Nan Weber's Musings

Perspective

2012-03-03T07:37:00.001-08:00

Yes it's time for travel!

Night so Bright

2012-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

The snow made the night so bright. There was unlimited ground light. You could read a book or play a game of chess. Plenty of vision to make a night snowman or play with your rabbit. Plain view to have a tea party, present a skit, play snow baseball. A pleasant time to relax with a crossword puzzle and watch the night life. Nothing so perfect as a night so bright.

Happy Birthday Yellowstone

2012-03-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

How I celebrate YNP Birthday while being in the city.

In my mind I recall:

The smell of fresh snow in the lodge pole forest.
The sound of a fumarole.
Cool wind on a hot sunny day.
Huckleberries in August.
The smell of Phlox on a Spring day.
Spray from an unexpected geyser eruption.
An Elk bugle at night.
Snort of a nearby Bison.
Wolf howl on the Madison.

Day of Mercury

2012-02-29T06:26:00.000-08:00

The Moon and Planets were shining brightly last night. Something to watch over us "background" workers as we did our last night shot of the work day. It was an easy shoot with fake snow abounding. I even got to sneak a peak into my favorite bookstore while on a break.
Today holds interesting events too. One audition, lots of books to mail, tons of work to do and of course getting ready for the trip to Arizona. It's always very exciting to think about the trip. Family, friends, animals, book, new friends, and adventure.

Hello Day

2012-02-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

It is dark and quiet still. Folks are just getting ready for the day. I love this time of morning, with all the decisions of the day still to be made. A perfect day can be had if all goes well. It's a lot like the moments before the curtain goes up on the stage.

My day will be long but is always fun when it includes being "background" on a set. Not a role but still in front of the cameras. Lots of time to read and make new friends.

Hello day.

Puzzling

2012-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

The Puzzle is Finally Finished!

This puzzle took forever put together. It was a thrift store buy--$1.00.
I think it was one of the most difficult puzzles we've put together in a long time.

Sunday looks like Sun Day

2012-02-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

The sun tells me that I could open the door of the greenhouse today, even with the temperature having returned to winter. So bright and warm inside. While tending the plants this morning I was showered with pollen from the daisies. I think they were just saying hello to me.

This clip is from last month. Lots more growth since then but you "get the picture."

Windy Saturday

2012-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

As I opened the door to feed Boo, my rabbit, I was just about swept away by the morning wind. How wonderful it would be to fly along with it today. Today?--because it is full of work and errands that cannot be pushed aside for play.

Plans inside me need to take shape--how to make the history of my book characters fun, visual, and compelling for those who will be visiting my booth at the Tucson Festival of Books. This first on my list.

But oh, the sun is taking turns with the flying clouds outside. Sun and shade playing with each other--I am pulled to the outside world.

Last day of Retro Postings--Olympic Closing Ceremonies 24 February 2002

2012-02-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

Celebration

There were so many great images from yesterday it is hard to pick just one for the e-mail. This was the parade of the flags of all the nations. Geeg and I went to the Martina McBride concert earlier in the day and I got off of my Volunteer assignment early. Geeg I insisted I go to the Closing Ceremony instead of her. Paul and I had a visual treat.

This is the painting of the ice near it’s the beginning. The dancing figures were wonderful. The color kept getting bigger and bigger but the simplicity of it was impressive to me.

Probably the greatest treat to end the night happened when we were filing from the bleachers. There were several corridors to exit through. One lane had blue sheeting on it and you could barely see the people exiting on the other side. One of the spectators said, “Those are the athletes.” We all moved to the fencing and put our hands above the fencing saying hello and thanking the athletes for being here. The athletes also moved to the fencing and started shaking our high hands and giving us high fives and mementos. This continued until all the athletes had filed past. It was all very spontaneous and moving. We will remember this as our end to the Olympics.

23 February 2002--Olympic Memories

2012-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday 23 February 2002

It was a gala day in Salt Lake City today. So many people crowded the venues it was amazing. In fact so many people were in Olympic Square they actually stopped letting people in. They announced to the crowd they were filled to capacity. Geeg did get in to get pictures of the puppet animals from the Opening Ceremonies, however it was so windy they canceled the show. Geeg was disappointed. They Army band was one of the street performances that entertained the mass of people. The drummer below is from the band and everyone wanted a photo with him because of his charisma.

Medals Plaza was also packed. It was full in N’Sync fans. Fans who represent the fanatic to the fullest.

Here's a clip from N'Sync's performance.

I was able to watch the medals presentation from the light booth tower. Wow! Besides the presentations I saw the crew doing all the cues. That was a highlight for me.

I got sitting tickets for Martina McBride’s concert tomorrow at the Medal’s Plaza and Geeg will attend with me before she and Paul go to the Closing Ceremonies.

Olympic Memories--22 February 2002

2012-02-22T08:27:00.000-08:00

John Nieto is the artist of this mascot trio. He was commissioned to depict the Olympic movement. The rabbit represents higher, the coyote swifter and the bear stronger. I first saw the trio while I was meeting and greeting at the airport. It was hanging in an alcove on the concourse. Now I have a poster of them. I just need to find the right wall space.

