05.31.11
Posted in Music, Poetry and Inspiration at 7:46 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Today, I had a conference call with an account executive at EventBrite. I asked him what the median age was at this “up and coming” high-tech company in San Francisco. His response – “Hmmmmmm, probably 30.” And then I flashed back through the ether to see myself being convinced by my brother that I must interview for a job at this great company. At the age of 30, I was hired by someone who would become one of my very, very dearest friends in the world – Judy! She had joined WordStar (aka, MicroPro, Inc.) in 1979 and the very minute we met each other’s eyes, it became crystal clear that we had been together through multiple lives. She convinced her boss to hire me, and so began the journey into the world of zeros and ones.
According to WikiPedia,”WordStar was the program of choice for conservative intellectual William F. Buckley, Jr. who used the software to write a plethora of works including the last book he authored before his death. This was noted by his son, Christopher Buckley, who wrote of the almost comical loyalty and affection his father had shown for WordStar, which he had installed into every new computer he purchased despite the technical difficulty of such an endeavor as the program became increasingly outdated and incompatible. He is quoted as having said, in a Time Magazine article: ”I’m told there are better programs, but I’m also told there are better alphabets.”
I started out as the secretary to five directors. One of them recognized early on that I could do more, so, he convinced me to join the QA group. I fell in love with Software QA. He fell in love with me – not literally, but as a man who pines for little girls. He always welcomed the opportunity to open the door for me so he could pat me on the butt as I sauntered by, clueless. And, I was clueless. He actually was pretty good at keeping it in-check, but eventually he tested the boundaries more and more until I had to punt to one of the directors for help with the situation. No lawsuits required, but boundaries defined and borders definitely closed – as they always were! I have another great friend who came to WordStar from across the seas.
He was an amazing developer and he was so much fun and a super brain without an ego. Go figure. He always walked around with a coffee cup in his hand. As morning turned to late afternoon, that coffee cup always had something in it of the same color, but it sure didn’t smell like coffee! I idolized him. Especially when, at parties, he would stand on his head and down a pint of Guinness without losing a drop, except for the part that came pouring out of his nose! Ha! He is a philosopher and a saint in my mind. Every once in a while, I send him an email to catch up on his life and family. It might just be time to do that! Judy and I try to talk once a month, and I try to visit her at least once per quarter. And, I still keep in touch with others, too.
As WordStar continued losing ground, layoffs began. From 1986 to 1988, just before I took a job at Autodesk, Inc., I somehow became the point person to watch the latest victim pack up their belongings and then walk them out of the building and to their car. What do I look like – a security guard!?! No, it was because of my outgoing personality. At that point, I don’t think there was an HR department any more! MicroPro, Inc. finally shut its doors. There was a big party in the early 1990’s at Seymour’s house. It was a good time. I still have “momentos” of that first high tech job, the most special, a bottle of chardonnay that has the WordStar label still prominently pasted to the bottle and the contents most certainly containing a vintage vinegar that with one sniff, would ward off a herd of vampires.
If you ever want to know the history of Silicon Valley, pick up the original “Fire in the Valley.” I’m sure that Wordstar is mentioned, but you will definitely read about Autodesk. That’s another story. But truly, the glue was the community of friends and colleagues. Without us, there would not be a story to tell!
Peace out!
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05.28.11
Posted in Just Me at 8:24 PM by Ann Hornbeck
The Blue Victorian Winery
Today was another beautiful day in paradise! I arose early (very early!) this morning to help with the annual Pancake Breakfast at the local Methodist Church. It was a great time and a wonderful turn out amid cooler temps and cloudy skies, but the rain held off. Even the Grand Marshall and his wife were in attendance. Many locals have been coming to this event for 40 years, and a large contingent are our local veterans. There was one WWII Veteran at the breakfast. He could barely walk, but many people helped him to his table and many stopped by to pay homage to his service. There were also other veterans who had served in either the Vietnam War or more current wars. (War! What are we fighting for?”) This is a big weekend for the locals as it is the annual Fiesta Days celebration.
