I am one of the biggest Peace freaks around. I wear a peace symbol each and every day. I hate war. I hate fighting. But I support our military. I support each and every one of these fine men and women who have chosen to protect our country and others. I do not buy into what our military is doing right now. We must stop this war. We must leave. We cannot win. We have lost so many lives.
But last night I sat with my husband and watched something on the History channel about WWII. Wow. I've never studied war. I took to heart the hymn "Don't Study War No More" or whatever it is called. But I honestly did not realize how many people died in that war. How deeply brutal it was. My dad fought in that war but never, never spoke of it. And now he can't.
My nephew is in the Army as a Ranger. He knew I would be upset when he joined. I am very proud of him. And every time I see him, when we part I ask only that he return.
On this Veteran's Day we must honor those who have passed and those who currently served and those who still suffer the harshness of war. May we continue to work to honor and help all of those who come home, damaged, through no fault of their own. And work each day toward Peace.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
SF Giants
I have been so caught up in this baseball team that I actually found myself making decisions around their post-season schedule! It all worked out as they are now the WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!! And I love it! I rushed home yesterday from a grueling 7:45 am hearing in Oakland to watch the parade, looking for my daughter who was in the crowd (like I could really see her!) and just basking in the excitement that this team has brought all of us.
LOVE it.
On Tuesday I was in San Francisco at another hearing. The hearing location is actually right next to AT & T park. No game but the crowds were huge. Everybody buying memorabilia of the Giants. People waiting 3 hours in line! The parking lots full. Yikes. But actually pretty cool to see it all.
On leaving I met an 82 year old man in the parking structure who had just bought a t-shirt for his 10 year old son. We struck up a conversation (well, he actually just kept talking to me) and I found out a lot about him and his military duty and his history and where he lives and way too much but I was being kind and listening.
What really got me is this gentleman told me that in December of last year he was in Lake Tahoe, gambling, and on a whim bought a ticket, on a lark, that the SF Giants would win the World Series! On a lark! For $10. He was just thrilled to tell the tale. The sparkle in his eyes. The joy on his face. His 82 year old spirit lifted by his chance purchase. Now, if he could only remember where he put his ticket!!! Oh well. He was sure that he would find it before it expires in December. And his winnings? $10,000! Amazing! Love this story.
So, this week we have had Halloween, winning the World Series, the election, the World Series Parade, and today we are back to a normal day. Or is it?!?
Enjoy your day.
Peace!
LOVE it.
On Tuesday I was in San Francisco at another hearing. The hearing location is actually right next to AT & T park. No game but the crowds were huge. Everybody buying memorabilia of the Giants. People waiting 3 hours in line! The parking lots full. Yikes. But actually pretty cool to see it all.
On leaving I met an 82 year old man in the parking structure who had just bought a t-shirt for his 10 year old son. We struck up a conversation (well, he actually just kept talking to me) and I found out a lot about him and his military duty and his history and where he lives and way too much but I was being kind and listening.
What really got me is this gentleman told me that in December of last year he was in Lake Tahoe, gambling, and on a whim bought a ticket, on a lark, that the SF Giants would win the World Series! On a lark! For $10. He was just thrilled to tell the tale. The sparkle in his eyes. The joy on his face. His 82 year old spirit lifted by his chance purchase. Now, if he could only remember where he put his ticket!!! Oh well. He was sure that he would find it before it expires in December. And his winnings? $10,000! Amazing! Love this story.
So, this week we have had Halloween, winning the World Series, the election, the World Series Parade, and today we are back to a normal day. Or is it?!?
Enjoy your day.
Peace!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Birthday Celebrations
Today marks the 24th day of birth for my son. Amazing. He has brought us such joy over the years. And some strife, too, after all, he did go through those wonderful years that I refer to as "testosterone surges"! The end result was well worth it.
Why am I thinking of him this day. Mostly because I can't talk to him and that is torture for me. He is in nursing school and today was the first day of three in a row where he is doing "clinicals" which means he is on the floor, on the ward, from 7 am until 7 pm. And then what follows is some paperwork prep for the next day. So his is really under the gun.
