tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40469465911972000012024-03-05T07:38:09.999-08:00Red Head MomJust one red headed Mom who's been there, done that and got the scars & tee shirts to prove it - a slice of life from the feminine side of sensibilityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-16592689025434891122022-05-21T12:39:00.002-07:002022-05-21T12:39:18.291-07:00A book that means a lot to me - The Lie that Binds by Amy Argent<p> I was lucky to get to read this as an advance reader. As a family member, and I won't spoil it for you, it meant the world to me to see how all this played out. You can read my GoodReads review here: </p><p>My rating: 5 of 5 stars</p><p>I could not stop reading this book. High school can be daunting, all by itself. You never truly know what is going on in another's life. For Holly Ross, life presented challenges that resulted in a cross country and cross climate relocation. For Nathan, Holly may present as another obstacle to be navigated, or will his truth be the one that binds them all. This is an exploration of all that motivates the young as they navigate the waters to reach adulthood, along with a smattering of education. It shines a light on the invisible burdens that are not so easily recognized by the world at large. Not all handicaps are visible, and the ones we place on our own hearts may do the most damage. I loved the collection of quotes that opened each chapter. I think this book could start a hundred important conversations. I plan to share it.</p><p><br /></p><p>You can find this on Amazon, for both Kindle and print, along with other retailers</p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-2973514346110110052020-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:002020-10-12T15:30:38.680-07:00Kids! What's the Matter with Kids ... Today?Somewhere, in the not too distant past, parents tried to work themselves out of a job. We made sure our tiny charges were well protected in the beginning, but bit by bit, we pulled back. Sure, we enforced rules but sometimes you have to fall to learn the floor is really cold and hard. It's so much better to fall when you are shorter. It's less of a fall and easier to get up and get on with life.<div><br /></div><div>Life today has removed some of the opportunities to simply TRY!<br />
<br />
Now we have helicopter parents and trophies for showing up. We constantly tell each child how perfect and wonderful they are ... no matter what they have done; and perhaps worse, no matter what they haven't done. <div><br /></div><div>Covid 19 has now given our children the mandate, in many cases, to practically LIVE in front of their computer screen, and woe to those who don't have one, or enough bandwidth or privacy for their school day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am fortunate that my two main charges, and my dozen international children are all up and about in the world, productive citizens of their current locales, building good, adult lives. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>And that is what brings me here today. Our children, our grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and other children are watching us. They are searching for clues as to what comes next. If we are uncertain, and I would guess that most of us certainly are uncertain, what we show them in the coming days is certainly important.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had the opportunity to spend extra time with a grandchild this spring. It was a lemonade out of the lemons' situation. This child was coming from a place where civility was gone. It dawned on me that now was the time to not only let a child be a child but model what should be happening against the backdrop of what no one wanted to watch happen. </div><div>Every night, the news showed how lost so much of the country seemed to be. In our home, we lived to show how it could be. We still found innovative ways to be safe but still have fun. We got our work done, we laughed, we discussed, we lived in harmony, even though all of us did not share all the same beliefs or political positions. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a child, I had lived through the Sixties. There were riots and violence and the war on our TV more nights than I can remember. My parents, even though their own difficulties, managed to remain mostly calm for my tiny brother and me. They modeled mostly calm, rational behavior. They did not rant or rail on situations, at least not in front of us. They let us be children. We didn't have all the 24-7 news or the constant critique of social media. Our photos were for our families and friends. Our mistakes were our own, not plastered and repeated over and over on the internet. We had a chance to try and fail and learn without everlasting condemnation. In short, we were children, being children, and learning at a steady pace.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's the matter with kids today? Maybe if we let them be kids, and have childhoods where they gained responsibility and skills at a child's pace, and not the pace demanded by the internet; the answer could again be - not much.</div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-9204175809345928362015-12-09T15:17:00.001-08:002015-12-09T15:17:15.640-08:00Musings on a sunny December dayGreetings from fa Lala land It's been a while since I've written and it feels good to pick up the pen or the pixel once again. I travel back-and-forth across the US went back to work and now find myself living in literally the happy. My neighborhood here in sunny Los Angeles is literally called the happy . It doesn't have an English name however it's a Spanish name Los Feliz. Life has certainly had its ups and downs one of the great things about living here in California is getting to meet so many interesting people . People and authors I've known on the web, are now names and faces. LA is the land of the déjà vu face . I just get used to the fact that yeah I know you from somewhere and I'm not gonna bother trying to figure that out . They earn their privacy as much as we crave ours. So the events here in California have had me thinking I just wanted to wish everyone peace of the season. Anyone who believes that their beliefs are so all encompassing that they must stamp out and trampled all this agreement needs to take a deep breath . If you are here in the United States you must understand we are a nation of many and out of the many we become one nation that does not mean we have one way of thinking or one way of acting. We are united in our belief that everyone here every citizen has the right to think and believe as their heart chooses. And just as much as they may share their choice. It is every since citizens right to decline to share that choice as well. That's what makes me glad to be an American and that's why I put on the uniform to protect that right so many years ago<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-48307902088530186602012-02-27T20:14:00.000-08:002012-02-27T20:14:51.711-08:00England Vs Wales: What a Game!<iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_EAbO3qF3Ew?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-3052748771416034612011-12-26T05:25:00.000-08:002011-12-26T05:26:38.305-08:00Post Noel and Boxing Day musingsMerry Christmas. In some places the 26th is Boxing Day. Here I'm calling it TG no more Carpenters on the radio day. I cannot fathom playing the same songs to the point beyond saturation but for me if I never hear them again I will be fine with that. Too much of any one thing breeds contempt. This year there were the almost sadly traditional scenes of Zealous shoppers getting into trouble over the it item for the year. As if that were the point. This year our family was far away and only vis the genius of Steve Jobs were we able to see and hear some of the morning excitement. When technology brings us close and eases the sting that the miles bring on a holiday you can believe its all a part of Gods plan. I don't think he was too excited by the pepper spray in line for the gadgets but we are all fallen short of the glory of God here. Will any of the excitement and joy of the day, the peace of a sleeping and waiting house or the love and warmth given via the scents of food prepared with love hold much into the new year? I can only send that hope to everyone else. If only a flicker of it sits inside each heart there will be a little more light in the cool hard start of another year. God Bless us, every one, no exceptions.<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-21569790324404256552011-11-14T07:25:00.001-08:002011-11-14T08:16:35.773-08:00Is there no understanding in the space we call the web, that for some of us, there is a business space and there is a friend and family space? I am not saying if you post something you wouldn't put on an interstate billboard, you should be conceded, but silly family and friend photographs belong on a Facebook page, as much as they belong in my family room. So, I am posting on Facebook and here, on this blog that this is the same as my home - NOT my office. That is a different place in cyberspace, just as it is in the physical world. If you are here, if you are on my Facebook page, please understand, you are in my family room. Sometimes it's a little messy with projects and family life. It is not a grey and black, button down blouse/shirt and tie sort of place. If that is a problem, sorry. You are my guest and I will be hospitable, but in my family room, not stuffy.<br />
That's for the office or the formal living room, if I even have one in my next home.<br />
Bienvennue<br />
Reb!<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-757284486978294982011-10-17T08:14:00.000-07:002011-10-17T08:16:52.354-07:00Fortune Favors the Bold<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Fortune Favors The Bold</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Or, if you told me what I’d be doing for the next few months, I’d doubt my sanity.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">When I started the adventure, back in January - I was simply glad to be going somewhere warm, where not knowing where I was would be expected and normal.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The iPhone and the Garmin became friends and guides to many a small adventure and discovery as I learned Dallas just a bit</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Re-Connecting with my dear friend Pam was a bonus beyond all measure. Dallas was hot and dry and a good antidote to my aches. I missed my son and daughter, my daughter-in-law and my grandson but seeing them grow and stand on their own two feet was some consolation. In addition, I got to spend a lot of time with my sister-in-law Amy, her husband and Packer fan, Mike and my niece and goddaughter Zoe and her little brother Anderson. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">At this point, I must again thank Steve Jobs for making my science fiction dreams into a very tangible reality. I adore face-time on the iPad - now I can still see my family from time to time.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">So, what did I do, really?</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I read a lot, I walked and I tried a few new and interesting activities. I found myself the Easter Bunny at the Grapevine Mall - yep forty plus pounds of polyester fur and giant ears. If you’ve never worn a giant costume like that, you should think about trying it. The reactions from the tiny babies to the seasoned folks were priceless - and the teenagers! 99% were just for fun and only a few babies cried! I also got to ride the mall train - a lot.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">At the same time I worked on getting in with a Funeral Home as an assistant, that was less successful but I have not given my profession a pass. I joined a few groups to stay in touch with the field, and low and behold, I was chosen to be interviewed about my profession. The result can be found here: More Magazine - Death and the Maidens</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The heat was intense this summer, but it really only kept me in at the peak of it most days, but still 40+ days of 100+ heat. Yes, it’s a dry heat, but my freckles grew freckles!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Before I knew it, it was August. Time to pack up life in Dallas and get set for the big trip.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Not just Australia, but New Zealand too. Hey, if you are flying 12+ hours on the longest leg in the air, you might as well make the most of it.