tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15595570157636756622024-03-14T01:19:37.494-07:00Every Day Is a MiracleFinding miracles in everyday lifeMarie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.comBlogger1925125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-31579482739028467292022-08-10T21:24:00.009-07:002022-08-10T21:24:58.263-07:00Holden Village 2022<p>During the last week of July we went up into central Washington to return to one of our favorite places: Holden Village. You can read more about Holden Village in <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2012/08/glory-in-valley-holden-village-2012.html">these posts from 10 years ago</a>.</p><p>In short, it's an outdoor community experience, sort of like a family camp, in the valley of the North Cascade wilderness on the site of a former mining village. It's owned and operated by the ELCA Lutheran Church. It's occupied and accepts guests year round but the summer is the most popular time to visit. People come from all over the country to visit, probably contributing to the COVID! For us, it's a 5-hour drive to Wenatchee, overnight stay there, and an early morning ferry ride uptake on Lake Chelan. Then you take a school bus up into the mountains through a series of 20+ switchbacks. It's not easy to get to!</p><p>Our kids grew up going there, and we hadn't been since 2019 before the pandemic. It's extremely rustic, and unfortunately our week was the most difficult we'd spent there. Still, in spite of the difficulties, we had a lot of fun. Here are the A-Zs of our week! Photos follow at the end.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Arts and crafts</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">One of the things I love about Holden is learning new arts and crafts. I learned how to make soap in a two-part class, painted a silk scarf, and made a tie-dyed shirt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Basement pool hall</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">The coolest place in the village, so we spent a lot of time playing pool and ping pong and listening to the jukebox. Unfortunately the set-up-your-own-pins bowling was shut down for the week because they were short-staffed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Community living</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Housing is in the old mining lodges, with shared bathrooms down the hall. Meals are served in the dining hall. Holden can be a hard place for reserved introverts, because there are people everywhere.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Damn COVID</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Vaccinations and testing were required, but somehow COVID got into the village the week before we arrived. We arrived on Monday, one of our group got it on Wednesday and another on Thursday. By Sunday another person had come down with it and another person suspected it (and was later confirmed). When we came home, many of their family members got it. We had meals with a few of these folks, so we were very lucky to escape it. I felt horrible that in many cases their time was either cut short (they went home early) or they were sick away from home. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Enneagram</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I am obsessed with the enneagram and the excellent Holden library has a ton of great enneagram books. I read one and looked at a few others. Can you guess which number I am?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Friendship and family</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Sometimes we've had upward of 60 people from our church go together. This year we had about 37, including friends who were working on short-term staff (and unfortunately were the first to get COVID). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I love this community time, playing games, singing, chatting, and learning together. I was especially delighted that our friends Ruth and David went for the first time this year. They were so much fun to have with us. And we have a tradition of meeting up with our friend Shelia and her kids, who live in Boise. The kids have grown up together, producing plays, trying on costumes, and exploring together. Now Kieran and her two daughters are all in college in New England, so they had a blast hiking, swimming, playing games, and taking nightly saunas together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Granola and muesli</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Fresh baked bread, peanut butter, jelly, fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, juice, etc. are always available around the clock in the dining hall. I think I ate my weight in cherries that week! And one of my favorite treats was mixing Holden's homemade muesli and granola together with rice milk. Yum!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Hand washing and sanitizing</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Holden did everything it could to keep COVID at bay. Masks were required in indoor buildings, and we washed our hands and sanitized when entering the dining hall for any reason.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Ice cream</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">A favorite place for kids and adults alike, the snack bar/ice cream shop is usually open in the afternoons and in the evenings, but this year it was only open in the afternoons (again, short staffing). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>JUBILEE justice<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Holden's theme this year was JUBILEE, which is from the Bible. The Jubilee year, which occurs every 50 years, is an economic, cultural, environmental, and communal reset, when the land and people rest, and all those who are in slavery are set free. Holden brings in instructors to teach on the annual theme, and this year's were excellent. I attended daily contemplation sessions on interweaving spirituality and growth led by Felicia Murrell; sessions with Rabbi Samuel Klein, who talked about Jubilee and other Jewish topics; and my favorite, a series on music for the resistance led by Paul Vasile. They also had a wonderful music group there called GLOCAL, which led music most of the evenings at "Sacred Space."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Keyless</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">At Holden, no one has locks on their doors. Mike and I had a room across the hall from Nick and Kieran's room. We found that the best way to cool off our rooms during the hot daytime was to leave the door wide open to the hallway while we were out and about. How many places can you go to where you can do that?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Lake Chelan</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Gorgeous Lake Chelan! You cannot see the lake from Holden Village, but it's an anchor to the place. I love the ferry rides to get to and from the village, and the day we left I was delighted to sit at the dock and put my feet in the water.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Mosquitos and biting flies</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">The biting flies were even more plentiful than the mosquitos. The bugs have never been this bad. I guess it's worse later in the summer. And they LOVE Mike.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>No air conditioning with 95 degree weather</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard;">We had extremely high temperatures for the mountains, in the 90s with a high of 95 one day, and no air conditioning. We survived somehow, with fans, the pool hall, and dipping our feet into the creek.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Off the grid</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Holden is completely off the grid. There is no wifi. Until a few years ago, there was no way guests could communicate with the outside world. Now they have an extremely slow laptop in the library at a standing desk that you can use if you have to, but I didn't look at my email or the news ONCE! It is liberating to do that for a week!!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Pizza we never had</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">This was the refrain by Nick and our friend Shelia, and it appeared in one of our games, too! Usually they have pizza once a week, but the only pizza that appeared was leftover from the previous week, and Nick missed it entirely.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Quilts on every bed</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Each bedroom has beds with iron-railed bed frames covered with handmade quilts. Some rooms have bunk beds, and others single or double beds. There's also a sink, desk, and closet in each room...just like the miners lived!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Railroad Creek</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">My favorite place in the village, by the creek, which actually feels more like a river! It was especially necessary for cooling off!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Singalongs on the ark</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Although my jamming partner came down with COVID and I missed making music with him, Kieran agreed to play his guitar with my mandolin. We had a few singalongs on the ark, and this year I was prepared...I made song sheets beforehand and sent them out to our group so they had them on their phones!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Ten-mile Falls</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">The easiest hike near the village, just a two-mile round trip with a beautiful destination of a raging waterfall! Usually I get there a few times, but I only managed once this year, early one morning! Kieran and others took several long hikes in the hot sun. I guess I'm a wilting flower!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Ultra-hot</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Have I said that it was hotter than hell? Thanks but no thanks, global warming.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Vegetables and lots of them!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Holden's food is very low on the food chain, which was a perfect fit for my new whole food, plant-based way of eating. It is not easy for </span><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">everyone, though, to have meat only a couple of times per week. But it was perfect for me! It was nice not to have to cook for myself for a change. Being veggie and whole food based takes a lot more time to prepare food!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Wine on the porch</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">We've been going to Holden with many of the same folks for years. We take our boxed wine and hang out on one of the many porches in the evening, singing songs or playing games. It's one of my favorite things and even though I'm drinking way less wine, it was as fun as ever...especially because the evenings were the most pleasant times to be outside! The last evening we were there we took our games into the pool hall because we played past quiet time at 10:30.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Xylitol</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Yes, I had a hard time coming up with an X-word. But I did have my sugar-free gum there, which I chewed every day! LOL!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Yep</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Dang, it was hot!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><b>Zen when I sat in my favorite place</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">You know those meditations, when the facilitator asks you to put yourself in your favorite place in your mind? My favorite place is sitting on the bridge over Railroad Creek. I didn't get as much time out there as I would have liked, thanks to the heat and flies...but I did get a few moments. Pure zen to listen to the gushing creek!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Here are some photos, unfortunately not all in order!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ0Ha-URAGKdrma_2mIbCOPMStVCgBQ9qqiCsrTHd0JqEX8ks-o2GcUnbypevNRyNdmiwAQZ2OEJlsT_68QFmh8k11LlK1iLvJeOidaj583g7SLzMbisfNP_dICHMuUJVnT1JjarUAPxpKiSqufGfzjCzzKbs_zXiR7mbOO65TT-rQOopSG3N95lqbQ/s2763/IMG_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2072" data-original-width="2763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZ0Ha-URAGKdrma_2mIbCOPMStVCgBQ9qqiCsrTHd0JqEX8ks-o2GcUnbypevNRyNdmiwAQZ2OEJlsT_68QFmh8k11LlK1iLvJeOidaj583g7SLzMbisfNP_dICHMuUJVnT1JjarUAPxpKiSqufGfzjCzzKbs_zXiR7mbOO65TT-rQOopSG3N95lqbQ/w320-h240/IMG_3865.JPG" title="Toasting my Irish friend Ruth with a Guinness on her birthday!" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Toasting my Irish friend Ruth on her birthday in Wenatchee</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqZ3fA2y3B4gELdatpurdM6j5sEwbPjVRLzESgN1hNaEyZ46A9n-yuOb6zfGKjN6eAK2N2Qe3vez5vX1tuwOyw7teo1BpfpygpHQ-A8k4QaKQRW4LMqgzccbVi8_szSCsu9pX54nkH6CISSUlN8MbQ75Efodvokkd2Sn2fATc_cuHL8HTLq3ig_Y4oA/s4032/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqZ3fA2y3B4gELdatpurdM6j5sEwbPjVRLzESgN1hNaEyZ46A9n-yuOb6zfGKjN6eAK2N2Qe3vez5vX1tuwOyw7teo1BpfpygpHQ-A8k4QaKQRW4LMqgzccbVi8_szSCsu9pX54nkH6CISSUlN8MbQ75Efodvokkd2Sn2fATc_cuHL8HTLq3ig_Y4oA/s320/IMG_3867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz48pppptIF1sCx55IMwWv9HxhLX6fgNpzQ2DDqOYfs-pUrHErXbfyDfg5WBkFxZy_cPMmUyi7joskOc0XXFPk0LjhqXG0HNrw33mzJH2HuXSzEZCLM05Ouh50smBUIQZDMf0s04S3ucUpbutsw3eo841rT3nkRNOwIl0X7eyfxf36CoaTO15-1o9KHg/s4032/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz48pppptIF1sCx55IMwWv9HxhLX6fgNpzQ2DDqOYfs-pUrHErXbfyDfg5WBkFxZy_cPMmUyi7joskOc0XXFPk0LjhqXG0HNrw33mzJH2HuXSzEZCLM05Ouh50smBUIQZDMf0s04S3ucUpbutsw3eo841rT3nkRNOwIl0X7eyfxf36CoaTO15-1o9KHg/s320/IMG_3870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlXVo2HFYI3CE2rMYt0CJEaNQt3ljv8V-JHYDreJInVcjXCcLAhH3eeJbdDYxrRl-TSFs2DWZb_1ry_jyly_aMA8EzBqip42iQjgsZqajNLv4NQoHclm3ZkxtCag4Lsu81sy0YXc7zRVZuLfqQrlT-brPN6W0rxzWc4gN5CoL5ycfeuaQdB3aP6Hrrg/s4032/IMG_3873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlXVo2HFYI3CE2rMYt0CJEaNQt3ljv8V-JHYDreJInVcjXCcLAhH3eeJbdDYxrRl-TSFs2DWZb_1ry_jyly_aMA8EzBqip42iQjgsZqajNLv4NQoHclm3ZkxtCag4Lsu81sy0YXc7zRVZuLfqQrlT-brPN6W0rxzWc4gN5CoL5ycfeuaQdB3aP6Hrrg/s320/IMG_3873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meeting up with Ari, Myla, and their </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">friend Carly at the boat landing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb6JGL_LIGXZhObKUIuPAxYjx44IUNC5x0-1vRUihR2ZMabl1fI7PPVtyBDAma-ASQSTRbUs7vhc7RXF3ZsSiv3AIAjdmrku0GHI8mCUg6qx-4vcQ331qlitpwu_faPsvr62VViE8BpEJOBCbzv130bcipFoNTuhGMGBhjy79l_iRobesYKMqnoKTmQ/s4032/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb6JGL_LIGXZhObKUIuPAxYjx44IUNC5x0-1vRUihR2ZMabl1fI7PPVtyBDAma-ASQSTRbUs7vhc7RXF3ZsSiv3AIAjdmrku0GHI8mCUg6qx-4vcQ331qlitpwu_faPsvr62VViE8BpEJOBCbzv130bcipFoNTuhGMGBhjy79l_iRobesYKMqnoKTmQ/s320/IMG_3875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Field's Point dock</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvty7DT1XnD9-9b2yu3ouxiSA6pfplItm_Bm0VX1kZkTJ3BhUXoMJSic6C6I5t5vS2ESg8TR6DAsC7Vw6xclGNhDx_HAZsKtmGXmKwvxdYqnJ_wcWiiRGsp0q1lxJAU499zlF0ucGdxubEfMmqx_LQTpZaongX_4BLkGT0vOdzzJl9elAWGXsMp2Kiw/s4032/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvty7DT1XnD9-9b2yu3ouxiSA6pfplItm_Bm0VX1kZkTJ3BhUXoMJSic6C6I5t5vS2ESg8TR6DAsC7Vw6xclGNhDx_HAZsKtmGXmKwvxdYqnJ_wcWiiRGsp0q1lxJAU499zlF0ucGdxubEfMmqx_LQTpZaongX_4BLkGT0vOdzzJl9elAWGXsMp2Kiw/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the Lady of the Lake</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLD32Ml7dEqxt-4xKgZWPWLQyj3-vbvBseIsPHN4AUJ5zsItipKDClC67HGzgYx7Y0vH_JJ27GqdMAA7drxopbe7JdButIkx3xAwhc-9P7cTondLgkOp9lkWxGfPBaaRuyVYVErZtpeMJ9GKEX0OO9jszuRTwgPVvZWNe7aM96tI7tpU9tt55ABvgGw/s4032/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLD32Ml7dEqxt-4xKgZWPWLQyj3-vbvBseIsPHN4AUJ5zsItipKDClC67HGzgYx7Y0vH_JJ27GqdMAA7drxopbe7JdButIkx3xAwhc-9P7cTondLgkOp9lkWxGfPBaaRuyVYVErZtpeMJ9GKEX0OO9jszuRTwgPVvZWNe7aM96tI7tpU9tt55ABvgGw/s320/IMG_3878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Catching up</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivshR0kRi0aFRCjT_-usWt93mRQ5O7dS9dKdJQsn3i-1E3UyXFG0WUmE3j52Yp_aKXoGtL6MWkjmVFlKxUsTLKeRmSKewBhGcRAZSyZeQ-OQQUONnUIhQr1H2GE_gmwRZT62uUxN2P3hjEtqCYlyyiAh2Ky7PvzVQ8dhmkdGQ3gVtbH9NbbAvzDSS2KQ/s4032/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivshR0kRi0aFRCjT_-usWt93mRQ5O7dS9dKdJQsn3i-1E3UyXFG0WUmE3j52Yp_aKXoGtL6MWkjmVFlKxUsTLKeRmSKewBhGcRAZSyZeQ-OQQUONnUIhQr1H2GE_gmwRZT62uUxN2P3hjEtqCYlyyiAh2Ky7PvzVQ8dhmkdGQ3gVtbH9NbbAvzDSS2KQ/s320/IMG_3880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our friends Neal and Annette, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">who moved to Tacoma, came along too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSUnaNpy6HRcyD9RhW8GfcAqzs2MKcd8j6QWBH9MMi3pBsK2_LyuQvpTF8gvcsc670WbdRWVWAEXoolxjpcGPX0AfkLI93xW3nL0L-MZ2j1126SiZSTrvXGUhDgvmY0VDawvhFGshd5qQYnSET7c_olbsTwztBkYUCB9i8FEmGurBuBx2oiw2bLLHig/s3821/IMG_1024.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3821" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSUnaNpy6HRcyD9RhW8GfcAqzs2MKcd8j6QWBH9MMi3pBsK2_LyuQvpTF8gvcsc670WbdRWVWAEXoolxjpcGPX0AfkLI93xW3nL0L-MZ2j1126SiZSTrvXGUhDgvmY0VDawvhFGshd5qQYnSET7c_olbsTwztBkYUCB9i8FEmGurBuBx2oiw2bLLHig/s320/IMG_1024.heic" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kieran the guitarist</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v9zKuW-7cMWsDRDfH4Xe44FFoW2ygaIVYTFKlOg1qOcgIKu7sMJuJ-_MOsbTqQLI-EXbSN-fsibJuPIOScQWsNGG7YuWhR79qIFfEsNCAM3fUjsdi_ely6kXYVSXfhvbxglsrxoowXmf-Mg6m3XmVslcYR9kOeualIpK_s7ShdM84MqWa49RW86lig/s4032/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v9zKuW-7cMWsDRDfH4Xe44FFoW2ygaIVYTFKlOg1qOcgIKu7sMJuJ-_MOsbTqQLI-EXbSN-fsibJuPIOScQWsNGG7YuWhR79qIFfEsNCAM3fUjsdi_ely6kXYVSXfhvbxglsrxoowXmf-Mg6m3XmVslcYR9kOeualIpK_s7ShdM84MqWa49RW86lig/s320/IMG_3893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanging out</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbY_rFinxF0nJfKc_rZruXvCvdd2TcxIAN3ehrQhUE4WaB6ITeSH87q60bNXlAnhL4TCTkdYRNWHdVqElMpf6MY7jj64hjUb_QQqydsZfghVQAsZWsPZJQiF2sG5dYvbfubOJa7HOdpRA5FZ7jAEvl_Eg30nMjWWVFvk5OGzOb4YFbKaYGgVwKf_BOQ/s4032/IMG_3894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbY_rFinxF0nJfKc_rZruXvCvdd2TcxIAN3ehrQhUE4WaB6ITeSH87q60bNXlAnhL4TCTkdYRNWHdVqElMpf6MY7jj64hjUb_QQqydsZfghVQAsZWsPZJQiF2sG5dYvbfubOJa7HOdpRA5FZ7jAEvl_Eg30nMjWWVFvk5OGzOb4YFbKaYGgVwKf_BOQ/s320/IMG_3894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The amazing GLOCAL musicians who led music and told stories</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW5XqKB1bS3rRLujrzLNWlDZr0lY6qvRhJJRqU8ONidgR5XgqbVWC3mMSDqv6s5OxOFQugHqy7BVySmrSplKguEliUhZGwpqDt0HZZC6pQpMDiH0mBqlNzsDu3hHLWKJsC8cvsn9CJWbFGBUN-l7yb39eQDAzzPdmZxldAcx4EUt698cHigMen7LJOg/s4032/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW5XqKB1bS3rRLujrzLNWlDZr0lY6qvRhJJRqU8ONidgR5XgqbVWC3mMSDqv6s5OxOFQugHqy7BVySmrSplKguEliUhZGwpqDt0HZZC6pQpMDiH0mBqlNzsDu3hHLWKJsC8cvsn9CJWbFGBUN-l7yb39eQDAzzPdmZxldAcx4EUt698cHigMen7LJOg/s320/IMG_3900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Christie and Iearning how to make soap!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpD1A8rcnuH0kXlcKfuK3Lqqhgy3oiQcOUBEmlXaY14RH4O7m4mO8qJPdAt6LXBWY0W_LQ3prwRXI8FxGDmxUeK-IeIxspEb2pAVCul0f4RKtVxLAmj9drsTiM9nciwpKp85DWzyPj4rrSoc_F_Ns_eGBkfZWuAGkdL_xPulPVu0HkJ3vshXACsg5w/s4032/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpD1A8rcnuH0kXlcKfuK3Lqqhgy3oiQcOUBEmlXaY14RH4O7m4mO8qJPdAt6LXBWY0W_LQ3prwRXI8FxGDmxUeK-IeIxspEb2pAVCul0f4RKtVxLAmj9drsTiM9nciwpKp85DWzyPj4rrSoc_F_Ns_eGBkfZWuAGkdL_xPulPVu0HkJ3vshXACsg5w/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soap master</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqfUBv8RBZdt7YudSBnATgnVAkesB8r0_egZmbRLqcZfqZlQ1ffeDSS5VlgmHCpOpU1GBRzb3uFFRQT9NSkM-bJHh4J6Y3enHnwuNubmUh0PKnBbqc3kActFTloDU3RE8HBmZ_3TEimnCA8QBL74ct84wxqbIz64eSNgN8-iL2fAaM4xKe5TFhE-rVg/s2393/IMG_3371%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2393" data-original-width="1795" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqfUBv8RBZdt7YudSBnATgnVAkesB8r0_egZmbRLqcZfqZlQ1ffeDSS5VlgmHCpOpU1GBRzb3uFFRQT9NSkM-bJHh4J6Y3enHnwuNubmUh0PKnBbqc3kActFTloDU3RE8HBmZ_3TEimnCA8QBL74ct84wxqbIz64eSNgN8-iL2fAaM4xKe5TFhE-rVg/s320/IMG_3371%20copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leading a singalong</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0E6SApi-W6GQM4dWD4nw6LwmgjSLZw4ygOQAqBQv5nxg0w7aFx9EEmMfkcUugNnNSnjNgTu0lT5WXQQUgcI8rpsSEKLBU7GhPY7DCfdAPRXrrvFN42PHGNQnQOJhJHEvJ2uwvXrCK4TZ5RdTEQVoZIXNqPJ7VNC-g2WZmv7Sqwr4JqBbJG7vFbpuoQ/s4032/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0E6SApi-W6GQM4dWD4nw6LwmgjSLZw4ygOQAqBQv5nxg0w7aFx9EEmMfkcUugNnNSnjNgTu0lT5WXQQUgcI8rpsSEKLBU7GhPY7DCfdAPRXrrvFN42PHGNQnQOJhJHEvJ2uwvXrCK4TZ5RdTEQVoZIXNqPJ7VNC-g2WZmv7Sqwr4JqBbJG7vFbpuoQ/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pool sharks!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QedGXSHEQzlYI-RorDpSG3Cpdaz4vxtGKKiucVi7Saj74AekThivwshdxmUJf-sGJbTVUwF3JuimdSYmlrnbv2oERKbLsWvmDQ9JjGeqvIpdhYJt5zQ8Z9VY5Fj9OOOsLFy7ZO5KboLJcV-Zyh_bpFPQFBw6NW4-drLtA9gzKSEw9cpM9Z4EoNwCsQ/s4032/IMG_3904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QedGXSHEQzlYI-RorDpSG3Cpdaz4vxtGKKiucVi7Saj74AekThivwshdxmUJf-sGJbTVUwF3JuimdSYmlrnbv2oERKbLsWvmDQ9JjGeqvIpdhYJt5zQ8Z9VY5Fj9OOOsLFy7ZO5KboLJcV-Zyh_bpFPQFBw6NW4-drLtA9gzKSEw9cpM9Z4EoNwCsQ/s320/IMG_3904.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soap making</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXJjbCAgO4cl-MUrGY89Kr2P0lEThmR6MHRQ4Wxh4IMX0D74yKyTGFhANeyVhkNywdsT9dBV6yPaFtGCDXSFM7m1eqzBZo469a7JzsKv_icLV3-GFNVKPDxLiQ8m4LXQajxHT-N-l1FIRQWDtutARHzFvjDDthm0P6eUDVvclNjUkO1Aaj12DpG9k3g/s4032/IMG_3912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXJjbCAgO4cl-MUrGY89Kr2P0lEThmR6MHRQ4Wxh4IMX0D74yKyTGFhANeyVhkNywdsT9dBV6yPaFtGCDXSFM7m1eqzBZo469a7JzsKv_icLV3-GFNVKPDxLiQ8m4LXQajxHT-N-l1FIRQWDtutARHzFvjDDthm0P6eUDVvclNjUkO1Aaj12DpG9k3g/s320/IMG_3912.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waverly and Kendra in the drum circle</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrAP3pMp6k4I8ZpDUytcgjSQALPyntTHgQ1rhPQPP57aWqmqNms8XUKLVIQ4NaZfjyK1X2KzsIboQgEvUPrzQRkT5n5skycL5PHRlBFpccaS7fO8jmKNAn4qqy3vepp6mJiSGQeqZxUGMIP7pgzGurksiI4QtajYvTpFAQqxUbuPHmaemdMOQPXTE4A/s4032/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrAP3pMp6k4I8ZpDUytcgjSQALPyntTHgQ1rhPQPP57aWqmqNms8XUKLVIQ4NaZfjyK1X2KzsIboQgEvUPrzQRkT5n5skycL5PHRlBFpccaS7fO8jmKNAn4qqy3vepp6mJiSGQeqZxUGMIP7pgzGurksiI4QtajYvTpFAQqxUbuPHmaemdMOQPXTE4A/s320/IMG_3915.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mike at Railroad Creek</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZh6nhcRzjBaqnJ0t0dZw4lLZScR7Ow-_DKXJvczDdRzNdglrdJjEpFk3jsBbYgog7z6Rdqs45MVwTBms__vtoitZMv1nPMmDtKdznduKRVILnWf52WweRvwa83dZb34x7lYCMdA6ikJkuRZewiAA0cXrCpOFsFm6ARt6XC_IKVBlrsNESrq7EruI1Q/s4032/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZh6nhcRzjBaqnJ0t0dZw4lLZScR7Ow-_DKXJvczDdRzNdglrdJjEpFk3jsBbYgog7z6Rdqs45MVwTBms__vtoitZMv1nPMmDtKdznduKRVILnWf52WweRvwa83dZb34x7lYCMdA6ikJkuRZewiAA0cXrCpOFsFm6ARt6XC_IKVBlrsNESrq7EruI1Q/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me at Railroad Creek</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfNFqjEUw26dIAhGHXybZkoGTHtZoZJeH0GzxKFCMAF1bl7AKTAmNUdbWaT3kRX4oy277713GPna7JunLbLDC4jwDuAT2Nkml5g3eKBLHoXQx509H2b6KSUdE4isfXT642Mkd1wjaDi4VtBa9llYbL8CSxeT7mns8KSC38qRQfBOOcMXX9-MpsPbiDw/s4032/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfNFqjEUw26dIAhGHXybZkoGTHtZoZJeH0GzxKFCMAF1bl7AKTAmNUdbWaT3kRX4oy277713GPna7JunLbLDC4jwDuAT2Nkml5g3eKBLHoXQx509H2b6KSUdE4isfXT642Mkd1wjaDi4VtBa9llYbL8CSxeT7mns8KSC38qRQfBOOcMXX9-MpsPbiDw/s320/IMG_3920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let justice roll like waters</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4TuBDXeYnimQhwcxMlADdltLLEr5Uo_SKbMfhp0dn8jggPXGQWEEzDZbqKgvJKc4Xpzm4o6_c_HKcM1r9qIxKSYcHJ3tBPamvJyM2KfAyWoc6_vGVgf_YVhH1gG5KbNWlwKFA9MrRJMfE_DWQi5BXBl9E6zt1xMNSDnHUgP97947dP9pPrQr0itxWA/s4032/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4TuBDXeYnimQhwcxMlADdltLLEr5Uo_SKbMfhp0dn8jggPXGQWEEzDZbqKgvJKc4Xpzm4o6_c_HKcM1r9qIxKSYcHJ3tBPamvJyM2KfAyWoc6_vGVgf_YVhH1gG5KbNWlwKFA9MrRJMfE_DWQi5BXBl9E6zt1xMNSDnHUgP97947dP9pPrQr0itxWA/s320/IMG_3922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBX3bl1e89G_Kf8wuVJHC9u-1iMkRGI8X5DglKdUFIwyWDYiyad3TsyeO7DHyxkSqirKMDWTRynAUkaF4v1MLAZw3_05_QvZyxr1TEjBlkjLkfTcmUnaEU9evGKvQhHBLiNnUT0opAdtFJYlzmYmoeWIC-qre3y_VR9agG1YPUrBpqf8kOohO5h8e9w/s4032/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBX3bl1e89G_Kf8wuVJHC9u-1iMkRGI8X5DglKdUFIwyWDYiyad3TsyeO7DHyxkSqirKMDWTRynAUkaF4v1MLAZw3_05_QvZyxr1TEjBlkjLkfTcmUnaEU9evGKvQhHBLiNnUT0opAdtFJYlzmYmoeWIC-qre3y_VR9agG1YPUrBpqf8kOohO5h8e9w/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EcDUR5XqQGB5L5_eA20zq5Kj9Wd8CMmXTPVv7t3cEvihOu9qhYjB0XVK9APaKHVtjEHP9pgVlcfCw3TWB2UdWsdkrS7B8LHUb0wp9_x5cFtKElahoPOZ8U_uO1IpiAn46ef1ldMmkaCjjekNk3ZTDiGQtIi1rD1kKJr_PP3bT6Ro7O482OvCqzfIuQ/s4032/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EcDUR5XqQGB5L5_eA20zq5Kj9Wd8CMmXTPVv7t3cEvihOu9qhYjB0XVK9APaKHVtjEHP9pgVlcfCw3TWB2UdWsdkrS7B8LHUb0wp9_x5cFtKElahoPOZ8U_uO1IpiAn46ef1ldMmkaCjjekNk3ZTDiGQtIi1rD1kKJr_PP3bT6Ro7O482OvCqzfIuQ/s320/IMG_3924.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my favorite spot, the covered bridge</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKgPTnHKJKy2KEhgBkEUTjvNFrktRijr-MqTwfcIgigefZW8uaeC6KN_tTc20m4xzESgN5arC4LBTVWu8xDDF2wES1ZRyGEfqpwQ_M8ng_qfBUkP9aAEQ82155oDBCBx3VY7ujjli10joTElB94ZXJ5_RO319PoCiIK8fUi37qZSyzCNHiAqFcU-3GA/s4032/IMG_3926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKgPTnHKJKy2KEhgBkEUTjvNFrktRijr-MqTwfcIgigefZW8uaeC6KN_tTc20m4xzESgN5arC4LBTVWu8xDDF2wES1ZRyGEfqpwQ_M8ng_qfBUkP9aAEQ82155oDBCBx3VY7ujjli10joTElB94ZXJ5_RO319PoCiIK8fUi37qZSyzCNHiAqFcU-3GA/s320/IMG_3926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the kids</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDd3d-fn3y4CY_NxfbSVU_TaD2NXfi-kg6_oZB0rGiqqozvSJFlPBDplrP-Pqu4oh0PnuinBRtmRB7_8r4EsCoIpIrIYX3Iava4LvnzE8lyzac5rBnyPUYgWH4lkvpNh3MvElDxohSmZ9tekVSSjwPqDRxNhWRZD1t7pmlhyc7zgPRW6aK_84GPf3Vg/s4032/IMG_3928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDd3d-fn3y4CY_NxfbSVU_TaD2NXfi-kg6_oZB0rGiqqozvSJFlPBDplrP-Pqu4oh0PnuinBRtmRB7_8r4EsCoIpIrIYX3Iava4LvnzE8lyzac5rBnyPUYgWH4lkvpNh3MvElDxohSmZ9tekVSSjwPqDRxNhWRZD1t7pmlhyc7zgPRW6aK_84GPf3Vg/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Porch games</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDN-23Uscg6hLEClMuYMCJvuh2UlcLRYH0Pn7urK5lQ3tAOqFeqkfTPfohkPsjju6lE2bh8bZuJqXSKidrQQ_XIl_DHyLcJsPir5on3RUTWTqAI5HVIl6kzGR3zLB8IBYstdVkX554uRNTeQzG1trJXt7QwEl2BnQP4MqZNZsT5mZ3FALMYJSsMdiu5w/s4032/IMG_3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDN-23Uscg6hLEClMuYMCJvuh2UlcLRYH0Pn7urK5lQ3tAOqFeqkfTPfohkPsjju6lE2bh8bZuJqXSKidrQQ_XIl_DHyLcJsPir5on3RUTWTqAI5HVIl6kzGR3zLB8IBYstdVkX554uRNTeQzG1trJXt7QwEl2BnQP4MqZNZsT5mZ3FALMYJSsMdiu5w/s320/IMG_3938.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My book reading spot!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqHwA_WfU4i1T7pu8kJEH-I-pOaPIobndPsYL3L5ul9OtAIcRIeRyrJ87rSD735ZKXMPMCFKAPXhCMauEow9RsDE6o0wfRBwq-quj5dBG8K7uH_J6XRhnZl8a7NMF473ILYgwvsOENYYtzMwATKKSFC8xMIStg-krRDSKeUyZvtdjNLj2CnDdzwaZ6g/s4032/IMG_3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqHwA_WfU4i1T7pu8kJEH-I-pOaPIobndPsYL3L5ul9OtAIcRIeRyrJ87rSD735ZKXMPMCFKAPXhCMauEow9RsDE6o0wfRBwq-quj5dBG8K7uH_J6XRhnZl8a7NMF473ILYgwvsOENYYtzMwATKKSFC8xMIStg-krRDSKeUyZvtdjNLj2CnDdzwaZ6g/s320/IMG_3939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend John, jamming all by </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">himself on the COVID porch!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK2v1v65tuvTIMR_AY1xztXi5Eidhfedp9j1N4zTS9gw6YAL3evIiwLzWQdBKHUz6QHj0L8o7X72opXgtXuMv1DoiL40hZQChd8KV0a-sXGVcBKCxitIZsZ1aLmCK4PIm_WsL6JwbxpAtYhT6Bt48YszqT652Su_Amch8dySJv8TBWW4J2dE-IdUGcA/s4032/IMG_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK2v1v65tuvTIMR_AY1xztXi5Eidhfedp9j1N4zTS9gw6YAL3evIiwLzWQdBKHUz6QHj0L8o7X72opXgtXuMv1DoiL40hZQChd8KV0a-sXGVcBKCxitIZsZ1aLmCK4PIm_WsL6JwbxpAtYhT6Bt48YszqT652Su_Amch8dySJv8TBWW4J2dE-IdUGcA/s320/IMG_3947.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tie dye!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xTQH8MAnLuggdptV7uzv2c1CORwlcYD14aiU2g8IzAeT2stT4VORYmKrq9njeJDIYQwW1O2_6xGECE39RVh3ztIRTdkX0e6Hm-Fc8iR4aveT1fC3Iqog7nEKKz4a4LMqjDBfEb4VnJqe-KqThkRcUZl8gAUm3tGxhmLKbaU0mJEr1sz2FOF47KUzCA/s4032/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xTQH8MAnLuggdptV7uzv2c1CORwlcYD14aiU2g8IzAeT2stT4VORYmKrq9njeJDIYQwW1O2_6xGECE39RVh3ztIRTdkX0e6Hm-Fc8iR4aveT1fC3Iqog7nEKKz4a4LMqjDBfEb4VnJqe-KqThkRcUZl8gAUm3tGxhmLKbaU0mJEr1sz2FOF47KUzCA/s320/IMG_3950.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At one of the music and resistance sessions</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrGUoywMoJy2i7qzaglYc_F3JzfDqF9r_CLwChD2seQq7CghX8sLef7IB7kF40V5i0b5MTuxQgQBoQafGmTODRWcBzn7comyCGvXCmbcuOM7V53NRusvK_vH-ASUWRfqUM-NDxPfh4RXRzX3Vc7zfzPFYfneCP5CKzaTR5uWs114WapcjlvYQe8xJKw/s4032/IMG_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrGUoywMoJy2i7qzaglYc_F3JzfDqF9r_CLwChD2seQq7CghX8sLef7IB7kF40V5i0b5MTuxQgQBoQafGmTODRWcBzn7comyCGvXCmbcuOM7V53NRusvK_vH-ASUWRfqUM-NDxPfh4RXRzX3Vc7zfzPFYfneCP5CKzaTR5uWs114WapcjlvYQe8xJKw/s320/IMG_3967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deer wandering in the village</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhyhpAVIJgGvW2xyRV7D6ke10yjCW-Y4iNVddEtVqqFRZ8vz2HGrl3c1rsHucB2XqcjELXM5fz_2W7rkvdo04uFpZnFz8RCzEoNTP5S3j6-CeS9qc4JFnAtno7M0DfhIr86dZrJOjVLe8YUWZP2aw9QRVaIkZxG9rNvmFwh7fTwQjUmL0nuoSCWMLMg/s4032/IMG_3969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhyhpAVIJgGvW2xyRV7D6ke10yjCW-Y4iNVddEtVqqFRZ8vz2HGrl3c1rsHucB2XqcjELXM5fz_2W7rkvdo04uFpZnFz8RCzEoNTP5S3j6-CeS9qc4JFnAtno7M0DfhIr86dZrJOjVLe8YUWZP2aw9QRVaIkZxG9rNvmFwh7fTwQjUmL0nuoSCWMLMg/s320/IMG_3969.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqdV5fDytZPq1ZrF3M7B6z219XqoWQIRB-xbKOKZOTMqlTAfIeA-EeiT9qQnb5zLu--BrL5YYbxlHiLYRdBgbCt4Y5psbqgRS_cG5MUrqVpYpWO_NR5ULoFG06Z1gRjAtIFri1xCynBV6qKy88oFzwIH7jJIenyDnI-TlMZYdnS2VpZXVFDV4jlmDqA/s4032/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqdV5fDytZPq1ZrF3M7B6z219XqoWQIRB-xbKOKZOTMqlTAfIeA-EeiT9qQnb5zLu--BrL5YYbxlHiLYRdBgbCt4Y5psbqgRS_cG5MUrqVpYpWO_NR5ULoFG06Z1gRjAtIFri1xCynBV6qKy88oFzwIH7jJIenyDnI-TlMZYdnS2VpZXVFDV4jlmDqA/s320/IMG_3980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our soap making teacher, whose overalls </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">say "Be Kind" and "Be Good"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc88gHyZ-NjfR_qS62NZV_DqKjWYD1WmXKad9xsWgKBL3A3HXX6Vao-UYhU_OuhvuiQZ5FbRcQu22mH23XuyuCLJ5blQGI2UcPqdkV8Y6At2460E0OnM3ZcfSozacNdMAUL7uiFPRlnCo05iV1RXHMG_4i4GuZwGDo4xsaeJIv_R5WmmmZHn88P3k4aA/s4032/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc88gHyZ-NjfR_qS62NZV_DqKjWYD1WmXKad9xsWgKBL3A3HXX6Vao-UYhU_OuhvuiQZ5FbRcQu22mH23XuyuCLJ5blQGI2UcPqdkV8Y6At2460E0OnM3ZcfSozacNdMAUL7uiFPRlnCo05iV1RXHMG_4i4GuZwGDo4xsaeJIv_R5WmmmZHn88P3k4aA/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He was also a carpenter, and he made these items </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">so he can make soap in great quantities! Pretty nifty!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-6MBfuFoCVOQPSJ4FE0aTHNhr_7lhSk3p9Hb9tnyiM0Ridm7vA7O8GZwTIDiFxBuVfSPpyAwbsfpwcKWvIJFmbs6sENgeoRZ3sUSyqAvfqY1CZBe9__8bzUBSX7tgnrNd9n6q2Mc3eroy5MpPxTJayvwsFebh12jXaM13yQi3BLAvuspbGSnhDIlQw/s4032/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-6MBfuFoCVOQPSJ4FE0aTHNhr_7lhSk3p9Hb9tnyiM0Ridm7vA7O8GZwTIDiFxBuVfSPpyAwbsfpwcKWvIJFmbs6sENgeoRZ3sUSyqAvfqY1CZBe9__8bzUBSX7tgnrNd9n6q2Mc3eroy5MpPxTJayvwsFebh12jXaM13yQi3BLAvuspbGSnhDIlQw/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back in the pool hall, doing his work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> as a sociology research intern</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__e571xlEeo6ky7zvd1rTtThtVHtTbB4NLhjW_7zv16rst2rWUK2YMcvv7JmO0ti1YrvNEJUEGKO42bw7_y05yVgnsUphJ1xc5mYH96viLOIVXEW4T1Utv_6desPYmgxgKCG2bcQ6kGVMqCwDvQh6u3hR_70tZeTHpeVFE9ssCtwWN81FPgRMBa4KBA/s4032/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__e571xlEeo6ky7zvd1rTtThtVHtTbB4NLhjW_7zv16rst2rWUK2YMcvv7JmO0ti1YrvNEJUEGKO42bw7_y05yVgnsUphJ1xc5mYH96viLOIVXEW4T1Utv_6desPYmgxgKCG2bcQ6kGVMqCwDvQh6u3hR_70tZeTHpeVFE9ssCtwWN81FPgRMBa4KBA/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Comfy barber chair to read my book! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I took my mask off for the photo)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6nJHL4jWaDf9oS-ixSNBSTIgp9U96o4948IJjSYTsLvytHtZaN3fbbNTkzuJ4AHQ6sZTvRFGTQjEwJRPQTF-AY-T8iSCZqHggbr0hxqlviTMtov1KYsnkNIcoudIrGf2n1O6p74AV_eXnKW9AgBoQpnJHV9JyRob8Umnz-ioC6lhaeRM0Z8lmi7jww/s3000/IMG_4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6nJHL4jWaDf9oS-ixSNBSTIgp9U96o4948IJjSYTsLvytHtZaN3fbbNTkzuJ4AHQ6sZTvRFGTQjEwJRPQTF-AY-T8iSCZqHggbr0hxqlviTMtov1KYsnkNIcoudIrGf2n1O6p74AV_eXnKW9AgBoQpnJHV9JyRob8Umnz-ioC6lhaeRM0Z8lmi7jww/s320/IMG_4025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With fun Holden friends Ruth and Shelia</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wuDlWaOJe2ciJ-q8eSB5LLleDL0ZM3sDh_qcizJeXXfbs433TjbILXBvjjmrYXFjZJ8_YOTFwIRalZ4Y6RNNeQq41KoKKb-JTpvk2TiIWIRPTWPArncFEw0zsZ66Tk9Qb4MqJsjTcbgGzBjldFsmIBwMbeYkzuXHyAJ7fhNu5ZSnTbyvQ9LlesjsYg/s4032/IMG_4028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wuDlWaOJe2ciJ-q8eSB5LLleDL0ZM3sDh_qcizJeXXfbs433TjbILXBvjjmrYXFjZJ8_YOTFwIRalZ4Y6RNNeQq41KoKKb-JTpvk2TiIWIRPTWPArncFEw0zsZ66Tk9Qb4MqJsjTcbgGzBjldFsmIBwMbeYkzuXHyAJ7fhNu5ZSnTbyvQ9LlesjsYg/s320/IMG_4028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The back of David's tie-dye shirt</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmdPKcJJMVKcOVeeWiCU64bmwk1EYVBUQFExoiGfVu1oMKXMHuueDnR8GzF5aocFf1gIxx1wAXO5U27TzNls3CgCd6bkhBhZWCJ4DY_GBhVuO0PXru0fN1JDPsnbA10WSqjG86TXr2V0ito-pIDgUAtQQ340H9C6wV6lP7LlwTzokuwc4lPqHrNPlnQ/s4032/IMG_4030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmdPKcJJMVKcOVeeWiCU64bmwk1EYVBUQFExoiGfVu1oMKXMHuueDnR8GzF5aocFf1gIxx1wAXO5U27TzNls3CgCd6bkhBhZWCJ4DY_GBhVuO0PXru0fN1JDPsnbA10WSqjG86TXr2V0ito-pIDgUAtQQ340H9C6wV6lP7LlwTzokuwc4lPqHrNPlnQ/s320/IMG_4030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deer lounging on top of the sauna</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeotDzCZp0WsQ5EBdgTq3mflpIFXrZFy1sudGoTC1pUqkLMMW8z8_Rh06Fi7-QPk2N8jbBu2zYvxkS5Ycz-_8QDvVIsdGKHyiCu0pb-vvaocgp9NvcaDgT0tAnLGbRQffFYCIr7Y4xBy-1g2-WE_RAUT7fjT-y2dPGDL7jt36hS5CuQ0lQhmDLZ-1jg/s4032/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeotDzCZp0WsQ5EBdgTq3mflpIFXrZFy1sudGoTC1pUqkLMMW8z8_Rh06Fi7-QPk2N8jbBu2zYvxkS5Ycz-_8QDvVIsdGKHyiCu0pb-vvaocgp9NvcaDgT0tAnLGbRQffFYCIr7Y4xBy-1g2-WE_RAUT7fjT-y2dPGDL7jt36hS5CuQ0lQhmDLZ-1jg/s320/IMG_4032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Games on the porch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTQEk2J80Eu91wHCpXCFGeuyW1f4-CuTdrwzaaN1CfiYexkgSnjIcySM55lRmr56WE3u55fKOwaChsnXSjejWRJW2j-m8sOCugQwOVDhrfEJ650ZRjmz7RxD3s4xbEAg8RWHFBexb3zypdTX_PPjmKU9x6MxXXjyRMztPkWxauNTmZc5k8-8ot28LUQ/s4032/IMG_4042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTQEk2J80Eu91wHCpXCFGeuyW1f4-CuTdrwzaaN1CfiYexkgSnjIcySM55lRmr56WE3u55fKOwaChsnXSjejWRJW2j-m8sOCugQwOVDhrfEJ650ZRjmz7RxD3s4xbEAg8RWHFBexb3zypdTX_PPjmKU9x6MxXXjyRMztPkWxauNTmZc5k8-8ot28LUQ/s320/IMG_4042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of our group sitting on the ark</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtHsPCuF9jSbi1wPK7esIOJmzOKDxho09ZLg3jDQnYw7kfSyAA6CS_Ifr-vT01oi63aglD625sRkO-aejUhPJdePXZ7jmfDpDVi9-tomkYBNxSFdMFt1yeekOmokLJkuvrSINNt-mYz_1ZZBP3WKrsFknSEyu3RdRseksMiRMjhynm1QmFsgD7nOWyA/s4032/IMG_4043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtHsPCuF9jSbi1wPK7esIOJmzOKDxho09ZLg3jDQnYw7kfSyAA6CS_Ifr-vT01oi63aglD625sRkO-aejUhPJdePXZ7jmfDpDVi9-tomkYBNxSFdMFt1yeekOmokLJkuvrSINNt-mYz_1ZZBP3WKrsFknSEyu3RdRseksMiRMjhynm1QmFsgD7nOWyA/s320/IMG_4043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Railroad Creek</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlmDvxF00sDJUVZpOD6Hnj63onX_FBHgzIqsyiJxit53F3PAc78iCefun-S8qYTIoD9TJCUrvCFA4hPrN2OJBxFJQ80VXOTc1iyePTagUDfuswfnILEvfn0gsuGuMaaSJmpxLN7VM6N_de23ilUsj_jb_u-Ul0u-IOKAQcMB0ArEclbBdiLb2hAXsoQ/s4032/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlmDvxF00sDJUVZpOD6Hnj63onX_FBHgzIqsyiJxit53F3PAc78iCefun-S8qYTIoD9TJCUrvCFA4hPrN2OJBxFJQ80VXOTc1iyePTagUDfuswfnILEvfn0gsuGuMaaSJmpxLN7VM6N_de23ilUsj_jb_u-Ul0u-IOKAQcMB0ArEclbBdiLb2hAXsoQ/s320/IMG_4044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_XeWNif-2X_vnyQTK37tyxPXZ6zQU1GcRj0us3J1rzu_zm7fxsvRf7YWwQ6sLZvkEu3isHatkPyJ1jVMKdsw0prtwVRp6tEizxNUrEy66hG4kR25fd10okjGZL5kcZQY6PUjaMHYMe9qk3TziNGBPU_QSFN5jPKvrVkUgdLXScTzEMyFCMkheShXOQ/s4032/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_XeWNif-2X_vnyQTK37tyxPXZ6zQU1GcRj0us3J1rzu_zm7fxsvRf7YWwQ6sLZvkEu3isHatkPyJ1jVMKdsw0prtwVRp6tEizxNUrEy66hG4kR25fd10okjGZL5kcZQY6PUjaMHYMe9qk3TziNGBPU_QSFN5jPKvrVkUgdLXScTzEMyFCMkheShXOQ/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My bridge</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe_l444uBZHem6zvhKjT4LL9saTO76FWZcB09zQy9HZUYWuzDtczhlcDhe7QF8B2TCjnjbbrdnTpyeSXGda1Gzpvx4AGRsZqYPeX3sAeMtayni98Qdo1Mp7hROSiRVWuKVsyNcyy7oysgj_KJAmbsjn3WKVk3ATZQu4fELiPqZor4_jGyUjrrjeh9uw/s4032/IMG_4049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfe_l444uBZHem6zvhKjT4LL9saTO76FWZcB09zQy9HZUYWuzDtczhlcDhe7QF8B2TCjnjbbrdnTpyeSXGda1Gzpvx4AGRsZqYPeX3sAeMtayni98Qdo1Mp7hROSiRVWuKVsyNcyy7oysgj_KJAmbsjn3WKVk3ATZQu4fELiPqZor4_jGyUjrrjeh9uw/s320/IMG_4049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mike's reaction when I told him I took </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">his punch card, which he'd tried to find for a half-hour</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU7AaWr8kFKwppy-sUP_lzrn2esC5Wn-SpLLTBlDf5L2M-AaGa-ryy5hPO1UxapuIhqfXB2KjOBCWSizi6M_0D4DsIJ0u8lfVGMzsPgs0DFUh7fseySr9oIuTlGgeTlOEL83zAb4LQermWmkucz9dBed6S8ZXzpI71A7jCa3neygTLU1F6ASiGTM-Cw/s4032/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU7AaWr8kFKwppy-sUP_lzrn2esC5Wn-SpLLTBlDf5L2M-AaGa-ryy5hPO1UxapuIhqfXB2KjOBCWSizi6M_0D4DsIJ0u8lfVGMzsPgs0DFUh7fseySr9oIuTlGgeTlOEL83zAb4LQermWmkucz9dBed6S8ZXzpI71A7jCa3neygTLU1F6ASiGTM-Cw/s320/IMG_4051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The snack bar/ice cream shop</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ_db3iI5Qy4Uvszs0c9zExfCCo7FDVcZ4QagNagWnmedW-UpCHgslfxu3qcSXfk3FRbTZDYEc0vXne_PAws6DNII46-DILicoZhEz57rzNeaQouogu6cJW7igkpPeMnK0uwtkmJ90_KI8RW_4jyHaq7pHsiBzWhy1FvQDYpkCHgk3Y1tZuWTbWtkiQ/s4032/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ_db3iI5Qy4Uvszs0c9zExfCCo7FDVcZ4QagNagWnmedW-UpCHgslfxu3qcSXfk3FRbTZDYEc0vXne_PAws6DNII46-DILicoZhEz57rzNeaQouogu6cJW7igkpPeMnK0uwtkmJ90_KI8RW_4jyHaq7pHsiBzWhy1FvQDYpkCHgk3Y1tZuWTbWtkiQ/s320/IMG_4057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David making an exceptional shot </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(our opposing team let him break the rules </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about having one foot on the floor; he asked)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtnbXVLsu-z75XiQes2s-TV_0uPCkIy4u5wknMxK7xlSsZFT3Agz1aX2vnNkIPqJsm_d7GbjvW0a0b8BgkvBPRs3RGhcGcdKK37pFN0mnfKLtm4IES7t9b72FCD_jWOnZJa7NogkgCuysy-V7qlPOTw69PYfdAfg6ROkUgQSFhyk43HujgSgwJfhD2g/s4032/IMG_4060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtnbXVLsu-z75XiQes2s-TV_0uPCkIy4u5wknMxK7xlSsZFT3Agz1aX2vnNkIPqJsm_d7GbjvW0a0b8BgkvBPRs3RGhcGcdKK37pFN0mnfKLtm4IES7t9b72FCD_jWOnZJa7NogkgCuysy-V7qlPOTw69PYfdAfg6ROkUgQSFhyk43HujgSgwJfhD2g/s320/IMG_4060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Games in the evening</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHpuNa13R1mkmUES4YN_QU4Fon2iq8jrE1hxYPaCWix47owViRCMOGqP_J4-mEeztBOw5yZYPL5CyXVWNRzL60HTHiwLTbUIHIH-or8jZS8THJeMCvpHoUDTvVl8SoArXp5LNtyMrnrtZ7zmSgZ-BtwT8A1R6bfMXHSLtIAlfa7tjAcJA5fTueDH9dA/s4032/IMG_4062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHpuNa13R1mkmUES4YN_QU4Fon2iq8jrE1hxYPaCWix47owViRCMOGqP_J4-mEeztBOw5yZYPL5CyXVWNRzL60HTHiwLTbUIHIH-or8jZS8THJeMCvpHoUDTvVl8SoArXp5LNtyMrnrtZ7zmSgZ-BtwT8A1R6bfMXHSLtIAlfa7tjAcJA5fTueDH9dA/s320/IMG_4062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXsybnfFWkhc0-bg25Lbw8Tg-jje-IBIpJmvG5OP7vCWGeBU_J7a3QxBThBjGBND3RPv0SUdDq4pUysRdji07hsBmo-5F1vHNd905mxCGFDJhNVvFWC2fIb8Ob1TgywFg2d9kQ8PB1ipExyortwzSHcmN6o5coL9mLEMRe5Ih8Y1_6ErWLyKnb8i4Q/s4032/IMG_4063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXsybnfFWkhc0-bg25Lbw8Tg-jje-IBIpJmvG5OP7vCWGeBU_J7a3QxBThBjGBND3RPv0SUdDq4pUysRdji07hsBmo-5F1vHNd905mxCGFDJhNVvFWC2fIb8Ob1TgywFg2d9kQ8PB1ipExyortwzSHcmN6o5coL9mLEMRe5Ih8Y1_6ErWLyKnb8i4Q/s320/IMG_4063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRACTbfRSEJpssJrjcEh083gUyWL8l3nyFv6sQH3vOmZu1z9t0ALyAM7CdaLHRmzdCKt-ygq1ht9xobuHUPxU0QHqbEWA0mT5-I2zqVvWWNno5C5r1xrSoAqnNdXo9sou3pjuyr_xyoHdHwkbmCC_kY8B1iKnKFg8Ztts81YvPUNhzqQGGgkYnRRO1lg/s4032/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRACTbfRSEJpssJrjcEh083gUyWL8l3nyFv6sQH3vOmZu1z9t0ALyAM7CdaLHRmzdCKt-ygq1ht9xobuHUPxU0QHqbEWA0mT5-I2zqVvWWNno5C5r1xrSoAqnNdXo9sou3pjuyr_xyoHdHwkbmCC_kY8B1iKnKFg8Ztts81YvPUNhzqQGGgkYnRRO1lg/s320/IMG_4069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Early morning hike to Ten Mile Falls</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvilNIvp4-02iqExdoMvqd_YUS808spKZLKiaAP6tqtvd6Pfmfw_cemjJFe-6rjgedHPEi0A_0XbZfCTSrRsuLU7RNteCflLAGIrqWmAE89zroHvoqelieMi9f1MKdL58ML66E-CX4PmcrwagjkJl21r9Ho5fHfgx4hAAE9rqI-qz4oFecYfkOVVtoQ/s4032/IMG_4070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvilNIvp4-02iqExdoMvqd_YUS808spKZLKiaAP6tqtvd6Pfmfw_cemjJFe-6rjgedHPEi0A_0XbZfCTSrRsuLU7RNteCflLAGIrqWmAE89zroHvoqelieMi9f1MKdL58ML66E-CX4PmcrwagjkJl21r9Ho5fHfgx4hAAE9rqI-qz4oFecYfkOVVtoQ/s320/IMG_4070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-CgSodqiJyb81y15XWyaiDKyUP_uFnPJ97Cu8goPG_Dafv_JG7-K1NwN9U_NM-Ti-Yw7heOjwzq83E1h5VtL5ktkXfKYIXZddpjgsSN7OEEnRN1bjDqm2Mo53vA1EM9VbxHaLlnVcjIAXDMs26eVwfDNoK59GexNk7jZwGC6ikPgLbki5o6-3WE27Q/s3088/IMG_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-CgSodqiJyb81y15XWyaiDKyUP_uFnPJ97Cu8goPG_Dafv_JG7-K1NwN9U_NM-Ti-Yw7heOjwzq83E1h5VtL5ktkXfKYIXZddpjgsSN7OEEnRN1bjDqm2Mo53vA1EM9VbxHaLlnVcjIAXDMs26eVwfDNoK59GexNk7jZwGC6ikPgLbki5o6-3WE27Q/s320/IMG_4071.