How did THAT happen?

How does time get away from us? 
~~~The last post I made to just thinkin' describes the plight of a pinched nerve in my back and the Olympic efforts it took to simply pick up something that had dropped to the floor!   It is so utterly amazing how much time it takes to visit the chiropractor for treatments, to exercise, to rest and apply apply ice and heat.
~~~When recovered I went out of town for a meeting regarding the future of the Great Lakes held by the Religious Coalition on the Great Lakes; oh, and then for a long weekend for Labor Day that included a trip to Sedan, Minnesota to surprise a colleague whose last day at Rooney's was surprise worthy and two nights at a friend's lake home near Alexandria... ... ...and today is already 10/14/2012 with warm dry winds and few leaves left on the trees!
~~~It is amazing that in the past two months: my eldest grandson began his first year of college ; eldest granddaughter is a senior in high school and her sister is a sophomore and brother a sixth grader!  No longer do I call them on the phone or email them or welcome them for an overnight or weekend visit.  These days we Facebook and we text, I go to their school activities. Their visits to Gramma's house are few and far between with their time consumed their part-time jobs and homework and athletic activities, and friends.  I still work full-time, so my schedule can also be complicated!  
~~~Oh, did I mention they great young people and excellent students?   How did they grow up SO fast?
~~~This afternoon, I celebrated Mim's retirement.  How did THAT happen?  Her last day at MTF is tomorrow, then on Wednesday she heads out on a cross country road trip visiting family and friends, and seeing this amazing country. She plans to be back to Minnesota in early December.  I am SO happy for her! 

~~~While there I saw friends I have not seen in more than five years.  How did THAT HAPPEN?  




Life has a way of speeding up and sometimes it takes a while to get a grip and slow it down. 
The past five years have been fraught with unforseen circumstances that required a tremendous amount of time and money to overcome for many people, including me.  While many sadly lost their jobs and their homes, I count myself among those who hung on by thread and in so doing, managed to keep my home and job.  How did THAT HAPPEN?






~~~There are many factors at play including horrendously long hours of work and research and networking, digging into complicated systems and insisting that I be heard, that actions taken to correct the errors that were not mine; I could not have done it without the support of family, friends, co-workers and my employer who encouraged me as I navigated here-to-fore uncharted waters of living through the recession, nationwide downturn in home values and the whole mortgage industry debacle!
~~~During this time, I worked, worked and worked some more, had little time, money or energy for social opportunities - discretionary income was non-existent.  There were days that were very dark and I wondered how I'd make it through.  And once again, I have made it through!
~~~How does time get away from us?  We share it ~ live it ~ simply spend it!  Mom used to say that as we age, "if you think it has been three years, it probably has been six years.  Just double what you think and you will be close to right."   She also used to say, "can't never did nothin' for nobody."  Though she died in January 1998, her wisdom and courage and strength also guided me through these tough and rough waters.
~~~How does it happen that time goes so fast?   It is the result of living life fully in all its magnificence, simplicity and complexity!  It is about putting one foot ahead of the other, making the next phone call, sending yet another email, contacting another agency in wading through challenges and then running and skipping and celebrating those days of simplicity and complexity.  Far better living a life in which time goes fast that a life that drags on and on and on. 
~~~I had a wonderful weekend and I have an amazing life and I plan to keep spending time! 
~~~To blog this wee bit of just thinkin' this Sunday night I spent 35 minutes of my life and it felt good!

2012 Olpmpic Champions

Assistive Device

While the top athletes from around the world do things with their bodies that I had no idea the human body was capable of, I have been entered into my very own 2012 Olympics right here at home.

It all began when I woke last Monday and couldn't sit up in bed.  Normally getting out of bed  just happens."  Well, last Monday it not only did not "just happen" it took a lot of thinking and a lot of patience and a lot of persistence.  There were some panicky moments during which I wondered if I was going to be able to figure out how to get out of bed or be forced to call in reinforcements.

Being patient and creative I managed to roll over onto my stomach and slowly skooch to the end of the bed where I performed a modified push-up which enabled me to achieve an almost upright position.

Once downstairs and on the sofa in the den, I punched the number of the chiropractors office into the phone so all I had to do was press the green "phone" button to complete the call at exactly 8:00 a.m.  Pinched nerve, confirmed.  Treatment every other day, heat by day, cold packs by night, anti-inflammatory medication and relax relax relax and rest rest rest.

What I soon learned was the a pinched nerve not only renders one's agility null and void, it increases overall clumbsyness by about 400%.  I dropped things and then stared at them seemingly a million miles away.  All the while those 2012 Olympic athletes were breaking world records in gymnastics (YO GABBY), swimming, volleyball, track and field on the bloody TV across the room.

The obstacle course on my floor grew by the hour!  First my spoon, then my pen, then my napkin, the TV remote which I usually don't even care about and then ... ... it went on and on.  It was almost as painful to look at all the stuff on the floor as it was painful to move!  Now, I could have called in reinforcements.  Family and friends and co-workers would have been happy to help.  But ... I wanted the stuff picked up now!

After some pouting and pondering I realized that people who have serious mobility issues or those who are vertically challenged rely upon the patented "grabber" thing - you know - the one which when squeezed opens on the other end allowing one to pick things up.  They are usually 18-24 inches long.  What I needed to pick up was not that far away!  Oh, the joy when I realized that I have four different kitchen tongs, shiny gorgeous stainless steel ones for special events (two pair), a run of the mill everyday salad tong and the very functional stove-top tong with the red plastic coated handles.

How much better could it get!  Off to the kitchen I went at breakneck speed of the greatest distance runner ... okay ... the speed of Tiffany Tortoise, to retrieve my brightest and shiniest stainless steel tongs and in no time flat the obstacle course disappeared.  I decided to keep them by the sofa for my next fit of dropsy ... it didn't take long either.  In the course of the past week, I have awarded myself six gold medals for removing obstacles from my path.  I may just have to have my stainless steel tongs dipped in gold and then soulder five gold Olympic rings onto it as a sign of patience, persistence and a creative solution to pinched nerve dropsy.

Life is always first and foremost a matter of perspective and rooted in the truism that laughter really is really really the best medicine!

No Words

I woke early, read the newspaper and then got ready for work with the intention of working on updating our website ~ doing this work from home.  At 6:30 I turned the computer on only to discover a black screen.  So, I left a message for the IT guy at work; took the computer to the office and planned for the crashed computer to be the crushing blow of the day.

At the office a friend/co-worker told me about the mass shooting at the Aurora, CO movie theater during the opening night presentation of "The Dark Knight," the latest in the Batman series.

Since then ... it is as only it can be ... a truly dark day in which no words can possibly make sense of the unfolding horrors...  President Obama will be speaking to the nation within the hour.

... ... ...

Hot Humid Draught ... Minnesota?

Days gone by?

People from "down south" that are part of my world find it difficult to believe that we have really really really hot humid summer weather here in Minnesota just like they do south of the Mason Dixon Line.

For those of us who live here, we truly understand the meaning of Minnesota as a "theater of seasons."  This season, it is hotter than ... drier than "normal" whatever normal means anyway! 

The afternoon of the 4th of July my thermometer in the shade, recorded 106.3 degrees.  Last night the TV weather forcasters at 5:00 p.m. said it had cooled down to 98 avoiding another record high for the date, at my house the thermometer was still going up and finally stopped at 99.6 degrees. 

