HAPPY MOTHER'S' DAY -- and... CARUMBA!

Happy Mother's Day, all you mommies out there!

Bright and early (and I mean bright and early) I left my bed to go to a hardware store to be there at 7 a.m. SHARP to get in on the best choices of fuchsias; wanted to get the creme de la creme for my sister, Jackie.

Ahem....


I was there ten minutes early. The parking lot was empty except for employees who were filing in at what seemed to be a snail's pace. I felt so fortunate to have so little competition this morning. (Only for my sister would I undergo competition of this type, let me tell you!)

At 6:57 I meandered toward the front door of the store. Emblazoned across it was GIANT PLANT SALE! Begins....

Saturday, May 10th at 7 a.m.

I was right 0n time, 24 hours late. The store doesn't open until 8 a.m. today. And I'm sure all the best fuchsias are already long gone.

Grrrr...

So I came home empty-handed and told her that we can go out again this afternoon when the grandkids go home and I will let her pick the best plant, of whatever kind, in town and I'll get it for her.

Then I realized, as she did... there won't BE any great plants later today -- the best plants will have been picked through yesterday and this morning. So I said we'll do it on some other weekend when it isn't Mother's Day. That suits her fine...

And frustrates the living daylights out of me.

I was watching the clock half the night to be sure I didn't oversleep the sale!

ARGHHHHH! Carumbah! Sugar jets! and.... pickles!

"Kris, if this is the worst thing that happens to you in your whole life, you'll be lucky." -- Dorothea Smith (our own dear mother, God rest her soul)

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And speaking of mothers -- let's do that today.

My mom and dad had three daughters, three years apart. Mom was also Dad's business partner in his construction business, so she was one of the original Super Moms.

Since three years separated her kids, she was forever taking us in three different directions for activities except for when we'd all go to the YWCA for swimming lessons and fun -- and even then we were in different swim classes. Laurel, Jackie and I all had different interests. I remember playing in kids' baseball (our team was called The Ponytails, so we all had pony tails!). Our wonderful neighbor, Mary Jane Cooper, was the coach. Her daughters -- Penny and Judi -- and Jackie and I were on the team. (I was their designated "power hitter" -- because I kept breaking the wooden bats we were using! Not part of the plan, I'm sure!)

It was Mary Jane Cooper who busted me the time I was out in the middle of Spanaway Lake on an inner tube headed for a raft to look for caterpillars. I couldn't swim yet. She called me in and told me to go directly home, where Mom would be waiting for me.

Oh, boy. Mom was waiting for me. And Dad attended to me when he got home, too. Lesson learned: do not swim, float, or even approach a body of water alone. EVER!

To this day I ask permission to take a bath...

Anyway... My mom ferried her contentious, often-obnoxious brood all over Tacoma for various functions... in between her business duties. I don't remember ever missing a piano lesson, a tap dancing lesson, a ballet lesson, plays we wanted to see. You name it. Magic Mom made it happen!

I do recall one time, early on, when I approached her at her desk and let her know I "needed" her. (I have no idea why.) She was focused on the task at hand and ignored me several times. I persisted (as young children always do, as far as I can tell). I was five or six or maybe seven and by golly, I NEEDED HER! NOW!

She couldn't discern an injury -- I wasn't crying -- and the house didn't smell of smoke, so she told me, "I'm too busy right now."

TOO BUSY!? FOR ME!?!?!?

I tell you, my li'l ego rebelled! I was insulted. I was indignant. I was mortified.

I was deeply hurt. Deeply hurt. I remember the moment to this very day when Mom calmly informed me, via this outrageous statement, that I WAS NOT THE CENTER OF THE KNOWN UNIVERSE!

It was a rude awakening, let me tell you. But it was time, and it was a lesson I needed to learn. Some people, it seems, never do learn it. I've met a few and seen a number of them on TV and they're all pretty unbearable.

So, thanks, too, Mom, for that. Even though it hurt. More than a little. Ouch!

Truth to tell, from the moment Mom became a mom, her family was her universe. That's why she was so busy at her desk, ferrying us around, being there to swat us when we ventured beyond the limits of safety or decency.

Mary Jane Cooper was also a great mom. She took restless neighborhood kids and marshalled them into a fine little baseball team, and chaperoned us whenever we swam off her dock in Spanaway Lake. I'm sure that gave Mom a break she sorely needed. It truly does take a village to raise a child...

I watched (and helped sometimes) my sister raise her only son into a fine young man with good values, who shunned peer pressure as a matter of course and found a wife who is the apple of everyone's eye. Jackie was a great mom -- even though she has regrets because she wasn't a "perfect" mom. (Good gracious -- has there ever been a perfect mom?) She was as perfect for Phil as our mom was for us -- I can tell by the results! Perfect enough to grow a child (children) that more often than not make their parents proud!

I watch Wendy and Phil (Phil is Jackie's son) care for their two daughters with dedicated patience and grace and know the apple will not fall far from their tree, either...

Dawn's kids, Lizzie and Isabella, are growing into fine young people even as Dawn struggles as a single parent (as did Jackie) to keep their world as stable and as filled with love and nourishment as possible. In addition to holding down a job and the fort, she's getting the kids to school, to soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming and track, birthday parties, skiing, you name it (with the help of "the Foxley Village" during the hours she has to work, same as Jackie relied on the "Smith/McNiven Village as a single parent).

I watch these current parents doing their thing as parents and as creators of the next generation of thinking, caring people and I realize, with greater impact than ever, what it took for my Mom to do all of that for us -- long before cell phones and TV/DVD's in the SUV...

I remember a particular trip to Disneyland (1200 miles distant) where the endless, echoing refrain (every thirty miles of so) was, "Are we there yet?" For 1200 miles. Nowadays the kids can watch ten videos instead of playing "Slug Bug" and "I Spy," which they still do sometimes -- to the dismay of the drivers. Those games are important, too -- but not 1200 miles at a stretch.

I'm amazed the three of us Smith kids weren't drowned in the Adventureland Lagoon or thrown off the Matterhorn when we "finally" arrived at Disneyland.

It would have made Mom's and Dad's return trip a whole lot easier on their nerves and ears, for sure!!!

Gawd Awmighty!

Parents are unlike any other category on earth.

I stand utterly amazed...

Here We Go Again -- Unfounded Accusations Against Obama -- This Time From McCain!

Please read this (it's pretty short) and cease to fret about Obama's attitude toward Hamas and other terror organizations:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24549744

Good Lord... I, too, think Senator McCain may be losing his bearings after reading and hearing about this... (and I'm not referring to his age, any more than Senator Obama was)

Study the candidates, people -- study the candidates! Don't take pundits word -- or their opponent's words -- for where they stand on issues.

Let's make a GOOD choice this time and see what happens!

Thanks!

Get Off My Case! hee hee hee

Gads, folks... gimme a break! A couple people have emailed to wonder why I haven't updated the blog in a while.

Bottom line: I haven't been blogging because there hasn't been much to blog about. All is status quo -- still looking for a job, still looking to sell my condo and find a place that Jackie (my sister) and I both like. We've found one. Now we have to sell my condo to get it. These things take time. I'll re-list it tomorrow with a third Realtor. (This time I'll use one with at least six years experience, as recommended wherever I read about finding a reputable, successful realtor.)

The Demo race looks to be falling to Obama -- saints be praised! I am so jazzed. Of course, my heart breaks for Hillary... I like both candidates, but disagree that she'd be best for the country and best against McCain. She is a dedicated, gutsy woman and I hope they get on the ticket together. That would be terrific.

