tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-207549232012-01-21T18:17:37.378-08:00"Kind Words are the Music of the World"Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.comBlogger6061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-77934917951009043652012-01-11T15:50:00.000-08:002012-01-11T23:15:22.442-08:00

Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest knows that the winters can be soul crushing. It's not the rain that gets to a person, it's the gray. Sometimes blue sky isn't seen for weeks. It's like living under a soggy blanket, driving cheer away. But this winter we in Western Oregon are enjoying Eastern Oregon weather, minus the snow. Blue skies during the daytime and freezing fogs that leave a

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-45931274311907338612011-12-19T12:19:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:12:33.179-08:00

Raised in a musically-inclined, church-going family has placed me amidst Christmas music and Christmas Services my entire life. I've experienced it all. From tiny church programs as full of sincerity as they were short on talent, to huge extravaganzas full of talent and seemingly full of pride as well, and everything in-between. I've enjoyed most of them, some very very much. There are many ways

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-2472606296756454092011-12-17T10:23:00.000-08:002011-12-17T10:27:15.716-08:00

‎"In Washington DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-72941104721472645422011-11-03T15:51:00.000-07:002011-11-03T15:59:29.911-07:00

Vibrant and outstandingly different from the colors surrounding it, this leaf rubber-necked my attention just now. To have that sort of influence, what a gift. To capture attention. To invigorate. To dispel the dull and ordinary with beauty and boldness. To surprise, quietly, with loveliness. To such an existence I aspire. Not that I want attention for attention sake, no, but to be a vessel

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-68164326280025948012011-10-23T11:27:00.000-07:002011-10-23T15:08:46.256-07:00

"Alarmingly, recess is vanishing in many primary schools. Kinder-garteners are expected to acquire 'prelearning skills' before they even get to primary school. In Sweden they have a very different approach. There, preschool children are encouraged to play and relax without any structured learning for the first six years of their lives. They go for nature walks every day, even in the bitter

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-74433162914265040572011-10-11T10:16:00.000-07:002011-10-11T10:17:08.785-07:00

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-63430241719775091512011-10-08T17:33:00.000-07:002011-10-09T10:31:45.983-07:00

My family and I stalled as long as we could before we lit the first fire. One evening last week when Caroline and I were home alone, we looked at each other and knew. It was time. "It's so cold." "Yep." Tom and I had everything ready for the first fire of autumn. Kindling, firewood, ashes cleaned out of the stove. Once we had a fire going, well, it felt really really good. Haven't needed

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-77949680531544258892011-09-29T21:08:00.001-07:002011-09-29T22:49:45.793-07:00

I think today was the last real day of summer for our fair valley. Eighty-four degrees, blue sky. Caroline Weeds I told my family I was going to spend the day outside. And I did. Herbs were harvested along with tomatoes, green beans, and the last of the sugar snap peas. Then the beans and pea plants were uprooted, their short, wire protectors removed. The tomato/lettuce garden was

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-83473034136728672612011-09-27T14:15:00.000-07:002011-09-27T19:19:35.313-07:00

Grabbing my basket from atop the refrigerator I head through the house and out the side door where lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, peas, beans, blueberries, pumpkins, and herbs grow. I realize I'm smiling."I LOVE picking salads from the soil!" I exclaim to no one at all. Bending low to the ground I slide my hand into ruffled greens; a thumbnail gently severs first one leaf, then another. Into

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-47508333295641638232011-09-26T17:58:00.000-07:002011-09-26T18:36:51.660-07:00

Fragile human beings. Overloaded and under energized. Sometimes life beats us up. Badly. But the faithful keep going in the face of darkness, through the gloom. Belief in change and eventual relief sustain until a finger points to God restoring balance and deep breath. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."Dispirited shuffling around a corner, eyes on carpet,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-54725649055060923922011-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:55:08.089-07:00

One season passed since I've posted.Family, friends, vegetables, flowers, kayaking, hiking, canoeing, swimming in lakes, bike riding, tennis, festivals, food, and laughing. So much good laughing. Good crying, too, shared and bubbled up from hearts grown warm with love in moments tender.Renewed I pick up where June left off. Caroline and I embrace fresh studies together. Just as my shoulders

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-85467343541387483002011-06-08T12:02:00.000-07:002011-06-08T12:11:56.660-07:00

I am in love with languages, particularly English, Italian, and French.My goal is to reach fluency in at least Italian or French before I die. Preferably both. I am a long long way from my goal.Indeed, the journey is most enjoyable. I am in no hurry. My pleasure spurs me on.Just now I have completed the Rosetta Stone French Course, Level One. Tingly with excitement, as though I've won a gold

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-40308945784505491012011-05-23T06:15:00.000-07:002011-05-23T07:04:25.310-07:00

Golden sunbeams finger into the yard outside my bedroom window illuminating flowers, shrubs, trees, glinting sparkles off a window-silled, petite jar of three-year old lavender long-since carefully plucked and dried from my garden. Flowing white sheer curtains lift and billow in the gentle breeze. I push them aside, view the lovingly planted yard beyond my window. Birch trees to remind of

