Hello!
Another December day in Upstate New York brings another six inches of new snow. It is amazing the amount of snow on the ground outside of my house already, and today is the official first day of winter. This is definitely going to be a holiday season decorated with all the white, fluffy trimmings.
The snow is pretty. The air is cold. Most of the neighbors on the cul-de-sac see each other during the daily "sprint to the mailbox" or "snow shoveling extravaganza." I don't think we're unusual. Come the beginning of spring, we'll venture out to see the sunshine and catch up on winter news. But right now, we huddle inside only to go out for work, groceries, mail and a bit of shoveling...just like most of America.
One thing I notice in my neighborhood during these months is the lack of birds flying around and singing their songs. I don't blame them at all. They are little, and their feet have no boots on them. I wouldn't venture out unless my life depended upon it, which for them, it does. And they do venture out a few times a day to find sustenance.
Food. Birds require food, like the rest of us, except they have to look for it. For a very long time, my husband has been responsible for making sure the birds have enough to eat during the winter months. Every few weeks, he goes to the local feed store and purchases a 50 pound bag of black sunflower seeds (about $15.00). He hauls it home, and scoops it into big plastic containers which he carries out to the back yard every few days or so, to fill the feeders.
And yes, the squirrels eat too, but I guess they are hungry, right?
We have many feeders strung between trees in our backyard. Everyday it is a beautiful sight of red and black, white and brown, and gray and tan. We see our birds mostly in the morning and late afternoon during the winter. The rest of the day, I assume, they are hunkering down in eaves, tree holes and any place else they can find to squeeze in together to keep warm.
That is why I'm writing this. I'd like to remind you to feed the birds. If you don't have any bird feeders that is okay. Just walk into your backyard and stomp down an area of snow, so that it is mostly flat. Throw down handfuls of seed. Then go inside, sit by your window, and watch. The black seed on the white snow will bring a variety of birds. You can throw down cracked corn as well. And you can hang a square of suet (pig fat) from a string on a branch. The birds love it, and the fat helps them to build body fat and stay warm.
Watching birds (and squirrels) through the winter months becomes a much-look-foward-to activity every day. It connects us to "living beings" in our neighborhood, during a time when the human-kind hunkers down inside warm living rooms. It makes us feel good to take care of the littlest of creatures, and it brings beautiful moments into our lives.
At a time when the rest of the world seems cold and barren, our little backyard bird haven reminds us that nature exists, time is moving forward, and how important it is to remember the least of us...
Have hope.
Donna
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Puberty Revisited
Hello!
Okay, how many of you readers (female) remember your pre-teens and early teenage years? Remember the way your body started to puff up and out in various places, and get curvy in others? Remember the lovely ups and downs of emotion? One minute happy, the next sad? And don't forget the pimples, those awful red volcanoes that grew overnight in the most unattractive places...
Well, I feel like that all over again!!!! (except for the pimples, they are replaced with "laugh lines") This year, 2008 was jam packed with new opportunities and experiences. Going back to college after 25 years was a huge endeavor for sure, however the simultaneous journey towards menopause has proved to be an equal challenge.
What is totally confusing, is that my mind, my brain, and my inner concept, stills sees and feels much like when I was 25. It really does. I still feel like I felt when I was fresh out of college, and finding my first apartment...and in someways, I feel better.
But, my body is starting to puff out, in places I didn't know I had. I also think my curves are beginning to sag. My emotions are well, let's just say, my husband deserves saint-hood. I thought my anxiety, sadness and worthless feelings were attributed to the fear of college and associating with young, vibrant, brilliant minds, but now that that's almost over, I think it may have to do with my hormones taking a joy ride. Thank goodness the pimples haven't returned, however the not-so-funny "laugh lines" and blotchy skin do show up every morning. At first I thought it was those new energy saving light bulbs...but who am I kidding.
So what do I do about this? I'm not really sure. (and for me to not have a plan is unnerving)
For 2009 my husband and I decided (okay, who am I fooling...I decided, he nodded) that we will live the year of the mind and body. Yoga and medication, I mean, meditation. My psychic friend agrees; we definitely should pursue the yoga-meditation thing. We are really looking forward to bending and stretching, and then sitting still, like a carrot or cucumber or some other vegetable, breathing in and out and settling our minds.
Seriously, not to mock either yoga or meditation, both my husband and I agree that life is too crazy, and too busy, and in these questionable financial times we feel led to buckle down and connect spiritually. I also really believe that this route will help with all those other life-changing signs and symptoms. Puberty? Menopause? Hmph.
Perhaps I should have titled this Menopause Visited...a time when all men (and women) take a pause...a moment to regroup, refocus and revive.
Until next time,
Have hope,
Donna
Okay, how many of you readers (female) remember your pre-teens and early teenage years? Remember the way your body started to puff up and out in various places, and get curvy in others? Remember the lovely ups and downs of emotion? One minute happy, the next sad? And don't forget the pimples, those awful red volcanoes that grew overnight in the most unattractive places...
Well, I feel like that all over again!!!! (except for the pimples, they are replaced with "laugh lines") This year, 2008 was jam packed with new opportunities and experiences. Going back to college after 25 years was a huge endeavor for sure, however the simultaneous journey towards menopause has proved to be an equal challenge.
What is totally confusing, is that my mind, my brain, and my inner concept, stills sees and feels much like when I was 25. It really does. I still feel like I felt when I was fresh out of college, and finding my first apartment...and in someways, I feel better.
But, my body is starting to puff out, in places I didn't know I had. I also think my curves are beginning to sag. My emotions are well, let's just say, my husband deserves saint-hood. I thought my anxiety, sadness and worthless feelings were attributed to the fear of college and associating with young, vibrant, brilliant minds, but now that that's almost over, I think it may have to do with my hormones taking a joy ride. Thank goodness the pimples haven't returned, however the not-so-funny "laugh lines" and blotchy skin do show up every morning. At first I thought it was those new energy saving light bulbs...but who am I kidding.
So what do I do about this? I'm not really sure. (and for me to not have a plan is unnerving)
For 2009 my husband and I decided (okay, who am I fooling...I decided, he nodded) that we will live the year of the mind and body. Yoga and medication, I mean, meditation. My psychic friend agrees; we definitely should pursue the yoga-meditation thing. We are really looking forward to bending and stretching, and then sitting still, like a carrot or cucumber or some other vegetable, breathing in and out and settling our minds.
