The Sparrow Sings

2012-01-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

Feeling blue today

What's your mood? Remember the old mood rings? Did we really need a stone to change color to let us know if we were feeling, well, blue?

Was it the color black that indicated being angry? I can't remember all I know is that I treasured my ring not so much for myself, but for others to know how I was feeling. Silly, right? We all know words are better than whining. Take today for instance. My two year old granddaughter starts to cry and whine when she wanted something. What was that something? I had no idea. I told her to take a deep breath and use her words. She instantly stopped crying and rattled off some words that I still could not understand.

At least she was beginning to learn that crying gets you no where!

I began to embrace the fact that I was feeling today was a blue kind of day as my Angel was feeling.
No mood ring on any of our fingers. But our words, our body language said it all!

My back hurts today thinking the very thing I need, my Physical Therapy session might just have to be missed. Why? Well, the cold wintry wind is blowing through my walls of my house. Who forgot the insulation? Anyway, getting a shower will set my nerves off in my fingers and toes doing a mighty strong agitated nerve dance. See I have been on Chemotherapy for 12 weeks now with 6 sessions behind me. One of the drugs causes the longest nerves in the body to tingle. So the arms and feet are affected to the cold. There *taking deep breath, I said it...I am feeling blue today!
I feel better when the world knows my mood might just be a color that keeps others away!

The house is a mess! I mean a mess kids toys scattered around from my grand children having fun!
Books that I plan to read when I can concentrate, *another sigh of chemotherapy is not being able to stay focus states my nurse that unhooks me from the home infusion for 48 hours. Makes sense now as I look around. I begin to organize, anything that my fingers touch send sharp pin feelings to my finger tips. Cold wet clothes can't be put into dryer, cold handles of vacuum cleaner sends shocking pain to the tips of my fingers, dishes sit in the sink waiting to be cleaned. Yes, my house is a mess making me blue!

A good friend of mine reminded me that I was half way through my chemo sessions. To hang in there and be at peace. My mood ring would have turned yellow hearing her words! Yellow? A light that would warm my heart and allow my tingling to become quite. A light that would make my blue mood fade.

My granddaughter called it a morning and took a nice peaceful nap into the afternoon. I have accepted that my house will not be perfect right now. Going through surgery and chemotherapy and painful low back problems has made me use my words. I now don't think its a weakness to say I am feeling blue. I use my words well to ask for help. I also use my words to say, "welcome to my home, if you don't mind what it looks like, I don't mind either"!

2011-12-14T08:10:00.000-05:00

Session four of my Wednesday cocktail begins today! Mixed emotions rush through my body and soul. I am up early and stay wake I can't seem to get comfortable enough to fall back to sleep no matter how many times I shut my eyes. The reality of getting chemo is makeing my feel nausious Thankful I got a good night sleep. I slept from 9 pm to 5 am.

No matter how much sleep I did get, I am restless. I finally get my long hot shower the last one for a few days. Not only do I bring home my body filling my veins with chemo, as it that is not enough I bring home a pump of chemo. The pump last for 48 hours til the nurse comes and relieves me from the leash. Last week I was leashed with the needle and tube for 72 hours. UG a mistake was made and the line was clipped closed. Much to the surprise of the nurse, and displeasure of me, he could not release the chemo. I managed to accept the mistake and walked around my Saturday and Sunday with chemo hanging from my chest. I am wiser now, and I will be checking the line every hour to be sure the drip is dripping the way it should!

No matter how routine it feels to be getting ready for the 5 hours of chemo, I move with sadness. I really truly try to be strong. I start packing my lunch...banana, to prevent cramping of muscles (potassium), yogurt (calcium), Peanut butter (protien), candy mints (dry mouth), apple (keep doctor away), last by not least a lemon pie for comfort. (Mom packed a lemon pie in my lunch kit in grade school). Sipping coffee to keep my routine thinking maybe I will some what normal today.

My Fifty Second Birthday

2011-12-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

My Fifty Second Birthday

On my fifty second birthday it was planned that my husband and I would to be spending it with my family at my daughter and son in laws house. Nick was smoking in his handmade smoker my favorite birthday meal. Although we live a good 20 miles or so away, but I swear I could smell the smoking meat. I could taste the tomato based sauce for the beans. Could not wait to finally taste the first bite of my son in laws' famous smoked roast.

Unfortunately, my plans for my birthday turned out differently than I ever imagined. My fifty second birthday reminded me that we all are so vulnerable. One September 2nd I was healthy, (so I thought), the next day out of the blue, I was shocked to hear the reality that I had been harboring a tumor that was cancer in my colon.

The next three months have changed the way I spend my day. It has not change me. I am still me just now I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Tuesday before my chemotherapy session I see the oncologist for approval for Wednesday cocktail of fur5fox. I sit for four hours in a comfortable recliner as the toxic drug fills my veins. I may be in a comfortable spot for my body at rest. But I am uncomfortable with what I see and hear.

I see pale faces thin bodies without hair. I see grown men with tears in their eyes as they tell me how they never drank, or smoked and they now are being treated for lung cancer that has also infiltrated their brain. So sad. I see young men sleeping or at least closing their eyes so no one can bother them. I know because sometimes I pretend I am sleeping too. It makes the reality of it all easier to digest.

Really though, during chemo no one finds it easy to digest. I have nausea and diarrhea. I can't swallow anything cold. When we do it feels like ice slithers jetting out as the cold liquid goes down the throat.
I have become a great fan of tea! Even hot water with lemon is refreshing. My fingers tingle at the slightest touch of cold objects. I have gloves clipped with a magnet on my refrigerator to remind me. Even my husband reminded me to take them when I went food shopping.

I just need not to write fancy words to begin my journal about my journey of colon cancer history. I by the way, feel more at ease with the words history of colon cancer than I do with the two words, colon cancer. Lifetime movies are created out of stories similar to mine. Never did I think my history of colon cancer could be a life reality. Yes, its my reality and from the very beginning of hearing the words I new I would not fight as others were telling me to do. But I would live my life being stronger to out live the cancer.

2011-12-11T15:33:00.000-05:00

Happy Advent ~ "...The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

2011-08-16T21:58:00.000-04:00

Back in the game! I work for an elderly care company that assist families in allowing love ones to be at home. Took time off for family obligations such as daughter due to have her second child, one son and his family moving back home, (welcome home son and daughter (in law. Our two daughters 24 and 20 are moving to there respective apartments. Our kids make us so proud and so happy for their life adventures. I too am taking a new path in my life until December where I will have the best job in the world sharing the day with my grandchildren!

My favorite season is Fall! Ironinic that I will have the season of colorful change to live my life. My husband and I look forward to our new seasonal marriage without children home. I should mention now that our youngest informs us she will be home on weekends. Okay we can handle that!
But reallly how will our life change? Lets begin financially!

Our electric bill will reflect the empty house. Less showers, less dishwasher usage, less clothes being washed and dried. What will we do with all the extra coins in our account? I think we will be able to tithe more to our church. Our food bill will decrease allowing for more savings in our bank account. We will see, we love our kids and we will probably help them out.

I will save on gas for sure as carpooling and taxi driving is history! At the same time I will miss those wonderful conversations that only happen when the radio is off in the car! I remember driving over 45 minutes to take them to high school because riding a bus was a death wish! Those baseball games, basketball gamse, volleyball, gymnastics, guitar lessons, you get the point! I will miss making sure they are on time for their shift at supermarkets, camps, nanny jobs all because we have only two cars for four drivers! Yikes how did I manage four kids, four schedules, at times four different schools!

We were family, we are family that's how it all worked out like a 1,000 peice puzzle completed! We worked on the edges first, used our imagination because there was no picture to follow on the box. We interlocked the pieces of our lives smoothly with homeless couple, pregnant women in abusive realationships, family members that needed home care, Uncles that needed a car we did without!

Yes indeed our family "home" will be quiet in the dark of the night. But during the light of day all is welcome! We will welcome the gift that God has wrapped for us...me and my husband of 30 years. We will perhaps pretend we are in our 20's, in love and can't wait to see the blessings God has planned for us. After all God has never ever let us down!

2011-08-15T14:42:00.000-04:00

Clean top loader washer
clean up laundry room
clean out refrigerator
mop spilled from two year Saturday (really well)

Let's see if Tom could mop the kitchen floor, that's right he is
going to Mass tonight while I work.

Next: I know my daughter! It will be her last Monday that she will
have chores because Friday she moves into her new apartment. I will text Tom
and see if he likes this idea!

Text: YES, I lllliiiikkkeeee that idea!

There you go great parents always no how to delegate. Really after I write in The Sparrow Sings, I will mop the floor. Instead of crying over spilled milk I will be the adult and really clean up the mess. Actually, when Olivia, my two year old granddaughter threw her sippy cup out and the whole 4 oz (which looked like 20 oz on our tile floor) we quickly mopped up the milk. Our other two year old granddaughter Lexi was over also for a fun Saturday with the girls.

Olivia was leaving to go home. She was excited to go until she realized her cousin was staying. Olivia came over to me and said, "MeeMee Exi shoes".
Two year olds know a whole lot more of whats happening then us adults give them credit! We tend to over estimate how the little bundle of energy see the world.

Olivia threw her cup because she was angry that Lexi was staying. She soon realized by her "Oh nooo" that she should not have done that. I sprung into action not anger to mop up the spilled milk. Olivia began to help me and I let her. My first instict was to remove her from helping.

After raising four children I know kids like to help. It was Olivia way of saying sorry, I knew I should not have thrown my milk. After the mess was cleaned up she gave me a hug and said, I love you. Well she really did say it but I could see it in her eyes. A sparkle in her eye moved me to hug her. That's how I knew Olivia in her own way said she was sorry, and that she knew what she did was not acceptable.

Days later I still remember the quick moments of jealousy, frustration and yet so happy to be going to see her mommy and daddy layed in the two years world in a split second. Can't help but think if only we adults were so able to get along better. I wish friends would be so quick to help clean up the 'spilled milk' of jealousy, fustration and then embrace with forgiveness.

My favorite prayer is the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the best part that allows me to grow is the verse..."let it begin with me'!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

2011-06-28T22:48:00.001-04:00

When the government policies take a toll on the family, it's time to protest.

We don't need clanging symbols that deafen the ears

It's a agony of a child being restraint for the removal

and stick of her blood to flow not in the veins

but in a plastic tube that causes stress.

Good intentions flow from the state

but the path is leaving behind droplets that stain

creating tears more than the answer they are searching.

Poking at the tiny arms that can barely hold a hug

a hand that is just learning to sign milk, bye, thank you

is marked with a bruise four times in two arms.

Something is wrong when the perfume of spilled blood

marks their day of hours at the lab.

The little ones are not meant to bleed, but too

expel the spirit of the innocent! @ Sharon E Hannan

2011-06-19T23:53:00.000-04:00

After the last snow has blanketed the earth, life is never the same

Buds become blossoms, naked trees end up with flushing green leaves

Yes, that is Spring turning into the season of Summer.

Fireflies begin to mate, flashing light in the late dusk...

Bull frogs crock a frightening melody...

