Yesterday I decided it is time. I've had about enough of winter. While it hasn't been particularly cold, it has been rather gray and bleak. Rain is a fact of life in the wintertime in the Pacific Northwest. It's really what we do best - generate weather for the rest of the country. At about this point in the winter season, I've had it. The days are growing longer, and mostly it means we get to prolong the grayness and the rain. However, yesterday and today have been beautiful days. Crisp, chilly and sunny! Perfect weather for starting our summer garden...from seeds of course. Kaysie and I went off to the Home Depot. It was the perfect day for seeding.
I spent a small fortune at the farmer's market last summer on lettuce and tomatoes. While I did so gladly, in support of our local farmers, I thought maybe I could expand our little garden a bit. Last summer I rearranged our porches and this year, my front porch is bare. What furniture I had, I moved to the back, so I decided this would be the perfect place for my container garden. Kaysie and I thought that perhaps a "box garden" would be fun. I got online last night and looked at box planters, and decided maybe it might be more economical to build our own. So while our little seeds are tucked into their jiffy pots just waiting to sprout, Kaysie and I will be building and painting their summer homes. A very fun mother daughter project.
As I sit here in my "writers nook" my jiffy greenhouse planters are basking in the winter sun on our living room windowsill. This is where our tomato plants, peppers, jalapenos, lettuce, scallions and pumpkins are planted. There is a smaller version on my kitchen windowsill which contains our kitchen herbs; sweet basil, chives, cilantro, oregano, and rosemary. Kaysie has two plants as well, birdhouse gords and watermelons. I'm not sure where all those are going to go, but we'll figure that out later. To that we're going to add a container of two blueberry bushes.
The promise of spring is right there in front of me, and I'm so glad. Tomorrow the weather forecast is for snow and bitter cold temperatures. But I know that when I look at those little jiffy pots with the plastic covers, spring is coming. We will go back to Home Depot this weekend with our plans for our box planters. We will let them cut the lumber, and we will pick out stain and nails and then we will get busy. Before too long, we will be setting up the pop-up greenhouse and putting our little seedlings out side to get used to the weather, and then it will be time to fill up those planter boxes and get growing.
Yes, it is time. What are you planting this spring? What fun things will you be placing in the dirt, for the sun and fresh air to grow? Let me know! Peace.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rest in Peace Whitney Houston
Over the weekend the world said good-bye to Whitney Houston. There have been a lot of opinions and commentary about Whitney's death. Some nice and some not so nice. I've thought a lot about that these last few days, and this is what I want to say. I am just an ordinary citizen. I did not know Whitney Houston, I wasn't part of her inner circle, or her family, but this is what I know for sure; in her most basic form, Whitney Houston was an ordinary person just like me. When she put her slacks on she put them on one leg at a time, just like me. She tucked her daughter in to bed at night, just like me. She sang to Bobbi Kristinia when she was a baby, just as I sung to my daughter when she was a baby. She was a working mother, just like me. She was someone's daughter, just as I am and she was painfully human, just like me. The difference between us is that Whitney Houston lived her life in the public eye, and I live my life in relative obscurity. It was that life in the public eye that was hard for her. I would bet a lot of money that a life in the public eye is never easy, no matter who you are. Everyone is always waiting for you to mess up just so it can be pointed out to you seven ways to Sunday, and eventually it takes its toll on you and the way you live your life. Whitney Houston was no exception.
What is sad to me is that people seem to take great pleasure in tearing her down instead of thinking of her family during this very sad time. My mother and father taught me if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all. I don't think there is one person walking this earth that hasn't done something that they aren't proud of. We all have skeletons and secrets in our closets. Most of the time it's not until after we're gone that they are ever discovered. Unfortunately for Whitney Houston hers were hung out on the clothes line for everybody to see and discuss. Are we really immune to a similar fate? I think not. Anyone can fall victim to the same things that she did. Addiction doesn't care who you are, rich or poor famous or ordinary. Until you have lived that life or are the family member who is trying to cover it all up can you even begin to understand. It takes real courage to be a supporter or a friend to someone who is struggling with addiction. Those are the people that I take my hat off to - RJ, Bobbi Kristina, her mother, her cousin Dione. They had the hardest job of all, and they are the ones that need our love and support.
