Time for Healing!

It is a new day. Nothing will erase the painful experiences and tears and heartache from the days past, especially for those who were touched by the horrific tragedy of the Dean and Patty families in St. Mary's County.

But today is a new day. As humans, we HAVE to find ways to heal ourselves and to help those around us. We MUST find the beauty and value that others present and focus on that, build on it, make it more powerful.

Today, give someone a hug, tell them you love them, remember something fantastic and inspiring about another person, give them a call on the phone. Find the beauty in life.

If that person has advanced to the spirit world, heaven, other side of the veil, or whatever it is you call where your spirit goes when our bodies die in this world, then say a prayer for them, tell them you love them, light a candle, have a moment of quiet.

For all these things, and MUCH more, you will be a better person. Helping yourself, your families, your friends, and then the world one person at a time -- THIS is how the world heals.

Starting today.

Senseless Domestic Violence

My cousin Tina and her family were the first-hand victims of domestic violence on Monday, a situation that could have been avoided and never should have happened. Tina has repeatedly asked for help and reported the threats and violence bestowed upon her and her three children for most of the years she has known this unstable and dysfunctional jerk, Jeremiah J. Watson. The end result is he promised to kill Tina and any boyfriends she has. He made every attempt to make his threat a reality on Monday, when he broke into her house in the middle of the night with a shovel, shot and killed her boyfriend, got critically shot himself, and assaulted Tina with the shovel. He tried to shoot Tina, but divine intervention set in and the "gun malfunctioned" at that point. He had called his mother prior to making his trip this night, to say his goodbyes to her and to tell her of his intentions to kill Tina, the kids, and then himself. What did his mother do: NOTHING. Amazing! He had a friend drive him to the house. What did his friend to do stop this bloody crime: he drove him to the house at 4 AM! Amazing! Also interesting that the friend was never mentioned by name or by deed in any of the news reports.

There are many aspects to this story, the first being the most important, but also the most heartbreaking: the sad, sad end result that Tina's boyfriend gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, to protect his loved ones. Read a beautiful tribute to Chris here. Now the kids had to witness their biological father commit a heinous crime against their mother and a man they had learned to love, and who loved and respected them. Thank goodness that the children did not get hurt, or worse, and especially her oldest who would have undoubtedly tried to defend his mom and Chris. Tina is lucky to have a very supportive network of family and friends who love her and will help her every step of the way. She does not understand why her boyfriend had to go at such a young age, to leave her when they were so in love. I do believe the hardest thing about living is to let go of a child...now Chris' parents need to do just that. Tina and Chris' family need all our prayers and help to get through this.

When a story becomes news, the information can go in many directions and ultimately takes on a life of its own. In this case, the online newspaper version of this report has proven VERY disappointing! First of all, not all the information was reported accurately, but then again, it never is. This newspaper, www.thebaynet.com, allows readers to post comments to their stories, and post away they did! The very first online comment came just hours after the break-in, at 8:37 am, from one of Tina's neighbors, with a screen name of "Mulva". What he said was ignorant and self-centered:

"I just want some sleep... Just when you think it won't happen in your neighborhood, guess what? It does. Armed suspect on the loose, K-9 units barking in my driveway, helicopter(s) searching just above tree top levels-spotlights shining, sirens, flashing lights...... thanks section 8!" Someone demanded that the righteous and stupid Mulva give the Tina Dean family an apology for his insensitive and inappropriate comments. When I looked just now, I was surprised to see that his original comment was "removed by administrator". Maybe he does have a conscience after all, albiet a lame and late one. The damage was done, the sickness spread like wildfire amongst the weak.

The next comment was from another neighbor who was lamenting about the noise in the neighborhood and telling the world about how a guy was picked up near his side yard, but followed with a defense about how he was not section 8, and how he had lived there for 3 years and had no problems.

And so it began. I took the opportunity to slam the jerk about suggesting that "section 8" was the problem here...clearly the report was about a tragedy that struck a family due to domestic violence. Nothing in the report mentioned anything about social services statuses.

Practically all the comments that followed were as ignorant and ridiculous as the first one. It became like a train wreck, where you felt drawn to go back and see what updates there were to the comments, because SURELY, these people really and truly cannot be this F**KING stupid! And I was sadly and disgustingly disappointed.