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">But that adventure deserves a post or two all of its own. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-7413129528565534572011-02-11T11:46:00.000-08:002011-02-12T07:44:37.714-08:00A Little more Love from Texas - Road Trip Style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fB_GX1psvQtCT-HcFDCnSGKJbuw-PYqQnJN-E6ZML0Y00t7Pg6nacq-e1AqAHZZIMzoJP-qmsIzyyc9wHTxpyEAqSPxfFte48f7tV6IBkYicFKD3tvUb2teaFAj1C50ijr-QqE7gfcw/s1600/Off+the+Bone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fB_GX1psvQtCT-HcFDCnSGKJbuw-PYqQnJN-E6ZML0Y00t7Pg6nacq-e1AqAHZZIMzoJP-qmsIzyyc9wHTxpyEAqSPxfFte48f7tV6IBkYicFKD3tvUb2teaFAj1C50ijr-QqE7gfcw/s320/Off+the+Bone.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572824453757430754" /></a><br />Texas means a different cuisine to my family. Not that we aren't adventurous in Minnesota, just that there are things here that just aren't the same where the snow gets higher than my waist for months on end.<div>In point, BarBeQue (BBQ) - is a different animal here, and we have a seriously devoted daughter to the finer adventures in a culinary fashion - so with her advice we found a wonderful, nearly hidden gem of Fort Worth - Off the Bone Barbeque <a href="http://www.offthebonebbq.com/">http://www.offthebonebbq.com/</a> This was one of the best moments of the entire trip while Rachel and Paul were with us. This petite eatery, just off I 20 and 820, was just honored in Dallas Magazine as the Best! - great news. The location does not jump out at you, it's not overly shiny or corporate, just friendly and clean. You can enjoy your tasty meats with their sauce, but they are served "dry", but still moist and bursting with deep flavors that just fill your mouth. Portions were generous but not ridiculous and a bargain for the price. The smiles on the faces of my family, and the instant removal of the hungry grouchies were more than compensation enough for putting up with "Ms Garmin" and her strange sense of direction. (She first took us on dirt side tracks to a bar straight out of a bad biker movie...We didn't stop!) The Garmin gremlin will be fodder for another post. Food for our family is more of an adventure, a gastronomic theme park even, when we travel. If at all possible, we avoid the national chains and fast food. (One notable exception, in France we found the sandwiches at the gas stations on the Autoroute to be delicious and budget friendly) Thanks to the family toys - ie - IPhones, we found<i> tha</i>t article on the internet and then got the address, phone and even directions (Yeah! Google maps!) However, having a good guidebook and a paper and pencil are still handy when technology has an occasional fail! So we haven't gone paperless yet, but the car clutter is definitely down.</div><div>Another amazing meal was shared Sunday morning with Amy, Mike, Zoe and Anderson at the </div><div>Twisted Root Burger Company. We dined at the West Ellum location. <a href="http://twistedrootburgerco.com/wordpress/">http://twistedrootburgerco.com/wordpress</a>/</div><div>Here is that spot's philosophy in their own words: </div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(33, 39, 38); line-height: 19px; font-family:'Book Antiqua', 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Arial;">Three chefs, sick of eating frozen, tiny, and under-seasoned burgers, opened a real burger joint to make it the way they do at home. Fresh and seasoned meat, hand-battered buttermilk fried stuff, fresh-cut sweet potatoes, homemade pickles, in-house made Root Beer, homemade ice-cream….even homemade condiments. It’s like eating at our home!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(33, 39, 38); line-height: 19px; font-family:'Book Antiqua', 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Arial;">It was even a chance to dine outside! - but the snow was waiting....</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-37807451645433890712011-02-03T08:41:00.000-08:002011-02-04T13:23:10.997-08:00Road tripping with young adults<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac128/buhbeesgirl/-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac128/buhbeesgirl/-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />When your children are young, you pack a car with snacks and maybe books on tape, before there were DVD's or VHS's for your car...We even talked a lot. Imagine that - actual conversation. Thanks to I Phones and I Tunes....We can choose to share or choose to slip into our own musical worlds while we drive. It's a good thing we seem to share a lot of the same musical tastes. <div>Stops are another thing - my goal was to enjoy the journey and visit my family on the way to rejoining Steve. They wanted to get to the Warmth of Dallas as soon as possible. So, they toured Downtown Chicago and had to kill some time there...</div><div>(Not impossible, but without a car...) Meanwhile I was able to get my mom out for some errands and to visit with my father's sister, my Aunt Lois. It was great to get to visit and to get the two of them together. I'm a grandmother myself now, and it's beginning to be apparent that time is passing and precious. I don't take time with my family for granted as I put myself on a path of adventure, but also away from some of those I love the most. Saying that, even those hours in the car are precious. Today, it's snowing in Dallas (Yes, I told God my plans...and I am sure he's getting a good chuckle at this moment) So I'm savoring the time to write this and </div><div>say GO PACKERS - I love you Dad...</div><div>avoiding Texas drivers!