tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55564125171655900512024-02-20T15:06:25.762-08:00Life, Love, and other Mysteries...Welcome to my random ponderings! "...keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of comfort, blow the rest away..."The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-12379009070016343752012-05-05T15:12:00.000-07:002012-05-05T15:12:44.463-07:00He's Never Let Us Down<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334430"></span>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334234">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334236">
<span>We are HOME! Bran is
cozy in his p.j.'s watching a movie, and it feels so incredible to all be
together. I wanted to give you all an update, and please, pass this on to all
the people you reached out to for prayer. We are so grateful, so grateful. We
want to give glory to God for all that's happened this week.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334238">
<span></span> </div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334240">
<span>As you know, on Friday
things were not looking good. The Dr.'s told Matt that Bran's kidney function
was dropping every day, his blood pressure was dangerously high, he was
non-responsive to all the meds, and he was carrying over 10lbs of fluid, and it
was rising each day as his kidney function was dropping. They thought they would
have to move him to I.C.U. and begin dialysis to get the fluid out, and that
would then help the blood pressure drop and get him into a safer place. The
specialist expressed grave concern for him, and we were afraid, really afraid.
By late afternoon, after Bran's dr. made phone calls to specialists in other
parts of the country, it was decided to give him the second chemo treatment, and
then wait to see for one more day. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334242">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334244">
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334438">Friday night my dear friend Tyler
drove to the hospital for a late night delivery of a blessed icon of the Divine
Mercy Jesus. A year ago Tyler's grandmother was sick and was told her life was
basically over. This icon was loaned to her and told that it had been all over
the world and that the people who lived with it for a while experienced healing
in some way. His grandmother did recover, and although her health isn't perfect,
she's living a good life long past when she was told she'd be here. When she
heard about Brandon she told Tyler to bring the painting to us. </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div>
<span>As I rode the elevator back up to Pediatrics, I read the words along
the bottom of the artwork. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334246">
<span><b>Jesus, I trust in
You.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334248">
<span>I wasn't feeling trust,
I was only feeling fear. I said, "Well, I'll say it until I mean it." And I
began to read that line over and over and over. </span><span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334443">I went back to the hospital room
and Bran had woken up. I hung the icon on the head of Bran's bed, and <span id="yiv74968631misspell-2">lay</span> down with him because he seemed restless.
He'd been emotionally low all day, he seemed depressed, and expressed a lot of
homesickness. I suggested we pray together, and told him I'd start, and he could
repeat each part after me. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334250">
<span>I whispered...
</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334252">
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334478">"I am healthy, I am healthy,
thank You Jesus, I am healthy. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334254">
<span>I am healed, I am
healed, thank You Jesus, I am healed.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334256">
<span>I am thankful, I am
thankful, thank you Jesus, I am thankful.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334258">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334260">
<span>Bran repeated each
line, and then without a word just took over leading and I began repeating each
line he said.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334262">
<span>This was the
litany/prayer he whispered...</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334264">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334266">
<span>I am blessed, I am
blessed, thank You Jesus, I am blessed.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334268">
<span>I am strong, I am
strong, thank You Jesus, I am strong.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334270">
<span>I am wonderful, I am
wonderful, thank You Jesus, I am wonderful.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334272">
<span>I am blessed, I am
blessed, thank You Jesus, I am blessed.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334274">
<span>I am courage, I am
courage, thank You Jesus, I am courage.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334276">
<span>I am loved, I am loved,
thank You Jesus, I am loved.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334278">
<span>I am light, I am light,
thank You Jesus, I am light.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334280">
<span>I am the stars, I am
the stars, thank You Jesus, I am the stars.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334282">
<span>I am the sun/son, I am
the sun/son, thank You Jesus, I am the sun/son.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334284">
<span>I am grass, I am grass,
thank You Jesus, I am grass.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334286">
<span>I am flower, I am
flowers, thank You Jesus, I am flowers.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334288">
<span>I am birds, I am birds,
thank You Jesus, I am birds.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334290">
<span>I am the breeze, I am
the breeze, thank You Jesus, I am the breeze.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334292">
<span>I am a dog, I am a dog,
thank You Jesus, I am a dog.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334294">
<span>I am the way, I am the
way, thank You Jesus, I am the way.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334296">
<span>I am the truth, I am
the truth, thank You Jesus, I am the truth.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334298">
<span>I am the life, I am the
life, thank You Jesus, I am the life.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334300">
<span>I am mighty, I am
mighty, thank You Jesus, I am mighty.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334302">
<span>I am water, I am water,
thank You Jesus, I am water.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334304">
<span>I am the tune, I am the
tune, thank You Jesus, I am the tune.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334306">
<span>I am the bread, I am
the bread, thank You Jesus, I am the bread.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334308">
<span>I am the Eucharist, I
am the Eucharist, thank You Jesus, I am the Eucharist.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334310">
<span>I am the chalice, I am
the chalice, thank You Jesus, I am the chalice.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334312">
<span>I am the tabernacle, I
am the tabernacle, thank You Jesus, I am the tabernacle.</span></div>
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<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334314">
<span>I am the Church, I am
the Church, thank You Jesus, I am the Church.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334316">
<span>I am the Lamb, I am the
Lamb, thank You Jesus, I am the Lamb.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334318">
<span>I am the family, I am
the family, thank You Jesus, I am the family.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334320">
<span>I am peace, I am peace,
thank You Jesus, I am peace.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334322">
<span>I am sleepy, I am
sleepy, thank You Jesus, I am sleepy.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334324">
<span>I am in heaven, I am in
heaven, thank You Jesus, I am in heaven.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334326">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334328">
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334472">And then he was asleep. I <span id="yiv74968631misspell-3">lay</span> there on his pillow, now soaking wet with my
tears, and could not believe how holy the air in the room felt, and how at peace
I was. I had the same sensation I'd had years ago at St. Jude's when the teens
and I had an over-night lock-in on a carpeted area next to the glass-walled room
where the tabernacle was. I remember laying there in my sleeping bag in the dark
with my sleeping kids all around me...in awe, feeling Jesus so close by, so
physically present. I felt Him in that hospital room with Brandon and I, and I
told Him, "I trust You, I trust You, I trust You..." </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334330">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334332">
<span>In the morning Brandon
woke up bright eyed and full of giggles and good spirits. We went for a long
walk in the hospital and just enjoyed each others company...and he needed to
walk to help keep the fluid out of his legs. We went and played Wii in the play
room for a while, and when we were heading back to his room he suddenly began to
get sick. He threw up all over the floor and scared the hell out of me. I kept
my cool, but this was really upsetting behavior for him...he's only thrown up
once or twice in his life with us, and never from this illness. I got him into
bed, and he sipped tea with honey until he said he was tired and wanted to go to
sleep. He was shivering and upset. The nurse checked, no fever. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334334">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334336">
<span>When he woke up several
hours later, his blood pressure was down, he'd lost a pound since the night
before, and the best...his kidney function was suddenly higher than the day
before. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334338">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334340">
<span>He was still not losing
enough fluid, so they put him on a much stronger kind of med thru his I.V., and
we waited.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334342">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334344">
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334524">After dinner that night I <span id="yiv74968631misspell-6"><span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_1_133574605102345207">received</span></span> a text from
someone at our co-op, telling me a priest who's renowned for his healing
ministry, was on his way to the hospital to see Brandon. I'd heard about him
from several people over the years but had never met him. When he walked in the
door of Brandon's room I was struck by his gentle voice, his beautiful, African
accent, and that he seemed rather shy. He sat right down and said that God had
told him to come, and so he came. He began to talk quite boldly about many
different things...(including about several assassination attempts on his life
over the years and how God had saved him repeatedly, and talked about the people
who were brought back from the dead in the Bible...how God can do anything...and
one thing that jumped out at me was when he said, </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span>"With out fear, Satan has no legs." </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span>And he shared part of Job's story from the Book of Job where this is
illustrated in the way that Job goes to offer sacrifices in the temple one night
and he's worried about his kids and asking God to not let any harm come to them,
etc..., and Fr. Ignatious said, "Fear is not worship." Job was acting in fear,
he did not have his eyes on God, his attention was on his fear...and how fear is
a foothold for Satan. He said Satan studies us, learns our weaknesses, and then
hits us there...and how fear is a powerful tool he uses so that he can get our
eyes off of Christ. </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334561">He told us that disease
and suffering are not God's plan for us, that Brandon's illness is not God's
will. That day God had told him Brandon was going to be healed, and he shared
this with us. He then gave Bran the <span id="yiv74968631misspell-8"><span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_1_133574605102345298">anointing</span></span> of the
sick, blessing his head, hands, and feet with holy oil, holding a <span id="yiv74968631misspell-9"><span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_1_133574605102345380">crucifix</span></span> against his
forehead while casting out all sickness and disease from...and he named organ
after organ, fingers and toes, each hair, finger nails, and on and on. He gave
him the Eucharist, prayed over him some more, and then told him, "Okay. You are
healed. God has healed you, Brandon. Have a good life."...or something along
those lines...and barely shook my hand because he suddenly seemed shy again,
and he was trying to walk out of the room without us saying anything to
him... but I just grabbed his hand in both mine, so he had no choice...and
basically that was it. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334346">
<span></span> </div>
<span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334635">The next morning, Sunday, Brandon
woke with normal blood pressure, having lost 3 lbs overnight, kidney function up
even more. He's only 3 lbs away from his normal weight. </span><br />
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334350">
<span>The Dr. came and said
she was thrilled with his progress, amazed at the turn around, and felt that if
he continued to pass fluid thru the day without the <span id="yiv74968631misspell-12"><span id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_1_133574605102345521">diuretic</span></span> in his I.V.,
that he'd be going home today. When the doctor left his room, Bran looked up at
me from his bed and said very matter of factly..."Well, strong prayers the
priest said. He said God's healing me." </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334352">
<span>And here we are,
HOME.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334354">
<span>Brandon isn't in
remission yet, but as of today his protein levels are dropping for the first
time. As always, he is in God's loving hands. We don't know what the future
holds for us, but we trust God to be in the middle of it with us. We also know
that we will be surrounded by love and prayers and care, because this week we've
had such a taste of what you are all capable of in the way of support...and the
support this week has been mighty indeed. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334358">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13362354417226322">We are grateful beyond words for all the love
and prayers that have been poured out for our family. We have felt very carried,
and in our moments of great fear we'd been reminded to keep turning our eyes
back to Jesus. All week Matt said, "God has never let us down, never let us
down...He's not going to start now." </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334360">
<span>Please keep praying for
Brandon's healing, and for the wisdom of his Dr.'s.</span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334362">
<span>On Friday another
healer (and Catholic mystic), Brother Paul Miller, is coming to our home to pray
over Bran. What a blessing. <var id="yiv74968631yui-ie-cursor"></var></span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334364">
<span>God is good, all the
time. </span></div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334366">
<span></span> </div>
<br />
<div id="yiv74968631yui_3_2_0_22_133574605102334368">
<span></span> </div>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-21405600256455299702010-04-21T14:07:00.001-07:002010-04-21T14:13:31.000-07:00Followers Unite!I have neglected this blog for quite some time! Enough is enough, Brigid. I will be checking in and speaking up on a more regular basis from here on out. I have missed the fun of putting thoughts on "paper" and getting feedback and conversation out of it. Let's talk!<br /><br />At the top of my blog page, on the left hand side there is a spot titled "Followers." Click on that and you will be kept in the loop. I look forward to hearing from you guys...and it's time to send me some new book titles to add to The List. Also, when you read any of those books...make sure you post your review/reaction at my blog. The List has been an on-going favorite for quite a few of you, so your reviews will help us all decide what book to read next! :)<br /><br />Hugs,<br />BrigidThe Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-7986374986234730522010-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:002010-04-21T10:24:12.040-07:00The Sure ThingAt 41 I'm finding that my bounce-back from a weekend jam packed with fun is not what it used to be. One of my best friends from my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">high school</span>/college years came to visit this weekend. We had a reunion party planned for Friday night, he was going to be flying out the next day. He was in NY on business that week. But John lives in England with his beautiful family...and you know what came to a grinding <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">halt</span> this weekend. International flights did not exist with this volcano weirdness, so we lucked out and got to have John here all weekend. It was simply awesome for us, but I'm sure a little disconcerting for him as he waited in semi-limbo for word of flights, family news from home, and the impact this would have on his up-coming week of business meetings, etc.<br /><br />I think it's been about 10 years since we've had a visit. John, Birgit and children have been living around the globe having tremendous adventures. While we had our 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> high school reunion a few years back, John was sending pictures of them all at the Great Wall in China. Amazing, no? Anyway...it was fairly surreal to have an entire weekend with my old friend. I looked at him at one point and said, "I just can't believe you are in my kitchen!" It felt so right, so normal, and so extraordinary, all at once. I realize that he has been frozen in time in my mind. Although he's been married for a long time now, I haven't really seen that part of his life. It's happened off my radar because of distance and the speed of life. Before this weekend, John was still a college kid to me...brainy, sharp humored, insightful, full of basically safe mischief and a tendency to want to corrupt us just a tiny bit...really the best combo of characteristics for a friend in my book. It was quite amazing to see the person I knew still existing in this very grown-up person...so proud of his family, hard working, and just plain fun to be with. He was as easy to hang out with as he'd always been... a calming, peaceful energy always ready with interesting conversation and observations.<br /><br />It's been an interesting come-down this week, after a weekend of spontaneous on-going parties and fun with many old friends and family. Monday I had a bit of the post-retreat-blues, minus the retreat. You know what I mean! I didn't want to come down from the mountain top, what can I say? I am feeling very alive though, as often happens when I have any time with old friends. It's hard to articulate, but it's like I get reminded of who I am. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>...how to say this...I remember who I was way back when; younger and full of passion for so many things...art, music, grabbing life with both hands, diving into love with ridiculous enthusiasm, reading everything I could get my hands on, pondering the tough questions, looking toward the future as this great big unknown adventure. I have time with these dear old friends and it helps me see that person still very much alive in me. I feel energized, younger, full of more awe for the future unknowns...and a desire to grab this life with a little more adolescent boldness. I looked around my kitchen on Sunday, at the last-minute brunch party we all had wrangled together, and I felt just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">overwhelmed</span> with gratitude. To have such rich history with so many people who I love and admire, truly admire! How did I get this lucky?<br /><br />There is this sweet little vase on the window sill above my kitchen sink. I was looking at it on Sunday evening as I washed up the dishes from Sundays festivities. An artist has painted the lyrics to The Beatles <strong>Long and Winding Road</strong>, scrolling all the way around it. It's cool. It got me humming another song about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">life's</span> long journey, a song that used to be pretty special to my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">high school</span> gang. Indulge my tendency toward the melancholic as I hum an old Antioch song of ours...feel free to sing along... :)<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">There's a new world somewhere, they call the Promised Land. And I'll be there someday, if you will hold my hand. I still need you there beside me, no matter what I do...for I know I'll never find another you.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">There is always someone who needs your help they say. And you'll be my someone, forever and a day. I could <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">search</span> the whole world over, until my life is through...but I know I'll never find another you.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">It's a long, long journey...so stay by my side. If I walk through a storm you'll be my guide, be my guide. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#000099;">If they gave me a fortune my treasure would be small. I could lose it all tomorrow and never mind at all. But if I should lose your love, Lord, I don't know what I'd do...for I know I'll never find another you.</span></em><br /><em></em><br />Don't forget hugs!<br />Can someone collect the music books and turn off the lights?<br />Who's going to Friendly's?!The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-13907214362128972662009-08-03T14:06:00.000-07:002009-08-03T15:04:02.316-07:00To Have and to Hold<div>This has been such a crazy, rainy week. The children would remind me each morning during our breakfast prayers that we needed to pray for good weather for Saturday. My brother Greg's big day was coming, we were so excited for his wedding to lovely Meridith we could hardly stand it! Each day we had <em>lots</em> of rain, lighting, thunder...very atmaspheric, but not hopeful for a soon-to-be outdoor family wedding. We prayed and prayed...and Saturday dawned spectacularly beautiful and sunny. Picture perfect wedding weather! </div>
