It is almost 2005.
...Probably already is January 1st
in some parts of the world.
We are keeping the girls and are planning a children's party to welcome in 2005. There will be six little girls and a few adults here to welcome in the New Year.
As I set up the decorations, plan the games and prepare the food, my thoughts go to all those who have neither shelter nor sustenance this day. My heart can't help but to respond to all those who are grieving today.
We can send money and assistance. Some of us can go in person to help. But what we can do in this moment is to offer prayers of peace and comfort, say constant mantras and send my highest love to all who have been affected by the events of the last several days.
It is our brothers & sisters, our children and parents
who are suffering this day.
Those who are saddened and grieve,
those who celebrate and rejoice...
are all part of us
and we are part of them.
We are just one family.
In truth there is no separation.
We Are One.
OM. OM. OM. PEACE. PEACE. PEACE.
May this year be filled with peace and understanding for all of us.
The Night after Christmas our guests went home.
The time went too fast. The holiday has passed.
It was nice. But too short! :-/
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MOM'S BOOK AND MOVIE REVIEW
the five people you meet in heaven
If you haven't read this little gem yet,
take it from this Mom.
This is a good book and a quick read!
Written with an economy of words.
Well worth a bit of your time.
Mitch Albom is a good writer.
He has something to say.
.......
Here are a few passages I wanted to share with you:
Some words to ponder. And good for discussion.
"All parents damage their children. It cannot be helped. Youth, like pristine glass absorbs the prints of its handlers. Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter beyond repair."
And....
"Parents rarely let go of their children, so children let go of them. They move away. The moments that used to define them -a mother's approval, a father's nod -are covered by moments of their own accomplishments. It is not until much later, as the skin sags and the heart weakens, that children understand; their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of their mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives."
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MOM ALSO RECOMMENDS....
SPANGLISH
I want to see it again.
A beautiful touching little movie.
You'll care about all the characters
Go see it!
I'll go with you.
Then let's talk.
Beautiful bride. Lovely bridesmaids.
Handsome groom and groomsmen.
Pretty flowers. Jordan Almonds
Happy families. Lot's of cheer.
Good food. Cake.
Music and dancing. Neat people.
Serious moments. A few tears.
Many hugs and kisses.
Old friends uniting.
Great hotel. A safe flight.
Back home.
What could be better?
That's what we did this last weekend. :-)
But first, a little of this and a little of that...
"We shall light a candle of understanding in our hearts which shall not be put out."
-Anonymous ... at least i think so.
We celebrate everything in our family. :-)
We went to a Hanakkah Party tonight at M & M's.
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Wish List
Now for my list ... in no special order:
Choose anything from here.
Number 9 is new.
You can put a note inside of a box and wrap it up to put under the tree. Any of these things would make this Mom very happy!
A donation to any of the following:
(I don't have to know the amount.)
Please check for matching grants!
1. Heifer International.
This organization helps people all around the world to become self reliant. You can help buy people animals that will bring income to families and villages. Give cows or honeybees. By donating even a small amount, you can join with others and buy a share.
2. Unicef.
3. Care.
4. Doctors without Borders. These people are fearless!
7. Second Harvest or the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. You can find a local food bank and just drop by some food.
8. Support local public radio and television stations anywhere.
See list below.
9. The City of Hope.
My grandma's favorite Charity!
I used to help her work on this one when I was a child.
...Don't know why I've forgotten to mention this wonderful place before.
They do wonderful work and have been doing so for as long as I remember.
Public Radio and TV in LA:
KCET:
KOCE:
Link TV
We get this channel on DirecTV. i don't know where else it is available or where it comes from.
Radio:
KCRW:
KCCP:
Pacifica:
Pacifica offers stuff that no one else does.
I don't always agree with what is being expressed, but I am often informed about something I hadn't before encountered.
Strictly Music:
KUSC:
KMZT:
"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body"
- Elizabeth Stone
Certain events are remembered by most in one way, but I will always remember this date for another reason. Today is the anniversary of my mother's birth!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! :-)
Look what I found while wandering around!
Two great quotes and one neat site....
First the quotes:
..................................................
On gratitude....
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
-Albert Schweitzer
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On Oneness...
Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, "Miracle of Mindfulness"
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And, one neat site!
Take some time to meander around this one for a while.
Check out the "quotes" pages.
Soul of the Garden is Beautiful!