A family that floats together stays together

Splish, splash, family fun is floating down the springs in summer!  Ah, lazing on a tube down Itchetucknee Springs is one of my pleasures.  Add the experience with a campfire dinner the night before and you just can't get closer to heaven on Earth.

On Friday my sister and family, already at the springs at Blue Hole, were in full-Florida fun mode.  Later on, it was a hoot to see the caravan of RV's surrounding the campground and going on joy rides in the new convertible.  Who knew my cousin would make homemade ice cream sandwiches - complete with sprinkles and chocolate chips?  I could not have enjoyed a more delightful cake for my birthday.  Truly, I had no clue the weekend was going to turn into a birthday bash - I had heard about this family gathering back in May and decided we needed to join in.  Yes, I kind of crashed the family float fun - and I am so glad we did!

Although we did not have our RV's Mom and I did host a sleeping bag buddy in our hotel room. So, it was a little like a camping event - more like "glamping"(glamorous camping - thanks, Nicole Spottke).

The morning came oh so soon, yet it was time to rally and round up the crew - we needed to get out on that water! It was nice to have breakfast ready to roll in the hotel, and both Sean and Dylan were able to make their own waffles.  Unfortunately, there was a little mishap with the waffle pouring and Sean ended up with some of the batter on his shorts.  After a quick clean-up he said, "Well, guess the rest of it will just have to wash off in the river."  Gotta love that kid!

Right around 8:45 a.m. the RV crew came in, along with my dear friend Vanessa and her children Cassandra and Evan.  What a merry bunch!  After a quick "blow-up the tubes" session we were ready to roll!  At the mid-point entry, which we chose, a tram took us and our tubes to the entry point. This location was the best choice for us so that we could stop and have lunch and then do another afternoon float (if you choose the North entry you only get one float - even though it is a three hour event).

"Wahoo!" Time to get in that 72 degree water.  It was not an easy task for some, and yes, a tad scary for a moment when Evan fell off his tube.  Nial was the ever-ready athlete and hero helping to jump in and swim over to aid in the reunion of safety and assurance that all was going to be okay.  Gotta love that guy!  With child in boat, with my sister Kelly, we were ready to roll, and relax

While on my tube I enjoyed the view above me.  Watching the clouds, seeing the tree tops, and listening to splashing and chirping soothed out the recent stress of the week.  My ears and eyes were soaking in new-found joys and savoring the moments like I was meditating on a mat - well, a mat that was floating down a river with lots of fun, family members around me.  True bliss!

About an hour and a half later we were at our end point.  I could not believe that from simply floating, and doing not a whole lot of exercise, that I could be so hungry, but I was ready to eat.  If breaking break is a way for family and friends to connect, we sure do have that skill mastered.  My friend, Vanessa, said, "You all are amazing.  There was just no picnic tables together and voila you all picked up some random picnic benches, carried them over to put them in a group, and even have tablecloths!  Wow!"  Yes, I have to be a bit proud of my family - we just get it done.  After all, it was time to eat.  :-)

For our afternoon float we chose to walk down the beautiful, and looked to be newly updated, boardwalk instead of taking the tram.  Crowds had finally arrived, much differently than the morning float, and in many ways I looked forward to the walk.  Doing so took my mind far away from current Florida and back into what must have been the "good ole' days" of Florida living.  Yes, a tad nostalgic, but none the less, a retreat not only for my body, but also my mind.  Walking and wandering further through the woods I was able to chat with my cousin, Loretta, and enjoy some moments with my cousin, Kris.

Our second float was fun, but sure more of a FL theme park style with tubes bumping into each other the entire time and quite a bit of chaos - from our scared Evan, and others.  Luckily, I had the peaceful memories of the first float to draw upon and took this turn of events with the packed river/springs to be a version of an afternoon roller coaster ride.  Florida parks sure do offer diverse experiences - not only in their various habitats, but also with the varied experiences based on the impact of visitors at any given time.