I know this bad behavior happens in other parts of the country and world, and not just in Down County, but IT DOESN'T HAVE TO HAPPEN ANYWHERE! Why DO we allow people to get away with this ridulousness?

And that brings me to another aspect: just what do we need to do to protect ourselves from the truly screwed up nutcases? Tina followed the law, got her protective order and the system failed her. Jeremiah was released from jail, only to harass her and get re-arrested. Since he was out on parole from his last crime, he should have automatically been returned to the jail for his disregard of he law and his desire to make Tina miserable. The judges and attorneys see this behavior all the time, they should recognize the problems in the system and make changes accordingly. Sooner than later! So where do we go from here? Do we have to take matters into our own hands from now on? Do we hire someone to "take care" of the live and serious threat(s)? Do we ignore the problem and run away? And so on. Surely, despite how Jeremiah's domestic violence and abusive behavior had been reported, he did not respect the law, nor Tina or the kids. It is clear he did not care about making a comfortable and healthy relationship with any of them. Instead he made them the focus of his obsession, to the tune of "If I can't have them, no one will." What is the answer? For me, if I had even one dependent in the home, I'd do exactly what Tina did: get a gun, and then target practice, practice, practice. In self defense with an extreme psycho such as this guy: aim for the heart with no remorse.

My final aspect for the night: domestic violence as an act. What are we thinking when we subscribe to domestic violence, or even if we become a victim, and why make it easy for the perpetrator? Sure, it's easy for folks to judge another and wonder why someone wouldn't just leave when things don't work right. It's usually a lot more complicated than that, and I'd say, from a place of knowing, that sometimes it just takes time and energy and creative behavior to get out of a situation. When it has a violent nature (the situation), then the risks are higher and the potential fallout could be very expensive on many levels, the first of which is the emotional and physical forfeitures and drains. The only way we can stop this sick behavior is to have no tolerance of it by the ENTIRE community, ALL communities. I guarantee you that if a guy knew that if he even looked at an ex-girlfriend he'd have painful procedures applied to him in the form of bodily harm, he might just think twice about it and not be so quick to action in an effort to injure another person(s) or feel so entitled to steal away the happiness of others by imposing the miserableness

Just where did Jeremiah, and other creeps and murderers like him, get the idea or the training to do such horrible deeds? Is is lack of home training, is it a chemical deficiency? As far as I can tell, once the behavior is learned, it would take a miracle to turn around that sort of negativity. Perhaps it can never be done, and why would anyone trust a jerk like him when he never proved to be trustworthy? Was it our hometown that bred this ass, or was it genetic? Who knows, and who cares? He is history now. If he lives past the critical stage or ICU in the hospital, his life will we a waste and drain on the country. The only thing positive that would have come from him was three beautiful children and nothing else. If he is lucky and smart, he will check out of this lifetime and ask meekly for a possible "do-over" for his next lifetime.

This tragedy could have been prevented, people who behave like Jeremiah need to be stopped before they go too far. Our society and communities have to learn how to band together to demand what is right and just.

This makes my head hurt. My heart aches for the sadness felt by Tina. I know she will carry on, and that she will also carry part of Chris in her heart for all her days to come.

Woo Hoo, Party Time Almost Here! Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Busy, busy days! The "play" time is even busy, but fun! We even managed to get most of our kitchen unpacked and put away. That would be 14 boxes, over half of which were the big dish boxes that are 3 feet tall, and other large boxes as well! There are only 2 left, but they have a lot of glasses and mugs in them, and I have to put away a few more things before opening those. Christopher has his baker's rack back, which is where we put his own personal supply of plates, cups and bowls and placemats, so he can help himself when he wants something. He will be happy about that now! Poor guy was getting used to asking if the dishes in the dishwasher were dirty or clean, so he could hunt for a clean glass or mug to use these past two months. Next: the 22 or so boxes in the dining room, then we move to the guest room upstairs. Now, THAT will be an accomplishment, when we finish that final room! And, then we'll finally be all unpacked and also downsized. And then we'll have our "Moving In Sale", which promises to be a mega-yard sale at this point.


