play.laugh.grow.

These words in this order belong to Fisher Price but don't be fooled, they are words to live by, no matter what your age. The older you get, the more you see their significance.

After spending time out and about this weekend, DH listened to me as I lamented about the early onslaught of All Things Holiday and stated as if I had been on a desert island for the last 10 years, Christmas starts the day after Halloween. He is so right.

The fight for our Christmas spending has already begun. There is no waiting until Black Friday. Layaway which was so 1970, made a come back last year and has been paraded in front of us since August. Here it is, I will fully admit it - when the fake snow starts flying and the red Christmas ornaments are everywhere, I start to change. I get the bug. I want all things, merry and bright. I become a kid and all that goes with it. I want, I want - kicks in with a vengeance.

While my usual default for the gratitude season runs from November 1 to Thanksgiving, I am moving it to December. Actually, it will run from November 25 to December 25. I am extending the season of thankfulness for all I have been giving at the toughest time of the year.

The season where Jesus and Santa Claus clash.
The season where everyone gets that one perfect gift, they so long for.
The season where everyone walks away from the table, full and happy.

Play.laugh.grow, that is what I want for each and every one of us but the reality is that won't happen. The reality is people are homeless, hungry and have no money for anything. So where do we start? How do we change our personal realities? It had to come from within and it has to contain the element of gratitude. It is about learning to be grateful, no matter where you find yourself. It is about being happy doing what you can with what you have. Learning new ways, if you have to. Making new traditions and most of all, not living in a world that doesn't belong to us. Yearning for what isn't ours in spite of our best efforts and wanting.

I have been listening to Christmas music for about a month now. Not the Santa Claus is coming to town stuff, but the Real Christmas stuff. The reason I know it is real is that it calms that part of me that wants to smother the world in snow and gifts and wants to see play.laugh.grow flourish in real world. Now that, is heaven in the Real World...

the blond in the t-bird...

Keaton now has a thing for Happy Days. Richie Cunningham and The Fonz are high on his list and as any good nana would do, I need to keep up with his ongoing knowledge of all Things Cool. On Friday, we got into a little discussion about American Graffiti which has one of his favorite actors, Harrison Ford. He couldn't believe it so we started Googling AG. Richie and Shirley were there which later led to Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley but also Richard Dreyfuss who Keaton loved in Jaws. It is at the top of the list for the next sleepover if not sooner.

So, its 2AM and DH and I are going to bed and I start telling him all about this wonderful conversation with our grandson. As I proceed to go through the cast of characters, he says, Oh yeah and Suzanne Somers was the blond in the t-bird. No, I tell him, I don't remember her being in American Graffiti. This movie came out in 1973, the year our girl was born - this is the man who can't always remember my birthday or our anniversary which is the very next day but he remembers the name of an actress in a movie over 37 years ago. I am so sure he is wrong, either because it was very late or very early. I couldn't sleep, finally got up , turned on the iPad and after searching the exhautive cast, found Suzanne Somers, near the end. We had a good laugh and finally were able to get some sleep.

I should not be surprised. There are a few things that we women should never bet against with men. When on a diet with a man, never bet. Never, even if they are prone to cheating. There is Something about their DNA that allows them to kick your butt everytime. Find something else, but never weight loss. The other thing is women. Men have an uncanny knack for remembering things we don't want them to when it comes to blonds in t-birds. Again, can they helpd themselves? I think not. It is better to go with the flow and understand they are who they are and we are not going to change them and learn to buy your own birthday presents...word.

the power of music...

Thanks Mrs D! You made my day! and the beat goes on...

best.day.ever...again

It doesn't stand for what you think...Twitter, Google, IPhone and Facebook. Leonard Sweet.

BC - before cellphones. In 1973, Martin Cooper stood in front of the Hilton Hotel in NYC and made a call from the sidewalk to AT&T. The first cell phone call.
If you were born before 1973, you are an immigrant. Born after 1973, you are a native.

TGIF - this is a culture that sell relationships not products. Don't believe it, try getting out of your cell phone contract.

All this is mixed up with going to the Mac world and leaving the PC world behind. Gotta to say that the iPad has got me thinking so far ahead of what I thought was possible and with the Mac App store coming in January 2011, my pc days are over.

Had an issue with my camera connection for the Ipad which turned out to be a memory card issue but I spent several hours at the Apple Store today trying to figure out what direction to go. Got to pick the brains of a couple of 20 something young men and decided to go for the iMac desktop and use my iPad instead of getting a laptop. Each of them have the same set up and it works perfectly. They have Expert on their business cards, imagine I can't go too wrong with their advice.

As I invested myself in their knowledge, I kept thinking about the TGIF thing. Everywhere in the Apple Store, one is bombarded by images. Fast, striking, big and colorful. I see what I see now. If you are around me, you won't hear anymore about leaving Twitter...I am in for good. I see the benefit and truly, want to see the world through their eyes. They are awesome....

After spending a couple of hours there, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman way older than me - buying an iMac. She didn't look like the Apple type, the times they are a changin. After spending 20 minutes with my last Expert, the best thing ever happened. He offered me a job at the Apple Store. I told him I study Steve Jobs' Keynote speeches like I was going for college credit. Seems like I am headed in the right direction... Now, if I only lived closer to the Mall...

you were put here, for this Moment...

Let's be more amazed that we are forgiven, than that we are right/John Piper.

In the middle of some serious study. My head is whirling and my heart is full. It is about joining the culture of Today, the one God has put me in with the one I was raised it. I live in a world where text has gone from being a noun to a verb. The average 13 year old sends over 3400 text messages a month. I couldn't have imagine the world we live it today. A world that is foreign to what I know yet, I am here for a reason.

To know a culture, you have live with them. Do what they do, become a part of their community. You have to have some credibility and that doesn't happen without involvement. You have to speak their language and when they know that, then you have made a Way. This culture is not about works, they are about images. TGIF... it's not what you imagine, Twitter, Google, IPhone and Facebook. The currency of this culture is images not words/Leonard Sweet.

You and I were put here, for this very Moment, and we need to create some creditability. The only way to do that is too immerse yourself in this generation. Need a starting point? Follow Apple for a while and then go out, spread the Gospel of Jesus in a way that this culture will respect because we cared enough to learn their ways. I could not be more excited. TGIF, from this Moment on.

TGIF...

It doesn't stand for what you think...Twitter, Google, IPhone and Facebook. Leonard Sweet.