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFto_lBqnel7dDKHj4LiCMa6q7rb3iySwuJEROB8wK78BK7spveTwfbTdH2JHx_PeJdcxDIcMg9fCCocgYP57D_d-YDQwehG3JT2LXvSA5crKFLdrFAmpx7KrRDe0UT3wNtWzWUlrTFkXViLb_oQ9WqFRTHgAOVSKLu413USvTPtQht1u5qriJesxGw/s4032/IMG_4072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFto_lBqnel7dDKHj4LiCMa6q7rb3iySwuJEROB8wK78BK7spveTwfbTdH2JHx_PeJdcxDIcMg9fCCocgYP57D_d-YDQwehG3JT2LXvSA5crKFLdrFAmpx7KrRDe0UT3wNtWzWUlrTFkXViLb_oQ9WqFRTHgAOVSKLu413USvTPtQht1u5qriJesxGw/s320/IMG_4072.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHstdl0pL0eXz6hlzsfIHNqmlc4Zi6Qh2b9fHtX_Q0MRBrh_O1whbXa15bGb_P_XN395mX6Zysm1EINm9ipK13ur4CffPQgdmtNBCa1hms7rSPzu_rHOwfrgq7sshriW4XBdNVovTcSJ8peL_JXG-S-8er4MD0BeQTL5nEXmawyWhnfRwzvbkg-Pivw/s4032/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHstdl0pL0eXz6hlzsfIHNqmlc4Zi6Qh2b9fHtX_Q0MRBrh_O1whbXa15bGb_P_XN395mX6Zysm1EINm9ipK13ur4CffPQgdmtNBCa1hms7rSPzu_rHOwfrgq7sshriW4XBdNVovTcSJ8peL_JXG-S-8er4MD0BeQTL5nEXmawyWhnfRwzvbkg-Pivw/s320/IMG_4073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQJAXlSdPBdlA2-uOmiugQypxgq5xr6RC1oqGo0CXxk6EColJn7HXtT-yWRDHxD6O7EghIdYf0K8V0lV22NxaYBLH_S-NJlYYgOaZyxlZfYkXBOV0t78RJ7XBiWKu2JYvjdU_HM6yctTQATzPPYaL06vP1-U5Ib4WZFm-Usba25uNXRkbedf1lidQFA/s4032/IMG_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQJAXlSdPBdlA2-uOmiugQypxgq5xr6RC1oqGo0CXxk6EColJn7HXtT-yWRDHxD6O7EghIdYf0K8V0lV22NxaYBLH_S-NJlYYgOaZyxlZfYkXBOV0t78RJ7XBiWKu2JYvjdU_HM6yctTQATzPPYaL06vP1-U5Ib4WZFm-Usba25uNXRkbedf1lidQFA/s320/IMG_4074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb-c6v-K0MqPXbHwMo_-uOM0grA6JaRhO0PyLWkjDxO9e8wbqv8KepfzjBjqBnmOT5JE1xQp-uty6kLd0rhozHgKWkrkP_-HdvdYvt1Vt5_9QnqIpnmMR7EQLeDU_jgVpIBmhmKIOci2hWNcu6XXjDZRLg1oYaf282krnTQLjfO7r-xcb67hV1Mo5VA/s4032/IMG_4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHb-c6v-K0MqPXbHwMo_-uOM0grA6JaRhO0PyLWkjDxO9e8wbqv8KepfzjBjqBnmOT5JE1xQp-uty6kLd0rhozHgKWkrkP_-HdvdYvt1Vt5_9QnqIpnmMR7EQLeDU_jgVpIBmhmKIOci2hWNcu6XXjDZRLg1oYaf282krnTQLjfO7r-xcb67hV1Mo5VA/s320/IMG_4076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Morning in the village</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJnuyhFVYxYhz9-0MRN6rm8fT33BXI_NRRZgH7K2JFKGE56GPCJOSxra-V9q9DQFWvS34mlhDDnS9XtRiXa2Kxf9YLWUrtXOgjIflt08FJgq-g6mMYOv2_7qgGhHfegNqcaBV7nQaoCMEODBGMASa0-lu9EFwTvFyi8AFP35iNvzDcaX2Kd7WEJ6IQg/s1542/IMG_4077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1156" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJnuyhFVYxYhz9-0MRN6rm8fT33BXI_NRRZgH7K2JFKGE56GPCJOSxra-V9q9DQFWvS34mlhDDnS9XtRiXa2Kxf9YLWUrtXOgjIflt08FJgq-g6mMYOv2_7qgGhHfegNqcaBV7nQaoCMEODBGMASa0-lu9EFwTvFyi8AFP35iNvzDcaX2Kd7WEJ6IQg/s320/IMG_4077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Art in the village</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXjPvD4lZlHBeTENATiPV3HpK3OB3vozdxPvri1uXBGYDcnHy3kzA9uS2CHKPO_uWZRkKgpXjeg-7NzWgZfaOAqO017yRDokq931pL66YslQe8pY5OqLR9V9uAl4peufLaefTGAGrou3ETjMcoCQM6rPTHke0ZB1WCTG063cWsRgKb0LOt_1ffBVjVA/s4032/IMG_4083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXjPvD4lZlHBeTENATiPV3HpK3OB3vozdxPvri1uXBGYDcnHy3kzA9uS2CHKPO_uWZRkKgpXjeg-7NzWgZfaOAqO017yRDokq931pL66YslQe8pY5OqLR9V9uAl4peufLaefTGAGrou3ETjMcoCQM6rPTHke0ZB1WCTG063cWsRgKb0LOt_1ffBVjVA/s320/IMG_4083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More games!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBrRv1P3jt6CsM2bnDBTgUZvQzzeeE5E21cHfgh6kMbFa16uw-DMef2Lb_1beUwOmeLf4j8cejASpnOHk_fnO1UXiil5UfX39TsbY77yncT2S22xhKh9HYlGQuQzJOxJm9PEVM6nA2AE7AXpvaJBN6JxQXE4eakpNl1EnnlNzpmF57nKmjWZvqPgAUQ/s4032/IMG_4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBrRv1P3jt6CsM2bnDBTgUZvQzzeeE5E21cHfgh6kMbFa16uw-DMef2Lb_1beUwOmeLf4j8cejASpnOHk_fnO1UXiil5UfX39TsbY77yncT2S22xhKh9HYlGQuQzJOxJm9PEVM6nA2AE7AXpvaJBN6JxQXE4eakpNl1EnnlNzpmF57nKmjWZvqPgAUQ/s320/IMG_4085.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kieran reading something during our "Fish Bowl" game, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which abounded with Holden-specific items!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgL4gGtLHmdEX3TacaP7tdEatigzXNHyheVdzxD2IsUCsdxpzOG6u5-SbprxOcCzz9t_hOKVvBGZnF55P69RKoz4eiMmZaRwgyoX4iIVEo6Cf5uiYXAfqcuR6C7UDiVbPdLnrwE7GmhYGY9h2lnBzkL9Cu1VTji02qC5m_4rCj2YQpcU5mzCaQ9UkuQ/s4032/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgL4gGtLHmdEX3TacaP7tdEatigzXNHyheVdzxD2IsUCsdxpzOG6u5-SbprxOcCzz9t_hOKVvBGZnF55P69RKoz4eiMmZaRwgyoX4iIVEo6Cf5uiYXAfqcuR6C7UDiVbPdLnrwE7GmhYGY9h2lnBzkL9Cu1VTji02qC5m_4rCj2YQpcU5mzCaQ9UkuQ/s320/IMG_4086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Railroad Creek</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1hC4Vtu7psadWB-KuJtlI5HMR3t8yE_9fLl6DJvx0_e55hRhfQrw_BX1awKWaWAeFhTJa8SWTFg8zvJt7dmgv3b4TsmSVMEGeOGSZdfZDgS5eZ72qbhBvdXpwR1EtwsmRYjZqw1aKbbEddc1lxfIX-aE3al3ZoIv1GJqRRkE_bVGYAbkDXIm8Ri2VQ/s4032/IMG_4087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1hC4Vtu7psadWB-KuJtlI5HMR3t8yE_9fLl6DJvx0_e55hRhfQrw_BX1awKWaWAeFhTJa8SWTFg8zvJt7dmgv3b4TsmSVMEGeOGSZdfZDgS5eZ72qbhBvdXpwR1EtwsmRYjZqw1aKbbEddc1lxfIX-aE3al3ZoIv1GJqRRkE_bVGYAbkDXIm8Ri2VQ/s320/IMG_4087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TA9xwTArtSIHEjENECzLeoYNBfRgTUjCUzIWCLtvXqxT7vjpPkivCfasSgmTXY-bt0BQU2AhoVUM2CQKChQoZh9rPKnEh3JKCTYoOglmISYhO9RtaXnz0uMoTpNorqcGGnRZ16UGJ_gUd4_wPz3fQIMQeIr6lPXX7pjLnskMj3oiE0avolvYIsGByQ/s4032/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TA9xwTArtSIHEjENECzLeoYNBfRgTUjCUzIWCLtvXqxT7vjpPkivCfasSgmTXY-bt0BQU2AhoVUM2CQKChQoZh9rPKnEh3JKCTYoOglmISYhO9RtaXnz0uMoTpNorqcGGnRZ16UGJ_gUd4_wPz3fQIMQeIr6lPXX7pjLnskMj3oiE0avolvYIsGByQ/s320/IMG_4089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQHVVDdqDYs6ZQIPC0kB4dUNSwWBcHy3n1lbKaCGxL5bu9dXzAXl9NEXk1-J9OOgp6UPkQXP_z4sDiCisOaop_XjsEzsQ6okyu52TJ9QVvmb-Q3eMGTerUK8MqgeOcJ0NMNaTLWlnjdnPRaq7fXrxonEJzD50dHNOKhR-xPf2BLzfBGtHQRob7XUzuA/s4032/IMG_4090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQHVVDdqDYs6ZQIPC0kB4dUNSwWBcHy3n1lbKaCGxL5bu9dXzAXl9NEXk1-J9OOgp6UPkQXP_z4sDiCisOaop_XjsEzsQ6okyu52TJ9QVvmb-Q3eMGTerUK8MqgeOcJ0NMNaTLWlnjdnPRaq7fXrxonEJzD50dHNOKhR-xPf2BLzfBGtHQRob7XUzuA/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back to the bridge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkftZw-ayBL3hq6sVZSRu0PCftUOSV7dpFMEmqGaNxViVTRUlNUuBMN4Kn2DuV0i2cb_GD6S6pcvpgK-3rRL6Yw7QezK5XrCAlpvsC89nsKvy1id3QSkLgdzqm13q2KzQYiDL6nuzuiXvHEo_xkLwQozjCO4IaIaRGe9qELTBb-lZevgMGB34t51g9_g/s4032/IMG_4093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkftZw-ayBL3hq6sVZSRu0PCftUOSV7dpFMEmqGaNxViVTRUlNUuBMN4Kn2DuV0i2cb_GD6S6pcvpgK-3rRL6Yw7QezK5XrCAlpvsC89nsKvy1id3QSkLgdzqm13q2KzQYiDL6nuzuiXvHEo_xkLwQozjCO4IaIaRGe9qELTBb-lZevgMGB34t51g9_g/s320/IMG_4093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSffawMIfCuvVI4S9X3GTKnQ6gO8BueNuyKUm_3H6MADynP3c8ynu6Ba23UbLVyituo4A0SHfZvfjgdHlsiPjBpHLhTyOtqbFTKR9aABu_IonxokdPElC7up3uj3Hv988m0uyrFWEduICoTJE13aj6ONVELsGWQwIGp9vGHBtEymiWW7_4goqC3FkUA/s4032/IMG_4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSffawMIfCuvVI4S9X3GTKnQ6gO8BueNuyKUm_3H6MADynP3c8ynu6Ba23UbLVyituo4A0SHfZvfjgdHlsiPjBpHLhTyOtqbFTKR9aABu_IonxokdPElC7up3uj3Hv988m0uyrFWEduICoTJE13aj6ONVELsGWQwIGp9vGHBtEymiWW7_4goqC3FkUA/s320/IMG_4106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me and my Holden buddy--the first time we came together was in 1998!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8TjnirofibfGapwlhkvQkcw4ynEfP71U67S700tL298s-eRDGaVqpsB4Mwb-V5ZXaaPKV3nigP9l0fzC0U_iXf0QGYGTiXk-sV-lhw_zOZV_KnO3jYdNzkpKmc1uVnXevFHKNiPyl3bg7GzBhd5OkfcH2gCE3l2Vk1y4pCZC226JLIZ8jviFDZE4uw/s2639/IMG_4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1979" data-original-width="2639" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8TjnirofibfGapwlhkvQkcw4ynEfP71U67S700tL298s-eRDGaVqpsB4Mwb-V5ZXaaPKV3nigP9l0fzC0U_iXf0QGYGTiXk-sV-lhw_zOZV_KnO3jYdNzkpKmc1uVnXevFHKNiPyl3bg7GzBhd5OkfcH2gCE3l2Vk1y4pCZC226JLIZ8jviFDZE4uw/s320/IMG_4107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Someone must have said something funny?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R7qcnxFCZMLsBMYfABx3EZL2NBhX-u99xruWWISKYn9jSqEfOJwTqTV6_HqQv924DNGxz6TvPuVLqyiGcREvFNYK8jw6BEnJeAtnDU1VvQ-LqojpGHXvIuDm4tJMiVp60wkZBYtC_ocowmSc0HSjfEcXFeiXKpnJgHLtBPPUI27I-B5df0LPOQSA-A/s404/2E60930F-B28C-4C5D-B8BA-7B7384A69157%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="404" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R7qcnxFCZMLsBMYfABx3EZL2NBhX-u99xruWWISKYn9jSqEfOJwTqTV6_HqQv924DNGxz6TvPuVLqyiGcREvFNYK8jw6BEnJeAtnDU1VvQ-LqojpGHXvIuDm4tJMiVp60wkZBYtC_ocowmSc0HSjfEcXFeiXKpnJgHLtBPPUI27I-B5df0LPOQSA-A/s320/2E60930F-B28C-4C5D-B8BA-7B7384A69157%202.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With our Boise-Portland friends</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGBAHFnm3XogH5c_AtbmEg3tStrPagML4o7w8SV4FkW6q_kok0peRN1WKRk7Y-Rb32V7Aae3qf40X-sBnYyIvpFoh-04KzW4EE6ZfS4pya2jA-lgyXsGzTevSMpCcssLET_dUFQ1V44xz78c9Odws5w-p_Bgq0pdakm9HqoOcfwZbq8FBcl4tZopucw/s4032/IMG_1039.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGBAHFnm3XogH5c_AtbmEg3tStrPagML4o7w8SV4FkW6q_kok0peRN1WKRk7Y-Rb32V7Aae3qf40X-sBnYyIvpFoh-04KzW4EE6ZfS4pya2jA-lgyXsGzTevSMpCcssLET_dUFQ1V44xz78c9Odws5w-p_Bgq0pdakm9HqoOcfwZbq8FBcl4tZopucw/s320/IMG_1039.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting for the boat at Lake Chelan</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xmYVCfQqmhEqiOilnO6LMQ38q-qFv58TT3jyJofxuwEfvd1ltBnuUD8pdAldDVTUKIMcnaYUgCVGOhq3D5tdq2OPGZ3xT-Xgi1qNiMs43QsbSnlglC5hEJifsF8mfUdJdRjfWmI-KfxyzS7s-21QqUz0xf5GExm40fCT0k-J0WPnxadZyORvMeKYzA/s4032/IMG_1041.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xmYVCfQqmhEqiOilnO6LMQ38q-qFv58TT3jyJofxuwEfvd1ltBnuUD8pdAldDVTUKIMcnaYUgCVGOhq3D5tdq2OPGZ3xT-Xgi1qNiMs43QsbSnlglC5hEJifsF8mfUdJdRjfWmI-KfxyzS7s-21QqUz0xf5GExm40fCT0k-J0WPnxadZyORvMeKYzA/s320/IMG_1041.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nick is accomplished at skipping stones!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-_KCvhENVksfmHlKbzMTNBu--Wz4PauhiNKkCrA7zZ11wEpCG3Rjku7isWxZ9N8u5SnBHyATLrEwNe3YqePiejNO5ShV6MW3E5InwXUKz6GqpAv8nX2bkOXgLHmWdlNCgvFveVOksX2XulBx-MyameVrpeC8IzIBVvx3vXOx5r5RwA0mjNKIHNSAEQ/s4032/IMG_4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-_KCvhENVksfmHlKbzMTNBu--Wz4PauhiNKkCrA7zZ11wEpCG3Rjku7isWxZ9N8u5SnBHyATLrEwNe3YqePiejNO5ShV6MW3E5InwXUKz6GqpAv8nX2bkOXgLHmWdlNCgvFveVOksX2XulBx-MyameVrpeC8IzIBVvx3vXOx5r5RwA0mjNKIHNSAEQ/s320/IMG_4111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the bus</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH34_TFq8ZTa6OTtx2jpiDTnx9TNQmhNpk21fttbT7pc3QJQ35hISalr-hsY2VxGQ8ONyg_Za0uG4C3C-jn_XHtPClg0L7neqCDmrWMhB5bJPBV3vKEH8oUqAur4793n4qpAzY3ri5NBnNSqaMM3YKHiKbwDVJ56WwslTyITRKwwYbVDf-fnnMuu3KfQ/s4032/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH34_TFq8ZTa6OTtx2jpiDTnx9TNQmhNpk21fttbT7pc3QJQ35hISalr-hsY2VxGQ8ONyg_Za0uG4C3C-jn_XHtPClg0L7neqCDmrWMhB5bJPBV3vKEH8oUqAur4793n4qpAzY3ri5NBnNSqaMM3YKHiKbwDVJ56WwslTyITRKwwYbVDf-fnnMuu3KfQ/s320/IMG_4112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glimpsing the lake as we left the village</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08fihyiExJtoNdwVib-HTwmGajoovz3nHE92bFWhY4VUvS5GvFBBVYZqiLscYMHAl1GYoeqNFf3lQ28FP91wHrVZBgxUnU_PhU9K3GZrOyMQahJD3bxr_IC36BQnwcf0YmmdHOPFSIUVhZeg0Gz6jUL_9pnRDnu7KXNRgK2aNK38tysk_GMpCAHNtA/s4032/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08fihyiExJtoNdwVib-HTwmGajoovz3nHE92bFWhY4VUvS5GvFBBVYZqiLscYMHAl1GYoeqNFf3lQ28FP91wHrVZBgxUnU_PhU9K3GZrOyMQahJD3bxr_IC36BQnwcf0YmmdHOPFSIUVhZeg0Gz6jUL_9pnRDnu7KXNRgK2aNK38tysk_GMpCAHNtA/s320/IMG_4114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpcGjE5XkHYDbzG21VPlnMp7jeduup1s2ac3gGC3vmRZqLhrEI61UTq36wlH38VpXug4HlHG_ZE2dQbWzVpLGg-d7UktDcgLX5lz5nGLoERyCX_MbapIe8sYMYSjGrzqXRIxW5lQx-RsYF9JqonTn_0mDPxz5CjTIiFnTgMqOtheUHswRrJruWjBDvA/s4032/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpcGjE5XkHYDbzG21VPlnMp7jeduup1s2ac3gGC3vmRZqLhrEI61UTq36wlH38VpXug4HlHG_ZE2dQbWzVpLGg-d7UktDcgLX5lz5nGLoERyCX_MbapIe8sYMYSjGrzqXRIxW5lQx-RsYF9JqonTn_0mDPxz5CjTIiFnTgMqOtheUHswRrJruWjBDvA/s320/IMG_4115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting for the boat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY8BrACPEchkc7axiEZcn_vV0e1jjoUQaArhWJoJ1Gpu0lHRZbBQxrj9vAiY6aIwQqErMoo5zS8DYBX-REqwaZMenRQwi9Y2QCPQndxJMufj0MXx_w4iMwVJmS5bPH_5UU6YhzN_w46WowKuIQ7iN1K_SUV17a7OVuh1k5bAJvHp40xRrqqcEP0LRIw/s2790/IMG_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2790" data-original-width="2092" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY8BrACPEchkc7axiEZcn_vV0e1jjoUQaArhWJoJ1Gpu0lHRZbBQxrj9vAiY6aIwQqErMoo5zS8DYBX-REqwaZMenRQwi9Y2QCPQndxJMufj0MXx_w4iMwVJmS5bPH_5UU6YhzN_w46WowKuIQ7iN1K_SUV17a7OVuh1k5bAJvHp40xRrqqcEP0LRIw/s320/IMG_4116.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dear Christie!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uAwGHaBlOKWzwy_lzJvjSD8oje7Jre9Wc1DJpXxg2yV-UKnvwVd5j12B0KqIjCArG9YYVDBnMgv-x7J0oJNB2Z19uD85U0LO8mbLiKNcYjTJuZgerx8kgnuWpVnBA-jMkKEosib6JMuUaWTpqwHOr2AKJvhwu8OQp-oeLe-MozFKIoQezc_RCijRCw/s4032/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uAwGHaBlOKWzwy_lzJvjSD8oje7Jre9Wc1DJpXxg2yV-UKnvwVd5j12B0KqIjCArG9YYVDBnMgv-x7J0oJNB2Z19uD85U0LO8mbLiKNcYjTJuZgerx8kgnuWpVnBA-jMkKEosib6JMuUaWTpqwHOr2AKJvhwu8OQp-oeLe-MozFKIoQezc_RCijRCw/s320/IMG_4122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our wonderful friends Christie and Dave</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkO0y7_kvHQ42Om0I7fCdzWgGN2u7hAAxzy5YKExLiF2Qi24pmi9W987ZS1huP-27d68_66EXiipMTNt-VpTPHOu1LrIV04AjbIvz9elvTwmpaQybcmm5GMeBC8tKD8juvR0Hy7mScCup8KrfadTSxuW5qIR0YnMBJG_IPBSmyUsd2VjkbDhhehZiGg/s3028/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2271" data-original-width="3028" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkO0y7_kvHQ42Om0I7fCdzWgGN2u7hAAxzy5YKExLiF2Qi24pmi9W987ZS1huP-27d68_66EXiipMTNt-VpTPHOu1LrIV04AjbIvz9elvTwmpaQybcmm5GMeBC8tKD8juvR0Hy7mScCup8KrfadTSxuW5qIR0YnMBJG_IPBSmyUsd2VjkbDhhehZiGg/s320/IMG_4138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We missed Chris, but we had a good time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVrZAMxvCMjjd_Q8XR2j6KugVqA4cUAn87wtbPPAhkQJdYmo8GfpmqKgIxEJqDtsiy-ciWBL7ThbGvBH7_wZd5tInx3iugVwd7AMpg1lcnRCnUAnhm2cLGt50375tnLRzQXoUxvRpU98WVq0NMub-FYS549vwGLc20bjQ0XKbi6wzRq9ugz6Hb1dozg/s828/IMG_4180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="828" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVrZAMxvCMjjd_Q8XR2j6KugVqA4cUAn87wtbPPAhkQJdYmo8GfpmqKgIxEJqDtsiy-ciWBL7ThbGvBH7_wZd5tInx3iugVwd7AMpg1lcnRCnUAnhm2cLGt50375tnLRzQXoUxvRpU98WVq0NMub-FYS549vwGLc20bjQ0XKbi6wzRq9ugz6Hb1dozg/s320/IMG_4180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Large gathering on the porch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa148R4qAqCtsIlB1m0Pr9ldtPwkmstF_mT97_eAtra56nchHjYXh3r7Q6XVuKyRQ6mYYexBZCsZTSAS5G0l6jzgc7YJzIFOF6Ah5mG_geONkeVesvTIHLBcvahKpT-tXaUPrPbz-fxBNRwZYqznyrPbnkIkU9lajqXF8wx0Wez6vwdejlivgctaWKw/s828/IMG_4181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="828" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa148R4qAqCtsIlB1m0Pr9ldtPwkmstF_mT97_eAtra56nchHjYXh3r7Q6XVuKyRQ6mYYexBZCsZTSAS5G0l6jzgc7YJzIFOF6Ah5mG_geONkeVesvTIHLBcvahKpT-tXaUPrPbz-fxBNRwZYqznyrPbnkIkU9lajqXF8wx0Wez6vwdejlivgctaWKw/s320/IMG_4181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Annette telling a good story</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZEexZIpLnYsJQ-x7GCJ9dt0tqF8xbwI_fYzlT54Ij_VFdqky0mCMv3GNkcuBNgGAoby_tI_-YjDfpSz_0xDfJlCgZmaerGrDdqRannJNoPMqNkdwkEwojJCIBsDQQIM0iz81_1BpTHXCfaQYA0dpNYZZw3SyKwwwcRIOD4HzbTRwryKNAJcYEqFDlQ/s828/IMG_4183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="828" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZEexZIpLnYsJQ-x7GCJ9dt0tqF8xbwI_fYzlT54Ij_VFdqky0mCMv3GNkcuBNgGAoby_tI_-YjDfpSz_0xDfJlCgZmaerGrDdqRannJNoPMqNkdwkEwojJCIBsDQQIM0iz81_1BpTHXCfaQYA0dpNYZZw3SyKwwwcRIOD4HzbTRwryKNAJcYEqFDlQ/s320/IMG_4183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prayer around the cross, a deeply meaningful service</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Af7tc_Hh_p3zDUMqCDQE1HjBuaBtoVlphVx5s9okAQl0z0An8T8bv9pLLgz0_jXaHIO5XLAu26a_wLC-gCubzLk6lKOLNbqfx0qrGm9L8civ-0PRxo_0yCj-Bo4opEIjdsz0kUv2Z1f2w9n-C6DvBzrSo5Ph6RtXMQg5veCyNi6nwLqMWR3kIElow/s828/IMG_4184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="828" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Af7tc_Hh_p3zDUMqCDQE1HjBuaBtoVlphVx5s9okAQl0z0An8T8bv9pLLgz0_jXaHIO5XLAu26a_wLC-gCubzLk6lKOLNbqfx0qrGm9L8civ-0PRxo_0yCj-Bo4opEIjdsz0kUv2Z1f2w9n-C6DvBzrSo5Ph6RtXMQg5veCyNi6nwLqMWR3kIElow/s320/IMG_4184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Holden beauty</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7_DZo5CHH9djmF2RzIHO0y5K7sS0wbrxOQ2aGNpLZAQaGpjnJ978uvtywnZPHLp8gWFxcnZAcvbf4id8oibRfRzP8uYyLZMIR-Apl8Ecs1c-P-Z726wK94Z3TZKgfRLUVBcSQtgA2kPINwsoAQP7zAbsXtd_K2CP_ZgWoLgUhSkQo4m2eA8kBDApUA/s828/IMG_4185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="828" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7_DZo5CHH9djmF2RzIHO0y5K7sS0wbrxOQ2aGNpLZAQaGpjnJ978uvtywnZPHLp8gWFxcnZAcvbf4id8oibRfRzP8uYyLZMIR-Apl8Ecs1c-P-Z726wK94Z3TZKgfRLUVBcSQtgA2kPINwsoAQP7zAbsXtd_K2CP_ZgWoLgUhSkQo4m2eA8kBDApUA/s320/IMG_4185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My bridge, with my love on the left!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9EHQcOuu93wgR3blUWxGi3tIVqPskEZnlawzZTYMcfoHoirLTETx0lqcaZCooxn9igkgLAHEYv6wKnCes-Nw8WszV5pSXXsQcTODN7lC18ydOsIymbToguP7Gbi_l7-r9HOC_8Hmltgg_ofu2gYg8fn6fVhAViCik8zqrkYrEvzGhJixUdsh8AW6rw/s828/IMG_4249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="828" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9EHQcOuu93wgR3blUWxGi3tIVqPskEZnlawzZTYMcfoHoirLTETx0lqcaZCooxn9igkgLAHEYv6wKnCes-Nw8WszV5pSXXsQcTODN7lC18ydOsIymbToguP7Gbi_l7-r9HOC_8Hmltgg_ofu2gYg8fn6fVhAViCik8zqrkYrEvzGhJixUdsh8AW6rw/s320/IMG_4249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These valiant hikers braved the hot sun to hike to Hart Lake </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">one day and Martin's Ridge another day!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRNb2p2aBWuUbbXYV-zCSra7bVV5x1cIDuLvaKhxt6qS_q15kfSHyrO8K_1GF0KCcAp_92cmsM6qolq_3u8zMFXZmcMhBIw4DPgUljtfCT7n_4QgxDFdKOn_DLMM01ROPTkwyHLdcuODaicTwB2ioeKdfZDGcxTnyKrzvQqiDJeS3RcKmumFj0CYL3w/s828/IMG_4250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="828" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRNb2p2aBWuUbbXYV-zCSra7bVV5x1cIDuLvaKhxt6qS_q15kfSHyrO8K_1GF0KCcAp_92cmsM6qolq_3u8zMFXZmcMhBIw4DPgUljtfCT7n_4QgxDFdKOn_DLMM01ROPTkwyHLdcuODaicTwB2ioeKdfZDGcxTnyKrzvQqiDJeS3RcKmumFj0CYL3w/s320/IMG_4250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hiking to Martin's Ridge</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEAt7JVFSSFQqd77LElUdIWXMpfSJRYgzq6_TDmYPvN5dPgKIFpBdaDCVMqMeqf0LybkYQwOsaMjDawnZrs3R5WDwpYVdhzBbh9cLKx_w7pSbIGa6iUhXDKBG88jxYoisw6rjirRpdZHQwRw4qUWaSOlnNNrrsio9iL9IF02zTvR9AdlERd5vJGvbnQ/s822/IMG_4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEAt7JVFSSFQqd77LElUdIWXMpfSJRYgzq6_TDmYPvN5dPgKIFpBdaDCVMqMeqf0LybkYQwOsaMjDawnZrs3R5WDwpYVdhzBbh9cLKx_w7pSbIGa6iUhXDKBG88jxYoisw6rjirRpdZHQwRw4qUWaSOlnNNrrsio9iL9IF02zTvR9AdlERd5vJGvbnQ/s320/IMG_4251.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yikes!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjyz_VcOBmL_0eJb_Z-wDlUwx9V0ctK3l_pVnj8_flcz98qDRv5V2HmIsAcCothYYTkxTJMiPQdKzz6mVSQTxPkPGWg2vtoBcJ24EEd1AD4EmQyBJWRV6QQ1yNFXPqQVygFAERpCxlq3Z-KZn4nmbqeyaON5ZUYuL77Gm29WSUmFkarkRgbsN_gaHdA/s4032/IMG_8750.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjyz_VcOBmL_0eJb_Z-wDlUwx9V0ctK3l_pVnj8_flcz98qDRv5V2HmIsAcCothYYTkxTJMiPQdKzz6mVSQTxPkPGWg2vtoBcJ24EEd1AD4EmQyBJWRV6QQ1yNFXPqQVygFAERpCxlq3Z-KZn4nmbqeyaON5ZUYuL77Gm29WSUmFkarkRgbsN_gaHdA/s320/IMG_8750.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mike and me on the creek</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTDBqR0uR5tCWyTOifkbWd9a-ZixFTX1NYMzwIYPqvR2Hmu2cjBU3Mv7X0RGQhobMD4Y0CHS8Z-GFWf7yW9-8MeB41BnK8r8aNcQjPk93cu-xYhgwb80qRK3TDQJCQkHCMAhotQ01sHMDtyd4Y8kSO66j7kleH-u4XC2NkuZ5QPcY_SxLFl7yAMBYrA/s4032/IMG_8754.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTDBqR0uR5tCWyTOifkbWd9a-ZixFTX1NYMzwIYPqvR2Hmu2cjBU3Mv7X0RGQhobMD4Y0CHS8Z-GFWf7yW9-8MeB41BnK8r8aNcQjPk93cu-xYhgwb80qRK3TDQJCQkHCMAhotQ01sHMDtyd4Y8kSO66j7kleH-u4XC2NkuZ5QPcY_SxLFl7yAMBYrA/s320/IMG_8754.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David tie-dyeing his shirt</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IcwvdgL3mKe2M-YuxugbZUW8ncs0HZxK83vBuJlFdvsFYm2RCODBXMflwOxmnsA06hB8ctXgLn5Sp7UJw_T0Hheuc0nz3MPpvALr0iJ5jeVe0-MKnT-wn07Kck_2I6owr3JmqmK_EtreDKUPFMYiL-w-bxmcqNWYivLwCNrYKneh_q8z18wCCdin3Q/s4032/IMG_8757.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IcwvdgL3mKe2M-YuxugbZUW8ncs0HZxK83vBuJlFdvsFYm2RCODBXMflwOxmnsA06hB8ctXgLn5Sp7UJw_T0Hheuc0nz3MPpvALr0iJ5jeVe0-MKnT-wn07Kck_2I6owr3JmqmK_EtreDKUPFMYiL-w-bxmcqNWYivLwCNrYKneh_q8z18wCCdin3Q/s320/IMG_8757.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kids played a village-wide live-action Clue game</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> and for the second time, came in second place, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">JUST BARELY! Winners got free ice cream and glory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Ice cream is only $1/scoop anyway.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-yX9Wt9aQLSgjm0hBNceOTIhBXxBzN5YcRjw4sb17OW3_9wexxD2dZGQ2kQvyia0lSDSiE4jxUjm848T4v_3XfnKWDTGCvKzMw25BliMltchFGbRMlP0_yidpUDFxX5zZVUhl7wn1bUNfgDFaw2pNcgdLDY2YHy8QAipYfTg4j947xSMCOHIbO9paQ/s4032/IMG_8772.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-yX9Wt9aQLSgjm0hBNceOTIhBXxBzN5YcRjw4sb17OW3_9wexxD2dZGQ2kQvyia0lSDSiE4jxUjm848T4v_3XfnKWDTGCvKzMw25BliMltchFGbRMlP0_yidpUDFxX5zZVUhl7wn1bUNfgDFaw2pNcgdLDY2YHy8QAipYfTg4j947xSMCOHIbO9paQ/s320/IMG_8772.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanging</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5r4aVWE3TfGSWAwQyxSppEubZOEBNWerkKbzQiLpHaMrruQbJglrNALWDGX5YWAIB-yVcwvoC2-5mWEt2jRlDp7WBvDEWewnKQuwwlo1bVtPxLZi3YiU9-Lp8bAK-1FzTqji72SKmhw_r1-c9GsPnZ89xqRRLHph_47bYcCdLkCtfP2aUhmYeoWb9w/s4032/IMG_8773.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5r4aVWE3TfGSWAwQyxSppEubZOEBNWerkKbzQiLpHaMrruQbJglrNALWDGX5YWAIB-yVcwvoC2-5mWEt2jRlDp7WBvDEWewnKQuwwlo1bVtPxLZi3YiU9-Lp8bAK-1FzTqji72SKmhw_r1-c9GsPnZ89xqRRLHph_47bYcCdLkCtfP2aUhmYeoWb9w/s320/IMG_8773.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Singing</div><br /><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"> </span></p><div class="hs-body-level-container blogger" strategyname="Blogger"></div>Marie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-27074445249964685382022-01-24T11:40:00.012-08:002022-01-24T11:47:57.607-08:00Thirty-five years ago, I met my Mr. Wonderful<div>How time flies when you're having fun! It's truly astonishing that 35 years have passed.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj258jrCBoQ_cJM3xNtEQgMjq_nMcL_Z8bR2jTsQ0qeTvzkXgX3j9iPr7luIcM-Vh5UbKMiRutsMZ1Dn1XOWNq8zyKF2OVv1sw9wZbt6OXOabYOydOfm61CXMfINK3DEfu1gk5Em-ixW5D6yOf4EGz1sPZQJpIQHvTD12C_XBAh4lPuUjOsZHBkqDuxbQ=s320" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="226" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj258jrCBoQ_cJM3xNtEQgMjq_nMcL_Z8bR2jTsQ0qeTvzkXgX3j9iPr7luIcM-Vh5UbKMiRutsMZ1Dn1XOWNq8zyKF2OVv1sw9wZbt6OXOabYOydOfm61CXMfINK3DEfu1gk5Em-ixW5D6yOf4EGz1sPZQJpIQHvTD12C_XBAh4lPuUjOsZHBkqDuxbQ=w226-h320" title="The night Mike and I first kissed, three months after we met" width="226" /></a></div>Ten years ago I shared our love story, how we met at a Robert Burns night in Japan celebrating our mutual friend Cath's birthday and how our love/adventure proceeded from there. You can <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2012/01/under-eastern-sky.html" target="_blank">read the full story here</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>From our first conversation about Jane Austen, I was drawn to Mike. Yes, it helped at the time that he had a lovely British accent! But he was also kind, sweet, funny, and handsome. He loved talking about books, and we discovered we were both English majors. </div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't actually get together until three months later (photo at left), and after that another month passed until we could see each other again. But he wooed me through romantic, funny, articulate love letters. I knew I had found my Mr. Wonderful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although I was tired of the sexism in Japan and ready to return home, I decided to stay another year to see where the relationship would take us. I knew we were meant to be together forever before he did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Those two years in Japan grew into three, as I displayed the most patience ever in my life, waiting for him to be ready to commit! Thank God, he finally saw the light! Haha! When we left Japan we traveled through Asia for 2-1/2 months and got engaged in Udaipur, India, just a few weeks before we planned to return to our respective homes.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmNDVBFyQ_cp6Is9pav0B8syIIYQU5rUhZz5-2kvi5-qnWENwK2rm9sBtEzVOgvBfaLIrhuZH_-pbL9HVLZ-5KCtoOyIp0xdJDnDab1dac_pzqw5lWwcHjJo6kwyIWkIRZOHR2KoYnloeW5323BkxeWEKu8HUACOPin0g4H-bO_rFog6cWkHJj-Fxebw=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="960" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmNDVBFyQ_cp6Is9pav0B8syIIYQU5rUhZz5-2kvi5-qnWENwK2rm9sBtEzVOgvBfaLIrhuZH_-pbL9HVLZ-5KCtoOyIp0xdJDnDab1dac_pzqw5lWwcHjJo6kwyIWkIRZOHR2KoYnloeW5323BkxeWEKu8HUACOPin0g4H-bO_rFog6cWkHJj-Fxebw=w400-h276" title="Mike and I in Japan" width="400" /></a></div><br />Over these last 35 years, my attraction to Mike has never waned...it has only grown deeper and more committed. He is the most amazing person I know, and I still can't believe my luck in discovering him when I was only 22 years old.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyYDBlhu5QRwiLXy2y9UF1oiTMkmLXp_XpO-kw_-DaQMMg8jzGVtsnDOUwt5EGSRtzHbd5CBRrnQrDlevC8xmxAyM9e3HtFavIP7douYa_AmbcYUWEH7PKXzyk2T5aoY9VOfjFySOiNv7n_l-3-JJWChZUxC48WSmIHA6avEzaAeSaNUXUoiJOZ-Jr5A=s1412" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1412" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyYDBlhu5QRwiLXy2y9UF1oiTMkmLXp_XpO-kw_-DaQMMg8jzGVtsnDOUwt5EGSRtzHbd5CBRrnQrDlevC8xmxAyM9e3HtFavIP7douYa_AmbcYUWEH7PKXzyk2T5aoY9VOfjFySOiNv7n_l-3-JJWChZUxC48WSmIHA6avEzaAeSaNUXUoiJOZ-Jr5A=w400-h286" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the past 35 years, Mike has:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Been the best-ever adventurous, fun travel partner through Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, the United States, and France</li><li>Supported me steadfastly and faithfully in my corporate career and now in building my own business</li><li>Written me beautiful love letters and cards throughout our relationship</li><li>Partnered with me through the most challenging experience of our lives: having our first child born at 24 weeks and enduring 117 days in the NICU, almost dying several times</li><li>Become an integral part of my extended family and a wonderful son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle</li><li>Been a phenomenal stay-at-home parent and primary caregiver in raising three kind, incredible young men</li><li>Always supported my need to spend soul sister time with my wide circle of close friends, mom, and sister</li><li>Cared for me tenderly and lovingly through three c-section recoveries, four miscarriages, and four ear/brain surgeries</li><li>Created a spirit of fun and silliness in our family</li><li>Reinvented himself as an in-home caregiver and is in demand as everyone sees his outstanding gifts and patience with the elderly</li><li>Been curious and interested in me, who I am and who I'm becoming</li><li>Appreciated me and tells me so</li><li>Taken care of the little things, like filling the cars up with gas and disposing of dead rodents in the garage (this happened yesterday!)</li><li>Read, written, laughed, cried, prayed, and sung with me</li><li>Protested, ranted, rejoiced, and celebrated with me</li><li>Supported my feminism and striving to become a better, more informed, and justice-seeking human and joined me on that journey</li><li>Makes every day and adventure fun</li><li>Been my fiercest advocate and president of my fan club!</li></ul></div><div>Recently I began working with an exciting startup, Our.Love, which is developing an app for couples to build stronger, more loving and enduring relationships. As I'm writing tips about how to strengthen relationships, I'm even more grateful for my relationship with Mike.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ2fGM131raLiqe_JJ4PSR3NM_kxg6NMjBbi5DUkJDe-naZFQU--zltTfWm_mKoT7icPh-JmleeUDMj801CoClSblTF1-SHua13epGjS-Qg47Cejk2OW6jlBsh0iUBaZYm1Q8R_xhGCqF1DeHG47lfRw6zuXU1Zt3bn2_h90WYNjRm_nq4ewYo3zkNzQ=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="960" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ2fGM131raLiqe_JJ4PSR3NM_kxg6NMjBbi5DUkJDe-naZFQU--zltTfWm_mKoT7icPh-JmleeUDMj801CoClSblTF1-SHua13epGjS-Qg47Cejk2OW6jlBsh0iUBaZYm1Q8R_xhGCqF1DeHG47lfRw6zuXU1Zt3bn2_h90WYNjRm_nq4ewYo3zkNzQ=w400-h341" width="400" /></a></div><br />Before I met Mike, I wrote a list of what I was looking for in a man. When I found that list again about 5 years after we were married, I was astonished to find that he possessed every single item on that list--down to the details of "is a good singer," "is confident," "has a good sense of humor," and "has a spiritual faith."</div></div><div>Perhaps I manifested him into being! </div><div><br /></div><div>A few weeks ago our oldest son Chris, the NICU graduate, married the love of his life. My wish for him and his beautiful wife, Emma, is that they experience the richness and fulfillment we have found in a marriage of equals, a truly loving and supportive relationship.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAuWAlBSAjWE4sCHJ8upWYKlpm-wWB2mcelrWV1m2IVQjnbEiU7h6LBphveNhiB-ROXBy0xqGwKgDad0Q47gBT-Jfm7cDb5jn6PAa5lR4qYTOBjuC36DQ7vTVw1nEKzvE2sC0qERYxKSR79VubPnPZzyXRSOeAXLEV30mcMgpKpYiyI4yCeddznIXGmg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="2048" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAuWAlBSAjWE4sCHJ8upWYKlpm-wWB2mcelrWV1m2IVQjnbEiU7h6LBphveNhiB-ROXBy0xqGwKgDad0Q47gBT-Jfm7cDb5jn6PAa5lR4qYTOBjuC36DQ7vTVw1nEKzvE2sC0qERYxKSR79VubPnPZzyXRSOeAXLEV30mcMgpKpYiyI4yCeddznIXGmg=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><br />Today I feel incredibly grateful and in awe of this man I call my husband, my Mr. Wonderful.</div><div><br /></div>Marie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-45861759215385106552020-12-30T10:17:00.003-08:002020-12-30T10:17:29.257-08:00So long, 2020! (at least I read a lot of good books this year...)Hello readers! <div><br /></div><div>As many of you know, I've been keeping track of all the books I read since 2001, and I've just published my 2020 list here: <a href="https://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/2020/12/best-books-of-2020.html">Marie's book garden: Best Books of 2020</a>. Let me know if you've read any of these books and share your thoughts! Feel free to pass along to anyone who might be interested.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XyF4npREng/X-zCEcr2xsI/AAAAAAAAm4U/82X2tvAUmSYzNaWWqhKSQQN-Y7wkLGloACLcBGAsYHQ/s1081/Christmas2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1081" height="284" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XyF4npREng/X-zCEcr2xsI/AAAAAAAAm4U/82X2tvAUmSYzNaWWqhKSQQN-Y7wkLGloACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h284/Christmas2020.png" width="400" /></a></div>I've mostly neglected my older blogs this year because I've been <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/finding-fertile-ground-podcast">podcasting like crazy</a> and writing regularly on my business blog. I just released my 28th Finding Fertile Ground podcast episode yesterday, a conversation with Court Wakefield, who had a 24-weeker preemie like me, conceived after multiple efforts with IUI and IVF and a life-threatening pregnancy for Court's wife. Their daughter Kepley turns two in January. When Kepley was transferred from one hospital to another in a medical crisis in the middle of the night, Court discovered there was no place for their name on the hospital intake form. And this is the hospital where they work, an otherwise highly inclusive environment. Court is extremely engaging and articulate, and I really enjoyed our discussion. Check it out!</div><div><br /></div><div>As I mention in my book blog post, I'm planning a series on resilient characters in the new year, and I'm interviewing some of my favorite authors. It takes a lot more work to prepare for these kind of interviews, but I'm having fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to keep up with what I'm doing, <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/">head on over to my business website</a> and subscribe there! I'll pop back over here occasionally when I remember. Happy New Year!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-23736992189511634552020-10-05T23:10:00.002-07:002020-10-05T23:10:09.105-07:00My Grit and Resilience Story<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwedg0B5bkU/X3wEWVa4QqI/AAAAAAAAIZY/miw5NhMv7AIEWzlgDFzDoUwoTowA0qZmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s851/Blog%2BPost%2BTitles_FindingFertileGround%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dwedg0B5bkU/X3wEWVa4QqI/AAAAAAAAIZY/miw5NhMv7AIEWzlgDFzDoUwoTowA0qZmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h237/Blog%2BPost%2BTitles_FindingFertileGround%2B%25285%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's my birthday! Hop on over to my Fertile Ground Communications blog to <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/my-story-resilience-is-my-life-s-motto" target="_blank">read about and listen to my latest podcast episode</a>, my own grit and resilience story. <p></p><p>And while you're at it, <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/feed" target="_blank">subscribe</a> to get weekly updates and communication tips!</p>Marie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-40755799066311609402020-09-15T20:37:00.003-07:002020-09-15T20:38:41.367-07:00Finding Fertile Ground during a Pandemic, Fires, and Smoke<p>I am writing at least once or twice a week on my Fertile Ground Communications website, so <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/feed" target="_blank">hop on over there to subscribe</a> if you'd like to stay up to date! </p><p>How are you doing? This COVID thing, combined with the awful fires and planet burning, is getting so many of us down. And then you have the stories of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/09/15/hysterectomies-ice-irwin-whistleblower/">ICE giving forced hysterectomies to non-English speaking women</a> and the occupant of the White House saying that <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-western-wildfires-science-climate-change/" target="_blank">he doesn't think science knows why the whole west is burning</a>. Today our air quality in Portland has moved from extremely hazardous to extremely unhealthy, and we are rejoicing at that small piece of encouragement. It is enough to wear us all down and make us weep.</p><p>That's why I am constantly seeking inspiration. I need that inspiration to keep my spirits up. I created a Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/293800634934969">Shine and Inspire</a>, for that purpose (please join us if you need inspiration too!).</p><p>And my podcast is giving me life. I would do it full-time if it made me any money!</p><p>One thing I've learned about podcasting...don't schedule too many more interviews each week than you can publish! I was so enthusiastic when I started that I was interviewing two or three people a week...and now I'm totally backed up with content. </p><p>Since I launched the <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/finding-fertile-ground-podcast" target="_blank">Finding Fertile Ground pod</a>, I've published 13 episodes and counting. This already puts me into the top 40 percent of podcasters, because 60 percent drop out long before now. (Typically, podcasters stop before 10 episodes, with a lot of people dropping out after just 1 episode!)</p><p>Since the beginning of July, I've had vulnerable, courageous, and inspirational conversations with 27+ incredible individuals and published 13 of those interviews. And reading back on how I describe these people I've interviewed, I realize how much I use the term "badass"!!!</p><p>My dad asked me about this word a few weeks ago, wondering why I used it to describe a series of four Black women I had interviewed. My 17-year-old son, Kieran, tells me that I use this word a lot! It prompted me to look it up. Check out the classic definition:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diAEou7hqHQ/X2GByhepTAI/AAAAAAAAIU0/93Fy-E-ULOkUCm4CqDWCTNnTwn5LaZTEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s670/Badass-definition.