NJ Camden Waterfront

On Monday, June 28th Matt and I invited Chandler McNeil to visit the Camden NJ Waterfront. Chandler's mother offered her family pass card to the Aquarium. We packed up and spent a cloudy hot 96F day inside! This particular aquarium have wind turbines installed on the roof, which are actually called "Wind Architecture." They generate clean and green electricity for the Camden Waterfront. We had fun walking around looking at the fish, hippos, sharks, jellies, touch tanks: stingrays, sand sharks, and starfish.

If you do a 360, you can see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Aquarium, City of Philadelphia across the Delaware, and the Old RCA "Nipper" Manufacturing building. Presently, the remaining part of the huge building was made into luxury condos. The backpack radios that Buzz Aldren used on the moon were made in the building.

Usually, during the hot summer days we take day trips to historical places, museums, and points of interest. Matt had not seen Chandler in nearly six months. They were very happy to "hangout" together and talk. They are growing so fast, and are the best of friends. However, it is hard to connect with each other during the school year, as well as the summer family schedules. They certainly made the best of it! This is what ALMOST 14 year olds look like!

We had fun using the camera my mother gave me for my birthday!

Joy In The Journey LDS Singles Conference

This past weekend, I attended an LDS Singles Conference in Germantown, MD at the Seneca Stake Center. It is not far from Washington, DC. One of my best friends, Dawn McNeil, who is also a single mother (of 3) came along with me. She is also a church member but recently moved to Elkton, MD. Her oldest son, Chandler, is Matthew's best friend. We haven't had the opportunity to connect since her move last summer. When I told her about the conference, we decided to go together and leave the kids at home with their dads. It was the first time we've spent more than a day together. We stayed in the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center on the 8th floor overlooking a picturesque lake . The hotel was flush along a boardwalk that lined the lake and included a pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment center. We had fun walking and taking in the scenery.

We arrived Friday evening on June 25th and connected with quite a few attendees at a nice dance complete with DJ at the church and stayed until about midnight. The next morning, after breakfast, we went back to the church to join a roundtable discussion about the Conferences theme:

Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy.....Send a Gleam Across the Wave
"How Great will be your joy..."

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me..,

how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me.

The discussion was about how The Father has mercy and love for us, that he send us his light like a lighthouse to a ship. Will we be willing to go out and rescue any survivors from the ship? How great will our love and spirit be filled if are willing to help many like us?

We were then served lunch. Afterwards, we went to several breakout sessions including: Finances for Today's World, Becoming a Daily Desciple of Jesus, and Communicating Effectively with People. After the last session, we left and rested before heading out for the evening.

Saturday evening was so fun. We were sent to the Folger Pratt Barn on Sugarloaf Mountain Road, where we had a true BBQ dinner complete square dance instruction. We had to hold hands with partners and do-si-do in groups of 4 and 8. There was also country line dancing and regular dancing with the same DJ.

Sunday morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and then shared in a very emotional and spiritual testimony meeting that lasted for almost 2 1/2 hours. There were many tears, hugs, and handshakes. Attending members came from Connecticut to Georgia and as far west as Tennessee. We met wonderful singles like ourselves that were parents, non-parents, divorced, never been married, and widowers. The communication and respect given to each other was amazing. We were ages 31+ that shared life stories, trials, and experiences with complete abandon. Dawn and I left feeling full of love and acceptance. As singles in our ward family, we are not always invited to events that are for married couples. We are also small in numbers. As we joined this event we started to feel like there was a place in our organization that would support us no matter our history or circumstances. We certainly found instant family and friends.

Father's Day Weekend!

Happy Belated Father's Day!

and to those men that make

good role models in a childs life.

Father's Day weekend was fantastic! Matthew and I planned to celebrate with Jim on Saturday evening. Matthew woke up in his Dad's house and they spent the day together. It was a warm day, so they mostly stayed inside and made it a relaxing one. By 5pm, Jim drove to my place and picked me up. We drove into the Italian section of the City of Wilmington to dine at his favorite restaurant, Mrs. Robino's Family Style Italian Restaurant. He always orders the spaghetti with red clam sauce and two meatballs, and a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. Italian bread is also served with olive oil or butter on the side. I love going too. Everything is homemade and the waitresses are friendly. If you're not Italian, you will feel like it when you eat their food.


After the filling meal, we headed towards Rodney Square to the Dupont Theatre, at the Hotel du Pont to see Delaware's All-State Theatre of high school performers perform URINETOWN: The Musical! That's right! No, it's not a misprint. It's a satirical comedy musical about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics. The show also parodies Les Miserables and Annie. It had wonderful music, basic sets, and great performers. We are always surprised at how professional the show is considering the cast is comprised of high school talents. However, it was not our favorite musical. We agreed that musicals can be about anything as long as it a story with music.