The first Fiesta Days celebration, originally called the “Western Fiesta,” occurred in July of 1957 and included a rodeo, square dancing, a parade, a community barbecue and even the “Jail and Beard-growing Contest.” Eventually, Western Fiesta became “Fiesta Days,” paying more tribute to the community’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. As I was driving to the church at 6:30 this morning to help with the event, there were already chairs and people lining up to enjoy the big parade. It is a big event, and one of many celebrating our veterans and our freedoms.
Later in the day, it was off to the Blue Victorian in Suisun Valley to celebrate a friend’s (my Executive Director’s) birthday. It was so much fun! I had been there before, but many of the party had not. Not only did we get to sample the wine list, we also received a grand tour of the barrel tasting room and got to experience the varying flavors from four of the barrels. Following that, we hung out in the “upper room” that is for club members. And, last but not least, we had an opportunity to meet the owner and talk to him about hosting events for our nonprofit agency, as well as helping us with cross-marketing of our yearly Solano Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving Day. It’s all about the “ask” – and we asked! (Isn’t this how the fat cats work it?!?) So, next up on the agenda is a donor recognition dinner in the barrel room. My, my, my – we sure live in a special place.
Tomorrow brings a small hike and Monday my friend is coming for a visit. We have much “catching up” to do and it should be a nice, warm and sunny day to hang out in the sun. Such is life as we move along the continuum we call life where the bunny jumps, the hens cluck, Jack eats the hen poop, Kona continues to sleep 22 hours a day, and the grandchildren keep growing and growing and growing. And me – I just keep on keepin’ on and loving every precious moment.
Peace out!
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05.26.11
Posted in Just Me at 10:06 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Down by the River
Wow – congratulations to Bob Dylan for reaching his 70th birthday! Man oh man. What will you be in your next life!?!? Too bad you weren’t here as the family was in constant party mode for the past two weeks! But now, the fun is over as the English families are home without incident – no volcano ash over Scotland (“Ground control to Major Tom…”) and their lives back to normal. God knows how many bottles of wine and beer filled the recycling bin. It is interesting that my daughters happened to marry the “party guys” whose families almost matched, matched, or exceeded all expectations previously set by my family.
My aunt and uncle had a cabin on the river in West Virginia where “the family” went to escape the noises of our little town and live for a weekend, or perhaps a week or two, among the trees and the river that flowed constantly, making its way around the bend to the confluence of the left and right forks that then flowed to the southwest and into the southern tip of the county. The sounds of the insect’s wings, the cicadas, and the multitude of bird songs made it easy to fall into the “now” where time stood still. Mid- to late-March seemed to be the first weekend at the cabin. Of course, Aunt Dorothy and her cleaning lady would get to the cabin as early as the weather permitted to start “spring cleaning.”
”Ok! Time for the English, German and Dutch families to eat corned beef and cabbage ‘cuz it’s St. Patrick’s Day! April? Mom’s birthday! May? My Grandmother’s, Grandfather’s and brother’s birthdays – let’s party! June, July, August, September and October – always an occasion to go to “camp.” I remember even trudging through the snow to reach the door and slipping on the 8″ sheet of frozen water in front of the door.
I am 100% sure every family member has a story to tell about grabbing the keys and going to “camp” on the sly. Other times, it would be more innocent – a weekend at the cabin with my girlfriends, or just a day trip to go for a canoe ride, a swim, a hike, or just lay in the hammock and read. There were also some major parties! One was our high school graduation where about 200 people showed up, many intoxicated, hugging trees and crying, or barfing, or laughing as someone fell and rolled down the bank into the river – at midnight. We were lucky no one was injured on that occasion! Oh, and of course, the times when one or more person was in town from living out-of-state, so it’s party time in the cabin with two different varieties of moonshine – one brown, one white, being passed around (not to me!) along with this funny smelling cigarette that I never quite understood what it was (!) exactly. After any event, I loved cleaning up.
I made sure every inch of that cabin looked exactly as it looked when I first arrived, including the fireplace! Then, it was time to hangout in the hammock again as I would soak up those sounds of silence, laughing at one or more thing I remembered, or just pining for another day or two of hanging out in the woods. The rhododendron trees were everywhere, as were a variety of hardwood trees, maple, pines and even medicinal plants and ginseng.