The day came to a close with our final float.  Mom, Nial, Kelly, and crew headed up to GA.  I headed down to Orlando.  Vanessa and crew stayed to soak up more of the springs.  All the other family members returned to the campground for another campfire night.  All in all a summer fling of fun was had by all - even family friends joined in the merriment and made the day a marvelous memory. Oh, and let me tell you, this crew knows how to live, laugh, and love - even to lounge.

An Endowed Chair Recipient takes a Seat

An Endowed Chair Recipient takes a Seat

Our generous donors must know how valuable it is to start the conversation on special needs students of all styles with faculty.  Many students at the community college simply cannot afford the testing needed to get OSD services.  So, many instructors (administrators and staff) need to serve these students regardless of paperwork proving their needs.  More than 70 participants and 10 key leaders/stakeholders at the college joined in my "Building Bridges for OSD and Faculty" experiences during my 2013-2014 William C. Demetree, Jr. Endowed Chair for Special Needs year.  Further, it pleases me that I served students by providing a technological advantage to taking their final exams in a similar format to other non-OSD students using our testing centers. 

Karen Cowden checking in Instructor, Denise McKnight

Instructors discuss a student scenario and create solutions

Originally, with my $3400 most of the funds were set aside for hiring interpreters to produce the Interpreted Testing videos and production. However, in the spirit of collaborative design and internal, invested partners, I only had to expend $1300 for the interpreters, and the production was generously donated by the college through "Valencia Productions" (thank you, Michael Maguire).  These partnerships allowed me to fund not only one, but two "Learn with OSD and Faculty" sessions, but also, to purchase 8 "Live Scribe ECHO" pens for student use housed within the West Campus OSD offices. As a special treat I was able to provide all participants of the training sessions a Valencia pencil and pen with all resources copied and placed in a Valencia College shopping bag (generously donated by the west campus bookstore).

Deborah Larew, Ed. Director of Office with Students with Disabilities, sums-up the experience, nicely, “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your support of the OSD in your “Welcome Back” yesterday.  Your grant has come along beside us, and has really opened doors that we could never open alone.  I was skeptical that we would have many faculty members attend but was shocked at the huge turnout. I know that is due to your support and involvement.” 

Collaboration between Librarians and Faculty

Thank you to the William C. Demetree, Jr. family.  It pleases me you entrusted my skills to serve students, faculty, administrators, and staff by providing a space to hold crucial conversations, to forge solutions for our students, and collaborate at the college.

Presenters: PHOTO ON LEFT: Karen Cowden, (Endowed Chair Recipient and Faculty Member)
Deborah Larew, Ph.D. (OSD Director), Stephanie Crosby (OSD Staff) Trish Anderson (OSD Staff), Crystal Smith, (English Instructor) and Mary Ashbury (OSD Staff) PHOTO ON RIGHT: Chris Cuevas (OSD Staff)

Instructors sharing a meal and building bridges.

Singing soothes the Soul

Singing soothes the Soul

Karen starts off the afternoon with "Summertime".

At every one of holiday gatherings, or even in car rides to the store, there was song. Singing was regular occurrence in our family.  So, it seemed like a natural fit to celebrate my mother’s recent birthday with a “sing-a-long”.  Who knew over 38 people would come and join in – but, that is how my mother “rolls” – with lots of folks surrounding each other with love and merriment.  "You are the best person to give a party for because you show your joy and are so expressive ...you could have been a mime!" said Betty Brunisma.

Pam, Helen, Mike, Kathy, and Betty - what a crew!

Betty, my mother’s dear friend, opened her home to host this event on Sunday afternoon, July 13^th and I could not have been more grateful as she has the perfect set-up/space for such a “gig”.  In the center front room lays a grand piano under a brand-new wrought iron chandelier where Betty’s crew arranged audience seating in a concert/amphitheater design.  I am not sure whether she purchased her new couch just for this event, but it was the perfect fit –we had a full house! Mike Lamy, pianist, made me sound ever so great while at the microphone.  He is a genuinely talented artist who brings beaming energy, while fighting ammonia on the brain from the medicine to cure his disease.  Even with this struggle he stays right on cue while playing piano and belting out tunes from the 1940’s and 50’s.

