Some of my volunteer assignments over the years have been interesting, but this is the first time I’ve ever been a character companion. The official job title was handler, but I think companion sounds much nicer.

The gig: A fictional animal character meet and greet with a group of nursery school kids
The assignment: Get the character in and out of costume, escort the character into the event, assist with photo ops, and so on.

Continue reading 'Meet and greet in costume'»

The drizzle didn’t seem to scare anyone off for the opening day of Hollywood Farmers’ Market at NE Hancock and 44th. Many local area farms as well as an assortment of butchers, bakers, and candlemakers participate, and it all smells so good!!! Plenty of greens, peas, strawberries, asparagus, cut flowers, local honey (and beeswax candles!), smoked salmon, oysters, fresh bread, and so much more was available. I filled my bamboo beaded bag with romaine, zucchini, sugar snap peas, and an artichoke. Continue reading 'It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood'»

I have a confession to make… I am a “horror movie virgin.” Outside of really wanting to see Invaders From Mars when I was in grade school (and completely freaking out my siblings when we saw it!) there has never been a night where I’ve thought, “Geez, I want to watch something spooky and creepy.” I’m the gal who curls up with It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Halloween while my friends prefer something with Freddy or Jason.
Then I met Aaron. He has been gently introducing me to the genre, and it’s going pretty well so far. We watched Re-animator last night. I was a little squeamish during the introduction, and he offered to put on a different movie, but I stuck with it and it wasn’t too bad. The funny moments made it much easier to handle. Continue reading 'Deflowering of a horror movie virgin'»