It's Friday!!!! HURRAY!!!

I know I shouldn't care this much, being unemployed at present, but... IT'S FRIDAY for all you worker bees out there, so I'm happy for you. (I'll be happier when I'm employed again and can share in your joy more than vicariously!)

My condo is off the market again... it may go back on.... we're deciding in the next few days. In the meantime, I've gone over there and spruced it up (painted walls, replaced aging grout, dusted and vacuumed) and will have Stanley Steemer, or some other company, go in and do the carpets professionally, since all but two pieces of furniture (a bed and a dresser) are out in the garage at the moment so it will be easy and less expensive when very little furniture has to be moved. I'd do the carpet cleaning myself, but don't really know how good I am at it. I've done it twice a year for the past four years, so it looks pretty decent still, but I think every few years it should be done professionally anyway... If it doesn't look better afterward than when I do it, I won't ever have it done professionally again. How's that? I do a darned good job, but let's see if a professional company blows me out of the water when they do it. I want to be impressed if someone else does it, for sure!

This morning the "Brownie fairy" in me (I used to be a Brownie) saw that I could spend about 40 minutes sprucing up Jackie's place (where I'm also residing at present) and make it look darn-tootin' great, so I did that. I guess it was a hold-over from being my own Brownie fairy at the condo yesterday and not being there to enjoy it today after having worked so diligently. And it's also a bit of cabin fever, since I'm not working.

I try to spruce up at least a couple days a week around here, and especially on Fridays, so Jackie can feel there's very little to do when she gets home on Friday night. It always makes her smile. She's managing two bank branches and often has little ones (grandchildren) here during the week (evenings) and weekends. Kids and grandkids can trash a place faster than you can blink. Have you ever noticed? So I'll go around and consolidate the mailbox stuff, pick up errant toys, water the plants, put away dishes, and do whatever else needs doing, except in her bedroom. I figure her bedroom is hers to handle, as my bedroom is mine. I just do all the "common areas," which is all the rest of the house.

I'm feeling really bad for Obama right now. I hope the past few weeks haven't dampened his spirits or his dedication to lifting up low and middle-income earners and their dependents, although I can see how they might! (Thankfully, it's in his DNA to keep plugging, or he wouldn't have gotten as far as fast as he has.) We really need him. I'd hate to see him lose the momentum he needs to become the Democratic candidate in November. I'd vote for Hillary if he doesn't -- the alternative is too "Bushy" for me -- but I think more people will be energized and will engage in changing the things that need to be changed if Obama is the President. Not only here, but across the globe, it appears that Obama is the man people want to see holding the highest office in our land for the next period of time... and obviously, I agree or I'd be touting some other candidate right now! I've been donating to his campaign ($25 here, $25 there) even though unemployed. The people are powering his campaign. They expect great things when he gets in. And I do believe they will be happy to continue to support him and enter in and get involved if he wins
-- as never before in recent memory.

I'm all for that!

Obama's Take on Gas Prices -- Hurray!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/gasprices1

Obama Denounces Pastor Wright's Recent Rantings...

Please listen to the announcement below and then read on...


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=24371963&#24371963

Looks like Senator Obama finds Pastor Wright's most recent proclamations (the ones that took place after the Bill Moyers interview) as distressing as most others do (of all races). Although the Senator deferred throwing his pastor under the bus when he spoke out against him in Philadelphia a month or so ago in his longer address regarding race issues (being the gentleman he is), he has definitely come out in a forceful way today to reassure all of us that he does not agree with Pastor Wright's outrageous conspiracy theories (i.e., that HIV was an instigated attempt at genocide for people of color by the US government, etc); nor does he hold in high esteem other folks whom Pastor Wright listens to with what seems to be utmost respect.

I listened to all Pastor Wright had to say at all three events (primarily because I was reassured of his decency by the extended coverage of the sermons shown during the interview with Bill Moyers). I understand completely the theological points he was making. (Pastors answer to a higher authority than human authority and struggle to make all God's children inheritors of the benefits of being His.) Whenever he speaks of God's love, Wright seems to get it right.

It's when he speaks of "God's wrath and judgment" against many former, and some present, U.S. policies that causes others to tremble and fear his presumed influence on those in his congregation. (He cited American history against Native Americans, the history of African-American slavery, Irish and Chinese treatment in America in earlier times, Jim Crow laws, lynchings, sending soldiers of color to fight our wars while regarding them as second-class citizens and denying them the vote).

Pastor Wright didn't make up any of this part: these things happened. We are a nation of greatness and of pettiness; of compassion and brutality; of mercy and injustice. I love America -- but I cannot defend everything it has ever done, nor will I.

What the pastor seems to overlook is that we are living in days of grace (unmerited favor) since Jesus walked the earth in the flesh. As such, in God's eyes we're utterly forgiven in all the areas where we screwed up (and still screw up) as long as we recognize it, feel remorse over it, and repent of it. It is our responsibility as Christians (which is what Pastor Wright professes to be) to love the sinner and hate the sin.

I don't see a lot of forgiveness or love in Pastor Wright for American government. I don't understand where he got the notion that white America is the source of evil in this country -- but if I were born black in the era in which he was reared, I'm sure I, too, could create an extensive list of evils without much trouble. So could you, no doubt. It's amazing to me that more African-Americans aren't as riled as he is. I know I would be, had I been treated the way they have been until relatively recently. And they're still not home free in this regard. But thank God , the vast majority of African-Americans are, and have been, non-confrontational Christians... whose ancestors, including parents and grandparents, endured much worse than they have had to face... and as Americans, they recognize the progress that has been made, while Pastor Wright seems to be "a fly caught in amber" back in the 50's, when things were admittedly atrocious for the black members of our society.

But white America was never the source of the evil. ("We struggle against powers and principalities, not against flesh and blood.") Reverend Wright should know this, theologian that he is. Satan and his minions have been the source of all evil in the world; have been ever since they were cast out of heaven! Because Satan is the presiding prince here on earth until Jesus comes again, we're all fallen! And if not for the love and the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we would all stand condemned in our sins, major and minor --- Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, everyone!

I know that Barack Obama does not believe as Pastor Wright does in numerous areas. Just looking at and listening to him confirms that, and comforts me. Senator Obama couldn't conceal (beneath his surface) the vitriol that Wright displays in his bearing. It would show, as it surely shows in the Reverend.

Reverend Wright is an angry man with a chip on his shoulder, wanting someone to knock it off so he can be proven right and get into a fight for legitimacy again -- to keep the 50's as alive to us as they still are to him.

Barack Obama is not an angry man. He is a patient man whose time, in my opinion, has come. As the product of a bi-racial marriage, he "gets" both sides of the story and has a much clearer perspective. In Barack Obama is the DNA of a hope we all possess: that we can come together and live up to our nation's creed.

He hasn't given up. I pray he never will!

Barack Obama's voice remains one of measured hope and reassurance that we can, indeed, address the many perils and issues that we all face in this economy and around the world.

What scares me most is this thought: "If we don't honor rationality over emotional paybacks -- and soon! --we may not get another chance. Too many people have too many weapons of mass destruction, with too many ways to deliver them."

We need a leader who's mature enough to realize that unless we sow fruitful discussion, we court fearsome destruction.

Most of the world's people just want to live their lives, raise their familes, and get along. It's governments and terrorists that seem bent on playing the blame game and on "making things right" -- as they measure "right" ("My way or the highway").