But the magic of Summer renews the souls of those who revisit their childhood...

Hot summer Beach is paradise, high kite flying and some sand kicking, high tide reaching one complacency...

Do you dance with the tide? Or do you run away fearing drowning?

Sparkling waters from the sun is replaced with the light of the moon...

Romance begins dancing with the soul of the dark night...

2011-06-12T23:26:00.000-04:00

You can be tough, but the tears will give you away
you can hide behind your smile, but your glassy eyes make me wonder...do you really believe it's over between us.

So we don't dream of the same future anymore
but we dream of what was that makes us take deep breaths that keep us alive.

You were so sweet making me thing I was your princess...I was so silly imagining you were my prince with an armor shinning so bright.

Many bright sun light days shined but it was the light of the moon that brought us together. In the darkest days you handed me hope.

My heart leaped as I heard you whispered "I am sorry", So softly. For I never thought you would realize what you have done do my soul.

I believe in you. I hope what you mustered to say is true. It's easier for you to plead for forgiveness than me to forgive.

I am working on becoming strong, with the strength
I shall find peace. In peace, I shall forgive that you
break my heart and loving spirit.

(just a tease of what I am working on this summer)

2011-06-10T09:27:00.000-04:00

1 - 2 - 3 GO! 20 x 45 min = 1 tired MeeMee all before 7:30 AM -

We had so much fun, Olivia and I flying, running, and jumping in the wet grass so early this morning. It was so refreshing to feel the cool grass. We adults forget how refreshing it is to be free of any stress and just wave your arms to fly even if those feet of ours are still grounded!
My hope of being a track star is null! But Olivia, now she has promise! She loves moving her little legs! She is always in motion! Yes, to be young again and in motion without pain, without inhibitions, without worrying what will break! I am going to miss that little girl this summer! She kept me moving, free and young!

Going to be a busy summer...I got a new client yesterday. She is very sweet and loves collecting lots of stuff! I am helping her pack her belongings so she can move in 2 weeks. The only thing is - it's a big thing though, she has three cats that are beautiful - but my allergy to cats don't care how fluffy and colorful cats are. I woke up this morning wheezing and a head ache. Can we say Claritin!

Enjoy your day my friends. Don't forget to believe you can fly! Soar!

2011-06-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Your hot? I don't mean like, your hot to the good looking dude. I mean like wishing it was a cold winter day because today I am melting!

The heat is zapping my energy. And summer is not even here yet!

I have so much on my agenda for today. Let's see oh yea, have not done any chores on the task masters list.

Matter of fact wet clothes lay neatly at the bottom of the washer machine. Dry clothes lay in a heap in the dryer. Second load of Altar clothes neatly lay on the ironing board ready to be ironed. I sent the first batch of linens with my daughter for her to drop off at church this morning.

But don't get me wrong, I did have a busy morning. Olivia come first thing this morning bright and early with an agenda all her own. She did not sleep well her mommy said. I could tell, when she is tired it's her way or no way! :)

Olivia did help with some dusting, cleaning dishes in the sink. Okay more like playing with the water. But it kept her happy and busy while I wrote a dear friend a hand written letter. My penmanship is really weak, but my greeting was sincere!

After sealing the envelope I decided our flat stove needed a good cleaning. That lead to me cleaning the whole kitchen including clearing off our kitchen table and polishing it. Good thing I was lead to clearing the table because the upstairs shower began leaking and spraying drips of water all over the table. Go figure, right? All Olivia now wanted to do was play with the pot that I put under the leak.

So here we are, 11:45 am and I am exhausted. Can't blame it all on Olivia for she has been asleep for the last hour half after I rocked her to sleep. Precious moment for sure! I just kissed her cheeks while she slept in my arms. As long as my list was of must do's...I just held her not wanting to put her in her room.

Well, here we are a morning of frustrations is leading us into a afternoon of calmer times. Olivia will be well rested, and I will be able to take a nap as Megan her mommy has a half day of teaching!

I suppose the Altar clothes will be ironed when I am refreshed. If I wait long enough Leah will get her own clothes out of the drying and empty the wet clothes. Now the kitchen is ready for our Pre-Cana couple coming tonight to really learn what married life is about!

Hopefully we won't talk about the weather!

2011-06-07T11:05:00.001-04:00

I love the sound of "MeeMee" coming from my little 2 year old grand daughter!

For the longest time I waited to hear her call me MeeMee.

Not sure Olivia understood what being a MeeMee means. So at every Caillou episode where his grandparents made an appearance, I took advantage to assure her she too had a grand-mom.

That's me, pointing to my chest, and then pointing to her saying, " you have a grand-mom too Olivia, its me"! Her bright eyes sparkled. But I knew when she turned her head to watch her boyfriend, Caillou she either did not care or really did not understand. I was hoping for the latter.

Okay then!

I tried to share with my beloved grand-daughter that Sid the Science Kid also also had a Grand-mom that would pick Sid from school every afternoon. "Yay", following a quick smile and a turn of the head. I was lost, I could not come up with any more examples for Olivia.

Her Daddy is her hero. Everything is about her Daddy, like the truck he drives. When she spots a truck like a daddy's, she yells with excitement from the back car seat, "DADDY"! "Olivia, I love your outfit today your shirt is so cute." She replies, "Dadddddyyy"! Yea I know Olivia.

Then there is her Mommy!~ She <3's her mommy too! Mommy this Mommy that! Okay, Olivia but your grand mom loves you!

Oh, can I tell you, her Pop is her best friend. They play, No my ball, Olivia jumps on his belly, they play knock knock on the wall. She screams with delight...Pop Pop Pop...!!!

Guess what, she loves this I know...she gives me kisses, she hugs me, we snuggle reading her favorite book, we play, we fly, we dance all day! But until yesterday she never called me MeeMee. When I heard her say, MeeMee my heart leaped!!!

After all when I show her pictures of all her extended family on facebook, she knows all their names! Nana, Pappy, Nanny, Pop, Wyan, Lilly, Nanan, Shell, Leah, Briggie, Lexi her cousin in KY even! Knox, her cousins dog is even recognized.

Of course, I am only slightly kidding when I share that my effort to get Olivia to understand my role as the Grand-mom being called MeeMee was a lift to my ego. Well, finally she now address me as MeeMee and is very serious when she does! MeeMee, read this book? I potty! MeeMee, fly with me...(jumping on the floor) dance . MeeMee Caillou...Caillou...blanket night night.

Can't wait for Olivia to wake up from her nap today! I want to know what Olivia has in store and planned for her MeeMee this afternoon!

I love my two grand-daughters Lexi and Olivia and can't wait till my little grand-son Liam is born sometime this summer. I love being their MeeMee! I just hope I can live up to the expectation to Caillou and Sid's grandmom!

2011-05-04T17:34:00.000-04:00

It's better to have loved than not to loved at all! People are only capable of loving as loving as they are. I have found that those who cut you off think they cut your heart out thinking you won't love them anymore. Guess what, the human spirit is stronger and more resilient than that!

2011-04-26T14:23:00.000-04:00

Anyone else being 'lazy' today?
10 things I should be doing but playing instead

1.) Parish Newsletter
2.) Organizing my office
3.) Weeding
4.) Cleaning

Okay so I can only come up with four, that's not a bad inventory list.
Well, I confess, I just could not bare to continue to list those things I am
neglecting.

Another confession, I am actually deleting the pile of dirty clothes on my
laundry room floor. My new washer is being very sensitive these days. It appears that I have to manually put the machine on rinse cycle. The manufacturer book is by far the most interesting read today! My husband has a task to do tooonnnighhttt! Praying it will be an easy fix to clean out the filter.

Turned down lunch date today. I rarely turn down sharing time with friends but today
I am still doing dishes from our Easter dinner. Do you believe it? Well, the dishwasher was not
dissolving the soap therefore, I had to run the dishwasher several times. Yes, indeed another
instructional book was opened today! Finally, fixed the soap holder spring...and walla cleaned load of dishes! On to the next load waiting to be cleaned!

Almost forgot the most exciting moment of the day! A text from my daughter read her school was on lock down due to a person on the run with a gun! So my daughter who was planning to babysit my grand-daughter while I went to lunch, was scared. Mind you, she is a college student! Can't blame her really, we look out the window and see a man that fit the description: Black shirt, blue jeans in our neighbors yard with a shovel. Scary moment till we realized he was surveying their property. It took about 10 minutes to assure Brighid he was not acting like a man on the run. Fun time we had this morning!

BRB...(dryer buzzed)

2011-04-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

http://picturinggod.ignatianspirituality.com/861/seeds-in-winter/

How wonderful it was to see my photograph /inspirational quote made the Ingnatian blog.

Ignatian Spirituality is one of my many favorite reading spots. It never fails to inspire me.

2011-04-13T23:33:00.000-04:00

Today I caught my grand-daughter as she leaped into my arms.
It was not the moment of the embrace that touched me.
In fact it was the stillness of the moment when she opened her arms
and ran to me that I felt the loving embrace of her around my neck.

The day was done and her mommy had arrive to bring her home.
She gathered what comfort her in a gift bag she found from her
second home. An orange, Fruit loops in a zip lock bag, an Elmo
puppet and colorful spring color jelly beans.

She will come tomorrow to begin a new day of adventure
A new day that will inspire her to learn a new letter
A new tune to spin and twirl making her dizzy but all
the smarter for her ballerina slide

No tutu to flap in the wind, but a smile that is always for the win
Bright eye sparkle,
A giggle to accompany her zest for life
I only wish I knew how to revisit my moments of childhood.

2011-03-30T18:22:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus says the Lord:
stand by the roads,
and look
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is;
and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.

2011-03-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

2011-03-16T14:12:00.005-04:00

2011-03-16T14:09:00.002-04:00

2011-03-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

Happy ASH WEDNESDAY

How can Blogging and Facebook keep you focus on Lent?

A circle is round

it has no end

thats how long I want to be your friend.

Remember that song?

Make new friends

keep the old

one is silver

the other is gold.

I start this blog with the end of this song for a reason. Okay, yes I have been known to be non conventional. Unpredictable in fact has come from some lips to my ears.

Actually, the talkers would be wrong. I am predictable! :)

Which explains the order of the girl scout song sung from my lips many many years ago.
Love the idea that there is no end of friendships. Time changes relationships, life events change relationships, selfishness changes relationships. But no matter how far the pendulum swings friendships always remain in my heart.

I remember the silly spontaneous moments that make us laugh till we cried. Remember the times it rained and we grooved to the rhythmic of the rain? We did not care how soaked we got. We danced till we were drenched and common sense gave way. Old friend according to the song is like silver shinning in our hearts. New friends is like gold never to tarnish when we dance in the rain.

Facebook has allowed many friends from the past to reconnect. How blessed I am that many of old friendships have just picked up where we ended some 35 years ago. I have childhood friends from when I was 5 years old. How cool is that? I even have found an old friend who told me I was his first crush! Very cool indeed, especially since he was mine too!

My family claims that I may be addicted though to Facebook. They don't understand I am not just friends with all by 'friends' on my long list. I have some great inspiring friends that keep me grounded in my Catholic Faith. Our Sunday Visitors, Women of Grace Relevant Radio to name a few.