How hot and dry is it?  The house finches are drinking the hummingbird nectar; a baby bunnie died in the back yard in the heat of the day; the weeds are flourishing and the yards are toasted and roasted; record rains and high temperatures in May ended the draught;  this week it is back!  This morning the temperature at 4:11 a.m. was 81 degrees and the humidity already 80%. 

So people and animals need to take really good care today ... however, I doubt that any citizen could possibly turn on a fire hydrant in today's world.

Missing - one piece of paper

I woke at 4:01 a.m. fully rested.  So, naturally I got up and got busy!  It is now 5:47 a.m. and all my filing is done, magazines and mail sorted, general pick-up on the main floor done. French pressed coffee with soy creamer steaming and I am ready to roar into the day.

What a way to begin a summer Saturday.  Well, it isn't that I really wanted to file and sort, it is that I can't find a single piece of paper, not four just one blasted piece of paper that I need by Monday.  So, I decided that what I need to do to be able to move into this day fully is to write the snarly words that are careening around in my head with such frenzy that the image of a crazed out of control pinball machine seems placid.

How quickly I can move from the wonder of life to crash and burn simply because I can't find a bloody piece of paper.  You know the snarly words ~ will you ever get organized ~ if you put it where it belonged the moment you got it, you wouldn't have lost it ~ will you never learn ~ how can you make something so easy so complicated?  And those are the kindest words blasting around in my head.

So, it is time to sit down and take inventory of life in the past week:  trip to Chicago to be part of the planning team for a national meeting the end of September ~ top notch; organized and led 11th Day Prayer for Peace: Praying and Preparing for the Commemoration of the Bombing of Nagasaki and the installation of the Vision of Peace Replica which included Ojibwe pipe, smudging and water ceremonies ~ went off without a hitch and an email the next day read in part "your leadership in planning and gentle guiding of the prayer service were a gift to us all"; volunteered at the MN History Theater in the development office for three hours ~ kudos; dinner at Chris and Rob's with Jon last night full of stories and laughter and wondering about life ~ as always great. 

All of that good stuff crashed and burned sending up a cloud of black smoke that can be seen for miles because I can't find a silly piece of paper.  One piece of paper.  A piece of paper I can have faxed to me on Monday.  It really is that simple!  And yet, I have allowed it to build into the Mount Vesuvius of failures. 

Time to change words in brain - get a grip and enjoy the day.  This piece of paper is really a non issue!

St. Paul Minnesota - My Hometown

What a beautiful city I live in!  This week I have savored sunrises and sunsets from my own yard and from Cherokee Drive overlooking the magnificent Mississippi just east of the High Bridge; "Music in Mears" featuring jazz with Pippi; sunrise from in my back yard while watering my gardens; a trip to Lynden's Ice Cream Parlor on the corner and it is only 7:55 a.m. on Saturday!

Last night a friend and I drove to Theresa's Mexican Restaurant in Mendota Heights where we sat on the patio, lingered over our dinner and sipped a fabulous lime Marguerita.  Our visting with each other was long from complete, so we drove through some of the old neighborhoods in West Saint Paul wending our way to Cherokee Drive where we plucked two "bun bucket chairs" from the trunk and continued our visit which was interspersed with memories of her youth in St. Paul including "we took our coin purses to 1st National Bank (the bright red lighted "1" still shines brightly over St. Paul) to deposit our pennies into our accounts.

While we sat and visited, others walked their dogs and some simply strolled along the sidewalk behind us; almost without fail, they offered a greeting, after all this is a friendly city of neighborhoods.

Of course, I left home without my camera, so I resorted to my cell phone camera to take the image above.  There is nothing more to say, it speaks for itself.  The only thing that could possibly have made it better, would have been for you to be there to witness the sun slip from the clouds into the cloudless part of the sky, kiss the horizon and then quickly slide and disappear into the city skyline leaving a warm blissful after-glow. 

TWIN CITIES PRIDE 2012

Have you ever tried to take a cell phone photo across a city street?  Well, neither had I until today when I stood in the middle of 4th Street in Minneapolis as the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates Standing for Human Rights and Justice contingent began their parade march.

Four of us went together, leaving by bus at 9:45 a.m.  Two had never ridden the Light Rail, nor had they ever attended any part of PRIDE.  One said, "I really want to do this and I want to be able to tell my grandchildren that I took part in this important PRIDE." It was really really fun!  Both said that they hadn't been on public transportation in years.  As we neared downtown, I said, "imagine, for $.75 you can take the bus and train into downtown; get off at the Nicollett Mall; have lunch and return on the same ticket within 2 1/2 hours!  And, yes you can do the same thing in downtown St. Paul too."  Who knows, this could be the start something new and wonderful for all of us.

Once downtown, I stood near the corner of 3rd and 4th while they went to find the Justice Commission contingent.  On my corner I witnessed contingents representing Minnesota UCC, Plymouth Congregational, ELCA of MInnesota, Mayflower UCC, US Bank, Expedia, VOTE NO in November, Human Rights, Political leaders, Congressional Representatives Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Minnesota State Representative Karen Joy Clark and ... ... without exception people were in great spirits.

A man standing near me (in his 70's) proudly described the work of his church, Mayflower UCC.  This was his first PRIDE and he was clearly thrilled to be there.

From the banners words spoke out - equality, human rights, dignity.    A Minneapolis police officer on the corner directing traffic and overseeing the corner, asked six brilliantly dressed ballet dancers to stop so he could have his picture taken with them.  The cheers rocked the corner!

As soon as I got home, I Googled Twin Cities Pride 2012 Parade Flash Mob.  It too was fabulous!  Everyone I encountered was having a great time.  Truly a fabulous summer parade!  And, who knows how many attended PRIDE for the first time?  Regardless, first time or 40th time, it was a tremendous event on a beautiful day in Minneapolis and I am SO glad I too was there!

The Advocates for Human Rights Awards 2012

Mike Farrell, best known to many as one of the stars of MASH, is a man whose life is much deeper and richer.  His soul rooted in integrity, humility, and seemingly boundless energy fed through his lifelong quest for human rights and dignity globally.

Last night he received the Don and Arvonne Fraser Human Rights Award at The Advocates for Human Rights 2012 Human Rights Awards Dinner. While a good day or week of retreat or a vacation in the wilderness, warmer climes is often touted as "just what the doctor ordered," being present at this dinner for the past several years has been for me "just what the doctor ordered" and last night followed suit.

Right here in Minnesota is one of the finest human rights organizations on the planet.  Our office works with them on a variety of issues including the human rights of women and children, the SAFE Harbors Law, a national model that holds those who traffic children for sexual purposes accountable while the children are treated as victims rather than as criminals, immigration reform and in seeking permanent resident status for Liberians who have been here "temporarily" for more than 20 years.

The program for the evening highlights the biography Farrell and local volunteer awardees.  Another advocate and I attended together.  Her area of expertise is restorative justice.  Farrell is the President of Death Penalty Focus so much of his speech addressed the need to educate rather than incarcerate humans!  He is no stranger to the struggles of life as he has worked for human rights causes in remote areas of the world, including Asia, and South America.

