Fleecy Goodness and 2-year old burritos

I have said this before, maybe not in this venue, but I think two-year olds are adorable. Especially a cute one who goes by Nora and is one of my neighbors. We have developed a bit of a bond and she is so excited whenever she sees me (except that one time when it was dark and she didn't recognize me-she still said hi and waved though). She is also the only toddler I have met that can say my name, correctly, while yelling it and running up a flight of stairs. Impressive. I'm not sure I can do that! :)

Anyway, I decided that I would give her a Christmas gift this year. After much debating and idea assistance from my mom, I decided on a gift of a fleece blanket. One that required cutting and tying, and cutting and tying, and when I thought I was done-more cutting and tying. I made a total of 3 (one for little Nora and one for each of my twin cousins-who don't read this blog, so I am not ruining any gift giving experiences). Those 3 took me 6 hours. But it gave me time to have a quiet, movie watching day at home. A much needed day.

I decided this evening was the time to deliver it, along with a small gift for the whole family. Nora was in the bath when I arrived and couldn't wait to get out to come see me. Makes my heart melt, especially when I got her hug. I told her I brought her something and I wanted her to open it. She got situated to open it and dug in. This will be a fun Christmas for Beth and Jorge with her excitement about opening presents. She absolutely LOVED her blanket. I made the mistake (not really) of telling her she could lay down and wrap up in it and be a "Nora burrito" and so she kept wanting to be a burrito. Too stinkin' cute. I forgot my camera, but got a couple of pictures with my cell phone, which means they aren't the greatest quality. Enjoy!

Ezme thought she needed to help. A lot of help she was...hmmm...

The one above was the beginning stages of Nora's. The one below was the finished product for one of my cousins. They all got washed after Ezme quality tested them. And approved of them all, I might add.

Below are the poor quality pictures of the "Nora burrito."

Don't smile...whatever you do, do not smile.

She looked so serious, whenever I took a picture. The rest of the time she was smiling, laughing, bouncing. Oh, the energy of a 2-year old. I truly enjoyed my first gift giving opportunity of the season! Merry Christmas to you all!

"What Makes a Puddle?"

Alternately titled: "Remembering a grand guy!"

What Makes a Puddle?
by Barbara Brandt
~
Phillip always wondered things; he always wondered why
The sky was blue, the grass was green, and how the birds might fly.
His favorite time was Sunday, after lunch with Grampa Joe;
They'd take a walk for exercise and talk an hour or so.
~
Phil took big steps to match Gramp's steps and listened to him hum.
Together they would whittle sticks while chewing juicy gum.
They'd often find a place to rest, a log or rock or hill,
And ponder things of interest, especially to Phil.
~
"Questions, questions all the time," Grampa'd always say.
"Just let 'em fly...I'm ready...What'cha need to know today?"
I'm puzzled 'bout the puddles...some are wide and some are small.
Sometimes they're here and then they're gone. What happens to them all?"
~
"You want to know what makes a puddle?" Grampa said, "No doubt...
It's when it rains...the waters pool...with no place to run out."
Then Phillip asked, "How does the rain know where to stop and rest?"
"It looks for holes and cracks and things, to settle in, I guess."
~
"I understand," said Phillip, "just why the puddles stay.
But answer for me Grampa...what makes a puddle go away?"
"That's why we have the sun, my boy, to warm and dry the ground.
And the wind is mighty helpful as it blows the wet around."
~
Then Gramp took his big rough hand and held it out to Phil.
And said, "It's time to get along...here take this, if you will."
He handed Phil his pocket watch...he trusted him you see...
He said, "My boy, here's somethin' for your curiosity."
~
The whole next week Phil kept the watch, to think about and question,
Til Sunday, when the walk again was Grampa Joe's suggestion.
"Still got my watch?" asked Grampa Joe, before he carved his sticks.
"Yes sir," said Phillip wondering, "now please tell me why it ticks."

*************************

Today is the 8th anniversary of my grandfathers death. He was the only grandfather I knew, as my dads father died when my dad was young. He was a wonderful grandfather. Growing up I recall being 'Grandpa's girl.' I don't know if that is a memory, or thought that I have implanted into my brain that may not necessarily be true. I hope that the former was the case. I seem to recall (correct me if I am wrong, Mom and Dad) that when I was born Grandpa was in the hospital and only had to come up a floor or two to see me. Maybe our souls felt a special connection because of that?!

I have many fond memories of Grandpa. My grandparents house was just down the street...by one door. One home separating our house from theirs. We were often at their home and they were often at our home. When my mom was out of town we stayed with them. I recall one night having a nightmare...I was probably 6, maybe 7. Grandpa got up and sat with me in the night.

When I started school at the local elementary school, a matter of blocks from my home (we could see the playground from the front picture window) I would walk down to Grandpa's in the morning when my mom was taking Josh to the sitters. Grandpa would sit with me in the front room if their house, it was pink...the room, like Pepto Bismal pink, with a blue floraly couch and there were stripped purple curtains. WOW. It had been my aunt's room and she liked pink, apparently. We'd sit on the couch and read books in the morning. I would watch Grandpa give himself his insulin shots...I was fascinated...looking back I have no idea why. Grandpa and I had a certain route we'd walk. Down the street, past where we should turn to go to the school so we could walk by a house that had a dog in the yard that I liked seeing. Then we'd turn. I don't recall how many years we did this, probably not for long, as Josh was only 2 years behind me in school and I don't recall this morning tradition with him included. I do remember that as time passed and I grew older Grandpa would stop at a certain time and watch me walk the rest of the way to school by myself. The place he stopped got closer and closer to his house and further from the school. A guiding presence, but not over-bearing. He knew all little kids grew up and maybe this was his way of encouraging me, but still being there. He would wait in a spot I could see him until I got all the way to school. I would turn and wave. I don't know if he would turn and walk home right away, or if he'd stand there for a bit to 'make sure'. Either way I loved that he took that time. I don't recall him ever picking me up after school...any light to shed on that, Mom?