He has followed a different path. Graduated from UCLA with a major in Spanish. Traveled to Barcelona for a semester of school. Trained as a Firefighter. Trained as a Paramedic. Spent years as a Lifeguard on our local beaches. Saved lives. Controlled crowds. Directed the tourists. And now medical school. So he can work in the ER. Hopefully on to become a Flight Nurse. In a helicopter. Flying into the most damaged and doing repairs and saving lives. Who would have known! This Magic Card player, this Leggo worker, this Water Polo player, this Rugby player...we never know where they will land, do we. Land, water, fire. He has dabbled in a lot. I wish him the very best, because he deserves it. And I hope he has comfortable shoes for these three days!
Peace on!
Why am I thinking of him this day. Mostly because I can't talk to him and that is torture for me. He is in nursing school and today was the first day of three in a row where he is doing "clinicals" which means he is on the floor, on the ward, from 7 am until 7 pm. And then what follows is some paperwork prep for the next day. So his is really under the gun.
He has followed a different path. Graduated from UCLA with a major in Spanish. Traveled to Barcelona for a semester of school. Trained as a Firefighter. Trained as a Paramedic. Spent years as a Lifeguard on our local beaches. Saved lives. Controlled crowds. Directed the tourists. And now medical school. So he can work in the ER. Hopefully on to become a Flight Nurse. In a helicopter. Flying into the most damaged and doing repairs and saving lives. Who would have known! This Magic Card player, this Leggo worker, this Water Polo player, this Rugby player...we never know where they will land, do we. Land, water, fire. He has dabbled in a lot. I wish him the very best, because he deserves it. And I hope he has comfortable shoes for these three days!
Peace on!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Been a Long Time
Wow, it has been a long time since I've posted. Back in June we still had a kid in the house, and life was a bit different. Now with both of our kids out on their own, we are adjusting to a different life-style!
What is nice is that it gives me more time to make art or craft or whatever it is at the moment. I've been working on several art quilts, along with some quilts with my own patterns. I will post when they are done, or when I get around to doing the photography. That really seems to be the problem some days.
I did finally finish the Double Wedding Ring quilt. The first time I've done such a traditional pattern. And the first time I hand-pieced a quilt top, well, at least 95% of it is hand pieced. I did machine piece the border as I felt it needed some stability at that point. And even though the tradition is to hand-quilt, sorry, I sent it out to my friend, Mike, the golfing, surfing, quilter! I LOVE his work. He is just such a fabulous quilter, and a really great person on top of it all. If you ever want him to quilt something for you, let me know and I'll send his info out to you.
The wedding for which the Wedding Ring quilt was made was also a great experience. A beautiful day on the Monterey Bay, at one of our lighthouses, with the sea mist hanging over us all and mother nature all around us. The reception was fabulous, danced way too much for this old body, but had so much fun with my husband, kids, and their friends!
So, in between watching the SF Giants games, hand quilting some art pieces, and creating in the studio and doing actual work for money, life is good. Actually life is Great! The paralegal work I do is just enough to keep my right brain engaged so that my left brain can breathe. Or is it vice-versa? Whichever, both sides of the old brain are engaged and chugging on. Now back to quilting my latest piece.
Peace to all.
What is nice is that it gives me more time to make art or craft or whatever it is at the moment. I've been working on several art quilts, along with some quilts with my own patterns. I will post when they are done, or when I get around to doing the photography. That really seems to be the problem some days.
I did finally finish the Double Wedding Ring quilt. The first time I've done such a traditional pattern. And the first time I hand-pieced a quilt top, well, at least 95% of it is hand pieced. I did machine piece the border as I felt it needed some stability at that point. And even though the tradition is to hand-quilt, sorry, I sent it out to my friend, Mike, the golfing, surfing, quilter! I LOVE his work. He is just such a fabulous quilter, and a really great person on top of it all. If you ever want him to quilt something for you, let me know and I'll send his info out to you.
The wedding for which the Wedding Ring quilt was made was also a great experience. A beautiful day on the Monterey Bay, at one of our lighthouses, with the sea mist hanging over us all and mother nature all around us. The reception was fabulous, danced way too much for this old body, but had so much fun with my husband, kids, and their friends!
So, in between watching the SF Giants games, hand quilting some art pieces, and creating in the studio and doing actual work for money, life is good. Actually life is Great! The paralegal work I do is just enough to keep my right brain engaged so that my left brain can breathe. Or is it vice-versa? Whichever, both sides of the old brain are engaged and chugging on. Now back to quilting my latest piece.
