Words from the Heart

As we come to the end of this month of Love, I want to give thanks to our four-legged, winged, and scaly friends. It appears that humans have a need to give and receive Love. We are one of a few species that recognizes the beautiful Spirits of other species. We have pets which become for us as much family as our blood relations. This past week, our beloved Molly returned to the Creator. She lived thirteen years with Roger (the last six with me). She was our friend in ways only those who have a pet can understand. She knew when Roger was sick and would comfort him. When he was very ill with the stenosis in his neck, she would come get me. She would get miffed when we would go out together (Roger and I) and only one of us returned home. When the other finally came home, we would find Molly sitting at the door waiting for us like an perturbed parent. She would look at us, sigh and walk away as if to say sarcastically, "Nice of you to come home!" We spoiled Molly these l...

This is my gift to all my friends and relatives who work tirelessly to create a better world. It is for those of you who take the time to hold someone's hand, comfort a child or speak for those whose voices are silent. This song is a favorite. The theme is not new, nor are the lyrics grand. It is simply an epiphany of hope. May the strength of its harmonies reverberate in your heart and soul. You are loved!

From the first moment I knew I was expecting my first child, I was deeply in love...in love with being pregnant, in love with the life I was carrying close to my heart, in love with mothering. Through the years, there have been those moments when my girls caught my breath, brought a smile to my face or tears to my eyes...tears of joy more often than not. Fortunately, being a "keeper of the story," I have many "Kodak" moments to remind us all of those special times. The following is a photo essay of my girls through the years. Each is a gem; each is unique; and each has grown into a beautiful, talented, wise young woman. I am so proud of each of them! Gwendolyn St. Patrick's Day 1979 - Irish Knits by Nana Neas Gwendolyn and Courtney (or could this be Adelaide and Makayla two years from now??) 1982 Gwendolyn, Courtney and Elizabeth 1983 Kathleen - in her stocking 1984 Kathleen, lover of pockets In Cognito Elizabeth napping with Dozo - He wouldn't move until...

This is my most special Valentines. It is to those who have inspired, enlightened, instructed, nurtured and supported my through this amazing medium we so fondly call "The Web." I have not met most of these dear Hearts who have connected with me over the past year or so. Yet, they are as dear to me as those friends and family I am able to hold close each day. I have linked their websites to their names, so that you might also share in their warmth and wisdom. Please visit their sites, consider it my gift to you! To Janet Fellow educator, Blogger extraordinare and hope-filled Spirit...Thank you for brightening this little corner of the world with your presence. To Miruh Fellow Spirit on the path, Wise friend...Your words of wisdom and hope affirm for me that we are all connected. Thank you for the Light you shine. To Linni Mother, Artist, Fellow traveler on the path...your words, your photos, your wisdom touched my soul each time I visit your site. Thank you for being su...

I just finished reading about the bush fires in Australia . Some of them have been started by people, who, after they were put out, went back to start them over again. The death toll is now ( at 7:38 p.m. on 1-9-09) over 200. Hospitals, state of the art hospitals, have run out of morphine. I cannot begin to imagine the horror of that. For those who have never experienced what it is like to be around a burn victim, let me share a quick memory... When I was around nine years old my brother, Timothy, (not yet seven years old) fell off a roof, ruptured his stomach and spleen, and broke his arm and leg. The doctors were not sure he would live. One of the nurses, feeling that a visit from his "big" sister might help him, convinced my Mom to sneak me into the hospital. (Back then, children under 18 were not allowed into the hospital as visitors.) I went and saw my brother. His tiny body hooked up to a labyrinth of tubes and held down by a full-body cast. I remember how tiny h...

There is a quote by an unknown author that states, " Some people walk into our lives and quietly go... others stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts... and we are never the same..." Thanks to my first class of students in an English as a Second Language program back several years ago (around 15 years!!!), my life changed forever. My First Class - Exchange Students from Spain Not only did my students then, and those that followed in their footsteps, open my eyes to my desire to teach, they also helped me recognize the fact that one person can make a difference. I had three classes of exchange students back in the 90's, I also was blessed to have several exchange students live with my family for a full year.These are some of their pictures. Sarah, my German daughter - from the second class More Students from the Second ESL Class Third class of ESL Students Patty - my Guatemalan Daughter Pablo, my Argentinian Son and My Four Daughters My Swiss Daughter (in denim...

It is the third of February already! If I don't get my act together, I will not get my handmade valentines created in time. Each year, I try to make a simple valentine for my girls and some of my friends. Nothing too fancy. Just a little red paper, a little glitter, a little lace and a lot of Love! This year, because my cyber family has grown in numbers, I thought I would do something a little different. This year, I want to create special valentine posts for those of you who have touched my heart and soul this past year. Your kind words, thought-filled comments and graceful wisdom helped me through some very difficult times. So, as this season of Love descends upon us, check here...you just might find a special valentine created just for you!