OK, this is purely an opinion piece, you may disagree with me and we'll still be friends. I have to admit right at the top that I've never been a John Edwards fan. He strikes me as being too slick and glib. On my scale of rating politicians those qualities are near the top of my list of unforgivable characteristics.
That being said... I watched some show on ABC last night about John Edwards affair. I think it was 20/20. (I don't watch anything on ABC so am not familiar with their shows or news people). I only saw the last 30 minutes, but I am even more appalled at the things John Edwards has done than I was before.
Can you imagine how his wife, Elizabeth must feel. If I were her I would be thinking, "I wasted my HEALTH on this jerk!"
I don't have a very high opinion of Andrew Young and his wife either, however, I'm somewhat impressed with their willingness to admit the wrongs they committed in this whole situation. I also understand that they will profit from the mistakes they made. I thought it was pathetic that he kept saying that he's now unemployable. He's not, he's just unemployable in politics. I'm sure he can get some other type of job, but I guess he feels some other type of job would be beneath him.
I guess the moral of this story is that we rarely acknowledge that we are capable of unimaginable actions. I got the impression that the Young's look at themselves and can't believe they got caught up in this mess. They just kept repeating, we were wrong for doing this, we were wrong for doing that. They also expressed sorrow and remorse for their roles in enabling John Edwards to perpetrate such a lie.
Wonder if John Edwards will bounce back from this? What his wife will do? How he'll make amends to the daughter he denied? Stay tuned, I'm sure we haven't heard the last of him.
1.30.2010
1.27.2010
The State of Vicki Address
Tonight is the State of the Union Address. I'm not really enthusiastic about watching it, and I may not. I'm not sure the true state of the Union is what we'll hear. However, I did think that today would be a good time to deliver my "The State of Vicki Address". The audience is quite small - only one person - me. Today I plan to look back over the past year and revisit my accomplishments, regardless of how small and insignificant. I plan to look ahead over 2010 and determine where I hope to be at the end of it. I'm going to strive for honesty in identifying the areas that need improvement, and humble in identifying the areas in which I'm succeeding. I will include ideas for helping to improve the lives of those around me, from my husband, to my children, to my neighbors, to my state, country, and the world. My goals will not be lofty, but hopefully, when completed, they will have made a positive difference.
1.26.2010
Books... as Far as the Eye Can See!
We have a great annual book sale here in Phoenix. It's the VNSA sale and it's held each year at the Exhibit Building at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. There are more than 600,000 books, yes, you read it right - 600,000.
The purpose of the VNSA Used Book Sale is to raise funds for three nonprofit human service agencies; Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, and Toby House.
This year the sale is being held on February 13/14, the hours are 8 am - 6 pm on Saturday, and 8 am -4 pm on Sunday. On Sunday all books are half price.
If you love books, you have to go to this sale. The prices are unbelievable. They have books from every category imaginable. It is very well organized, but be warned, there are tons and tons of people. This is the kind of thing that people line up for all night. (I think most of them are Science Fiction readers for some reason).
We usually get there around 8:30 - 9:00 on Saturday. We generally have to wait in line an hour to an hour and a half. Once inside, we split up and start shopping. We usually shop for an hour, meet up, sort through the books, and then split up again. We usually shop for 2-3 hours.
This year will be especially challenging because we're going to make a foray into the children's books. I'm determined to have a variety of books in my grandchildren library at my house. Plus, Katie wants me to buy some books for the baby to have at their house.
Jessica is flying in for the sale and we have a new strategy for this year. I'm going to combine our lists, type them up, and make copies for all three of us. That way, if we see something the other one wants, we can grab it up and then deal with it when we meet to sort.
We take our own reusable bags, they pass out plastic bags, but they don't hold enough books. This year, we're also taking our carry-on luggage. People zip them open and bungee the flap back and that way they can fill it with books and wheel it around. I figure we can also hang some of our filled bags off of them. I have "old shoulders" and they're starting to rebel at carrying 4-5 bags filled with hardbacks for 3 hours!