We both wanted to stay and purchase his book, have it signed.  It was not to be.  Our bodies urged us to end the day and order the book which I will when I get into the office today  It was a 20 minute drive from the event to my home, she as driver and I as her personal GPS.  She said things like, he named restorative justice and the racism inherent in the criminal justice system and the need for quality education for all children and ... and ... It was clear that each of us will move into our work today and in the weeks to come energized by The Advocates for Human Rights staff and volunteers - Don and Arvonne Fraser, and Mike Farrell.  And it is very good, very good indeed.  A retreat for the heart and soul on a Thursday night in June in a mere three hours!

Words and how we use them

I live alone and every morning my day begins with coffee and the newspaper.  Words, thousands and thousands of words on newsprint that leaves ink on my fingers and some words imprinted for the day in my thoughts.

Today as everyday, I finish by scanning the obituary section.  It isn't about who died but about who they were and how they lived - how their lives impacted others regardless if they lived a few months or more than a century.

It is also interesting to note just how we find the need to write something about "how" they died.  No matter the age, the word so often used is "unexpectedly."  We expect life but we don't expect death.  Today a couple in their 90's died within four days of each other - both unexpectedly.  As did the 18 year old and the fifty something.

Somehow it seems that all of us can expect our lives to end.  We just don't know when or what will be the "cause."  Another favorite term is "natural causes."  Now that is pretty real. 

Nothing pithy, nothing profound, just thinkin' about the words we use and how we use them.  Gotta go hang up the clothes - the washer just quit.  I expected that!

My Daily Calendar

There is no need to wonder why a friend gave me this calendar to start and live throughout 2012.  In fact, three of us share this calendar and find ourselves commenting on the message of the day from time to time.

Each is "particularly poignant" and has something to bring to the unfolding day ~

Saturday, June 16: "As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold them down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise."  Marian Anderson

Sunday, June 17:  One of the gorgeous things about human beings is that we can use new information to change ourselves in infinite ways that transcend our imaginations. (no one cited)

Change - such a fickle thing!  "Change ourselves in infinite ways that transcend our imaginations"

Yes, we can and yes we do and it is never simple for the one who changes things nor for the ones related to the one who dares to change the current order of our lives.  In recent conversations I have heard stories of the man who was told from the time he was very little that he was going to be the son the family "gave to the priesthood" and they did.  As he grew into his senior years, he was able to describe how he had a very different vision for himself.  Instead he did as his family declared and "chose" to become and remain a priest.  Another is the story of a woman who knew very early in her marriage that the marriage was wrong for her.  Her husband was a good man, a kind man, a good provider and her life was encased in a fragile shell from which she "had no good reason to break out."  So she stayed and existed in a life that she now describes as "empty."

I have been thinking a lot about change these days of writing graduation cards that celebrate the commencement from high school and those with advanced college degrees.  In the midst of this several adults in my world are in mid-life and are choosing to return to college to complete bachelor's degrees or a pursue masters and PhD.  None of these changes are simple.  Support of family and friends are key as each one dives into their dream.

One recent high school graduate has a particular dream in mind, a dream and vision that is different from that some of his family have for him.  Quietly he has been putting into place what he needs to do to accomplish his goal.  Very soon he will have to thank those who have a different dream for him for their love and caring and then tell them that he is loves them dearly and is choosing to pursue his dream.  It will not be easy.  It will hurt and sting.  And when this graduate is in his waning years of life and looks back on this decision, he will judge it ~ and his life ~ based on his decision, his choice. 

This choice is after all his to make.  He will own it in all its complexities.  He is an adult now - or as the current language states "Young Adult" (YA).  The outcome of his decision is yet a mystery, his need to decide and act on his dream is clearly his.  I wish for him a future full of "infinite ways that (today) transcend our imaginations."

Homemade Buttercream Frosting

When my children were small I began making specialty cakes.  First by cutting rounds and squares and rectangles into shapes that I "glued" together with buttercream and frosted with buttercream frosting.

Specialty cakes for birthdays and anniversarys and weddings - I can not imagine how many I have made.  Nor do I have an actual inventory of the specialty cake pans I now own.  Sesame Street and Disney characters and many more.

So today for my grandson's graduation party I made a sheet cake and of course frosted and decorated it with butttercream frosting.  We put it in the house for when the "Cub cake" with his photo airbrushed on was gone.  Then, my neice came through and smiling asked if I had made the cake ... I did but it is in the house as backup ... my grandson said, "cut it."  So cut I did and the gramma made cake with the homemade frosting began to be eaten well before the store bought cake was half eaten.

I hadn't seen my neices in several years and had not met her beautiful children.  It was fun to see them and catch up for a few minutes.  I left about 5:00 so my grandson and his mom's family could celebrate his great grampa's birthday tonight.  I baked that cake too; dark chocolate with homemade fudge frosting. 

Both cakes are on glass plates.  I told his other gramma that was intentional, now we will have to have coffee or lunch or dinner, for sure!  And I know we will.

My grandson plans to attend college in the fall.  He will do well and he will go far.  He is smart and good and kind.  And, he likes "Gramma Gin's homemade buttercream frosted cakes!" 

In Memory of Lois Ann Swenson

The 5:00 p.m. news flashed this photo and went on to say that Lois Swenson, who lived alone in her modest North Minneapolis home was found dead after police went to do a welfare check.

Her face reached out from the television touching memories I could not quite pull into view.  I silently offered a prayer of thanksgiving to Lois who was described in the newscast as one whose life was lived fully in her giving and sharing.

I left home within minutes of this newscast to return to work to prepare for an evening program "Update on Afghanistan featuring Kathy Kelly."  51 people gathered to hear about her work with Voices for Creative Non Violence.  It was my pleasure to welcome participants on behalf of the Justice Commission to Carondelet Center.  I then introduced Sister Brigid McDonald to welcome Kathy.

Before she began with a noticably heavy heart she asked that we take a moment to remember Lois Swenson who died today.  She described Lois as an indefatigable worker for peace and justice, who'd give the shirt off her back, who dumpster dived to find clothes to wash and mend for the homeless, who welcomed people in need into her home and who was the heart and soul of WAMM (Women Against Military Madness).

Sister Brigid's description brought Lois fully into view as I remember her presence at numerous other social justice events.  After the presentation, I talked about the report of her death on the news.  So many in the room had worked alongside of her, knew her as a friend and colleague.  Their hearts were truly heavy.

The newspaper this morning said, "Lois Swenson died as a result of blunt force trauma" in her own home.  Now I know who she was, how she was killed and refuse to let her life of peace and justice be reduced to the violent act that ended her life, be defined by the violence of another human being!

Lois, thank you for your love of life, work for non violence and peace.  I know so little about you, I only spoke to you in welcome and greeting at events.  And I am grateful for the example you provide for all us.  In your honor and memory, our work continues.  This morning I hold your grieving family and friends in prayer and pray that the police find the one who took your life so violently. 

And I wonder, what led to the person (s) to choose violence? Why violence?  Why? Why is that the answer to so many problems? Why choose war against a person, a race, an ethnic group, nation, why ... ... ...

Perfection Unfolding

Four years ago my daughter and I planted two peony plants in the back yard; one a deep rose and the other pale pink.  This year they have produced the most magnificent blooms that reign in the garden outside of my garage door.  It is a great way to leave for work and return home at the end of a full day.

Naturally as nature goes, how they appear in the morning is never the same as when I return later in the day.  This also holds true for the blooms that find their way to my dining room table.  I was so sure that the one pictured here was at its peak of beauty when I cut it and placed it in the antique Phillips Milk of Magnesia jar.  Well, it was perfect then.  And it was perfect again when I returned home later that day with its petals continuing to open revealing the delicacy of the in-most center.

