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Ever Take a Sentimental Journey?
Well, I'm about to embark on a nine-month long one that starts next week.
no more agg substitutions for a while
For that reason this post will be my last Sunday
substitution for a while. I've commented before about my son's extra-curricular sporting activity: he rows on his high school club crew team. Next week his final, senior year, season begins. The crew year is a long one with a fall head race competition season, a winter extensive training period and then a spring sprint competition season. The regattas for the first part of the year all fall on Sundays, which means the next 6 weeks will find me by the water's edge from shortly after sunrise to late in the afternoon. And that's where the sentimentality enters.
The water. The sport. The connection. My son's senior year. The beginning of the end of that phase of his life, our lives. All of it touches me in ways that are perhaps too corny. I'll try and unpack the syrupy sentimentality of each in a couple of paragraphs.
The Water
What about bodies of water ISN'T sentimental in some way? Add to it the experience that rowers have of those bodies of water they row upon and the emotional quotient increases exponentially. One of the things that touches me the most when I think of my son's years rowing is what the Potomac River will now mean to him for the rest of his life. Water speaks to so many of us, in many different ways. And as a people we tend to romanticize bodies of water, imbuing them meanings of the human ebb and flow. But for young people who spend a large chunk of their developing years sweating and straining in the middle of the rivers of our major cities, they have a knowledge of those waters that is deeper and more intimate than any of us who stand on its riverbanks, or driver across its bridges. In many ways, that river becomes speaks
home to them. It's one of the things I've always treasured for my son, the way he knows that body of water that I can only listen to and acknowledge.
The Sport
I've become a serious convert to the sport, which is odd when you consider my background. But the physics of movement as the boat glides across the water, watching my son and his friends develop an absolute sense of awareness of "the boat" (there is nothing individual in the sport), absorbing the lessons that the sport demonstrates for them have all turned me into the worst kind of "Crew Momster". I now follow the sport nationally and internationally. And sometimes cry at the sheer beauty of its movements. But the aspect that brings me to tears most often is to watch the maturity develop as they come to understand what "the boat" means.
The Final Year
This is the hot mess I'm entering into now.
Knowing that everything that happens in the next nine months is some sort of a "last"--sentimental sop that I am--means that nearly every event of the next few months will likely start the waterworks flowing. For example, my kid's boat is set to row in the
The Head of the Charles in October. I suspect I'll be blubbering throughout the entire race.
What, if anything, is making you sentimental this Sunday?
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Meetup Success! C+J/NE Kossacks Sept 6th
by nhox42 ♥ for New England Kossacks
The New England Kossacks got together at the home brillig and mik north of Boston. Kossacks drove from all over New England to attend. Looks like a great time was had by all.
Folks in attendance were: brillig, mik, K1, K2, Simple, nhox42, Ed Tracey, GreyHawk, Kathy, TrueBlueMajority, theKgirls, Bill in Portland Maine, Common Sense Mainer, mayim, dtheo, RubDMC, AnotherMassachusettsLiberal, Debbie in ME, ialonelady, CwV, sardonyx, Noor B, Andy, James and Alex.
New England Kossacks
Please visit nhox42's diary for MORE photos! Including yummy food pr0n. Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join New England Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to nhox42.
by ZenTrainer ♥ for Nashville KosKats
August 16th, the KosKats met up at the lake at Shipwreck Cove; Patrick is Lucky, Zen Trainer, Mr. and Ms. Sow Hat and 2 red county anonymous dems.
From Zen Trainer:
The Democrats aren’t even trying here. We talked about how to get someone with some sense in here running our state party. I had a name in mind - Mary Mancini.
[...] The other thing we talked about is Moral Mondays. I’d like to really concentrate on getting our legislature to force our Governor to accept expanded Medicaid for our state. I need big time help for that. Most of the KosKats who came to this meet-up don’t live in Nashville, they are on the outskirts. So we need some more local KosKats to step up.
L-R: Photo 1 - Mr. Sow Hat, Patrick is Lucky & Sow Hat Photo 2 - Patrick is Lucky & Zentrainer
Please visit ZenTrainer's diary for photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Nashville KosKats by sending a Kosmail to ZenTrainer.
by mimi ♥ for Maryland Kos
A joint meet-up of the Kossacks from Virginia, Maryland and DC happened on August 23rd. What a nice turn-out with great political discussion. Thanks to team leaders JamieG from Md and NinthElegy for organizing.