I propose we look at the tremendous talent that has passed from this earth to her next life. Whitney had a voice like no other. Her talent as a vocalist and recording artist were superior to any in my lifetime. She truly had the voice of an angel. She was also a gifted actress. Her movies let us have a glimpse at yet another side to the famous singer. It allowed us to see her humanness from a safe distance, especially in The Body Guard. I watched Kevin Costner speak at her memorial service and he said that when they made that film he insisted that she play the lead. He waited for her to be ready, and I totally agree with him that it was well worth the wait.
Whitney's struggles were ours. Over the years we were saddened by the lifestyle she chose. It was only in the last few years that we didn't hear much from or about her. I would like to think that maybe she was exorcising some of the demons that haunted her throughout her adult life. I know that she had found love and companionship again, and that she seemed to be enjoying her daughter Bobbi Kristina. I am left wondering if she ever found peace. What I do know for sure is that 48 is too young to die. It makes me sad for her daughter to have lost her mom at 18. I can only hope that Bobbi Kristina will see her mother in her own children's laugh or smile, and that she will take comfort in knowing that her mom will have a unique perspective on the momentous events of her life.
Rest in peace Whitney. I hope your forever after is filled with peace and music.
What is sad to me is that people seem to take great pleasure in tearing her down instead of thinking of her family during this very sad time. My mother and father taught me if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all. I don't think there is one person walking this earth that hasn't done something that they aren't proud of. We all have skeletons and secrets in our closets. Most of the time it's not until after we're gone that they are ever discovered. Unfortunately for Whitney Houston hers were hung out on the clothes line for everybody to see and discuss. Are we really immune to a similar fate? I think not. Anyone can fall victim to the same things that she did. Addiction doesn't care who you are, rich or poor famous or ordinary. Until you have lived that life or are the family member who is trying to cover it all up can you even begin to understand. It takes real courage to be a supporter or a friend to someone who is struggling with addiction. Those are the people that I take my hat off to - RJ, Bobbi Kristina, her mother, her cousin Dione. They had the hardest job of all, and they are the ones that need our love and support.
I propose we look at the tremendous talent that has passed from this earth to her next life. Whitney had a voice like no other. Her talent as a vocalist and recording artist were superior to any in my lifetime. She truly had the voice of an angel. She was also a gifted actress. Her movies let us have a glimpse at yet another side to the famous singer. It allowed us to see her humanness from a safe distance, especially in The Body Guard. I watched Kevin Costner speak at her memorial service and he said that when they made that film he insisted that she play the lead. He waited for her to be ready, and I totally agree with him that it was well worth the wait.
Whitney's struggles were ours. Over the years we were saddened by the lifestyle she chose. It was only in the last few years that we didn't hear much from or about her. I would like to think that maybe she was exorcising some of the demons that haunted her throughout her adult life. I know that she had found love and companionship again, and that she seemed to be enjoying her daughter Bobbi Kristina. I am left wondering if she ever found peace. What I do know for sure is that 48 is too young to die. It makes me sad for her daughter to have lost her mom at 18. I can only hope that Bobbi Kristina will see her mother in her own children's laugh or smile, and that she will take comfort in knowing that her mom will have a unique perspective on the momentous events of her life.
Rest in peace Whitney. I hope your forever after is filled with peace and music.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Random Acts of Kindess
Today, I learned, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. How cool is that? A day dedicated to blessing others. I made a conscious decision at the beginning of this year that I was going to do more good in this world. I am at a point in my life where I can do that. I want to use what I have learned over the years in my career and my life to leave a legacy of kindness and good works for others to benefit from. I am performing my random acts of kindness one at a time. Not all of them are being done today. My list is long so that would be impossible. So far, I've accomplished one - you have to start someplace, right? Some are big and some are small, but I am hoping that when I leave this earth, my footprints will be all over the place and the people that know me will be able to see what I have done.
As for today, Random Acts of Kindness day, did you do anything for someone else? It could have been as simple as high-fiving a co-worker or loaning someone a few cents in the lunch line. Those things might seem small, but it all counts. The people that you gave your kindness to won't forget, in fact, my guess is that they might be inspired to "pay it forward," and bless someone else. That is the beauty of blessing others. Many times it keeps on going.