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<br /><div>Pulling up to Maura and Seth's farm and seeing the tents all set up...one large yellow and white striped tent for the dancing/band/bar area...additional white tents for dining, the buffet...amazing. There were white balloons tied along the fencing next to the road, people relaxing and greeting one another with cold drinks, music, and anticipation in the air. I spotted a new, lovely arbor in the shade under the giant tree, with a white runner leading to it from the house. I loved the look of the benches that Greg had made using long strips of wood and bales of hay. It looked like a scene from a movie. There was the outdoor "church", and it looked idyllic. When it was time for the wedding to start, everyone found a seat, or gathered around, and soft music wafted over the yard. Dried rose petals were sprinkled all over the runner, it was so pretty. Meri's brother walked his mother down the isle, and two cute young girls from the Sander's family followed in sundresses the color of fresh grass, carrying really gorgeous bouquets tied with ribbons. When Meridith appeared, the theme from Rocky began, and she beamed all the way down the isle on her fathers arm while we all clapped and cheered. Meridith was glowing and looking so gorgeous in her wedding dress. What a way to begin! The wedding itself was lovely, sincere, and touching...Mom and I (and many others!) were sniveling away during the vows. I had such a sence of how much love was flowing out and over the crowd, for Greg and Meridith, and how many prayers were covering over their journey to one another, leading to this day. The minister who married them had some wonderful things to say about the blessings of marriage, and the importance of faith and having Jesus in the center of your marraige relationship. You couldn't help but nod in agreement and grab your honey's hand...well, I know I did. It was a good reminder, inspiring, uplifting, and life-affirming. After the "You may kiss the bride!" moment, much to my shock and delight (I know I wasn't alone in this reaction based on the gasps, cheers, hoots and hollers that errupted) the Star Wars theme burst forth and the new Mr. and Mrs. Pooler walked up the isle together. It was the perfect combination of elements to create a <em>sacred celebration </em>experience. </div>
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<br /><div>The reception that followed this was fantastic...so much relaxing time to visit with people gathered from all walks of Greg and Meri's life. The food was scrumptious, all Italian yummies from Mama's in Mt. Olive. They did it up right, people. It was a hogatha of pastas, sausages, amazing mini calzones and wraps of all types, salad, stuffed mushrooms, you name it. We relaxed in the sunshine enjoying sangria (and an number of other delish drinks), laughter, catch-up visits and conversation...just awesome. Meg surprised us all by singing the song she'd written for Meri and Greg, and they danced to it as their first dance as husband and wife. It was beautiful, perfect. People had a chance to boogie down to fun live music as Greg, Shannon, Erin, Maura, and Art's band played fun and funky classic dance toons...and later Greg kept the party hopping with some expertly crafted party CD's he'd burned just for the occasion. A fantastic time was had by all. That evening a fire burned in the large fire pit and many of us gathered around for more chill time (because we hadn't relaxed <em>enough</em>, apparently!), to share more laughs, conversation and libations. Some of us headed home eventually, but there was much camping in the yard that night too, people had set up tents in the upper field. No one seemed daunted by the early dawn monsoon that swept in! I headed back to Budd Lake the next day, and most of the sisters, and Mom, gathered with Greg and Mer there to clean up and put away equiptment, etc. The cleaning took place in a major rain storm, but the when we finished the sun came out and made the whole yard glow. We gathered around one of the big tables with take out from the BLD (Budd Lake Diner)...everyone had grilled cheese on the brain for some reason...and stretched that meal into a long and relaxing celebration. With a little prompting we finally got the whole story of Greg and Meridiths courtship, we had never heard all the good details from Greg...he's such a man! None of us wanted that day to end, it was hard to say goodbye when we were all hugging and heading our seperate ways that evening. Why must all good things come to an end, I ask you? </div>
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<br /><div>It's experiences like this weekend that remind me of how rich this life is. Witnessing my brother, who I love so much, embarking on a new, anointed chapter in his life...having so much love for our new sister Meridith...celebrating their love and courage...it's all <em>so</em> good! This is what it's all about...family, Jesus, sunshine, music, breaking bread together, praying for one another, witnessing and supporting one anothers milestones, taking chances and staying open to new adventures, gathering those you love in one place whenever possible, and always remembering that we have the opportunity to love one another, till death do us part...and beyond.</div>
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<br /><div> </div>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-78120485198579482692009-07-31T15:09:00.000-07:002009-07-31T15:12:11.051-07:00My Fool"I must learn to love the fool in me...the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks proises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humilty, and dignity but for my fool."<br />~Theodore I. Rubin, MDThe Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-72320700215520946252009-07-31T14:42:00.000-07:002009-07-31T15:02:16.759-07:00Hello, Imperfect MeI've been thinking about the idea of perfection lately. For me, if perfection is the goal, then there is no hope. I mean, I always fall short of perfection, so if that is the end all be all, then I am in big trouble! I find this notion of peaceful imperfection so infinitely hopeful. If I can stay focused on just being present to the various seasons of my life, what a gift. I have such a sense of the chapters and seasons I've lived through thus far...why did turning 40 make me so introspective? Yeah, I know. You're laughing because you know I've always been introspective. BUT, seriously, this is a whole new level of introspection. Scary, huh? I was realizing the other day that such a big part of my journey has been growing into a place of being comfortable in all my imperfection, <em>not</em> in trying to grow toward perfection. Perfectionism stalls me, stops me in my tracks, haults my forward momentum...it's like being stuck in quick sand. The more you fight it, the deeper you sink...but if you can just lean back and relaxxxx...you will be in a position where someone can help pull you out. "We can do together what we could never do alone." I remind myself of this all the time, and as I get older, it has so much more meaning for me.The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-60040110070592879232008-12-06T09:01:00.000-08:002008-12-06T10:43:12.717-08:00Blowin' in the WindI can hardly believe how much time has passed since I was last here, writing anything.<br /><br />What a physical and emotional whirl-wind 2008 was for us. Many good things happened in our world, some not-so-good things happened too. This was one of the most exciting Presidential races I've experienced in my life, I'm sorry we have to wait another 4 years to take that ride again. All I can say is, it's time to get pumped about local politics, people. Yeah, I'm a bit of a junkie at this point. Financially, we are living in uncertain, and very interesting times. I've discovered that when you don't have much, you don't have much to lose! Honestly, it's a relief.<br /><br />We have walked away from our nightmare of a house, and we are free at last. I can't describe the onslaught of emotions this experience has produced. Joy, relief, gratitude, crushing sadness. Even when a dream that's been <em>unreachable</em> (and often and frequently hell) dies, there's still the grief over that lost dream. Having to throw our hands up and admit that this building has us licked...the problems here are so much bigger than we can manage...it took many years of learning for us to be able to say "enough. we quite. you win."<br />We can finally just live our life, instead of living in a state of waiting for the next disaster to fall...or leak...or explode. Getting used to falling asleep without the dread of what might befall our money-pit in the middle of the night (all disasters seem to happen after midnight) will take some time. This has been a lesson is surrender, humility, and trust. God has left His mark all over this experience, has answered our prayers so promptly and directly that it's left our puny brains reeling. I can't remember a time when we've been this happy.<br /><br />For me personally, this has been a tremendous year of growth. January 10th, 2008 I walked into my first 12-step meeting. Who knew it would rock my world, change my life in ways I never, ever dared imagine. I am feeling happier, younger, and more whole and alive than at any other point in my adult life. Turning 40 a few weeks ago was a big milestone...and it feels really damn good! Is this what 40 feels like? Why didn't anyone tell me to look forward to it?!<br /><br />On the eve of my 4-0 I did what I do every year...I took a moment to write down some thoughts.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">Tomorrow I turn 40. I turn 40?! the total and absolute impossibility of that just stagger me. I feel like I'm somewhere in the my mid-20's. I am, aren't I? I don't know how to grow up. I'm learning. I'm just trying to do the next right thing at any given moment. That's the very best I can offer. The last 11 months have been the most surprising, challenging, awe inspiring, exciting...and so much more. I thought Program would help me, sure. I didn't realize it would <strong>change</strong> me - my relationship with Matt, the way I parent the children, how I see the world, how I see my parents and siblings, and especially how I see myself and my life.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">Yesterday we moved into Pop's condo. Tomorrow I have a milestone Birthday. I am floored by the turn my life has taken - so much love, so many blessings, so much gratitude. I can see that we're in a new, TRULY exciting chapter in our lives. I'm ready to receive all the Grace that God is pouring into my life. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">I feel like I'm standing in an open doorway with the breeze washing through...and I'm ready for the Holy Spirit to lead me into that breeze. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">Thank you, Jesus, for all the incredible ways you are reveling Yourself to me in my life. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">Your hand prints are everywhere, and all over me. I'm one abundantly blessed woman. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;">My hands are open, and already full.</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">As I've said before, my cup runneth over. Again. :)</span><br />Peace~in Christ,<br />Brigid<br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#009900;"></span></em>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-85463166893326148232007-12-27T21:24:00.000-08:002007-12-27T22:12:42.156-08:00Out of the mouths of my babes...<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Almost daily something funny or touching happens, or is said, that I want to remember <em>forever</em>. I should write these things down. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>"You should write those things down!" my mother is <em>always</em> saying. Noooo...really?! I keep meaning too, but life just sweeps me along. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Here are a few that pop into my mind as I'm heading off to bed. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"><strong>The second day the children woke up in our home, they both gathered at the kitchen window early in the morning while I was making breakfast. They were still very quiet, and Briana piped up with, "Can we go play in the park?" "What park, Sweetie?" I asked rather distractedly. "That one." she said pointing out the window. "That's our back yard, Briana. You can certainly play there." "That <em>belongs</em> to you?" She asked with surprise in her voice. "Well, that belongs to all of us now, it's <em>your</em> back yard too, Briana." She began instantly to tell Brandon how much fun they were going to have in their new back yard, and all the games they would play. I was wiping my tears over at the sink, of course...and NOT because I was in desperate need of coffee, mind you.</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">One evening Briana was talking about how excited she was for Christmas. She said she couldn't wait to wake up on Christmas morning and get her stocking full of goodies and canned goods. "Canned goods?" we asked? "Yeah, like candy and stuff." Hmmmm...someone may be getting a can of creamed corn in their stocking from here on out, along with the goodies, it will be a funny new tradition.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">When I took the children to shop for Matt's Christmas presents this year, we made a day of it and went to the Rockaway Mall. They've only been there once before, and are completely enthrauled by it. Since their Mama <strong>isn't</strong> a fan of shopping (I've got hobbies, thanks.), we do NOT do the mall thing. They've been begging to go for about 2 yrs. </span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">We got there early in the morning, and had a lot of fun with our list of gift ideas we'd put together, focusing all our attention on what Papa would LOVE to recieve. They'd been talking about how they KNEW that Santa was <em>sometimes</em> in malls, they'd experienced this when they were really young...we have the photo to prove it. They both kept saying, "He's probably not here. He's probably busy in the North Pole." They clearly didnt' want to get their hopes up...it was quite touching to see how cautious they were. I surprised them by leading them right to the "Santa area" of the mall, and they were shrieking and jumping up and down with joy, their arms wrapped around my leg and waist. Briana had tears in her eyes she was so beside herself. There was practically no one there, so we were able to get to him in moments. Both children rushed him and threw their arms around him. He was quite surprised! Brandon scrambled right up onto his knee (uninvited, mind you), and Briana sat next to him, snuggled right up under his arm. She looked up at him with sheer bliss on her face and said, "I would like a doll bed." And Brandon said, "I'd like a train. And a reindeer. Please." "I'll, I'll do my best..." Santa answered a bit weakly.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">The picture of the children with Santa is one of the best pictures I've ever seen of them. They looked totally joyful, relaxed, and full of blissful wonder. It was a precious experience for <strong>me</strong>! We gave the picture to Matt as a surprise Christmas gift. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">At the end of bedtime prayers last night, Briana clearly wanted to prolong the actual going to bed part of the ritual. She quickly asked if she could say a "special prayer" for all of us. She began quite seriously, "Dear Lord, please help us to love one another... and to be more complicated (WHAT?!)", blah, blah, blah...she began throwing in BIG vocab words left and right that made no sense at all, I do believe the word <strong><em>obliterated</em></strong> was used...and finally I had to cut her off and say, "Ahhh, Bri? Do you know what <strong><em>any</em></strong> of those words mean?" </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Matt and I were totally laughing at this point, and she giggled and said, "Nahhhh...not really." </span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">Man...such a staller, no?</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#999900;">Briana recieved a super cute horseback riding themed computer game for Christmas, from Brandon. It's a story about a young girl who's family moved to the country from the "big city", and they buy a farm, and she gets to have a horse of her own. Did I mention it's super cute? Anyway, the graffics are great (man, am I such a geek that I was compelled to mention that?!), and after she spent an afternoon playing it, she was dying for me to join in on the fun and give it a try myself. I was happy to oblige. She quickly got bored watching me learn the ropes of the game, and went off to play with new dollies and such. Brandon was glued to my side though, still soooo obsessed with everything horses. When I FINALLY was able to successfully jump the horse in the practice ring, he threw his arms around me and said, </span><br /><span style="color:#999900;">"Mama, that makes me want to marry you <em>right now</em>!"<br />Woah, Nellie... :)</span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-33773649348898967532007-12-26T20:26:00.000-08:002008-12-06T10:57:57.929-08:00I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas...<span style="color:#990000;">Before we put 2007 to bed, I thought I'd better pause and ponder a bit about some of the things that have been a part of my world since I started writing here.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Reading back over my blog entries, there are SO many stories, happenings, challenges, and blessings that didn't get written about. Shoot! There just aren't enough hours in a day to tell it all. </span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">In the Fall of '06 my sister Shannon married her sweet husband, Ian. What a truly joyous way to begin that winter. It's been wonderful to watch them become a married couple, the love they have for one another is a beautiful evidence of God's Grace, for all of us.