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-66538068414929798342011-04-20T09:05:00.000-07:002011-04-20T15:33:01.724-07:00

"In this media-drenched, data-rich, channel-surfing, computer-gaming age, we have lost the art of doing nothing, of shutting out the background noise and distractions, of slowing down and simply being alone with our thoughts. Boredom - the word itself hardly existed 150 years ago - is a modern invention. Remove all stimulation, and we fidget, panic and look for something, anything, to do to make

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-31428128771730558842011-04-19T13:49:00.001-07:002011-04-19T21:39:32.939-07:00

After a cold - for us - night with temps in the low 30's, today dawned azure and misty. The mist surrendered to the blue. Our closet rattled. The tennis rackets and balls wanted out, to play.Yippee!I have to say, I do feel sorry for people who have to work inside on days like today. A cubicle, office, or any building must seem like a prison when the sun bathes a perfect spring day. Flowering

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-4741057755121397292011-04-10T19:53:00.001-07:002011-04-10T20:11:12.334-07:00

Taking the jar off the frozen tomatoes from my freezer exposed this little ice sculpture. Fascinating. Stopping, stooping to get a closer look, marveling at the intricacy and beauty, all this left a question in my mind. Do other people stop and ponder life's seemingly ordinary occurrences the way I do? I wonder. So many lovely things, right under my nose, right in my hands. Like the bubbles in

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-2796168756084412192011-04-04T19:28:00.000-07:002011-04-04T19:59:46.568-07:00

My Aunt Joyce never stops learning. She never stops, at all. After she turned forty she learned to fly an airplane. She also took up golf, and tennis. And those are just the hobbies I know about. Forever my role model, I think of dear Auntie Joyce every time I pick up my tennis racket. Every. Single. Time.Naturally I thought of her this morning when Tom and I gathered our rackets and two bags of

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-17675016020944354322011-04-02T10:01:00.000-07:002011-04-02T15:02:08.711-07:00

Today is Farmer's Market day for our family. Aisles and booths of beautiful food await us. We see, we smell, we savor. We select. Into our basket go the freshest most delicious vegetables, herbs, meats, eggs, and fruit. Vivid colors, varied textures, greens, reds, yellows. Ruffly lettuce, smooth duck, geese, and chicken eggs, sleek green and white leeks, pungent chives, cilantro, and parsley,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-36550845525337932972011-03-27T16:36:00.000-07:002011-03-27T16:42:46.646-07:00

My cousin sent this our way. Thought it a good story and a wonderful attitude to mark down in my blog, to remember. Hope it inspires you."A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign that said: 'I am blind, please help.' There were only a few coins in the hat. A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-63863419240290832042011-03-22T18:17:00.000-07:002011-03-22T22:09:09.069-07:00

With the warm and sun comes energy! It's marvelous.Tom and I juiced the last of our stored autumn apples which we'd picked at the farm last October. Oh my! Equal in taste to the juice squeezed right there on the farm all those months ago. Amazing flavor.Bright idea? Pour a little of that sweet nectar around the roasting sage/garlic/lemon zested pork chops. Yes!Add to the pork a little pile of

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-20065542166595319122011-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:002011-03-22T11:42:17.010-07:00

With no school to teach, no driving to and fro, my time is my own during this Spring Break Monday.To the kitchen I go! A hankering to bake French Bread from an old family recipe - recently found - has been realized. The loaves are rising to the warmth of the wood stove.The hankering was not completely assuaged with the forming of bread. No, noodles beckoned. Homemade Egg Noodles, to be exact,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-17246337011713480582011-03-19T22:38:00.000-07:002011-03-19T23:01:47.191-07:00

Cares of routine evaporate quickly! Fun bubbles with enthusiastic giggles. Places to visit. People to play with. Supermoons that mesmerize, foods that brighten, hugs of love, kisses of warmth.Frisky pup.Colorspots of flowers shoot forth. Delightful!Quiet phone.Happy children in park stop and chat, excited for Freedom.Long-time neighbor friend, relaxes, smiles, shares a gentle greeting.Carefree

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-25987823102124487682011-03-16T21:16:00.001-07:002011-03-16T21:18:10.845-07:00

May your day be merry, full of the Luck o' the Irish. May laughter bubble up out of your belly, and may your belly be full of good Irish food.And most of all, may you be ever gratefull for the good things that surround you. There is always something for which to be thankful!Cheers!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-27020856158063316462011-03-10T18:54:00.001-08:002011-03-10T19:06:37.103-08:00

A zen monk once said: When you stir the soup, stir the soup. When you wash your hands, wash your hands. When you listen to your friend, listen to your friend.So often our minds wander among a variety of thoughts, most of which are about things not directly in front of us. We are stirring the soup with our hands but our minds are a million miles away, pondering the past, the future, the To-Do

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-710358743788370072011-03-10T11:04:00.000-08:002011-03-16T21:16:05.356-07:00

Yesterday I heard a monk speaking about an experience he had when he was the chef in a monastery. He'd begun to feel his age, wondered at his usefulness. He was all of 45 at the time. While working at meal-making in the orderly, peaceful kitchen he noticed the shelf of large, metal tea kettles. They'd been in service a long time. "They were ample, round, merry, and a bit banged-up but still they