There are hardbacks, paperbacks, magazines, games, videos, dvds, cds, sets of books, maps, antique books, out of print books... literally anything related to reading is available at this sale.
They take cash, credit, or debit. They have a holding area where you can park your books for an hour if they get too heavy for you to carry around. There is a limited number of shopping carts, but you have to put your name in for them. It could be hours before you get one, so we don't bother.
I am so excited! Every year I find an unexpected treasure, as well as many of the books on my list. If you're a reader, you need to check this sale out; one visit and you'll be hooked! For more information and list of the categories available check out the website http://vnsabooksale.org/
The purpose of the VNSA Used Book Sale is to raise funds for three nonprofit human service agencies; Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, and Toby House.
This year the sale is being held on February 13/14, the hours are 8 am - 6 pm on Saturday, and 8 am -4 pm on Sunday. On Sunday all books are half price.
If you love books, you have to go to this sale. The prices are unbelievable. They have books from every category imaginable. It is very well organized, but be warned, there are tons and tons of people. This is the kind of thing that people line up for all night. (I think most of them are Science Fiction readers for some reason).
We usually get there around 8:30 - 9:00 on Saturday. We generally have to wait in line an hour to an hour and a half. Once inside, we split up and start shopping. We usually shop for an hour, meet up, sort through the books, and then split up again. We usually shop for 2-3 hours.
This year will be especially challenging because we're going to make a foray into the children's books. I'm determined to have a variety of books in my grandchildren library at my house. Plus, Katie wants me to buy some books for the baby to have at their house.
Jessica is flying in for the sale and we have a new strategy for this year. I'm going to combine our lists, type them up, and make copies for all three of us. That way, if we see something the other one wants, we can grab it up and then deal with it when we meet to sort.
We take our own reusable bags, they pass out plastic bags, but they don't hold enough books. This year, we're also taking our carry-on luggage. People zip them open and bungee the flap back and that way they can fill it with books and wheel it around. I figure we can also hang some of our filled bags off of them. I have "old shoulders" and they're starting to rebel at carrying 4-5 bags filled with hardbacks for 3 hours!
There are hardbacks, paperbacks, magazines, games, videos, dvds, cds, sets of books, maps, antique books, out of print books... literally anything related to reading is available at this sale.
They take cash, credit, or debit. They have a holding area where you can park your books for an hour if they get too heavy for you to carry around. There is a limited number of shopping carts, but you have to put your name in for them. It could be hours before you get one, so we don't bother.
I am so excited! Every year I find an unexpected treasure, as well as many of the books on my list. If you're a reader, you need to check this sale out; one visit and you'll be hooked! For more information and list of the categories available check out the website http://vnsabooksale.org/
1.25.2010
January Sleep-over
Our granddaughter came to stay Friday night at our house. I try to have her over to spend the night once a month. It gives Dan & I the chance to get to know her better, for her to get used to us, and for Katie & Gabe to do whatever they want or nothing at all.
The baby is almost 8 months old. She pulls herself up and "cruises" on the furniture. She babbles constantly and clearly says da-da. (Of course Gabe is known as Papi, so da-da doesn't do much for him!) She loves our dogs and crawls all over trying to chase them. They're not so sure about what to think about her being mobile.
Gazing adoringly at Gramps
What a cutie!
Standing up - her new favorite position
Playing dolls with Grammy
More standing...
The baby is almost 8 months old. She pulls herself up and "cruises" on the furniture. She babbles constantly and clearly says da-da. (Of course Gabe is known as Papi, so da-da doesn't do much for him!) She loves our dogs and crawls all over trying to chase them. They're not so sure about what to think about her being mobile.
Gazing adoringly at Gramps
What a cutie!
Standing up - her new favorite position
Playing dolls with Grammy
More standing...1.22.2010
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
We've had such an exciting weather week here in Arizona. Those of you living in the Midwest will read this and wonder what the big deal is, but for us the weather has been very extreme.
We've had some rain every day this week. Some of those days have produced copious amounts of rain. The area that I live in had over 3.5 inches yesterday alone. Last year, we only received around 3 inches for the entire year! Maybe this year we'll achieve the 7 inches annual rainfall that's the average. We're certainly off to a good start.