I rose this morning at 5:00 with ease as has been the case much of my life.  As I walked into the dawning light of the dining room the peony provided yet another glimpse at perfect beauty.  I can hardly wait to head out the door and see  the surprises that await in my ever burgeoning perennial and wildflower gardens!

As I recently told a friend, to see the sunrise and the sunset is to bookend the day in beauty and serenity.  Here in Minnesota that means sunrise ranges from around 5:00 a.m. - around 7:30 a.m. and sunset from around 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. depending on the season and the man made reality of daylight savings time.

Today the sun rises in partly sunny skies, the winds that have raged the last few days are gone and the leaves on the trees are virtually still; squirrels scurry in the blue spruce across the street and my morning chorus of birdsong welcome the day filled with joy.  The TV sits idle in the corner.  No radio is turned on.  It is yet another majestic morning in all its simplicity and beauty.

Another "Never" Dies

Pippi Ardennia

Long ago I began celebrating each time another "never" dies.  There is great joy in ticking them off and celebrating them as i do! It is a grand thing. 

In the past 12 months many "nevers" died.  I have now been to Salt Lake City, UT; spent a week in a private villa on the sandy white beach of the Caribbean Sea with seven vibrant amazing women ages 35 - 83 from the Midwest and West Coast; attended the spring concert where my 11 year old grandboy sang and danced; attended my eldest grandgirl's Prom Grand March; attended my eldest grandboys graduation from high school; went to the Lanesboro, MN Rhubarb Festival; spent a weekend in a private rustic roundwood cottage clinging to the edge of Wild River State Park; was guest lecturer for a St. Catherine University Class focusing on women's healthcare in Haiti; coordinated a regional conference on immigration reform and last Sunday attended my first ever live jazz concert!

Through the years a dear friend has provided many many many opportunities for me to celebrate the end of another "never."  We have attended operas (mom would love that!), the symphony, Shubert Club, plays, organ recitals and last Sunday evening PipJazz at the Landmark Center here in St. Paul.   Often in life words fail, experience is what really speaks.  

We thoroughly enjoyed the late afternoon PipJazz Sunday featuring Pippi, and an astonishing back-up band.  Each month also features a local artist and an up and coming artist.  Pippi Ardennia, a Chicago born jazz/blues singer and songwriter residing in St. Paul, Minnesota, co-produces the series with drummer/manager Glenn Swanson. The June 10 concert featured guest artist Barbara LeShoure, "queen of the blues," youth artist Joe Souhkonen, a recent graduate of Minneapolis South High School who is headed to Oberlin Conservatory, the oldest continuously operating Conservatory of Music in the United States and; Peter Schimke on piano, Brian Nelson on keyboard, Glen "Swanny" Swanson on drums and Billy Peterson, bass guitar and bass.  As we left I remarked "another 'never' just died. If anyone wants a fabulous first-ever live jazz experience, PipJazz is the perfect place to go."   

Next opportunity?  July, 8, 5:00 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, Landmark Center.  

VISIT www.pipjazz.com to learn more, see the upcoming schedule of events, order tickets,  and enjoy fine jazz right here in Saint Paul!

Vintage Redefined

1920s Matag Washing Machine

    I was married June 8, 1963 and we moved into an upstairs apartment in a small rural Minnesota town.  There was no bathtub or shower, which for my husband was no big deal.  His family home had no running water and an outhouse, fully operational with delicate pink peach wrappers for tissue in the late summer months, Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs for the other seasons.

His mother had a modern Matag washer which she set up in the kitchen, water from the well was carried in to fill the washer and tubs, then an elecrtic "hot plug" was inserted to heat the water to an unthinkable degree requiring a "laundry stick" to remove the hot clean clothes so they could be fed through the wringer.

My first washer was the one pictured here.  And it purred like a top!  Bought it at a yard sale and was thrilled to pieces with it. That was until the wringers began to melt into my new sheets and I learned that there were no replacement wringers available.  Drats!

Well, after all it was over 40 years old.  Truly vintage!

Fast forward to the New Millennium.  I have been learning the "new definition" of vintage far too often and with greater fury each time.  In 2000 I had a brand spanking new GE microwave complete with lights and fan installed above my stove.  I was working full time and going to college, so was home to use it only occasionally.  In 2005 it stopped heating.  I called for repair and was told the parts and labor would be about $50 less than a new microwave.  I was livid! And told the company just how I felt only to be told that microwaves are built to "last 5 - 7 years.'  I replied, "fine, this the last one I will own!"  So today my microwave continues to hold court above the range and is the perfect place to store my cookbooks.  From time to time a new guest will be here and open it up to heat water for tea or make microwave oatmeal ... then the poor souls are held captive while I tell my story of guaranteed obsolescence.

Fast forward to this week when I took my top-of-the-line 2006 Apple laptop computer into the Genius Bar to see why it got so hot and since then part of the keys do not work.  It took less than 90 seconds to learn that my computer is considered "vintage" - that their current diagnostic tools are too advanced to address issues with this computer, they do not carry parts, etc., so I would need to take it to company that services computers or consider getting a separate external keyboard or perhaps it is time to upgrade.  Grurrahhhhh!  I was polite, after all, the technician did not design it to be obsolete in 6 years.  I left snarling and growling at corporate America behind my smile.

It is clear to me that what used to be vintage at 30 or 40 years now is vintage in 5 or 6 years.  Call it technology upgrades or what ever you like, it is ridiculous that anything is obsolete so quickly and expediently for the manufacturer and another cost for the consumer.

Well, I can't store my cookbooks in the computer and I can only image the cost to repair it, so my son bought and delivered a wireless keyboard and mouse.  I works just fine thank you very very much!  And it makes me wonder if I will replace this computer when it does fail completely.  I am so weary of spending hard earned money to repair or replace stuff!  I might, when this computer fully fails, just go back to pen and paper, go to the library to do research and use a wee little computer tablet for blogging or simply go back to writing in still more journals and add to those aready piled up on the bookshelves.  Who knows for sure.  What I do know for sure is that I am vintage and at my age that makes sense.  And I am  proud of it!
 

Camping and Tick bites

Oh yah, this is gross! That is what three tick bite sites looked like on my body 8 days after returning from a camping trip near the St. Croix River. A colleague spent months fighting the affects of Lyme's Disease which I remember very clearly so I made an appointment on Tuesday to get them checked out.  The result is antibiotics ... for a minimum of 10 days ... twice a day.    Well, that means once again that my body objects to any antibiotic!  So, I have been working part days from home, sleeping a lot, and experiencing "gastrointestional" discomfort which is considered normal for this particular prescription.

I'd complain, but I remember my colleague who was on medical leave for several months, and who has lingering effects yet more than a year later.

So, I continue to put pure theraputic essential oils on the bites, take the antibiotics and have cancelled all my weekend plans to simply rest so I can get back to my regular work schedule Monday.

I cannot imagine what it would be like if I had not found all the ticks (8 of the little buggers) within 12 hours of their taking up residence on my body.

If you get a bite...pay attention...if the red area increases in size, you have flu like symptoms, don't hesitate, GO to the Dr.! 

