NaBloPoMo 3/23/2013

One day when browsing around, I came upon the "Suspended Coffees Program." How cool is it? You go into participating stores and donate to the cause; when folks come in that can't afford coffee, they turn in one of these cards & the store will give them a free coffee & a bagel or danish.

When I read about it, I had to know more. I Googled it and sure enough, a very small coffee shop downtown participates. I donated & had a great conversation with "Tommy B" who ran the place while his daughter was out. He said he lived in Chicago but came here to help his daughter/grandkids. He's 100% Italian and wears a black fedora cocked to one side.

I didn't have my camera, but he told me to come back anytime to take pix. I was disappointed to learn our sorry-ass local 'newspaper' hadn't found this gem news worthy. How can you support the small businesses if you don't know they exist? Sigh...

Anywho, Tommy B treated me to once of the best Chai teas I've had in a while, and gave me cards to pass out. The cards aren't necessarily for those who are down; they make nice 'have a coffee on me' gifts. The key is being motivated enough to participate.

Advent Day Four - The Advent Virus!!!!

The Advent Virus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anonymous via email.

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

• A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
• An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

 I loved this one so much for Day Four, that I just had to share. I have no words to compare. :-) Please enjoy.

I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages 

 and took care of each other. ~Pete Seeger

Some years ago, I noticed after I lived on this tiny street that it was odd that all the houses had huge trellised rose bushes. Now this was some 15 years ago and folks have done their own thing, like tearing the rose bushes out. By the time I arrived, there was no bush at my house, but I was bestowed with generates of extremely hearty Morning Glories.

But I thought what a time of friendship that must've been.

What is a friend? I'm picturing neighborly friends who: shared excesses of their veggie gardens; shared extra plant seeds; shared rose bush cuttings, shared morning glory seeds, shared fresh made bread; spent time on each others porches, cried together, laughed together, shared meals together, helped each other, loved each other as neighbors, and took care of each other.

What a time that must've been.

Picture: me (patio Hibiscus. My first. It thrives.)

Carry On Tuesday phrase prompt: 'what is a friend?'

Faith is what makes life bearable, with all its tragedies and ambiguities and sudden, startling joys.  ~Madeleine L'Engle

I am writing with thoughts of my dear Cassie. I've spoke of her here before - she's terminal with cancer, yet she is the strongest person I know. She has had so many setbacks with her health, yet she still shines through. Her faith in God is unwavering! She is now at another cross road  health wise and admits she battles huge bouts of fear, yet God keeps her steady. She is preparing to participate in another marathon for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Please take a look at her donation page & hear a little of her story. And if you feel so inclined, please donate a little. It means so much to her, me and all the others battling and/or survived the nasty cancer. 

Peace, love & comfort to all of you. But especially to my Cassie. :-)

Picture by: me. I chose this picture to show no matter where you're planted, you can still always bloom. Just like Cass.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller

A person's world is only as big as their heart ~ Tanya A. Moore

He loves me not ~ Tracey :-)

Pictures by: me :o)

My joy

Tall, handsome & beautifully autistic

This is my son, James. He is my joy because:

• he sees the goodness in everything
• he sees the bright side of everything
• he is honest (painfully - LOL)
• he only wants to please
• he only wants to be part of the team
• he brings happiness to whoever is around him
• he has a child-like vision of the world
• Matthew 18:3: And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
• he is so going to heaven
• he is most polite
• he is most kind
• he is most gentle
• he is always forgiving
• he is always willing to help
• he is always most happy, and when he's not, you have to really dig to find out why
• he made me really grow up immediately at the age of 24 when he was born
• he changed my world view
• he changed my behavior
• he made me let go of any poor thoughts I had of his father, my ex-husband, even though he has no memory of who his father is
• he keeps me even keeled
• he's accepting, even though he may be dissappointed
• he encourages me to buy him things, only because he never asks for anything. But Skittles
•  he thinks every day is a beautiful day & says so every morning
• when I slip a curse word or 2 (or 12), he tells me "it's inappropriate"
• don't let this serious face fool you - he has a smile as big as the sun
• he is unconditional love

Thanks, God. :-)

Picture by: me

Thankful & blessed

Happy Sunday, all!

