February; the month has flown by….

Is it almost March already? What happened to February? It seems as if I blinked and the entire month just flew by.

At times, I find it challenging to maintain this site. That happens, when my life gets busy. I’ll think about writing something, and when it next pops into my mind a few days (or even weeks) has slipped away.

Overextended

I won’t overextend myself

Over the years I’ve learned not to take on more than I can handle. It applies to many aspects of my life; work, volunteering, social engagements, etc., It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn, since it’s my nature to always want to assist in any way that I can. Sure, I accomplished the assignments, but it didn’t leave a lot of time for myself. Having my daughter changed that, since she trumps everything.

Helping others is something I do with my ‘down time’. It’s one of the ways I relax. It feels great helping others.  Assisting someone who desperately needs help is the only reward that I need to receive. It feels great.

BoardMeeting

New position; Board Member

Earlier this month, I accepted a board member position. It’s a two year position, and It doesn’t take effect until July 2012, however I attended my first meeting yesterday. I was introduced, and got a chance to get a first hand view of the people I’ll be interacting with. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. What’s even better? I wasn’t a bored member at that meeting. Ok, that was corny….

 

Compassion

Volunteering; Food Pantry

This past Saturday, my daughter and I visited one of the numerous ministries available at our Lutheran Church. Our church has a food pantry. Thursdays and Saturdays, the food pantry is open, and those in need are able to stop by and receive groceries. I had a great time interacting with the church members, who serve as volunteers. I also had a great time, talking with those who came to receive food. A few of them expressed interest in our church, and mentioned they would be interested in attending our church service. I was able to give them literature.

Attending our church is not a requirement to receive food, and we don’t ‘actively sell’ the church when we’re talk with those within the surrounding communities  that utilize some of our programs. Guess what? We don’t need to do that, the way our members treats everyone speak volumes. Treat others how you want to be treated, simple but effective. Regardless of your race, socioeconomic background, or past… you are made to feel welcome.

Crochet

I’m still managing to fit crochet into my schedule, currently I’m crocheting bear number three for the Mother Bear Project. I’ll have to post pictures soon.

Photo Source: Ron Dotson: Western Art; Overextended

Keats: Bright Star

Although not a fan of romance type movies, I did enjoy watching Bright Star, admittedly the fascination had a lot to do with John Keats. I’ve been a fan of his since I read a book of poetry (I believe it was titled) Keats and Shelly (cover to cover) at eight years of age.

My father collected old books, and had an outstanding collection of books from the 1800s, and earlier, amongst those books was poetry by John Keats. I inherited an old copy of Shakespeare’s works (from my dad) , that even includes Shakespeare’s will — but that’s another story.

Also I was blown away by the costuming in the film. I’ve done my share of clothing design, and was especially impressed by the crochet designs of Sophie Digard, so beautiful!

John Keats was young when he passed away — twenty five if I remember correctly (from tuberculosis) a death sentence in those times. The movie largely focuses on the romance between him and Fanny Brawne. It’s a beautiful tale of romance, and I enjoyed it immensely.

But please know this Mr. Keats… in your correspondence with Fanny Brawne, when you wrote…

“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days – three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”

Sorry babe that sounds like a cop-out to me, plan to spend the rest of your life ‘filling me with delights’. Three days, please you must be joking! You’d be getting off way too easily!  I don’t think so! 😉

Happy Valentines Day!

Maryland Ravens; Wheelchair Basketball

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The past few weeks have been extremely busy, thankfully things are starting to slow down for myself, and so I’ll be posting a bit more. Last week, my daughter and I went to a local wheelchair basketball game. The team is called the Baltimore Ravens, they’ve been around longer than the NFL football, Baltimore Ravens, that shares the same name. The Baltimore Ravens are in gold.

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I’d met the executive director of the Maryland Ravens, Edward Diggs, a week before, and had a chance to chat with him, in length, about this nonprofit organization. This nonprofit organization was created in the 1970’s. My daughter and I had a lot of fun at the basketball game, and we’re hoping to attend a few more before the season is over.

What a great message they’re sending.. abilities despite disabilities!