the endless summer

a word

2011-12-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

so many of my friends, many of them artists, embrace a word for the year. that's never been something i could buy into. however i had a clear revelation at church tonight, celebrating the new year, the solemnity of mary.

it just popped right into my head:

POSITIVE

i want to think positive, speak positive, act positive

Moving on

2011-12-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

Nov. 13th, Dec. 19th

lots of space between...

Those of you who know me know my life has taken yet another twist since retirement

Taking care of my precious grands has cut my blogging time to almost nil.

However, opening my Christmas cards tonight has compelled me to post this year in retrospect:

Three beloved friends have joined the heavenly angels - make that four

Beloved friends and relatives have joined their hands in marriage

Beloved dogs have crossed the rainbow bridge

Beloved babies have been born

Beloved children have moved closer to our heart and our house

Beloved children have had great successes

Beloved friends have spent time with us

One beloved spouse has recovered from back surgery

His goodness reigns supreme!

Gooseberry Patch rocks

2011-11-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

sweet peas with the sweet peas

2011-10-25T16:59:00.001-07:00

i'm about as far from being a gardener as i am from the antarctic, but the one thing i can do is sweet peas! oh how i love my sweet peas.

last year i didn't get them planted till well into december, but this year, i've got great help!

our sweet pea seeds, saved from last year's crop, which initially came from Davi, so you know they're good

my talented helpers

our invited guests

lila giving hector a special send-off.

she's our naturalist!

GROW sweet peas, GROW!

A powerful video

2011-10-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

nearly 10 minutes long, but a very moving tribute.
End the R word!

Thanks, Nat!

2011-10-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back

2011-09-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

So glad for America and I to be back in Room 32, full of inspiring children and one very extraordinary teacher.
Goals galore. They made me want to set a few of my own.

what a great 9/11 story!

2011-09-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is
special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many
people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles
from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought
local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet
and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I
hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors
in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to
neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally
ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each
other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being
neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring
people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and
grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a
crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make
people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months
after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's
working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups,
Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of
100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one
thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to
neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me.
They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and
motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find
other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace
together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's
powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks
to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it
weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to
strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new
community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started
with these Meetups.

Scott Heiferman (on behalf of 80 people at Meetup HQ)
Co-Founder & CEO, Meetup
New York City
September 2011

Yay! our first finished scarf!

2011-09-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is our first finished scarf for our special olympics winter olympics participants.
special olympic scarves

Great job, Pat!!
Love the pattern!

My new favorite song thanks to NPR

2011-08-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to Willie

2011-08-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Fundraising

2011-08-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I've done any active fundraising, but due to the persuasiveness of the dynamic Pat Lawson, I've pledged to raise $300 for CCI.
It's been 8 years since I joined the CCI family and having nothing but the highest regard for the work they do.
I've met some of the most awesome people and dogs during my 8 years of participation and own the most beloved of dogs, America.
So, while asking for money moves me way out of my comfort zone, that's exactly what I'm doing.
I have a donation page set up and any little bit you can give will help this organization.
Here's the link:
CCI Fundraiser

Just yesterday, during a visit to the VA with America, I encountered a vet in a wheelchair who said, "I hear there's an organization where you can get a service dog and not have to pay anything." I was proud to tell him, that's exactly right, NO COST for an AMAZING dog. I was able to share CCI information with him and tell him how blessed I am to be a tiny part.

I'm just starting with my blog which will go to facebook, but I hope you'll help me spread the word.

for bloggers

2011-08-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

here's a link to a short video on how to change your font on your blog:
blogger fonts

i do love crazy fonts!

here's my favorite place for cool fonts:
fonts for peas

the bodacious brady bunch

2011-07-31T07:38:00.001-07:00

Knight Knitters

2011-07-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce the inaugural meeting of the Knight Knitters.

This began when I saw a notice about knitting scarves for Special Olympics kids participating in the Winter Olympics.

scarves for special olympics

It began in 2009 when two gals put out a call for scarves. They ended up with 55,000 scarves.

That number has been far surpassed.

I thought it would be a great outreach project for two classes at St. James. With the go ahead from the teachers from the 5th and 6th grades I plan to teach the kids to knit and contribute.

I began with a small group today. The girls were patient and conscientious and 6 have a good start. It helped that 1 was already a pro and two others had some familiarity with knitting.

I can't wait to get the boys involved.

Here are some pictures from our effort and I hope to add more soon.

I'd like to thank the girls for their enthusiasm and the moms for their support.

I'm extending an invitation to any of you reading this to knit or crochet your contribution.

Email me with questions: adeakers2002@yahoo.com

Deacon Peter Hodsdon's Pentecost sermon

2011-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

Deacon Peter has hit the nail on the head once again!
His description of the Holy Spirit working in our lives puts into eloquent words what I've always felt.