We also had a tornado watch last night. If that's not exciting enough, we had two tornado warnings! Wow. Of course, we didn't have any tornadoes, but for a town that gets excited when it rains for 15 minutes straight during the monsoon season, this has been excitement overload.
The rain should end tomorrow and we'll go back to the same boring forecast as usual: sunny and warm, sunny and warm. That will last til March when the forecast will change to sunny and hot, followed by June when the forecast changes to sunny and really hot!
The last time we had five days in a row with rain was in 2005. We were due... and I've thoroughly enjoyed it!
We've had some rain every day this week. Some of those days have produced copious amounts of rain. The area that I live in had over 3.5 inches yesterday alone. Last year, we only received around 3 inches for the entire year! Maybe this year we'll achieve the 7 inches annual rainfall that's the average. We're certainly off to a good start.
We also had a tornado watch last night. If that's not exciting enough, we had two tornado warnings! Wow. Of course, we didn't have any tornadoes, but for a town that gets excited when it rains for 15 minutes straight during the monsoon season, this has been excitement overload.
The rain should end tomorrow and we'll go back to the same boring forecast as usual: sunny and warm, sunny and warm. That will last til March when the forecast will change to sunny and hot, followed by June when the forecast changes to sunny and really hot!
The last time we had five days in a row with rain was in 2005. We were due... and I've thoroughly enjoyed it!
1.20.2010
Wake-up Call
Well, the Republican won in Massachusetts. Wow. I appreciated Scott Brown's comment that this was a "win for Independents". That's my thought, too. I'm sure there will be plenty of Republicans gloating over this win, but they are missing the bigger picture. This was not only a wake-up call for the Dems, but for the Republicans also.
People are tired, angry, and frustrated at the way things work in Washington. The Congress has had the lowest approval ratings for months. Yet, they continue to ignore the outcry and conduct business as usual.
Even if you're not very political it's easy for your voice to be heard - you can vote. Mid-term elections will be held in November. You can be prepared by paying attention to who's running for what in your state. Get to know the candidates; it's never been easier than it is now with the Internet. Vote for the person who most matches your belief system. Don't fall into the trap of thinking your vote doesn't count. I don't care if your spouse/family/friend votes for the exact opposite of you; that doesn't cancel your vote. EVERY vote counts.
2010 is going to be a fascinating year! Make sure you play an active role in deciding our futures.
People are tired, angry, and frustrated at the way things work in Washington. The Congress has had the lowest approval ratings for months. Yet, they continue to ignore the outcry and conduct business as usual.
Even if you're not very political it's easy for your voice to be heard - you can vote. Mid-term elections will be held in November. You can be prepared by paying attention to who's running for what in your state. Get to know the candidates; it's never been easier than it is now with the Internet. Vote for the person who most matches your belief system. Don't fall into the trap of thinking your vote doesn't count. I don't care if your spouse/family/friend votes for the exact opposite of you; that doesn't cancel your vote. EVERY vote counts.
2010 is going to be a fascinating year! Make sure you play an active role in deciding our futures.
1.19.2010
It's Election Day! (and misc. items)
1. Today is the special election in Massachusetts to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy. It is going to be an exciting election, and could well set the tone for the 2010 Election Cycle.
I am a political junky (plus I'm addicted to the news in general), so the fact that it's time for the mid-terms is exciting for me. I have long been a proponent of more than two political parties. The first time I could vote for President, I voted for the independent candidate. I am registered as a Republican, but I'm very independent and tend to vote for the person, not the party.
This year, I'm watching the Tea Party candidates with interest. In my opinion, they have the best shot of any group (in my lifetime) of becoming a true third party choice. At this point, regardless of who wins in Massachusetts, this race has been a referendum on health care reform.
It remains to be seen if anyone in Washington, DC is listening...
2. I am so thrilled! Four people have contacted me regarding donations for the orphanage in Haiti. This weekend we're going to the 99 cent store to buy baby shampoo, etc. I plan to call the office in CO before I ship to confirm their needs and shipping instructions.
