Jenn has finally recovered from her Kolkata trip. So good to have her home again. She is tackling some home projects for us - a few rooms are receiving new coats of paint. She's doing the painting, and selecting the colors. Beachwalk is going in the hallway and one wall in the living room.)
News from Addie is that she has a new job with a nonprofit in NY state. She's living with a friend for the summer and then returning for her senior year at college. Yes, this will be her final year as an undergrad!
Geo is recovering from a bad cold that has slowed him up quite a bit. He's blaming Jenn for sneezing on him!
I'm involved with so many projects from work. I've got to schedule some vacation time. It's going to be "Use or lose."
Seems that the rain here has been on-going for weeks. More thunderstorms predicted for today, and isolated storms during the week. Walking in our yard is like stepping out on a huge wet sponge. We need some sunny warm and balmy days to dry out. The farmers are really hurting with flooded fields and no relief in sight. Weatherwise, this seems to be an unusual season.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Empty Nest
Exciting times here. Jenn very recently arrived home from her service trip to Calcutta. Addie, after a full semester in Paris - and traveling to London and Dublin, is now en route to Buffalo, NY via Canada until the beginning of senior year.
Saying "Good-bye" to Addie last night, I felt a little like I did when I put her on the schoolbus for her first day of kindergarten. She was leaving my world to enter a new world of her own.
Addie and Jenn have changed and matured so very much during their intercontinental trips. I admit I still feel very protective of them, but as they are venturing out on their own, I am assured that I not only have two very talented and caring daughters, I feel like I have two new "best friends."
"Welcome home, Jenn," and "My thoughts and prayers are with you, Addie, for more new adventurous beginnings!" Love, Mom
Saying "Good-bye" to Addie last night, I felt a little like I did when I put her on the schoolbus for her first day of kindergarten. She was leaving my world to enter a new world of her own.
Addie and Jenn have changed and matured so very much during their intercontinental trips. I admit I still feel very protective of them, but as they are venturing out on their own, I am assured that I not only have two very talented and caring daughters, I feel like I have two new "best friends."
"Welcome home, Jenn," and "My thoughts and prayers are with you, Addie, for more new adventurous beginnings!" Love, Mom
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Nest
Outside of our living room window, deep in the dense cedar tree, there is a lot of activity. Seems that a small bird has chosen this very spot to build a nest. I'm disappointed that I cannot actually see the nest. I cannot see the progress that is being made as it is being shaped into a first home for the baby- birds- to -be.
That a nest is being built is certain. The little bird is busily flying in and out from the cedar with strands of dried straw. The branches of the cedar are shaking while the bird is here. The spot chosen for the nest is a perfect one. Up against the house it is somewhat protected from the weather, and deep in the branches the nest is hidden from human sight.
I couldn't help but make this an analogy to faith. Faith is like that hidden nest that is being shaped. It cannot be seen, but - if we are observant - we know when it is there. We know that it is there because of all the activity that goes into shaping it, and all the activity - "the works" surrounding it and emanating from it.
Just as the bird uses dry straw to build the nest, I think faith is built from a lot of the "dry straw" of our lives - the lifeless down to earth stuff that seems to be of no useful purpose to anyone, and most of all to ourselves. If we pick up those parts of our lives and bring them to faith - the true active belief in the power of Life itself - any of that can be shaped to nestle the beginnings of new life and hope for the future.
So I am thinking, what is the dry straw in my life that I can pick up to shape into potential for something new and wonderful to happen. Just as it is for the busy bird, it will take focus, determination and diligence.
I am very eager to see the new birds in the cedar tree.
That a nest is being built is certain. The little bird is busily flying in and out from the cedar with strands of dried straw. The branches of the cedar are shaking while the bird is here. The spot chosen for the nest is a perfect one. Up against the house it is somewhat protected from the weather, and deep in the branches the nest is hidden from human sight.