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-36888602462732097262011-02-27T13:59:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:44:55.093-08:00

Will skepticism hurt your brain? No, but cynicism will. Skepticism implies open-mindedness and the willingness to suspend judgment until both sides of an argument are considered, and this enhances neural functioning, particularly in the frontal lobes. A cynic, however, is a person who has taken their disbelief to a point of emotional distrust and rejection that borders on hostility toward the

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-4301993285782856202011-02-19T12:47:00.000-08:002011-02-19T12:56:05.754-08:00

We do not really know how to forgive until we know what it is to be forgiven.  
Therefore we should be glad that we can be forgiven by others. It is our  
forgiveness of one another that makes the love of Jesus manifest in our lives,  
for in forgiving one another we act towards one another  
as He has acted towards us. ~~Thomas Merton To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-70804184441497321172011-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:002011-02-08T20:55:47.123-08:00

So many things coming at me all the time. All. The. Time. Keeping up is a challenge, but usually one I confidently manage. Thank God. However, sometimes steamrolling happens. And tumbling as in the ocean's surf. Too much in my brain; clutter, seemingly impossible-to-solve problems. My limbic system is overloaded. Fear, panic, confusion, distress, anger. This morning exhaustion reminds me that I

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-46477829848880840192011-01-22T18:16:00.000-08:002011-01-22T18:33:33.986-08:00

We all have secrets, of this I am most certain. Who can fully know our minds? Our hearts? Our inmost desires and dreams? Our pain?Some happy secrets shoot out of us like sunbeams through stormclouds. More frightening secrets tend to fester deep and angry like cancer. Some secrets heal us, some slowly kill.The secret to secrets is to know when the secret is destructive before the damage is

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-13474389147678378102011-01-05T23:35:00.000-08:002011-01-06T22:20:39.472-08:00

Contemplation can be defined as paying attention. It is about a way of seeing. We live in a world today where we are deluged with information. The emails come in. The mobiles ring. A text here. A website there. Excited by the process, we can all too easily become people who are skimming over the surface of life. John Naish has described our condition as infobesity, seeing it as a different sort

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-35119363128793274152011-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:24:28.911-08:00

Happy Fresh Start!!I love the blank slate that I realize when I awaken on January First. It's just another day, sure, but we humans are benefited by the notion of resetting our personal clocks. Feels hopeful, somehow, like we can junk all the bad stuff and start anew.Works for me!So far, so good.Lasagna on the way, sunshine beaming down, happy chattering sounds of kids in the other room, and the

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-38434185067520757162010-12-04T11:31:00.000-08:002010-12-04T11:35:45.890-08:00

My friend Tim's heartfelt thoughts concerning his 13th anniversary to his beloved wife brought tears to my eyes. Lovely. "Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-27304514305260855192010-11-30T07:05:00.000-08:002010-11-30T07:59:07.453-08:00

Here it is, the last day of NaBloPoMo, thirty days of blogging in November. I made it!What can I say about the experience of pulling something out of my head or heart every day for a month? In looking back I see a marvelous reassurance, one certainly not expected. With four kids, each in a sort of transition, a husband busy and in need of a supportive wife, plus life such as it is for all of us,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-88804840814598232012010-11-29T07:11:00.000-08:002010-11-29T07:15:34.085-08:00

It's cold - for us - this morning.It's also the last week of fall term classes at the Culinary Institute.We're coming off a fun-filled holiday weekend.Cassie: "Oh man. Talk about a crawl to the finish line."Yep. It's that sort of morning.We'll get there, where ever there is.Have a great last Monday of November, 2010!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-25015810074832577292010-11-28T09:28:00.000-08:002010-11-28T10:07:51.660-08:00

Train noises. Mournful horns. Chug-chug-chugging. Clinking clanking. Grandfather engines and cars autographed with proud hobo etchings move carefully through our community.I hear the trains from my bed at night and in the morning. I like the sounds. They comfort and reassure.With roots reaching back into our American past these friendly behemoths remind that hard times and good times come and go

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-84062314426232963122010-11-27T09:53:00.000-08:002010-11-27T10:04:57.719-08:00

With the Thanksgiving Feast and Festivities behind, leftovers aplenty for a few days, house not a wreck, kids calm, and most of my Christmas shopping done, I find myself in a sweet spot. I can breathe.Rather than churning chaotically, I find words settling in my mind like a downy blanket over a calmly sleeping body. Peace.I'm not going to push it by trying to conjure up an interesting blog post

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-37225261691275237972010-11-26T07:34:00.000-08:002010-11-26T07:34:00.387-08:00

Jack Frost has been nipping at our noses lately so we'd thought we make some chestnuts roasting on an open fire.Except we don't have an open fire.An oven will do.Yum.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-17616737201444316422010-11-25T08:15:00.000-08:002010-11-25T08:54:58.530-08:00

