January...

I had lunch today with my friend. Brick 29 makes the best Tomato Bisque I have ever had and I look so forward to being with both of them. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big deal but considering I have not been out of house since Saturday, it really was. As I sat waiting for her, I took in my surroundings. I love this place. The colors, the spaciousness and I am ready to paint my ceilings black. As I sat there, sipping my cucumber water, I was trying to decide if it felt good to be out or if I was ready to to run back home. The answer never came. I loved spending time with my friend. We have known each other for a long time and we pick up where we left off the last time we met. Can't think of a better reason to leave the house.

After all, it is January and like it or not, the blues have settled in. I start dreading it November 1. Halloween is over and no matter whether it was mild or mighty, I know it is time to get ready. It is a normal part of the yearly cycle - I would dare say we all get the January blues, different degrees perhaps. I fell them pretty strong. Nothing I can really put my head around. I try to just endure until the calendar rolls around to February 1. That is the magical date. Personally, I think it is colder in February. When I worked, the bathroom always froze up for the first 2 weeks of February. After Valentine's Day, you could almost count on not having to drive across the highway to go potty - but mentally, February turns the corner and heads me to the light.

Even January has to have something going for it. Here's what I have learned this month.

There is alot of alone time that gives you some breathing room. Breathing room to be about others. Time to pray, time to listen and time to take what you know and let it bounce on the provebial trampoline.

I know some absolutely stunning people. Strong in life, passionate about persevering and able to still laugh. I see all His people and I am blown away.

January is 31 days long. It soon will pass. Then it will come again. The ebb and flow of life all crammed into a cold, dreary month. Just like Real Life.

The cucumber water was interesting - two things that I would never have imagined together. You learn something everyday - even in January...

recipes...

I have finished assembling and have sent off my 2007 layout and photo books to Blurb for publishing. Gone are my days of 4x6 photo albums. Now I save my pictures and layouts by month and at the beginning of every January - get out the 12 folders and start putting them together. Each book is labeled by year so years from now, my ggkids will be able to know exactly what was going on and how old everyone was as they cruise any given book. It is truly a beautiful thing.

There are other things in our life that are also worth preserving, recipes. Cooking seems to be a lost art form these days. Church potlucks are full of deli chicken and salads. Store bought cookies still in their clear, plastic boxes with those floppy tops. We live in a world where taste is a rare commodity. I would get anything to stand in a line for 2 hours for out of this world pizza. The Food Channel tells me there are many such places but around here the tastiest pizza is at Pizza Hut - you get the picture.

Just in case, someone in my family wants to kick it up a notch, I have been thinking seriously that I need to get all those little pieces of paper I have saved over the years and get them in their own book. Last summer, DD had a brand-new Betty Crocker cookbook in the yard sale and I scooped that baby up before someone else did. Mine is covered with butter, chocolate and some unidentifiable stains. she taught me how to make gravy, cream sauces and pudding. There is nothing like hot chocolate pudding. My gkids have never had it. Keaton asked if I had any pudding the other night - he meant the portion-controlled plastic cups kind. We didn't have time to make the real stuff but the next time he is over, we will make time.

I think the recipes I have need their own Blurb cookbook so while I am waiting around for spring, think I will start working on this. Some of the charm of inheriting someone's recipe book, is to look back at their handwriting - it reminds you of the person and memories of the food that you associate with them. In my case, having the handwriting of a serial killer would make trying to recreate any recipe a nightmare. Maybe I put some pictures in it instead, so they can still experience the warm fuzzies.

Chocolate Pudding - I made it last night. Put in in the refrigerator to cool for a few minutes and filled up my bowl. You make it with cocoa and Hershey's now makes a dark chocolate cocoa. It is really dark, almost black and the taste would be worth waiting in line for 2 hours. Luckily, I don't have too. Sitting in the middle of the living room in a sea of recipes sounds like a small price to pay when you think about someone grabbing your recipe book on a cold, dark night and making chocolate pudding for the first time. I'd say it was well worth the time...

home page...

We have a 100 things a day that define us. Some come from our Season of life, some come from choices we make and some are ours, like it or not. At times, we choose the personification we want to put out there, for all to see. If I ask you to pick 25 things that would describe you - what would you pick? What would you leave out? What 25 things would give us an insight into the real You? Would those closest to you pick 90% of the same things as you?

Those would be about the Big Defs - how about your home page on your computer? Presuming that you don't share a computer - what is your home page? What do you want to see when you log on to your internet? How do we define what we want right in front of us, everyday.

Today, I can tell you it is our 401K plan. We are in some kind of twilight period ( the 1-5 years before retirement) and after last week, I can tell you that I am considering making the T Rowe Price site my home page although seeing how fast we are losing money makes me kind of lightheaded. It would also make me focus on what is really, really, in the long run, not that important. We will have what we have and live on that. I learned alot after being downsized out and one of the most important is you can not count on anything when it comes to money.

I have had my home page on several of the new channels so I would always know what is going on but that didn't work very well either. I still use them when I want to know about something but I don't want it to be my focus. I considered once having my online banking as my home page - again, I'll get there when I need it.

I could pick one of my favorite blogs - ok, it would have to be Pioneer Woman and although she does post most days. it is not what I am looking for. I don't know why I feel the need for my home page to be meaningful but I do. Maybe it is because I know that I need to be reminded everyday of the preciousness of life and a home page is a great way to be reminded through out the day.

I will tell you that 90% of the time ER is my default home page. Seeing the visuals of my family over and over again, makes the cares and worries of the day, seem to dissipate. Whatever has me in a tizzy on any given day, melts just a bit when those little faces pop up. It is a friendly face, a familiar jargon and place to be safe in an unsafe world. It defines me and it comforts me. Dorothy was right, There's No Place Like Home...

buzz words...

So mommy goes to the restroom and we have to occupy ourselves for a few minutes. Yes, we could have probably sat there with our hands in our laps , but I had a better idea and they had some of their own when it came to posing. A perfect match for 3 minute investment. Usually, I do mention that we might pick up a refreshment later on and I think we did but mainly, I told them how awesome they were and got big smiles in return. But...make no mistake - the buzz word, "refreshment" was what they heard, loud and clear.

We Big People are not much different. We are attracted to buzz words like bees to honey. We can be listening along, making note of every word being said, and then the buzz word, either positive or negative comes along - and we are no longer able to focus on anything but THAT word. Anything after that is never heard and everything before it, is forgotten. That is why so many celebrity types get themselves in hot water.

Buzz words are also generational. To my FIL's generation, the "n" word was used freely and garnered little attention. It amazes me that people like Isiah Thomas, the black coach who had a harassment suit brought against him would defend himself by saying that black people could use the "n" word but not white people. You don't have to listen to more than a handful of rap songs to see that buzz words are also cultural. There are also religious, political and the ones that affect each of us the most - personal buzz words.

We each have words that put us in a fighting or loving mood in an instant. They trip our triggers and if they are the fighting kind - take us a while to get our emotional equilibrium back. It would probably be best if we lock ourselves in a empty, padded room until we can get some clarity on the whole thing. Not sure we can go to a 12 step program to get over these emotions. They are a part of who we are and where we have been. I can still remember watching my Oma talk about the Holocaust and the look on her face.

For me, when I walk up to my DD door and I hear the kid's voices yelling, nana's here whatever my day has been up to that point, fades away and a big smile comes across my face - and they haven't even opened the door yet.

I have come to an understanding with my fighting buzz words. We both agree they will always be there and we both agree I can react however I choose. They will not stand in my way. They have history and they know it but they also know that I have attitude and am not afraid to use it. Sounds like a fair fight to me...

more and more...