I haven't given any Thankful Thursdays lately, but I am truly thankful for so much!!

Here is our Sweet Baby Tuesday, girl!!! Hasn't she grown & changed so? She's up to 9 pounds now - what her dad weighed when he was born. I had better hurry & send her outfits, etc., before she outgrows. I am so thankful she's thriving, isn't she beautiful? :-)


My next HUGE thanks is to God for letting the amazing Cassie thrive in spite of her trials and tribulations with her health. She has pressed on so that she is now a Sitting Judge in Training (she doesn't like when I call her "judge" already). She's here with her very own Bailiff.

But how great is God, really? Cassie has been near death so many times, yet here she stands, proudly, in her judge's robe. Who would've thought she would've made it from the Caring Bridge Cancer Center to this very moment? To say I am proud of her is the understatement of the century.

Palms clasped in prayer of thanks.

Quiet Signs Friday (w/words)

“You will recognize your own path when you come upon it, because you will suddenly have all the energy and imagination you will ever need.” – Jerry Gillies

We haven't had any snow to speak of (as yet), but we're getting plenty of rain.

Which creates little worlds inside raindrops. Winter has been good to us.

I love how everything is dormant, yet laid bare without inches of snow. Everything is still very much alive, just waiting and resting, patiently, & being still.

Which is a lesson for all of us, right?

“All wonders you seek are within yourself.” – Sir Thomas Browne

Wednesday was extremely dark and rainy, but I went out with the camera. I wasn't expecting anything at all, but the trees were covered in a gazillion starling. They were "talking" or singing all at once. The sound was amazing.

It was a ballet that was right on time.

Then they all left and the world was silent.

I had two of "the Best Cry Evers" & stay in constant prayer for Cassie, who is starting yet another battle for her life. Her cancer has spread all over. :-( But, she is such an amazing warrior with incredible future plans, a shining spirit and powerful faith. My heart stays in stages of break for her while she inspires the hell outta me.

I'm so glad she started a blog for this journey. She (& I) would appreciate the love if you would leave her some :-)

Inhale. Exhale. Impermanence.

"We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment, but it is transient. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness, and love, we will create abundance and joy for each other. And then this moment will have been worthwhile." ~ Deepak Chopra

Pictures by: me ;-

Thankful Thursday (Christmas Edition :-))

Happy Thankful Thursday to you all. Christmas is fast approaching so tomorrow will be all about working 1/2 a day, then shopping as far as my wallet allows :-)

Today's thanks are:

Truly feeling the Christmas Season; and since I'm not stressed about buying, I'm more focused on the reason for the Season which, in my life, means the birth of Jesus, our Savior, spending time with family, spreading love, being filled with love & caring/praying for those less fortunate & helping in any way I can. If I can't help physically or monetarily, I can certainly pray for you!


That I was wise enough to hold onto my 20-year old collection of Tamarlane ornaments from my first "law" boss who is now a retired Judge. Every year when I put them on the tree, I am reminded of his warm kindness & of giving me a chance when I didn't know law from a hole in the ground. Thanks, Judge Boggins.


For the beautiful, fresh trees we get year after year from the Fairgrounds, complete with trimmings for the fire place mantle. There's something to be said for being faithful to good, local vendors. They always throw in little extras.

That we all got together @ mom's for her 79th birthday last Sunday. We always end up stuffed into her kitchen in spite of all the other living space she has. There's something about gathering in the kitchen - all 12 of us! The warmth, love, hugs & laughter that I still feel long after we've all parted ways is truly a blessing.

That in the nearly three months that "D" as been back to work, we seem to have gotten closer. I'm sure it's because since he's back in the rat race, his self-esteem has returned, as well as his self-worth. And for me, I feel different because I have so much more sorely needed alone time without having to shut myself in my bedroom to get it. He works evenings, so we communicate through notes. We're getting the air we both needed. And it feels good. And that's something I haven't said in a very, very long time.

And lastly - I'm just thankful for everything; friends, family, employment, shelter, transportation, my full heart, those who read here; those I met through this space. If I don't write again before Holiday, (& I will try to), I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah.