Mike Lamy brings joy and smiles with songs!

Mike engaging the audience to join in the fun!

Whoa, was I under the “gun”!  Mike just rolls these tunes out of his pipes like a free-flowing waterfall; however, I need months of practice.  Betty and I had worked on transposing songs into my key during the prior months (late January through March).   She wanted to work on transposing skills and I needed to refocus from my struggle with insomnia and panic towards something more harmonious in my heart.  Together it was a perfect number of sessions, and while there we both realized we should host another concert similar to the one she and Pam organized back in Christmas time, 2013.  Truly, I had no idea he would change-up my routine during our quick practice. I sang a total of six songs, “Summertime,” “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” “Somewhere My Love,” “Put on a Happy Face,” and “Bill Bailey” and three of these songs were added to my list just on Wednesday before the event.

One generous group - Pam shares our desire to collect donations for Mike's efforts

In some ways, the whole event seemed like de ja vu as Betty’s dream nights before we decided to plan this day was of Christmas trees and organizing of donations for Mike.  Talk about “Christmas in July”! 

Kelly, Karen and Kathy - what a family!

Mom bring Merriment to All!

As her daughter I was full of joy while observing her “world” – individuals from the Friday night group she attends, other friends from her Sunday gatherings, and even some others from her Sunday mornings at the Unitarian Universalist church, and her real estate life.   It made perfect sense that Betty had prepared photos of their travels around the world, which were scrolling on the television screen off to the left hand side of the room during the party.

My sister, Kelly, flew in for the experience making this is a delightful mother-daughter memory – along with the 36 other friends!  Looking around the room I saw my mother seated in middle of the room surrounded by various friends/support she has built for herself over her many years of spreading her love and warmth throughout the community. 

Helen and Cathy G. Singing A Long

Karen, Vanessa, Cassandra and Amy - good friends 

Thankfully, my dear friend, Brenda Jordan, joined me in the Sunday food preparation, and others like Helen Lawrence, Pam, Beth, Gerard and Stephane (visitors from France staying at Betty’s home) rallied to lend a hand in organizing and coordinating the day.  Otherwise, I would have needed to hire an army to pull all the parts together.  Actually, in some ways these fine folks are the army/band.  Everyone did join in the sing-a-long experience either humming to a tune or two, or even using the printed lyrics provided for “Somewhere My Love,” and “Bill Bailey. 

Mother and Daughter

There’s no better, simpler, way to summarize the day than the quote on my mother’s wall in her family room, “Make each day your masterpiece,” anonymous.  Kathy Cowden – my mother  - has made it a wonderful world sure has done that, and much more.  Happy Birthday to you, Mom!  We love you for all you are, and how your life shines forth with song.

We the Family

St. Louis – the proverbial “show-me state,” and part of my roots brought me more insights than just visual pleasures this trip. My aunt and uncle, as well as one cousin still reside in this fair city.  These two lovely folks are the most hospitable individuals you can find west of the Mississippi River.

 “Wait….we are heading that way and would love to come see everyone,” said my one cousin. 

“We could route our road trip to include St. Louis.  It would be nice to see my friend there.  Plus, we can hook-up with you all and see the family,” said my sister.

“Well, if you’re going, I need to go, too!” I said.

How do all great parties get started?  A desire to be not left out of the fun! Turns out this unplanned, impromptu summer family reunion lent itself to be a perfectly timed gathering of love and support, much needed.

Upon my arrival I received the best gift – a hug from my mother.  From that point on the love just kept rolling in. Dylan, crashed out from the full day out exploring this city (apparently every day he was so worn-out that he needed an afternoon nap to keep up with my mother’s go-go-go spirit) woke up and gave me a warm hug and an ear-to-ear smile. Chasing fireflies in the evening and listening to the birds in the morning brought more joys to my senses.  These experiences whisked me away to a time long ago.  A place in my mind where I imagined my grandmother and grandfather spinning stories and sharing experiences, which now seemed to be evident in the expressions of my uncle and the phrases of my mother.  Lapping up this weekend my mind began compiling the many ways I was witnessing our definition of family come to life: 

·      We welcome each other with hugs, play on the water:  this time we paddled down the Huzzah River and shared a bunch of great “grub” and giggles while showing children how to skip rocks across the water. 