Today, Pentecost Sunday, is a day that we are invited to look very carefully at the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Spirit. All three readings mention the Holy Spirit specifically, but if I were to ask each of you to define the Holy Spirit, I’ll bet I get a whole multitude of answers. We all have a sense of God the Father, mostly personified in our culture by Michelangelo’s image of a large, floating, white-bearded guy in the sky, reaching out with His creative touch. God the Father seems a bit distant, maybe a bit fearsome for many of us. The second person, Jesus the Christ, is much more accessible, and clearly the focus of most of our prayer lives and meditations, particularly the Liturgy we call the Mass. Since Jesus is human as much as he is God, we feel a strong connection, an expectation that he understands us intrinsically, and through that connection we are made holy. All good stuff. But what about the Holy Spirit?
The image of the Holy Spirit that we typically see in art is what? Yes, a dove. Why? Because the bible specifically tells us that the Spirit descended upon Jesus during his baptism “in the form of a dove”. Today’s first reading is quite different in tone, equating the Spirit’s arrival as a strong, driving wind that somehow morphs into tongues of fire resting on all of those present. Earlier in John, Chapter 14, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, perhaps better translated as a defense lawyer. But somehow, praying to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Attorney doesn’t quite cut it! So how do we relate to this third person of the Trinity?
We are told by theologians that the Holy Spirit exists through the relationship of God the Father and God the Son. The mutual indwelling in perfect love between Father and Son is so intensely powerful that a third person “proceeds” from this relationship, co-eternal, co-equal, and consubstantial. The Holy Spirit is the action of God the Father and God the Son, an incredible energy produced that affects the entire universe. Think of the scientific principle that drives the most important star in the sky for us, the sun. The fusion of hydrogen atoms ignites a blaze of fire that warms our planet 93 million miles away. Can you see how that analogy, although not ideal, gives you a sense of the Spirit?
So let’s go a bit further with this idea. The Spirit proceeds from the relationship between the Father and the Son, so that invites us to probably the best definition of the Holy Spirit that I can muster. The Holy Spirit, by nature of that amazing love connection, comes to us as the God of awareness. You see, the Spirit connects the dots, the Spirit produces the “aha” moments in our lives, the Spirit blows where it wills and surprises us. The Spirit makes us aware that God is all around us, that God loves us immensely, and that God wants to work through us. Let me give you an example or two.
After the wild fires scorched East County in 2005, my wife and I took a trip to Julian one Sunday afternoon. We have every CD David Haas has ever produced, and we were playing his music in our car, with the music on shuffle – just playing songs randomly. We hadn’t seen too much damage to the forest up to a point, when suddenly, we rounded a bend in the road and there spread out before us was a moonscape of destruction. Burnt trees, blackened earth, charred houses. We pulled off the road and just looked at the scene in shock, tears springing to our eyes. At that moment, David Haas began to sing, “Come Lord Jesus, send us your Spirit, renew the face of the earth!” We both laughed
out loud, and knew God was here, amidst this disaster, and He was going to make it right. That was the Holy Spirit doing his thing.
When I write a homily, I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my words. One time, about 3 years ago, I wrote a homily about my younger brother, who died of cancer amidst a struggle with drug addiction. His journey was a journey of redemptive suffering, and I shared that story with some concern, because it was an emotionally wrenching story for me. After one of the Masses, a woman came up to me with tears pouring down her face, and I thought, oh no, what is this? I’ve clearly upset her. But her story astounded me. Her own brother, at that very moment in time, was living the exact same journey as mine did. My story gave her hope, gave her a path to walk, and we met twice more over the next few months, praying and talking about how to work with her lost sheep brother. It became a healing event. What did I learn? The Holy Spirit will use us in very direct, very specific ways, usually without our own knowledge. The Spirit of connections, working through His people, takes our meager gifts, offered in His name, and glorifies them.
Maybe one of the reasons why it is so hard to get our heads around the Holy Spirit is that God doesn’t want us to! If we think we have God the Spirit defined, we immediately limit the Spirit, putting the Spirit in a little box on the shelf, rarely to be opened. The reality is that each of us comes to an understanding of the Spirit by how the Spirit manifests itself in us. St. Paul tells us that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit, given to us for some benefit. In other words, your gifts, whatever they are, if offered to God, will be used by the Spirit to affect the world in some way, sometimes astonishing, but more often quiet and profound. The Spirit connects the dots, bringing awareness to someone who needs a question answered, who needs a smile today, who needs to be reminded that God loves, and loves, and loves, and especially, loves you!
And when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, to use our gifts in ways pleasing to God, the Spirit will leave a gift behind. Just as a torrent of water moving across the land leaves a channel carved in the earth, so will the Spirit leave a channel in our heart and mind, a channel lined with joy. That’s how you can tell that your gifts are being used by the Spirit – if you feel joyful in the doing so. Healing, preaching, teaching, singing, smiling, building, comforting, holding, giving – if it gives you joy, you’re on the right track. The Holy Spirit is connecting people, smoothing over the chaos, yes, renewing the face of the earth. The Spirit can’t be held back, any more than you can dictate where a dove must fly, or where the wind must blow, or whether a person with inoperable cancer can be cured.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.

A beautiful children's book

2011-05-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Tells the story of Harvey, a mime, who teaches the very spoiled Princess Mindy the value of imagination!
This is the quote at the end, "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." Dalai Lama
And couldn't we all benefit from that lesson?

Special Olympics scarf project

2011-05-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Scarves for Special Olympics

I just ordered yarn to start a scarf.
I think this is the coolest project and I hope some of my friends will join me!
If you think you can't knit I can prove you wrong.
You know I love to teach knitting and even have a few success stories!

Bless all you mothers

2011-05-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some quotes I gathered to get you thinking about what being a mother means.
I've started with Erma, my mother idol, but there are several good ones that follow.

"When God Created Mothers"

When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?" She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said. "Six pairs of hands.... no way."

It's not the hands that are causing me problems," God remarked, "it's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have."

That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. God nodded.

One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. 'I understand and I love you' without so much as uttering a word."

God," said the angel touching his sleeve gently, "Get some rest tomorrow...."

I can't," said God, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower."

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.

But tough!" said God excitedly. "You can imagine what this mother can do or endure."

Can it think?"

Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise," said the Creator.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.

There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model."

It's not a leak," said the Lord, "It's a tear."

What's it for?"

It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride."

You are a genius, " said the angel.