"America, right or wrong?" Hmmm... With that attitude, we may end up being "dead right" ... along with everyone else who's cause seems "right" to them.. and along with all the innocents residing within their territories!

I still love America. I want to love her more. I want our nation's originators to be able to look down on us from heaven in the next ten or twenty years and smile and say, "Now, that's more like it!"

This surely ain't it -- people at each other's throats:

Red state, blue state
Black eyes, checkmate

Who won?
No one...

Let's get into the boat and row in the same direction -- and see what common courtesy and working in tandem can do.

We can do it, if it's deemed important enough.

And of course it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDuiBhqkuDI&feature=related

And We'll Have Fun, Fun, Fun !!!!

Today has been a whirlwind filled with fun, fun, fun -- and it isn't over yet!

Jackie and I started out the morning visiting with two old school chums of hers (Melody Griffin nee Ruhl and Lillian Rogalski nee ???) up near Seattle. After that two hour breakfast-time visit, Jackie and I loaded our bikes and went on a 15 mile bike ride on the Orting Trail (while Wendy and her mom Sue Rebar walked four miles along the same path). Now we're awaiting a call to head over to Sue and George Rebar's for an outdoor campfire that promises a lot more fun, including hot dogs and s'mores. So you might call this "Kid Day" at the Smiths -- we've behaved like kids all day land loved every blasted moment of it. That doesn't happen enough in middle age; or at least is hasn't for me. I can take life waaaayyy too seriously at times.

We need to be sure it happens more often. I feel ten years younger and a whole lot more chipper than I have in quite some time.

The call just came in -- it's time to go to the campfire! WHEEE!!!!!!!

Try it! You'll love it!

Puhleeze People -- Check Out Snopes.com Re Barack Obama!

Some very intelligent, very wonderful people I know are utterly aghast because I am backing Obama for President (or Clinton, should she become the nominee of the party). They are sending me all kinds of rumors about the man: that he's secretly a Muslim, that he hates America, that he has renounced white America, etc. etc. etc. (He's half white, was raised by a white single mother and a white grandmother. Renouncing whites would be quite a slick trick!)

Puhleeze, all Americans (and anyone else following this blog or planning to vote in November for our next President): go to http://www.snopes.com/ right now and type Barack Obama into the search field. Every rumor and innuendo that is being expressed about him can be found there, and will be confirmed or debunked.

I believe this man is going to be our next Commander in Chief and I would hate to see anyone harboring any suspicions about him for which there is not one scintilla of evidence.

He's a good American. As is Senator Clinton. As is John McCain.

I implore you -- vote your conscience... vote your party... but please refrain from forwarding emails that cast aspersions on any of the candidates which have been debunked and shown to be urban legends at snopes.com. Forwarding lies is not a proper or intelligent way to influence people who are trying to make a good decision as to who should be our next President.

I am soooooooooo sick of the crap being spread about all three candidates. Get a newspaper. Watch different cable channels. Listen to the candidates. Then pray and make up your own mind.

Americans of all stripes need to stop slandering the patriots who step forward to lead this land.

Ooh-Whee! I Came in 18th out of 560+ !!!

My test results from the City of Tacoma Office Assistant exams were in the mailbox this morning when I went by the condo. I came in #18 in a field of more than 500 people! This is significant because potential employees are hired in order, and according to the fellow who gave us the exam, every department in the City uses Office Assistants -- some use more than one -- and so the rosters for these positions are gone through pretty fast. So I think I'll be called in soon for follow-up inteviews and testing, unless someone else swoops in and snatches me up first.

That's great news. I need to get back to work full-time, for sure. It has been a very long three months!

I've also heard back from the first client I served via Elance.com. He wants to use me for another couple of reasons (proofreading, a press release and an article about the business) so I'll be working on those as soon as I get the gig officially and the talking points. I've also bid on several other possible projects at Elance, and it looks as though at least a couple of those will fall to me.

I'm very grateful for the opportunity to keep my hand in the writing field evenings and weekends. Eventually, if I build up a large clientele (which will likely take a few years), I may be able to "fly solo" and hire myself full-time as a copywriter. Now, that would be sweet! It pays a whole lot better than any other job I've done in the past, and I love every moment I'm doing it! So, we'll see what God has in mind for me.

At least I've taken the leap of faith that had to be taken. I'm so glad I spent a year as an in-the-trenches copywriter, writing for hundreds of different clients, so I could pole-vault over the "fear factor" wall that seemed to be emblazoned with the question, "CAN YOU DO IT?"

Yes, I Can -- to steal a well-known Obama (and Sammy Davis Jr) phrase!!! I can do it! WAHOO!

Watch This... Watch This... Watch This....

These may be the twelve of the most important minutes you spend all week long...
http://video.stumbleupon.com/?s=ithct48cqw&i=ufcchmyxqsuj9vwsemax


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Have a terrific weekend!

Legislative District Caucus Report...

Spent three and a half hours this morning and afternoon at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, where the 29th Legislative District Caucuses were held. As an alternate, not a delegate, I sat through a lot of preliminaries to find out whether any of the delegates from my legislative district (29-532) failed t0 show up for the caucus. Since they all came, there was nothing left for me to do, because as an "un-seated" alternate (with no one to substitute for), I couldn't vote on the people wanting to move forward as delegates to the next step, so I skipped their self-nominating speeches and came home. While I was there, though, I had a whee of a time chatting with fellow Obama supporters and a few Clinton supporters. I feel sure we'll all unite under whichever of the two candidates wins the Democratic nomination to become the Presidential candidate for the party.

In my legislative district, 120+ Obama supporters (out of approximately 237 total) wanted to move forward and become delegates to the upcoming state and national conventions, but there are only twenty spots for delegates and 10 for alternates... so I figured that many of those who didn't get voted in as continuing delegates would then like to become alternates. Since I didn't have any designs on going on to the state or national conventions, I decided to take myself out of contention even as an alternate and let those who are chomping at the bit (to go all the way to Denver) to have the opportunity they so desperately want.

It was an easy decision for me. I can support either of the two Democratic nominees. I prefer Obama -- I think he's much better at uniting people than Clinton; and, while 73% of those polled say they are ready for a black President, only 67% say they are ready for a woman President. For these reasons, and a lot more, I feel Obama has the best chance to beat McCain in November.

I like McCain as a person and certainly honor him as a war hero and statesman; I just don't think he knows enough about the economy (for starters), and I disagree with his stand on the most pressing issues of the day. I also want this to be the year that America goes beyond "only white men can become President." I want to see that "glass ceiling" broken for everyone in America -- and while Hillary can break it for women, Barack can break it for everyone else who has ever been marginalized because of the color of their skin or their name.

We've already seen female world leaders -- Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir, Indira Gandhi, etc. And America has a lot of women governors now. It's just a matter of time before we see a woman President -- I just have a hard time believing it will be Hillary. (Even though I think she's pretty terrific personally.) A third Clinton term (especially with Bill as First Spouse -- almost frightening to consider!) is not a whole lot more appealing (to a great many voters) as is a third "Bush" term (read "McCain"). Not that McCain is by any means a clone, as the Dem talking heads try to convince us he is, but he's close enough to keep me at a distance, for sure. And Bush has come out for him -- which makes me very wary! (But then, who else could he come out for?) Anyone Bush wants, I don't! (Yes, I'm bitter and resentful over the many ways in which President Bush has driven our country into the ditch.)

Anyway... didn't intend to get on my soapbox... Bush won't be our next President -- HALLELUJAH!!!! -- so it's water under the bridge...