I have a passion for photography. Needless to day, lots of work and inspiration is found on the different sites.

Can't forget my passion for writing Christian inspirational verses. One day I will be published by the way. Would you be a dear friend and buy my book?

This lent I am willing to limit my time on Facebook. So please don't be offended my dear friend if I don't respond to your IM"s. If you call me, I will answer swiftly.

2011-03-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

2011-03-03T11:04:00.011-05:00

The above picture is one of my favorite of the Christ as a child. I love how Mary is only a few steps away from Jesus. Until the age of 12 I don't see Jesus leaving his mothers side.

Seeing Mary at work hanging the laundry and Jesus playing at her feet is such a sweet moment. Mary must have breathed in the freshness while washing Jesus' blankets and garments.

Each time her son's clothing was cleaned and freshened did she tear up know one day her son's garment would be traded for lots? Mary must have made the most delicious meals for her family. When Mary was preparing supper, did her tears fall from her face knowing one day His Last Supper would be about betrayal.

Mary must have song sweet Psalms to her little son each night the moon appeared.
At the end of the song, kissing her little son Mary must have been moved to tears knowing He now was a day closer to the kiss of death.

I could never be so strong as Mary. It makes me sad to think so. Mary is an example of what a Mommy is...loving partner to her spouse. A gentle women with a strong conviction of faith. A women of integrity leading her children to God. A mommy is a person that when a child hurts, they hurt. They cry tender tears for their child and yet she allows them to be what God has willed!

I just don't do laundry, I also prayer for whose clothes I have freshened. As I fold I whisper a prayer. Each day its a different prayer...because its a new day of hope that they hear and answer the Will of God.

2011-02-23T14:04:00.005-05:00

Color Splashing

White snow and Blue sky

Earthly brown and Holly green

Light coral and Aqua blue

Can't go with one color alone

2011-02-18T10:59:00.003-05:00

One closet down, four more to go. The hall closet down stairs is clean and organized. Guest can now have a safe harbor to hang their coats. The coats won't be going home with dog hair clinging to the hem and dust bunnies won't be hiding out in the pockets anymore!

Did not find my favorite round brush I was looking for, but I found some priceless blast from the past videos.

2011-02-18T10:13:00.003-05:00

No particular reason for this photo just think it's cool!

Things to do today, but probably won't be done. I change that negative word (probably) to just... won't be done.

1.) clean out garage
2.) clean sweep closets
3.) clean windows
4.) clean our car that has become a suitcase

Things to do today so I better get moving

1.) pick up new glasses at eye place (lets see if hubby notices.)
2.) edit photographs from last weekend photo trip
3.) get new round hair brush that is lost and can not be found (wonder who hid it)
4.) clean out MY car
5.) Going out to dinner tonight with a friend.

Things for husband to do tomorrow means that it is Saturday with Spring weather

1.) clean out garage
2.) clean sweep his side of closet
3.) clean out both cars and wash that dirty salt off them

2011-02-07T20:17:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I have found time to write. Actually, the truth is, I have been so overwhelmed that words are like frozen in my brain. Like the snow piling up on the evergreen branch I can't seem to shake off the dust.

Winter can do funny things to ones spirit. One moment the beauty of the winter scene can warm the soul. The next moment the winter wonderland of snow becomes like a little annoying younger sibling.

Like the annoying siblings we all learn to live with it. We learn to find the way to survive by becoming the little tike's friend. One begins to see that hey, he's no so bad after all when you see how funny he can be.

Yes, I am suggesting that winter has a funny sense of humor. I think I like it! The beauty of it I mean!

2011-01-18T19:15:00.002-05:00

I love editing photo on an icy snowy day

2011-01-10T22:22:00.003-05:00

I was asked to think about 'what defines me", my response, "nothing" in particular 'defines' me, but every adversity, every sunset, every sunrise constantly changes my heart and thoughts! Therefore, I am always redefining my self, not defining!

2011-01-06T13:24:00.002-05:00

Tangled

Spotted

Claw

Fingers

Embracing

Space

2011-01-06T13:20:00.002-05:00

Random thoughts

Harvest

Nibbles

Savor

Autumn

2011-01-06T13:16:00.002-05:00

Scattered Memories

Frozen in Time

Protecting Pastures

Peaceful Sleep

2011-01-04T09:33:00.005-05:00

Christmas Is Packed Away

Welcome 2011! Did you celebrate the New Year with a bang? Me, nah, I hit the pillow and snuggled in by 10:30 New Years Eve. I greeted the new year refreshed, rejuvenated and real! Just because I was in bed early, does not mean I did not celebrate the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. I just did it early in the day! After all New Years Eve Day is 24 hours long! ;)

Along with celebrating the new year, I felt compelled to clean up after the Christmas festivities. Empty boxes, pretty wrapping paper, colorful tissue paper made its way to our trash can after couple of lazy days. Snowman, Santa's and Tiny village homes were taken down and packed away along with valances of greens. At first I left up the 'wintery' decorations. Then I got thinking it's certainly winter enough outside!
My husband and I took down our Christmas tree. Oh geez, what a mess that was. Dried pine needles left a trail as we took the tree out our front door! The reality started to set in, the Christmas season is over according to the secular world.

Liturgically, however, the Christmas season is not over till the Three Kings.
Matthew 2:1-12 describes the visit of the Magi:
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.

It has also been recorded that by the 'time' the Three Wise Men reached their destination ~ The Christ Child ~ was about two years old.

The only reminder that Christmas has come and gone in my house is the Holy Family statue that sat under our Tree. I could not put it away! I tried! I had it tucked neatly in the Tupperware bin all ready to go down the basement along with the three other fully packed bins filled with decorations.

Something about placing the Christ child in a dark dingy place. It did not feel right. It felt like I was going against what my soul had appreciated all those weeks being visible sitting under the Christmas tree. When day became night, the lights on the tree glowed shinning brightly on the little baby so neatly wrapped in swaddling cloths. Over looking the Christ child, as with every portrayal of the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph gazes on their little baby.

For a moment I almost lost track of what really was real important to me. It was not tiding up the house, or throwing trash away really. It was about ending a new year, and wanting a fresh beginning for the New Year 2011! I just got caught up in the secular notion that, Christmas is over.

Christmas is not over...according to our Christian tradition, not till the Three Kings give homage to the Christ child. Just because the tree is out of the living room does not mean I should take 'down', put away, pack up, the very REASON for the SEASON!

As I blog, I can't help but notice the Holy Family that will remain forever in my house in a prominent proper place for all to see! After all, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!"

2010-12-23T07:41:00.002-05:00

I grew up in Jewish neighborhood in NJ and I still remember so clearly the Hanukkah's traditions. Like wise the Jewish kids celebrated with us our Christmas traditions.

December, being the Fall/Winter season, does start the parade of wonderful holidays. Learning from each other only strengthens, not threaten once belief system. But on the flip side of being 'equal' and not feeling 'left out', what about the child that is Atheist, the family
does not believe in any God. So now what do we do in our community of schools, and as consumers. Of course we don't want to offend, but then we want to now, 'learn and not want he/she to feel left out"!

That's when the line is drawn in the sand, lets illuminate all together and in the name of 'don't want to offend'! So now we have bought into the 'policall correctness'! But remember what's more important respect for people and their belief or being in politics! ;)

2010-12-20T10:57:00.003-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_9KurUMNf4&feature=related

2010-12-16T12:47:00.000-05:00

Thursday, December 16, 2010I only have a few moments so my blog won't be real long today. I have wrapping to do, cards to write, house to be prepared for house guest.

Speaking of house guest, I have one ever morning that fills my day with giggles, playful games, and dancing. Yea, you missed me dancing as we watched, "Chloe Closet" (I think that is the name of the show.) We expored dark and light today along with "Sid, the Science Kid". We made the old fashion forts over our heads with blankets. She likes the light the best! Olivia and me made up a song and we sing it together, "Mommy love me best, but she teaches kids their 123, ABC, the world is round and that God loves them!" Okay, the words may not flow all that well, but for sure it brings giggles as we start our day together, baby and MeeMee!

We play hide n seek, peek a boo, and have reading time. We pound on the piano making music. Scrap paper gets recycled now as she has learned to hold a writing tools. Oh yes, sometimes she writes on our tile floors. Most of the time though she just explores her new world! Each new day is a different adventure than yesterday. I think that is why I love being home babysitting a special little girl!

My baby, the youngest of my four, is home from her second year of college for the Christmas season. Love having her home during the day, as you can imagine, by night fall she is out and about visiting friends, so I take in the moments she is with me.
She has taken over the role for a few moments of caring for Olivia!

Matter of fact, they are giggling as she is splashing in a box filled with pink foam that I am preparing to send gifts to my son in TN. Never a dull moment here. My grandmother, bless her soul, use to say, "its a good thing the good Lord gave children to the young"! I totally agree! As well as so blessed to be young enough to run, dance, pound piano keys, play hide n seek. I am double blessed and thankful for such wonderful TV shows that let me catch my breath!

2010-12-09T16:17:00.008-05:00

Do you believe that 'things' in life happen in three's?

Christians proclaim Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three persons in one.

The Bible indicates by all accounts that three people John, Mary and Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross at Jesus crucifixion. The Magi's consisted of three wise men who visited the Christ child.

Yes, number games are fun sometimes. I was married on the 22 of May, our first child was born a year later on June 22, two years after that, our son was born on April 22.
Two more years passed and our third child was born April 2. Our youngest (well, 4 years later) was born February 17.

I had hoped for a healthy child of course. In my heart I was also looking forward to perhaps a 22nd date for our youngest child to be born. Strange how by the fourth pregnancy a few more days would have been okay. I guess born on the 2 month of the year was not breaking to much of the 'number game'!

God had a plan though. When I explained my disappointment to my Dad about the 22 day of February not being her birth day...my dad smiled. He likes numbers too in a different kind of geeky way. He then said, "today is the 22 anniversary of your Pop Pop's death, his daddy whom he loved dearly.

My life has not happened in three's but in bundles of twenty two's! The other day for example I happened to look at the clock at 11:11 AM. Does that combination of numbers sound familiar? My kids told me you are suppose to make a wish when you see it is 11:11. Wonder if I could get them to pray each morning at 11:11 pm or am instead of making a wish.

Don't get me wrong nothing is wrong with wishing, its just that prayer is more powerful!

2010-12-08T17:50:00.003-05:00

Was that a snow flurry I spotted? The lure of snow makes my heart leap. Until I remember the many snow flurries that blanketed the East Coast last winter. My heart skipped a beat making me realize I don't have any idea what the next moment will bring.

A storm of death and illness this pass week made today difficult. I received word that my friends daughter was taken from her place of rehab to the ICU at a local hospital. Her daughter was in a severe accident. Today was her 60th day living a new life in a coma. An email message sent to me read that a friends father had passed away. She was wondering how she would ever get through the funeral and his resting place, the burial. What was she to do the days following? A very special person in my life has been hospitalized. How am I going to accept the flurries of sadness?