The next day was even warmer. Matt and Jim took a dip in their pool for the first time this year. Later, we went out for some lite fare to cease Father's Day. Later that night, we settled in for our favorite Vampire show HBO's First Blood.

Click on the links to hear music from the Urinetown musical, characters from HBO, and the menu from Mrs. Robino's Restaurant!

Facebook .......and it's possibilities!

If you haven't had the opportunity to sign up for Facebook, Do IT! I decided to find out about this.... Facebook phenomenon! Slowly I started building up my list of Facebook friends and by the end of the first month I was connected to 500 people. I couldn't believe it! Work, Church, School, Theatre, Old, New, and Young Friends all at my fingertips. I was having several conversations at the same time swapping stories, family vacations, high school pictures, and updates on our children and relationships.

Recently, however, three amazing connections have happened:

1. My God Brother, Todd Goings Schaffer found my sister and I after almost 20 years. Our families grew apart when my parents divorced. I'll never forget how he re-introduced himself as my brother. He told me how much he missed having two sisters. To talk of that particular year was affirming to us both. There was a feeling of, "No, you weren't insane, it really happened!"

Now I am in daily contact with him. He lives in Indiana, and we plan to reunite next summer in Maine. I have seen pictures of his children and wife. We swap emails of daily life and past remembrances. I am blessed and happy to have him back in my life. We were immediately bonded when were younger. He was very much a part of my life, as a brother, but more like a spiritual brother. After our first two weeks of conversation, I called him just to hear his voice. His mother, Anne Clark, has also reconnected with my mother. She used to babysit for her when she was 5 years old. Todd became our God brother just about 5 years old, if I recall.

2. Debbie Compton (now Ferraro) former high school upper classmate. She graduated in 1980. I graduated in 1983. She was the coolest girl in the school. She had a 80s rock hair cut and listened to the Rolling Stones and met Nikki Six of of Motley Crue. You never starred at her sideways, because she'd stare you down and call you out. If she liked you, she told you so. I met her when we both signed up for our musical "Mame." I was in the chorus, and still shy. She was Mother Burnside - loud and proud. I remember having a few conversations with her, but always wondering what it would be like to hang out with her on a Friday night. It never happened until last Friday night at the Wilmington Clifford Brown Jazz fest. We met face to face three weeks ago. We planned to meet for lunch. How did this happen? Facebook conversations, postings, updates, photos, and the list goes on. We have music, faith, and other interests in common. Little did we know we were living only a few miles from each other during the 90s. Almost 35 years, and we smiled as we first greeted. She was a mom, and so was I. She looked like me now. We spent almost 8 hours together reminiscing about our teenage lives. We shared our experiences of our growing pains and feeling all the stronger for it and testifying that we wouldn't change a thing.

3. Scott Raybuck was a high school crush, friend, band and drama classmate. He was one of my first friends in the new 8th grade Smyrna school. He played the clarinet, and sometimes went out for the high school musicals. He was in sports, and we had a few classes together. We also met at the town dances. He was quite the ladies man. In the 11th grade, I went stag to help at the Senior prom dance. Scott asked me to slow dance with him during one of the last songs that evening, even though he had a date. We never "officially" dated, but had an intimate close friendship. After we graduated, he decided to enlist in the Army. I moved to New Castle, DE with my family.

It wasn't until recently that he found me on a classmate website. We emailed each other quick notes saying Hello. He is now happily married with children living in Clarksville, Tennessee. He brought his family out to Ocean City, MD for an early summer vacation. On his way home, last weekend, I spent time with his family at his parents home. I met his lovely wife, two adorable girls, and we got to know each other. Scott and I caught up on each others lives. It was strange looking at gray hair, wrinkles, and chubby cheeks. Still, we had fun remembering our friends from school. Before the night was over, we were giggling like we were back on the band bus. He hadn't spoken of his teenage years of school to his family until our reunion. It was interesting watching him slowly reveal some fun moments he'd remembered. As we took pictures and said so long, we were back to being us, as Scott reminded me. The best part of the visit, was being told by his young daughters, that they'd never met anyone their Dad's age that was So Coooool!

After meeting with my classmates Debbie and Scott, I instantly felt as if I got a part of my heart back? When I was 14, I was so shy and wanted to be part of something. I wanted to be accepted and loved. I had no idea that I was accepted. I felt out of place, as most teens do. I was trying so hard to fit and gave my friends a part of me.

There are more future connects that will happen with Facebook friends. I will not let possibility pass my door. Life is too short not to have an opportunity to feel young again - days of romance, laughter, smiles, giggles, and friendship.

Do you have any recent connections with old friends? I would love to hear about them!