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="670" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diAEou7hqHQ/X2GByhepTAI/AAAAAAAAIU0/93Fy-E-ULOkUCm4CqDWCTNnTwn5LaZTEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h316/Badass-definition.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now I understand why he asked the question! Perhaps it reflects my generation that we have turned this word around for our uses. "Badass" almost always describes women in my lexicon! Here's my definition:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3lO77IWzKc/X2GCD0PXJFI/AAAAAAAAIU8/C_3t5dwA39cWFv_9c1WdKPamsKYwXelvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Badass.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2000" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3lO77IWzKc/X2GCD0PXJFI/AAAAAAAAIU8/C_3t5dwA39cWFv_9c1WdKPamsKYwXelvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h285/Badass.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p>And reading the way I use this term, if you listen to my podcast, I think you will agree with me! These are the interviews I've published so far:</p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Resilient Immigrants</span></b></p><p>I have a soft spot for immigrants, ever since doing the <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/p/lenten-challenge-2017.html">"When I Was a Stranger" series</a> in Lent 2017 and recently, as I've gotten involved with <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/sankar-raman-collector-of-immigrant-stories">The Immigrant Story</a>. Immigrants are the most resilient people ever! </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Resilient refugee <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/finding-fertile-ground-podcast-resilient-refugee-olive-bukuru-kabura">Olive Bukuru Kaburu</a>, who fled Burundi with her family when she was just six months old<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/daivati-bharadvaj-dancing-for-both-countries">Dr. Daivati Bharadvaj</a>, who overcame bullying in her teen years to reclaim her power and her Indian heritage (and who gave birth to a baby boy since I interviewed her!)<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/sankar-raman-collector-of-immigrant-stories" target="_blank">Sankar Raman</a>, collector of immigrant stories</li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Fierce Survivors</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fierce fighter <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/finding-fertile-ground-podcast-fierce-fighter-skye-leybold">Skye Leybold</a>, who is living with metastatic breast cancer and finding joy in simple things</li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Badass Black Women</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/finding-fertile-ground-podcast-dennett-edwards-paying-it-forward">Dennett Edwards</a>, who is paying it forward, driven by her passion to help people<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/badass-lotus-flower-libra-forde">Badass Lotus Flower Libra Forde</a>, executive, activist, speaker, former pro basketball player, and single mom <br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/a-jewel-from-coal-jewels-pedersen">Jewels Pedersen</a>, a badass Black queer writer/performer and mom of three daughters<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/jackie-capers-brown-rising-up-and-leveling-up">Jackie-Capers Brown</a>, a leadership coach who has risen up from unimaginable griefs and challenges<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/raina-casey-death-doula-and-survivor" target="_blank">Raina Casey</a>, death doula and survivor</li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Spiritual Nonbinary Activist</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/rabbi-debra-kolodny-spiritual-badass">Rabbi Debra Kolodny</a>, a spiritual badass who has been fighting for all sorts of social justice causes since 1981</li></ul><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Men of Color, Redefining Fatherhood</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/ruben-garcia-becoming-the-father-he-never-had">Ruben Garcia</a>, a Mexican-American man who grew up working in a migrant labor camp and became the father he never had himself<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/leader-and-connector-charles-jackson-ii">Charles Jackson II</a>, a Black man from Florida who is a true leader and connector<br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/ken-harge-here-for-something-great">Ken Harge</a>, a Black man from Connecticut who is here for something great</li></ul><p></p><p>If you are listening to my podcast, drop me a note and let me know what you think...or even better yet, review my podcast on the channel where you listen. If you're not a podcast listener, you can listen to any of these episodes by going to the <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/finding-fertile-ground-podcast" target="_blank">Finding Fertile Ground Podcast </a>page on my website and clicking on the web player. I hope you enjoy!</p><p>This week, I am going to launch my first-ever interview with two people: Marie Cecile Anderson and Katy Frame of the NYC-based feminist, body-positive musical comedy duo <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/reformedwhores" target="_blank">Reformed Whores</a>, and hosts of one of my favorite podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/difficult-women/id1463421212" target="_blank">Difficult Women</a>. I am so excited for this one!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CznehkdlLsA/X2GGXZMnA2I/AAAAAAAAIVI/RbKOzKg7fqwLBdXH6nmuBuTboPSfSnaVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s558/Screen%252BShot%252B2017-10-25%252Bat%252B2.04.38%252BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="447" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CznehkdlLsA/X2GGXZMnA2I/AAAAAAAAIVI/RbKOzKg7fqwLBdXH6nmuBuTboPSfSnaVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screen%252BShot%252B2017-10-25%252Bat%252B2.04.38%252BPM.png" /></a></div>Stay safe and stay healthy...and mask up!<p></p></div>Marie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-28113368215727139482020-08-23T12:36:00.007-07:002020-08-23T13:12:54.283-07:00Christopher, 24 x 24!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twfOIz5TnM8/X0K7-v2pdCI/AAAAAAAAmuE/DuQjzgF4dk40hhvoSYMrolVHPGdj4Ap3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1632/img612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1632" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twfOIz5TnM8/X0K7-v2pdCI/AAAAAAAAmuE/DuQjzgF4dk40hhvoSYMrolVHPGdj4Ap3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h267/img612.jpg" title="Naïve pregnant me, visiting Alaska the week before your birth" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Naïve pregnant me, traveling to Alaska one week before you were born</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></div><b>Twenty-four years ago this morning, your life began with a huge question, percentages, and dire predictions:</b></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The question, posed to us by my obstetrician after I went into premature labor and she saw that <a href="https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02496#:~:text=Preterm%20premature%20rupture%20of%20the%20membranes%20%28PPROM%29%20is,higher%20chance%20of%20having%20your%20baby%20born%20early.">the membranes had been ruptured</a> and you were breech and tiny: </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><blockquote style="text-align: left;">"You have a choice. You could deliver naturally and the baby would die, or you can deliver by emergency c-section and the baby would have a 50 percent chance of survival...and any future babies would need to be delivered by c-section."</blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"></blockquote><p></p><p>I didn't even wait for your dad's opinion. I immediately said I'd have the surgery. 50 percent or nothing? No hesitation. (Later I would learn Dr. Weaver was surprised I made that choice...I'm sure she thought you would die.)</p><p>The medical team sprung into action, transporting me by ambulance to Legacy Emanuel. Your dad followed behind the ambulance, and I didn't see him again until I woke up in the recovery room. He told me you were alive, you were a boy, and you were tiny: one pound, six ounces and eleven inches long. But very much alive.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqyfSqGqi9E/X0K6tiYRrvI/AAAAAAAAmtk/Zd2n0Xt6C0AAWYL755HLYIfG6a79vVAdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1723/Chris_baby1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1723" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FqyfSqGqi9E/X0K6tiYRrvI/AAAAAAAAmtk/Zd2n0Xt6C0AAWYL755HLYIfG6a79vVAdACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h272/Chris_baby1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>They wheeled me into the NICU on a stretcher to see your tiny, glistening, red, and rapidly vibrating body. You were hooked up to a high-frequency ventilator that made you shake. It was terrifying, but I was so relieved you were alive. I didn't know one thing about having a premature baby. I had no idea of the terrain or the dangers. I have always preferred hope to despair, so I clung to that hope.<p></p><p>...until the next day, when one of the neonatologists came to see me in my hospital room and give me more dire percentages:</p><p></p><blockquote>"The next two days are critical. There's a 50 percent chance he could die, and if he lives, he has a 50 percent chance of major disabilities." </blockquote><p></p><p>After surviving the first set of odds, now you were faced with two more. Looking back, now I realize that all the doctors must have thought I was completely naïve. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Well, you showed them all. </span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rlom0Kr3Fc/X0K69HOqypI/AAAAAAAAmto/s9OEj3Wlduk9LUIfUyqSThNuKHnYVS3iACLcBGAsYHQ/s829/chrisnicu_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="829" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rlom0Kr3Fc/X0K69HOqypI/AAAAAAAAmto/s9OEj3Wlduk9LUIfUyqSThNuKHnYVS3iACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h273/chrisnicu_2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are some of the vivid memories that rise to the top of my mind during this birthday remembrance:</span></b><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ5JAMZzN6A/X0K6Oh6eRSI/AAAAAAAAmtc/JyKhQYMztqkNBH8xEzw9NuTgCJX0RpDJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1666/Chrisbaby2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1666" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ5JAMZzN6A/X0K6Oh6eRSI/AAAAAAAAmtc/JyKhQYMztqkNBH8xEzw9NuTgCJX0RpDJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h280/Chrisbaby2.jpg" width="410" /></a><li>Learning you were the sickest, smallest baby in the NICU for at least a month until two more 24-weekers were born<br /><br /></li><li>Remembering the devastating moment we had to leave the hospital without you for the first time<br /><br /></li><li>Being absolutely glued to the monitor and watching your oxygen saturation and other numbers<br /><br /></li><li>Washing our hands thoroughly and never forgetting, even now, that smell of hospital soap<br /><br /></li><li>Being surrounded by so many flower bouquets in my hospital room and later at home, realizing many people sent flowers because they didn't think you would survive, and being grateful for the first actual baby gift!<br /><br /></li><li>Singing to you, every single day, and making a tape of us singing that the nurses could play when we were not there <br /><br /></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKrwAsKOhJY/X0K7J-rckVI/AAAAAAAAmtw/6D_pOYxR6pgIzZ4ZfQ923MM8AJRt1BxSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s823/chrisnicu_3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="823" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKrwAsKOhJY/X0K7J-rckVI/AAAAAAAAmtw/6D_pOYxR6pgIzZ4ZfQ923MM8AJRt1BxSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h238/chrisnicu_3.jpg" title="Your poor battered head, bruised from the IVs" width="410" /></a></div>Sitting by your bedside, writing in our journal<br /><br /></li><li>Making a poster and buying a balloon for your isolette to celebrate each week of your survival<br /><br /></li><li>Insisting to the NICU staff that we be able to read your medical chart, which we did every day (back then, this was not typically done)<br /><br /></li><li>Making strong bonds with some of the nurses and learning that your favorite nurses requested to be assigned to your care<br /><br /></li><li>Pumping huge quantities of breast milk several times a day, and that first day about a week in when you started receiving my breast milk in tiny drops through a nasogastric tube (through your nose)...at the time, visiting and breast pumping felt like the only things we could do to help...<br /><br /></li><li>Feeling terrified when you had your first surgery, on your heart, when you were still less than two pounds...<br /><br /></li><li>Coming in one morning to hear your nurse say "What are they saying about that hernia?" and learning you'd have to have another surgery (you'd have three total before you were five pounds)<br /><br /></li><li>Watching you so gradually grow and gain weight, because you were using all of your energy just to stay alive<br /><br /></li><li>Coming in one morning to learn that our favorite night nurse, Lorraine had dressed you in clothing for the first time and taken a photo of you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM5wPXDo2lo/X0K7ysdPEGI/AAAAAAAAmuA/nLhWooOnGtEJunDYOQRFHkEBEcSbZ9D8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1104/img800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1068" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM5wPXDo2lo/X0K7ysdPEGI/AAAAAAAAmuA/nLhWooOnGtEJunDYOQRFHkEBEcSbZ9D8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w396-h410/img800.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br /><br /></li><li>Seeing one of the nurse practitioners, Alyce, kiss your forehead one day after you'd survived a bad few days and realizing she was your first kiss...I'd been too terrified to kiss you!<br /><br /></li><li>Holding you for the first time when you were five weeks old, and then after that, doing kangaroo care (skin to skin) with you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51pXp_55ZVA/X0K9E_jfUnI/AAAAAAAAmuc/a0U5NSgd4a0QeYUrEx9zJGWMYTc3ZBvDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1709/img727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1085" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51pXp_55ZVA/X0K9E_jfUnI/AAAAAAAAmuc/a0U5NSgd4a0QeYUrEx9zJGWMYTc3ZBvDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/img727.jpg" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Recalling the worst two days in the NICU for me, when you had kidney damage, cerebral edema, and low flow to the brain and the neonatologist called a care conference to tell us you'd be horribly brain damaged for life and that we needed to discuss quality of life<br /><br /></li><li>Seeing "Normal Head Gettel" next to your bedside the next day, and learning you had a "normal" head ultrasound and would survive another crisis<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jIHYIS1aws/X0K-sP3pLzI/AAAAAAAAmvQ/zd9Gqa3t3ggjDxsZy7xd-Gbf7tcAdUKLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/Image%2B%2528291%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1184" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6jIHYIS1aws/X0K-sP3pLzI/AAAAAAAAmvQ/zd9Gqa3t3ggjDxsZy7xd-Gbf7tcAdUKLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w337-h512/Image%2B%2528291%2529.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Going off the ventilator shortly after that crisis and seeing your beautiful face for the first time!<br /><br /></li><li>Going back on the ventilator again because preemies' journeys are roller coasters!<br /><br /></li><li>Being called into the NICU a few weeks later because you had a serious infection and seeing a team of 10 people gathered around your bedside trying to save your life...your dad's most fearful day<br /><br /></li><li>Coming into the NICU one day to learn that one of my least-favorite nurses had given you your first bath, even though she knew what time we were coming in to see you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o16MVw95DHA/X0K9krj0dvI/AAAAAAAAmuo/-wGf0ljV_y4T5ZJrJKPB8pXUT3z8z_8twCLcBGAsYHQ/s1816/Image%2B%2528289%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1816" height="343" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o16MVw95DHA/X0K9krj0dvI/AAAAAAAAmuo/-wGf0ljV_y4T5ZJrJKPB8pXUT3z8z_8twCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h343/Image%2B%2528289%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><br /></li><li>Giving you "your first bath" again the next day, arranged by your favorite nurses who realized how important this first ritual was to us<br /><br /></li><li>Moving to Level 2, where we had less nursing care and took more responsibility for your care<br /><br /></li><li>Watching other babies and families we'd come to know, including the two younger 24-weekers, go home before us<br /><br /></li><li>Oh, the excruciating eye exams, when they would stretch your eyeballs out with this tiny device to examine the progression of your retinopathy of prematurity disease! <br /><br /></li><li>Battling with the neonatologist, supported by our new pediatrician Dr. Bengtson, to be able to take you home before Christmas <br /><br /></li><li>Spending the night in the room off the NICU ("rooming in") to practice taking care of you<br /><br /></li><li>Taking you home, finally, after 117 days, with a five-foot-tall oxygen tank and a ton of medications, and you hooked up to an apnea monitor, laptop computer (for a medical study), and oxygen<br /><br /></li><li>Being able to hold you AS MUCH AS WE WANTED without having to ask permission!<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpPAV3wXiVo/X0K-r-2a0bI/AAAAAAAAmvM/DT5VxoUj8ZkDEFhsXZpaT1RghFMeaglQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Image%2B%25281247%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="2048" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpPAV3wXiVo/X0K-r-2a0bI/AAAAAAAAmvM/DT5VxoUj8ZkDEFhsXZpaT1RghFMeaglQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h298/Image%2B%25281247%2529.jpg" width="410" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNnH5iYttX0/X0K-r-jX2kI/AAAAAAAAmvI/vRwbEGJVFIEvbYsVofnAnIhHlhqc0MumACLcBGAsYHQ/s2044/Image%2B%25281246%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2044" data-original-width="1364" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNnH5iYttX0/X0K-r-jX2kI/AAAAAAAAmvI/vRwbEGJVFIEvbYsVofnAnIhHlhqc0MumACLcBGAsYHQ/w342-h512/Image%2B%25281246%2529.jpg" width="342" /></a></li><li>Being terrified you would stop breathing in the middle of the night, even though you were connected to the apnea monitor<br /><br /></li><li>Celebrating your first Christmas at home with us!<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rARMb6xSpdY/X0K-sb401KI/AAAAAAAAmvU/N_4bIDmmMx4zoEgUrexxMpyV7FHUbaBpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1460/Image%2B%2528905%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1056" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rARMb6xSpdY/X0K-sb401KI/AAAAAAAAmvU/N_4bIDmmMx4zoEgUrexxMpyV7FHUbaBpgCLcBGAsYHQ/w296-h410/Image%2B%2528905%2529.jpg" width="296" /></a></li><li>Making everyone wash their hands vigorously when they came to visit and being terrified you would get sick because we knew an older preemie who went home, got respiratory synctitial virus (RSV), and did not survive<br /><br /></li><li>Taking you for walks, connected to a portable oxygen tank<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC_wdtMJBzs/X0K-sdkbNQI/AAAAAAAAmvY/jFm-bT5-_eYJGtrW9X_F0Jm1mrXBRpongCLcBGAsYHQ/s1436/Image%2B%2528910%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1436" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC_wdtMJBzs/X0K-sdkbNQI/AAAAAAAAmvY/jFm-bT5-_eYJGtrW9X_F0Jm1mrXBRpongCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h302/Image%2B%2528910%2529.jpg" width="410" /></a></li><li>Feeling incredible freedom after you went off oxygen and the laptop computer study, and we could take you anywhere in the house without being connected to anything!<br /><br /></li><li>Getting vomited over, several times a day, when you developed serious reflux<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V2QwhZfkvg/X0LBMr_XxSI/AAAAAAAAmwA/2tHUlo1KtEQ6djYYs8ZpXN5Cmng8Usl5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1639/Chris8%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1639" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6V2QwhZfkvg/X0LBMr_XxSI/AAAAAAAAmwA/2tHUlo1KtEQ6djYYs8ZpXN5Cmng8Usl5QCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h288/Chris8%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="410" /></a></li><li>Learning from a neurosurgeon that you had a rare arteriovenous malformation in your brain and he advised brain surgery or you could have a stroke, and asking if we could wait six months and repeat the MRI just to make sure<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAtd1jl0_dA/X0K-rEFMKxI/AAAAAAAAmvA/fhIBiFZAlS0aEu9EwpuU3IhYDpYZv705gCLcBGAsYHQ/s940/Image%2B%25281203%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="664" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAtd1jl0_dA/X0K-rEFMKxI/AAAAAAAAmvA/fhIBiFZAlS0aEu9EwpuU3IhYDpYZv705gCLcBGAsYHQ/w290-h410/Image%2B%25281203%2529.jpg" width="290" /></a></li><li>Deciding not to share this news with people because we wanted them to be hopeful<br /><br /></li><li>Repeating that MRI six months later and learning the arteriovenous malformation was gone! Yet again, you defied the odds...and I realized how valuable my instincts were!<br /><br /></li><li>Feeding you lots of avocado and food with oil to make you gain weight and fearing the dreaded "failure to thrive" because it hurt you to eat and you threw up so much<br /><br /></li><li>Taking you out in public (to church) for the first time on Mother's Day, six months after you came home, and you and I both crying that afternoon because you didn't want to eat anything (your poor tummy hurt) and I was terrified you were not gaining enough weight!</li></ul><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Planning a glorious baptism celebration of your life, attended by "Christopher's angels," many of our beloved nurses<br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghJqs06wTUM/X0K-rMPnugI/AAAAAAAAmu0/2VBW5MmGPTUzj3DbLKuS0q3CGVaNPwl7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1780/Image%2B%25281081%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="1220" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghJqs06wTUM/X0K-rMPnugI/AAAAAAAAmu0/2VBW5MmGPTUzj3DbLKuS0q3CGVaNPwl7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w281-h410/Image%2B%25281081%2529.jpg" width="281" /></a></li><li>Attending your godparents' wedding soon after, my sister Nadine and her wonderful husband David<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq_vYA7o2iQ/X0LBb9b4ZVI/AAAAAAAAmwI/9qq7-O9zBqgkgV6EWqhSyAT0JHHLvv3PACLcBGAsYHQ/s1610/Chris_wedding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1610" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq_vYA7o2iQ/X0LBb9b4ZVI/AAAAAAAAmwI/9qq7-O9zBqgkgV6EWqhSyAT0JHHLvv3PACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h286/Chris_wedding.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Celebrating your first birthday with a big party in Laurelhurst Park and taking you to the zoo for the first time<br /><br /></li><li>Feeling always and ever grateful that your dad and I were completely united through the biggest challenge of our lives, and seeing our marriage grow stronger as a result</li></ul><div>I remember far more details of first year of life than those of your brothers, mostly because your milestones were so significant and long awaited. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you were a complicated, high-tech baby and most long-term NICU babies have difficulties adjusting when they go home, you had the sweetest, most easy-going disposition imaginable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you had cerebral edema and low flow to the brain (similar to a stroke), you did not suffer from a brain bleed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you had to be admitted to the hospital with serious scary pneumonia and RSV one year after leaving the NICU, once again you were able to come home for Christmas (photo below). </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you had some developmental delays as a small child, you learned to read early and you escaped so many of the invisible issues preemies often face. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you didn't talk until you were three years old, once you started talking we realized how smart you were. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though you developed epilepsy in third grade and freaked us out with a grand mal seizure, you grew out of it as an adolescent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I would never wish the NICU experience on ANYONE, through the experience we learned to value life and miracles and we also made some of the best friends of our lives in other NICU parents.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4aABnpR50Q/X0LBn0JXQ-I/AAAAAAAAmwQ/FwXR0s3I62U2L1xG_RwbXai5ax5HuYBLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1559/Chris2%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1559" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4aABnpR50Q/X0LBn0JXQ-I/AAAAAAAAmwQ/FwXR0s3I62U2L1xG_RwbXai5ax5HuYBLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h342/Chris2%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_4eF-OgHO8/X0LBDKaPFWI/AAAAAAAAmv8/pOx8ZUaq_G8XaVkCiEQu_iuhRKYsRRw-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1230/Chris_Cds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1230" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a_4eF-OgHO8/X0LBDKaPFWI/AAAAAAAAmv8/pOx8ZUaq_G8XaVkCiEQu_iuhRKYsRRw-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h349/Chris_Cds.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>From birth, you have adored music and are a walking musical encyclopedia. You are the most forgiving person I know, filled with a capacity for kindness and compassion that cannot be measured. You cherish your family and friends and you love life. I've always believed that preemies have a wisdom beyond their years, as if you've known since birth that life is precious and not to be taken for granted. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so proud of you for earning your college degree and finding someone wonderful to share your life with. I am eternally grateful to be your mom, that you've taught me more about life and miracles than anyone else, and for doing everything in your power to survive and thrive. My constant prayer and mantra for you as a tiny baby was "GROW." You've continued to grow as a person, becoming a wise, loving, enthusiastic, hard-working, funny, and engaged young man. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPM0P_6FOc8/X0LCB6BW5gI/AAAAAAAAmwc/kiEeSGzclTEalh4OqvR_Aa7gZH-c2RonACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/39968480_10156916847219416_1635524632943525888_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPM0P_6FOc8/X0LCB6BW5gI/AAAAAAAAmwc/kiEeSGzclTEalh4OqvR_Aa7gZH-c2RonACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/39968480_10156916847219416_1635524632943525888_o.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LvPYRuswhA/X0LCvifsMrI/AAAAAAAAmw8/0EnKRBIjzUoPDa3cdvYxU9z77qX55VsbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LvPYRuswhA/X0LCvifsMrI/AAAAAAAAmw8/0EnKRBIjzUoPDa3cdvYxU9z77qX55VsbACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8030.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At your grad party with two of your NICU nurses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tc11HcLVAg/X0LCveyvF8I/AAAAAAAAmw4/g5-8ztZZ9dw5aHdp8QwYpx0Okv-QfxqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Tc11HcLVAg/X0LCveyvF8I/AAAAAAAAmw4/g5-8ztZZ9dw5aHdp8QwYpx0Okv-QfxqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8015.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgTjTMnNC1g/X0LCvSVzb6I/AAAAAAAAmw0/hXc7CX7C6QELeSg2ZftCuljKBslCtqy2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgTjTMnNC1g/X0LCvSVzb6I/AAAAAAAAmw0/hXc7CX7C6QELeSg2ZftCuljKBslCtqy2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7829.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_uUndHCYaM/X0LCNAgNfpI/AAAAAAAAmwg/MQzNisGX7jcjrVYSPVa-maYmL2CrtmgDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GG-Family-2019-10-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1_uUndHCYaM/X0LCNAgNfpI/AAAAAAAAmwg/MQzNisGX7jcjrVYSPVa-maYmL2CrtmgDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/GG-Family-2019-10-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8nqgauREf0/X0LCSEa6H1I/AAAAAAAAmwo/HBRiwTDEja4ULwZ1ZLSi1wEFhHZeV96lACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GG-Family-2019-33-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8nqgauREf0/X0LCSEa6H1I/AAAAAAAAmwo/HBRiwTDEja4ULwZ1ZLSi1wEFhHZeV96lACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/GG-Family-2019-33-2.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Black and white photos by Kendra Joy Photography)</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy 24 to my 24-weeker and miracle boy. Thanks for making me a mom and teaching me this important lesson:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9nLHteJWzs/X0LFAKY_92I/AAAAAAAAmxM/5B8UX_Sn9Vgt7uGZzR8VfU_TgJSZ8K3_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Chris.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9nLHteJWzs/X0LFAKY_92I/AAAAAAAAmxM/5B8UX_Sn9Vgt7uGZzR8VfU_TgJSZ8K3_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Chris.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I love you so much, Chris...you will always be my hero!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-46293828443170372892020-07-14T20:53:00.000-07:002020-07-14T20:53:23.111-07:00I started a podcast! (Finding Fertile Ground Podcast)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBCKJAGx6qo/Xw52e3600II/AAAAAAAAIJM/Q6rfIaCH_HUHvJTARu66t79bCfeZjdW8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBCKJAGx6qo/Xw52e3600II/AAAAAAAAIJM/Q6rfIaCH_HUHvJTARu66t79bCfeZjdW8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I launched <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/finding-fertile-ground-podcast">a podcast</a> a few weeks ago! I’ve always been inspired by people who possess grit and resilience and are able to connect with people in an authentic way.<br />
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After writing a few hard-hitting articles about race, I got the honor of being interviewed by Jackie Capers-Brown (the L<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/level-up-your-life-with-jackie-capers-brown/id1493839993">evel Up Your Life podcast</a>) and Charles Edward Jackson, III, for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2FulUs1Z-I&t=1218s">Relational Leadership series</a>. Those experiences prompted me to hit the airwaves and create the kind of podcast I would like to listen to. So off we go!!<br />
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I am interviewing people who have experienced hardship in their life, and most of my guests will be from marginalized communities—Black or other people of color, from a non-Christian religion, LBGTQIA, or women.<br />
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I’ve conducted eight interviews so far, and I am having a blast!! You can find out more about my podcast on <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/feed">my Fertile Ground Communications blog</a> (subscribe there to get weekly updates), and you can find the podcast on all the usual channels. If you're not a regular podcast listener on your phone, you can also listen to the audio on the computer.<br />
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The interviewing aspect of podcasting is much simpler and more fun than the editing process, so I have more content than I'm able to put out right now. I'm using all sorts of new brain cells on learning how to edit and polish my podcast episodes. I'm honored to have <a href="https://www.portlandjazzpianist.com/instepmusic/">my friend Jonathan Swanson</a>'s beautiful jazz lick opening and closing each episode. So far I have three episodes released:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3S_V1YuIPc/Xw57QsyB3dI/AAAAAAAAIKU/Rsxn6yhak_A3rpDl6BNLfpJOkKtSoyZlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3S_V1YuIPc/Xw57QsyB3dI/AAAAAAAAIKU/Rsxn6yhak_A3rpDl6BNLfpJOkKtSoyZlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2%2B%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/1.%20Meet%20resilient%20refugee%20Olive%20Bukuru%20Kaburu,%20who%20fled%20Burundi%20with%20her%20family%20when%20she%20was%20just%20six%20months%20old.%20%20%20%20%20%20In%20the%20first%20episode%20of%20the%20Finding%20Fertile%20Ground%20Podcast,%20I%20interview%20Olive%20Bukuru%20Kabura,%20whose%20family%20fled%20from%20war-torn%20Burundi%20when%20Olive%20was%20just%206%20months%20old.%20She%20grew%20up%20in%20a%20refugee%20camp%20in%20Tanzania%20until%20she%20was%2010,%20when%20her%20family%20moved%20to%20Oregon.%20We%20talked%20about%20her%20experiences%20in%20Africa,%20assimilating%20to%20the%20United%20States,%20going%20back%20to%20Tanzania%20and%20Burundi%20a%20few%20years%20ago,%20Black%20Lives%20Matter%20and%20racism%20here,%20Black%20Panther,%20and%20the%20incredible%20resilience%20of%20immigrants.%20Read%20more%20about%20Olive,%20and%20don't%20miss%20this%20moving%20conversation.%20Olive%20is%20amazing.%20%20%E2%80%8B%20%202.%20Meet%20fierce%20fighter%20Skye%20Leybold,%20who%20is%20living%20with%20metastatic%20breast%20cancer%20and%20finding%20joy%20in%20simple%20things.%20%20%E2%80%8B%20%20Skye%20Leybold%20thought%20she'd%20tackled%20cancer%20until%20it%20came%20back%20with%20a%20vengeance%20three%20and%20a%20half%20years%20later.%20Her%20medical%20team%20essentially%20gave%20up%20on%20her%20when%20she%20went%20into%20liver%20failure,%20but%20Skye%20and%20her%20husband%20were%20not%20willing%20to%20accept%20that.%20Fast-forward%20to%20a%20few%20years%20later,%20and%20she%20is%20surviving%20and%20thriving.%20Read%20more%20about%20Skye,%20and%20listen%20to%20the%20conversation%20here.%20%20%20%E2%80%8B%20%203.%20Meet%20Dennett%20Edwards,%20who%20is%20paying%20it%20forward,%20driven%20by%20her%20passion%20to%20help%20people.%20%20%E2%80%8B%20%20Dennett's%20parents%20divorced%20when%20she%20was%20young,%20and%20she%20didn't%20have%20access%20to%20a%20lot%20of%20resources.%20She%20ended%20up%20dropping%20out%20of%20high%20school,%20earning%20her%20GED%20by%20age%2016,%20and%20then%20going%20on%20to%20earn%20nearly%20three%20master's%20degrees.%20When%20COVID-19%20hit,%20she%20fired%20up%20her%20creativity%20and%20began%20a%20free%20online%20professional%20network:%20Corona%20Daze%20Professional%20Development.%20Read%20more%20about%20Dennett,%20and%20listen%20to%20the%20conversation%20here.%20%20%20%E2%80%8Btwo-year-old%20daughter%20and%20Olive,%20along%20with%20her%20twin%20sister.%20They%20lived%20in%20a%20refugee%20camp%20in%20Tanzania%20until%20immigrating%20to%20the%20US%20when%20Olive%20was%20just%2010%20years%20old.">Meet resilient refugee Olive Bukuru Kaburu</a></b>, who fled Burundi with her family when she <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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was just six months old. In the first episode of the Finding Fertile Ground Podcast, I interview Olive Bukuru Kabura, whose family fled from war-torn Burundi when Olive was just 6 months old. She grew up in a refugee camp in Tanzania until she was 10, when her family moved to Oregon. We talked about her experiences in Africa, assimilating to the United States, going back to Tanzania and Burundi a few years ago, Black Lives Matter and racism here, Black Panther, and the incredible resilience of immigrants.</li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4otnG0s6_w/Xw56k__IogI/AAAAAAAAIKI/2fpKayyl32s947-H7sHOl0iqDpZmP0VNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4otnG0s6_w/Xw56k__IogI/AAAAAAAAIKI/2fpKayyl32s947-H7sHOl0iqDpZmP0VNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li><b style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/finding-fertile-ground-podcast-fierce-fighter-skye-leybold">Meet fierce fighter Skye Leybold</a></b>, who is living with metastatic breast cancer and finding joy in simple things. Skye Leybold thought she'd tackled cancer until it came back with a vengeance three and a half years later. Her medical team essentially gave up on her when she went into liver failure, but Skye and her husband were not willing to accept that. Fast-forward to a few years later, and she is surviving and thriving.<br /></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/finding-fertile-ground-podcast-dennett-edwards-paying-it-forward"><b>Meet Dennett Edwards</b>,<b> who is paying it forward</b></a>, driven by her passion to help people. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvCXw7Kf4iQ/Xw57l0rRVQI/AAAAAAAAIKc/4pQmBxmLNnElEcG-NYBYTMJGgAUVHudOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blog%2BPost%2BTitles_FindingFertileGround.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="118" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvCXw7Kf4iQ/Xw57l0rRVQI/AAAAAAAAIKc/4pQmBxmLNnElEcG-NYBYTMJGgAUVHudOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Blog%2BPost%2BTitles_FindingFertileGround.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Dennett's parents divorced when she was young, and she didn't have access to a lot of resources. She ended up dropping out of high school, earning her GED by age 16, and then going on to earn nearly three master's degrees. When COVID-19 hit, she fired up her creativity and began a free online professional network: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoronaDazePD/">Corona Daze Professional Development</a>.</li>
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Next up is Dr. Daivati Bharadvaj, followed by a queer rabbi activist and two incredible Black men.</div>
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I hope you enjoy these stories of grit, resilience, and connection! Please tell me if you know of anyone who has a story of grit, resilience, and connection to share.</div>
