Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Final Day of 2008

What a grand year this has been.  So many things to be thankful for ... this list will only touch all of the glorious things I have been blessed with.

1.  A six month sabbatical to rest, renew, and refresh.  It is something that all folks should be able to have.  With the hectic lifestyle that seems to have overtaken much of society ... we need to rethink what we expect in the work world and for families.  There is more to life than being busy.  It is not easy being quiet ... and it will be a goal for me in 2009


     2.  New friends ... old friends.  Friendships!  They are the best. 


3.  Photography.  I spent many hours trying to hone my photographic skills this year ... and I have a long way to go. Again ... needing to slow down, being more intentional, taking less photos and keeping a larger portion of them.  



4.  Faith community.  I am so fortunate to be part of a faith community in which to learn and grow.

5.  Family.  As I said yesterday family is important.  I am so fortunate to be close to family and know that we genuinely love one another and are there for each other when we needed (and sometimes when not!!!)


6.  Babies.  There seem to be babies and babies this year.  Friends at church, friends at work, my niece, and of course the baby Jesus.  Experiencing the waiting with others, seeing they change, sharing in their excitement.  Its been a while since there have been so many babies in "my world".  

7. Financial stability.  In a time when so many folks are struggling financially I am fortunate to have resources to live comfortably.  To be able to travel to family, give to others, and pay my bills.  

8.  Health.  Its been a healthy year.  For me (lots of walking and eating well) this year. For my family folks have been healthy.  Yes we are all getting a bit older, our eyesight isn't as good as it was, nor is our memory and hearing.  But we are healthy given our ages!

9.  Holden Village.  Yes, it is in the top ten.  The time there was good, the learnings superb, wonderful new friendships ... and even now that I have left, I am still connected.  I left part of me there, I brought part of it home with me, and stay connected.


10.  A Moment in Time.  For each moment in time that I have had this year ... I am so grateful.  

Goodbye 2008 ... Hello 2009

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Family

As the year comes to a close one reflects on the one's many gifts. 
One of mine is the gift of family.
Now families aren't always the easiest to be part of ... 
but families are definitely worth the work!

Families are
love   conflict   resolution   
work   joy   laughter   
patience   support    hope    
faith   belief   love   

We are also members of other families.
Make a list of all your "families" 
Its pretty special!
And give thanks

 
This is my family of origin
    Doug, Me, David
    Mom & Dad

Monday, December 29, 2008

The Quiet of the Night


Early evening 
Quiet, reflection, renewal 

Through the transition of dusk 
I settle into the quiet.   

Shhhh

Hear the flicker of the frame
Touch the warmth of the air
Smell the freshness of trees
Taste the snow on tongue
Look up ... starry starry night



How do you unwind?

Sunday, December 28, 2008

4th Day Of Christmas

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
       Four Calling Birds

Some say that this represents the four Gospels:  
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Today in church we heard from the Gospel of John:

"In the beginning was the Word, 
and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God."

The elements


The elements have made themselves known today:  earth, water, air, and fire.  
 
The day started with a bright orange sky to the west (fire).
It is cold and wind.  And I mean windy (air).
The creek behind the house is running fast (water).
And we walk this earth.

Surrounded by these elements.
Created to give.
Created to love.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Home

I'm wondering what really is home.  Is it where I live? Is it where I grew up? I just returned from a week at my folks.  I remember moving there when I was 10.  Eight years later I headed off to college only to spend one or two subsequent summers there.  Is it home?

I write this sitting in the comfort of my living room.  Teddy on the floor to my right, the Christmas tree lit in front of the window.  Soon I will light the fire, and a few candles.  Tomorrow dinner company. 

One can have more than one home.  My heart is here in Rochester, yet at times I yearn to return home to other places where my heart has been ...  Chico, Oakland, Holden.  