It becomes more and more obvious as each day goes by that the world we woke up in today is not the one our naked little butts first came into. I get so annoyed with Sick Poppa's credit union because they do not have internet bill pay and don't seem to think they need it. Maybe they don't. Maybe the percentage of their customers who want that service is relatively low. I know the few times I have been physically at the facility, the average age of their customer base is close to 80. DH's family has banked there forever and when we got married, we banked there for a while. They knew you and you knew them...but after a while we moved on. Banks became competitive and paying double for a monthly check account didn't make sense, no matter if everyone knew our names.

The average age of Brian William's Nightly News viewership is 64. I wish I knew what the median age of Steve Job's Mac World audience was this week - bet it would almost be cut in half. This is the world we live in, this is the world that we oldsters have to adapted to. I suppose you could decide to dig in your heels and refuse. Many have chosen that path. That is just human nature.

Time will natural change our world. As the oldest generation passes away, the baby boomers will step up to the plate and slowly, you won't even notice the change. It will come as naturally as breathing.

Early December, I was cruising the editorial page of our local paper and saw that they were recruiting new members. At first I didn't think much of it but after a few days of popping in and out of my brain, I took a second look. As I reviewed the questions on the application, I was hooked.

What are three things you would never change your mind about?

What a question! I answered all their questions and sent it off. At the beginning of the week, I was invited to attend a trial meeting today. Of course, everyone was shy but that will get better with time. Not all of us will be invited back. Whether I am invited back or not, I loved the Process. As I sat in that meeting room, I so enjoyed the diversity of hearing bit and pieces of complete strangers Stories. It reminds you that the world is a Big Place and everybody has an opinion. Hopefully as we all move ahead, whether by serving on a community board or visiting with someone as you wait in line at the store - we share this new world with each other and in turn, are a better people for it...

It's finally here...

It didn't come the way I thought it would although in hindsight, I should have guessed who would be able to pull if off. It is a little thing but after the technology I have witnessed in the last 10 years, I started to think, it is just a matter of time...and the time is now.

My electronics hero is Steve Jobs. The man has been the head of Pixar studios and Apple - he more than qualifies. Whenever he has his little techie updates, I am there. With snacks and a drink in hand, I sit in front of my computer and prepare to be dazzled. He never disappoints. There is always a guest singer - yesterday it was Randy Newman from Short People fame. It was cool.

He started with IPhone updates and new free software which made the IPhone people swoon. In the 90 days, Apple has sold 4 million IPhone taking almost 20% market share in their first 90 days of shipping. That is more than Motorola, Nokia and Palm combined. Then on to the ITouch which made me swoon. Looks like I am going to have to get me some update software, real soon. Then he moved on to ITunes. My heart is beating quickly now. Very quickly.

Last week, ITunes sold their 7 billion song.
Christmas Day 2007 - ITunes sold 20 million songs in 24 hours. Unprecedented.
Now, you can rent movies at ITunes.

30 + 24...You have 30 days access to your movie and once you start watching it - you can watch in as many times as you want in a 24 hour period. You can watch in on your computer or your IPod - or both. Start watching it and have to run - take it with you. No more lines, no more waiting for a certain movies - rental on demand. Too bad you can't watch them on your TV...Oh, but you can.

Everyone has tried and no one has succeeded - until now. Any movie, any time on your TV. Within 2 weeks Apple TV will ship a stand alone device that will allow you access ITunes directly. Music, podcasts and you will be able to rent movies on demand. Rental prices range from $2.99-$4.99. This is seriously big and all this for a investment of $229.00.

Can't explain my love for technology. Hope to live to 100 to see what else is coming. I love the Walter Evans Stare quote that I found on Ali Edwards blog yesterday. Life is short. Sccop it up and drink it in. Excuse my techie high but I am living Big right now. Maybe we should put Steve Jobs in charge of curing the common cold - bet he'd have it done in 90 days...

getting down and dirty...

As I watched this little ditty from Nylon TV, I couldn't help thinking about all the things in my life that I am afraid to get dirty, both physical and emotional. Mostly afraid that I will wear out, use up and NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE said item. I do find myself thinking most often - I LOVE this shirt, wish I could buy 100 so I never run out. Not the best way to live. I am a Down and Dirty kind of girl - what is it with this strange dichotomy?

The lack of value to a lot of change is the only conclusion I can come to. When change is a good idea to me, like my change of home decor form Heritage Reflections to Pottery Barn, I can't make the change fast enough. However this other kind of change seems to be more personal and less appealing.

It also reminds me how much I love Converse tennis shoes - I am still wearing a pair that I got at a friend's yard sale that belonged to her jr high son who is now is a grown man. There I said it. I have confessed. It is time to throw those shoes away and go buy another pair. Black. I will be accountable to get a pair by the end of January. Then... I must find help to get them dirty, really dirty and then plan on buying another pair next January. Sounds simple but I know that it will be quite a challenge.

While it may seem to be about my craziness, it really is about community. It is about sharing yourself with others. It is about new adventure. It is about change. Already I can hear, What have you gone and done now? I answer back - Getting down and dirty, that's where it's at. Start with tennis shoes and see where it leads. Seems to me, the possibilites are endless. Baby Steps. Sometimes, it's just about Baby Steps...

100 calories...

Not only is January a slow, slow month - it is the Diet Month of The Year. It's cold, not much to look forward to and somewhere along the way, we grew out of our underwear. Everything feels tight. Our clothes just don't feel right, our December credit card bills have put us into a space that makes the walls close in and the only thing we have to look forward to are our W-2's.

One of the new shows had a segment about what 100 calories look like. These days, food companies have made it much easier for us to count calories and it seems that you can get Anything in a 100 calorie pack. If nothing else, we truly are a simple people and this one little thing makes most of us, very happy and it is all wrapped up in a nice neat little package.

But for those foods that DON'T come all ready pre-packaged, this show showed us what 100 calories can buy you.

10 whole pickles ( you have GOT to be kidding)
8-10 french fries ( you have GOT to be kidding)
1/2 of a small baked potato
4 slices of chicken breasts
1/2 cup of plain yogurt with a handful of berries
2 Tablespoons of flavored yogurt
6 ounces of orange juice
2 cups of salsa
1 Tablespoon of mayonnaise
7 Tablespoons of ketchup
8 potato chips
18 carrots

Seems to me, it is feast or famine. How in the world are we suppose to remember all this? 10 whole pickles - are you nuts? Two cups of salsa would put me in a permanent acid reflux coma. 8 French fries just primes my eating pump. Doesn't seem to help January's image too much and it has only made me hungry. Thank God, I love black and white or the whole month would be a complete wash...

passion...

I knew after downloading Miss M's passionate New Years Eve's photo that my personal theme for 2008 would be passion. It came as natural as breathing does. Dh is always telling me that I feel everything with more feeling and passion that the average person. I am so glad I have him as a reference point. A place to start from, then decide where I want to go from there. I usually - no mostly, always try to reign in those passions. Perhaps scared to feel them completely - I scurry back to the middle in hopes that it is not too late.

So with the theme in place, a few days later while checking out a new store at the mall, Gage and I make our own magic while mommy is shopping. His passion for his air guitar is legendary in our family. He plays with so much passion whether in his school's Christmas program or at Steve and Barry's, he truly lives in the moment and may the poster child for the canvas that hangs in my office.

How
Great
Would
Life
Be...
If
We
Lived
A
Little
Of
It
Everyday.