Marie GGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03020201739294303431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-78324750021890440422020-06-24T21:32:00.000-07:002020-06-24T21:32:17.220-07:00Blessed are they who escaped the grooming of David Haas<div>Highly prolific and admired Catholic composer David Haas has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by several women. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/three-women-who-accuse-david-haas-sexual-misconduct-speak-ncr"><i>The National Catholic Reporter</i> has an in-depth piece </a>on his creepy grooming history, and some of the most damning accusations come <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=david%20haas&epa=SERP_TAB">from his ex-wife</a>, whom he started grooming when she was just 16 years old. </div><div><br /></div>If you were raised Catholic (22 percent of Americans were), you have most likely sung the hymns of David Haas:<div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Blessed Are They</li><li>We Are Called</li><li>Come Lord Jesus, Send Us Your Spirit</li><li>Shout for Joy</li><li>Sing to the Lord a New Song</li><li>You Are Mine</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FU0MGgXcxLE/XvQojHJfMMI/AAAAAAAAmoc/M6whOvMsxXce9M6sO4ZUQtVP-x7_JbvrwCK4BGAsYHg/s764/469fe6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="764" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FU0MGgXcxLE/XvQojHJfMMI/AAAAAAAAmoc/M6whOvMsxXce9M6sO4ZUQtVP-x7_JbvrwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h261/469fe6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>These are just a few of his most well-known hymns...he has also written lots of psalms as well. He is a beloved fixture in the Catholic music world, although conservative Catholics and uptight liturgists call him sappy, a "dissident composer," and "pro-gay," and they are happily reporting his downfall.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a member of a progressive Lutheran-Catholic church, and as the person who selects the music for my church, I'm feeling thoroughly disgusted and furious that one more man in power has abused his privilege and platform to prey on vulnerable young women. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot say Haas' perversion and assaults come as a complete surprise to me, because I have met him. My friend John and I attended a music workshop he led at the University of Portland a few years ago. It was a small enough group that he had us go around and introduce ourselves. John and I outed ourselves as Lutherans (the only non-Catholics there!) and told him about our one-of-a-kind Lutheran-Catholic church. Haas was supremely rude and dismissive of us, saying that we were NOT the only Lutheran-Catholic community. I seriously found him to be a horrible man, and that whole day it felt like we were in some kind of Catholic cult of Haas worship. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I have loved much of his music, which often is less patriarchal in language and also full of social justice language (another reason why the traditionalists hate him). When the Beatitudes are in the readings for the day, we always sing "Blest Are They," for example. </div><div><br /></div><div>The most infuriating thing about these revelations is that the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has known about these accusations SINCE 1987. Apparently he's like the Harvey Weinstein of the Catholic church music circles...many had heard rumors about him, but no one wanted to take him down because he had so much power and influence in the church.</div><div></div><blockquote><i>National Catholic Reporter</i> reports that one of his victims said, "The fact that the [expletive] archdiocese knew [of his history] and still let him set up a camp for young people...The amount of hurt and pain that could have been prevented is almost unforgivable..."<div><br /></div><div>"She remembered him being 'a touchy person,' always hugging, making kids 'feel chosen' when he'd place his hands on their shoulder as they sat with their peers...</div><div><br /></div><div>Haas would lead a big concert at this program once each year, with the students all eager to be front row 'so that maybe they could see and know you,' Megan recalled, particularly the power of him looking at you while he sang the words to his popular song 'You Are Mine.'</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, whenever Megan is caught off guard and hears one of his songs at a church service, "I have been wrecked, just knocked on the floor."</div></blockquote><div></div></div><div>The organization Into Account, which first released the allegations, reported that "Some women have described romantic relationships with Haas that felt consensual in the beginning, but were then marked by sudden, overwhelming sexual aggression from Haas, in which any resistance was met with extreme anger. Other women have described incidents that we would interpret as outright sexual battery, involving groping, forcible kissing, and aggressive, lewd propositions. The youngest victim reported to us was nineteen years old at the time of the alleged sexual battery, while Haas was over fifty."</div><div><br /></div><div>This is just one more example of the Roman Catholic church sweeping its perverts under the carpet and failing to protect the vulnerable (Haas apparently targeted teen girls and women who had experienced trauma). Completely unacceptable. We will no longer be singing any David Haas hymns. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many of the women who have come forward had no idea his preying on them had happened to anyone else. They didn't feel comfortable coming forward out of fear of being shamed or retaliated against. Will we ever have a culture where people feel safe calling out abusive behavior? I'm astonished that his accusers have not all left the Catholic church.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can you imagine hearing these songs be played in church, knowing they had been written by a man who had forced himself on you? Or seeing him get fame and fortune from his hymns, knowing how hollow the lyrics are?</div><div><br /></div><div>I often joke saying "some of my best friends are Catholics" (or once were!). I have great respect and admiration for many priests who come to say mass in our community. But as for the Catholic hierarchy at large, I cannot begin to express my disdain at yet one more failure to protect the vulnerable. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-85144484253176103352020-06-03T17:20:00.003-07:002020-06-03T17:22:30.575-07:00Where Are You Standing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVZaYnvmx8A/Xtg6hTA_RHI/AAAAAAAAmjU/1bVmdJSUHI4Zq67TFx09Xef27Ks0_RtHQCK4BGAsYHg/Where%2BAre%2BYou%2BStanding.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVZaYnvmx8A/Xtg6hTA_RHI/AAAAAAAAmjU/1bVmdJSUHI4Zq67TFx09Xef27Ks0_RtHQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h244/Where%2BAre%2BYou%2BStanding.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Those are the words that keep cycling through my head in the past several days, as I've been using what I do best, writing, to take a stand. <div><br /></div><div>They are from a song written by <a href="https://judyfjell.com/1/index.htm" target="_blank">Judy Fjell</a>, "Where Are You Standing":</div><div></div><blockquote><div>"I can hear the words a-rumblin'</div><div>Destruction is upon us</div><div>I can hear the people whisper</div><div>The signs are everywhere</div><div>And there's an air of fear and sadness</div><div>To so many conversations</div><div>There are questions that linger</div><div>There are questions that haunt us</div><div>There are questions in our lives</div><div><br /></div><div>Where are you standing?</div><div>Are you standing on the side of fear?</div><div>Do you close your heart to others</div><div>When differences appear between you</div><div>Where are you standing</div><div>Do you shout so only you can hear</div><div>Or do you listen to the beat of the world?</div></blockquote><div></div><div>I wrote to Judy, asking her if I could use her song on a video with Black Lives Matter protest images. She wrote back, saying she’d love to have me use “Where Are You Standing” for such
a purpose. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGGB_b5bo6M" target="_blank">Here is the result</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BGGB_b5bo6M" width="560"></iframe> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two things happened yesterday. Two people I love took a stand and made me proud:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><font size="4">1. My former pastor and now-bishop of the Oregon Synod Lutheran church (ELCA) wrote <a href="https://mailchi.mp/768d750d17bb/called-to-justice" target="_blank">an incredible letter</a> to Lutherans in her state. </font></b>Here is an excerpt: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">"I am a bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, the whitest denomination in the United States. I serve the Oregon Synod, perhaps the whitest synod in the ELCA. I have been long marinated in my privilege. So as I light a candle and pray for racial justice and the long-deferred dream of wholeness, I have more questions than answers:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How do you kneel on a human being’s neck for nine minutes?</li><li>How many precautions are needed before a brown or black bodied person can jog unarmed down a street?</li><li>How can the dignity of entire groups of people, in a nation, a church, a region I love so much, be so willfully overlooked for four-hundred years and counting?</li><li>How have I benefited from silence, and what does truly liberating action look like?</li><li>What would it look like for the ELCA to 'take a knee'?</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don’t know. But I do know some things:</div></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>White Supremacy reigns, and it isn’t simply about individuals, it’s about systems and institutions which consistently privilege one race above all others.</li><li>Racism and white supremacy are sins. Though I am committed to an anti-racist life and learnings, having been marinated in the white supremacy of my culture and, by virtue of the color of my skin, I am racist.</li><li>All people are God’s beloveds and to be able to see that we need to help center the experiences of those who’ve been marginalized and silenced for eons. </li><li>The violence we see all around us is dangerous, and yet is a response to a culture which violates, and has violated, black and brown bodies for centuries.</li><li>It’s time I learned to listen. It’s time the institutions I love learn to be open to radical transformation.</li><li>None of this work toward justice, peace, and transformation, which is God’s work, will be easy."</li></ul></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then she urged churches to consider designating the money they usually would send to the synod (the church's governing body) to a a trusted local organization working for racial justice and to dismantle white supremacy...and she included links to some of those organizations. This act of selfless justice, in a time of budget pressures at the synod and local churches because of lower-than-average offerings, is a genuine gesture of conciliation and reparation from the "whitest denomination in America" (as coined by Pastor Lenny Duncan in his book <i>Dear Church</i>). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was blown away when I read this suggestion...especially because I wrote this exact guideline in <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/ten-ways-white-people-can-support-black-coworkers" target="_blank">my article about what white people can do to support their Black coworkers</a>...and that if organizations take a stand, they absolutely have to take action too. I am so proud to be an ELCA Oregon Lutheran.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="4"><b>2. My 17-year-old son, Kieran, went downtown to protest with thousands of other Portlanders.</b></font> He invited a friend of the family, a Black man named Damany, to accompany him along with one of Kieran's friends. Damany said he would actually feel safer going to the protest with a white boy, and we felt safer knowing Kieran would be with a responsible adult. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />When I texted him around 9:30 to ask when he was coming home, he responded, "I'm kinda busy rn kinda protesting." </div><div><br /></div><div>At one point in the evening, Kieran marched into an intersection, waving at the cars coming and motioning others along behind him. Damany said, "Damn! There's some white privilege right there." </div><div><br /></div><div>Damany, who's been marching and protesting for years, said it was the most powerful march of his life. Kieran is so fired up that he's returned downtown tonight, too, for their second night of protesting. They were three of the bodies laying down on the Burnside Bridge in the photo at the top of this post.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to join them one of these nights when I can.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so proud of Kieran for standing on the right side of justice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many white people are finally waking up to the injustices Black people face in this country, a legacy of slavery and our military industrial complex. But many still have their heads in the sand, hoping this issue will go away and Black people will "get over" racism. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is not going away. It is a revolution long overdue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where are you standing? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-69125597227156151432020-06-02T15:48:00.000-07:002020-06-02T15:48:26.629-07:00Ten Ways White People Can Support Black Coworkers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><font size="4">I wrote <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/ten-ways-white-people-can-support-black-coworkers" target="_blank">this post for my business blog</a> at <a href="www.fertilegroundcommunications.com" target="_blank">www.fertilegroundcommunications.com</a>. <br />I have cross-posted it here because I believe it's important for everyone, even if are not actively working.</font></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrddw4zQXsM/XtbG20M9dqI/AAAAAAAAmdk/R8xjfgwBHyUNwgIAfPex-QFVh7Nsvn4CwCK4BGAsYHg/Ten%2BWays%2BSupport%2BBlack%2BFolks%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ten Ways White People Can Support Black Coworkers" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrddw4zQXsM/XtbG20M9dqI/AAAAAAAAmdk/R8xjfgwBHyUNwgIAfPex-QFVh7Nsvn4CwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h236/Ten%2BWays%2BSupport%2BBlack%2BFolks%2B%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When forests burn, new growth emerges. That’s what I’m focusing on as I watch the protests and riots in the aftermath of the most recent Black lives murdered by police. People are <i>risking their lives</i> in this age of coronavirus to go out on the streets and stand up for justice.</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The world has been stripped down, raw, to its core. Structures and processes have been torn apart, especially in the USA. Our economy and communities have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic and our federal government’s complete failure to respond effectively. We have fallen from being the “leader of the free world” (how I hate that descriptor) to being one of the least-respected countries. And now our cities are burning in response to pent-up anger over the tragic effects of our racist and paramilitary police structures.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="4">White people created racism, and it’s on us to fix it. </font></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>As North Carolina-based writer, podcaster, and multimedia artist Candace Howze writes, “Racism exists because white colonists decided hundreds of years ago to dominate a land full of native people who were minding their own business and then to kidnap people from another continent to labor mercilessly without compensation for their economic gain. And every turn of events since, every snippet of progress thereafter, has been twisted to maintain the economic and social hierarchy that existed the day America became America.”</div><div><br /></div><div><font size="4"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mk910r-ICqw/XtbVTr0xzeI/AAAAAAAAmhY/rqXGfbEfqsULh4m75tSj4qt6XEWGqbcDQCK4BGAsYHg/LATimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Lives Matter protesters" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="840" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mk910r-ICqw/XtbVTr0xzeI/AAAAAAAAmhY/rqXGfbEfqsULh4m75tSj4qt6XEWGqbcDQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h426/LATimes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As white people, we have the opportunity to effect change in our homes, workplaces, and government structures. The first step is to acknowledge our own internalized racism. </b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>What does internalized and systemic racism look like? </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It might be feeling unsafe or averting your gaze when you see a Black man in a hoodie walking down the street. <br /><br /></li><li>It might be not recognizing that the books, music, movies, and memories you hold dear have no Black people or experience in them. <br /><br /></li><li>It might look like judging a job candidate or celebrity unfairly because they don’t look or talk like you. <br /><br /></li><li>Or not feeling comfortable if your son or daughter announces they want to marry a Black person.<br /> </li><li>It might look like ignoring the fact that Black people are multiple times more likely to be treated unfairly in school, arrested, imprisoned, hurt or killed in police custody, disregarded at the doctor’s office, hurt or killed in childbirth, falsely convicted, or on death row. <br /><br /></li><li>It might look like judging people unfairly (“welfare mom,” “thugs,” or “rioters”) without understanding what made them food-insecure, poor, or angry. <br /><br /></li><li>It might look like focusing on “Black-on-Black crime” or saying it’s racist to talk about white people in general because you never personally enslaved anyone. <br /><br /></li><li>Or it might be wanting to live in a gentrified part of the city while sending your child to a school in a more privileged neighborhood and not recognizing the displacement of Black people in the neighborhood where you bought a house. </li></ul></div><div>If you’re ready to actively work for anti-racism, a great place to start is the workplace. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are 10 tangible things companies and individuals can do to work toward a more inclusive environment, support your Black coworkers, and support Black people everywhere during this painful time in their lives:</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>1. Publicize your support and back it up with a donation</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, I’m a communicator—what do you expect? Of course communication is going to be first on my list! </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are an executive, have you communicated with your entire company about racism and publicly expressed your support for those protesting? </div><div><br /></div><div>Follow the lead of companies like Warner Brothers, Disney, ViacomCBS, Nike, Target, Lionsgate, Amazon Prime Video, JPMorgan, Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Hulu, HBO, Tik Tok, Paramount, Nordstrom, Citi, Twitch, YouTube, Netflix, and Starz, Jacobs Engineering, Powell’s Books, Ben & Jerry’s, and Apple, which have publicly expressed support for Black lives. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some have also donated money to the cause. In a rare gesture of solidarity, adidas even retweeted its competitor Nike’s moving Black Lives Matter video.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsiNA-iOgns/XtbKNmpz5yI/AAAAAAAAme8/DaSpSDFqBkgh8wAewGGM4Arbw5mhGqXJACK4BGAsYHg/BLM%2BPosts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsiNA-iOgns/XtbKNmpz5yI/AAAAAAAAme8/DaSpSDFqBkgh8wAewGGM4Arbw5mhGqXJACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h536/BLM%2BPosts.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is your opportunity to be a thought leader, walk your talk, express support for your Black employees, and show all of your employees that you are working against racism. While Nike posted its external ad, <a href="https://www.wweek.com/sports/2020/05/31/as-nike-released-its-new-anti-racism-ad-its-ceo-sent-out-this-memo-to-employees/" target="_blank">its CEO sent a message to all of its employees as well</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you draft your message, <b>make sure you show it to some Black employees or colleagues before you finalize it so you don’t mess up</b>. For example, Intel issued a bland public tweet that was seriously lacking specificity. Far more effective would have been, “…stand against the ongoing prevalent pattern of police brutality against the Black population.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11VyzvClI6k/XtbMshQUoJI/AAAAAAAAmfY/CcJHbp34-GIEzo1A0OlPrDGoDYCbWpa9ACK4BGAsYHg/Intel.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="618" height="99" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11VyzvClI6k/XtbMshQUoJI/AAAAAAAAmfY/CcJHbp34-GIEzo1A0OlPrDGoDYCbWpa9ACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h99/Intel.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You’ve GOT TO BE AUTHENTIC. Don’t just do it for the PR. That is called <a href="https://blavity.com/why-performance-activism-isnt-enough-for-the-change-we-need-in-2019?category1=community-submitted" target="_blank">performative</a>. Be real and mean it. Over the weekend I saw some huge disasters happening with entrepreneurial companies. In one case, a “boss mom” business coach did a Facebook Live video in which she defended her actions to silence discussions about race, talked about people hating her, and said she has to “police” the posts on her feed. She actually devolved into a crying fit…<a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-weapons-of-white-womens-tears.html" target="_blank">proving my point about white women tears</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b>Walk your talk. While you give your support publicly, donate to Black causes.</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Here’s a <a href="https://radicaldiscipleship.net/2020/05/31/10-ways/" target="_blank">list of ways to help the Black community in Minneapolis</a>, where George Floyd was killed. Match your public support with action and money. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have made an additional donation to Black Lives Matter today before I posted this article. You can also view <a href="https://medium.com/@BarackObama/how-to-make-this-moment-the-turning-point-for-real-change-9fa209806067" target="_blank">the list of resources President Obama shared</a>, which the Obama Foundation has set up.</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>2. Communicate your support to your Black employees, friends, and colleagues</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Black people across the USA are exhausted. Not a day goes by that they don’t experience racism in some way. Several doctors’ groups have stated that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/health/racism-public-health-issue-police-brutality-wellness-bn/index.html" target="_blank">racism is a public health emergency</a>. Racism puts the Black community’s health at risk, causing deep psychological harm. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/30/opinion/sunday/trump-george-floyd-coronavirus.html?smid=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR0ljNrdQcCUXQVyLRAMix69aJEMZAczia6uJVw7ZPmMlK13yKfDJrjad_U" target="_blank">Roxane Gay wrote in <i>The New York Times</i> </a>that “no one is coming to save us” and “Eventually doctors will find a coronavirus vaccine, but black people will continue to wait for a cure for racism.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Listen to acclaimed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MonetizeThyself/videos/2980774045348565/" target="_blank">entrepreneur and business coach Nicole Walters talk</a> about the emotional damages being wrought on Black people right now. She is pulled over by police in her Atlanta neighborhood four to five times each year. Each stop takes 45 minutes at least, and she did not know that was not normal until her husband told her. This highly successful woman is terrified for her life.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">This kind of daily oppression <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/culturally-speaking/201509/the-link-between-racism-and-ptsd" target="_blank">leaves permanent emotional scars</a>. </font></div><div><br /></div><div>And when people constantly see images of Floyd George being murdered with a foot on his neck, or read about Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor being gunned down while they were jogging and sleeping…this stuff is deeply traumatic. <a href="https://twitter.com/fareednbcs/status/1266587297706893312?s=12&fbclid=IwAR2R3nljdWGgbiEMe8LV2ToknSuPZvdby1w8ytVkLzGOyzo2JcUeyMBrmAE" target="_blank">Watch Killer Mike deliver an impassioned speech</a> about the impact on the Black community.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I’ve reached out to my Black friends to express my support, they have expressed appreciation while saying they haven’t heard from many of their white friends. <b>White people are afraid to talk about race. </b>We’re often afraid we’re going to screw up. We’re afraid to feel uncomfortable. But we have to risk feeling uncomfortable if we really want to work toward anti-racism.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">“For those of you who are tired of hearing about racism, imagine how much more tired we are constantly experiencing it.” –Barbara Smith</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://medium.com/kapor-the-bridge/my-white-boss-talked-about-race-in-america-and-this-is-what-happened-fe10f1a00726" target="_blank">Mandela SH Dixon wrote</a> that she has never “felt so Black at work” as on the days that Eric Garner, Michael Brown Jr, Tamir Rice, Walter Scott, and Freddie Gray were killed. And not one of her white coworkers said a thing to her. She writes, “I have never forgotten that feeling; the feeling of being utterly distraught, yet so completely alone in my sadness.” (This is just one reason why companies need employee network groups; see #7 below.)</div><div><br /></div><div>A few years later, she was struck by the fact that her boss, a white woman, mentioned “the anger and pain she was feeling about the fatal shootings of two more Black men by white police officers. She took the time to ask me how I was doing and if I wanted to talk or take some time off. She was in all ways very supportive and proactively so.” Dixon reflected on the rarity of this exchange and realized that the tech industry never talks about Black people being killed by police. (Maybe that explains the bland Intel tweet?) </div><div><br /></div><div>Understand that “<a href="https://medium.com/@shenequagolding/maintaining-professionalism-in-the-age-of-black-death-is-a-lot-5eaec5e17585" target="_blank">Maintaining Professionalism In The Age of Black Death Is….A Lot</a>,” as Shenequa Golding writes. “I just witnessed the lynching of a black man, but don’t worry Ted, I’ll have those deliverables to you end of day.” Golding talks about the sheer exhaustion Black employees are feeling right now. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">“I don’t know who decided that being professional was loosely defined as being divorced of total humanity, but whoever did they’ve aided, unintentionally maybe, in a unique form of suffocation.” --Shenequa Golding</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>When I have experienced great grief and loss in my own life, I have noticed the people who have stayed silent. When I had a miscarriage, lost my grandparents or father-in-law, or had an extremely premature child born, I appreciated the coworkers who expressed support, even if I felt myself getting emotional. But I always welcomed the gesture and noticed if they did not say anything. As my close friend Doug Fettig says, “Grief reorders your address book.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Where will you be? Will you still be in the address book of your Black colleagues and friends? </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/how-managers-can-and-should-address-race-and-violence-in-the-news-547d813f2f00" target="_blank">This article gives some excellent tips</a> for how managers can support their Black employees. Reach out, listen, and if you’re just beginning this work, <b><i>apologize for not noticing before</i>. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font size="6">Yes, you're probably all working from home right now...but don't let that stop you from reaching out.</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Also recognize that some Black folks are not going to want to talk about it, especially if you have never paid much attention to all of their brothers and sisters being killed by police in the past 10 years. If you sense that vibe, don't take it personally. Give them the grace to grieve alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>3. Educate yourself </b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best things you can do right now is understand the broader reasons behind why Black people and allies are protesting in the streets. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-05-30/dont-understand-the-protests-what-youre-seeing-is-people-pushed-to-the-edge?fbclid=IwAR2E9_XYqOXFjqdlrpcwE8r-h_3fuuQCLJbO-aHvxztsV3hsKDW9Td9W-Dw" target="_blank">Kareem Abdul-Jabar writes</a> in the Los Angeles Times, </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><b>“Don’t understand the protests? What you’re seeing is people pushed to the edge.” <br />-Kareem Abdul-Jabar</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>“What you should see when you see black protesters in the age of Trump and coronavirus is people pushed to the edge, not because they want bars and nail salons open, but because they want to live. To breathe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Worst of all, is that we are expected to justify our outraged behavior every time the cauldron bubbles over. Almost 70 years ago, Langston Hughes asked in his poem ‘Harlem’: ‘What happens to a dream deferred? /… Maybe it sags / like a heavy load. / Or does it explode?’”</div><div><br /></div><div>Try to understand why this pent-up trauma is exploding. Choose your words carefully when you talk about the protests. Don’t focus on the destruction of the riots (<a href="https://www.bet.com/news/national/2020/05/31/far-right-groups-under-increasing-suspicion-of-causing-havoc-in-.html" target="_blank">some of which seems to be instigated by the far right</a>); instead focus your anger and dismay at the Black lives being taken by police and the ongoing damages of structural racism. Take some time to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrevorNoah/videos/271546193965209/" target="_blank">watch this video by Trevor Noah</a>, in which he explains how we got to where we are now.</div><div><br /></div><div>My LinkedIn contact Teddi Williams, BS, RN, ACHE shared her perspectives of the workplace, “So much is excused away with the ‘Was he/she resisting?’ and ‘He/she MUST have being doing something wrong.’ </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><b>"And at work, it's <br />‘Was it REALLY said that way?’ <br />‘Are you being TOO sensitive?’ and <br />‘I'm SURE they didn't mean it that way.’ <br />-Teddi Williams</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>It's dismissive, demeaning, and offensive to deny how someone experienced something. Had it not been for Omar Jimenez, a CNN journalist of African-American and Latino descent, being arrested on live television yesterday for merely being African-American and Latino while at work...some would attempt to dismiss that experience of what we all witnessed too.”</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><b>Another thing: </b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><b>don’t expect your Black colleagues<br /> to educate you. </b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Google is your friend. Read articles, <a href="https://mashable.com/article/how-to-be-antiracist/" target="_blank">like this one</a>, that teach you how to be anti-racist. Follow Black people on social media. Read books like <i>How to Be Antiracist, When They Call You a Terrorist, The New Jim Crow, </i>and <i>White Fragility</i>. Watch movies and TV shows by and about Black folks. Pay Black people for their emotional labor by using their services professionally, not forcing them to expend their energy bringing you up to speed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQesw2r8g2A/XtbWA2ZHTHI/AAAAAAAAmhw/OKsLWadxAIwm17TSjJmtO-C4M81AwJzHgCK4BGAsYHg/Anti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="182" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQesw2r8g2A/XtbWA2ZHTHI/AAAAAAAAmhw/OKsLWadxAIwm17TSjJmtO-C4M81AwJzHgCK4BGAsYHg/w264-h400/Anti.jpg" width="264" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>4. Speak up and become an anti-racism advocate</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here’s my confession. </b>One time many years ago a subordinate made a racist comment to a group of coworkers about people being cooped up in a conference room, “like boat people being cooped up in a small apartment together.” I will always regret not addressing this comment promptly. Don’t let yourself be haunted by a regret like mine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like all white people, I’ve made a number of mistakes when talking about racism. This weekend I made another one when I posted a photo on Facebook showing police officers taking a knee. I was schooled (these photos can cause deep pain to Black people who have a history of being assaulted and killed by police officers), and I shared what I had learned. A business contact got schooled when she ran her scheduled marketing campaign, and today she did a vulnerable Facebook Live, explaining what she had learned. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b>When white people talk about race, we are going to make mistakes. <br />But we are never going to learn if we don’t talk about it. </b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Silence equals complicity. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and schooled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many racist statements are made when Black people or other people of color are not around, and it’s just as important then for us to educate our peers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, I know it’s difficult. But as Glennon Doyle famously says, “we can do hard things.” </div><div><br /></div><div>If the offending person is your friend, family member, or coworker, you can start with one of these phrases:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>“I know it wasn’t your intent, but that comment was offensive,”</li><li>“What did you mean by that?”</li><li>“Could you repeat that? I wonder if I misunderstood.”</li><li>“That comment makes me feel uncomfortable.”</li><li>“What information are you basing that on?” </li><li>“That sounds racist.”</li></ul></div><div>If they accuse you of being “politically correct” or too sensitive, don’t back down. Instead, you can say "Actually, I'm the perfect amount of sensitive and just plain correct. Words matter. And this has nothing to do with politics."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>If you are a leader, it’s even more important for you to address the comment head-on.</b> When my coworker said the racist comment about “boat people,” I could have pulled her aside and addressed it privately, but I would have missed an opportunity to let others know that the comment was offensive. </div><div><br /></div><div>If your employees push back, follow up with a private, one-on-one conversation and let the person know that you do not tolerate racism in your group (or company).</div><div><br /></div><div>Get comfortable getting uncomfortable.</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>5. Invest in high-quality diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and actions</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>It is so easy to do this badly. However good their intentions might be, companies waste a lot of money by not investing in excellent resources. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I worked as a regional publications manager at CH2M HILL, the regional management team invested in sending all of their managers through intensive diversity training. They started at the top and trickled down. As a functional manager, I attended a three-day offsite training with about 30 other managers at my level. It was intense, uncomfortable, and emotional. I saw lives and minds changed through my company’s investment of money in this initiative.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example, in the mid-1990s, I had a Syracuse Cultural Workers’ calendar on my wall, and it was June. The featured photo was of a pride parade, with two dads and their son. A geotech saw that image and went to grab his supervisor (I’ll call him Rick). They came right into my office, pointing and jeering at the image on my calendar. Years later, when Rick was in my diversity training weekend, he transformed from being a bastion of white toxic masculinity to a man who was attuned and sensitive to the needs and life experiences of others. DEI training, when done well, can work wonders. It changed his life...and helped all the people under his leadership, too.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z96tM86pX0I/XtbWQQrcXII/AAAAAAAAmiE/WgwHQwzymUQX_3ECMy941MTAeu8qNedxACK4BGAsYHg/Zimuzo%2BDuru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2176" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z96tM86pX0I/XtbWQQrcXII/AAAAAAAAmiE/WgwHQwzymUQX_3ECMy941MTAeu8qNedxACK4BGAsYHg/w266-h400/Zimuzo%2BDuru.jpg" title="Photo by Zimuzo Duro" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Companies need professional help to do this well. If they are predominantly white, they should not attempt it on their own or they will fumble. They might find yourself saying something ridiculous like “At ABC Company, we don’t see color!” (<a href="https://theeverygirl.com/i-dont-see-color/" target="_blank">Here’s why you should never say that</a>.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Ideally, they should hire people of color to conduct these types of trainings. And remember that training without tangible actions (see #6) will only fall flat. </div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>6. Set DEI goals</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>For several years I worked as part of a team that produced our <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/portfolio" target="_blank">annual <i>Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship Report</i></a>. Each year we set ambitious goals for environmental management and sustainability. Throughout the year we would track our progress. Each year we would ask our company’s corporate HR department to set DEI goals, but we could never get traction on that. So instead we would report our diversity statistics each year without any goals. Even though we didn’t always meet our environmental goals, we knew that if we shot for the moon, we’d land among the stars (thank you, Norman Vincent Peale and Mary Poppins). And we did! We earned many notable awards and accolades for our environmental programs because we were ambitious and methodical about it. The progress with diversity, however, was much slower because we were not setting tangible goals. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUqlrGJXoRY/XtbSKQYQbMI/AAAAAAAAmf0/aIHGOoH1Yg0WQ9chse9f0SlF0O2spDUTwCK4BGAsYHg/BODGraphic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="517" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUqlrGJXoRY/XtbSKQYQbMI/AAAAAAAAmf0/aIHGOoH1Yg0WQ9chse9f0SlF0O2spDUTwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h216/BODGraphic.