Somberly, God said, "I didn't put it there."
— Erma Bombeck (When God Created Mothers)

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan___

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries___
The phrase "working mother" is redundant. ~Jane Sellman___

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

Some mothers are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together. ~Pearl S. Buck

If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been. ~Robert Brault

Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. ~Spanish Proverb

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease. ~Lisa Alther
Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother. ~Beverly Jones

A mom forgives us all our faults, not to mention one or two we don't even have. ~Robert Brault

Mer-my favorite poses

2011-04-21T18:09:00.001-07:00

i'll get that ball no matter where it is!

picture tail wagging the entire time!

sweet peace

2011-04-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

thank you, Davi!
they're here!

John's Gospel, The Man Born Blind

2011-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is the conclusion of Deacon Peter Hodsdon's homily at mass on Saturday:

That night in the woods, in the utter darkness, was quite frightening at first. We fingered the switches on our flashlights, but my friend said, “wait, just wait”. So we did. And slowly and gradually, as our eyes adjusted, we began to notice that there was indeed light, the light of a million stars. The fear ebbed away, replaced by awe and wonder. I was reading in the news just the other day that scientists have come to realize that their estimate of the number of stars in our universe has been wildly inaccurate. It’s not that they’ve over-estimated the number of stars – it’s quite the opposite. They’ve under-estimated the number of stars. They used to say that you could count a star for every person alive on the planet. Now, it appears that there is a star for every person who has ever lived on the planet since the dawn of time. And then some. Perhaps our ancestors are lighting our way in the darkness. But more so, there is light to be accessed, even when it appears on the outset that there isn’t any at all. We just need to be patient.
St. Paul tells us that we are light in the Lord. We cannot shine on our own, of course. We can only shine by reflecting the light of God, who by definition is beauty, goodness, and truth. So how clean is your mirror? Do you reflect God clearly and brightly? Do you need some spiritual Windex? We’re right at the apex of Lent today – we began 20 odd days ago, we have 20 to go. Fasting, prayer, and alms giving, the three “mirror polishers” of Lent, are still available. Pick them up and keep polishing. The light of the world needs bright mirrors to pierce the darkness. That’s you and me, that’s us!

From beginning to end, it was full of life lessons. Here's a link, should you wish to read the full text:themanbornblind
and a link to his sermons, always thought provoking,DeaconPeter

Why an "A" is not enough

2011-03-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

150 Women Who Shake the World - Newsweek

2011-03-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

150 Women Who Shake the World - Newsweek

I found this fascinating!

The days are long, but the years are short!

2011-03-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Once again, Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project, gets it right!

Knittaplease

2011-03-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a great link to a flickr slideshow of the yarn bombing on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin.
99 trees covered with love.
I was thrilled to get to see it and meet Jane Arney, formerly of CCI, at the same time.knitwithlove

Sally Comes Unraveled - The Blog: "A Knitted Wonderland" Part 1 - The Installation

2011-03-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sally Comes Unraveled - The Blog: "A Knitted Wonderland" Part 1 - The Installation

I'm so excited - get to Austin on the 16th - guess where I'll be heading!!! 99 Trees! Katie, get the camera charged up.

PW Rides Again!

2011-03-09T13:54:00.001-08:00

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story by Ree Drummond

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can't believe how much I liked this book. I've heard it all before, but still fun. A quick entertaining read.

View all my reviews

When making a fire people like to join you; when cleaning the ashes you are often alone. — African proverb - Busted Halo

2011-03-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

When making a fire people like to join you; when cleaning the ashes you are often alone. — African proverb - Busted Halo

Best Biscotti and Cookies in Town!

2011-03-06T05:32:00.001-08:00

FoodieAmor
If you don't want to online order, you can find them at Cardiff Seaside Market!

A Very Special Day

2011-03-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

ArtistsAmongUs

What a privilege to work with such a distinguished, talented group of artists!

A%20Very%20Special%20Day%20with%20Lisa%20Engelbrecht

2011-03-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

A%20Very%20Special%20Day%20with%20Lisa%20Engelbrecht

What a fun site!

2011-03-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

For those of you with pre-schoolers and kinders, this site is a great music teacher.
bus songs
Here's one of my favorite videos:

On top of spaghetti, opera style. Takes me back to sing-a-long days!

Canine Companions: Help is a Four-Legged Word

2011-03-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

NEA - Read Across America

2011-03-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

NEA - Read Across America
Never fear - I haven't forgotten my roots!
Happy Birthday, Wonder Man!

random ramblings: "Healing Paws"

2011-02-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

Happy to be part of this team!

random ramblings: "Healing Paws": "Kona and I, along with some of our wonderful therapy team friends, Tom & Wilson, and Kelli & Bella took part in a segment a local ne..."

2 Teaching Mommies: Dr. Seuss Unit

2011-02-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

What's this??? a teeny tiny voice saying remember what fun teaching was???

2 Teaching Mommies: Dr. Seuss Unit: "This week we kind of had a crazy idea. We were going to be posting about the senses. When we talked earlier in the week we rando..."

What Mer and I have been up to instead of blogging

2011-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, faithful friends, who still check in on my blog, I owe you an apology.
Life got out of hand busy all of a sudden.
One of the reasons is America being fully certified as a therapy dog. She has a full schedule, visiting hospitals and classrooms, sometimes up to five visits a week.
I'm delighted that she's truly become a working dog, even if it was through a different path than CCI.
I wish I could include pics of her in her fancy vest, but my camera bit the dust.
I'll replace it soon, but in the meantime, just imagine her sweet self in a lovely red cape.