We traveled with him. He was hugely patriotic and designed/built/operated a unit called the "Avenue of Flags" and we traveled the state with it, would help set it up, or watch when we were too young, and then we'd walk in the parades alongside it. I remember the old pick-up that pulled the trailor and the many early in the morning trips we'd take. When my brother and I were in swimming lessons and saw Grandpa before we left he'd ALWAYS, without fail, say to us, "don't get wet!" We'd always shake our heads and say "Oh, Grandpa!"

He'd make homemade peach ice cream, he did all the cooking and at times we thought he put everything from the refridgerator into the pot. He loved animals, walking, spending time with family, telling stories about where he was born, his life on the ship in WWII. He loved reading the newspaper daily, reading Readers' Digest condensed books. He loved Christmas tree lights and always had the chasing/blinking lights on. He would drive for hours to a little town for a ham sandwich and on the return trip would stop at another little town for a malt.

He had a wonderful last day. At the beginning of that day we had no idea it was his last. He was in the hospital, but the doc had said anywhere from 1-4 weeks before he was gone. I think he planned his time, willed himself to go. He saw or talked to all those that were close to him that day. I was home for the winter break from college, my brother (who doesn't do sick people or hospitals) had come to visit, my Mom was there, my aunt and grandma were there, family friends had visited, and my uncle had talked to him on the phone. I think Grandpa was at peace, he said a prayer with us surrounding his bed. He had a miniature Christmas tree with lights and had a chocolate malt that he sucked down. Mom and I had gone home for the night after about a 14 hour day at the hospital.

Shortly my aunt called and said he'd died. Back to the hospital we went. Many people have a hard time seeing the dying, seeing death. I think seeing him was my first experience seeing a body. I will always remember the way he was that night. As hard as it was, it doesn't shade my memories of how he 'had been'...the reason, which I do respect, that many people use for not wanting to see those who are sick. My family and I have shared lots of memories since then and I felt the need to record some of them here so I can read them whenever I like. I am blessed that I had this wonderful guy in my life for so long, though I'd give anything to have had him longer.

This picture was taken at one of my birthday parties. I don't remember how old I was turning, but I remember we celebrated at the ice rink.
My mom and I think this was probably the last Christmas that Grandpa was alive. (2000)

Merry TubaChristmas

~Did you know: that there is a type of tuba that has a main tube that is 18 feet long? It's true.
~Did you know: tubas can be made to set in a players lap or to be wrapped to surround the body for marching? It's true.
~Did you know: in my naivety I only recognized the body surrounding tubas as tubas? It's true.

Now, I know better.

I had never been to Pioneer Courthouse Square for the Merry TubaChristmas, so I decided to head downtown for it this year. There were 300 tubas and the director is 91 years old. Impressive.

I was planning on staying downtown from when the tuba concert finished until another concert I wanted to go to started. Alas, I didn't have the energy to stay downtown for 4+ hours between the end of one concert and the beginning of another. Next year.

I have a video that doesn't want to load right now, I'll try later. For now, enjoy this picture of a unique tuba that was set-up right near me. And yes, it was an outdoor concert and it started raining (maybe that is why my cold flared up?! Stupid idea. Enjoyable nonetheless).

The "Did you know:" from above (besides the one about my naivety) was courtesy of Wikipedia.

Grinch? No, not this year.

Each year I am more dismayed by the early timing that Christmas starts appearing in stores. It sort of makes me sick when, even before Halloween, there are Christmas items/decorations for sale. Seriously people. Let's wait until at least the week of Thanksgiving. I usually am in a somewhat "Grinchy" mood about it. Then comes Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving (an appropriate time for Christmas goods to appear) and I have a hard time getting into the mood. I feel like this:
The last couple of years I have discovered that I have developed a bit of my own holiday season tradition. The day after Thanksgiving I sleep in! Yes, no Black Friday shopping for me. I get up, make tea, hang out and I start my Christmas cards. I get them all addressed that day. The following week at work we take our participants to the Providence sponsored Festival of Trees. It is quite the outing, backed and support by a majority of staff who come to assist. Generally, all of the staff and participants enjoy their time and it gets people into the holiday mood. Usually the next day (Saturday) I am motivated enough after seeing all the pretty trees to get my own.

This year Megan accompanied me to find my perfect tree. I believe it was a successful journey. After looking at a lot of trees I decided on the one that looked just right for the year. You can see it below. It is not the final product, as it has yet to be decorated, but the most important part is done: it is up and has lights on it. Really, truly, I would be okay with a tree with just lights on it. Maybe I will try it out that way this year?! Who knows! My grandpa used to put all the lights on his tree and let it sit that way for a few days and sit in the dark looking at the lights. My mom inheritated that practice from her dad and I've also inheritated it. Let's sit back and enjoy the lights.

Ezme even likes the tree!

Here is my first, official greeting for the season: Merry Christmas! Let the celebrating begin! Looking forward to spending time with friends and then seeing family soon!

November Poem of the Month

November Morning
by Evaleen Stein

A tingling, misty marvel
Blew hither in the night,
And now the little peach-trees
Are clasped in frozen light.