I couldn't help but make this an analogy to faith. Faith is like that hidden nest that is being shaped. It cannot be seen, but - if we are observant - we know when it is there. We know that it is there because of all the activity that goes into shaping it, and all the activity - "the works" surrounding it and emanating from it.
Just as the bird uses dry straw to build the nest, I think faith is built from a lot of the "dry straw" of our lives - the lifeless down to earth stuff that seems to be of no useful purpose to anyone, and most of all to ourselves. If we pick up those parts of our lives and bring them to faith - the true active belief in the power of Life itself - any of that can be shaped to nestle the beginnings of new life and hope for the future.
So I am thinking, what is the dry straw in my life that I can pick up to shape into potential for something new and wonderful to happen. Just as it is for the busy bird, it will take focus, determination and diligence.
I am very eager to see the new birds in the cedar tree.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Extravagance
Father Michael challenged us to identify with some of the characters in the Passion Scripture readings. One of those he mentioned was the woman who poured out the costly contents of the alabaster jar to anoint the feet of Jesus. She did not just take a portion of the precious contents, but she broke the jar and poured out all she had. It was an extavagant gesture. To many it seemed that the contents were wasted. She could have graciously used a portion and saved the rest.
Father Michael challenged us to be extravagant in our relationship with Jesus, to be extravagant with our time. He asked us to think about "wasting time" with Jesus in prayer.
I thought about all the other times I waste, whether it is listening to the same news over and again, or surfing the net, or lingering over that second or third cup of coffee. And that may not be so bad. But I never thought of wasting time with Jesus.
We think about "setting apart some time" for the Lord, and that is a good thing to do. But how about lingering in prayer when we could well be doing other things? How about "wasting time" with Jesus. I just never thought about it in quite that way before...being extravagant with my time.
No time with the Lord is wasted. But why not be more generous?
Father Michael challenged us to be extravagant in our relationship with Jesus, to be extravagant with our time. He asked us to think about "wasting time" with Jesus in prayer.
I thought about all the other times I waste, whether it is listening to the same news over and again, or surfing the net, or lingering over that second or third cup of coffee. And that may not be so bad. But I never thought of wasting time with Jesus.
We think about "setting apart some time" for the Lord, and that is a good thing to do. But how about lingering in prayer when we could well be doing other things? How about "wasting time" with Jesus. I just never thought about it in quite that way before...being extravagant with my time.
No time with the Lord is wasted. But why not be more generous?
Monday, April 10, 2006
Glimmer of Light in a Bleak Situation
From Peggy Noonan's April 6, 2006 column, another take on U.S. presence in Iraq:
"...Our troops in Iraq are the best of us: brave young men and women willing to put themselves in harm's way for their country. But they are by and large something else: very good, and kind, and generous human beings. Every day for three years they have, as part of their mission and in their off hours, been interacting with Iraqi kids and young people. Those kids, those young people, having been exposed to who Americans are--their kindness, their helpfulness, their humor and good nature--will never forget it.
Will this have implications for the future? Yes, I do believe it will. After World War II, half of Europe had been defeated by America, bombed by it. And yet America had the broad support and affection of Western Europe in the crucial quarter century after that war, in part because of efforts such as the Marshall Plan, but also because of exposure, both prewar and postwar, to American GIs. Europeans came to know who Americans were. American leaders and diplomats did plenty to help America's standing, but in the end the glory went, I think, to the GI Joes, and some Janes too, who won and occupied with American grace.
We will find, down the road, that many in Iraq will hold affection and respect for America because of the Americans they met and came to know in our armed forces in the first years of the 21st century. And this will have implications, and they will not be unhappy..."
For the full column, click on this title for the link.
"...Our troops in Iraq are the best of us: brave young men and women willing to put themselves in harm's way for their country. But they are by and large something else: very good, and kind, and generous human beings. Every day for three years they have, as part of their mission and in their off hours, been interacting with Iraqi kids and young people. Those kids, those young people, having been exposed to who Americans are--their kindness, their helpfulness, their humor and good nature--will never forget it.
