Hallowe'en Reflection

The other  day, as I was celebrating Reformation Day, it was also Hallowe'en. This isn't a coincidence. Martin Luther actually chose the eve of All Saints Day (All Hallow's Eve) to nail his 95 theses on the church door. It was a statement on his part about false saintliness, apparently.

Ever since I have lived in my own place, I have been excited to welcome trick-or-treaters, even though this really isn't my holiday. Well, I enjoy the fun parts of it, but I am not a celebrant of All Saints Day,  Dia de la Muerte, or Samhain.

Still, I like trick-or-treating and seeing families out visiting their neighbors.

The thing is, I seem to always live in places that don't get trick-or-treaters. When I lived on Main St, people would go to the houses but skip the apartment buildings, so I'd get maybe one knock at the door. Now I live on a dead end street. A big year is when five or six young visitors knock while their parents wait in the street.

Last year, I went out and sat at the bottom of my steps with candy bowl. This year, I even put paper lanterns (not as good as the one pictured) out in a line down my sidewalk, hoping for more kids to come asking for candy. We got one.

It makes me sad. I feel left out.





I don't know why the fact that families didn't turn down our street of eight houses, of which only three had the lights on, makes me feel rejected. It can't be personal these people don't know me. It just isn't worth the time to come to our house. Or they don't see it.

But it does. There you go.

I guess I just want to feel like I am participating in my community.


Ah well. I did visit a "Haunted House" neighbors around the corner setup. That was fun, but it was just me, my son, and the homeowners.

I think I long for the days when small neighborhoods did things together and neighbors knew each other. Holidays all had a communal aspect. We were together.

Maybe someday, I'll be part of that again.

Anyway, have a blessed day!

Tragedy

Sometimes, when I can't find the words to say about something I seek other's words. I have done that in the wake of the Las Vegas disaster.

I first heard about the tragedy shortly after I woke up yesterday morning. I saw a post from a friend who works at concert venues in Las Vegas saying he was safe. I had to look for why he needed to tell us that.

I really can't find the words for this. I looked for prayers to use in times of tragedy and found this page: Prayers in Times of Tragedy and Disaster.  I think perhaps they couldn't formulate the words either so they went straight to the best source of all, God's word itself. The first prayer is taken straight from Psalm 46:

Prayers in Times of Trouble and Disaster 

God is our refuge
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
(from Psalm 46)

An affirmation that God is with us, holds us keeps us. Not a final answer. There were hundreds not physically safe, thousands traumatized. But God is there and we can run to Him. Like a father, he will open his arms and hold us close.

Another appropriate prayer:

A Prayer in a Time of Distress
Almighty and everlasting God, You are strength to those who suffer and comfort to those who grieve. Let the prayers of your children who are in trouble rise to you.
Hear our prayer.
We claim your promises of wholeness as we pray for those who are ill or are suffering loss and long for your healing touch.
Hear our prayer.
Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole, and confirm those who serve them as agents of your love.
Hear our prayer.
To everyone in distress, grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment.
Hear our prayer.
As we begin to rebuild, we commend our neighborhoods to your care. Give us strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create a community where your will may be done.
Hear our prayer.
God of compassion, you watch our ways, and weave out of terrible happenings wonders of goodness and grace.
Hear our prayer.
Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief, may they find you and be comforted;

Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives and rules this world with you. Amen.


I want to do something. I want to stop this from ever happening again. I want to change things. But the solutions won't come over night. So I pray. I hope you will, too.







 I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost

June 1, 1921

It was an awful day in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A day of pain and sorrow.

A day of race riots.

The day "Black Wall Street" burned.


There are many theories as to why the Greenwood Area of Tulsa was firebombed from the air and why shots were fired on the ground. But whatever the answer, it was a tragedy of large proportions.


And one I first hear of only a few weeks ago.

Why is this history hidden?