Got some Christmas calendars (advent calendars) made just in time. Two are completely done, and two others just need the binding around the edge to be sewn down on the back, and then they are also done. I found this pattern online a few years ago and made one for a friend's child. She really loves her calendar and our friend Kathy says that Jaclyn considers it her favorite decoration at the moment. It comes with 25 pockets that are placed in the pattern of a tree, and you can put little treats in each of the pockets. It's really a mini-quilt, and fun to put together. After cutting out several with a friend to make, and having learned from my mistakes on the first time around years ago, this time went much smoother. Even so, I figured out that after all the patterns were cut out and sewn together, that I wanted one with slightly larger squares on it for us to use for Christopher. Another trip to the fabric store, and here's the (almost) end result!

Of course, this is one that needs to have the binding finished on it, so the edges are all folded over in this picture. It has a sleeve on the back where you can put a bamboo or dowel rod and then attach decorative rope or string on the rod to hang on the wall. There are so many fun things you can stuff in the pockets, we will probably do a combination of (miniature everything): coins, candy canes, chocolates, gum, matchbox cars, the little figure sponges that look like pills and expand when put in water into special shapes, and anything else fun that we come across. If we make any more calendars after this year, I'll stick to the larger pattern so it's more functional for families that have more than one child, or to just get to put more into each one. The ones below are about 2 feet wide by almost 3 feet tall, and they are for some friends:




I ran out of batting and backing, so these two will get saved for gifts for next year. As you can see, the background colors make the final product very different. I did really like the background with the pine cones. They looked almost like a photograph, the image on the fabric was so fantastically clear!


Going to the brother and sister-in-law's for Thanksgiving! Promises to be a LOT of fun, which will be great! So far, we have on the menu:

SOUTHERN MARYLAND STUFFED HAM!!!!!! YAY!!!!!
turkey & stuffing
baked/candied sweet potatoes
watergate salad
pumpkin (from fresh pulp) and apple pies
cherry breeze pie
fruit salad (Mom's style)
hot apple cider
gingerbread cookies for the kids to decorate and eat what they want
and lots more!
did I mention, Stuffed Ham!

We made pillow cases for the nieces and nephews, including the ones that won't be able to make it, just in time for the holidays. For anyone looking for a fun gift for kids, even the not so young kids (like the adults), interesting pillow cases are the way to go! They don't cost much to buy the material, you only need a yard, and they really don't take that long to make. We've been giving them as gifts for years now to friends and family, and even to the high school kids at the school where we lived in California, and they really are a hit! We even made them for the pre-schoolers last May, stuffed with their summer toys the parents got them, and they also loved them. So, here are the latest editions below. Fabric comes in so many interesting patterns now, it's so hard to choose which to get and make. We're going to let the kids pick names and then pick their patterns, or maybe I'll just pull them from a bag and let them trade amongst themselves:



THEN, we get to go to Dean and Doc's house for Friday! Yay! It's been almost 16 months since we've seen them, and while we were certainly looking forward to going to see them, they have enticed us even further with these balls of fur and fun that they call the babes, the little 7-week old basset hound puppies! Check out their really amazing website! Our little guy doesn't know how dogs are supposed to play, since ours is not the typical house pet. She lays around and has never wanted to play much. So, he thinks that is what all dogs do. The first time he saw one actually play, he just couldn't believe it. He's never been around puppies before, I can't wait to see how much fun he has. Of course, we will "school" him on the little needle teeth. That just cannot be avoided, getting lots of nips from the pups, but he will just fall in love with them. And, of course, will forever associate that experience with his love of going to visit "Gramps and Doc".

Happy Thanksgiving Week!
May we all give thanks for all that we have and all that we know, and all that we can be and share.

Making the Gingerbread Cookies!

Family tradition...what is that these days? Ours changes from year to year, so we are not good examples. We go where the wind blows us, and with good people we want to be around!