Will this have implications for the future? Yes, I do believe it will. After World War II, half of Europe had been defeated by America, bombed by it. And yet America had the broad support and affection of Western Europe in the crucial quarter century after that war, in part because of efforts such as the Marshall Plan, but also because of exposure, both prewar and postwar, to American GIs. Europeans came to know who Americans were. American leaders and diplomats did plenty to help America's standing, but in the end the glory went, I think, to the GI Joes, and some Janes too, who won and occupied with American grace.
We will find, down the road, that many in Iraq will hold affection and respect for America because of the Americans they met and came to know in our armed forces in the first years of the 21st century. And this will have implications, and they will not be unhappy..."
For the full column, click on this title for the link.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Psy Chi
Friday, March 31, Jenn was inducted into the National Psychology Honors Society Psy Chi. Quite an achievement. I hear that only about 30% of Psych majors enjoy this distinction. We attended the ceremony as proud parents.
I recalled so many other award ceremonies that we have attended as proud parents from Preschool through High School days, and now at the collegiate level. I remember Jenn receiving the "Best Smile" award as a "Mighty Midget" toddler, and the "Best Coordinated" certificate from Mountain Bike Camp because the counselors were so impressed that her socks always matched her biking outfit. (I'm still not sure what that has to do with mountain biking.)
Anyway, Congrats to Jenn, for all her achievements.
And she is still well color-coordinated and her smile still dazzles.
I recalled so many other award ceremonies that we have attended as proud parents from Preschool through High School days, and now at the collegiate level. I remember Jenn receiving the "Best Smile" award as a "Mighty Midget" toddler, and the "Best Coordinated" certificate from Mountain Bike Camp because the counselors were so impressed that her socks always matched her biking outfit. (I'm still not sure what that has to do with mountain biking.)
Anyway, Congrats to Jenn, for all her achievements.
And she is still well color-coordinated and her smile still dazzles.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Local and not so local news
It was so good to see Jim and Kay back from Florida. The sunshine state agrees well with them; they look wonderful.
Mr. and Mrs. M. are back from Egypt -I do hope they'll share their videos and pix with us.
Addy returned safely to Paris from London. She sure packed a lot of sightseeing into 5 days. And from the pix she emailed, she has certainly mastered the use of her new camera.
Jenn and BF Sean spent a day in Boston - and somehow found themselves in the midst of a peaceful protest. They never experienced a protest before. They report "it was cool." Reminds me of how far back in time the 60s are, with all the marches, sit-ins, be-ins, vigils, etc being so common on all our campuses.
Jenn says she feels like a real college student, tons of reading to do, papers to write, meetings to attend, and she's out of pocket change. Her near immediate goal is a successful trip to India. She has a lot of people supporting her in this, and we are grateful for her taking part in this service trip.
As for my wonderful birthday brunch, we'll have to do it again when we are all back together.
Mr. and Mrs. M. are back from Egypt -I do hope they'll share their videos and pix with us.
Addy returned safely to Paris from London. She sure packed a lot of sightseeing into 5 days. And from the pix she emailed, she has certainly mastered the use of her new camera.
Jenn and BF Sean spent a day in Boston - and somehow found themselves in the midst of a peaceful protest. They never experienced a protest before. They report "it was cool." Reminds me of how far back in time the 60s are, with all the marches, sit-ins, be-ins, vigils, etc being so common on all our campuses.
Jenn says she feels like a real college student, tons of reading to do, papers to write, meetings to attend, and she's out of pocket change. Her near immediate goal is a successful trip to India. She has a lot of people supporting her in this, and we are grateful for her taking part in this service trip.
As for my wonderful birthday brunch, we'll have to do it again when we are all back together.
A Birthday Brunch
We enjoyed a fabulous brunch at the Tuscan Kitchen. Our first time there. It was Geo's surprise for me. Excellent. We sat at a table behind glass and overlooking the dessert table. Desserts included everything from chocolate cake, cream puffs, cannoli, cheesecake, and creme brulee (why do all the best desserts start with the letter "C"?) The creme brulee was to die for delicious.