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">This Sept. the children and I began our adventure with the St. Gregory the Great Homeschool Co-Op. It's been such a wonderful experience of community. Being a part of a group of truly on-fire women who share the richness of our Catholic faith, offer mutual support, and who are deeply commited to creating a rich educational experience for all our children...wow. There are no words! It's been a gigantic blessing and asset to our family.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">The children had their first experience performing in the NJ Civic Youth Ballet production of The Nutcracker, a few weeks ago. This professional ballet company experience for children, who get to work along side adult pro's...what a cool thing! I was asked to give one of the important props of the show, the Swan Sleigh, a total make-over. I got it moved into my kitchen, and then it began to rain...and that turned to snow....and so the swan stayed and stayed and stayed...smack dab in the middle of kitchen. Thanksgiving was only days away, and I was still coating the entire thing in irridecent glitter. It DID get finished in time for me to host a small group for Thanksgiving at my house, minus the swan. It shimmered and sparkled on the stage, thank goodness...and if anyone wonders where the fairies live...they must be here at #27 Forest Rd., because no amount of vacuuming is removing the ever-present pixie dust that now resides here. Both children had a wonderful, truly fun experience being a part of the production. It's certainly an experience that none of us will ever forget. They were the cutest tin soldiers I've EVER seen, that's for SURE!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">I've been working on my novel (if that's not the most grandious sounding statement, I don't know WHAT is)...or maybe I should say I've been "playing novelist", randomly and sporatically, for months now. My inspiration comes and goes, but the other night I found myself working on the storyline at about 3 a.m. while laying in bed trying to trick my body into thinking I'm actually asleep. I may be ready keep going, and put some of those nocturnal ponderings into my computer. You never know. But what a fun thing to fool around with!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">Briana is prepairing to recieve the Sacrament of Reconcilliation in January, and then her First Communion in May. I can hardly take that in! So much bounty in one year! It's so exciting to see her SO thrilled with what she's learning in CCD. She turned to me when we were walking up for me to recieve Eucharist on Christmas Eve, and she and I hold hands (otherwise who ever is handing out Eucharist tries to give to her too, because she's so tall!) so I can keep her next to me, and she whispered with such intensity, "I can't <em>wait</em> until I can recieve Jesus!" It's moments like that that remind me why I was born. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">Matt and I watched what was promised to be the most scientific, definitive special FINALLY laying bare all the evidence about the existence of Sasquatch, or you might say, Big Foot. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">I am sorry to inform all of you that even after extensive research that was indeed layed bare during two grueling hours of tv viewing...I may NOT be a believer after all. </span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">But all is not lost, tonight there's another show about Swamp Creatures that promises similar proof...I'll keep you posted.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">I've had a really great experience in my Physical Therapy, for this darn knee. All is quieted down for now, no impending surgery at present. I'll wait until Spring to set up a summer surgery, if the Dr. still agrees to do it. All in all, the prayers of everyone this time around truly made a difference in my life. The recovery has been pretty great, and my life is not too hampered at the moment...so I'm content for the time being. My ice dancing (pairs, of course) career may be shot to hell...but hey, I'll be 40 next November, so the whole thing had a shelf life anyway.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">Reuniting with my old classmates from Mt. St. John's after 20 yrs. was a REALLY special happening in 2007. It's been so wonderful to keep track of one another via e-mails, to see so many pictures of their beautiful children...and to just be reconnected. What an amazing group of strong, bright, accomplished women...to think we all wore knee highs, started food fights, and mocked our teachers together!</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">Sharing in the 20 yr. reunion in my home town, for the Bernards High class of '87 was another wonderful happening this year. It was so amazing to talk with people I've not seen in so many years...to see some of the people who had such an impact on my teen years and my faith journey, and to share some beautiful, and often hysterical, memories. What a rich life I have, and what a blessing this reunion was.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc9933;">My sister Erin Patricia, and her husband Lou, announced the impending arrival of their first child, this Fall. She now has an adorable baby belly...and is one of the prettiest pregnant girls you could ever see! She's due in April, only a few weeks before Meghan get's married...so we'll all be begging for turns holding the baby throughout that festive day, I'm sure. Erin is one of the most beautiful women I know, watching her grown in holy womanhood during her college years was such a huge blessing for me and my life. She and I became dear friends, companions on the journey, during that precious time. I'm so proud of who she is, and seeing her carrying this new life, it's such a miracle! I can't wait to know this little person who Erin, Lou and God created together. This will be just one more way that God reveals Himself to me, I'm sure.</span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">Matt and I celebrated our third Christmas with our children, this year. Our morning at home was just wonderful. They make everything so magical! Gift giving and recieving was more fun that it's been since I was a child, and we had a beautiful brunch together around our dining room table. It was a really special day, of course. We celebrated Christmas afternoon/evening this year at Maura and Seth's house here in Budd Lake. What a cozy day we had! Everyone gathered to share delectable food offerings, wine (shots of Irish Whiskey), time around the fire place in the dining room, and around the wood stove in the living room (man, we love FIRE)...we did our Secret Santa gift exchange (always so fun and festive), we sang carols while Maura accompanied us on guitar...and all-in-all had the most festive and picture perfect Christmas I can remember in my adult life. I don't think anyone wanted the day to end.</span></strong><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">Matt and I are nearing our 14th Wedding Anniversary, on Feb. 25th. I've been really aware of what a life-changing blessing he's been to my universe these past 14 yrs. I can honestly say that he's so much more than I even imagined...way back when. His ability to empathise with others, how communicative he is about his love for me, how well he lives out his vocation as husband and father...Jesus is revealed to me through Matt in ways that I never thought I'd deserve! Do you know that song from The Sound of Music that Maria and the Captain sing to one another? It's when they finally admit that they are in love..."nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could...so somewhere in my wicked childhood, I must have done something good...for here you are standing there, loving me...whether or not you should..." they are awed that such incredible love has come to them. That's exactly how I feel! I know, I've taken my geekdom to a whole new level admitting my deep connection to that song...but that song plays through my mind on a regular basis. That might be my internal theme song for my relationship with Matt. He's a continual revelation to me, a daily blessing, the best friend I've ever had, my greatest champion, so often the preserver of my dreams, and the greatest evidence I've had for 14 yrs. that Love is a Mighty thing. No matter what life throws at you. No matter what.</span><br /><br /></strong><span style="color:#990000;">And there you have it. This is still absolutely inadequate in representing the beauty of all the people and experiences that I'm so richly blessed to have in my life. </span></p><p><span style="color:#990000;">2007 was another year of growing, loving, and living the life that I've been blessed to recieve. </span><span style="color:#990000;">I look forward to all the ways that 2008 will unfold because I know Who'll be holding us all the while.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">You <strong>all</strong> will continue to be in our prayers, and I pray that this new year will bring many blessings to you and yours. Sending Christmas hugs, New Year's cheers, and a lot of love.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Peace~in Christ,</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Brig</span></p>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-55072261612805985522007-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:002007-11-26T11:01:38.190-08:00Eat Pray LoveI just read the most delectable, delicious book. I say that because if I could eat it with a fork and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ingest</span> the whole thing I would. It's that good. The writing is just...there are NO words that will do it justice! If I had to make a list of the top 5 books I've read in the last 10 years...this would be one of them. Right under The Secret Life of Bees, lest we forget! This book is split into three sections...each one representing 1/3 of a year when she devoted her life to searching for God. She went to Italy in the pursuit of Pleasure, India in pursuit of Devotion, and Bali in pursuit of Balance. Although her beliefs, and path to God, differ from mine...I found her humility and bravery to be touching and inspiring. She's wholly human, flawed, sincere and deeply funny. I don't think it matters what your religious/faith affiliation is when you read this book, it left me with a (renewed) deeper gratitude for my Catholicism, and my relationship with Jesus. If you are as touched by other peoples faith journeys, as I am, this book will be a feast.<br /><br />I put the link for the authors web site here because what Elizabeth Gilbert says here about writing has really touched me.<br /><br />Reading this essay has me realizing that maybe the magic moment of knowing when and what and where to write has been here all along for me. I've been placing an enormous amount of value on my making (or not making, as the case may be) the pointed decision to write something with the idea of pursing being published. What I get from Gilbert's essay is that maybe what I should care about is just being read...just sharing what comes out, even if it's value isn't all that apparent to me beyond the obvious value of the actual getting-it-out experience. So, with that said...I hope you enjoy her musings, and that it inspires you too.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Also, if I could tell you to RUN, literally run and buy or borrow any book TODAY...well, <em>Eat Pray Love</em> by Elizabeth Gilbert would be <em>it</em>.<br /></span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/writing.htm">http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/writing.htm</a><br /><br />Also, if you read this book by Gilbert and want to see the entire Oprah episode with her as the guest, I've got it stored in my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TV</span> and would LOVE to share it with any of you who'd like to come over! :)The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-40813459337914080482007-11-23T15:14:00.000-08:002007-11-23T15:16:08.439-08:00Scott Hahn on the MassWhat a gift Scott Hahn is.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s-6skg79y8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s-6skg79y8</a>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-48314716786785129832007-10-27T12:15:00.000-07:002007-10-27T12:35:34.274-07:00The Mystery of the Missing Book...<span style="color:#663333;"><strong>My friend Janet is a wealth of good books, among other things. Having 5, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">noooo</span> 6 (as of Wed.!) children, her house is a veritable library of carefully chosen books for children (and adults!). Spanning <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-school to adult level classics of every breadth and width, she's got you covered. It's been really fun to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">squeal</span> with glee together when we discover how many of our "favorite" books from our early book-worm lives are mutual...we are suckers for Anne of Green Gables, all Louisa May Alcott, The Secret Garden, all the Little House books...you're seeing the pattern? </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>She recently lent me a book that had never crossed my path before, one of her favorites from her young teen (and even now) years. The Wolves of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Willoughby</span> Chase was written in 1962, and is the first of what became known as the Wolves Chronicles. Her description of it had me drooling...think the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gothic</span> drama of Jane Eyre, meets The Secret Garden. As she put it, "it's got everything a girls book should have, know what I mean?"<em> I did!</em> </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>We borrowed a large stack of books for Briana, who's reading like a fiend, and she immediately dug in. I brought The Wolves home with me, added it to my "to read" pile, and went about my reading business...three books away from even getting to it yet. Five days later, Briana has read 3 of her 5 borrowed novels, and I'm ready to read the much anticipated Wolves. I've got a large mug of tea, it's pouring rain...and the day was made for THIS book. I go to my trusty book stack, and... it's not there. Did I leave it in the kitchen somewhere? No...in my library space in the front of the house? No...</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>"Briana, have you seen the book Janet lent me anywhere? I can't remember what I did with it."</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>And my 7 year old daughter says in a very off-hand manner, </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>"Oh sure, I'm reading it right now. You can have it when I'm finished, or I can just tell you all about it now if you don't want to wait." </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>I can't believe that she budged in my book line and swiped my book! I hope it's the first of many, because it's pretty much the fulfillment of a life-long dream of mine. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#663333;"><strong>Does it get any better than this?! I mean, really...she handed the book to me today and assured me that I'm going to love it, and she can't wait to talk about it...but doesn't want to ruin the surprise by talking about it NOW, before I've read it. OH MY.</strong></span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-26660130619488205062007-10-18T05:40:00.001-07:002007-10-21T18:53:20.983-07:00Let's go Tulling...<span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Some of my happiest memories from my teen years are of times spent with the finest guys any girl could hope to know. We'd all bonded because of our shared experiences in our church Youth Group, and Antioch retreat program. Some of us had known one another since childhood, and our families were good friends. Our faith connection helped create a dynamic that was pretty wonderful. These were guys I <em>really</em> knew, I respected them, and trusted them <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">implicitly</span>. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>I can still return to those days in my mind, to the moment of fun anticipation when John would say, "Let's go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tulling</span>!", and several of us would pile into a car and drive around listening to Jethro Tull. I remember us us sitting in Jody's car and looking at the moon, from the playground of our grammar school, St. E's...and talking about God, our dreams of the future, and the mysteries of life and our faith. I'd fill them in on vitally important <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tid</span> bits that they were convinced only girls know, things to help them with "women." I have this vivid memory of Greg really wanting to know what the heck the whole deal was with "periods", fertility, and pregnancy...and the very biological conversation that followed. Our science teachers would have been proud of the complex explanation that Todd, Jody and I threaded together! There was much debate about the specific details..."where do those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fallopian</span> tubes go again?!"...but I think we sorted it all out. That still makes me laugh! I'm not sure that any of my advice helped them at all, but they didn't really need <em>me</em> to unlock any secrets for them. I know I lamented about my various boyfriends, and they always helped me make sense of the challenges of dealing with romance and guys...because after all, "you <em>know</em> how guys can be." I always felt my most relaxed and accepted with these guys...no one cared what you were wearing, how your hair looked...most especially <em>me</em>. I was my most <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unselfconscious</span>...what a gift to a teen girl. They made me feel so wonderful...the humor was always sharp and witty...the conversation was often hysterical, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">irreverent</span>, deep, outrageous, and full of all the good things you'd hope for on a warm summer night. </strong></span><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>I remember how bittersweet those times became for me, as the summer of our senior year drew to a close. I knew that with everyone heading off in various directions all over the globe, we were making these memories on borrowed time. I was right. Life grew more complicated, busy, and we slowly disconnected as so often happens. But I look back on those years, and those boys, with such gratitude. I was at my best with those brother/friends...I felt safe and powerful as a young woman, validated and enjoyed, by the smartest, funniest, wisest guys I knew. It wasn't uncommon for our evenings to end with someone saying, "Hug Huddle!", and we'd gather in a huddle in someones driveway for a group hug. I remember losing a small pearl <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">earring</span> in Jack's driveway because of a hug huddle...and all those boys earnestly trying to find it for me. We never found it, and I remember wondering why I didn't care more. I still have half that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">earring</span> set, and I keep it to remind me of a time when we were all on the brink of growing up, of the gifts we shared, the sheer fun and silliness of those times...and the love I felt for each of those precious friends crawling around in the dark sifting through the rocks, for me. </strong></span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-62804824346594317962007-10-08T15:20:00.000-07:002007-10-08T17:07:11.656-07:00A dream is a wish your heart makes...