This year, we get to spend Thanksgiving at the home of brother Darryl and his family, and we are looking forward to it!  We won't be making a turkey, as Darryl & Liz will be taking care of the turkey. My sister Della and brother David are making a Southern Maryland stuffed ham....yummmmmm -- if you've never had a stuffed ham sandwich, you have not lived! It is by far the best way to prepare a ham, there is no comparison. For our part, we're making several pumpkin pies and fresh whipped cream. Maybe an apple pie, we'll see how the time goes. Earlier that week, Chris and I will make a whole pan of gingerbread cookies and get the ingredients and decorations together so the kids there can all do the decorating. There's just something fun about having decorated gingerbread cookies laying around, even if you never eat them. Of course, the kids Will Eat Them! Kids always do, it's just the way it is, big kids, little kids, all of them. Some folks may think  these cookies are not the easiest to make, they may even be one of the messiest recipes to use, Molasses is sticky, and there is a reason why you have to put the dough in the fridge before rolling it out...then maybe it isn't so sticky! Secret Revealed:  USE YOUR KITCHEN AID!  It makes this process so freaking easy!

Having recently moved, we are not all unpacked in the house, but we found my big box of cookie cutters! Lots of choices, including the traditional gingerbread boy and girl. My favorite: a love bug form. Here's a link to more pics from Thanksgiving decorating!

Here's a gingerbread recipe we found online. From the looks of it, this woman got it down to a good working model, so we're going to hope she's telling the truth:

Gingerbread Men Cookie Recipe
Posted by Elise on Dec 15, 2007 -- looks like the link is now broken, but I got it from Elise!

Ingredients (I always double these):

Cookies
• 3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature, softened)
• 1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
• Optional raisins, chocolate chips, candy pieces, frosting

Royal Icing
• 3 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted

Method
1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and spices. Set aside.

2. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Mix in eggs and molasses. Gradually add the flour mixture; combine on low speed. (You may need to work it with your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour.) Divide dough in thirds; wrap each third in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight. Before rolling out, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. If after refrigerating the dough feels too soft to roll-out, work in a little more flour.

3. Heat oven to 350°. Place a dough third on a large piece of lightly floured parchment paper or wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate again for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to cut out the cookies. Use either a cookie cutter or place a stencil over the dough and use a knife to cut into desired shapes. Press raisins, chocolate chips, or candy pieces in the center of each cookie if desired for "buttons".

4. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let sit a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired.

Makes 16 5-inch long cookies.

Royal Icing

The traditional way to make Royal Icing is to beat egg whites and lemon juice together, adding the powdered sugar until the mixture holds stiff peaks. I use my kitchen aid, it works like a charm

If you are concerned about salmonella from raw eggs, you can either use powdered egg whites or heat the egg whites first to kill any bacteria. With the heating method, mix the egg white and lemon juice with a third of the sugar, heat in a microwave until the mixture's temperature is 160°F. Then remove from microwave, and beat in the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Using the powdered egg whites method, combine 1 Tbsp egg white powder with 2 Tbsp water. Proceed as you would otherwise. (Raw egg white alternatives from the 2006 Joy of Cooking)

If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency. Fill a piping bag with the icing to pipe out into different shapes.  Disposable piping bags will work, but I prefer to use the reusable bigger bags, they don't break thru like the disposable bags (esp if kids are squeezing). Keep the icing covered while you work with it or it will dry out.

When decorating, the tip with the tiniest hole works best for most fine line decorating.

Zeitgeist, The Movie about truth

"When the power of love overcomes
the love of power, the world will
know peace."
--Sri Chinmoy Chose

"As long as people continue to see themselves as separate from everything else, they lend themselves to being completely enslaved. The men behind the curtain know this. And they also know that if people ever realize their truth to their relationship to nature, and the truth of their personal power, the entire manufactured zeitgeist they prey upon will collapse like a house of cards."

As referenced previously on The Dean: Zeitgeist

per Wikipedia: Zeitgeist (pronounced [ˈt͡saɪtgaɪst] (help·info)) is a German language expression literally translated: Zeit, time; Geist, spirit, meaning "the spirit of the age and its society". The word zeitgeist describes the intellectual, cultural, ethical and political climate of an era or also a trend. In German, the word has more layers of meaning than the English translation, including the fact that Zeitgeist can only be observed for past events.