Here's an article on the value of therapy dogs, both for the recipients and the owners (that would be me!) from yesterday's UT:

Pet therapy provides benefits for everyone

BY MARIO GARRETT
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011 AT 12:01 A.M.

The story that older adults benefit from pet therapy is misguided. EVERYONE benefits from pet therapy. Who ever thought that a four-legged bundle of soft fur or a smiling dolphin could make you feel better and actually healthier?

Pet therapy, also known as animal assisted therapy, is a broad technique involving any interaction that patients have with animals to make them feel better. In 1859, Florence Nightingale wrote that a small pet “is often an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially.” Apart from the possibility of small pets causing falls for frail older adults, pets provide multiple benefits to their companions. It not only feels good to be around pets, but it makes you healthier. Emerging studies show that pet therapy translates to positive clinical outcomes.

Even just owning a pet has been found to be beneficial. Dog ownership is associated with lower heart attack risks and increased survival one year after a heart attack. Older pet owners walk significantly farther when they walked with a dog, which might contribute to their making fewer visits to the doctor.

And it is not just having a companion—talking to a pet rather than a person was associated with lower heart rate. Even in nursing homes, the presence of a dog is associated with reduced need for medication, improved physical functioning, and improved vital signs—even when patients are suffering from dementia. The list of benefits includes reductions in loneliness, agitated behaviors, and depression, and increases in engagement, well-being, nutritional intake, and social interactions.

It sounds like a panacea. But what is the reason for these health-boosting outcomes?

One line of aging research that shows great promise investigates how pet therapy generates hormones that affect mood. The University of Missouri-Columbia, currently conducting research in this arena, suggests that hormonal changes that naturally occur when humans and dogs interact could help people cope with depression and certain stress-related disorders. Preliminary results show that a few minutes of stroking a pet dog prompts a release of a number of these “feel good” hormones in humans, including serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. In addition, decreased levels of the primary stress hormone cortisol, the adrenal chemical responsible for regulating appetite and cravings for carbohydrates, occurs.

If you already have a pet, one of the hidden added benefits is that you can share them and help others. This is not only beneficial to patients but also to the volunteer on a number of fronts. Older adults can volunteer by going to nursing homes, hospice, clinics or schools and providing pet therapy with their pet.

Before heading out the door with your little puppy you need to make sure that you are certified. The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA has been bringing the joys of animals to people for more than 30 years through its Pet-Assisted Therapy Program. For more information contact them at (619) 299-7012, ext. 2271, or

pat@sdhumane.org. Paw’sitive Pals is another well-established program in San Diego, and can be contacted at paws@pawsteams.org. More information about the Pet Therapy Program at San Diego Hospice can be accessed at sdhospice.org/pdf/PawsitivePals4-ColorFlyer.pdf.

By training your dog to become a service dog you not only become better engaged with your pet and the community, you will become part of the therapy for frail older adults.

Mario Garrett, Ph.D., is a professor of gerontology at San Diego State University and can be reached at mariusgarrett@yahoo.com

Memory

2011-02-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Sad, but too true. Seems to be a topic of conversation with all aged friends these days. Heartening, though, to know it's not just us.

Some bling for my girls!

2011-02-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Willie, for the idea, helping get materials and E6000!

fun hat

2011-02-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

Called Aspen Hat from

just wish I could've found some size 19 DPN's instead of working it on 17's.

Happy Birthday, Janet!

free motion sewing

2011-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

I think the haphazardness of free motion stitching suits my personality perfectly.

Can't wait to start my online class here: freemotionrevolution

My good fortune in this new year

2011-02-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

The ever talented and kind, Cindy McQuade, asked Italian glass Maestro Moreno Bardella to blow this angel for me when she last visited Murano, Italy.

She is such a treasure (Cindy too), and will join (although I think she'll steal the show) all my other angels given to me by special people over the years.

Certainly a worthy cause!

2011-01-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a link should you like to donate:

Hope those who can will come and give Rose (Foodie Amor) and Christy a big congrats

2011-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

Love learning new things

2011-01-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Rita.

Guess now I need to look for someone to teach me how to take better pics.

Unbroken

2011-01-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing story! WWII at its best and worst.
Was totally surprised by the Billy Graham connection.

View all my reviews

The Years Are Short Movie

2010-12-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

such a sweet reminder on this last day of 2010 to treasure the present!

THE DIGITAL STORY OF NATIVITY - ( or Christmas 2.0 )

2010-12-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

America's Monday buddies

2010-12-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

These are Mer's special friends that she accompanies on visits to the VA on Mondays.
Bunny, Caleb, Kona, Riley and the most lovable Harley, who steals the show at every chance!

Fannie Flagg's newest

2010-12-11T09:30:00.001-08:00

Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 stars if you're under 60, 4 if you're over.
sort of a wonderful life theme.
I love Fannie's sense of humor, but this was a little too sappy.

View all my reviews

The cutest clogs on the block!

2010-11-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

Amazon has several styles, but click here to see all the fun! capeclogs

The Irresistible Henry House

2010-11-18T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Irresistible Henry House by Lisa Grunwald

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book for the story, the history of practice babies (had never heard of the concept), the Dr. Spock angle, the Disney lore, the Berkeley connection and even the Green Stamps!
Thanks, Julie. A perfect read.

View all my reviews

I heart Gooseberry Patch!

2010-11-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Homemade Christmas Open House Recipes

Lucky America and I

2010-11-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

We get to be Daniel's friends and he writes and reads stories to us!

Ladybugs rule!

2010-11-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Look at my cuties!!!

2010-11-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

My heartiest congratulations

2010-11-07T17:58:00.001-08:00

to the owners of Foodie Amor.
Their launch party was a gourmand's trip to heaven!

