Noise all around. Moving, continually moving. People coming and going. Demands, requests, conversation. Up, down. Bend, lift. Work, drive, shop. Technology advancing, better, faster, don't stop!
Pause....the cheerful twitter of a sparrow. The bark of a dog. The monotonous purring of a mower. Simplicity. Joy.....
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Erie, PA - 2009 Dynamic Dozen Women in History
Congratulations to my big sister, Barb Ertl (pictured)! She's been selected as one of the 2009 Dynamic Dozen Women in History in Erie. I'm so very proud of her!
The awards are taking place on April 14th.....unfortunately, the same date of my daughter's 25th birthday. What's a good mother/sister to do? Of course, my daughter comes first -- even if it's only 10 minutes together, she wants me to be here in NC......however, my sister thinks that birthdays come each year while her award is once in a lifetime....
Such a problem, having two very special people celebrating separate special events on the same day!
Wishing everyone a peaceful new year!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Time is the Best Gift
Have you ever felt guilty for "doing good"? I'm a care partner volunteer through the United Way for families living with Alzheimers. There are two lovely gentlemen, neighbors, who are on this journey together. They and their wives have been living with this for a long time. The wives are their primary caregivers - 24/7 without relief. I'm going to give them a break for 3 hours each Saturday. The guys and I are going to hang out, play cards or checkers, go for walks - whatever they're up for.
The wives will be able to use the 3 hours to do something they don't normally get to do....like visit with their grandchildren, get their hair done, shop without having to worry about hubby wandering off, going for a drive on their own so they can scream if they want to! Things we take for granted every day. They're also grateful to have someone new to talk with - and their stories are so interesting.
I feel guilty hearing their gratitude - getting to make their day makes me feel like a million dollars - I think I'm actually getting more out of this than they are....
Please give someone your time today...even if it's just 5 minutes of undivided attention. You'll make yourself feel better at the same time.
The wives will be able to use the 3 hours to do something they don't normally get to do....like visit with their grandchildren, get their hair done, shop without having to worry about hubby wandering off, going for a drive on their own so they can scream if they want to! Things we take for granted every day. They're also grateful to have someone new to talk with - and their stories are so interesting.
I feel guilty hearing their gratitude - getting to make their day makes me feel like a million dollars - I think I'm actually getting more out of this than they are....
Please give someone your time today...even if it's just 5 minutes of undivided attention. You'll make yourself feel better at the same time.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wiinjuries are Wiilly Worth It!
On my last birthday, I bought a Wii. Hmm, you might say, a middle-aged woman bought herself a video game for her birthday? -- Loser!!!
Not so! I actually bought the gift of time with my family. Lets face it, once the "kids" become adults, they have very little time for ole Mom and Dad. That's okay, they should be out blazing trails toward their future lives. It just makes the time we do get to spend together that much more special.
...and if you find a way to increase the frequency and volume of that together time.....well, I say "all's fair in love and war". And I love my kids!
The Wii brings the kids home - with or without their loves - at least three times per month. We had so much fun this past weekend; hours of bowling, tennis, Wii fit, etc. Some weekends it's American Idol or Guitar Hero. But each time, it brings laughter and closeness.
Who knew, though, that you could get sore shoulders, laryngitis, aching muscles, etc. from virtual activities!? And who knew that there's a term for these "injuries"? We thought we were being clever by complaining about our "wiinjuries"...until I googled it and found 1,440 listings for this term!
Wii is revolutionizing the language!
Wii is revolutionizing my family dynamics!
I've got a corner of my kids' time...and I'm wiilly, wiilly grateful.
Not so! I actually bought the gift of time with my family. Lets face it, once the "kids" become adults, they have very little time for ole Mom and Dad. That's okay, they should be out blazing trails toward their future lives. It just makes the time we do get to spend together that much more special.
...and if you find a way to increase the frequency and volume of that together time.....well, I say "all's fair in love and war". And I love my kids!
The Wii brings the kids home - with or without their loves - at least three times per month. We had so much fun this past weekend; hours of bowling, tennis, Wii fit, etc. Some weekends it's American Idol or Guitar Hero. But each time, it brings laughter and closeness.
Who knew, though, that you could get sore shoulders, laryngitis, aching muscles, etc. from virtual activities!? And who knew that there's a term for these "injuries"? We thought we were being clever by complaining about our "wiinjuries"...until I googled it and found 1,440 listings for this term!
Wii is revolutionizing the language!
Wii is revolutionizing my family dynamics!
I've got a corner of my kids' time...and I'm wiilly, wiilly grateful.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Rob Bennett Saves the Day
Erieites are the greatest, folks!
I'm moving into a new office on Friday....and in planning the decorations it occurred to me that I could show off my beloved Erie. I searched the Web and found a FABULOUS site for photographs and prints - www.lakeshore-landscapes.com. Rob Bennett offers beautiful photographs of and around the Erie area. Check it out! Even if you're not interested in the city, or have never been there, you'll find beautiful shots that you can use for your home or office.
