Chapter Coordinator?

After my last visit to the Indianapolis chapter of Project Linus, the coordinator contacted me and asked if I would like to start a chapter here in Loogootee. She knew that I drove 2-1/2 hours to and from her meeting place, and she had received phone calls and emails from people in Evansville and Vincennes who were looking for a chapter closer to home.

Oh, boy. My first reaction was a groan. Second, I checked out the website and discovered what was involved with starting a new chapter. Third, I talked it over with Mike who was excited and came up with all sorts of ideas and a huge pot full of encouragement. I almost succumbed. We make a habit of "sleeping on it" whenever there is a decision like this to be made, so I slept on it for three nights.

The details of starting a new chapter were daunting: raising start up money and annual expense money, recruiting members, finding a storage facility and a meeting place, contacting and establishing a relationship with recipients (hospitals, shelters, etc.), inspecting blankets and attaching labels, delivering to organizations and facilities in need, meeting annual goals, submitting quarterly and annual reports... it all began to sound suspiciously like a "job".

So, even though I was flattered and honored to be asked, I declined the offer. It's just too nice to revel in my new-found freedom to do what I want when I want to do it, or to simply do nothing at all except watch the grass grow, the flowers bloom, and the birds at their feeders. I'm just not ready yet, though it is curious that as soon as I considered volunteering, here came an opportunity plop in my lap!

Heifer International

There are so many ways to donate our time and money. Lately, the presidential candidates are begging for my help, but I'm trying to recover from "election addiction", mainly by refusing to answer the phone and by severely limiting my reading of election headlines, and also by concentrating on other worthy causes.

Some years ago, I discovered Heifer International, through which one can "buy" a share of a farm animal (cow, goat, pig, duck, chicken, rabbit) that will be given to an individual or a family, and this gift "makes it possible for... (the) impoverished around the world to feed themselves. That kind of self-reliance leads to self-respect, and a future worth living for. Heifer International isn't just about sustainable farming, they're about sustainable lives." It sounded good to me, so all those on my Christmas gift list that year got a card showing that they had bought, for example, half of a goat. "What??!!", they exclaimed.

Though it's still a worthy cause (providing aid to Albania, Peru, Kosovo, Tanzania, and Cambodia, to name a few), I was then and I am now thinking there must be some equally needy people and worthy causes right here in America. "Google it!"
Maybe look up 501(c) organizations?

Project Linus

Project Linus is not exactly a household term, but there are still many people who know what it is. If you recall, the cartoon character Linus had his very own special blanket that he carried everywhere. When his mother put it in the washer, there was no comforting him until it was back in his hands. Project Linus is an organization that makes blankets for children, youngsters, teens and even adults who are ill or who have been injured or traumatized in some way. There are chapters all across the country that organize the members and collect the blankets for distribution to hospitals and shelters or anywhere they are needed. Hundreds of blankets from Project Linus went to the victims of Katrina, for example. You can imagine the need when you think about the many people needing comfort, including families of injured or deceased soldiers.

For several years now, I’ve been making blankets of all sizes with flannel or fleece or yarn, and next I will try quilting. On Saturday there was a meeting of Project Linus volunteers in Indianapolis, where I met new members and became reacquainted with those I met last year. Over 200 blankets were turned in that day. One member showed us how to make a “tied quilt” and others sewed on labels. Donated materials were there for the taking. It was a very informal meeting with several conversations going on at the same time, people coming in and out, with cookies and chips and soft drinks making the rounds. We exchanged patterns and ideas and website information, and came away richer by far.

The sense of belonging and of accomplishment I get through this organization is amazing. It’s totally non-profit, there are no production guidelines or deadlines, no demands or requirements or quarterly reviews (!) from the “boss”. The local chairperson, for lack of a better name, reminds us of certain quality and safety standards, organizes the distribution of the blankets, and hosts a meeting a couple times a year. Another unexpected reward is the thank-you notes from recipients. Some are heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Receiving a special, personal blanket at a time of pain or grief can make a huge difference.

Check it out here

TED, a documentary

We watched a wonderful documentary from Netflix the other night entitled "The Future We will Create: Inside the World of TED", which stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Filmed in 2006, it showed how 1000 people from all over the world attended a 3-5 day meeting which is held annually, some of whom had been invited to deliver an 18 minute presentation about what they had done, or learned, or caused to happen, or become interested in during the previous year. Some of the invitees had been there as many as 15 times but most were there for the first time. The focus is on how the world is growing smaller and we are all one family.