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-33919326326661608142011-02-01T10:44:00.000-08:002011-02-01T11:42:35.605-08:00On the Road at Last<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdLVPajajwRy2giWmfAgMYVo2KXg2aoCirxOzQgTOjms8nwlNoNUm9SZ9q-gXe1V7s1DgJNs5bYQAC66o-gUIDECmo_pJM1RroAizDDAv8cJ_FrL0TrkS6Cplkwi4RJM80f6iAhUMTW0/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdLVPajajwRy2giWmfAgMYVo2KXg2aoCirxOzQgTOjms8nwlNoNUm9SZ9q-gXe1V7s1DgJNs5bYQAC66o-gUIDECmo_pJM1RroAizDDAv8cJ_FrL0TrkS6Cplkwi4RJM80f6iAhUMTW0/s320/IMG_1038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568804979379091954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqysfvWy2vNEBpHS3zeZUz7e3cbcWlsXya5u_elNSLpShe3mX21r7Y5jfXSFrYVpR3d4h9OdWlBdc3lY-lp_F48cQm9nCm7isbUqzPOmkAbskFwjF8_InaKt0j0bbJUYNiFOQhaRsyqk/s1600/IMG_1011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqysfvWy2vNEBpHS3zeZUz7e3cbcWlsXya5u_elNSLpShe3mX21r7Y5jfXSFrYVpR3d4h9OdWlBdc3lY-lp_F48cQm9nCm7isbUqzPOmkAbskFwjF8_InaKt0j0bbJUYNiFOQhaRsyqk/s320/IMG_1011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568804972665632530" /></a><br />After many months of searching and speculating, on January 2nd my husband left for training with the VA Travel Corps in Phoenix. The next three weeks at home were filled with packing and a few very special moments. I attended the 6th birthday party/concert for 89.3 The Current with Rachel on that last Friday, Saturday was our Saddle Club dinner and Sunday a dear friend and her husband had their son baptized. Sad to leave my son, his wife and my grandson, but it was time. On Monday Jan 22nd I left to join Steve in Dallas TX. This first leg of the journey, took me to my childhood home of Chicago. I visited with my brother and his family, checked in with my mother, who is doing better than expected and spent the first night on the road. I am lucky to be traveling with my daughter and a friend of her and my son's - Paul; so we share the driving duties.<div>Central Illinois - Miles and miles of Miles and Miles - I57 is sparsely populated - I55 goes south via Springfield and St. Louis. We chose the faster, sparser route to Memphis (Cue Paul Simon and Marc Cohen singing Graceland and Walkin' on Memphis)</div><div>Yes. </div><div> I had to see Graceland this trip.</div><div>As a child, I had spent many an after-school afternoon watching Elvis movies on television in Chicago. </div><div> Anyone else remember those days of afternoon movies from 3-5? </div><div>Elvis week was always well promoted and I'd talk with the other girls about moms who watched with us. I'd seen some of his specials on TV in the 70's and occasionally heard him on the radio. He was a little before my time, but I still knew who he was - that he had a daughter- that he met the president. His wild jumpsuits, his peanut butter and banana sandwiches, his group of friends ( it was a new concept back then) all were part of the culture of growing up in my part of the south side of Chicago.</div><div>Then he died. </div><div>He died rather young, with a little girl and I would guess a broken heart after his divorce. The sadness for a lot of our mothers was a visible, tangible thing. </div><div>The only time I have felt anything like it was at the death of John Lennon. I'll never forget the sight of one home's picture window on my bus route for school. It was a velvet Elvis, oversized, with a large candle always lit. It stayed that way for over a year. I don't know who lived in that house - but everyone knew who lived at Graceland. </div><div>My father, an aviation buff even knew of Elvis's planes and pilots.</div><div>When Graceland opened to the public, a seed was planted in my brain. The house was more than just a spot where he lived. It was the center of his universe, his family, his work. It had become a sort of continuing representation of his talent, his soul if you will. I became immensely curious to see it. </div><div> Photographs and mentions only fueled my curiosity. It sat and simmered until my first brush with Memphis - in 1988 I was driving north with my husband and son after finishing our active military duties in Texas. I wanted to stop, not sure what he'd think about my desire to see the Jungle Room for myself. We kept going. </div><div>The route for this trip was a happy accident of the route on my IPhone - I noted that to add Chicago as the first stop - took us through Memphis.</div><div>I was going to see Graceland for myself.</div><div>Or Else!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-51760854442471085882010-11-11T06:33:00.000-08:002010-11-11T06:51:35.728-08:00Let's Hear it for the Boys and Girls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZGZCw9IppMaI9ioe_EwApvKtuO6dIfSbfKB9O68o2b-WC_y5HgiCpgkHj8F7Aj9NrAbTR5ybGGomlPQBM_ezKWjWxGMatHlvKrKbB_2gCS_aCkiIvAbJGvnEnSxbIk3iVCplghXZYsU/s1600/stevebeckusaf.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZGZCw9IppMaI9ioe_EwApvKtuO6dIfSbfKB9O68o2b-WC_y5HgiCpgkHj8F7Aj9NrAbTR5ybGGomlPQBM_ezKWjWxGMatHlvKrKbB_2gCS_aCkiIvAbJGvnEnSxbIk3iVCplghXZYsU/s320/stevebeckusaf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538300880977443138" /></a><br />This takes me back, to a time and place where my husband and I found ourselves in service. We were newly minted married and newly minted members of the USAF. My brother would later serve in the US Navy. Back then, the feminine members of our armed forces hovered at 10 percent, today we approach 15 percent, and one of the delightful or thought provoking news items this year was an announcement that the BDU's the everyday uniform for service members was finally coming out with WOMEN'S SIZES - I don't have a lot of pictures of me in that outfit - Think greenish balloon. It's always better to feel professional in something that fits, without a couple of trips to a tailor! I know, I tried. The men and women of our armed forces are every day standing up, putting their lives on the line. They understand the concept of freedom better than anyone who has not served, because they surrender it completely for their training and induction into the service, and then they live under a much more severe code of conduct and justice for the duration of their military careers (Article 15? anyone) No service is perfect, no person is either, but the willingness to work towards that goal, to work together under the harsh conditions, strict rules and separation from friends and loved ones gives each and every present and former service member a core of strength our nation must not forget. Today our veterans get a few thanks from restaurants; consider adding yours as well. Any day you meet one, "Thank you for your service" might be the sweetest words he or she might hear all year.