3. It rained here yesterday, and there is a chance of rain every day this week. Yippee! They are forecasting that we may get up to 3 inches from this series of storms. That's more rain than we had the entire year of 2009. I plan to soak up (no pun intended) these cloudy days, they are so rare here.
I am a political junky (plus I'm addicted to the news in general), so the fact that it's time for the mid-terms is exciting for me. I have long been a proponent of more than two political parties. The first time I could vote for President, I voted for the independent candidate. I am registered as a Republican, but I'm very independent and tend to vote for the person, not the party.
This year, I'm watching the Tea Party candidates with interest. In my opinion, they have the best shot of any group (in my lifetime) of becoming a true third party choice. At this point, regardless of who wins in Massachusetts, this race has been a referendum on health care reform.
It remains to be seen if anyone in Washington, DC is listening...
2. I am so thrilled! Four people have contacted me regarding donations for the orphanage in Haiti. This weekend we're going to the 99 cent store to buy baby shampoo, etc. I plan to call the office in CO before I ship to confirm their needs and shipping instructions.
3. It rained here yesterday, and there is a chance of rain every day this week. Yippee! They are forecasting that we may get up to 3 inches from this series of storms. That's more rain than we had the entire year of 2009. I plan to soak up (no pun intended) these cloudy days, they are so rare here.
1.18.2010
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
I thought today would be a good time to revisit the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr on August 28, 1963. This is a good time to take out the yardstick and measure the improvements in civil rights, as well as ways we continue to need improvement.
"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."
But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
1.17.2010
Help for Orphanage in Haiti
It may be a drop in the bucket, but I want to send supplies to God’s Littlest Angels Orphanage in Haiti. I learned of this orphanage when I used to watch “Adoption Stories” on TLC. When the earthquake struck, they were the first thing I thought of.
I get overwhelmed when I watch the earthquake coverage on the news. There are so many stories that I don’t hear the resolution to. It is heartbreaking. I know there are many organizations we can give money to, but I find it more manageable to think about helping one specific place. Also, sometimes it’s easier for us to give things rather than cash. GLA is an independent, non-denominational ministry founded to care for premature, malnourished, and abandoned children in Haiti. GLA is a faith mission relying on God to provide funding and other needs through churches and donors throughout North American and Europe.
I’m getting together supplies to send to this orphanage. They normally have a list of items they need on their website and of items they don’t need. Because of the earthquake, and the devastation around them, they are collecting almost everything to distribute in their community. If you live in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and want to donate, you can bring your items to my house or contact me, and Dan or I will try to come get them. If you live outside of the Phoenix area and want to help, I will include the contact information at the bottom of this post.
The items I’m collecting are:
Powdered formula
diapers
baby wipes
baby cereal
infant Tylenol
infant/children’s vitamins
Baby care items (lotion, powder, baby shampoo)
clothing for all sizes
hygiene items (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
Blankets
towels
If you can help with any of this, just get it to me. Beth Ryall & I will be packing it and shipping it to Colorado Springs. They will get it on to the orphanage. Please have the items to me by Monday, 1/25/2010. Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in helping.
Contact information for the orphanage
http://glahaiti.org/
http://godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/
God’s Littlest Angels
2085 Crystal River Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Thank you to everyone who can help. I’m not sure why this has touched my heart so, but it has. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. I just want to help.
Thanks!
I get overwhelmed when I watch the earthquake coverage on the news. There are so many stories that I don’t hear the resolution to. It is heartbreaking. I know there are many organizations we can give money to, but I find it more manageable to think about helping one specific place. Also, sometimes it’s easier for us to give things rather than cash. GLA is an independent, non-denominational ministry founded to care for premature, malnourished, and abandoned children in Haiti. GLA is a faith mission relying on God to provide funding and other needs through churches and donors throughout North American and Europe.
I’m getting together supplies to send to this orphanage. They normally have a list of items they need on their website and of items they don’t need. Because of the earthquake, and the devastation around them, they are collecting almost everything to distribute in their community. If you live in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and want to donate, you can bring your items to my house or contact me, and Dan or I will try to come get them. If you live outside of the Phoenix area and want to help, I will include the contact information at the bottom of this post.