Seriously, not to mock either yoga or meditation, both my husband and I agree that life is too crazy, and too busy, and in these questionable financial times we feel led to buckle down and connect spiritually. I also really believe that this route will help with all those other life-changing signs and symptoms. Puberty? Menopause? Hmph.
Perhaps I should have titled this Menopause Visited...a time when all men (and women) take a pause...a moment to regroup, refocus and revive.
Until next time,
Have hope,
Donna
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Visits
Hello!
Well it is Sunday night and the week of preparing and enjoying Thanksgiving with my family is over. How does that make me feel?
This Thanksgiving was the very first Thanksgiving where my three eldest children began the tradition of "going home for the holiday." My two girls came home from college and my son came home from his group home, located a few miles away.
What lessons did I learn?
I believe that parenting is all about getting your own childhood right, so I was interested to observe how my children perceived a family holiday to be. In my mind's eye, I hoped to see the kids come home and be thrilled to see each other, and chat and laugh and catch up on their lives since their last visit-which for us was August. And there was a bit of that. But there was so much more.
I experienced what I call "a bit of mirror watching" myself. What do I mean? Well, by mirror watching I got to see my parenting, of my children, front and center. I got to see what they absorbed as important family tradition and what they valued and looked forward to. For each of them it was different yet similar. Each child presented to me, through the looking glass, what they interpret their family connection to be.
First one to share, because she was the first one home, was my youngest daughter. She's the child who is a little ditsy and unorganized but very sensitive and fun. She pulled in a bit later than I expected, around 3:30, with her boyfriend, laundry, computer, and cello. She didn't date much in high school so the boyfriend thing was a big deal. Thus her first family connection I viewed was "introducing the boyfriend" and "displaying couplehood." They were cute, talking about their trip and sharing semester stories; she even gave him a hug and kiss in front of me. Next was her laundry connection, "don't worry mom, I'll do it." And she did. Then the computer thing, which I didn't really understand. She was on it all the time, watching TV, talking with friends, doing homework...but I guess that was her way of socializing; sort of like when I came home and was on the telephone with my college friends so much of the time. And then there was the cello. Her connection was to show us how much she's learned. Since violin is her main instrument, hearing how well she played the cello was her way of saying, "See mom, I am working hard."
My elder daughter came in next. She charged through the door (literally) with laundry in hand and gabbing 1000 words a minute. This daughter has a lot to say and a myriad of opinions; all of which have to be shared upon sight. She connects with her ideas. She knows we value ideas and discussion and she displayed it full force. It was important to her that we know everything she's learned. Then she threw all her laundry in one load in the machine, on cold, and went out to meet with friends. As she is twenty-one we don't see her till very late in the night, or should I say early morning. She shows me through the looking glass that she is grown up and wants me to recognize it. And I do.
Then there's my oldest son who lives six miles away. He decided he wants to sleep over and he brourght his laundry too. Are you seeing a pattern? Evidently, family tradition and connection revolves around bringing the laundry home. Only this child believes it's my responsibility to do it. And I do.
Our youngest son realized that there were a bunch of people disrupting our usual routine and he had a bit of a hard time adjusting to it. His idea of family connection was seeing if anyone would play a game board with him, and invited everyone to listen to his piano playing of his newly learned holiday songs. This wasn't exactly what the older ones planned to do, but they agreed and I think all had a good time.
The days flew by and before I knew it, I was living out the re-packing and gathering stuff, from all over our home, to put in their cars for their departure. It was chaotic and sometimes stressful, but all four of them were excited to participate, thus showing me, it's fun to be home and fun to get ready to leave again.
And then there was our departing tradition. You see, we live on an unusual cul-de-sac, one where the front of our home faces the cul-de-sac and the back of our home faces the road that leads into our sub-division. Anyone who visits us gets a "double send-off." We've done it for years. It entails lining up on the front sidewalk to wave good-bye to our guests and then running down the path to the back sidewalk and waiting for the car to pass by again, where we do the waving one more time. Many-a-visitor has received the "double send-off" over the years. It's our signature good-bye.
As the years have passed and different family members have left, the waving family members fluctuate. So today, the kids all left at the same time. My husband, my youngest and I, gave the hugs and kisses on the front sidewalk and waved frantically as they pulled away from the curb. Then the three of us ran down the path to the back of the house and stood there waiting...just the three of us. The cars passed, we waved, and everyone connected one last time for the holiday.
After we could no longer see the passing cars, the three of us strolled back to our front sidewalk again. This time though, we instituted our newly added family tradition-one that the three eldest children don't know about, and never will see. It was the "happy dance" tradition. The three of us broke out in twirling and twisting, dancing crazily to the imaginary happy music playing in our heads. We danced for a few minutes, laughing and smiling...then we stopped, held each other's hands and headed back inside.
I wonder what the neighbors think...
Anyways, I hope your Thanksgiving was happy, reflective, and that you got to do your own special happy dance too.
Have hope,
Donna
Well it is Sunday night and the week of preparing and enjoying Thanksgiving with my family is over. How does that make me feel?
This Thanksgiving was the very first Thanksgiving where my three eldest children began the tradition of "going home for the holiday." My two girls came home from college and my son came home from his group home, located a few miles away.
What lessons did I learn?
I believe that parenting is all about getting your own childhood right, so I was interested to observe how my children perceived a family holiday to be. In my mind's eye, I hoped to see the kids come home and be thrilled to see each other, and chat and laugh and catch up on their lives since their last visit-which for us was August. And there was a bit of that. But there was so much more.
I experienced what I call "a bit of mirror watching" myself. What do I mean? Well, by mirror watching I got to see my parenting, of my children, front and center. I got to see what they absorbed as important family tradition and what they valued and looked forward to. For each of them it was different yet similar. Each child presented to me, through the looking glass, what they interpret their family connection to be.
First one to share, because she was the first one home, was my youngest daughter. She's the child who is a little ditsy and unorganized but very sensitive and fun. She pulled in a bit later than I expected, around 3:30, with her boyfriend, laundry, computer, and cello. She didn't date much in high school so the boyfriend thing was a big deal. Thus her first family connection I viewed was "introducing the boyfriend" and "displaying couplehood." They were cute, talking about their trip and sharing semester stories; she even gave him a hug and kiss in front of me. Next was her laundry connection, "don't worry mom, I'll do it." And she did. Then the computer thing, which I didn't really understand. She was on it all the time, watching TV, talking with friends, doing homework...but I guess that was her way of socializing; sort of like when I came home and was on the telephone with my college friends so much of the time. And then there was the cello. Her connection was to show us how much she's learned. Since violin is her main instrument, hearing how well she played the cello was her way of saying, "See mom, I am working hard."