Traffic was a nightmare for the first time after the Medals Ceremonies. It was partly due to a FOX reporter telling people driving downtown was smoother than public transportation. Six months of traffic planning down the drain in two minutes. Of course it was Friday night, two days left for photo opps and partying. Goo Goo Dolls was the band. I could hear them from the house when I got home.

Did I tell you each day at Olympic Square the animals from Opening Ceremonies perform in front of the Delta Center? Geeg is going to try for photos on Saturday. I am hoping they will be in the Closing Ceremonies. I like them a lot.

Here is a clip of Goo Goo Dolls at the Olympic Medals Plaza

Pins, pins and more pins. Olympic Memories 21 February 2002

2012-02-21T08:05:00.000-08:00

As before, anything in blue is from 2002.

I dedicate this entry to a friend who I met through pin trading.

Thursday 21 February 2002

We are caught in the pin craze. There are thousands of different kinds of pins and we began collecting when Salt Lake City won the Olympic bid. Geeg seems fond of food pins but loves the all. I like the pins with the mascots on them quite a bit. My favorite mascot is Powder the Rabbit. Paul and Geeg both get in the trading. They have made some interesting trades with people from other countries. My first trade was for a pin from the Sydney Olympics and if I can, I would like to trade for other former Olympic sites.

Salt Lake seems to be getting into the mode for closing ceremonies. Many of the acts who will perform are now being announced. Paul and Geeg will attend the closing ceremonies and are really excited about it. We are all hoping for warm weather like we’ve been having the last two days but snow is in the forecast.

The women’s free skate long program was certainly exciting last night. What a wonderful thing for a high school student to achieve! Grace on ice.

It was Sarah Hughes who won gold.

She was not expected to but had a near flawless free skate

while the other skaters made many mistakes.

February 20 ten years ago--Olympic Memories

2012-02-20T08:27:00.002-08:00

Wednesday 20 February 2002

Our guests have to go home now. However Celeste and DeMarco ended their “tour” with an accidental second meeting with Bonnie Blair at short track. Another photo op.

All of us had a full busy day. Paul had another performance at the Winterfest venue. It rained all day and since the tent was put up on a parking lot a river of water found its way into and through the venue. So he had to sing in competition with the water vac. The rest of the gang was up to Park City to see the skeleton races. They played in the snow! Go USA!!! They all rendezvoused and capped off the day cheering Ohno to a gold medal at short track. Sightings of Mitt Romney and the Canadian pairs skaters made the night sweet. Autographs too.

Above DeMarco and Celeste watch at the Skeleton Track

Below shows the crowds at the Skeleton Track

It was a snowy day in Park City

DeMarco was cool in his shades.

Geeg waves at us from the signage.

Below Heather, Celeste and Paul stay warm.

Shea wins!

Ohno receiving his medal.

Below are the gold medal winners.

Men's Relay.

Women's Relay Medals Ceremony.

I dodged raindrops taking care of the needs of the 50 member band that Marc Anthony brought to the stage. I watched the Medals Ceremonies and was struck by how beautiful the Plaza presentations really are. I hope they televised the glamour. I will be at the Medals Plaza from now until the end of the Olympics.

People love hats--Olympic Memories

2012-02-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 19 February 2002

This is the coveted USA hat that people wait for hours in line to buy. The store is Roots. It is not bigger than our living and dining rooms put together. They wait in line. They get into the store. No hats. But I was fortunate to know the volunteer who finagled her way into Roots before it opened and to the newest shipment of the hats.

My cousin, Heather in her hat.

Folks who have scored their hats at the Roots store in Gateway.

My day was spent at the Medals Plaza again. The band and crew for Creed sure do eat a lot. Many trips to pick up orders from nearby restaurants kept me busy. I also scored some “Creed” picks from the guitar players for Paul.

Here's a clip of Creed's performance at the Medals Plaza Stage.

The skaters were wonderful to watch. Grace on ice. In my dreams I can skate just like that therefore I know if feels like flying. Rain is in the forecast in the valley tomorrow so snow will certainly fall in the mountain venues. It actually feels a little like the beginning of spring here

Olympic Memories--Words on the Street

2012-02-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Monday 18 February 2002

Here’s Paul with the British Bobsleigh team. Georgia and Paul visited the ethnic tent and bumped into them. They haven’t sleighed their event yet but were having lots of fun. P & G traded lots of Olympic pins on their adventure.

Are you the doctor? That’s the question a pedestrian stopped to ask Georgia while she was driving me to my assignment. This woman gave Geeg a double take and in the middle of the crosswalk came to the car window with the query. So here are a few more snippets from the day: NOW I know where we are; 129 bucks!; She lost 8 units of blood; Hey–crosswalk!; How much for that one?; I think he’s ready to go; Matthew, you ready?; A huge wall of drawers; I can’t wait to tell Rebecca; When you start quoting other reporters out of our notebook....; Take a right; Anyone selling tickets?; They have them in the hotel for 6 dollars; Couldn’t live without it;

Cool hat; Look where you are going!; This country sucks–they towed my car!; I forgot you haven’t read that; Right on the edge; 70 bucks–you think I can talk my mom into it? Yes; Are you upset you missed the Brooks and Dunn Concert?; Take the lens cap off; Are you lost honey? and finally, I don’t want to!