BC - before cellphones. 1973 Martin Cooper stood in front of the Hilton Hotel in NYC and made a call from the sidewalk to AT&T. The first cell phone call.
If you were born before 1973, you are an immigrant. Born after 1973, you are a native.

TGIF - this is a culture that sell relationships not products. Don't believe it, try getting out of your cell phone contract.

All this is mixed up with going to the Mac world and leaving the PC world behind. Gotta to say that the iPad has got me thinking so far ahead of what I thought was possible and with the Mac App store coming in January 2011, my pc days are over.

Had an issue with my camera connection for the Ipad which turned out to be a memory card issue but I spent several hours at the Apple Store today trying to figure out what direction to go. Got to pick the brains of a couple of 20 something young men and decided to go for the iMac desktop and use my iPad instead of getting a laptop. Each of them have the same set up and it works perfectly. They have Expert on their business cards, imagine I can't go too wrong with their advice.

As I invested myself in their knowledge, I kept thinking about the TGIF thing. Everywhere in the Apple Store, one is bombarded by images. Fast, striking, big and colorful. I see what I see now. If you are around me, you won't hear anymore about leaving Twitter...I am in for good. I see the benefit and truly, want to see the world through their eyes. They are awesome....

After spending a couple of hours there, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a woman way older than me - buying an iMac. She didn't look like the Apple type, the times they are a changin. After spending 20 minutes with my last Expert, the best thing ever happened. He offered me a job at the Apple Store. I told him I study Steve Jobs' Keynote speeches like I was going for college credit. Seems like I am headed in the right direction... Now, if I only lived closer to the Mall...

the wear and tear of Real Life...

The phone started ringing at 8am and 12 hours later, I have received a total of 16 political-based calls. It is enough to make one crazy and I told the last caller at 816PM Something to that effect.

Week after week, we all have a personal routine. If you have kids, you know the drill. School, homework, sports, church, whatever it is that has captured your time. Vacation is overrated. You can't wait for the hopes of a getaway or you will never make it. The longer I live, the more I think vacations are for making memories, and using them as a way to distress is a inappropriate use. We have to value and find ways to weather the storms of everyday life, everyday.There are magazines filled with ideas and most of them will work for someone.

We all have to find a way to refresh, in the Moment. Doesn't have to take much time or cost any money. Maybe the most important thing you can do for yourself is smile. Find something that makes you smile. A few minutes of music can make one a new person. I played the Hallelujah chorus on my iPod tonight and I was smiling and soaring in no time. I started listen to Christmas music last week. Not Jingle Bells or It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, but, The Young Messiah. One of my favorite pieces of music that reminds me of the Big Picture. A few minutes in and I was thinking, it's the best.day.ever.

I say this because I am not a natural optimist. I have to relearn it everyday. When you know your strengths and weaknesses and are willing to look them straight in the eye, there are no surprises. Get what you get and don't throw a fit, is a great way to live because it puts life in perspective.

I use to think I could do it all, Now, I know how insane that was and how that thinking that was more dangerous than actually living it. Life after the Garden may be less than ideal but it is doable and that is all any of us can ask for...

What is the difference...

... between trust and faith? Grown son to his stunned mom...

My friend didn't know how to answer him. The dictionary he had consulted said they were virtually, the same. As I listened to her, my immediate response was, No - they aren't. .

As his questions rolled around in my head, I came home and consulted my favorite go to source, Wiktionary.

Trust

confidence
reliance
dependence

Faith

feeling
belief
obligation of loyalty.

None of that helped and I finally figured out what it was that made me feel so strongly and burst out with my original strongly felt, No.

It comes down to this for me - trust happens when something either physical or emotional satisfies you. When it is proven to you, that it is ok to trust based on an experience that makes it Real for you. Faith is the exact opposite. There is no proof,and no manifestation but a sense that in spite of it all, faith is chosen regardless of proof. Trust is proof-realized and faith is proof-less acceptance.

Have my issues with both trust and faith. Have more issues with trust than faith, because trust demands answers and I am ruthless when looking for answers. Not one of life's journey's that I particularly love. Makes sleeping difficult, chasing the elusive conclusions that I am so looking for. Life is not always a puzzle to solve and we all have different ideas, of what we need to know. This is just my Story...

on the road, again...

I never did see his mom and dad. I followed him through Costco to get a glimpse of his Story. He dragged Buttercup down a few aisles and in the end, he was just taking him back to the ranch. Imagine that he dragged the horse to his parents and they said, NO. At least he decided to do the right thing and take Buttercup back to the barn.

Ever grab Something and decide against it and then, don't put it back where you got it from but leave it wherever you are? Not proud to say, I have. In a hurry, don't want to walk clear back across the whole store. There is a host of reasons but the bottom line is, not of them hold much water. I really hate it when someone puts something that requires refrigeration and leaves it out to spoil but that doesn't disregard or lessen, my own negligence.

I don't do it often but I have. I can say that about alot of things in my life. Things I am not proud of but that is part of being human. The good news is we can ll learn to change some of the things about being human that aren't attractive. We can do better, it just takes a bit more effort.

My little friend understood that. He had a special place in his heart for Buttercup whether he was able to take him home or not. It is a little thing but we Big People know that little things lead to Big Things and the sooner we learn that, the better humans we will be...

bullet proof...

If I was going trick or treating this year, I would pick Something with a bullet proof theme. Something like Miss M's pink, SuperGirl costume. Not only does it say something about girls, power and pink but the idea of being a super - hero so appeals to my basic DNA.

All things being equal and if U2 already had a back up girl singer, being bulletproof and fighting evil would most certainly be my second choice. It so fits me and I humbly would add, I would be terrific at it.

There are places in my life where I can and hope I am, bulletproof. Deeply rooted, while I may be shaken and stirred, will pop back up - good as new. There may be places I don't even now about yet that are a steady as the day is long. Hope to see them Someday. For now, I will have to live vicariously through my Pink SuperGirl and collect treats instead of bad buys...At least for one night...

square one...

Sometimes it is not about where you are, have been or are going. It is about where you are this very Moment. Not as you wish or should be but just as you are, warts and all. It is not a step backwards, but actually, the way to going forward. A time to regroup, look around and see where you are and if it is where you need to be.

Being, we are not very good at it. If we are not moving forward, we see it as failure. If you get stuck for a long time maybe then you could walk up that path, but taking time to stop, look both ways and then proceed - sounds like a great plan to me. Moving just to move, can only bring trouble, The kind that can do Real Damage.