Upon the apple branches
An icy film is caught,
With trailing threads of gossamer
In pearly patterns wrought.

The autumn sun, in wonder,
Is gayly peering through
This silver tissued network
Across the frosty blue.

The weather vane is fire tipped,
The honeysuckle shows
A dazzling icy splendor,
And crystal is the rose.

Around the eaves are fringes
Of icicles that seem
To mock the summer rainbows
With many colored gleam.

Along the walk, the pebbles
Are each a precious stone;
The grass is tasseled hoarfrost,
The clover jewel sown.

Such sparkle, sparkle, sparkle
Fills all the frosty air,
Oh, can it be that darkness
Is ever anywhere!

"O' Christmas Tree...thy leaves are so unchanging"

The weather was beautiful today! A grand change from yesterday. Because it was beautiful, I decided to head downtown, yes on Black Friday, amongst the throngs of people to see the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. I've often seen the tree lit, but have never seen it being lit. I parked and rode the Max down. Good thing I did, as I soon realized (as I'd predicted) that traffic was even more insane than normal downtown. I walked to the square and surveyed the land. Had time to head into Pioneer Square mall to join those throngs of people and got something warm to drink. Headed back to the square and picked a place to sit. Because it was dry there were lots of people sitting and waiting. Shortly the events began. The Patrick Lamb Band performed and then there was the countdown to the lighting. It is beautiful!

Tree pre-lighting!

Tree post-lighting!

Mrs Claus made an appearance (so did Santa, but he was too far away to get a picture of)!

Grand start to the Christmas season!

If you need to smile...

...a friend of mine has parents in Belize doing a mission...the following was written by he/his parents.

"When we last left our intrepid heroes (read: my parents) they had arrived in Belize and are enjoying it very much. My mother told tale of a neighborhood rooster that she has dubbed 'Rooster Rogers'

Now, my father seems to have made some special friends, among them, Rogers himself. What follows was written by my mother. And I can't be more proud of her for referencing both Hitchcock and Wes Craven.

"I have to tell you there are more chickens in Benque Viejo than people! Our first day here we found it endearing to watch Rogers steer his little flock, or herd, or pod, or covey, or gaggle, (what do you call a bunch of chickens!) around the yard. So day two, Chuckie pitches out hunks of stale-bread from the veranda (stale bread is a pretty common occurrence here). Rogers and the ladies think they have died and gone to heaven. Day three is a delightful repeat. Day four Roger’s group has grown from six to ten or eleven and they are now Pavlov chicks who start running for our house when they hear our front door open. Chickens running are a sight to behold. Wish I could have captured that! They are all ecstatic, but a few chicken-fights (did you know there really was such a thing?) break out on the periphery. Chuck has not gone to work yet so this continues to be the high-light of his day. He would also like to keep his feeding practices secret since he doesn’t know if the chicken owners want them eating stale bread. Day five there is a sea of chickens already waiting for him when he goes out. They are making a hellacious racket and they are all looking up at him (I don’t think chickens can blink) and swaying in unison from left to right. Chuck is scared because he doesn’t think he has enough bread. Bring rice he hollers into the house. I tell him raw rice is really bad for birds! He yells “cook it”! At this point intervention is necessary. I go out on the veranda and explain how out-of-hand this has gotten. It has to stop. He agrees, after all who is the adult here, the chickens or Chuck? So it’s been a week now and the chickens have all dissipated. They all seem to have forgotten the good-old, free-lunch era. All except Rogers. He looks up here all the time, unblinking, and I have noticed that he is edging closer and closer to my veranda when he starts practicing his 2:00 a.m. crowing. He doesn’t realize just how close Thanksgiving is!!

So now Chuckie is focusing his attention on a small, dainty yellow-breasted bird. There are a lot of them and fun to watch. They fly really fast and zip in and out grabbing bugs from the air. They will land close to us, but they are really skittish. Chuckie, of course, thinks they are hungry. So he makes a pile of crumbs on our veranda rail and sits quietly, hoping they will come and eat. Well we also have tons of black-birds. Not as big as the ones at home, but big enough. Chuckie does not like the black birds and is not willing to feed them anything because they are loud and aggressive spawns-of-the-devil. So now we have stare-downs between Chuckie and the black birds.(They don’t blink either). However, when Chuckie is sitting so quietly, not moving so he doesn’t scare his yellow birds, he often falls asleep. Then the black birds swoop in a eat all the crumbs. There is a Hitchcock movie here somewhere!!

Our prayers are with you all at Thanksgiving. We have never been away from family during any holiday so we are already feeling lonely. We are helping Robinson’s host 100 people for dinner at their house and grounds. There will be tents erected and chairs and tables on the lawn. The church takes this opportunity to say “thanks” to all the volunteers with a chicken dinner and all the trimmings. I will help our two nuns cook 30 chickens (we are using the high school home ec kitchen with 6 stoves). Turkey is a luxury here…too expensive to serve. Everyone will bring a dish to share, I’m bringing roasted rooster. There is something unnerving about picturing100 people walking across the lawn carrying pot-luck casseroles. A little Wes Craven-ish…

The nuns are really nice, but usually don’t get my jokes. I often catch them looking at me a little strangely. They need to realize that I have already been saved, I just need to be appreciated."

**Made me chuckle, and even laugh out loud! Hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving!

I'm Thankful for...

a lot of things!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I would like to share what I am thankful for, not because everyone is doing it (I'm not a 'jump on the bandwagon' kind of girl) but rather because it gives me the opportunity to reflect and share these wonderful gifts in my life. These things should be reflected upon and appreciated year-round, which they are, but here they are compiled.