<span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>We are finally catching our breathe after our vacation in Florida. Disney truly wipes me out! We'd watched some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TV</span> show about Disney World before we went on our trip, we wanted the kids to get excited about where we were going. It got them asking a lot of questions, but I think that they didn't really comprehend that we were going to the place they were seeing on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TV</span>. We arrived in Florida and spent a relaxing day sleeping and swimming, at a local hotel. It was great to not head right into the whole Disney experience. We had time to recover after the two day drive. (We stopped in a hotel over night, between those two days...the driving portion of our trip actually ended up being great!) On Sunday we moved into the resort at Disney, Key West. It was lovely and peaceful. Very pretty pastel colored buildings with white gingerbread...and we had an oasis outside of our balcony, the pool and hot tub down below. There were very few people there, and it was always quiet. Just what I'd hoped for. Our first day heading to the park, was our Magic Kingdom outing. Briana was playing it cool on the bus. All along she'd been pretty low-key about the impending trip. We came to the conclusion that she didn't want to get excited because she didn't want to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointed</span>. She was dead-pan on that bus ride, I wondered if she was going to be happy at all. Brandon was excited enough for both of them. He was gripping my hand, grinning at us...squirming with anticipation. When we spotted the roof line of Cinderellas castle over the trees on the horizon...he <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">squealed</span> like I've never heard him <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">squeal</span>! He was jumping up and down in his seat, totally freaking out! Briana turned to me with big eyes and gravely said, "Mama, if I get to see Cinderella...I'm going to tell her that dreams really DO come true." They she leaned into my arms and stayed there for the rest of the ride. I was so touched by her caution, her awe...I was trying to subtly wipe tears off my face!</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Each day brought it's own fun. We had days where we stayed at th resort and just relaxed together...swimming, taking naps, playing. We tried to pace ourselves with our treks to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, MGM. The children were most thrilled with the Magic Kingdom. Briana informed us that it was "really magical." After a few hours at Epcot, she turned to me and said, with some disapointment, "this place is NOT magical." LOL...OH WELL, can't win 'em all, eh? Much of Epcot was under construction, or so it seemed. All the kiosks were closed, and there was not one single performer on the street, no outdoor concerts going on...NOTHING. All you could do was shop and eat. The few rides that we did go on over on the entrace side of the park, were fun...the space "trip" to Mars was our absolute favorite. I would have done it again and again! I loved the ambience of Animal Kingdom, thought the Africa area was super cool. The street performers were awesome, the kids were part of a dancing/drum show...they thought that was awesome. We were pretty disapointed with the Safari, not too many impressive animals...and the scripted banter of the tour guide/driver was cheesey. We had a very close encounter with gorillas in another section of that park, and that was really incredible. My biggest surprise of the week, and Matt's I think, was how much we loved MGM. That was our last day in Disney, and the place was pretty mellow...not too many people. We thought the old fashioned sound-stage type streets were just SO cool. Being an old movie fanatic myself...there was a lot of fun to be had there. The children had a ball...we loved the Beauty and the Beast show, fantastic. The Little Mermaid Show was also great...the Narnia attraction got Matt and I VERY excited for the next film installment in the series...and much more. Our lunch reservations got us our very own 50's kitchen, with "Mom" waiting on us hand and foot. It really was incredible, all antiques and authentic kitchy treasures, cabinets, table and chairs...each kitchen area had it's own color scheme and details...and the vintage tv next to your table on the kitchen counter top played clips from some of the best shows of the 50's. The food was top notch, and the atmosphere and gimick of it all was just so cool! We had dinner that day, in MGM, at the Sci-Fi Diner...the coolest place EVER. You go into a building and you end up "under the stars" in a fax drive-in movie theater that only shows clips from original old-school sci-fi movies. The place is full of vintage looking cars that are actually where you sit, at a table, and eat. The food was really great, and the atmosphere was just amazing. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>It's taken about a week for Matt and I to recover from the vacation. Why do we come home to recover from vacation when we've gone on vacation to rejuvenate from the day-to-day at home?! We had a totally relaxing 2-day drive home, stopping to spend half a day in Savannah...one of my favorite places. We ate on the water, walked around in the balmy evening enjoying the jazz musicians, horse-drawn carraiges, and festive energy of the place. We initially tried to get reservations at Paula Deene's restaraunt, A Lady and Sons...but alas, they don't take reservations, and you have to walk in around 3pm to get on a list for dinner. Bummer, but next time we'll know better. It was still rather exciting to see the outside of the place (the kids and I waited in the running car while Matt jogged in to case out the joint), having seen it on tv so many times. We ate where we've eaten before, right on the water, (watching the ships go by was very exciting for the kids, and Matt...) and had a totally delish meal. My mint julip did NOT disapoint...who cares about food at a time like that anyway. :)</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>I've discovered that one of my favorite things about going on vacation is how much I love coming home. Walking through our front door that night was just the best feeling. We spent this week catching up on house-work, on-going renovation prjects, school work, the kids ballet and tap classes, Nutcracker rehearsal for both of them, their CCD, etc. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Matt goes back to work tomorrow, and we're all VERY sad to see this long time of having him home with us (16 days!) end. Maybe that's the best testament to a successful vacation...after everything, we're still not ready to have less time together back here in the "real world." </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Lucky us.</strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-48286316079721266482007-09-18T15:53:00.000-07:002007-09-18T15:55:53.716-07:00Love letter for La La...<strong><span style="color:#663300;">The children and I were driving to our first day of school at our homeschool co-op last Thursday, in Orange, NJ. For those of you aware of my total lack of directional skills...you won't be surprise to hear that when our navigational system, (we call her Lily) started turning herself off...I was up a creek! It turns out the main cord was pushed in too much...but by the time I realized this we were a little bit off track. We were driving along and all of a sudden I said, "This road reminds me of Michaela's neighborhood...neat." And then a moment later we all yelled simultaneously, "That was La La's car!" We were in Bloomfield (unbenownst to me), and actually only 4 miles from our school. Go figure!<br />I had to turn the car around and leave a love note on Chael's car...if it had been any later than 9:15, we would have banged on her door. I'm no fool though, I know this girl...and there was no way she was awake! It was such a fun way to start the day, feeling so close to my little sissy...so often Bloomfield seems like it's oceans away. It made her seem closer somehow, knowing she was near our once-a-week school...and knowing that I could get lost and end up passing her house, of all houses, in this great wide world of ours. I had a warm fuzzy feeling for the rest of the day, like I'd had a morning coffee-visit with her or something. I guess in my mind I did! But now I miss her. It's a double edged sword for me. I have to somewhat disconnect from her in order to not miss her so much...but this little, wonderful surprise kind of awakened my longing to have more time with her. I haven't figured out how to miss her and long for time with her, let her go to have her own life during her college years, and not grieve. It sucks!<br />It's a glimpse into what parenthood with my own college-age children may be like...and it's one that I could live without.<br /><br />I wouldn't trade the love, and bond, that I have with Chael for anything... or the grieving that it inevitably brought into my life because she HAD to grow up and make her own life. My healthily letting go has been my challenge, not hers. You might say, these growing pains of mine have been inevitable too. I'm proud of what she's working towards, what she's accomplishing now, the woman she's growing into...and I wouldn't want her to still be at home at my beck and call. She's living out the life that she's been given, to paraphrase Amy Grant.<br />BUT...if I had the chance to go back in time for one single lazy day...I'd take it.<br /><br />Amy Grant wrote a song for her sister, as she saw her grieving the loss of her oldest son who'd gone off to college.<br /><br />The first time I heard this song I started thinking about what it would be like when Michaela went away to school...oh my heart!<br /></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Your smile lights up a room<br />Life a candle in the dark<br />It warms me through and through<br />And I guess that I had dreamed<br />We would never be apart<br />But that dream did not come true<br /><br />Missing you is just a part of living<br />Missing you feels like a way of life<br />I'm living out the life that I've been given<br />But baby I still wish you were mine<br /><br />And I cannot hear the telephone<br />Jangle on the wall<br />And not feel a hopeful thrill<br />And I cannot help but smile<br />At any news of you at all<br />And I guess I always will</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663300;"><strong>Missing you is just a part of living.<br /><br />Missing you feels like a way of life.<br /><br />I'm living out the life that I've been given...<br /><br />But baby I still wish you were mine.<br /><br />Love, B<br /></strong></span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-14355696092405161642007-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:002007-09-12T13:40:45.636-07:00I Come to the Garden Alone...<span style="color:#009900;">We are gearing up for our first day at our homeschool co-op, St. Gregory the Great, tomorrow. How exciting! We had a wonderful, really fun day, last Saturday with the families from the co-op. The back-to-school picnic was hosted in one of the families homes. The children had a ball playing in the sprinklers with the other kids...and we adults had a grand time sipping wine and yakking it up in the shade. Or hiding out in the air conditioning...you do the math. </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">What an amazing group of people! Matt had a great time too, and that makes it all the more fun for me. You know how it is...you make new friends, and hope that your hubby will connect with them in some way. When he does see what you see, sigh. It doesn't always work that way, but when it does it's lovely.</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~and later I wrote some more...</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">I looked out the kitchen windows this morning while sipping my coffee, and the yard called to me. I then spent a good part of the morning weeding out there. This darn mid-summer knee injury really threw a monkey wrench into my gardening plans. In early spring we created a little rock garden area next to the patio, complete with water fountain, plantings (all plants with varying shades of purple blooms), and my grandmothers beautifully rustic St. Francis statue. In the rock garden I also planted a wooden planter full of herbs that we've been enjoying all summer. What a treat. In May, the children and I created a "Mary Garden" in the back corner of the yard. We (let's get real, the grunt work was Matt and I, not the kids) planted the most fragrant pink rose bushes I've ever experienced. They smell <em>exactly</em> like rose essential oil! There are also various Hybrid lilies, Day Lilies, Columbine, Ballerina Guara, and Oriental Iris'. I also planted an Ingrid Bergman Rose bush next to the rock garden...and talk about a prolific bloomer! The most spectacular, velvet red roses. On the other side of the yard I planted two Lilac bushes, two Concord Grape vines...and in the back of the yard near the Mary Garden we planted a Peony. All these plants have flourished, despite the total lack of love and care they've had over the last month. I couldn't imagine balancing on one leg to weed...and I just <em>couldn't</em> ask Matt to do it, he was doing <em>everything</em> else that I couldn't do! So today I finally paid the piper, and went out there and tried to beat back the jungle. I swear, those weeds were trying to take over the yard. Much to my amazement, there didn't seem to be an casualties...probably thanks to all the rain we had over the last 2 months. Even the Bleeding Heart plant in the rock garden finally took off after seemingly struggling for it's life for most of the summer. </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Why am I boring you with these details about my out-of-control gardens? As I was carefully pulling out more exotic looking weeds than I've ever seen, it got me thinking about the weeding my own life needs sometimes. I've been working to be focused on all the beauty in my life, because I can lean more towards being a glass half empty girl. I wore a bracelet this summer to help me stay conscious about rejecting negativity in my life in all it's insidious forms. It helped a lot! I stayed clear with myself about wanting to have healthy boundaries and not get caught up in the self-induced drama of other peoples lives. I worked on being more aware of my reflexive anger...and I'm still working on that! Matt and I did a lot of praying together this summer, and both are feeling like the Lord is smack dab in the middle of our lives...and it's incredible. I go through periods of seeming stagnancy...or so it feels...and then I have some internal and external catching up to do. I'm not sure what I'm catching up <em>with</em>, maybe my own expectations. Nonetheless, todays yard work made me think about the Great Gardener...who lets me flourish or flounder under my own steam, via my free will...but then can always be counted on to come in and start pulling out all the weeds that have grown in my life, when I call out for it. All this thinking has me humming a song I love...</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"></span><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">In The Garden</span></strong></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses. </span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing. </span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">I'd stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling; But He bids me go; Through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."</span><br /><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Hugs, Brig</strong></span></div>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-8471029822892367222007-09-06T08:02:00.000-07:002007-09-06T08:09:50.261-07:00Sad day for serious music lovers, the world over...<span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>Luciano Pavarotti, opera's biggest superstar of the late 20th century, died Thursday. He was 71. </em></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />He was the son of a singing baker and became the king of the high C's.<br /><br />Pavarotti, who had been diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer and underwent treatment last month, died at his home in his native Modena at 5 a.m., his manager told The Associated Press in an e-mailed statement.<br /><br />His wife, Nicoletta, four daughters and sister were among family at friends at his side, manager Terri Robson said.<br /><br />"The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer," Robson said. "In fitting with the approach that characterised his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness."<br /><br />Pavarotti's charismatic personna and ebullient showmanship — but most of all his creamy and powerful voice — made him the most beloved and celebrated tenor since the great Caruso and one of the few opera singers to win crossover fame as a popular superstar.<br /><br />For serious fans, the unforced beauty and thrilling urgency of Pavarotti's voice made him the ideal interpreter of the Italian lyric repertory, especially in the 1960s and '70s when he first achieved stardom. For millions more, his thrilling performances of standards like "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's "Turandot" came to represent what opera is all about.<br /><br />"Nessun Dorma" turned out to be Pavarotti's last aria, sung at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin in February 2006. His last full-scale concert was at Taipei in December 2005, and his farewell to opera was in Puccini's "Tosca" at New York's Metropolitan in March 2004.<br /><br />Instantly recognizable from his charcoal black beard and tuxedo-busting girth, Pavarotti radiated an intangible magic that helped him win hearts in a way Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras — his partners in the "Three Tenors" concerts — never quite could.<br /><br />"I always admired the God-given glory of his voice — that unmistakable special timbre from the bottom up to the very top of the tenor range," Domingo said in a statement from Los Angeles.<br /><br />Pavarotti, who seemed equally at ease singing with soprano Joan Sutherland as with the Spice Girls, scoffed at accusations that he was sacrificing his art in favor of commercialism.<br />"The word 'commercial' is exactly what we want," he said after appearing in the "Three Tenors" concerts. "We've reached 1.5 billion people with opera. If you want to use the word 'commercial,' or something more derogatory, we don't care. Use whatever you want."<br /><br />In the annals of that rare and coddled breed, the operatic tenor, it may well be said the 20th century began with Enrico Caruso and ended with Pavarotti. Other tenors — Domingo included — may have drawn more praise from critics for their artistic range and insights, but none could equal the combination of natural talent and personal charm that so endeared Pavarotti to audiences.<br /><br />"Pavarotti is the biggest superstar of all," the late New York Times music critic Harold Schonberg once said. "He's correspondingly more spoiled than anybody else. They think they can get away with anything. Thanks to the glory of his voice, he probably can."<br /><br />In his heyday, he was known as the "King of the High C's" for the ease with which he tossed off difficult top notes. In fact it was his ability to hit nine glorious high C's in quick succession that turned him into an international superstar singing Tonio's aria "Ah! Mes amis," in Donizetti's "La Fille du Regiment" at the Met in 1972.<br /><br />From Beijing to Buenos Aires, people immediately recognized his incandescent smile and lumbering bulk, clutching a white handkerchief as he sang arias and Neapolitan folk songs, pop numbers and Christmas carols for hundreds of thousands in outdoor concerts.<br /><br />The son of a baker who was an amateur singer, Pavarotti was born Oct. 12, 1935. He had a meager upbringing, though he said it was rich with happiness.<br />"Our family had very little, but I couldn't imagine one could have any more," Pavarotti said.<br /><br />As a boy, Pavarotti showed more interest in soccer than his studies, but he also was fond of listening to his father's recordings of tenor greats like Beniamino Gigli, Tito Schipa, Jussi Bjoerling and Giuseppe Di Stefano, his favorite.<br /><br />Among his close childhood friends was Mirella Freni, who would eventually become a soprano and an opera great herself. The two studied singing together and years later ended up making records and concerts together.<br /><br />In his teens, Pavarotti joined his father, also a tenor, in the church choir and local opera chorus. He was influenced by the American movie actor-singer Mario Lanza.<br />"In my teens I used to go to Mario Lanza movies and then come home and imitate him in the mirror," Pavarotti said.<br /><br />Singing was still nothing more than a passion while Pavarotti trained to become a teacher and began working in a school.<br /><br />But at 20, he traveled with his chorus to an international music competition in Wales. The Modena group won first place, and Pavarotti began to dedicate himself to singing.<br />With the encouragement of his then-fiancee, Adua, he started lessons, selling insurance to pay for them. He studied with Arrigo Pola and later Ettore Campogalliani.<br /><br />In 1961, Pavarotti won a local competition and with it a debut as Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Boheme."