The answer is not blowing in the wind, but the answer for me is placing the prayers wrapped in sadness at the foot of the cross. Will the flurries of prayers lay at the foot of the cross of Jesus unanswered? To me its not about answered prayers, so much, but prayers providing strength to know how to be compassionate, be understanding, being patient in time of change.

2010-12-07T17:58:00.007-05:00

Elizabeth Edwards dies after a courageous battle of breast cancer.
Vendors selling counterfeit pocketbooks, boots and makeup are raided.
Serial strangler and possible rapist is being investigated named "Tony".
Anniversary of Pearl Harbor 1941
all on the Eve of the Immaculate Conception!

God had a plan, God still has a plan. The master plan is not known. But what if
there was no cancer to overtake a person. What if we were all honest consumers and did not put on appearances. Anger, hostility and power overtakes a person to think they can violate a person. What if we did not seek power over another but accepted ourselves being submissive and answer to God?

Here it is December 7, 2010 69 years later since America was bombed by the Japanese.
And we are still at war with others. Many are at war with neighbors and some even with family members. On this evening of Immaculate Conception,Ann conceived a child named Mary. Mary was born without sin, she had an immaculate soul. It was Gods plan.

It was Gods plan that he would ask Mary to be the mother of Jesus. He planned for her to bear his son so we may be redeemed. Mary's yes did not change God's master plan, she was a large part of the Masters plan. Mary was a humble, prayerful young girl who submitted her soul to God. She did not loose herself in the bigger plan. She became a loving person that believed in a loving higher being, God.

Mary was not submissive to others, she was submissive to God's plan. A simple yes did not bring her down, but built up the kingdom of God. Sometimes I must admit I find myself confused with the submissive thing. If I do the will of God, have I become submissive to who I am suppose to be. Not if I believe in the Kingdom of God, and I do! God has not asked me to say yes to anything big. But in his master plan my
yes is a big deal!

2010-11-12T12:07:00.005-05:00

Tuesday December 7, 2010

Blistering windy day

nothing staying still

twigs break away

empty tire-swing sway

bird feeder dropping seed

at the foot of the

naked elm tree.

Winter is so vacant

2010-11-08T20:55:00.008-05:00

Howling winds
blowing wings
flapping wild

Whistling roars
dreams remain
darkness resumes

Geese honk
Farmers harvest
family host

Leaves crumble
Vegetation (a)ccured
salutations cease

Simmering scents
Cinnamon stages
wreath sags

Lights beam
sunlight breaths
dusk bears

Evening watches
Stars wink
hours weaken

Dawn dreams
mornin dew
eventialy dies

2010-10-22T22:28:00.003-04:00

Staying sane in a world that has gone insane is not so easy.
I'd rather be green hoping from lily pad to lily pad
in the quaint little pond of mine.

When the heat is more than I can take
one can find me jumping creating a mighty splash.
Bug eyed and all always keeping the eyes
on the prize.

2010-09-24T07:26:00.013-04:00

Compliment and mean it;
Say a prayer just don't say you will pray;
Play hard, work just as hard;
Every hour thank God for the moments that took your breath away...
When opportunity comes to mend a relationship be the glue.
I am excited to begin the day...and you are beautiful!

Things to do today:
Receiving a compliment is the best ever. Yesterday, someone I had not seen
in over a year told me I look younger than the last time I saw her.
At first I was thinking, oh geez did I look haggard that day.

Lots have happened over a year. My husband got laid off, I am now a proud
grandmom of two beautiful girls. Our youngest began the college thing as our other daughter finished Grad school and lives with us. I am now working part time for elderly care as well as stay at home grandmom for my daughters little girl.

Light bulb moment right there for me. At my age most people begin thinking about retiring if not retire. I have only just begun to sow seeds after all these years. I am not much of a Gardner but it appears the Good Lord thinks I am. Therefore, I bloom where I am planted.

My schedule has been hectic, hence less blog time, time management is my best defence in playing hard and working hard. My overnight shifts is a blessing because it does not interfere in my family time. Yet it gives other families peace of mind as dark blankets them. I am like a dim light watching over my clients like a lighthouse operator.

After the darkness there is light and so it is true when I come home, I am greeted by the sparkle in my precious granddaughter eyes. I see excitement, wonder and awe in her eyes. She keeps me moving which has kept me feeling young! I even find time to blog, write and use my new camera when I play! I love snapping away playing with my camera. Today the early fog at 6:30 am was too much to resist. If given a chance I would have slept the morning away! I love to sleep and dream when I can. But I enjoy living in reality more.

Yes, my heart is still young and maybe the stress of life sometimes makes my face grow old. But today I am skipping around thanking God for placing me where I am today!

2010-08-01T19:37:00.002-04:00

Vanity

Todays Sunday reading at Mass was about the V word. You know the V word that swirls in Carly Simon song, You are so vain! I am sure Ms. Simon was not thinking of the bible verse when she wrote her infamous song. But her song was the first thing that came to my mind today listening to the biblical readings.

Am I the only one in the congregation thinking this Ecclesiastical reading has nothing to do with me? After all I am not vain, am I? According to the *Dictionary the word vanity means the follow: 1. excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.; character or quality of being vain; conceit: Failure ...lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness: the vanity of a selfish life.

So far so good...till I read the Synonyms and oh boy I fail terribly in recognizing my vanity! —Synonyms egotism, complacency, vainglory, ostentation. See pride. emptiness, sham, unreality, folly, triviality, futility. Well, put it that way and yes, I have been vain thinking that the word vanity is not about me.

This week I am going to reflect on what it really means to be vain. Reflect where in my life journey I need to become the Antonyms of Vanity which is the gift humility.

Please journey with me and share your comments on how we can illuminate others and not ourselves.

* Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Posted by Sharon at 3:58 PM

2010-07-30T22:12:00.005-04:00

I love the fact that my new toaster toast both sides...evenly!

Hubby creates the best martinis!

Second hand book stores may not be beneficial to the author, but man for a poor reader like me...I am thrilled. Can't wait to read "The Bookseller of Kabul" and
Abab's Wife or the Star - Gazer"~! All for only 6.00 dollars and to benefit the Senior Center.

Anxiety comes and goes, like it best when it goes!!!

We all can benefit from an intervention of at least one of our aliment.

Because I don't talk to you does not mean you are not on my mind.

I'm not silenced by bullies, I just don't bother! I am not a fan of one with large egos, matter of fact I feel sorry for you! The world is bigger than YOU!

If you don't "keep" healthy relationships, then I am not interested in what you have to say about relationships!

I am an artist...a photographer..a writer...a lover...a Mommy...a MeeMee...caregiver...daughter...sister...sister in law...niece...a friend...I love the people in my life.

You and me are only a "link" away! Thanks for visiting my blog!

2010-07-29T13:08:00.010-04:00

Passion Flower

Our family goes down to North Carolina once a year to stay at my parents vacation home. We totally relax and enjoy each others company. The day is filled with sun, swimming, tennis, biking, and visiting the neighboring towns.

We love spending our summer day lingering in a beautiful town named Edeton. It's a historic little town. Matter of fact Edenton has a second name "Prettiest Little Town". Whatever name you call the town its a historic area where a real 'tea party' once took place.

I captured this picture while my daughter was admiring the Passion flower.

Mom loved using her vacation home as a place to sort out her photographs. A rather large shoe box had many photographs still in their photo envelope. What fun I had looking at all the places Mom and Dad had visited through out the years.

What a beatiful flower I remember thinking. Wait, I said to myself, that is the same kind of flower we saw hours earlier. I figured my mom had visited the same flower garden in Edenton. How cool was that? I turned over the labeled envelope. It read not Edenton but Israel! I felt an odd connection to a land an ocean away.

Its a small world after all! Gentle hands one young the other older caressed the same species plant. How cool is that? Would you like to harvest passion plants? http://www.thegardenhelper.com/passion.html

2010-07-28T18:53:00.015-04:00

I love my job working in the Elderly Care Industry. Industry? Yea, sorry bad choice of words. But the fact remains I get paid for doing what I love. I get paid for what in the past I have done as volunteer work. I never dreamed the seeds would blossom like they have.

The seed for what I am doing today started many years ago. I would visit shut ins in our church community bringing the Eucharist to them. I would bring my young children to accompany me. I would read them the Sunday readings as my kids would listen to the words for the second time that day. After hearing the homily after the readings were done, they most likely had a better understanding of God's message. I too began to live the Gospels more.

After cultivating the soil to my children that God wants us to take care of one another, my Grandmother with Dementia lived with my mom. My mom needed a reprieve. She would visit us for the weekend. We loved having Grandma living with us for a long weekend. It become a 'tradition' that on Thursday she would come to our house til Sunday or Monday morning.

Grandma's Dementia was not a funny situation at all. At times though we would be humored by her. One night she talked about how in the morning she was going to look for a job. She was insistent about creating a resume and getting a job for money. After listening to the repetitive desire over an hour, and not sleeping because it was on her mind, I said, "Okay Grandma tomorrow I will help you find a job!" Grandma's eyes widen and "oh dear I have not worked in years" came out of her mouth.
It took 10 minutes, I think, not really sure may have been an hour...for me to convince her I would not take her to a job interview. I miss Grandma after all these years but her love of family has blossomed!

My mother in law lived with us years later after Grandma's weekend visits. Like my Grandma my mother in law was riddled with confusion and hullcinations. One night she had the party of her life. We listened to her hosting a party from our monitor we had in our bedroom. She had a ball dancing, drinking and dreaming of all her friends in one place. One day she announced her pregnancy! She was upset as to whom was going to take care of the baby. I assured her I was! She was then contented that her baby, really a tumor, was given a name.

The bitter sweet vinegar and honeysuckle fragrence filled our hearts. I longed to smell both again. I landed a job taking care of people in an Elderly care Agency. I know first hand the blossoms that bloom when one opens their hearts to the bitter sweet reality of growing blossom! I love my job!

2010-07-28T18:04:00.004-04:00

Top Ten Things I want to accomplish by the end of August

1.) Scrapbook

2.) Shoot a wedding

3.) Show off my new knockout, I mean workout body

4.) Slides from childhood onto other media

4.) Shop around for a good publishing company for my inspirational book

5.) Sort all the crap (sorry junk) in my house

6.) Start organizing my office upstairs

7.) Schedule hair appointment for a perm (maybe)

8.) Surf the web for ideas to decorate my (our) bedroom

9.) Surprise my hubby with a picnic lunch with some Chadds Ford wine (yum)

10.)Suggestions for a fun summertime afternoon/evening is so welcomed

2010-07-23T11:47:00.002-04:00

It's Friday YAY! Oh wait, really? Only a few more hours til Saturday and a Graduation party for my daughter the Graduate! Lots of family and friends are planning to be here. Except my son and his family won't be able to attend. They are in TN the 'Neon' capital of the world. We all wish they could be here and the day won't be the same without them.

Dad is coming over to help with a few minor annoying appliances issues this morning. Leaking sink and no the ice machine on the freezer is not making ice. I think I solved the leak in the kitchen sink area. Tried several times to figure why the ice machine is being stubborn. Usually I would not mind. Tomorrow temperature makes me crazy thinking we will be without constant flow (so to speak) of ice! 100 degrees with a heat index of 105!