In the Heart of Wilmington

My friend Debbie, her son, and I attended the Dupont Clifford Brown Wilmington Jazz Festival. Renowned jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown was born in Wilmington in 1930. He started playing at the age of 12. He obtained a music scholarship from the University of Delaware, which at the time, had no music program. He attended Maryland State College, wrote and played with their jazz band. He started sitting in with Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, and Charlie Parker. In 1952 he had his recording debut, and then formed his famous duo Roach and Brownie. However, he died at the age of 25, in 1956 in the wee hours he was travelling to a gig to meet Roach. His wife drove the car off a wet Pennsylvania highway.

The festival is held outdoors in the heart of Wilmington in Rodney Park (named after Caesar Rodney). It is the only free jazz festival that lasts for seven days. I was so happy to finally have the opportunity to go.

My friend and past classmate Debbie is a rockin' bass player. She invited me to see Marcus Miller with his band perform this past Friday evening on 6/18/10. He is a musician, composer and producer of many works of music. His proficiency on the bass is world and well-regarded.

He has continued the developing and refining the technique known as "slapping" by using his thumb. Also his fretless bass, has inspired many musicians by taking the electric guitar music and bending it into many musical situations. He has written for many of the greats: David Sanborn, Luther Vandross, Spike Lee's movies, Grover Washington Jr. and the great Miles Davis.

After the concert was over, we waited in line until midnight to buy CDs which he signed. He shook our hands and thanked us for coming to see him play. It was nice to meet Marcus and his band members. Another amazing evening which I will never forget.

Preparing for a Jump!

This past March 27th, a small group of us were invited to the official kickoff skydiving season down at the Laurel Airport by an instructor/coworker. Laurel is a small town located almost at the southern end Delaware.

One of the Manager in the Air Quality Program is a former Army Ranger. During his spare time he flies Ultralights and is a US AFF Certified Skydive Instructor. He and his wife also have a collection of 10 motorcycles they drive. He was hired last year, and when he put up a poster of a sky diver, I was relentless about quizzing his experience in it. I've always imagined doing it, but as I grew older and became a parent I put it out of my mind. That is, until Tom Postell arrived at DNREC. After helping him with a computer issue, he asked me if I would be interested in skydiving. "What's holding you back?" he asked. Besides obvious "death concerns" and found myself questioning.....why not? I talked with my buddies in my IT group, and found two friends that were immediately willing to jump. Every time I see him, he continues to make it part of our routine conversation. Of course, if or...... I should say WHEN we do it, It'll be tandem .

I interviewed almost every jumper there, including the pilots and the instructors. I met the owner of the business, who is also an instructor. We stayed for 3 jumps (12 jumpers per plane). It was a cool 58F with a 10 mph wind. From 11:30 - 3:30 we waited, listened, and watched as each plane load flew almost 14,000 ft. into the sky. It takes 3 minutes for the plane to reach altitude. The first group missed the landing zone by 2 miles. The second, a perfect landing. It's so funny trying to find those little parachutes in the sky. They just seem to pop out of nowhere. On the third jump, I saw them closer to the plane then the ground.

Have you ever jumped? One jumper, who was ready for his 8th solo jump, told me he blacked out the first time for a few seconds. Apparently, your brain cannot comprehend what you are seeing, because your body is taking the experience in like a filmstrip....and the brain skips a few of the frames. Doesn't that make you feel secure? Oh Joy! My goal is to jump when my mother is here in October.

I'm so excited.

Air Mobility Command Museum

This past Saturday, March 20th, our cub scouts visited the Dover Air Force Base Air Mobility Command Museum. Out on the tarmac that was decorated with over 25 different airplanes, it was a pleasant 74F.

When we arrived only a few planes were open to the public (free to roam). However, when a tour guide spotted us he gave us a personal tour and unlocked many more for us to explore. They were especially thrilled to be in a cargo, a hospital "triage," a passenger, first made, last made, and fuel transfer plane(s).

The boys knew much more than I had expected. They gently educated me when I incorrectly guessed at the purpose and equipment located on the plane. "That's not a bomb; it's a gas tank, Sister Bigelow. But I can definitely see how that could confuse you. My little sister would think the same thing!" It was a perfect day with a perfect venue to make our boys happy to be together!

We spent most of our time in the planes, but managed to go inside the huge hanger which harbored the exhibits of more planes, engines, history, airlift, Korean war, and Dover AFB crew. We met many retired soldiers that brought their spouses, and families visiting for the day.

The boys were lucky to have met active soldiers in uniform that gave them black t-shirts with a Ruck March emblem as souvenirs. The march commemorates the 20,000 troops that underwent a 27-mile, six-day retreat through mountainous terrain in frigid temperatures during the Korean War Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. The Ruck March consists of teams of four people, each carrying 30-pound rucksacks while walking or running 10 kilometers.