<br />In Honor of my Father, USMC, USAAC, ILNG<br />Semper Fi<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-54974646942185294672010-09-29T09:20:00.000-07:002010-09-29T09:57:07.016-07:00Just Say NOThe leaves are changing here, I can hear the marching bands practice on the field across the street. When the lights come on, sometimes I walk up the hill and look at all the pageantry on the football field. The Cheerleaders here have bright orange as one of their colors. Bright Orange - a warning color - is that a future for guys who cheer too? I was at my 30th high school reunion, and someone had found old, film footage of our pep rally and highlights of our surprise run to become Illinois State High School Basketball champions in 1980. One of the best things was two of our football players joining the cheerleaders with their wild acrobatic moves. Title X has killed a lot of male gymnastic programs now, so if you love to throw your body through the air with impossible twists - and are male, you have cheer leading and the circus- right? So how does Just Say NO figure in here. In the 1980's it was a catchphrase, not always appreciated, but we knew what no meant. NO meant stop, don't start, period. I heard it from parents and teachers all the time. No one in authority wanted to be my friend back then, just my respect for them - and then they for me. That became the basis for a lot of great relationships. A young man, 11, in Ohio has learned the hard way, that no is a thought in short supply. When I cheered and when I was in the stands, cheering NO NO NO, WE WON'T GO, had power. "Hey Hey Hey, let's have a happy day" just has no power. As a kid, I knew there were big no's, things you just didn't do - and a little tease, OK, but to the point of hurting, physically hurting someone, that was a no. When a girl broke up with you, no was no, no stalking. No, it cost too much meant save or choose something you could afford, not just open a charge account. No was a border, a baseline to turn you toward another course. I learned NO first from my parents and then my teachers. It was not fun, it was disappointing, sometimes it made me angry. It taught me there are rules, things you just DO NOT DO. It gave me a base to stand on and build on. Now, do parents still say NO, or do we bargain and avoid and worry over having to say that to our children? Do they know, from parents words and actions, that there are things that are off limits, things you NEVER do, things that are WRONG? <br />No, that is probably not the case for a lot of young people. No's early hurt, but they teach, dealing with them moves one toward maturity.<br />Who tells this generation what NO means?<br />To the young man in Ohio, I hope you cheer loud and proud, I hope you can do a back-flip soon. I hope when you have a cheer with NO everyone understands.<br />Gonna Stop NO<br />Gonna Fight ON<br />Gonna WIN<br />YEAH YEAH YEAH<br /><br />Rebekah ( Cheerleader in 1976 )<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-21288561825579376112010-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:002010-06-10T09:55:10.607-07:00I got to do something wonderful today!I got to do something really wonderful today. I got to wake up with my best friend, confidante and lover - my husband.<br /><br />Marriage certainly has its ups, twists, turns and even down days - but I have been blessed to spend the majority of them with him - not missing him.<br /><br />While college students - we knew he was facing a year abroad - France.<br /><br />One September I put him on a plane, with the cliche in my head - "If you love something, set them free. If they return to you it's real - if not, it never was.."<br /><br />Probably the hardest moment. I could not, would not chain him. <br /><br />Even for Iowa, it was the longest scholastic year of my existence. Ever.<br /><br />Cliche or not, in May we met, after only exchanging snail mail - and the first thing he did, after kissing me was propose.<br /><br />In Paris<br /><br />(Swell the romantic music - it plays in my head each time I remember it)<br /><br />I was remembering that day - because of those I see in real life and even in the tales told by the many writers online, in what I call tales of the heart - more commonly known as Twilight Fan Fiction.<br /><br />I see dear ones to me approaching marriage - and I want for them all the sweetness I have found and more.<br /><br />I see other dear ones, currently separated, either by circumstance or foolishness, some will know the rapture of a reunion, others will not.<br /><br />So why do I read those tales - Emancipation Proclamation by Kharizzmatik, (Blogspot)or the University of Edward Masen by Sebastien Robichaud?(fanfiction.net)<br /><br /><br />In real life, I can only pray to ease the ache I see. I cannot and will not meddle. I will listen, as some did for me that year.<br /><br />In the written tales I can hope the authors take a note from Jane Austen - she would write for happy endings and bright futures - control where real life can give us naught.<br /><br />Hug your love - let them know<br /><br />Steve - you are my happy ending and happily ever after!<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-22738674623200762472010-04-29T15:33:00.000-07:002010-04-29T15:39:32.764-07:00Once Upon a Snowy April Sunday!I can't believe how much the sky today looks like it did 26 years ago - but it's a lot warmer. April 29th 1984 was the day I began my real life with my real love! What began as total confusion as to who was Frank and who was Steve, to friendship, to love, to letting go as he went off to France for a year,to wonderful letters and a courtship via snail mail! a proposal in Paris! Service in the USAF, 2 darling children,a daughter-in-law, a grandson, a house, 12+ exchange student children, 3 political campaigns,<br />moves, trips, dinners, laughter and loads and loads and loads of love<br />Thanks Honey<br />I can't wait to see what the next 26 years bring.<br />Your Red Head!