My elder daughter came in next. She charged through the door (literally) with laundry in hand and gabbing 1000 words a minute. This daughter has a lot to say and a myriad of opinions; all of which have to be shared upon sight. She connects with her ideas. She knows we value ideas and discussion and she displayed it full force. It was important to her that we know everything she's learned. Then she threw all her laundry in one load in the machine, on cold, and went out to meet with friends. As she is twenty-one we don't see her till very late in the night, or should I say early morning. She shows me through the looking glass that she is grown up and wants me to recognize it. And I do.
Then there's my oldest son who lives six miles away. He decided he wants to sleep over and he brourght his laundry too. Are you seeing a pattern? Evidently, family tradition and connection revolves around bringing the laundry home. Only this child believes it's my responsibility to do it. And I do.
Our youngest son realized that there were a bunch of people disrupting our usual routine and he had a bit of a hard time adjusting to it. His idea of family connection was seeing if anyone would play a game board with him, and invited everyone to listen to his piano playing of his newly learned holiday songs. This wasn't exactly what the older ones planned to do, but they agreed and I think all had a good time.
The days flew by and before I knew it, I was living out the re-packing and gathering stuff, from all over our home, to put in their cars for their departure. It was chaotic and sometimes stressful, but all four of them were excited to participate, thus showing me, it's fun to be home and fun to get ready to leave again.
And then there was our departing tradition. You see, we live on an unusual cul-de-sac, one where the front of our home faces the cul-de-sac and the back of our home faces the road that leads into our sub-division. Anyone who visits us gets a "double send-off." We've done it for years. It entails lining up on the front sidewalk to wave good-bye to our guests and then running down the path to the back sidewalk and waiting for the car to pass by again, where we do the waving one more time. Many-a-visitor has received the "double send-off" over the years. It's our signature good-bye.
As the years have passed and different family members have left, the waving family members fluctuate. So today, the kids all left at the same time. My husband, my youngest and I, gave the hugs and kisses on the front sidewalk and waved frantically as they pulled away from the curb. Then the three of us ran down the path to the back of the house and stood there waiting...just the three of us. The cars passed, we waved, and everyone connected one last time for the holiday.
After we could no longer see the passing cars, the three of us strolled back to our front sidewalk again. This time though, we instituted our newly added family tradition-one that the three eldest children don't know about, and never will see. It was the "happy dance" tradition. The three of us broke out in twirling and twisting, dancing crazily to the imaginary happy music playing in our heads. We danced for a few minutes, laughing and smiling...then we stopped, held each other's hands and headed back inside.
I wonder what the neighbors think...
Anyways, I hope your Thanksgiving was happy, reflective, and that you got to do your own special happy dance too.
Have hope,
Donna
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
It's November, can you believe it????
Hello!
It is November 11th-Happy Veteran's Day. Today, in the northeast is it kind of gray and kind of sunny. The temperature is in the 40's. There is no school.
I am almost finished with my masters program at a local college. In four weeks, I'll have finished my course work and will be awaiting the beginning of my student teaching experience. I cannot believe how quickly this year past. Eleven months ago I was scared to try this new experience. Today, I stand amazed.
This year, I learned so much. I learned so much about educating children. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes with teaching children. I learned so much about myself too. I never, ever thought, I could "do it all," but I had to. Everyday brought pressure and responsibilities. I continued to do my PT work while going to school full time. I also had to care for my family. I took 18 credits of course work in the spring and fall semesters and 12 credits over the summer. It was amazing.
Now with 4 weeks left to go, I'm a little unnerved. What am I going to do with all the spare time? I'm looking forward to getting back into my writing routine. I also intend to get back to my meditation and my son, husband and I would like to take a Yoga class.
Still...I'm going to miss the learning environment...as a student. I made so many new and interesting friends this year. Some of them were returning students like me, others were young, fresh faced graduates from college eagerly pursuing their masters programs. I met and enjoyed getting to know my professors, many of whom were my peers. I am going to miss all of it so much.
Well, truly there is not much more I wanted to write about today. I just felt like checking in. I hope that you have had a full year with lots of opportunities to learn and meet new people too.
Have hope,
Donna
It is November 11th-Happy Veteran's Day. Today, in the northeast is it kind of gray and kind of sunny. The temperature is in the 40's. There is no school.
I am almost finished with my masters program at a local college. In four weeks, I'll have finished my course work and will be awaiting the beginning of my student teaching experience. I cannot believe how quickly this year past. Eleven months ago I was scared to try this new experience. Today, I stand amazed.
This year, I learned so much. I learned so much about educating children. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes with teaching children. I learned so much about myself too. I never, ever thought, I could "do it all," but I had to. Everyday brought pressure and responsibilities. I continued to do my PT work while going to school full time. I also had to care for my family. I took 18 credits of course work in the spring and fall semesters and 12 credits over the summer. It was amazing.
Now with 4 weeks left to go, I'm a little unnerved. What am I going to do with all the spare time? I'm looking forward to getting back into my writing routine. I also intend to get back to my meditation and my son, husband and I would like to take a Yoga class.
Still...I'm going to miss the learning environment...as a student. I made so many new and interesting friends this year. Some of them were returning students like me, others were young, fresh faced graduates from college eagerly pursuing their masters programs. I met and enjoyed getting to know my professors, many of whom were my peers. I am going to miss all of it so much.
Well, truly there is not much more I wanted to write about today. I just felt like checking in. I hope that you have had a full year with lots of opportunities to learn and meet new people too.
Have hope,
Donna
Sunday, September 7, 2008
And then there was one...
Hello.
Two weeks ago all four of my chicks lived in my nest with me and my husband. Our nest was very full, very active and very...well, nice. That was two weeks ago.
Tonight, I sit at my computer, listening to chick #4 singing in the shower. He has had a very hard two weeks watching chick #1, #2 and #3 fly off to bigger and different nests.
Having two families under one roof, as ours is, opens us up to these unusual situations. My first three chicks are at least 12 years older than the little guy singing in the shower. Each of my daughters (#2 & #3) have gone to college. They will return home on school breaks.
My eldest son though, well, he left to live in a group home, for good. Chick #1, as he is referred to here, will not be coming home on any breaks.
