 |
| ***** Today my thoughts turn to memories of my aunt Virginia on her birthday. She was my father's baby sister and everyone was fond of her. Her graduation picture sat on our console radio in the living room when I was a child. She was beautiful in her cap and cape and looked so happy. That's what I wanted to be when I grew up. She was my role model. Not everyone knows what they want to be when they enter college. It's okay not to know exactly what you want to be. It happens again... faced with similar decisions at retirement. Now what to do? All the things you wanted to do are not necessarily as attractive when you can actually do them! We are very funny creatures. Also the days of the week mean something different now. It's like the weekend every day now. Yes, you will like it and you will earn it. I took my watch off after retirement and threw it into a drawer. The idea of living one day at a time is good. Whatever you focus on will happen. Select a cause. Mine is childhood sexual abuse prevention. I have shared my own personal experience in my memoir... "Under My Roof ~ A Mother's Story of the Heinous Crime of Incest." Please nurses, pass it on to the authorities, therapists and other mothers. Watch out for the children. I hope you'll join me. http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3129533 |
 |
| ***** St. Anne, the mother of Mary. St. Anne, grandmother of Jesus. Pray for all mothers and daughters. |
 |
| ***** This is the time of the year that we remember the dead. The last time I was home I knew more people here than I did living in houses! The red glads have been placed on the stones since the 1950's every year. I can't leave my hometown without a visit...it's like saying good-bye again. It was rather nice walking along the quiet flag filled paths and reminiscing about old friends. We laughed and cried and were amazed at the beauty of the grounds. Do you visit cemeteries? Have you made your arrangements? Just a thought as I bring my 1 year of blogging to an end. I said I would do this and I have. Now what? I'll sleep on it! |
On this Memorial Day weekend I think we tend to think about all those who have gone before us. Our cemeteries are filled with flowers and the flags blow in the wind as we prepare for summer. I finished a course and am sharing a very small section...the answers are very personal for each one.  |
| End-of-Life Care ***** How aware are you of your own death? Have you thought about your limited lifespan? Have you experienced a fear of death? Interestingly, a normal adult thinks about death an average of one to three times each day. However, days may pass without a thought of death. Then, depending on what happens in our life, one may incessantly ponder mortality on other days. Being aware of one's vulnerabilities helps to give some degree of control over our response to it. * National Center of Continuing Education, Inc. for Nurses. End-of-Life Care, page 19. |
 |
When I turned the big "5-0" I invited a group of people to my house for a party. My birthday (May 25) happened to fall on the Memorial Day weekend. A friend made a wreath of flowers for my hair and I was the queen for a day. Each "home-made" gift came with a story and we all hooted and hollered. It was so much fun and very memorable. My favorite and last gift was from a big burly wounded Viet Nam Vet who, with tears in his eyes, gave me the small flag he carried in the parade that morning. He didn't say anything but Happy Birthday... and I was touched deeply. "Celebration" comes out of my mouth in a tune while I move side to side. My fingers click and I'm happy. You know...sellllll- a- braaaa aa shun, ummhmm! I am just getting prepared to celebrate the whole weekend and REMEMBER... |
 |
| *** Playing paper dolls is popular if you're a child in the 1950's. First you cut out the outfit and then you fold the tabs down and hope they stay on the thicker paper image. Your friend does the same thing or else you play by yourself and make another one... using your imagination and acting out a story. The last time I saw paper dolls was in a book store in the vintage section. If your child or grandchild played paper dolls or "house" today... what type of story would she tell? Children mimic their parents and other things that are happening. When there is incest in a family the wife is groomed, manipulated and betrayed. The husband will molest each daughter. So often I hear of the oldest child telling when she becomes aware that the dad or step dad is now molesting a younger sister in the household. Pay attention to the stories you hear from the children... about the teachers, coaches, bus drivers, ministers, friend's parents, neighbors, etc. No one is exempt in a child's life. It crosses all boundaries of color, race and creed. Have a conversation about sexual behavior. |
 |
| *** "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer |
 |
| *** I think the key word is DISCIPLINE. That is not as easy as one would think. It deals with nearly everything we do. It can involve choices of foods at a party."I really shouldn't eat this...but, oh well." Sitting in a movie theater and watching trash and you say, "I should really get up and leave,"but you stay. You think something weird is going on with a man and his daughter and you chose to "mind your own business!" None of these things make you feel better about yourself. Do what you know is right. How about: Instead of yelling at the dog or kids, you get up and go find out what's wrong.* Instead of leaving the house early, finish making your bed and toss those few dishes into the dishwasher.* Instead of just sitting there,walk a few extra steps during the day and park in the spot at the end.* And most of all if you think something is not right with a man and his daughter...report your suspicions to the police. Pray for the grace of discipline. We will be better people for it. |
 |
***"Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass."-Confucius |
 |