I helped out at the Medals Plaza since no one was staying at the Marriott which was my station. No down time. Lots to take care of. Visited the shopping venues with the band members (Nelly Furtado’s band). That was interesting. We ended this long day by going to a movie downtown. No one was in the theatre–peace and quiet. By the way I highly recommend “Amelie” if you haven’t already seen it. Two thumbs up from Paul and Geeg too.

Olympic Memories--Ice Dancing and Curling

2012-02-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday 17 February 2002

Here is one of the many building projections that are enhancing our night vision. With the projections and the building wraps and nightly fireworks downtown SLC is quite the visual treat. After ice dancing last night we enjoyed the walk to the parking lot amidst all the glitter and music.

Our family house guests Paul and Heather

After the ice dancing we watched the Canadian pair get their gold medal. The Russians were also included in the ceremony and the crowd at the Delta Center was very supportive. Before the ice dancing we attended a curling event at the Ice Sheet in Ogden. It was an intimate venue that was truly exciting. The Americans were paired with Great Britain and ended up having an extra “end” to determine the winner. The Americans won the competition!

I am back at volunteer work again after a few days off. Today I am stationed at two downtown Marriot Hotels to make sure the talent has everything it needs. In a few days I will be at the Medals Plaza.

Olympic Memories--Saturday 16 February 2002

2012-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Just a mention that my ten-year-ago writing about security was shortly after 9/11 and some of these measures were very new to all of us. It seems second nature now.

Saturday 16 February 2002

This is the security at the Olympics. We volunteers lovingly call it mag and bag. Mag for the magnometer you walk through. Bag for the thorough search of anything you carry in. To enter every venue you need to go through this. You have to drink a sip of your beverage if you carry it in (no poison allowed). If you bring a camera you need to turn it on or take a picture (no mini bombs allowed). Cell phones have to be turned on to see if they are really cell phones. If you buzz the National Guard (seen in this picture) wands you. We are the safest place on the planet at the moment.

Georgia tried to take a photo of Paul getting wanded (he did buzz) but the National Guard threatened Geeg with a baton saying, “No photographs back here!”

We attended short track speed skating for the second time. It was as exciting this time as the first time. Again there were medal ceremonies.

Boy, the crash of the men’s medal race got the crowd enraged. Boos when the Aussie crossed the line and raised his arms for the victory. He was very humble on the medals platform and we gave him arousing ovation.

Curling is next on our agenda as well as ice dancing. How about those Canadians? We get to see the special medal ceremony for them after the ice dancing event.

From the past--Olympic Day Memory

2012-02-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Friday 15 February 2002

This is Paul at Winterfest 2002 music venue. It is a huge white bubble tent. These are set up all over downtown SLC for different “outside” venues. He also played in one of these in Odgen at the Ice Sheet on the 13^th of Feb. This was my day off so I was able to go down with our house guests and see Paul perform. Georgia took her lunch hour with a friend to see him too.

One of the displays at our City County Building is the Olympic History. It is a time line on display panels with photos and information. Some objects were on display too. One was an old wooden bobsled that had a steering wheel. The medals from Sydney and Nagano were there. We saw torches from at least six previous games, medals platforms from Sydney and Nagano and all the mascots from former years.

Walking down main street we were treated to the Budweiser wagon being drawn by eight horses. A Dalmatian was riding the wagon too.

13 and 14 February 2002 Olympic Memories

2012-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 13 February 2002

This is the jacket of my uniform. It is very toasty. Some folks are already selling them on ebay. I want to keep mine. But I could be persuaded to trade for an Olympic athlete’s jacket or a Greece 2004 Olympic jacket.

We saw the short track speed skating event. It was so exciting. They told us it was the largest Olympic crowd ever to see the competition. The men’s relay was especially thrilling. They even had to do a re-skate because of an injury. It was a Korean team member, we felt very bad for him.

More meet and greet at the airport kept me busy and BNL played the concert. It sounded very good. Sometime it’s hard on an outdoor stage to sound as good as in the studio.

Thursday 14 February 2002

This is Geeg in a snow bubble on Olympic Square. Of course she was really at work but this is from her day off on Tuesday. The rest of the gang went up to Park City to see a snowboarding event.

I met members of Sheryl Crow’s band and crew. Smashmouth came in too. Everyone was very nice. In know they are all seasoned travelers. I also saw Apollo Ohno (USA speed skater, gold hopeful) at the airport. He seemed to be greeting people associated with the speed skating world. He also signed tons of autographs for kids who were singing for the athletes.

Friday is my day off. I am going to see Paul sing at Winterfest (a music venue) on Main Street.

