Mysterious...........

It's a cold and rainy/snowy night. I have spent some time in a lovely hot tub with dabs of snow falling on my head. Sigh. It was lovely.

I sat with friends and family and watched some movies and ate leftovers.

I still sound like utter crap. I sang today and I think I sang myself out.

I found this picture of a cat and it reminded me...a bit..like our Amy. What does she do while we are away?

It's a mystery.

Thanks

Ya know, this Thanksgiving deal... Hmm. Thinking over what I am thankful for. A few years back I wrote letters to some of the people who have really been a blessing in my life. Most were never acknowledged - that wasn't my point - but one of the letters helped solidify a relationship I have had now for years. She finally knows her impact on my life. It changed and charged our friendship and I am grateful for that.

I have written, recently, of my deep , deep unhappiness with another friend. Within 2 days of that encounter of the email kind I lost my voice. I'm still pondering what that means, metaphysically. Any ideas?

For those of you who have reached out to me I say a heartfelt thank you. We haven't talked because of me feeling so low and, obviously, because my voice had flown the coop.

I am thankful to live in a community of gifted, loving and supportive people. Thank you!

And what do you think of my "bird girl"?

Heavy hearted

Life is amazing. How much of a roller coaster we are on. Yesterday I was dog tired but happy. Tonight I am tired because I have been crying all day.

Do people really know the power of words..? Really??

I am also keenly aware this evening that I have lots and lots of self doubt. I have worked long and hard on this but to - seemingly - no avail because someone planted some seeds of doubt today ...


and they took root.

Someone I love and trusted wrote some very cutting words to me today. I wish I could step back and say.."whew, he is really having a crappy day.." No. Instead I took all those words to heart and it was devastating.

I am walking away from a position I have had for the better part of a decade because of those words. And it was also hinted at that others felt this same way about me.

Wow.

And no one has said a thing to me. Is everybody afraid to speak the truth? Is everybody looking for others to rip up and glad that they are not the one being judged? I can't be that way anymore. If you don't like what I'm doing then tell me or let me be.

I believe this. I'd rather be punched in the face in the light of day than kicked in the ass in the dark. And having a combination of both does not count.

Okay, so we all talk, don't we? But about those we love....do we really complain for MONTHS and then let 'er rip? That's cowardice in my book.

Whatever happened to..."we need to talk - pull up a chair".

Where my mind can be at rest....

Isn't this a wonderful picture? It's from the website of the Jolli Lodge located on Good Harbor Bay - that's Lake Michigan in the photo.

Tomorrow night is the opening for "Seussical" and the kids are really having fun with it. We will perform the show 6 times from Thursday - Sunday with alternating casts of adults and kids. Each cast has about 65 people. It's alot of color up there!

Mallie is a Bird Girl - they are the show girl narrator types in the show... Cute.

Then it's onto Oz!

See why I sometimes go here in my head?

Hi Elissa!

Just a little shout out to my pal. Here she is with her hubby, Les. These two people hold a special place in my heart. We met in college and Elissa became my roommate. When the idea was put forth that she would be a great addition to the small inner city flat I was renting, I initially thought.....??? We couldn't be more different! Really???? It turned out to be a moment of kismet in my life and I have been grateful for the suggestion ever since.

These two got together in college and have remained a wonderful example of the institution of marriage. I have always admired the commitment, respect and the love they show each other. I understand it hasn't been all roses for them but they have continued together, working as a team and growing as loving, kind individuals.

In the darker days of my life, they offered the opportunity to be a part of a loving, faith based family. The times we spent together - laughing over dinner, reading the day's bible portion , spending reflective (!!) time on the beach - have stayed with me over the years. Guys, you know how much that meant/means to me. They are fun loving, quietly crazy people and I love them both very much.

Thanks for 25+ years of friendship. I'm shooting for at least that many more!!


God bless you both.

Addictions......

I never thought I'd be so addicted to anything, other than email, on the computer. Since I got on Facebook, and all my college friends got involved, it has really become a pull for me. What a wonderful way to check in with people. Of course it does tend to short-hand our lives a bit but we are already living in an extremely fast paced world so I guess I am bowing to it.

Isn't it amazing to think how far our communications have come - even since those college days? Wow!

And, because I am a "mediator" isn't it scary to think how fast we move, on a daily basis...?

Hmmmm. I think it's mostly good....and occasionally bad.

But that is my nature to see both sides.....! Just call me Tevye! (Fiddler on the Roof reference...)

I'm off to make some dinner...in case you were wondering!

More Reunion Weekend Pix..thoughts to follow...

What to say...

that hasn't already been said ...and felt by so many Americans today. A change is in the air. A sigh of relief for the end of so much political hooey.

So much money being spent on the campaigns when there is so much suffering around the world and in our own back yard. I'm glad for the outcome but did Mr. Obama really need to spend a BILLION dollars?

Or any of the other races, for that matter.

Is anyone feeling a bit squeamish over this issue?

And, here's a few more thoughts to kick around. Again...my disclaimer... I am happy over the outcome of this election.

Would Mr. Obama have become the President Elect if he has been a really dark skinned African American? Would he still have been so embraced? I heard today a man on the radio talk about how it took "400 years to overcome the stain of slavery".... Hmmmmm.

What about an American Indian president? History reads that they've been screwed at least as long, right? Now, I know the country ain't ready for that!

After all....we weren't ready for a woman, were we?