There was a fascinating visual presentation of data on poverty, wealth and family size that showed how the countries of the world are becoming more similar. A presenter from the Bronx talked about how her community got together and created a magnificent park in what had been a slum area. A poet delivered an amazing poem about changing the world for the better. A woman spoke of a new, sustainable smokeless fuel made from natural products that can prevent the death of children around the world who would otherwise die from inhaling the smoke of indoor cooking fires. An 11-yr. old Chinese girl played her violin exquisitely, moving many of the audience to tears. A man told of housing that is made from local materials and designed for temporary use by people around the world who have suffered displacement because of natural or man-made disasters. New technologies were presented, many of which were very new in 2006 but are in use now in 2008.

Most impressive to me was the imagination, enthusiasm and resourcefulness of these very special people who were gathered together in one place to share their passion for changing our world. Not only did they "think outside of the box", they created without a box at all. They not only shared their own ingenuity, they also learned of others with whom they could join forces, who were on the same track and had the same desire to improve every level of our lives. I was thrilled at the concept, and inspired to get involved somehow in projects where I can participate in this excitement. Perhaps locally Habitat for Humanity is a possibility.

Another way to help improve others’ lives around the world is through a group called “Kiva”, in which son Marty has been involved for several years. A small donation helps an individual organize a business that can help them sell a product or service that will provide them with an income, as well as provide needed assistance and inspiration to their community. Go here for more information about Kiva.

Dentistry

This goes into the "learning something new every day" category. My six-month visit to the dentist today revealed a problem called "tooth resorption", so I just googled it and sure enough, the dentist was right again. The cells around one of my teeth are dissolving it, "reabsorbing" it back into my body. The condition is rare, but lucky me has it. There is external resorption (which I present) and internal resorption which starts inside the tooth. Mine can be thwarted at least temporarily with a special filling; if it were internal, a root canal would be necessary. No one was any more surprised than my dentist, who in 20 plus years has not found so much as a single cavity in my mouth.

I learned that before a child loses a baby tooth and gets a permanent tooth, the roots of the baby tooth are partially or completely reabsorbed into the body, and now I know why baby teeth have no roots! So, anyway, I get to go back to see the dentist in December... his first open appointment... amazing.

Since going to the dentist has never been my favorite thing, I always balance out the experience with a treat, and since I love ice cream it is usually a small milkshake. Today I splurged and got a medium sized one, Jamocha flavor no less. Yum.

GrandGirls

 
 

Look at these darling cuties; they're Danielle's daughters and MY GrandGirls, Leah 3 and Naomi 4. Both of them brilliant and spunky and vibrant and so excited about life they never want to miss anything. They have two very different personalities, and I treasure them both.

GrandBoys

 

Grandchildren are wonderful. Here's a picture of me with Ian 8 and Lucas 13. We had gone out to breakfast in town and our next stop was the golf course, where Lucas and I played 9 holes and Ian watched cartoons on TV. It's impossible to explain the depth of love I have for these guys; what's nice, though, is that I think they both know it. Being alive and well and able to watch them grow is pure gift; perhaps my heavenly reward on earth. Lest I wax philosophic, just let me say they're really cool kids.

Differences

Each of is different and unique, and usually things work better that way. Who would want everyone to be the same? Mike and I were talking about our own differences, our different parenting techniques, our different outlook on life in general, and how that's worked in our lives together. Sometimes we agree to disagree (trying not to be disagreeable in the process) and sometimes we actually manage to have a mutual admiration society going. It's always seemed to me that he has a special knack for seeing his life as a series of adventures, and when the kids were little he encouraged them to make whatever they were doing fun. When I brought that up, he said, "Yes, it will get you to the next rock." Now here's an example of how different we are: When he made that comment my first thought was of the Greek myth about Sisyphus whom the gods condemned to ceaselessly push a rock to the top of a mountain, only to see it roll back down. "No," he said, "I mean like a rock to use as a stepping stone."

Vive la difference.

Today's Daylily

Changing Times

Getting back to this blog took a few days. The exasperation over the lost pictures required mental recovery time. Perhaps physical as well, because the irritation was followed by three days of mild but constant nausea and dizziness. BUT, times have changed and the "energizer bunny" is back. I've done a bunch of yard work, hoping to stay ahead of the rapidly falling leaves. The change from summer to winter will be lovely this year, but short-lived because the trees have suffered from lack of water for months and are dropping their leaves early. Our first frost is due any time now.

Watched the Obama-McCain debate last night with much groaning and head-shaking, and then got a lot of laughs from the commentators and online forums this morning. Both candidates promise change, but it's been my experience that even though people say they want change, when it comes right down to it, they are slow to accept anything new. Personally, I wish it were as simple as just turning a page, but perhaps we need a whole new book.

I've lived long enough to see a lot of changes. First I was a kid, then an adult, then a mom and now an "Oma". Much of what I couldn't understand way back then I can easily understand now, but I see the next generation suffering through the same trauma I did. I see my kids struggling with parenting just as I did. I see them reaching 40 and 45 and thinking, as I did at that age, that they are getting "old". Changing times are part of life; we can only hope that we learn something along the way and are able to succesfully transfer some of that knowledge to the next generation; and that we keep on hoping and learning.

