Tomorrow is my Talking on Paper Writing Group. Having that deadline always encourages me to actually put pen to paper. Here is my submission.

Starts and Not Finishes

On a recent shopping trip at Target, I spotted a pair of new, shiny black tap shoes. Instantly, I was transported to my early childhood and into my Tap, Ballet, and Baton Twirling Class. I hadn’t thought of  five year old me for a very long time. This memory evoker triggered a series of reminisces of all the things I started and never finished.

To this day, I’m envious of anyone who can play a musical instrument. I could play one had I ‘finished’. My mom dutifully took me to guitar lessons. I could play a mean rendition of Proud Mary but for some reason I stopped.

At one point, we were babysitting a grand piano so my mom signed me up for lessons then. My Hot Cross Buns was impeccable yet again, for some reason that’s as far as I went. I now wonder if my mom quit taking me to various activities, exasperated by my unwillingness to practice these skills to perfection or did I just tire of them? It’s a question I had never thought to ask myself, or my mom when she could have answered.

This quitting mentality didn’t end in early childhood. As I thought more about all I had attempted to do, the list became extensive: Spanish in middle school, French in high school, a teaching credential after college, even a travel agent certification during stay-at-home motherhood.

C.S. Lewis said, “You never know what you can do until you try, and very few try unless they have to.” Well, Mr. Lewis can't say I didn't try. So you will never find me attempting to step, heel drop, brush, shuffle, flap, or ball change. And no, I can't plié, relevé, or pirouette and because I never finished French, I can't even pronounce what I can't do.

I appreciate the accomplishments of those who persevered and mastered their craft though I have to wonder how many things did they attempt but never finished.

Steve asked, "Doesn't it make you sad to draft such a list?" Actually, it truly doesn't. I have a deep sense of gratitude for my mom's attempt at broadening my horizons. I have accepted my limitations and 'not finishes' and at this age, I'd probably just hurt myself if I was to toss a baton around anyway.

I tried. I didn't have to. I quit. I'm good with it. But boy, new, shiny black tap shoes are very adorable (though probably not so much in a size 10).

What a busy five days! Cindy's grand finale was spent back at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort doing what we love to do.

After dinner on the porch, much needed showers, and a passegiata around the neighborhood, we decided we'd end our day being creative. It had been years since Cindy painted. Oh man, the giggles that ensued.
This was the perfect end to Cindy's visit. What a visit it was!

Cindy's trip timing allowed us to attend The Great Gatsby Festival, an event I haven't gone to in years. It has been missed.

The Great Gatsby Festival is a living history event, celebrating the life and times of the Prohibition Era. Begun in the mid-1980s, Gatsby has brought bootleggers, Model Ts, vintage vendors, live jazz, and much more to the Tallac Historic Site throughout the last four decades.
What a spectacular setting. We delighted in actively participating vs just spectating. We spent our day photographing ourselves and being photographed. It was frivolity at its best.

"Don’t be afraid to put on your glad rags and step into the past at this year’s Gatsby! From classic cocktails and live jazz, to vintage clothing, blacksmiths and autos, there is something for everyone to enjoy."





In addition to vintage cars, there were vintage camping set ups on display. How very, very cool.


Games of yore were available to play. I love this series of us playing croquet.
This is my favorite photo of the day. It captures our spirit so well.
As does Steve's AI rendition. Hysterical. There just isn't enough dancing with confetti in the world.
Listening to live Jazz was a welcomed respite.

This couple has been attending almost since the event's inception. I have several photographs taken with them over the years. So fun.
Oh and if all that wasn't enough, today was Smokey Bear's 82nd birthday and we joined the celebration.

We ended our day in Genoa for a Concert on the Green.
We met up with Sharon and Erin to soak up the final weeks of summer while listening to some traditional Bluegrass performed by Joey Carmon & Kentucky Blue.



A detour into Nevada's Oldest Thirst Parlor (1853) was a must.
Our days are full of delights and unforgettable memories. We have one more day. Here's to Guest Season!

Our 12 hour outing began at the Nevada Museum of Art. It was the Free Second Saturday of the Month Day and we were happy to be a part of it.

Crafting handmade paper began our day with creativity.


Last Night's Folly performed Irish jigs, hosted a sing-a-long, and taught us about unique musical instruments.
The nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish bowed string instrument, was the coolest. Its name means "key harp" or "keyed fiddle". Dating back to the Middle Ages, it features a wooden keyboard with tangents that act like frets to change the pitch while the player draws a bow across the strings.


Normally, I share a great deal about the art I see. This post is just going to give you a visual glance. We thoroughly enjoyed, and were overwhelmed, by all we saw.


I have to point out this tapestry by Sanaa Gateja. Looking closely reveals that it is composed of rolled, paper beads!
I have made paper beads and they are incredibly time consuming. I just can't believe the amount of time and effort involved in this piece. WOW.
Thomas Deininger's Bee Pollinating Weed Wacker wasn't fully appreciated until I was advised, by a security guard, to step back.
It really is a bee pollinating a weed wacker.








After our explore of the museum, we strolled to lunch at Great Full Gardens and then spent our remaining Reno time at St.Vincent De Paul Thrift Store (with fabulous finds found).
Our evening concluded in Carson City at this pretty nice performing art center.
We were welcomed to The Practically Perfect Mary Poppins, an aerial arts and circus show featuring 34 performers aged 7 to 50. Through aerial silk, lyra, dance trapeze, and ground acrobatic acts, we followed the different characters from this classic story, such as Mary Poppins, Bert, Mr. Banks, and his children, and more. Pieces of music from the Disney movie Mary Poppins, and others, transported us on a unique journey.


This is the actual film's audio played while the performers do their stuff. This really was incredibly unique and very entertaining.