Thanksgiving

Just some thoughts gleaned from others while searching for something for Cindy's website.
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, & jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride". Gordon B. Hinckley

I'm always reminded of this, from Fr. Tim, in the Mitford books:

Ephesians 5:20 - In All Things Be Thankful

This was taken from esermons:
Back during the dark days of 1929, a group of ministers in the Northeast, all graduates of the Boston School of Theology, gathered to discuss how they should conduct their Thanksgiving Sunday services. Things were about as bad as they could get, with no sign of relief. The bread lines were depressingly long, the stock market had plummeted, and the term Great Depression seemed an apt description for the mood of the country. The ministers thought they should only lightly touch upon the subject Thanksgiving in deference to the human misery all about them. After all, there was to be thankful for. But it was Dr. William L. Stiger, pastor of a large congregation in the city that rallied the group. This was not the time, he suggested, to give mere passing mention to Thanksgiving, just the opposite. This was the time for the nation to get matters in perspective and thank God for blessings always present, but perhaps suppressed due to intense hardship.

I suggest to you the ministers struck upon something. The most intense moments of thankfulness are not found in times of plenty, but when difficulties abound. Think of the Pilgrims that first Thanksgiving. Half their number dead, men without a country, but still there was thanksgiving to God. Their gratitude was not for something but in something. It was that same sense of gratitude that lead Abraham Lincoln to formally establish the first Thanksgiving Day in the midst of national civil war, when the butcher’s list of casualties seemed to have no end and the very nation struggled for survival.

Perhaps in your own life, right now, intense hardship. You are experiencing your own personal Great Depression. Why should you be thankful this day? May I suggest three things?

1. We must learn to be thankful or we become bitter.
2. We must learn to be thankful or we will become discouraged.
3. We must learn to be thankful or we will grow arrogant and self-satisfied.

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports > High Schools -- Mavericks pushed, but stop Falcons for league title

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SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports > High Schools -- Mavericks pushed, but stop Falcons for league title

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This was by far the best high school volleyball game I've seen.
Congrats to both teams for a hard fought game!

To mask or not to mask?

Due to concerns from a loving husband and a caring friend, this is where I found myself last night - the Sleep Treatment Center at Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines.
I checked in at 8 p.m., overnight bag stuffed with pjs, slippers, tons of catch up reading material and a sense of adventure, paving the way for others....
These are the lovely accomodations, far from the Ritz, but not uncomfortable.


Les, my efficient technician proceeded to give me the details, hook me up from head to ankle, leave the room, give me directions over a mike from some unknown space, remind me to sleep on my back as best as I could (never easy for me!), and wish me good night.
By this time, it was 9:30, far past my bedtime, but I was reluctant to turn out the light. I worked a crossword puzzle, partially, then browsed a few catalogs. I was pretty sure I wouldn't fall asleep in my usual seconds, but I decided to get on with the night so plunged myself into darkness.
Here I am with all my wires and belts.



It seemed a long time before I fell asleep, many Hail Marys said.
During his initial explanation, Les had informed me that he might wake me up in the middle of the night to try a CPAP on me. I wasn't really sure what that was,
but I wasn't happy with the thought that if he didn't try the CPAP on me, I'd probably have to come back another night. By this time it didn't seem nearly so fun and I was questioning my sanity for putting myself through this.
Sure enough, 1 a.m. Les is right there with the lovely CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine - the dreaded mask!). Once again he suggested that he'd get the best readings if I slept on my back - rats!
It took a bit of practice breaths, but I did get the hang of it before too long. I actually did go back to sleep till my favorite hour of 4:20. All you people who make fun of me - if you ever do one of these you'd be wishing you had my gift. I called out to Les - "Can I get out of here now?" Happily he said yes.
Here I am just before he started ever so gently ripping tape off my face, legs, hair.

Shortly thereafter I was on my way home with great appreciation for my lovely own bed with the two happy to see me bodies reclining there.

So why did I do it????
When I retired one thing I resolved to myself was to get my body back in better shape. It's been an uphill battle, made far more difficult by my deep love of food and wine. However there are a few things to do that are easier than others - get a regular check-up, mammogram, eye exam. If following through on a sleep study will reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, I'm willing to do it - I'll even wear a mask every night if required. I have so many loved ones who are dealing with major illnesses. Being majorly ill is a full time job with NO perks and NO fun. Retirement has made me realize how much fun there is to be had in every day and I'd like to continue having fun for a while.

I realize I've included no real info on what sleep apnea is, but I will when I find out if I actually have it. Stay tuned for results on Tuesday.

This is an event not to be missed!