Truthfully, here we are - Day 14 of the New Year and I haven't mustered the courage to let myself feel it yet. There is one opportunity this week where I will have a chance to exercise that courage. I have a few days to think about it and will tell you the whole Story on Friday. I need to decide how this passion thing is going to go and with over 350 days left - it could get ugly. Or, I could learn how to balance my passion, Or, at least how not to be in fear or it. Just the word passion gets a bad rap sometimes. Im not sure I even like the word but when I look at Gage and Miss M's faces, I think it sure looks like a wonderful thing to experience. Whatever the next 11 1/2 months bring, I hope I am ready. We'll see...

The Bridge...

It is about you and me.
It is about how we got here and where we are going.
It is about the One who gives us life by being The Bridge, our Bridge...

Simplify...

I finished my coffee table book of my digi layouts for 2007 yesterday and now will move on to my photos for the last year. Blurb is my publisher of choice and I find this way of keeping my photos and layouts far easier and cost efficent than a several albums of 4x6 photos in plastic sleeves. I have started to do books that cover a calendar year. My hope is that when my family look at these Down The Road, they will enjoy them more than going thru a trunkful of pictures and trying to guess who is who and when were these taken?

It is a simplier process and I am all about simplifying. Over the last year, I have found my taste changing. Going from a country/primitive look to more of a Pottery Barn feel. I sold alot of things at yard sales last year. Also sold a piece of furniture last fall - have not regretted it yet. More will go in this year's yard sale pile and the old will be replaced by the new.

In one wall of my bedroom, I have 3 evenly spaced Warren Kimble pieces, approzimately 20 x 24, which will be replaced with black frames, white mats and my own photos. Same theory, different look. As I am going thru this change, I am amazed at what I am seeing. Things that I thought I couldn't live without - suddenly, bother me. The process of simplifying is on-going and forever changing. I truly do love the process.

So, January is here and I feel the need to do more. Woke up last week with a burning desire to simplify my kitchen pantry and four trash bags later, I had offerings for the trashmen and my yard sale pile. Found this organzational tool today - The Four Laws of Simplicity.

1. Collect everything in one place.

2. Choose the essential.

3. Eliminate the rest.

4. Organize the remaining stuff neatly and nicely.

I didn't even know that Simplicity had any laws and when I did my pantry, this is how I did it. Usually, I just straighten everything up but this time I even looked at the Buy By Dates on everything. For me, the first one is the key. If I don't have it all together in one place, the other 3 never have a chance of getting completed. Good thing it's January - I got a whole lot of drawers to get to...

Let It Snow...

The weather outside truly is frightful... In anticipation of the next snow storm heading our way and DD needing to work today, I spent last night at their house so we would be prepared. Prepared we were, however, we woke up to no snow...but an hour later, it started. Mommy went off to work to return quite abruptly. Her employer sent her home because there were no customers. At least we were prepared.

So she brought got to bring me home early and the weather was much worse here than at her house. I am glad she got to head home before the work traffic - it is going to be a nightmare.

So we all made it home, safe and sound. I am NOT a snow person. Wet, cold, bright - I don't get it. Of course, never seeing it until I was 17, may have contributed to my less-than-lovely feelings about it. Being raised in California, there was basically one season. A little wind, once in a great while, some rain - that was it and I loved it but here in Idaho, the trade off for winter is fall and for that alone, it is so worth it.

We haven't had much snow for a few years so this is somewhat new to the kids. I would expect there might be a snowman in their yard soon. What kid could resist this white, fluffy stuff? With the anticipation of a school-less snow day - what is not to like? For us Big People, it is about traffic and shoveling - it is more difficult to see past that to the fluffy stuff. So for you Big People who get it, I am envious and proud of you. I will also wait inside by the fire in my jammies and get the hot cocoa ready for you - it's the least I can do. After all, fall is only 9 months away...

food...

Spent some time with Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain today. While technically - travel challenged, I can go to any country for 60 minutes while in my pajamas and really, enjoy myself. He mixes travel with food and humor - a combination I can not deny nor do I even attempt to. I look forward to the foods of the particular places he travels but more specific, I love it when he eats with the people of his temporary homestead.

There is something about eating with people that touches a place in me that is hard to explain. Maybe it has to do with all the times that Jesus broke bread with people and the importance He seem to point to. The only thing that could make me happier that food is a constant.

Same time
Same place
Same families
Same menu

There is no greater pleasure for me. We get together once a year to celebrate three families who had no idea what they were doing but said to God. The kids are almost grown up, in fact next year - we will get to play with a new grandbaby. We were missing one of the kids this year - he is in China but we thought about him so in theory, he was there. Of course the sameness is appealing. There are a few of us who love that we know what to expect and that is what we cherish. This is the first year that we didn't talk about the church and how it has grown so much that we are all blown away and I think that is a good thing. The bigness of the church is not what we are celebrating - some of us wish it could be small again. I think we are finally comfortable in just being. For one night, we rekindle our lives together and laugh as much as possible over spaghetti, Ms D's salad, Ms M's rolls and Best Ever Brownies.

Bourdain can continue his world wide travels - the only time I get a little interested is when he is in Mexico, now that I could get my head and tummy around but the rest of it is a polite diversion. Give me spaghetti in January anyday...

Joy to the World...

We had our solo sleepovers Thursday and Friday nights. Keaton went first and the next night was Gage's turn. They have such different interests so we take turns taking each of them by themselves and doing whatever they want. With Poppa, they picked the same thing - they each had 2 hours of video time, sharing their knowledge with Poppa. My duty during this time is to keep the snacks coming and I am happy to do so. My turn comes the next day, they get to pick 3 or 4 places they want to see and off we go. With Keaton, it is bookstores and shopping for video games. With Gage is is all about going to Cabela's and the bird store.

Saturday, after Cabela's we headed to McDonalds's for lunch. Gage got out all the animals he had purchased and we were turning them on their bellies to read their official animal names. When I read "bullfrog", the same song went thru both of our brains at the same time and about then, it started to come out of mouths.

As we both sang in the middle of the restaurant, I am thinking, When has this kid been listening to Three Dog Night and How Did I miss it? . I was relieved when he said he learned it on Dora The Explorer . Thankfully, there were some changes to the lyrics where there needed to be. As we sang it for the second time, his face broke out in the biggest grin - he could not have been happier. We had a great day.

The preacher talked today about if we have Jesus in our lives, we already have everything we need. We don't have to change our behavior to do or not do a certain thing - He will take us where we need to be. We find ourselves singing His Song and together, we do what we were meant to be. We might even discover a big grin passing across our faces...Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, Joy to you and me.

storage...

We passed one of those storage units places today and they were advertising a place to keep all those holiday treasures with a 5' by 5' space for only $9.99 a month. Seems a little expensive and not the way one might want to spend the first few weeks of the new year. My garage is already filling up with garage sale items and I dare not clean out anywhere else till it gets closer to garage sale time. The pantry was on the hit list last week and I acquired 2 large bags to store until much later - the plate rack is at the head of my list of places to thin out in a few months, just need to be able to find my list when the time comes.

The philosophy behind the storage unit phenomenon in our cultures seem somewhat fat to me. IN our town, there seems to be a new storage business pop up once a week. when my sister moved here several years ago, we had to go to another town to find a vacant one and almost missed that one. What do we need so badly that we keep off site from our homes and are willing to pay dearly for the service. Looking at my own garage, I see how it can happen but somewhere we must say, enough is enough.