Geo, a mimosa, and an outstanding meal - what a great way to begin a new year!
Geo, a mimosa, and an outstanding meal - what a great way to begin a new year!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
The Serenity Prayer
I've never taken "The Serenity Prayer" very seriously. I'd read it as far as "to accept the things I cannot change," and thought I'd rather see, work for, pray for a lot of change. I still feel that way.
Last night I went to a Lenten prayer service. The priest asked us to read this prayer for as many days as we'd like, each day taking just one line and imagining what our life would be like if we actually lived that way. Using this approach, I thought I'd give this prayer another try to see if it could actually be meaningful for me. Surprisingly, I now believe that this could result in a lot of change!
Lord, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things that I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Last night I went to a Lenten prayer service. The priest asked us to read this prayer for as many days as we'd like, each day taking just one line and imagining what our life would be like if we actually lived that way. Using this approach, I thought I'd give this prayer another try to see if it could actually be meaningful for me. Surprisingly, I now believe that this could result in a lot of change!
Lord, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things that I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Jeffery Deaver's THE TWELFTH CARD
Just finished the novel Dorothy sent me. I don't usually choose current suspense thrillers, but gave this one a go. It became quite the page-turner about 1/2 way through.
I liked the way Deaver blended historic fiction with current fictional events, like 2 stories happening simultaneously, and he kept the reader wondering how they would tie together, right up to the final chapter.
I picked out a few favorite sentences:
From chapter 36, "...This's home. And you know what you do with your home, don't you? You change what oughta be changed and learn to be proud of what you can't."
From chapter 44, "Early Wednesday, the autumn air cold and clear as fresh ice."
And, not least, throughout the book, "Word." Now that's one of Jenn's favorite responses. (That gave the book some authenticity to me, and made me smile.)
There are five other Lincoln Rhyme/Amelia Sachs novels by Deaver. Geo has read a few.
THE TWELFTH CARD interested me enough to read another, and I just may go for the series.
Thank you, Dorothy. Aunt Marie, the book will be in the mail on its way to you.
I liked the way Deaver blended historic fiction with current fictional events, like 2 stories happening simultaneously, and he kept the reader wondering how they would tie together, right up to the final chapter.
I picked out a few favorite sentences:
From chapter 36, "...This's home. And you know what you do with your home, don't you? You change what oughta be changed and learn to be proud of what you can't."
From chapter 44, "Early Wednesday, the autumn air cold and clear as fresh ice."
And, not least, throughout the book, "Word." Now that's one of Jenn's favorite responses. (That gave the book some authenticity to me, and made me smile.)
There are five other Lincoln Rhyme/Amelia Sachs novels by Deaver. Geo has read a few.
THE TWELFTH CARD interested me enough to read another, and I just may go for the series.
Thank you, Dorothy. Aunt Marie, the book will be in the mail on its way to you.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Feb 25, 2006
Our wedding anniversary. Cold blowing snow, a typical February day.
Geo and I met for dinner with four other couples at Jenn's favorite restaurant - Three Tomatoes. I must say, food and service were excellent, and I am adding this place to our favs, too.
Earlier Geo enjoyed the Mardi Gras parade, bigger crowd and better than ever, says he. He met Jenn and a few of her suitemates there, all vying for the beads and candy.
Later that night we went to the Capitol Steps performance at the Flynn. 'Twas an irreverent and hilarious take on current (imagine Cheney with his hunting gear) and not-so-current ( think a bloated Al Gore) politics. The real Senator "Don't Mess with Jim" Jeffords was in the audience, along with campaigning Rich Tarrant who'd like to take his place. With major crises all over the world, and what I'd call a bleak political scene in the U.S. for Dems and Pubs alike, it felt good to laugh at the politics of it all. We need a little humor now and then so we do not take ourselves all so seriously.