June 3, 2012

What would an image be for the reality that is June 3, 2012?
My grandson, Zack's commence photo?
My backyard gardens lush and lovely?
Queen Elizabeth II on the beginning of her four day Diamond Jubilee Celebrating 60 years as Sovereign?
Construction cones and detour signs ~ around almost every corner?
The recall election in Wisconsin?
The ongoing saga of John Edwards, once presidential candidate, now aquitted of misuse of campaign funds?
Grand Ol' Days Parade (2012 starts at 10:00 a.m.)?
Swede Hollow Days, East Saint Paul?
Edina juried art fair?
Occupy Wall Street?
The cell phone?
Walkers or runners or bikers or Harley riders?
Long shadows lingering on the lawn?
President Obama writing a pass for a student from Rochester, MN who "skipped" school to see the President?
Or if I wait until later today, I could add an image of our neighborhoon "first ever alley party"

OH, I know, the absolute perfect photo is the one I took a week ago today when I returned home and discovered the peony bud that was a tight little knot when I left three days earlier had not only opened fully but was past perfect bloom and in resembles astoundingly to the face of a happy Shitzu.  It has made me and those around me smile all week long!  It just will not upload!  No image today ... just use your imagination and keep thinkin' and smiling!

Gardening

I started early this morning and by 11 a.m. had watered all the perennial gardens, weeded the alley garden and planted hollyhocks that will grow this summer, bloom next season on the north side of the cedar fence; planted seeds in five pots which I scattered around the front and side stoops, and on the deck that overlooks the back yard gardens and chimonea; cleaned the dandelions and maple tree seeds from all the cracks in the sidewalk and garage apron; cleaned my garden tools and left them in the sun to dry.

A I planted the temperature soared to 86 breezy very sunny degrees.  After lingering in a long hot bath, I turned on the television thinking that there might just be something that would catch my attention.  Ever hear the line "dream along with me?"  Well, it was the usual shoot em up, cut em up, kidnap em and rape em fare with the occasional old movie I have already seen more than once.  Even the History Channel today had nothing of substance to offer beyond reliving the WWII and Vietnam (already have seen both shows)....grurrahhhh.  

So I grabbed my book "Phillip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage" and read until I drifted off for a luxurious nap.

It is now approaching 6 p.m. and:
The phones have rung; I haven't answered them ...
The mail came ... it is still in the mailbox ...
I have not checked email ...
Or posted on FACEBOOK ...

The photo of the "blue bun-bucket chair" was taken at Wild River State Park several years ago.
It is a favorite
It is really quite simple '
I am fed by all things green
Wild or landscaped ... ...
Simple soul food! 

Mother's Day

To Be So Loved and Blessed ~~~
Mother's Day 2012 began weeks ago when my daughter who lives out of state was here to visit and bought a deep red anti gravity chair for me to use on my deck and to take with me for a relaxing afternoon at the state park or downtown by the river or when I go camping.

Last night my daughter, son-in-law and family had dinner for me and his mom at their home.  Rolled lasagna and rolled Fettuccini Alfredo, homemade of course with fresh salad, warm Artisan bread sticks, wine and we grammas brought our family favorite homemade pies - Gramma K. apple pie and me French Silk.

Now my son-in-law is a farmer who has NEVER called me in all these years - well another "never died" yesterday when he called from the tractor in the field where he was planting the last of the corn for this season ans asked if I could possibly go to Gertens Garden Center and get a gift certificate for my daughter and bring it with me.  Of course!!

Well, that was a REAL surprise for me. I have NEVER tried going to a major garden center the day before Mother's Day in my life and will likely never go again either!  Police directing traffic, cars and trucks and SUVs backed up and sitting and waiting to move, parked and everywhere, people with rolling garden carts lined up 25 deep to check out... like a homing pigeon I found a place to park my little Barcelona Red Toyota Corolla LE "Lola" (nothing bigger would have fit) and then walked straight into the first building, saw the "gift cards" placard hanging from the ceiling and made a beeline for it.  After a mere 10 minutes in line, I was back in my car and headed for home!

It was more than wise that I chose not to take the pie and make the stop on my way down there.  The pie would have been reduced to chocolate soup by the heat!

Today, my out of state daughter and have a long visit to catch up with her and her husband, then spend time later with my son and a friend of his to complete my family circle. Mother's Day evidence is spread throughout my gardens; purple petunia hanging basket on the corner of the back deck from my daughter and son-in-law who live out of state; pinks and reds petunia basket now hangs in the back garden by the garage and two pink butterfly solar garden lights from my daughter and family on the farm and newly planted hosta, wildflower and perennial plants abound in my gardens - my son's friend split split and split some more from her gardens and they transplanted them into mine.  My gardens has never been so beautiful and so filled with meaning and love.

Mother's Day - full of meaning and love - that about says it all... ... ... for this moment.  Except I really still miss my mom who passed 14 years ago and my gramma who passed 28 years ago...a lot! 

St. Patrick's Day 2012

Now just how Irish my mom's side of the family is depends on the day I asked the question.  364 days a year the answer was somewhere in the distant past there is an Irish ancestor, she thought on the Day side of the family; but come St. Patty's Day and she was all faith and begora; all Irish Eyes are Smilin'; My Wild Irish Rose kinda woman.  I truly believe that had she lived in St. Paul, she would have been in THE parade; downed more than a couple of green beers and tried out for any singin' contest that showed up!

For she did love to sing those songs and she loved to cook homemade corned beef (I still have the recipe from Gramma Elsie) and cabbage and boiled potatoes; and as much as she loved to cook it I loved to eat it.  And of course, I have a real hankerin' for it today!  I have checked Kowalski's and Lunds/Byerlys take out menues; I know that Gallivans, O'Gara's, McGovern's are serving it up with prices ranging from $9.99 to $13.99  ... my mouth waters just typing out the words!  But this year, I will forgo any of it because of my real desire to stay away from salty fatty high carbohydrate foods, and choose instead to have either a scone with good strong coffee or some Irish Soda bread to satiate my Irish taste buds.

In the early 1990s mom was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Rochester around St. Patrick's Day, so I donned my own version of a Leprechaun's costume, picked up my auto harp and headed down to see her.  She was on a "circular unit" with the nurses station in the center.  It was not critical care, so not quite so restricted in behaviors allowed, so I sat down on the floor outside her room and in the most off key voice singing with off key strums of on the harp, I sang My Wild Irish Rose.  In a virtual instant her voice reached out of the room saying Oh for God's sake Gin, git in here!.  Well, I did and then the whole unit got into the fun - mom and I sang "on key" and went room to room celebrating and having a little fun with patients, families and staff.  Oh, ya, then I drove back home in costume and had a blast along the way too.  Thanks Mom for awakening the Wild Irish Rose in me that needs to DNA to validate it.

Weekend with "the grands" and Jazz at the Lex

My daughter and son-in-law spent the weekend in Las Vegas and in the mountains of Nevada with friends, so I went to the farm to be with my grands from 1:00 p.m. on Thursday until noon today.

The grands are now 11 and 14 and 16 ... and they have grown into such amazing young people who are healthy, good students and athletes.  I used to spend much more time with them, but then like all "millennials" they are now busy seven days a week with academic and athletic endeavors as well as church obligations and work part time schedules.  Unlike when I was a child - when every Sunday was spent at Gramma and Grampas house, now we "milllenial grandparents" go to the kids events and the kids seldomly come to visit.  Not a complaint simply a reality.