Here we go:

I am thankful for--

-my family, first and foremost. My parents who support me, love me, listen to me, provide for me, encourage me...you have had a HUGE contribution to the person I am today, you shaped me in my most formidable days and years and continue to do so today and hopefully for many more years. My brother for being my brother and loving me...where ever we go we are family and you remind me of that. My grandparents, alive and with me or no longer here, but still in my heart; those I met and those I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet. They all are my roots and I can only hope that they are and would be proud of who I am today. The variety and multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins-you remind me that there is a piece of me far reaching in this world. Love to you all.

-my friends. New and old. My "old" friends, those of you who know my soul and reflect it to me when I need reminding. You who know my dreams and aspirations and encourage me to strive for them--you help keep me aiming for the stars and the places I want to go. No matter what we've been through we will always remain connected, whether we speak often or not, each conversation feels like the previous one was just yesterday. I love you for that and for helping to keep me true. I look forward to the years where we don't remember what happened yesterday, but we still tell stories of our younger days. And to my "new" friends...if you only knew what you have gotten yourself into... just kidding. :) Truly, you are my future. I look forward to all the adventures yet to come, small and large alike.

{To all my family and friends-thank you for everything you have imparted to me in my time with each of you. My cup runneth over.}

-all the things that we take for granted so many times: the luxuries of life that I experience daily...four walls and a roof to keep the wind and rain out and the heat and sun and bugs out; a cozy flannel sheeted bed; food that nourishes my body; the books that nourish my love of learning; the music that soothes my soul; electricity, light, heat, air conditioning, water-cold and hot; bubble baths, hot showers; my car that gets me from point A to point B consistently. The senses: I'm blessed to have them...the taste of a juicy strawberry or the smell of fresh baked cookies (regular or gluten free), seeing the colors and beauty of the world and the velvety feel of Ezme's hair and the sound of energy and conversation in a room full or people, or of the beauty of silence in my quiet apartment. My education; my job; my co-workers.

-all the little things: blooming flowers, green plants; a smiling baby; the squeal of a toddler; the sounds of laughter and of sadness; the warmth of the sun on a sunny day; the warmth of a fire; the ice cold of iced tea and ice cream; the feel of a pet curled up with you; the sound of rain hitting the windows; the glistening of a freshly fallen snow; the smell and feel of freshly mowed grass. Cell phones/internet/email--they are my connection to and many times the link between my widespread family and friends; letters--I love actual paper, sent in the mail letters; games (one particular game at the moment- as I am not much of a game player) and other forms of entertainment; windchimes; the sounds of nature-chirping birds, babbling brooks, crashing thunder and the sight of a lighting bolt illuminating the sky. Rainbows-and the end of them. :)
the ability to travel, to see this world, experience new things and meet new people.

-my past...that sounds odd, but I am thankful for my past-the experiences and privileges I have had. Not everyone is able to experience the things I've experienced. And those experiences have contributed to making me who I am. I am honored to have been able to live the life I've lived and done the things I've done.

-my future...I have been given this day and hope to make the most of it. I am thankful I get to experience the here and now and can only hope that I have a lot more 'todays' to live, experiences to have and stories to tell.


There are probably a million more items I could list, but this feels pretty comprehensive for the moment.

What are you thankful for?

Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving and in the months and years to come!

Eat lots of yummy food-a bonus of the day!

A few steps closer...

...but not quite there yet.

As stated in an earlier post: I am going to D.C.! I can't wait. I also told you a bit about how I have been planning/researching/reserving places to see and the tickets for them. I now have in the possession of my hot little hands: 2 tickets to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit; 3 tickets to the Washington Monument and 3 tickets to the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. They all have a special, safe spot; where hopefully I won't misplace them and they are already on the list of things to remember to take with me to D.C. I already told you I love lists and am OCD about certain things!

If you noticed above I did not list that a plane ticket is yet in my possession--that is why my first line stated that I am not quite there, yet. Well on my way though!

My next thought is: I will be in D.C. over Easter. 'Spose my brother would mind getting me to Arlington National Cemetery in time for Easter Services? No problem you may say....well, I think there might be issue had when I ask about getting me there by 6am because their service is a Sunrise service...I am guessing the answer will go something like this: a disgusted shake of the head accompanied by enlarged (deer in the headlight look) eyes, followed by an utterance of words, some of which may include "You are nuts. Are you serious?! No!" Worth a try anyway!

Amazing sights I will soon lay eyes on! (Above is a hall in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Below is the self explanitory Washington Monument)

And just because I am procrastinating mopping my floors I counted the weeks until I head East: 19 weeks = 133 days +/- a day depending on when I actually fly out! It couldn't come soon enough!

The Sky as of Late

I am fascinated by the sky and the colors that appear in the heavens above. These are some pictures I have snapped of the sky in the last several weeks and finally have just downloaded them from the camera to the computer.

Don't forget to look to look up-for there are amazing colors to be seen!

Tickets: Purchased

The Time: 1974

The People: Farmers

The Place: eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

The Reason: Drilling for a water well

Discovery: Massive, life sized Terra Cotta statues of strong warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians

Post-Discovery: Estimates are that there are 3 pits containing over 2,000 soldiers, 100 chariots with 400 horses and 300 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried

(info taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army)

If you know me, you know that I get really excited about things, especially if that thing is a trip somewhere! I have this sort of love/hate relationship with travelling- I love to do it, but hate that I can't go as many places as often as I want....there are these hinderances I call work, money (or lack thereof) and....well, those are the big ones. If I had unlimited funds and didn't have to work, I would be "on the road" more often than not. I have always had this desire to travel, see the world, this country, this state even. Someday, I hope to see all and more of the places I've got on my list of things to do before I die. That list is long, really long (and getting longer all the time) SO I better live a long time, or start doing things in a hurry.

