men 2.0...

Even while suffering from the effects of eating his weight in carne aside, he is able to go out and socialize with his band of neighborhood brothers. These male creatures never cease to amaze me. I am stunned at their ability to watch things for hours. They delight in the little, small, tiny, dumb things that we women would never stand or sit for. Right now, the man who couldn't get 2 feet from the bathroom, has been out for over 2 hours watching tree limbs fall to the ground and then cut up into little pieces.

I could understand it if they didn't have YouTube and MSNBC. I have never seen these three men together, and we have lived here 14 years, yet this tree has brought them together. Women are brought together by yard sales, Tupperware parties and grief. Men, obviously, can be brought together with trees. I have been happily working on Mothers Day photos, looking at my girl with her girl. The boys wrestling and desperately hoping for a outcome that doesn't involve the er.

So Happy Monday fro the great NW, where the men bond over trees and the women, well, just are...

unintentional experiment...

Not sure what happened but now, looking back, I think I went on a Journey. A Journey that involved social media. Facebook and Instagram vs blogging. What are the perks, what are the downfalls? This is what I have come up with.

Blog posts are longer. You can add detail that FB and IG folks don't have the attention span for. There are some perks, don't get me wrong. My attention span is right there with everyone else. You fill the need to tell the next Story in as few words as possible. The photo has to carry more weight, at least 50% more. We now operate in short, bursts of time and there is a lot of area to cover. I save my favorite blogs for late at night when I know what everyone has done, thought, said, eaten and liked, for the day. I take my time and even feel refreshed after my blog reading time. Blogs have always been like short stories to me. On the nights I allow myself to blog hop, I never know where I am going or when I will be back but I do know, I will never be the same. Someone's Story will resonate with me, make me take a second look or think about something in a different way. A blog gives you more than a quick drink, it quenches your thirst. It allows you to go one to the next thing.

All that to say I am happy to be back. A few new things coming up. I have joined with the Mentoring Network and will mentoring a child in a local school next year. Hopefully, I will get to meet Miss N before the end of school so she can put a face to the name and be ready to go in the fall. Winter was rough but spring is here. We have been in full flag football mode with Gage. Keaton is about to turn 15 and is trying to take over The Tonight Show from Jimmy Fallon. Miss M is her precious self and the way she handles those two brothers is Something to behold. I am in awe.

So my unintentional experiment is over and this is what I think.

We move too fast.
We live in a 140 character world
and Sometimes, that is what I need

but I never want to forget to take my time, lounge around and check out my options. I couldn't have planned this better if it had been planned. I learned a lot about life and myself. Time to dip back into the blog pool where the living is easy...

What we see...

Art is a deception that creates real emotions -- a lie that creates a truth. And when you give yourself over to that deception, it becomes magic. TED Talks

I have not always had a close relationship with photos, just the opposite. Smiling children and parents do not give an accurate description of the lives being led. Maybe that is why I prefer the lifestyle style of photography over the family portrait one. People doing what comes naturally while not knowing there is a camera around. To not be aware can be real, sounds strange but believe in power of the photo to tell the story.

These two were gaming their way around a 40 minute wait time at Red Lobster. Their parents were outside. Sensed there is a Story here that may or may not ever be told. I saw this shot long before I fumbled to get the camera out of my purse, hoping they wouldn't look up. They didn't. Happy me.

There have always been and will always be the family portrait that every mother wants. Come hell or high water, you will be dressed, hair combed and most of all, smile. You will smile until you are told, not too. These will be the photos that are posted in the living room and Places you and I would be invited into. I take these photos because that is what it is all about to me. Each to their own, I have some fabulous friends who are portrait and studio artists. Bless you, you are fabulous. Could never do what you do, again.

Off to see more of what I see. The sun is shining and get to see three little ones that have captured my heart and Sometimes, let me into their world. Someday, it will all make sense to them why Nana wants a picture of them doing normal stuff. Someday, is good enough for me...

My natural aperture probably runs at about a 2.8. The background is blurred and focus is mainly on one thing. By contrast, Steve has a good, strong life aperture, at least a 22. Needless to say, I miss what he sees and visa versa. His net is cast wide, he sees all the pot holes, and everything that hides in the trees. Mine is close, near but laser sharp. I find that one thing and won't let go. US spy planes have nothing on me. Do I miss a lot? Of course I do but I am good with what I do get. This just made my day...

PS Yes this is a real photo of someone's iPad email account!

Lent 2014

Sunday night while giving his acceptance speech, Matthew McConaughey said he has three things that he has in his everyday life. Some one to look up to, something to look forward to and someone to run to. The first two were no brainers but the Someone to run to, brought me to tears.
We all have people we love, dearly. We all have plans that we look forward to. Do you have Someone to run to? If we use this one in correctly, we will suffer. Running to a spouse, a job, perhaps a dream. I immediately saw myself running to God. As fast as I could. My go to, my maker. The One who knows me best, loves me most...Today is the start of Lent. Never growing up in church or later, a church that participated, it is a new thing to me. A few close friends have brought me along, Thank you D and A. I tend to keep my Lent choice private, just between Him and me. This morning, I went running to meet Him. Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine...

mentoring...