Our weekend was relatively quiet and it seemed to really agree with them.  They did not push each others buttons nor did they attempt to push the boundaries their parents set for them.  We did our house chores, kept all the work and athletic commitments, had lunch with their other gramma who lives next door and then had a pizza and movie night with her at the kid's house.  After church today, we returned to the farm where again it was very quiet - the eldest fell asleep... right after church!

After returning to the city, I attended the opera with a dear friend who spent an overnight at church caring for homeless families ... 22 individuals including 15 children!  The opera was incredible...but when it was over I took him home and then came straight home and pt on my pjs ... to end the weekend very quietly.

And now...the Phantom of the Opera is on Public TV...it is astonishing!

I have to admit that I did not want to come home after the opera though.  I was all dressed up in black velvet with vibrant purple knit shirt - it would have been fun to go out to dinner even if it was pizza or a a burger, but:  Connie is in Mexico, Joanne is in Arizona, Lynne is with Cathy (having a hip replacement this week at Mayo), John A. is working, Jen has friends in town for the weekend and ... ... as I sit her ...I realize that if I had any extra money, what I really wanted to do was drive up to the Lex for dinner and Jazz!

I would have gone alone!  Sometimes I think I'd like to meet a man who is alive with curiosity and a sense of wonder and a sense of humor that is childlike and who cares about more than himself and ... sometimes ... and yet, I stay home!

Another six months and prayerfully I will be able to have some disposable money for just such a possibility............ maybe ... for tonight I will savor the beauty and majesty of "Phantom" in the absolute peace and joy and safety of my home.  Soon.  I will do this SOON!

Great Gramma Isabel: A Dear Neighbor

I have been just thinkin' about my great-gramma a lot these recent weeks as my work has involved me deeply in the Minnesota Voter ID Amendement bill debate on a number of levels.  She was my "great great gramma, an voracious reader of two newspapers daily, a powerful business woman (owned and managed three farms) a staunch Republican. She lived with her son and daughter-in-law and had a "mother-in-laws apartment (bedroom and parlor all to herself)" and was known to the whole community as "Ma Evarts."

I never never never saw her cook, bake, do laundry, sew or garden.  By the time I was born, she was in her late seventies, quite agile and an active force to be recconed with if the farm was work was not done well.  Each morning and evening my grampa and uncle met with her to discuss the plans for the farms that day and the outcomes. 

I have no image for this blog because I either use my own photos or go to "google images" to find the one that fits my "just thinkin'".  Great Gramma died in 1962, so I have no digital images of her and I do not have access to the family photo albums I created for my parents to scan (oh, that is quite another story).  I did try "google images" and typed in "1950's gramma reads newspaper."  What I got back were pictures of grampas reading newsapers, grammas baking, with the grandkids, knitting, or by the Christmas tree.  Then I entered "Evarts Farm Minnesota" and found an image of Dr. Arrah B.Evarts.  Now that is another incredible story for another day. 

A very strong memory I have of great gramma is of her sitting on her living room sofa on the farm with her legs up, back against a pillow on the sofa arm, reading light behind her as she intently devoured the newspapers.  She read two daily, the Rochester Post Bulletin and one of the "cities" papers, I don't remember if it was the Pioneer Press or Dispatch (both St. Paul),  as I remember (oh ya I know memory is fickle) the Pioneer Press was the morning paper and the Dispatch the evening paper or the Star Tribune (Minneapolis).  And, she was a powerful woman. NO ONE interrupted her or read either paper until she had finished them!

Quick "fact check" on the Pioneer Press website provides my memory on this one is good!

History

The Pioneer Press traces its history back to both the Minnesota Pioneer, Minnesota's first daily newspaper (which was founded in 1849 by James M. Goodhue), and the Saint Paul Dispatch (which was launched in 1868). Ridder Publications acquired the Minnesota Pioneer and the Dispatch in 1927. Ridder merged with Knight Publications to form Knight Ridder in 1974. The two papers were operated for many years as separate morning and evening papers, but were merged into an all-day publication in 1985 as the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch and made the transition to morning-only newspaper in 1990, when they dropped the word "Dispatch". It is sometimes referred to as the "Pi Press", by reference to the nickname of "Strib" used for the Star Tribune.

"This morning I would like to sit down with her and talk about the issues of the day.  Wrestle with her on the just passed "castle law" allowing people to use lethal force if a crime is being commited in their home; the Voter ID Amendment bill which is racing through the MN Senate passing on party line votes (GOP for 100% and DFL opposed 100%) and the Minnesota Marriage Amendment which is already on the ballot for the 2012 General Election.  She was a Republican and she valued people on the margins of life.  How would she view the actions of the 2011-2012 Minnesota Legislature and the 2012 Congress?  Would she recognize the Republican party she was so proud of participating in? Would she be troubled that our democracy is behaving more like a plutocracy? I will never know."

I remember great-gramma's wake and funeral as if they were yesterday.  She was the first person I loved with all my heart who died. She died when I was 15 years old and I was devistated.  It wasn't bad enough that she died but they "brought her home and layed her out" in front of her parlor windows right next to her sofa and the undertaker put bright red lipstick on my 95 year old great grandmother, holy cow was that wierd!  My gramma and my mom tried to rub it off...well that didn't work!  And then all these people were sitting in her living room and all through the house laughing and drinking coffee and all I could do was sob.  So, I like any 15 year old girl who doesn't know how to deal with what is going on, I locked myself in the only bathroom in the house and refused to come out.  Well, that didn't work for long either!

So I went outside away from the "madness" where the little kids were playing on that bright and beautiful June day.  And there he was.  A grown man, way past 15,  wearing a work shirt, work boots, bib overalls and a farm cap sobbing HIS eyes out!  I sat down and learned that during the Great Depression, he lost everything and was on his last leg when Great Gramma took him in as a farm hand, gave him a roof over his head and food for his belly and treated him well.  She "was a great woman and she saved my life."

Her funeral was the next day at the Methodist Church "up town."  The church was packed, people were in the basement on folding chairs listening over the speaker system.  I was amazed!  Her family and neighbors turned out by the score and I learned that day just how important "Ma Evarts" was to so many.

The more I thought about the man I met at the wake, the more questions I asked. It was then I learned that my grandparents also fed hobos on the back step before sending them.  When one neighbor was down the others jumped in to help them as they could.   

In those days the wall telephone connected people to "the operator up town."  Telephones worked on the party line principle, five or six homes on one line.  The party line also made it possible for neighbors to announced trouble in the neighborhood by ringing ONE very long ring (think...late 20th Century 911 or New Mellinium texting)!  Everyone "on the line" immediately picked up the phone and listened intently to learn: there is a fire in the Granger's barn we need a bucket brigade;  Mr. Steward hung himself in the barn come help his shocked family and the cows need milking; Mrs. Emerson's baby died at birth and the family needs help.  That long ring was an immediate response and the neighbors immediately responded to their neigbhor's need!

I truly believe people cared then and I believe people care now.  It appears to me that what we have lost is in this New Millennium is the connection to our neighbors, respect for the "other", the ability to talk to our neighbors about that on which we agree and that on which we disagree; that we have become a state and a nation of black and white, good and bad, right and wrong; we have allowed ourselves to become deaf to the voice of those who have a differing point of view.  If only we could truly listen to each other, together we might find a common answer rather than a divisive regressive one that pits family member against family member, neighbor against neighbor and creates structures that box some people in and others out.