A friend of mine in college labeled my intense desire to explore the world as : wanderlust. So true! The thing about my wanderlust is: it is always simmering, so to speak, and then every once in I while I get these big flare-ups, or boil overs. The boil overs are usually associated with one of three things; a) I am getting ready for a trip or am on a trip; b) I know someone who is getting ready for a trip or is on a trip; or c) it's been too long since I last traveled and I NEED to go somewhere. Right at this exact moment I fall into ALL three of those categories. TROUBLE indeed!

Many of you know that in May my brother relocated from Savannah GA (a source of two of my wanderlust adventures) to the Washington DC area (a place on the aforementioned to-do list). Uh oh. That can only spell more trouble. How can I have my own flesh and blood in a part of this country and not visit. That would just be terrible...right? RIGHT?! So how could a sister help but to start planning a trip to see said flesh and blood (a.k.a. younger brother, Josh). COULD NOT happen. Trust me!

I contemplated visiting for his birthday in October--didn't think I could pull myself and my act together to do that, so after a friend confirmed that Cherry Blossom Festival time would be a sure bet, I requested 2 weeks off from work for this coming spring. Mind you this was all brewing in May of this year, and projecting to March/April of the coming year. WOW! I was so excited for something that may or my not happen. A lot can happen in that about of time. Since then I have debated a lot and been hot and cold about it.

Well, not anymore. I haven't yet bought a plane ticket, I did however, just only moments ago, purchase tickets to see an exhibit while I am in D.C. And this exhibit is what spurred my decision to go, regardless of whether or not I should, whether or not I can afford it, whether or not the weather is good...all those excuses I could come up with to bail on the trip that I had and have been so looking forward to.

I got word that the National Geographic Museum in D.C. is hosting an exhibit of the Terra Cotta Warriors from November (now) through March 31st. It just so happens that I was planning on flying out on the 31st. Solution: fly out a day earlier and see the exhibit on the last evening. I like this solution! Brother agreed to go with me, and then the planning began, again! I have a list, and a travel/map book and lots of internet sites book marked as "Favorites." And, the best part--I have an itinerary started. I know, I know. Nothing like being a little premature in planning, but in my defense: that will be the beginning of peak tourist season and if I am paying to travel to that side of the country I will, by golly, be seeing the things I want to see. And if that means ordering/reserving tickets now, then so be it. Being premature pays off at times, as this evening I discoved that the day we'd planned to go to the Washington Monument, yes : SOLD OUT = itinerary gets tweaked. So, the trip at this point is fluid, with the exception of the tickets I just purchased to see the largest collection of those lovely and amazing creations pictured above!

Can't wait!

By the way, if any of you have been to D.C. and have a recommendation of a place I should be sure to see, or even a place that I could pass on seeing feel free to let me know!!

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting." ~Elizabeth Bibesco

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Truly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been pondering as of late. Not entirely sure what exactly has spurred my thought-filled moments, but I've enjoyed them, if I can say that. I'd have to say that I enjoy moreso my appreciation of those I've been thinking of. And truly, deep down, I guess I do know what has spurred these contemplative moments. Family. No, not my blood related family, though I love them dearly. It's been the family I've adopted. The members not necessarily all knowing each other, because quite truthfully there are many and they are varied. They are friends, families, families of friends. They are beautiful people.

I knew moving to Oregon would be challenging. I wouldn't have a single family member within a days drive. But still, I made that move. Temporary--that is what I told myself it would be. "Just for your college years, Stephanie." Well, here I am--4.5 years post college graduation, still finding myself more than a days drive from any blood related family, but only minutes to an hour from dear "family" that have adopted me and I've adopted them as pseudo-family. They are the family I choose, and who choose me.

I still am often sad knowing that my birth family isn't so close, but I choose to be thankful that I have these pseudo-families that have popped up in my life over time and allow me to be a part of their inner sanctum of "familyness." I makes it not as hard to have my own family such a distance away. I am often included in family gatherings, outings, holidays, etc. It is a blessing and very heartwarming to have these experiences and I will be forever grateful and only hope that I am able to be "family" to anyone who needs that. Thank you to any of my "bonus family members" out there!

Picture

"Band of Gold"

This band of gold never meant much to me
a link in the chain that the world wants to see
a part of the show that the world asks you for
You can do what you want behind any closed door

This band of gold slips off easily
but there's a mark underneath it anybody can see
The sun and the wind, the years and the days
made that mark a part of me and it won't go away

And just like that mark there's a part of my heart
your love protects from the storm
and there I can be a child who's free
though my body is weary and worn

And that band of gold is as big as the sky
No ocean is wider--no mountain as high
It's as soft as your kiss is and as warm as our bed
and with that band of gold every day I thee wed

*Written by Greg Brown.
**Jill, one of my co-workers sang and played her guitar at work this last week and this is one of the many lovely songs that she shared. I love it so!

Autumn Psalm of Contentment

O sacred season of Autumn, be my teacher,
for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment.
As I gaze upon your full-colored beauty,
I sense all about you
an at-homeness with your amber riches.

You are the season of retirement,
of full barns and harvested fields.
The cycle of growth has ceased,
and the busy work of giving life is now completed.
I sense in you no regrets:
you’ve lived a full life.