Study the issues, watch the candidates being grilled, and make an informed choice in November. I think the survival of this planet depends on it this time. We have a very small window of opportunity to curb global warming, turn the economy around, save Medicare and Social Security, get the lower and middle classes out of the ditch and back on the road, embrace our planet -- in a phrase, we need to move forward AS SOON AS JANUARY 20, 2009 to redeem what we can from the fiasco of the last eight years (and more, going backward three and a half decades to Watergate, off and on).

It's time!

Things Are Looking Up!

This week I've contacted a number of ad agencies here in Tacoma via phone to see if they'd be interested in me as a copywriter or copy editor, now or in the future, part time or full-time, during busy seasons, or for one-shot gigs. I attached writing samples and two letters of recommendation from my most recent place of employment. I also let them know they can engage me "virtually" through Elance.com if they prefer to work that way. I knew it was a long shot, but worth a try.

Much to my surprise and utter delight, four of the five agencies have called or emailed already to say they're glad to know I'm in the area and available. They say they'll keep me on file for whenever they might need me! WAHOO!!!

Can't tell you how great that makes me feel. I'll do more research and see if I can find more ad agencies in this neck of the woods and in Seattle and Olympia. During busy seasons, when agencies get overwhelmed, perhaps they'll think of me and give me some of their overload. Or, who knows? If one of their employees quits or is let go, perhaps they'll consider me as a replacement.

I was really surprised at the warm welcome I received when I called. "Oh, that's great. Yes, I'd like to see your resume and writing samples. Send them along!" WHEEE!

I'm also listed with five temp agencies (for companies needing secretaries and/or administrative assistants), but haven't received a single assignment yet. This is par for the course so much of the time -- that's why I have to be listed with just about every agency that's worth its salt.

A temp in a new region has to build a client base before s/he can stay busy. I was busy as a bee in Hollywood as a temp after about a year, because clients I worked for would request me the next time they needed to fill a spot while a permanent employee took a vacation/had a baby/went for surgery/took a sabbatical or what-ever. "Build it (a good reputation) and they will come!"

This Saturday and next I will be at caucuses as an alternate delegate for Barack Obama. I wasn't able to make it to the training sessions so will have to rely on my ability as a "quick study"! I did fine as a precinct captain, even though I'd never attended a caucus before, so reckon I can catch on to the nitty-gritty of these upcoming events. I just hope I'm not shanghaied to attend the national convention in Denver when that comes around. I hope all the regular delegates can "do their thing" so I don't have to fly to Denver for four days (on my own dime) to help Barack win the nomination. (ATTENTION, MARGOT! PLAN FOR A GUEST IF I HAVE TO BE IN DENVER FOR THE CONVENTION! I can't afford plane fare, let alone a hotel room!)
[Donations accepted to get Kris to Denver... if that comes to pass!!! :) :) :) :) ] [Watch all my Republican friends send me tickets to Hawaii for the duration of the Democratic National Convention! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!]

On April 14th I will be taking the Office Assistant exam for the City of Tacoma. I have to buy a calculator for that. They're required. (Good thing. After I get past fingers and toes, I need a calculator!) (OK, that's a slight exaggeration, but only slight.)

Three weekends from now, I'll be attending Church For All Nations's women's conference, which takes place Friday night (the 18th) from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday (the 19th) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The women's ministry leader says I can have a vendor booth at the conference, so this afternoon I made some postcards. They look pretty cool, if I do say so myself. If you want a copy of the postcard, let me know and I'll email it to you. Then you can make copies and hand them out to business owners wherever you are if you have a friendly relationship with them and feel comfortable doing this. Since I'm listed with Elance, anyone in the whole world has access to my writing service -- so don't be shy about telling folks you know me and will vouch for me. That would be great! I need a handful of clients soon, so I can convince myself I can make a go of it as a freelance copywriter! Thanks!

Laying Jennifer Cuellar To Rest, Lifting Jesus Up on Resurrection Day, and More

Jennifer Cuellar's graveside service was on Good Friday, and her celebration service was on Saturday. For a person who lived just 28 years (on this side of eternity) she left a mark on so many people. More than 300 were at the graveside service, and Church For All Nations (a mega-church in Tacoma) was nearly packed on Saturday.

Pastor Wolfson officiated at the graveside service and read a letter Jennifer sent him. Every page of the 4 x6 cards (that's the way Jenn sent letters; I have a one-page note from her on a colorful card, which I cherish) was a different, bright color, and she used several different colors of pen during the course of the letter, even on a single card. That was Jennifer: bright colors and the trademark flower-in-her-hair would let you know you were in the presence of a true light in the world, and when she grinned and giggled and her eyes crinkled with delight (which happened frequently, no matter how wiped out she might be) you were transported. You knew she had something few others have. What she had, in a nutshell, was a reflection of God's love coming through her face and features.

Saturday's celebration service for Jenn's life was fabulous -- 80% joy and love, 20% tears and sniffles. My former boss, Pastor Ken Ecker, was the emcee. This man is truly anointed, and I need to write him again and tell him. (When I worked for him, I made him a home-made card that said, "Whenever I'm in your presence, I see Jesus." But Jesus as only Pastor Ken can channel him!

Pastor Ken is both a very serious Bible scholar and an effervescent, fun, sometimes wonderfully wacky teacher of God's word. (P.S. So was Jesus when he walked among us in the flesh! People tend to forget that aspect of Jesus, but it's why kids and others flocked to him in the thousands. He was Quite Sum'pin Else -- and it wasn't His looks that drew them. It was his authority, love, miracles, scholarship and concern. This description also applies to Pastor Ken. So he's a genuine reflection of the God he serves.) Pastor Ken can take a difficult theological subject (as was his question to those gathered to celebrate her life, "Where is Jennifer Cuellar Right Now?") and have everybody in stitches first and in happy tears just seconds later. If there's a video of his presentation, I am going to get it and show it to everyone I know. If I can get permission, I will even publish it here!

My answer to Pastor Ken's Question, "Where is Jennifer Now? can be found at the URL below:

http://denimandlace.50megs.com/1whenigetwhereimgoing.html Play it -- then come back here and read the rest of this!

Pastor Ken might disagree with me. He said he's not exactly sure where she is right now. "Until the new heaven and the new earth are rolled out, she may just be asleep right now... but wherever it is, there is no sorrow, no tears, no suffering, no fears...."

For the rest of the celebration service for Jennifer, anytime anyone else would mention Jennifer dancing with Jesus or being in Heaven, they would look at Pastor Ken (sitting in the front row) and append, "-- or WHEREVER!"

By the end of the service, people who loved her without limit were saying, "God, Bless Jennifer, Wherever!!" and laughing.

I'm sure Jenn was looking in on all of us, praise be to God, and loving every minute of it!


But Pastor Ken said something very serious that will stay with me forever. He had a ball of fabulous, glitter-filled (or silver thread filled, or whatever) yarn at the podium. One end was coming out the top. He had a volunteer take the sack of yarn up the middle aisle and out the back door as he held the starting point of the thread in his right hand.

As the yarn sack disappeared past us, leaving a long single thread that stretched from the sack to Pastor Ken at the podium, he said, "This beautiful, multi-colored, glorious thread represents Jennifer's life. My volunteer will be gone quite a while, because she is taking the other end of this thread out through the sanctuary, into the mall, out the front door, south to Portland and San Diego and Tierra del Fuego and Argentina and out of our atmosphere and across the Milky Way galaxy, and then she'll be heading out to the farthest reaches of the universe and starting back with it...