Not unlike our lives that we fill up with everything known to man. Some good and some, not so good. We often feel like we are going to explode and I can't help but think it may have Something to do with carrying around so much stuff that we just don't use but aren't willing to give up. Unlike our personal property, we don't' have to wait for a particular season or reason. Now is as good a time as any to sort through our emotional space and see what we can dump, what we should dump and what that would look like if we did it.

Ideas that no longer make sense because they have been proven wrong to us.
Hurtful memories that no longer run our lives.
New thoughts that are really new to us and fill us with promise.

If I thought that committing to rent a 5' by 5' emotional storage unit for a year, would make my life easier - I would do it tomorrow but holding on isn't the answer. It is a painstaking process that can only be done by ourselves and in our own time. With the cold weather upon us, now seems as good a time as any to sort through and figure out what to keep and what to get rid off. I think I will be surprised at what I find and what I decide to keep and get rid of - I look forward to the Process and then I can decide what to do with that that $9.99 a month I will be saving...

Comfort and Joy...

I am just not ready to let go of 2007. No particular reason - I have no strong ties or feelings for last year. Nothing coming my way that I am itching to experience. It is just that seven days was not enough time to ease into what the calendar tells me is new and sparkly.

Not a resolution person, I think every morning that I wake up is a new day, full of reasons to do better than the day before. You could not stack the deck against yourself any greater than trying to decide and implement a once-a-year Big Change. I am still in a Comfort and Joy place.

Not a mamby-pamby feel-good place but a Place where what I have, what I know and where I am going is not up to me but is all I really need. I have started reading again - maybe that is part of it. Still keeping up with my 60 + blogs, I have rediscovered the joy of reading. It is all Robert Fulgrum's fault. Mr All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten, wrote a new book and I was curious. I received a book as a gift and it seemed I was up and running again. Funny, how it kind of creeps in, you almost wouldn't notice.

So, I am going to continue on with my Comfort and Joy mindset and make the change to 2008 when I am good and ready. I will pay my bills so the lights don't go off but jsut not feeling the need to join the crowd. What me, not joining the crowd? What a shock that is. That reminds me, I hear my fuzzy pajammes calling...

Ode to 2007

The first few days of January 2007 brought the death of a familiar celebrity and I remember thinking, come the end of the year, I will not remember who it was. While trying to review the year, it is only the last four or five months that capture my attention.

Still a great admirer of all things Larry Craig, I look forward to what the new year will bring. Some years seem to have clean breaks, new year - new start. 2007 doesn't feel quite that way. It feels more like it will have to merge with 2008 and that the results will be available, at a date to be named later. How long can a political campaign last? With a year under our belts and a year to go - this is the new world of politics and whoever winds up as our next president, you can be sure Someone will be on the campaign trail at the same time as the new president is being sworn in.

I thought about doing a Favorites for the year - 7 in 2007. I couldn't get my photos or scrapbook pages down to 25, no less 7 so I gave up trying but in the process, took a wonderful, personal stroll down Memory Lane. Things I might have forgotten had I not purposed to remember.

The family of four, a dad and three sons who were killed in a automobile accident - leaving behind a wife and daughter. The image of those four caskets in the parking lot of the church, a reminder to live each day as fully as you possible can.

Being a part of the Extreme Makeover adventure - maybe a cultural thing but I think everyone could learn Something from ABC and Ty.

My family who brings me so much comfort and joy. I ended the year with Miss M and it was just a coincidence that I start the New Year with her. The idea of my yearly theme had not been clear but when I saw this picture, it became clear in an instant. DH is always telling me that I am too passionate about most everything and it gets me into trouble. While I might have to agree with him, I have decided to go with the passion this year instead of constantly trying to hold it back. To be quite honest, it scares me but when I look at Miss M's face, I know I can do it. There is no way I could have captured that picture on purpose. No tripod or wireless remote would have helped. I don't know how it got in my camera but there it is - can't explain it but, there it is. How do you explain Jesus? - maybe something like trying to describe the photo. Not sure what to expect or where it will lead but think I am brave enough to find out.

So, 2007 and 2008 or 2007-8 or whoever you are - I am as ready as I will ever be. Let's get it on....

embrace Christmas...

Not having grown up in the church, most of its history has bypassed me so a newspaper article titled, Christians didn't always embrace Christmas holiday was intriguing. The Associated Press goes on to talk about how the church was slow to change.

The change didn't happen overnight. Though much of the 19th century, school and businesses remained open. Congress met in session and some churches closed their doors, lest errant worshippers tried to furtively commemorate the day... From the book, Christmas: A Candid History, goes on to explain that the major denominations - Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, Methodist and Congregationalists either ignored the holiday of activity discouraged it until the late 19th century

The article goes on to explain, When Christmas began its march toward dominance among holidays, it was because of a change in the culture, not theology.

In America, the saying is that the minister follows the people, the people don't follow the minister. Christmas was more of a sociological change than a religious one. The home and the marketplace had more sway than the church..

Interesting stuff. We all have to grow and change, even the church. Am reading Velvet Elvis/Rob Bell and he talks about faith. The short version is that faith should look more like a trampoline than a brick wall. If faith is a brick wall with no give, if one of the bricks comes apart - the whole wall falls down. If faith is like a trampoline it will bounce and no harm done.

I like that analogy. I like the idea of my faith jumping up and down on a big trampoline. It might get bruised and tossed about but remains in tact - and in the middle of all that bouncing, comes Christmas. There is a place to embrace it in each of us and that is my wish for you this Christmas. May you land soundly and safely and stand up to embrace again.

Going take some time off - will be back January 2. May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Love you all...zalaine.

a day of sanity....

Actually it is our once a year Christmas/Sanity Day. Now that we have done it twice, it has become a tradition. My friend and I do some Christmas shopping, lunch at Cheesecake Factory and alot of talking. Walking around the mall, people coming and going - standing in line to see Santa, like we had done a few days ago.

We have known each other for over 25 years and even though she is much younger than I, we connect on the same level. We are in different Seasons of life but spiritual, are in the same ball park. We talk as we shop - and pick up right where we left off after a purchase is made. It is one of those relationships that you cherish.

I am done with my shopping and she works more than a full-time job so we tried to conquer her list and got quite a bit done in 6 hours but I imagine she would agree with me when I say the most important thing we shared today was our lives with each other.

We talked about everything and some things, twice. We share hurts and joys. We took turn asking deep questions and being honest with our answers. In friendships like this one, you get to the nitty gritty pretty fast and that is when the real thing happens. I can't help but think the Holy Spirit is hanging out too and working through the conversations, long after they are over.

While the day is planned, what happens, is not. We are both able to be in the Moment and because of that, mixing both Christmas and Sanity comes quite naturally, a major accomplishment in itself.

I walked away from the day, a better person. Better - because she challenges me and made me think. Such a confusing time of the year and any clarity I can find is warmly welcomed. Christmas and Sanity - isn't that the ultimate oxymoron? Not in this case. This one is as smooth as butter...

Ding dong, Avon calling...

DH brought the newspaper in the other morning and included was a little present from the Avon lady. I have no idea who she is but have her email address if I need her.

Avon, reminds me of my high school days. I would have spent every dollar I had on Avon products. It seemed like we got brochures every week - what are they called, Ah, campaigns, that's it. The one I received says we are on Campaign 25 - 26 which tells me that they actually come every two weeks. I can't remember if we always got two - 1 large brochure and 1 small one.

The small one is 14 pages and aimed at apparently those who need flip-flops this time of year. One page of clogs, a couple of shoes with matching purses and a lot of flip-flops. Maybe we have a large demographic of cruise people. There was a page of slippers but I already have mine for the winter. Actually, several pair - in case these that I have on wear out.