Photo slideshow created with Smilebox

Look who was at UTC!

2010-11-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

only i couldn't get anywhere near her because of this crowd!

Small sample

2010-11-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Just a small sample of the handmade items that will be on sale at the CCI graduation, Sat. at noon.
Hope someone will take pictures of all the goodies since I'll be out of town!

America's new therapy dog friends

2010-11-04T12:19:00.001-07:00

Caleb, Happy, Riley, Bunny and Kona

SHEWANTS TO WIN THE GIVEAWAY!

2010-11-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

SHEWANTS TO WIN THE GIVEAWAY!

Very cool song!

2010-11-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Amy Steinberg, singing Exactly.

Find more artists like Amy Steinberg at Myspace Music

Thank you, Caron Knox, for sharing this with me!

A missed gem

2010-10-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe as much as I love children's literature and collage that I've never seen this gorgeous book before.

Stephen Parlota tells a magical story - every creature loves to read so much that they turn into what they're reading about, people into horses, rabbits into turtles. His use of collage is magnificent!
Thanks to Mindy Crum and her 3rd grade friends for educating me about him

Here are some examples of his work:

and yet another beloved author

2010-10-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Jan Brett

She was at the zoo today signing her new book:

I told her her books just get better and better.
The African theme permeates throughout the book with glorious patterns.

Here's a picture of a real dassie

and dassie, Timbi, from the book

Here the bus she's been touring the country in. Quite a site!

pinch me, please!

2010-10-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe I got to meet Patti Digh,
the illustrious author of these amazing books:

and look - here she is -holding up my art quilt, called Shine!

She and Jane LaFazio are fast friends, sharing a love of their new cowboy boots.

Such a privilege to be invited to be in the picture with these extraordinarily talented women, Patti, Jane, Linda Bannan and Wendee Lee

Near the end of Patti's inspiring talk we were invited to choose, without looking, a rock from her collection
Oddly enough - here's mine:

Shine is surely on my mind these days,
from my art to the shine stamp Davi gave me before she left, to David Crowder to This Little LIght of Mine at mass on Friday.
I'll do my best!

walking in good company for good causes!

2010-10-24T13:56:00.001-07:00

Rita and James, we love you!

Glad I could be with Michael, walking for the first time without Peggy.

This is such a beautiful poem to honor our beloved friends with Alzheimer's

Do not ask me to remember.

don't try to make me understand.

Let me rest and know you're with me.

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept

I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you

To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me.

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can't help the way I'm acting,

Can't be different 'though I try.

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone.

Please don't fail to stand beside me,

Love me 'til my life is done.

--------Author Unknown

Thank you, friends

2010-10-22T12:10:00.001-07:00

SMS (Shine)

2010-10-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

hmmm-my 701st post

2010-10-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is apropos:

SHINE seems to be my new mantra.

Here's David Crowder's Band singing it:

My new button box

2010-10-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

from this:

to this:

Thank you, Davi, for my new button box! Love it.

Can't wait to play sorting buttons with Lila.

COC

2010-10-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you not used to CCI lingo those letters stand for Change of Career. That's how we describe pups who have been determined by Canine Companions for Independence as not suitable for service dog careers.
Too many times that's been the fate of my pups, so now, not only do I have a COC pup, but I'm a COC mom.
Mer and I are embarking on a new journey together.
She may not be suitable for the service dog life - and truly when she bolts to the end of her leash in fear at a loud noise - I can understand CCI's thinking, but she is a sweet, loving, joy-filled dog, so we're embarking on a therapy dog career.

Here's a letter she's composed to explain our situation:

My name is America. Sometimes when I come into a room people sing this funny song – “here she comes, Miss America.” I’m fine with it, but it seems a little silly. Canine Companions for Independence named me. I have 6 sisters and all their names start with the letter A too.

I met my mom (people call her Mrs. D.) when I was eight weeks old. I didn’t know very much then, but my mom taught me to do lots of cool things like sit, stay, shake and speak.

After I got all my shots (they only hurt a little bit) my mom started taking me on new adventures. I got to go to the library and the market and senior homes and schools.
I always wore this special cape that said, Canine Companions for Independence. Whenever I had my cape on I had to use my best manners. I could wag my tail, but I couldn’t jump or lick anyone AND I couldn’t eat anything that was on the floor – only things my mom gave me – she called them treats. I get them when I’m being especially good.

When I grew up all the way and learned to go anywhere mom went she took me to college so I could learn to do special things like open doors and pick up keys and turn on light switches. I got too homesick though and now I’m living back home with mom and dad.

Sometimes mom goes to school where there are lots of kids – I love kids. She does something called ‘substituting’ - on those days I get to hang out with kids.

I’ve been taking lots of tests so I can be what she calls a ‘therapy dog’. I’m not sure what that means – probably just meeting and greeting more people. I’m pretty good at that.

If you’re reading this, I hope I’ll get to meet you someday!

America

Learning something new.

2010-09-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

Customize a free photo slideshow

2010-09-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side
To light to guard to rule and to guide.

Happy feast day of our guardian angels.

Looks like fun

2010-09-20T14:02:00.001-07:00

This looks like fun

21 different techniques and if the artists are anywhere near as talented as Kelly Warren, happy shack designs, it should provide a wealth of knowledge!

Sign up through
Kelly's blog

new fun

2010-09-13T17:57:00.001-07:00

I was so intrigued with this idea of repurposing a man's shirt into an apron.
I took the class from Barb Mc Keon on Sunday at Starry NIght Hollow

It's not nearly as easy as it looks, but the results are way cool!
I can't wait to try another one. Rod has many available on his side of the closet.