<br />He followed with a series of successes in small opera houses throughout Europe before his 1963 debut at Covent Garden in London, where he stood in for Di Stefano as Rodolfo.<br /><br />Having impressed conductor Richard Bonynge, Pavarotti was given a role opposite Bonynge's wife, Sutherland, in a Miami production of "Lucia di Lamermoor." They subsequently signed him for a 14-week tour of Australia.<br /><br />It was the recognition Pavarotti needed to launch his career. He also credited Sutherland with teaching him how to breathe correctly.<br /><br />Pavarotti's major debuts followed — at La Scala in Milan in 1965, San Francisco in 1967 and New York's Metropolitan Opera House in 1968.<br /><br />Throughout his career, Pavarotti struggled with a much-publicized weight problem. His love of food caused him to balloon to a reported 396 pounds in 1978.<br />"Maybe this time I'll really do it and keep it up," he said during one of his constant attempts at dieting.<br /><br />Pavarotti, who had been trained as a lyric tenor, began taking on heavier dramatic roles, such as Manrico in Verdi's "Trovatore" and the title role in "Otello."<br /><br />In the mid-1970s, Pavarotti became a true media star. He appeared in television commercials and began singing in hugely lucrative mega-concerts outdoors and in stadiums around the world. Soon came joint concerts with pop stars. A concert in New York's Central Park in 1993 drew 500,000 fans.<br /><br />Pavarotti's recording of "Volare" went platinum in 1988.<br /><br />In 1990, he appeared with Domingo and Carreras in a concert at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome for the end of soccer's World Cup. The concert was a huge success, and the record known as "The Three Tenors" was a best-seller and was nominated for two Grammy awards. The video sold over 750,000 copies.<br /><br />The three-tenor extravaganza became a mini-industry and widely imitated. With a follow-up album recorded at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1994, the three have outsold every other performer of classical music. A 1996 tour earned each tenor an estimated $10 million.<br /><br />Pavarotti liked to mingle with pop stars in his series of charity concerts, "Pavarotti & Friends," held annually in Modena. He performed with artists as varied as Ricky Martin, James Brown and the Spice Girls.<br />The performances raised some eyebrows but he always shrugged off the criticism.<br />Some say the "word 'pop' is a derogatory word to say 'not important' — I do not accept that," Pavarotti said in a 2004 interview with the AP. "If the word 'classic' is the word to say 'boring,' I do not accept. There is good and bad music."<br /><br />It was not just his annual extravaganza that saw Pavarotti involved in humanitarian work.<br />During the 1992-95 Bosnia war, he collected humanitarian aid along with U2 lead singer Bono, and after the war he financed and established the Pavarotti Music Center in the southern city of Mostar to offer Bosnia's artists the opportunity to develop their skills.<br /><br />He performed at benefit concerts to raise money for victims of tragedies such as an earthquake in December 1988 that killed 25,000 people in northern Armenia.<br /><br />He had been accused in 1996 of filing false tax returns for 1989-91.<br />Pavarotti always denied wrongdoing, saying he paid taxes wherever he performed. But, upon agreeing to the settlement, he said: "I cannot live being thought not a good person."<br /><br />Pavarotti was preparing to leave New York in July 2006 to resume a farewell tour when doctors discovered a malignant pancreatic mass. He underwent surgery in a New York hospital, and all his remaining 2006 concerts were canceled.<br /><br />Pancreatic cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease, though doctors said the surgery offered improved hopes for survival.<br /><br />"I was a fortunate and happy man," Pavarotti told Italian daily Corriere della Sera in an interview published about a month after the surgery. "After that, this blow arrived."<br />"And now I am paying the penalty for this fortune and happiness," he told the newspaper.<br /><br />Fans were still waiting for a public appearance a year after his surgery. In the summer, Pavarotti taught a group of selected students and worked on a recording of sacred songs, a work expected to be released in early 2008, according to his manager. He mostly divided his time between Modena and his villa in the Adriatic seaside resort of Pesaro.<br /><br />Just this week, the Italian government honored him with an award for "excellence in Italian culture," and La Scala and Modena's theater announced a joint Luciano Pavarotti award.<br /><br />In his final statement, Pavarotti said the awards gave him "the opportunity to continue to celebrate the magic of a life dedicated to the arts and it fills me with pride and joy to have been able to promote my magnificent country abroad."<br /><br />He will be remembered in Italy as "the last great Italian voice able to move the world," said Bruno Cagli, president of the Santa Cecilia National Academy in Rome.<br /><br />The funeral will be held Saturday inside Modena's cathedral, Mayor Giorgio Pighi told SkyTG24.The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-59780710588134240862007-09-05T14:45:00.000-07:002007-09-05T14:57:18.559-07:00Wonderful Workshop Opportunity!<span style="color:#666666;"><em>I wanted to share this with all of you. Caren is a dear friend, and hugely talented artist. This should be a really wonderful opportunity for everyone who registers! ~Brig </em></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#336666;">Mighty Visions…</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Join us for a workshop of play, community, reflection & personal exploration where you can bring into sharper focus what you want by creating your own MIGHTY VISION BOARD! </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Do you know what you want? </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">To stay focused on this all important question, we need new ways to capture our answers. Creating a vision board is a phenomenal way to get clear about what you really want. </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">This visual prompt will help keep you focused on your vision! </span><br /><span style="color:#66cccc;"><span style="color:#990000;">As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.</span> </span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#336666;">We have two offerings…</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#666666;"> Both workshops will be held in the studios of</span><br /><span style="color:#666666;"> CFO Design @ 18 S. Maple Ave. in Basking Ridge, NJ</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><strong>September 18th and September 25th</strong></span> 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.­­ $50 (snacks included)<br /><strong>-OR</strong><span style="color:#333333;"><strong>-</strong> </span><br /><span style="color:#339999;"><strong>Saturday, October 13th</strong></span> 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $60 (lunch included)<br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>We will supply the materials, you supply the vision.</strong></span><br /><br />Workshop Leaders Artist & Founder of CFO Design, Caren Frost Olmsted Intuitive & Holistic Educator, Jennifer Urezzio<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"> <em><strong>Call or email to reserve your spot!</strong></em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"> </span><a href="mailto:info@cfodesign.com"><strong><span style="color:#336666;">info@cfodesign.com</span></strong></a><span style="color:#990000;"> or </span><span style="color:#003333;">908.208.7516</span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-52380516487096174102007-09-05T10:50:00.000-07:002007-09-19T11:41:51.270-07:00A Taste of Heaven<span style="color:#009900;"><strong>The weather for this years Labor Day weekend was spectacular. An absolute dream! It was such a relaxing long weekend, it feels like we went away on vacation...but we never left Budd Lake!<br /><br />Maura and Seth hosted their annual "Buddstock"...and this year took it to a whole new level. They sent out invites to family and friends, and people arrived all weekend long for camping and relaxation. This years Buddstock was at their new home, the farm on Lozier Road...so the festivities were spread out all over their acreage, in their large farm house, in the barn (aka Man Den, to some), around the large fire pit area, in the woods, etc. It was fun to watch people pitching tents on Saturday, finding just the right spot...some chose close to the house (esp. those with kids), and some ventured out to the sunny upper field behind the barn...and the young boys chose the camp site down in the woods.<br /><br />Saturday we all just sat around in the sunshine and breeze, drinking various yummy things, knitting (me), laughing a LOT...letting the kids run amock, many of the men beginning a cut-throat Quates (sp?) tournament over near the barn, that would last all weekend. Vickie (a dear friend of Maura's, and a good friend of the family after all these years) gave all the children extensive pony rides all over the yard. She boards her two ponies at Maura's right now...talk about awesome. The kids had fun feeding the horses hay all weekend too...those poor animals probably were sick of it by Sunday...but they got a LOT of hugs and much petting. My children were in heaven.<br /><br />Seth had also finished off the loft of the barn (Game Central), and the air hockey and foozeball kept that a hot spot for the kids, and many others as well. It was a totally mellow day, and the evening consisted of nothing more than many smores and impromtu music around the fire.<br /><br />Oh, the Big Dipper was right over Maura's house all weekend, it looked like it was pouring down onto the roof. Isn't that amazing?<br /><br />Early Sunday afternoon Vickie's daughter Cora (7 yrs. old?) had a impromtu lesson on her horse, and we were a very enthusiastic audience for her as she jumped her beautiful pony all over the yard. It was a bit surreal...I was in the sunroom on the couch with my knee elevated, sipping coffee, reading a wonderful book...and the next thing I know she's going over jumps that her mom's set up in the yard right outside of where I'm sitting. Everyone was cheering to her success...she had a fun crowd to perform for. Seriously AWESOME.<br /><br />Aunt Mare and her significant-other, Dave, came on Sunday afternoon and joined us in our vigorously lazy lounging...and he graciously kept us supplied with the best made Cosmo's I've ever had. Maura's friend Athena came that day too, and she and all the women (and my Briana), and MY FATHER, went up into "fairy land" (that large secluded open patch of sunshiney field back behind the barn, next to the giant peppermint patch) and did a whole yoga class for/with them.<br /><br />From where Mare, Shannon and I were sitting on our asses sucking down our cocktails it looked quite dreamy. LOL<br /><br />We had a delicious hodge podge of foods for lunch...dinner...it was a continual graze of bbq'd meats, delish side dishes, chips and dips, cookies...you name it. After dinner we celebrated Shannon's b'day with some killer decadent cakes and large quantities of Hagen Daz (sp?) vanilla ice cream with hot fudge. Yum.<br /><br />Later that night some of the guys from the jazz band that Meg and Shan sing with came and set up all their gear, and we had the most amazing night of jazz under the stars. We sat facing the musicians, in a semi circle around the giant fire, and just soaked it all up. It was so awesome to get to hear all my sisters (except for Erin who was away celebrating her anniversary, and didn't join us until Monday) take turns singing their favorite standards, my father joining in with his guitar to do his favorite bossa nova tunes... and the musicians were spectacular. My favorite was the horn guy (sorry, can't remember your name, Horn Guy!) who played the clarinet, and the sax. It was so soulful in the evening air...everyone bundled in sweat shirts and just chilling out.<br /><br />That night all the kids were snug into their various tents by 9:30, they'd had a good wind-down all tucked in together on the couches in the family room watching Peter Pan. Too cute. Matt, Briana and Brandon had our new tent set up, and they both told us the next day how cozy it was to lay in the tent listening to all the music. Around 11:00 the jazz guys packed up all their stuff and joined us at the fire. Various drums were brought out...and things got a little <em>tribal</em>.<br /><br />Monday morning was my favorite, people lounging around in their p.j.'s drinking coffee, reminicing about the night before, laughing about how old and sore and pooped we all felt...and how we didn't want the weekend to end yet. Seth (Maura's husband) and Matt cleaned the kitchen that morning while most of us were still snoozing...or pretending to snooze to prolong the delisciousness of hearing people starting to stir all around...the house was coming alive down below my perch in the guest room...it was heavenly. My hubby took on the role of Egg Master, and cooked eggs for anyone and everyone as they awoke and wandered into the kitchen. Matt and I had a wonderful and increasingly uproarious visit with Ian (Shan's husband) on the sunporch, talking about our upcoming trip to Disney with mounting excitement. (it might have been slightly due to the copious quantities of coffee we'd been drinking)<br /><br />Sunday afternoon the children were gathered around the campfire pretending to "do music" themselves...with guitars and mic stands as their props...they took turns performing for one another, totally oblivious to us boring adults. It was super cute.<br /><br />All the remaining adults were gathered in the dappled sunshine under the giant tree in the middle of the yard sharing cold drinks and conversation. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>The icing on the cake of our perfect weekend was when Erin and Lou arrived and made a big announcement...they are having their first baby! </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Baby Glynn/Palma is due in April, a few weeks before Meg's wedding. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Many screams, tears, hugs were exchanged...it was just incredible. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>It was almost too much, I felt on the brink of a good sob for quite a while after such joyfulness for all of us. </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>It was such a gift.<br /><br />The day lingered, as did most of the family...I don't think anyone was interested in heading back to the "real world." But true to form, all good things must come to an end. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Slowly, tents were taken down, bedding rolled up, cars packed, children were sent on trash patrol (Brandon used his large Tonka dump truck to collect anything he could find in the grass...and he was thrilled)...and gradually everyone trickled home .<br /></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>One of my favorite artists, Sara Groves, says it in a way I only wish I could...</strong></span><br /><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#333333;">Every Minute </span></strong></em><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">I am long on staying * I am slow to leave* Especially when it comes to you my friend * You have taught me to slow down * And to prop up my feet * It's the fine art of being who I am *</span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">And I can't figure out * Why you want me around * I'm not the smartest person I have ever met * But somehow that doesn't matter * No it never really mattered to you at all </span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">** And at the risk of wearing out my welcome * At the risk of self-discovery * I'll take every moment * Every minute that you'll give me ** </span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">And I can think of time when families all lived together * Four generations in one house * And the table was full of good food * And friends and neighbors * That's not how we like now *</span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">Cause if you sit at home you're a loser * Couldn't you find anything better to do * Well no I couldn't think of one thing * I would rather waste my time on than sitting here with you **</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">And at the risk of wearing out my welcome * At the risk of self-discovery* I'll take every moment* And every minute that you'll give me **</span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">And I wish all the people I love the most * Could gather in one place * And know each other and love each other well * And I wish we could all go camping * And lay beneath the stars * and have nothing to do and stories to tell * </span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">We'd sit around the campfire * And we'd make each other laugh remembering when * You're the first one I'm inviting * Always know that you're invited my friend </span></em><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;">** And at the risk of wearing out my welcome * At the risk of self-discovery * I'll take every moment * And every minute that you'll give me * Every moment and every minute that you'll give me...every moment and every minute that you'll give me...every minute.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#333333;"></span></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Maura and Seth once again gifted our entire family, and many friends, with an opportunity to be together, to play together, and to rejoice together! We'd had fantastic group meals, lots and lots of music, the most idyllic setting of sunshine and breezes, plenty of peaceful relaxation, hearty doses of laughter, very content children, and news of a new miracle in our midst. </span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">What more could anyone ask for?</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">My only thought at this point is...Thank You, Jesus.</span></strong>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-1561659063114385522007-09-01T06:48:00.000-07:002007-09-01T06:49:59.546-07:00My sister...So the kids and I were watching the live action Disney version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella a few days ago. It stars Brandy, Jason Alexander (Seinfeld's "George"), Whoopi Goldberg, Whitney Houston, Bernadette Peters, etc. It is REALLY good! Anyway... about half way through it Briana turns to me and says, "Mama, Cinderella looks just like La La." (Michaela, if you didn't know, is nicknamed LaLa.) I said, "Oh reallly..." and I took a good look at Brandy, yes, BRANDY...with her gorgeous head full of waist length braids (a weave, of course)...and had to ask Bri, "Are you SURE she looks like LaLa?" "Oh yes..." she insisted. "Look at that precious face she makes, she's so beautiful...just like LaLa." Putting it like that, I had to concur that indeed, Michaela and Brandy are the spitting image of one another. Cute, huh?The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-30601484264170015822007-08-29T18:50:00.000-07:002007-08-29T18:52:32.243-07:00Feng ShiIt is exciting to see how the field of Interior Design is broadening it’s understanding of traditional design concepts. There is much to be learned outside of the European influenced field, from traditions around the globe. This particularly interests me because of the way it helps us understand each other as people of different cultures and traditions.<br />Unfortunately, Feng Shui has been more associated with the trends of the “New Age” movement, and it has taken some time for it to be associated with legitimate Interior Design. Feng Shui is the study of how to arrange your environment to enhance the quality of your life. Although the reasons for, and the results of, successful Feng Shui application to a building can seem very psychological and even emotional, the reasons are not due to any “hocus-pocus”. Yes, the experience of Feng Sui is about joining the seen and the unseen forces of nature, but it is also based on principles that are reasonable and full of common sense in any day and age.