The items I’m collecting are:
Powdered formula
diapers
baby wipes
baby cereal
infant Tylenol
infant/children’s vitamins
Baby care items (lotion, powder, baby shampoo)
clothing for all sizes
hygiene items (soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
Blankets
towels
If you can help with any of this, just get it to me. Beth Ryall & I will be packing it and shipping it to Colorado Springs. They will get it on to the orphanage. Please have the items to me by Monday, 1/25/2010. Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested in helping.
Contact information for the orphanage
http://glahaiti.org/
http://godslittlestangelsinhaiti.org/
God’s Littlest Angels
2085 Crystal River Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Thank you to everyone who can help. I’m not sure why this has touched my heart so, but it has. I’ve never done anything like this in my life. I just want to help.
Thanks!
1.16.2010
I'm Compelled to Help, Will You Join Me?
I have decided to try something I've never done before, I'm going to organize relief for the God's Littlest Angels Orphanage in Haiti.
Tomorrow I will post a list of items they need on my blog. I also plan to email this opportunity to my friends and family.
My friend, Beth, has offered to help me box up the supplies so we can mail them.
After I post the list, you may drop your items off at my house, or Dan or I will come and pick them up. I will also include a list of what they DON'T need. I will post their Colorado address so that those of you outside of Arizona can mail your own items.
I hope you'll join me. As I stated yesterday, I just get so overwhelmed with the partial stories I hear and see on the news. I want to donate to a specific place, where I know what they need and how they're going to use it. Plus, in these difficult times, it's often easier to donate items rather than cash.
The details will be up tomorrow!
Tomorrow I will post a list of items they need on my blog. I also plan to email this opportunity to my friends and family.
My friend, Beth, has offered to help me box up the supplies so we can mail them.
After I post the list, you may drop your items off at my house, or Dan or I will come and pick them up. I will also include a list of what they DON'T need. I will post their Colorado address so that those of you outside of Arizona can mail your own items.
I hope you'll join me. As I stated yesterday, I just get so overwhelmed with the partial stories I hear and see on the news. I want to donate to a specific place, where I know what they need and how they're going to use it. Plus, in these difficult times, it's often easier to donate items rather than cash.
The details will be up tomorrow!
1.15.2010
Another Update on God's Littlest Angels Orphanage
I've posted a link to a blog for the orphanage in the "My Blog list" section on the right side of this page. I am so distressed over the conditions in Haiti, and I'm trying to find a way to help that is concentrated to a specific need. I'm hoping to come up with a plan by Monday, and I will let you know then.
In the meantime, it's overwhelming to watch the stories out of Haiti on the news. There are too many stories, and too many times we don't know the resolution of a situation highlighted in the news segments. That's why I'm so focused on this orphanage. I can get up-to-the-minute information by reading this blog or Dixie's blog on the main website. They are posting clear information about what they need, why they need it, and what they plan to do with donations.
Please join me in continuing to pray for the people of Haiti, and the workers and children at God's Littlest Angels Orphanage.
1.14.2010
Winter Gala
We experienced another "grandparent moment" yesterday. Katie's daycare hosted their first annual "Winter Gala". When Katie called to invite us, I was thinking, "what in the world can a 7-month old do?" But, of course, we were happy to accept her invitation.
Each class in the school "sang" 1-3 songs. Each class. It started with the infants. They were brought in by their teachers in costume. The audience sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to them. It was precious. Yes, we took pictures, however, we did not wave.
Each class in turn came in, sang (actually the teachers sang til we got to the older two year olds). Some of the kids were terrified of the audience, some of them were hams, all of them were cute! I saved two programs so I can scrapbook them.
Actually, the high point for me, was hearing the director of the center praising my daughter, Katie, the assistant director. I've seen Katie in action at work, and she is a terrific administrator. It was neat to hear it from her boss.