Great Gramma Isabel was a great woman.  I miss her today and believe that if she were her on my sofa with me, we would likely have some differences in our political beliefs - and I believe that we would be able to listen to and learn a great deal from each other - and we'd both be better for it!   Because for any progress to be made, nothing can be about me it must be about us!     Great Gramma knew this and so did her neighbors.  I know mine, but not like she knew hers.  Can I?

Just Thinkin' about the weather and ... ... Sister Rose

Sister Rose

The news and casual conversation revolved around the weather here in Minnesota.  Is it a "normal" winter?  Has it "ever" been like this before?  Can you believe this, people walking around without coats most of this winter?  What is going to happen when spring and summer come and we haven't had any moisture?  Did you read in the paper that flood predictions for spring are really low?  And then there was the lady at the postal counter in the grocery store, "what is going to happen to us?  Do you think that this is a sign we are close to the end."

Well besides the weather a whole lot has been happening in Minnesota and yet we continue to take refuge and comfort in the primacy of "the weather" above all else.  It provides a nice safe way to "greet" strangers and it is a nice safe way for family and friends to steer clear of topics/issues that make us so uncomfortable.

Several days ago I attended a meeting where Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet here in St. Paul gathered to take a good look at who are the people and what are the ministries that over our 161 years here in St. Paul speak to who we are?  One of the sisters called into the present was one "who did great things and who fought great demons."

She wasn't a "let's talk about the weather" kind of woman - her writings describe how challenging it was for her to "see" the injustices around her that others seemed to be blind to.  I knew her for a short while before her passing and find that I call out to her when I get frustrated by our continued focus on the weather, sports, rock musicians, what we can't do instead of imagining what we can do if we just "see" and work together for a better world beyond today's temperature, wind-chill, sun, clouds or lack of snow cover.

In the news this week:
Studies are showing an increase in domestic violence and a teenage girl in Wisconsin escaped the basement where her father, step-mother and step-brothers held her hostage, beat and starved and sexually assaulted her - she is the height of a 9 year old and weighs 70 lbs.  How could her neighbors, extended family not know she was "missing."  How can we spend so much time at the Minnesota Legislature on putting constitutional amendments on the ballot in November while our state budget is in crisis, 62% more children live in poverty in Minnesota today than 10 years ago and our education system is failing our children at an alarming rate, more Minnesota families are living in homeless shelters than our history?  Minnesota used to be a leader in education and our families used to have it better!

But why be concerned about such things, it is now 7:26 a.m. - the sun is up - it is 17.5 degrees - there are small patches of snow on the north side of buildings while the south sides present brown grass ... I should find someone with whom I can talk about the weather!

Dear Sister Rose - thank you for seeing people and the challenges in their lives and for believing you could make a difference.  You did and your ministries continue to flourish making a difference.  Like you there are so many people making life better every day for people.  There is so much goodness and kindness and generosity - we have so much to share - so much more in common than the weather!  

Black History Month - A Tribute to Fannie Lou Hamer: A remarkable leader!

Fannie Lou Hamer 

As a student at the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) I chose as my Global Search for Justice class a course taught by Sharon Doherty that took us down the road of the Civil Rights Movement.  This class opened wider the door on the all too silent voices of the women who were powerful leaders throughout the struggle to attain civil rights for people who are African American and who faced horrific persecution and were killed for their advocacy.

Fannie Lou Hamer is the woman who got into my soul and lives powerfully there as an example of the sacrifice women make over and over and over again - and how unsupported too many are once the fight is over!

At the height of the Civil Rights Movement Fannie Lou powerfully stated, "Sometimes it seem like to tell the truth today is to run the risk of being killed.  But if I fall, I'll fall five feet four inches forward in the fight for freedom.  I'm not backing off."  The youngest of 20 children, she was born to sharecroppers and joined her parents and siblings in the cotton fields at age six.  Her formal education ended at age 12 but she continued to learn through Bible Study, and by reading newspapers food scraps were wrapped (by the plantation owners) before she threw dutifully tossed them into the garbage.

MS Hamer was a powerful, potent, passionate presence in the Civil Rights Movement.  She was able to take her love for Gospel Hymns and - in the heat of the moment - keep the melody and insert the language of the Civil Rights Movement to unite a crowd of a few to thousands.  Her biography states that "She was a captivating preacher and singer, inspiring others with her moral and physical courage."

I work in the Justice Office for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.  Last spring we took a trip to Alabama to attend the 40th Anniversary of the Southern Poverty Law Center and tour Civil Rights Movement Memorials and Museums.  In each I looked for the book, "This Little Light of Mine: Life of Fannie Lou Hamer" which was one of the course texts we used at St. Catherine.  It was nowhere to be found!  So I began looking in books to find references of her countless contributions, the account of the beating by white jailers that nearly killed her and rendered her disabled for life!  Herstory was invisible most, slight in many. I was incredulous.

We spent a morning in Selma, Alabama, where we saw that the Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee House (SNCC). A historical marker noting its importance stands proudly in front of the house, though it is crumbling inside and out.  Next we stopped at a new Selma Civil Rights Museum where the guide suggested that we should not miss the Lowndes County Interpretive Center located half-way to Montgomery.

We entered and placed prominently on the counter was the recently released "Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC."  At long last, Fannie Lou Hamer is a powerful presence in the stories of those women who worked alongside of her in SNCC!  I bought it immediately - and upon returning to Minnesota shared it with two professors at the University of St. Catherine.  They still have it and I have yet to read it.  Time to give them a call.

Fannie Lou Hamer contributed so much, how can history so easily dismiss her?
Just a few of her many contributions:
~~Registered herself to vote then worked tirelessly to register voters.  Result - she lost her job, received death threats, was jailed, severely beaten and permanently disabled
~~Helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (1964) because blacks were not allowed to in the all-white regular party delegation
~~When Lyndon Johnson refused to seat the MFDP, the Democrats agreed that in the future no delegation would be seated from a state where anyone was illegally denied the right to vote.
~~Worked towards achieving financial independence for blacks.
~~1969 she helped to start Freedom Farms Corporation, which lent land to blacks until they had enough money to buy land
~~Worked with the National Council of Negro Women
~~Organized food co-operatives
~~Helped convene the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1970.
~~1970 lawsuit, Hamer v. Sunflower County, demanded school desegregation
~~Helped set up Freedom Schools for black children
~~Helped found the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971, speaking for inclusion of racial issues in the feminist agenda.
~~In 1972 the Mississippi House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring her national and state activism, passing 116 to 0.
~~Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1993)

Her biography states, "Though Hamer wanted children, a white doctor had sterilized her without     permission, so she adopted daughters instead.  In her last years, she received many honors and awards. Engraved on her headstone in her hometown of Ruleville, Mississippi, are her famous words: "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."

History is dependent on who "has voice."  Just as Fannie Lou Hamer is missing from much the  Civil Rights Movement history or is reduced to a few lines, portraying an incomplete reality, memory is also fickle.  I seem to remember that she died pretty much alone, forgotten and penny less.  This morning I cannot check that fact because my copy of "This Little Light of Mine" is on the BLACK HISTORY MONTH display at work right next to a book about Martin Luther King, Jr.

What I can substantiate is that there is now a Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial, Ruleville, Mississippi.  I'd like to spend some time there some day!