Disappearing photos

I've just experienced a miserable few hours, trying to find out why all the pictures I posted before today were no longer visible (except for the one I posted from my scanner!). The only thing the others had in common was that I uploaded them from Picasa. After receiving no response to my query, I searched further into the "something's broken" forum on Picasa, and found an entry from 2007 that suggested upgrading to Picasa 3. So, that done, you will now find new pictures posted (some that were lost, plus a few more). Let's hope this upgrade is the answer. This world needs more answers and fewer questions, right? Right!

More pictures!

Good Friends

Pictures!

Pictures?

I'm investigating why my pictures are disappearing from my blog... please be patient. (I'm trying to be.)

Okay. I've upgraded to Picasa 3 (from 2) and posting even more pictures than before; see above ;-). Hope they don't disappear again. Argh.

October means apples

Back home again in Indiana, I found our apple tree fairly burgeoning with fruit. Some of the branches were touching the ground and the apples were begging to be harvested. A few years ago a storm brought down an old tree from the west side of our house, and it took out a second apple tree. At the time I thought, "Good, now I won't have to deal with apples because the remaining tree needs to cross pollinate." Turns out our neighbor to the south has an apple tree of the same variety, Red Delicious, and it's apparently established a mutually beneficial relationship with our tree. Because we don't spray with chemicals, few of the apples were perfect, so I've been peeling and slicing and freezing for days. Come winter I'll be glad to have the makings of pies and cobblers and applesauce, but right now this isn't the most fun thing to do, mainly because of having to fight the fruit flies and gnats. Son Eric and his wife Colleen are getting two large grocery bags of apples today. The deer and racoons and possums and groundhogs can have the rest. I'm done.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The reunion group split up one day, some going to Chimney Rock and others going for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. On that day the train went on a four hour excursion from Bryson City along the Tuckasegee River, over the Fontana Lake trestle and on to the Nantahala Gorge. The folks in this area are experts at tourism and offer single events as well as full vacation packages throughout the year. Cathy and Lynda agreed that if it had been two or three weeks later in October the trees would have taken on their full Autumn colors, and the train ride would have been even more spectacular than it was. It's fairly certain they didn't feel short-changed, though, because every vista in these mountains offers breathtaking scenery. The friendly folks at the Fryemont Inn had no trouble suggesting things for the group to do, but they were hard put to select only a few of those that would qualify as "don't-miss".

Chimney Rock Park

Even though it was a "goodly" drive away from the Fryemont Inn, Meg and Gis and I went to Chimney Rock Park, which by itself was pretty astounding, but combine that with the drive through part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and it was a phenomenal day altogether. Such beauty; nature at its best; we were in awe.

The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory

Yum, yum. I just have to tell you about the Chocolate Factory in Dillsboro, North Carolina. When we visited there we found ourselves wanting to sample every single variety of chocolate they had. www.dillsborochocolate.com
They make their own chocolate candy daily and customers are invited to watch the process and ask questions. There are display cases fairly bursting with tantalizing chocolates, for sale by the piece, the half pound or the pound. We were offered generous samples to try before buying. All of us bought and shared various chocolate goodies while sitting at a round table near the entrance. Ever hear of Pepper Chocolate or Cajun Chocolate?! Lattes and various other complicated coffee drinks were also available, along with soft drinks and water. You can also find Jelly Belly jelly beans, gourmet coffee beans and food gift baskets. I found some shelves featuring old fashioned candy and bought some Neccos, which used to be a standby in the movie theaters when I was a kid. I had no idea they were still available, but then the internet has everything, doesn't it? Yum, yum.

The Cherokees

I thought I might share some of the group's activities with those of you who weren't able to make it to the reunion. One highlight was a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, where the amazing displays, some with accompanying audio, followed the history of the Cherokees from the time of the mastodons through the "trail of tears" through the establishment of Cherokee reservations. We saw the evolution of the tools they used, their artwork and pottery and basketry, and their gardening. Meg was especially impressed with what the Cherokees call the "Three Sisters", corn, squash and beans, which they planted together in the same mound. This was what is now called "companion planting" through which all the plants benefit the others. Meg was very hungry for a plate of corn, squash and beans... but as far as I know she went home unsatisfied.

Across from the museum was a gift shop featuring Indian artwork and crafts from several of the tribes across the country. Baskets and pottery of all sizes and shapes and patterns caught my eye, but the price tags were daunting. There were pencil sketches, "dot" paintings, watercolors and oils, many representing famous Indians, and others showing the daily life of various Indian tribes, or their flora and fauna. It was an enormously fascinating and beautiful shop, but because there was so much and such a variety, there was no way we could have seen it all. Guess I get to go back some day!