I remember when I was living in Baltimore many years ago, there was a young gal about my age in the grocery line a head of me. She had a baby on her hip and a toddler in the cart and she didn't have enough money to pay for her groceries. She and the checker were trying to sort through her things and decide what she could pay for and what she had to put back. It made me feel badly for this young mother. I only had a few things in my basket, but I had just received my tax refund check. I very quietly walked up to this lady and said, "I'd like to help you pay for your groceries. I got my tax check today and I have a little bit of extra money. Someday when things are a little better for you, you might find yourself in my position, with a few extra dollars and you can help someone else out." I'll never forget the look on her face. She didn't know what to say or do and before she could I paid for the whole lot of it and left without another word. It felt so good to help that young mother out. I knew her kids had food to eat, and I knew deep down in my heart that she would pay it forward someday.
I would like to challenge all of you to bless someone else in some way. Go big or small. It doesn't matter, as long as you do it with love your heart. That's all that counts. When you clean out your closets take what doesn't fit or you don't want anymore to Good Will or the Salvation Army. Take a bag of dog or cat food to your local animal shelter, volunteer your time at a nursing home. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it with a happy heart. Even sticking a few coins in an expired parking meter counts. Figure out what you can do and do it. You'll be glad you did. Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day, and Happy Friday! Peace.
As for today, Random Acts of Kindness day, did you do anything for someone else? It could have been as simple as high-fiving a co-worker or loaning someone a few cents in the lunch line. Those things might seem small, but it all counts. The people that you gave your kindness to won't forget, in fact, my guess is that they might be inspired to "pay it forward," and bless someone else. That is the beauty of blessing others. Many times it keeps on going.
I remember when I was living in Baltimore many years ago, there was a young gal about my age in the grocery line a head of me. She had a baby on her hip and a toddler in the cart and she didn't have enough money to pay for her groceries. She and the checker were trying to sort through her things and decide what she could pay for and what she had to put back. It made me feel badly for this young mother. I only had a few things in my basket, but I had just received my tax refund check. I very quietly walked up to this lady and said, "I'd like to help you pay for your groceries. I got my tax check today and I have a little bit of extra money. Someday when things are a little better for you, you might find yourself in my position, with a few extra dollars and you can help someone else out." I'll never forget the look on her face. She didn't know what to say or do and before she could I paid for the whole lot of it and left without another word. It felt so good to help that young mother out. I knew her kids had food to eat, and I knew deep down in my heart that she would pay it forward someday.
I would like to challenge all of you to bless someone else in some way. Go big or small. It doesn't matter, as long as you do it with love your heart. That's all that counts. When you clean out your closets take what doesn't fit or you don't want anymore to Good Will or the Salvation Army. Take a bag of dog or cat food to your local animal shelter, volunteer your time at a nursing home. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it with a happy heart. Even sticking a few coins in an expired parking meter counts. Figure out what you can do and do it. You'll be glad you did. Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day, and Happy Friday! Peace.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Ancestors
A good friend of mine learned today that she has some pretty famous ancestors. I mean like history changing ancestors. My friend Deny found out that she is a direct descendant of Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jefferson and a connection to Pocahontas through the Randolph/Rolfe family I think. My initial reaction was Wow! You can get married at the Custis/Lee Mansion at Arlington National Cemetery, be in the DAR and the Pocahontas Society! (Side bar, the Custis Lee Mansion is a beautiful mansion that sits way up on a hill and you can see all of Washington DC at your feet - stunning), and then as we conversed on facebook with another friend who is seriously into history and genealogy she figured out the Thomas Jefferson/Pocahontas Jamestown connection. Seriously? I joked that if we continued the conversation we would figure out that she could be a descendant of the French family that is said to be a direct line to Jesus and Mary Magdalene. (Blasphemy I know.) It's amazing what you can find out when you start digging around the family tree.
We were messaging fast and furious and then I mentioned one of my more notorious relatives. Her name was Patty Cannon and she was a kidnapper of free blacks; she'd either kill them or sell them back into slavery. Nice lady - not so much. She ended up hanging herself in jail. I think her guilt got the best of her. That's just my mother's side of the family. My father's relatives were bootleggers and horse thieves. Also a little questionable of character, although much less violent I suspect. Those stories of Patty Cannon scared me to death when I was a kid. Turns out Patty Cannon's skull was kept in a box in the public library in Dover, DE and was just sent for forensic testing at the Smithsonian.