As time rolled forward, I always found myself thinking of the family reunions and gatherings, the parties, the essence of being in a place that brought so much comfort to so many people and family members. When Brad died, it seems like that camp died with him. Brad was my first cousin – a free spirit, a mountain man, a daredevil, a genius, and a natural athlete. He was the head of EMT at Snowshoe Ski resort and one of the original people who helped build that resort. He was even sponsored by Burton snowboards at the age of 49. Like I said, when Brad died, the camp seemed to die with him.
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bill still went to the cabin, but it became harder and harder as Uncle Bill began slipping into dementia and eventually, into a nursing home. One of the last times I was there, Aunt Dorothy took him by the hand and led us on a small walk through the woods. He slipped a couple times but always recovered and forged ahead, feeling something familiar but not quite understanding what he was searching for. I know Brad was with us that day. He visited me before the phone call arrived telling me he had died, and I still feel him now. I still see my grandparents, my mother, my brothers and cousins and friends sitting on the deck, playing cards, tossing horseshoes, fishing off the dock, paddling down the river in the canoe, swimming and cruising down the river in the boat. I see it all because it is all a part of me. And, I a part of it. Man, those were the days! And how special they remain today.
Peace.
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05.23.11
Posted in Just Me at 7:13 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I had a great lunch today at a fantastic French restaurant on the river front in Napa with Angie, Little Anna, Jane and a couple of Jane and Bruce’s old friends. I always love French restaurants because you can guarantee time will pass slowly and the food will be wonderful – and it was! We actually stood up to leave three hours after we took our seats, but that is typical. I think when a large group of us went to Le Chapeau in San Francisco, it was 3.5 hours if not longer. Don’t ask how many bottles of wine were left on the table. I wonder if that restaurant still exists? I’ll need to look it up. The real question, should that have been “La Chapeau” or “Le Chapeau?” Hmmm, I think it is the masculine! The only thing missing was our cheese and fruit plate at the end of the meal. But, it was lunch so maybe the next time! My big brother was just entered into our high school’s Hall of Fame for quarterbacking the 1963 high school football team to a State Championship. I am so proud of him! Like Brother Bill said – it’s about time! Ha! No one ever believes me when I tell the story that the football team that year beat an opponent team 90 to zero. That’s right – 90 to nothing. Nil. Notta! I sometimes wonder if that is a record in itself. Even Brother Bill got to take to the field as second or third-string quarterback (sorry, I can’t remember back that far!) and probably the fourth-string quarterback and even the water boy got to play in that game! What a time. As a very young girl, I never missed a football game and sitting close by were my mother, my grandparents, my uncle, aunt and two cousins, as well as neighbors, friends and sometimes foes. And, this wasn’t just home games, it was wherever in the universe the next football game or wrestling match or whatever sports event was occurring and at any given moment in time. And our home – oh my goodness. Through their high-school and college years, the house was full of big, strong, golden-skinned men who loved to tickle, tease and harass little ole Annie! And I loved it! My girlfriends loved coming over to my house because there was always an opportunity to watch and dream about one or more of those big strong high-school / college boys. They would giggle and laugh and smile ear-to-ear. Oh, the stories! One of my mom’s favorites was the time she was scolding my brothers who in turn decided to pick her up, roll her up in a blanket and drop her down on the bed – all in jest and it worked – she laughed so hard she forgot why she was scolding them in the first place! Brother Bill, although also a natural, truly enjoyed reading Mad Magazine, watching Star Trek and reading science fiction over anything else. Brother David, the oldest and less inclined to curl up with a book, and his friends, would harass Bill for being a bookworm. Sometimes that would end up as a fist-a-cuff with me sitting on the kitchen counter screaming at the top of my lungs until they stopped. Now, of course, they are very, very close. I never did get the chance to drag them to my swim meets and invitational events, but I always knew I could count on them through thick and thin. Our lives sure seemed hard at times, but that’s what made us who we are. And, they are and always will be the “apple of my eye.” Congratulations, Brother David!!!
Peace!
