Update: bouquet possibilities

Enjoy this little sampling of possible bouquet flowers. For a soft, romantic look and organic shape: sunrise pincushion protea, blush and white peonies, manbo spray roses, green hypericum berries, pom pom/button mums, and (hopefully) hanging amaranthys. Tulips and potentially snapdragon or hydrangea with bear grass and other fillers in the ball-jar centerpieces. T.G.I.F. To come next week: more tales of cohabitation.

Groom's eye view

In the planning process, I often wonder why Patrick isn't leaping for joy over menus or color shemes as I am. He's not thinking about the wedding most of the time. And, this morning, the husband of my dear friend and talented event planner, Tricia, let me in on a groom's psyche. His post is precious, and you must read it now at www.socialbutterflyjournal.blogspot.com.Here's how he says a groom should view the wedding day: "When I was standing at the altar, watching Tricia’s bridesmaids walking down the aisle, able to see her figure in the stained glass doors, the minister leaned over to me and said, “Don’t worry… in just a few seconds, no one will even be looking at you anymore.” I kind of laughed, but looking back, that was a very wise statement. Truth is it is all about her. Sure, you have input (and when you are asked for your opinion, the absolute worst thing you can say is, “Doesn’t matter to me… whatever you want”) in the planning and it will be important to be involved in the budgeting (but don’t let money play too big a factor), but remember, she is the one who has been planning this for longer than you’ve known her..." Awww! Sigh.

P.S. Happy almost-one-year anniversary to one of my fave couples, Tricia and Jon! There they are, above, at their gorgeous October wedding.

Planning paralysis

So. It's been a while. I know. Sorry! However, I'd like a minute to explain myself. You see, I'm feeling currently a pinch of "1-2-3 over it" syndrome, also known as denial or procrastination. Patrick and I enjoyed a pleasant, playful, engaged summer. It was largely free of detail-talk and wedding conversations. We put the guest list aside, I danced around in wedding gowns with my sisters for a few weekends and blissfully perused wedding blogs and magazines. Constructing daydreams --which are, by the way, free from any form of decision-making -- is way more fun than ACTUALLY planning something.

Alas, it is now late September. I decided a few weeks ago to check in on my handy "what you should be doing this month" checklist. "Uh-oh," I said, and went back to the business of checking things off of lists.

I must sheepishly admit that I've been slightly cranky about the whole business since then. We reopened the guest list can of worms. Ugh. That was about as fun as eating dirt. And we need to order bridesmaids dresses. So many to choose from! And I just got off the phone with a very perky florist who has lots of great ideas!!! (extra exclamations to convey the level of perkiness) But are they mine? Is that what I want? Will I really care on the day of the wedding? Are we really going to spend that much on flowers? Oooph.

So. It's been a while. But I'm back on track. And we have lots of work to do. Today, listening to Happy Perky Florist, I decided: I am EXCITED! Vooten for my wedding! Wahoo for the next 219 glorious days! I promise to be more active on this blog. Seriously.

SILVER!

Many thanks for all of the prayers, support and well-wishes. Emma won a silver medal today at the Paralympic Games in Beijing!!!!!! A story and photo are posted on the USRowing site. They were not the favorite in this race at all.

The US clocked a 3:37.61 for the silver medal. Italy led from the start, winning gold in a 3:33.13. The U.S. crew was in third place through the 750-meter mark, but powered through Great Britain in the sprint to cross just 0.76 seconds ahead. Great Britain (the favorite at the start) took bronze in a 3:38.37, with Germany fourth in a 3:41.71. China finished in fifth place with a 3:44.15, followed by Canada in a 3:45.66." See the story and this photo at: http://www.usrowing.org/News_Media/PressReleases/detail.aspx?nws_lKey=599

Feeling small, but proud

I've been a little delinquent with blogging about wedding stuff lately (short vacation, a little bug to fend off, and other end-of-summer distractions). Unfortunately, that trend continues with this post. I just finished watching the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

Weddings and the trials of ordinary life feel very small in comparison to the amazing courage of these Paralympic athletes. It is awe-inspiring enough to watch them gather to compete. But to see my sister's face among the USA athletes parading into the Bird's nest ... breathtaking. It will come as no surprise that I bawled throughout the broadcast (which I hope will be available to view again on www.universalsports.com).

At the close of ceremonies, the Olympic flame was passed from a woman with one leg in a wheelchair, to a man with prosthetic legs, and finally to a woman with a seeing-eye dog. She hands her torch to a wheelchair-bound man who literally hoists himself (and his chair) up by pulley to the foot of the torch. (See Rueters photo below from UniversalSports.) It was a testament to the unparalleled strength of these outstanding individuals.

Please say prayers for Emma and her teammates. And if you have time, check in at universalsports.com or paralympicsport.tv for updates on her competitions.