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>DEI goals should include hiring, employee engagement and satisfaction, promotion, and leadership percentage goals, with clear steps to achieve them. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font size="6">If you really want to move the needle in your company, you need to have each leader set tangible DEI goals. They should be looking for opportunities to help people of color and women get seats at the boardroom table.</font></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>It does no good for the company to do DEI training if leaders are not committed to it...and back up that commitment with specific goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another critical reminder: DEI programs should specifically focus on and set goals for Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and disabled people, and not just on women and LGBTQ folks. </div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>7. Create and empower employee networks</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of employee engagement and job satisfaction, show your support for employees who are part of disenfranchised groups by launching and investing in employee network groups. </div><div><br /></div><div>While I was frustrated with the company’s unwillingness to set tangible DEI goals, what CH2M HILL did well was to create, fund, and empower employee networks. We had global employee networks for women, Black people, Latino people, LGBTQ folks, people with disabilities, and veterans. Each of those networks had executive sponsors to advocate for them at the top of the company. They met virtually and occasionally in person, forging partnerships and alliances and talking about the issues they held in common. Now that CH2M HILL has become Jacobs, those employee networks still exist and are thriving.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n73Q8IPW7j0/XtbSrSJMhDI/AAAAAAAAmgI/gT5BDTPTRcARLEXcbnu5Cp1couT5juegQCK4BGAsYHg/Check_presentation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="448" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n73Q8IPW7j0/XtbSrSJMhDI/AAAAAAAAmgI/gT5BDTPTRcARLEXcbnu5Cp1couT5juegQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h268/Check_presentation.jpg" title="Denver Women's Network Teaming up with Girls Inc." width="640" /></a></div> </div><div>Compare that to what I experienced at my previous employer. While trying to set up a women’s network group, I was told a previous attempt to start a women’s group had been shut down because it made the men nervous to see women meeting in a conference room. (Hello? Women see conference rooms full of men every single day!) This sent entirely the wrong message. The women felt unsupported, unseen, and dismissed. Imagine how those (mostly) white men would have felt to see a conference room full of Black people. I'm sure they would have reacted even worse.</div><div><br /></div><div>People who are not part of the white male dominant group need confidential spaces where they can meet together and support each other…so they can thrive.</div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>8. Recruit, hire, and promote Black people</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>Representation is critical to transform our workplaces and show support for people of color (of any hue and background), and especially Black people. Create a recruiting and hiring strategy and follow through. I worked with the recruiter at my previous company to rewrite our job descriptions so they would appeal to a more diverse set of candidates. However, we continually encountered hiring managers who didn’t know how to interview, much less hire, people who didn’t look/act like them or have a similar life experience. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b>We’d hear comments like “that person didn’t wow me,” “there aren’t enough women/minority candidates in engineering,” or “so-and-so is incredibly qualified” (referring to the white male they wanted to hire). </b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So DEI education needs to extend to how to recruit, hire, and manage diverse staff and why this is important. “Qualifications” need to be examined. What is most important in a candidate? </div><div><br /></div><div>The first thing you could do is have blind resume reviews. Take the names and identifying qualifications off the resumes when you send them around for review. You can also give hiring managers goals to hire more people of color and women. Goals would prompt the hiring managers to ask the recruiter for help, as opposed to forcing the recruiter to face an uphill battle trying to advocate for more diverse hiring practices.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reach out to minority-represented organizations to recruit and advertise. Invest in mentoring programs and education to middle- and high schoolers and college students. Once they’re hired, pair them up with mentors (ideally who look like them) and create a career advancement strategy for them. Promote Black people into leadership positions to improve the diversity and strength of your organization. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNtT9TQbNYs/XtbTRnQuabI/AAAAAAAAmgg/sLsHiFn8ztcVTIkoOwOudWRG3fw2PUu1QCK4BGAsYHg/STEMinist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="656" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNtT9TQbNYs/XtbTRnQuabI/AAAAAAAAmgg/sLsHiFn8ztcVTIkoOwOudWRG3fw2PUu1QCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h358/STEMinist.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And definitely, provide the support system and infrastructure for people of color to succeed! (See all the other action items.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Have their supervisor and HR check in with them regularly and privately to see how things are going and if they are feeling supported. Conduct anonymous, confidential surveys to ground-truth the information. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b>It’s not going to help if you only recruit Black people; you also need to do everything you can to retain them.</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6" size="6"><b>9. Transform your leadership team</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>This seems to be the hardest task for companies to accomplish. In 2018, <a href="https://hbr.org/2018/02/why-arent-black-employees-getting-more-white-collar-jobs" target="_blank">Harvard Business Review reported</a>, “The Ascend Foundation’s analysis shows that white men (with an executive parity index [EPI] of 1.81) are by far the most-represented group in management; executive parity is a ratio of 1.0. Following them are Hispanic men (1.07), white women (0.65), black men (0.63), Asian men (0.56), Hispanic women (0.49), black women (0.30), and Asian women (0.24).” </div><div><br /></div><div>Furthermore, “Black men and women still represent a very low percentage of the professional white-collar workforce (less than 8%), given their overall representation in the population.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Especially in the world of environmental consulting and engineering, women leaders are in the far minority. Black leaders even more so. Yet it will be far more difficult for you to hire and retain Black employees, women, and other people of color if you have an all- or nearly-all white male leadership team. <a href="https://www.inc.com/sylvia-ann-hewlett/why-more-black-voices-need-to-be-heard-in-corporate-america.html" target="_blank">It will also be difficult for you to advance</a> as a company without diversity of thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>Companies need to develop training programs and executive sponsorship to prepare Black employees for advancement. Although technical skills are important, often neglected is the softer skill of how to navigate the corporate culture within the firm. Having executive champions champion high-potential Black employees will also help.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font color="#3367d6" size="6">10. Advocate for anti-racism and representation in your companies and organizations</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Ask your company or organization to take a stand. Demand DEI training and specific goals. Persuade your leadership team to start employee networks and implement the other actions on this list. Hold your employer accountable for racial justice. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/37737054" target="_blank">Rachel Cargle and Whitney Evans of The Great Unlearn</a> have created an easy template for this purpose. If you use the template, give them a donation. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b>Be a true ally by demanding change and supporting the Black people in your workplace, now, and for future coworkers to come.</b></font></div><div><br /></div><div>If your companies are tone-deaf or not saying anything, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/01/facebook-workers-rebel-mark-zuckerberg-donald-trump" target="_blank">mobilize like employees at Facebook have done</a>. After Twitter put a warning on Trump’s tweet quoting a white supremacist (“When the looting starts, the shooting starts”), Zuckerberg tried to defend this inflammatory tweet and left it up on Facebook. Some of his employees are demanding that he do better.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><font size="4">Commit to buy from Black-owned companies, consultants, vendors, and individuals. Use your platform and your dollars to advance the Black community.</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As white people, we are all called to unlearn our racist behaviors and beliefs. As writer Mary Helen Kennelly writes, “nurture antiracism in your life like you would a child in your arms, even if you’ve only just heard it named.” It’s never too late to start this journey of unlearning.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="6">And one final thing: VOTE for candidates who work against racism.</font></b></div><div><a href="www.fertilegroundcommunications.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div><i><a href="www.fertilegroundcommunications.com" target="_blank">Fertile Ground Communications LLC</a> is a certified women-owned business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise, and emerging small business. </i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-83141797615333270332020-05-28T21:24:00.000-07:002020-05-28T21:24:00.278-07:00A Message for Graduates and Those Who Love Them<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote <a href="https://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/post/a-message-for-graduates-and-those-who-love-them">this article</a> for the blog on my business website, <a href="http://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/">www.fertilegroundcommunications.com</a>. If you're not following me there, go to the site to subscribe. I write weekly about communications, careers, social media, business, sustainability, nonprofits, and equity & inclusion.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Chris, the graduate!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>For Those Who Are Graduating from College:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><b></b><span style="color: purple;"></span><br />
My oldest son graduated from college one year ago. After working a variety of jobs in the past year, now he’s working full-time at Whole Foods, earning premium pay during the pandemic. It’s not what he thought he’d end up doing after college, but he’s grateful to have a job with benefits, especially since he has a theater degree. Theater jobs are even more rare now than they were before COVID-19.<br />
<br />In 2020, liberal arts graduates face a future that’s especially uncertain. Even retail and food service jobs are scarce now. <br />
<br />You might have to rely more on your parents or friends to survive in this time of high unemployment. Unfortunately, not only must you deal with the havoc wreaked by climate change and economic turmoil, but you also have to put your lives on hold for an unknown period. I understand if you are feeling discouraged and uncertain about your future.<br />
<br />When I graduated from college with a B.A. in English, I had no clue what I would end up doing. When I started college I wanted to be a teacher until after I had a discouraging practicum. When I took Advanced Composition from an encouraging English professor, I changed my course to major in English.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJcIY14yBGc/Xs2im94YmfI/AAAAAAAAmZU/LAf5MRkm_2YaHRheeVIAfe7RLIu65FHnQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cb93a1_030e5d1554ef48d7a5769eb6f1e982c8%257Emv2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="378" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJcIY14yBGc/Xs2im94YmfI/AAAAAAAAmZU/LAf5MRkm_2YaHRheeVIAfe7RLIu65FHnQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/cb93a1_030e5d1554ef48d7a5769eb6f1e982c8%257Emv2.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With friends at my college graduation</td></tr>
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My English professors suggested I not go straight to grad school, so I heeded their advice. I worked as a nanny for my cousins after graduating. I felt called to live overseas, so I headed for Japan in the fall, the best choice I ever made. I ended up teaching English there for three years after meeting my now-husband in Wakayama, Japan. When I returned to Oregon, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.<br />
<br />I thought I wanted to work in international relations, but I didn’t want to work in a Japanese firm because of the sexism. I began temping and endured a couple of horrible jobs before landing a temporary receptionist job at environmental consulting firm CH2M HILL, where I worked for 28 years. In the first few months, I interviewed for an admin assistant job. Of course I didn’t get it when I honestly answered I didn’t want to be doing that kind of job in a year’s time. Then one of the men interviewing me said the magic words: “Do you know we have an editing department?”<br />
<br />My entire career at CH2M HILL was full of these types of stories. An opportunity appeared in front <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI7GfEjJX0/Xs2inE1tJiI/AAAAAAAAmZY/tcenp5HhF4Mp07u5yFWVoWDxh4J48wQ0ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cb93a1_11ada80b4f9145dcb604890eb14a0cd7%257Emv2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="378" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI7GfEjJX0/Xs2inE1tJiI/AAAAAAAAmZY/tcenp5HhF4Mp07u5yFWVoWDxh4J48wQ0ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/cb93a1_11ada80b4f9145dcb604890eb14a0cd7%257Emv2.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my team of group leaders at CH2M HILL</td></tr>
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of me, mentors encouraged me to apply, and I progressed. I’m not much a goal setter; I’m more of a float-along-and-see-what-appears type. But when that golden ring appeared before me, I grabbed it. During those 28 years, I worked as a technical editor, newsletter writer, proposal manager, group leader, department manager, Northwest Regional Publications Manager (for 13 years), Northwest communications manager, business development manager and then communications manager for Firmwide Publications, and finally marketing & communications manager…all with an English degree.<br />
<br />And even though I have been a writer all my life, I only embraced that title after I realized how much I preferred writing and creating original content to editing someone else’s work.<br />
<br />In the 34 years since I graduated from college, this is what I’ve learned:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>You have time.</b> You might feel like you should have a super-important job by now, but trust me…you have plenty of time to climb the career ladder. Unless you majored in engineering and have been picked up by an engineering firm before you graduated, you’ll probably have to wait a while until you earn a decent income. Very few people land high-paying, prestigious jobs right out of college.<br /></li>
<li><b>You can’t waste your time worrying about what other people think about your life choices.</b> I know you’re feeling pressure from your parents and other older people, but <b><i>it’s your life</i></b>. Ask them to show you some grace as you get your bearings and decide what you want to do with your life. Unfortunately you can’t go off to live in Japan right now, but you can come up with other ways to explore your options and find your path. Maybe you can live overseas after we get a vaccine and travel reopens.<br /></li>
<li><b>Most people change their careers several times before finding one that fits.</b> I will never forget seeing one of my sister’s classmates at their graduation from the Medical College of Wisconsin. As a woman in her 50s, she graduated from medical school after having four children. It’s never too late to follow your dreams. I know countless people who have shifted their careers several times after college, such as one friend who began majoring in engineering and is now a nursing professor. Many people are not satisfied with their first career choice.<br /></li>
<li><b>You don’t have to use your major to find a job you love.</b> I have a friend who worked as a CPA for years until he realized how much he hated it. He reinvented himself and became a home builder and eventually started a business building homes. You don’t even need a degree to build homes. It’s more important to find a job you enjoy than one in which you can use your major.<br /></li>
<li><b>It’s time to get creative. </b>Yes, you have college loans to pay off, so you need to find a way to make money. It’s time to put those critical thinking skills to use. According to the <a href="https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/starting-a-business-right-after-college/">Community for Accredited Online Schools</a>, “2017 research from the Center for Generational Kinetics shows today’s entrepreneur tends to be younger – 30% of millennials have already started a small business of some type and 26% are able to live off of their small business.” What better time to start an online business than during the “Great Pause,” when so many people are working from home. Or perhaps you could create a business that helps people who are stranded at home or become a virtual assistant?<br /></li>
<li><b>You can teach online without a teaching accreditation. </b>You could do what I did fresh out of college—teach for a few years in a nontraditional environment. <a href="https://outschool.com/#abkabpx0qa">Outschool</a> issues a list of courses people have requested to take, so you’d already have a group of students. You could also design and teach a course on just about anything via sites like <a href="https://discover.teachable.com/courses">Teachable</a>. Until you can actually go overseas to teach, you can teach young people online at sites like <a href="http://vipkid.com/">VIPKid.com</a> or <a href="https://teacher.qkids.com/">Qkids Teacher</a>.<br /></li>
<li><b>Finding coworkers you enjoy and a positive workplace where you feel appreciated can be enough for a while.</b> Although our son doesn’t want to work at Whole Foods forever, he likes his coworkers. That goes a huge way toward job satisfaction! I stayed in my last two jobs longer than I should have because I loved my coworkers, even though I was less than thrilled with my supervisors. Great coworkers make your days worthwhile!<br /></li>
<li><b>Life’s too short to work in a job you don’t like. </b>When I used to manage a large team and I noticed employees complaining about work, I would always ask them this: are you happy in your job more than 50 percent of the time? If the answer was no, I’d tell them they should look for another job. I’d rather have engaged, satisfied employees than unhappy ones, even if their departure would be an inconvenience or loss to the group. You will spend so much time at work during your life that it’s important to find some enjoyment in what you’re doing. Fun and daily satisfaction are important.<br /></li>
<li><b>If you don’t feel appreciated by your boss, start looking for another job.</b> See above. If I don’t feel appreciated, it’s more difficult for me to thrive. If you’ve been working in a job for six months to a year and you don’t feel appreciated for your hard work, start looking for your next opportunity.<br /></li>
<li><b>Be patient. </b>You’ll find something that fits into your passion and also makes money. It just might take a while. That’s okay, though, because you are still young. Many people don’t find this sweet spot until they’re in their 30s, 40s, or 50s! Back to the first bullet and the theme song of “Orange Is the New Black,” “You’ve got time.”</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>And for Parents and Others Who Love These College Graduates!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><b></b><span style="color: purple;"></span><br />When I’ve experienced some anxiety about my own children’s futures, I try to remember that I was not always a go-getter when it came to job hunting. When I returned from Japan, I remember my extremely hard-working dad getting agitated that I wasn’t looking for a job as hard as he thought I should. Of course, the extra pressure I felt made me even less inclined to amp up my job hunt. The most important thing our young people need right now is love and encouragement. <br />
<br />Here are some reminders for parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and friends:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Take a chill pill!</b> Our young people are already feeling overwhelmed. One young person recently told me that her parents keep reminding her that she needs to get off their insurance. Don’t add to their stresses by reminding them of their looming college loans or need to get insured. They know, they know. Encourage, but don’t overload them. Give them grace.<br /></li>
<li><b>Let them chase their own dreams, not yours.</b> Support them in pursuing their own dreams, not chasing yours. Some parents even choose to withdraw funding for college unless their kids pursue “practical” majors. A study in the UK found that “More than half (54 percent) of the students who took part said that their parents tried to exert influence over their choice of course or career, while 69 percent said their parents had tried to influence their choice of university.” As parents, we need to step back and let our children choose their own way. If they choose yours, they might not be happy…and they might waste years of trying to please you before they discover they are not happy.<br /></li>
<li><b>College offers far more value than a major.</b> If your child does not end up pursuing a career or getting a job that fits their major, let it go. The four-year college experience offers so much more value than a bachelor’s degree. College enables independence, intellectual stimulation, autonomy, and creativity. Even if your accounting major becomes a house builder or a plumber, they will have benefited from their college experience. </li>
</ul>
When I changed from the practical education major to English, my parents didn’t skip a beat. They had both been education majors who realized, later on, that they didn’t really like teaching. My maternal grandmother was the same way—she didn’t even last a year in teaching. My dad went on to become a social worker and my mom became a mental health therapist. That’s probably why they blithely accepted my change of major!<br />
<br />But even then, I must admit to some discomfort with my son’s choice to major in theater. I encouraged him to get a more practical minor, which he did, and I tried my best to be supportive even as I worried about his future. This parenting stuff is no cake walk! I’m just glad he earned his four-year degree and had a wonderful college experience. Feeling comfortable on stage and speaking in public, being outgoing and friendly, and being able to organize a complicated production and team of people are all important skills that will serve him well in any career. And I'm incredibly proud of him for working so hard as a frontline grocery worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. <br />
<br /><b><i>Whatever you do, please don’t say “I just hope they find a job where they can use their major.”</i></b> If I hear someone say this one more time, I might scream. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard people say this about many people in my life. <br />
<br /><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Takeaway</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #008012;"></span></b><br />
During this time of the “Great Pause,” most of us are reassessing what matters most in our lives. <br />
<br /><b>Young people:</b> think about how much material possessions mean to you. Are you longing to travel? What do you need to do now, before you have long-term commitments like marriage and family? What kind of job will be fun and offer challenges, in addition to flexibility? How can you spend your time in ways that match your values? Can you come up with a way to contribute to the greater good during this pandemic?<br />
<br />Take a deep breath. <br />
<br />Celebrate what you’ve accomplished and tackle your future as you did your college career. <br />
<br />Take your time, develop a plan, and find something to occupy your time during this Great Pause. <br />
<br />And congratulations graduates! You’ve got this. After the pause ends, you’ll find your way.<br />
<br /><i><a href="http://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/">Contact me</a> for more information about marketing & communications or creating a professional LinkedIn profile or resume. I help people discover what makes them special and help them share that with the world.</i><br />
<i><br />With over 30 years of experience as a team leader in the environmental consulting industry, I am passionate about sustainability and corporate citizenship, equity & inclusion, businesses that use their power for good, and doing everything I can to create a kinder, more sustainable, and just world.</i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.fertilegroundcommunications.com/">Fertile Ground Communications LLC</a> is a certified women-owned business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise, and emerging small business. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-81400540171233821212020-05-28T17:39:00.005-07:002020-05-28T18:32:49.894-07:00The Weapons of White Women's Tears<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4"><b><br /></b></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#b51200"><font size="6"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7U4lTiFd65M/XtBc7mOG8zI/AAAAAAAAmcI/DfVuEo8zYJET0rZhTvcl40foOJmdHlV9QCK4BGAsYHg/WhiteWomensTears.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="244" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7U4lTiFd65M/XtBc7mOG8zI/AAAAAAAAmcI/DfVuEo8zYJET0rZhTvcl40foOJmdHlV9QCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h244/WhiteWomensTears.png" width="640" /></a></div>If you're white, stop saying "I'm not a racist."</b> </font></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="4"></font><font color="#b51200"></font><font size="6"></font><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As whites, we have benefited from the structure of racism and therefore we are all inherently racists unless we consciously fight it every day. The only way we can work toward not being a racist is to be actively anti-racist. <a href="https://mashable.com/article/how-to-be-antiracist/" target="_blank">Here are six ways to do that</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By now, you've probably heard about the two striking examples of the evils of racism that happened<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErROwOiNsrY/XtBUMLSTVBI/AAAAAAAAmbs/_bthifFh-FQELcF2AYhGbrjbVYzaFC45wCK4BGAsYHg/101467401_4247582218600369_6754188127134285824_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="861" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErROwOiNsrY/XtBUMLSTVBI/AAAAAAAAmbs/_bthifFh-FQELcF2AYhGbrjbVYzaFC45wCK4BGAsYHg/w287-h320/101467401_4247582218600369_6754188127134285824_o.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>earlier this week...so soon on the heels of <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ahmaud-arbery-killing-hate-crime-justice-department-investigation/">Ahmaud Arbery's murder</a> in Georgia and the long-overdue beginning toward some form of justice for his murderers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the same time far too many Black Americans are dying from COVID-19 (and being disproportionately affected by the economic damages), now they have to see horrifying images on their social media feeds of a white cop pressing down his foot on a Black man's throat, while his victim says "I can't breathe." His death is a clear symbol of the oppressions of racism...white people with their feet on Black people's necks, suffocating them.<br /></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">George Floyd, who worked security at Conga Latin Bistro, was described as a "gentle giant." On Facebook, the restaurant posted pictures of Floyd with a caption reading, "We will always remember you." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's so much to say about his murder (and those of other Black lives violently lost), but I'd recommend that instead you read the voices of Black people such as:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWfc2qtMfKY/XtA7lOIfr8I/AAAAAAAAmZ8/-EpVH0jz78cTby_Xgz89bzG1lbqqhQhmQCK4BGAsYHg/untitled.png" style="clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWfc2qtMfKY/XtA7lOIfr8I/AAAAAAAAmZ8/-EpVH0jz78cTby_Xgz89bzG1lbqqhQhmQCK4BGAsYHg/w222-h320/untitled.png" title="Phillip Harbin" width="222" /></a><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/terry.e.james/posts/3451702261510860" target="_blank">Terry E. James wrote an impassioned post</a> listing specific things white people need to fight against racism. He exhorts white people to get uncomfortable, become actively anti-racist, expand our peer groups, vote, and become leaders in the fight for racial equality.<br /></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10102862110963993&set=a.560439717663&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Deltha Katherine Harbin showed a photo of her beloved husband Phillip and their sons</a>, sharing how her husband went to get gas one evening, when an older white woman thought he looked suspicious and called the cops. They came to arrest him even though he repeatedly told them he was innocent. Even though he had two carseats in the back seat. The only voice that the cops would listen to was another white one, a man who told them that Phillip had come from a different direction than where the robbery had occurred. She writes, <br /></li></ul></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><i>"So, when you dismiss the plight of black men in America you diminish the ever present fear within our community. You are willfully ignorant. If you think people make this up or are only apprehended by the police when they deserve it... you are part of the problem. Open your eyes but more importantly open your hearts to the reality of being black in America. We don't get the luxury of ignoring it because we live it. This picture of my precious family looks threatening to some people. My boys are cuddly and cute until they aren't anymore and then they become a threat too."<br /><br /></i></li></ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">As writer and speaker on the topic of race, racial healing, and racial conciliation, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allyhennypage/posts/1551713628312275?__xts__[0]=68.ARDyzs9PMNjw32dfrE32FVQpiEIRS_fUD3mFBn8KMtusPY2SQ8_GUMZ6e3lpevkPxHq1TI6-m7HENM4B9s65R_4zQ16rQjIKbi1dMTD9I8XDNO53w3HXjEmoFYvBvNF0PA2wV5JgZ5JekaJ5C_sRwfxiezhQjoynOwHFA0Dwby8I_NM7aO-OeN5inKw1mmBJpByc-yZQRnwpSoMlScFqBfZ8RtZhWaSJ2sU068nffE7oBHTnVniANQ65mJCw2l1-pRp-36uTslpj0S45qE1yJ7hEfdKNtfBQnnnEcrrJu7fCm_ixZK7MwfofqqqPyhf-4l0jseDcFVf_JtwuKe_f9qCaTBmQw92257rRtMNOYLzJOZCt7V595vY6-4_dB05ugj6znrqcVp6g3VOCuiMDPtnnRMTkgY-W-vYGLMJHZHGqE47f-3YJCIcsyO8i3Z1eaZLBFdeHKRP0RkxBDYD3Ds13BO4JTinW6UYW_NWrsgIT53YYtgYeqKszgphEGmjMIlri&__tn__=-R" target="_blank">Ally Henny gave a powerful Facebook Live</a> on the events of recent weeks. I highly recommend you follow her if you are on Facebook. She doesn't mince words and will make you uncomfortable, which is how we white people need to feel if we are committed to battle our inner racism. <br /><br />In her Facebook Live, she talked about the numbness she is feeling and how she cannot shed a tear. "Black death has become so normalized, that it's nothing to see the last minutes of a person's life...it just plays in our newsfeed." She said, "I can't help but think of how much more normalized and how much more numb white people must be to see someone take their last breath on a screen."<br /></div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-998cZGGJ-W8/XtBShxH16yI/AAAAAAAAmbQ/iRSfd1K8vmki_sjOw_oYz7Rq-XDEEItNgCK4BGAsYHg/christiancooper2-abc-ay-200528_hpEmbed_16x9_992.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="992" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-998cZGGJ-W8/XtBShxH16yI/AAAAAAAAmbQ/iRSfd1K8vmki_sjOw_oYz7Rq-XDEEItNgCK4BGAsYHg/w320-h180/christiancooper2-abc-ay-200528_hpEmbed_16x9_992.jpg" title="Christian Cooper on The View" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="6"><b>What I want to talk to you about today is the weaponization of white women's tears.</b> </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="4"></font><font size="6"></font><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The morning that George Floyd was brutally murdered in Minneapolis, "Central Park Woman" Amy Cooper called 911 because Christian Cooper asked her to put a leash on her dog. Christian is a <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Harvard graduate, pioneering comic book writer, and biomedical editor for Health Science Communications, demonstrating only that a Black person's qualifications matter not a jot when it comes to racism. </span>On the line with the 911 operator, Central Park Woman's voice ramped up to hysterical as she claimed she was being threatened by an "African-American man." <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/us/christian-cooper-accepts-apology-woman-center-central-park/story?id=70926679" target="_blank">Watch Christian and his sister describe the incident</a> and how it made him feel.<br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><font color="#b51200" size="6">White women, listen up. </font></h3><b></b><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#b51200" size="6"><b>We have got to stop this shit.</b></font></div><font size="4"></font><b></b><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#b51200"></font><font size="4"></font><font size="6"></font><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amy Cooper is being called a "Karen," which is a nickname for a pretentious, overprivileged, upper-middle-class, shallow, blonde white woman who thinks the world belongs to her. She might consider herself a liberal and she might even have a few Black acquaintances or friends. Of course, she thinks she is not a racist. How could she be a racist when she voted for Obama?!?!?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For hundreds of years, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/08/how-white-women-use-strategic-tears-to-avoid-accountability" target="_blank">white women have yielded our power</a> as damsels in distress to endanger and sometimes kill Black people through our claims that we have felt threatened by Black people, usually Black men. Sometimes we white women have even made up stories about Black men threatening or attacking us (e.g., Emmett Till). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> (in which a Black man is put to death for the false accusation of a white woman...more white tears) is celebrated in the town of Monroeville, Alabama. Yet when an actual real-life Black man (Walter McMillian) was arrested for a crime he did not commit (one that was connected to his affair with a white woman), those same townspeople proud of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird </i>conveniently overlooked this connection, overlooked the faulty evidence, and assumed McMillian was guilty. (This story is told in Bryan Stevenson's outstanding book<i> <a href="https://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/2020/04/catching-up-great-nonfiction-reads.html" target="_blank">Just Mercy</a></i> and the movie based on the book.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The term "white tears" was unfamiliar to me until I read <i>White Fragility</i> by Robin DiAngelo a few years ago. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#b51200" size="6"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#b51200" size="6"><b>If we want to commit to being anti-racist, we need to understand the role that our whiteness plays in the structure of racism. </b></font></div><font color="#b51200"></font><font size="6"></font><div style="text-align: left;"><b></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/white-womens-tears-and-the-men-who-love-them-twlm/" target="_blank">DiAngelo writes</a> that "'white tears' refers to all of the ways, both literally and metaphorically, that white people cry about how hard racism is on us." I see this often played out in social media posts, when white women cannot stand the discomfort from being called out for their racism. DiAngelo shares how it is often manifested: <br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Control of the conversation by speaking first, last and most often<br /></li><li>Arrogant and disingenuous invalidation of racial inequality via “just playing the devil’s advocate”</li><li>Simplistic and presumptuous proclamations of “the answer” to racism (“People just need to…”)<br /></li><li>Playing the outraged victim of “reverse racism”<br /></li><li>Accusations that the legendary “race card” is being played<br /></li><li>Silence and withdrawal<br /></li><li>Hostile body-language<br /></li><li>Channel-switching (“The true oppression is class!”)<br /></li><li>Intellectualizing and distancing (“I recommend this book…”)</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">All of these moves function to get race off the table, regain control of the discussion, and end the challenge to their positions."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By using the deadly weapon of her white tears by calling 911 and claiming she was being threatened when she was just asked to leash her dog, Central Park Woman could so easily have condemned Christian Cooper to the same fate of George Floyd, Amaud Arbery, and so many others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stop making it about Amy Cooper's dog or saying she shouldn't have been videotaped or fired. Stop feeling sorry for her. She knew exactly what she was doing. She clearly knew her power. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As white women (and men, too), we need to educate ourselves about our power and privilege, and learn about the ways we tend to go fragile and false victim when we are challenged for our racism. Let Black people go birding, jog, drink coffee, and just live their lives without assuming they're doing something wrong, for God's sake. My sons shared this post today. Let it sink in:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#b51200">I have privilege as a white presenting person because I can do all of these things without thinking twice:<br />I can go birding (#ChristianCooper)<br />I can go jogging (#AmaudArbery)<br />I can relax in the comfort of my own home (#BothemSean and #AtatianaJefferson)<br />I can ask for help after being in a car crash (#JonathanFerrell and #RenishaMcBride)<br />I can have a cellphone (#StephonClark)<br />I can leave a party to get to safety (#JordanEdwards)<br />I can play loud music (#JordanDavis)<br />I can sell CDs (#AltonSterling)<br />I can sleep (#AiyanaJones)<br />I can walk from the corner store (#MikeBrown)<br />I can play cops and robbers (#TamirRice)<br />I can go to church (#Charleston9)<br />I can walk home with Skittles (#TrayvonMartin)<br />I can hold a hair brush while leaving my own bachelor party (#SeanBell)<br />I can party on New Years (#OscarGrant)<br />I can get a normal traffic ticket (#SandraBland)<br />I can lawfully carry a weapon (#PhilandoCastile)<br />I can break down on a public road with car problems (#CoreyJones)<br />I can shop at Walmart (#JohnCrawford)<br />I can have a disabled vehicle (#TerrenceCrutcher)<br />I can read a book in my own car (#KeithScott)<br />I can be a 10yr old walking with our grandfather (#CliffordGlover)<br />I can decorate for a party (#ClaudeReese)<br />I can ask a cop a question (#RandyEvans)<br />I can cash a check in peace (#YvonneSmallwood)<br />I can take out my wallet (#AmadouDiallo)<br />I can run (#WalterScott)<br />I can breathe (#EricGarner)<br />I can live (#FreddieGray)<br />I CAN BE ARRESTED WITHOUT THE FEAR OF BEING MURDERED (#GeorgeFloyd)<br />White privilege is real. Take a minute to consider a Black person’s experience today.<br />#BlackLivesMatter</font><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font color="#3367d6"></font><font color="#b51200"></font><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We need to call out other white people when they weaponize their white tears. We need to read the words of and listen to Black people and demand positive representation. We need to demand justice for our black siblings and pay them for the traumatic act of educating us. And we need to stop centering ourselves and making it about us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/demand-justice-george-floyd-support-173000097.html" target="_blank">Here are some specific ways you can demand justice</a> for gentle giant George Floyd. Instead of criticizing the rioters in Minneapolis this week, <a href="https://www.theroot.com/protests-erupt-in-minneapolis-for-2nd-straight-night-af-1843728673" target="_blank">try to understand why they are rioting</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we know better, we can do better.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM7rgYuXIhs/XtBRCct9U8I/AAAAAAAAma0/C0hmb2WuU2siCcS8Q0ODo3bQ2AadNJepwCK4BGAsYHg/martin-luther-king-quote-a-riot-is-the-language-of-the-unheard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="1045" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WM7rgYuXIhs/XtBRCct9U8I/AAAAAAAAma0/C0hmb2WuU2siCcS8Q0ODo3bQ2AadNJepwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h302/martin-luther-king-quote-a-riot-is-the-language-of-the-unheard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-80530178238756103042020-05-12T19:34:00.000-07:002020-05-12T19:34:32.994-07:00Balm for the Soul: Sugar Calling and Becoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlBMRWqVYaE/XrtA4QxaKeI/AAAAAAAAmXA/kuqpKbHFbs4SFX7VkIM4Ogek3Ji0dpCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Michelle_Cheryl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Michelle Obama and Cheryl Strayed" border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1056" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlBMRWqVYaE/XrtA4QxaKeI/AAAAAAAAmXA/kuqpKbHFbs4SFX7VkIM4Ogek3Ji0dpCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Michelle_Cheryl.png" title="Michelle Obama and Cheryl Strayed" width="400" /></a></div>