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05.21.11
Posted in Just Me at 8:42 PM by Ann Hornbeck
Well, I did really well in my 10k race today! Actually, it was 6.35 miles, but I took third in the “50 to 60″ age group. Hooray for me! I bottomed out as we neared the high school but I did my final lap to the finish line and lived to share it! The person who won the 1/2 marathon came in at 56 minutes – I will need to double check that time when the results are posted online. I came in at 1.10 for the 10k! Ha! The route was so very beautiful! It was on a country road with rolling hills and a nice breeze to keep us cool and relaxed. I will definitely do this one again next year! “Take me home, country roads…” Today is an easy kind of day. A good time to turn on the tunes and just be in the moment. I have nothing to say about Judgment Day. (“And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, and it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.”) Nor, about Arnold, or anything not related to a peaceful existence. All I know is this moment. This moment I am going to curl up in my bed and take a nap! But, not before I call my aunt and get the scoop on the festivities in my hometown. So, I did the curling – a nice nap/rest. Now, the house is full of life as the English family is enjoying their Saturday night after hanging out around the pool. Jack the Dog loved it as well as he got to swim laps! Ha! That is probably not going over well with the other side of the family, but, this too shall pass. I am missing West Virginia tonight. Missing it because it is a big weekend, because I loved the country road this morning, and because I spoke with Aunt Dorothy. Ruthie parked her car in Aunt Dorothy’s driveway and after the parade she and her partner spent some time with her before going downtown to party! Ruthie – thank you for that! I can’t wait for our 40th reunion in September. I wish I could stay for a month so I could see other family members in N.C. and VA. Sigh. Such is life in the home where the bunny hops, the chickens peck, the cat sleeps, the dog runs and so does Annie on country roads.
“Bucky-town”
My hometown has no fences
so people wave howdy-doo!
They don’t have to know you
and never have pretenses.
They sit around the fire
and share a story or two,
And watch the fireflies
light up like a pyre.
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle
the ashes begin to dim
lights out, night falling,
the fire fizzles.
In sleep we fly,
across the universe
the moon, the stars,
as time goes by.
The mountains above,
the rivers below,
the trees bending gently,
on the wings of a dove.
Fly away Annie,
Fly away home.
This is your future,
and there are many!
Remember me she yells,
laughing all the way,
still climbing that mountain
and running those hills.
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Peace out!
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05.19.11
Posted in Just Me at 7:22 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I am beginning to realize that I am a freak of nature! I am two days away from my 10K race and I am already getting “heady” about the journey. It is going to be a great run on a country road on a beautiful and early Saturday morning this weekend. I have already begun the visualization process and man, it’s going to take a lot ‘cuz I have been remiss with following a consistent running routine for the past couple of weeks. And, my allergies are still driving me, and about 90% of the population, crazy! The English family is having fun flitting about the universe we call the Bay Area. Jane has her moments, but all in all, she is finding her way. She is strong and appears to be taking time out for herself while she learns to live without her life-long partner and focus on living life with friends and family. We are blessed. I am glad to have had a few conversations with her so far. The trip to Yosemite was just what the doctor ordered from what I have heard. I am definitely enjoying the quiet of **this** moment. I have been glued to Pandora for the past few weeks, in between following the Greg Brown groupie site and that has been a kick! I have always realized how connected I am to music and lyrics and sound. I feel my emotions spike and my heart open, and I witness myself listening to the score, and I think and I remember, but I do not pine for the past or what is or is not. Instead, I let hope and faith and joy rule my existence, but man, I must admit, it can be pretty hard sometimes. What would we do without the sounds of music? ”Fill the air with love.” To all my WV friends and family – No Rain, No Rain, No Rain! Enjoy the festivities!
“Unthought Known”
All the thoughts you never see
You are always thinking
Brain is wide, the brain is deep
Oh, are you sinking?
Feel the path of every day
Which road you taking?
Breathing hard, making hay
Yeah, this is living
Look for love in evidence
That you’re worth keeping
Swallowed whole in negatives
It’s so sad and sickening
Feel the air up above
Oh, pool of blue sky
Fill the air up with love
All black with starlight
Feel the sky blanket you
With gems and rhinestones!