I think that home is not a place.  Home is where I encounter others with an open heart.  It is walking the trails, coffee at 4224 Pasadena, folding laundry in thirds, serving wine at the eucharist, looking out over the San Francisco bay, riding a bike through the skugen of bastad.  Sometimes I am home by myself, sometimes with others.  Home is family, is friends, home is self.

Where do you call home?

Friday, December 26, 2008

Choices


Making choices can sometimes be difficult.  Weigh the options, make the list, consider the pros and cons.  We have been living in a world of excess where we are told we can have it all.  

I remember stories my parents told us about after the war and finding a place to live. Connecting with friends and being aware of where there might be an apartment available as they were hard to come. First baby came and they made the small one bedroom work.  Baby two pushed the limit and off they went to a two bedroom.  Baby three (that's me) squished them out of that house and off to a three bedroom.  Five people, three bedrooms, one bath, one car, one dog (that didn't make it very long ... don't panic ... he was returned to the pound).  Choices were limited ... we made it ... and made many happy memories.

Fast forward half a century and someone out said folks could have it all.  The result:  Excess. Bankruptcy.  Stressed children, stressed parents, a stressed society.

Choices.  It is our choice.  We have the free will.

Will you pick both the green and the yellow?  Or will you be patient enough until the green becomes ready and turns to yellow?

Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Blessed Birth


Behold
The story had been told

Jesus 


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Traditions

Traditions help us with transitions!

Yup ... that's me ... with Grandpa.
Many moons ago 
My guess is about 50 years ago.
Wearing a dress that Grandpa bought
He bought me one every year for Christmas.
The doll?  I still have her
She "lives" in the cedar chest in my basement.
And is played with on occasion by Meghan and Faye.

Back to Christmas Eve.
Every year at 83 Dudley Avenue
From 1956 - 2000
The family would gather for Swedish Smorgasbord
Herring, meatballs, cheese, meats, rice pudding, eggs, salad, etc.

Following dinner the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 
Then there would be music
Whatever grandchild was taking lessons would play
Finally the presents.
Always something from my grandparents
And that was the night that we got new pajamas.

Fast forward to 2008
The family will gather at my brothers.
Much will remain the same
Swedish smorgasbord
Now we have added salmon to the mix
I have responsibility for the rice pudding
No music any more :(

The Christmas story will be read
The $5 gift exchange will begin
There will be the normal conversation
How many times you can "steal" a gift and how many times a gift can be "stolen".
A strange new tradition.

But we have our transitional object ... the Bible 
The story of the birth of Jesus
The Bible has been the one main constant
"The grass withers the flower fades 
but the word of the Lord is forever"

Shhh ... don't tell anybody 
Tomorrow ... the baby will be born!
The pleading words of Advent will turn into the upbeat pace of Joy to the World
We can really say Merry Christmas
It is the beginning of the journey of wise men (and women)

But the best news of all
The baby
That Mary had cared for
That Joseph ensured a warm place for the birth

The baby ... his name will be Jesus
God made flesh


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Transition

Early morning and early evening are two of the best times to take photographs because of the lighting ... both times of transition ... between light and dark.   In life I often just want to get through the transition. Yet perhaps it is in the chugging and churning of the transition that we can deeply feel loss of what has been and anticipation of what is to come.

I remember a friend telling me about a young child who had been prenatally exposed to drugs who struggled with the simple transition of going from one activity to another in school.  For example leaving the classroom to go to another room in the school was particularly difficult.  What worked well for this child was to have a "transitional object" ... something that he kept at his desk that he could carry with him to the other room.  

I think we all have transitional objects that we take with us ... to help us feel grounded (no not the cell phone).  For some it might be a special object in a pocket (I have one friend who has a cross, another has a nail to remind him that he is grounded in Christ, his death and resurrection).  

Christmas really is a time of transition and history and remembrances.  Who we were, who we are, and who we will become.  All part of our journey. Everyday is a transition from yesterday to tomorrow.  