So, that is what I did today. Stopped, looked where I was and decided to head just a bit in a different direction. A slight pitch, a small tweek, square one if you will. Not a bit of failure there, and maybe a darn good idea, we'll see...

the Beast...

Inspiration comes from many places. One of my sources is my father. As far back as I can remember my Dad has written poems. I think that it is his true passion but it’s one of those private passions, a secret interest. He only shares them with a few people and I’m lucky enough to be one of them. His poems have never been published probably because he hasn’t had the courage to believe that they were good enough. I believe they are good enough. I believe that you are good enough DAD. So I would like to publish you first poem/Ashton Kutcher


Therapy

The farmers are busy. The woolies are hunkerin in. A hint of smoke in the crisp night air.
Been awhile. The ritual never changes, with the coming of the Beast.

The advantage of outside eyes, the preparatory tasks are amazing.
But then, I was them. In a different time.

We must prepare for the Beast on a daily basis,
But still harvest and share the bountiful gift that was given.

Will I challenge the Beast?
Bring it on MF, I'm a midwest Boy

Life is Good.

I imagine what we all hear when the Beast is read, is a feeling that is quick and direct. Used in this way, we each may relive the Beast that has been in our lives off and on, for as long as we can remember is as real as the gray hairs on my head.

I love Mr Kutcher's poem. Would love to read more. Reminds me of Billy Collins and I adore Billy Collins. Bad words aside, it came to me as a breath of fresh air when I needed one bad. While the beast theme is the first to hit you, the next part is as sweet as they come...

We must prepare for the Beast on a daily basis,
But still harvest and share the bountiful gift that was given.

Truer words were never spoken. The bible says when, not if. We each have Beast thoughts that we pray desperately, never come true. The truth is we hear about our Moments having to be lived out and endured in Real Life through others and that is why we worry, because we know - it could be our turn, next.

We will have to live with the Beast and the Bounty, everyday for the rest of our lives. We have to walk the line between disaster and delight with every step we take. Puts quite a bit of responsability on us, doesn't it? Not exactly a place for it on our everyday to do list. Yet, we would be wise to prepare, harvest and share on a daily basis. It was given to us as a gift, now it is time to us to share what we have with those who have been given to us...

history...

history
1.The aggregate of past events.
History repeats itself if we don’t learn from its mistakes.
Holes in your pant pockets turn your coins into history.

2.The branch of knowledge that studies the past; the assessment of notable events.
He teaches history at the university.
History will not look kindly on these tyrants.
He dreams of an invention that will make history.

3.(computing) A record of previous user events. I visted a great site yesterday but forgot the URL; oh! ... luckily I didn't clear my history.

So many kinds of history not just the one we all learned in high school which we were at the mercy of whoever got to write the textbooks with their personal slant or agenda. I imagine if I read a 6th grade history book on Abraham Lincoln today, it would include much I didn't know and maybe even some stuff that wasn't true. Sounds semi-paranoid but the only history I really trust is the one I know firsthand.

We all have history with people, places and things that affect our everyday lives. From the doctors we go to, to the stores we shop and to the friends and family we visit with. Our daily lives take cues from our personal history and no amount of input from someone else's history will sway us, if we already have our own. If we ask someone about their history with x, y or z, we may go that direction based on their information. If it is a good experience, we will share with other. Ok, we will share with others - NO MATTER WHAT but it will either have a positive or negative theme and then it is packed away in our history minds for total recall whenever deemed necessary.

I admit, I am not terribly interested in most of the world's history. The History Channel only plays on DH's TV, I have mentally blocked it on the other one. I know I am missing a lot that might change my mind but that is a risk I am willing to take and will stay with Grey's Anatomy and Outsourced. There is plenty of history in my everyday life that I have to live with and not room for much more.

Now, Genesis and Job are another matter. There is Some Great Stuff right there. This explains my today life and affects my tomorrow life. The Stories of Adam and Eve is like no other. All of think we could and would have done a better job even our crazy relatives. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? God didn't use big words - just don't do this one thing - who couldn't follow those instructions without using a lot of brain power! Job, on the other hand. had it a bit tougher in many ways. Not only in experience but some pretty, bad advice from friends. Who know what would have happened if he had a empty garden and could have had time to think?

History, a big part of who we are and in turn, who we will be. Pay attention when you can...

cake...

We had a lot going on this weekend. The fall carnival at school on Friday night where our primary responsibility was to man the fishing booth,which we took very seriously until we were relieved by teenagers. In between we tried to see how many tickets we could buy and spend as fast as possible. I kept reminding the kids that the Cakewalk game needed some ticket Love but gave up that dream when I found out that it was only one cupcake per winner. WHAT KIND of cakewalk is that! Thinking of running for PTO president next year, specializing the all things cake!

Saturday was the birthday party scene and we had two of them to go to.. 85 and 18, quite a spread to get your mind around. One knowing that most of her birthdays are behind her and the other, getting ready to party like a rock star.

Both had cake and you got more than a cupcake size. DH got to visit with his aunt and cousins. All the cousins are now of retirement age so the conversations swirled around when and when. Aunt C is the only surviving sibling and while she is as spry as can be, every birthday is a big deal now. Did I mention,there was a lot of cake?Shelbie is just starting out. A rave to celebrate her HIPAA-age. Still a child but privacy is now on her side. She is a premier soccer player and has the college tuition to show it. Heading off to OS next fall, she is ready to go. Good cake and I was offered seconds.

Walked away with some awesome pics, not of faces but of places. Places we have been, seen and are going, I left the documenting up to the families and took the shots that would tell the back story. There were a lot of back Stories this weekend. Some made me laugh, many made me cry. You may imagine I am talking about the one who has lived for 85 years but that would not be the case even though she has a wonderful Story to tell. You can live a lot of life in 18 years. Thank you both of sharing your cake with me - I will never forget it...

PS Dear PTO, I will be available most days to help you fill in the cake blanks... One cupcake, really? Sincerely KGM nana.

the end of fall...

I love me my Fall season and am also very specific about it. Totally all about the first part of fall when the days are warm and the evenings, just border on chilly. It is magical to me. Still California with a hint of Minnesota, on its way. It turns Winter for me far before the calendar makes that leap. Soon, the rain will come and the warm will be gone. Could happen in a week or overnight so I am very aware that my days are numbered...in more ways than one.