See the path cut by the moon
For you to walk on
For you to walk on…
Nothing left, nothing left
Nothing there, nothing here…
Nothing left, nothing left
Nothing there, nothing left…
Nothing left, nothing left
Nothing there, nothing here…
See the path cut by the moon
For you to walk on
See the waves on distant shores
Awaiting your arrival
Dream the dreams of other men
You’ll be no one’s rival
Dream the dreams of others then
You will be no one’s rival
You will be no one’s rival…
A distant time, a distant space
That’s where we’re living
A distant time, a distant place
So what ya giving?
What ya giving?
- Pearl Jam
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05.14.11
Posted in Just Me at 8:38 PM by Ann Hornbeck
…but nothing that a glass of wine and a good night’s sleep can’t fix! Day 1 of my daughter’s yard sale was such a great hit that we may cancel Day 2! Besides, a big storm is coming so not a good day for a yard sale! Little Olivia was mildly upset as parents and children eyed her Barbie house, Barbie car, a zillion Barbie dolls, and her princess tent that used to grace her bed. But, alas, she came through smiling and happy as always. Even now at 7:30 p.m., the day continues as a table and chair set must be delivered to a friend, and the new couch picked up in Sacramento. Me? I’m staying right here where I belong! Tomorrow is another day of packing and organizing the move. I was lucky to find my grandfather’s book in Jessica’s bookcase that chronicles the descendants of this crazy family that I love with every beat of my heart and into eternity. The earliest records show the “van Horenbeeck” clan (there are at least 22 spellings of the surname!) living in Hertogenbosch, in the Province of North Brabant, Holland in 1266! Although I have scanned through this book numerous times in my life, I have never really studied it. Brother Bill, the family historian, knows the book like the back of his hand. David, I’m sure, found some interesting pieces as well. I chose not to study it because I could never forgive my father for walking out of our lives the way he did. Eventually, I was able to let go of the anger and focus on the blessings of *not* having him in our life. Like, finding our sisters who are now a big part of our lives! And, now I just shake my head knowing he is in the last years of his life and dealing with his maker and I have nothing else to say about that! Some day, I will write my novel that will finally put focus on the positive! Actually, I think I already do that, but it doesn’t take much for Positive Annie to become Angry Annie – but never for very long. That is one of the many things I love about growing older. We learn to put things in perspective, to only concern ourselves with those things we have complete control over, and leave the rest alone! I have been having a lot of fun chasing the chicks around the back yard in the morning while trying to put them in their run, or chasing them again at night to coax them to bed, or watching Millicent the Bunny jump and run around the house, while finding time to pamper Jack the Dog with love and affection so he doesn’t stare me down and drool until I give him complete attention, and of course, Kona the Cat, who sleeps for 22 hours a day and could care less why any one, other than me, would need her attention at all. I hope that Angie’s dream comes true – that her family can move into the country and raise goats and chickens and whatever else they decide to do. I know Jessica will definitely be right beside her, helping with the garden, learning and teaching how to can vegetables while Angie experiments with goat cheese – all those things I always dreamed of doing but never created for one reason or another. But, it sure is fun to witness, and who knows what the future may bring!