Pictures by: me :-}

Same Ole Story

I read this cool list today that suggested: "go back one year in your blog & see where your head was compared to now." One year ago, I talked about homelessness here. Nothing has changed in this year with me on that matter. It still holds a soft spot in my heart.

I still sneak $ & friendship to Nelson @ the library when I see him, which hasn't been since summer. He always asks if I still have the 'very valuable rock' he gave me. I do. There has always been another guy there, too, that I've never mentioned. He's always reading the newspapers from all over the world. And he always has coffee so I slip the $ & tell him to have his next coffee on me. He always smiles, thanks & blesses me & whispers "miracle, miracle."

Then over the weekend leaving the grocery, I saw an elderly gent w/several bags & a cardboard sign slowly making his way up the boulevard.

Sigh & prayers. So, I guess my head is in the same place as last year on this note. And I'm sure it will still be next year, God willing & the creek don't rise! :-)

Pictures by: me :-}
Lower picture is the side of a building in the Arts District, Downtown

Son + "Fragile X" Syndrome = Love

Happy Monday, folks.

Yesterday, Son & I took a 2-hour photo walk. The sun was out, only a high of 62, but I knew rain was on the horizon so I wanted to make sure the camera got exercise (Lol). Luckily, it was a beautiful, blue sky day. Even though it's nearly November, there is PLENTY of beauty out there to be found.

But first, this picture is 23 years old. It's my favorite picture of all time of Son & I. He was a little over a year old, had been diagnosed with being mentally delayed, (born w/"Fragile X, " or "Bell-Martin Syndrome") and I was still trying to wrap my head around that. Everything I had envisioned changed; I had to slow myself down. Way down. And prepare myself to learn from my new teacher (him).

This is Son today (yesterday, in fact during our walk). He'll be 24 in a couple of weeks. If you had a chance to click on the Fragile X link above, it pretty much describes him. In fact, eye-contact is such a problem for him, that getting him to look directly in the camera is a hit or miss. Thank God for digital cameras where you can erase & have do-overs :-)

But all in all, I am so PROUD to have my perfectly made son. My mother says God gave him to me like this because he knew I'd be able to take care of him. Everyone compliments me on what a kind gentleman he is, he's a hard worker & wants nothing more than to please everyone, and that makes me proud. His neurologist said that even though he's nearly 24, due to delay - he's technically 16/17 year of age mentally.

When I first learned of his delay, I was depressed. I mean DEEPLY PRESSED. I don't think I set myself free until his neuro used the word "retarded." When Son was 13, doctor told me to make long term plans for him due to his "mental retardation." No one had ever used that word pertaining to Son. That very day, I let it go. I took focus of my selfishness & focused on how remarkable Son was/is as a person. I banked on what he COULD do as opposed to what he COULDN'T do. The world opened up & the weight had been lifted. It wasn't till I joined HIS level that I understood. After all, I had the problem with all this - not Son. All he did in this was be born.

I will always appreciate & honor Special Olympics for it is where both he & I blossomed. We found a whole other world of "us" - anyone & everyone was/is accepted. And my lesson was in seeing all types of children with various disabilities and other parents dealing in their own ways, and I felt such a kinship with these people. Son has been involved with Spe.Olympics since he was 9 years old, so we have quite a large "family." Imagine - you watch the same group of guys grow into young men while playing baseball, softball, basketball, now track, weightlifting, etc. Each season of each sport is like a family reunion. We truly are family, thanks to our blessed young men & women.

God is good.

Pictures by: me :-)

Soul Food

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." Mother Teresa

What a spiritually fulfilling day it was. I went to church w/mom. I never felt more blessed than when we held hands in prayer. It was 'men's day', too, so that was a double treat hearing their choir. So cool to see handsome guys aged 25-88 all dressed in black, praying together. The message was "The Uplifted Man." Powerful.

Also, everyone was so friendly. A few folks I went to school with & their families go there. Lot's of smiles & hugging.

I'm so glad I went. It made the rest of my day.

Wisdom to know the difference...

The homeless dude at the library, Nelson, previously told me that he had a special stone for me. For hours on end, this guys sits @ the library with a huge magnifying glass studying all shapes & sizes of rocks, while comparing them to an archeological book. I had to admit, I was anxious to see what he came up with.

