Solstice 2023

Take a look at the above photo. It won’t mean anything to 99.9% of my readers, but this is the front of The Cleveland Museum of Art, lit up for our annual Solstice celebration. It was awesome (in the most literal sense of the word), it was attended by thousands of people and probably 95% of them had at least a brief interaction with me. I was even greeted with a familiar “great to see you again” by the President of the Rock Hall.

I was blessed with the role I was meant to play, the main greeter for this event. June 24, 2023 was a wonderful evening!

I thought the dress was perfect for the event and based on the many, many compliments I received, it was a hit! This event is held both inside the tremendous atrium with food, drink and a DJ and outside on the front entrance steps and in front of Wade Oval. As I greeted folks, literally talking nonstop for about 90 minutes, I collected many hugs from friends and a few from folks I had never met before.

Knowing my neighbors were gone for the weekend (I water their plants when they are out of town), I took a few photos on our (very much in need of staining) deck.

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When I took that picture that opened the post, I was filled with awe that I am a very, very small part of this amazing institution. But I do know one thing, I am known and known by many! I never take my responsibility to represent my sisters well lightly. Each and every compliment that I received was for one simple reason. I fooled no one but was admired for my ability to be myself in such an open, public and (I must say….stop patting yourself on the back, girl!) stylish manner.

I reflect on my great fortune on this day (the day this post initially runs) as I get the results from my recent biopsy. I fear nothing regarding this diagnosis, knowing the possibility of anything long term or fatal is miniscule. Many, many have more struggles and issues than I could ever have. We have a roof over our heads, food in our stomachs, wonderful children who are now successful adults, our bills get paid and I get to walk around looking like this! Who am I to complain?

Nothing pleases me more than to just sit back and watch this community at work! I always respond to any comment I receive, be it here or on Flickr or Facebook. At least to acknowledge a kind comment. When our fabulous Contributors take the stage, I simply watch in awe at the thoughtful, meaningful conversations unfurl over the course of the day and I get out of the way! Ladies, keep being awesome, keep supporting each other, keep being you!