Quote from the movie:

"The more you begin to investigate, what we think we understand, where we came from, what we think we’re doing, the more you begin to see that we’ve been lied to, we’ve been lied to by every institution, what makes you think for one minute that the religious institution is the only one that’s never been touched. The religious institutions of this world are at the bottom of the dirt. The religious institutions of this world are put there by the same people who gave you your government, your corrupt education who setup your international banking cartels, because our masters don’t give a damn about you or your family. All they care about is what they’ve always cared about, which is controlling the whole damn world. We have been misled away from the true and divine presence in the universe that men have called God. I don’t know what God is, but I know what he isn’t. And unless and until you are prepared to look at the whole truth, and wherever it may go, whoever it may lead to, if you want to look the other way, or if you want to play favorites, then somewhere along the way you are going to find you are messing with divine justice. The more you education yourself, the more you understand where things come from, the more obvious things become, and you begin to see lies everywhere. You have to know the truth, seek the truth, and the truth will set you free."

--Zeitgeist, The Movie.

The MBA

The problem is, I picked a masters of business administration as my masters program, rather than something more up my alley, such as a degree in metaphysics or home economics. I figured it would be a sensible business move, and the timing is best now since the little guy is in kindergarten. Added to my bachelor's in information technology, it would make the remaining years of my working career easier and more interesting.

The problem is, it's been 5 classes about finances, not my primary area of interest. Coupled with a major life shift by moving from NM to VA, a difficult job made harder. Trying to do classes online, when I am clearly an in-classroom kinda gal....not a lot of fun for me. Flexible, sure, but not very structured. And not at all like the computer classes I took earlier, where I was already familiar with the concepts and it was a primary area of interest for me. This stuff is good to know, will inevitably help me for any company I work for, but it's not something that comes naturally for me. Now I know I will NEVER be an accountant or finance manager.

The problem is the last two classes have been duds. Directed study with an online course, where you report to an instructor, submitting your work on a weekly basis. If the first instructor was judged by her performance of the class I had with her, she would lose her job as an instructor forever. She is hands down the worse I've ever had. Did not submit my attendance on a weekly basis, even though I posted it. The result: my financial funding was withdrawn from the school by my lender. Sure, they got it back, after going through some hoops, but it never should have been. Then, no correspondence from her for the next 4 weeks, except where I called her at her home. She never answered any of my online questions, never graded my work, never turned it back in as graded. Her excuse: she switched computers from a pc to a mac. Poor and unacceptable excuse. She never should have been paid. The current instructor was missing in action for 3 weeks, and finally checked in with a reply and graded 3 weeks of work all together at one time, rather than on a weekly basis as expected and required. Now here we are down to the wire, the class ended yesterday. I am almost done, just have two more things to turn in, both of which are almost done. Poor time management on my part, I am the first to admit.

The problem is, it doesn't flow easily. So far, there has been a constant flow of disruption and inconsistencies. In a system that is supposed to have the kinks worked out, the instructors are failing miserably. I take full responsibility for my part, no mistake about that. But, even if I were to lag behind at all, this total system failure would never happen if the rest of the parts were working properly. Not a lot of incentive for me when there are roadblocks every step of the way. And, kind of an expensive experiment, if you ask me, at the current cost of $1,800 every 6 weeks!

But, only 5 more courses to go, out of 13. Well past the hump point, which serves as a source of inspiration. Too far in to stop now, have to keep looking forward.

The problem is, this experience is in no way a good example for anyone around me that seeks to pursue higher education. It should be an effort where the student and instructor both give a lot, learn a lot and something worthwhile is attained in the process. It should not be this constant struggle to get instructors to do their part.

The problem is, we as a nation need to encourage -- and demand, yes, demand! -- that our children seek higher education when they are young and have no family demands, such as work, children, family. This movement would only serve the world in the best possible manner, as those individuals would have more knowledge and be better equipped to handle the expectations the world places before them. Imagine a world where folks were not allowed to collect free monies from the government to use for drugs and alcohol and to support an endless train of children...because they knew they could obtain more valuable information and become more resourceful and contributing members of society. No more generation after generation of guaranteed handouts "just because", when there is no physical or mental obstruction in the way. And this starts way before the college years. We need to raise our expectations in the schools from preschool to the senior year. No more free rides, no more passing kids thru just to keep the school ratings high. While I did not like some of what the nuns expected out of us all, "way back when", their consistent training has served all of us well.

the soapbox. all this to say I'm exhausted and frustrated. at what is and what could be.

but today marks the end of course #8 of 13, so yay for that, for what it's worth.
Not enough thanks and hugs can show how much I appreciate the patience and support of my family and friends.