This is what you get when you come from old East Coast families I guess. Lots of history back there and if you dig around long enough you are sure to find something interesting. I think I like my friend's ancestors better. A little more glamorous I suppose but I know there are skeletons there too. After all, Mrs. Lee's rose garden became Arlington National Cemetery so General Lee could look out the window and see exactly what the consequences of his actions agains the US were. The oldest headstones in the cemetery back right up to the house. What a reminder that must have been. Then there was that whole affair with Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings. Very interesting twists and turns there. Jamestown and Pocahontas are just way cool to me. Wow.
All I got was a whole lot of hateful. Oh well. Like the old saying goes, you can't pick your relatives, especially the dead ones! Some of us just get luckier than others. It's all good though. I'd like to think that over the span of generations my family evolved into nicer people. I know that I have a great relationship with my Creator and He knows that I'm not anything like Patty Cannon and that's what really matters to me. I think maybe that's why I feel a great need to leave a legacy of kindness behind. I want to be known as just the opposite of her.
What do you know of your ancestors? Have you dug around your family tree? I wonder what you would find? Write to me and let me know if you have interesting ancestors. Did they sail on the Mayflower, fight in the Revolution or come through Ellis Island? Our past relatives have amazing tales to tell us if only we would ask them to. Peace.
We were messaging fast and furious and then I mentioned one of my more notorious relatives. Her name was Patty Cannon and she was a kidnapper of free blacks; she'd either kill them or sell them back into slavery. Nice lady - not so much. She ended up hanging herself in jail. I think her guilt got the best of her. That's just my mother's side of the family. My father's relatives were bootleggers and horse thieves. Also a little questionable of character, although much less violent I suspect. Those stories of Patty Cannon scared me to death when I was a kid. Turns out Patty Cannon's skull was kept in a box in the public library in Dover, DE and was just sent for forensic testing at the Smithsonian.
This is what you get when you come from old East Coast families I guess. Lots of history back there and if you dig around long enough you are sure to find something interesting. I think I like my friend's ancestors better. A little more glamorous I suppose but I know there are skeletons there too. After all, Mrs. Lee's rose garden became Arlington National Cemetery so General Lee could look out the window and see exactly what the consequences of his actions agains the US were. The oldest headstones in the cemetery back right up to the house. What a reminder that must have been. Then there was that whole affair with Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings. Very interesting twists and turns there. Jamestown and Pocahontas are just way cool to me. Wow.
All I got was a whole lot of hateful. Oh well. Like the old saying goes, you can't pick your relatives, especially the dead ones! Some of us just get luckier than others. It's all good though. I'd like to think that over the span of generations my family evolved into nicer people. I know that I have a great relationship with my Creator and He knows that I'm not anything like Patty Cannon and that's what really matters to me. I think maybe that's why I feel a great need to leave a legacy of kindness behind. I want to be known as just the opposite of her.
What do you know of your ancestors? Have you dug around your family tree? I wonder what you would find? Write to me and let me know if you have interesting ancestors. Did they sail on the Mayflower, fight in the Revolution or come through Ellis Island? Our past relatives have amazing tales to tell us if only we would ask them to. Peace.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Unplugged
Remember those MTV concerts "Unplugged?" The artists would come to the MTV studios and have to play their songs "unplugged" or acoustically. I think the best one of those that I remember was Nirvana Unplugged. I still have the CD. Kurt Kobain was probably at his best in his holey sweater and twelve string guitar. It was amazing. There was just something really great about those concerts. So last week I decided to be like MTV and unplug myself. For twenty-four hours I was as "off grid" as I thought I could be. I did keep my iHeart radio only because I'm a music junkie and that was just asking too much, but I did without the rest to the best of my ability. No TV (no big deal there), no iPad or Kindle (that was a little harder to deal with since I read everyday), no Facebook (that was the one I had the most trouble with), no iPod/iPhone (I only used the phone and turned all the other stuff off)and finally no computer (that was the hardest as I'm trying to finish my holiday book, started my second ebook and of course my blog I write EVERYDAY).