Saints Unified Voices directed by Sister Knight

Last night, Thursday, March 19th, I had the opportunity to travel to Cherry Hill, NJ to one of our churches Stake Centers (same as Diocese) with other members of my church to hear Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. Yes, Gladys Knight is Mormon.

I was amused as she turned a traditionally conservative mood into a toe-tapping, hand-clapping celebration praising Jesus Christ through music. The fireside had nearly 1200 in attendance and half being visitors of other faiths. She encourages them to take home and read the Book of Mormon. Mostly, though they leave with changed perceptions and attitudes after feeling our love, her music, the testimonies, and the Lord's Spirit.

They sang songs from the energetic gospel classic Pass Me Not to the inspirational duet Did You Know? and the from the sentimental Hawaiian song Iesu Me Kanaka Waiwai to the familiar LDS Hymn Come Come Ye Saints with African drums. Her album One Voice has uplifting musical insight into the ways people of all faiths and cultures praise the Lord through music.

Except for a few, the choir comprised of 100 culturally diverse voices, the LDS members had never sung gospel music. They weren't accustomed to singing without sheet music. Given only the words to the hymns typed in paragraph form, she taught them to sing by how the music feels. that had mostly never sung.

Her journey began when she was a little raised with deep spiritual grounding by her mother, who instilled in her a firm faith and trust in God. Now a wife, mother of three, and a grandmother of 11. She pronounced that "nothing has affected my life as much as the joy I feel as a result of finally finding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without a doubt, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me!" Since joining the church, Gladys aspires to have what she views as one of the best church callings: Ward Choir Director. Of course, she hasn't been called to do that yet, but instead is using her gift to help bring others to peace and love through music.

Music Man

This year Smyrna High School presented Music Man, the musical. The Director, Jamie DeLoach, decided the musical to be her swan song. She is leaving Delaware to be married this summer and move to Pennsylvania. I was happy to be involved again this year as music director. The student auditions were very good. Each student really showed confidence in their acting and singing ability. As we started to assign character parts, we realized that we needed to have more than our usual 3 day performance and added an extra day, scheduling it for two consecutive weekends.

The music was not easy and not well known to most of the students. However, almost half of the cast were chorus, band, and drama students. Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-9pm we met and practiced. It is quite a responsibility and commitment for both parent and student. My reward is to inspire the kids to "break free" and shine. They get to understand the talent and great potential in each other as they share the joy of performing with each other. Last weekend was their final show(s). They were wonderful and we had a blast at the cast party. A teacher from school district moonlights as a DJ. He played 80s music. I haven't danced in almost 10 years! It was fun to learn the new dances with the kids.

Usually, just after a first few rehearsals the cast becomes a family (my kids) and are very supportive of each other. New friendships and blossoming personalities and talents keep me inspired and joyous as we share the experience of "being in it together!" For some, there were many firsts: first kiss, first boy-girl dance and holding hands, first solo, first performance, first love of self. Memories that every young adult should have!

This past year has been especially rewarding because I have been invited to several musical events: choir solos, college plays, and instrumental performances by former "SHS Musical/Band" students that are now adults in college or married. I have been honored and thrilled to attend them. Also, my youngest brothers and sisters in church are inviting me to their school plays, chorus, and band events too!

This summer I am going to direct my first musical play "Nunsense" at the Smyrna Opera House. I am so nervous, but mostly excited to increase my theatre experience. Senior HS student Alex Marthaler, has agreed to be the Accompanist. Also, I've asked Marissa Parker, a Theatre Major and a Junior in College to be my Assistant Director.

I am so blessed to have the knowledge that we are all connected to each other by God's love through music! MUSIC ROCKS!!! It bridges differences in everything from cultures and communities through the generations. Share the music inside you and you will find new friends everywhere you go!

Pinewood Derby Jan 2010

I look forward to the Pinewood Derby race every year! It's so fun to talk with the boys. I get just as excited as they talk about how their Dads help them with painting, carving, and naming their cars. Usually scheduled on a Saturday, they all arrive with smiles and anxiousness as they get their cars registered, numbered, weighed and tested. We have chairs arranged facing parallel to each track so that the parents, cousins, grandparents, and siblings can cheer on the cub scouts. This year we added an old fashioned popcorn popper, and a rolling snack tray for the attendees. Of course, each of the boys shook hands and congratulated each other on doing their best. Each received a ribbon for attending and a winning certificate for outstanding fun categories: most colorful, most shaped like a fruit, most dragon-like, best driver, best paint job, etc. The Dads got involved by putting together a detailed racing schedule, stop watches, and a official repair station. Everyone that attended enjoyed the great race!