shameless self promotion

here is an email from my seventh grade oboe teacher.

AMANDA! How in the world are you?
I saw your mom today when Gloria and I went with our daughter for her
ultrasound. It was great to get to visit with your mom for a little while
and of course I had the pleasure of seeing pictures of your cute little boy.
He is a such dandy!
I wanted to say hi, so your mom gave me your e-address. It's been
quite a while since I talked to you last and I must tell you that I'm the
world's worst at keeping in touch with people I love. Yes, you were a
favorite of mine. I can't deny that. And that's because you were such a
genuine person. I enjoyed teaching you so much, and I also enjoyed having
you for a friend.
I know that a teacher can have an impact on student's lives, but know
that it works the other way as well. You were a student who made my teaching
so enjoyable.
Well I guess you know i am retired from my old job. I will be doing some work, Edmond,
Putnam City and Mustang schools want me to teach. It should
work out well. I remember you did some fine teaching for Mr. Sharp at
Mustang. I'm so glad you did that.
It's sad though to hear that you sold your oboe. It would have been
nice if you could have found a playing opportunity. I know we can't continue
everything throughout life, but I know that your oboe gave you much pleasure.
You achieved several things playing the oboe and I was very proud of you.
Now that I'm retired I won't be as busy with school band activities.
I will have plenty of time to spend with my grand kids.
Gloria and I went on a great vacation in June to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary
(and my retirement... haha). We flew to Hawaii and took a 7 day cruise of the islands. It was
fabulous. It was a great way to see Hawaii by spending time on all the islands.
Well, I guess I better get this sent to you, it's getting a bit late.
I hope to hear from you. Let me know about your family and what you're doing.

Love ya,
Jerry

news from the home front

this is for you,leah. another tantilizing journal entry.that makes 2 today!!

so some friends of mine just got back from the rainbow gathering. it seems that the change in administration has had some major effects on the rainbow gatherings and how it's being handled by law enforcement.
last year (clinton's last year in office) was a very mellow gathering in montana. law enforcement was so unbrutal, a ranger actually packed me and my two kids in last year on her horse. this year was pretty insane with law enforcement officers and the incident command/creation team (who is rumored to be trained by the school of americas). anyway, i'm kind of glad i wasn't there because those situations make me uptight. but i'm very proud of my rainbow family that went and made it beautiful for everyone.

in unrelated news, i saw on hipmama that tori amos is coming out with a new album in september. it will be a cover album of songs originally recorded by men. she will be covering the velvet underground, eminem, slayer, happiness is a warm gun by the beatles, and tom waits. worth a check out. i love the other covers she has done; i really liked her smells like teen spirit (she totally captured the melancholy undertones) and i love her anji and the other one off that ep. the led zeppelin one. thank you, i think it was.