I learn to live in the Moment more, every time this year. It will soon be time to fire up the gas logs because the chill will become more than my blanket will be able to handle. My shorts will have to be put away. Right now, go back and forth between long sleeved and short sleeved shirts, the shorts are always the last to go. Shorts and flip flops. This year, I want fall to last longer. Pretty sure I am not going to get my wish, Mother Nature is quite fickle.

Pictures are taking for christmas cards and halloween is a few short weeks away. Having delightful Halloween weather is a crap shoot here. We stay at the house and the kids go to a few houses to trick or treat. No matter what the weather, we will have a great time. The school carnival is tomorrow night, let's hope that the wonderful warm we have had all week, stays for one more day because the weatherman says, change is on its way. Love ya Fall, thanks again for a most wonderful time. You surely have to be one of God's angels - you tell his Story so well...

3 questions...

1. What is my crack of choice?
2. What persona am I desperate for people to believe?
3. What am I willing to do for the rest of my life?

It is hard living in my hear. I read too much and different philosopies feel free to stay and visit for a while. These three have made themselves to home this week so I must answer to get them to move on.

Crack of choice - we all have Something. Something we don't want to do without. Maybe be a substance, person, idea, activity or fill in the box labeled other. Would venture to say, I would have something in each column that I could take ownership of. The last couple days it has been photo editing. Can't get enough and the high can't be beat.

Persona - this one is a bit more personal and tougher to answer. What do I want people to walk away from meeting me , to think about who I am. If I think back over the last year or so, I would have to say tough and deep. I would die if they thought I like to chit chat. Why do I feel that way? What is the reward for wanting to be a smart ass because there is one. As sure I am typing this, there is a huge payoff.

What do I want to do for the rest of my life? That is easy. I want to keep taking pictures of these wonderful little people and go for ice cream. If Disney World is ever on the table, I am in. My expectations are few, now if I could only get my wants under control...

presets...

In Lightroom, they are called presets. The cool thing is you can very simply apply the same preset, to different photos. One would think that a black and white photo would be pretty simple but until you start post processing photos, you have no idea how many variations of black and white there are.

Same presets applied to each of these photos and look how different they are. Two were taken at the same location and the other one, under similar conditions. Here is what I am getting at - we have a hard time understanding each other when it comes to God and who he is. There have been wars, large and small over what he looks like to what he would do. As I processed these photos, I thought about all our differences and how amazing it is that we ever can agree on anything and why more bible studies don't end in fist fights.

The truth is, he looks different to each of us. There is no way we will ever agree on most things. Each of our experiences forms who we are and what we believe and those opinions are very, very strong. I imagine that Jesus means it to be that way of he would have cleared that up, pretty quick. So, it falls to us to learn to live together, accepting those things about each other that we can't change and having the wisdom to know, what our journey is to look like. That is what I am learning as Jesus gets bigger in my life. Less to defend, nothing to prove. He is who he says he is and he is working in your life and my life. Different paths, different scenery and different experiences. We are to share our different, not defend it. We are to follow our own path, not the path of others. Love em and let them go. Share what you have seen not jump on their journey. This is tougher to do than to type.

This little exercise has helped me more than I can say. To see it in black and white, is right up my alley. Need to remember this next time those feelings come rushing back. Each of these photos are wonderful on their own. They don't have to match, or compete. The light is different in each one....It always come back to the Light, doesn't it?

make yourself at home...

Maybe even more than 80% of the, I love you's, we all say - make yourself at home, may be the most important thing you can say to someone. It is the one you say when you are on your own, personal home turf, and the one you are saying it to, is not. What a way to give of yourself and share what you have, with one who is passing through and journey-bound.

I got the opportunity to do that late, last week. From picking her up at the airport to spending the next 20 or so hours with her, it was a complete and total joy. Although we had never met in Real Life, we already knew each other's Stories and it felt like home to me.

When we brought her suitcases into the house, I told her, Make yourself at home. Some one had said that to me this year and I know how it made me feel. For a small amount of time, anyone who shares their space with you so openly, puts you at ease. You are essentially telling them, mi casa, es su case - my house is your house. You are giving them permission to join your family, be one with us. I truly think it is hospitality done well and I think, for many different reasons, being hospitable is thought of as a gift, not something that everyone can do. I can vouch for that, many years ago DH and I took a What Are Your Spiritual Gifts class, and he scored the highest in hospitality, If you know him, you would understand.

My friend and I talked for hours and if she could have stayed, we would have talked for more. Sometimes, you just get lucky. I was the luckiest girl on the earth last week. I will not forget our time together. Thank you Jesus, for showing me how to make myself at home with you which taught me to share with others. Love you C! Thank you Jesus...

Pink Glove Dance, the sequel...

For Miss M who kept the Pink Glove Dance alive in our family. Dare you to not shake your groove thing and know what it is like to live in the Moment...

growing up...

After our annual family fall shoot, we decided it was our 6th time.

This guy was just a young teen when we started, his sister even younger. There would be groans every year to get this less than an hour photo ops, on the calendar. I remember most of these shoots had collective sighs and lots of texting in between. They are good kids, just not into the smile and shoot thing.

This year, was different. This year, the kids were relaxed, made suggestions and acted like they had no place to be. I didn't see one cell phone. I saw them enjoying themselves. Their mommy is a photographer so I took shots of her taking her own kids pictures. I love that. In just under an hour, we had family photos but maybe even the bigger thing was watching these kids grow into themselves. They have become adults in their own right and now, I think understand how important these annual photos are to their mom. I am so proud of them!

I don't know how many more years we will be taking these fall photos but even if things change, I can't wait for the day my friend's grandbabies start coming along and I am going to beg for the chance to take pictures of her taking their pictures. Growing up isn't always fun, change isn't always fun but Sometimes, it is absolutely fabulous...

69 days...

33 miners
19-63 years of age
69 days underground,
an unprecedented rescue.

With our instant gratification technology, we are watching with the rest of the world, something we have never seen. An unprecendented rescue with hope that all will go well for more than 48 hours, until everyone is out and safe.

As I write this, the first man, a paramedic has reached the other 33 men. It is the first human these men have seen in a very long time. It will still be a while before we see the first trapped miner come to the surface but tensions are already running high. The father of the first man to be rescued has raced to the capsule site to wait to see the son he has had to live without for so long.

They are not out of the woods yet. There are so many places where this could go wrong. Things that could dislodge rocks as the capsule's goes up and down the 1/2 mile shaft. Now, we wait. We wait with all the families for a good outcome. We wait and hope each man has a successful re-entry. We wait...

waiting...