So, such as it is, 45 years later. THANK YOU FANNIE LOU HAMER.  When I think of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I think of you and I am a much better person for knowing that your life was well spent in reaching for "justice for all." 

In memory of Fannie Lou Hamer (1971-1977)

Oh what a week!

Sunday morning sofa time - time to think about the week just past and remember again that I cannot possibly know how the fullness of today will unfold, much less the fullness of the week ahead.  Last Sunday, I had no idea that my dear friend's son would finally successfully be removed from life supports AND strongly begin his journey back to good health; I would find myself assigned to testify at a committee hearing held in the Minnesota Senate; unexpectedly pick a friend up at the airport after her flight earlier in the day was cancelled due to a snowstorm that shut down the Denver airport; watch my granddaughter's dance team take another first place in a mini meet; learn a great deal about nutrition and personal safety at a women's getaway retreat; wake yesterday morning to watch the day dawn revealing Hoar frost crystals adorning the landscape outside my window; and now this morning sit here realizing for the bazillionth time in my life that life is more mystery and surprise that anything else! 

For the week of February 4, 2012, I know that:
~I plan to attend the opera this afternoon with a friend
~The water at the office will be off until at least noon tomorrow - I will work from home in the morning
~I have an appointment to take my Apple MAC BOOK PRO for a tune-up
~It is time to have my teeth cleaned again (grurrahhh, I hate that and I like it too)
~I will work next Saturday - morning and evening

A week from today I will reflect on the week past and see what actually happened; what got rescheduled or cancelled; what "showed up" unexpected and got added!  And I will reflect on the ways I succeeded in keeping my personal commitment to healthy eating and more exercising, remembering that I do better when I celebrate what I was successful at doing than lamenting where I was less successful.  Or maybe I need to re-evaluate the definition of success through the lens of my own life!

February 4, 2012 Hoar frost spectacle

These Chains are made for walkin'

In the early 90's my mom gave me a pair of "boot chains" so I could walk safely during Minnesota's ice season.  Well, I thanked her and then promptly put them a way with a well really, when will I EVER use these attitude, after all I, I was only in my 40's still prancing around in stylish shoes blessed with healthy joints and an amazing sense of balance. And I remembered that when I was growing up we put chains on car tires so we could drive out of our farm driveway onto the gravel roads and then paved road to town. In the 70's the tire chains were replaced with studded tires which were truly labor saving.  You just put them on at the start of winter and took them off in the spring.

Well worked well for the car owner.  They saved time for people driving on roads with snow ruts or ice, but the studs also tore up the roads destroying them at an alarming rate.  My memory says that the next thing we did was outlaw studded tires and "put down sand" instead.  Next came salt and chemicals.  Well that is true today - we use more sale and chemicals and we use sand on Minnesota roads.

This winter is my "boot chains winter!" My new knee healing and getting stronger with each day - and my absolute desire NOT TO FALL, I remembered "mom's chains" went to the basement to the antique glass front cupboard and took out the plastic bag with shoe chains mom gave me now more than 20 years ago.  They were right where I put them along with other precious things from mom, gramma and my aunts.   

Just like the tire chains, I put them on my boots that day and will keep them on my winter boots until there is no risk of ice on any surface this season!  I think of mom every time I put them on and thank her for keeping me safe. 

She left this life on January 1, 1998 but she keeps me on track in surprising ways and is keeping me safe this winter!  I did not even have to go outside on icy sidewalks to search out boot chains when the ice hit and then pay much more than she paid for them 20 years ago.  THANKS MOM, another gife that keeps on giving!   

January 7, 2012 - A hike at Fort Snelling State Park

Memorial to 38 Dakota hanged 1862 at Mankao

I had such grand plans for today and even recorded my "TTDT" (things to do today) list in my "stickies" file on my computer.  It is now 1:09 p.m. - I am down to #4 really working hard to finish the list I was so enthusiastic about at 7:30 this morning.

Again I find myself in that place of remembering what a Saturday was like for my Gramma Elsie.  Each week on a "set day" she went to the beauty shop to get her hair set and nails done (always bright bright bright red).  At the time that did not seem particularly amazing to me but today it borders on the astonishing!  She was a busy busy woman, farm wife, mother, daughter-in-law, grandmother, friend, neighbor and hostess; seamstress, cook, baker, gardener, harvester, care-giver of people and care taker of the root cellar and all she canned and she wrote numerous letters to her sisters and friends weekly!

How did she EVER have the energy?  She had few energy saving devices at her disposal.  The first time I wrote about my experience of her seemingly boundless energy, the article was published under the title "High-heeled on the Farm."  Yup, she did it all wearing a corset, nylon stockings and high heeled shoes (with "rubbers" to the garden)!

Today, I am aware that she 1) knew who she was 2) took very good care of herself 3) was active and an integral part of her family, neighborhood, church, school board, township board communities 4) used her voice rather than held it.

On my TTDT list is a walk in Fort Snelling State Park - at this moment i have co convince myself to get off the sofa and GO DO IT!  The picture above is what will get me moving!  This year the State of Minnesota will commemorate the 150 years since the hanging of the 38 Dakota at Fort Snelling.  I will park my car and begin my hike less than 40 feet from the memorial and consider my walk a time to take care of myself, heal my body and remember in prayer that we humans are truly mercurial, often brutal and often caring and just and loving.

I will be following activities including the opening of an exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Society that will look back "with eyes wide open" to the atrocities and shed new light on them.

January 1, 2012 HAPPY NEW YEAR and THANKS MOM

This year I took vacation for the 12 Days of Christmas.  It has been grand to wake when my body is rested, have guests over for a lovely lazy brunch or dinner, visit friends,  fall asleep reading a book in the middle of the afternoon and walk at Ft. Snelling State Park.

Santa and Mrs Claus 1997

The first of the year, every year for the past fourteen reminds me of my mom.  As I have said far too often she left this life without my permission!  We celebrated Christmas 1997 on the last Saturday of December.  When all the gifts under the tree were gone, everyone thought the gift giving was over.  It was then that mom brought out a bag of wrapped gifts and with the biggest smile passed them one by one to each of us.  My gift was figurines of Santa and Mrs Claus.  She didn't say much that day but she smiled and she smiled. Perhaps the best part of her smile was that she managed - from her home at Pine Haven Nursing Home to purchase from a catalog and have the gifts sent to her there - then wrapped them and put our names on the right gift for each one of us.

The next day she was taken by ambulance to St. Marys Hospital, Rochester and then transferred to the respiratory intensive care unit where she died less than a week later - I was blessed to be with her when she breathed her last earthly breath.  And I miss her SO much!  That is not to say we got along all the time or even much of the time.  Truth be told the first 38 years of my life we "enjoyed" a more than tense relationship.  Gratefully, all that began changing when I invited mom to have lunch one day at the Henry Wellington restaurant in downtown Rochester.  I miss her immensely - and she is ever-so-close!

There are two things that are always present in my home 1) Santa and Mrs. Claus move around the living room and 2) and the ceramic Christmas Tree mom made while she resided at Pine Haven, it moves from place to place in my loft.  

What doesn't move around is the ways she is "in me,"  the ways she shows up in the most unexpected ways "in my ear" to encourage or challenge or laugh or question ... ...

So on the anniversary of your leaving this life and entering the next ... love and hugz Mom ... and thanks too!