<br />Feng Shui, translated as “Wind and Water”, observes and balances the seen and unseen energies of the things around us. Like wind and water, you and your environment are two forces of nature. Your desires, goals, talents, attitudes, and feelings~ like the unseen force of wind; are constantly interacting and influencing each other. Just like the interaction between the wind and water, when you and your home blend in a harmonious way, the effect is comforting, welcoming, and positive. In an environment with those qualities, your health, prosperity, and very happiness thrive. Is this due to a sense of well-being brought on by the pleasing characteristics of our environment, thus bringing a sense of contentment and empowerment that overflows into other aspects of our lives? That is certainly possible. To artists, the idea that the colors, shapes, balance, and continuity of the visual world around us affect us deeply makes total sense. We know how powerful color alone can be to the human psyche. The practice of Feng Shui takes this even a step further. The primary goal of Feng Shui is to bring you and your home into harmony so that you are not just surviving your life, but that you are living in harmony with all that is around you, in part because you have made a intentional decision about the nature of your surroundings.<br />The philosophical foundation of Feng Shui is as relevant today in our Western culture as it was thousands of years ago in China. The ancient Chinese had an understanding of Physics and Psychology that is astounding! And really, you could say that Physics is the “head” of Feng Shui, and Psychology is the “heart”.<br />There are two primary schools of Feng Shui, the Form School and the Compass School. While cut from the same philosophical mold, they appear to be quite different. When you start reading various books on Feng Shui, it is confusing to see how differently it is approached. Form School Feng Shui basically focuses on the arrangement of “forms” or objects in and around a building or home, and how this arrangement helps to achieve optimal Ch’i (vital energy) flow. This type of Feng Shui is more of a fine art than a strict science, and is flexible in meeting peoples needs, and in honoring personal tastes of clients...while still improving the flow of Ch’i.<br />Compass School Feng Shui relies mostly on the use of a luo pan, or Chinese compass, and the birth information of homeowners to assess the environment around them. Based on numerical findings, the Compass school is especially useful when you’re building your own home and can choose where to place elements like doors, windows, etc. For someone with an already build home/office/room, this can be restrictive and a bit more inflexible. Also, for our Western minds and religious backgrounds, this can seem more on the edge of “hocus pocus”, and less on the side of practical scientific thought. There are many subgroups of both these types of Feng Shui though, and the combinations assure that there is something that can work for everyone. In terms of Western homes, life style, and mind-set, Form School Feng Shui techniques can produce excellent results. In terms of my home and office, it‘s what I’m trying to integrate.<br />It would be easy to write volumes on all the aspects of Feng Shui. Briefly I’ll talk about the “interior” work, or awareness learned through this amazing practice. I will then try to share as basically as possible the specifics of placement, etc.<br />Feng Shui, at it’s best, teaches you to see the things around you in a whole new way. You learn that your emotional life and spiritual life are intimately connected. This is not a new concept to someone with an active or vibrant faith or religious background of any kind. To some people, the idea that happiness and our environment are two forces of nature “who” are intimately connected is a brand new idea though. The realization that our homes can literally strengthen or weaken our health, wealth, and happiness brings with it a significant shift in perception. When we open our eyes we can no longer view our homes as just “things”, or our belongings as just inanimate “stuff.” Our homes, and all the possessions within them, suddenly come alive and are intimately connected to the quality of our life. We see that our difficulties are not separate from, but actually held in place by, our homes. Thus, the vital connection between the people and the “beings” they call home can begin to happen. As a holistic art and science, Feng Shui is meant to balance and harmonize our inner and outer domains. There are basic principles that make up the foundation of Feng Shui, and provide us with guidelines for living. When we integrate these guidelines into our lives, we see and interact with the world in a new and powerful way.<br />One principle in the Feng Shiu philosophy is that every person, place, and thing is alive with vital energy called Ch’i. This concept is totally all-inclusive, changing our physical existence from a world “that” is largely inanimate, to a world “who” is completely alive! When we see our world this way, as being made up of animate “beings,” we make very different decisions. Indiscriminate destruction of our natural world, as well as our amassing huge quantities of “stuff”, possessions we don’t need or have any emotional connection to, change when we no longer believe it’s all just “dirt” or “stuff”. Everything that lives with you holds certain memories, associations, and feelings in place. That’s why it’s so vial in Feng Shiu to assess what your material possessions are alive with! What are they “saying” to you? The quality of your inner life is constantly influenced by what you’re keeping alive in your surroundings. They may carry a mixed message that is “mixing” up your life and personal growth. The associations we have with certain objects can help us stay stuck in a place emotionally that we want to move away from. We need to assess each belonging of ours and see what our association is. If the association feeds us in a healthy way, then it’s a keeper! One of the primary Feng Shui goals is to surround yourself with “environmental affirmations”, the things “who” are alive with life-affirming thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations. When we design our environment to reflect our ideal state of conciousness, we are opening the pathways for happiness, health, and prosperity to take up residence with us.<br />Another principle of Feng Shui is that every person, place, and thing is connected by Ch’i. The energy that connects us to our personal environment extends to include our entire planet. Energetically, there is no such thing as isolation. In the study of Physics, we know this to be true. Although our emotional connections are usually strongest with the people, places, and things that are close by, we are essentially in relationship with everyone and every thing on earth, in a physical sense.<br />The quality of our relationships does not stop with people. We are also intimately connected to every single thing that surrounds us, in some way or another. The goal is to be conscious of every thing we’re connected to, which means every thing we own. If we lived in a cave and had two or three actual personal belongings, this would be easy! Imagine being consciously aware of each and every belonging you possess, it makes my head spin! So...to honor our connection with all these things, we need to let go of excess, and organize the rest. The reason this is so vital is because our things, and the presentation of them, and the care we give them, reflect our inner world and hold in place the conditions of our lives. External order and harmony reflect internal order and peace, while external clutter and chaos reflects an internal mess! This doesn’t mean that we live with a tooth brush and one mug! But, our material well-being has room to grow in an orderly environment. Letting go of possessions that are unwanted and unneeded creates opportunities for the things we want and need to come into our lives. So, in short, we need to live with what we love, put safety and comfort first, and simplify and organize.<br />If we believe that every object in our home has living energy, then where these objects are placed is very important. Windows, doors, lighting, color, the combination of certain textures, etc. will all affect the healthy energy flow. Besides an understanding of energy (Ch’i) flow, the most important tool to use in Feng Shui is the Bagua Map. You correlate the structure of your home, and each room individually, with a map, or a format made up of nine boxes. Imagine a tick-tack-toe board with nine boxes, and you have the visual of the map. The word Bagua literally means “eight trigrams.” These trigrams form the basic building blocks of the I Ching (the Chinese Book of Changes) and are each associated with (among other things) blessings such as health, wealth, love, and creativity. The Bagua Map, or map of the eight trigrams, charts where each of these blessings is located in your home. Ultimately, the Bagua Map leads you to the discovery that all parts of your home and your life are of equal importance.<br />The Bagua Map can be applied to any fixed shape, including buildings, rooms, and furniture (like a desk top). Using a floor plan or a “birds-eye-view” of the building, you lay the map on top of it, so to speak, and see what areas are out of balance. Each area on the map correlates to an aspect of life: Wealth and Prosperity, Fame and Reputation, Love and Marriage, Children and Creativity, Health and Family, Knowledge and Self Cultivation, Career, Helpful People and Travel. You learn the specifics about what elements strengthen each area, and then you learn how to enhance where those areas happen to fall in your home. The specifics of how to use the map are easy, but detailed. I could write pages on the map alone. Suffice it to say that when you lay the map on your home, and then on each individual room, you see what “areas” are being affected by elements that are detrimental to them. When you compare this discovery to the specific “issues” in your life, or the areas that need improvement, etc., it is shocking to say the least. My husband and I realized that the Children and Creativity area of the entry way of our house has had a dead and semi-rotting plant in it for about two years. Pathetic, yes, but it was up out of eye sight, and we’d just forgotten about it. It got thrown away as soon as we made the discovery! As vital as the Bagua Map is to implementing Feng Shui into our homes, and lives, that is not all you need to know. We need to study and find out what are the specific things we can do in each area of the map to change situations, and energy, to enhance our lives and homes.<br />Feng Shui teaches us how to recognize the Yin and Yang in all objects. It is the true balance of these two extremes that brings a deep sense of comfort and “rightness” to our surroundings. Usually we don’t even recognize what it is that feels so right about a certain space. Yin is associated with curved shapes and small, cold, dark, wet, or ornate settings and items. On the other hand, Yang is associated with angular shapes and large, light, hot, or open settings and items. Every item in our home is either Yin or Yang, or if we are extremely lucky, some of them may be a combination of both. Either way all the spaces around us need a healthy balance of these things.<br />If we are to balance the Yin and Yang, we must have an understanding of the five elements themselves. The elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water...and that these are basically the building blocks of everything physical on the planet. These things manifest in countless ways and combinations around us. Just as every item in our home is Ying or Yang, they are also associated with one of these elements. For example...a marble tabletop is associated with Metal, a mirror with Water, or plants with Wood. Every color has an association to these elements as well...red with Fire, blues and greens with Wood, or yellow with Earth. The darker a color gets the more “Watery” it becomes, such as black, navy blue, and dark brown. On the other hand, the lighter a color gets, the more it becomes associated with Metal. There are countless ways to balance each of these elements in each area of your home, and you can learn what elements are needed in what areas to enhance that “issue” or need in your life. I have personally read a number of books, and each book has a slightly different take on the above elements. But, you can get a great idea by reading and comparing several books, about how to mix and balance the elements in your home and life.<br />In learning more and more about Feng Shui, there was a part of me that just saw the “sense” in it. Understanding that everything around us has energy to emit, and that there are ways to inhibit and enhance this natural, healthy flow of energy seemed practical and full of wisdom. It has been a tremendously fun, exciting, and eye-opening experience for my husband and I to read books together...looking around our home and seeing things that made us say, “That explains it!” I’ve been mapping rooms, and trying to reconfigure furniture plans, he’s been working on “Feng Shuiing”, as he calls it, the yard and external of our house. As Bill Murray would say, “Baby steps...”... and they are. We have been amazed at the difference a few small changes have made already in terms of the basic comfy cozy feeling of our home, and we are looking forward to getting our whole house in balance. Please know that this paper does not even scratch the surface of how to implement Feng Shui into ones life. I couldn’t begin to do the subject justice in just a few pages. If your interest has been peeked, there are tons of books out there that will make it clearer, and easier to follow. If you are an artist, it is really very simple and basic to our instincts and to the sensitivities that I think are just part of our nature because we are so in tune with our surroundings on an emotional level. And if you are not an artist, it is easy to learn! I’ve included a small list of books that I’ve read that are really wonderful. There is nothing more fun than passing on the title of a great book! Enjoy!<br /><br />BOOKS:<br />Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, by Karen Kingston<br />Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui, by Karen Kingston<br />Feng Shui Design, by Sarah Rossbach<br />Feng Shui Made Easy, by William Spear<br />Sacred Space, by Denise Linn<br />Feng Shui Do’s & Taboo’s, by Angi Ma WongThe Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-7389205450965174982007-08-29T18:32:00.000-07:002007-08-29T18:36:19.493-07:00Shannon and Ian's Wedding Toast...given by me!There are too few times in this life when we get to stand up and publicly share what a gift someone’s life has been to us. Sadly, all too often we only hear speeches like that at funerals, when the person being talked about doesn’t get to hear how they‘ve impacted others. So bear with me as I take this opportunity to share with you a little bit about this beautiful bride...my sister, Shannon Mary.<br /><br />I was an only child for 4 years...until Shannon came along. Little did I know that she was only the first of 5 additional sisters who’d be joining our family. When Shannon was born I received my very first Barbie doll as my “congratulations on being a big sister!” gift. I’ve always credited Shannon with finally getting my Barbie collecting off to a festive start! Shannon was my first sister in this world, and I think back on the two years that we had alone, the only Glynn girls...and it is like a hazy dream. We shared a bedroom in our first home...the married student housing at Ohio State University. Her crib was next to my bed, and I remember that she’d wake me in the morning with her baby gurgles. You might say she was my first sister, and my first alarm clock!<br /><br />Maura came along two years later...and then Meg with Erin close on her heals...and finally Michaela. Shannon, Maura and I were the Big Girls...and I realized only a few short years ago that in my mind I still called the three of us...the Big Girls, and the others the Younger Girls. When I think back on our childhood, I just remember what a wonderful playmate Shannon was. She was always up for playing school in the classroom we’d created in the basement...and she’d be the principal, Sister Mary...and I’d send Maura (and any neighborhood children we could rope into our school) to the “office” for disciplinary chats with Sister. Shannon was always a lead in the “shows” we put on for our parents...whether she was Joseph in the nativity, or one of three Santa's in a puppet show...and we’d act out scenes from all our favorite musicals (we had no TV, what would YOU do?). Shan would let Maura or I sing all the female parts while she tackled the male parts. The soundtracks to Oklahoma, and the Sound of Music were our favorites...and we swooned over Mom’s coveted Greatest Hits double album Barry Manilow. If we weren’t in the basement playing dress up while listening to Bread and soaking up their harmony...we were singing When Irish Eyes are Smiling, You Are My Sunshine, and various tv. commercials, while Shan, Maura and I tackled the large quantity of dirty dinner dishes...oh...and the thing that entertained us maybe the most during our dish washing sessions...we’d sing songs in the weirdest, most ugly voices that we could...creating all sorts of horribly dissonant and off-key harmonies...and then we’d complement each other on the most horrific parts...until Mom would get quite upset and tell us to stop it, and in so many words...“what if you mess up your developing musical ears and end up singing like that!” There’s no way to separate the memories of our childhood from the music in our life.<br /><br />Shannon was my roommate for the better part of 18 years...and let me tell you, despite the years of her potty training when we shared a double bed...need I say more...they were really wonderful! We still laugh over our memories of the games we’d make up, and the silliness we’d share, as she lay in the top bunk and I in the bottom...and Mom calling up the stairs, “Girls, that‘s ENOUGH!“ inducing further hysterics that we’d try to muffle with our pillows. One of the things we loved to play as children was Mass... I’d be the priest, Maura was the alter server, and Shannon would be our Music Minster...playing and cantering all the parts of the mass on the piano, having learned them by ear... (and I’m talking she was a little kid!). When Shan was in kindergarten it became apparent that her singing and playing the piano were special talents. In many ways she provided a continual soundtrack for our family as we grew over the years...our soundtrack included such rousing hits as the jingle from a Cheerios commercial...aptly entitled, “the unsinkable taste of cheerios...” as well as her collaboration with our Pop on “There’s a hole in the bicycle tire”...and the spontaneous Birthday jam that is alive and well today, that was birthed at one of our family birthday parties. Shannon’s musical talent not only entertained us, but she also frequently served as inspiration and musical leader to our joined creative efforts as sisters as we began to get more serious about singing together.<br /><br />When I was in high school Shannon started writing and singing songs about her faith. I remember how blown away I was the first time she played me a song she’d written about the Eucharist. I knew that not only was there something profound happening in her, and a wisdom far beyond her years...but it affected my faith journey immensely. There are people in this life who are just special. They bring a light with them wherever they go. They touch people, they leave an impact...I’ve always seen that light in Shannon, and it’s the light of Christ shining out of her. Whenever we could get her to play and sing one of her songs for someone...they would just listen in awe. Shannon’s music affected people, really touched them. She still has that affect on us.<br /><br />During one of Shannon’s last years in high school, I found out that this huge Christian music festival in P.A. was hosting a singer/songwriter competition during their weekend long festival. I couldn’t go to the festival myself...but Mom wanted to go with Shannon and Maura and a few friends of theirs. Unbeknownst to Shannon, I registered her for the songwriting competition. The weekend was planned, and off to the festival they went. This may seem like a sneaky thing to do...but it’s like this. Although incredibly talented, Shannon was not self-promoting. She would never have agreed to this if she had time to think about it ahead of time. So as per instructions, Mom filled her in, with just enough time for her to get over to the big tent and audition her song...along with people of all ages and musical backgrounds, who’d come from all parts of the country to compete. It did not come as a surprise to anyone who knew Shannon and her music...to find out that she won . She performed her gorgeous song on the main stage to a crowd of 10,000 people. Talk about proud!