Today Maria, Zac, Claire, and I went to see "Disney On Ice." What a treat! From the very beginning when all of the characters from Cars came out to the final number with Tinker Bell figuring out what she could do best and finally getting her wings, it was a fun-filled, appealing extravaganza with something for everyone. The skaters were very good, they were into what they were doing, and they put on a great show. The costuming was well-done with clever touches and a lot of flowing, beautiful designs. From the skaters there were a lot of smiles and waves for the children in the audience, and that wins over not only the kids, but also the grownups. In the crowd there were a lot of princesses in all of the assorted Disney princess dresses, and the souvenir vendors were right there if you needed a wand or some wings or any of several assorted light twirling contraptions designed to delight any child. Thanks, Disney, for a well-planned show and for a delightful afternoon.

Christmas Letters

Perhaps the most special part of the whole Christmas celebration is receiving Christmas cards and letters from friends both here and all over the country. Each day it's exciting to read all about the families with whom we've shared so much through the years. The accompanying pictures bring us up-to-date on the family members and sometimes on some of the events they've celebrated during the past year. The love we feel and the connections we have are refreshed and renewed. The years compress and the memories come flooding over us as we read and share in both the joys and the sorrows of the year. Hearts reach across the distance of both time and space to bring us together to connect with love at this special moment in time. Christmas happens for all of us!

Christmas Sweet Eats

Yes, I'm calling this "Christmas Sweet Eats" because that would pretty well describe the overwhelming and absolutely delicious treasure trove that we've received and are "subjecting" ourselves to eating. It's so nice to walk into the kitchen in the early a.m. and have just ONE cookie or piece of candy. Then, at mid-morning, it's time for another sugar pick-me-up. Then, some new goodies arrive, and they just can't be left "mournfully" waiting for someone to pay attention to them. Besides, it's not polite to miss tasting "new" treats. Truffles should definitely be outlawed. Their caloric range is around the 210 - 230 area. (Yes, there were some lower ones when I checked the caloric values, but they must be teeny tiny.) Is that why they're so delicious? Nuts are good for you, right? What about the ones that are sugar or chocolate coated? Hmmm. Do blonde-colored cookies contain fewer calories than the chocolate or gingerbread ones? Well, if you're really curious, come on over and we'll conduct some tasting experiments. Happy holiday eating is, as Martha would say, "a good thing."

The Myriad of “Music” at Christmas

Christmas music fills my ears with beautiful sounds and my heart with feelings that reach back through the years to family and friends that I love and who have shared in my life experiences. Christmas music reminds me of St. Paul's Midnight Service on Christmas Eve, of the Candlelight Service at Plymouth with James playing the organ, and of both the early evening Family Service and the late evening Christmas Eve service at Claremont UCC with the bells playing, Wayne singing "O Holy Night," and joining with friends and family to sing "The Hallelujah Chorus" as Christmas Day arrives. Christmas is singing "The Messiah" with family and friends through the years. It's watching all of the musical programs from the various colleges and churches across the country who open their doors for us all to share in their celebrations. It's seeing the faces of beloved family and friends in our heart's and mind's eyes, it's seeing the faces of loved ones now, and it's sharing our love with everyone around us.

"Let me not wrap, stack, box, bag, tie, tag, bundle, seal, keep Christmas. Christmas kept is liable to mold. Let me give Christmas away, unwrapped, by exuberant armfuls. Let me share, dance, live Christmas unpretentiously, merrily, responsibly with overflowing hands, tireless steps and sparkling eyes. Christmas given away will stay fresh—even until it comes again." - Jan Karon

The Most Helpful Gift of All

This says it all. The shopped for and saved treasures may be great, but how nice it is to send something that was an "ah-ha."

Wrapping Christmas Presents

Every year I shop for Christmas presents all year long. When I see something that I think is perfect for a friend or a family member, I buy it and stash it away in my "Christmas closet." A few years ago, it became "closets." Sometimes I would buy something that I thought would make a perfect gift, only to realize that I truly wanted it for myself. Hmmmm. "Self-gifting" is something many of us have to deal with at one time or another. So, I've gotten more honest. I've kept a few items that I realize dazzled my eyes because I really wanted them. Have I given gifts that I would have loved to have had? Yes! That's also part of the whole experience - giving gifts to those you love, both friends and family, and anticipating the genuine pleasure that your gift may bring. They truly are part of the giver. They come from the heart. That's why I can't wait to get out the year's treasure trove and wrap the gifts with excitement, anticipation, and love.