Work and Play from 12 February 2002 Olympic Memories

2012-02-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 12 February 2002

My first day at the airport was totally different from working at the Grand Hotel. We met the talent and made sure their bags and the bags of the tech people and entourage were accounted for. I met the traveling companions of Macy Gray but not Macy Gray. She was whisked off by security.

Bare Naked Ladies is a hot band right now. This is an all male band, very rocky music. The other volunteers at the airport were keeping tabs on what I was doing. They knew I was one of the talent hosts and they were sure BNL was due in today. Finally the band arrived late in the afternoon. For all you groupies, yes I did shake every band member’s hand. All are very personable.

Our house guests went with Georgia to Olympic Square where they took in the sights. The building wrap of the luger can only be seen from inside Olympic Square. The gang spent time in the Coca Cola event tent and watched all the activity. Lots of games including a small luge run. Of course they shopped till they dropped.

When I arrived home from the airport we heard on the news there had been an anthrax scare at the airport. A news conference was held. We are still waiting to hear the results.

Monday (12 Feb 2002) Olympic Memories

2012-02-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Just to keep on the right track so to speak. When I date these writings from 2002, they represent the activities from the previous day and what I will do during the current day. And of course the days will not match today's calendar at all.

Monday

This is my official outfit made by Marker. My color is Mountain Shadow. Of course you can tell it is blue. This represents workers in the general field. I really think it is more like misc. field. Green is field of play which means working with the athletes. Yellow is security and related services. Red is medical. I have a jacket, vest, fleece turtleneck, pants headband, hat and gloves. I also have a “crosspack” to keep all my belongings in.

Pairs ice skating was beautiful on TV yesterday. I personally think the judges were in the same mood as the night we saw the short program. Our guests went to luge in Park City but found they started from SLC too soon. The traffic flowed smoothly and got them there lickety split.

Today I begin a rotation at the airport. The first personality I meet is Macy Gray (R&B, Soul). We also met Bare Naked Ladies and some other unknown performer. I guess I’ll find out who when I get there.

Some famous people we have seen in the last couple of days: Tom Brokaw, Angelina Jolie, Bonnie Blair, Paul Wylie (from our box at skating), Evander Holyfield, our Governor Levitt, John Stocketon (our great basketball guard), Mitt Romney (SLOC president), also lots of fur and leather.

Paul Wylie, at ice skating, waving flags from his box next to us.

Olympic Memories--Sunday's Highlights--11 Feb 2002

2012-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

“Sunday’s Highlights”

Here is a building wrap in downtown SLC. I thought I’d showcase the snowboarder as a salute to Kelly Clark who won our first gold medal for USA yesterday. I continued to make sure the band LifeHouse had all its needs met at the Grand America Hotel yesterday. They were at the Medals Plaza last night and today they leave SLC. The next band under our care is Bare Naked Ladies.

Here is a video of BML from their Medals Plaza performance.

Paul took Celeste and DeMarco to McDonalds after visiting the Mountain Man encampment in town. While they were there some of Corporate McDonalds contingent were in the restaurant. They came over to the table and asked how they were enjoying the games. Paul told them of some of our excitement and also included the he had sung for the McDonalds “A” team in Park City last week. The Corporate men then gave Paul 4 tickets to see women’s speed skating. Wow! They were so excited. They zoomed home and picked up Paul (another of our family visitors) while Georgia and Heather went shopping. Paul , Paul, DeMarco and Celeste thoroughly enjoyed the competition. Bonnie Blair was there and DeMarco and Celeste had their picture taken with her. She also signed their tickets.

Our guests are taking in a luge competition today.

Olympic Memories--Saturday 10 February 2002

2012-02-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

As in the past few days, the writing in blue is from ten years ago. That's just in case you get mixed up with the days and dates I'm discussing.

I have added quite a few photos that were not posted with the original entry--just because I have them.

“Saturday’s Highlights”

I began my “talent host” job on Saturday. I was stationed at a hotel here call Grand America.

The band which my “team” is currently assigned to is LifeHouse. They are an up and coming band, all very young. They are thoroughly enjoying all the special treatment that Olympic talent is given. I guess we may be spoiling them. They play tonight at the Medal Plaza Ceremonies then leave tomorrow.

Here is a youtube posting from that night. They are performing at the Olympic Medal Plaza Ceremonies. This is how they sounded ten years ago:

On Monday our team will be assigned a new band. I’m not sure who yet.

I guess you can tell by the photo(s) that the gang at the house were out and about on Saturday. They visited Rice-Eccles Stadium where the Opening Ceremonies took place. The cauldron is pretty neat in the early morning sun. They snuck into the stadium and found others were also taking photo ops. They explored the ice and stands and felt part of the experience.

Ice dancing was fabulous. We (the audience) disagreed with many of the judges scores and weren’t afraid to let them know about it.

How about those USA silver medals in moguls (Shannon Bahrke) and speed skating (Derek Parra) yesterday!!!!

By the way, both these athletes were at the 10

year lighting of the flame ceremony on Thursday night.

Very exciting to see them.