<br /><br />Shannon is a person of deep thoughts, strong convictions, and a heart full of tenderness and compassion for people and animals. When she was a child animals would just flock to her...we’d refer to her as a St. Francis. Nothing has changed in that area. She’s also a really talented artist...her floral arrangements, and the beautiful and elegant home she’s created are testament to that. Now I could go on and on about her triumphs in theatre during her high school and young adult years, how her ability to wrap her voice around a jazz number is extraordinary...and about the resolve and courage it takes for her to overcome her performance anxiety. But I’m sure she’s squirming in her seat enough at this point. Despite the fact that Shannon’s talents have often led her into the spot light, that’s not a place she’s comfortable living in. There is no tougher critic of Shannon than Shannon.<br /><br />I know some of these memories sound a little too idyllic...we weren’t the sugary sweet fictitious Brady Bunch.. We Glynn girls would fight like normal siblings. But it was one thing to squabble with one another...but if anyone hurt one of us...Shannon would be so protective. For anyone who’s been blessed by her friendship, you’ve probably experienced what a fierce ally she is, and how protective she is of those she loves. I have some precious memories from my teen and young adult years, of being held by my little sister while I cried from a broken heart. And she’s so empathetic that sometimes she’d cry with me. She would sit on the floor of our bedroom and talk it all out with me, rail against my offender, and offer a kind of nurturing support that only she could give.<br /><br />Early on Shannon had such a charisma that everyone just flocked to her. I think it’s safe to say that even today...to know Shannon is to love Shannon. In junior high I think her protective nurturing was somewhat responsible for her being nicknamed Rambo...well, and her uncanny impersonation of Sylvester Stalone... and the inexplicable penchant for wearing cammo might have had something to do with it too! No memories of Shannon would be complete if I failed to at least give a nod to the fact that she is one of the funniest, most witty, most clever people I’ve ever met. She has caused more gut busting hysterics in our family, and with friends during these 30+ yrs., than most people elicit in a life time. One of my favorite really funny memories of Shan is from her Rambo era. We’d been downtown to see the Karate Kid...and you know, we came home very pumped. While waiting to be called in for dinner, and of course reenacting the movie in the driveway...Shannon did a karate kick of such magnitude that she put a hole in the side of the garage. We were so shocked we couldn‘t stop laughing...and Yeah...Mom was not amused.<br /><br />Just a word of caution to the Withers boys from the Glynn girls...just in case you haven‘t already figured this out...Shannon is freakishly strong. And we’re pretty confident She Can Take You.<br />All joking aside...don’t be fooled by the sometimes tough tomboy persona that Shan likes to present...if you saw her in her vintage Jackie O. inspired suit, or with her curls smoothed while she channels her inner Ella Fitzgerald in song...you’d agree with me when I say, “Holy cow, what a woman!”<br /><br />I’m sure any big sisters in this room will agree that watching younger sisters grow up can be a little harrowing at times. I’ve always been proud of what amazing, talented, unique, charismatic, faith-filled, truly special women each of my sisters are. Waiting for guys who are good enough for these precious sisters of mine...oh my. It’s a tall order, and I’m here to tell you that MOST don’t make the cut. When Ian came into the picture, I watched and listened...and took in his charisma and charm with my typical caution. After getting to know Ian...watching how well he loves my sister...how loyal and generous he is...how hard he works...how much he loves his family...how very smart and funny and tender hearted he is...I can tell you that there are depths there far beyond his external buff bravado. Ian is a truly good man, and he has found a truly good woman and partner in Shannon.<br /><br />I was talking with Shannon one night about the beautiful, frustrating, heartbreaking, miraculous experience that marriage can be...and she quietly responded that whatever the future holds...she wants to walk this journey of life with Ian. That’s all I needed to hear.<br /><br />It takes a special, and secure guy to be able to handle the energy of our very female clan...the collective force that is the SISTERS...and I know we Glynn girls conquer that the Glynn <em>men</em> are a truly amazing bunch...starting with our Pop, and then our brother Greg, my husband Matthew, Maura’s husband, our brother Seth, Erin’s husband, our brother Lou...and now Shannon’s husband, our brother Ian.<br /><br />I’d like to offer a Celtic poem in toast to this new force of nature...the Glynn-Witters’...so, if all of you would raise your glasses with me...<br /><br />“God be with thee in every pass,<br />Jesus be with thee on every hill,<br />Spirit be with thee on every stream...<br />Headland and ridge and Lawn;<br />Each sea and land, each moor and meadow,<br />Each lying down, each rising up,<br />In the trough of the waves, on the crest of the billows,<br />Each step of the journey thou goest.”<br /><br />Cheers!The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-39992549969050970292007-08-29T14:45:00.000-07:002007-08-29T14:55:39.964-07:00First Audition Experience...what?!Well, today was a first.<br />Brandon is going to be taking tap dancing, starting in a few weeks. He's beside himself with excitement...he's been asking to take classes at Briana's dance school for 2 yrs. Bri's taking 2 ballet classes this year, and both were asked to participate in the audition process today, for the ballet companies production of The Nutcracker. The school is a regular dance school, and also the only juvenile ballet company in NJ. They both did well, and got into the show. We don't know what "roles" they will have yet. This show will give them the opportunity to work with the professionals (adults and kids) in the company, to have the extra rehearsals (dance experience) each week, and to do this really fun thing together. We've been going to see the show for the last few years, and they've been begging to "go on stage" (as they call it) from day one. I've resisted...but this year I caved in when we were asked by the schools director...she's being very generous in offering us scholarships for Bri's additional class, and Bran's tap. How could I say no? I think it will end up being a really neat experience for them, surely one we will never forget. I'll be helping with stage sets (painting props, etc.), and back stage during the performances.The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-15123892806390180412007-08-21T15:01:00.000-07:002007-08-21T15:26:27.817-07:00Coveting thy neighbors house?<span style="color:#336666;">Okay, so this month I've clearly had too much time on my hands with this gimpy knee of mine. I've been fantasy shopping on-line for houses in our town...and I've had the grave misfortune of stumbling upon our dream house personified. I say "grave misfortune" because we can not buy this house now, in a year, yes, but today, NO. I have awoken almost every morning for the last week, coming out of a dream about that </span><a href="mailto:!@#$%"><span style="color:#336666;">!@#$%</span></a><span style="color:#336666;"> house. Yesterday I was feeling so much negativity and annoyance (my polite way of saying I was feeling persnickety and mean spirited) about our sweet house. I wanted that house across the lake, by God, and nothing was going to make me feel better! It was after several hours of feeling this way that I really realized I'd allowed such an ugly green eyed monster to creep into my mind a heart. Before stumbling upon this sublime renovated 4 bedroom LOG home (yeap, not making this up...) built in 1935, and currently fully updated with every bell and freakin' whistle...I loved our little "project cottage." Suddenly, my adorable little dream cottage was not looking so adorable OR dreamy. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Okay, to be honest...I'm burned out on home reno. I don't want to paint one more bleeping thing, move one more wall, suspend my instant gratification one more iota...and yet...it is what it is. Ten years has been about 9 yrs. past what I would have ever wanted to live with in terms of this unfinished project that is our home. I'm done. But clearly, God is not. I was whining to various Saints, the Blessed Mother, and Jesus yesterday about my disapointment and my impatience. I asked that it be possible for us to move NOW...and then I grimaced as I asked for the Grace to surrender to the Lord's will and recieve the blessings He has for us, in His time and in His way. And then internally I'd stomp my foot and suck my thumb.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Today, we were blessed with the coziest rainy day...my favorite weather. I woke with a much lighter heart...the newfound ability to make a pot of coffee (haven't been able to walk for the last 3 wks. because of my injury)...and a day of snuggling with my little angels/monsters in front of a Shirley Temple movie. Don't get me wrong...I STILL WANT THAT HOUSE. But...a beautiful robin was in the bush that brushed up against the family room window today, eating these bright orange/red berries...and the rain was bouncing off the lavender pink Rose of Sharon flowers...and I had hot coffee clutched in my hands...and well, I remembered why I love this home of ours. It's not my dream home, but my dreams are being lived out here. Imagine how sad the opposite would be? No thanks.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;">Hugs, Brig</span>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5556412517165590051.post-3009070473113643182007-08-17T10:04:00.000-07:002007-11-04T17:48:57.597-08:00My class of '87 questionaire!MSJA Class of ‘87 (this has been shortened/edited for sanities sake)<br /><br /><strong>Name<br /></strong>Brigid Eileen Glynn-Young<br /><br /><strong>Married (how long?)/Single?</strong><br />13 years married<br /><br /><strong>Children? If so – tell us about them.<br /></strong>Briana is 7 in August, and Brandon is 5. For those who don't know our story, I've pasted to the bottom of this e-mail the letter that we sent out to family and friends, right after the kids came to us. :)<br /><br />Briana is scarey smart. She'll be homeschooling me next year, I'm sure of it. She's been studying Latin since last Sept., and lovesss it. She listens to jazz cd's, classical music, bios of composers, history cd's, etc. at "nap time"...and is on her way to having the The Story of the World, Ancient Times history cd's by Susan Wise Bauer (set of 7!) memorized. She's interested in learning everything, wants to know how things "work", is a wonderful artist, reads like a bibliophile in the making, and sings along with Ella Fitzgerald like no child I've ever seen! She is incredibly articulate, says things that blow me away relugarly...and has insight into her earlier, pre-adoption life that just staggers my mind. She is an old soul, wise, sweet, vulnerable...but very strong and courageous too. She's been taking ballet for 2 yrs, and is quite good! A natural dancer, she's been offered a scholarship at her dance school so that she can take additional classes this winter. With our newly repaired piano the new attraction at home, she figured out how to tap out "Ode to Joy" the other day...and was so darn proud!<br />Brandon is snuggles and charisma, and belly laughs personified. He's so smart, doesn't miss a trick. Loves to "have school time" with me, and is learning to read. He's been obsessed with horses since he was 2, and he and Briana took riding lessons for a while, and are pretty fearless up there on those giant horses! Brandon could be president some day. Seriously. Wherever we go, people stop to talk to him, comment on how handsome he is, shake his hand...he's been campaigning for as long as I've known him! Everyone just responds to him, and he's innocently delighted by it. He doesn't have any concept of "cool", and doesn't seem to realize that the way people respond to him is any different from how they respond to others. He loves cars, and asks Matt to find car races on the tv so they can snuggle together and watch them. Finally, Matt's got someone to watch Nascar with. Bran loves to sing too, and has a "band practice" area set up in his room. Whenever he gets annoyed about something, or just needs a break from us girls...he goes to his room, turns on his little electric piano, and jams out to the canned music on it. It's quite hysterical. He loves cowboys, and after his western themed b'day party last Feb., he's decided he's going to be a cowboy priest when he grows up. He likes to try and say the Mass along with our parish priests...possibly to the annoyance of those around us...and loves to watch EWTN. BUT, he only wants to see Masses. Don't try and get him to watch a prayer service, or a speaker...noooo...he'll say with great indignation, "This isn't MASS! This is borrrring!" He's recently discovered golf on tv (one day I paused to watch some), and that's become our new thing. We sit and watch it together, and he's enthrauled. We've decided we'll learn how to play so we can do it together...fun, huh? Bran's been asking to have his own dance class at Briana's ballet school for 3 yrs...so he's now taking tap. He's completely adorable. Both kids auditioned for the NJSDA Company production of The Nutrcracker this year. They were accepted, and will be soldiers in the show. They get excited each week for Friday night rehearsals, and are beside themselves with excitement! Brandon keeps talking about how he <em>finally</em> gets to "go on the stage." Like he's been paying his dues all these years and has finally gotten his big break? LOL<br /><br /><strong>Current profession (those of us who are unlucky enough to have to have one!!!!) – or if you’re a stay at home mom – what did you do before that?<br /></strong>~I worked for a Bernardsville based jewelry company for a number of years, assembling and designing pieces made of sterling silver from a factory in Bali, and antique beads from all over Indonesia. It was pretty amazing...it felt like I should be paying my boss for letting me play with all those goodies. It was an amazing experience, really cool. The business is now in Carmel, CA. I've got a killer jewelry collection because of that job. Gotta love buying at cost.<br />~I was a pre-school teacher for 7 years in Bernardsville. This job arrived at just the "right" time in my life, and I ended up staying because I loved it so much. I have some dear friends there still, and my students are all pre-teens now. It makes me feel old when I see them, but it's really fun to hear their memories.<br />~ I was about to "retire" from teaching, and was going back to school. I was offered the job of Youth Minister at our parish. They hadn't had any Y.M. in 18 years, so it was a really exciting challenge to create the ministry from scratch, for the 6-12th graders. It was 5 of the best years of my life. It was almost 3 yrs. ago that I resigned, two weeks after the children arrived. I've been blessed to have many of the now-college-age kids still a part of my life. We had a Christmas party/reunion here this year, several of them babysit the kids, and we try and make sure we make time for summer bbq's and movie nights with them. They are very dear to us!<br />~My current "profession" is a stay-at-home, homeschooling-mom. We just finished our second year of schooling at home, it's been a real adventure. We are now part of a homeschool co-op called St. Gregory's. I'll be teaching Latin to Briana's age group. The children are taking 4 classes there. (Logic & Latin, History, English Lit/Great Books program, Science.) We also do a day of schooling once a week with one of my oldest friends who was a math teacher...together we do math (she leads this, of course!) and art history/appreciation/techniques. She's homeschooling her 2 kids as well.<br />We're loving this adventure so far, but I'm taking it year by year, kid by kid. I don't know what the future holds, we'll see when we get there!<br /><br /><strong>Favorite teacher at the Mt? (why)<br /></strong>Sr. Mary Eugene...she made me fall in love with English lit. I also loved the history teacher with the curly hair, am drawing a total blank about her name. She started the Peace and Justice club, and really inspired me in the areas of human rights and my involvement in political issues. There was really sweet nun who taught us art too, (senior year?) she was so encouraging of me...really lobbied for A.D. to give me permission to leave during school hrs. to train with Tim. Sadly, at this moment I can't remember her name. She gave me her beautiful set of professional oil paints because one day I mentioned that I was saving up my babysitting money to buy a set for myself. She realized that money was an issue in my family, and there wasn't any extra for stuff like that. I still have the case them came in...it reminds me that kindnesses have really long lasting affects on peoples lives.<br /><br /><strong>Teacher you liked the least? (why)<br /></strong>"A.D." (Sr. Ann Delores) freshman year teaching us that horrific, mind-numbingly boring study habits class was hell on earth...and Mrs. Meis was my spanish speaking nemesis. Seriously. By the way, that study habits class didn't help me at all. Sheesh.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite movie/actress/actor?</strong><br /><strong>Favorite Movies:</strong> The trouble with Angels (reminds me of the Mount! It's a classic in my family.), Autie Mame, Much Ado About Nothing, Anne of Green Gables,How to Make an American Quilt, Only You, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers...there's a long list of my favorites...to many to list here.<br /><br /><strong>Fav. Actresses:</strong> Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Dame Judie Dench, Helen Miran, Audrey Hepburn, Hailey Mills, Joan Cusak<br /><br /><strong>Actors:</strong> Cary Grant, Dermot Mulroney, Brad Pitt (although I don't like all his movies, he's brilliant), John Cusak, Fred Astair (old movie geek in the house)<br /><br /><strong>Favorite book?<br /></strong>Jane Eyre, In This House of Brede, The Secret Life of Bees...blah, blah, blah...LONG list...<br /><br /><strong>Do you watch Desperate Housewives and Grays?<br /></strong>Yep, both. What about October Road, Ugly Betty, and Men in Trees?<br /><br /><strong>How has your life been different than you imagined it would be whey we were still "young"?</strong><br />I didn't have a really specific "dream" about my adult life or career. I thought I might want to get married and have children and be a stay-at-home mom like my mother was for us. I also knew that I'd always be an artist in some capacity. I also LOVED Youth Ministry, and did dream of being a Youth Minister some day. I guess the thing that I didn't imagine, was the journey to parenthood that I've had, that's for sure. Coming from a large family it never occured to me that I'd battle infertility and never have a birth child of my own. That never even entered my mind...I thought I'd have a big (6+ kids) family too.<br /><br /><strong>How’d you meet you significant other?<br /></strong>I'd just innocently climbed out of the shower in my parents house on Saturday morning, and someone knocked on the bathroom door. I wrapped up in a towel and opened the door thinking it was one of my sisters. It was some guy I'd never seen before...and he needed to go potty. I headed off to my room to get dressed, and once downstairs was introduced to the guy who'd needed the bathroom...a Navy buddy of a friend of the family who was home on a short leave from the Navy. I paid no attention to him, didn't even really talk to him. He told our friend later that day that he'd met his future wife. A week later he called and told me he was coming back from S.C. to take me to dinner...and despite my total lack of interest or enthusiasm, I was slightly impressed by his bossiness...and said okay. To keep myself from being bored on the date (out to dinner at the Black Horse Pub in Mendham), I decided to entertain myself by asking him every single question that I'd ever wished I'd asked a guy, any guy. It took about 3 hrs., and he threw every question right back at me after thoroughly answering them himself...and by the time he'd answered every thing I could think of about his family, his personal life, his mental health, his finances, his political views, his religion/faith issues and beliefs, his interests and hobbies, pet peeves, his weaknesses and shortcomings, his hobbies, his values, his hopes and dreams for his future, etc...I knew this was someone I wanted to be friends with. A few weeks later Mom and I went to S.C. to visit him and our family friend who was his best friend, and we officially started the dating portion of our relationship. LOL. He told me he was going to marry me that weekend, and I laughed and told him..."I'm truly not interested in hearing that. I'm not into that kind of talk." We dated for 7 months, and were engaged for 8 months...married at O.L.P.H. in Bernardsville on Feb. 25th, 1994.