The large brochure has 196 pages. 196! How in the world would one find time every 2 weeks to read through this? I remember that the Skin So Soft were pretty much toward the front of the book - they don't even appear until page 178! In fact, between make-up, perfume and other lotiony products, they only make up 81 pages. The other 115 pages are devoted to stuff you can buy at Walmart. There is jewelry, coffee cups and more slippers. Cherished Teddies, Snowbabies, the M&M guys, Harley Davidson and the NFL also make a showing. Dora, Diego, Spiderman, Pokeman, the Disney Princesses and the ever lasting Hannah Montana are a part of this 115 page extravaganza. It is making my head hurt and to do this every 2 weeks!!!

I hope my new Avon lady doesn't come a calling. I am afraid I will have to watch out for her and not answer my door if she shows up. Even though I understand that Skin So Soft is FABulous for mosquito bits, I'll just pick up some OFF at Walmart the next time I need some. It seemed so much easier when I was a kid...

The truth about Christmas Programs...

There is nothing quite like a children's Christmas program. There is just Something about them that makes us, almost swoon. It makes our holiday season seem more complete and gives us the warm fuzzies that tells us, that all is still calm and bright.

Then you have the reality of the whole thing. A church has to start looking for a Christmas program director while we are all still wearing shorts and flip flops. The music must be chosen and the cast assembled. After Thanksgiving, the race is on. Practices on most Saturdays of December, the angel wings and halo es must be constructed and the sound man is tested to the edge of his sanity. All of this, in search of the Perfect Christmas program and this year, I think I have finally figured it out and here is the deal for all of you program people.

We all want a Christmas program but we know the Story... Even if you only go to church once a year, you already know the Story. I do believe that people watching children's Christmas programs can be overwhelmed and may see the baby Jesus in a new light but basically, we are all there for the same reason...to see our kid sing, dance while seeing how cute they are. That is it, We want to take their picture with the rest of the kids as a background. That is why we show up 45 minutes early, save 10 seats and guard them like crazy. That is our goal. (I overheard the director yesterday trying to explain to bunch of little kids about her goal for the program - swoosh, right over their heads)

Pictures of them in their angel wings and haloes, picture of them in their Christmas outfits - that is all we want. I am just telling the truth here - Dear Christmas Program Director - Teach the kids a song, line them up 10 at a time on the stage and let us see our kid sing and take their picture. That would make us so happy and take a lot of pressure off of you.

After the program, the pastor gave a great sermon about letting all people in. We are not to judge who may or may not be worthy - that is God's job. As he spoke, I thought about one little angel who was not allowed to participate in the program because the wings and halo were just too much to handle.

Should you be able to still sing in the christmas program if the costume doesn't work for you? Absolutely.

If you march to the beat of a different drummer, should you be left behind? Absolutely not


The Story of Christmas is age old and no matter what the theme of the program may be, the Message is always there. No one ever walks away from a christmas program in confusion about what they saw. It is pretty straight forward but has tremendous ramifications and to see that acted out by their own, would make it even more powerful. I understand that there are lots and lots of logistics involved but Sometimes we get lost in the details and forget the Big Picture. Forget goals, forget structure - let each child be heard as they bring the Story of Christmas to their own and see what God can do...

Christmas is here but Easter coming...

There was an question that I was asked this week that really threw me. I kept coming back to it - it made me think and it made me smile.

What are three to five issues that you won't ever change your mind about?

The three to five made me smile. Don't know if they thought I would have a list of 100 or what. I started to make a mental list - issues, that's where I ran into trouble. Did they want to know if I would ever change my mind about restroom enthusiastic Larry Craig's antics or releasing Charles Manson from prison? Maybe they were trying to figure out if I lean toward a Left or Right way of thinking. Despite my confusion, I loved the question. I thought back on things I thought I would never change my mind about - God, being one of them and look how that turned out. It is dangerous to never say never but it is equally dangerous to not stand for something.

Anyway I would answer that question, would come back to this video. It was sent by my friend and that it came when it did, was not a coincidence. Between all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we forget that in a few short months - we will be faced with Easter. If you are a follower of Christ, you have to include both Stories and embrace all that they both bring to your Table. May your Table be full and your heart overflowing with what He has for you...

a child shall lead them...

If the true Christmas Story starts with a small child, this will certainly be a different take on that Story. He was known as the kid with the hat all evening. He had a slow start but since he had backed up, you knew what was coming. He brought his A game and no one was disappointed. Our SIL's aunt leaned over to my DH and told him, He must get that from your side of the family. I could not be prouder...

He is a lively child. Paul and Kim - you KNOW what I am taking about. Last Sunday, I was trying to get some video of Hollie and Robyn singing Oh Holy Night and Gage was doing his best to distract me. What I didn't know is that he was entertaining some of the people around us. Tickling me and making faces were his modes of choice and I would give him the Look, and he would just grin - now you can see why.

Not the traditional Christmas song nor moves but this is Christmas 2007 to me. Not the Wise men but Chuck Berry is a great substitute. He had been practicing and we didn't know until he started if he would pull it off but he was more than ready. This is what he had waited for. He told everyone he had to move backwards so he wouldn't hurt anyone - a soft spot for his fellow school mates.

We do not expect this at the church Christmas program this Sunday - what I really expect is some eye-rolling but if he does let loose - I hope people are paying attention. They may learn Something...

Tony, the dancing cop...

According to his web site, he has been dancing since 1984. Not bad for a sixty year old guy and he is available for parties - not clear what he does...

The holidays bring all kinds of good cheer in obviously, many different ways. We all make room in your hearts for it and can't help but smile when it comes out way. December 11 - two weeks to go. As each day goes by, the holiday seems to take it up a notch. We make great food that we don't have any other time of the year. Pioneer Woman has these club crackers/Parmesan cheese/bacon things that I can't wait to try. No other time of the year would a cookie made from pretzels. Hersery Kisses and M&M's sound like fun - except now.

I had over $15 dollars worth of peppermint bark and Knott's Berry Farm cookies in my cart the other day before good sense came back. Those Girl Scout-like mint cookies things are almost impossible to ignore and what a great snack as one is watching the dancing cop.

I am extra giddy today because tonight is Gage's Christmas program. We have been told that he is suppose to bust some moves - air guitar, to be exact. Miss Brandi says he has been practicing and if his shy side doesn't kick it - this should be good. Christmas time is the closest thing I experience to enjoy being an extrovert. I get how extroverts get their energy. It is exhilarating and you just can't wait to see what is next. On the introvert side, you can be a part of Everything and still be yourself - it is the best of both worlds.

So, like Tony - there is much to dance about. March to the beat of your own drum or join the party. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year...

bird's eye view...

I love taking pictures from above and until last week, didn't know that this kind of photography actually had a name - bird's eye view. I know some of the pros will stand up on a ladder or step stool and have their client look up - is a popular shot. Those shots are nice but I see it a little differently. I don't care to see faces. Maybe because it is more of an artistic shot - one that doesn't show a face but still tells a Story.

It all gives me a view of what it could look like looking down from the heavens. I wish I had a shot of Joseph and Mary and their baby with all the animals and visitors. I can only imagine what it would look like. Mary's hands tenderly holding her new baby in a strange place. Maybe we could see Joseph shaking hands with the Wise Men as he welcomed them to his make-shift, temporary home. While we may not see the faces of his parents, we probably would get a glimpse of the baby. I imagine we would never be able to pick him out of a crowd - there would be nothing outstanding about him. No glow or semblance of a crown in sight - just a baby, doing baby things.