Macy’s Inspires America To “Believe” This Holiday Season

Get out your pens, crayons or pencils and paper...and help your little ones write a letter to Santa! Or, help a neighbor or a friend write one, or write one for them. Then, take it down to Macy's in a stamped envelope and put in their special "Believe" letterbox at one of their stores. Macy's is giving $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for EVERY stamped letter they receive addressed to "Santa At The North Pole"

We saw the full-page ad in Sunday's paper, but it's also available on the internet:

"Macy’s Inspires America To “Believe” This Holiday Season"

"NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of its 150th birthday, Macy’s today unveiled its plans for a nostalgic Christmas campaign called Believe, based on the New York Sun’s famous “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” editorial from 1897. Complete with in-store “Believe Stations” and a devoted “celebrity designer” TV ad, Believe captures the heart of the holiday with a season-long effort that elevates the message of goodwill and generosity through a campaign to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.

Known worldwide for its holiday traditions from the Thanksgiving Day Parade to the first in-store Santa, the magic of Macy’s will unfold this year with Believe Stations in every store that feature a Believe Meter, letter-writing station and an official R.H. Macy Santa Mail letterbox. Beginning on November 9, children across the country are invited to drop off their letters – stamped and addressed to Santa At The North Pole – at any Macy’s store in the Santa Mail letterbox. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation up to $1 million to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The Believe campaign was rooted in a letter to the editor written by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon in 1897 asking if there is a Santa Claus. Newsman Francis P. Church responded with a poignantly worded essay on the importance of believing, including the famous line “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist…” "

Here's the original letter from Virginia O'Hanlon to the Sun, way back in 1897, when two of my great-grandparents were each just 2 years old!

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]

"We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon


Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world."

Down County Tradition of Collecting Buttons!

One way to recycle an empty giant pretzel jar -- use it to store 22,700 buttons -- and no, I didn't count them, but I know the three people who did!



Ever since I can remember, every woman in the family had a button jar, a collection of odd buttons from old clothes, used to replace broken or missing buttons. Mom had two cans for the longest time while we were kids. One had all different buttons, and the other had only the white or clear buttons in it. Back in the day, nothing was ever thrown away. Of course, the jars were much smaller than this one, and I'm sure the tradition started generations ago. However, I watched in amazement as the button jar for my Grandmother started to grow and grow, then overflow! I wasn't the only one in awe of this phenomenon, word got out and then everyone started asking to see the jars. Yes, there's more than one, MANY more!

On this particular day, we emptied out the jars, one at at time, in search of extra large buttons to put on two "warm window" curtains, a new variety of insulated curtains that accordian either sideways or upwards (and they really do work great to keep the heat in). The buttons were to hold the curtains closed in lieu of using cord. Needless to say, we found several sets of 4 buttons, and the perfect sets of large wooden buttons. And, I got more small buttons for my beaded ornaments, where I needed sets of 6 for each.



Grandma was very generous and gave others their own jars, of various sizes and shapes. I asked years ago and received one that was perfect for my needs. As an occasional seamstress (as time and inspiration allow), I found a need to use various buttons, often one or two at a time. My jar eventually grew from the original size to the size of a large pickle jar. I kept it on display where I could see and admire it as the form of art that is truly is, as we would walk past it in daily life. Inevitably, it was often the topic of conversation by those who entered our home and also admired or were curious about it. It's certainly not a common household item in today's world!

When we worked and lived at a boarding home in northern California, one of the international boarding students asked if I had any buttons he could use, because he lost one on his favorite pants. I assured him I could help him out. At dinner time, I brought my jar to him in the cafeteria to his table. I wish we had a picture of his expression when he saw the jar and realized what he was looking at! I believe the words I remember hearing were something like, "Whoa!!!! Where'd you get that many buttons! Holy Moley, that's a lot of buttons! Wow!" And more similar comments from him and his friends. I told him to take his time to pick out the right one(s) and then just bring it back when he was done. I think he'll be telling that story for a long time to come! Ha ha, what fun!