Chick #1 and little shower guy watched cartoons together and played video games. They shot baskets and #1 gave #4 pointers in soccer. The two of them had fun together, and fought like cats and dogs when they got into each other's space. Now it is silent.
Last night my youngest said he was sad that his brother was gone. I told him that I was sad too. Then I told him that it is hard to feel sad, but the older we get and the more mature we become, we learn to separate our sad feelings when we know glad feelings live near by. We have to let our heart feel the sad stuff for saying good bye to our brother (son) and at the same time feel glad that our brother (son) is happy in his new home.
I know this is hard for him to understand. It's hard for me to accept. But we've known for six years this day would come. Yet when I open my cupboard and see #1's empty jar where his special treats used to be, I get choked up.
But hope is where I need to reside. Hope that #1 will grow into his new life with his new roommates. That he will experience new adventures and go to bed every night loving his new life. Hope of a better future for him is where I focus my thoughts.
As for this nest, I have great hopes as well.
I hope that my remaining son, here at home, will learn to express his sadness and develop language to share gladness about the move in the future. I hope he will figure out how to mold a new relationship with his big brother from a short distance away. I hope he will grow to be aware of how special times are, when we are all together again...and I hold hope that little chick #4 will continue to sing to his heart's content in the shower.
Life is good...although sometimes a little sad.
Have hope,
Donna
Two weeks ago all four of my chicks lived in my nest with me and my husband. Our nest was very full, very active and very...well, nice. That was two weeks ago.
Tonight, I sit at my computer, listening to chick #4 singing in the shower. He has had a very hard two weeks watching chick #1, #2 and #3 fly off to bigger and different nests.
Having two families under one roof, as ours is, opens us up to these unusual situations. My first three chicks are at least 12 years older than the little guy singing in the shower. Each of my daughters (#2 & #3) have gone to college. They will return home on school breaks.
My eldest son though, well, he left to live in a group home, for good. Chick #1, as he is referred to here, will not be coming home on any breaks.
Chick #1 and little shower guy watched cartoons together and played video games. They shot baskets and #1 gave #4 pointers in soccer. The two of them had fun together, and fought like cats and dogs when they got into each other's space. Now it is silent.
Last night my youngest said he was sad that his brother was gone. I told him that I was sad too. Then I told him that it is hard to feel sad, but the older we get and the more mature we become, we learn to separate our sad feelings when we know glad feelings live near by. We have to let our heart feel the sad stuff for saying good bye to our brother (son) and at the same time feel glad that our brother (son) is happy in his new home.
I know this is hard for him to understand. It's hard for me to accept. But we've known for six years this day would come. Yet when I open my cupboard and see #1's empty jar where his special treats used to be, I get choked up.
But hope is where I need to reside. Hope that #1 will grow into his new life with his new roommates. That he will experience new adventures and go to bed every night loving his new life. Hope of a better future for him is where I focus my thoughts.
As for this nest, I have great hopes as well.
I hope that my remaining son, here at home, will learn to express his sadness and develop language to share gladness about the move in the future. I hope he will figure out how to mold a new relationship with his big brother from a short distance away. I hope he will grow to be aware of how special times are, when we are all together again...and I hold hope that little chick #4 will continue to sing to his heart's content in the shower.
Life is good...although sometimes a little sad.
Have hope,
Donna
Sunday, August 31, 2008
What I Did on My Summer Vacation
Hello.
The last time I wrote was June 13th. That was a while ago. Now I'm facing September and thought I'd write again, this time telling you what I did on my summer vacation.
Let's see...I traveled far and wide every day. I dabbled in another culture, specifically the Spanish and Greek Culture. I explored new and interesting ideas of human interactions and collected numerous artifacts regarding them.
Sounds, exotic and fun doesn't it?
It was, and in reality, I spent my entire summer executing my summer semesters (2 of them) towards my Childhood Education (1-6) Masters of Science in Teaching degree. It was a busy summer...to say the least.
What was my traveling far and wide? I had the opportunity to travel the NYS Northway interstate at different times of the day, in torrential rainstorms and beautiful sunny afternoons and lovely starlit nights, listening to music from different genres and sharing conversations with my carpooling friend.
What was my "cultural" experience? I completed my language requirement in Spanish. It was an independent study with a very intelligent and committed Spanish professor. She and I spent numerous hours discussing Spanish culture, conjugation and grammar articles (sounds kinky-huh?). Actually, it was very enlightening and if I wasn't so crammed for time, I would have liked to mosey around the language a little longer.
As part of a Social Studies methods course, I was assigned the Golden Age of Greece as a unit course plan. I spent all of June researching Greece, it's history, culture and influence on the world at large. It was very interesting and again, had I more time, I would have dabbled more in depth. One thing I decided was to put Greece on my "must see" list, when I become gainfully employed and have summer vacations.
I also took a Mathematics and Science methods class. And I took three mandatory NYS teacher's certification exams. That pretty much rounded out my "human interactions" portion of summer vacation.
The "numerous artifacts" I've collected consist of many lesson plans, papers and test results, added to my portfolio of learning.
And if that doesn't sound like a full and interesting summer vacation, I get to add my wonderful physical therapy patients I visited daily, and my time at the playground with my youngest son, and my time spent preparing my three oldest children for their flight from the nest.
Yup, all three of my eldest children have left my nest~well actually two down to date, and one to go next week. The upcoming departure didn't leave the back of my head all summer. When I was sitting in classes in June, July and August, I thought of them. As I sat waiting to take my state exams, I thought of them. My thoughts of how quickly it all went by plagued the corners of my mind. Telling my classmates with young kids to enjoy their moments together with their little ones "because it comes to an end quicker than you'd imagine," rang from my lips often. Pondering about what the landscape of my life will look like once they were gone, repeatedly passed through my brain like a continuous scroll at the bottom of one's television screen.
It has been a full summer vacation.
Now I face the Autumn season with new challenges ahead of me; new courses, new human interactions, and hopefully at the end of it, a degree in education and a return of my kids for the winter holidays.
And all of it will be good.
I hope your summer vacation brought you to new cultural experiences; that you had time to learn something you didn't already know about people from other places.
I hope your summer vacation gave you a chance to interact with people who had a common purpose with you in which you could exchange ideas and broaden you knowledge base.
I hope your summer brought you a chance to reflect on time, and sort through memories of those who mean much to you.
If so...then you too, had a full and interesting summer.
Now it's time for the next season of our lives. We'll never get summer 2008 back again. I hope yours, as was mine, was time not wasted and experiences greatly gained.