13 minutes...That is how long I waited for the train to move today. When I pulled up, I was the only one there. At least 10 cars had turned back because the train wasn't moving but for me, the detour was too far and I had time. Time to wait. Car after car would come up behind me and turn around. I just sat there entertaining myself with the radio and the graffiti on the rail cars around me. And thought about the Chilean miners who may see daylight tomorrow for the first time since August 5.

Originally, it was said they would be lucky to get out by Christmas, then Thanksgiving and now, in the next few days. They have been training them to face the media. Many already have book and movie deals. Some, like the guy with a wife and girlfriend waiting for him, have some explaining to do. There are counselors standing by to reunite the families and help the miners transition back to their new normal. There is an order as to who comes out first to last - not sure how that was decided. Makes my 13 minutes look a bit puny.

As I stared at the train, thinking about life and the minors, I asked myself the question, What are you waiting for?

What are you waiting for to pass?
What are you waiting for to happen?
What are you waiting for before you move?

Not sure of the answers to any of those questions but do think that at any given time, we are all waiting for Something, that is causing us to do nothing. Waiting for the green light to proceed to take the next step is always a bit challenging and scary. We don't always use our waiting time to its full potential and then we are caught off guard when the train starts to move. Caught off guard, we're not sure hope to proceed but the guy honking behind us makes it clear, it is time to go.

Checking to see where I am waiting and if it is time to make a move. Maybe it iwll be a long term wait, some kinds of waits are open ended. Some are self induced, knowing how to tell the difference is priceless. Might might need only 13 minutes, some over 2 months and some, well it might just take forever...

happy o meter...

What brings each of us happiness is over the top, subjective. A few pictures does it for me. My happy o meter goes just goes wild.

What makes your happy o meter go wild? Not talking about food, shopping or things we all need 12 step programs to get over. Just those things that bring a small amount of temporary pleasure to our souls.

Because happiness does look so different to each of us, it is impossible to give a recipe, cookie cutter, fool proof avenue to help someone find theirs. When done correctly, happiness is acknowledged as a temporary feeling and should be treated as such. Trying to keep happiness as a default state of being is not only inappropriate, it is dangerous. Very dangerous. To be content with where we are and who we are with intermittent times of little bits of happiness is the best there is. Enjoy them throughly and don't hold on too tight...

57-14

Say what you want about college football, and all the politics that come with it - when you come to the Broncos, Coach Pete has consistently said, One game at a time.

Listened to Coach Pete and a few of the players on the radio last night, coming home after the game. One of the players interviewed is a friend of mine's son. Have know him all my life. What I see is Shea is what I have seen in other BSU players - they have taking Coach Pete's words to heart. One Game At A Time. It is a pretty humble bunch of young guys who are learning skills that will work well for them long after they leave football.

One game at a time. There is Something each of us could learn, has nothing to do with football.

One game at a time.
One test at a time.
One person at a time.

One day at a time. The Big Picture really is, one game at a time. It is not about where we are going to be in five years, it is about where we are today. What are we doing today? Who are we loving today? What is important today?

Not monumental in theory but obviously tough to pull off. Maybe we should take Coach Pete's words to heart. Go Broncos!

recipes...

If all of life could be lived out in a series of recipes, it would still be hit and miss. While there is Something comforting about being able to follow a list of known ingredients with a high degree of assurance of success, there is still a part of us that wnats to wander off the beaten path.

We would all agree that for the most part, our perception is that any given recipe has been tested and retested before given out. I think we could also assume with some degree of confidence that said recipe would not only turn out nicely but also be quite tasty.

But the truth is, recipes don't always turn out or taste good. Ever try to make your husband's mother favorite spaghetti recipe and can't because it is Chef Boyardee in a box (True Story)?

I am a recipe follower, at least until I am comfortable and then I may do some tweeking. Some need it and some are perfect the way they are. This Pecan Pie Muffins from Tasty Kitchen are perfect and easy. I wish I had a recipe that would take you through life so that you could avoid all the ruts and pitfalls that will come your way. I can't but I can share this to help the journey be a delicious one!

Pecan Pie Muffins

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs

Mix pecans, bronw sugar and flour. Beat eggs with a fork, and add melted butter. Mix wet ingredients into dry. Fill muffin tin 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.

fall break...

The kids are off this week so we have been experiencing marathon sleepovers. Started with Keaton on Sunday. Keaton is our mall rat. That is where he likes to go and look around. He has his favorites and See's candies is always a must stop. This was also his first time at an Apple store and that didn't hurt my feelings.

Monday was Gage's turn. After a photo op at Cabela's, directed by Gage in various parts of the store and with many of his special friends, he too, wanted to head to the mall. We do have enough photos and video to start a blog for him and sounds like that is what he is planning - God help us! Anyway, the mall...

He wanted to see the Apple store too so off we went but not before going in and out of most stores at the mall at a pace that could only be descibed as Lance Armstrong-ish. The dude had me running, finally landing at The Big White Store. He LOVED the Apple store. He loved it as much as Keaton, if not more. He couldn't believe you could play Angry Birds as much as you wanted to. There must be Something about the whiteness of an Apple store that welcomes you, begs you to stay. Discussed the value of a Touch with my favorite salesgirl and can home with a list of new apps to check out. Gage is my iPad freak boy. To watch him on the iPad is magic. There is wonder in watching a child and how natural technology comes to them. They never have any questions and seem to know it all effortlessly - blows me away.

After the movies today, it will be Morgan's turn. No Apple store for her. It will be about babies and ice cream. She informed me yesterday that she is going to ask Santa for a baby sister for Christmas. First, she was praying to God for a sister, now Santa. I am afraid, very very afraid and tired. Very, very tired!

Bliss...

Bliss is the name of a Windows bitmap image included with Microsoft Windows XP, produced from a photograph of a landscape in Sonoma County, California, southeast of Sonoma Valley near the site of the old Clover Stornetta Inc. Dairy.[1][dead link] The image contains rolling green hills and a blue sky with stratocumulus and cirrus clouds. The image is used as the default computer wallpaper for the "Luna" theme of Windows XP. Photograph used as Windows XP default wallpaper and a followup photograph 10 years later. 1996 and 2006./Photojojo.

While I didn't need Photojojo to tell me what I already knew - nothing that lives is immune to change. All I have to do is pass a mirror and I am made fully aware that time is marching on, faster than I would like to admit. Yet I find the differences between the two photos, fascinating.