"So we won't wait for her to return. But take a look at this part of the thread." He held out about two feet of it, and continued, "Most of us will live 75 or 80 years, about this much of the thread, on this side of eternity." And he cut it off and laid the "eternity" part on the podium as he regarded the two foot section he still held. "Jennifer Cuellar didn't make it to 75 or 80 and we're all having a hard time with that. In the natural, it stinks. Jennifer lived just this long here on earth." And he cut off a piece about four inches long. Held it. Twirled it. "It looks small, too short, it looks utterly insignificant when measured against the 80 years many of us will enjoy. And it looks completely negligible compared to the eternal part of life." And he held up the thread that stretched out the door and across the universe.

"But just look what she accomplished during her little snippet of existence on this side of the scissors, the Great Divide! She invested it connecting other people to the eternal part of their story in a way that saved them and destined them for kinship with the Father. That was her focus and that is why so many of us are here from all across the country today -- to show and to celebrate the impact she had on us. Her entire focus was in reflecting God's love and helping people realize how special and wonderful each of us are in His eyes."

The above is a paraphrase. Pastor Ken said it better. This is the essence of Pastor Ken's message about Jennifer.

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We all wonder, I think, what kind of a legacy we will leave, how many people will drop everything to attend our "coronation service" (memorial service). Our egos, those pesky things, want to know. But even more deeply than our egos, our souls long to know.

We want to live lives of significance and contribution: our Creator made us to be significant and to contribute. It's in our DNA! We're supposed to make a difference!

We're supposed to reflect Him -- how cool is that?

And Jennifer did it -- in Technicolor -- all the days of her life.

To quote Jennifer Cuellar, "How "stinkin' cool" is that?!!"

(Jennifer was talking about God sending His Only Son to die on the cross for HER when she wrote into her journal, "How stinkin' cool is that?")

Pretty stinkin' cool, Jenn! Pret-ty stinkin' cool!!!!

God bless You, WHEREVER!

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Resurrection Sunday was fabulous, too. Although fighting a bad cold, I got dressed and went to Bible study at 9 and to the Resurrection Celebration Service following at CFAN (www.churchforallnations.org). My hoarseness and congestion disappeared as we sang forty minutes of crucifixion and resurrection songs. Some people raised their hands; others danced, others knelt and prayed.

I love attending Church For All Nations because it is truly representative of 54 different nations, including a Deaf Church, which praises and worships in sign language. Sometimes I stop worshipping long enough to watch the ways in which other people groups worship. Doing that can transport me into the Throne Room of God at warp speed. Sometimes it's good to get outside one's own head and see how others interact with God. It's unutterably fabulous!

At our church, you'll see the "frozen chosen," those from denominations where standing utterly still (reverent) is the norm; Jewish Dance (Messianic Jews who dance before the Lord); Deaf Church (seeing the signs for Holy Spirit, God Almighty and other terms put me in tears the first few times I saw them; the signs are so expressive); Hispanic ministry, Middle Eastern, European... you name it... Everyone worships uniquely. It's a joy to behold.

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Something else. I invested in The Word of Promise, the New Testament brought to life (New King James version) in audio format using a full orchestra and more than 120 actors, ten of whom are award-winning or very well-known people (Richard Dreyfuss, Marisa Tomei, Jim Caviezel, Stacy Keach, Louis Gossett, Jr, Luke Perry, Terence Stamp, Lou Diamond Phillips, John Schneider, Michael York, etc.). I put the first disc in (there are 20 total) and wasn't able to stop listening until I hit disc 5 and it was close to midnight. I've read the Holy Bible cover to cover at least four times, but hearing it (which is the away it was originally heard, learned and passed along by elders until the Gutenberg Press made Bibles accessible to everyone four or five hundred years ago) .... fully orchestrated... with dramatic highs and lows expressed via instrument and human voice -- well, it's just fabulous! If you want to check it out, here's the link to it at Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Word-Promise-Testament-Audio-BIble/dp/0718024249

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Guess that's all for this time. Be well!

Governor Bill Richardson Endorses Obama...

Bill Richardson recently endorsed Barack Obama. Here is the video of his endorsement.


https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/richardson?source=20080321_BRE_1_G

This is an important endorsement. Senator Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are close friends of Richardson and it took him a long time to take a stand. It wasn't an easy choice.

But the choice is getting easier and easier as the days pass and as Barack faces new challenges.

Barack's Plan to End the War and Make America Safer

Take a look.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/fiveyearslater

Obama's Repudiation of His Former Minister's "Take" On America

In case you missed Obama's speech today, here's a link to it:

http://my.barackobama.com/hisownwords

Here are video excerpts from the speech:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=23690824&#23690824

And here are a couple earlier ones I just found on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asRgv3L_CAI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FsqDTVmlKk

A Kelley Gem -- Thanks to Alison Winter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYGUyYcCuMA

Enjoy!

Read "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

I highly recommend The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. He is the author of the book Oprah is discussing Monday nights on her special webcast (mentioned in an earlier blog), A NEW EARTH.

The Power of Now is subtitled "A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment," and I'm afraid that will freak out some Christians and numerous others (including atheists). I don't really see that much in the book about spiritual enlightenment. What I see is a discussion about how our egos (with their fear-filled, self-made "life stories") always live in the past or the future in an attempt to keep control of our mind so that it can keep dictating to us what to see, how to feel, and how to interpret and react to whatever happens during the eternal "now" that is our life.

If you have read other self-help books, The Power of Now won't be as difficult to understand as many of the concepts in A NEW EARTH may seem to those who haven't taken a look within and decided that things aren't as tidy or peaceful in there as we would wish. It's eye-opening to read of the many ways in which our ego is out to win at any cost, even at the cost of our internal peace and our external security.

Tolle quotes Jesus numerous times in each of the books, stating what he believes he really meant when he said such-and-such. I don't always agree with Tolle's interpretation of Jesus's words, but I do find his interpretations worthy of consideration and contemplation. I think the church has made some interpretation errors along the way, too, and I'm always reading to see if an alternate interpretation makes better sense than what is usually considered "canon interpretation." My mind is open -- not so open that my brains will fall out and splatter on the floor -- but open enough that I want to explore varying degrees of interpretation and see how it resonates against the Holy Spirit. I trust the Holy Spirit's interpretations, so any AHA moments I have do not violate what He knows to be true.

Anyway, even if you're not in the least spiritual, I think THE POWER OF NOW and A NEW EARTH can take you inside yourself to discover the why and how about all the static and seeming unhappiness or frustration that exists inside, and how to observe your mind and create spaces between thoughts so that your Source (Being, Internal Witness, God, Holy Spirit, intuition, whatever else you choose to call it) can calm you and administer sanity to whatever it is that your mind tells you, almost non-stop, every moment you are awake.

The books say that we are, to all intents and purposes, "unconscious" as long as we let our minds and egos legislate how to see the world and how to behave in it . It's when we relinquish our personal past "stories" and future personal "prophecies"that we can offer enough space to our Internal Witness , so that we can learn to live in the only time truly available to us in which to make things happen: the eternal "now."

How true! It is an on-going combination of "nows" which lead to what we conceptualize as our future. As long as our wounded, self-possessed egos are reaching out to an unmanifested future or reaching back to a now-dead past, we are squandering the only time we have to make a difference, to make a change, to heal our life and the accompanying planetary dysfunction that abounds because of our own egoic "insanity."

Sounds logical enough, eh wot? The books are pretty amazing. They take us along as Tolle breaks down the components inherent in creating our ego's "life story," all of which is based on illusion and internal dialogue created while we are still terribly vulnerable to those around us (our parents, siblings, media, school chums, etc.). Since most of the world's population is "unconscious," we learn unconsciousness from all those around us who are in a position of influence.