I live in a society that is ever-restless,
always eager for more mountains to climb,
seeking happiness through more and more possessions.
As a child of my culture,
I am seldom truly at peace with what I have.
Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received;
may I know that it’s enough,
that my striving can cease in the abundance of God’s grace.
May I know the contentment
that allows the totality of my energies
to come to full flower.
May I know that like you I am rich beyond measure.

As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty,
let me also take delight
in the abundance of the simple things of life
which are the true source of joy.
With the golden glow of peaceful contentment
may I truly appreciate this autumn day.

-from Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, Edward Hays, 1989.

One...can

One song can spark a moment,
one flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
one bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
one hand clasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,
one word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
one sun beam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,
one laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
one word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,
one touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
one heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to 'you'.

~Unknown

**This was shared by John, our Chaplain at work, at a staff retreat. I really like the message.

October Poems of the Month

October's Party
by George Cooper
October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October
-author unknown
October's the month
When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down-
October is red
And golden and brown.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Listen
by Humbert Wolfe
Listen! the wind is rising
And the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings,
Now for October eves!

Happy Halloween

From Little Pumpkin Ezme and me!

Pumpkin Costume courtesy of my mom~ Thanks!

Happy Birthday Brother!

Today is my little (but bigger) brothers 25th (yikes) birthday! Happy day Josh! I love you! Wish I could take you out to dinner on your day, but we'll have to do it another time!

Wordless Wednesday

Mt Hood from the air!

Photos taken 7/06 while I was flying home to WY.

"Sturdy as an Oak"

Alternately titled... "What came first; the acorn or the oak?" somewhat resembling the ever sought out answer to "What came first; the chicken or the egg?"

As I have been walking my neighborhood, and for that matter, other locations this fall, I have been noticing and picking up acorns and acorn caps. I recall earlier in the year picking up pine cones for a craft project at work. It is a good thing I have deep pockets in the pants I wear when I am out walking. :) I am doomed, or rather destined, if I have kids to have kids who pick up anything and everything on their way anywhere. You never know what "treasure" you are going to find while you are out and about.

As I have been picking up acorns and admiring the beautiful and colorful leaves of the oak I have to question the origin of the saying "Sturdy as an oak" or "Mighty as an oak." I did lots of internet searching and can't find anything that leads me to an answer.
However, I have found the etymology of "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow" (the closest answer to my question):

Meaning

Great things may come from small beginnings.

Origin

The word acorn doesn't come from 'oak' and 'corn', as is popularly supposed, but from the Old English 'aecern', meaning berry or fruit. The tree genus Acer comes from the same root. Before oaks were mighty they were first either great, tall, sturdy or even just big.

Examples of early variants of 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow' are found in Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, 1374, "as an ook cometh of a litel spyr" [a spyr, or spire, is a sapling]

Thomas Fuller's Gnomologia, 1732: "The greatest Oaks have been little Acorns."

And in an essay by D. Everett in The Columbian Orator, 1797: "Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow."

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations states that 'great oaks from little acorns grow' is a 14th century proverb. Unfortunately, they don't include any details to support their view. The 'mighty' version is known, in the USA at least, from the middle of the 19th century. It appeared in A. B. Johnson's The Philosophical Emperor a Political Experiment, 1841.
Copyright © Gary Martin, 1996 - 2009

Besides the etymology of the phrase, I had seen a little bowl of silver acorns in a store. They were labeled "Good Luck Acorns," so the search for acorns being good luck symbols also began. This is what I found:

During the Norman Conquest, the English carried dried acorns to protect themselves from the brutalities of the day. Considered to be an emblem of luck, prosperity, youthfulness and power, the Acorn is a good luck symbol indeed! It also represents spiritual growth. (http://www.whats-your-sign.com/good-luck-symbol.html)

I, needless to say, have a bowl full of acorns and acorn caps now. Trying to decide if I should use them in a craft project, or let them just sit there and be lucky and bring me prosperity, youthfulness, power, and spiritual growth...who couldn't use all those things?!

Welcome to this day!

It is Friday! Woohoo! The following photos are of the painting that Mother Nature created to greet me, and many other Portlanders for the morning. Really, the pictures don't do it justice, but this was the view that said good morning to me when I opened my front door today.

The clouds were moving very quickly. The two pictures were taken only moments apart and you can see the change in light and color.

Off to work. Then during the lunch break a small group of us walked to Portland Nursery for their Annual Apple Tasting. I don't think I've tasted so many apples and pears at one time, in one place. Wow. Look at that line! The apple cider was pretty much amazing, also. The weather was perfect for a walk and being outside for a little mid-day excursion on a Friday.

Wordless Wednesday

Taken Sept '05 at Neahkahnie Mountain, Oregon Coast

My World is a Little Darker Today

I'd like to say that I don't often bring my work home with me. However, that is not the case. I don't actually physically bring my work home with me (well, not often anyway), but I most definitely bring my work home with me on an emotional level. I don't know how I couldn't. This evening, I felt it. This goes against some peoples beliefs and opinions that you should put up barriers and boundaries when working with people in the "helping profession." Don't get me wrong, I totally agree with this, in most regards. I consiously made the decision to pass that boundary, or ignore it if you will, for a particular situation. I have never regretted that decision.

The hard thing in my line of work is I lose people. Always. It is part of working with the elderly. It always gets to me. How could it not. Sometimes I am more touched by the loss of someone than other times. One instance is a particular client, or "participant" as we call them. I can't explain the connection, but it has been there since about day one of my working at this site. I would decribe her as the light of my life. She most definitely was and is one of them. I love her, truly. I also love her family. She resides with her daughter and son-in-law. They sort of adopted me, in a way, and allowed me to be a part of their life, of their family. I will forever be grateful for the blessing they have been.