<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-62253424601225039502010-04-15T21:57:00.000-07:002010-04-17T14:03:38.253-07:00Birthday Wishes and RealitiesI'm older - yes for all of us above ground and breathing - that happens every day. On the day I mark another rotation of the sun. I got one of my Birthday wishes - I got to be inspired and receive the gift of hope. I attended the Sarah Palin- Michelle Bachman Rally in Minneapolis. I's been quite a ride the past few days, the dismantling of NASA, the looming dread of April 15th make my special day a little nerve racking. The words on that stage re-kindled my faith in Americans. I learned there was a name for the spirit I assumed we all got from our ancestors - who jumped onto rickety contraptions, without radio, internet, GPS - and sailed across dark cold waters, away from every comfort,every convention, family, friends, heck even favorite foods - Just for the chance at a freer, new start in a place where you were allowed, even encouraged to do, go , be as much as you could. The name I learned in school was American Exceptionalisim. We are made up of those with the guts! to go. No old world con-strictures on your future. If your dad was the local cobbler, you weren't forced to follow - you might be a baker, a doctor,- Lincoln was a self taught man, from the cabin (I've been to Salem, IL !) to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I wish for someone who has sat at the kitchen table with the checkbook and bills, who drives the highways THEMSELVES, to take the reins of our country. Hearing first from our Governor, the only other man who had gotten down on bended knee (asking for my vote! for Pete's sake at the state convention) before me. He reminded me of how far we have come. Sarah Palin reminded me of the basic wisdom and how important it is for every "one" to serve in government - not just those who attended law school and have been groomed since birth It is our citizenship at stake these days - the country I grew to love is growing strange to me.<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-33982305752825760532010-03-27T15:51:00.001-07:002010-03-31T17:07:59.846-07:00Ahh Spring - Season for ChangeActual Sunshine! Yes I know that it exists-but a normal March would mean Spring in theory more than practice. This year we have a lot of grass and warm temperatures, indicating change is in the air - almost time to put away the heavy boots. Change is in the air for my country as well. The changes I see on the horizon are not fluffy clouds and gentle zephyrs - they seem like angry wall clouds, harbingers of trying things to come. <br /> I worry that many have lost their way in America, lost their path to adulthood with all it's joys; and responsibilities. I grew up with the image of the shining city on the hill, the place where responsibility and self determination were the guiding principals - if you chose to do something stupid - you paid the price. The training began on the playground.<br /> I recall the days of the tall slide, can you remember them? before we had the lawyer approved, shock absorbing surounded, playscapes - we had real jungle gyms where if you went too far beyond your limits, you risked an injury. Those tall slides, the kind that the little kids waited to go tandem with you on? There was always one jokster who had to -jump off - or try standing - or something else? They got the broken arm, etc and we got the lesson, now we pamper and protect our young so much that at 26? or more they cannot fathom leaving the nest? They never faced a small risk, they got a trophy for showing up and heaven help their first supervisor - there are no trophys and gold stars for just showing up at work.<br /> There is great honor in responsibility, great freedom in making your own way, and then having the choice of giving back - and how you give back. There is only frustration in having to wait all the time to see what you will get. Having it taken from you is not the same, think about the bully taking your desert - or you sharing it with your first crush - get the picture?<br /> Let's get back to competition, for in the challenge is the energy to meet or exceed the goals. No one wins all the time - but the best are found and rewarded, and those who compete also earn their own honor. Competition also implies a choice of when to compete and when to support the competitors.<br /> As the parks hopefully fill with children, this year let's start leaving the nanny state behind. Anyone want to race to the tall slide?<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-56552385998946036522009-12-12T17:23:00.000-08:002009-12-12T17:47:33.616-08:00Cuddly StarThat's right - Cuddly Star - well if that isn't an impossible image, I mean a star is a hot ball of gas, far far away (Even some Hollywood - type stars would fill that bill) Ha Ha, that is my Christmas Name according to a website. I guess I would like to be a "Cuddly Star" someone who, even though gained some notoriety could be seen as approachable and friendly,maybe someone to have lunch with. Oprah - no, Mary Steenburgen Yes, Elizabeth Reaser & Meryl Streep - Yes, Sarah Jessica Parker would be a maybe. In the real world, Sarah Palin - yes, Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi - no, But I'd like to think the lady who was and may still be in charge of HP would be a yes. My point in all this rambling is simple. There are two ways to get 'fame' it can be thrust upon you, like a lottery win or surviving an accident - or being discovered doing the wrong thing with the wrong person, etc - or you earn it via hard work, good works, talent, doing the right thing. The question then turns on your character - can you handle it with grace, can you smile at a reporter, thank them for their interest and let then know you are not going to grace that question with an answer. In the face of today's headlines, grace good humor and manners are in short supply. I like to live by the words of Mark Twain - "Love your enemies - it'll drive them crazy. Hope that helps when you get the one person you didn't want to get in the office/club exchange for the Holidays! Merry Christmas one and all and to all (no exceptions!) Good Night<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-64672648699165852112009-11-15T21:22:00.000-08:002009-11-15T21:47:59.787-08:00Eternal Sunshine of the Reset MindGreetings Readers<br />I'm sorry I haven't been here in a long while - I was on my way to an event in late September, when I was rear-ended. Due to the height of one car and the placement of my rear bumper, I got a good whack in the back of my head - presto! by 24 hours post accident I was slurring my speech, dragging my feet and forgetting - well forgetting a lot of things. I didn't work or drive for almost a month. The good news, I can speak well again and pick up my feet, the downside is I still have to find another vehicle (man I miss that Dodge Minivan!), get my full balance back, my ankle still aches. I have found that rather than a return to normal; I am dealing with what I call the new normal - my short term memory is not dependable ( sorry again to all the folks I've mis-dialed) I have a horrid compulsion to smoke (!?) and my fuse is no longer a slow burn time delay - I can be a bit sharp. It is like ordering a soda, having it arrive and after you take a sip, you frown, thinking cola but tasting root beer - it's good but it is not what you expected. I have spent a bit of time re-reading favorite books, there is comfort and familiarity - and sometimes a surprise!