I know I'm not the only one feeling awash in emotion these days.<br />
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I veer among being brought to tears by watching a tribute to essential workers, feeling deep fear and sadness, being moved by inspirational words shared on social media or a call from a friend, and feeling infuriated at our nation's horrific response to the pandemic and its seeming disregard for people whose lives are not deemed as valuable. It seems that this pandemic and "Great Pause," as I'm calling it, is resulting in big feelings.<br />
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Constantly looking for ways to lift myself up, I'm glad to be able to share two recommendations with you this week:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Becoming" on Netflix</b></span><br />
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I loved <i><a href="https://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/2019/11/becoming.html">Becoming</a></i> when I read it last year, and Mike and I were extremely <a href="https://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/2019/11/becoming.html">fortunate to see Michelle</a> in Portland over a year ago. I cried throughout the event...and the Netflix show.<br />
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Never have I encountered a woman with so much grace, wit, elegance, spunk, and intelligence, and each time I read her words or witness her presence, I feel so sad about the situation the country is in right now. She brings hope and warmth wherever she goes.<br />
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Heartwarming, moving, and insightful, "Becoming" is totally worth your time and will lift you up even though it might make you feel "verklempt," like it did to me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Sugar Calling" Podcast by Cheryl Strayed</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7G-9Erpg3g/XrtbYXAPMBI/AAAAAAAAmXQ/71qTFTzKxnAIYKnPyjLciYC0w9vCxZm8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/nyt-sugarcalling-publicity_-_h_2020_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="928" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7G-9Erpg3g/XrtbYXAPMBI/AAAAAAAAmXQ/71qTFTzKxnAIYKnPyjLciYC0w9vCxZm8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/nyt-sugarcalling-publicity_-_h_2020_.jpg" width="200" /></a>"Sugar Calling" is Cheryl Strayed's resurrection of "Dear Sugar," in a format perfect for our times. Cheryl calls an author over 60 years old each week, and they have an intimate conversation similar to the ones Michelle Obama had with her cohost on her book tour events.<br />
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She has chosen authors whose books have touched her through her life (and mine!). She begins with her mentor, George Saunders, and proceeds to interview Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan, Pico Iyer, Judy Blume, and Alice Walker. As I was walking my dog listening to her interview with Judy Blume and Cheryl explained how seminal Amy's books were when Cheryl was a teen, I felt she was speaking words in my own head. As she tearfully tells Amy Tan that she read <i>The Kitchen God's Wife</i> with her mom before she died, I cried again.<br />
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<a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2011/03/f-word-proud-to-be-feminist.html"><i>The Color Purple</i> changed my life</a>, and I read everything Alice Walker wrote for many years. But recently I've become disappointed in her, as I've read about anti-semitic statements she's made and her fondness for a British conspiracy theorist, David Icke. <a href="https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/12/alice-walkers-anti-semitic-poem-was-personal.html">Nylah Burton, a Black-Jewish woman, writes about her own ambivalence and disappointment with Alice Walker in <i>The Intelligencer</i></a>, delving into Walker's difficult marriage to a Jewish man and the racism she experienced from his family. So I listened to the Alice Walker interview with anticipation, but Cheryl Strayed stuck to easy questions. Of all the interviews, I found it the least satisfying...but still worth a listen.<br />
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Most of the writers are less upbeat, outgoing, and optimistic than Cheryl Strayed, but the conversations are warm and intimate.<br />
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The new podcast drops on Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to seeing who the next interviewee will be. I cannot recommend this podcast highly enough!<br />
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Cheryl Strayed and Michelle Obama are both so good for my soul!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-87870464862494485222020-05-02T16:50:00.000-07:002020-05-02T16:55:11.066-07:00Coronavirus Viewing: Crash Landing on You and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Crash Landing on You</b></span><br />
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I found "Crash Landing on You" when surfing for Japanese shows on Netflix, and it's been my obsession in the past few weeks!<br />
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It's the story of South Korean heiress and successful businesswoman Yoon Se-Ri, who accidentally parasails right into the demilitarized zone. Discovered in a tree by Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, she eventually runs right into North Korea trying to escape his clutches.<br />
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As someone who's always been fascinated by stories set in other cultures, especially Asia, "Crash Landing on You" appealed to me immediately. When I lived in Japan, I spent just one winter night in Seoul on my way to Thailand. Seoul looked extremely different in 1987 than it does in this show! (as does most of Asia, actually)<br />
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"Crash Landing on You" is the second-highest rated drama in Korean history and it's wildly popular throughout Asia. The final episode actually crashed China's streaming platform because so many people were watching it!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MraAfKasWa4/Xq36_ifu_II/AAAAAAAAmVs/X9LSyPvXjHcLnZTdD4vaz7yrgl3O77okACEwYBhgL/s1600/netflix-crash-landing-hyun-bin-son-ye-jin-interview-1576812192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MraAfKasWa4/Xq36_ifu_II/AAAAAAAAmVs/X9LSyPvXjHcLnZTdD4vaz7yrgl3O77okACEwYBhgL/s320/netflix-crash-landing-hyun-bin-son-ye-jin-interview-1576812192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I loved this story of a spunky, independent, and bright young woman of privilege who is transformed through her experience in North Korea. I chuckled a bit at the long, lingering gazes (as opposed to lots of kissing in American love stories), soapy music during any poignant moment, and the constant snow falling at the end of each episode. Even though the show had a spunky female lead and many strong, intelligent women characters (in fact, most of the women were like that), both armies in North and South Korea were exclusively men. At the board meetings of Yoon Se-Ri's and her father's companies, all of the people were men.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHDtYvDdAl8/Xq36-8Wn6OI/AAAAAAAAmVs/3QX0uuZOCF0INoCHY49RL_d4ko_hLq2cgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Crash_Landing_on_You_main_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="239" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHDtYvDdAl8/Xq36-8Wn6OI/AAAAAAAAmVs/3QX0uuZOCF0INoCHY49RL_d4ko_hLq2cgCEwYBhgL/s320/Crash_Landing_on_You_main_poster.jpg" width="223" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHDtYvDdAl8/Xq36-8Wn6OI/AAAAAAAAmVs/3QX0uuZOCF0INoCHY49RL_d4ko_hLq2cgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Crash_Landing_on_You_main_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Observing this reminded me of two stories from when I visited my sister in China in December 1986. When I arrived in Shanghai by boat from Kobe, Japan, I stayed two nights in Fudan University's dorms. The next morning I caught an extremely crowded bus into downtown in one of the most overwhelming moments in my life...being completely alone in Shanghai, China, the only foreigner in sight. A student found me a seat next to him and proceeded to fill my ears with Chinese propaganda. It was the beginning of the pro-democracy uprisings (hence the overcrowded, delayed buses), and he had quite a story about what was happening, all because of some Americans offending the Chinese, or so he said. He also told me how communism was so much better for women, because women in China have completely equal opportunities to men. Well, we all know that is not true.<br />
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Later when I was in Chengdu with my sister, I got into a heated argument with her Korean-American friend Charlie, who thought he was being evolved and feminist by saying that men should have 51% of the power and control in a marriage. He was seriously shocked when I started arguing. He thought I should have been complimenting and thanking him, I guess!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful supporting characters!</td></tr>
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But back to "Crash Landing on You," I highly recommend it! It's a fantastic escape from what's happening in the world right now. It's full of all sorts of competition and cut-throat intrigue, but it's also full of tons of heart. It humanizes North Koreans, while still showing how difficult their lives can be and how brutal the military dictatorship can be.<br />
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I was surprised to learn that as with any communist country, Pyongyang has an elite group of people who shop at department stores and eat at fancy restaurants. This seems to run counter to everything North Korea holds dear, so I don't understand it!<br />
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I was less enamored of the secondary love story between North Korean rich girl Seo Dan and South Korean con man Alberto Gu, but one of the most endearing things about this show was its supporting cast of North Korean soldiers and housewives in the military village. It's been praised for its realistic portrayal of North Korea (they had a few defectors on the production team), even though some of it is improbable and unrealistic.<br />
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Check it out!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Guess Who's Coming to Dinner</i></b></span><br />
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As a diehard Katharine Hepburn fan (and Sydney Poitier--swoon!), I remember liking this movie when I first saw it as a young Hepburn-obsessed woman. During the shutdown, my family has been watching a lot more movies together. Usually, poor Nick (aged 13) doesn't like the movie choices very much, especially when 17-year-old Kieran chooses them! The other night we watched the dark comedy "The Death of Stalin," which made Mike and Kieran laugh out loud, but Nick was horrified. So I was delighted when the whole family agreed that this was a good choice. Even Nick liked it!<br />
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It was the last film Spencer Tracy made, as he died two weeks after filming, and was ailing throughout the production. Yes, it's terribly dated, using the words "Negro" and "colored," but when it came out in 1968 it was groundbreaking and a box office hit, much to the studio's surprise. It also has a stereotypical Black maid who looks down on the interracial romance because she thinks that young Joey (who she'd known since she was a child) is "marrying down." And one scene deeply disturbed me, when Poitier's character accuses his hard-working father of being an Uncle Tom and says that being a man is more important to him than being a Black man. How much more we know now. I imagine Poitier is probably horrified when he thinks back on that scene.<br />
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What I loved about this movie--besides Hepburn and Poitier--is that it captures perfectly the problem of the white liberal. It's all well and good for well-meaning white people to talk about equality between the races, but when their daughter comes home with a Black man? It makes them question everything they've ever thought they believed.<br />
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Interracial romance and marriage are no longer shocking to most, thank God. But the racist attitudes in the movie are still very much present in our times. Kieran told me that <a href="https://www.essence.com/entertainment/guess-who-coming-dinner-50th-anniversary-get-out-jordan-peele/">this movie inspired Jordan Peele's "Get Out," </a>which makes a whole lot of sense!<br />
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One scene I found especially poignant: Poitier's Dr. John Prentiss saying to Tracy's Matt Drayton that Joey, his fiancee, believes their children will become president. He laughs at that (imagine! a biracial person becoming president!) and says he'll settle for secretary of state. Of course, Barack Obama was a small child around the time this movie was made. And in "Get Out," the presumably white liberal parents and their friends believe they are not racist because they voted for Obama. Nice circle back, Jordan Peele.<br />
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"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is streaming on Amazon Prime. Watch it! I want to go back and watch all the movies of Katharine Hepburn and Sydney Poitier (still alive at 93). And if you haven't seen it, definitely watch the updated version, "Get Out."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-27772618778910500822020-04-17T20:26:00.000-07:002020-04-17T20:44:46.546-07:00East Side Sushi and Mrs. AmericaI am grateful for streaming services during this coronavirus isolation. We have never had cable, and I rarely watch regular TV. Most of my viewing is online via Netflix or Hulu, and recently I discovered Kanopy, a free streaming service available to anyone with a library card. It has mostly documentaries and independent films, and it's fast becoming my favorite!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">East Side Sushi</span><br />
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This week I watched "East Side Sushi" on Kanopy, a movie about Juana, a young Mexican single mom who lives with her dad and young daughter. She is trying to make a living in Oakland, California, operating a streetside fruit cart. She has bigger dreams, though, and finds a job working in a Japanese restaurant, Osaka.<br />
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The head sushi chef, Aki, soon discovers that Juana has a real talent in the kitchen. She wants to become a sushi chef, but the owner of the restaurant, Mr. Yoshida, is a traditional Japanese man and refuses to consider it. Juana has two strikes against her as a Mexican woman.<br />
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One scene in the movie, when Juana gets into a big argument with Mr. Yoshida, reminded me of when I was 22, living in Japan, and my Japanese boss forbid me from visiting my sister in Chengdu, China, over the Christmas holidays. I had already bought my ferry ticket. The teachers in the junior college where we taught had said they'd cover me for the few days I'd need to take off. It was all about power to him--I hadn't asked his permission. Those first few months in Japan were hard on me, and I was desperate to see my sister.<br />
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This man who had recruited me to work as a teacher, Hiroshi, was a rarity in Japan: a dishonest businessman, but that's another story. I told him I was going to go to China anyway. Voices were raised. I'm sure I was the talk of the school office for some time after that!<br />
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He didn't fire me. He couldn't risk that. But he never spoke to me again for the rest of the year, which was just fine with me! He had a "kohai" (junior), Robert, who was much more likable...and he dealt with me from there on out.<br />
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But back to the movie. I loved Juana's energy and feisty spirit, determined to make a better life for herself, her daughter, and her father. And unwilling to let a traditional, sexist man get in her way!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mrs. America</b></span><br />
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Newly on Hulu, Mrs. America is about the fight to pass the ERA in the early 1970s. With an exemplary cast of Cate Blanchett, Uzo Aduba, Tracy Ullman, Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Paulson, Rose Byrne, Jeanne Tripplehorn, John Slattery, Margo Martindale, and more, the movie presents the backdrop of the feminist movement and the rise of the Stop ERA resistance led by Phyllis Schlafly, played wonderfully by Cate Blanchett.<br />
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My Schlafly moment was when she came to Pacific Lutheran University in 1983 to debate Eleanor Smeal, then president of the National Organization for Women. <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2008/05/you-give-christians-bad-name.html">I wrote about this experience in </a><a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2008/05/you-give-christians-bad-name.html">2008</a>, when her supporters descended on me after they saw me cheering for Smeal. They tried to convince this 19-year-old that feminists were all lesbians, "promoted" abortion, and hated men. As you might have guessed, they didn't convince me.<br />
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I find it scandalous that we still don't have an Equal Rights Amendment, thanks to Schlafly and her desperate housewives. I find it especially interesting that Schlafly herself was highly educated with a master's degree and law degree, and she ran for office a few times as well. She didn't seem to think her traditional views should apply to her own life. She was an extremely bright and capable woman, and Mrs. America seems to suggest that she decided to make opposing the ERA her cause because she wasn't getting enough traction for her hawkish views.<br />
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Each episode centers on a different character...so far Schlafly, Gloria Steinem, and Shirley Chisholm. <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/2020/04/10/uzo-aduba-feminist-trailblazer-shirley-chisholm-hulu-series-mrs-america-1496446.html">Uzo Aduba is one of the best things about this show</a>, as is her portrayal of Chisholm. Of course I knew that Shirley Chisholm was the first woman--AND Black--presidential candidate, but rarely have we seen her portrayed on film. Many young people don't even know who this trailblazer was, so I'm glad to see her story told. Seeing Bella Abzug and others try to convince her to step down and make way for George McGovern reminded me of the pressures Elizabeth Warren faced to stop her own campaign. When will women no longer be asked to step aside for men, I wonder? I hope in my lifetime!<br />
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The first three episodes are available on Hulu for now, with the next ones available on the next six Wednesdays. Watch it!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-9300640667124592322020-04-09T17:32:00.003-07:002020-04-10T10:20:46.840-07:00My rainbow baby turned 17!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Seventeen years ago today, we heard a loud healthy squall in the delivery room as Kieran, our rainbow baby, entered the world. A rainbow baby is a healthy baby born after a miscarriage or infant death.<br />
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I miscarried four babies before Kieran. One evening over dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant, Mike even suggested that we stop trying to have a second child because of the pain and anguish. But we both come from families of three children, and I wanted Chris to have a sibling. We kept trying, in spite of the losses, and I began seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. He could never figure out why I was miscarrying, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was connected to the difficulty of getting pregnant and birthing my first baby at 24 weeks. When I got pregnant with Kieran, I held my breath.<br />
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As many of you know, I've always been drawn to rainbows as a symbol of hope and resilience...so this term is perfect for this boy child of mine...wildly creative, fiercely independent, funny, bright, tough but tender, and loving.<br />
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Always dramatic and drawn to expressing himself through artistic and creative play, he spent most of his childhood in costume. Here are just a few examples of the costumes over the first several years!<br />
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When I look back through his childhood photos, I realize that much of what our family does has been led by Kieran. He's a born leader and he dreams big. As a preschooler, he had a mad crush on a classmate and wanted to build a "love machine" in the backyard...later it turned into a restaurant in the backyard, and nowadays he's desperate for a sauna. At one point, he loved to go to a park and collect branches to make Harry Potter brooms. If we were ever near a body of water, Kieran would end up in it. One night we had a seance, completely orchestrated by him. Then there were the elaborate birthday parties, complete with costumes and dramatic play. And he's been directing plays with his friends from a very young age.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directing plays at Holden Village<br />
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Kieran became a big brother at age three, just as he was starting preschool. One of our close friends observes that he immediately grew up when Nicholas arrived. From the very beginning, he's been an amazing big brother, leading Nick into all sorts of adventures through the years. As the most independent of our three, he also helps Chris out with driving and other support.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf72fR3_gD8/Xo-3RIAoKJI/AAAAAAAAmNc/hWbHOet_2nY-nHdUeiznKoj89wY3nR_WACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCdqytaJMWVJKp5cEO0fRh9tOMU3WqR-iBuRC3fiMdnVQQyOMjmPFhJNSaYwHTivAERdLfSY0Ic_4Ky7jZ2vapRYgDvHzUJNIb1O1RrbdsYK2koBakFPP5qXnBDKu76j-pgAJnXrCmvViAJxeLNKAg8n0AlqlfKaRKbq34dTh6Q8VmQ4TzxjIaWRw82cXJ_Uw_jUzOxGV8-JrsUVkrM_Cd_qBtw8VgpWm-BVrXb7fIYzIQ2qB8sbVtH3SVWGiogk2C5pwKUc6OrKA7w8CkcbbvakUsQ1DRpQShRA_Uf-AorewJRFLCcqD2KLwiqJ5tmq7nmjWy1SI8c24LWW7YZ3pYJ8mSjCl7sn7PJyulezmPuWjerqNi33lEEvTeQdbeJ5dN3O4GmsUnYUnzZZvQtwG-kpoUDBxNEc8UShS0GqC323gmRJk10f36cubKkKC7OJZESvKmFeKb6s7tbh1VU133l6MMgbcKZv0nVDgc3Jy-ZoEjwmqmdka9I5ZSb9Z60Unw73IGDA-0_o1yz-LAw07VAmqswR85yhd8s9urAnvZq1YjvL-ma7wb7fhNDkfaQYtM-Mq4bSKea7Chk5EOgt3MmOqWHcDw-CTHyMIv2vvQF/s1600/IMG_20190715_110053385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lf72fR3_gD8/Xo-3RIAoKJI/AAAAAAAAmNc/hWbHOet_2nY-nHdUeiznKoj89wY3nR_WACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCdqytaJMWVJKp5cEO0fRh9tOMU3WqR-iBuRC3fiMdnVQQyOMjmPFhJNSaYwHTivAERdLfSY0Ic_4Ky7jZ2vapRYgDvHzUJNIb1O1RrbdsYK2koBakFPP5qXnBDKu76j-pgAJnXrCmvViAJxeLNKAg8n0AlqlfKaRKbq34dTh6Q8VmQ4TzxjIaWRw82cXJ_Uw_jUzOxGV8-JrsUVkrM_Cd_qBtw8VgpWm-BVrXb7fIYzIQ2qB8sbVtH3SVWGiogk2C5pwKUc6OrKA7w8CkcbbvakUsQ1DRpQShRA_Uf-AorewJRFLCcqD2KLwiqJ5tmq7nmjWy1SI8c24LWW7YZ3pYJ8mSjCl7sn7PJyulezmPuWjerqNi33lEEvTeQdbeJ5dN3O4GmsUnYUnzZZvQtwG-kpoUDBxNEc8UShS0GqC323gmRJk10f36cubKkKC7OJZESvKmFeKb6s7tbh1VU133l6MMgbcKZv0nVDgc3Jy-ZoEjwmqmdka9I5ZSb9Z60Unw73IGDA-0_o1yz-LAw07VAmqswR85yhd8s9urAnvZq1YjvL-ma7wb7fhNDkfaQYtM-Mq4bSKea7Chk5EOgt3MmOqWHcDw-CTHyMIv2vvQF/s400/IMG_20190715_110053385.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-21n6ZaiQ0dg/Xo-4pSCFBpI/AAAAAAAAmNo/2sj5DqHdb48bvYYKwuSn0SEXsUr9kqUsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0915.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-21n6ZaiQ0dg/Xo-4pSCFBpI/AAAAAAAAmNo/2sj5DqHdb48bvYYKwuSn0SEXsUr9kqUsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0915.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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We took him to theater from an early age, starting with the preschool-age Ladybug Theater. By the time he was eight years old, Kieran felt a huge pull to the stage and we did everything we could to nurture it. By the end of that year, after some theater camps, he had landed his first professional role, the child lead in Jane Theater Company's pantomime, "Frankenstein: The Little Monster." Twenty-five shows in five weeks...I still can't believe he survived that. He proved himself to be an exceptionally hard worker and committed to his craft. He does not do things by half.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3AWjUcZRaE/Xo-4pSu_TaI/AAAAAAAAmNs/ygU7id1HpfgErarFXp2hPRyeU9i3BeL6QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCOt0NO-nD1xPQTg2dl9I8xXsqImyEe7PoUxFajlqKZQHz6P44zvVVUFkV9UysmywQSL2Zzqgix7fpekd6iOB6jE3NykhlA7JIWgnF7bTsydiVSUM-4Mp_pK0gwJ1hZwe4TIn12I-CBwh__ToGpdyggoVLTaPJ4jNaiMZSTRYcgv5O1V2X02BkHw1mO_zhWzl1aaTaoGWorbua9wrJDz4o9kONCuOfjB3qNEoI7Jk62lPoYr8pWlI3mHP_G1f9HqvQH9DnoIjOKsxqofVpmYowMgVFiOz-Vx-_t8R84gvMjMYJKNwD_qxv0fTV_NtrNUV071L3FWWwZVhRC7zbA_DLEwBDsUZeVZT3XJIzdL3rE4YQNSrPRlkUN8WGpFFBnapVGtUKb8NtrHFhIXLh3bZpEzMl7eq1AH-3J_xrIxNxtsXByHP0hYAtYwARVM-SCbq-3oagE8cUuvmVQvZyy-uXY3qnO2xIKsfVDK3vtnY2Eih-lvz-_h4y2drPDxW52i8hvRP7TVXTggdE457AXsu6b5QX_rTn0NxotRoLrD1AMi0xOxEbBbrfRKH3DTqZ44KLXjmZ0I5CfvSGHI5ZdgjxW8a_qBmBmaQ99MKn6vvQF/s1600/IMG_0126.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3AWjUcZRaE/Xo-4pSu_TaI/AAAAAAAAmNs/ygU7id1HpfgErarFXp2hPRyeU9i3BeL6QCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCOt0NO-nD1xPQTg2dl9I8xXsqImyEe7PoUxFajlqKZQHz6P44zvVVUFkV9UysmywQSL2Zzqgix7fpekd6iOB6jE3NykhlA7JIWgnF7bTsydiVSUM-4Mp_pK0gwJ1hZwe4TIn12I-CBwh__ToGpdyggoVLTaPJ4jNaiMZSTRYcgv5O1V2X02BkHw1mO_zhWzl1aaTaoGWorbua9wrJDz4o9kONCuOfjB3qNEoI7Jk62lPoYr8pWlI3mHP_G1f9HqvQH9DnoIjOKsxqofVpmYowMgVFiOz-Vx-_t8R84gvMjMYJKNwD_qxv0fTV_NtrNUV071L3FWWwZVhRC7zbA_DLEwBDsUZeVZT3XJIzdL3rE4YQNSrPRlkUN8WGpFFBnapVGtUKb8NtrHFhIXLh3bZpEzMl7eq1AH-3J_xrIxNxtsXByHP0hYAtYwARVM-SCbq-3oagE8cUuvmVQvZyy-uXY3qnO2xIKsfVDK3vtnY2Eih-lvz-_h4y2drPDxW52i8hvRP7TVXTggdE457AXsu6b5QX_rTn0NxotRoLrD1AMi0xOxEbBbrfRKH3DTqZ44KLXjmZ0I5CfvSGHI5ZdgjxW8a_qBmBmaQ99MKn6vvQF/s320/IMG_0126.HEIC" width="240" /></a>He's taught himself how to play the ukulele and guitar, completely on his own, by watching YouTube...and he's also got a natural gift for cooking. I've learned many things from him in the kitchen. He's a seeker of knowledge and a multi-passionate renaissance man. He loves Bob Dylan and John Steinbeck.<br />
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Soon after enduring and recovering from mono last December (and somehow keeping his grades up), earlier this year he directed his first play..."Gruesome Playground Injuries" with Enso Theater Company, as their student director of the year. He crowdfunded the money needed to produce it, cast the actors and found the crew, and directed the entire heartfelt, emotionally complex production. He tells me that he actually enjoys the process of directing more than acting, which comes as no surprise to me.<br />
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I'm sure it was a shock to his system to be so completely independent and directive for several months, and then suddenly (literally a few weeks later) be shut completely down and confined to his house, not able to go off and see his friends and do outside activities. What a horrible shock to the system for a teenage boy.<br />
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I'm so proud of the man he is becoming. Tonight we are celebrating with takeout Indian food and watching his choice of movie..."The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"!<br />
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Here are some glimpses of Kieran's theater highlights through the years...I can't wait to see what he does next...but we will all be terribly sad, and our house will be so quiet, when he leaves for college next year. Love this 17-year-old!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kX6ZQPO3lgg/Xo-7M5VHqsI/AAAAAAAAmOA/y0wlUjFkqh4YyGKMrUlBXW79EYNtBjpXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Acting%2BCollage%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kX6ZQPO3lgg/Xo-7M5VHqsI/AAAAAAAAmOA/y0wlUjFkqh4YyGKMrUlBXW79EYNtBjpXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Acting%2BCollage%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: theater camp at Maplewood, "Frankenstein: The Little Monster," theater camps<br />
Middle row: head shot, "London is London" (NWCT), theater camp, NWCT show, "Sentimental Season"<br />
Bottom row: Kids Company, Mary Poppins, Shrek (NWCT)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoF0s_6uH48/Xo-7OUos8HI/AAAAAAAAmOE/XWOEc3oa-NcVM7f8mIQjzIfrPWxkW7AGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Acting%2BCollage%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FoF0s_6uH48/Xo-7OUos8HI/AAAAAAAAmOE/XWOEc3oa-NcVM7f8mIQjzIfrPWxkW7AGACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Acting%2BCollage%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top row: "Sound of Music," "Godspell," "Annie," "Wizard of Oz" (NWCT)<br />
Middle row: "Robin Hood," "Annie," "Children of Eden"; meeting up with Mary Poppins again<br />
Bottom row: "Leaving Manzanita," "A Short in the Wire," "Mr. Burns" (SW Stageworks); "DNA" (OCT), "Gruesome Playground Injuries"</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-58859067902116400372020-04-05T18:40:00.001-07:002020-04-05T18:53:12.379-07:00Inspiration for resilience during physical isolation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This shit is hard on an extrovert who wears<br />her heart on her sleeves. </span></b></div>
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Either I'm having FOMO (fear of missing out), thinking about all the fun activities and events that have been cancelled...or I'm up in the middle of the night worried about my parents, my immunocompromised loved ones, or my oldest son who is working at a grocery store. </div>
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I fret about how the coronavirus will be stopped while the United States has such a haphazard approach to curbing it, state by state. Some states (like Oregon) are being far more aggressive with stay-at-home orders, and that's paid off.</div>
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I worry about what will happen in developing countries, where people live in close quarters with poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water much less soap. <br />
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I worry about women or children who are domestic violence victims, forced to self-isolate with their abusers.<br />
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I worry about the economy and jobless, and I worry about how we will recover from this months-long closure.</div>
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And I struggle with the uncertainty of how long it will last. This was not the 2020 I was hoping for.</div>
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But <b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">RESILIENCE</span></b> is the theme of my life. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg7RMXoAgBo/XoqDzw5I2MI/AAAAAAAAmLc/_6eIDxkAxPs32MEny19e6273HJh_HH8kACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCyOp1EzUmU3qhL6vZg1tK4zpGhoBB3CwkGW2fjULumF04UbwDHtiK_BCNyROXPhih1S7gelogNO1XiGFRasby6o0sZzanrPqZ7_qASrguV6_HZe37RTZaEacahqeKBM7ZO3hJJuygXbpaq0NlCb0fPTmpN-aI2zmcDu0J2_imdLRI0ZZygcK8-pZIjeyhaUPtJ2-rsvvkxN3LlxwfNKeFw8yUtZTZQ28aYcjV-MRIWWi1wlPQdI1FR5MQW7RjrF2hPW575CfKqMC8uiHlSAECRXQpjRGO0HBIYhKo7UG8UEyU6u0vmRfOuTWDZ1FJNJLzgMxDGCyodI4Dr60a8UGuBe5tsHG-kfHz_kfzKKrWpvMHHWcxrTRDdOcKX_-pZV1fb8A4YlFkKza550fRxcI1AGqQfaAPwo027rEl0ICHrcX4FTSUn4n2tBjDU3QUyRnr0A926kwVeU7pgonfe2Hys24Yi2ouDlBcslSXVaZ5Fmkg40DkWJEyZqlk9KRBe5WlbWux0NDsUjtTFd7bFTFEj7EBgNnZlJg7FEjIVkME73pMcCqsbo08nE3IQ3524q8Kz8L49QONQW0xl_olfaZT0H3yw5Uzi8wCTMM-OqvQF/s1600/Storm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg7RMXoAgBo/XoqDzw5I2MI/AAAAAAAAmLc/_6eIDxkAxPs32MEny19e6273HJh_HH8kACEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoCyOp1EzUmU3qhL6vZg1tK4zpGhoBB3CwkGW2fjULumF04UbwDHtiK_BCNyROXPhih1S7gelogNO1XiGFRasby6o0sZzanrPqZ7_qASrguV6_HZe37RTZaEacahqeKBM7ZO3hJJuygXbpaq0NlCb0fPTmpN-aI2zmcDu0J2_imdLRI0ZZygcK8-pZIjeyhaUPtJ2-rsvvkxN3LlxwfNKeFw8yUtZTZQ28aYcjV-MRIWWi1wlPQdI1FR5MQW7RjrF2hPW575CfKqMC8uiHlSAECRXQpjRGO0HBIYhKo7UG8UEyU6u0vmRfOuTWDZ1FJNJLzgMxDGCyodI4Dr60a8UGuBe5tsHG-kfHz_kfzKKrWpvMHHWcxrTRDdOcKX_-pZV1fb8A4YlFkKza550fRxcI1AGqQfaAPwo027rEl0ICHrcX4FTSUn4n2tBjDU3QUyRnr0A926kwVeU7pgonfe2Hys24Yi2ouDlBcslSXVaZ5Fmkg40DkWJEyZqlk9KRBe5WlbWux0NDsUjtTFd7bFTFEj7EBgNnZlJg7FEjIVkME73pMcCqsbo08nE3IQ3524q8Kz8L49QONQW0xl_olfaZT0H3yw5Uzi8wCTMM-OqvQF/s640/Storm.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I find Maya Angelou's words comforting during this time of fear and unknown. At some point, this will end.</div>
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Always drawn to stories about people who have overcome great obstacles and emerged stronger than imagined, that's also been the theme of my pandemic viewing and reading. (Well, I must confess that I have also watched that waste of time "The Tiger King" and other light shows!)<br />
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I wanted to share with you three highlights of the last two weeks: <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwux3TDEjGE/XoqJ5oK9XSI/AAAAAAAAmLw/h94OlCfIZs0h10c2X_3WW7zvd6NUfOnFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Self-Made-True-Story-Madam-CJ-Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jwux3TDEjGE/XoqJ5oK9XSI/AAAAAAAAmLw/h94OlCfIZs0h10c2X_3WW7zvd6NUfOnFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Self-Made-True-Story-Madam-CJ-Walker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2017/03/i-was-stranger-day-15-madam-cj-walker.html">I wrote about Madam CJ Walker three years ago</a>, during my "I Was a Stranger" Lenten series.<br />
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Madam CJ was the wealthiest African-American woman of her time, one of the most successful African-American business owners ever, among the greatest African-American philanthropists in history, and (arguably) the first female self-made millionaire in the United States.<br />
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I read <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52130592">this Netflix series</a> was coming when I looked up director Kasi Emmons after I watched the amazing biopic Harriet, which she also directed. ("Harriet" didn't receive rave reviews, but I found it to be immensely moving.)<br />