Maybe faith is like living with a bird's eye view - you might now see specifics but you get the picture. What you see tells the whole Story, the Story as we need to know it. YOu may be missing out of some of the details but it doesn't distract from the real story. When I take these shots, I get on my tip-toes, put the camera over my head, hover around whoever I am shooting and start clicking away. There is no focusing or using the rule of thirds, just shooting from the hip and the seat of your pants. Not a bad way to take a picture or live your life...

the kingdom of God...

I spent the afternoon helping the kids trim their tree. With the Christmas music playing, there was serious imput on the placement of each and every ornament. With these many personalities, this task differed from person to person but the flow was undeniable.

When someone couldn't reach the perfect spot for their current ornament, help was asked for. There were a couple of runs at the tree without benefit of help but you know how that ended. Not very successful but thank goodness, no one was hurt in the decorating of the tree. As always. some of the ornaments didn't make it thru the process and their fate will have to be decided before it is time to put the decorations away for another year. Soon, our task complete, everyone went their own direction, on to the next thing.

We will decorate my tree this Friday during our sleepover. Practice for the Christmas program is early Saturday morning so after a big breakfast of pancakes and sausages, we will all head for the church and practice in their respective classrooms. Even Miss M has practice - Do two year-olds really practice? Could be a very long two hours.

I started reading, This Beautiful Mess by Rick McKinley on Friday while waiting in the snow storm for an oil change. He is talking about the Kingdom of God and how Jesus explained it was for the here and now - not some future time. I am familiar with the Kingdom of CNN. It is the one of bad news and horrific acts. It seems so real and it is but the Kingdom of God seems like something for a different time, a different place. His point is if you don't seek it, you won't find it. In the mess of everyday life, we can live in the beautiful presence of the kingdom.

When I have days like today, the kingdom seems so close. When I look into these little people eyes, little people whose blood is the same as mine - it is easy to see but most days are not filled with tree trimming and Pizza Hut. Those days where someone kills 8 people in a shopping mall for no apparent reason or the plight of the homeless is made real to you, those are tougher days and the kingdom seems so far away.

The kingdom isn't shifting, dodging from us as we go about our day. The shifting is us and we need to put some effort into finding and holding onto what is available to us. The thing is we are going to live in a kingdom, the question is "Whose?"

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he...sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44

After my oil change, I headed for Sonic and took my, Skating Waitress in A Snow Storm. It gave me a glimpse of what I am looking for. At least I know I am on the right path...

that's what it's all about...

I asked a friend today if she was ready for Christmas and I think that is not such a good thing.

That's not what it is all about.

It is just something we all ask and maybe we should re-think it. Words matter and sometimes, we just get caught up in the hoopla. Especially for women because it is usually our job to buy the gifts, make the goodies and keep the budget from overflowing. That is a big job on top of everything else we have to do.

I should have asked her if she was enjoying the season. I wish I had asked her if she had experienced a Jesus moment this month or if she had a new insight about the birth of God's son. I wonder if she has been moved to tears and why. Has she had any good cheer, come her way.

I am making a conscious effort to never ask anyone if they are ready for Christmas, again. Not in the traditional sense. If they have their shopping done, tree trimmed and family newsletter in the mail.

That's just not what it is all about.

Dec 6 - my tree is not up yet and I am not feeling that festive but my shopping is done. Wow - I really need to step back and head down a different path. I want Christmas to be in my heart as well as my head and I most certainly want it to be what it really is all about...

Logan ...

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.

I am always suspicious when someone says God tells them things - but for Logan, I will make an exception. Whether it is a hoax or not, matters not to me. The Truth is the Truth regardless of the state of the one who brings the Message but I would like to think that Logan is who he says he is and that God is smiling as Logan tells his Story.

When you think about it, Logan's Story is not unbelievable as the Story about a jolly old man who travels the entire world in one night delivering toys to each and every home. Does God talk to us? I think it did this time...

gizmos and gadgets a plenty

Look at my stuff,
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?

If you are a girl or have one, you know the words.
You also know what it feels like to soar - this song does that to you.
My most vivid memory is my DD and her best friend singing along with Ariel
at the top of their lungs, in high school.

Ariel was not like the other princesses, she had her Song.
Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Snow White - not so much.
And we love her a little differently than the others, not better - just different.

Broadwayworld.com is hosting a contest, Give Us Your Voice.
There is an host of singers trying to win and what a treat to hear them all.
A nice break from the Christmas hustle and bustle - I have been singing it all day.
Jingle Bells has been bumped for now.

Stephanie (419 votes) had a lovely voice and I love the B&W and angle of her video. Mollie (4265 votes) is in her bedroom which is so cute and despite bad audio, her voice is like an angel. It surely makes my heart soar. Nick (17,618 votes) is sick, as Keaton would say. His voice is unbelievable. Who sings like that?

What a format to hear fresh voices that otherwise we might never have known. And how very, very fun. Not a singer, but truly wish, I could be part of that World...

Extreme Makeover - Idaho Style

If you watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night, you were in my neck of the woods. After watching this show forever, it seemed surreal to watch it with such familiarity. With pre and post shows last night, you got a sense of what happens when EMHE comes into a town. The Stockdale's started the day with a showing of the documentary made by the builder to showcase the volunteers and ended with tour with the local news people in their home for most of the evening. Speaking of builders, Corey Barton certainly made an entrance - hope America doesn't hold that against Idaho.

Ty's show covered the high points of the new home. The Hoedown that raised money for the family the night before the reveal, wasn't featured but that is ok - those of us there will not forget. The show also ended with the kids eating in the kitchen, leaving a sweet memory for the viewers. The truth is the kids are back on formula. They have never used the dining room - they spent Thanksgiving sledding so that food would not be an issue for the kids. The parents have to eat outside of the sight of the kids, Mom in the pantry and dad, in his car.The refrigerator has a lock on it, up high, so the kids can't get in. EMHE doesn't fix everything and shouldn't be expected to. The dad has had someone pick up the tab for his schooling but as the news reported, they have still have a mortgage and higher utility bills. A friend said she hopes the community is still helping - I am not so sure, hope she is right.

They had vandals throw pumpkins at the house on Halloween and broke a window. They have been asked for money - people think they are rich, that is not the case. I understand that one of the boys has already been a recipent of a Make A Wish gift. Life will never be easy for the Stockdales.

After the hoedown, the night before the reveal, we headed out to the house. It was just after 9PM and as we walked in, the sun was getting ready for bed. We watched as they moved the family piano back in the house. In about 18 hours, the family would be home and see what all of us had already seen. Now with the final reveal, they can move on. The final chapter on this life-changing event. Thanks for sharing with all of us and we send you on the next leg of your journey with all our prayers. Bless you all...

same dilemma, different year...

It seems to grow more difficult each year. It took me a long time to admit it. I tried for years to find a common ground, a pathway that we could all walk together, but I can't, My left-brained mind wants it to all be meshed together. It will just never be...

Saturday night, Brandi, Keaton and I went to see a local production of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It was a wonderful parody of this beloved classic and with local references and even, recognisable TV commercial jingles. It was yet another great start to this holiday season. Gage didn't want to come - he didn't realize that there was no popcorn or coke (but there was a refreshment time)and he considered people dressing up in costumes to not to be worthy of his time. He opted for McDonalds with his sister and dad. We each seemed to be happy with our choices for the evening.