<br />I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and If this was to shake me up, and give my dear loving husband a fresh wife - well that is how I came up with the title of this post. I now have such an appreciation for those who are recovering from injuries great and small. I had few marks on the outside, but I felt like I had been in a blender on frappe for too long. I am so grateful the help arrived quickly, that my grandson or anyone else was not riding with me - that I have a good team of doctors and a good lawyer too. I hope this never happens to you. As for me, each new day truly has a sense of adventure too.<br />I promise more musings in the days to come<br />The Red Hed Mom<br />Reb<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-50713583655742351682009-09-17T05:24:00.000-07:002009-09-17T05:43:13.404-07:00Pleasant Valley SunnydaysBlue Skies,<div>fair winds, moderate temperatures; these things make it almost possible to ignore the problems surrounding our families, friends and even our country. It's hard to believe the changes just one year can bring. It hit me on September 11th and it hasn't gone away. When I look back to the feeling in the country a year ago, it seems that there was more energy and less anger. When the announcement was made that the recession was over, I heard a lot of nervous laughter, and someone I was with said "For who?"Government and the major media like newspapers and television seem to be operating on the premise - if it's not broke - we can brake it and complain. The one thing that really got to me yesterday was an article in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune on all the charter schools in Minnesota. These public schools with specific purposes in mind (Language, science, arts, classical education, etc) seem to be working with parent and teacher control (NOT a big district bureaucracy) but that is now bothering the "experts and administrators" WHAT? oh I'm sorry if parents having the ability to get their children into a school that suits their child better than the big box education is a problem for them, but involved parents make for better educational outcomes. To me this is just another symptom of us vs those little ones (us vs them just doesn't do it justice) that seems to be the attitiude of those who are in 'public service' This is America - where doing it yourself, closest to the situation used to be the norm - this is not the hope and change we need.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-69326486641062892872009-08-05T22:25:00.000-07:002009-08-05T22:46:23.474-07:00Ah August, can the state fair be far away? So, I'm hearing all about the new Supreme Court Justice, and the health care plans and the cash for clunkers on the news, on the radio, on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span>. The good part of the news - according to someone in the car business, the clunkers are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UBER</span> clunkers, really good to get them off the road, the bad news the program is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bureaucratic</span> mess......none of my vehicles qualify anyway - and I don't usually buy brand new cars. As for the confirmation of the new justice - if a republican does vote for her, I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wouldn't</span> count on their re-election. Actions have consequences, no matter how hard science or government try to remove them, actions speak louder than words, but we seem to be able to ignore either fact when it suits the circumstance. I am just one voice, one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">consumer</span>, one person who <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">occasionally</span> goes to a doctor - and I prefer that information to be secure, unshared unless I agree to it, with our decisions being just that, not via committee, official, administrator, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">etc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">etc</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">etc</span>....<div>I have to wonder for all the folks who voted for hope and change, if they realized what the change was that the administration is hoping to achieve.</div><div>I remember when I was growing up, I thought republican and radical were sort of the same thing - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">OK</span> there weren't a lot of republicans in Chicago, still aren't. I can't be silent as I see my country on a path to a place the founding fathers were RUNNING and FIGHTING to be free of. I do not want a nanny or a parent or a czar making my life choices for me. I guess my childhood musings on radical and republican were simply ahead of their time.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do hope for change</div><div>I hope my health insurance can be as competitive and consumer friendly as my auto insurance</div><div>I hope my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">health care</span> will be as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">convenient</span> as I need it to be, as private as I want it to be.</div><div>I hope to have good information to base my health care choices on.</div><div>I hope cap and trade once again means guys will trade their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">baseball</span> caps.</div><div>I hope congress remembers that it is not their money they are spending now....it is their children's</div><div>I hope they remember their people are not inside the beltway, but in their district.