But we can also learn consciousness (presence, awareness, clarity) from great spiritual masters from many different regions of the world -- Jesus, Lao Tzu, Buddha, and others. These "enlightened ones," divorced from their egos, lived their "nows" in complete obedience to the law of Love, which is the only power in the universe that is unadulterated and purposefully pure. Not the "love" we see manifested on earth by unconscious, ego-driven folks, but the love displayed by God in creating the universe and everything in it -- including us!

Try the books. Start at the library and see for yourself if these are books you will want to own and share. They would make wonderful "book club" discussions, I think! Psychiatrists and pastors might benefit, too. (It helps to get outside one's own "club and paradigm" and read other perspectives at times... it helps direct additional light and insight to one's own vocation.)

I love reading and learning. I'll never stop!

On a Sad Note ... Jennifer Cuellar Has Passed Away

Jennifer Cuellar

1980-2008

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord."

http://jennifercuellar.homeip.net/

The beautiful person in this photo went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning after more than a year battling leukemia. We miss her terribly, even though we know she's dancing with Jesus as I write this!

Jennifer Cuellar occupied (and transformed) the cubicle next to mine at Church For All Nations. She was in her mid-20's and as utterly dedicated to her mission to God as anyone else I have ever known. There were times I'd arrive a half hour or an hour early -- or come back to work later at night -- and she'd already (or still) be at her desk, working away, or discipling a Core student, or in some other way making sure things happened far beyond what is considered (even in church circles) to be a normal business day. And she nearly always had the smile you see on her face in this photo (which I took at the Zetterberg's beach house one day in July about two or three years ago).

What you see in the photo is exactly who she was. I think she was a bit shy, but she didn't let it stop her from doing what Jesus called her to do (the Great Commission he called all of us to do who know Him as Lord and Savior). She had a beautiful voice and used it to speak and to sing about salvation, grace and love.

She frequently left notes of encouragement on each of our desks, letting us know what it was about each of us that she thanked God for when she prayed. And whenever she knew we were going through a trial, monumental or minuscule, we'd hear from her that she was praying for us, always through that sweet, shy smile.

She was -- and will remain -- a light in this world for those fortunate enough to have been in her presence even once.

Please pray that her twin sister, Frances, and the rest of her family will experience the "peace that passes all understanding" even as they go through the grieving process. May they understand that Jennifer's days on earth were numbered from the foundations of the earth and that she wonderfully fulfilled her purpose in the very few years she had in which to make a difference while still in the flesh.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts, minds and ministries of all those who knew and loved her.

Billie Rae Weighs In On McCain and History...

Billie Rae Walker has this to say about McCain. I respect and will publish all thoughtful comments re the front runners. As I say, we all need to think this out and vote for who we believe will carry our country forward in the most responsible way. Bille Rae believes in a strong military and fighting aggression "over there" before it comes to our shores, as delayed response can be horrendous -- and I get that. WWII showed that in spades. I don't think either of the Democratic candidates will "sell the farm" to aggressors -- I just think a Democrat would have attacked Afghanistan and gone after bin Laden where he was instead of heading to Iraq... but that's all water under the bridge. Billie Rae makes some good points, to wit:

"Senator McCain believes that if we quickly bring all our troops home and/or advertise a timetable for withdrawal, it will result in genocide [as it did in Vietnam and Cambodia], and that "they" will follow us home. I'm afraid that history agrees with him......

Just as history ultimately proved FDR right about our needing to enter the fight before it came here [and it came---to Pearl Harbor]......and proved President Reagan right about a very strong defense being necessary to combat the Soviet Union. I didn't think I would live to see the Berlin Wall come down, but thanks to him I did.

I believe in the equal worth of all cultures [I'm an anthropologist after all], but if another culture desires the destruction of my culture I really don't want to wait until they arrive on our shores again.

In many other matters Senator McCain really is a Moderate...... which the interviewer last nite was giving him a good natured hard time about, telling him that sometimes he sounds like a Democrat [and sometimes he does..... which is fine with me as a lifelong registered Independent]. His views on some things, such as Immigration and undocumented aliens ["They are also God's children"] really upsets the very conservative Republicans; that, and the fact that he often works "across the aisle" with Democrats. Many of the Conservative talkshow hosts still won't support him.

I respect his dedication to stopping earmarks that are added to legislation, and the fact that he has never taken any earmarked funding for his district. I still need to learn more about his plan to improve health care coverage for every American; and how he intends to contruct his plan re: not raising taxes.

Whatever the outcome, I'm encouraging my students to register and VOTE, whomever they vote for...... I don't remember another election as interesting as this one in many years. And they'll not likely see another one like it for quite awhile either.

When the candidates start campaigning I'm hopeful that they'll come to Upstate New York so that we can get a chance to see/hear them in person. I had a chance to go to one of President Reagan's campaign stops, but work interferred...... I wish I'd been able to attend.

Will you be involved when/if Senator Obama comes back to your area ? Are his supporters in your state organizing for the general election ? In three weeks we'll see how the voting goes in Pa.....perhaps then there will be a clearer picture re: who's the likely Democratic candidate. It's quite a contest......

McCain Comes To Obama's Defense -- What a Gentleman!

Thanks to Billie Rae Walker for this:

"Hi Kris....

"I thought you'd be interested to know that, during an hour-long TV interview yesterday evening, John McCain strongly came to Senator Obama's defense re: the current "uproar" about his pastor...... stating that each of them [the candidates] have supporters whose ideas the candidates themselves may not be in agreement with. He also stated that he considered both Democratic candidates to be people of integrity, and that this campaign should be a respectful debate re: differing ideas and visions for America's future [not personal attacks].

"When I watched the news today I only saw one mention of Senator McCain's defense of his fellow Senator..... so thought I'd pass this on to you [in case the news stations continue to not cover it / of course it's not argumentative enough to make sensational "copy"for the news].

"I hope people will listen to him and stop the attacks on one another..... but unfortunately I'm afraid they won't heed his advice. Hope all goes well there.....

Billie Rae

Unabashed Obama Bashers

Oh, for heaven's sake. Now there's a "controversy" out there about Senator Obama's pastor, despite the fact that Senator Obama has already stated that he doesn't agree with numerous things his pastor has said over the years.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23634881

This campaign used to be kind of fun to watch, but the way it's going now, it is beginning to seem like "politics as usual" except in the Obama corner.

I don't know any parishioner who agrees 100% with every concept floated from their pastor's pulpit. I certainly don't agree with my pastor every time. In fact, there are times when the man truly ticks me off (not when he's teaching the word of God, but when he's pontificating on matters where I have disagreements with him outside theology)! Pastors are, by nature, controversial creatures -- counter-cultural consciences. It's part and parcel of their job description. Show me a pastor who never ruffles feathers and I'll show you a pastor who's a theologically impotent misfit.

I didn't think what the pastor in question said was all that controversial in this instance: He said that Obama has a better sense of what black people need, and where they are emotionally, than does Hillary Clinton, since he was raised by a single parent and has had to learn to survive and thrive in a culture that hasn't been terribly sympathetic to the unique trials and tribulations of people of color and other needy folks. While we have made huge strides in America -- we have Barack Obama's serious candidacy for President as proof of that -- we certainly aren't "home yet."