Mixing it up a little bit by getting back to the beginning.Pilgrims helping Indians. Indians helping pilgrims. Neighbors celebrating life with neighbors, the strong help the weak, the fortunate the unfortunate.My family and I will be doing this today in lieu of our own feast and feet-up lazying about on this fine Thanksgiving Afternoon.We'll feast tomorrow.Let us remember that we are in this

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-66168654281420910242010-11-24T06:45:00.000-08:002010-11-24T06:45:00.906-08:00

I've posted here every day since November first, determined to keep it up until the 30th. This task is not new to me, having previously participated.But it is so hard this time!Difficult circumstances turned to blessedness, which could switch back to difficult at any moment, flow in and out of life these days. Surprises await, fulfillment of dreams long-dreamed promise comfort and joy.Good news

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-26962479259618474652010-11-23T07:14:00.000-08:002010-11-23T07:14:00.606-08:00

Chef Clive teaches sanitation to aspiring chefs.He's British, with a thick Cockney accent."After using the rest room what do you do? Ya wash yer 'ands of course. And really wash them. If there are paper towels, use them to dry yer 'ands, and then to open the door. If there's only an air dryer, and, if you're here at the college where we have handicap buttons to automatically open the door, use

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-16793232754094071682010-11-22T07:43:00.000-08:002010-11-22T07:43:00.077-08:00

Heard from Ben's bosses just now via e-mail. In La Paz, Mexico, they report that, while there were some challenging seas everyone is still alive. (Whew...) The weather is '85 degrees and the water 76-78 degrees! Sunny and WARM!!'I'll let the photos Sam and Nancy sent me of Ben speak for themselves. (In case you are new to my blog, Ben, my eldest, is crewing for Sam and Nancy on their 42' sailboat

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-36199702330189054922010-11-21T07:13:00.000-08:002010-11-21T23:23:12.833-08:00

In a meaning-full life one must create moments of respite here and there. Otherwise the meaningfulness turns into busyness turns into hecticness turns into resentment.Tom and I grocery shopped early Saturday morning relieved to beat the mad stampeding crowds soon to overtake stores and shoppers everywhere.Unpacking the groceries gratefully, rather than my usual habit of talking, unpacking,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-79411609915755565642010-11-20T07:02:00.000-08:002010-11-20T12:19:51.188-08:00

"And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be." ~~ The BeatlesDriving busy streets as the storm boiled all around, I was cheered by a patch of blue holding out overhead in the southeastern sky. I told Cassie, "Look at it. For a long time. Say good-bye. It's supposed to disappear for quite a few days." Black clouds poured rain. Wind lifted

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-36542068804661131392010-11-19T06:51:00.000-08:002010-11-19T07:00:13.955-08:00

In the midst of yet another busy day I stopped to walk myself and my pup before the skies opened up with their rain from a newly settling storm.As if crunchy colorful leaves overhead and underfoot weren't gift enough, a shiny-leafed, plump-berried holly bush made itself known as it peeped out from amidst a hedge. "Look Sammy! Christmas!"Yes, I said it out loud. Yes, to a doggie. No, he didn't

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-53136109999838367982010-11-18T07:15:00.000-08:002010-11-18T07:15:00.286-08:00

My son Ben is somewhere in the Sea of Cortez on a sailboat sailing, swimming, and texting his brother.He emails that I should go there, that I'd love it.Some places are private and you can't even find a restaurant for non-members, he tells me.But other places are uncrowded and friendly.Sigh, back into the car to run errands, to drive the kids around, to pick up farm produce, to mail Netflix...in

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-57784926544655825982010-11-17T06:15:00.000-08:002010-11-17T06:15:00.288-08:00

"Fill out this form and send it back." "Fill out this form and sign here and here and here.""Fill this out and wait."And wait and wait and wait.Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the paperwork life shoves into my face. And then I am glad I don't write in Chinese or hieroglyphics.It can always be worse.Name. Address. Phone number."All right. All right."

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-74267868600733274472010-11-16T09:09:00.000-08:002010-11-16T09:09:00.495-08:00

Mom and I beat Dad and Tom at pinochle on Sunday; two games to none. We skunked 'em!Just like old times. The boys put up a valiant fight, however. It was a rousing and fun tournament.Dad winds the old family clock. It was a wedding gift to my grandmother and grandfather, Dad's parents. I think. I believe Dad told me that his mom carried that clock in her lap from Oklahoma to California during the

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-2089756305721358092010-11-15T07:06:00.000-08:002010-11-15T07:11:52.429-08:00

My friend Sandy has a terrific idea. Christmas: Made in America. I'm going to do my level best to find gifts for loved ones that are made right here in the United States. If I can't, I will take Sandy's advice, I'll make something.What a great way to support our neighbors and friends!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-59428081344677436562010-11-14T08:58:00.000-08:002010-11-14T08:58:00.782-08:00

At this point most everyone knows at least one person inflicted with diabetes. Today marks World Diabetes Day, the purpose of which is to educate and prevent. Diabetes can be avoided, controlled, or even reversed with medicines, diet, and exercise."In 1985, an estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes. A little over a decade later, the figure had risen to over 150 million. Today,