Our outdoor graduation party is now being reconsidered. Planning a AC kind of party! If you get cold bring a sweater bc we are running the AC at its best! Oh talk about electric appliances, please pray the electricity does not go out. Sometimes when the weather is so hot like this storms come rolling in. These summer storms have been brutal.

I have a list of other chores for me and Dad. Hope he won't mind taking me food shopping for last minute items? Being without a car today is not cool! Oh yes, the car situation is not any better than two months ago. Our household has 4 adults, each having jobs and two cars to get us there. Oh gee yes this summer has had is challenges.

Thats why I want tomorrow to be filled with family and friends whom we love dearly to celebrate! Not only my daughters accomplishments, but also her kind, generous loving way of keeping the family sane!

2010-07-22T23:34:00.004-04:00

2010-06-09T23:02:00.002-04:00

Watching ~ Flyers

Wearing ~ comfy clothes

Worried ~ finances

Well being ~ good

Weak ~ having a routine

Wild ~ no way

Wondering ~ do you love me? If you don't I am sorry I love you!

Wishing ~ we could all get along

Willing ~ to be open minded but not comprise

Weeping Willow ~ where I find peace

2010-05-24T13:53:00.006-04:00

I am spoiled but I am not rotten. Nor am I a brat. Can a women of fifty be a brat? Nah I don't think so. I like to think of it as I know my limitation and where I am weak I ask for help. Nicely of course.

Case in point: I have been chatting up a storm about how I wanted a garden. The request was not well recevied by my husband. The thought of culivating the land was enough to tire him out. Cultivating the land? All I wanted was a small plot to grow a 'few' vegtables. Tom then changed his tune when he realized the plot size resempled more of a twin bed than the Amish farm down the street from us.

He was not singing my tune though as he began to whine that he will end of weeding the garden. Well, yea but I want fresh tomotoes, eggplants lettuce, radishes, carrots, like a big huge garden salad!

Keep posted for more details! Go out to weed with the hubby!

2010-05-05T22:50:00.006-04:00

Truth is stunning, whats more stunning is that many don't believe the truth!

The truth is it's not what I know or what I think. The truth lies in the concept of God and what He reveals to His people. Sometimes he shows His face in the kindness of others. Often God shines in the eyes of the suffering. Are you looking for His revelation or are you so determined to prove He does not exist?

As for me, I believe I see the love of God in the empty eyes of a women suffering with dimentia. I see God in the hope that lies in the hearts of loved ones for clarity of cargivers.

2010-05-03T13:12:00.001-04:00

Dreaming...that all who are pissed at me will forgive me...thinking those who believe in me, will continue to trust me...those who love me, love me forever, not just on a good day! Dreaming that those who judge me will see I am just living the life the best way I know how! Faults, imperfections shine, but only in your eyes...to me I sparkle in the eyes of God!

2010-04-25T23:22:00.002-04:00

2010-03-23T21:44:00.004-04:00

A long absence from writing can be explained. Just plain busy with other life things. Such as you ask, well like my beautiful grandchildren! Two of them, slightly four months apart. But never the less they keep us busy. Oh yes, my part time job working with the elderly, Morning Glory my photography business and church ministries. Can you forgive me now for the lack of blogging?

Sixteen years ago I thought when my youngest children got out of the diaper stage I would never go back. Guess what, I now change diapers from baby soft butts to wrinkled old people bottom these days. I start my day with a developing mind of infants and end the day with dementia clients. You know I won't go back now either. I love taking care of my kids children. I enjoy learning and listening to the elderly stories weather they are true or not is not the point.

The linage branches continues to grow out of the Hannan tree! Strong limbs bend but don't break or crack due to high winds. My grandchildren are amazing gifts like Autumn leaves they are gold to my heart.

2010-03-20T00:42:00.003-04:00

Walk me through life!

See sometimes we live different lives. Not better nor worse, just the same. Trying to figure life out. Your experience is different than mine but the way we see it is the same.

Learing to dream the spirit is strong. Flying high above the limits I see your wings

Touch me with your spirit bring me beyond my limits

Bleeding red brings me to my knees, draining me of my breath,

pale in tone you sing a lullaby of living life.

2010-02-17T21:57:00.009-05:00

Were you ever haunted by a mistake that it consumes you.

Years ago at an Ash Wednesday service I was assigned to put the crosses on the foreheads, "Remain faithful to the Gospels: turn away from sin. All was going well til I slipped and reveres ed the prayer. Yea not good to tell a little girl too remain faithful to sin and turn away from the Gospel!

Oh yea there was this other times I stumbled over my words. As Director of Religious Education before each CCD session we would begin with prayer. One Our Father, One Hail Mary, Gospel reading for the day and the parish prayer. Over the PA system I began "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit". I lead the CCD children and catechist into prayer time. ...Our Father who art in heaven....lead us into temptation..."

Did you catch the error...! After turning the PA system off I took a deep breath in dismay. Could not believed I messed up, "lead us into temptation?" what was I thinking.

I walked into my office and sitting at my desk was the pastor. He greeted me with a smile and said, "mmm...lead us into temptation?" We both laughed at my mistake. I am sure I was as red as the Moses bush in Spring. Speaking of Moses I recall Exodus 4:10
..."I have never been eloquent,...I am slow of speech...". Yet the Good Lord called him too lead His people. He also asked Arron to become the 'spokesman'. Looking back God had put many more competent people in my path. Together as a team we provided a strong CCD program that harvest many hearts.

Seven years later after I resigned to take care of my Mother in law, I was asked to assist organizing a prelude to the CCD classroom session. We came up with a program "Empty hands, open hearts"! Praise and worship session that focused on the message of the Gospel and song of praise. The kids loved it the parents were hesitant to embrace it. Why does the Lord place me in such predicaments.

Four months into the successful addition to CCD program I felt called too step away and let the 'praise and worship' program grow without me. Our DRE began too step up and take over where I began. Two years later children of our parish are praising and experience the love of God not just from a book. Their church is a place they can clap and raise their voices in a reverence way to proclaim Jesus is Lord!

2010-02-14T15:22:00.005-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Did you know St. Valentine Day is for real! Yes, real not a made up "Hallmark kind of day.

check this site out http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/Saint-Valentine.aspxay I found it interesting to read.

2010-02-11T09:14:00.009-05:00

Well we weathered out the blizzard of 2010 pretty well. Thanking God our roofs held up the weight of the snow. Electricity never failed. All our family is safe and sound.

Day two of our paralyzing snow storm. We just had our neighborhood plowed with a front loader. We live in a small neighborhood about 40 or so homes. Usually we are the last too be rescued. Today a new trend has taken place we are among the first and few. I like that. Although clearing our streets does not mean we are going anywhere soon.

Our driveway has been plowed once during the storm and needs another snow removal. Guess we are here for the duration of the big meltdown! Our lab Chole is finding a sacred place too well you know...is becoming very difficult. Snow drifts are amazing in depth.

Winds are still blowing snow around as if the snow were tumbleweed. Yes, the neighborhood is beginning to look like a ghost town. Imagine after the dig out we all will be anxious for Spring!

2010-02-09T09:06:00.006-05:00

Taking a break from politics, oh wait too good to pass up! Michele Obama is a sweet women, she cares about all the children of America. Nice that she is educating families that struggle and not familiar with the food pyramid.

Did you hear there are now scales at some MCD's for customers? When you walk up to the counter a green light indicates for an employee to approach you. If a red light gos off so not to humiliate anyone, employees look busy but don't approach the cash register.

Stunned by being ignored you become numb. It takes a few moments for you too realize the person behind you taps you on the shoulder, "excuse me, sir, you can come back next month after you become more 'healthy'! And you are being escorted out of the building by a food czar! he hands you a card.

Your picture has been taken and will be posted on the site deniedfastfood.com.
OHRFC (Obama health reform food czar). You hang your head. Then the idea comes too you to go through the drive-thru...Big Brother never thought this out too well. Clever you...After all all you wanted to order was a hot cup of coffee before off to the gym!

2010-02-07T11:06:00.005-05:00

God is amazing...

Yesterdays blizzard laid couple of feet of snow. With all the snowdrift it was really hard to determine if it was 24 or 30 inches.

We were hoping the plowman would show up that we had scheduled to do our driveway. He never came. Late in the afternoon I began to dig us out. It did not take long for me give up. Tomorrow was a new day!

What a beautiful morning after! Clear blue skies and the white blanket out side was awesome. It all is disruptive and interfering way I was excited too dig myself out.

I was shoveling our driveway and was overwhelmed as our driveway has a slop and is long. With Tom's health he was not allowed to shovel. I bargained with God, "Lord if you bring a plow around, we could still make the Noon Mass."

Tom came out and we trucked to the bottom of the driveway to clean off our car. The problem with putting the car at the end of the lane is that street plows blocks our vehicles. I mentioned to Tom my bargain with God. He smiled and said, "awe, that would be nice." We made a great team and moved the snow to allow the car too no longer be boxed in.

Now, where too put the car...geez...looks like I would shovel a parking spot for the car. Meanwhile Tom got the car on the street. I hopped in the warm car. My idea! Lets drive around the neighborhood and see what happening. Chatted with a few neighbors as they too were digging out.

Tom let out a 'oh no...'. Had no idea what was happening. As I looked up right in front of us was, yea, a plow!!! Awesome God we have! The Plow Angel was so kind.

Now Tom is upstairs getting ready to attend the Noon Mass!

2010-02-02T12:57:00.003-05:00

Okay we all were disappointed to hear the groundhog saw his shadow?

This afternoon I was thrilled when I heard a beautiful tune being sung by a red Robbin!

Yes, true story a robin was spotted perched on a tree singing away.

Who are you going too believe knows the change of season is near? I am counting on the song being song by the robin that spring is closer than the six more weeks of winter!

Ecclesiastes 3

Everything Has its Time (according to the order of which God wills it!)

For everything there is a seson, and a time for every matter under the heavens:
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to harvest
A time to kill a time to heal
A time to break down and time to build up
A time to week a time to laugh
A time to mourn and time to dance
A time to throw away stones a time to gather together
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embrace
A time to seek and time to lose
A time too keep and a time to throw away
A time to tear and a time to sew
A time to keep silence a time to speak
a time to love and a time to hate
A time for war and a time for peace

2010-01-27T14:59:00.002-05:00

I held you tight to my heart, closing my eyes tight so tears would stay, I whispered remember always that I love you so...then I thought of Mary and Jesus and the tears flowed as I journed with her to Calvary. We don't know the crosses our children will bear we can only prayer they will have the faith to carry the burden.

2010-01-24T18:19:00.005-05:00

I am speechless! Are you speechless let me know by leaving a comment on what
you feel when you see this crucifix unscaved by the crumbling buildings! The earth quake of Haiti is not because God has anything against the Haitian people. Its because God does not contrict the order of nature!

2010-01-22T13:59:00.002-05:00

2010-01-19T13:36:00.003-05:00

http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/index.html

Love this site and wanted to share it with you. Hope you find it peaceful also.