When Someone asks, to pick your brain, there is a certain satisfaction that comes to mind. Years of learning and experiences is being taken seriously. There is value being assigned to you. It is a time of sharing and mentoring, a giving to each other freely, no strings attached. We should have more of these times in our lives. Many more...

The Tonight Show...

Late night TV is one of the greatest gifts this earth, gives. I have watched The Tonight Show for as long as I can remember. Johnny Carson came into my home every night and no matter what the day had brought, he soothed me with laughter and jokes and it didn't seem like such a cruel world. Then Jay. I moved to Letterman when Conan came on. I never understood that choice but Dave was a new perfect fit. I will now have to watch both until Dave is replaced by a younger man which has to be, right around the corner.

It is a young person's world and Jimmy Fallon was meant to replace Johnny Carson. He brings the best that late night has and it is rooted in the here and now. Friday's Thank You notes, Justin Timberlake as his BFF, it is new yet has that same feel of the old Tonight show days.

Welcome home, Jimmy. Your replacement is already hard at work. in 25 years when you are ready to set sail with Mrs Fallon, Winnie and the twins, he will be ready to take it over and will make you proud but tonight, it is all you, my friend. Enjoy...

comedian or actor...

Comedian or actor.
A comedian wants to be himself, studies himself.
An actor wants to be anyone but himself. Jerry Seinfeld.

I am a so a comedian.

Jerry goes on to ask Howard Stern in the latest CCC if therapy could help him.
Jerry answers, What could I possibly be better at?

I think it says Something about how we take in information. In a TED talk this week, the speaker basically explained that said when we take in information we filter it either through the past, present or future. Those who choose the future, scored higher in IQ test and generally lead better lives. The test given to kids was you can have one marshmallow now, or 2, later. There is no question in my mind, none, that I would have been in the group that said, Now. I had learned even as a kid that when food was offered, you took it. You didn't know when your next meal was coming. Had my experience been different with regular scheduled meals that any kid could count on, things might have been different.

Even if it were not the case, I would always take comedian or actor. I would always, always take the funny Road, no matter where it lead. That is how I am wired, that is how I process and I can't imagine it any other way...

perfect...

What could be better than pizza with a great friend, while Superman looks over us. Nothing. Absolutely Nothing...

muscles...

I imagine myself to be like a girl Superman. I have practiced taking down Bad Guys, with a single bound. The ne time I needed to, paid off nicely. I did everything right, didn't panic. While there was no physical take down, and the perp was elderly and, clearly have a kid's sheriff's badge, he threathened my family we didn't take the bait. We got his license number, refused to get out of the car when he was screaming at us in the middle of the road and while he sped away, thinking he had gotten away with his little deal, the cops went knocking at his door a few minutes later and it was only a technicality that he didn't go to jail.

My superpowers worked even without the cape. I keep thinking about the cape, and getting one. seriously. Not to make all the BG aware of who the are messing with but as a physical reminder to me of how strong I am. How brave, how territorial... Don't screw with the girl in the cape, choose someone else. Someone easier to take down. My husband would argue that I am scary enough without a cape and feels sorry for everyone who comes across my path, that I see as a threat.

And then there are those days when I realize I am only as strong as my wifi signal. Humbled, I remember where my strength comes from...

19...

Same menu
Same people
Good times

19th spaghetti dinner was last night. We all get together once a year and it is like no time has passed. The kids are getting bigger and a few have moved away. We missed them but had great conversation with the Millennials. Loved seeing the world from their perspective. We are all a little older, hopefully a little wiser but no matter what, have certainly seen much change since we started this little church all those years ago.

When we started there was no home computers, no internet and no social media. Times have changed and so have all of us. A few more grey hairs and. a few more pounds gained. Yet we continue our tradition. Our dessert girl thought about changing up the brownies but was quickly silenced by her own family. I know as soon as she started getting the new ingredients together, it would have dawned on her that this was no place to start Something new. She got the message and we feasted on her brownies which are out of this world. Until next year, my friends. Stay safe, well until we meet again...

about a boy...

We all know that there are Seasons of life. Babies, kids, teen, Big Person, and geezer. You know who you are.

But, watching someone else's Season is a bit tougher yet necessary.

This boy is turning into a man. You can see it in his face. I noticed it last week when I picked him up from school. I had just seen that face but it looked different to me. Same eyes, same eyebrow, he might have grown another inch in the last few days but nothing you could put your finger on yet, it was there, Glaring back at me. He is on the brink of manhood.

My prayers from him won't change, I will just add to them. I have never been a 15 year old boy yet I think I have a handle on how to pray for him. Everyday that I am able to loo into this face, I will do all I can to love and support him. He needs all of us now, more than ever. It is not easy growing up, these days. Guiding yet letting him grow, he has a whole support system that wants nothing but the very best for him.

I love you buddy, and will do whatever I can to help you continue to grow into the fine young man, I can see in your face. Boy to world, here he comes...

good choices...