This weekend has been sort of melancholy, and maybe my heart knew why and was preparing itself. This evening I was making my bed, doing laundry, typical weekend chores on what, in all appearances was a typical weekend. My phone rang, the first time all day, which isn't uncommon. The caller ID stated the number was "Restricted." There is only one number that calls me that is restricted. I actually sat down before I answered. I knew what was coming. It was 'M' and she told me my dear 'B' had died. I cry again thinking about it. She immediately invited me to their home, again, welcoming me into their world. 'B' was going to be "laying in state" so to speak for the evening. I was invited into their realm to see 'B' and say goodbye. I said I'd be right there. How could I not. I needed to do this for myself. I knew I'd regret not going if I didn't go. I made my way over to that side of town.

There was a black cloth hanging from their porch light when I arrived. I was greeted by an open door and by open arms. I was escorted to B's room, where a single candle was burning and a single rose was in a vase on a table at the foot of her bed. I held her hand. I cried. I remembered all the times we have had together. The ups, the downs. I thanked God that she is no longer in pain. I thanked God for allowing me to be a part of her life, of her family.

After I said goodbye I joined the family and we shared memories. We laughed. My eyes still stung. I felt at peace among them. I always do. Thank you for that. And bless you.

A Little Nostalgic

Nostalgia: (noun)
1. A wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time
2. A bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations of the past.

I visited my college campus today. It was a sort of nostalgic experience, well, a very nostalgic experience. I drove by the campus in March when my Mom was visiting, but haven't walked through the campus in over a year. There have been so, so many changes. The field where I used to watch very exciting soccer games and more laid back baseball games is no longer in place. The library has relocated to a brand new building, where that soccer/baseball field used to be. Other offices/buildings have relocated. Married student housing homes, where friends of mine lived are either moved off their foundations, windows boarded up and sort of suspended midair are clustered in one corner of the campus, or those still on their foundations are all blocked off with doors ajar and looking very rundown. The Holman Apartments, my abode during my Senior year have been renamed the Coates Apartments.

I parked my car near the new Concordia Place Apartments. I thought it was so strange to have a residence area on the complete opposite side of campus. We'd always talked about how the residential area was on one side of campus and the scholastic area was on the other side. The sides mingle now. I made my way to the center of campus and started my self-guided tour at the brand new George R. White Library and Learning Center. This was a 'monsterous' building for this campus. I remember thinking that when I saw the framework in March. Even though it is big, it is now campus "hot spot" I can tell. There were actually groups of students working/studying together. There were study rooms. There was learning going on. Not that this hadn't happened in the old library, it had just happened differently because of the layout and size of the library. This was exciting. There is Cafe 1905 (the year Concordia was founded) that is run by Sisters Coffee Company...a company run by the family of two Concordia Alums that I went to school with. There are three floors of books, periodicals, classrooms, faculty offices, study rooms, etc. I strolled each floor. Somewhere in the depths of the library is a thesis I wrote. I never did find it. Truthfully, I wasn't looking that hard for it...just a thought that something I wrote is somewhere within those walls. The lights are censored. They turn on when you walk under them...at first I thought I was seeing things, then I realized that only when I walked under the lights would they turn on. Nice feature. After scoping out all the floors and peaking in windows, etc. I made my way back out into the sun. I wanted to go to part of the campus that was old and familiar.

I headed for Luther Hall...the main building on campus. I felt like I was a student again going in the back door and all. Checked out my old stomping grounds in the Admission Department. I spent so many hours there. Walked by offices of my former profs, all of which had changed and moved. It is amazing how much has changed, but also how much has stayed the same. I walked out and through Hagen Center, which has always housed the dining hall and used to house the library. Pretty much the same. Out again, and over to the old "residential area." Even walked on a path that Marc, the maintenance and groundskeeper when I was a student, had put in. I stopped and looked at a campus map and was shocked to see they'd renamed Holman, like I said earlier. How weird. They have also moved the bookstore and ELS classroom south of the campus about 4 blocks. Again, how weird.

I stopped and saw the windows of the rooms I had lived in during my years as a student. Remembered my first day on campus, meeting friends that I still have and events that happened in those places. I was amazed when I thought of how we had all changed in these past eight years. My brother reminded me the other night that I have now officially been out of college longer than I was in college. Where has the time gone? What have I done? Even though it seems like forever ago, it also sometimes seems like just yesterday.

I don't recall having been this sentimental about my college years before. I was today. I don't know if it is because I have finally moved past the "I'm so ready to not write papers and study all the time" mindset, or if it is because I truly loved the time (which I did-when I wasn't studying). College is one of those times (very few times, if not the only time) where you are in-between in life. Not quite an adult living in the 'real world', no longer a kid living at home. Don't get me wrong. Even though I enjoyed my college years, it wasn't the classroom hours, papers, books, etc that I miss. It is the friendship, commradery, knowing that there are people all around you sharing in your goal: graduating with more knowledge than you entered with. It is the people I miss, walking out your door and passing friends who live a matter of feet from you. Staying awake late into the night for an "all nighter" before the big test.