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-32810195982102258592010-11-13T06:07:00.000-08:002010-11-13T07:14:35.935-08:00

For over twenty years Tom and I have harvested and dehydrated Italian Prunes from our neighbor's decades-old tree. We've taken the lovely fruits for granted. Heavy spring rains knocked the blossoms right off the tree this year and not one single fruit grew. Not one. On Monday we learned from our local farm market that the same rains greatly diminished the apple, hazelnut, and walnut crops as well

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-11382466723434399762010-11-12T06:28:00.000-08:002010-11-12T06:32:15.914-08:00

The Christmas Spirit has gently and quietly crept into Caroline's heart. She cradles it with joy. Difficult years behind, years where Christmas seemed far away even in the midst of the holiday, the preciousness of the season returns to a grateful teen - and her mom.Pleasant.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-70543539612211962482010-11-11T06:12:00.000-08:002010-11-11T06:53:04.829-08:00

Bought three gallons of milk at Dairy Mart yesterday. A deep, important conversation with Cassie ensued on the drive home.Arrived home. Parked the car. Got out. Forgot all about the milk.Cassie left for work half an hour later. In the same car.Evening rolled on. Cassie continued blissfully waitressing. Caroline and I were deep in studies and other evening-type activities, like throwing the dog

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-38854970102352323762010-11-10T07:17:00.000-08:002010-11-10T08:56:00.949-08:00

If you're a regular reader you know I've been getting up earlier in the morning than has been my norm for the past couple of decades. 'Before the sun' earlier.Besides a different sky, I've noticed a couple other things about dawn. One is that people out in public look funny in the morning. Puffy faces, glazed eyes, slow, small movements. Lots of yawns! Another thing I notice is that this doesn't

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-18583785574230749692010-11-09T07:18:00.000-08:002010-11-09T07:18:00.387-08:00

From the DVD Food Matters I've learned that when under stress from job, kids, running a home, or other sources, the human body breaks down Vitamin C as it's making adrenaline to combat the stress. This is why chronic stress is related to heart attacks. The body is making adrenaline and drawing down levels of Vitamin C which causes vulnerability to our cardiovascular and immunity systems and more.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-696204257979563002010-11-08T06:55:00.000-08:002010-11-08T06:57:10.324-08:00

Being the mother of teenage daughters requires me to honor secrets. If I desire to be trusted, to be let into their inner sanctums, then I have to keep my tongue - and my bloggity fingers - silent. "Now, Mom, none of this can show up on your blog or Facebook. Agree?" This post is all about what Tom, Cassie, Caroline, and I did yesterday. In invisible ink.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-40106462621527266772010-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:002010-11-07T07:25:00.120-08:00

One dark and stormy night.One small pup sleeping in his bed.One married couple sleeping in theirs.One silent poof from under pup's tail.Two people now semi-conscious, gasping for air, scrambling, diving under the covers, fanning the air, coughing, choking.Just as a little yeast leaveneth the whole bunch, so does a little poof stinketh up the entire large, gable-ceilinged bedroom."He must've eaten

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-88074668174690977822010-11-06T07:45:00.000-07:002010-11-06T07:45:00.573-07:00

The air became crisp one day a few weeks ago. The Urge returned. Soup. I want soup. All different kinds and flavors of homemade soup made with the freshest, most natural ingredients I can find.Cheddar Chicken Chowder.Bean and Ham.Pennsylvania Corn Chowder.Split Pea and Ham Hock.Lentil Soup.Chicken and Homemade Noodle.Today, Spicy Chili Con Carne for the football game, served with Cornbread, thank

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-43444327610836966032010-11-05T07:05:00.000-07:002010-11-05T19:47:00.477-07:00

I laughed...and that was the end of the argument. He knows I am done, how can I continue my diatribe once my shell is cracked with his accidental humor. He swoops in for a hug. Then, a quick kiss. I punch at him, but still, I'm laughing. So is he."Oh you! You made me laugh. I'm not finished being angry."Oh, but I am.My brain stops producing the stress hormones it was pumping only a second ago. My

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-4193837987926249852010-11-04T06:57:00.000-07:002010-11-04T06:57:00.319-07:00

Even though I stayed up much too late last evening, I did make an advantageous choice before I assumed the curled-up, nighttime sleep position. I shoved both bedroom windows wide open as the night air was warmish. Happily, the delicious fresh early-morning scent awakened me this morning before the alarm clock's diligent, but annoying, beeps. In the darkness I shut off the clock before its

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-89576991982466083702010-11-03T07:47:00.000-07:002010-11-03T11:52:48.639-07:00

Seasonal delights. How I adore them!All around me these days are beauties above, beauties below, beauties amidst. An ordinary walk finds familiar haunts transformed into fairy lands. Luminescent leaves, fire-colored, supple on the tree, in the air, underfoot slowing my steps. Lingering and losing myself in the magical colors becomes my habit during autumnal strolls.Routine is interrupted as I

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-6366514382129703622010-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:002010-11-02T07:50:00.514-07:00