The tedious part was making bias binding, but here are some other options which I've already ordered for my next one:

sarahquiltsncrafts
mmsdesigns
with many others to be found.

Patti Digh is Amazing!

2010-09-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

I first became acquainted with Patti when I discovered her blog, 37 days.
The premise is based o the idea that if you knew you only had 37 days left to live how would you spend them.
Her blog continually celebrates life and the concept of treasuring each day we have.

I've subsequently come to know her better since being her Facebook friend. I've delighted in her posts on such varied topics as sending her daughter off to college, the joys and woes of kindergarten, the challenge of learning to knit, the trials of frequent travel and her obsession with Johnny Depp.

I savored her first book, Life is a Verb

and preordered 4 Word Self Help the minute I heard about it.

Actually 4 Word Self Help, Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives, is the reason for this post.

It is simple, but it's simplicity is part of its charm.
Open at random to any page and you'll be greeted by a 4 word phrase that will be good advice. After reading it in its entirety I found myself reducing my communication to 4 words and it's quite fun, not to mention energy saving.
The 4 word phrases are intriguing, but what's even more enticing to me is the accompanying art work. Before publishing Patti sends out invitations to artists to submit art to illustrate her words. I love the idea of giving artists, some well-known, others not so much, an opportunity to be published.
My dear friend, Davi's Princess Magpie work will be included in Patti's next book, Creative is a Verb.

Needless to say, I've already placed an order.

I do hope you join me in the pleasure to be derived from reading Patti's books.
Perhaps one day I'll be fortunate to have a piece in one of them.

It really is an endless summer

2010-09-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's been three years plus since I've retired and there hasn't been a day go by that I haven't enjoyed (well, except for those couple of awful months in the winter...)
You may have noticed I've been much too busy having fun to blog. There's much I wish to write about and share and, oh so many pictures of the grands and America and friends and family to publish, but not right now.

I'm in the throes of enjoying myself too much to spend time on the computer.
Just one little short note:

I just ordered this book

because, even if I never ever bake a cake pop, they're just too cute to look at.

I'm still too emotional to put all the photos up

2010-08-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

but here's a teaser for now.

2010-08-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

As hard as I tried to like Anna Quindlen's new novel I just couldn't do it UNTIL the tragedy.
I was close to giving up although I knew horror was sure to follow at the next turn of a page.
Even knowing that, I was taken by surprise by the events that totally captured my heart.
From then on I was hooked.
Tears not in the middle where they should have been, but at the end, when Mary Beth's mother asks her, "how are you doing?"
"I'm trying," she replies.

One of my favorite parts portrays a conversation between Mary Beth and her teenaged, poet daughter Ruby.
"Ruby loved to tell me things I didn't know... and that afternoon, she had told me about the butterfly effect, how the beating of their wings in Mexico could cause a breeze in our backyard. 'That's kind of terrifying,' I replied. But even as I spoke I realized that that was what we had all believed from the moment we had children. The breast-fed baby became the confident adult. The toddler who listened to a bedtime story went on to a doctorate. We flapped our wings in our kitchens, and a wind blew through their futures.
'It is terrifying,' Ruby had said, but with gusto. 'But it makes you think before you act.'"

I think this is something I could do

2010-08-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Bibliotherapy

Unexpected Pleasures

2010-08-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Since we were not able to attend the wedding of Erin and Rob Clark in Healdsburg in June, I suggested we connect when we came to Northern California for Rod's niece's wedding in August.
Erin and I have only met online, first because we're raising sibling pups for CCI - she Ariel and me America.
After initial introductions we realized we have a mutual love for Scrabble so we started playing Wordscraper in Facebook pretty much every day.
We arranged a meeting at Zin Restaurant in Healdsburg for Sunday evening.
We were thrilled when Erin and Rob brought their lovely daughter, Jaffray, who started Erin on her CCI journey when she raised Rista for a school project, but, sorry, Jaffray, even more thrilled when they brought Ariel and their new pup Rodney.

Ariel is every bit as sweet as America.

We had a lovely visit, but could hardly contain our excitement when Rob offered to take us flying the next day. He and Rod connected quickly on an engineering level, but it turns out Rob also is the owner of North Coast Air

Here's a slideshow chronicling our adventure.

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Thanks, Rob, for such a thrill!

Even more highlights

2010-08-06T12:40:00.001-07:00

We would highly recommend a stay at the
Calderwood Inn in Healdsburg.

Margaret was innkeeper extraordinaire and was kind enough to upgrade us to The Wilson Room so Rod wouldn't have to climb another flight of stairs.
He said he felt like he was staying in the home of his youth (an exquisite craftsman home), except for the incredible wall paper by Bradbury and Bradbury,
He said he spent much of the night staring up at the ceiling and wondering how they did it.

Our next stop was

which I'll tell you about in my next post.

Such a beautiful wedding

2010-08-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

We wish Carolyn and Alan and Lincoln happiness always!

This free slideshow customized with Smilebox

We all knew Chris was the one responsible for the sunshine!

Words can't describe

2010-08-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

a visit to Lina G's in Morro Bay.

It's a vintage trim and yarn shop located at
468 Morro Bay Blvd
Morro Bay, CA 93442

I've never seen anything like it. After just having taken a class from KCWillis I felt like I'd died and gone to vintage heaven.
I think Lina maintains a personal relationship with each one of her trims. I asked her how she keeps track of them and her reply was, "they're my babies."

Here's a tiny glimpse of the fun to be had:

If you can't make it to Morro Bay, Lina has an ebay store:
All the Trimmings

Not nearly the fun of the real life experience, but cheaper than the gas to Morro Bay.