Luke's Baptism

Sunday Butch baptized Luke Jacob and Luke's cousin Zoe. Luke recognized Butch and stared at him the whole time. Zoe wasn't too sure about the wet hand on her head. Many family members and friends were there for the service and we were all smiling. It was a wonderful day to share with our families and our faith community. These two precious children, and their siblings, are gifts that we love and cherish. How fortunate we all are!

Texas and the BCS Championship

Today I learned that some of my relatives are coming to Southern California for the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. I love getting to see various family members as they journey to our neck of the woods for special occasions like this one. Now, which team do you think they'll be rooting for?

Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night!....and not going back to sleep for hours!!

Okay, who can tell me why we sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and then we're unable to go back to sleep. So, we solve "the problems of the world": Call her. Email him. Set up that meeting. Cancel that meeting. What was his/her name? Oh, come on, I should know that. (Oh, NO! Am I beginning to lose it?) Call Robin and get a good, easy cookie recipe. Today FOR SURE I'm going to straighten up those files. Water the plants. Write that report. Call 1, 2, 3,.... (At that point, I get the flashlight, open the side table drawer, take out the pad with the pen attached, and make notes.) Maybe if I write these down, I can put my mind at ease and go back to sleep.
Now that that's done, I'm going back to sleep. Oh, wait, I forgot about that phone call. Okay, I'll call first thing tomorrow. Wait! What time did the clock just strike? Oh, my heavens, I've been awake for an hour. Okay, relax. Take deep breaths. Do that tighten and then release the muscles from the toes up thing. Oh, gosh, now I've got a leg cramp. Darn! Is it getting light outside? Maybe I'd be better off if I just get up. But I've got a couple of hours left to sleep. Okay. Try again............ Remember to call first thing in the morning. Oh, yes. Tell You-Know-Who about the drawer that's broken. Should I just go on and get rid of those clothes that don't fit? Am I ever going to lose weight? Maybe I should join the Club and go to some of those exercise classes for overweight, old people. Are you going to call tomorrow? Probably not. Why not? It will be good for you. You're never too old to get in shape...at least some kind of shape. Okay, that's a good idea. Well, maybe if........

Decorating a Christmas Tree

One of my most favorite things to do is to decorate our Christmas tree. As I take out the ornaments, I remember people who gave them to us, people with whom I've decorated our tree, and friends and family through the years who are all a part of the beauty of our tree. Some are now in the Communion of Saints, and that adds a dimension to our tree that is so very special. When I hang those ornaments, I remember a lot of love, a lot of happy times, and a smile always comes to my face. Our tree is truly a celebration of all that has been, all that is, and all that will be.

Thanksgiving

So often we have so much to be thankful for that it can be overwhelming. As I look at my family and my friends and all those who share or have shared my life over these many years, I realize that who I am is in a sense a part of all of them. They came into my life at different times and helped shape me and my perspective on life. Thanks, Mom and Dad. Thanks, David and Tom and Mary and Kathy. Thanks, Butch. Thanks Susan, Linda, Lynn, Carolyn, Blake, Tony, Sue, Nan, Dorothea, Ray and Mary Jane. Thanks, Mark and Claire and Maria. Thanks Monterey friends, Lubbock friends, Sweet Briar friends, UT friends, Yale friends, Ropesville friends, Lawrence friends, and Claremont friends. My cup runneth over.

Snopes/Urban Legends - Hooray!

Thank goodness for Snopes/Urban Legends! When all of the emails come around with claims about this, that, or the other, it's great to have a resource for verification. I like the fact that Snopes is upfront about the information - what's true, what's false, and what is still either being verified or has mixed claims about it. In this particularly politically sensitive time in our world, I find myself going to Snopes almost daily. Have I forwarded emails that I didn't check out that proved to be false or off the mark? Yes! Do I chastise myself and then retake the "check it out on Snopes" vow? Yes!

The Charter for Compassion

On November 12, 2009, the Charter for Compassion was released to and for the world. "Not simply a statement of principle, the Charter is above all a summons to creative, practical and sustained action to meet the political, moral, religious, social and cultural problems of our time." Go to the site and read all about it. You, too, can join in this worldwide effort to promote peace and justice for all.

Zac's 6th Birthday Party

Today was Zac's 6th birthday party and it was a "bouncing" good one. He celebrated with his friends at the Pump It Up! party place. Check it out. It is just as much fun as all of the promo video and information on the website claims. The kids and many dads, and a mom or two, did a LOT of jumping on various bouncers in one room, and then they did more bouncing and sliding in another room. The moms got to visit over the music and noise. Claire loved it and Luke slept through most of it. (Hmmm. I think I'll start riding in a stroller.) Finally, we all went to a party room complete with tables, where we had pizza, drinks, fruit salad, and Grandma Oma's super chocolate cake. Zac sat on a "throne" and wore his crown as he opened his presents. It was one busy, happy, delightful time for all of us and the perpetual smile on Zac's face was wonderful to behold. What a HAPPY birthday!