First: Please VOTE.Second: Please be a gracious winner and a gracious loser.Third: Please enjoy your day, walking in the freedom you have. It cost many of my ancestors much to procure it for you.Thank you!To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-51512404397036093962010-11-01T11:44:00.001-07:002010-11-01T12:23:20.582-07:00

Should I publish a post a day for the month of November? Sandy and Cecily have committed to it. I wasn't going to but maybe I should. Maybe it would be fun.I'll post today and give myself more time to think about it.Let me tell you about the caramel apples we made yesterday. Oh my my...I cooked up a pot of homemade caramel. No, not the little paper wrapped cubes of caramels melted. The real deal.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-1064159424235433922010-09-20T09:18:00.000-07:002010-09-20T16:14:32.376-07:00

Cassie begins culinary school next Monday. She is excited.To watch a dream unfold causes reflection. This child of mine has been interested in food preparation all her life. Cassie has been curious and competent from her first moments standing on a chair watching dinner come together from my practiced hands, to helping me flip pancakes or roll cookies, to where she is following her own cookbook

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-44926237657060045222010-09-13T09:33:00.000-07:002010-09-13T11:41:26.263-07:00

An ominous storm blacks out the entire sky ahead as I drive the car to the repair shop early this morning. The Coastal Mountain Range in the far west - north to south - bears the weight of the dense disturbance. Still embraced by the eastern morning blue that thus far cheers my drive, I grip my steering wheel in anticipation of encountering the looming darkness."The only way to receive the help

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-12567450129815751612010-09-12T10:32:00.000-07:002010-09-12T18:24:56.174-07:00

Sunday mornings. Unwinding. Freedom for listening, seeing, tasting, smelling, touching. Slowness. Harmony. Peace.For decades I diligently attended Sunday School and church on Sunday mornings. After scurrying to get husband and kids fed and dressed, I'd snatch seven minutes to dress myself including the frustrated yanking of panty hose over toes and legs, my first Sunday prayer being, "Please

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-88034880101132771272010-09-07T06:23:00.001-07:002010-09-07T06:39:09.501-07:00

I miss blogging.Compulsively sharing like I did in years past. Creating posts, spilling my thoughts, sharing comments with others whose blogs I adored. Facebook and Twitter ate blogging. Like men on Thanksgiving. Never looking back. Just loosened their pants and ate some more.Old posts still comfort me, remind me, make me laugh...and cry. I sometimes wonder where the creativity came from. And

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-26324533064514141422010-08-30T06:20:00.000-07:002010-08-30T06:51:49.645-07:00

"Having fun is one of the most powerful antidotes to stress you will ever find. Many studies show that laughter releases an instant flood of feel-good chemicals that boost the immune system and almost instantly reduces levels of stress hormones. A really good belly laugh can make cortisol drop by 39% and adrenalin by 70%, while the 'feel-good hormone,' endorphin, increases by 29%. It can even

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-58827417123184735502010-08-22T11:43:00.000-07:002010-08-22T11:56:45.629-07:00

As you cannot have a sweet and wholesome abode unless you admit the air and sunshine freely into your rooms, so a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance can only result from the free admittance into the mind of thoughts of joy and goodwill and serenity....whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-42276776866609593012010-07-20T09:04:00.000-07:002010-07-20T10:26:04.059-07:00

It's easy to let life's ugliness spread out like an unwanted guest all over your mind and heart, seemingly crowding out beauty and joy. This, however, is merely perception. Beauty remains. It needs only thought and senses to capture its reality.Ugliness is a bully. A simple contemplating of life's loveliness, however, lends perspective to the disagreeable. Merely shifting one's gaze from

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-88019794983837623572010-07-11T11:02:00.001-07:002010-07-12T11:05:29.507-07:00

Praying for strength. Praying for compassion. Praying for patience. Praying for a miracle. Praying. And waiting...

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-31867385637247960302010-06-22T11:50:00.001-07:002010-06-22T11:52:32.987-07:00

Just a friendly reminder to do your part when enjoying the beauty of nature. Take only photos. Leave only footprints.Happy Summer!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-64197291465095276322010-06-19T17:07:00.001-07:002010-06-19T17:24:39.047-07:00

Cassie wanted to wear a Sgt. Pepper Jacket - pink like Ringo's - to graduation. She's had this in her mind for months and months. I called my sister, Susie, who's better at sewing than I. Much.She agreed to help out.Between Cassie's vision, Susie's expertise, and my ability to spot star buttons we three managed to create a very feminine version of Ringo's jacket.Cassie added bright pink high high

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-37605616636508135822010-06-12T12:21:00.000-07:002010-06-12T12:28:45.502-07:00

Yes, color returns!And with it Scent......Flavor......and Joy!Garden bursts with Life! I could take and post pictures all day but I'd rather be out there caring for the life-giving treasures, rubbing my fingers on the herbs lifting to my nose those wonderful fragrances, nibbling the berries, admiring the flowers, smiling at the rapidly growing vegetable plants. Happy June, everyone!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-66995734426518637352010-06-04T21:11:00.001-07:002010-06-04T21:12:21.655-07:00