How in the heck did I live without all these little gadgets and gizmos? I was about to find out. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard. I have to admit that "My name is Wendi and I'm a facebook-a-holic. That was the hardest. No posts, no likes, no nothing for almost 24 hours. It was hard. I did peek, but I didn't say anything. The no kindle/iPad was no picnic either because I read EVERY DAY. My inspirational stuff and my bible are on either or and I was sort of lost without those. Of course I have a couple of Bibles in my apartment, so I just read those, and I actually made great progress on a library book that is due soon. So it worked out. I wasn't easy but it worked out. Finally, the iPhone. That was hard too. I had about 12 or 13 sticky notes stuck inside my purse with notes, appointment dates and just scribblings that I keep in my iPhone. Notepad and Calendar are probably my most frequently used aps. Bejewled 2 has gotten a workout lately too, and that was turned off. Not being able to write was very hard. I have grown accustomed to writing after work with my afternoon tea and early in the mornings on the weekends or at night when I can't sleep and the house is quiet. So there I was all alone, with no gadgets.
The experiment turned out so well I kept going. I cut down on my "plugged in" status a great deal. I found I got a lot of stuff done. I started an afghan and I've got almost a quarter of it done. I got the introduction to my new ebook done and the dedication to my holiday book written (on paper I might add) although they are now on the computer. I also watched some movies with Kaysie and my Valentines got made. Amazing. Tonight however, I find myself as plugged in as ever, but my afghan is coming right along and that library book will probably get finished tonight before bed. I've tossed down some ideas for my new ebook (Chapter headings mostly) and that silly holiday book is just about done. I would say with a little effort probably over the weekend.
I did get something out of being Unplugged. It made me more aware of how I was spending my time. I don't want to be so plugged in that I ignore my family. As we are nearing the season of Lent I think that in honor of that time of reflection I have decided to "unplug" myself every Sunday so from Saturday evening until Monday morning I'm going to be focusing on my family and just learning to live without all of the bells and whistles I have come to depend on. I will still write and read, but both will be done the old school way. I will still be listening to the radio - as I need music because it's the one part of my life I'm not ready to unplug yet. I will let you know how it all turns out! Peace.
How in the heck did I live without all these little gadgets and gizmos? I was about to find out. Surprisingly it wasn't that hard. I have to admit that "My name is Wendi and I'm a facebook-a-holic. That was the hardest. No posts, no likes, no nothing for almost 24 hours. It was hard. I did peek, but I didn't say anything. The no kindle/iPad was no picnic either because I read EVERY DAY. My inspirational stuff and my bible are on either or and I was sort of lost without those. Of course I have a couple of Bibles in my apartment, so I just read those, and I actually made great progress on a library book that is due soon. So it worked out. I wasn't easy but it worked out. Finally, the iPhone. That was hard too. I had about 12 or 13 sticky notes stuck inside my purse with notes, appointment dates and just scribblings that I keep in my iPhone. Notepad and Calendar are probably my most frequently used aps. Bejewled 2 has gotten a workout lately too, and that was turned off. Not being able to write was very hard. I have grown accustomed to writing after work with my afternoon tea and early in the mornings on the weekends or at night when I can't sleep and the house is quiet. So there I was all alone, with no gadgets.
The experiment turned out so well I kept going. I cut down on my "plugged in" status a great deal. I found I got a lot of stuff done. I started an afghan and I've got almost a quarter of it done. I got the introduction to my new ebook done and the dedication to my holiday book written (on paper I might add) although they are now on the computer. I also watched some movies with Kaysie and my Valentines got made. Amazing. Tonight however, I find myself as plugged in as ever, but my afghan is coming right along and that library book will probably get finished tonight before bed. I've tossed down some ideas for my new ebook (Chapter headings mostly) and that silly holiday book is just about done. I would say with a little effort probably over the weekend.