My body was all sorts of screwed up during college. Going to bed at 3, 4, 5 am. Rolling out of bed for a 9am class (where most are still in their pajamas) and then back to your room for a nap until your next class. There was one span of time I'd go to bed, or rather, take a nap between 6 and 7 am after working on my thesis all night. I'd get up, go to work, go to practicum site, go to class, go to work, go work on thesis until all hours and then back to the nap. Why'd we do that to ourselves? How'd we live through it? I really would die now if I attempted to make my body follow that schedule. Anywho, lots of memories-mainly of the people, the experiences, the times both fun and challenging.

These pictures are partly for my Mom and Dads benefit as they are the ones who spent the most time on campus while I was there and would appreciate the pictures in helping to establish landmarks.

Above: The building on the left is the gym (where the graduation ceremony was held). I was standing about where home plate would be if it was still the baseball field. The building on the right is the library/learning center (where outfield would be).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below: The new George R White Library and Learning Center. Pretty much an amazing building. The thing I really liked was the amount of natural light that comes in...with all those windows it will be a nice place to be during gloomy Portland days when all the light you can get is good and welcome.

++++++++++++++++++++

Above: The back of Hagen Campus Center where the dining hall is. I as standing about where Left Field would be, next to the Theatre Building.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Below: DAD--this is where the Hospitality House that you stayed in was at. Crazy, huh?! Now standing in its place are the new Concordia Place Apartments. I was standing between the gym and the theatre.

New Concordia Place Apartments

The trip up to NE was enlightening for me. I am glad for the growth and change that the campus has gone through, but also now know how the alums who visited during the 100 year anniversary felt when they saw all the changes the school has gone through between 1905, when it opened as a boys school, through the time it became a co-ed school to a college and then to university by 2005. Here's to more change and growth in Concordia's future!

Gathering

Lately, I've been gathering for the winter, much like a squirrel does. Why, you ask? I don't know. Maybe it is something in the air? Cute little bugger ain't he?

Wordless Wednesday

Pictures brought to you from Yucca Valley CA; courtesy A. Malloch 9/09

Dear World: I was tired, thought I needed a break......I was right!

I think the title says it. I was tired and needed a break. And I didn't even realize until I took that break, how much I really did need it. Work has been crazy for like, the last year, at least. Nothing unusual with that, excpet that my co-worker missed a week of work because of a family medical issue, and I was covering part of the vacancy of another position. I figured I was doing 2.2 peoples work in 1 persons working time and day. I had previously taken today off, but also decided to take Friday off. ABSOLUTELY the BEST decision I've made in a few weeks, at least.
I did a lot of "relaxing," or I should say fun and not pressured things at a relaxing pace. I only had one thing scheduled for each day and then had a list of other things I'd like to do, but weren't essentials. Here is my "Things Accomplished List." (Yes, I do keep a list of things I've accomplished, it runs parallel to the to-do list. Anal, I know.)

I:
-did dishes (loaded dishwasher, ran it, emptied it, and did my other dishes by hand-yes, I was behind, slightly)
-washed my windows (inside and out, except 2 that I couldn't reach without killing myself if I would happen to fall)
-cleaned my bathroom (I've cleaned it recently, but I REALLY cleaned it, mirror and all)
-visited a friend, her husband and son, went shopping with said friend and saved her lots of money with Joann's coupons, love them! (Out shopping in the middle of a work day was an odd phenomenon)
-watched a movie loaned to me by another friend
-did laundry (3 loads I think) washed, dried, folded and put away
-cleaned off/swept my patio
-swiffered (wet and dry) and vacuumed floors
-cleaned my kitchen (again, I do this often, but this was a cleaning session where I moved EVERYTHING on the counters and cleaned under/behind everything)
-rearranged kitchen cupboards (who knew doing this could provide more room, well, okay...I did, just hadn't done it in a while)
-cleaned my room, finally put away all those clothes that have been piling up on the bench (yes, behind again)
-cleaned living room/dining room (this was EASY, all the mess was in my bedroom! :)
-decorated for my FAVORITE season
-hiked Mt Talbert (love this place) (also became accutely aware that I have been neglectful to my hips and the daily exercises required to keep them operating at optimal performance-ouch)
-went to the Greek Festival with a friend, saw a lamb being roasted over fire, saw dancers, didn't eat any of the food! because I really can't :( It smelled good though!
-watched another movie with aforementioned friend. Not sure I'd watch "W." again, but interesting to see. And post movie, good conversation with a little Portugese learning attempted, unfortunately, not retained
-bought a 2010 calendar (all Oregon scenes--I am excited to start writing something, anything in it-I do have a few things already that I can put in)
-toured covered bridges (Hooray!! See previous post for pictures/details)
-made dinner for a friend who is a new mom, delivered said dinner and spent time with new mom and baby. Held a sleeping baby, held a crying baby and oohhed and aahhed at him.
-put the fans away from the summer
-worked on fixing a clock...hope it stays fixed this time.
-went to a grocery store at least 4, maybe more times
-probably did a few other things, one would quite possibly be "bore my readers," but I'm fine with that....

All 4, yes FOUR, of my days off started the best way-sleeping in-waking up before the alarm went off though (which is peaceful), a cup or two of hot (well warm) tea to start the day and love from a four pawed, black beauty. And it was all at my own pace. A lot was accomplished and a soul rejuvenated! Do you need to take a day off?! I highly recommend it!

Above photo

Fun Pictures from Covered Bridge Day

Here are some non-covered bridge pictures from my covered bridge trip:

I love Silverton. I forget until I visit everytime. The above is a Norman Rockwell "recreation" as a mural on the side of one of the buildings downtown. There were four total.
Church steeple in Silverton

"All viney"

Loved this tree! Both pictures are the same tree/different angles.

Whitewashed barn