Another time, in the quilting circle that was so much fun to play with at the school, one of the ladies was making a quilt with a lot of cats and dogs on it. Each one needed several buttons, for the eyes and for their outfits, which seemed to be plaid. It was a quilt I'll never undertake, of the paper-piecing variety -- too much work, too much precision, but beautiful. Anyway, I gave Susan the jar to go thru to find just the right buttons super tiny buttons to do her quilt. Not only did it save her about $20 or $30 or more, as there had to be about 30 or so cats and dogs on the quilt, if I remember correctly (it was a LOT), but it saved her the shopping time and was fun to do. Her quilt turned out fantastic, and will forever have a piece of Down County sewn into it.

This pickle jar holds almost 6,000 buttons:



As time went on, my button jar also expanded. People hear you collect buttons, so they bring you more. Then, you find them at yard sales. Estate sales. I got a lot from our wonderful cousins in California, from Bill's sister, Serleta. She had drawers of buttons from her sewing days, long ago. Thanks!

Now we have Mom's button jar, also the pretzel jar variety, divided by 4 for my other 4 sisters. The jar had been around so long, the plastic was starting to chip off. Even divided 4 ways, that is a LOT of buttons, and a great way for a Down County tradition to continue through another generation and make it's own branches, and find it's own way to replenish at each of these stops.

Here is a small version for a sister-in-law, who just wants a few to pick from for the occasional mending job. If she wants more, I hope she will just ask, this is all she said she wanted to start with.



Currently on our fridge: pickle jar for sister Juanita, my new jar, and jar for sister-in-law, Robin:


One may ask, where the heck did they all come from? It's a story that goes back many years, and is a deep part of the tradition of my roots. We are a family of hand-me-downs, as are many of my friends I have met along the way. The generations that remember the Great Depression and are reluctant to throw away anything that can be re-used. I remember the roll of used bread bags, the ORIGINAL rubber-band balls, a wooden roller that had baby jar lids screwed to it and the jars filled with miscellaneous nails and screws (very clever design), and of course, the buttons. Nothing was thrown away. Old clothing had the zippers, buttons, and anything reusable removed, and then that piece of clothing moved on to the Rag Bag. Every home I know about had a rag bag, and the rags were as important a household item as anything else we used.

Then one year Grandma somehow inherited all the leftovers from the local church rummage sale, and then it became an annual tradition for many years to follow, until she finally told them she was done. But while it lasted: Jackpot! She got to go thru these things and separate them out and find homes for just about anything and everything. I remember one time asking her to save me some leg warmers if she ever came across any (they were still in fashion!), and next thing I knew, I was walking out with about 10 pairs of all different colors! I don't think there is a person in the family that didn't have a similar experience at Grandma's house. You'd be there one day talking about an idea you had about making or doing something, and then the next time you visited, she'd have a stash of goodies to match what you were working on. Now, that's not why any of us ever went there, I know it's not why I went there, but it's something that often happened and was fun to be a part of.

So, all the old or damaged clothing that came from the rummage sales became either rags, trash, or got cut up to make one of Grandma's famous quilts (another story). And so the button jars started to swell and swell and go live in the various homes in Down County.

I've used the buttons in my jar for so many projects, including helping friends, and even for making glass beaded Christmas Ornaments (who knew that one would ever come up). My jar has changed form several times, once because my stash grew bigger, then also because of traveling and now for downsizing. But, my jars have their own stories to tell, and have made lasting impressions on the many hands that have held them, and the eyes the have befallen on them. And those are just the stories from my jars. It may not be something that comes to mind often, but I'm sure that each of the jars that got their start in Down County have their own interesting stories to tell. Who had any idea of how this legacy would grow and grow, and now continue to grow?

I just have to say, it's the little things like this, when all put together, that help make up the fun in being part of a bigger whole -- this time in being part of Down County.