Saw this photo in a store front window the other day. It cracked me up!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-86081999402805485872010-05-25T18:07:00.000-07:002010-05-25T18:12:35.237-07:00

"We all deserve to have fun, live large, and be ridiculed by less imaginative people existing under the erroneous assumption they get extra credit for being prudent and safe." ~~~ Patti Digh

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-27846080712235420582010-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:002010-05-24T16:52:49.567-07:00

At the dance recital last night the emcee asked for all noise-makers to be silenced. "Because of the blue-screen epidemic I'm asking that everything be turned off and left off for the entire program. I don't want anyone to have the stage be blocked by a blue screen, even if it's just you looking to see who called."I was so proud of her! Sticking up for her dancers and all the work they'd put into

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-5674329437438547742010-05-16T14:35:00.001-07:002010-05-16T23:34:33.198-07:00

Cassie and Caroline performed in The Comedy of Errors, by William Shakespeare over the weekend. Three big shows. Each was FABULOUS!Tom waits for Opening Night to begin, flowers for the actresses - his daughters - at the ready.In the first scene Cassie played a pirate Sea Captain. Her hearty pirate voice with its elongated vowels and r's gave authenticity and hilarity to the mood. (Thanks go to my

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-85113407437783034932010-05-12T18:00:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:25:48.331-07:00

"Be daring, be different, be impractical; be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." ~~ Cecil Beaton"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music." ~~ Angela Monet

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-58142282713233118292010-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:002010-05-10T12:34:26.026-07:00

This little video - please endure the short ad at the beginning - saved me today. Thanks, Tommy

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-35587448454930773222010-05-08T09:52:00.001-07:002010-05-08T10:21:25.328-07:00

Cauterized yesterday's wounds. Healing begins today. Forgiving myself as I forgive others.Beauty reveals itself to awakening senses.It's been here all along.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-10998598824718507152010-05-07T19:37:00.000-07:002010-05-07T21:01:10.445-07:00

Here I sit poised to write a pithy post about a woman who is wreaking havoc in my social life, the life of my kids, my friends, my associates.But the girls are playing The Beatles. "All you need is love." "Give peace a chance." "Have you heard? The word is love."Where's Mean Mr. Mustard when you need him?I want to defend. I want justice. How can I feel this passionate frustration and at the same

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-69140283236389134232010-04-16T23:37:00.000-07:002010-04-16T23:49:33.412-07:00

Notice the little visitor hiding from the rain inside the luscious-smelling petals of this gift from God?I LOVE lilacs!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-75025821210931684942010-04-16T11:21:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:27:32.581-07:00

Spur of the moment. Excitement can live there. And fun. And good lessons. Cassie and Caroline agreed to drop a school friend off at the Tea Party on tax day. The crowd was colorful and lively so they decided to hang around for awhile. It wasn't long before someone handed Cassie a picket sign to carry. Checking out its message and deciding she agreed with it, hoist it she did. Energy ran

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-27288019972496644212010-04-02T14:22:00.000-07:002010-04-02T15:12:17.299-07:00

From as far back as I can remember I've always known heavy sadness when thinking of Jesus' torture and crucifixion. How much sympathy can a six year old experience? A lot. And a fifty-three year old? Even more. Yet I only sense a whisper of his suffering. Those Romans knew how to exact pain and humiliation. Crosses? I still cringe when I see that instrument of torture around the necks of people

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-56234356778484908472010-03-31T21:34:00.000-07:002010-03-31T21:38:57.252-07:00

Beautiful day of making others happy and letting them return the favor.Husband. Daughters. Friends.Pretty weather.Baking, walking, tutoring, making yogurt.Kissing my husband good-bye.Looking forward to kissing him welcome home in a little while.Lord willing.It is always Lord willing.Good to remember who holds the world in His hands.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-17091093015586309842010-03-30T10:59:00.000-07:002010-03-30T11:10:42.473-07:00

Found this excerpt in an article I read last night:"The Vikings discovered and settled Greenland around A.D. 950. Greenland was then so warm that thousands of colonists supported themselves by pasturing cattle on what is now frozen tundra. During this great global warming, Europe built the looming castles and soaring cathedrals that even today stun tourists with their size, beauty, and

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-9960822523795891922010-03-28T23:00:00.001-07:002010-03-28T23:19:08.451-07:00

"Stillness can be a powerful answer to the noise of others. It can be a way to push back against the buzz of the world, to take control. It can remind you of what’s important.How to PracticeStillness, oddly, doesn’t come naturally to many people. So practice.1. Start your day in stillness. Whether it’s sitting with a cup of coffee as the world awakes, or sitting on a pillow and focusing on your

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-34978539257178148952010-03-27T19:42:00.000-07:002010-03-27T19:44:58.359-07:00

Cassie worked her first day at her new part time job. She was nervous before she left the house but you should have seen her at work. So calm. So friendly. She was a demo girl for Essential Baking Company which is an organic, artisan bakery. The best bread ever! It's partially baked, you bring it home, bake it for 10 minutes and it comes out hot and crusty. So good! I digress. Tom and I went

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-60988246029112625512010-03-26T10:25:00.000-07:002010-03-26T10:25:37.114-07:00