For more information:

http://tulsahistory.org/learn/online-exhibits/the-tulsa-race-riot/

http://sfbayview.com/2011/02/what-happened-to-black-wall-street-on-june-1-1921/

http://amsterdamnews.com/news/2013/jun/03/black-wall-street-on-fire-remembering-the-tulsa/


May God grant us peace with justice.

Song for Sunday: Uptown Girl

Song for Sunday is back!!  And I'm going with Billy Joel, cause I just love his music. You know the lyrics to a few of his songs are a bit iffy, but he's got some others that are just amazing. Not quite sure where this one falls.

The song is sung by Billy, probably in character. He sings as a "downtown man" or "backstreet boy" going for an "uptown girl." A snippet:

I'm gonna try for an uptown girlShe's been living in her white bread worldAs long as anyone with hot blood canAnd now she's looking for a downtown manThat's what I am

As I listen to this song, I think of a brash man, driving a motorcycle, in a  leather jacket. He's loud, he drinks too much, he might do drugs. A bad boy.

Going for a pretty, well dressed rich girl. A girl who's been good, but wants to sow wild oats, maybe get at her parents.

I suppose I am partially influenced by a novel I have been reading in which a boy form a "trashy trailer park" falls for a girl from the other side of the tracks after they reconnect at meetings for recovering addicts. She uses him to get at her rich father. Eventually the boy discovers she is not really interested and kills her, goes to prison, meets Christ, get executed, yada, yada.


But what makes me think a backstreet boy is "bad" and an uptown girl is "good"? Good and bad folks live on both sides of the tracks, right? I mean, it's silly to think otherwise. But many of us do. Inherent bias, reinforced by years of media images and social conditioning.

I am reading the book Waking Up White and attended a workshop by the author, Debby Irving. These resources have helped me begin to see more deeply into my own biases and the way they were formed.


So, I see Billy Joel's song Uptown Girl in a new light. Still enjoy the music though.  Here's a link for you?

What inherent biases do you see in yourself?

Meme-ic Monday: The Library

It has been said -- I found it quoted in several places -- that the public library is the poor man's university. Perhaps it should be poor person's university. 

You can learn about literally anything at a good public library, and most libraries can borrow from other libraries, even university libraries, if they don't have information on what you are looking for themselves. 

Many libraries provide free internet access as well, opening a plethora of online courses and resources about just about anything. 

Libraries even offer classes themselves. J and I have learned how to write resumes and do well on job interviews, we've supplemented our geography and history knowledge at engaging lectures, met interesting people at reenactments, and tasted new foods at cooking demonstrations. J has also learned how to program 3D printables in tinkercad, how to solder, and how to code computer games. On top of learning how to find books and do basic research. All for free. All at local public libraries. 

And that's just a sample. 

Libraries aren't free of course. Our taxes pay for them. Which makes it all the better to use them well to support lifelong learning. 

They aren't quite free, but they are a blessing and a help. I thank God for them. 

So I encourage you to get to the library, support your library, enjoy your library.  It's yours, after all.

I mean, that's Albert Einstein up there in that meme. He was a smart dude. And he went to the library. 

I dedicate this post to the memory of my sister Pam, a dedicated library director, who passed away a few months ago. Her town was better for her educational leadership. We were all better for knowing her. Love you, Pam!

Getting Organized -- Playroom. Update 1

Last week's post about my disorganized playroom is the most popular of my recent posts. Go figure.

I said, in Getting Organized--Playroom that I would post weekly updates on this project, to keep myself on track. So here goes.

Here are some photos from last week.

Now this week's photos:

 

There has been some progress. A week's worth? Maybe not, but in my defenses I was away a few days. 

Several bags that had been near the door have been removed and sorted through with stuff being thrown out or put away. Several books have been donated. Paper has been filed or recycled. Things have been stored.  I am not quite where I want to be, but I am on my way.  

As part of this process a friend suggested that we play the minimalist game. Start on the first of the month and get rid of one thing (donate, return, recycle, or trash as appropriate). On the second day get rid of two things, on the third, three and so on. If I count every piece of paper, I am way ahead. Going by stacks and handfuls, I have kept up.  