The thing that is the toughest to comprehend is that in my mind with no visual aids, I feel like a kid. Dh feels the same way. We often compare notes and are amazed that feel the same way. DD is getting to an age where she can start to understand what her parents have been telling her. Maybe it has something to do with having her own child in jr high. Her parents seem to get smarter the older she she gets.

The phone rang a few nights ago and it was Harma, our exchange student who spent a year with us 20 years ago. She came to us in the fall and left the following year after graduation. She now has 2 beautiful children of her own, a job and still manages to look us up. We talked about then and now and are equally amazed at where we are now. Change and bliss all rolled into one, now if we could make that our default, how happy would that be?

ode to Miss Kat...

She has got me hooked on night shooting. It was our sleepover with Keaton so we hit the streets of our town after 8pm to do some damage. Imagine our surprise when our favorite coffee shop was closed - took the wind out of our sails, I tell ya.

Keaton graciously agreed to be my model so we started down alleys and side streets looking for light. The world looks much different at night. Not one to frequent outside much, this is a whole new world to me. I am the one who has her PJ's on early. Not the one who loves the nightlife and likes to boogie, at least not until now. God helps us if we go there.

It is a bit scary. We were on the phone to Keaton's mommy every so often to reassure her which Keaton was not helpful with. Yes, we passed a few bars and there were some scary people out but felt completely safe. So safe that to get these shots through the trees, I was laying down shooting up from the sidewalk. The boys were laughing at me but I got the shot I was after. So worth it, even with the sound of male ha ha's in the background.

Seeing the world through a different perspective is never a bad thing. It is good for us to shake things up. I am in awe of what my camera is teaching me. Imagine what else I am may be missing - class is in session, where am I? Pay attention and you may see even more.

I see many more night trips. DH is more than willing even without a Sonic or Dairy Queen run... but a little bribery goes a long way and Miss Kat, if you are ever in my neck of the woods, you have a standing offer for the same...

good rest...

It was a sudden decision to take the week off. Nothing I had contemplated for more than a few seconds and in the end, it was so right...

Took much time to think and process. Worked thru some things and got some answers. Not in ways I expected but isn't that how God works?

I learned that many times the things that drive me crazy are about people is when their God is too small. To put Him in a box, is to not understand who He is. God doesn't need us to continually play defense, He wants us to play offense. He is big enough to take the hits. He sees the world way bigger than we do. We have our boxes and put people, religions, beliefs all nice and cozy in boxes without even considering - we may not have it right. Just like football, there are separate teams for defense and offense and we each have to pick one. I have played defense, putting people in boxes, deciding by their actions, politics and views or putting people, places and things down, in the name of Jesus. Leave it up to Jesus. The truth is we really don't know His mind and we need to start acting like it.

Ode to Ms Kat! She got me hooked on natural night photography and now I want to go out every night. Never would have imagined going to the pumpkin patch at night. It is a whole new world. Thank you Miss Kat!

Imagine my surprise when I checked out Pioneer Woman's site yesterday to find Miss Hayley and kgmnana in the Group#3 photo group. I was truly, over the moon happy! Every once in a while, it is just so fun. Couldn't have done it without her. Hayley, you so rock, Girl! Thank you.

Ready for a new week! October, I am so glad to see you...

no words...

Fall...

While my personal New Year started 22 days ago, yesterday makes it official. Fall is here. It felt like it in the morning as I headed out. Crisp, cool, perfect cocoa weather. Grab a sweater to go with those shorts and flip flops. Makes you want to paint the world orange, red and many shades of brown.

It is the also the only time of year that I love color photos. It is the only theme of photos that I don't believe always look better in black and white. It is still a bit early even though the pumpkin patches will officially open this weekend. I see multiple visits in the next month, some just because.

It is also the only kind of landscape photos that give me that make my heart race. There is so much emotion in fall that is makes its own Story. A Story of what was and what is to come.

Going take a week off and soak in all that I can. The crisp, the cold, and the summer days yet to come. There is such a feeling of anticipation, with a heart full of gratitude - I want to savor it, simmer in it and come out, refreshed.

See you in a week. May Fall come bounding into your world anad may you be better for the experience...

glee...

Glee - Music; minstrelsy; entertainment

Reece figured out how to take off his shirt by himself. at Home Depot.
over and over, with wild, gleeful, head-turning giggling/Making Tracks

While waiting for some creative thing to write, that obviously was not forthcoming and watching Glee which is creatively, happy - I turned to the internet for something of casual interest, something that would make sense.

From Twitter, I went to Matt Logelin's blog. Haven't visited there in a long time and spent some time, catching up. Matt lost his wife Liz, 28 hours after the birth of their first child, Madeleine. Maddy is headed for her 2nd birthday and it seems they have made their way through their grief, as much as one can. There was list of widow/widowers blogs and I spent the next hour, reading their Stories.

Stories of moving on and being stuck. Some that are still made and don't understand why. Most of these people were thrust into being one instead of two, in an instant and at a young age. Over the years, I have on a regular basis made lists of things that I can no longer experience. Not normal things, more on the strange side. Being a young widow is one of them. I have great respect for each of their Stories. Great respect.

When I read about Reece and his gleeful giggling, I knew all of these things together, meant something. While I still am not at all sure of exactly what, I think it has more to do with the idea of glee and grief, no matter what Season of life it comes to you. That there is a time of darkness that eventually gives way to feelings that the darkness promised were dead and gone with hope of ever showing their faces again. I think I learned a lesson tonight for Down The Road. For each of us, the promise is the same. No matter what, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. That is good enough for me...

straight shooters...

I love this commercial on so many levels. Truth, sarcasm and the true frustration we all often feel.

All kidding aside, If you have someone in your life who will be honest with you, you have been giving quite a gift. Not someone to make your choices but one who will speak the truth to you and then, let you decide. In a perfect world, all friends would give this gift to each other but this is, once again, not a perfect world. If one has a few friends who they share this kind of relationship with, they are lucky indeed.

The flip side is doing the same for someone else. None of us have all the answers but being honest, especially in women's relationships is more rare than we would like to think. Whether we don't want to hurt some one's feelings, avoid confrontation at all costs or just don't want to get involved, sometimes it is our duty to lay it all out. Not to make judgements but in love and honesty, point in a different direction. Not with a know it all spirit, but with one who is willing to say the things that need to be said and then, let the decisions fall where they may.

Being a straight shooter isn't about shooting up the town and making a lot of noise. It's is about being kind in spirit and tough with words. It is about being involved in a loving, yet strong way. It's the right thing to do, no matter what side you are on...

saying thank you...