Monday, December 22, 2008

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Train


There is something calming about trains.
Gliding along the countryside
humming along the tracks

Rubbish gathered over time
Mix matched chairs on their sides
Torn open plastic bags
Worn tires
Back yards in ruin
The mothball fleet

Fields of gold
Rows of green
Trees grown old
Pastoral scenes
I am but a voyeur

Stations 
Platforms
Desolate
Moving in slow motion

Hear the sounds
Clicking along
The approach horn
The crossing bells 

My annual trek
Sacramento - Oakland
Over the causeway
Through the valley
Along the bay

The Capitol Corridor
Sacramento
Davis
Dixon
Suisun - Fairfield
Martinez
Richmond
Berkeley
Emeryville
Oakland

Answering the Angel

 
So many years ago     
The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary     
You shall bear a child     

She started the new family     
With God made flesh     

O come, Desire of nations, bind     
In one the hearts of all mankind;     
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease     
And be Thyself our King of Peace     



                                                                                                                                      http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm

Friday, December 19, 2008

Snow ...

Ready to go! They told us to get ready. So for me that meant making sure the snow "thrower" would work! Schools were closed before the snow even started to fall in anticipation that the weather would be worse as the day wore on. The garage floor was dry, the thrower ready


It was amazing ... it started right at 9AM when they said it would! And it snowed and snowed and snowed. I finally left the office about three ... leaving behind four folks with a deadline and the drive home was ... well ,... sloppy. The commute for most folks about twice as long as usual depending which direction you were heading.


By the time I turned down Shaftsbury all I saw were plows doing the driveways ... and ruts in the snow. It had been a few hours since they had been down this way.







All in all ... I would say there was about 9 inches of snow in the driveway. It took me about an hour do "throw" the snow ... and did a bit of sidewalks.






Teddy ...
why he has the most fun I would say





Thursday, December 18, 2008

Spinning through the season?

Is this how you feel?

The season of advent .... the season of waiting .... 
We can slow down ... 
its okay to say no to the invites, the excess, the spinning
I did that last night
Am doing it this morning
The work will still be there
And I know I am more effective when I'm not in a tail spin.

Both of these images are from my Christmas tree ... 
I can interpret and receive its beauty in either way.
During this season of advent ... I pick the second picture.

What do you see when you look at your tree?


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

All Tied Up


I remember so clearly learning how to tie my shoes.  Now those of you that know me ... can guess how many years ago that was!  I don't remember the steps exactly, but I do remember something about loops and using my index finger to hold it secure.  Then there were those very special times when it was important to make a double knot.  That was when I wanted to be sure that they stayed tied tight.  You know the routine.

I met someone over the summer that ALWAYS ties his shoes in quad-knots.  He said that he wanted to make sure they would never come undone.  Might it also have something to do with control?  Fear of losing control?  Being in control?  Sometimes don't we need a quick exit?  How hard might it be to get out of shoes with four knots?  That would just make me nervous!  Someday I'll write about training without shoes (but you will have to wait until I get a pedicure for that picture!)

But heck why do we sometimes get ourselves all tied up in knots?  I can't ever imagine getting out of a fix like this ... 

What gets you tied up in knots?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Patterns ...

One of my favorites!

Look around you ... see the patterns ... why are they there?    what are they?

Clue:  Springtime


Clue:  Taken outside

Clue:  Taken outside

Clue:  Taken inside

Why heck ... this one is obvious!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Love is All Around

Hearts are everywhere.
As you wander these days ... I challenge you to find a few ... 
It might be in nature
The shape of a leaf
The twisting of limbs
You might find it in an action taken by a child
In the eyes of an adult
Place your hand on a baby 
Notice its movement
Mary rests her hand on her womb
Feel the rhythm

Share your heart with another 
Sit with someone else for lunch
Drop someone a note
Make a call

Hearts ... they are everywhere
Love is all around



Sunday, December 14, 2008

Morning's Light

Morning stillness
Gentle air
Soft lights
The emptiness of space
Begins to fill
Fresh smells of coffee
Light in the window
Pink cotton candy clouds
Melodies spread into open space
Gentle words are offered

"Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten
Those who seek God shall
never go wanting
Nothing can trouble
Nothing can frighten
God alone fills us"

I had forgotten how peaceful this time can be ...
How did you spend the breaking of the dawn?