As I was making lunch this morning, the all Christmas music radio station was playing Handel's Messiah without the vocals - just the music. I took this opportunity to stop cooking and sing. I got to sing all the parts I have ever wanted to and the more I sang, the more I soared - on the inside.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords...
And then the end. What a couple of minutes can do for a thirsty soul.

I don't know how to mix the Christmas of Santa and the Grinch with the Christmas of The birth of Jesus together or how to toggle between the two. Can I live in both worlds for 5 weeks every year? I see Christmas in the eyes of everyone I pass - the kids see one thing, the Big people, another. It makes most people try to be a little nicer, a bit more generous and more tolerant. Which camp they belong to - no one knows.

There is Something magical about Christmas - despite everything, Christmas was the most wonderful time of the year when I was a kid and there wasn't a baby Jesus in sight. The lights, the smells, the music and the food - it was all about the Christmas of Santa and to this day, I don't feel like I missed a thing. Mayb ethat is what scares me - I know the joy of Christmas can come off completely without Jesus.

I don't have a list of ?'s to ask Jesus someday. I don't think I will care about the things that concern me now so I know this is just a temporary issue. If He does happen to bring it up - we will go there but not wasting time on it now.

I love it all. both camps of Christmas. I do the best I can everyday despite what the calendar says and that is about all I can do. Imagine if I am suppose to enjoy it all? What a waste all this worry would be - maybe I should start now...

Thanksgiving Week 2...

I have been trying to get some Christmas photos and music for ER all week. Every time, I thought about it - Something else came up. As I drove home tonight in the dark with Josh Groban and Brian McKnight singing, Angels We Heard On High, it dawned on me why I have been less than successful.

In many ways this week has been more about Thanksgiving than last week. It was a Give and Take week. Last night, I was treated to a seat at a Transiberian Orchestra concert. I was one of the family and we shared this wonderful experience together. It is a 2 1/2 hour audio and visual treat. You can walk away the same as when you came. It took a while to get sleepy last night - my mind was still swimming in guitar and violin sets. What an awesome way to start the Christmas season.

The giving part of my week was a pleasure. Being able to help a few people out with a few creative things is more fun than work. The trick is you have to understand it is about what they want - it is about their vision, not yours and you are successful when you see in their eyes that you have captured exactly what they wanted.

This Christmas season is not starting how as I expected. There will be no name off the Angel Tree this year. We are going a more personal route. In fact, we have go covert and keep it on the QT but isn't that the way it should be anyway?

After a week like this, I can hardly wait to see what is in store for next week. So much unfolding before my very eyes - I am trying hard to keep up, not wanting to miss a thing. This week has given me a vision of what is possible if we are willing and I hope I am becoming more willing every day. I guess that is why ER still has a Thankful title - glad I didn't push it. I wouldn't have wanted to miss a moment of TW 2...

It's a beautiful day...

She walked out my front door,

took a breathe and said, It's a beautiful day.

She said it twice - I didn't see what she saw.

It"s cold

21 degrees, the news said.

Not so beautiful, me thinks.

But I am not her, my days are not measured, as hers are.

This hardly seems like a woman

who spent 5 hours yesterday talking to Hospice people.

End of life care - no more curitive measures.

Just help to make each day, the best it can be.

My task was to help her make shadow boxes for her kids for Christmas.

She drove over by herself, look very nice - not a bit like someone who is dying.

I watched her eyes sparkle as she talked about her dad and his band

December 26, 1949 - the label says.

We went over the details and after I had a good idea of what she wanted,

It was time for her to go.

I emailed her the finished product and she loved it.

A friend was suppose to take her to dinner tonight.

Her friend was in her driveway - the house was dark and she wasn't answering the phone.

She was worn out by today and probably sleeping so soundly, she won't be able to wake up.

I will deliver her shadow boxes tomorrow.

Our relationship is task-oriented - sometimes that is the way it is.

I will pray for her friends as they pray for her.

She got a lot done today, maybe It's a beautiful day...

Tis the Season...

DD and I went for pedicures today. It was her birthday gift to me and I so enjoy spending time with my little big girl.

We visited with our Ped Girls, talked about everything under the sun. Black Friday, men shopping on Christmas Eve, girl pampering and polish color. After much deliberation, we went with Rudy because it had diamond flecks and after all, tis the season. Makes me feel like Dorothy from The Wizard Of Oz. Let the Christmas season begin, I don't want to miss a thing - like I did last week...

The same group that moved the convicts in our neighborhood have their very own theatre company. Between Heaven and Hell was the first production of the new Ex-Inmate Theatre with more to come. Adapted from Peter Kreeft's work, it is a tale of a fictional meeting between John F. Kennedy, C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley who died within of hours of each other on Nov 22, 1963, A fictional meeting of the minds, somewhere in eternity.

I pass the safe house every time I leave the subdivision. I pray for them as I do for those who live next door. I would have considered going to see their play. I don't think you would call it softening but with the Christmas season upon us, I am trying to figure out if we can work this whole thing out. NHCH decided after our neighborhood meeting, that they will let city officials know when they are moving into a neighborhood. That is a start. If these people are going to reenter the lifestream of the community, there needs to be some education and the fears of others, need to be addressed. Would a play help? Don't think it could hurt.

One of the men explained his thoughts this way, For myself, a big part of this is giving back, because so much of what we did took away from the community. Yes, it did. And for some, it still is. Time will tell if this will work and each side will have to do their best to get along but for this season, may we all remember the Reason for the Season...

holiday shopping tips...

I hope you all had a wonderful day of Thanks and after you had your bellies full of turkey and gravy, then went straight to the paper for the Black Friday ads. We cruised our mall at 845PM that night and with over a 1000 people already in line and the police there to end a few fist fights, we decided to go home, get in a few winks and head out at 4ish. We had a wonderful day of shopping. There is nothing quite like eating See's candy at 7AM - ask Keaton, he was in little boy-piggy heaven.

While I am sure most of you got a good deal of your Christmas shopping done this weekend - there may be some stray, hard to buy for people, still on your list. It is that time of year again where sometimes good judgement fails in the quest to find the perfect gift. You have looked at the same things over and over - and in an attempt to find anything. You might make choices that ordinarily would never cross your mind. Christmas can make us crazy. You want your gift recipient to like/appreciate/getwarmfuzzies from what you picked for them and maybe in conversation, they mentioned wanted something that sounded like you could surprise them with. Fight that inclination with everything you have...

A Purse - I watched a dad and son shop for a purse for their loved one at 8AM on Black Friday. They spent a good half-hour considering the pros and cons of each one. A purse is Something that you should never buy a woman unless she has pointed a specific one out to you. Having been on a quest for the perfect purse for most of my life, I can speak with some authority on this subject and having a man duo picking out a purse is even worse. The gift from this pair would be in the time they spent thinking about their beloved female and not in the final product - I hope they gave up their quest and gave her cash instead.

A Pet - This has happened twice to us - actually to my child when she was growing up. Once it was a dog and the second time, a cat. She was given the dog while I was gone and by the time I came home, she was so madly in love - we couldn't take it away from her. The cat was given to her under almost the same circumstances. To those who give animals as pets - all I will say is remember, there is always, always payback.

A Poinsettia - I have been given various plants as gifts thru the years. If you know me, you would know that the poor plant has a lifespan of about how long it is going to take you to get back to your car. After the giver leaves, the plant and I stare at each other, knowing the fate that lies ahead. I feel bad for the plant and the plant feels very bad for herself - not a pretty site.