Peace to all.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June and Father's Day
June is such a wonderful month, what with school ending for the kids, brides getting married, our wedding anniversary, and Father's Day! Both my husband and dad have June birthdays which further expands our celebratory dates. And, while most of the time my husband and I forget our anniversary, I think this year we might just remember. But what is really worth remembering is the marriage, which has been very good and just getting better. Who would have thought that I would be married for 28 years and counting! Wow!
With all the fun things that June brings, this Father's day also makes my heart break. My dad has Parkinson's Disease. I HATE PARKINSON'S. I hate what it does to productive people. I hate that it traps my dad in his body, preventing him from being the vibrant person that I catch glimpses of in his eyes. I hate that it has taken him from me.
But what I have decided to do, to combat this, is to remember who and what he was, and just relish those memories, and accept that he is who he is now. It's not his fault. It's just the luck of the draw. And I know in my heart and soul that I am learning something from this. I'm just now sure yet what it is. Yet, I still have him to love and hug and remind me that all good things come to pass.
My husband should be honored this Father's Day also. He has been a truly wonderful father. My 23 year old son just called him yesterday and told him that he now sees that his dad was "right" about so many things. That is an honor! And my husband deserves it.
We all had or have Dads. Let's lift a toast to them and all that they have taught us. I know not all dads are good. I know some should not even be honored. But somewhere in your heart there must be that man who did make a difference in your life. Let him know. He deserves it!
Now I'll head back to my sewing and quilting and waiting for my new embellishing machine. That's my little reward for the care-giving that I'm doing with the fossils (my parents) these days.
Peace to all of you.
With all the fun things that June brings, this Father's day also makes my heart break. My dad has Parkinson's Disease. I HATE PARKINSON'S. I hate what it does to productive people. I hate that it traps my dad in his body, preventing him from being the vibrant person that I catch glimpses of in his eyes. I hate that it has taken him from me.
But what I have decided to do, to combat this, is to remember who and what he was, and just relish those memories, and accept that he is who he is now. It's not his fault. It's just the luck of the draw. And I know in my heart and soul that I am learning something from this. I'm just now sure yet what it is. Yet, I still have him to love and hug and remind me that all good things come to pass.
My husband should be honored this Father's Day also. He has been a truly wonderful father. My 23 year old son just called him yesterday and told him that he now sees that his dad was "right" about so many things. That is an honor! And my husband deserves it.
We all had or have Dads. Let's lift a toast to them and all that they have taught us. I know not all dads are good. I know some should not even be honored. But somewhere in your heart there must be that man who did make a difference in your life. Let him know. He deserves it!
Now I'll head back to my sewing and quilting and waiting for my new embellishing machine. That's my little reward for the care-giving that I'm doing with the fossils (my parents) these days.
Peace to all of you.
Friday, May 7, 2010
May and Mother's Day
Mother's Day approaches. Another Hallmark Holiday. We are bombarded with ads and have-tos and guilt-itis. As I start this post I am reminded that Mother's Day has been around for a very long time. Even before Hallmark. Guess I should keep quiet on that one.
Mothers. The other night I met with my group of lady friends for dinner and celebrating. The dinner was originally planned to celebrate Mother's Day, however, it was then changed into a surprise birthday celebration for the organizer. It worked. Dana did not have a clue that we were celebrating her 50th birthday. What got me was a statement by one of my friends that she expected to be celebrated on Mother's Day. Her comment was that she didn't ask to be born but that she had "worked" to be a mother.
I'd never thought of it that way. I've always just felt blessed to be a mother. I too have worked hard at it, done things that were very hard for me, held and pushed my kids in ways that I wish my mom had done for me. Having kids has been the hardest job that I've ever had. But I've NEVER expected to be rewarded for it. It was just the right thing to do.
To me Mother's Day is stressful. I have to be with my mother and the other mothers in my family. I could opt out, I guess, but that isn't the right thing to do. I enjoy being with my husband and kids on Mother's Day, just like I enjoy being with them every other day. And if I get my strawberry chocolate eclair from The Farm, well, I am then just in heaven. But I really do not expect a celebration.
Guess I'm just weird that way. I just want to be treated well, all the time, not just on a day. I love to be honored, but not on a specific day but for something that I've done or helped with.
However, this is of course just my opinion.
May your Mother's Day be filled with Joy, Love and above all Peace.
Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Mothers. The other night I met with my group of lady friends for dinner and celebrating. The dinner was originally planned to celebrate Mother's Day, however, it was then changed into a surprise birthday celebration for the organizer. It worked. Dana did not have a clue that we were celebrating her 50th birthday. What got me was a statement by one of my friends that she expected to be celebrated on Mother's Day. Her comment was that she didn't ask to be born but that she had "worked" to be a mother.
I'd never thought of it that way. I've always just felt blessed to be a mother. I too have worked hard at it, done things that were very hard for me, held and pushed my kids in ways that I wish my mom had done for me. Having kids has been the hardest job that I've ever had. But I've NEVER expected to be rewarded for it. It was just the right thing to do.
To me Mother's Day is stressful. I have to be with my mother and the other mothers in my family. I could opt out, I guess, but that isn't the right thing to do. I enjoy being with my husband and kids on Mother's Day, just like I enjoy being with them every other day. And if I get my strawberry chocolate eclair from The Farm, well, I am then just in heaven. But I really do not expect a celebration.
Guess I'm just weird that way. I just want to be treated well, all the time, not just on a day. I love to be honored, but not on a specific day but for something that I've done or helped with.
However, this is of course just my opinion.
May your Mother's Day be filled with Joy, Love and above all Peace.
Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Monday, April 12, 2010
And Life Goes On and On
It has been quite a while since I last posted. I'm still working on the Double Wedding Ring quilt. I will love it when it is done. It is just so NOT ME but I am enjoying each and every hand placed stitch. I've contacted my friend Mike, the golfing, surfing quilter who is FABULOUS and hope that he will be quilting it for me. Now to just get it done...
The rest of life has kept me busy. I'm still moving my studio. I've packed all my son's belongings and moved them into the guest room but there are still a few hangers-on of mine in there that need to be moved. It was really hard for me to pack a lot of his things. But no where as hard as it was for him to go through them when he visited us a few weeks ago. I can still remember packing up my room at my parents house. I thought I'd taken it all, but when I moved them almost 50 years later to another home, there were things of mine still there.
I love my son and there will always be a place for him here, but I really don't want his stuff here. He had a long trip down memory lane just going through a few boxes. I know we will both get through this.
I've been taking care of my parents since the end of last month. My sister and her husband are on a month-long trip and my brother doesn't seem to have the time to do it. It is so hard to be with them, to watch them in this state of elderliness, to work with them to make it through each day. My dad's Parkinson's caused two falls in the same day a couple of weeks ago. This resulted in a 911 call, a trip to the ER, and somehow, no broken bones. His tailbone is still hurting him, but I know eventually that will heal. The hard part is convincing my mom that his Parkinson's is not his fault. She seems to believe he can do something about it...
How do we get so old? How do we fall behind and out of circulation? They are both so lonely but I can't be the only source of entertainment, mostly because I'm not so entertaining! How do we get through this...
Pack the boxes. Sort the stuff. Let go of the things that we aren't using. But that doesn't mean let go of the people when they are no longer useful...
The rest of life has kept me busy. I'm still moving my studio. I've packed all my son's belongings and moved them into the guest room but there are still a few hangers-on of mine in there that need to be moved. It was really hard for me to pack a lot of his things. But no where as hard as it was for him to go through them when he visited us a few weeks ago. I can still remember packing up my room at my parents house. I thought I'd taken it all, but when I moved them almost 50 years later to another home, there were things of mine still there.
I love my son and there will always be a place for him here, but I really don't want his stuff here. He had a long trip down memory lane just going through a few boxes. I know we will both get through this.
I've been taking care of my parents since the end of last month. My sister and her husband are on a month-long trip and my brother doesn't seem to have the time to do it. It is so hard to be with them, to watch them in this state of elderliness, to work with them to make it through each day. My dad's Parkinson's caused two falls in the same day a couple of weeks ago. This resulted in a 911 call, a trip to the ER, and somehow, no broken bones. His tailbone is still hurting him, but I know eventually that will heal. The hard part is convincing my mom that his Parkinson's is not his fault. She seems to believe he can do something about it...
How do we get so old? How do we fall behind and out of circulation? They are both so lonely but I can't be the only source of entertainment, mostly because I'm not so entertaining! How do we get through this...
Pack the boxes. Sort the stuff. Let go of the things that we aren't using. But that doesn't mean let go of the people when they are no longer useful...
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