I did get something out of being Unplugged. It made me more aware of how I was spending my time. I don't want to be so plugged in that I ignore my family. As we are nearing the season of Lent I think that in honor of that time of reflection I have decided to "unplug" myself every Sunday so from Saturday evening until Monday morning I'm going to be focusing on my family and just learning to live without all of the bells and whistles I have come to depend on. I will still write and read, but both will be done the old school way. I will still be listening to the radio - as I need music because it's the one part of my life I'm not ready to unplug yet. I will let you know how it all turns out! Peace.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day. It's not really a day that I look forward to usually. This year was different. I decided that I would make it an enjoyable day instead of sitting around pouting. This past weekend I got busy. I dipped pretzel rods in white and dark chocolate. I made a batch of shortbread hearts and bought little baggies, and pretty ribbon and cut little red hearts out of red scrap book paper. I have to say that everything turned out wonderfully. The recipients of the little goodies were as happy to recieve them as I was to give them.
One of the things I wanted to try out this year was to do as many home-made gifts as I could. For one thing it's fun and I think they mean more to people, most especially kids. I think kids love it when you take the time to make something special just for them. Anyone can go to the mall and buy the latest and greatest gift, but to really listen or watch your children and then create something especially for them results in double happiness. At least I think so. For my daughter this Valentine's Day I made heart shaped pizza with heart shaped pepperoni (yes I cut them out myself - step aside Martha Stewart!) and brownies in a heart shaped pan. I also mailed her a card - she thought that was so funny. "Why didn't you just put it in our mailbox mom?" I told her that was cheating. I also made her a place mat. I drew a heart on it and listed all the things I love about her inside the heart. She was so tickled. Yep, I could have bought her that little necklace she saw at the mall, but it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!
Yesterday my daughter was lamenting the fact that she didn't do anything for me for Valentines' Day and I told her that when she was older and had money of her own she could worry about Valentines for me then. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she had been a little creative herself and she created for me a "slide show" on our Keynote program. It was great! I think that was the best Valentines Day present I could have ever asked for.
What this all boils down to is this, Valentines Day, or any other holiday for that matter, doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Small creative gifts from the heart are much more fun to give and to receive. That goes for couples too I think. Don't fret, just get creative. Use what you have and what you know. What matters is the thoughtfulness and the time you took to be creative and give a gift from your heart. I think that's what love is all about. So Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Snuggle up with the ones you love tonight and just enjoy each other!
One of the things I wanted to try out this year was to do as many home-made gifts as I could. For one thing it's fun and I think they mean more to people, most especially kids. I think kids love it when you take the time to make something special just for them. Anyone can go to the mall and buy the latest and greatest gift, but to really listen or watch your children and then create something especially for them results in double happiness. At least I think so. For my daughter this Valentine's Day I made heart shaped pizza with heart shaped pepperoni (yes I cut them out myself - step aside Martha Stewart!) and brownies in a heart shaped pan. I also mailed her a card - she thought that was so funny. "Why didn't you just put it in our mailbox mom?" I told her that was cheating. I also made her a place mat. I drew a heart on it and listed all the things I love about her inside the heart. She was so tickled. Yep, I could have bought her that little necklace she saw at the mall, but it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun!
Yesterday my daughter was lamenting the fact that she didn't do anything for me for Valentines' Day and I told her that when she was older and had money of her own she could worry about Valentines for me then. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she had been a little creative herself and she created for me a "slide show" on our Keynote program. It was great! I think that was the best Valentines Day present I could have ever asked for.
What this all boils down to is this, Valentines Day, or any other holiday for that matter, doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Small creative gifts from the heart are much more fun to give and to receive. That goes for couples too I think. Don't fret, just get creative. Use what you have and what you know. What matters is the thoughtfulness and the time you took to be creative and give a gift from your heart. I think that's what love is all about. So Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Snuggle up with the ones you love tonight and just enjoy each other!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Pursuit of Education
Tonight's blog is dedicated to the pursuit of education. When I was in school I didn't like it much. It wasn't that I wasn't smart, I was just not interested. I think some kids love school and some don't. I grew up to have a daughter who lives and breathes school. I am a lucky mom. She works so hard - giving up most evenings to her school work. In the United States we are very lucky. School is free, and there is one in just about every neighborhood or town. We turn teachers away because there aren't enough schools to employ them all. Then today I learned about a very different reality.