In the last few years after years of Christmas gift given, I have wondered too about my choices for other people. I always try to give something I think the other person would like and I'm sure that I have not always been successful. It dawned on me that maybe I should give temporary gifts like food - here today, gone tomorrow. Things that don't feel the need to hang around forever. While I have been thinking that, I didn't do it. With my shopping mostly done, there isn't a single perishable gift in my bag but there also isn't a purse, pet or poinsettia either...

Happy Everything...

Today is DH's first day off since Sept 3. Really and truly. Just have a few errands to run and hope to be able to take it easy for a few days. He is looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner and a quiet house on Black Friday. The Plan now is for Brandi, Keaton and I to hit the mall at 1AM Friday. Not because of good deals or because we need anything - just for fun. We haven't told Keaton yet but he will think he has won the Big People lottery. Not sure what the Plan will be after that but don't see much sleep on the horizon.

Saturday is the only day with no assigned designation. This is traditionally, our big family weekend. On Sunday, I will celebrate my 56th birthday. Monday, our 36th wedding anniversary. DH has a long workday on Monday. It really is ok - there can be no greater gift than to have someone who have spent 36 years with. That is celebration enough. He is such a lucky man - as I continue to remind him most every day And how could he not forget his anniversary - the day after my birthday. I would like to say he has not had a problem doing so the last 36 years but that would not be the case but you have got to understand - I am high maintenance and he has done a fine job keeping up with me.

Looking forward to a little R&R, a little holiday cheer and looking back at how far I've come. I have learned so much since last Thanksgiving weekend. It is always amazing to me that things that seemed so important - that no longer do. The things that seemed fatal - that I can't even remember now. The things that I never thought would happen - that have and those new things that I have yet to see.

I always think about the families who have lost someone this last year. While it may seem there is no room for Thanksgiving, there really is. We came here with few guarantees in this life but great hope for the next. If there is an empty chair at your table this year, give Thanks for the time and memories you did share. Celebrate thru the tears.

My deepest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May your hearts and tummies be full, may your spirit soar and may a few surprises come your way. See you Tuesday...love zalaine.

yummy...

This is my favorite week of the year. Not only is it only 3 days long but it is like the calm before the storm that calms me every year. Thanksgiving is the kick off to a month of frenzy in so many ways. These three days have always been a time for me to be thankful for everything I have. For the Big Picture. For overcoming the obstacles that can seem so insurmountable in the moment.

There is something very Yummy about it. The older I get the more I wish Thanksgiving could last a month or so. The busyness of summer has been over for a while and the nesting process is well underway. A time to remember and a time to reflect on all you have been given. It might change the way you receive in the future. A grateful heart doesn't shrug off blessings as well deserved. It is fully aware of of every moment. It takes nothing for granted.

Yummy - it is a great word. Starting on Thanksgiving, there will be alot of yummy coming our way. The sights and sounds of Christmas will soon be here and we should enjoy every moment of it. Live our traditions and make new ones. Do Something for a complete stranger - doesn't have to be a big thing. Shake it up a little. Let the spirit of the holiday take your heart by storm and through every moment, be thankful for what you have instead of wishing you had more or better or different. Whatever is on your plate - find the yummy factor and may it bring you tidings of great joy...

everyday people...

Estate Sale - Sat, Nov 17, 9AM. Over 60 years from a woman who threw nothing away! Hundreds of books including over 500 cookbooks - lots of glass, jewelry, pottery, crockery and over 300 collector plates. Sale will be indoor and out - Don't miss it!

My BIL had asked me a few weeks ago if I wanted to make a few extra bucks wrapping/bagging for him at this sale. I didn't find out until Thursday that we would be outside and that the weather looked like it was going to be cold, rainy and miserable. I really, really wanted to call in sick but decide to brave it.

I got there at 8 and the crew said they had people in the yard at 530 AM. I was worried about anybody showing up and the place was crawling with people trying to peek in the backyard for an early preview. My BIL came thru and cashiers crew were placed in a big tent with a FABulous heater. Plenty of newspaper and bags, when they opened the doors at 9, you could feel the whoosh of people. I had to go in the house to get some hand lotion for the cashier and it took me 10 minutes to swim up stream to the bathroom. I have never seen so many people and I have really never seen so much stuff. The grandson was there and now lived in the house or at least was attempting too. He said the family had taken out 15 truckloads of stuff before the sale and there was still more stuff than you could imagine. The house was packed and so was the backyard. They said when you walked in the front door, there was a small pathway to walk - boxes stacked on top of each other every place else. The doors to the bedrooms only opened a few inches. My BIL said he had in over 100 hours setting up the sale and it looked like it.

One of our first customers was an older lady herself who bought over 20 boxes of books - $120 and an hour later, she made room for others to show. It always amazes me what people buy. Lots and lots of disposable income present and this was a working class crowd. The pitch - Sarah Coventry jewelry, She was a dealer - all 70-80's vintage. On gal bought 18 rings at $3 each and then came back for the 1/2 price sale and bought 17 more. All I have got to say is that junkers love their stuff. There were a few antique dealers but mainly, just people wanted to increase their own stash. When I first got there, my BIL told me to look around and get what I wanted. I left without one thing. Whether overwhelmed or just in different season of life, I kept thinking I didn't want to leave my family with such an overwhelming task. I think it was part of that generation's Story. Those who had gone thru the Great Depression to hoard and get rid of nothing. After seeing younger people and their purchases, it could also be the next generation's theme but for a completely different reason.

It was a long day, a fun day and an interesting day. I love watching people - the two older brothers who between them spent over $400 on collector plates and 10 boxes of old Avon products. The one guy who spent the largest amount was wise enough to bu his wife a little Something to soften the blow. The spry 80 year old in her black leggings and pink hat and shirt who came back after 1PM for the 1/2 price sale. She was the Jesus of the crowd. Every once in a while, I am aware of someone who is ordinary yet not. I sense there is more than meets the eye and I always feel like I need to pay close attention - and I followed that instinct. Good day, made a little money and learned a lot - not a bad return on my time...

Over the River and Through The Woods...

To Grandmother's House We go... Nothing like a 3rd grade Thanksgiving concert to get one in a Thankful mood. The Thanksgiving Story complete with dancing pilgrims and stomping indians. Gage was very interested in the whole Story and what parts each character played in the first Thanksgiving dinner. We kept getting the SHHHH from mommy but I was able to point out a few things like the pilgrims had to dance because they didn't have football. His brother was a turkey and Gage has taking the position of a birdy-free Thanksgiving - he plans on eating pancakes that day. This will be interesting, to say the least.

They just don't make songs like this anymore. Take the movies for example. When Celine Dion sang, My Heart Will Go On in Titantic - our hearts melted. For years, songs in a movie were written for the movie, Evergreen (A Star Is Born), I Had The Time Of My Life (Dirty Dancing) or Take My Breath Away (Top Gun). But in the past few years, filmmakers are choosing to use pre-existing music. One of my favorites - Say A Little Prayer For You from My Best Friend's Wedding or Old Time Rock And Roll in Steel Magnolias. What makes these songs work is that they are hit songs, first and foremost and they fit the movie and exist outside of it. We find ourselves singing and smiling and buying more movie tickets.

Where did the Burt Bacharach's and Leonard Bernstein's go! Maybe it is better this new way. It is yet another reminder that our world is changing. Hopefully there are some things you can still count on. Find yourself a 3rd grade Thanksgiving concert and maybe you could catch a few verses of Over The River And Through The Woods. That and a couple of dancing pilgrims and stomping indians. Makes this new world seem not so bad...