Buy Nothing Day - 2008

Something to think about... while we're stuffing our bellies today w/ turkey (& of course, counting our MANY blessings). Especially in this current economy & political climate. Really, what do I need that I don't already have?

So, I'm going to buy nothing tomorrow. How about you?

Dreaming of Seattle

Sheila E. in the Making?

My friend Sarah threw a birthday party for her 3-yr old son over the weekend. Instead of the usual party games, cake, bouncy castles, etc. (i.e. extreme boredom for the grownups), she hired Free to Be Me Drum Circle. Everyone participated, even the Big Kids. My little drummer girl really LOVED it & I found myself wishing I still had my Conga drums. Hmmm... Xmas is coming. Maybe I'll get Dex some serious percussion instruments & mold her into a world class drummer. Then she can support me in my not-too-far-away Old Age. LOL. Anyway, I thought it was a fun idea! Even better, it went to a good cause.

Ouch.

I do not believe in random chance or coincidence. Sometimes, something happens & it's a benefit to me & my journey in this life. Sometimes, life's hiccups &/or missteps are for the benefit of another person(s).

I know this is all rather cryptic... Suffice to say, I'm feeling a little hurt today. Like I got stabbed in the heart. Or punched in the nose. Maybe I deserved it. Maybe it's "payback"... Or maybe they've forgotten who I am & what my character is. Maybe I've been too nonchalant or too unclear about what it is that I really want.

But I've said my truth out loud. Again. I don't know if they heard me or not. I have no control over what the results will be. So I just keep moving through my days & try not to let it sting too much - or for too long. At some point, I will just stop putting myself in a position to get punched in the first place.

Forgiveness is a powerful thing. Trust/Honesty is another. Love cannot exist without them.

I choose love today. Even if it means I get my nose punched once and awhile. It's worth the "risk"... b/c frankly the alternative is a life of sadness, despair, suspicion, anger, hurt, resentments, and even hate. That's not the life I want. And it's not the example I want to model for my daughter on a daily basis.

Crumbs are just NOT enough anymore. I want the whole kit and caboodle. I'm finally at a place in my life where I'm 110% willing to give the same in return. This is important. I don't want to f*ck the next 1/2 of my life up. Not for my kids sake. And not for mine.

'Nuff said. The End.

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“What untold grief of heart might be relieved by words of cheer and forgiveness. Especially should this lesson be remembered in the training of children, for they so readily respond to the thought of others.” Ernest Holmes 1887 - 1960

Cool Kid

Veterans Day 2008 - Poppies for Soldiers

To those who have served like my father (WWII - US Marine Corps, Okinawa Japan) and to those who serve currently... Thank you. Your personal sacrifice for our freedom has not gone unnoticed. Not today, or any other day. G-d bless you all!

May you come home safely & soon.

Fall Color in Seattle - Nov 2008

A Quick Saturday Hello

Sorry to be so quiet lately. Closed escrow on the Seattle house & then it was a flurry of activity before my 1-week trip north with Dexy & my friend Esther. We just got back this afternoon. Will be unpacking & doing laundry for days I think... well, at least for most of tomorrow. I promise I do actually have new pics of the house & updates re: meeting w/ my architect, etc. coming your way in the next few days. There will be pics of our adventures in/around Seattle too. It wasn't all work and no play, ya know? So, hang tight. Meanwhile, g'night folks!