There has been an undercurrent of rumors, gossip and innuendo surrounding Obama's candidacy lately that is verging on ridiculous: among them, is he a closet Muslim; is he a black supremacist; what was he doing wearing African duds during a "photo op" in Africa?

Fer gosh sakes, look at him, listen to him... and let your intuition decide what kind of American he is. My intuition -- and ears and eyes-- tells me he's an articulate, intelligent, visionary gentleman who can heal the divisions in our land because he doesn't view those of us in America who disagree with him as "enemies" or mental midgets. He respects their opinions, listens without rancor, and finds ways to honor the effort to communicate -- and to compromise when people are better off for it.

I find him thoroughly honorable. When he "fights back" against challenges, he takes care to give the other person space to "agree to disagree." He doesn't attempt to metaphorically "blacken eyes" to score. His goal and focus is to "reason together."

I think he'll be a fabulous President. I think Clinton would be a less-fabulous President because she has caused such animosity and division during her years in the spotlight to date. Not that it has always been her fault... but recently some of the stuff she has been bringing up against Obama makes her seem willing to burn the village (and both Obama's and her own bridges to the White House) to the ground to smoke him out and destroy his candidacy so she can win.

That's a shame. If she's the Democratic candidate, I will support her, but not with the fervor or the hope with which I support Obama's candidacy.

Obama has earned my support by remaining sane and humane all along, no matter what kind of stones are tossed his way.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thanks to all the folks who have been sending snail mail and e-mail birthday cards the past few days. With my life as up in the air as it is at the moment, I may have forgotten all about today being The Day if not for the sweet reminders!

On Saturday I moved out of my condo so the Realtor can stage it and see if it sells that way. I'm living with my sister; the cats are cozy in her garage with a heat lamp, rugs, a recliner, a lamp and a radio tuned to my usual station (SPIRIT 1053 in Seattle). They seem to have settled in well but can't understand why I won't allow them into the rest of the house. (Jackie is allergic, is why.) My grandnieces visit them briefly every day before I drive them to school (five minutes away), so they're getting lots of attention in addition to the attention they get from me.

The good news is that I was awarded unemployment compensation. It took six weeks to get it but I won the day and all is well now... I'm looking daily for new opportunities at several employment websites, but so far nothing has happened.

Being unemployed can wreak havoc on one's sense of worth. It shouldn't, but it does. I want to find something that not only pays the bills but is a creative, enthusiastic contribution to the world at the same time. For me, that has always involved writing. (Big surprise there, huh?!)

I need to start again on the enthusiasm book. It might re-ignite my enthusiasm! Having just read A NEW EARTH, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Tolle, there's a lot in there that spotlights why enthusiasm is such a necessary part of awakening to one's purpose. And enthusiasm is what I have been lacking these past two months. It seems most of the air has been sucked out of me. That's because I'm facing two major stressors at the moment:

No home to call my own; I feel displaced! (Most of my stuff is stored...)
No job; and no immediate prospect of one

Any one of these stressors is enough to make a person feel off-balance -- both of them together make for a very strange feeling!

But God is in control. I choose to rest in the knowledge that He has a plan. I am to wait until I feel confident that I know what His plan is. My plans are wildly inferior to the ones he has. He sees the big picture; I see only a part of it.

I need to get back to exercising. That always helps me connect with God's spirit. The weather hasn't been very conducive to it the past few days, and I've been congested, but today and tomorrow look good.

I may drive over the Chambers Bay and walk again today and tomorrow. But not until later this afternoon because the air is arctic right now -- there was thick frost on the windshields this morning -- and icy air in my recovering lungs would probably not be a good thing.

Hilary did well in Ohio and Texas last night, so the race for the Democratic nomination continues. I think if Obama and Clinton will agree to combine forces and run together, theirs will be an unbeatable team. I hope they will reach that conclusion sooner rather than later so that they have as much time to "get it together" and present a united effort as Senator McCain will have, now that Huckabee is out of the race...

This is a crucial time on our planet. I hope every voter will take the time necessary to go over the issues that affect all of us and determine what it will take -- and who it will take -- to move forward and make the changes necessary to give us a better chance at surviving as a species and as a global community.

We can do better. On all sides. I think we can all agree on that!

Whether you're presently for Obama/Clinton or McCain, keep an open mind as you study all aspects of both campaigns and party platforms. All those running are patriots. Don't fall into the trap of "them vs. us." Vilification is not the way ahead.
Honorable people disagree. So please disagree kindly.

I don't agree with the entire Democratic platform; I don't agree with the entire Republican platform. I don't agree entirely with any of the three candidates, not being a clone of any of them.

There's a lot we can all agree on. Let's head for those areas where we agree and see what we can do in the next four, eight, twelve, sixteen years to help as many people as we can.

"And the glow from that fire will truly light the world." John F Kennedy

Condo Sweet Condo... Please Be Gone-go SOON!

Good evening.

By now my cats definitely know something is up. The recliner has been loaded into the SUV, as have all the clothes, food, cat food and other stuff I plan to take to Jackie's. What they don't know is that they are part of the plan. They won't particularly like it -- living in Jackie's garage or in a pen on her back patio when the weather is nice -- but it'll be better for them than living here all alone and having strangers invade frequently looking at the condo. I'll be sure to place a rug and the recliner in Jackie's garage so I can sit with them a few times during the day, so they'll know they haven't been "farmed out" or abandoned.

I dread this part of the move the most. I hate having to upset my pets, especially Ashley, the timid one. He may require therapy afterward! (Yeah, right.)

If we were moving straight to the new place, it would be easier, because all of my stuff would get there before I do and when I carried the cats in, they'd figure out real fast that, while we're in a new house, it's definitely still "home." But staying with Jackie in the interim, while the condo sells, makes us "guests," with very limited "home-based things" that they can recognize as landmarks. And since Jackie's allergic to cats, they can't be in the house with us. And boarding them would be even more traumatic for them, not to mention expensive! So -- it is what it is. I just thank God that it should only be for a short time...

Keep the kitties in your prayers during their travails and keep the condo in your prayers for a quick sale, so we can undertake the last leg of this journey and get moved in as soon as possible!

Also keep me in your prayers for a great new job using my creative and administrative skills and for an approval for unemployment compensation as I continue to look. I was told I might receive a determination today in the mail, but nothing came. Perhaps tomorrow...

Tomorrow morning Phil, Wendy and Jackie will come over and help me move the few remaining items out of the condo (the ones I can't lift by myself) and then kitties and I will be out of here.

My condo neighbors will be on the alert for anyone other than Realtor-types, day and night, and I'll be stopping by frequently for the mail. But other than that, this may be my last night in what has been a truly WONDERFUL condo experience. I adore this condo -- every inch of it.

"Then why am I selling?!" you may ask....

Because Jackie and I are the next generation in line who will be needing "help" as we age -- and the idea of getting a place together allows us to help each other and to get help "all at once" if we both need help at the same time.

God willing, we won't need much help for another thirty years, but by then homes will be unaffordable -- they almost are now! If we do it now, we can pay off the place in under ten years and be in fine shape to let the place escalate in value after that...

Just thinking ahead, you see... Not a bad idea!

Myriad Musings...My Blog Is One Year Old!

I was more than a little afraid of launching this blog a year ago. Not because I didn't have plenty to say, or because it would take a lot of time to keep it going, but because I knew it could open me up to being attacked. My opinions aren't universally held. (Whose opinions are?!) And I would have to expose myself to people's reactions -- many of them total strangers -- to the "real me," the one inside my head, the one rarely seen from where you sit or stand when looking at me.