Tonite is our dinner for two - restaurant, reservations, and table selected by Geo weeks ago. I am really going to enjoy this quiet and leisurely celebration.
Geo and I met for dinner with four other couples at Jenn's favorite restaurant - Three Tomatoes. I must say, food and service were excellent, and I am adding this place to our favs, too.
Earlier Geo enjoyed the Mardi Gras parade, bigger crowd and better than ever, says he. He met Jenn and a few of her suitemates there, all vying for the beads and candy.
Later that night we went to the Capitol Steps performance at the Flynn. 'Twas an irreverent and hilarious take on current (imagine Cheney with his hunting gear) and not-so-current ( think a bloated Al Gore) politics. The real Senator "Don't Mess with Jim" Jeffords was in the audience, along with campaigning Rich Tarrant who'd like to take his place. With major crises all over the world, and what I'd call a bleak political scene in the U.S. for Dems and Pubs alike, it felt good to laugh at the politics of it all. We need a little humor now and then so we do not take ourselves all so seriously.
Tonite is our dinner for two - restaurant, reservations, and table selected by Geo weeks ago. I am really going to enjoy this quiet and leisurely celebration.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Valentine Roses and More
Yesterday the Fedex guy pulled into our driveway, and no - he was not delivering another work assignment from Boston. This time it was a long box filled with 2 dozen roses from Geo. They are multi-colored, each one uniquely beautiful. Today they are just beginning to open and they are gorgeous. I asked why they came yesterday, and Geo said he couldn't wait, and he was assured that with good care, they would last through Feb 14. Thank you, Geo.
Geo said he was inspired to order them by something he read in the Wall Street Journal. You know, this is at least the second gift I know of that came to me through an inspiration from WSJ. The other was a hand-crafted cherry wood jewelry box. I say, let's renew that subscription!
I talked with Jenn yesterday. Over the holidays she learned to knit. When she went back to the residence hall, she taught her suitemates and even one of the guys to knit. Word has it that they are all making scarves for themselves and friends. Guess it's a relaxing thing to do when they're hanging out together. With all the different colors and textures of yarn, it can be addicting to start a project, then watch how it's turning out.
As for the new year reading, I've slowed up on Rick Warren's book, although I am about 2/3 through it with lots of underlining. I promise to finish it, Addie. Steve Covey's is a library book, which I've renewed. I'm more than 1/2 way through with sincere intentions to finish that one as well. Now I have to figure out how to knit and read at the same time. Maybe books on CD?
This morning I need to finish a report, then it's off to the hospital for my volunteer day. Geo has a Dr appt this aft, then it's phone calling for work this evening. For sure I will be taking time "to smell the roses."
Thank you again, Geo, and Happy Valentine's Day, with love.
Geo said he was inspired to order them by something he read in the Wall Street Journal. You know, this is at least the second gift I know of that came to me through an inspiration from WSJ. The other was a hand-crafted cherry wood jewelry box. I say, let's renew that subscription!
I talked with Jenn yesterday. Over the holidays she learned to knit. When she went back to the residence hall, she taught her suitemates and even one of the guys to knit. Word has it that they are all making scarves for themselves and friends. Guess it's a relaxing thing to do when they're hanging out together. With all the different colors and textures of yarn, it can be addicting to start a project, then watch how it's turning out.
As for the new year reading, I've slowed up on Rick Warren's book, although I am about 2/3 through it with lots of underlining. I promise to finish it, Addie. Steve Covey's is a library book, which I've renewed. I'm more than 1/2 way through with sincere intentions to finish that one as well. Now I have to figure out how to knit and read at the same time. Maybe books on CD?
This morning I need to finish a report, then it's off to the hospital for my volunteer day. Geo has a Dr appt this aft, then it's phone calling for work this evening. For sure I will be taking time "to smell the roses."
Thank you again, Geo, and Happy Valentine's Day, with love.
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