Sometimes, we want what we want, when we want it.

She loved her makeup face that her mommy, the Makeup Queen did for her during the game last Sunday. She would wear it all the time, if you let her. Did she look beautiful? Of course she did but the photo I took the next day, was way more beautiful and no makeup. She will look like this soon enough, all the time. Girls and makeup have always been and will always be but in between the always and will be comes the idea of good choices. At this Moment, her parents are making most of her choices, from what she wears to what she eats to who she sees. With each year, those choices are less her parents and more, hers. One day, they will be totally hers and everything her parents taught her, will be evident.

We are all a bad choice away from disaster in our own lives.
Good choice, bad choice, it is entirely up to each of us.
We also live with the consequences of those choices.

So it is simple, go out there and make good choices today. Even if it doesn't make you happy or giddy. Even if you have somehow have gotten it into your head that you deserve it. If we all got what we deserved, it wouldn't be cupcakes and roses. Do your best, that is all anyone asks. Good luck...

today, tomorrow and every day you are given...

Whatever you did today, own it. Whether delight or default, truth or dare, hello or goodbye. It was yours to claim and time spent was done with your permission and choosing. Using your powers for good or evil, knowing to whom you belong. Thankful for the opportunity and God willing, we all get another crack at it tomorrow...

Any given day...

Today we reaffirm:

Do you believe...?
I believe...

Will you persevere/proclaim/seek/serve/strive...?
I will, with God's help...

Good words, Teo Bishop. Thank you...

Polar Vortex...

All 50 states reported having below freezing temps today. Every single one.

Having coffee with a good friend, figuring out all that is right, wrong, fair and unfair. Sharing lives with a few tears and if you pay attention, walk away a bit smarter than you came in. You may even walk away with another piece of your own Puzzle. No better way to spend a day, polar vortex or not...

one of those days...

It has been one of those days that I needed to be reminded, to color outside the lines. I needed to be alone with my thoughts and my feelings had hi-jacked my mind. There was sadness everywhere. I needed to look at the colors and see that life it is messy, that there are overlaps, that we don't always get what we want and that most of all, that is ok.

The one thing I did walk away with was a new understanding of grace. Grace is received as Something we didn't deserve. Nothing in our behavior, warranted being loved, yet we were and maybe more to the point that those of us in community who see the unearned act of grace being bestowed on someone, react with pure joy. That even if it is Something we have asked for, prayed for and never received, we can say without a Moment's hesitation, I am so happy for you...

I want that kind of grace, in my life. I want to spend more days, coloring outside the lines and truly be amazed at how God works. If He is for us, who can be against us. Time to start living that out and today, is a great day to begin...

December kind of people...

...

Dec 26, kind of people. Now that we have crossed over into January, it is more apparent. Gone are the feel good vibes we had even on Christmas. Helping people seemed to be a natural out pouring in December, yet the minute the packages are all open, in an instant, we switch back to pre holiday mode.
People are still hungry, unemployed and can't pay the heat bill. My theory is that it is a lot more fun to buy presents for those who find themselves in want. Makes us feel good about ourselves yet the Moment that invisible switch goes off, we are done. The red kettles are gone and so is our charity spirit. I want to bring December into my life this January, and February and all through the year. I want to be open to the things I can do, big or small. The ones that are sent my way. I want that red kettle to be a sign that caring is just not for December. I want to be December kind of people, every day...

final days of 2013...

Does one even have to ask how Christmas went?

Grandchildren can get grandfathers to do things wives never could. There may or may not be photos of me in a mask but so far, Gage does not have a FB or Instagram account and I am relatively safe. Pops, on the other hand, was not so lucky.

This year, I have became aware of the Christmastide. It is defined as a Christian festival observed from December 24, Christmas Eve, to January 5, the eve of Epiphany. I always knew I loved this time. A quiet time. People are, Out Of The Office, and not coming back for a good long while. Even those who are working, seem to be in a fog. This year is the first year that Apple has does it's 12 days of gifts for in the US. Today it was a Justin Timberlake download, fabulous for me. It is funny the things that come your way, sometimes over and over in new and different ways. I am joyful for this new celebration, even without Apple's contribution.

Going to walk through these days with my head up and heart open. Let 2013 show me what out and then I will make friends with 2014. No need to rush, we have all the time in the world. See you next year and enjoy these last few days. May God bless us all...

last candle, Love...

There is not a more universal relationship than Love. While we each have shared and have common knowledge of Love, to define it is impossible. Whether from God, each other, nature, creativity, or any other possible venue, we know yet Sometimes, don't have a clue.

From where to find it, to how to keep it. It is in music, in a flower and most definitely, in an ice cream cone. It may come in the form of a hug, physical or emotional. It can come in an instant and be gone, in the same amount of time.

We always look for it yet miss, many an opportunity. We are champions of love, yet believe it is elusive to us. It is in everything, yet untangible. We are hopeless romantics and while we may stumble and fumble, we continue to look for it because when we find it, we are in utter bliss.

May God's Love cover you this Christmas Season. May his peace flow over you again and again. May you know bliss, extraordinaire.