I was just looking back over the history of this blog. It's amazing how wide-ranging it has been during its year of life -- from De Kelley to spirituality to politics to -- well, you name it, if it's happened to me this year (or been noticed by me in a major way), it's within the pages of this blog!

What I love about it is that it has all been such civilized discourse, while still being a lot of fun. No one has written in to bash anyone or anything I've covered. Not that I would allow (publish) rantings designed to bash others or myself, but the mere fact that I have not had to "disallow" any of the comments made to these blogs speaks for the decency and hearts of those who visit these pages.

All year long, I don't think I've refused to publish more than three comments, and those I did disallow were simply blatant attempts to steer readers of this blog to other web addresses for personal gain (e.g., "Make a million dollars this year..." -- with a link to some scam).

While there have been a few (very few) disagreements over particular philosophies or movies during the year this blog has been in existence, the people disagreeing have been uniformly respectful, loving, and willing to interact with me long enough and in enough detail so that, even where we've "agreed to disagree" as an end result, we have not in any way lost a friendship over any of the issues. That's what civilized people do! I just love it!

This is very different from the threads I see at most public forum sites. So many of them seem to enjoy the "gladiatorial combat" aspects of disagreeing, where vitriolic, unkind, unfair and outright defamatory and slanderous accusations are broadcast.

Case in point: I am very "into politics" this year. The last year I was this into politics was 1972.

So I went to a political website to read the comments and insights of supporters of Presidential candidates other than my own chosen candidate (Obama) to see if any of them could convince me to consider their candidate further, based on their own personal reasoning. What I found was sadly appalling for the most part: a bunch of mean-spirited zealots (in the worst sense of the term) trying to convince me, not that their candidate was the right one, but that my candidate was the wrong one! And they did this by trying to make feel stupid or naive for supporting him!

They didn't succeed.

Rantings rarely change minds or convince anyone of anything. For the most part, Obama's supporters respect -- as does Obama -- that although we have differences, our common interests and needs bind us together and need to be addressed, and we can only do that working together to make them happen.

I think all of the top Presidential contenders, on both sides, understand this. I wish their supporters did!

We're going to get a new President this year. He or she will start work next January, 2009. As I've said before, we need to keep our rhetoric in the days between now and then sober, civil and respectful, because ONE OF THESE PEOPLE WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. If we want the world to respect our next Chief Executive, it behooves us to treat honorably all the public servants who are running and who are willing to put their lives on the line to lead us.

I pray for each of the candidates nightly. They can all contribute next year, but not if we keep stoking fierce fires of contention and separation.

I am SO ready for the rest of the world to become as peaceable, fun-loving and contributory as the readers of this blog have been -- and are!

Thanks for sticking with me!

Submissions Pouring In! Wahoo!

DeForest Kelley fans are sending me their reminiscences again for the upcoming book (THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DeFOREST KELLEY: ACTOR, HEALER, FRIEND, to be released in 2009), thanks to the recent coverage from Sci-Fi Reporter, TrekToday and other websites. I'm getting submissions from sociology professors, doctors, and NASA Space Nurses. It's just been phenomenal. Keep the word out there, folks, and this new book will be a sensation when it's released!

I'm fighting a gargantuan cold and have no appetite, so keep getting weak and puny feeling. I was pretty useless yesterday, but am feeling a bit better today.

Getting Ready to Stage My Condo...

Busy, busy girl. We've decided to move me entirely out of this condo (cats, too) and stage it. I'm moving absolutely EVERYTHING out -- beds, the few remaining pictures, you name it. I've taken the guest bed apart and leaned it up against the wall, so it's ready to move out to Wendy's as soon as someone big and strong is here to do it (probably no sooner than Friday). I will be staying at Jackie's (with the cats in her garage) until the condo sells. Our Realtor thinks it will go fast as soon as we properly stage is. Good thing, because our hearts are set on a home we found and unless my condo sells, we can't get it.

It's been a madhouse, between taking tests, riding bikes and walking on weekends, applying for jobs and talking to the unemployment folks about my pending claim. I had a terrific visit with one of the ladies from employment security and she "gets" where I'm coming from totally, so I anticipate an acceptance. That will be very helpful until I land one of the jobs I'm going after.

So, this is an explanation for why I haven't been keeping up on this blog daily. Just too busy right now. Until I get moved and a new job and settled, I'm in "survival Mode" -- all systems "GO!" until all is well again.

Please keep me in your prayers.

Thanks so much!

Get a Pet, Lower Your Heart Attack Risk By 30%

Take a look at this...

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100194893&GT1=10914

It doesn't surprise me in the least...

STAR TREK: The Tour, Coming to a City Near You?

Check it out...


http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=6274961&page=1

TrekToday Runs Info On My Upcoming Book...

Here's the link...


http://www.trektoday.com/news/210208_02.shtml

And Trekmovie.com got into the act, too!

http://trekmovie.com/

Ooh-Whee! What a Workout Today!

This morning I located the starting point for the Chambers Bay Walking Path near here. Jackie told me it was a challenging walk for the uninitiated, so I decided to try it out. Glad I did.

The walking path encircles the Chambers Bay Golf Course, which will host a PGA Tour next year or the year after. It's located along Commencement Bay and the terrain is very hilly.

On the way down the first hill (I walked counter-clockwise from the Chambers Bay Restaurant) I thought, "Geez, sure hope the hill [at the other end of this three mile circular course] isn't as steep as this one is!"

I seemed to be descending to the center of the earth for at least a full quarter of a mile. Others, young and speedy, jogged past me, talking. I thought, "If I tried jogging down this hill, my momentum would have me flat on my face -- and skidding -- in no time flat!"

Once at the bottom of the gulch, there was a long span of more-or-less level walking along Commencement Bay. A railroad track between me and the bay kept me entertained as trains passed, nearly every car emblazoned with colorful graffiti.

After about 3/8 of a mile the path started uphill again. At first the ascendancy was slight; it felt good. But not long after there was about a half mile stretch that was Seriously Challenging (probably an 8 or 9% grade). I went up slowly, trying to see if I could make it all the way without stopping. Almost did it. Had to stop once, three quarters of the way up, for about thirty seconds. Well, I didn't HAVE TO, but I wanted to check my pulse to see if I was pushing it beyond what I should to make it up the hills. My heart rate was up around 150-160 beats per minute. (My resting heart rate is around 60 or 65 per minute.) I couldn't remember if that was too high, but I felt it was certainly pushing the limit for my age (57 on March 5th this year), so I stayed put for about 40 seconds, then started out again, slowly.

It felt good and I felt terrific afterward. I even considered going again, but decided that might be overdoing it on the first day, even though I've been very active (walking on level ground and biking) the past three weeks.

This afternoon I did my usual 2.5 mile walk (mostly on flat ground). I plan to go to Chambers Bay again tomorrow and Friday. I'll walk in the morning both times. I need to be at the testing site for the Police Department on Friday by 2, so if I'm back home by noon Friday, I'll have plenty of time to get ready, drive to the Tacoma Dome parking lot and ride the Link Light Rail to the testing site in downtown Tacoma.

I'm on the last half of The Pillars of the Earth, Oprah's last book of the month club selection. It's hard to put down. It's a marathon adventure, for sure. I rarely read non-fiction, but this one is worth the time. And it has taken time. I think it'll cost me 30 hours or more of my life by the time I've closed the back cover! But it will have been worth it.

Thanks To George "Stompy" Hollo For Send Me This YouTube Link to a Merv Griffin Interview with DeForest Kelley...

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxDytYQpv3Y