Have Hope,
Donna
The last time I wrote was June 13th. That was a while ago. Now I'm facing September and thought I'd write again, this time telling you what I did on my summer vacation.
Let's see...I traveled far and wide every day. I dabbled in another culture, specifically the Spanish and Greek Culture. I explored new and interesting ideas of human interactions and collected numerous artifacts regarding them.
Sounds, exotic and fun doesn't it?
It was, and in reality, I spent my entire summer executing my summer semesters (2 of them) towards my Childhood Education (1-6) Masters of Science in Teaching degree. It was a busy summer...to say the least.
What was my traveling far and wide? I had the opportunity to travel the NYS Northway interstate at different times of the day, in torrential rainstorms and beautiful sunny afternoons and lovely starlit nights, listening to music from different genres and sharing conversations with my carpooling friend.
What was my "cultural" experience? I completed my language requirement in Spanish. It was an independent study with a very intelligent and committed Spanish professor. She and I spent numerous hours discussing Spanish culture, conjugation and grammar articles (sounds kinky-huh?). Actually, it was very enlightening and if I wasn't so crammed for time, I would have liked to mosey around the language a little longer.
As part of a Social Studies methods course, I was assigned the Golden Age of Greece as a unit course plan. I spent all of June researching Greece, it's history, culture and influence on the world at large. It was very interesting and again, had I more time, I would have dabbled more in depth. One thing I decided was to put Greece on my "must see" list, when I become gainfully employed and have summer vacations.
I also took a Mathematics and Science methods class. And I took three mandatory NYS teacher's certification exams. That pretty much rounded out my "human interactions" portion of summer vacation.
The "numerous artifacts" I've collected consist of many lesson plans, papers and test results, added to my portfolio of learning.
And if that doesn't sound like a full and interesting summer vacation, I get to add my wonderful physical therapy patients I visited daily, and my time at the playground with my youngest son, and my time spent preparing my three oldest children for their flight from the nest.
Yup, all three of my eldest children have left my nest~well actually two down to date, and one to go next week. The upcoming departure didn't leave the back of my head all summer. When I was sitting in classes in June, July and August, I thought of them. As I sat waiting to take my state exams, I thought of them. My thoughts of how quickly it all went by plagued the corners of my mind. Telling my classmates with young kids to enjoy their moments together with their little ones "because it comes to an end quicker than you'd imagine," rang from my lips often. Pondering about what the landscape of my life will look like once they were gone, repeatedly passed through my brain like a continuous scroll at the bottom of one's television screen.
It has been a full summer vacation.
Now I face the Autumn season with new challenges ahead of me; new courses, new human interactions, and hopefully at the end of it, a degree in education and a return of my kids for the winter holidays.
And all of it will be good.
I hope your summer vacation brought you to new cultural experiences; that you had time to learn something you didn't already know about people from other places.
I hope your summer vacation gave you a chance to interact with people who had a common purpose with you in which you could exchange ideas and broaden you knowledge base.
I hope your summer brought you a chance to reflect on time, and sort through memories of those who mean much to you.
If so...then you too, had a full and interesting summer.
Now it's time for the next season of our lives. We'll never get summer 2008 back again. I hope yours, as was mine, was time not wasted and experiences greatly gained.
Have Hope,
Donna
Friday, June 13, 2008
Wow-Has It Been That Long Ago
Hello.
I cannot believe I haven't written since March. It wasn't my intention to be so delinquent. Graduate school is very demanding and that is what has taken up most of my time (except for the time working, taking care of the house and oh yea, my family...).
I made it through the first semester of my graduate studies in education. I took the 18 credits and got an A in all my courses. I was really amazed and pleased. Then my sister told me that getting a masters in education is the easiest masters program you can do. And then my dad told me that everyone gets A's in graduate school. So...I am a bit less amazed and pleased. Anyways, it was hard work and I feel good to have accomplished that.
Summer is upon us and I am in school again. I have another 12 credits of classes and three state exams on my "to do" list. I am taking it one day at a time and am working to stay positive. Of course, according to my sis and dad, it should be a piece of cake...after all a masters in education is the easiest to get and everyone in graduate school gets "A's."
This summer also brings some good byes into my life. Not permanent good byes, but difficult good byes all the same. My oldest son will be moving into his group home this summer. He is thrilled and we have been working on getting the house painted and furnished and all the other paper work that goes along with his move. He is twenty-two and ready for this step. My eldest daughter leaves early to get back for her senior year at Russell Sage. She is excited and scared because she knows the real world is "a lurking" around the corner. She is taking her LSAT's this week and the results will help give her a direction for after college. My youngest daughter leaves me too, in mid-August for college. She'll be a freshman at Crane School of Music. She is excited, scared, happy and sad all at one time. I'm a bit worried. She's my youngest...who will take care of her!
Alas, I still have my littlest guy. He goes into second grade in September. We'll have a lot more years together....and I know from experience they will fly by too.
Oh well. I'm glad I had a chance to catch up. I'm looking forward to my next post. I hope you are too.
Have Hope,
Donna
I cannot believe I haven't written since March. It wasn't my intention to be so delinquent. Graduate school is very demanding and that is what has taken up most of my time (except for the time working, taking care of the house and oh yea, my family...).
I made it through the first semester of my graduate studies in education. I took the 18 credits and got an A in all my courses. I was really amazed and pleased. Then my sister told me that getting a masters in education is the easiest masters program you can do. And then my dad told me that everyone gets A's in graduate school. So...I am a bit less amazed and pleased. Anyways, it was hard work and I feel good to have accomplished that.
Summer is upon us and I am in school again. I have another 12 credits of classes and three state exams on my "to do" list. I am taking it one day at a time and am working to stay positive. Of course, according to my sis and dad, it should be a piece of cake...after all a masters in education is the easiest to get and everyone in graduate school gets "A's."
This summer also brings some good byes into my life. Not permanent good byes, but difficult good byes all the same. My oldest son will be moving into his group home this summer. He is thrilled and we have been working on getting the house painted and furnished and all the other paper work that goes along with his move. He is twenty-two and ready for this step. My eldest daughter leaves early to get back for her senior year at Russell Sage. She is excited and scared because she knows the real world is "a lurking" around the corner. She is taking her LSAT's this week and the results will help give her a direction for after college. My youngest daughter leaves me too, in mid-August for college. She'll be a freshman at Crane School of Music. She is excited, scared, happy and sad all at one time. I'm a bit worried. She's my youngest...who will take care of her!