Rob is wonderful. I contacted him and explained my desire to get the prints to hang in time for visitors that will be here on Monday. I've told them so much about my hometown...they think I'm just "crazy for Erie"! Now, I'll have the proof. Anyway, not only did Rob respond immediately, he figured out how to make it happen, even taking his lunch hour to get the prints to the post office. Did I mention that he did all this without payment up front? He's trusting me to get a check in the mail (Rob, if you're reading - I mailed it this evening!).
Rob represents the spirit of Erie -- can-do attitude, generous, giving, neighborly.
See for yourself; go to www.lakeshore-landscapes.com!
I'm moving into a new office on Friday....and in planning the decorations it occurred to me that I could show off my beloved Erie. I searched the Web and found a FABULOUS site for photographs and prints - www.lakeshore-landscapes.com. Rob Bennett offers beautiful photographs of and around the Erie area. Check it out! Even if you're not interested in the city, or have never been there, you'll find beautiful shots that you can use for your home or office.
Rob is wonderful. I contacted him and explained my desire to get the prints to hang in time for visitors that will be here on Monday. I've told them so much about my hometown...they think I'm just "crazy for Erie"! Now, I'll have the proof. Anyway, not only did Rob respond immediately, he figured out how to make it happen, even taking his lunch hour to get the prints to the post office. Did I mention that he did all this without payment up front? He's trusting me to get a check in the mail (Rob, if you're reading - I mailed it this evening!).
Rob represents the spirit of Erie -- can-do attitude, generous, giving, neighborly.
See for yourself; go to www.lakeshore-landscapes.com!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Ode to Bear
My heart is tripping, giddy with excitement, flush with a feeling of success.
Silly, yes, but how fun! Today, when I opened this athenaeum of thoughts, I discovered my first follower - Huggy Bear. Welcome!!!
Who is this person, I wonder? I could click on Huggy’s link, but instead I find myself savoring the wonder; someone is interested enough in my tumbling thoughts to comment upon them.
Ah, the bear is a noble and stalwart creature. Impervious to human foibles. Strong, intimidating, dangerous. Yet, constructed in a design that humans find cuddly. An enigma.
Who is Huggy Bear?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Heart is Back Home
An autumn day in Greensboro, NC; harkens me back to my hometown, Erie PA. Do people still say "harkens"?
This gem is often ridiculed, "the mistake by the lake", "dreary Erie", but if one takes the time to look around and unearth her treasures, all the best of our country can be found in this unique spot between Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Erie is located in Pennsylvania - the birthplace of our country. Do you know why it's called the Keystone state? There are six states bordering it - three above and three below. It was in the middle of the original 13 colonies and held them together like the keystone in an archway.
Erie is the third or fourth largest populated city in the state (depending on various sources). It's known as the Flagship City because of the Brig Niagara that's housed there - Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship. Its lesser name - although I feel more fitting - is the Gem City because of its sparkling lake.
In the summer there is the beautiful Presque Isle State Park (an actual peninsula) with 7 miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, canoeing and boating, tour boats, dinner cruises, and of course, fishing. There are peaceful nature walk trails in Asbury Park with a large meteor waiting to be discovered. The North East suburb hosts the annual Cherry Festival and is home to many wineries open for tours.
In the winter, thanks to the fantastic lake effect snow, there's sled-riding in Frontier Park, ice-skating and skiing (40 minutes away at Peak 'n Peek, Clymer, NY).
The problem with Erie? The residents don't realize what a true treasure they have!
Aw shucks, now I've done it.....I'm homesick again!
This gem is often ridiculed, "the mistake by the lake", "dreary Erie", but if one takes the time to look around and unearth her treasures, all the best of our country can be found in this unique spot between Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Erie is located in Pennsylvania - the birthplace of our country. Do you know why it's called the Keystone state? There are six states bordering it - three above and three below. It was in the middle of the original 13 colonies and held them together like the keystone in an archway.
Erie is the third or fourth largest populated city in the state (depending on various sources). It's known as the Flagship City because of the Brig Niagara that's housed there - Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship. Its lesser name - although I feel more fitting - is the Gem City because of its sparkling lake.
In the summer there is the beautiful Presque Isle State Park (an actual peninsula) with 7 miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, canoeing and boating, tour boats, dinner cruises, and of course, fishing. There are peaceful nature walk trails in Asbury Park with a large meteor waiting to be discovered. The North East suburb hosts the annual Cherry Festival and is home to many wineries open for tours.
In the winter, thanks to the fantastic lake effect snow, there's sled-riding in Frontier Park, ice-skating and skiing (40 minutes away at Peak 'n Peek, Clymer, NY).
The problem with Erie? The residents don't realize what a true treasure they have!
Aw shucks, now I've done it.....I'm homesick again!
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