many times there after.

11. Biggest lessons learned from Carol: A. Protect the environment. B. Women can do anything men can do. C. True friends are like family. D. Create the life you want to live. E. Retire early.

12. Favorite activities with Carol: A. Shopping and talking. B. Going to see the band, Her, Him and I in Annapolis, MD.

13. Most recent gift from Carol: Photographing my brother Montana’s wedding.

14. Previous gifts from Carol: A. Managing my mail for me while I was out of the country for two years. B. Half of my camera. C. Major car repair bill paid.

15. Proudest moment: When Carol decided to run for public office, and won to the surprise of few who know her well.

Video Vituary

Last year, when we went to the DC Short Film Festival, we signed up for the email list. They emailed a few months ago asking if anyone could host some film makers. Brent agreed, so we have Josh Flowers and his girl friend staying with us for the weekend.

One of Josh's videos is like a visual vituary. Check it out by clicking this sentence.

Bosch Foundation Applications

Wanted to alert everyone that the Bosch Foundation is accepting applications now through October 15. (Click previous sentence for a link to more information.) Basic run down of the program: Spend a year in Germany, first learning German and then working in two different “Stages” or work placements in your field of expertise. You have to be between 24 and 34 years young at the application date and most applicants have a graduate degree, but this is not required. Spouses and children are welcomed. You receive a monthly stipend which should more than cover your expenses and health insurance is paid for by the foundation. During the year the whole Bosch group makes three longer seminar trips around Europe meeting with leaders. I can’t say enough good things about the program. Please let anyone you know who might be interested.

Directions

My friend Jessica sent me the greatest horoscope...she does this from time to time:

Others are amazed by your innate ability to plan for the future. You have the skill to make your dreams become real while theirs remain too unrealistic to come true. Your greatest strength is how your ambition is fed by your sense of organization and planning.
Today you feel a bit limited in your options. Nevertheless, you can still break through old patterns and set the stage for your future.
September 10, 2007

And one of my favorite authors, Madeleine L'Engle passed away this week. I learned about her from my good friend and pen pal Annie S. back when we had first moved to Montana. This quote at the end of her New York Times obituary really struck a cord with me:

“Why does anybody tell a story?” she once asked, even though she knew the answer.
“It does indeed have something to do with faith,” she said, “faith that the universe has meaning, that our little human lives are not irrelevant, that what we choose or say or do matters, matters cosmically.”

~ Madeleine L’Engle