Alas, I still have my littlest guy. He goes into second grade in September. We'll have a lot more years together....and I know from experience they will fly by too.
Oh well. I'm glad I had a chance to catch up. I'm looking forward to my next post. I hope you are too.
Have Hope,
Donna
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Higher Education for All Women
Hello!
Today, I want to write my thoughts in reaction to Eliot Spitzer's newly revealed indiscretions. Well, not exactly about Gov. Spitzer, but about his wife.
I saw the brief press conference that was aired multiple times on Monday evening. Even though, Governor Spitzer was the person of interest in the event, my eyes were focused on his wife. It was obvious that Mrs. Spitzer was enduring significant pain and humiliation due to the whims of her husband. That is unfortunate.
But here's my take on the situation.
Thank goodness that Mrs. Spitzer is a self-made woman in her own right. She is a Harvard graduate and lawyer. She is intelligent and articulate and even though she must be in tremendous personal turmoil at this juncture, she also has a way out. No matter what goes on with her husband, she and her three girls will be okay.
And that's my point.
It is imperative that all women receive higher education. One never knows when a spouse or partner will become ill or absent from the relationship down the road. One never knows what will happen. But if one has a means to preserve basic survival, food, shelter, health care, one can survive the emotional upheavals. Mrs. Spitzer will be okay.
My other point regards the "other" woman in this story. That woman is the woman who serviced client "#9." Perhaps, if she had an opportunity for higher education (and I presume she didn't) she would not have to preserve her basic survival requirements lying on her back. It's a waste of a brain to have to support yourself with your body in that manner.
So, harsh as this essay may appear, I stand by my words. "Higher education for ALL women, is the only way to achieve dignity, self-preservation and sense of self."
I hope you too, feel this way.
Have hope,
Donna
Today, I want to write my thoughts in reaction to Eliot Spitzer's newly revealed indiscretions. Well, not exactly about Gov. Spitzer, but about his wife.
I saw the brief press conference that was aired multiple times on Monday evening. Even though, Governor Spitzer was the person of interest in the event, my eyes were focused on his wife. It was obvious that Mrs. Spitzer was enduring significant pain and humiliation due to the whims of her husband. That is unfortunate.
But here's my take on the situation.
Thank goodness that Mrs. Spitzer is a self-made woman in her own right. She is a Harvard graduate and lawyer. She is intelligent and articulate and even though she must be in tremendous personal turmoil at this juncture, she also has a way out. No matter what goes on with her husband, she and her three girls will be okay.
And that's my point.
It is imperative that all women receive higher education. One never knows when a spouse or partner will become ill or absent from the relationship down the road. One never knows what will happen. But if one has a means to preserve basic survival, food, shelter, health care, one can survive the emotional upheavals. Mrs. Spitzer will be okay.
My other point regards the "other" woman in this story. That woman is the woman who serviced client "#9." Perhaps, if she had an opportunity for higher education (and I presume she didn't) she would not have to preserve her basic survival requirements lying on her back. It's a waste of a brain to have to support yourself with your body in that manner.
So, harsh as this essay may appear, I stand by my words. "Higher education for ALL women, is the only way to achieve dignity, self-preservation and sense of self."
I hope you too, feel this way.
Have hope,
Donna
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Visit From My Sister
Hello!
Last weekend my sister and her family were in my hometown for a hockey tournament.
I have three sisters. My next youngest sister is 13 months younger than I. Then comes my sister who visited, at 5 years younger than I, and then my baby sister who is 15 years younger than I. It was an interesting time growing up together because I was just old enough to be at a different stage of my life than the others were, with the exception of my immediately younger sister. She and I were quite different. She was very talented althletically and I wasn't. She also had a group of friends that were a bit rowdier than mine. All in all though, the four of us got along pretty well.
As adults, it is still the same. I have grown children (mostly, except for my littlest guy). My children are leaving and going to college. My other sisters have 8,9 and 10 year olds and my baby sister has dogs (smart choice). Still, we talk from time to time and enjoy holidays together. My sisters live closer in proximity and I'm a bit further away so they bump into each other more often.
Having my sister come to my hometown for a hockey tournament, was like an early birthday present. I admit, I didn't realize how big this youth hockey thing was, but I did enjoy it. I anticipated their visit and was so pleased when they called to say they had arrived.
The entire weekend with swimming at the hotel, and visiting at our home and breakfast at a local diner and of course, the hockey games, went by way to fast. Soon it was Sunday morning and our visit was over.
Now, I get to look at pictures and recall my memories. Both of them fine things to do, but I do miss seeing them and talking with them and hugging them.
I appreciate having family. There's no one who knows your whole history quite like family and in our case, just accepts us. It felt like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and drinking a warm cup of tea...all weekend.
It is good to have moments like these in our lives. It helps to put all the activity of our lives in its proper place and draws our focus on what is really important.
Until next time...
Have hope,
Donna
Last weekend my sister and her family were in my hometown for a hockey tournament.
I have three sisters. My next youngest sister is 13 months younger than I. Then comes my sister who visited, at 5 years younger than I, and then my baby sister who is 15 years younger than I. It was an interesting time growing up together because I was just old enough to be at a different stage of my life than the others were, with the exception of my immediately younger sister. She and I were quite different. She was very talented althletically and I wasn't. She also had a group of friends that were a bit rowdier than mine. All in all though, the four of us got along pretty well.
As adults, it is still the same. I have grown children (mostly, except for my littlest guy). My children are leaving and going to college. My other sisters have 8,9 and 10 year olds and my baby sister has dogs (smart choice). Still, we talk from time to time and enjoy holidays together. My sisters live closer in proximity and I'm a bit further away so they bump into each other more often.
Having my sister come to my hometown for a hockey tournament, was like an early birthday present. I admit, I didn't realize how big this youth hockey thing was, but I did enjoy it. I anticipated their visit and was so pleased when they called to say they had arrived.
The entire weekend with swimming at the hotel, and visiting at our home and breakfast at a local diner and of course, the hockey games, went by way to fast. Soon it was Sunday morning and our visit was over.
Now, I get to look at pictures and recall my memories. Both of them fine things to do, but I do miss seeing them and talking with them and hugging them.
I appreciate having family. There's no one who knows your whole history quite like family and in our case, just accepts us. It felt like putting on a comfy pair of slippers and drinking a warm cup of tea...all weekend.