The Psychic Twins

Check them out:

www.psychictwins.com
Terry & Linda Jamison

From their October newsletter:

"In Buddhism the term "hendoku iyaku" refers to the process of turning poison to medicine with faith and a positive attitude of determination. Ask yourself: what steps can I take right now to neutralize any negativity or resentments that I may be holding onto? Don't buy into the mass mind of fear and anger. It is the job of the media to perpetuate fear and a feeling of helplessness. Focusing on these emotions will only aggravate the problem, adding to your frustration. Ask spirit: what attitude will best serve me now? These issues cannot be resolved quickly, but we are confident that circumstances will improve in the coming months and years. Remember, we cannot control the actions of others, but we get to choose our reactions and responses to events. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way in bringing about change and healing. With an open heart, a deeply spiritual transformation can indeed occur."

We are all linked together so much more than we know, or may want to admit.

The secret of life comes back to love and understanding, and since that is the only thing you can take with you, that which you cultivate in your mind and heart, it's a great thing to dedicate some energy to "getting it right" this time.

Pictures can be found here.

What I love about these women, is their sense of adventure, of not sticking within a stereotype, and how they enjoy the fact that they are twins instead of resenting it. They chose to be performers, and now they do the work on earth for which they were commissioned, so to speak. In doing so, they embrace the beauty of who they are, so evident in their interviews and literature.

These fun photos speak volumes. Imagine a world where we all felt so free and brave to express our creativity! (again, not taking credit for borrowed pics):

Wildlife in Virginia

We woke up this morning to the sounds of birds, originally thinking it might be migrating geese. But, it's raining out, and I didn't think birds liked to fly in the weather. While waiting for the bus a little later, we noticed a flurry of activity in the branch of the reservoir that runs behind our street and house. There were large white birds lifting up, at least 50 of them between both sides of the road, maybe more! We believe they are cranes, taking a break from their annual migration. Maybe they will stick around since it's supposed to rain for another couple days.

They don't like the human-folk coming too close, and we need a new camera, so this is the best we could do. Isn't mother nature grand!!!


There are at least 30 in this picture, many of them swimming, or sitting closely to each other.



Apparently, they are not shy about perching on the highest peaks available, and these trees are tall! Can you see at least 4 here?

Okay, now, look again...









Looking out from our back yard, access to the reservoir, with Maya looking on.

New President: Barack Obama!

No matter how you slice it, the view of the U.S. Presidency has changed in this historical election.

More people registered to vote this time than ever before.
More people actually voted this time.
More people paid attention to the issues (although not everyone).
More people used email to send messages about both the democratic and republican parties, most of it, unfortunately, based on false or misleading information, than ever before.

May President Obama do the best job he possibly can, and in the process, may the American people also step up and each of us do the best that we all possibly can.

No more excuses!

New President Prediction

As I said before, we are all intuitive....

...which means, sometimes we just "know" things.

Which is how I "know" Barack Obama will be elected our new president today.

It's raining out here all day today, actually supposed to rain for a couple of days. I'm SO glad we voted early so we don't have to deal with people waiting in the rain.

Trick-or-Treat!

A fun day! School (with no acknowledging the date or tradition), trick or treat at Papa's work, then off with a friend to go door-to-door, community party, then another outdoor church party.

The Grim Reaper in my van...a little unsettling to look at, but a beautiful boy underneath!


He "knew" it was Papa underneath, but check out how close he wouldn't stand to him. No urging would get him to step closer. Ha ha!




The Grim Reaper and Private Eye Detective Julian, ready for a night of fun!


...with Pumpkin Puppy


A couple houses decorated on the street we visited, about 1/3 of the neighborhood participated, and seemed to have fun doing it! Mike sat at our house scaring the kids that came by, unfortunately on a dead end street, there aren't that many that visit.




The real grim reaper would probably look like this if he wandered amongst the population.


Community party, egg balancing race. Chris did it 3x and didn't drop his egg on a spoon, he was very proud!


The Boo Williams Sportsplex (yes, "Boo" is his name, a retired coach) sponsored the free event, with various activities around the hall. Here is the basket/ball toss. He got 2 of his 3 tries into the laundry baskets, great job!


Mike's work sponsored a decoration contest for the best decorated hall/doors. Great imagination on these, also. Check out the jack-o-lanterns, I like the masked one, but the disgusting one was the winner. Eww!!!