Keep up the prayers and encouragement!  

God bless you and many thanks!!

Getting Organized --Playroom

Every once in a while I've posted "Getting Organized" articles. They've been my "success stories:"

Getting Organized -- Pantry

Something Accomplished (Garage)
Getting Organized -- Kitchen!
Getting Organized -- Kitchen, Part 2



  Today I am writing about one of my trouble spots. Our "play room".(HELP!!)

It's been in this state for years. Since we moved in, except for an occasional brief period of usability. 

Five years is too long. It's time to stop this "yo-yo diet" style 

of organization and get down to business. 

I think that might take some public accountability. Hence, this post. I'd love it if you'd keep after me. My goal?  A lived in but functional room in one month. July 1. If it's not ready by then, I might have to higher a professional organizer. (Which isn't in my budget.)

But, honestly, this can't go on. 

 

Of course I still have my regular housekeeping and spring cleaning as well, so say a prayer for me. 

I'll post weekly updates, to keep myself on track.

What's your biggest organizing challenge?

The Mommy Wars: A Design of the Devil

I think the "mommy wars" are a design of the devil.

Really why are we bothered about how other people gave birth? Or whether another mom's baby was breastfed or bottle-fed? Moms who earn a paycheck vs. moms who stay home. Moms seem to spend a lot of time comparing themselves to other moms and feeling guilty and inadequate or perhaps self-righteous. I really do think this is the work of Satan.

Yes, I believe in an actual devil who operates in the world. causing discord and keeping us from God. For those who don't believe in a personal devil, perhaps we can agree that the mommy wars are an evil.

What better way to bring discord and pain than to separate women who should be supporting each others' journeys than to get them fighting over minor differences. What matters, is that every child is loved and cared for.

If we see a child who is truly neglected or abused, we intervene on their behalf. Otherwise, being with other moms is a wonderful opportunity to give and receive encouragement. We can let each other know we are not alone. We all feel inadequate. We all feel guilty at times. We all struggle with juggling schedules, providing good meals, and teaching good social skills. We all need a break sometimes.

 So, let's quit worrying about whose doing "better" than who. Let's listen to each other, enjoy each other, be on the same team. Let's raise the next generation together.

I think that'll give the devil a kick in the shins.

James 4: What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight....Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.


This post was inspired by a cousin's Facebook status and The Rift Between Moms by Lisa-Jo Baker in Thriving Family Magazine. It is my 28th post for the April 2015 Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Organic Change

Change is inevitable

This is true for both people and groups.

I have been reflecting on the idea of change within institutions and organizations. Someone asked me what the relationship should be between tradition and positive change, and I said that I felt that tradition is important because it holds a group together and that change should be organic.

What is organic change? It is a group making adjustments to it’s way of doing things as new ideas, needs and purposes come to the forefront. Perhaps the emphasis of the group will alter in some way or maybe new people will bring about a change in style. Organic change is a community moving forward together.

Organic change comes from within the group, and is often “grassroots” in origin. Wise leaders who wish to make changes will build a base of support before moving forward. I am aware of one situation in which new leaders significantly changed an important tradition against the wishes of the majority. Their tenure was short-lived, by their own choice. When they left, the group immediately reverted to the old tradition, which had served them well and is still doing so. Another organization, a camp, had a long tradition of holding a fall gathering with traditional harvest activities, camp music, games and food. Part promotional event, part fundraiser, the event had been a highlight for decades. But then attendance began to fall and enthusiasm to wane. Over several years, adjustments were made to the program, but there was no real energy for it anymore. Only long-time attendees were still participating and many of them only for tradition’s sake. So the event was dropped and something new was tried. There was little protest. The leaders had their eyes on their constituents and knew the time was ripe for change.

Sometimes a change from within a group is imposed by circumstances beyond the organization’s control. A tragedy such as a central building burning down will, if a group is healthy, stimulate sudden change that is still organic in nature. I know of a school that that lost both it’s building and sponsorship near the end of one school year but opened in a new place with new leadership the following fall. They had to alter some of their traditions to fit their new space, but they remained a vibrant educational community.