FOOTBALL.....AND BASKETBALL

Yes, I was an avid football fan from day one and I became a basketball fan watching the Kansas Jayhawks play in Allen Fieldhouse. Somehow, I don't think you grow up in Texas without watching football almost from the day you are born. I remember the heady moment when I was in elementary school when the Lubbock High Football Team returned to town after winning the State Championship for 4A teams. The high school auditorium was packed as we all gathered to welcome the triumphant players dressed in their leather letter jackets when they returned from the big game. Now, we watch every weekend and I yell, "coach," cheer, and jump wildly around at the appropriate times for my teams - the Texas Longhorns, the Kansas Jayhawks, and assorted other Big Twelve teams (Yes, Derry, even OU sometimes) when they play "outsiders." Mark played for the KU Jayhawks; Claire was a pom pom girl for KU; and, Maria was a cheerleader at Claremont High. Butch played junior high football and then played in the marching band in high school. What did I do? Well, the same thing I do now - yell, coach, mentally run up and down the field/court, and score every time, etc. My teams have done pretty well through the years. Evidently, my "in the stands and on the couch" coaching has been successful.

People Who Step Up To The Plate

It seems appropriate to use baseball terminology at this World Series time to describe people in Claremont who step up to serve the community in a variety of ways. Some work behind the scenes in areas of their passion. Some are involved in organizations or endeavors where they feel they can lend their particular skills or expertise for the good of the whole. It's always a treat to work with those who give of themselves and continue to do so until a problem is solved or an event takes place or something is put in place for the benefit of others. The bottom line is that these people all care about making our wider community a better place to live for all of us. That's a gift of time and talent and heart. Thank you!

The "Fixer"

I am a born "fixer." As Pearl Jam says in this new song:

"When something's dark let me shed a little light on it
When something's cold let me put a little fire on it
If something's old I wanna put a bit of shine on it
When something's gone I wanna fight to get it back again
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Fight to get it back again
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

When something's broke I wanna put a bit of fixin on it
When something's bored I wanna put a little excited on it
If something's low I wanna put a little high on it
When something's lost I wanna fight to get it back again
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Fight to get it back again
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

When signals cross I wanna put a little straight on it
If there's no love I want to try to love again
I'll say your prayers I'll take your side
I'll burn as a way to make light
I'll dig your grave
We'll dance and sing
What's saved could be
One last lifetime

Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Fight to get it back again
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah"

Now, I'm proud of me. I didn't "fix" the punctuation of the lyrics. But, my heart instantly responds to a family member or a friend or a situation in a group or organization that I care about when something needs "fixin'." Nothing brings more satisfaction to a fixer than having things turn out well for someone or some group she loves. Yes, it's important to recognize when my "fixer" urge won't really solve the group problem or help an individual. But, it's also vital to know when action can make things better for all concerned. Then, "fixin'" is truly an act of grace.

All Saints' Day

Today many people celebrate All Saints' Day. It is a time to remember all those who have died. Many churches honor those who've died during this past year, but many others honor all of "those who have gone from this earthly life." As it was written by Anglican Bishop William Walsham How with the familiar melody by Ralph Vaughan Williams: "For all the saints, who from their labours rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!" For many of us, it calls to mind relatives, friends, and others who've had an impact on our lives. They are a part of who we are and we celebrate their lives with us and their lives in the Communion of Saints. Alleuia! Amen!

Halloween & Partying

Halloween is one of those holidays that I think many people approach with mixed feelings. How much candy do I buy? Do I get candy I like, so that I can eat the leftovers? Do I get candy I don't like, so that I won't eat the leftovers? Then, there is the annual costume selection. One grandson chose a Swamp Thing outfit, only to decide it was pretty gross and opt for a skeleton costume instead. Our granddaughter was a KU cheerleader and our youngest grandson was a Baby Jayhawk complete with a great red hood and beak made by his talented paternal grandmother Oma. It's fun to have the kids come to the door with their parents watching from the sidewalk. The kids are so excited to be dressed up and they love getting all of the candy. It's interesting to check out the varied "bags" that they carry. We used to live in a community where the kids had to tell a joke before they got to select a treat. One neighbor gave out foreign coins collected on world trips and the kids loved those. I've walked the neighborhood in pouring rain just because you HAVE to trick-or-treat on Halloween regardless. Today I attend a fun luncheon hosted by a new Californian who has always had a party on Halloween. She invited her new friends she's met here and we all had a great time. It marked a special moment in a truly special day. Tonight we dressed up and the trick-or-treaters loved it! So, Happy Halloween. Celebrate all the fun memories from the past and the new ones that are being created today.