<br /><br /><strong>What wouldn’t/don’t we know about you now?</strong><br />Hmmm...There are many things you don't know about me. In reality, most of us don't know much about one another at all at this point, do we? Something kind of fun that you don't know is that for some of my childhood and into my early 20's I was a female model for a pretty famous painter. He allowed a retrospective of his work at Temple in...1992 ?...and the schools art gallery was a large three story farm house type building. Every floor had paintings of me, and one room in particular had about 20 paintings of me on one big wall. It was surreal. He was an illustrator, largely "fantasy art" (ie. original Star Wars poster, Lord of the Rings, etc.), so I'm on many fantasy/sci-fi/adventure book covers, in calenders, on posters, etc...as a mermaid, princess, amazon woman, fairy, Tolkein-esc women, Native American, etc. It was a lot of fun and I got to wear really cool costumes and antique clothing. (dress-up for a big kid, really) His wife had a huge collection of antique clothes and costumes. This wasn't some random thing, they are like extended members of my family, like an aunt and uncle...I grew up in their home and we spent all the major holidays together. He passed away about 2 yrs. ago from a fluke infection (staph) he contracted during a short stay in the hospital for the flu...it was terribly tragic.<br /><br />~I spent last winter illustrating a Catholic Special Ed catechetical tool. I didn't come up the idea, the person who thought it up found me through a family member...and we colaborated on the concept, and I did the art work for each card. It was a lot of work, and a real learning experience for me. She's been meeting and talking with Catholic publishing companies...who knows if it'll get picked up. If not, she has a family member who'll independently publish it for us. I'm blessedly not involved in this whole portion of the project, so whatever happens happens. Regardless, it was a very cool experience!<br /><br /><strong>Places of travel over the past 20 years?<br /></strong><br />~Various locals in the U.S...more places than I could name...but two of my favorite places are Savannah, GA, and Ocean Grove, NJ<br /><br />~2 weeks in Toronto...Matt and I took our Youth Group to World Youth Day to see Pope John Paul II. Life-changing experience for us.<br /><br />~Had an amazing adventure in Spain with my sister Erin (she lived there for a semester during college, she was a spanish major), my sister Maura, and my father. He'd studied at the same school in Valencia, Spain, when he was in college as a spanish major himself...and had never been back. We had the most fantastic, bonding time together. I'm dying to go back.<br /><br /><strong>Hobbies – what do you love to do most in your free time?</strong><br />~I love music, always have. My sisters and I have been singing together our whole lives. It's an important thing we share together, and it's often a part of our fun/hanging-out family time. All my sisters play instruments, and I've been "playing" (I use that term loosely) the guitar since I got involved in Antioch in high school. I play it like a typical Youth Minister, what I lack in skill I make up for in enthusiasm. I rarely play now though, and when I do...ouch!<br /><br />~I really love books...I collect books from the 1800's-to the early 1960's. Not just any books, I'm very chosey...but a used book store, or a used book sale of any kind and I'm in heaven. Maybe it goes without saying, but I'm an avid bibliophile, and I love sharing books with all the other readers in my life.<br /><br />~I've been creating art since I was a child. I paint and draw. But not as often as I'd like to.<br /><br />~I knit, I'm not that skilled...but I make a good scarf. lol.<br /><br />~I love classic old movies, and we have a very diverse music collection (totally love jazz, classic rock, folk, r&b, classical, opera, etc.), and I play the piano every day. I'm not a good piano player, and I don't play for anyone elses enjoyment...quite the opposite I'm sure. But I love working on jazz standards and classical pieces...I love a good challenge, and it's a challenge for me because I'm NOT good! lol<br /><br /><strong>If you could go back to highschool – what would you do differently?<br /></strong>I'd study a LOT harder! I'd also waste less energy on boys who don't end up being significant...and I'd be more involved in life at the Mount. I'd be on the soccer team! I'd spend more time with my girlfriends from OLPH's Antioch too. Big time.<br /><br /><strong>Any defining experiences or moments in your adult life thus far?</strong><br />Wow...yes. We had a few years in my family that felt like a cluster of tragedy. My 25 yr. old cousin (married father of 5) was killed in a motorcycle accident, and two days later his grandmother (who was not my grandmother, but was very dear to me) died. About a year later my sweet uncle died (leaving a wife and 5 kids). My parents and I were with him when he died, and it was deeply profound for my faith. A year later my youngest aunt, one of my life-long friends, died of cancer. I worked a block from her home, so most every day for her last year of life I had time every day with her. There are no words to describe what it was like. It was too much loss in such a short period of time.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite cocktail (if you have kids, ya gotta have one!!!!!)</strong><br />In the summer I love an ice cold gin and tonic...I love a dirty, dry martini...good wine always does the job...and the list goes on. I also love a shot of tequilla with my sisters...but I'm a total light-weight now and have to seriously keep track of my intake or I'm sick as a DOG.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite vacation spot?<br /></strong>Many... depends on chapter in my life, etc. Spain was high on the list, and we loved Toronto. Great city. Our first family vacation with the children was a week in Ocean Grove, NJ...a beautiful victorian town down at the shore. It was pretty much a dream come true for me.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite pair of shoes?<br /></strong>Have a little bit of a shoe "thing"...have many favorite pairs. On any given day/season it's different. Buttt...I have these strappy red stilletto sandles that have "Barbie" written all over them! (not literally!)<br /><br /><strong>How many times have you moved?<br /></strong>During my marraige? 3...we've been in this house for 10 yrs.<br /><br /><strong>Favorite place to live?<br /></strong>Here, small lake community. We live a block from the lake, it's gorgeous.<br /><br /><strong>Do you still have your uniform?</strong><br />I have the skirt in a box somewhere.<br /><br /><strong>Have you studied anything we don't know about?</strong><br />I studied Design (interior) at CCM. I have 3 Design classes left to take.<br /><br />I had an apprenticeship with the artist I told you about above, Tim Hildebrandt. He set up a work table for me, next to his. Unbelievable. My workig with him started when I was a junior at the Mount. I had permission to leave school during the double club period, and a gym class (I think, it's rather hazy at this point)...and twice a week his wife would come and get me and we'd drive down to the bottom of the hill there in Peapack to their home. I also spent my Saturdays there. I look back on that opportunity with total awe. I was so young I didn't really get what a once in a life time thing it was. But I loved every minute of it. It was amazing on every level.<br /><br />I went to William Paterson as an English major...didn't stay there.<br /><br />I'm two classes away from being certified in Youth Ministry at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall.<br /><br />I also did a two year apprenticeship with a renowned Hawaiian (sp?) painter, Shirley REO Beene.<br /><br /><strong>Where did you honeymoon?<br /></strong>Williamsburg, VA. Matt and I both LOVE history, so it seemed a natural choice. It was gorgeous, very deserted (Feb.), and quite cozy.<br /><br /><strong>After today will you stay in touch?<br /></strong>Absolutaly.<br /><br /><strong>What inspires you today?<br /></strong>My faith, my husband and children, my sisters, art, music, other creative people...and especially learning new things.<br /><br /><strong>What is the one thing you are most proud of accomplishing or trying to accomplish?</strong><br />I don't know...for cathartic reasons I wrote extensively about the role grief has had in my faith journey. I wrote just because I felt compeled to...writing it was the important part, it allowed me to really examine myself.<br />I'm also having fun writing a novel. I've wanted to try it my whole life, but always felt so intimidated by the process. With the encouragement of a friend I decided one day to just TRY...and it's been really fun. I don't have any idea if it'll be anything worth reading when I'm finished...but I'm just enjoying the experience and not worrying about that.<br /><br />The things I'm most proud of aren't things I've done though. I'm most proud of my family, the relationships we have with one another, my precious children. I'm proud of my husband, he is one of the finest men I know. That's the stuff that matters to me.<br /><br /><strong>Most embarrassing moment?</strong><br />OH God...so many when I was young and shy. Barely any in my adult life. I can't actually think of any at the moment.<br /><br /><strong>Have you ever had plastic surgery? (Please specify)<br /></strong>No, but man...if I could afford it, I'd have some "work". LOL What a funny question!<br /><br /><strong>Funniest experience at the MT</strong><br />I love remembering smoking behind the convent wall with Marina...and the one time I cut class with...Liz?...and we hid in the bathroom right outside the auditorium...second to last week of senior year? And we got away with it! And senior year I pulled a VERY rebelious move and cut a whole day of school, called the Mt. and pretended to be my mom calling me out sick...My two best friends from home skipped out on Bernards High that day...and how/why we did this naughty thing just makes me laugh. We were on the Antioch Team, and in two days we had our retreat...and we needed to get our final Talk drafts and Palancas done. I couldn't make this up. That's how non-delinquent we were...we hid out in my friends house and worked on all our retreat stuff. Youth is wasted on the young? Maybe. I remember sneaking around inside the convent senior year with Marina too, we just wanted to see if we could do it. It was one of our Trouble with Angels moments. Seriously, if you haven't seen the movie...run to the store and rent it. And Rhonda reminded me that I got her thrown out of History for tickling her (I looked innocent behind the convulsing Rhonda)...and that memory made me laugh a LOT.<br /><br /><strong>Funniest experience later in life</strong><br />You know how funny stories often are only funny in the context of the moment? I had a truly hysterical partying experiences with my sister Shannon ...just thinking about it can make us snort with laughter...but it wouldn't read all that funny if you weren't there. I come from a big, loud, very female driven Irish family. Laughter is the core of everything...so the funny experiences just keep rolling in.<br /><br /><strong>Most sad memory from the MT<br /></strong>I can't think of one...WAIT! When the space shuttle exploded and they told us in school...remember that? It was aweful.<br /><br /><strong>Most sad memory later in life<br /></strong>I had 6 miscarraiges in 11 years, before we adopted our two children. It was very sad for us. The loss of my grandmother two years ago...huge. I miss her very much.<br /><br /><strong>Happiest memory from the MT<br /></strong>Every story we've remembered in our e-mails, the memories I listed above...the ones I've yet to remember until you all remind me...I really, really loved the Mount. Short of my struggles with Algebra, Chemistry and Spanish...I have nothing but happy memories at this point.<br /><br /><strong>Happiest memory later in life</strong><br />My wedding, the day our children were delivered to our house, and our official adoption day. Heavenly.<br /><br /><strong>Have you ever had plastic surgery? (Please specify)<br /></strong>You don't have to ask me twice, I'm not lying. Read my lips..."I've had NO work!" And when you see me, you'll see the evidence of that yourselves! lol<br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;">LETTER about kids BELOW...<br /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#336666;">Hello dear friends and family,<br /><br />As many of you may have heard...we've had a bit of a life changing week! We recieved a call last Thursday that there were two siblings we'd been matched up with for possible adoption, and by late this past monday afternoon...they were here! Briana and Brandon have been in the System since infancy, and it's been hard for them. Brandon has a kidney disorder called Nephrotic Syndrome. There is daily medication and medical protical, and only 1000 milligrams of sodium daily diet (which we're all living on now), and his asthma has required nebulizor treatments...but it's all quite do-able and amazing. It already feels like something we've been doing for a long time. I say this rather bleery-eyed and exhausted. We are experiencing the luxury of a cup of tea once the children are down for the night...and just soaking up the feeling of a very warm, full house...with exhaustion well earned, and some small triumphs and struggles somehow survived. There is definite euphoria involved here!<br /><br />There is no way to really do justice to this experience in a mass e-mail, I know. Our phone has been ringing off the hook, and in the midst of the intense change/work/wonder/terror/drama/tears/laughter/trauma that we are dealing with and experiencing here...there is just no time to even answer the phone. I heard it ring 6 seperate times just tonight while we were handling bedtime. I knew that friends and family were thinking of us, rejoicing with us, and calling to send love, support and joy. I'm sorry we haven't been able to call each of you seperately and tell you our news...please keep calling, keep praying for us...and know how grateful we are for each and every one of you in our lives. Bedtime is a time full of acting out, obvious anxiety/fear, many tears, rocking these two children until we can't feel our arms. And it's amazingly wonderful. At one point Brandon opened his eyes and looked up at me (I was rocking him) and said, "Hi Brigid...Hi Mama." He gave me a dimpled smile, and then closed his eyes.<br />~He'd randomly asked me at dinner tonight what my name was. They'd been calling us Mommy/Mama/Daddy/Papa since they arrived...instant familiarity from years of foster homes. We opted for 'Mama and Papa" to distinguish ourselves from any association with all the other temporary housing they've had because everyone before us was Mommy and Daddy. So...the "Mama" has been heard about 1000 in the last 72 hours...the the "Hi Brigid..." well, that felt like a little reminder of who I am, and that in the midst of these overwelming moments of joy and stress...Jesus is just letting me know he still sees me.<br /><br />We've had so many moments of utter awe and wonder...our first night with them in our home was full of moments of looking at one another over some domestic task and just crying together in wonder and amazment...I don't think we are nearly finished with THAT yet. It is obvious that they are very wounded, and that brings with it a certain level of fear...the fear that we won't be able to give them enough of what they need, or help them enough, that they won't be able to heal enough...but Matt and I are feeling so carried by the Lord right now that it's tangible. We are counting on His faithfulness to us, he's not let us down yet, and we don't think he will when it comes to these two precious childrens lives. In three days I've seen more miracles and more of God's face in this house, than I could have ever imagined.<br /><br />Our first night with the children was incredible on so many levels. Some heartbreaking moments of comforting Briana and trying to help her feel safe and loved. She is an amazingly strong, brave, precious little girl. I got about 3 hours of sleep that night, and ended up with Brandon in my arms in our bed where he blessedly finally got some sleep. He was so restless and stressed.<br />I woke this morning at 7:30 with the realization that we'd had a full night of sleep. My first audible though was..."Praise God, from whom all blessings flow..."<br />About 1.2 seconds later two little just-out-of-bed-sleepy-and warm in their p.j.'s bundles were climbing in bed with us. All I could think was...how is it that in any moment of our lives we might forget how much God cares about our needs, and loves us? He's giving us a little taste of heaven right here to sustain us until we're really there. Tonight we saw a lot of anxiety...and after our incredibly cozy day of fun and the newfound comfort of our routines, the children were probably feeling a lot of fear about starting to get comfortable here. Getting comfortable isn't safe for them because they always end up having to leave. There was definite hyper-vigilance on Briana's part...she and I talked about why she was afraid, and about how this house and this house is full of love and angels, and how we are here to keep her safe and to take care of she and Brandon. Again she wanted to know..."Are we really staying?" We all prayed together, and that seemed to really help them settle down.<br /><br />I've been awed, quite frankly, by this man I'm married to. Matt has been a tower of tenderness, wisdom, insight, and compassion. It's not that I hadn't seen all those qualities a hundred times over in him over the last 12 years...but this Matt is like a refined-by-fire version. Amazing.<br /><br />I know many of you want to come and meet the children and have a visit. We want that too! We will plan a large gathering in the not-too distant future...but right now we are just trying to get the day-to-day into some kind of rythm that will help the children feel safe and secure. If you'd like to visit, a Saturday or Sunday would be best, or if you have any time on a week day during the day. Evenings are like a delicate dance...and so far it's been really beautiful, and hard. Please give us a call and we can spread the visits out a bit... we will try to field as many calls as we can. If you leave a message, please know that we love you...but we might not get to call you back. I will try and check my e-mail once a day, and will more likey respond here because it's just faster. There have been dozens of calls about many of you wanting to bring gifts for the children. They arrived with enough clothing to clothe all the children in our family, and some. And we've had a pretty large quantity of toys here. They also have toys from Christmas in their foster home, and I think what's here is plenty for now. Some of the things aren't even open yet. I'd like to eventually like to go to an Educational store and get some good wooden puzzles, and other floor and table top learning toys appropriate for a 3 yr. old, and for Briana who is 6. But right now we're just trying to find homes for all the loot we've got to house and make accessable. I stepped on a plastic Sponge Bob today...and had this moment of blinding insight into the 360 degree turn our life has made in just three short days. The best gift these children, or Matt and I, for that matter, could get would be your prayers. Between all of you, you could probably Novena us on into the teen years...and God only knows we'll need it!<br /><br />We love you all, and can't wait to talk with each and every one of you. We can't thank you enough for your love and support.<br />I'm sending pictures soon...I have to figure out how to do it! Peace~in Christ,<br />Brigid and Matt</span></em>The Queen Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14791457516283289411noreply@blogger.com1