Tradition is important. It keeps us connected to the past and to the history of the community to which we belong. It can have both spiritual and social benefits as it allows people to know what to expect in a given time and place. Used rightly, it can point us to God.

But traditions do change. Transformation and renewal can require that. If we prayerfully take our direction from God and watch the pulse of the community to know we are moving forward well this, too, can point us to Him.

May we blessed by both tradition and positive change.

What examples of organic change are you aware of?

School Violence

Please read the whole post. It could be easy to take the beginning out of context.


I was listening to the news on the radio when I heard the teaser:

"Despite efforts, violence continues unabated in schools."

My first thought was that a riot had broken out in a high school somewhere and the authorities were having trouble quelling it. But, no, it was a story about school shootings and a study that showed that there are just as many now as in the '90s.

Don't get me wrong. One school shooting is one too many. All of them are tragedies.

But this headline struck me as irresponsible. It made it sound as though shootings and major crimes were happening constantly in the nation's schools.

Part of the story was that there have been 11 school shootings this school year. The school year starts in August in much of the country so that's in a period of six months.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics there were 132,183 elementary, middle and high schools in the US in the 2009-2010 school year. That includes both public and private schools. If 11 is an accurate number of school shootings this school year, that means that  0.0083217963% of our nations schools have experienced a shooting in the past six months. Less than 100th of 1%.


Again, statistics don't tell the whole story. It is not a comfort to a parent mourning the loss of their child that this is such a rarity. However, it should be a reassurance to parents who choose to send their children to school.


Remember, nowhere is perfectly safe... not our homes, our cars, the sidewalk, movie theaters, malls, worship spaces or schools. It's not just violence that is of concern, we also have fires, carbon monoxide, accidents and other things to worry about. We have to live our lives. Perfect security will hinder teaching, learning and living.

It may be true that 90% of schools have "violent incidents" each year although in most cases calling them that is an exaggeration of sorts. It includes schools that have school yard fights, tussles in the hallway, a student tripping another in class. These things aren't OK, but they hardly warrant a media storm. Sure we need to teach children to do better. They are children and they still have to learn. I witnessed school fights as a child, even participated in a couple. There were consequences, discipline. There still is for such things. Plus, what percentage of families with two or more children has had incidences of biting, punching, kicking, hair pulling? I wouldn't be surprised if it was all of them. Very few children come with a perfect temperament and manners in place at birth.


Schools have also been taking the problem of bullying more seriously in the past few years. Peer training, legal initiatives, firmer consequences and curriculum for all students are hopefully leading to reductions in that behavior.


I did an internet search on school shootings. The first article I found made disturbing claims. Said that 40% of schools have a problem with severe crime. Even said that our schools are terrorist breeding grounds because of the level of violence. Couldn't back those statements up, though. (If you want to check it out here's the link)




I found several other stories about school shootings. One mentioned, in a photo caption, that school shootings are relatively rare. The rest did not say anything about the statistics. Two Wikipedia articles came up. One defined school shooting and gave no examples. The other listed all the school shootings in the US from 1764 on.


We need to mourn for the people who are victims of school shootings and support and pray for those harmed by lesser crimes. We need to recognize that these things can happen in school and take steps to protect our children and teach children to protect themselves.


But we also need to remember that the vast majority of our schools are not awash in violence. We need to keep perspective and remember the hundreds of thousands of caring teachers, administrators and employees who are present to care for the children. I am sure they would appreciate our support and prayers.. and want us to know that, they too, want schools to be safe for our children. And they generally make it so.

Knitters' Devotional: Warmth

A gift of knitting is a gift of warmth.

Warmth is associated with many good things: the sun, a hearth, a bonfire, a pleasant welcome.

When we give warmth, we give love and friendship. In doing so, we do as Christ would have us do. The Bible tells us to practice hospitality, to love our enemies and our friends. It is full of stories of hospitality given and hospitality gratefully received. Both are blessings.