Memories from the First Day of the Olympic Winter Games 2002

2012-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

First Day of the Games

Meet two of our house guests Celeste and DeMarco. We saw the Olympic torch run for the second time yesterday. The flag carriers stopped for a photo op and told us this flag has been with the run since it began in the United States. So it has seen a lot of mileage.

I begin my volunteer position in a few hours. I am a “Talent Host.” Today I am stationed at Grand America a European-style hotel. It’s very elegant. When the bands arrive I make sure they get checked in and all their needs are met. After I’m done tonight I will meet the gang at the Salt Lake Ice Arena (Delta Center) to watch pairs ice skating from a suite. These tickets are complimentary from Georgia’s employer. We can’t wait.

Light the Fire Within--Olympic Memory 2002

2012-02-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

“Light the Fire Within”

The last 24 hours have been extraordinarily exciting. Paul and I watched the torch relay in downtown SLC last night after attending a dress rehearsal at the Olympic Medals Plaza.

Georgia met a man (Rick Baird) who ran the torch in Ogden while she was at lunch yesterday and he let her hold the Olympic torch.

This morning the torch relay started its route around the city at 5:00 am. Part of the torch route was around the corner from our house. We went to our corner at 7:30 this morning to wait for the runner. We met many family members of the person who was to run the flame. Her name is Karla Harrison. Luck of the draw, the exchange occurred right where we were standing.

The photo is just after Karla Harrison received the flame. There were tons of people there to watch. All the students from one the elementary schools near us turned out to watch.

The games officially begin today during the Opening Ceremonies.

I have edited some footage from what I took

of the torch relay in SLC.

Olympic Memories--Building Wraps

2012-02-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Watching the building wraps go up was a sight. We really had not seen such a thing before, well, perhaps on buses or trucks. A wrap the size of a building is quite a different story.

Here are my thoughts from ten years ago:

“One Day To Go”

There are eleven building wraps in Salt Lake. Each one depicts a different Olympic event. Here is Georgia in front of the Skeleton wrap. This sport is back to the Olympics for the first time in 54 years. Athletes sprint out of the starting block the same as they do in luge. They lie down on their stomachs on the thin steel sled. They steer by shifting their weight or lightly dragging a toe all while going about 85 miles per hour. We have tickets to this event in Park City on February 20^th.

The torch came through SLC and up to Ogden yesterday. Today it goes through Summit County, Midway (it gets on a train here), Heber City, Park City and ends up at the City County Building in Salt Lake at 10 pm. Tomorrow it begins a route through Salt Lake and surrounding suburbs then up to the Opening Ceremonies and on to the Olympic Caldron.

Here are some of the sights that delighted us on the downtown buildings of Salt Lake City. At night they were lit up and made an even greater impact.

Oh, and of course the bus.

Downtown Salt Lake City

Two More Days (Olympic Memories)

2012-02-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

As in the previous entries, the words in blue are from ten years ago.

“Two More Days”

I had mentioned the glass sculpture in front of Abravanel Hall in my first letter. This is the one of three that is on display there. It is called the sun. Each one of the “rays” are individually blown and then attached to the piece. Besides the three on public display there is a full gallery of glass by the artist Dale Chihuly. He is from Seattle and has works in 200 museums worldwide. One is in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota another is in the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem just to name two.

Closeup of the individual glass pieces that make up the Sun

Sun and Moon

Fire, this piece was purchased by the City of Salt Lake with private donors.

It now stands inside Abravanel Hall.

Closeup of Fire

The Olympic run reached Utah two days ago and the Olympic Spirit is at a fever pitch here. We expect it to reach town sometime today. I hope to get out onto the route and take a few pictures if timing is right. Our house guests arrive on Friday and I begin my venue work on Saturday.

Bison or Buffalo (Olympic Memories)

2012-02-05T09:28:00.000-08:00

I am adding as many of the buffalo photos that I can find. I know there are more because I have some video of them as well. And I'm sure there were a ton of buffalo at other venues that I did not attend. Park City and Ogden, all the ice sheet venues and all the other ski venues most probably had them too.

“Three and Counting”

We could not take photos at the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies so I thought I’d share some more bison with you. This is the “Film Buff” and has all the names of films that were shot here in Utah on the clips you see wrapped around the body.

The ceremony rehearsal was impressive to say the least. Of course we did not see all the real whistles and bells but we did get a taste of the spectacle that will be presented. Lots of skating will be done and a great story line as well. Costuming is elegant and the fireworks (even the rehearsal ones) were sparkling and fun. It was cold sitting on the bleachers which was the only drawback. If you are there for the real opening you will get a cushion to sit on. Stand-ins did all the work for the celebrities that will appear. And speaking of stand-ins, they needed audience volunteers to be the athletes stand-in, for the parade of athletes. Paul and I volunteered and were in the US contingent. It sure gave us a small idea for what the athletes must fell walking around the arena before being seated.

Four Days and Counting (Olympic Memories)

2012-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have watched others run and I have danced through this fountain. Mostly the kids do it, but I have an eternal inner child that just can't resist.

(As usual the blue writing represents ten years ago.)