As many of you know I have begun a journey of faith that is going to take me way outside of my little box and send me on the trip of a lifetime later this year. After some clarification this morning God sent a young man into my life. He lives in a refugee camp in the country where I will be traveling to later this year. He is fourteen years old and desperate to attend school. After a rather lengthy conversation on facebook this morning I did some digging and he is telling the truth. He is so close to his dream of attending school again. He has been declared an orphan and in June he will lose his refugee status. I suspect he will be staying put and attending school. He cannot return to his native country as he has nothing or anyone to go back to. There are some people out there who might think that this has scam written all over it, but I can assure you that is not the case. Somehow, I am going to help this young man. I am going to help him because I believe he was sent my way for a reason. I think he needs some one to believe in him. He has no family anymore, so who is left to encourage him? Most kids in school need a cheerleader. Right now he has none, and I believe he needs somebody. Am I that person, who knows. I know I would like to be. I did state on facebook that I would step out of my comfort zone to help a child, well here is my chance. He is one of many I am sure. While I cannot help them all, I can help him. He reached out and took a chance. I believe that someday in the future he will make a difference in this world because someone believed in him.
What is amazing to me is his determination to be his own advocate and get out of a horrible situation. The human spirit is an amazing thing. This young man just wants to better himself, and I believe he will do it if given the chance. I would like to think that with encouragement and the right opportunity this young man will do great things. When I go on my trip later this year I am going to find him. I want us to be friends. He has great courage and the will to change his life and he is only 14 years old. That to me is just incredible. Most 14 year olds that I know are concerned with the latest video games, girls and allowance. Not that those are bad things, they are just far different than what I experienced today.
I will let you know how it all turns out. I'm hoping that it will turn out well. Peace.
As many of you know I have begun a journey of faith that is going to take me way outside of my little box and send me on the trip of a lifetime later this year. After some clarification this morning God sent a young man into my life. He lives in a refugee camp in the country where I will be traveling to later this year. He is fourteen years old and desperate to attend school. After a rather lengthy conversation on facebook this morning I did some digging and he is telling the truth. He is so close to his dream of attending school again. He has been declared an orphan and in June he will lose his refugee status. I suspect he will be staying put and attending school. He cannot return to his native country as he has nothing or anyone to go back to. There are some people out there who might think that this has scam written all over it, but I can assure you that is not the case. Somehow, I am going to help this young man. I am going to help him because I believe he was sent my way for a reason. I think he needs some one to believe in him. He has no family anymore, so who is left to encourage him? Most kids in school need a cheerleader. Right now he has none, and I believe he needs somebody. Am I that person, who knows. I know I would like to be. I did state on facebook that I would step out of my comfort zone to help a child, well here is my chance. He is one of many I am sure. While I cannot help them all, I can help him. He reached out and took a chance. I believe that someday in the future he will make a difference in this world because someone believed in him.
What is amazing to me is his determination to be his own advocate and get out of a horrible situation. The human spirit is an amazing thing. This young man just wants to better himself, and I believe he will do it if given the chance. I would like to think that with encouragement and the right opportunity this young man will do great things. When I go on my trip later this year I am going to find him. I want us to be friends. He has great courage and the will to change his life and he is only 14 years old. That to me is just incredible. Most 14 year olds that I know are concerned with the latest video games, girls and allowance. Not that those are bad things, they are just far different than what I experienced today.
I will let you know how it all turns out. I'm hoping that it will turn out well. Peace.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
When the Going Gets Tough Just Keep Swimmin'
This has been a hard week. One more day and then it will be over. The universe has not been a happy place this week, but we trudged onward, because as humans that's what we do. Some people give up and surrender to whatever is dragging them down, they wallow in self pity and are swallowed up by despair. That's dangerous. Then there are others who keep on going. Did you ever see the movie "Finding Nemo?" There was a little fish in that movie named Dorie. Dorie couldn't remember squat. Throughout that whole movie she could never remember Nemo's name. She called him Fabio, Chico, and a few other O kind of names. Even though she couldn't remember his name, she didn't let it get her down. Nemo's dad Marlin was a little sad-sack fish. He never wanted to take a chance and at one point he was ready to give up, but Dorie sang him a little song. "Just keep swimmin', Just keep swimmin', Just keep swimmin', swimmin'! What do we do when we want to quit? Just keep swimmin'. "
I think Dorie had the right idea. When the going gets tough, we need to just keep swimmin'. Wallowing in self pity and giving up, should not be an option. Neither choice does you any good. Mostly it makes the situation worse. When you feel like giving up don't. Dig deep, pull out your floaties, put on your ring, get out your mask and your flippers and just keep swimmin'! Pretty soon, I think you'll find that you won't need those floaties any more. Then you won't need the ring. The dog paddle will be replaced by a beautiful free-style. Cutting through the water with the elegance of an olympic swimmer. When you get to where you were headed, you can look behind you and see where you came from and what you swam through. The view will be amazing!