I looked for him there this past Saturday. When I saw him, I did my usual (fishing out my $1 bills to slide to him quietly). When he saw me, he lit up & said, 'I have that stone for you.' I walked around while I gave him time to dig thru his belongings, then he approached me with my 'special' stone.

Nelson amazed me with his knowledge of rocks & references from the book he studied. He was very animated & funny while he showed me 'the red tint' the rock held, and how he recovered it from deep in one of our local creek beds, but had shined it up for me. While I listened, I really looked at him, and underneath all of his "homelessness," I could tell that when he had it going on, Nelson was a pretty attractive guy. I also wondered when, why & how his life crashed and burned.

I treasure the tiny rock, which I instantly noticed was heart shaped. When I pointed out the shape to Nelson, he looked at me like I was crazy (LOL!) - he saw it in a totally different way than I, which is cool. I didn't see a 'red tint, either, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I wrapped my special stone in tissue & put it in my pocket till i got home. It is amazingly heart shaped, which I find perfect under the circumstances. There is so much I treasure about it:

• it's from Nelson (who, for a person down on his luck, is one of the happiest folks I've run into)
  
• he thought enough of me to give up one of his precious stones
• the way we laughed & talked to each other while others watched in awe

And even though to me, the rock looks like this:

To Nelson, it looks like this:
.... and that's just perfect for me! :-)


Pictures: Internet courtesy

Golden Wisdom

s

Mom gave this sweet little gem. Tied closed with a silky gold ribbon. Another thing she & I have in common is not only do we love inspirational books, but we adore "little" books. Between she and I, I'm sure we have enough inspirationals to inspire a small country! (LOL!) We can't help it; they make 'em so dang cute that you cannot resist.

She said the images inside reminded her of my photos (as you can see from her note inside the book). I love it. I held it close to me.

Then I held her close to me.

Then before bed, I read it twice.

The inspirations are so simple and logical that I could almost hear her voice saying them to me.

Thanks, mom. I love you. Always.



Pictures by: me :-}

Careful Selection

These are the same roses, only seen thru my lens in a different way. A rose IS a rose, after all :-)

I'm feeling giddy today because I've sent three special packages out to friends.

They are filled with love, happiness & joy. I took my time & thought of each person as I carefully selected their things.

I know 2 packages will bring great joy & creativeness.

The third package is the most special of all as it's going to an elderly friend, who is widowed & lonely. My heart raced as I made up her package and the mail can't move fast enough.

I can picture her surprise when her mailman arrives, and her sitting by her 'reading window' opening the package, and the smile that I hope will come over her face & the joy & peace she will feel in her heart.

There's no high like giving :-)

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille

Pictures by: me :-} (I treated myself to roses Sunday Morning. Blissful, aren't they?)

Simple Sunday randoms

I have more snow pictures, but I'm feeling soggy. Rains, then boat-loads of snow takes it toll. It sure is beautiful, but I sure am a little tired of seeing it :-\

Thoughts of thankfulness:

• chocolate fudge cake for dessert & chicken noodle soup (from scratch) in the crock pot. both excellent
  
• thanks to Pillsbury for putting 'Decadent Dark Chocolate Fudge" icing in a can w/a nozzle on the end. So much neater & easier to squirt into your mouth
• "Daydreaming on Paper" for more food for thought
  
• Construction paper as a back drop. DUH!
  
• went to a church concert w/mom this afternoon. I'm glad I fought the urge not to go. It was nice & made her happy
• "Nelson", the homeless guy @ the library, told me he collects stones & has one for me. He didn't feel like digging through his huge bag of belongings to look for it so I told him I'd get it next time I saw him. I'm looking forward to receiving
• many prayers for Japan
  
• spending a solid hour, un-interupted, shooting pictures in natural kitchen light. Well, nearly un-interrupted... why do people have goofy questions the minute they see you pick up your camera? (lol!)
• Learning new camera things & shooting random things on a whim
• Podcasts & audio books on iPod. Blissdom.
  
• a new Gift of Jewels project! Yay! It's always such a chain of love.

Pictures by: me :-)