Friends

Throughout our lives there are people we meet with whom we share a bond almost instantly. When we move to a different community, everyone we meet is "new." Sometimes, our meetings happen by chance. Other times, they arise out of the circumstances that brought us there. We begin to participate in various activities that expand that circle of acquaintances. Friendships begin to grow. With them, we share a common bond of caring, genuine personal interest, personalities that "click," mutual hobbies, or community involvement in projects that matter to both of us. So, our circle grows and our lives are richer for the connections and the caring. Thanks to all my friends who grace my life with their love and their laughter and their insights and their good hearts and the fact that they give a damn about what matters in this life.

Garage Sales

What nutty people get up before dawn, post signs at the "right" places, set out tables, and place on those tables collected "treasures" from the homes of several friends? Yes, garage sale folks do it each weekend! This time we joined them at a neighbor's home and you know what? We had a great time! It was fun to see the people come, to visit with friends, to watch people shop, and last but not least to "shop" from our friends' treasures. Did we spend more than we made? YES!

House of Ruth's Moveable Feast

This weekend we co-hosted a Moveable Feast as part of an annual fundraiser for the House of Ruth. With good friends we had a fun evening serving our guests and enjoying their company. It would be great if we could solve the problems and eliminate the causes that create the need for organizations such as this. But, until we do, it's wonderful that caring professionals and supportive volunteers step up not only to provide services to families in need, but also to spread the word to all of us about what we can do to help create a climate of support and outreach.

Pictures of Cute Grandkids

Yes, I have to admit that I think all of our grandkids are really cute. They're bright and they're funny and they're loving and they're great fun to be with. We're richly blessed!

Getting in Touch With Friends from Long Ago

Serendipitously this fall, I have reconnected with some friends from childhood. One lives in New Mexico and one in North Carolina. We're catching up on our lives since high school and slowly sharing information that brings glimpses of who we are now. The internet is a fascinating vehicle that opens up such wonderful possibilities to all of us. And, the accompanying grace is that we can choose to pursue a connection or we can politely turn away. I feel a kinship with both of these friends and they are as real and present to me now as they were over 50 years ago. I eagerly open each email and as I read, so many questions come to mind about them and their lives. It's a newly found treasure and it's both exciting and heartwarming.

Keeping Grandkids

There may be a lot of special things to do in the world, but keeping your grandchildren has got to rank right up there at the top. This year we're keeping Luke who's 5 1/2 months old and Zac, who's almost 6 years old. Their mom drops them off 2 or 3 days each week on her way to school and to take Claire, age 3 1/2, to daycare. Why isn't Claire in "Grandparent Daycare"? Because Claire is a very social little girl and playing with others her age is VERY APPEALING to her. In fact, she has told her mother that sometimes she picks her up too early in the afternoon. Luke's a doll and he spends the day with us. Of course, his day revolves around smiling and eating and sleeping and smiling and eating and sleeping again, and some playtime thrown in around those other key events. Butch walks Zac to and from Kindergarten each day and they both love that experience. Zac talks nonstop both ways and Butch is getting a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an almost-6-year-old. Do we love it? You betcha! It's a special moment in time that we wouldn't trade for anything. Well, for sure we'd trade for world peace and a fair and equitable health care program for everyone, and some days maybe for ears that could better hear young voices, and for muscles that didn't "moan" and joints that didn't pop when carrying a big baby around. We only wish our other grandsons lived close by, so that we could spend more time with them, too!

Organ Concert at Claremont UCC

Today, JAMES WALKER, the Organist at All Saints Church in Pasadena, presented a concert at the Claremont UCC. His program included music by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bach, Persichetti, James Hopkins, Widor, and Dupre. James Hopkins, the composer of one of the selections, "Notas de España," was in the audience. Mr. Walker is a nationally-recognized concert organist and his solo recitals have been broadcast on National Public Radio. If you have the opportunity to hear Mr. Walker, don't miss it. Today's concert was an excellent performance of well-chosen pieces and it was "music for the soul."

Kindergarten Begins!

Today local schools opened and our oldest California grandson went off to Kindergarten. His grandpa walked him to his new school. He had met the teacher at an Open House yesterday and today he held Grandpa's hand tightly and talked excitedly about making new friends. Grandpa took a lot of pictures and got instructions about EXACTLY where he was to stand when he came to pick him up. After disappearing into the classroom, he came zipping back out to get Grandpa. He needed just a bit more assurance. Yes, Grandpa waited at THE spot and out came a happy camper. He liked the teacher a lot and he reported that there were a lot of GIRLS. He's excited about tomorrow.