So for all of you out there who are have a rough time. Be like Dorie and just keep swimmin'. You will be so glad you did. Take what you need, and lighten your load along the way. When you reach your goal or destination turn around and enjoy the amazing view! Peace.
I think Dorie had the right idea. When the going gets tough, we need to just keep swimmin'. Wallowing in self pity and giving up, should not be an option. Neither choice does you any good. Mostly it makes the situation worse. When you feel like giving up don't. Dig deep, pull out your floaties, put on your ring, get out your mask and your flippers and just keep swimmin'! Pretty soon, I think you'll find that you won't need those floaties any more. Then you won't need the ring. The dog paddle will be replaced by a beautiful free-style. Cutting through the water with the elegance of an olympic swimmer. When you get to where you were headed, you can look behind you and see where you came from and what you swam through. The view will be amazing!
So for all of you out there who are have a rough time. Be like Dorie and just keep swimmin'. You will be so glad you did. Take what you need, and lighten your load along the way. When you reach your goal or destination turn around and enjoy the amazing view! Peace.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
You Raise Me Up
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be....
~Josh Groban
I absolutely LOVE that song. It speaks to me on so many levels. I think of people throughout my life who have raised me up. There are people I know and love that I try to raise up and then I think about the One who raises all of us up. That is the most beautiful part of that song to me.
I remember when I was a little girl my dad was everything to me. He seemed so tall. I had to tilt my little blond head back to look at him. I remember loving watching him shave. He just seemed so interesting to me. I have several pictures of us together when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Those are some of my favorites. I remember riding on his shoulders so I could see parades better, or whatever happened to be in my way. He raised me up, and continued to do so in other ways through the years.
I think in God's eyes we are all children. He wants the best for us and wants us to be the best we can be. He's willing to help us to achieve our dreams all we have to do is ask Him. I love that. He also helps us in times of trouble and turmoil. He holds out his hand for us to walk across the stormy seas of life. All we need is a little faith. When we can go on no longer he puts us on His shoulders, and he carries us, just like when we were small. There's a certain comfort in that. Knowing that He is there raising us up, cheering us on, helping us to be more than we ever thought we could be is a wonderful thing. I love knowing that, and I love the feeling it leaves me with. That's what that song really says to me. The Father's love is boundless, it wraps us up like the warmest and softest of blankets. It makes us feel safe and loved. It raises us up and helps us to know that all things are possible. What a wonderful thought. Peace.
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be....
~Josh Groban
I absolutely LOVE that song. It speaks to me on so many levels. I think of people throughout my life who have raised me up. There are people I know and love that I try to raise up and then I think about the One who raises all of us up. That is the most beautiful part of that song to me.
I remember when I was a little girl my dad was everything to me. He seemed so tall. I had to tilt my little blond head back to look at him. I remember loving watching him shave. He just seemed so interesting to me. I have several pictures of us together when I was about 3 or 4 years old. Those are some of my favorites. I remember riding on his shoulders so I could see parades better, or whatever happened to be in my way. He raised me up, and continued to do so in other ways through the years.
I think in God's eyes we are all children. He wants the best for us and wants us to be the best we can be. He's willing to help us to achieve our dreams all we have to do is ask Him. I love that. He also helps us in times of trouble and turmoil. He holds out his hand for us to walk across the stormy seas of life. All we need is a little faith. When we can go on no longer he puts us on His shoulders, and he carries us, just like when we were small. There's a certain comfort in that. Knowing that He is there raising us up, cheering us on, helping us to be more than we ever thought we could be is a wonderful thing. I love knowing that, and I love the feeling it leaves me with. That's what that song really says to me. The Father's love is boundless, it wraps us up like the warmest and softest of blankets. It makes us feel safe and loved. It raises us up and helps us to know that all things are possible. What a wonderful thought. Peace.
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