| *** My hope is that some day people will have to go to a museum to see and hear about childhood sexual abuse but these crimes will never be forgotten. It will be history! Imagine! Children going to bed at night without worry of being molested. I believe in miracles. God have mercy. Won't you help it happen by talking about it with your friends. Won't you help by reporting suspicious behavior? Won't you help by sharing your story? What you say may be just what someone else needs to hear to heal. Like Dr. Phil said on his show today called, "Molestation and Betrayal"... You must tell! You must tell! You must tell! |
 |
| *** Hollyhocks |
 |
| *** Snap Dragons |
 |
| *** Let me introduce you to "The Bug!" This is Herbie's favorite toy. In fact, it's the ONLY one used for squeak and fetch. We (me and Herbie) have a problem...it's missing. My dog is blind but he has a good smeller. I have okay eyesight (wear glasses) and hear okay (hearing aids). Together you'd think we could find the dirty little thing but it's hiding. I'm a little bug nuts. Every time I think of a spot where it might be, I stop what I am doing and go looking again to no avail. It's been two days now. Okay, Time to pull out St. Anthony and ask for an intervention. Any suggestions? I like playing fetch! |
 |
| *** Sketch a picture of your house Tell the story of your family Pick a title for your cover. Share it! I remember when something bad would happen in town. People talked: "That would never happen under my roof!" Well, an attitude of denial is what keeps things brewing. Anything could happen under your roof and your neighbors and their neighbors. No one really knows what goes on in anyone else's house. And the kids know more than you would ever think they know. Don't frighten them. |
 |
| *** Happy Mother's Day You are missed You are remembered I hope you get to eat bread and jelly sandwiches in Heaven. Love you much For the many women who have not given birth but have mothered children adoptive parents, teachers,nuns, nurses and grandmothers. You know who you are. God bless you on this day. |
 |
| *** One-liners my Mother said to me and I loved her dearly anyway... "I've told you nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine times the answer is no!" "You better watch what you say, young lady!" "Remember the fork goes on the left side of the plate." "I never knew where I would find your braids in the morning." "Sometimes kids are mean. Just ignore them." "You don't have enough sense to come in out of the rain." "I don't care if everyone gets to go...you're are not going and that's final!" |
 |
| *** Happy Nurses Week *** The Florence Nightingale Pledge taken by Nurses *** I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care. *** Composed in 1893 by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and a committee for the Farrand Training School for Nurses, Detroit, Michigan. |
 |
*** circa 1978 LOVE A gift from a Child Look around your house for something that tells a story and use it for a writing prompt. You had better time yourself because if you're like me almost everything in my house has a story. |
 |
| *** May is National Mental Health Month We are all physical, mental, psycho-social beings. Thank God if you have been spared a debilitating disorder and pray for those who have not. We pray for a raised awareness, comfort for the victims and understanding from the families. O Lord, Hear our prayer. |
 |
| *** 1949 Cadillac Did you know that car fanatics meet every Saturday morning at Starbucks on 41st? They get coffee and chat and bring in the cars and it's quite wonderful to see the hard work put into restoration. Today you can also "go fly a kite" in the kindest of meanings at the beach. It will be fun and colorful. There is also a big flea market as usual at the old drive in theater on Soquel Drive in Soquel that draws a big crowd. And at Cabrillo College you can stop by and have the pick of the crop from the farmer's market...a regular for many. On the week-ends you are also invited to scads of yard and garage sales all over the county community. Every Saturday morning at the Crows Nest on the beach is a huge group of uke players and singers...fabulous fun. It would be unfair to say "There's nothing to do!" I dare say there is tooo much to do when you love it all! Close your eyes and pick one. I better get dressed and grab a coffee and go. Wanna join me? Oh, yes, and it's Cinco de Mayo with plenty of celebrations. |
 |
| *** It is good to have the lawn mowed, the flowers in bloom and the spider webs wiped down, the rocks smoothed over the plastic tucked under them the weeds gone the roses trimmed the hose rolled up the driveway swept and the WELCOME sign out. Do you invite people into your home? Jesus visits homes. What would you say if He knocked on your door? Come in - or - Oh, no, it's a mess in here! |
 |
| *** Take me out to the ball game... The Minnesota Twins vs the Boston Red Sox. I can remember being a Red Sox fan once, but not tonight. There was a huge crowd and it was a hot evening at the Target Stadium. The cheering, lights blinking, big screen with the scores, the speed of the ball, the green carpet, bases, uniforms, peanuts, popcorn and cracker jacks, cotton candy, dogs and brats. Guys yelling, "get your soda or beer here!" Everyone has something in common. We cheered together and clapped many times. It's a peaceful bond of opposing families who challenge each other. That night, I created a new memory to treasure with my son. It wasn't a mother taking her son to a ballgame...it was a wonderful son taking his mother to the game! I hope I remembered to thank you more than once. I don't mean to ruin my scene...but just a thought to ponder, if one in 6 men/boys are molested before the age of 18 then tighten your gut because if you look around in this huge crowd of men, it's absolutely frightful and MUST come to a stop. Please help stop this crime. Break the silence and talk to your sons and daughters. Protect them and pray for them. |
 |
I just returned from my grandson's First Communion at the Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis. It was wonderful. It was a special family time filled with God's love. Father Jim told them a sweet prayer to say every morning and every night... "Jesus, come into my heart." It's a "take-away" from this blog forYOU. The children were asked," what is even better than the first communion?" They answered, "the second!" "What is better than the second time?" They answered, "the third!" Etc.Etc. What a great message. |