I texted Katie last night and told her "Now we've been to the Harvest Festival & the Winter Gala, we can't wait for the Spring Fling!" ha ha ha
Entering "the stage"
More interested in Mama than in the audience singing
Waving at Grammy & Gramps
Katie's determined that this child will have pigtails!
Proud Gramps with the pooped performer
Each class in the school "sang" 1-3 songs. Each class. It started with the infants. They were brought in by their teachers in costume. The audience sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to them. It was precious. Yes, we took pictures, however, we did not wave.
Each class in turn came in, sang (actually the teachers sang til we got to the older two year olds). Some of the kids were terrified of the audience, some of them were hams, all of them were cute! I saved two programs so I can scrapbook them.
Actually, the high point for me, was hearing the director of the center praising my daughter, Katie, the assistant director. I've seen Katie in action at work, and she is a terrific administrator. It was neat to hear it from her boss.
I texted Katie last night and told her "Now we've been to the Harvest Festival & the Winter Gala, we can't wait for the Spring Fling!" ha ha ha
Entering "the stage"
More interested in Mama than in the audience singing
Waving at Grammy & Gramps
Katie's determined that this child will have pigtails!
Proud Gramps with the pooped performer1.13.2010
Update on "God's Littlest Angels" Orphanage
I mentioned this orphanage in my earlier post today. I was able to find their website online (I couldn't remember their name, so I had to search for it). They are fine. They felt the earthquake and of course, the aftershocks, but their buildings do not appear to be damaged. They had to sleep out on the drive last night. Dixie (the director) wrote in her blog that she was worried about it being too cold for the babies because it got down to around 60 degrees! Thank goodness they're in a warm climate. I'm putting the link to their website in the "Links I Love" section of my blog page.
This is a non-profit Christian orphanage. The website is very informative and easy to navigate. They have many needs, and are quite clear on how we can help them (not just because of the earthquake).
Check it out!
This is a non-profit Christian orphanage. The website is very informative and easy to navigate. They have many needs, and are quite clear on how we can help them (not just because of the earthquake).
Check it out!
PRAY for Haiti
As I write this, the news out of Haiti is devastating. I can only imagine that it will get worse as communication is restored. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
Last night, I heard several phone interviews with missionaries in Haiti. They were able to call out due to generators on their property. Because it was already dark, they were unable to provide much real time information. They did, however, talk about the lack of infrastructure in the country, the fact that they could hear their neighbors screaming for help, and the destruction of their own homes. Every single person that I heard interviewed last night said, "there's no 911 here." We must pray for the people of Haiti.
This morning the reports are that the Presidential Palace has collapsed. I saw video of the collapsed building next to a photograph of the building when it was whole, it was unbelievable. The UN Mission building is said to have collapsed. There are reports that up to 9,000 UN workers in the country have not been heard from. Of course, that could be due to the lack of communication, but regardless, it's clear that the people there to help the Haitians have been profoundly affected by this event. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
Here in the US, it's hard for us to imagine the conditions that are normally present in Haiti. There is literally no infrastructure. They have no emergency services, there is no potable water, the buildings are not subject to building codes. The people are poverty stricken, homeless, hungry, and ill. I heard a missionary say that even when they show Americans photos of what they deal with in Haiti, the Americans cannot comprehend it. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
The TLC Channel used to have a program "Adoption Stories". I loved to watch it. Several episodes featured an orphanage in Haiti. I can't get it out of my mind. Is their building intact, are the children safe, were there couples in Haiti waiting to take their new child home that were caught up in this disaster? I must pray for the people of Haiti.
Now, I know, we all have many, many things to pray for. Prayer requests that are more personal. But for today, we must ask God to protect and equip the missionaries in Haiti. We must pray for their safety, stamina, strength, and faith. We must pray for the injured, the trapped, the overwhelmed medical personnel. We must pray for the children. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
Last night, I heard several phone interviews with missionaries in Haiti. They were able to call out due to generators on their property. Because it was already dark, they were unable to provide much real time information. They did, however, talk about the lack of infrastructure in the country, the fact that they could hear their neighbors screaming for help, and the destruction of their own homes. Every single person that I heard interviewed last night said, "there's no 911 here." We must pray for the people of Haiti.