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05.11.11
Posted in Politics at 8:23 PM by Ann Hornbeck
My “work week” has ended and now I have five full days of doing whatever I want to do! I know I need to take some boxes to my storage place, and I know I need to go to a doctor’s appt., and I know I need to help Jessica pack, but other than that, I think I might have some free time. What to do, what to do? Right now I feel like taking a water hose to “Steig the Emperor” who continues to bounce and scratch against the sliding glass door, relentlessly to say the least. He is a big and tall boxer! He is so big that he had to be “snipped” to assure the breed would not be skewed! He is a great dog and I am happy to have him here with me. It is interesting how my choices have changed over the years. I have definitely learned my limits (finally!), but I still need to be active and engaged at all times, except when I am recovering or completely wiped out. Today, I once again did my duty of sitting for 2.5 hours in a chair waiting to be summoned to the courtroom, only to be excused due to incompetent witnesses who could not keep their stories straight. This is not the way the system is meant to work. It would work for the most part if the sharks, I mean lawyers, would move the heck out of the way and let the process work the way it was meant to work. I’m not completely clear on what that process is anymore. The saving grace for my time was a visit by the judge who whole-heartedly applauded our efforts at being good citizens. I have met her before and she is well respected in this county. It worked for me! On a side note, I found it interesting that I sat in the jury room reading an article in my New Yorker magazine about this woman who is a great mitigation strategist. She has made huge gains in the system with getting people life in prison as opposed to the death penalty. She does this by painting a picture of reality so people can view the prisoners at a more humane level. I like that. At least it seems like a better alternative, but, no matter how you look at it, it is a hefty price to pay – in more ways than one. Ok! I’m back after hearing the sound of broken glass. Lucky me, it was only a glass left on the patio, now cleaned up and in the trash. Unfortunately, I think it was one of Robin’s pub glasses from England. Speaking of which, tomorrow Jane, Jenny and Rob arrive from England! It will be a bittersweet event as it will be Jane’s first journey here without Bruce. Everyone is looking forward to seeing them! Angie already started pumping up Ben and Anna with songs that Nannie likes to sing with them. I think of Bruce quite often. He was so young, and a good man. I know Jane will get through this. “I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.”
Peace out!
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05.07.11
Posted in Miscellaneous at 3:52 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I am humbled and joyous with the outcome of the Solano Karaoke Idol event last night. We had an amazing amount of donations from local companies, businesses and individuals, including food donations, drinks, raffle prizes, auction prizes and everything in between. Every table was occupied and the entertainment was great!!! Our Executive Director’s two daughters performed with their dance troupe to kick-start the night. They are always a treat to watch! And, the food was fabulous (so I hear, as I was too busy to eat!) thanks to Olive Garden who donated 5-gallons of white sauce and 5-gallons of red sauce to complement our pasta. I took charge of the kitchen and started making the bow tie and spaghetti noodles around 3:30 pm. Two other women from the joint agency jumped in to help and we didn’t stop until the buffet table line was empty. It was the perfect meal and included two different and unique bread choices from local establishments (also donated!), great salads, and pizza (also donated!) by two local pizzerias. Everyone commented on how great the food was! After dinner, there was a dessert auction to satisfy anyone’s appetite for pastries, baklava, brownies, fudge, cakes and pies – oh my! And then, back to the live performances! There was great talent, funny talent, and cute talent. Because many of the audience members have ties to Solano County government, City government, Mental Health Services and First 5 Solano, we get a big crowd and some of them love showing off their talents! Even my granddaughter got in on the act as she and her friend took 2nd place in the group performance! We could not have partnered with a better agency than Solano Family & Children’s Services – they were great, as was their staff and ours who helped so much with all aspects of the event. It was indeed a glorious night. I love it when the thermometer reaches “Giving Rising” – it is the perfect temperature.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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05.04.11
Posted in Politics at 7:19 PM by Ann Hornbeck
I have been remiss in running since last Saturday, but the 3-hour hike on Sunday was good. So, I will give myself a little break until tomorrow. Some of us are meeting for a “fun run,” aka, a 5k followed by wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres at the tent in front of Fleet Fleet Sports. I will get to pick up my certificate and my prize for taking 2nd place in my age group. I looked up my official time today on the website. I discovered that my time ranked me as #98 overall – not bad as there were 148 runners! There is a lot to be said about aging! Yes, the aches and pains come and go, and this is nowhere near what we will feel in our later years, but, isn’t it perfectly perfect! I am disturbed (yes, I know I am!) about the celebrations around the death of Osama bin Laden. Ok, I know that many, many lives have been destroyed, and that hundreds of innocent people lost their lives to a tragedy that is beyond explanation, reason, understanding or correction. Would I beg to see his head upon a stake? Would I beg to see his body riddled with bullet holes? Would I beg to see him hang from a rope? Not me. What I do know is that violence begets violence. That is why I do not celebrate his death. There is no solution. There is no answer. There is no end. I hope those who suffered from violence and loss, are now healed. I hope those who continue to suffer, will seek and find peace. Love is the answer. That much I know is true.
Peace.
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