“Four Days and Counting”

This is a view of the Olympic Fountain. It plays to music with many different formations. It even has a steam phase. Pretty interesting for city dwellers. Many like to play in and between the water and occasionally get wet.

Tonight will be interesting. Paul and I have the opportunity to see one of the dress rehearsals for Opening Ceremonies. I will also go again on Wednesday evening. We will be sworn to secrecy about the events but I’m sure we can find some safe tidbit to share when we return. Ready for fireworks!

Five More Days (Olympic Memories)

2012-02-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

We see them everywhere these days, colorful animals painted to represent a community. The Olympic spirit was no different, the bison or buffalo was chosen as the animal for the Cultural Olympiad.

“Five More Days”

Meet Cherry-O Buffalo. This is one of the many buffalo sculptures that is part of a public art project in connection with the Cultural Olympiad. Some of these creatures grace the inside of our shopping malls while others roam the grounds of the Olympic venues. I’m seriously thinking of applying for one myself. There is still time and I have some ideas floating around in my brain.

At The Museum of Natural History we experienced another part of the Cultural Olympiad. It was the display of the Five Nations which explained the culture of Utah’s five Native American tribes. Very enlightening.

These are the “building wraps” of the Diné bizaad (Navaho Nation). They represent the four directions and the traditional homeland between these mountains:

East Sisnaajiní (Blanca Peak)

North--Dibé Ntsaa (Hesperus Mountain)

South Tsoodził (Mount Taylor)

West--Dookʼoʼoosłííd (San Francisco Peaks)

Groundhog day ten years past (Olympic Memories)

2012-02-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago TRAX had only a few lines to transport you to around, Gateway was the new mall in town and the arena was still called the Delta Center. For the people in Utah there were:

“Six Days to Go”

Today was a cold, crisp day in downtown SLC. Many people were checking out the Olympic Medals Plaza Venue as well as the Super Store where it seemed like thousands were buying Olympic souvenirs. Here on the TRAX platform I’m standing by the countdown clock where it shows 6 days to go.

Ten Years Ago Today--Olympic Memories

2012-02-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

I am presenting old writing; writing from ten years ago when I was an Olympic Volunteer.
These writings were to friends and relatives who were interested to hear and see what was happening in Salt Lake City during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Old writing will be in blue.

Written on 1 February 2002

Life of an Athletically Challenged Dweller of Salt Lake City

During the 2002 Winter Olympics “Seven Days to Go”

I was looking forward to and imagining the largest peace time gathering of people to be a holistic experience. However with the helicopters swirling around the skies over Salt Lake City with frequency I feel as if I live more in a war zone. The signs of living in a violent world has engulfed us all.

They say there are seven days to go before the competitions begin. I look at it a broader sense because the Cultural Olympiad starts today. I hope to take in whatever performance and visual events I can. Of course much of my energy will be spent on my “volunteer experience” with the Medals Plaza performers.

If you are here in SLC I have to recommend taking in the glass sculptures that are in front of Abravenal Hall. This will not cost you anything and swirls of glass are fantastic. Relatives will be visiting our humble abode during the Olympics and I hope to keep you updated as to our adventures.

If you happen to be walking in the newest shopping center downtown and are near the Olympic fountain, look at your feet and check out the names on the bricks. Be sure to check out section 11 closely. Bring your raincoats so you can run through the fountain. It actually looks quite challenging and is also entertaining for onlookers. You never know it may be added as a future Olympic venue.

In the meantime I continue to search and project

for the calming effects of a peacetime gathering event.

Spring is around the corner

2012-01-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

Spring bulbs are showing themselves in my yard. I have crocus and star of David coming up. I'm so excited at this time of year when there is a wakening even though the weather is still cool and crunchy.

Paul and Emily

2012-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Paul and Emily will have a concert on February 4th. They had a fine warm up concert at the Wasatch Manor. Here's a preview. Just click on the link.

Paul and Emily

Crescent Moon

2012-01-26T21:46:00.001-08:00

Oh such a crescent moon setting tonight. Just was able to catch it and Venus through the rain clouds.

Setting my head back on

2012-01-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to be focusing at the beginning of the day. When there are so many tasks, work, and meetings that take over a for few days in a row it's time to set my head back on track. Started with breathing the fresh air of morning in my fantastic yard.

A new friend told me to consider my husband as my boyfriend today, which is making quite a different outlook for me. Now why hadn't I thought of that.

I spent a few quality minutes with my wild rabbit Boo, made sure my greenhouse "family" had all they needed to grow a great day. Took a little extra time for my great dog, Cinder.

Now I'll get to work. Seems like the right order of things again.

Greenhouse Goodies

2012-01-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

My second planting of lettuce is ready to start eating. The spinach is a bit slower this time, but very soon it will be added to my salads.

I now have 15 roma tomatoes on my one plant (which was really an experiment) and one is close to ripening. I'll be very excited to eat that first one.

Tomorrow I will be starting some new seeds--a different type of lettuce, some flower seeds and some peppers.

It thrills me to enter the greenhouse each day and see what has changed, how much new growth there is. It's a simple pleasure but keeps me happy.