+ + + +

If you don't believe in a God, is there hope in your life.

If I have too prove God to you, then you don't understand faith!

Faith is a gift not seen but felt deep in your soul. Thats what I believe
to be truth.

God exist either way, you believe or not...I have chosen to believe for the sake
of my soul. Sometimes, not always, I forget that I am body and soul.
Like my body needs water not to wither and die before I am called, my soul
longs for the 'well'! Days are dark and I can not find my way to the well. Other days the light shines even in the darkness of the well!

I reach though hoping the well as not gone dry. Have I lost faith or hope? I don't know. Can you prove too me when I am parched that the cup I send down will be filled with water? Of course not, you and I can only hope! Thats what I am talking about.

So many conditions could cause the cup to come up empty! But I have faith that you and I will try again!

2010-01-15T19:14:00.003-05:00

Love this family: My son and his beautiful girls!

2010-01-15T18:57:00.003-05:00

Exciting day for a birdwatcher.

First time I ever saw a Pileated Woodpecker,(well at least noticed). The Pileated flight was awesome too see right in my backyard. I was looking out our window at the right time. Imagine its first flight to my yard was due to a few trees in the park near me being trimmed and knocked down. Love when I spot unusual birds in my own backyard!

http://www.seattleaudubon.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=280

2010-01-09T13:26:00.007-05:00

Taking a deep breath I feel the cold wind entering my body. Kind of like it as the cold air to breath makes me feel alive. Whether one likes the cold or not today is undeniable freezing. Puddles left from the previous snow storm thaw is silver coated. Piles of snow left from snow plows are shrinking, but not fast enough.

No sure what the thermometer reads. When I exhale I see my breath. The stream of air coming out of my mouth is foggy. I shiver as I inhale allowing cold air to reach my lungs. Wish I had found my gloves from last years winter season. As I bring my hands to my mouth thinking with all that fog my breath must be the only warm part of my body right now. And it is leaving me as it does not care of its absence....

A sample of a short story I am writing. Very excited about the character and how she or he will grow in integrity and honesty!

Family Vacation

2010-01-07T18:01:00.002-05:00

Read I John 4:17-21 and choose a verse within the text to write about.

Perfect love:
By Sharon E Hannan

Where does your family go to find rest and relaxation? My family and I love going where ever there is a body of water to admire. A calm lake or an ocean of furious waves crashing against the jetties works for us. Soft poetic sound of ripples on a lake can sooth a restless soul as much as an ocean and its tide. Going on vacation allows us to come home and feel whole again! It rejuvenates our mind, body and soul. But what vacation cannot do for us is prepare us for the reality of trials that await our return.

A crisis creeps up in our lives and we forget how to show strength, wisdom to master the sails. Our lives become caught up in the current and the storm that is before us frightens us. We have lost our way. The compass that once directed us is lost in our hearts.

The truth is as Christian; we can find our direction because we have received the Holy Spirit at our Baptism. Our souls know the way! The waters that once flowed over us, now lies within us through the power of Christ. In the first gospel of John, (1 John 4:18) we read…”because there is no fear in love but perfect love cast out fear”.

It is our duty our privilege as brothers and sisters to become Christ like in our love for each other. Perfect love is the reality that others should be seeing in us. Our families can be witnesses of our faith wherever we go. We can help each other to reveal the way through the storms of our lives. To obtain ‘perfect love … we must love as God has loved us. (1John 4:19-21)

How can you continue to show a family member or neighbors the ‘perfect love’ that Jesus is asking of us? What Catholic tradition does your family participate in when a storm is present in your lives?

2009-12-14T15:55:00.004-05:00

How many more days before Christmas? Twelve! Better late than never!

Peace ~ thats what my soul longs for and others hearts need!

Today I was blessed that my husbands oral surgery was successful! Thank you for the Doctors wisdom to take the 'wisdom' tooth along with the other extractions!

Grateful for my daughter Leah who babysat our Granddaughter so I could be with Tom in the recovery room!

Appreciate COBRA that will pay for most of the surgery and the medications that follows for pain!

At the end of the day, today was a day of many blessings!

http://christmas.howstuffworks.com/traditions/twelve-days-christmas.htm til Christmas?

2009-10-25T11:05:00.002-04:00

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good..
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8 It's OK to get angry with God.. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything.. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life Show up and make the most of it now..
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere..
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back..
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

2009-10-08T08:43:00.006-04:00

My handsome proud son is a Daddy! No doubt he will be a great dad because he learned from the best, his daddy! He is a man of honesty and fun loving. His true colors come through just like his Dad too!

How do you define yourself? Do you reveal the real you or do you mask who you are?
I am pretty good in seeing peoples true colors. Every now and then I come in contact with someone who has muted palate color in their eyes. And that's when the canvas of their lives becomes revealed. One stroke of a brush at a time.
Painting a self portrait is not always easy. Actually very few painters attempt to capture themselves.

I can paint you a picture of me by what I believe defines me.
What you say about me does not define me...how I respond to you defines me!
If you don't beleive in something, you will fall for anything. Those 'on the fence' wheather it be religious or political views are cowards and will most likely jump the fence to either side for their own benefit. Bragging is only convincing oneself.

Unlike a finished painting I am always changing the palate of my life. A wife, a mom of four and now a grandmother of two darlin', all from the blessings of God! I love writing and photography. I depend deeply on the forgivness of others for my imperfections. I also long not for populairy, but to liked because I am a good person. I know this to be true, my real colors are that of a rainbow (not murky).
I hold no mask to my face...can you say the same?

2009-09-14T13:37:00.002-04:00

A poem in the making ~

I usually don't post my work, no less
half completed work. However today is a new
day and I can break my own rules, right?

Its been a long time since I have written a poem
due to the pace of Summertime! I don't want to give away
the inspiration painted in this poem. So feel free
to leave your own comment and see if you and I are
on the right Shores!!!!

Our Ugly Self

Your loving ways will dissolve the monstrous wave
that swells in their disillusioned minds
calmer seas cease the unloved self...
Allowing the truth to be seen to those who see
For the Green eyed figure ...
glows even in the darkest bays!

Beauty in the changes of the seasons
bring hope to the confusion that lies deep
within the flow of the ebb and the abyss
...redirecting the sudden urge to mask itself
lifting spirits spitting the ugly truth...
Sharon E Hannan @

*no portions of this poem can be printed or
printed

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2009-09-02T17:26:00.003-04:00

We have taken God out of our public schools. I feel nudged to today to think for myself as too whats next! The nugget of my thought; subtle replacement! Who could that 'replacement' be?

Conversation with our youth is always good. Engaging our children to think for themselves is good. Encouraging our children to know current events is good. Its always good to teach our children, after all that's what school is about right?

This Tuesday the President of the United States will do just that through out the country. Obama is going to speak to our school children Kindergarten - 12th grade. Is he trying to push his health care agenda onto our children? Of course he is...If my children were still in school, I would keep them home that day!

Our children do not need to hear a 'hammer and sickle' mentality of the governments agenda. I know Mr. Obama will not use fear tactics to engage the children and young adults. That is not his style. Its not so much what he will say that bothers me, its what he won't say that would make me keep my children home.

School agenda already consist of History class, so reading about past presidents is good. Promoting a President and having the students 'write an essay on how President Obama inspires and how can you help him' is crossing the line in the sand on propaganda. Hence no student should be exposed to government propaganda!

2009-08-06T12:12:00.004-04:00

Eph. 4:2-4 “Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and be at peace with one another.

Hours after posting this bible verse on my socail network in the morning that by the end of the day, I would need it! Seriously, God does have a sense of humor!

I'd rather not be gentle at times when I am offended. Rather be aggresive and win the fight along with being right.

Truth be told, noone really won yesterday we all woke up this morning wishing we could rewind yesterday. Life is not a play with scripts that can be rewritten or
earsed.

Details are not important right now. What is important is that I am able to share
with you that keeping Gods' words close to your heart gets us through! Had I not searched the bible yesterday, I would not find comfort in yesterdays events.
"Be humble and gentle...patient...allowing for each others faults...be at PEACE!"

2009-07-12T13:46:00.010-04:00

Have too tell ~ I cleaned out and organized my totes that were confined and concealed behind my comfy chair in the family room. The totes bags had all sorts of 'stuff' from photography, writing and Church things. Sounds like a small task right, but I spent 45 minutes re-organizing, recycling and rearranging! I feel like a new "bag" person now! Refreshed, renewed and ready to begin anew.

I have CDs all over the place need too find a special spot that my photography work deserves. MMMM lets see! Found the perfect photo box that is now empty from me sorting out old family photos yesterday! It's a go for it kind of day!

The relationship of time passing really hit me hard today. Since December, pardon my blushing, my church tote had been piling up with music CD's, resource books and
old papers. Seven months worth of material needed reviewing and I threw away old reading materials that I was saving. Of course I read them first! As I was reading the articles I had forgot why at the time they were important! Yikes!

My problem or issue is (of course we all have them, right?) so many projects are going on in my head. Now I just need time to sort them out. Lay them on the table and give them a name and deadline so too speak.

1.)write article for Newsletter ~ 6 have already been forward on for publication they are waiting for my last one!
Deadline: Tuesday *that gives no time to procrastinate!

2.)Morning Glory Photography is my photography business. http://www.morninggloryphotography.net The summer photo sessions went very well!
Need to draw more business and expand!
Deadline: on going

3.)Volunteered to set up a CCD class for children with Autism. It will be
a three year program that is full of hands on and fun learning the faith!
Read library books on the subject of Autism this week! Books due at the end of week!
Deadline: July 31, 2009 ~ (My father in laws bday, God bless his soul)

4.)I have organized 6 boxes of family photos into 4, now they are organized I want to get rid of duplicates, poorly composed ect...
Deadline:this week

5.)Stamping note cards(scrapbook material)and my photos for public purchase
deadline: on going

6.)Write write write...devotionals, reflection, daily inspirational.
Deadline on going every day (I promise)

7.)Doing homework for our Publishing company so we can publish our own Christian/and Catholic publications
Deadline: on going

See this little angel well, her big bright eyes keep me in the state of WOW! So much wow for my Grandbaby, that I can blame her for not staying focus. Okay, you are right is a lame exuse! I have been helping my daughter, her mommy stay sane when she is in a sleepless state! Nursing is a challenge but Megs is winning and of course that means the little one really wins! I remember those days so vividly like it was yesterday! Wait, the time thing always gets me!

2009-06-27T20:23:00.003-04:00

What are you reading this summer?

I have chosen to read a non fiction crime story Cruel Games by Rose Ciotta.
Morbid you are thinking right? I like reading true crime stories like some people do jig saw puzzles. Amazingly family and neighbors alike miss key triggers of odd behavior. I enjoy picking up on the 'triggers' that should not have been missed.

**********

My other books I borrowed from the library is helping me with a project I am working on.

Engaging Autism. Stanley Greenspan, MD and Serena Wieder, PHD
Facing Autsim Lynn Hamilton
Changing the Course of Autism, Byran Jepson, MD with Jane Johnson

Further details to follow but I can tell you I am excited to provide the truths of the Catholic Faith to all children! Please keep this project in prayer. Many wonderful friendships have been formed since its conception.