God has given us the gift of warmth; literally, from the sun and spiritually as He welcomes us into His family when we come to know Jesus.

He calls us to give the gift of warmth to others. We do this literally when we send a homemade sweater to an orphanage or knit a blanket for a friend. We do it figuratively when we invite people into our homes and churches, when we welcome refugees into our midst and when we offer the hand of friendship to a neighbor.

The blessings of warmth are as real for the giver as for the receiver.

Lord, teach us to be givers of warmth and may we receive it’s blessings with thankfulness. In Jesus name, Amen.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 

    It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, 

    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens
  

     and makes its circuit to the other;
 

     nothing is deprived of its warmth.

                                      ~Psalm 19: 4b-6

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

                                     ~1 Peter 4: 8-9        

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

                                   ~Hebrews 13: 1-2

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I am in the midst of writing a knitter's devotional and this an entry for it. I would appreciate feedback. There is something about this that needs editing but I can't quite put my finger on it. Thanks!

Knitter's Devotional: Yarn-bombing

       Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.

Some fun-loving knitters have succeeded in adding play to our hobby. It's called "yarn-bombing" or "knit graffiti." Basically, people knit a covering for a tree, pole, bench or some object and then, usually surreptitiously add it. The idea is to add a splash of color to a dull place or to encourage someone by beautifying a space.




The Bible talks a lot about encouraging one another, showing love and kindness. This is a playful way to add something to our communities.





God also reminds us that merry hearts and innocent laughter are good for us. In fact, they are like medicine to a depressed heart. I am sure many of us have experienced laughter as a method for lifting for our mood in times of stress.

Laughter -- honest, happy laughter -- can be a form of thankful prayer. It can enhance fellowship and make a workload seem lighter. So laughter and fun are to be encouraged.







Lord, grant us laughter, give us cheerful hearts and help us find a tree to yarn-bomb. In Jesus name. Amen.

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
                                                  ~ Proverbs 17:22

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
                                                                                                                         ~ Proverbs 15:15
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
                                                                                                        ~Job 8:21

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
                                                                        ~Psalm 126:2

I am writing a knitters' devotional and would love some feedback.

Photos by Jordan Parry. Knitting by letterboxers of the We Leave and Breathe Letterboxing XV event.

Mosquitos vs. Sumithrin

I have an organic garden.

Or perhaps I had one.


My town contracts for truck -based aerosol spraying of Anvil, a pesticide formulation containing sumithrin, PBO, and white mineral oil (a petroleum based solvent.)

Sumithrin is considered "slightly toxic" and both PBO and white mineral oil are minor carcinogens.

For more information:

The New York State Department of Health's information sheet on Anvil

This stuff was sprayed on my street, near my garden, the night before I intended to harvest green beans. AAARRRGGGHHHH!! I had been watching the newspaper and hadn't seen an announcement of the spraying.

I waited 24 hours before harvesting the green beans and washed them thoroughly. But I really don't want this stuff on my food. How well does it wash off?

After doing a little research, I spoke to the company contracted to do the spraying. I hear that sumithrin breaks down quickly in sunlight (but my garden doesn't get sunlight until midday.)

I learned that Sumithrin persists in soil for up to sixteen weeks. My contact agreed that to be true but said that it adheres to the soil and doesn't go anywhere for that time. Umm....except under my nails. And it's in the soil on any root vegetables or vegetables that touch the dirt in that time.

The kicker? I asked if the spraying was effective, since mosquito borne illnesses are a threat, too, after all. I got the following evasive answer. "Well, it's truck spraying. It's not aerial spraying. That would be effective, but it's politically and environmentally prohibited in [this state.]" So it sounds like these sumithrin applications aren't all that helpful.

Non-pesticide mosquito control measures include eliminating standing water on property, keeping pools clean and chlorinated, and maintaining bat houses. People can also avoid bites by staying in during peak mosquitos hours, covering up if they do go out and judiciously using repellants.