Monday, Monday

2012-01-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

Birds, blue sky and Boo bunny.

I love the look and smell of the world after the storm.

It is fresh today with the smell of pine trees in the air.

People's Market Seed Swap

2012-01-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

The Seed Swap is a fantastic way to spend your day! Here's footage from two years ago.

Another great aricticle about the Swap!
Seed Swap

Moon be present

2012-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

I wonder if I will be able to see the waning crescent moon or Eridanus, the Winding River of Stars. Perhaps the clouds will continue and I can just imagine them.

An Interesting Civil Project

2012-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

I was selected to be on the redistricting committee for Salt Lake City's school district and city council mapping. It was an interesting project. We all worked diligently to help redistrict the city using data from the 2010 census.

There were certain criteria for us to consider and when we were finished we submitted the work to the City Council members.

Interestingly enough, during the process we asked for input from the city, but got very little. Now that our work is finished there is suddenly a flood of ideas. I can see the Council will have an interesting journey from here.

Real Air

2012-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

The amazing temperature in the Salt Lake Valley has offered my plants in the greenhouse some real air today.

I have opened the door and all the vents. Not only do the plants say thanks to me, I appreciate the circulation since I have just used Neem oil. Although I love that earthy smell, it gets into my clothes and hair while I work on the plants.

Looks like more rain on the way and more snow in the mountains. Good for us water folk.

Huckleberries

2012-01-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

I have just finished a bowl of blueberries and now I'm wondering "where's the fruit?"

This year Paul and I did not get to our huckleberry patch and have no wild berries for eating, cooking, dropping into champagne. I miss that tart, smart taste of those berries.

Cultivated blueberries do not do it!

Skill?

2012-01-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

I cut Sis' hair this morning. Looks pretty good. I wonder how it would look if I really knew what I was doing?

Fortunately she has curly hair so there is a safety factor. I know all this because of my own curly locks that I also cut myself.

Plastic Bag Ballet

2012-01-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

A plastic bag just entertained me with its ballet in the wind.

Morning Breezes

2012-01-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

This morning is full of sound as the wind whispers through all the winter tree branches. The honey locust pods bring maraca rhythms to the ear.

Hawthorn Tree Feeding

2012-01-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

There's nothing better than Hawthorn Berries!

Cartoon Day

2012-01-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

Each thing I think today is in living color and animated. I just am having a cartoon day.

Daily Sights

2012-01-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

This morning was another fantastic sharp morning walk bringing welcomed sights. The moon lead the way through the pink dawn. Flickers sounded their territory while mallards, robins and golden eyes found their morning food tidbits.

Rounding the Peace Garden there was the "Margaret Thatcher" squatter, my favorite squirrel feasting on berries and the sun rising flooding the Oquirrhs with golden light.

Good morning.

Morning in the greenhouse

2012-01-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

I can't wait until my first tomato ripens. The herbs and flowers brighten my days.

Nan and Paul Adventuring

2012-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

It was suggested that Paul and I enter the Ford Amazing Race Across America. So we filled out the application and they wanted video footage of us doing something "amazing."

We needless to say we take tons of video while exploring but not much of ourselves or each other. So this is what we came up with.

Bright Days

2012-01-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

I do so love bright winter days. The moon has incredible influence with me and its setting this morning was the perfect way to begin the day. But last night the, oh what a fantastic blue hue on the snow! The moon shadows of the trees in my yard were perfect.

Now it will be waning but still such a glorious sight. I look forward to its reappearance tonight.

Thirteen Romas

2012-01-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

I have thirteen tomatoes on my Roma plant. I can't wait until the first one is ripe.

Tucson Festival of Books

2012-01-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Since the Tuscon Festival of Books is so close to Mattie Culver's death anniversary (Mattie, A Woman's Journey West) I am contemplating what kind of display would best celebrate her life story. I have a great replica of her gravestone that will look great.

Long awaited snow

2012-01-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Waking to a few inches of snow may not seem like much, but I was delighted to see the white covering this morning. Much of my yard, my personal haven, has been yearning for moisture. My rabbit was very happy to be hopping in it. Living in a semiarid land lets me understand the joy of something as simple as winter valley snow.

Robins Return

2012-01-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Just what I wait for every January to February! I saw my first Robin today.

Each year at the same spot on the Jordan River the Robins return to sing and fly. I was inspired when I saw that flash of orange this morning. Now I wait for their song.

Seeds are germinating

2012-01-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

My second winter greenhouse planting of lettuce and spinach is germinating as I type.
I feel as though I have many thoughts germinating as well.
It's nice to know I have that in common with the plants. It makes me feel more connected with the earth, a part of the earth as we all are.

Paul Boruff sings "Beaver Wiggle"

2012-01-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

I love the wild life on the Jordan River. I see beavers often on my daily walks. It lifts my mood to watch the animals make their living on the water.

Meteor Showers tonight

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Quadrantids are tonight, last night too.

Oh Library

2012-01-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

I truly wish that I could find a book at my local library. Are my reading tastes odd?