A Glorious Getaway, full of sunshine, family, friends and good food

2010-08-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

We started our getaway with a night in Cambria at the OlallieberryInn

It was our second stay in the Angels Nook room at this charming bed & breakfast.

Our charming hostess, Marjorie Ott.

the lovely robe!

It's a little know fact that Cambria is the rubber ducky capital of the world.

Had to pick up a couple for Lila and Larkin.

An added bonus to a night in Cambria was dinner with friends from Newbury Park, Donna & Ken Day and their intelligent, handsome grandson, Michael.

We had to backtrack to Morro Bay for a visit to Lina G's, a vintage trim shop.

I'm putting my experience there in a separate post so I can share it with a wider audience.

Next stop: Nepenthe's
a must for us if we're anywhere near Big Sur.

We spent a non eventful night in Carmel. Don't particularly care if we return to the Vagabond Inn or Flaherty's Seafood Restaurant.

We headed up Hwy. 1 on Friday enjoying the sunshine and spectacular scenery.
Visits with family and chickens were a highlight of the afternoon.
Dinner with family Friday and airport run on Sat. to pick up Michael and Laurie.

New post for pictures of Carolyn and Alan's wedding.

Wonderful Wednesday

2010-07-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

First off was discoving the UrbanBarn in Escondido
Here are some slides of fun things to be had

Make your own picture slideshow

THEN
came our class with KC Willis.
It's hard to describe how much fun we had so I won't. I'm just going to show you Davi's and my finished products and then send you to Silly Sally's blog because she documented the day so much better!

sillysalcreates

Just got the email this morning that KC's teaching more classes at Urban Barn in February. I've already signed up for the book class. Can't wait!
Check out lipstickranch for all the details.

Pretty interesting

2010-07-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

Once again, I am glad I renewed my subscription to Newsweek.

ksl.com - Dogs help autistic kids interact with adults

2010-07-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Heartwarming!

ksl.com - Amazing dog services Salt Lake paraplegic

2010-07-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

This is a terrific video showing off some pretty amazing skills of a CCI pup.
Go Tadaki!

Larky

2010-07-11T10:12:00.001-07:00

Once again my fabulous son-in-law captures precious moments!!!
larky

I have to say I loved seeing all my hats again.

If I had a bucket list

2010-07-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

a class with KC Willis would be on it.

Never did I imagine that I would be able to travel to CO to attend a real collage camp, BUT, lo and behold, KC is coming to San Diego, and I was lucky enough to hear about it in time to sign up for a one day class.

Her art is certainly one of a kind and incorporates all the things that I love.

Small art quilts, which I was first introduced to by Jane LaFazio are right up my alley!
Small enough to finish, detailed enough to be really interesting.

In the class I hope to get better at transferring photos, especially vintage family ones, to fabric and embellishing them with this and that.
Here's a sample of one I did a while back, and I can't wait to add one with Lila and Larkin.

Should you have any interest in joining Davi and me on July 21st at the Urban Barn in Escondido (which sounds like it's worth a trip in itself) I'm posting a link to KC's website. You can get more details about the class in the sidebar, Workshops and Videos and once there at the tab, KC on the road.
There are a couple of spots left, but will no doubt be snatched up quickly.

Available on Amazon

2010-07-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Most of you already have my coffee cake recipe, but just in case you'd like to buy the cookbook, click here and I'll get some Amazon credit.

Very fun listening!

2010-07-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Musicforthe4th

The beginning of the end of the beginning

2010-06-30T17:19:00.001-07:00

There is an automatic correlation between raising a CCI pup and heartbreak.
We embrace them so enthusiastically
at 8 weeks of age, eager to shape them into pups of distinction.
We get up with them at all hours of the night for the first few weeks, we endure the time when we'd like to kill them because they've eaten our favorite shoes, ruined our sprinkler systems, chewed the carpet, vomited on the stairs, just because they're so cute. We fluff up our chests with pride when we can take them to church, a mall, the library and they elicit so many comments of 'what a well behaved pup'.
Inevitably the time comes when we must part.
America's time is near, August 14.
I received in the mail today her final paper work: make sure she's had all her shots, send a couple of photos you'd like to see in the slide show (does that couple only mean two from 16 months of extreme closeness and pride???).
My heart is heavy, but in the 7 years I've been associated with CCI, I've seen miracles happen.
I love America so much, but I wish with all my heart she will grace another person's life (someone needier than I) with all the joy that she exudes. If it is not meant to be, I shall welcome her back with open arms and we will begin a new chapter of making a difference.
Here are a couple of photos of her outings the last few days - always dependable, always joyful!
God Bless America!

Yea, the breadmaker's back

2010-06-22T06:08:00.001-07:00

This is the first batch of bread Rod's made since his accident, rosemary sourdough. Yum!

An extraordinary Exhibit

2010-06-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

San Diego Book Arts is hosting a phenomenal exhibit at Geisel Library on the UCSD campus from now through July 4th.
This slideshow captures a few of my favorites.

A free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Each of the 61 entries is totally different, but equally intriguing.
I had the pleasure of attending with 3 art aficionados, but who also happen to be foodies, so we topped off our field trip with a visit to the Burger Lounge where the grass fed beef is truly mouth watering.
Our friend from Nebraska, who met us there, verifies the authenticity of the beef.

It's here!!!!

2010-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that my autographed copy of Mary Engelbreit's new cookbook, Fan Fare, arrived today, featuring on p. 40 a recipe submitted by yours truly.
Even 15 seconds of fame is thrilling to me:-)
Looks like lots of good recipes are included, and quotes, which I love, abound, not to mention her beloved artwork scattered throughout.

