My Adventures in Writing

I visited the book sale at work today,  like I do each year. I love books so it’s hard not to go look. I usually come away with a purchase. One year I bought books for my loved ones for Christmas. But this year I bought a book for myself. Yet my intentions are to create something to share with my family.

The book I purchased is family photo archive project book. It included a CD
for working with photos and creating an electronic version of a scrapbook or family tree. The book gives ideas on how to locate family history and records.

So, this will be my new project when I have time. I’ve always wanted to go back and scan in old family photos and research the people in the images. One of my relatives recently scanned in some old photos of my grandfather and great-grandfather. It was so amazing to me to see the resemblance to my family members. I wanted to know all about those people. I don’t want family history to be forgotten. I am amazed at the traditions and family history of many other cultures, like the oral history of the Native Americans. Their culture is so rich. It must be so wonderful to know where your family came from and the stories of each family member.

So my goal is to do what I can to capture the family history and stories I know. I may not be able to go back as far as I want but I can start with my life. If I am able to capture my memories of childhood and what I experience it will be a start. I would to do more but we will see.

Right now, I’m sitting in the living room with my mini laptop on my lap, visiting with friends on Facebook. On our projector TV we have it set to play a slideshow of all our photos. Thousands of photos are set to play randomly. I am mesmerized by the images, bringing back all kinds of memories. Warm thoughts of Cancun, fun times in Colorado, memories of our wedding, pictures of the flower around the yard, coastal scenes, family photos and so many more. I find myself feeling so blessed tonight, with all that God has given me. Each photos echos a prayer of thanks and awe for life. I travel back in time to the emotions of each glimpse in time. Our lives are so amazing, in all we see and do. Thank you God.

On Saturday, I got the nerve up to attend my first Zumba class. I first heard about Zumba from my cousin’s wife while on vacation in Cancun. Out on the dance floor, she was amazing, with perfect rhythm and moves. Everyone’s eyes were on her and some of us even looked to her for the right moves and steps. She later told us she teaches a Zumba class back home. Zumba is a dance-aerobics class that uses Latin and African dance with up-beat music, even adding hip hop moves. After seeing her dance moves and how happy she looked while dancing I thought I’d like to learn some new dance moves.

So, a few weeks ago my husband and I decided to look into joining a health club. I found that one of the local clubs had classes, Zumba included. I was sold, not to mention the amazing gym and swimming pools.

So, I knew I wanted to take the Zumba class but wasn’t sure when I would initially go. I told my sister about Zumba. She went out and found a class, attending right away. She had so much fun that she attended the next day too. She said I had to go.

So, Saturday morning I woke up, had a small cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal, and headed to the gym. The class I wanted to attend was “Intro to Zumba.” There were about 6-7 other people there. Our instructor turned on the up-beat music and began to show us th various dances included in Zumba. We did salsa, hip hop and several African-flavored dances, which I can’t remember the name of now. It was a lot of fun - so much fun that I decided to stay for the complete Zumba class starting just after the intro class ended.

The dance class is such a good workout. I found myself out of breath several times. But when the song ends, we had a chance to catch our breath and get a drink of water. It was just enough break, making the class more interval training than straight aerobics. It was very challenging and not repetitive or boring at all. Each song used a different dance or routine.

It was a lot of fun too. Dancing is a feel-good activity. It helps that I was surrounded by smiling people who were acting just as goofy as me. It was a great day. I can’t wait to go back.

Tonight I attended the public showing of the “Oregon from the Ground Up” exhibit at the InSight Gallery of the Arc of Benton County.

My mom, Peggy Paine, was one of the artists featured. Her series of photos showcasing water and reflections were part of the exhibit. This is my mom’s first public showing.

The “Oregon from the Ground Up” exhibit features photography, painting, drawing and collage, all by Benton County artists.

The next showing will be titled “Ability Awareness”, open March 26th from 2-5, showcasing artwork from the ArtFocus program and Art Careers Program. The May 28th show will feature “Seasons of the Sea” works of art.

Make sure to stop by the gallery or visit the website. Help support the Arc of Benton County.

Contact Information:
InSight Gallery, 414 N.W. Fourth St. Information: 541-753-1711.