</div><div>Keep the change</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Reb</span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>\\\\\\\\\\</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-76088404599902306092009-07-09T23:05:00.000-07:002009-07-09T23:25:34.270-07:00Bread, Circuses, Sound and FuryAh nothing like summertime to put our senses in a haze and have things slip through our fingers. So many pieces of my childhood are now gone, Ed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McMahon</span>, (Hi OOH) - that was my signal for lights out or else!, Farrah (yes, I had her hairdo in the 70's) and Michael Jackson ( I am old enough to remember watching the animated cartoon show of his family on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saturday</span> mornings) I see the President is busy, all over Europe and making sure his family has a good time too. Minnesota got a new Senator, or at least one in name, since NY and CA money seemed to fund his campaign and that is where he was living over 90% of the time for the past 30+ years, while our dear sweet Congress wants to be sure we can't afford a TV and a computer on at the same time (Cap and Trade) Hey, it's nice outside - who is watching the news anyway (I'm guilty too, I just listen to the radio in my car) So hopefully all the fun and fest of summer won't completely blind us to the world around us. I feel fortunate, to have to be inside at work this year when so many folks found their employment had vanished almost overnight. This summer feels so different from last - edgy, as if we are all watching the big fireworks display, waiting for the dud to detonate on the ground - or make too big of a noise. So we enjoy the weather, eyes wary as if <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">waiting</span> for the big storm to break. Hopefully not for a while, hopefully we can all come through this and maybe remember what is truly important to us. What that IS is truly your choice. I keep thinking of Mother Theresa, her famous quote: " I know God will only give us what we can handle - I just wish he didn't trust me so much." I don't have any sage advice for days like these, just drink water, put on your sunscreen and have some fun. Where I am, summer is not a long term visitor, enjoy her presence right away - you never know when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Autumn</span> will invite herself in early<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-18356721660254833482009-06-24T22:44:00.001-07:002009-06-24T22:54:42.424-07:00Warm at lastFound myself sitting in the yard. watching the dogs play and enjoying the warmth of the sun, no jacket required - and that is saying something these days. I find myself avoiding the news - no news is good news is actually TRUE in my world. Every time I catch a headline or a scrap of a major newscast I think I am reading a book - the trouble is I think we are all living in a world beyond our imaginations of just a few years ago. I have my faith, so I am sure things are as they must be - I can't imagine the greater purpose, I just try not to get too worked up over things I cannot change - and do what I can to keep things from getting so out of hand. Watching my grandson play I realize I cannot just sit on the sidelines and wait for my chances at the polling place. So, it's just a phone call or an email - I don't think the silent majority can just sit by. I have been a few other places, and I don't want the USA to stop being the USA, but just another country, too self absorbed and lost to reach out for the best and brightest, for freedom to really exisist. I don't want the liberty and opportunites for all our children, male and female to be compromised by one administration. I promise I will get a post up on being a candidate. In the litteral sense, time to stand up and get busy. This is my country and I'd like to keep it the land of the free and the home of the brave!. I am sure the hammock I was sitting in might not meet the "saftey standard" but it was comfortable. Smile - folks will wonder what you are thinking.<div>Until I post again</div><div>Reb</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-45857604209996123342009-05-25T21:07:00.001-07:002009-05-25T21:15:30.140-07:00Ah Summertime - Commencing on Decoration DayFor those of you who don't know what twilight - the book and or the movie - is, the title of the blog is a tip of the cap to the main male character - Edward. I too think of myself as a twimom....but on this day, I recall the hard work and sacrifices made by all of our citizens who left the familiar comfort of their community and family and took the oath to defend Our Consitution - a group of ideas, not a king, or a place exactly - but the very idea that we are free, joined together in free choice and that this should not perish from the earth. I was reading on the difficulties in protecting our American Flag from being used as one saw fit in protest (Stepping on, burning,....) I recall being informed while in basic military training (USAF 1985-1988) that our flag is considered as one of us - the only object given "personhood" , that makes the free speech article hard to swallow ( we don't burn people, or stomp on them as a general rule) Makes one think a bit....for me it makes it easier to defend, no King, no land, just people and the idea of freedom.<div>Thanks again to any and all who put up their hand and gave their promise. God Bless you all</div><div>Reb</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-55758571795763511192009-05-13T18:05:00.001-07:002009-05-13T18:05:11.080-07:00Test<div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4046946591197200001.post-11661377672227940722009-05-11T08:26:00.001-07:002009-05-11T08:32:06.727-07:0025 years and not one taken for grantedI've been working on a different post, but life has it's own rythym and God has his own plan....remember how to make him laugh? Tell him YOUR plan. Seriously it was glorious last week celebrating 25 official years of mostly bliss, worth every minute! of the ups and downs that make up a marriage. This past week I have been reminded to seize each day - no gurantees as I was reminded in the work I do (Funeral Director) and my own dear husband, who is now in the hospital. He's ok so far, but we will learn more today. This might be oft repeated, but hug your kids and dear ones, let your parting words reflect your heart - not just the fleeting item of the moment..<div>Bless you all</div><div>Reb</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">The Red Head Mom</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0