It is good to have moments like these in our lives. It helps to put all the activity of our lives in its proper place and draws our focus on what is really important.
Until next time...
Have hope,
Donna
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Longest Word in the English Language Is...
TRY!
Hello, I meant to write sooner but I wanted to ponder this topic. About a week ago, I was taking care of my 94 year old patient, Dorothy. She is a neat lady, who I know is a "divine appointment" in my life.
Each time I have a PT session with her, to help her not lose strength, we have a routine. It involves her saying to me that she doesn't think her legs will work, and I say something about let's give it a try. Last week she responded, "Try...the longest word in the English language."
While I counted to twenty as she lifted her leg, I had a little conversation in my head. It went something like this:
Self: Hmm, that was an interesting statement.
Out Loud: 8,9,10
Self: Try...she may have hit on something.
Out Loud: 13,14,15
Self: Everyday, she tries.
Out Loud: 17,18,19
Self: Everyday, she looks forward to trying.
Out Loud: 20, Good Job Dorothy!
Perhaps I have too much time on my hands, but the remainder of that day and the rest of the week, I thought about Dorothy and her declaration of the word "TRY."
I have come to the conclusion that try really IS the longest word in the English language. It may only be three letters long, but those three letters represent a spirit that resides in each and everyone of us, every single day of our life. I know that when I try to do something, or write something, or be something, there are times that it feels like I'll never hit my twentieth repetition. I'll never see the end. I'll never reach the goal. But that isn't the point, is it?
The point is, that we are just supposed to "try."
If we don't try, we'll never know. We'll never know if we can write that book, or lose that pound, or learn to love. We'll never know our potential.
The universe doesn't say to us, "Before you die you must successfully produce....(fill in the blank)." It just wants us to "try." And then it gives us a whole bunch of days to keep on trying.
Look at Dorothy, she's been trying for 94 years. And some days, she reaches her twenty repetitions and some days she doesn't, but everyday she tries.
When I grow up, I want to be just like Dorothy.
Have hope,
Donna
Hello, I meant to write sooner but I wanted to ponder this topic. About a week ago, I was taking care of my 94 year old patient, Dorothy. She is a neat lady, who I know is a "divine appointment" in my life.
Each time I have a PT session with her, to help her not lose strength, we have a routine. It involves her saying to me that she doesn't think her legs will work, and I say something about let's give it a try. Last week she responded, "Try...the longest word in the English language."
While I counted to twenty as she lifted her leg, I had a little conversation in my head. It went something like this:
Self: Hmm, that was an interesting statement.
Out Loud: 8,9,10
Self: Try...she may have hit on something.
Out Loud: 13,14,15
Self: Everyday, she tries.
Out Loud: 17,18,19
Self: Everyday, she looks forward to trying.
Out Loud: 20, Good Job Dorothy!
Perhaps I have too much time on my hands, but the remainder of that day and the rest of the week, I thought about Dorothy and her declaration of the word "TRY."
I have come to the conclusion that try really IS the longest word in the English language. It may only be three letters long, but those three letters represent a spirit that resides in each and everyone of us, every single day of our life. I know that when I try to do something, or write something, or be something, there are times that it feels like I'll never hit my twentieth repetition. I'll never see the end. I'll never reach the goal. But that isn't the point, is it?
The point is, that we are just supposed to "try."
If we don't try, we'll never know. We'll never know if we can write that book, or lose that pound, or learn to love. We'll never know our potential.
The universe doesn't say to us, "Before you die you must successfully produce....(fill in the blank)." It just wants us to "try." And then it gives us a whole bunch of days to keep on trying.
Look at Dorothy, she's been trying for 94 years. And some days, she reaches her twenty repetitions and some days she doesn't, but everyday she tries.
When I grow up, I want to be just like Dorothy.
Have hope,
Donna
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I Believe We Should All Roar
Hello!
I believe we all should roar.
For at least a few months now, there has been a lot of roaring going on at my house. Being very busy, I tuned out the roaring along with the microwave beeping, the washing machine buzzing and the telephone ringing. I have become accustomed to tuning in and out at will. The roaring was just another tune-out.
When I talk about roaring, I mean actual lion roaring-with the loud, deep throat gravelly roaring followed by the happy smirk and giggle from my six year old son. I'm not sure what really precipitated roaring to be such a happy phenomenon in my family, all I know is that my husband and son have been "roaring" between the two of them for some time now.
It's kind of ritualistic when I step back and observe it. One, usually my son, bounces down the stairs, his eyes on his dad at the computer, sneaks up behind him and lets out a lion cub roar. Then my husband, feigning surprise and fright, turns around and belts out a great big daddy roar. Then the two of them start wrestling and roaring and eventually they settle into activities.
Now, I'm not much of a roar-er. (At least the animal kind.)
Since Christmas though, my husband has been in and out of the hospital battling a kidney stone and infection. He's been home in between admissions but, as you can imagine, feeling a little under the weather. Over the past two weeks, I've become the object of "roaring." At first, I thought it was silly and cute. But as the roaring became more persistent, and almost constant, I felt I had to take a moment to analyze the situation.
What I realized was this...my little lion cub was missing his big lion dad and had no other way to express his unease except to roar at me. So being the cool, hip, lioness that I am, the next time lion cub roared at me...I roared back.
Well, after my roaring, little lion cub looked at me, laughed and said, "You don't scare me like daddy does." I took that as a challenge. So for the last week or so, I've worked on perfecting my "roar." I roar in the morning when I wake my son up for school. I roar as we put on mittens and coats and boots. I roar at stop signs and in the grocery line. I roar so much I'm going hoarse and all I get is a giggle, and a "you don't scare me."
I almost gave up, that is until we were on the way to pick up dad from the hospital Saturday morning. The two of us were standing in the elevator "driving" up to the third floor. It was silent. I looked over at my little lion who was staring at the elevator floor numbers lighting up as we ascended. He was very intent on our journey. I smiled to myself and took in a huge breath. Then I let out the most hugest, growliest, guttural lion roar that even a real lioness would have stood up and been proud.
My little guy jumped, then smiled, and exclaimed with a big-faced grin, "Wow mom, you scared me." I nodded like it was nothing and said, "There's more where that came from," and I hugged and tickled him.
Now, there's a whole lot of roaring going on in our house, and I've never been more tuned in.
Hope you find something to roar about in your home this year.
Have hope,
Donna
I believe we all should roar.