It's been a pleasure to watch Cindy McQuade become one of the most talented artists I know.
This is an opportunity to see her one of a kind works of art.
Annual Holiday Glass Show and Sale
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
noon till 5
13644 Winstanley Way
San Diego, CA 92130

It's so hard to read through tears

This was an exceptional book, proven by the fact that I was moved to tears through much of it.
It tells the story of a young girl torn from her family because she contracts leprosy. While a novel, it's a testament to those for whom this was real. It begins in the late 1800's, and spans decades of the harsh treatment of those who suffered.
*****from me!

No frivolity on this entry from PW!

Pioneer Woman brings me joy each day writing about her life on an Oklahoma ranch, tending to the needs of her family, Marlboro Man, the four punks, numerous in and outlaws, the dogs, cows and other random visitors.
Today she inspires me on a different level. Marlboro Man and their daughters are on a trip to the Dominican Republic with the group Compassion. Please take the time to read their story.
Compassion

The Grace of God

I can only hope on Wednesday...

we will all be on the same side again and moving forward with kindness!

Wasn't Norman Rockwell a man who could catch us at low moments and make us laugh at our foibles?

Absence REALLY makes the heart grow fonder

isn't she the cutest pumpkin you've ever seen?

Photos by Davi

I have to agree with drmonica, Wyanne is an old soul.

nothing seems to faze her

Christmas show coming up!

Rod did an awesome job putting this flier together and wouldn't we love to have one of two of you join us for the show?

The tail of two hats

Tis the season

Lake-Providence, Louisiana

Lake-Providence, Louisiana
Originally uploaded by smgallery

this is creepy looking isn't it?

salad for the king of evil

salad for the king of evil
Originally uploaded by hanabi.

almost halloween.
this is from the set: green is beautiful. I beg to differ...

Mary Lou Cook

She was quoted today in my women who do too much calendar - "Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."
I love the quote but hadn't heard of her - but through the wonders of google here she is:
Mary Lou Cook



“Santa Fe’s Living Treasure,” Mary Lou Cook, is a force to be reckoned with. Mother of three grown children, teacher, counselor, reverend, writer, lecturer, not to mention calligrapher, bookbinder, basket maker and tree planter, Cook lives through example, showing us life can be a joyous and wondrous adventure. Inspired by Ghandi, ‘you must be the change you wish to see in the world,’ Mary Lou Cook serves as mentor and activist on several fronts, including: nuclear issues, the environment, women’s issues, Peace Corps, politics and peace.
Throughout her life, Cook has been blazing trails: she was the first woman bank director in Santa Fe at United Southwest Bank; co-founder of the New Mexico acupuncture association which was instrumental in bringing acupuncture to the mainstream and protecting it under the laws of the state; co-founder of Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Watch of New Mexico, which focuses on educating the public; founder of the Santa Fe Living Treasures, a group garnering huge national attention which honors elders who have made a significant difference to the community; City of Santa Fe’s Official Calligrapher in the 1980s, (Santa Fe was the second city to create the position, after Los Angeles); founder of the MLC (Mary Lou Cook) Creativity Center; creator of the popular Black Kindness bracelet, with the word ‘kindness’ printed in seventeen languages to promote peace around the world and Minister and Bishop of the Eternal Life Church, performing ceremonies throughout the year for people from over the world and last, but certainly not least, co-founder of the New Mexico Department of Peace.
For Mary Lou Cook, peace and creativity go hand in hand, “It is so important for us to use our creativity. We are all born with it, but not all of us use it. Creativity is about original thinking, being happy and positive. It is important to understand our main job is to be happy. We always have a choice between peace and fear, why would we choose fear over peace?” Cook’s creativity has inspired her to co-author twelve books including Open Endings, Beyond Fear, When I Listen and Let Your Clown Out of the Closet.

Howloween at Laurie's

Thank you for such a fun day - not to mention Dr. Monica!

Food for thought

I occasionally check in on this lovely lady's blog, One Happy Fool
She's a cancer survivor, teaches art to youth in prison, and challenges herself daily to draw! She takes multiple art classes and faithfully posts her work. She's miles ahead of me, but gives me inspiration.
I almost forgot to mention she has a CCI service dog, released for kidney problems.

Here's one of her works from a mixed medial class.



here's her bio:
Barbara
Northern California, United States
I'm a woman of a certain age, living with one husband, one daughter, three dogs and one cat. I have more interests than I can name. I especially like to read, watch movies, paper craft, garden, correspond and draw. I sometimes cook, desperately try to clean house and generally keep track of myself. Oh yes, I work parttime too. I like rainy days and most animals. I want a goat. (Not an option, but I want one.) The photo was taken in the chemotherapy suite where I spend LOTS of time.

Look at this discovery!

TeeshaMoore

I'm in awe.
Seldom do I wish to be a different age, but seeing these accomplished artists makes me wish just a little I could do it (only some of it) over again.