Missed a day on my 31 day March to the Sea or whatever it is. March through March? It's more like frolic. We're having such fun. Fun. Pure fun. Real fun. There needs to be more fun in the world. And more hugs. My daughters tell me so and they are correct. Yesterday I made lasagna. Served it with crisp apple wedges and roasted asparagus. All four kids joined Tom and me. The lasagna vanished.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-83524342287754920202010-03-24T20:35:00.000-07:002010-03-24T20:36:01.436-07:00

Tom, Cassie, Caroline, and I continued our Spring Break fun by visiting wine country on this gorgeous blue,Wednesday. Several vineyards opened their gates to us for wine tasting, relaxing on verandas and patios in 70+ degree weather, dinner, even a tour of the winery. Most interesting.

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-84926035818559808632010-03-23T20:20:00.000-07:002010-03-28T23:24:48.766-07:00

Husband, daughters, pup, and I drove to the beach today and played. All day. In the sun. In pretty shops. By the sea. On the sand. The girls wrote Spring Break in the sand with their toes.Couldn't stop the hair from blowin' in the wind.We are Loving Spring Break!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-7140404925475761772010-03-22T22:31:00.000-07:002010-03-22T22:36:13.108-07:00

Almost forgot to post here today. We are enjoying Spring Break immensely. As the Italians say, the sweetness of doing nothing. Tom is loving it! So good to see him resting and playing. The girls attended a party at a friend's house this afternoon. I had a good long talk with my sister on the phone - we are so alike, it's easy to speak with her. Heard from my best friend, too. Soothing

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-81883649560729601572010-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:002010-03-21T16:20:00.134-07:00

 "I love friends. I want more friends. I love smiles. That is a fact. How to develop smiles? There are a variety of smiles. Some smiles are sarcastic. Some smiles are artificial - diplomatic smiles. These smiles do not produce satisfaction, but rather fear or suspicion. But a genuine smile gives us hope, freshness. If we want a genuine smile, then first we must produce the basis for a smile to

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-72773163713448427002010-03-20T06:32:00.000-07:002010-03-20T06:47:50.916-07:00

While it is only 35 degrees and dark as I write, the forecast calls for brilliant sun and warmth.This first full day of Spring Break brings with it energy, promise, and hope for refreshment. Eagerness to embrace this day - this week - fills me.Sun, sun, sun here it comes.Happy Spring Break, Everyone!

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-3807344506050451912010-03-19T12:34:00.000-07:002010-03-19T12:49:11.210-07:00

I lucid dream. My dreams are sometimes very helpful to me. Many a solution or problem has been solved while lucid dreaming.And sometimes my dreams take me away to places lovely and perfect. While lucid dreaming I can banish the blue meanies of my life and pursue loveliness. I went to bed last night with wet hair and woke up looking like Lady Gaga. Well, my hair did. I bet she'd pay a pretty penny

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-21319897994586012052010-03-18T08:13:00.000-07:002010-03-18T08:30:04.277-07:00

There were leprechauns here yesterday. Lots of them!And Irish food, Irish dancing, Irish laughter.One guest stayed behind waiting for his mom to pick him up. His sister came to the door. The leprechaun hat was quickly placed on her head, she ran back out to the car, grabbed her mom, and through the front door they came.What happened can only be attributed to leprechaun magic. Mom Patti, sister

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-45150443558391549412010-03-17T10:08:00.001-07:002010-03-17T10:26:30.966-07:00

Got enough Irish in me to feel extra jolly this Happy St. Patrick's Day.Awakened to peppy - and haunting - Irish music and party plans already under way.My daughters are having a get-together. Not a big party, just a chance to hang out with friends, watch a movie, eat Irish food. Laughter. Play. Merriment. Decorations are going up, cleaning has begun, everyone is wearing green. (Thank goodness my

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-675034547770777492010-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:002010-03-16T09:48:00.023-07:00

Yesterday I received kindness from a stranger. What was offered was an exception to a rule but it made a huge difference in my life. Not only for today but for many tomorrows to come. Today I wish for everyone to experience such human kindness, the kind that looks past policy, past money, past procedure. The kindness that sees the person and the pain and chooses to help rather than take. "

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-26738861258463198132010-03-15T08:23:00.000-07:002010-03-15T11:36:37.178-07:00

Have you heard about the new Beltline name change? It's outrageous. For anyone who doesn't know, the Beltline is a major east/west freeway in our fair locale. It connects Springfield and I-5 to west Eugene and all points in between. As far back as I can remember it has been called Beltline. And I can remember back pretty far. Our idiot Governor Ted Kulongoski has decided he needs to honor a

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20754923.post-63366058391184414992010-03-14T12:19:00.000-07:002010-03-14T12:25:02.576-07:00

If you've been a reader here for awhile you know I am not a fan of changing the clocks back and forth, back and forth every two seasons. Pick one and stick with it people! But do it I must or I will be late, be late for a very important date.Thankfully the sun is shining today and I have fun and meaningful activities to pursue. **guttural sigh**

Cheriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05089859839673632529noreply@blogger.com0