This morning the reports are that the Presidential Palace has collapsed. I saw video of the collapsed building next to a photograph of the building when it was whole, it was unbelievable. The UN Mission building is said to have collapsed. There are reports that up to 9,000 UN workers in the country have not been heard from. Of course, that could be due to the lack of communication, but regardless, it's clear that the people there to help the Haitians have been profoundly affected by this event. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
Here in the US, it's hard for us to imagine the conditions that are normally present in Haiti. There is literally no infrastructure. They have no emergency services, there is no potable water, the buildings are not subject to building codes. The people are poverty stricken, homeless, hungry, and ill. I heard a missionary say that even when they show Americans photos of what they deal with in Haiti, the Americans cannot comprehend it. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
The TLC Channel used to have a program "Adoption Stories". I loved to watch it. Several episodes featured an orphanage in Haiti. I can't get it out of my mind. Is their building intact, are the children safe, were there couples in Haiti waiting to take their new child home that were caught up in this disaster? I must pray for the people of Haiti.
Now, I know, we all have many, many things to pray for. Prayer requests that are more personal. But for today, we must ask God to protect and equip the missionaries in Haiti. We must pray for their safety, stamina, strength, and faith. We must pray for the injured, the trapped, the overwhelmed medical personnel. We must pray for the children. We must pray for the people of Haiti.
1.11.2010
Standing Up
On her seven month birthday, my granddaughter decided to stand up! The above photo is her first time to pull herself up.
(Love the hairstyle!)
Over the next few days she perfected the move...
Now she regularly pulls herself up on anything and everything.She's also started making funny noises with her tongue, which
it looks like she's doing in this photo.
Thanks for your patience while I brag!
1.07.2010
Seven Months Old
We went to the daycare yesterday to get seven month pictures with our granddaughter. She looked so cute, and was happy to see us. My heart just melts when she smiles! She laughs at us a lot, I guess we're funnier than I realized.
Katie sent us a text picture as we were eating dinner last night, the baby pulled herself up in her crib for the first time! Before long she'll be toddling all over the place.
Our official seven month photo
Wow, look at the time!
This picture is blurry because she's bouncing herself in my lap!
Katie sent us a text picture as we were eating dinner last night, the baby pulled herself up in her crib for the first time! Before long she'll be toddling all over the place.
Our official seven month photo
Wow, look at the time!
This picture is blurry because she's bouncing herself in my lap!I love the expression on her face, & she's laughing.
Ooohh, look at the light...
Ok, I'll look at the camera.
Ooohh, look at the light...
Ok, I'll look at the camera.1.04.2010
Staying Put
We just got some good news today. We will be staying put in our rental for another year. Actually, I'm of two minds about this news. The positive is that we won't have the expense of moving, we don't have to pack everything up again, we will have a longevity of two years at this address when we go to buy. The negative is that it is very difficult to be a renter after owning a home for so many years. You can't paint, you can't have the flooring you want, you're unwilling to invest TOO much into the landscaping because it's not yours.
We are so grateful to have this home. One year ago today we were living in absolute limbo. Would our house be saved, would we lose it, would anyone rent to us, would we have to go to an apartment, would we be living in our car? Sounds melodramatic now, but it was all too real then.
This home has offered us peace of mind. It has offered us security. We have the greatest neighbors and are so blessed that they have established relationships with us when they know we're just renters. (Dan says it's because we're old and quiet!)
So, today I can stop worrying about next year. I know where we'll be. Now, I can worry about other things, like... do I look older than Dan now?!
We are so grateful to have this home. One year ago today we were living in absolute limbo. Would our house be saved, would we lose it, would anyone rent to us, would we have to go to an apartment, would we be living in our car? Sounds melodramatic now, but it was all too real then.
This home has offered us peace of mind. It has offered us security. We have the greatest neighbors and are so blessed that they have established relationships with us when they know we're just renters. (Dan says it's because we're old and quiet!)
So, today I can stop worrying about next year. I know where we'll be. Now, I can worry about other things, like... do I look older than Dan now?!
