December 2010

"May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love."
-   Ada V. Hendricks

October 2010

"As autumn returns to earth's northern hemisphere,
and day and night are briefly,
but perfectly,
balanced at the equinox,
may we remember anew how fragile life is ----
human life, surely,
but also the lives of all other creatures,
trees and plants,
waters and winds.

May we make wise choices in how and what we harvest,
may earth's weather turn kinder,
may there be enough food for all creatures,
may the diminishing light in our daytime skies
be met by an increasing compassion and tolerance
in our hearts."

-   Kathleen Jenks, Autumn Lore

The Day My World Changed.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin


The moment that will change your life forever doesn't march in carrying a banner that says "THIS IS IT". When you are in the moment, it just seems like a normal moment in your life. It is only through time that we realize, wow, if I hadn't done (fill in the blank) then (fill in the blank) would never have happened, and how totally different my life would have been.


Exactly 33 years ago today I met my BFF at CMU freshmen orientation. I was entering a lecture room in Anspach Hall and saw her sitting alone. It was a chance glance (bright, white legs) to the left that would change our lives forever. 


I don't even remember what Jeanee and I talked about that first day, I just remember how engaging and cheerful she was. How she made me laugh and how she accepted me for me. And the only thing I knew about our future, was that we would be great friends. (Especially after meeting up with her and her mother, Jeanette, at The Cabin for Jeanee's 18th birthday celebration later that evening! That sealed the deal.)


Our lives wouldn't always be spent by each other's side, but we knew we were always there. Life would send each of us in different directions, but our connection always kept us in touch and many times pulled us together again. As a bridesmaid in her wedding I would meet my future husband, her brother. My best friend would be my children's aunt. Our families were forever connected. See what I mean by life changing? If I hadn't met her, who would I have been married to now? Would I have children? The world WOULD have been a different and incomplete place for me without her. 


During these 33 years there has never been anyone else in my life that has shared with me what she has, our life stories are intertwined, sometimes bittersweet, but always full of memories of laughter and love. And, most importantly, understanding and forgiveness. 

Happy 51st birthday girlfriend.

Something good is happening.

While we lost our cherries to an early April heat wave followed by a late frost, the grapes and some pears made it through the crazy Michigan spring. 

Looking forward to the jellies, juices and other goodness from our upcoming harvest.

Small Town, Big Celebration

Good fortune landed our family in a small community that believes in a BIG fourth of July celebration.

While cities much larger are cutting fireworks from their budgets, our little township saves their pennies, and NEVER disappoints. 

Sure, we could use a lot of new things around here, but small town folks remember it is function over form. 

EXCEPT for the 4th of July. Then it is ALL FORM! Forty-five minutes of eye-poppin', ear-blastin', just as good as big city - FORM! 

And all from the comfort of our lawn chair in the back of our old pick up trucks. 

Life is good.