God is good!

2009-06-22T18:07:00.004-04:00

My husband, a wonderful father of four young adults has celebrated Fathers day for 27years now. "Hallmark" holiday of Fathers Day had been celebrated and sealed with messy diapers, wet mushy kisses and snotty nose kisses. Matter of fact, my husband one year got the gift of Chicken Pox! Yes, Chicken Pox on Fathers Day can you imagine the sight he must have been to the kiddies. Oh well, from what I remembered, we all weathered that adventure very well! I do recall Tom was thankful that his kids had gotten over the pox uneventfully and it was okay because his kids were healthy and safe! That's the kind of Daddy his is! He is amazingly fair, gracious, kind and soft spoken so when he speaks his children listen. He does not demand respect, he just gets respect from his kids and others. He is quick to forgive those that trespass against him.

I know its amazing too that this kind of Christian man still stands today! But he is real and I know first hand how tall he stands as a family man! So its not wonder this years Father Day was celebrated in helping our daughter, his little girl of Twenty - six! Our little Olivia was born and she shares the same birth day as my mother in law. Unfortunately my mother in law is unable to see her great grandchild as she passed away couple of years ago. But the gift of life is forever in my husbands heart! That's the kind of man he is!

Our second child, has been married for a couple years now and he and his wife are expecting their first child in the Fall. He and Nina stopped by our daughters to see the baby and to wish Tom a great Fathers Day! The gesture of three fathers embracing life was awesome to witness!

The hallmark of a wonderful is a man that stands true to himself and others. What you see is what you get, and blessed enough to see that my son and son in law are the same! My husgand does not shut the door after guest leave and become a bully to his family. He does not shun those who have different ideas but shares gently his compass that guides his life. May seem that I am bragging about the men in my life and be assured I certianly am!

2009-06-20T19:59:00.003-04:00

My oldest daughter had a baby less then a week ago! I cannot take my eyes off of her! We saw them yesterday, twice! Both times Megan showed great patience with a little angel. Olivia is tiny weighing 5-15 at the doctors office yesterday! Thank God got a clean bill of health on her very first pediatric visit.

Olivia definitely finds nursing to be challenging but her mommy is determined to make it work! As of this Saturday morning Olivia is appreciating and learning the technique fast and is very contented after a feeding. Yay Olivia keep it up girl its the best for your little tiny body right now! God love her she was born 6'6 and 20 inches long.

I know you all want to know who does she look like...mmmm! Right now she looks like a brand new person with her very cutest face to call her own! However, all do respect, she does look like Megan! Although she has lots of darker hair with a tinge of light highlights. Daddy can not deny her with her beautiful eyes like her other grandma!

Talk about grandmothers's, it leads me to announce my name chosen by the new parents for Olivia and future grandchildren. It was difficult coming up with a name. I wanted something unique, something that would define me but not take away the gift of being a grandmother. I love and miss my grandmothers and so I understand the great task ahead. I like Ma mo (Mahmoh) a Gaelic name for Grammy. But I was over ruled by the parents (here we go, right? lol)!

My new identity is MIMI! That's cute, I like it! Grand pop is "Poppy" just like his beloved dad! Tom and I have not decided yet what is the hardest moments the
this week as we have been tending to a lot of changes in our life. Don't panic we are still together....but we are not sure what is most nerve racking: Waiting for your oldest baby to have a baby or sending your youngest baby off to Senior Week!
mmm...(sigh)!

All I know that God is good and we looking forward with promises and hopes for our young adults and now our grandchildren! Olivia is the first member of the fourth generation on both sides of the family!

2009-06-18T10:11:00.002-04:00

Amazing how a 6lb baby can steal away from my mind all the words I ever knew! I search for the order of words to make a cohesive sentence. Only a string of words come to mind...blessing from God, amazing, awesome, sweet, gentle, tiny, did I say amazing?

2009-06-05T15:40:00.003-04:00

Rain, rain and more rain has fallen from the sky for three days soaking drought grounds.
Instead of being grateful for all the fruits that will come forth from the rain, I just have soaked myself in pity. I am having a pity party and you are invited! After all, it has been raining on your parades of celebration too!

I just want to soak in the sun and have some fun! I want my toes to dabble on the side of my friend’s pool. I love wading in creeks and skipping stones even though I am almost fifty and a Grandmother of two darling angles.

Love reading a good book while sunbathing. It’s like multitasking and I am comfortable with that. It seems I am always doing two things at once anyway. So why not take advantage of catching rays and reading a fine novel! If you have any suggestions for summer reading, let me know!

That reminds me today I did an errand in between rain showers. I made a trip to a book store looking for a specific book for my daughter, “The Kite Runner”. The book was one of the 200 options for her to read as well as do a synoptic for her Graduate Summer program. Read the book two summers ago. Was excited to see she will get to read it (even if it is not for pleasure).

A new store front opened up near the book store. I peeked in and I could smell the fresh bread from outside! Yummy it smelled so good. It was just what I needed to breathe in the fresh smell of bread! You know the smell of musty dog that lingers in your home when you cannot open the windows due to rain. Did I mention I know the owner who just opened up the homemade bread shop! Well I do and I am so happy for him because for years his job made him miserable. Like a dark cloud just hung over him and he was very unhappy!

I love being in a bookstore browsing and then to hunger over the fresh aroma of baked bread. My spirit was lifted as I headed home. The rain did lighten up. I was able to slow down the wipers to a lower speed. I rolled the car window down and put my arm out the window. I began to play ‘catch the rain’! Drops of fresh rain formed a puddle in the palm of my hand. I finally found time and pleasure playing in the rain today! I was actually sad that for a moment I got a glimpse of the sun.

I learned several things about myself today: Even at fifty years old, (almost).
I love splashing water! It does not matter if it’s a crystal clear swimming pool, crisp cold creek water, or a rainy Spring days I delight playing my way through life!

2009-05-13T10:55:00.010-04:00

The reality of becoming FIFTY!

Two more seasons from now I will be celebrating my 50th year of life. Celebrating? I think I mean others will be celebrating my birth-day, as I will be dazed by the concept that I am pushing towards being 'over the hill' at sixty! See what I do, it drives me crazy too. I tend to change the idea of 'old' every decade I become. I have done this since my ten year old birthday, so in reflection, its a healthy mechanism that keeps me young!

Did you ever take that 'age' test floating on facebook? The test supposedly lets you know how old are you really. My result was 35 years old. I like that result that I did not retake it. I like the change though that the older I get the better I feel! I sleep better, exercise and actually like it, and is amazed that I can challenge myself to keep up with my inner 35 year old!

In my mind I collectivly gather the facts of where I have been in my life, I liked where I was! Each season of my life weaves a beautiful quilt. I have been living a blessed life! The threads that weave are not ending at 50 years old! I have finally grown up and don't feel the need to change the idea of becoming older!

2009-05-06T14:05:00.003-04:00

I was scheduled to work the lunch shift today. Instead I am finding myself working at home filling the day with laundry, making doctor appointments, planning a graduation party for my daughter, arranging and re-arranging my schedule for what seems the rest of my life.

At rest I feel the emptiness and sad over the phone call I received this morning. The owner of the cafe I waitress at called me early this morning. She profoundly apologizes for the news that she had too shut down the cafe due to the economy.
Understandably times of recessions are obvious and profoundly effects the cause for her to make close the restaurant. Still I feel sad and wish times were different and the demise of the Cricket was surviving this economic season!

Our family will be missing the cafe not just for its quaintness. My daughter works there too so our family will definitely financially be challenged til we find another part time job! I use the term lightly however with word job. As I fold the laundry and smell the freshness on the cafe uniform that I wore just yesterday, the seeds I sowed there begin to rise in my heart.

The history of me becoming a waitress is ironic. I don't mind serving others. Matter of fact as a wife and mom I have done that for over 27 years. The irony is that the customers served me dishes of humility, patience and kindness. They recruited me into searching my heart and becoming real.

An older man that was in weeks earlier with his wife came the restaurant by himself. I asked where was his better half. With a humble voice he had told me 'his better half passed away and is no longer with us.' I saw tears come to his eyes. In our moment of awkwardness I smiled and said, "...she really is with us in spirit." I saw his eyes wander, then turned to me and said, "thank you, yes, she is with me in spirit." I forgot for a moment that I was at work and serving food for the stomach. I relished in the last time I saw the two older couple together sharing a meal.
Now I had to serve a lost soul trying to find peace in the concept that in the midst of his darkness a light clarified to him that indeed his wife, the love of his life
was with us in spirit. I prayed later that day that He would bless the customer with his peace!

A young women with a small son about the age of four came in for lunch. It was one of those quite days. So I was able to make conversation with her. We had alot more in common than I would have been able to imagine and a fire of inspiration became inflamed. It turned out that we both enjoy the 'hope' and 'inspiration' that Dave Ramsey, a Fox Business commentator, provides in hard finacial times.

A few moments later, a parishioner at my church came in just to use the ladies room. Grace lead her to enter our conversation. Turns out that she too is a fan of Dave Ramsey and told us that he is doing, "townhall of Hope" in our community that night. Do you believe in devine intervention! I do!

Keep in touch and visit me often the next couple of days. I will continue to share how the Lord has humbled me into serving others. Learn with me what the Lord has planned for me now.

2009-05-04T16:36:00.007-04:00

I hear the tapping of the rain hitting double family room window. It's a familiar sound these past few days. Yes, April showers still are with us even though it is May. It not uncommon these days to hear someone jest we should build an ark. Wait maybe its not a bad concept bring me pegs and planks!

Rain has interfered on my three photo sessions I had scheduled this weekend. Very disappointed that I was not to be able to click away for my outside sessions. My puppy Chole has been cooped up in the house also. I have to nudge her out the door for her to do her thing. Then she runs in the house shaking off her wet fur! She and I miss taking her daily walks. This weeks weather predicts rain all week too. gggrrr! What to do when it rains when you are an outdoor freak?

Today I had quite time reading a book that I have been able to finish for weeks.
I spent one and a half hours at the gym today rocking my workout session. After the workout session I went food shopping. Deff did not want too but we totally have no food in the house. After all I put off shopping last week due to the rain.

Turns out food shopping was not a bad thing. Actually when I was finished and paid the cashier, I noticed the rain had stopped. Boy, I high tailed out of the store before the heavens opened up. Hope was on the horizon if only for a few minutes anyway! Turned out I should have been helping with the ark rather then going to the gym and food shopping. Because here it is hours later and clicking sound of rain is still hitting the window! I like sounds of rain as it brings great fond memories of my childhood.

I remember one day in early 1960's when I was in Kindergarten Mom picked me up from school because it was raining. I was surprised that day though because my mom never picked me up from school. So it must have been really raining back in '64! The journey home was only two blocks away but the windshield wipers danced for miles keeping up with the rain outside the car. Mom was going very slow through puddles.
I had wished she would have gone fast as the wipers. Out of the blue the car stopped. We were only one block now away from home. I was scared I remember the brakes were screeching. Lighting filled our car with light and thunder shook our car. Eventually the car started and we were home safe and dry! What an adventurous two block journey that day!