My town's board of health wanted to talk about eliminating the spraying, apparently, but the board of selectmen refused to discuss it. I guess I need to get politically active.

I have excluded my property from all mosquito spraying and town-wide pesticide applications, so by next year my garden will be fully organic again.

What are your thoughts on mosquito spraying?
Do you have any other resources on this topic?




 

Crime and Victims

In the wake of Amy Lord's tragic murder in South Boston, a martial arts expert is offering free self-defense classes for women at his studio in my town. A generous offer and I am sure his intentions are good. However, a statement he made, which was reported in our local paper, prompted me to write this letter to the editor:

     In a front page article in Tuesday’s paper,  a reporter quotes a local martial arts expert as saying, in response to Amy Lord’s murder, “Another woman dead because she couldn’t defend herself.” I could not let that statement pass without comment. Ms. Lord is not dead because she couldn’t defend herself. She is dead because someone chose to murder her.

     Preparations and precautions are sensible, but a lack of them does not make a person responsible for a crime. No victim of crime is at fault for what befell him or her. The blame rests solely on the shoulders of the perpetrator or perpetrators. Ms. Lord died because of someone else’s actions. She is innocent.

Perhaps I should have been a bit more charitable and also mentioned that I was grateful for his willingness to help in his community. However, I stand firmly by what I did say: victims are not responsible for crimes, criminals are.

Another item came to my attention this week. A judge in England gave a 41 year old man a light sentence after he had sex with a 13 year old girl. The judge didn't send the perpetrator to jail, he sentenced him to probation, is requiring him to take a sexual offenders course and has banned him from having contact with children. This was because, according to reports, the judge said the girl was predatory, that she was sexually active and that she egged the man on.

Perhaps the girl did initiate sexual activity with this man or encourage him to go ahead. So?

If a child attempts to initiate sexual contact with an adult, no matter how aggressively, the adult has the responsibility to assume authority and insist the child stop such behavior.  The adult should then inform the child's parent and help in formulating a response. Such a response, in my humble opinion, should include professional psychological evaluation and treatment and increased supervision for the child.

However, if the adult responds sexually, they are commitng a crime and they are fully responsible for it.

Again, victims are never the ones at fault.

Let us remember:

It is not good to be partial to the wicked and

 so deprive the innocent of justice.

                                      The Bible, Proverbs 18:5

What examples of "victim blaming" have you come across?
Are there ways to put an end to it?






   

In the wake of it all...

Last night, ending our vacation, my family went to a local sub shop and then to an ice cream parlor.

I noticed in each place, a Muslim family was there. (One of them had this gorgeous baby... but I digress.)

A few things came to mind as I enjoyed the time with my family.

First, I was very proud of these Muslim neighbors, who were not giving into fear but were out and about as "the manhunt" was on and the media was announcing that the suspect was an Islamic extremist on a jihad.

Secondly, I was proud of everyone else who was there. No one glared or behaved rudely. As the young children in the families ran about and behaved energetically, as children do, people smiled at them. These were the types of places such antics are expected and tolerated.

Then it hit me. It was Friday night. In the normal course of events, wouldn't these people be at worship? It turned out that most local mosques had closed. Some were in the "lock-down" area and could not have conducted services. Others closed as a precaution against both further bombings and unjustified retaliation.

In the middle of the events, I posted this on Facebook:

"As the media tells us that the suspect on the loose is a "jihadist" (which he may be) and Islamic Centers around Boston close (a sensible precaution) lets remember that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, law-abiding people who will need their neighbors to stand by them in the coming days. Say a prayer for them and reach out to your Muslim neighbors with support and compassion."

Thankfully, many agreed. I hope that Christians can reach out to those around us who may (God forbid it!) become the targets of hate.  Jesus commanded us to "love our neighbors as ourselves." Let's do it!!

And a prayer of thanks that the suspect was captured! We should certainly keep him in prayer, too. Assuming that he really is guilty, which has yet to be proven in court, he is surely a lost soul who needs all the prayer he can get.


What are your thoughts on the manhunt and its aftermath? 