A powerful homily

2010-06-13T09:32:00.001-07:00

We're blessed at St. James to have such a gifted homilist as Peter Hodsdon.

His sermon yesterday caused us to think about abortion in a whole new light. Christ is forgiveness and how can we, as Christians, do anything less than forgive?

The Gospel of Luke has been the favorite of many women over the years and here is a prime example of why that is the case. We are presented with the touching, poignant story of a so-called “sinful” woman who despite her life as an apparent outcast, has braved ridicule and rejection to seek forgiveness and healing from the one person she somehow knows will accept her, Jesus. She never says a word – she doesn’t have to. Her sobs, her tears, her gentle caress of Jesus’ feet as she anoints them speak volumes. Put yourself in the scene. She realizes that she has no towel, perhaps looking for something to use, anything, and in utter abandonment, uses her long hair, the very mark of a fallen woman in that era, to dry the feet of Jesus. And Jesus, moved by the woman’s humility and likewise irritated at the pomposity of Simon the Pharisee, says the words that He knows will bring peace to the woman and horrify the righteous guests. “Your sins are forgiven.” “Go in peace.”
We’re not told what the woman’s sin was – we assume adultery, of course, for what else would drive this woman to such a state? It’s interesting to bring this story into the 21st century and ask the same question. What would drive a woman to such a state? I’m not sure the answer today would still be adultery. Adultery is practically celebrated these days, especially in our overheated entertainment media.
But I think that there is one that has taken its place in our day and age – an act that despite its legality is never celebrated, and often mourned long after it is done. I’m talking about abortion. It’s interesting to see the collective tension in the Church rise at that word, and immediately the three elephants of politics, morality, and polarized thinking enter the room. I’m going to ask those elephants to leave, however, because I’m not here to discuss those points today. I’m here to talk about healing. I’m here to talk about forgiveness and new life.
About six million women in the US become pregnant every year; of these pregnancies, 1.2 million end in abortion, about 20 percent. I’m not telling this to you to shock you, but to point out that there is a very high likelihood that every adult in this Church knows a woman who has had an abortion, whether you realize it or not. There is growing evidence that despite the woman’s conviction at the time of the abortion that it was the right thing to do, many suffer from depression and related anxiety disorders for years following the event. Worse yet, women who abort their pregnancies are less likely to obtain professional help than women who have had stillbirths. My point is simple: there is a large population of women in our very real world who are in pain, who are suffering, who feel that they cannot seek help – all the consequence of a poor choice at a vulnerable moment. Their pain transfers to their spouses, their significant others, many of whom suffer beside them in solidarity. There’s an awful lot of weeping going on. So here’s the question: how can we be like Jesus to these women?
Reread the first reading. David, accused of murder by Nathan the prophet, acknowledges his deed and what does God do? He forgives David. Reread this gospel. Does Jesus shun this woman? No. Does he condemn her? No. Does he demand that she do penance? No. You can bet that this sinful woman would not have taken the immense risk she did if there was any hint of Jesus rejecting her. Somehow she knew that Jesus was a safe place to seek peace. This is the first step we need to take as well. Can we be a safe place for the woman who has had an abortion? Can we be there for her without causing additional grief and pain? I invite you to examine your emotional state, your own feelings on the matter. If a woman came to you today and divulged that she has had an abortion, how would you react? What if she wants to justify herself? What if she is depressed and angry? What if she simply needs to share?
Here are some things to consider:
 A person going through a grieving process often displays many complicated emotions. Don’t get wrapped up in the emotions. See the grieving person inside.
 Healing takes a long time, marked by many, often messy, setbacks.
 As a disciple of Jesus, make the distinction between public rhetoric and the reality of a person who is sitting in front of you in pain. Once the abortion is a reality, a done deed, what good is there in labels, party politics, and talking points?
 If the person comes from a strong religious background, understand that the shame and guilt can be doubly crippling. She can feel hopelessly condemned, to the point where she cannot imagine that she can be forgiven. Can you be the first one to say, “I am so sorry for your loss. I know it must have been difficult. How can I help you find peace?”
 Don’t try to fix the situation or force healing. Use a method that works in prison – listen, listen, love, love. Communicate compassion.
 Offer support resources. I’ll leave you with one resource to remember. There is an excellent web site called Abortion Changes You.com. This is a simple, completely non-political web site that offers resources for women who have had abortions and those who care about them. There is also a link to local counselors that requires only a zip code.
What if you know someone who you suspect is suffering from an abortion experience? Or who has confided to you in the past and you had nothing to offer? How do you approach them? Here’s a simple way. Mention that you heard a homily on Sunday about post-abortion healing and you thought of her. I have already posted this homily on my web site – www.dcnpeterh.com. Feel free to download and send it to her. Or, as I mentioned above, point her to abortionchangesyou. It’s noted in the bulletin this week. Above all, if you open the door, prepare to walk through it with her. We’re not into hit-and-run compassion!
This homily is not sponsored by a political party. There is no hidden agenda here. A number of weeks ago, I spoke about the difference between the container and the contents. This is about the content that is Jesus. Jesus demonstrates how to be in relationship with a person in intense pain. He is a safe place, he is available, he listens, he forgives, he heals, he sends in peace.
There is a difference between fighting evil -- and caring for the wounded, just as we distinguish between justice and charity. We are called to do both if we’re to be credible followers of Jesus. After all, they’ll know we are Christians by our love. And love transforms the world.

San Diego Vacation 2010

2010-06-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Derek is a genius!!!

look how cute sweet baby Larky is.

here's a link to see the rest, almost, of the fam enjoying the grands

grands