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Octavia Spencer plays Madam CJ, and although they took liberties with some of the history, the result is a compelling historical series about race, resilience, and gumption! Sarah Breedlove (her real name) had a feisty independence and self-awareness that was ahead of her time, and she overcame obstacle after obstacle. As a new entrepreneur, I especially found it to be inspiring. Check it out!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Unorthodox</span></b></div>
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Another Netflix gem, "Unorthodox" is based on the memoir by Deborah Feldman, a woman who grew up in the Hasidic Satmar sect in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Dee<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNiDfFh8dPA/XolmjeHvgzI/AAAAAAAAmKw/z18ITXEpbk4xZsE3RbvLKOM_dr4enfDYgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDqdqYthspsWCwsQgzB-WYhJHQjGBOdXiDB8urPX0vmYSvMt0jXJsjV0P9ss-w3iN61OEAHtscGmU7ihTnd1sJiwGImutGE9hkriuPVgRk3GXycIkuClP9-_DYoLoJJUHX0FLkYCQ7F2sZx1EAdJcVB-h0JAo0Hflzx9cmEej3MPYDxoeL-MFTLfuQuHZlQm-sTqedoT2TXG-pd-06HOQQtfNsTpwTbqYmwL5PVyoEEj9SpN6yLwkbS4U5MpGHZ0diNo7jrbNrRhUxllYpBd1LOaNo_XVzwJdTPe7BNYzLv3mrpeOLY3twoMKfA_6t8UlMLjDlAL03R3U8qvcdVkQIttrU_SbVwjyneDgYFO1T2MTmvdytXaCbEmvDpORW1anyBdeK28VEeosLqU8NoKSdTyT-qJUzGNZLoWzcJQIUwhSSS1nMZjW5BjATtNmkn2TX_GooGteBp3FWVYXsahTRtbJ5A_HrthFjBJ-ql1DUzSqxoZ9zf67GWdMujB3LtCu0yCtRQ5yZJu6UuJ7RmWuE8T-5fMybtQT3AgwmT5-L-pGVLDlvPODZhdEEYxtcT684o1NUXjvHHUdRfAcoecf7F0_xVK9h9-hHoMMfhpfQF/s1600/thXUYZGGBM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="300" height="137" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNiDfFh8dPA/XolmjeHvgzI/AAAAAAAAmKw/z18ITXEpbk4xZsE3RbvLKOM_dr4enfDYgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDqdqYthspsWCwsQgzB-WYhJHQjGBOdXiDB8urPX0vmYSvMt0jXJsjV0P9ss-w3iN61OEAHtscGmU7ihTnd1sJiwGImutGE9hkriuPVgRk3GXycIkuClP9-_DYoLoJJUHX0FLkYCQ7F2sZx1EAdJcVB-h0JAo0Hflzx9cmEej3MPYDxoeL-MFTLfuQuHZlQm-sTqedoT2TXG-pd-06HOQQtfNsTpwTbqYmwL5PVyoEEj9SpN6yLwkbS4U5MpGHZ0diNo7jrbNrRhUxllYpBd1LOaNo_XVzwJdTPe7BNYzLv3mrpeOLY3twoMKfA_6t8UlMLjDlAL03R3U8qvcdVkQIttrU_SbVwjyneDgYFO1T2MTmvdytXaCbEmvDpORW1anyBdeK28VEeosLqU8NoKSdTyT-qJUzGNZLoWzcJQIUwhSSS1nMZjW5BjATtNmkn2TX_GooGteBp3FWVYXsahTRtbJ5A_HrthFjBJ-ql1DUzSqxoZ9zf67GWdMujB3LtCu0yCtRQ5yZJu6UuJ7RmWuE8T-5fMybtQT3AgwmT5-L-pGVLDlvPODZhdEEYxtcT684o1NUXjvHHUdRfAcoecf7F0_xVK9h9-hHoMMfhpfQF/s320/thXUYZGGBM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>ply unhappily married and feeling stifled, she escaped her community to become an independent woman. I read Feldman's gripping memoir back in 2012 and <a href="https://mariesbookgarden.blogspot.com/2012/03/unorthodox.html">my blog review </a>attracted a number of angry Hasidic Jews, who set out to discredit Feldman. Fortunately, I actually had a respectful conversation with one Hasidic woman who had actually read the book. </div>
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<a href="https://www.kveller.com/netflixs-unorthodox-is-yiddish-feminist-and-just-what-we-need-right-now/">In the Netflix show</a>, much of which is in Yiddish, the main character, Esty, escapes to Berlin because her mother had fled there. Her husband and his slightly wild and off-kilter cousin Moishe come to Berlin to try to convince her to return to the fold. The character of Esty is a compilation of many people who have left the Hasidic community. It's a new story all its own, but inspired by Feldman's book. </div>
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The Hasidic community might not agree, but I felt that the show conveyed deep respect for the Jewish faith as well as the Satmar sect. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBNKh8ZtpIw/XolmjU0MxYI/AAAAAAAAmKw/cnaNaZr5b-QEEbhvxesqbf8P5Qk8MwpeQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBUaW924KstRaXAhXS-CeVcKw5xFOI0c4M3ek9Lqusv3WK1JGbC6ZSYiYkjjYQfV54q1ZLCDq8SUTEkWOgaTpLhdkmsDb0z5NgRe0YCPw9fp6W89PIeOd1uXgjrMapKv4uspKf7PMjBz5dHRpt4NTKGxx4sMF9Zh6Fl2UZdMNDNht-WjhxQWUiDJ1cEMRBx7llio3htFFadsQQsDRrCml1lMyDcckJHkJZBQ7BCA-mFljFC5UmX_KAZdGxf5SXdZfIrjH--NniLeymRX9o34lmq14TWq3cxIVrydE_sCeY-wcduFjhQxd-km2jEuVVGUIdY4aFnyANBnc30IfOpZLaA_QIPI91h4vJDlAZRulgC7QdCILD7WB1o4KHdoGab1ZJ6aRcqfY5ton8uc2rNXGTkHMeRfjcfnIGMwOxdLSBA1vFdZY8zb_LY0qDkeC65Zo0smZGFMFlfC4rCKuEfYv0HGHZnRXyCOo_Lq3JcMlVXk1ffqQoTh6AQYGRo3kBEV8z22TAG2vcZnEK0CnP86Ia2djQJQ3vJzjsAAtqqXBguTgLYfTCGRTJBPAf59_8AMLoPNpWQkzq_8GE6MAHtlDGj2fbt_hFRO68iMN3hpfQF/s1600/unorthodoxreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBNKh8ZtpIw/XolmjU0MxYI/AAAAAAAAmKw/cnaNaZr5b-QEEbhvxesqbf8P5Qk8MwpeQCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBUaW924KstRaXAhXS-CeVcKw5xFOI0c4M3ek9Lqusv3WK1JGbC6ZSYiYkjjYQfV54q1ZLCDq8SUTEkWOgaTpLhdkmsDb0z5NgRe0YCPw9fp6W89PIeOd1uXgjrMapKv4uspKf7PMjBz5dHRpt4NTKGxx4sMF9Zh6Fl2UZdMNDNht-WjhxQWUiDJ1cEMRBx7llio3htFFadsQQsDRrCml1lMyDcckJHkJZBQ7BCA-mFljFC5UmX_KAZdGxf5SXdZfIrjH--NniLeymRX9o34lmq14TWq3cxIVrydE_sCeY-wcduFjhQxd-km2jEuVVGUIdY4aFnyANBnc30IfOpZLaA_QIPI91h4vJDlAZRulgC7QdCILD7WB1o4KHdoGab1ZJ6aRcqfY5ton8uc2rNXGTkHMeRfjcfnIGMwOxdLSBA1vFdZY8zb_LY0qDkeC65Zo0smZGFMFlfC4rCKuEfYv0HGHZnRXyCOo_Lq3JcMlVXk1ffqQoTh6AQYGRo3kBEV8z22TAG2vcZnEK0CnP86Ia2djQJQ3vJzjsAAtqqXBguTgLYfTCGRTJBPAf59_8AMLoPNpWQkzq_8GE6MAHtlDGj2fbt_hFRO68iMN3hpfQF/s400/unorthodoxreview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was reminded that as a young woman, I loved the movie "Yentl" (based on "Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy" by Isaac Bashevis Singer) because the main character was another woman trapped inside an orthodox Jewish community, unable to study theology like she wanted. She pretended to be a man so she could follow her heart and become educated. </div>
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Both the real Deborah Feldman and Esty in the Netflix series are strong, resilient women who have to go to great lengths to escape every sort of normalcy they knew, leaving behind their whole communities so they could express themselves freely and become the women they were meant to be.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption</i></b></span><br />
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You might have seen <a href="https://eji.org/news/just-mercy-now-streaming/">the movie "Just Mercy</a>," released last year. I have been waiting to read Bryan</div>
Stevenson's book before watching the movie. I just finished it this weekend, and it was hard to put down.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGmZfsjQxmo/Xop-vnThzQI/AAAAAAAAmLI/DC0KX-Sf4EU_9nq6LPNdDxuc8fZ6d-XcgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoB2rkSvbztpiiMswXYaiRHnJYCctkCTl9rSw8KmQPmoWMR3e1IlpF5rb8tmpjwAtdLWowwyJSKtzde0GZbY2x01jtFrYcqjM4epJxEg4p08meW3_FrAuhdeFvLTukeJ6tFykllorV0iuTQtRUPITtg7EN0oGphEkWkUhlAMIGsWxVCp23vEmtpVvoLwhWK1cMqI7lSWzBj01X6XXE8ugVfXHyEceiGo1WGxN9FmUdy9mSLKTN7OMVVbjrW1-U4IjCRKS-S8li8FdCdVr6sseA-ouqFYnZX3HX7RP8OIj-maefn37aGAq8JYMDzTC0wB_wI58diUCBnbLtgnpZHyhsawjrjvgMca4NksVSoHs3Y4w24jLAbhdGmKgupW0Nc5h50MaPzoWeeptStRIaE2mqKARQCs3QHlQ3IEyGiyVHQnRhyYjQs1FsU30Eit7Fyj9pcWfFluFJCnpP_qmL6VitorhVb2HW_795xy7Y-i7TG5Z2CphQl9EnsjjwytdaeE6ntxpSN6ZiWVW_5_mCDyE861x4KlSIGv7InvSSAUjRuCOpXahG4TdJ13XGCn6Z3SG0MX-_v1VdQt1hAxRY6W8AP6WqklcaS1eEK3MNqCqvQF/s1600/Just_Mercy_Stevenson_Bryan_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="386" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGmZfsjQxmo/Xop-vnThzQI/AAAAAAAAmLI/DC0KX-Sf4EU_9nq6LPNdDxuc8fZ6d-XcgCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoB2rkSvbztpiiMswXYaiRHnJYCctkCTl9rSw8KmQPmoWMR3e1IlpF5rb8tmpjwAtdLWowwyJSKtzde0GZbY2x01jtFrYcqjM4epJxEg4p08meW3_FrAuhdeFvLTukeJ6tFykllorV0iuTQtRUPITtg7EN0oGphEkWkUhlAMIGsWxVCp23vEmtpVvoLwhWK1cMqI7lSWzBj01X6XXE8ugVfXHyEceiGo1WGxN9FmUdy9mSLKTN7OMVVbjrW1-U4IjCRKS-S8li8FdCdVr6sseA-ouqFYnZX3HX7RP8OIj-maefn37aGAq8JYMDzTC0wB_wI58diUCBnbLtgnpZHyhsawjrjvgMca4NksVSoHs3Y4w24jLAbhdGmKgupW0Nc5h50MaPzoWeeptStRIaE2mqKARQCs3QHlQ3IEyGiyVHQnRhyYjQs1FsU30Eit7Fyj9pcWfFluFJCnpP_qmL6VitorhVb2HW_795xy7Y-i7TG5Z2CphQl9EnsjjwytdaeE6ntxpSN6ZiWVW_5_mCDyE861x4KlSIGv7InvSSAUjRuCOpXahG4TdJ13XGCn6Z3SG0MX-_v1VdQt1hAxRY6W8AP6WqklcaS1eEK3MNqCqvQF/s400/Just_Mercy_Stevenson_Bryan_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3L_rh0vasQ/Xop9xwDdwdI/AAAAAAAAmK4/kDaadJUdWxA2H_eCt_w7Kr86VHg3IGAYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Just_Mercy_Stevenson_Bryan_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><i>Just Mercy</i> will infuriate you when you learn about the scores of black and brown people imprisoned for life or on death row for seemingly insignificant crimes...or children sent to adult prison for life for making stupid decisions. So many of them receive pathetic or no legal advice or support. Many of them already victims of abuse, they continued to be raped and assaulted in prison. </div>
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And Walter McMillian, like so many Black and brown people, ended up on death row because of the racist structures and white supremacy in our society, convicted and sentenced to death as innocent victims.<br />
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As a young, idealist attorney, Bryan Stevenson met McMillian on death row early in his career. He soon uncovered the facts: the prosecution had no real case to convict McMillian on murder charges. So they fabricated the evidence and pressured a few men to accuse him.<br />
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McMillian lived in Monroeville, home of Harper Lee and setting of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i>...but the townspeople cared more about their reputation than the truth of what still happens to Black people, so many years after Scout and Atticus...they could not see they had tried and convicted their own Tom Robinson. Over the years, Stevenson tirelessly worked to overturn the conviction and restore McMillian to freedom.</div>
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Stevenson has been likened to the United States' Nelson Mandela. His <a href="https://eji.org/">Equal Justice Initiative</a> (founded over 30 years ago, and now with 150 people on staff) provides legal representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_4IBWKpF3w/Xop_EkcGb0I/AAAAAAAAmLM/vu4kkpBgX44uVmbLL4YbK1fR29L-w6ewgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/4112ddb4-0a12-4caf-8abf-a40464b1d908-nasdc5-5dfoo0lmq2f1clhzm7wy_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="540" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_4IBWKpF3w/Xop_EkcGb0I/AAAAAAAAmLM/vu4kkpBgX44uVmbLL4YbK1fR29L-w6ewgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/4112ddb4-0a12-4caf-8abf-a40464b1d908-nasdc5-5dfoo0lmq2f1clhzm7wy_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter McMillian with Bryan Stevenson</td></tr>
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Many of the people Stevenson works with have never been listened to, respected, or given a chance to make better choices. And this is where the resilience comes in. In spite of being treated so horribly, and in some cases being on death row and terrified their lives will be ending, so many of them still find hope and the joy in little things...like chocolate milkshakes, or a vist from their kind lawyer. </div>
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Stevenson shares a powerful anecdote, about a Black woman who was waiting for him after one of his trials...because she was called to provide support to others:</div>
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“All these young children being sent to prison forever, all this grief and violence. Those judges throwing people away like they're not even human, people shooting each other, hurting each other like they don't care. I don't know, it's a lot of pain. I decided that I was supposed to be here [at the court] to catch some of the stones people cast at each other.' </blockquote>
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I chuckled when she said it. During the McMillian hearings, a local minister had held a regional church meeting about the case and had asked me to come speak. There were a few people in the African American community whose support of Walter was muted, not because they thought he was guilty but because he had had an extramarital affair and wasn't active in the church. At the church meeting, I spoke mostly about Walter's case, but I also reminded people that when the woman accused of adultery was brought to Jesus, he told the accusers who wanted to stone her to death, 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.' The woman's accusers retreated, and Jesus forgave her and urged her to sin no more. But today, our self-righteousness, our fear, and our anger have caused even the Christians to hurl stones at the people who fall down, even when we know we should forgive or show compassion. I told the congregation that we can't simply watch that happen. I told them we have to be stonecatchers.</blockquote>
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When I chuckled at the older woman's invocation of the parable, she laughed, too. 'I heard you in that courtroom today. I've even seen you hear a couple of times before. I know you's a stonecatcher, too.” </blockquote>
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I am grateful for people like Bryan Stevenson, the "stone catchers" in our society...who catch the stones aimed at the most vulnerable in our society instead of throwing them. Because “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”</div>
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I am listening to Glennon Doyle's latest book, <i>Untamed</i>, right now, and I am finding myself inspired to tears. More on that book to come! <br />
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I just created a new Facebook group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/293800634934969/">Shine and Inspire</a>, to share inspiration and resources on how to express ourselves untamed and creative...free to be who we are meant to be. We'll talk about feminism, politics, arts and culture, books, and music...and the purpose will be to inspire and motivate each other. Support, love, and friendship for all! Join us!</div>
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For now, I will leave you with this candle, which I made several years ago...as I prayed for a close friend facing breast cancer. "All will be well, and all will be well, and all matter of things will be well." (Julian of Norwich)<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span>And "While there is tea, there is hope" (thanks to my mum-in-law Olga for the coaster!). <br />
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Stay well. Love to all!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-74191739679976490782019-12-17T22:29:00.000-08:002019-12-18T10:38:43.487-08:00We birthed a bishop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG80PZw3p-k/XfmwI_-IXgI/AAAAAAAAmEA/pSheQPzFkcUccU-jpvNemtdWWkDYMxjMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ZRRBGN7QG5B3DPE4WOY6KUZMLY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG80PZw3p-k/XfmwI_-IXgI/AAAAAAAAmEA/pSheQPzFkcUccU-jpvNemtdWWkDYMxjMACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ZRRBGN7QG5B3DPE4WOY6KUZMLY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop Laurie, with Kieran, Nura Elmagbari,<br />
Ned Rosch, and Jasnam Daya Singh</td></tr>
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My church, <a href="https://motaspirit.org/">Spirit of Grace</a> in Beaverton, Oregon, a community of Lutherans and Catholics worshipping together, proudly birthed the first woman bishop in Oregon. She was installed on Saturday by the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Elizabeth Eaton, in a wonderful interfaith service. Blessed by <a href="http://mendingwings.net/about-us/staff/">Corey Greaves</a>, a Native American friend from Toppenish, Washington; one of our church's talented jazz pianists who happens to be Sikh, <a href="https://montavillajazzfest.com/artists/pjce-jasnam-daya-singh/">Jasnam Daya Singh</a>; a Jewish friend, <a href="https://www.mintpressnews.com/what-i-saw-in-gaza-changed-me-forever-jewish-perspective-palestinian-liberation/258285/">Ned Rosch</a>; her Benedictine mentor from Indiana, <a href="https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-06/time-grace-women-clergy">Sister Mary Luke Jones</a>; a Muslim friend, <a href="https://www.daughtersofeve.org/nura-elmagbari">Nura Elmagbari</a>; and one of our church's Catholic priests, Father Neil Moore, she was also flanked by clergy and a full phalanx of other ELCA bishops from around the country. Fortunately our 16-year-old son Kieran, Bishop Laurie's godson, recovered enough from mono to participate as her assistant. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral was packed with supporters dressed in red, many of them enthusiastic and loving supporters from Spirit of Grace. The worship service truly expressed Bishop Laurie's passion for inclusive, interfaith love and justice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Sister Mary Luke, Jasnam, Bp. Laurie,<br />
our former Catholic lay leader Kathy Truman,<br />
Fr. Neil Moore, and me (at right)</td></tr>
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<i><a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2019/12/first-woman-bishop-of-oregons-division-of-the-evangelical-lutheran-church-in-america-welcomed.html">The Oregonian</a></i> and the <i><a href="https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/445957-361804-oregon-lutherans-elect-first-ever-woman-to-lead-flock?fbclid=IwAR0URhSQ981ka40fCts-bhdZVq9WpAy_IFaC3SOjOiawgba0ko0qeRUwRWw#_=_">Portland Tribune</a></i> both did wonderful stories on the installation.<br />
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When she was elected to be bishop in May (a shock for all of us, her included), we all felt deeply ambivalent...a huge mixture of deep pride and happiness for her and for the whole state, who can benefit from her kind of radical collaboration and leadership...and an enormous sense of loss and grief, for we have lost her as our pastor. We've gradually adjusted to the change over the past several months, but I think I will feel a renewed sense of deep sadness on Christmas Eve.<br />
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The day after she was elected, our friend Judy, who had planned to speak about mothers (on Mother's Day), changed her approach and chose to spoke instead about then-Pastor Laurie, reminding us that after 23 years at Spirit of Grace, it's time for us to share her with the rest of Oregon. She pointed out that we birthed a bishop, and now we can go out and birth another one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVXe5YZuA7Q&t=2s">Here's a glimpse</a> of what kind of pastor she was and what she helped us create, in this great video made by <a href="https://www.shellyheesacker.com/">my friend Shelly</a>:<br />
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It's hard for me to express how much Bishop Laurie has meant to me over the past 23 years. Two and a half years ago I wrote this piece for <i><a href="https://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/05/stories-marie-gettel-gilmartin/">Living Lutheran</a></i>, and it explains some of how she has touched our lives:<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I grew up in a typical Lutheran church, with male pastors, singing “Sons of God” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” I remember asking my mom once if God was </span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">With Oregon clergy before the service</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">a man, and she said God did not have a gender. But the language in the church sure made “Him” seem otherwise.</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: purple;">My world broke open at Pacific Lutheran University when I took feminist theology and realized that God was not actually a white man in the sky. My professor was the first woman pastor I’d met, but she was a Methodist. When I began considering seminary, my cousin told me women couldn’t be pastors.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Disillusioned with church after college, I didn’t attend until I got married at age 25. But I soon grew frustrated when our pastor didn’t use inclusive language and called me by my husband’s name. I left the Lutheran church and began attending a New Thought church with an inspirational woman pastor.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">Then my world cracked open again. I gave birth to my first baby at 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 11 ounces, and terribly sick. We were not able to hold him for five weeks, and he was intubated for six weeks. Spending 117 days in the NICU, he endured many near-death crises, and the experience tried our faith and endurance. I met our new pastor, </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BbFOkNvg9w/Xfm_CArOUuI/AAAAAAAAmEY/aZE73whtnFY_5OJdD8m3eDt4WKcbxTPxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/79801678_10156709539328091_7833724583571095552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: purple;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BbFOkNvg9w/Xfm_CArOUuI/AAAAAAAAmEY/aZE73whtnFY_5OJdD8m3eDt4WKcbxTPxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/79801678_10156709539328091_7833724583571095552_n.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;">Laurie Larson Caesar, in the NICU.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">My dad was on the call committee, and when he met Laurie, he said, “I think you’re the pastor that will get my daughter back to the Lutheran church.” She was a regular visitor to Christopher’s bedside in the NICU. Even though she had two new, demanding jobs (she’d also started working as a university chaplain) and she was new to Portland, a family in her new congregation was in crisis and she answered the call for help.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">I returned to the church, buoyed by the support we received and the fact this new pastor was my age AND a woman. Our church, Spirit of Grace in Beaverton, Ore., is the world’s only Lutheran-Catholic congregation. Pastor Laurie leads us with theological imagination, moral courage, creative compassion, and intellectual energy. She’s guided the congregation through difficult questions, such as what to do when our priest retired and we couldn’t get a replacement. (We prayed, discussed, hired a Catholic lay leader, and built a team of Catholic priests to celebrate Mass.) She’s developed close working relationships with two Catholic lay leaders and five Roman Catholic priests over the years.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">More than 10 years ago, Pastor Laurie led us through the process and vote to become Reconciling in Christ, before most other ELCA congregations did so. I was proud and thrilled to see her speak at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly (via video feed), sharing our congregation’s unique story and how inspired our Catholics are by the ELCA’s inclusivity. We’ve had multiple LGBTQIA speakers and just finished another sexuality and gender series led by two young women. We walk in Portland Pride and the AIDS Walk and are involved in ReconcilingWorks.</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Bp. Laurie with her Presbyterian<br />pastor/therapist husband Drew</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Pastor Laurie also practices a form of collaborative leadership that is unusual among clergy. I was president of our church council when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2012. Because of the strong leaders she had nurtured, we rallied around her and stood strong in her absence. After treatment and recovery, she returned more energized than ever. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">In the following year, Spirit of Grace received a generous grant from the ELCA for transformational ministry. As part of the grant, Pastor Laurie created and led the first pastoral internship program for Catholic and Lutheran graduate students in religious and pastoral studies. Our first Lutheran intern enriched our congregation with rap, Spanish, and his wonderful Mexican wife and two daughters. He is now pastor in a bilingual congregation in San Diego, Calif. The next year our Catholic lay intern was pursuing her Master of Divinity degree and trying to discern her next steps in the Catholic church. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">Pastor Laurie has been a phenomenal role model and inspiration for countless Catholic and Lutheran women and men of all ages. One of our young Catholics once said, “When I grow up, I want to be just like Father Laurie!” Being ministered to by a pregnant pastor was a first for our Catholic members, and the experience moved many of them to tears. Although we have more Catholic members than Lutheran, Pastor Laurie is minister to all of us.</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRylW2Y6VwU/Xfm_8byZiqI/AAAAAAAAmE4/Gkay2V3lFyojUpNFrrWy5mRwGypd3yWLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/img542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: purple;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRylW2Y6VwU/Xfm_8byZiqI/AAAAAAAAmE4/Gkay2V3lFyojUpNFrrWy5mRwGypd3yWLACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/img542.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Baptizing Kieran</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">She has revitalized worship with prophetic preaching (channeling Katie Luther or biblical women) and by bringing in jazz pianists and lively music, reconciliation and healing services, prayer vigils, and a liturgical season of “Creationtide.” She’s started book groups to discuss faith, racism and social justice and initiated a summer concert series and an annual Advent auction to raise money for special programs. The auction brings benefits all year long through year-round dinners, parties and classes full of fun and fellowship.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Consorting with clergy! (that's me behind Presiding Bishop Eaton)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vRylW2Y6VwU/Xfm_8byZiqI/AAAAAAAAmE4/Gkay2V3lFyojUpNFrrWy5mRwGypd3yWLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/img542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple;"></span><br /></a></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Christopher's baptism</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Through Pastor Laurie’s leadership, Spirit of Grace supports programs such as Bible study and centering prayer, community organizing through the Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good, and Holy Land ministries supporting peace in Palestine. She and our Catholic lay leader visited the Holy Land with the Oregon Synod in 2014, and we’ve helped other members visit as well. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;">Pastor Laurie has pushed the congregation out of its Lutheran and Catholic comfort zones to reach out to other faiths through small groups like Bras, Bibles, and Brew, meetings with local Muslim women, inviting a Muslim woman to speak on Mother’s Day, educational outreach through Lent and Advent soup suppers, partnerships with other congregations, and creativity workshops. She encourages children’s voices and education programs that offer a multigenerational connection. She also leads intellectual, spiritual education programs covering a variety of topics ranging from Pope Francis, Martin Luther, social justice, and peace-making to how to incorporate new styles of worship.</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At our groundbreaking party, when Bp. Laurie raised money by letting people throw pies in her face!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">Pastor Laurie has helped build a vibrant, vital congregation with prominent women leaders of all ages. We conducted a wildly successful capital campaign to make our building more hospitable and accessible to all, and in 2015 we scored high in all areas on the Oregon Synod’s Congregational Vitality Index survey: connecting members with God, with each other, and with the world. She’s launched colleague groups such as a clergy writers’ group, a prayer group, and a Beaverton area pastors’ group. In 2016, she initiated a Lenten pulpit swap series in which five pastors of various denominations took turns preaching at each other’s churches on the theme of “Got Questions?”</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With her lovely daughter Sophie in Rome</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">After the November election, Pastor Laurie initiated several activities: conducting a prayer service, writing “Lament of a Liberal Christian: An Open Letter of Confession and Commitment,” co-forming a Facebook group called the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/596335783884586/">Wild Hope Justice League</a> (with 177 interfaith members), and developing a Lenten series on “Radical Love: Deep Listening in Disturbing Times.” Speakers included two undocumented immigrants and the president of the Portland NAACP (who later became Portland's first Black city commissioner). Pastor Laurie reaches out and expands our minds. She also takes inclusive language seriously, and that is a huge deal to me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1PgaJFGX8Y/XfnAyeKNOxI/AAAAAAAAmFQ/Tmsg3vbMoIIK1cwmFwu5ixfkIZs1ePVAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12308505_10153256746038091_751833201811468867_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: purple;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="448" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1PgaJFGX8Y/XfnAyeKNOxI/AAAAAAAAmFQ/Tmsg3vbMoIIK1cwmFwu5ixfkIZs1ePVAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/12308505_10153256746038091_751833201811468867_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">"Party Like a Magi"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">I cannot begin to explain how meaningful it has been for me to have a vibrant, energetic woman in the pulpit. I have been doubly inspired to see Laurie mother her daughter, Sophie, and to see how she combines her personal perspective of life with her sense of humor, keen intelligence and vast knowledge of theology and the Bible. It is radical for me to be ministered by a woman who is not only my friend but also a mother and passionately committed to peace and justice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">My dad’s wish came true. Now I have three sons, all baptized by Pastor Laurie, and they have only known a woman pastor. I’m gratified the church is reforming for the next generation. The future is female!</span></blockquote>
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With Pr. Melissa Reed and Bishop Laurie</div>
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at one of the Oregon Synod meetings<br />
in Portland last month</div>
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Or, as Mike likes to say, all three of our children were baptized by a bishop! As bishop of the Oregon ELCA, she will oversee 111 congregations in the state with 30,000 Lutherans (and Catholics in one case!). Little did I know how prescient I was when I said the future is female. Although female clergy are still in a minority during this 50th anniversary of women's ordination in the ELCA, out of the 13 new bishops installed this year (65 total), 8 of them are women. Here are some additional memories of her ministry, which we shared at her goodbye party:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Both of us serving on the steering team with her. </li>
<li>When I was president for so many years, discovering that I am the Gail to her Oprah…the organizer behind her visionary ideas. </li>
<li>The baptism of Kieran when, at the sacred moment of being welcomed into God’s family, with the dramatic timing that only Kieran has, he blew out his diaper with great satisfaction. How earthily sacramental to hold a pooping child against a white alb, and to continue to do so with a smile on one’s face.</li>
<li>Not just baptizing all three of our babies, but also giving them first communion and confirming two of them.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG9hi-DXOc8/XfpwUP8pY6I/AAAAAAAAmHM/d8xGC5GV1hEjnlYBULF9PqtYQhYDCCPNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1030376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vG9hi-DXOc8/XfpwUP8pY6I/AAAAAAAAmHM/d8xGC5GV1hEjnlYBULF9PqtYQhYDCCPNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/P1030376.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Chris' and Quinn's confirmation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>Being part of the first wedding ceremony she officiated—my sister and her husband’s, and knowing that the very last one she officiated was her first same-sex wedding, of Matt and Justin.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtf6gK-dq9w/XfptZnNSngI/AAAAAAAAmGQ/-PvXupgM7-AJXyj90x5S36posQQzNBR8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/75540293_10158081231414416_7263336373858336768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="902" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtf6gK-dq9w/XfptZnNSngI/AAAAAAAAmGQ/-PvXupgM7-AJXyj90x5S36posQQzNBR8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/75540293_10158081231414416_7263336373858336768_n.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my sister's wedding, Bp. Laurie's first, in 1997</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Having all those Catholics seeing her pregnant in the pulpit and giving her a baby shower, and then attending Sophie’s baptism as her community sponsors and having her and Drew also be Kieran’s godparents.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o08F5IVEsfc/XfptnGyftVI/AAAAAAAAmGU/ntNnKcYWpVg4EMgNS8N9aycC7nRU0j7ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/264302_10150300222164416_3921505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="467" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o08F5IVEsfc/XfptnGyftVI/AAAAAAAAmGU/ntNnKcYWpVg4EMgNS8N9aycC7nRU0j7ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/264302_10150300222164416_3921505_n.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby shower</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Embracing her warmly that Christmas Eve service seven years ago, her first time back to church after finishing radiation, and 2 weeks after my ear and brain surgery.</li>
<li>Partying often: when we surprised her at her ordination anniversary with “This Is Your Life, Laurie," anniversary parties, the labyrinth blessing, welcoming her back after cancer, Advent auctions, and many sabbatical parties! We are a church that knows how to throw a great party!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jOVY4R3jJQ/Xfpv08c70kI/AAAAAAAAmHE/2Q805larVOIvPTSJjeTdUPTece99xhZPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/47192637_10155855546663091_954621133678706688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_jOVY4R3jJQ/Xfpv08c70kI/AAAAAAAAmHE/2Q805larVOIvPTSJjeTdUPTece99xhZPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/47192637_10155855546663091_954621133678706688_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party Like Gatsby a year ago</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Experiencing vibrant, creative worship and the memorable, theatrical homilies she gave, including the appearance in character of Pope Joan, Katie Luther, St. Hildegard, and Lulu with the A+ attitudes.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmfDs-4pJw8/Xfpt4iVfm7I/AAAAAAAAmGg/gwvkrBGHNpATQZum8RBxn3vjY65xCHcDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/12118897_10153173627928091_4080019500156044005_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmfDs-4pJw8/Xfpt4iVfm7I/AAAAAAAAmGg/gwvkrBGHNpATQZum8RBxn3vjY65xCHcDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/12118897_10153173627928091_4080019500156044005_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hildegard</td></tr>
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<li>Going from a church council with one Lutheran and one Catholic president to a steering team, and a community that often doesn’t even know who comes from which denomination.</li>
<li>Becoming one of the first ELCA churches in Oregon to become Reconciling in Christ.</li>
<li>Raising an amazing amount of money for the capital campaign and opening new doors of welcome and inclusion.</li>
<li>Having a rabbi, Muslim woman in hijab, our Sikh friend Jasnam, and people from many other faiths speak from our pulpit. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42RI7FYkhc8/XfpurCs6bTI/AAAAAAAAmG0/sNt9opiF3u8AWtRdG8itguO-bFELX5faQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/60567840_10156208665263091_1376742270560108544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="743" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42RI7FYkhc8/XfpurCs6bTI/AAAAAAAAmG0/sNt9opiF3u8AWtRdG8itguO-bFELX5faQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/60567840_10156208665263091_1376742270560108544_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Jasnam's Sikh gurdwara last year</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Hearing from so many incredible forums and speakers—David Oliver Relin (Jewish co-writer of <i>Three Cups of Tea</i>), Mitri Raheb, Jo Ann Hardesty, undocumented people, Rachel and Erin leading forums on sexuality and gender, etc.</li>
<li>Working with her on the renaming process, which was Spirit-led and resulted in our three core pillars—authentic, inclusive, and spirit-led, and unanimous approval of our suggested name.</li>
<li>Her grant karma! Receiving a huge grant from ELCA Churchwide that took us to our next level as a vital, vibrant community, and Bp. Laurie receiving an amazing sabbatical grant.</li>
<li>Envisioning the Catholic lay leader model and working with three fine Catholic lay leaders: Mary Follen, Linda Mellon, and Kathy Truman.</li>
<li>Working collaboratively with the best priests in the Catholic church…all of whom admire her and are not surprised she was voted as bishop.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bw8MppC5Tc/XfpuX_Pu22I/AAAAAAAAmGs/2xBjCYqfrJcHUtlCr5uFK3lHy9J8M8aRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MJ-289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bw8MppC5Tc/XfpuX_Pu22I/AAAAAAAAmGs/2xBjCYqfrJcHUtlCr5uFK3lHy9J8M8aRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/MJ-289.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bishop's last wedding as a pastor</td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Convincing us we are a fruitful place for training leaders, and getting our first Lutheran intern and perhaps the first Catholic lay intern ever! Now they are both ordained with churches of their own…and we are probably the only church in Oregon that has had a summer seminarian!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W10QMuy6OIA/Xfpn33FvqdI/AAAAAAAAmGI/qk1JHhY6xfUJv-tXEw-t_JyJ3HPlFyU4gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W10QMuy6OIA/Xfpn33FvqdI/AAAAAAAAmGI/qk1JHhY6xfUJv-tXEw-t_JyJ3HPlFyU4gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 80%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The bishop with Logan, our "summer </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 80%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">seminarian," a position they dreamed up together</span></td></tr>
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</li>
<li>Convincing us we needed to up our music game and finding the incredible Jonathan Swanson and Jasnam Daya Singh...whose talents brought in so many more of us who wanted to be part of making vibrant music.</li>
<li>Your support of those on the margins, whether they are in Palestine, the Yakama Nation, or right here in Oregon.