The Earth is Not Your Ash Tray!

Warning: This is a rant.

Yesterday, I saw something ugly outside my house. I've noticed them around the church building, too. Cigarette butts.

I have been bothered by cigarette butts on the ground for a long time. They are distinctly unattractive, down right disgusting in fact.

I once had some one tell me that this is just my opinion. Others might disagree.


Really? I think I'll go on record saying that anyone who finds butts on the lawn, in the garden, or by the curb nice to look at has something wrong with them. 

I get that most smokers just drop their butt because it is easier or because they aren't thinking, rather than because they think that it will enhance the environment.

It's still ugly!!

I am not going to rant about smoking itself. That's all been said.

However, I appeal to all smokers (and I know some of you do this already) please dispose of your cigarette butts properly.  There are ways. You can figure them out.

Thank you!!

And have a great day.

New Year 2013

A blessed New Year to you all!

Have you made any resolutions for 2013?

I have two that I will share here:


I am not a stellar housekeeper, by any means, but I don't think that people shudder at the thought of entering my house or worry about eating in my kitchen. Most of my house is lived in but not horrible. I can get it "company clean" in a matter of hours, not days. Except for my playroom. That's an unusable mess. So, one of my resolutions for this year is to change that. I joined a Facebook group, started by a friend, called "Let's Declutter in 2013." Hopefully, that will help me meet this goal.


Once again I am resolving to get my game published this year -- either by my self or by a company. I have been resolving this for years, and I get a little closer each time. Maybe I will have a breakthrough this year.


What are you aiming to do this year?


I am participating in the January 2013 Ultimate Blog Challenge.

"Frankenstorm" ... see if they need something

So .... have you got in some groceries, filled up the gas tank and checked the flashlight batteries? Good. Put the lawn furniture in the shed? Excellent.

You've finished your whole storm preparedness list? Awesome.

How about doing one more thing....

 Check on your neighbors.

Perhaps there is an elderly couple or a disabled person next door who needs you to run an errand.

Or maybe that family with two kids down the street has a parent functioning solo for the duration. Maybe the spouse is deployed, or works for emergency services, or manages a hardware store, a gas station or a supermarket. Maybe they could use a hand bringing in the yard toys or someone to provide childcare while they get supplies.

That family is either making a sacrifice to keep us safe generally or to provide a necessary service right now. Where would be without them? Can't hurt to see if they need something right?

Anyway, it's just neighborly, and the right thing to do.


Thanks....


Now I need to go across the street and ring a doorbell.


Stay safe East Coast!!





This is my 28th post for the Ultimate Blog Challenge. Caught up!! 

Tomahawks...tomahawks?

I am spending the weekend at school and brought my son along with me.

I have hours of class, so he had to figure out how to keep himself busy. He had a little math and then he headed outside.

I met up with him at lunchtime and asked what he'd been up to.

"I threw tomahawks."

Say what?!

"I met some Boy Scouts and they taught me how to throw tomahawks."

I'll let him tell the next bit in his own words:

Have you ever thrown a tomahawk? If you haven't, you should try it. All you have to do, really, is take a tomahawk and throw it at the target. of course it takes practice, but that's basically what you have to do. Besides throwing tomahawks, I also got to watch other people throw them, but I think I liked throwing them better. It's actually pretty fun. Now, back to you Mom!



If there is anything interesting and unusual to do, my son will find it. He was quite delighted to have hit the target a few times and I was very grateful to the organizers of the Camporee for givng him a lesson. Not to mention glad that my school meets at a camp where I feel safe letting Jordan wander. I feel blessed that this worked out so well.


What new things have your kids tried lately?

My blog site is currently a "work in progress." I am playing with the look, reducing the amount of advertising and consolidating the labels so that things are easier to find. Comments and suggestions welcome. Look for changes over the next few weeks.

This is my thirteenth post for the October 2012 Ultimate Blog Challenge. I'm trying for 31 posts in 31 days, plus commenting on two posts by other people every day.