Here's one photo:
Back row: STI (JamieG's husband), Sturunner, jhutson, Uncle Cosmo, TRsCousin
Midde row: VeenaS1, Diana in NoVa, Aximill, mollyd, mdmslle, JamieG from Md, JG in MD, a gilas girl
Front row: louisev, patbahn, Laura Wnderer, BDA in VA
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Maryland Kos by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join VIRGINIA KOS by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC KOSSACKS by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by Sara R ♥ for Koscadia
The Kosacadia Kossacks (rsmpdx, winglion, loggersbrat & Sara R) got together at their local Food Truck pod. They stamped money to support the Stamp Stampede which was organized by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as a citizen effort to promote a Constitutional amendment to undo the pernicious effects of the Citizens United decision. Sara R has set up a Daily Kos group to rally others to this cause, please send them a Kosmail if you'd like to join in.
Please visit Sara R's diary for details. You can still REC it. You can join Koscadia by sending a Kosmail to Sara R.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Excerpts from John Crapper:
[...] Within minutes of my first conversation with Penny GC she said it best. "You know, I feel like I already know you from your posts and comments. Do you know what I mean?" And I immediately nodded my head feeling exactly the same way. That is the beauty of the Kossack experience!
[...] Finally, I gave each an assignment. I am a teacher you know so it's in my DNA. I asked each person to recruit one person in their circle of friends to become a Kossack and join Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. It's this simple. [...]
Thanks, Mr. Crapper for this excellent organizing of Seattle. We have big hopes for mobilizing all of Washington. So great of you to be on board here in the beginning with such an important metropolitan area.
L to R - Back row: Nelson (soon to be Kossack), Sarge in Seattle, Gemina13, bleeding blue, momomia,
Kneeling down, Yous truly John Crapper, Penny GC
Not in picture: LarissaW & John Crapper's SO
Please visit John Crapper's diary for many MORE details! You can still REC it. You can join
Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to
John Crapper.
by remembrance ♥ for Silicon Valley Kossacks
Last Sunday, Silicon Valley Kossacks had their first meet up right in the hub of Downtown San Jose, where plutocrats, technocrats, and college students gather over local brew. The patio of Gordon Biersch was the setting of our open air meeting that would give cause to our newly formed group and inspire us to reach out to voters about progressive candidates and policies.
[...] If you live in the 17th, 18th, or 19th district, please join Silicon Valley Kossacks. If you are not a Daily Kos user but would like to work with us, please make a user account and leave us a comment below. You can follow our group by clicking on the ♥ at the top of the page.
L-R: Back Row: fiercefilms, Senor Unoball, esquimaux, madhause, navajo, Glen The Plumber, Lusty Front Row: Mrs. Senor Unoball, slowbutsure, norm, remembrance, TLO™
Please visit remembrance's diary for more information. You can still REC it. You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Four Corners Kossacks Welcome Entourage from New Mexico
by Thinking Fella ♥ for Four Corners Kossacks
A last minute call went out to anyone interested in welcoming Land of Enchantment and jnhobbs to Durango. LucyTooners and Mr. LucyTooners rose to the occasion. A fantastic evening was reported to me by texts and lots of food pr0n as evidence.
Here's the group photo!
L-R: Mr. LucyTooners, LucyTooners, Thinking Fella, Land of Enchantment & jnhobbs
You can join Four Corners Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Thinking Fella.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast the date of your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Sunday, September 21st
Voter Outreach & Registration + Kansas Kossacks Meet-up
Jean Schodorf (DailyKos endorsed), Jim Sherow (CD1), Dennis Anderson (State Insurance Commissioner) and more in tandem with LULAC - the League of United Latin American Citizens in an effort to reach out to a large and growing portion of the Kansas Community that has been left out by Republicans.
IF YOU ARE A KOSSACK IN AN UNORGANIZED KANSAS COUNTY, please attend!
TIME: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Wright Park
Map • Dodge City
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2. SkoHayes
3. Sandzen
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Uniting a State: Kossack Meeting Dodge City, KS Sept. 21
Attribution: Jetsonorama
Sunday, September 21st
People's Climate March
TIME: Midday, TBD
LOCATION: Columbus Circle
Central Park West and 59th • New York City
Join hundreds of environmental and climate justice groups and tens of thousands of individuals on the streets of New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for the People's Climate March. The march is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where political and corporate leaders are meeting prior to the December 2015 UNFCCC COP21 in Paris. It also precedes Climate Week NYC.
The links below provide information on transportation to New York, volunteer opportunities, events in New York, and other ways you can become involved in your local communities.
• Getting There: Links to available buses, trains, ride boards and creative group transit ideas near you to get the NYC for September 21st
• How to Get Involved
• RSVP and volunteer/donation opportunities
Latest diary: UN Climate Summit: What To Expect and Why it Matters
Sunday, September 21st
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with boatsie & WarrenS!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. kathny
2. sidnora
3. rubyr
4. joanbrooker
5. Marille
6. Jill
7. Brandon
8. Mrs. Brandon
9. boatsie
10. boatsie's guest
11. WarrenS
12. Sean Robertson
13. No Exit
14. theRoaringGirl
15. Philippa Fort
16. Miwa Sakurlat
17. Design the Future |
Maybees:
mimi
raines
MizC
MizC's brother
Rosalie907
clenchner
plf515
AllTheWayWithLBJ85
NancyWH
Laura
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Latest diary: NYC Post-march meetup 9/21 - w/special out-of-town GUESTS!