1.02.2010
Christmas Jars & Five Dollars Savings Account
I think I've mentioned before that I read a book, "The Christmas Jars" by Jason Wright a few years ago. It is a great story and very inspirational. After reading it, I wanted to start a Christmas Jar of my own, but circumstances interfered and I've been unable to. Until now. I started my Christmas Jar for 2010 on 12/31/09. I'm using a wide mouth quart canning jar, and it is already about 1/5 full. I'm so excited. I'm praying every day that God will lead me to the right person to donate the jar to. I'll keep you posted.
Last week on the news one night, they did a story about people saving $5 bills for a year. I guess this is a well-known savings gimmick, but I'd never heard of it. Whenever you spend cash, and get change, you immediately remove the $5 bills and save them. The reporter tried it and saved $940 in one year. Now, I don't know about you, but to me, that's a LOT of money! So, we decided to try it this year. I'm happy to report that I've saved $10 so far.
The secret to making both of these experiences work is cash. We used to only use cash for our groceries, but then, somehow we got in the habit of using the debit card. This year we're back to cash. Not only does that give me the chance to collect $5 bills and change for the Christmas Jar, it also makes us spend less.
I've placed a link to the Christmas Jar website and to the author's blog on my blog. Check it out. If you can, find the book and read it. Even if you don't do a Christmas Jar, it's a great story.
Last week on the news one night, they did a story about people saving $5 bills for a year. I guess this is a well-known savings gimmick, but I'd never heard of it. Whenever you spend cash, and get change, you immediately remove the $5 bills and save them. The reporter tried it and saved $940 in one year. Now, I don't know about you, but to me, that's a LOT of money! So, we decided to try it this year. I'm happy to report that I've saved $10 so far.
The secret to making both of these experiences work is cash. We used to only use cash for our groceries, but then, somehow we got in the habit of using the debit card. This year we're back to cash. Not only does that give me the chance to collect $5 bills and change for the Christmas Jar, it also makes us spend less.
I've placed a link to the Christmas Jar website and to the author's blog on my blog. Check it out. If you can, find the book and read it. Even if you don't do a Christmas Jar, it's a great story.
1.01.2010
New Year Ramblings
1. Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2010, it seems like just yesterday we were waking up to see if Y2K had occurred! (it didn't) Last year I approached 2009 with optimism, this year I'm approaching 2010 with confidence.
2. Check out the new features on the blog. I got this really cool calendar, and it has New Word, On This Day, and Take a Break features. I thought it would be fun to put them on the blog. Plus, I've added a Today's Quote feature. Let me know what you think.
3. The Christmas Corner feature will be going on hiatus. I'll start it back up in the spring, or when I get my Hallmark Ornament catalog for 2010. The Christmas Countdown will stay in place, it's NEVER too early to start thinking about Christmas at my house!
4. A few days ago I was talking about what I was going to do for my Quiet Time this year. Well, I decided at the last minute that I'm going to read my NIV/Message Bible. I'm going to start with Job, one of my favorite OT books, and then see where I'm led next.
5. Thanks for reading my blog. I so enjoy writing it, and I'm just thrilled when I get a comment! Now, here we go... off into the unknown of 2010. Just be sure to enjoy the ride!
2. Check out the new features on the blog. I got this really cool calendar, and it has New Word, On This Day, and Take a Break features. I thought it would be fun to put them on the blog. Plus, I've added a Today's Quote feature. Let me know what you think.
3. The Christmas Corner feature will be going on hiatus. I'll start it back up in the spring, or when I get my Hallmark Ornament catalog for 2010. The Christmas Countdown will stay in place, it's NEVER too early to start thinking about Christmas at my house!
4. A few days ago I was talking about what I was going to do for my Quiet Time this year. Well, I decided at the last minute that I'm going to read my NIV/Message Bible. I'm going to start with Job, one of my favorite OT books, and then see where I'm led next.
5. Thanks for reading my blog. I so enjoy writing it, and I'm just thrilled when I get a comment! Now, here we go... off into the unknown of 2010. Just be sure to enjoy the ride!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)