We teach it to our kids at the same time we are trying to explain potty training. Saying thank you has been a big part of my grandkids education and their parents should be very proud - they are the most well-mannered kids I know. We all want our kids to be thankful for who and what they have in their lives so they don't turn out to be spoiled brats. May sound harsh, there is nothing like learning about gratitude early in life.

Wish thankfulness was a default setting on the human hard drive but sadly, it is not. We get all caught up on what is not going right, how unfair life is and where we need to be that we are not thankful for what is right in front of us. None of us is exempt, no one.

I worked on this little layout and plan to keep it near. I don't think I have said a heartfelt thank since Wednesday when the sinus headache dug in for an extended visit. Pain isn't an excuse but it does make it more difficult to get one's bearings. Waiting for fall and longing for something of meaning to take photos of, brings me to a frustration level between Severe and High.

I am thoroughly convinced that the more time we spend being grateful, the more our lives will make sense. There is a direct correlation between being thankful and not needing/wanting more. Being grateful affects our money, time and the way we see the world.

I was not raised in a home where the thank you's were obvious. I don't remember saying them or having them being said to me, but I do remember being hit for not saying it when an unspoken rule to express the sentiment was not observed, usually when we were in someone else's home.

It doesn't come natural, it never will but with a little practice, it quickly becomes obvious how important two little words can be...

filters...

My school has egg water...Miss M

That was her explanation the other day for bringing her own bottle of water to school. I totally get this.

We are having the same problem at home. Some days are fine but most others, the water from our kitchen faucet taste like egg water. Even in cooking, the pasta takes on the icky taste. Broke down last week and bought a water filter for the kitchen. Life is too short to eat egg water pasta and drink hot egg water cocoa!

We all have multiple filters that we use to see life everyday. We make value judgements before and after the filter adjustments. They are usually different in nature although still smack of some familiarity.

People, place and things - I made judgements in all three categories last week. Some were recognized for the egg water they are. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and figure out you better just use the filter because it is what it is. Understanding that we all don't start start at the same place. Carrying around those childhood filters and early adult filters, not sure we ever discard them but fairly sure, we might consider it.

Miss M didn't know about egg water before kindergarten and all waters will know be judged by that one discovery. Life changing in a heartbeat. Still adding to my plethora of filters daily, I hope they are wise and healthy choices. After all, that is wear I am hanging my hat...

musing...

As the week starts to come to an end, my mind is racing. With nothing in particular yet everything in general.

Random thoughts that resemble Twitter's 140 character theme.

you are not living a balanced life if you have to buy 2 seats on an airplane.

do you want to spend your life begging God to do what you want him to do?

is happy a adjective or a verb?

It occurred to me last night after book club that my idea of reading has changed so much in the last couple of years. I went from reading books to blogs and now my attention span has atrophied. I want my Stories short and sweet. I have to hang in there with a book where the Story has to develop. No instant gratification so book club is even more of a stretch than every before.

one doesn't know it all at 19, no matter what the mouth may say.

The third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is awesome.

having DH home for the week is good practice for retirement

Happy Weekend! May your brain be aware that whatever the heart sends up, is worth listening too. Everything else needs to be checked out...

the pilot and the passenger...

Within each of us is a pilot and a passenger. Sometimes we are in the cockpit and sometimes, we are just enjoying the view. Like with most things, there are times one is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sometimes, it is by choice. We decide that we are more capable of making the drive than someone else. And sometimes, that assumption which we make even more choices based on, it totally in accurate. Sometimes, we are comfortable always being the passenger and that has it's own potential danger.

So how do we know when to be the pilot and when to be the passenger? If we had the answer to that every addiction, bad outcome would be gone and ultimately make life would be perfect. The best we can do if to be aware everyday of where we are sitting. What is the view and decide if we are there for our own comfort, for the right reasons or if we need to switch places. regardless of our level of comfort. It is a daily human exercise. Pack your bags for today, off we go...

everything is a mask...

Heard that during a chat last weekend at my favorite digital scrapbooking place. A mask in digital scrapbooking is something you fill in. With a photo, a piece of patterned paper or a single element to highlight a page. A page that yo are creating to save a memory. Everything is a mask, quickly I saw it as a truth for my everyday life.

Some days, I think I have a pretty good hold on being transparent, as much as any human can be. We all have our places where no one is invited and if invaded, we will fight like crazy to keep people out. Whether healthy or not, I am mostly aware and happy to share what I can about what I have learned. We can learn so much from each other if we are Real but not sure our human default, unless actively pursuing change, has much of a chance.

In Real Life, masks make us feel good about ourselves. We never stop to consider how it looks to the outside world. Just like in scrapbooking - if it is not done right, a mask looks terrible. It is so obviously wrong - either off center or missing the mark completely. Does nothing for a digital page or a life.

Using a mask in scrapbooking is one of my favorite ways to romanticize a layout. It softens the edges and hides part of whatever product you use in the mask. The results, again if done right, are gorgeous. Almost always, very artsy. Something you might put on a canvas in your living room, something you would be very proud of. Just like Real Life, there is a time and a place for everything including masks. Use them wisely...

nitwiits...

Are you pouting about something that isn’t happening in your life, thinking God will feel sorry for you? Well, God doesn’t feel sorry for you. Have you been hurt by a Christian and are using it as an excuse to walk away from God? God knows it’s just an excuse, and He knows you know the difference between Him and that nitwit.Donald Miller.

After a week of listening to this Florida pastor talk about burning the Koran on 9/11, this spoke volumes to me. The main thought running running through my head is, think one person can't make a difference? Think again.

By the time I got to nitwit, I had gathered my bearings and was up and running again. Jones and his 15 member church managed to get the attention of garner the attention of most every major political player, including the president. His daughter says he need mental help, I tend to agree.

It almost makes throwing out the baby with the bath water seem like a plausible option. For a second, then after you get your bearings back, you see that if it works for yin, it can also work for yang. All those times we imagined that we can't make a difference, remember this Moment.

Remember,
all it takes is willingness, not talent.

you are at your best when you feel at your least. Pliable, workable, available

now matter how it feels, it is never a good idea
to throw the baby out with the bathwater, never.

There will always be nitwits. Blame it on Adam and Eve. Hold on to the baby, forever...

nine year later...