My library doesn't even carry the books I've written.

Neighborhood Action

2012-01-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today I watched as "those in charge" arrested the hinky folks on my block.

I don't feel so much a fool now. For some time I thought their actions were just too weird to be true. Now I know the truth.

More Peppers

2012-01-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

I have planted more bell peppers--Green California Wonder.

Now I have yellow and green. The yellow Wonders have all been transplanted into large pots and now I await for the green to germinate.

Book Trailer for "Singing in the Saddle, The Life and Times of Yellowstone Chip."

2012-01-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

I have posted my book trailer for Yellowstone Chip. Take a look.

Morning in the Greenhouse

2012-01-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

It is 20° C in the greenhouse right now. I am transplanting some cuttings of Impatiens that have nice roots established. I am also planting some flowers in celebration of the New Year. Hello 2012 I will start cosmos and forget-me-nots in honor of you.

Old Faithful

2011-12-31T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love to begin each day watching Old Faithful erupt via web cam. Often I imagine I'm sitting outside and can feel the wind on my face and the brisk winter day.

Here's the link if you've never watched the basin:
http://www.windowsintowonderland.org/live/live4.htm

Winter Circle and the Moon

2011-12-30T21:42:00.000-08:00

Winter Circle is teasing the sky. Sirius leads the way. The waxing crescent moon lights them all.

Peace

2011-12-30T17:16:00.001-08:00

Imagine peace.

Perspective

2011-12-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Perspective

The Door

2011-12-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

When I was a child my bedroom door had a wood grain that reminded me of an asparagus stalk. I would stare at if while falling asleep. It would transform itself into a tree. I could travel into the tree pattern and go to another time.

Sometimes it was the future, sometimes the past. Sometimes it was just another place in my time but I wasn't always myself. I loved that door.

Fun on Christmas Day

2011-12-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

Gray morning

2011-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

It is a gray and grey morning.

Another Sunny Day

2011-12-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

I am filled by the atmosphere, the sun, the frozen morning.

Dream Life

2011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

In my other life, the one I have in my dreams, I have a role in a web series that has just added a cat to the cast.

Since this addition, the viewership has sky rocketed. I am now thinking seriously of changing my personae in my dream life to a cat. So now I will have to find an agent that handles changelings.

Greenhouse Goodies

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

I can't help myself, the greenhouse with its vegetables and flowers call me each morning. I walk through frosty grass and enter my inside--outside world. What a way to start the day.

Introspection

2011-12-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

It seems when I am not feeling at the top of my game, I pull into myself. Introspection helps me cope. I look at the things I love and trust and regain my momentum.

Candles and Chimes

2011-12-18T10:55:00.001-08:00

River Walking

2011-12-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

The sun warmed its way through the mountain valley fog and bounced off the river this morning. My sister and I formulated the week as we walked and listened to ravens talking in the trees.

The river mist rose as the sun greeted the still shining half moon. I can't wait until the solstice. Change of seasons, change of plans, I welcome the change.

2011-12-16T15:55:00.000-08:00

Nan Weber here. I'm crazy about history. It influences my woman's first person performances. I write the scripts based on diaries, journals and letters.

History leads me into research which I love beyond reasonable explanation. I have written two biographies both with Yellowstone National Park connections.

I also am obsessed with documenting. Anything that catches my imagination will lead me down that road. I will write about it, video it, photograph it.

I have a dream to collaborate with others who also share my passions. Oh and not to be forgotten I love to travel, travel, travel even in these times of questionable fuel sources. I can see myself soon in a compressed air vehicle. I guess I have to invent it first.

My books are: "Mattie, A Woman's Journey West" and "Singing in the Saddle, The Life and Times of Yellowstone Chip."
Mattie--http://www.homesteadpublishing.net/product_info.php?products_id=44
Chip--http://yellowstonechip.com/

My website is http://nanweber.com/ (always under construction). It has lots of links to other sites of mine which seem to change all the time.

You can also contact me through e-mail at nan@nanweber.com or nanner333@aol.com.

Mattie, A Woman's Journey West

2011-12-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Mattie, A Woman's Journey West
Nan Weber chronicles the fascinating life of Mattie Shipley Culver

After discovering Mattie's fenced grave in Yellowstone National Park, author Nan Weber followed her own curiosities through four years of research to trace the steps of this mystery woman's spirited life. The result is the inspiring story of a strong woman trying to better her life during difficult times.

Not unlike today, life for women in the nineteenth century served up hearty challenges on a daily basis, though the burdens of 100 plus years ago certainly were of a different flavor. Mattie: A Woman's Journey West offers a taste of that life through the story of Martha "Mattie" Shipley Culver, whose life passage took her from her childhood in industrial new England and work in the New York textile industry to her role as the wife of a winter caretaker in Yellowstone National Park, where she died and was buried in 1889, at the age of 32.
Find information about buying this book at:
http://www.homesteadpublishing.net/
http://nanweber.com/
http://www.kingsenglish.com/
http://www.ranksmercantile.com/

http://www.guidon.com/