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Luciadagen: Service and Light

One of the biggest celebrations during this season is Sweden is Luciadagen on December 13th. The celebration comes from stories that were told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.  St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304AD. The most common story told about St Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry things. 

December 13th was also the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, in the old 'Julian' Calendar and a pagan festival of lights in Sweden was turned into St. Lucia's Day.

In modern Sweden we are told that in homes around the country the oldest daughter dressed in a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head would serve saffron buns and coffee to her family. The crown is made of Lingonberry branches which are evergreen and symbolise new life in winter. 

Now truth be told my guess is the girl wears her pajamas ... skips the crown of candles ... but does serve fresh bread to her family.  

This year I had my traditional Lucia party ... meatballs, bread fresh from the oven, and delicious goodies brought by all.  The house was lit by candles and the lights from the tree.  The most common question of the evening ... was I going to don the candles and walk around.  Alas no, not this year ... nor did I last year, nor the year before.  

But sometime in the 60s I was the Lucia at church.  I wore the robe, the red sash, the wreath and candle (yes real candles) and served coffee and cookies at the smorgasbord.  Once was enough ... and perhaps I might someday find a picture.

I think the important thing to remember about the whole Lucia thing ... 

Serving the poor
Bringing light into darkness

Today ... reach out ... serve others, bring light into the darkness

Friday, December 12, 2008

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Waiting



Awaiting
Preparing
With joy
Coupled with angst of the unknown

Anticipation
Curiosity
The baby is coming.

Nine months
36 weeks
252 days

Mary touches her womb
Wondering what God has in store for her

We wait
We light candles
We decorate trees
We pray
Wondering what God has is store for us.
     


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Computerless

no photo in today's post.
I left the laptop at the office.
Actually I left both of them
Talk about excess.

I didn't bring my work one home
I left my mac at the office too
So here I sit ... using Mary Anne's
(she's here from Maine)

Maybe I just needed a break.

She just asked ...
"What did we did do before computers and laptops at home?"

I think I got more stuff done ...
Read more ...
You know the list ...

Without your computer what do you do ...
Other than not read my blog?

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Becoming Real

Is it real?
Is it fake?

Let's be real
It is fake.

I've been told that I must be getting old if I have finally bought a fake tree.
I'm still not sure why I did it ...

I hate to admit it ... but I really don't like decorating the tree that much and for the last few years good friends have come over and had the honors. I sit on the couch, I hand them lights and ornaments and away they go. As each ornament comes out of the box there is a memory attached. A relationship, a time, part of the history of what eventually became me today and will a different me tomorrow.

I actually love a decorated tree ... after it is decorated
I can sit for hours and enjoy the stillness and silence.

Maybe this tree is more like us in our journey ..
As we grow in the womb we are all curled up
And over time ... we grow and develop ...

And give us some attention ... our lights come on
And we have a choice
We can shine
We can give peace
We can give love
We just have to be plugged in ...
God does that for us ... with our Baptism!

Tell me about your favorite ornament.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Colors of the Season

 Red lights
 Green lights
 Yellow lights
 Blue

 White lights
 Purple lights
 Orange lights
 You!

 Big lights
 Little lights
 Blinking lights
 Too!

 Tree lights
 Roof lights
 Hanging lights
 Yahoo!!!!

 What are your favorite?