I can't believe what I am seeing... man from his apartment filming a block away for the WTC September 11, 2001/History.com

It has been my default to watch the Today show account of 9/11 for the last nine years. To watch that morning through the eyes of Matt Lauer, Katie Couric and Tom Brokaw. To watch their astonishment as they start to understand what I already know. Thinking it was first an accident but after the second plane hit, knowing something was not right, having no idea how this Story would unfold and change the world as they know it.

This year, I missed it and thought, too bad, it had become somewhat of a tradition. I sat down about 630PM and as I flipped through channels, came across the History Channel and their perspective. Their Story was a compilation of many photographers who were on the streets of New York that morning, filming assignments and living their lives. From a block away to several miles away, this extraordinary footage of people from the streets, their homes - any and everywhere. It was Something I will not soon forget. The battalion of 19 firemen as they marched off to the 2nd tower after the first had already fallen, who would never return. People in the streets with their mouths wide open and others running for their lives. IT was a different face to 911 and as I watched, I thought again of what is going on 9 years later.

We are a different people now. More cynical and less forgiving. Gage asked his dad today if the war was over - he wasn't aware of the date and I thought that rather interesting. He didn't ask about a particular war and as his dad told him no, he let it go. He wouldn't be born until 3 years after 911, not sure what his generation's 911 will be. The thought actually frightens me.

Like the Kennedy assassination for my generation, we will never forget where we were nor what we were doing. That is how it is with we humans,we couldn't forget if we wanted too and for most of us, we don't want too. Nine years later, life goes on for those left behind but I can't help but think of those who have loss their lives since 911 trying to keep us all safe. 911 didn't end on September 11, 2001 - it is still happening today. RIP.

the selling of one's self...

Have been mulling this over for a few weeks and today I took the plunge. After much internal debate with the Powers That Be, the proposal was submitted - now, for the wait.

I created a job position, wrote up the trial proposal and submitted it for review. It has nothing to do with being creative but goes back to my working days roots. After I hit the send button, I realized once again, it is not about the outcome but it is, all about the Journey.

The work place has changed in the 12 years I have been gone but the reality is, I am more comfortable in this world. I have a few more years under my belt and I understand how in business, like in life - we all just want to be heard.
A customer wants to a point person, someone they can depend on for the duration of a business relationship. They want to be able to understand clearly and they want to ask questions. My proposal was a 60 day trial period. There has to be value for the one who will be signing my paycheck. There will have to be a significant value to them to continue and after the trial period, they will know. Just like I would know if I was in their shoes.

However this turns out, I am good. It is nice to know that the old brain still works and in some ways, works better than than it did 12 years ago. Good proposal? Would I hire myself? In a New York minute, just saying...

john 316

It dawned on me last night that God can be as real as you want him to be. God doesn't change, we do. When we decide we want more of Him, we see more of Him, experience more of him and start to understand that the little old world around us, is bigger than we think...always.

A few weeks before school started, I started thinking about my plan to pray for Keaton, Gage and Morgan and going back to school. Each one was starting on a new journey and quite frankly, wanted them to be not just covered but saturated in in prayer. Not just for safety or that they make friends or the get good grades but much, much more.

I wanted them to be joyful every day.
I wanted them to take the God they each knew, with them everyday
I wanted them to grow, change, laugh and love every day.

We are now into our third week of school and there have been a few bumps. Someone stole Keaton's Percy Jackson book when he put it down in the restroom and he had to replace it with his own money. We talked about it - kids take things that aren't theirs. Big people do too. Some lessons are never learned by some people. All in all, everyone is doing fine and the four of us, just keep doing what we are doing.

Everyone knows John 316. I don't remember but I imagine I ever heard parts of it when I was a kid and because of that familiarity, sometimes we just tune it out. Before last week, that is where I was. It kept coming back to me and I keep shoving it back. It actually became a bit irritating, until I started paying attention. I replaced a few words and the prayer seem to come alive to me. It has been over a week, and everytime I pray it - it is like there is new breath around me.

For You so loved Keaton, that you gave your only son and if he believes, he will have eternal life...

I prayed it for each one of the kids. Then their mom and dad, then their grandpa, then their other grandma and grandpa.... I prayed it for everyone I knew and some I didn't. As I was praying it this morning, I was close to tears. God is personal, as personal as you want him to be. You can wrap your arms around him, crawl up in his lap and let it rip - he can take it all. You won't ever get all the answers you want, this side of heaven. When you start to take him personal, you will stop caring about getting the answers and start learning to live with the questions. The Serenity prayer will make sense...God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him. Forever in the next. Amen.

I love the Big Picture prayers. It always brings perspective. We don't know what is coming for each of us. No one is given upfront vision or upfront courage, It is about vision and courage, in the Moment. It is about being up close and personal. It is about today...

33-30

It has been a quiet weekend. Didn't do anything big, much chilling was on the agenda, leading up to the Boise State, Virginia Tech game last night. Just like Coach Pete said, Just one game at a time.

Even left the computer off 90% of the weekend. That was not the plan, it just evolved. I wonder sometimes if I am overly involved with all things computer and the truth is I could be, but it is also true that how we get our information these days has changed forever. I found myself thinking about what I was missing, and thought about it less and less as the weekend worn on.

Woke up this morning, still in a happy football fog and realized I am more technology-healthy than I would have guessed. It was a good lesson, one I want to keep repeating to check my internet-temperature.

All rested up, ready to go. Just like Coach Pete said, just one game at a time...

stage four...

Our house burned down last night. Barely made it out alive. Homeless, possession-less. But we're all safe & together. Still richly blessed. IvoryHut via Twitter.

Early this morning, I heard that Michael Douglas has Stage 4 throat cancer. It had been announced a while back that he was battling cancer but not the stage 4 kind. Later on in the morning, I read IvoryHut's tweet and read the rest of her Story on her blog (http://ivoryhut.com/2010/09/in-an-instant/). A wonderful Story of possessions, both physical and family. Her Stage 4, came in an instant.

We all cringe when we hear a stage 4 diagnosis. It is the universal sign for the end is near and it is fatal. While we associate it with disease, imagine we each have had stage 4 Moments in our lives, and will again.. Sometimes we will get a warning shot and sometimes, not. I think of those even today who will have their own stage 4 moments. Some who will lose their battle with a disease, or a phone call that will change their lives forever. I think IvoryHut's perspective is even at stage 4, we have a choice. A choice to be grateful, a choice to keep going. In spite of the finality of a stage 4 moment, we can lift ourselves up for a glimpse of the Bigger Picture. That is my hope for Michael Douglas, IvoryHut, me and you...