</li>
<li>Pushing us out of our comfort zones, over and over, from embarrassing go-round questions to getting us to think seriously about our white/American/Christian/cisgender/straight privileges.</li>
<li>Her incredible, unwavering support of inclusive language and the multitude of words she uses for God that are not “father."</li>
<li>Her phenomenal thank you card ministry.</li>
<li>Her loving embrace of all our children and the way she includes them in meaningful ways, especially during rituals.</li>
<li>The way she calls us by name when she gives us communion.</li>
<li>Crafting and making music together!</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr16ncNt-fc/XfpvGp-kpKI/AAAAAAAAmHA/ML5p6asJUR007zvW0uEMTI4j5_YFJkJigCEwYBhgL/s1600/421062_10150674852614416_16355301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr16ncNt-fc/XfpvGp-kpKI/AAAAAAAAmHA/ML5p6asJUR007zvW0uEMTI4j5_YFJkJigCEwYBhgL/s320/421062_10150674852614416_16355301_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamming on the ark at Holden Village</td></tr>
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And as much as I feel some sadness, I am so proud to know this incredible woman and be a part of her growth and blossoming over the past 23 years. I can't wait to see how she leads our progressive denomination in these difficult times. Already in her position, she's spoken out for immigrant justice and has traveled around the state to have enlightening and authentic conversations with Lutherans and other faiths. And by hiring two creative community organizing experts, Pastor Melissa Reed and former Dominican priest Juan Carlos La Puenta Tapia, she's sure to fulfill the meaning of the word "synod," which is "walking together"...beyond the church doors and outside of the ELCA congregations into new opportunities to work for justice.</div>
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And fortunately, our poor little left-behind Spirit of Grace, which definitely misses our beloved Pastor Laurie, is carrying on without her because she nurtured an outstanding group of lay leaders. We are actively studying anti-racism, how to be even more inclusive to LGBTQIA, how to advocate for peace in the Holy Land, and how to be a sanctuary church, among other justice-seeking issues. And we have a talented interim minister who is also a member of the community, and he is leading us through the process of calling a new pastor...and birthing our next bishop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop Laurie playing banjo with our band, Consorting with Papists, at her farewell party<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-45295086883899468142019-11-15T21:11:00.002-08:002019-11-15T21:14:14.082-08:00How One Sweet Six-Year-Old Changed My Mind About Dogs<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Romie's first birthday</td></tr>
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Today is our Romelita's sixth birthday!<br />
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Eleven years ago, I wrote a blog post called "<a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2008/01/portlands-going-to-dogs.html">Portland's Going to the Dogs</a>," confessing my dog <br />
scrooginess and pondering at Portland's absolute obsession with dogs. I've never been bitten by a dog or have any reason to be nervous around them, but I was a bit squeamish around dogs before 2014. Here's an excerpt of my blog post:</div>
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"I don't have any problem with people being dog lovers, but I just can't relate--probably much in the same way that purposely childless couples cannot understand why anyone would want to have children. I like my sister's family's dog, a Golden Retriever, and I have no antipathy toward dogs. It's just this obsessive affection for them that baffles me.</div>
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According to the Portland Monthly article, 42 percent of dog owners let their dogs share their bed, and 55 percent bought their pets holiday gifts. How many dogs really understand the idea of Christmas? :)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqSJI7GiRB8/Xc99D4ETcfI/AAAAAAAAmCY/2cROFddg098mB6iOcOgzVqytVxPr0FAUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/June2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>For those of you who are dog lovers, please forgive this guilty confession of mine. I feel better getting it off my chest!"</div>
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Well, today our dog Romie celebrates her sixth birthday, and we're buying her frozen yogurt to celebrate. Yes, the person who mocked people who give their pets holiday gifts! She also received a birthday card in the mail from Nick's lovely and amazing kindergarten teacher!</div>
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We got Romie five and a half years ago, and she has completely changed my relationship with dogs. It all started with an email from a coworker who volunteered for the Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals. Yuki used to send out photos and descriptions of animals she was fostering. When I saw the description of Romie...part long-haired Dachshund, part Chihuahua, seven months old, born in a shelter in Mexico, shy and friendly--I sent the email to Mike with some question marks. </div>
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Mike knows me well enough to put up with my crazy ideas...sometimes he is the one who says "I don't think so..." and other times he's all in with me! Upon receiving the dog email, he responded with interest. Kieran, then aged 11, had been begging us for a dog, for quite some time. Nick and Chris were both terrified of dogs, Chris for good reason because he'd been bitten. Nick, on the other hand, was fascinated with dogs and loved the fact that he was born in the Year of the Dog, but at the same time he was frightened of them to the point that he would always ask if our friends had dogs before we went to their house. Nick's terror was my #1 reason for wanting a dog. I didn't want him to grow up with that fear and I knew that getting a dog ourselves was the best way to conquer it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick soon after we got Romie</td></tr>
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The foster mom, Yuki, was extremely cautious about giving Romie to us...she was worried that Romie wouldn't be suited to a house with children, because she was very anxious at the time (having been newly released from the shelter where she spent the first 6 months of her life). Yuki was also concerned that Romie would escape out of our backyard. </div>
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Romie was extremely cautious and nervous for the first few weeks she was with us, but I think that made it easier for Nick to warm up to her. In fact, she didn't bark for the first month...Mike was worried that she did not know how to bark! That's definitely not a problem now. :) I've read this is a common problem for dogs who have been in shelters.</div>
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Kieran cried when we told him we were thinking of getting a dog (and promised to be her primary caregiver--HAHAHA!), Nick took to her immediately, and Chris was not thrilled. She soon became a critical part of her family. She is the most good-natured dog ever--so laid-back and easy-going, except when she hears fireworks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note Nick wrote when Romie joined us</td></tr>
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Romie has completely cured me of any dog phobias I had. I adore this girl. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First beach trip</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick has become Romie's biggest fan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romie with her cousin Ella and our nephew Ryan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dog mamas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First beach trip; still surprised we got a dog!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romie's Halloween costume this year...she was not thrilled!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I said, so good-natured!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-47255871558715882092019-11-14T16:49:00.000-08:002019-11-14T16:49:10.412-08:00Back to Old Blighty--3, Journey to the Cotswolds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because I've committed to blog every day in November, I'm going back to finish my series on our trip to England in 2018. Without a lot of income coming in at the moment, I have been dreaming of travel!!</div>
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For our first road trip of the vacation, we chose the Cotswolds. We began with a quick visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, which was fun for our English major-theatre family. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering through Stratford</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cottage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love doors in England!</td></tr>
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We went to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptized, married, and buried. I loved the graveyard outside of the church!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those kneeling pads!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the little chapel where Shakespeare is buried</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's and Anne Hathaway's grave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His daughter Susannah's grave<br />
(our top name, if we had a girl, was Susannah)</td></tr>
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After leaving the church we walked along the river into the main part of Stratford. Along the way, we found memorials to various famous actors, like this one to Vivian Leigh:<br />
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We spent some time in the marketplace, where I was intrigued by this stall with live owls:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amusing English shop sign</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's family home</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare fans!</td></tr>
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After strolling through Stratford (and also visiting the Globe's gift shop and café), we drove to our wonderful friends' bed and breakfast, <a href="https://lowerfieldfarm.com/">Lowerfield Farm</a>, ranked #17 of 482 B and Bs in the Cotswolds. We'd stayed there at Christmas 2008, the last time we'd been in the UK, when we'd celebrated 20 years of knowing our friends (and the proprietors), Sue and Gareth. We met Sue and Gareth in Japan in 1998 and became fast friends!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_leDUrlCrBik/R5Qpp_VoJAI/AAAAAAAAAxE/5Qu81Kx3YLI/s1600-h/DSC00063.JPG" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #43ff32; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 19.8px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" height="528" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157793274599580674" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_leDUrlCrBik/R5Qpp_VoJAI/AAAAAAAAAxE/5Qu81Kx3YLI/s640/DSC00063.JPG" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(67, 255, 50); position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we all were in 2008!</td></tr>
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Now our kids are teens, nearly teens, or done with their teens!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Meredith cooking on the Aga and Gareth slicing ham from their freshly slaughtered hog</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kids got along well!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought this yummy gin from Stratford and enjoyed sipping it in the evening!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back on our early years together!</td></tr>
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The next day after a lovely English cooked breakfast (the kids enjoyed eating black pudding!), we took a scenic, leisurely drive through the Cotswolds, beginning with the <a href="https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/">Cotwold Lavender</a> farm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender everywhere!</td></tr>
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Then we were off to <a href="https://broadwaytower.co.uk/">Broadway Tower</a>, where we could see views of the countryside. According to its website, Broadway Tower was "the brainchild of the great 18th century landscape designer, Capability Brown. (What a great name!) His vision was carried out for George William 6th Earl of Coventry with the help of renowned architect James Wyatt and completed in 1798. Wyatt designed his “Saxon Tower” as an eccentric amalgamation of architectural components ranging from turrets, battlements, and gargoyles to balconies."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britain is, in many ways, more sustainable than the U.S.--<br />
my plastic bag in the shop was made of recycled plastic bottles</td></tr>
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A sweet Cotswolds village:<br />
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And church with graveyard:<br />
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Sights while driving:<br />
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Stopping for tea:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kieran enjoyed sampling the microbrewed soft drinks in England</td></tr>
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Nick was happy to stop for <strike>tea</strike> ice cream, as he pronounced that he was tired of "old-timey places." That's an unfortunate reaction to England...where most of the country is "old-timey places."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making use of an old phone box</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's a defribillator!</td></tr>
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I think this was Lower Slaughter, but I'm not sure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt so refreshing to dip my feet into the water on a hot day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I convinced Mike to do the same!</td></tr>
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Beautiful stone wall:<br />
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Sweet little Stow-on-the-Wold!<br />
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We returned to Lowerfield Farm and decided to go out to dinner at the ancient <a href="https://thefleeceinn.co.uk/">Fleece Inn</a>, a bicycle ride away from the B&B. The Fleece Inn was originally built in the early 15th century (the time of Chaucer) by a farmer named Byrd and remained in the same family until 1977 when it was bequeathed to the National Trust. This text from their website shows just how old it is: "The building was already 71 years old when the Lancastrians marched by on their way to final defeat in the Wars of the Roses at the Battle of Tewksbury, and it was 200 years old when the Gunpowder Plotters rode past on their ill-fated attempt to blow up Parliament."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris enjoyed England's historic pubs!<br />The pewter on the walls has been on display for 300 years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witches' circles painted to prevent witches from flying down the chimney!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guys ordering food and drinks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kieran trying "faggots," which my dad loved in England!<br />Faggots are large meatballs made of off-cuts and offal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My yummy chicken and apricot pie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recreating our classic photo!</td></tr>
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Since we saw each other last, both of our families have been through difficult times. Sue battled cancer and I had my many ear and brain surgeries. We were happy to be together, healthy and active and loving life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our combined beautiful kids!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recreating classic photos from Japan</td></tr>
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Of course, we had fun looking back at old photo albums from Japan! Have you ever had a friend who, although you've been separated by miles and years, when you see them again it's as if no time has passed? That is Sue and Gareth for us...friends for over 30 years, friends forever.</div>
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If you ever go to the Cotswolds, you must stay at Lowerfield Farm!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-34740662776778063702019-11-10T23:07:00.000-08:002019-11-11T17:25:48.195-08:00Harriet (the movie)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe "Harriet" is the first movie that's been made about badass Underground Railroad
conductor, union spy, civil war commander, and suffragette. After playing one of my favorite literary characters on Broadway (Celie from "The Color Purple"), British actor and singer Cynthia Erivo nails the role of Harriet Tubman in this movie.
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The screenwriter/director <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-11-04/harriet-movie-cynthia-erivo-kasi-lemmons">Kasi Lemmons wanted this movie to be about freedom</a> instead of just another movie about slavery. Consequently, some critics have criticized the movie for not showing the evils of slavery more vividly and <a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/reviews/2483322/harriet-review-a-routine-historical-biopic-with-brief-moments-of-exhilaration">clinging too closely to the traditional biopic habits</a> (such as a melodramatic music score). <a href="https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/harriet">Rotten Tomatoes</a> shows critics rating it 72 percent vs. audience reviews of 97 percent...so what do the critics know?</div>
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What it does show clearly is that Tubman faced down every possible obstacle--as a Black woman and a slave--to not only escape herself by running over 100 miles, but also take 70+ more people to freedom, including her own family. She never lost a passenger. </div>
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Many years ago I read the definitive biography, <i>Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton</i>, but it's entirely different to see her life played out so beautifully by Erivo on screen. "Moses" relied on her faith and music to keep herself going, driven to rescue as many people as she could. She had visions and regularly talked to God through her spells (seizures). </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adieb33KGQw/Xcj--uFz44I/AAAAAAAAl-A/vGJpelmwQQMMNsr6Bb9WlUzPdv6AJkomgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/harriet-trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1000" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adieb33KGQw/Xcj--uFz44I/AAAAAAAAl-A/vGJpelmwQQMMNsr6Bb9WlUzPdv6AJkomgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/harriet-trailer.jpg" width="320" /></a>In writing the movie, Kasi Lemmons took some liberty with history, inserting a few fictional characters such as one of my favorite characters, Marie (of course!), played by the amazing Janelle Monae. Even if Harriet didn't have a real Marie in her life, I hope that she received some tender loving care from some kind soul when she arrived in Philadelphia...just as she does in the movie.</div>
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The end of the movie races a bit through the end of her life, and I found myself wanting to know more about Harriet as a cook, nurse, spy, and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/04/160421-harriet-tubman-20-dollar-bill-union-spy-history/">the first woman in U.S. history to lead a military expedition</a>. I can't remember if her biography covers many of those activities, but I'm tempted to reread it.</div>
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While <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/harriet-illuminates-harriet-tubman-s-heroism-not-world-necessitated-it-ncna1075186">"Harriet" could have gone deeper into the evils of slavery and racism</a>, I love it for the fact that it is a rare movie about an enslaved Black woman who also happens to be a true American hero. Take a look at the video below of Erivo singing "Stand Up," which she also cowrote. <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/10/cynthia-erivo-star-aretha-franklin-queen-of-soul-nat-geo-genius-aretha-franklin-1202751227/">Next she'll take on another American hero, Aretha Franklin</a>. She's making the rounds of talk shows and <a href="https://deadline.com/2019/11/the-late-show-stephen-colbert-cynthia-erivo-song-1202781958/">brought Stephen Colbert to tears when she sang to him</a>. </div>
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Go see this movie! <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">#NaBloPoMo2019</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-17699495338142172042019-11-06T19:10:00.000-08:002019-11-11T17:26:04.671-08:00Two plays to see in Portland this month: DNA and La RutaWe have seen two powerful plays in the past few weeks, "DNA" at the Oregon Children's Theatre and "La Ruta" at the Artist's Repertory Theatre. One is about spoiled teenagers ala "Lord of the Flies" and the other is about Mexican women and girls going missing at the border.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DNA</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><b></b>Shameless confession: Kieran, my oldest son, is in <a href="https://www.octc.org/dna">DNA</a>, a psychological thriller by British playwright Dennis Kelly. It's produced by the Oregon Children's Theatre's <a href="https://www.octc.org/yp-company">Young Professionals</a> (YP). <i><a href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/portland/article/OCTs-Young-Professionals-Company-Presents-DNA-20190919">Broadway World</a></i> describes it: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many tense conversations<br />
in "DNA" at Oregon Children's Theatre<br />
Photo by Briana Cerezo</td></tr>
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"When a local teen is presumed dead, a group of their peers begins a dangerous spiral down into guilt and panic. What unfolds is a complex unraveling of reason and the chaos of group mentality."</blockquote>
Kieran and Sylvia Grosvold (who plays the talkative Lea) were interviewed for the radio along with YP director Dani Baldwin and Michael Hammerstrom (marketing & communications director). The interviewer seemed to know Oregon Children's Theatre as the company that produces children's shows like "The Hungry Caterpillar." This is not your stereotypical children's theater!<br />
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A modern-day mini <i>Lord of the Flies</i>, the YP cast does an excellent job tackling the British accents and difficult content during dialogue-rich, spell-binding scenes. It's the second play Kieran's been in this year when he's played a sociopath. Hope this is not a trend. How about a nice leading-man role next time? (Seriously, though, he and my oldest son Chris are both drawn to these darker plays, so maybe no leading man role anytime soon!) Kieran is in only the first half of the play, and then he mostly disappears.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kieran as the menacing John Tate<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you dare cross him!<br />
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"DNA" is a study of what can happen with groupthink and peer pressure. Who will stand up against the group to do the right thing? Who will speak up for the underdog? Who will keep them all from descending into guilt and in some cases, madness?
The YP troupe of 60 teens chooses their shows and then produces and performs them with college-level training. This is the second YP show we've seen in the past year that addresses the role of the bystander. "<a href="https://www.octc.org/good-kids">Good Kids</a>," which Kieran house-managed earlier in April, handled the weighty topics of date rape and "slut shaming" and shared the bystander theme.
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In addition to performing and producing, the YPs do all their own work behind the scenes as well. As <a href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/portland/article/OCTs-Young-Professionals-Company-Presents-DNA-20190919">Broadway World</a> notes, "The success of these positions is immediately apparent: several members of the creative team for DNA were themselves former members of the YP company."
Kieran has loved being a YP--he's getting hands-on experience and building theater connections and friendships that will last a lifetime, while performing and producing extremely challenging work.<br />
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DNA is headed into its closing weekend, and tickets are going fast! They'll be performing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (with a talk-back afterwards). <a href="https://www.octc.org/dna">You can purchase tickets here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>La Ruta</b></span><br />
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And because our Kieran is drawn to the dark and serious plays, we got to see one of the first nights of "<a href="http://www.artistsrep.org/ticketing/201920-season/la-ruta/">La Ruta</a>" at Artists Repertory Theater (temporarily housed at the Portland Opera). I will not forget this play for a very long time.<br />
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As I'm sitting in my sister's house writing this blog post, I hear Spanish being spoken in the background by her home improvement contractors. I am reminded of the silenced voices in our mainstream U.S. society and the unspoken stories that go along with them.<br />
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On the border near El Paso, Texas, tens of thousands of young women go to work in Juarez to earn $55/week in 330 maquiladoras operated by multinational companies like General Electric, Alcoa, Foxconn, Boeing, Johnson Controls, Siemens, and DuPont.
Juárez is nicknamed “the capital of murdered women," and it's marked with memorials and monuments, crosses, and messages left in memory of over 1,500 femicide victims. <br />
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Here's the description of the play from <a href="https://www.artistsrep.org/ticketing/201920-season/la-ruta/?fbclid=IwAR1HazU84sNwu_pO4HzAJJ6_mlHVzO576aaM7SCJbQgAk7wCAdwT4joZF6Q">the Artists Repertory</a>:
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"Since 1993, the women of Juárez, Mexico have been disappearing and no one has solved the mystery. The bus route that takes these women to and from their U.S.-owned factory jobs is often the last place they are seen. Based on real life testimonies, each woman represented in La Ruta bears witness to the secrets buried under the hot desert sun. Bouncing back and forth in time and featuring live music, the intensely harrowing La Ruta gives a passionate voice to the women who have disappeared."</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/02/15/ciudad-juarez-mexico-el-paso-border-security-donald-trump-violence/2878082002/">The Trump administration's brutal immigration policies and attitudes have put even more women in harm's way</a>. According to one organization, six women are killed in Mexico every single day. <i><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/mexicos-epidemic-of-missing-and-murdered-women/article25137141/">The Globe and Mail</a></i> reports,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"According to the UN, more than 2,500 deaths of women in Mexico every year can be attributed to gender-targeted violence. The National Citizen Femicide Observatory, or OCNF, says at least six women are targeted and killed every day in Mexico. Of those, less than a quarter are investigated. Of those investigations, fewer than 2 percent lead to a sentence."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/01/23/Across-Mexico-border-from-safe-El-Paso-violence-surges-in-Jurez/2961548187558/">UPI reports that</a></span><br />
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"Mexico has the highest rating for impunity--exemption from punishment or freedom from consequences--of any country in the Americas, according to the Global Impunity Index. Its national statistical office, INEGI, reported in 2017 that 93.2 percent of crimes in Mexico go unreported. Mexico's impunity rating afflicts Ciudad Juárez, which is dominated by organized crime engaged in trafficking of drugs and people, and where socioeconomic inequality feeds violence."
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/artistsrep/videos/374082743304715/">La Ruta</a>," written by Isaac Gomez, tells the story of these women and the women who love them and who are searching for answers. The Artists Rep version is only the second time this play has been produced, the first being at Steppenwolf a year ago. Steppenwolf describes "La Ruta":</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"To the U.S.-owned factories in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, La Ruta is just a bus. But to the women who live, work and often disappear along the route, it's so much more than that. Inspired by real testimonies, and using live music to evoke factory work and protest marches, La Ruta is a visceral unearthing of secrets buried in the desert and a celebration of the Mexican women who stand resiliently in the wake of loss."</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The all-female, all-Latina cast shines in this gorgeous, gut-wrenching piece of art and reality. The play is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of free trade, manufacturing, poverty, and immigration...and the way that women are so often viewed as commodities in the economy and criminal underworld. I feel heartbroken for these mothers who have lost their daughters, especially with no answers. Women who have organized for answers have received death threats.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I highly recommend you see this riveting play...or find another way to learn more about the lost women of Juarez. I plan to plow into some books and movies to further educate myself. "La Ruta" is on until December 1. <a href="http://www.artistsrep.org/ticketing/201920-season/la-ruta/">You can buy tickets here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll close with words from the playwright, and I've included an interview between the director and playwright at the bottom of this post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Every single woman in this play is based on a real person. And although some names have been changed for their protection, the violence they face and their resilience have not. I made a promise to these women that their stories would be heard by as many people as humanly possible...we are one step closer to keeping that promise -- to bear witness and carry their stories forward. As a queer Mexicano from the border, I owe my entire existence to Mexican women. This play is for them. Para todas. Para siempre.”</span></span></blockquote>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-46420721454308864752019-11-04T11:02:00.004-08:002019-11-11T17:26:19.590-08:00Overcoming the stigma of hearing aids<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>At age 52, I got a hearing aid. </b></span></div>
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But first I had to overcome my own internalized stigma to wearing a hearing aid. Until then, most of what I knew about hearing aids was that they whistled a lot and also tended to get lost frequently (based on my dad's experience).</div>
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When my ear surgeon suggested I consider getting one, I balked. Surely I was far too young and my hearing wasn't <i>that</i> bad. I couldn't get past the idea that I was too young and </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What would people think?</span></b></i></div>
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After developing a rare tumor in my ear, called a cholesteatoma, I had to have four ear surgeries and a brain surgery in the space of five years. If you are new to this blog, you can read more about <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/search?q=cholesteatoma">my cholesteatoma journey</a> in previous posts. The cholesteatoma ate away the bones of my left ear (and also ate into the dura, or lining of my brain, hence <a href="https://marie-everydaymiracle.blogspot.com/2012/12/no-more-leaky-brain.html">the brain surgery</a>). Although the ear surgeon had been able to rebuild them somewhat, I ended up with a hearing loss.</div>
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Anyone over 50 knows the experience of hearing loss, right? In fact, <b>over 5 percent of the world’s population (360 million people) have hearing loss</b>, including <b>one-third of people over 65</b>, and I'm not alone in having a hard time getting over the stigma. <a href="https://www.hearinglikeme.com/end-hearing-aid-stigma/"><b>It takes an average of 10 years for someone with hearing loss to seek help</b></a>. My big aha moment came at a business meeting at corporate headquarters in Denver. When soft-spoken people across the large conference room talked, I struggled to catch everything. I realized I'd better take this hearing loss seriously.<br />
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As for the stigma I was still trying to surpass, I planned to keep my hair longer around my ears so no one could see the hearing aid...and I planned to use it only when I needed the extra help.<br />
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Most insurance does not cover hearing aids. I asked my ear surgeon for a rough cost estimate so I could start saving up. When he referred me to the audiologist on his team, she told me about "voc rehab," short for "vocational rehabilitation." <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/employment/VR/Pages/Index.aspx">The State of Oregon has a program</a> that funds hearing aids for working people. It's all about keeping people employed. All I had to do was fill out some paperwork with the audiologist and have an interview with a case manager and wait several weeks.<br />
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At the voc rehab office, I realized I was not their typical client--much of what they do is job training and equipping people for the workplace. The state paid for my $3,500 top-of-the line hearing aid. Thank you, Oregon! Most people are not aware of voc rehab assistance for hearing aids. It was a godsend for me, because it meant I would no longer put off treating my hearing loss. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summer I got my hearing aid (you can see it,<br />
just barely, if you zoom into my ear)</td></tr>
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At first I thought I would just wear the hearing aid when I needed it--like during large meetings. Little did I know that hearing aids do not work that way. You have to train your brain to get used to hearing aids. You can't just put them in when it suits you. My audiologist told me that once I trained my brain, if I stopped wearing them for a while I would have to train my brain all over again! Ugh. It was all or nothing. I've realized that a lot of people who have hearing aids often forget to wear them, or they complain about them a lot...and I wonder if anyone ever told them that they need to wear them all the time for them to be effective.</div>
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I'll never forget the first time I walked out of the ear clinic wearing my new hearing aid. It was similar to the first time I got contact lenses. The details of our wonderful world opened up before me. I could hear everything, including the gravel crunching under my feet. Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming at first. For the first two weeks, I suffered constant headaches as my brain got used to more noise everywhere. My dad didn't have this kind of problem when he first got his hearing aids, so perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I have only one hearing aid. </div>
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I pushed through the pain and unsettled feelings of the first couple of weeks and got used to it. Now if I forget my hearing aid, I'll drive back home to get it. It's worth it for that improved understanding the hearing aid gives me. Now I realize I thought I was hearing things fine, but my brain was compensating. I was missing a lot. When my family is being noisy, sometimes it's convenient to remove my hearing aid when I want to hear less!<br />
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A few weeks after I started wearing a hearing aid, I was fortunate to take an art class on the mandala...coincidentally taught by a highly talented artist who has a much more severe hearing loss than I do. Mandalas, when done well, are a journey of the self. My mandala illustrates the injury to my ear, along with symbols of the things that are important to me, the value I get from using all of my senses effectively, and the rainbow around my life...summed up in the word "resilience," for I will not let myself be hobbled by a hearing loss. Through my cholesteatoma trials, I realized that resilience is the theme of my life and it is my motto.</div>
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I constantly hear from friends whose spouses/parents/significant others need hearing aids but don't want to get them...or sometimes they have them and don't want to wear them. I am happy to be a champion for hearing aids!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Take my word for it:<br />hearing aids really do improve quality of life.</b> </span></div>
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Here's <a href="https://davidsonhearingaids.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Purchasing-Hearing-Aids-1.pdf">a quick checklist</a> from Davidson Hearing Aids to see if you could benefit from hearing aids.
If you answer “Yes” to any of the following statements, you should get your hearing tested and consider a hearing aid.</div>
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I require frequent repetition in order to understand speech. </div>
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I have difficulty following conversations with more than two people. </div>
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I think other people’s voices sound muffled. </div>
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I have difficulty hearing in noisy situations. </div>
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I have trouble hearing children and women. </div>
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I turn the TV or radio up louder than others. </div>
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I answer or respond inappropriately in conversations. </div>
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I experience ringing in my ears. </div>
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I read lips or depend on other people’s facial expressions during conversations.</div>
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Beyond just hearing better (a huge benefit itself!), here are additional benefits of hearing aids:</div>
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<b>Improved cognitive skills:</b> If you leave your hearing loss untreated, it can lead to faster cognitive decline. Hearing aids can help improve your brain function and working memory. According to <a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-aids-benefits.html?CMP=KNC-DSO-Adobe-Bing-Hearing-Aids-Improve&s_kwcid=AL!4520!10!73461349212469!73461283940878&ef_id=XO7slAAAAF6fojve:20191104021233:s">the AARP</a>, <br />
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"A research team from the University of Maryland Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences followed 35 older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who had never worn hearing aids. One group was given hearing aids to wear over a period of six months; the other group went without. The researchers used a variety of tests to assess participants’ hearing, as well as their working memory, attention and processing speed. After six months, the same tests were repeated. What they learned: Those who wore hearing aids showed improved memory, as well as an improvement in the way the brain processed sound."</blockquote>
When you wear hearing aids, the parts of your brain that are trying to ascertain what's going on and stay up with conversations can now be used in more powerful ways. </div>
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<b>Reduced risk of dementia: </b>The risk of developing dementia in people with a mild hearing loss is two times higher than those with normal hearing, and the risk increases with the hearing loss. Those with untreated severe hearing loss have a four times higher risk of developing dementia than people with normal hearing.<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">*</span> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-aids-benefits.html?CMP=KNC-DSO-Adobe-Bing-Hearing-Aids-Improve&s_kwcid=AL!4520!10!73461349212469!73461283940878&ef_id=XO7slAAAAF6fojve:20191104021233:s">Researchers believe that people with untreated hearing loss have a higher dementia risk</a> because of (1) the constant strain of trying to decipher sounds overwhelms the brain, (2) a person can become socially isolated and have less mental stimulation, and (3) hearing loss results in tissue loss in the hearing portion of the brain, which also controls memory, learning, and thinking. Fortunately, studies show that if you treat the hearing loss, your dementia risk will be similar to someone without a hearing loss. This proves that our brain needs to hear sounds and stay engaged.</div>
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<b>Improved health and bank account:</b> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/hearing-aids-benefits.html?CMP=KNC-DSO-Adobe-Bing-Hearing-Aids-Improve&s_kwcid=AL!4520!10!73461349212469!73461283940878&ef_id=XO7slAAAAF6fojve:20191104021233:s">Further studies show</a> that people with severe hearing losses have twice the unemployment rate as people with normal hearing. Older adults with hearing aids are less likely to go to the hospital, and if they do go, they have shorter stays! Furthermore, older adults with untreated hearing loss have 46 percent higher health costs than those with normal hearing...probably because of the following factors...</div>
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<b>Reduced risk of falls:</b> Your hearing is closely linked to your vestibular system. Seniors with hearing loss are at a greatly increased risk of falling. Even with a mild hearing loss, the risk of falls is three times higher, and it increases further by 1.4 times for each additional 10 percent drop in hearing.</div>
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<b>Improved mood and decreased depression: </b>The AARP reports that "a survey by the National Council on Aging of 2,300 hearing-impaired adults, age 50 and older, found that those with untreated hearing loss are more likely to battle depression and anxiety than those who use hearing aids. Among those with severe hearing loss, 30 percent of nonusers of hearing aids fessed up to sad feelings, compared to 22 percent of hearing aid users." If you can't hear what's going on, it can isolate you and cause you to feel left out...contributing to depression. It also can make you feel older and more feeble...not a good feeling!</div>
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<b>Better relationships: </b>Anyone who suffers a hearing loss knows how hard it is to communicate when you can't hear well. A British study found that 44 percent of people reported relationship problems because they couldn't hear properly. It also can have detrimental effects on your marriage or romantic relationship. It can get exhausting for your partner to have to keep repeating and explaining things. Fortunately, hearing aids can help. A Hear the World Foundation survey of more than 4,000 people found that hearing aids improved relationships in 70 percent of respondents.</div>
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<b>Better sense of location:</b> Hearing aids will help you hear where sounds are coming from, creating a safer environment for you. Not knowing where sounds are coming from can be dangerous. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Statistics from the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario</span><br />
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Wearing a hearing aid has improved my quality of life and increased my self-confidence in groups of people. I don't have to ask people to repeat themselves and when I attend a play or other sort of performance--or attend a large business meeting--I can hear everything so I can participate more. I can also turn up my hearing aid if someone is talking especially quietly.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And about that stigma? </span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two years later, with my youngest son again<br />
Still wearing my hair short!</td></tr>
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Most people don't even know I wear a hearing aid...although I got past my own stigma pretty quickly and continue to wear my hair short. If people look hard at my ear, they can see it. As I've been applying for jobs, I have to mark if I have a disability or not. That's a tough one--because yes, I do have a disability, but it does not affect my inability to do my job well, thanks to my hearing aid. I mark "no" in that box.<br />
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What I realize now is that my hearing aid helps me stay youthful and full of vitality. Nothing ages a person more than having to ask people to repeat themselves and not being able to contribute to every conversation. My dad's much more extensive hearing loss can be isolating for him, especially when he is not wearing his hearing aids. My hearing aid helps me stay mentally sharp and fully engaged in my social life and career.
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If you or your loved one have a hearing loss, consider getting (or using your) hearing aids before it's too late. <b>The younger you are when you take this step, the easier the adjusting process will go. </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The sooner you take action, you can reduce your risk of auditory deprivation. Your brain might no longer be able to process sound frequencies if you don't use that part of your brain. Consequently, it could be harder for you to get used to hearing aids.
But it's <span style="color: #000120;"><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-philip/11192748/Duke-of-Edinburgh-seen-wearing-hearing-aids-for-first-time.html">better late than never--Prince Philip started wearing hearing aids at age 95</a>!</span><br />
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Just a few final pieces of advice:<br />
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<ul><span style="background-color: white;">
<li><b>If you do not have hearing loss, protect your hearing before it's too late. </b>Wear ear plugs or another form of ear protection when mowing the lawn, using power machinery, or attending rock concerts. In my case, that wouldn't have helped, but in many cases hearing loss is due to damage to your ears though loud noises.</li>
<li><b>Find a qualified, certified audiologist</b> to fit you with hearing aids and if possible, get the highest quality you can afford. Hearing aids can take some adjustment to get right--after I got mine I went back a few weeks later to get them readjusted--and it's worth it to invest the time and money to do it correctly. </li>
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Do you wear a hearing aid? What has your experience been? Do you have any advice to impart to others? Chime in below in the comments! Happy hearing! <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">#NaBloPoMo2019</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-41017114299400043962019-10-31T14:03:00.000-07:002019-10-31T14:29:44.952-07:00O Susanna? No more working on the railroad...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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When Kieran was in second grade, his elementary school eliminated music from its programs. I began volunteering to teach music in his classroom, and I continued for many years until Nicholas finished third grade. Two of the classes' favorite songs were "O Susannah" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad." They are easy songs to teach and sing, but I had no idea of the background. </div>
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Yesterday I learned from a <a href="https://medium.com/@katyaermolaeva/dinah-put-down-your-horn-154b8d8db12a">Medium article by musicologist Dr. Katya Ermolaeva</a> that both of these popular American folk songs, along with "Camptown Races," were minstrel songs. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Blackface minstrel songs, the racist relic right under our noses, must be recognized for what they are and removed from schools if we want to move forward toward justice and equity as a society."</i></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>--Dr. Katya Ermolaeva</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Illustration by David Stone Martin from "Songs to Grow On,"<br />
a children's music book with modernized minstrel songs </td></tr>
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I learned that Mickey Mouse originated from a minstrel character. And that minstrel players played the banjo to caricature Black musicians (the banjo was brought from Africa). And that Dinah, as in "Dinah, blow your horn" was a 19th-century generic name for an African-American woman, based on the slave cook Aunt Dinah from <i>Uncle Tom's Cabin</i>. "I've Been Working on the Railroad" has been whitewashed through history, as Dr. Ermolaeva explains in detail. </div>
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After reading this excellent article, I did a bit of research on "O Susanna." The nonsense lyrics fit into the caricatures of Black people in the minstrel shows and popular culture at the time, with more banjo playing. </div>
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I was horrified to learn that the original lyrics in "O Susanna" included the n-word...as in "De lectric fluid magnified, And killed five hundred n-----." </span></div>
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Two more of Foster's songs used the n-word (</span>"Old Uncle Ned" and "Oh! Lemuel"). <a href="http://everything.explained.today/Oh!_Susanna/">Harry C. Browne made one of the first recordings</a>, using the original "killed five hundred n-" lyrics, in 1916, along with other racist songs, including "N-- Love a Watermelon Ha! Ha! Ha!." Over the years, the words morphed from the minstrel caricature dialect into popular music, similar to "I've Been Working on the Railroad.</span></div>
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Surely "Buffalo Gals," another favorite of the kids, was safe? No sirree! "Buffalo Gals" was another minstrel song, written as "Lubly Fan" in 1844 by the blackface minstrel John Hodges, who performed as "Cool White." The song is actually about prostitutes. <a href="https://www.toptenz.net/top-10-whimsical-songs-dark-implications.php">"Blue Tail Fly" is another minstrel song, and "O Shenandoah" began with a Native American slur</a>.</div>
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I am now chastened and horrified to reflect that I sang these songs with impressionable children, without any understanding of their history. It's a reminder to me that every old thing we cherish could use research and reflection to understand it better...and to understand if its origins harmed other people, like these minstrel songs did. And what's the answer? Back to Dr. Ermolaeva:
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"Removing minstrel songs from schools will not undo the damage already done by blackface minstrelsy. Their removal, however, would serve as an acknowledgement of the damage wrought by these songs and a pledge to no longer promote that legacy. Our children won’t know the difference now, but one day they will be grateful for our efforts to rid their classrooms — and their childhoods — of racist songs that were once powerful instruments of oppression."</blockquote>
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We have a plethora of songs to choose from, and we do not need to sing songs with a racist history. When I know better, I do better. Thank you to Dr. Ermolaeva for educating me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1559557015763675662.post-59241207312052030742019-09-07T20:06:00.001-07:002019-09-07T21:43:22.543-07:00Ten Reasons Why I Love Rock VoicesIf you know me personally, you've heard about my latest obsession: <a href="http://rockvoices.com/">Rock Voices</a>. Here's why I love it so:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first time I sang karaoke, in Osaka, Japan (1986)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Rock Star Fantasies Come to Life.</span></b> As a young girl, I had fantasies of becoming a singer like many other young girls. I learned to play the guitar at 10, sang "Let It Be" for my school talent show in seventh grade, and even wrote music. Now I get to perform with a real life rock band and 99+ other people with rock star fantasies, singing fun music with beautifully arranged harmonies.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Life-Giving Qualities of Music.</span></b> Music has filled my life, from learning to play the violin in fourth grade and playing violin and cello through high school to learning how to play mandolin in my 40s. We became well known in the NICU as the "singing Gettels," because we sang to Chris in his isolette every single day. I sang my kids to sleep each evening when they were little. I was thrilled to get my first iPod and felt like I finally had my own personal radio station. I've always been drawn to music, and it has the ability to lift me up like nothing else.
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3. The Opportunity to Be Part of Something Bigger.</span></b> </span>I was an orchestra kid and sang in our small church choir, so the only other time I've sung in a large choir was my first year in college...and it was all women. Not the same! I love the harmonies and power we create as a large six-part choir! And when we come across a tough piece of music and work it out together, it’s like solving a tough puzzle together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shKBi6-Qb6o/XXQju_62upI/AAAAAAAAlmY/DRivl5mveM4ZM43IPkUbjBBl4x0hR1MFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shKBi6-Qb6o/XXQju_62upI/AAAAAAAAlmY/DRivl5mveM4ZM43IPkUbjBBl4x0hR1MFgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6414.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2019 concert</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“There are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does,” says one Johns Hopkins otolaryngologist. “If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.”</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Keeping the Brain Nimble and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone.</span></b> <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music">Research shows</a> that music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. We perform 15 songs each season, and we MEMORIZE EVERY SINGLE SONG! That sounds completely overwhelming, but I've done it now for three seasons in a row. The first time I auditioned for a solo, I was terrified...in spite of the fact I lead music at church every week without any nerves. Each time auditioning--and singing solos--has gotten easier, and I adore the support everyone receives from Mark and the rest of the choir during the auditions. Each time I've sung in a concert I've been nervous, but it's getting easier and easier each time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the Summer 2019 concert</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. The Chance to Drive My Kids Crazy with Part Recordings.</b> </span>The secret to memorizing all that music in a few months? Part recordings! Rock Voices provides recordings for each part, and I listen to them nonstop to learn my Soprano 1 parts and lyrics. My kids hate the part recordings, so of course I torture them as much as possible. You can bet they were really thrilled to hear Mike and Chris are joining, so now they'll hear both the tenor AND soprano parts!! Fortunately they always enjoy the actual concerts, and in fact are amazed by how good the choir sounds when all the parts are put together!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Amazing Snacks!</b> </span>We have a snack break at each rehearsal, a full table of snacks in the concert green room, and frequent parties and random get-togethers. Many of the choir members love to cook and bake, and great creativity is displayed in many of the snacks. The last two post-concert parties have been held at the home of the incredibly kind and generous Dian and Steve Wells, who have one of the most beautiful gardens and homes I've seen.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. (Director) Mark and (Assistant) Caley.</span></b> I met Caley nearly 25 years ago, when I loved working with her at CH2M HILL. We became close friends and I came to know Mark after she'd left the company to raise her daughters. I am all too familiar with musical snobs...people who have been trained classically (like Mark) who look down on people who do not read music or who struggle to carry a tune. Rock Voices has no requirement to audition or even read music, so the directors deal with all levels of competence and experience. Mark is never anything but patient, kind, supportive, and fun. Caley, also classically trained, accompanies us when we're learning our parts. When Rock Voices began, she thought she'd just do it for the first season...but she soon became addicted like the rest of us. I adore these people.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. The Community and Fun! </b></span>What's astonishing about this group of people, which started last summer with about 30 and now has grown to over 100 people, is that I've not met one member who I don't like. Mark and Caley's generous and warm spirits attract others like them. Many of our members are in service professions, and all are kind and caring. I'm all about finding communities, and Rock Voices has become another of those communities. I even feel connected to Rock Voices choirs on the east coast, because we have an active Facebook group. Before the last concert,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/alicia1972/videos/10216471561193863/"> two women in New England posted videos of their practices together</a> and they were hilarious! We all sing the same songs, which builds camaraderie across the country. On the east coast, members often sing with other choirs...and we've had an occasional visitor come to our choir as well.
Our weekly rehearsals always have me laughing, often because of Mark and Caley flirting or teasing one another! <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to sing with Chris' love<br />
Emma in the spring--<br />
she has a fantastic voice!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">9. The Healing, and the Opportunity to Give Back.</span></b> I have had a hard year this year, as have many other people. Each time I'm feeling a little down on a Monday, I go to choir and it ALWAYS lifts me up. So many of us have experienced losses, pain, anxiety and depression, death of family members, or some other grief...and music heals us, or at the very least, lightens our load a bit. The mission of Rock Voices is "Healing Ourselves and Others through Song," and I witness that at each rehearsal and concert. We raise money for local nonprofits at our concerts, and scholarships are available for people who cannot afford the full fees to sing. (Mike and I are availing ourselves of that benefit for the first time this fall, because of my job situation...and I am grateful.)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">10. My book group buddies!</span></b> I love my book group dearly. They are wonderful, funny, and bright women...and I love seeing three of them each week at choir! I feel sorry for the book groupies who are not in choir, because not only are they missing out, but they also have to listen to us talking about choir all the time. It's seriously an addiction, or maybe a cult! We also discovered that one of our members, Katie, had been hiding away a phenomenal voice and ability to rock the house. The first time Katie sings a solo each season, we are so starstruck listening to her that we fail to sing our parts correctly.<br />
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I'm about to start my fourth season of Rock Voices, and this time Mike, Chris, and my dad's friend are joining me. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZBKFoeDKJo&list=PLi6AgfJ4V9Fi8n6uP97x1ls-ikWbV9Obb">The song list</a> is going to be the widest ranging ever. We take about a month off between each season, and many of us feel desperate to get back together again. Monday nights feel empty.<br />
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Let me know if you'd like to know more about Rock Voices or if you'd like to come to a concert! You can see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgcHCRlKtkKkJPH-whlZPA">some of our concert videos on YouTube. Our next concert will be in January 2020. </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2