Year Of 2023
2023
= This Changes Everything
By way of explanation of the holiday site title this year, after Banks and Jackie’s first date in October of 2021, Banks slipped a note into Jackie’s purse: “You have changed everything.” This prophetic note led to their choice of two symbols as metaphors for their relationship: a delta sign for change, and an infinity sign for everything. We are coopting this metaphor for our 2023 year. Events happened this year for the Clark clan that result in big and wonderful changes, impacting everything in a positive way.
Jackie with her parents Margarita and Martin
Banks and Jackie wed!
As Banks’ note forecast, our first exciting change was the wedding of Banks and Jackie on October 21st.
Family and friends started gathering the week before to enjoy quality time and the beautiful fall weather in Upstate New York. As the wedding day came, the beautiful fall weather became a gusty 40-degree downpour, but everyone braved the cold with much good humor, the warmth of loving company, and much dancing! To compliment the downpour, an outpouring of love, music and art. Jeff’s sister, Victoria Clark was the officiant and offered both homily and hymn, and amazing music was recorded and provided by Charlote’s sister and her talented family. A few nights before the wedding, friends gathered around a fire, sharing wisdom, stories, poems, and songs to wish the couple well on their journey; Tory and Adam sang their favorite love song, Bruce Springsteen’s “If I Should Fall Behind.” Additionally, Margarita, Carol, Jackie, Charlotte, and Banks all provided artwork that graced the reception space.
The ceremony was held outdoors, by flowing water in the ruins of an old shaker mill. Family and friends read poems by Rilke, Neruda (in English and Spanish), and Rumi; excerpts from The Velveteen Rabbit and The Alchemist; and a favorite scripture passage. The Bride and Groom’s side raced to light the unity candle as the wind blew (Jackie would point out that the Bride’s side won), and Banks and Jackie offered their vows to one another, which they had spent several months writing (and shortening). Jackie was beautiful (if not a bit cold), Banks was awestruck, everyone celebrated like crazy, and Isla even closed down the dance floor. Interested folks can read more about the event here.
Tory helps her new sister-in-law put on socks and her wedding sneakers
Other family news
Banks is in his final year of the NYU program to earn a Masters in Social Work. Jackie is preparing for her PhD defense and subsequent internship as she works to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia, all while continuing work with Arete, her performance psychology company.
Tory and Adam enjoy the ongoing exciting change and growth of now 3-year old daughter Isla Frange. Still based in Arlington, Massachusetts, Tory is now a partner at E3, working to decarbonize our world, including work to decarbonize North Carolina. Adam will complete a Masters in Nursing Spring 2024 from Boston College, earning his license as a Registered Nurse. He will continue on in future years towards a Doctorate degree in Nursing Practice and a license as a Nurse Practitioner.
Tory, Adam, and Isla Michelle! November 2020.
Jeff and Char were thrilled to welcome all of these family members at various times over the holidays, including a lovely 3-day overlap with all present in Durham. We decorated every inch of 2500 Auburn , bringing items down from the attic that had not been used in years.
Finally official!
Isla turned 2 in October, and we loved getting to spend Christmas with them in Boston
How did we have enough time to do that you may ask? Another significant change is that Char retired from Duke at the end of June, or in academic parlance, became faculty emerita. Although she will continue some academic tasks (e.g., she will teach one class in the spring), she has found time for many personal activities such as travel, family, and major crafting. Tory calls her “craft fickle,” and ’tis true that retirement has “changed everything” about time for crafting!
Isla turned 2 in October, and we loved getting to spend Christmas with them in Boston
Jeff continues to shepherd a number of company startups, and also spends significant time in a few volunteer roles. And, of course, don’t forget the fishing, this year including time in the mountains of North Carolina on the Toe River, and a wonderful trip to Alaska. We also enjoyed a fantastic trip with friends to Bali and Singapore in summer 2023. How nice to be able to return to travel!
We have enjoyed seeing Jeff’s sister Vicki excel again in her craft, earning a 2nd Tony for best actress in Kimberly Akimbo (she is Kimberly) on Broadway! The show and Vicki are up for a grammy this spring – fingers crossed!
With thanks to those of you who sent us your holiday news and pictures, we hope for new, exciting, and ubiquitous changes in your worlds as well.
With love and best wishes for a happy, healthy 2024,
Char and Jeff