I miss that old wooden panel station wagon. Yet glad today my Saturn was more dependable in the rain.

2009-04-23T00:53:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is looking bright as today is leaving me in the dark!

HUMMINGBIRD

2009-04-21T22:41:00.004-04:00

My friend Ruby will be coming by very soon for a sweet visit.

Hopefully I will be able to have a photo session with Ruby.

But for now I downloaded a picture from a website to remind me
to purchase several hummingbird feeders and plant flowers that will attract his family members!

2009-03-25T21:28:00.003-04:00

When lost for words, send flowers!

2009-02-06T10:06:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday I attended my weekly small business meeting GROW. Grow is comprised of small business owners in the area. We are a small group but we have big plans for each of our respective business. I am learning among the experienced how too manage on my own company.

What I can bring to the table at the meetings is this...one can only be successful with time and with time, growth happens. A found out I had talent. Talent made me pause and see that I have a vision. A vision and I passion for seeing the beauty in the gift of nature. So began the creation of Morning Glory Photography. My uncle encouraged me to step up. He made business cards for me with the name Morning Glory Studio. Hence the name change.

Like an infant to a new mother, I am thrilled to watch me grow as my business unfolds and blossoms. Thank you my fans for being a part of that growth.

2009-02-04T22:10:00.004-05:00

A wonderland of fresh fallen snow!

We were all excited last night thinking we were going to be hit with a snow storm leaving four inches of snow. Instead the weather pattern changed and left only 1 inch of snow. The flakes started early in the afternoon swirling everywhere. By the time night came, the flakes amounted to about two inches.

The snowfall was enough that our daughter school was delayed for two hours. She loves sleeping so she was able sleep in this morning. I made pancakes for her for breakfast. It was a great start to a good day!

Cold as ice hides the most promising fruits!

2009-02-01T14:50:00.003-05:00

Last night was the first night in a long time that I spent time with girl friends.
We had a fun night sharing how well our kids did in school this year. Crazy enough, we giggled over our dogs act as if they were a human.

Yes, the topic of husbands came up. We came to the conclusion that some husbands just don't get it. But as the conversation continued it became clear some wives just don't get it either. Ha, I was one of them!

When my husband comes home for food shopping, I ask so many questions...who did you see, what did they say...are their kids okay...what colleges did they choose...It came to light last night that my friend husband asks the same tired questions.

My father always says I am nosey, I never looked at it like that. I am just curious I would correct him. Okay so maybe dad is right after all. But the real questions is why does my husband not remember the details of those he sees in the market? He does the same forgetfulness after being on the phone! I hear his comments, but I always want to know what was said on the other end.

Okay so Dad may just be right, I am plain nosey. I am curious, do any of my blogger friends have any quirks such as 'grocery isle chat', or 'phone dropper'!

2009-01-31T11:52:00.003-05:00

What I have learned about life after four days in the hospital ~

Life does not always turn the way you plan ..

A few days in the hospital is not a restful vacation...

When your heart races and you complain to your love ones rush you to the ER...

Doctors love to poke, stick and bruise you till there isn’t any more test available...

But I passed with flying 'needles' and I got to go home.

What made my heart race in the middle of the night for five hours?
The doctors just don't know. But I do know this, I learned a very humbling
lesson of life during my stay.

What is the hospital ward that patience with minor health issues are assigned? I can not remember but anyway, I ended up in the ICU because of the "no room in the inn".
After twelve hours in the ER I was admitted to ICU section of the hospital. It was clearly stated that my ICU room was not due to my health. I thought for sure they were not telling me the truth. The nursing staff did not want me too know I was really suffering from a heart attack. But it turned out I was overly paranoid.

In the ICU unit there are patience that need constant care. I was not one of them though. My care was minimal. I felt odd being able to walk around. The food tray rolled up on ICU with only one meal, mine. I was able to eat ~ I should have been thankful for the low salt diet. My nose twitched as I turned my nose up at the institutional food. I ate thinking; if I don't perhaps I will have to stay there longer. Now looking back I wished I eat because I was thankful for the fact that a nurse did not pour my dinner into me. I should have been grateful that I had an appetite at all.

I was annoyed at times that I had too been connected to a monitor. It was so inconvenient at times. Like when I had too use the bathroom or wanted to lie on my stomach and the cords were tangling me up. On the trail to the bathroom I passed a
patient lying so still with an apparent catheter. I tipped toed as not to wake her.
After all when I had to use the bathroom, I rolled my eyes at the inconvenience of me having to unhook myself.

I am home now. No more nurses taking my blood pressure, giving me medication or eating bland foods. No more doctors asking me what had happened that brought me to the ER. No more techs jelling my chest for an ultra sounds or sanding me down so the EKG pads stick better. Yes, I am home and enjoying the freedom.

I am not enjoying however the self absorbed attitude I had at the hospital. Like a flash seeing the nurses care for the sick touched my heart. They were kind too a women whose breathing was the death rattle. She was so still that it was hard to believe at times her breathing did not wake her. In the morning when I woke, her room was empty except for a few tissues that lay on the floor where her bed was.

Do you remember the women with the catheter I was telling you about? Well, on my way to the ladies room, I saw that she was now sitting up. On my way back I smiled at her. She smiled back. Her smile took my breath away. She was bald and weak. Yet somehow she was stronger than I.

Dancing Daffodils

2009-01-30T22:27:00.003-05:00

If I were to click my heels would tomorrow be the end of winter? Your right, winter is here to stay for a while. So to bring spring in your step, I posted a poem that reminds us yellow mellow days!

Dancing Daffodils
By Sharon E Hannan

I spotted a cluster of daffodils on the side of the road
They were swaying to the beat of the spring’s breeze
Left to right, right to left, left to right, right to left
Yellow heads danced showing off their new customs
Green arms extended their reach beyond expectations
Emerald adolescent stems stood their rooted ground

The spring breeze began to become a gust of wind
Right to left, left to right, right to left, left to right
Bowing heads of golden bells curtsied quickly
Ornaments of jaded arms coiled erratically
Leaning bodies bobbed up and down nervously

Surrendering to the gusty winds of March
The daffodils drooped with embarrassment
Whispers of weeping and tears began to swell up
Exposing the erosion of their demise…
No longer were the dancers rooted in solid ground

2009-01-23T22:29:00.007-05:00

What happened today, an ordinary day, a day of silent blessings.

A beautiful winter day today 50 degrees

After weeks of not working, I was finally put on the schedule to work the lunch shift.

Took a power nap ~

Tom cardologist appointment went well. He has been advised to take another week off from work. He has medical coverage.

My kids are safe and sound tonight.

My daughters baby is active and swimming all around covering her/his face with ten fingers and playing with ten toes! Next few weeks an other ultra sound to find out the sex of the child...it does not matter to me...Olivia or Aiden, I can not wait to hold.

Tonight is quiet other than my sounds of sipping Merlot and my husband by my side.

2009-01-20T12:03:00.007-05:00

In the season of winter, it is always a blessing to find a place that reminds us of a plentiful harvest. (above picture)

Just thoughts for today:

All the security efforts that were taken as Obama was sorn it, does anyone else find it ironic that a cannon was set off at the end?

Hope clairity of Obama plans don't dissapoint everyone!

Worn out documents....? History never wears out!

"Birth" ironic since he is the most liberal on the right to death of unborn!

Does anyone feel they are in high school and students are doing a skit from
"1984" by George Orwell?

Two dads in my family have been laid off ~ good hard working men...those who do have jobs are stressed to the limit! Where is the balance and justice!

Wow! Did anyone notice something today that was absent when we first meet Obama...?
Give up, boy I was blinded my the brightness...an American flag lapel emblem...! Yep check it out...

..."The world has change we must change with it"...Who changed it in the first place! Remember EXodus and the Isrealites journey was led by God to a 'promise land'? Well, it appears as though Obama forgot that the anscesteries of yesterday led others to a land that brought freedom to beleive. Not leading others to roam in circles...!

My heart does not leap like many others today. But my heart beats to the beat of my journey...Pathed by God...not the 44th team!

2009-01-18T19:41:00.001-05:00

Eagles have lost, Sully is national hero, everyone is sparking up the train ride from Wilmington to Maryland.

About me: I am not a 'small thinker' but I do believe we must hold on to the truths we own.

By owning the truths we hold dear we grow in compassion.

When we grow in compassion we become compassionate to everyone.

Being compassionage does not change me nor does it change your ideas it simply changes our souls.

When two souls live in compassionate spirit...we grow into our true self.

2009-01-16T21:17:00.003-05:00

A Miracle on Hudson River indeed. And just in time when our world needs a real hero.
In a world that has become cold as the fidget river its quite warming to see.
A person named Sully did not speak empty promises. In the name of hope he did not become vague. He acted on what he had trained for but hoped never had too do.

The day finally came without promt and circumstances. A script from Hollywood could not have read any better. Its a real life story of a brave man risking his own life to save many!

I can not wait to really learn more about the 2009 hero! Perhaps we will learn even more about many other unsung hero's among strangers. God was gracious in allowing a miracle to happen today.

Our plans are not His plan

2009-01-14T16:45:00.003-05:00

I have been taken away from my office these days. Life is like that you know! Our plans are not always His plans. In my stillness today, I thanked God that my husband is home from the hospital!

Tom has been hospitalized for four days and came home last night as an out patient.
His hypertension and diabetes has been playing havoc on him physically. He has doctor visits, more test to take and lots of resting to do! Looks like he may be laid up for a month or so!

I am grateful to God for looking over my husband. Each time a different diagnostic test was being ordered I held my breath and prayed. I did not make promises to God, I just paused and hoped for strength. In Gods gracious style, Tom health issues turned out to be a minor cross he bares.

Don't mean too change the subject, but how about this wintry cold weather headed our way? Our local community has handed out winter coats for children on Tuesday for those who needed them! In my earlier blogs I shared that I volunteer at the center. However this Tuesday I was unable to be there ~ I was bringing Tom home from the hospital. Hopefully, I will be able to help volunteer at the center next week! God willing, as my mother in law would say!

Tomorrow my agenda is too work on a writing project. Wonder what plan God has for me! You know maybe the cold winter Arctic air will be dissipate into a warm breeze!
God does not contridict Himself, but He may just change the path and flow of this weeks winter season!

2009-01-13T21:38:00.002-05:00

sorry I have not blogged in a while. My husband and I are having some health issues that needed to be addressed. All is fine now both he and I are on a NO salt diet together.

I don't cook with salt, but we tend to eat lots more snacks then we should.
Last summer into fall we were really good about organic foods. We also eat well enjoying the fresh viggies and fruit! Sounds like we will be taking a trip this weekend to our local oragnic store.

Tomorrow we are headed to a fitness center so Tom can sign up for their special. But he won't be able to work out till he sees the cardiologist next week. Then he will be able to work out and celebrate beginning a new road to journey! We usually mute commercials, but one particular commercial is inspiring..."I may not be where I want to be...but I am not where I was"...

So keep checking out my blog to find out each week 'where we are' in our journey of having 2009 being divine!