THE DARK THREADS  ...

My mother was a weaver. When I found this little poem among her things I was struck by what a poignant description of life it is. We are all on a journey that sometimes feels like a roller-coaster. The trick is to hold on and finish the ride.

My life is but a weaving,

between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colors,

he weaveth steadily.

Oft' times He weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper 

And I the underside.

The dark threads are as needful,

In the weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver,

In the pattern he has planned.

Not 'til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas,

And explain the reason why.

(anonymous)

TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME!

Feeling more than a little overwhelmed... my son and family move into their new house on Friday and I'll once again be an "Empty Nester"... that's a good thing. I'm in the middle of "back to school" meetings... not my favorite thing and I'm starting a new business... can't get my brain to turn off!  

I just need something to smile about... here it is!

This little girl woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of fireworks. She was frightened and this is how her dad got her to calm down. Pretty good dad!

Have a good day!

THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR...

Today we collectively mourned the loss of an immensely talented, overly gregarious and profoundly generous human being. Of all the things that were said about him today, one comment stood out...

Robin Williams was a loyal friend

When Christopher Reeve was left a quadriplegic after an equestrian accident it was Robin that showed up at his hospital bedside and did what he knew best... he made him laugh.

Slated for a dangerous surgery and knowing that he only had a 50/50 chance of survival, Reeve lay in his bed as one last doctor entered his room, slipped a latex glove on his hand and with a heavy Russian accent announced that he needed to do a rectal exam and would Mr. Reeve please roll over. 

Too stunned to speak, Chris watched as this man insisted in a most animated fashion that he move quickly. It took a minute before Christopher realized it was Robin Williams. He would later say... "For the first time since the accident, I laughed. My old friend had helped me know that somehow I was going to be okay."

Robin remained loyal to Chris throughout his ordeal and to his family and foundation beyond his friend's passing.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we each had a friend like that... even better if we could be one. 

TILL YOU MEET AGAIN...

Artist Joe Petruccio

It would be an understatement to say that Robin Williams was extraordinary. He was like no other. From Mrs. Doubtfire, to Good Will Hunting to the voice of the genie in Aladdin, he was funny, he was irreverent, he was adored. 

One never really knows a public figure because they are seldom what they seem. The sad part in all of this is at the moment when he decided he couldn't go on, that life had lost its savor, he couldn't feel how much the world LOVED him. A big part of being happy is not just being loved but embracing it and accepting it. 

I hope he is at peace. I hope he can finally see clearly what a gift he was.  The loss is hard, but my thoughts are for those closest to him... his family. Till you meet again...

This little clip is from the Today show where Robin made frequent visits. They too loved him and this shows some behind the scene moments.

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I'VE BEEN SPOTTED!  

I'm not sure where my obsession for leopard is coming from but I just can't seem to get enough. 

I "spotted" this dress at Nordstrom.  Don't know if it was the softness of the matte jersey or the swish of the flirty skirt but I knew I had a match. It fits perfectly and that doesn't happen often.

I wore it today with a little black 3/4 sleeve cardigan and this big chunky necklace I found at Banana Republic. 







The black leather jacket will have to wait for cooler weather.

Something about getting older is so freeing. I'm definitely walking on the wild side.

"BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON"

PHOTO BY TAVIS MACNAB (pinterest)

There's a full moon tonight and hundreds of people in our little town will be keeping their eye on it as they run the 12 1/2 miles from the top of the canyon to our local city park. 

Now in its 6th year, the rules for the "Moonlight Half Marathon" are simple... start whenever you want (most prefer 8:00 pm) and walk, run or push a stroller down the canyon. 

The winner is the first person to finish after midnight (no timing devices allowed)

What could be more fun that running in the dark with the heat of the day behind you and only the big old moon to light your way. Its bound to be a magical night.

A wonderful climax to our last few days of summer.

"SOMEBODY'S BABY"

Yesterday nine year old "L" spent the day with me. 

I needed to do some shopping which included a trip to the health food store to grind my own almond butter. 

The "homeless man" was sitting on a bench by the front door. He's always there, just sitting, just staring. I usually try to buy something that he can eat and give it to him on my way to the car. 

One bitter cold day last winter I bought him three apples. He looked up and smiled... he has the most beautiful blue eyes but no front teeth... whoops, that was going to make it hard to eat the apples.

So on this sunny summer day "L" and I bought him a big "LOVE" chocolate bar. We handed it to him and those blue eyes, ever so slightly, fluttered a thank you.

Once in the car "L" asked... "What's wrong with him?" 

"I'm not sure" I answered. I paused and then I said. 

"We all make choices, some good and some bad. His choices have brought him to a place that's hard. Maybe, I continued, you could imagine him the same age as your little brother. Once upon a time that man was somebody's baby."

I love my job as the school librarian / math teacher. Teaching school will either keep you young or turn you grey. I go back next week and I am both excited and reluctant. 

I know going in I have to arm myself with PATIENCE. I live for the "light bulb moments" when real learning occurs and in between I look at those faces full of personality and spunk and sometimes learning challenges and know that someone at home is hoping I will help them, teach them, love them, they are all...  "somebody's baby"

My daughter use to play this song for "L" when she was tiny...