Sunday, December 7, 2008

Comfort, O comfort my people


In the midst of this busy time 
Take comfort in memories

The softness of the baby 
Skin as smooth as silk
That smell of freshness
The weight of their head in your hand
The wispiness of hair 

The Messiah is to come
Mary will give him comfort 

And the Messiah comes to comfort us
The Messiah feeds his flock like a shepherd
And gathers the lambs in his arms

Need to find peace in the chaos of your week?
Recall the baby in your arms

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Season of Light




City streets glow
Homes outlined in color. 
Single bulbs in windows 

Lights ...

Shine the way
A symbol of lasting time
Safety
Welcome
Comfort

Let your light shine 



Friday, December 5, 2008

Friday Evening

The moon rises and shines at the end of another work week.
Friday evening ... will soon become Saturday morning

I do like the concept of the sabbath beginning tonight at sunset ... and moving into and through tomorrow. Five days of meetings, writings, reading, conceptualizing and constant motion. One person indicated that she felt she was on a wheel ... you know the kind in a hamster cage! Another wonders how it suddenly reach 4:30 ... another ends the week saying they have to go in tomorrow to get it all done.

What is becoming of the world ... the world we know ... the world that those of you are reading this know.

The wheel really did make life easier.
Fire was a great discovery
Then there was the sewing maching
The electric light bulb
The dishwasher
The microwave
The computer
The beeper
The cell phone
The internet
The blackberry

So many discoveries ...
So much to do ...

Are we on that hamster wheel?

I think I will turn out the lights
Its Friday evening ...

Time for quiet ...
Time for prayer ...
Time for writing ...
Time for friends ...
Time for family ...
Time for love.

As the sun sets to the west ...
Look to the sky ...
See the moon ... it is growing
See those two bright objects low in the west after sunset?
They are Venus and Jupiter ....
They are the brightest lights up after the sun goes down
They shine by reflecting the sun’s light.

Its Friday night ....
rest
spend time with those you love
spend time with yourself

God is good

How are you spending Friday night?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Advent Bridge


Pleading, reassuring, waiting and hastening, preparing.
Words of the season of advent

Desiring wholeness ... pleading for it to come.
Being reassured that we are on the path that leads forward
Waiting for what is coming
Hastening to get there
Preparing for the journey

The holy child will come.
The holy child will bridge heaven and earth
Connecting us at once with all
In God's image and love.
What bridge are you building?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rufus


I work with an incredible team of people.  All committed to strengthening the emotional health of children in the corner of the world in which they wander.  Together we work to make the world a better place ... sometimes one child and one family at a time.

Tonight we celebrated the anticipated birth of "Rufus".  Now "Rufus" isn't his real name ... it is the name I have given the child to be born ... The parents are so excited ... they smile when they talk about the future.  This baby will be decked out in the finest fashions ... will have a real radio flyer wagon with wood sidings, lotions to keep the skin soft and parents who are attentive.  Grandparents have been advised that what was safe 30 years ago doesn't meet today's standards.  Heck 50+ years ago they didn't even have seat belts in cars.

But let's get back to Rufus.  Rufus really will be named Kyle.  
Kyle will be surrounded by love and hope and belief in all that is good.  
Kyle will be brought to the holy waters of baptism.
Kyle will be held in the arms of parents and grandparents who will see his goodness.
Kyle will have a mother and father who know how to laugh, love, and play!
Kyle will come into a village of love, of faith, of anticipation of what is to come!

So appropriate during these days of advent ... these days of waiting and yearning for a child ... 

Kyle will most likely be born in a hospital.
The baby Jesus was born in a manger.
Both births highly anticipated ... 
Both births bringing hope for the future

May Kyle be surrounded with love and confidence and boundaries and faith
May those of us that surround Kyle hold him in the everlasting love of God ... may he experience the open hands of grace ... the warmth of forgiveness ... and may he respond to the call to serve.

Yes ... Kyle is much anticipated. 
His parents wait and hope and love ... 
His grandparents spoil and give him guidance.
His extended "village" smile with love and joy 

Yes ... Kyle, know that you are loved ... and very much anticipated.

For whom are you waiting?