"Legally Blonde," The Musical

Today some friends and I saw "Legally Blonde," The Musical. It's an absolute delight. If you loved the movie, either the first time you saw it in the theater or any one of the jillion times it's been on TV, you will love this show. The lines and musical numbers that work so well in a stage musical add a fun dimension to the whole production. Don't miss it when it comes to your area.

Mark's & Susan's 9th Anniversary

In 2000 a lot of family and friends gathered to celebrate Susan's and Mark's wedding on September 2. It was super hot, but it didn't matter. We were all together. It was a great celebration - lots of family, lots of friends, lots of love, and lots of fun. Unbeatable! Now they have Andrew and Thomas to celebrate with them. Congratulations, Mark & Susan. And, much love from all of us.

A Good Time Was Had By All

Sometimes it just clicks to get away with friends for a weekend. Three of us had a conference & the other three just came for fun. After an afternoon of a mini-spa treat for some and work for others, we all met for dinner. The conversation was interesting, animated, engaging, funny, open, and heartwarming. Today's wind down and wrap up was informative and engaging. The company was unbeatable. Thanks, friends, for making it a glorious weekend.

August 18, 2009: Celebrating Our Wedding Anniversary

Today Butch and I celebrated our 47th Wedding Anniversary. We shared cards that were both funny and sentimental, we toured Eric's new classroom at Claremont High, we ate at one of our favorite restaurants, we talked about life in general and what the future holds, and we told each other once again how much we love each other. A sentimental day? Yes, but it was filled with joy and memories of times that I wouldn't have missed for the world. Would I change anything? Oh, yes. Claire would be with us in body and not just in spirit. But all the girls with "Claire" in their names keep her alive for us. We celebrate Mark & Maria and their families and we feel blessed by our extended families and "baggy relatives," as my mother used to say. Life is good indeed.

Family Vacation - A Not To Be Missed Experience

We've just had a wonderful vacation in Kansas with all of our immediate family. We played, we saw good friends, we played some more, we watched grandchildren laughing and running and playing together, we watched our "kids" enjoy being together, we played even more, and we had an absolutely fabulous time. And, oh yes, we ate a lot, too. Here some of us are at Claire's bench on the KU campus. The whole time was in a word: unbeatable!

Birthday Bashes

Today was the celebration of my birthday and a friend's b'day too, with a group of "wild women" who gather monthly to commemorate the birthdays of those reaching the annual milestone in that particular month. This "formal" gathering is held at The Los and everyone brings cards we've all had fun finding plus a donation to the charity of each honoree's choice. The camaraderie is great, the cards are a riot, the noise is loud, and the caring is almost tangible. What a treat! Thanks, everyone.

Landing On The Moon

40 years ago today Butch and I gathered with friends in Lubbock, Texas, to watch on TV as the astronauts landed on the moon. After viewing the event, we all went outside to look up at the moon in wonder and to talk about how we were "down here" and the astronauts were actually on that glowing moon. Others in the neighborhood were outside, too. It was phenomenal and created one of those captured moments in time that is as vivid today in my memory as it was that night.

"Church Basement Ladies" - The Musical

If you want to spend a delightful evening laughing at the antics and the goings on in the kitchen at a Lutheran Church in Minnesota, go see this musical. You get the inside scoop on how they plan for the various church functions for which they organize & often prepare the food. Get the lowdown on the "Dead Spread." There's a lot of good humor along the lines of "The Prairie Home Companion" and the stories about Lake Woebegon. Right now you can see it at The Grove Theater in Upland.

Going to the Beach

We've been to the beach for a few days. It was wonderful! The sky was blue, the ocean was sparkling, the waves were perfect, the air was clear, and the temperature was ideal. The grandkids loved digging in the sand and picking up "pretty rocks." Sure, there were a jillion people there, but that was okay. There was plenty of sand and plenty of water and plenty of room for everyone. Sleeping with the sound of the waves breaking on the beach was soothing - most of the time. We took a couple of side trips to my favorite nurseries - Roger's Gardens and Weidner's Nursery in Leucadia. What a treat it was just to roam through all of the gorgeous plants that love the coast and find our environs just a bit too hot for their liking - begonias & fushias, in particular. Butch survived and I love him for his patience - among other things. Friends whose generosity facilitated this are loved & appreciated & thanked from the bottoms of our sandy hearts.