For at least a few months now, there has been a lot of roaring going on at my house. Being very busy, I tuned out the roaring along with the microwave beeping, the washing machine buzzing and the telephone ringing. I have become accustomed to tuning in and out at will. The roaring was just another tune-out.
When I talk about roaring, I mean actual lion roaring-with the loud, deep throat gravelly roaring followed by the happy smirk and giggle from my six year old son. I'm not sure what really precipitated roaring to be such a happy phenomenon in my family, all I know is that my husband and son have been "roaring" between the two of them for some time now.
It's kind of ritualistic when I step back and observe it. One, usually my son, bounces down the stairs, his eyes on his dad at the computer, sneaks up behind him and lets out a lion cub roar. Then my husband, feigning surprise and fright, turns around and belts out a great big daddy roar. Then the two of them start wrestling and roaring and eventually they settle into activities.
Now, I'm not much of a roar-er. (At least the animal kind.)
Since Christmas though, my husband has been in and out of the hospital battling a kidney stone and infection. He's been home in between admissions but, as you can imagine, feeling a little under the weather. Over the past two weeks, I've become the object of "roaring." At first, I thought it was silly and cute. But as the roaring became more persistent, and almost constant, I felt I had to take a moment to analyze the situation.
What I realized was this...my little lion cub was missing his big lion dad and had no other way to express his unease except to roar at me. So being the cool, hip, lioness that I am, the next time lion cub roared at me...I roared back.
Well, after my roaring, little lion cub looked at me, laughed and said, "You don't scare me like daddy does." I took that as a challenge. So for the last week or so, I've worked on perfecting my "roar." I roar in the morning when I wake my son up for school. I roar as we put on mittens and coats and boots. I roar at stop signs and in the grocery line. I roar so much I'm going hoarse and all I get is a giggle, and a "you don't scare me."
I almost gave up, that is until we were on the way to pick up dad from the hospital Saturday morning. The two of us were standing in the elevator "driving" up to the third floor. It was silent. I looked over at my little lion who was staring at the elevator floor numbers lighting up as we ascended. He was very intent on our journey. I smiled to myself and took in a huge breath. Then I let out the most hugest, growliest, guttural lion roar that even a real lioness would have stood up and been proud.
My little guy jumped, then smiled, and exclaimed with a big-faced grin, "Wow mom, you scared me." I nodded like it was nothing and said, "There's more where that came from," and I hugged and tickled him.
Now, there's a whole lot of roaring going on in our house, and I've never been more tuned in.
Hope you find something to roar about in your home this year.
Have hope,
Donna
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy 2008!
Hello!
It's the first day of 2008 and I'm writing in this blog. I am going to make a weekly effort this year. Let's hope I can do it.
Last night, my daughter performed with her orchestra at a First Night event in Saratoga Springs, NY. We went along with a friend of my husband's, Barry, who was visiting from Middlebury, Vermont. We had a great time together and were sufficiently entertained by rock and roll groups and John Lennon. Yup, he showed up at one venue and sang for us.
After we got home, my six year old tried and tried to make it to midnight but pooped out at 11:15 PM. I tried to wake him so that he could watch the "ball drop" but to no avail. How come one cannot get little one's to go to sleep or wake up at their parent's will?
I am looking forward to 2008. My children's book artwork arrived at my door in December and I was profoundly humbled by the illustrator's talent in depicting my words. She has such a gift and I'm honored to be a recipient of it. I'll keep you posted with the book's progression.
I survived my fall semester at Russell Sage. I did amazingly well, even considering I was taking two British Lit courses (18th century and 1850's to present). But I attribute that to amazing professors. I was accepted into a Masters in Teaching program at a local college beginning in January. I'm working out the particulars of schedule and finances to make it happen.
I'm intrigued with the upcoming election year and hoping for a brighter future. As many of you, I imagine, I have been sadden by the state of affairs in this country and in how this country "plays" with the rest of the world. I try to be hopeful that we can change course but only time will tell. So, my mantra, "get involved, get educated, get our country back on the right track."
(I expect to hear from a few people about that statement.)
It's snowing today and my family is out to the mall shopping and movie-ing. I am enjoying some peace and quiet, reading and catching up on correspondence. I just finished a book called "Love in the Present Tense" by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Google it-the book was unlike anything I've ever read. She is an amazing storyteller.
Okay, I'm going to sign off because I covet the quiet house and I want to have a few more selfish moments to myself (as well as a piece of chocolate). I truly hope for life's best to all my readers and promise (did you read that?) I'll be writing again...soon.
Have hope,
Donna
It's the first day of 2008 and I'm writing in this blog. I am going to make a weekly effort this year. Let's hope I can do it.
Last night, my daughter performed with her orchestra at a First Night event in Saratoga Springs, NY. We went along with a friend of my husband's, Barry, who was visiting from Middlebury, Vermont. We had a great time together and were sufficiently entertained by rock and roll groups and John Lennon. Yup, he showed up at one venue and sang for us.
After we got home, my six year old tried and tried to make it to midnight but pooped out at 11:15 PM. I tried to wake him so that he could watch the "ball drop" but to no avail. How come one cannot get little one's to go to sleep or wake up at their parent's will?
I am looking forward to 2008. My children's book artwork arrived at my door in December and I was profoundly humbled by the illustrator's talent in depicting my words. She has such a gift and I'm honored to be a recipient of it. I'll keep you posted with the book's progression.
I survived my fall semester at Russell Sage. I did amazingly well, even considering I was taking two British Lit courses (18th century and 1850's to present). But I attribute that to amazing professors. I was accepted into a Masters in Teaching program at a local college beginning in January. I'm working out the particulars of schedule and finances to make it happen.
I'm intrigued with the upcoming election year and hoping for a brighter future. As many of you, I imagine, I have been sadden by the state of affairs in this country and in how this country "plays" with the rest of the world. I try to be hopeful that we can change course but only time will tell. So, my mantra, "get involved, get educated, get our country back on the right track."
(I expect to hear from a few people about that statement.)
It's snowing today and my family is out to the mall shopping and movie-ing. I am enjoying some peace and quiet, reading and catching up on correspondence. I just finished a book called "Love in the Present Tense" by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Google it-the book was unlike anything I've ever read. She is an amazing storyteller.
Okay, I'm going to sign off because I covet the quiet house and I want to have a few more selfish moments to myself (as well as a piece of chocolate). I truly hope for life's best to all my readers and promise (did you read that?) I'll be writing again...soon.
Have hope,
Donna
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