·      We visit historical venues like the “Arch” and the “MUNY” all the while teaching and sharing history alongside of beauty and innovation. 

·      We connect with dear friends in unique lunch venues like “Blueberry Hill” in the quaint “Delmar Loop” area. 

·      We forgive each other for accidents that cost dearly and, yet, prove that life has it’s own starting and ending timetable. 

·      Finally, we enjoy nature, music, and artwork by soaking in the sites around the 79-acres “Missouri Botanical Gardens” and seeing all many ways in which residents are rewarded for their loyalty through free entrance to many educational venues (the Science Center, Zoo, and others). 

·      Most of all, we take good care of each other – we offer our car when one member comes from out of town and needs a ride, we take the extra effort to go and meet up with family even when we have to add hours to our long drives, and we provide places and avenues for children to play, connect, and develop. 

Saint Louis the 14^th of France once owned a large plot of land, which Thomas Jefferson, a Unitarian Universalist, saw fit to not only purchase when it abruptly up for sale by Napoleon, but also have Lewis and Clark explore it.  One of my favorite spots in this terrain is the Missouri Botanical Gardens – all 79 acres of it!

“Wow!  This place is almost four city blocks of beauty,” I said.

“Yes, it used to be called “Shaw’s Garden” because all of the land was donated by Henry Shaw.  His vision was to have a public park, and it was the first of it’s kind, and size, during the day.  Most individuals had to be very wealthy to be allowed the privilege of a garden,” said Mary Lou (the Docent who toured us around the property). 

“I really like the Japanese gardens,” said Garrett.

“Me, too.  The Ottoman garden was refreshing with all that fruit and delights for the senses; however, it seems like the Japanese garden is more calming and peaceful,” I replied.

“You know, I really like the Koi fish, too,” Garrett added to his thought.

With lotus flowers in full bloom, which only last one week, and were the size of my head, it made sense that there was a draw to this area of the property.  Actually, it is almost impossible to figure out which one of the many gardens I could say was my favorite.  It was fascinating to find such a large daylily garden, with so many varied colors and hybrids.  Mostly, it was the addition of the Chihuly blown glass popping up around the grounds, which brought me true joy.  Something in the blending of natural art with man-made art truly brought out a sense of honor being a former resident of the state.  In some ways that metaphor was blended with all of our experiences.

“The MUNY” is a national treasure and is the world’s largest outdoor theater space.  “Tarzan” was the perfect show for this summer series of musicals.  The main character seemed in his element soaring above the crowds with an open sky, loincloth and all!   Plus, the multitude of children out from school for the summer, which filled the ensemble, added a beautiful dynamic of the generations following the footsteps of their families who loved art and artistic expression.  I think my mouth dropped a few times when I realized the “young” Tarzan was a nine-year-old boy who had been with the theater since age 7.  He was a showstopper, for sure!  The weather was simply perfect and breezy providing a natural backdrop of not a care in the world or a worry for comfort in body and spirit.

Jake, the new sweet Lhasa Apso and guard dog of my uncle and aunt’s home, was delightful – bubbly, soft, and obedient.  His personality was a welcome treat because we had just been through some tough 24 hours unexpectedly losing our female Shih Tzu, Tulip.   Bright and full of personality, he sure brought a smile to everyone’s face. 

We left St. Louis around similar ages, yet one can never know.  While leaving the city, today, I realized – somewhat like Tarzan – I now know where I come from, but also know that I have what I need at home.  It is okay to cleave to a new family, and start one’s own pathway to build a new family.  Plus, it’s really fun to have experiences with the many individuals (or apes) in life, because they are loyal, playful, and harmonious – just like me.