Saturday, September 27th
Houston Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: El Tiempo Cantina
1308 Montrose Boulevard • Houston
ORGANIZER: Send Chrislove a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Chrislove
2. MarciaJ720
3. scott5js
4. cosette
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Maybees:
Mary
Alan
Mr. cosette
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Latest diary: Houston Area Kossacks: Meet-Up Scheduled for Saturday, September 27
Saturday, September 27th
BosKos Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Appleby's
across from the North Quincy MBTA station • Boston
ORGANIZER: Send GreyHawk a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. GreyHawk
2. HawkWife
3. RhodeIslandAspie
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Maybees:
CwV
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Latest diary: Next BosKos & NE Kossack Meetup - Sat 27 Sept 2014
Saturday, September 27th
LA Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Guild Restaurant
611 W 7th St • Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Shockwave
3. Otoelbc
4. SanFernandoValleyMom
5. benamery21
6. jeremybloom
7. gmats
8. Philip Merrill
9. Vyan
10. KatSkanne
11. cynfowler
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Los Angeles Kossacks Political Action Meetup
Sunday, September 28th
Koscadia Meet-up
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: à la carts Food Pavilion
SE 50th and Division Street • Portand
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Sara R
2. winglion
3. llbear
4. loggersbrat
5. also mom of 5
6. quill
7. pdxteacher
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Maybees:
liz
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Latest diary: Koscadia Meet Up, Sunday, Sept. 28
Saturday, October 4th
Four Corners Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Carver Brewing Company
1022 Main Avenue • Durango
ORGANIZER: Send Thinking Fella a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Thinking Fella
2. nzanne
3. Lady911
4.
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Maybees:
several lurkers!
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Four Corners Kossacks: First Official Meet-up! Please join us!
Seattle City Council member
Kshama Sawan
Saturday, October 4th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
SPECIAL SPEAKER: Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant who gained national attention in her successful campaign to get $15.00 min. wage passed in Seattle
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
SET MENU COST: $25.00 per person (includes non-alcoholic beverage, gratuity, tax and your choice of entree from a limited-choice menu)
Space will be limited to the first twenty who RSVP for this event and I'm working to have the room filled to capacity, so don't delay. CAPACITY REACHED. Waiting list only now.
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2. Basilia B. - guest of John Crapper
3. Alan H. - guest of John Crapper
4. John Crapper's SO
5. bleeding blue
6. momomia
7. doingbusinessas
8. cinnamon68
9. Piren
10. Eagle Keeper
11. LarisaW
12. Rennie S - guest of Larisa
13. Phil H. - guest of Larisa
14. Nelson S. - guest of Larisa
15. Diachronic
16. FlamingoGrrl
17. Grey Fedora
18. PennyGC
19. anonymous
20. anonymous
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Waiting List: |
Latest diary: Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks - Meet Kshama Sawant - Oct. 4
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
10 Biltmore Plaza • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
8. swhelden
9. Ottery Scribe
10. Burns Lass
11. Family guest
12. smiley7
13. people power granny
14. Gordon20024
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Maybees:
munchkin
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville: Weekly Open Thread
Saturday, October 11th
Silicon Valley Kossacks' Day of Action Canvassing and BBQ with the Mike Honda Campaign (CA-17)
TIME: 11:00 AM
LOCATION: Mike Honda for Congress
10601 S. De Anza Blvd. #106 • Cupertino
ORGANIZER: Send Glen The Plumber a KosMail or tweet to attend
RSVPs:
1. Glen The Plumber
2. remembrance
3. TheLittleOne
4. Lusty
5. slowbutsure
6. madhaus
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Maybees:
navajo
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Latest diary: Silicon Valley Kossack’s Day of Action with the Mike Honda campaign 10/11
Saturday, October 18th
DC Kossacks Potluck Picnicking on the National Mall
DC Kossacks is a regional group intended to organize meet-ups, discuss issues, strategize participation in pertinent activism, and build community for those of us who live in and around Washington DC.
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: National Mall
Take the Blue/Orange line to Smithsonian Metro Station. Exit the escalators and walk straight ahead across the first small lawn to the trees and grassy areas directly ahead. Look for a large plain orange cloth. That'll be us. It will help us recognize each other if you bring something GOS orange! • DC
ORGANIZER: Send NinthElegy a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. NinthElegy
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest entry: http://www.dailykos.com/...
Sunday, October 19th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with navajo
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. ericlewis0
3. belinda ridgewood
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Maybees:
mconvente
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Saturday, November 8th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.