If you have the chance to listen to the NPR podcast of the little guy actually being interviewed, it will be well worth the 2 minutes of your time. Click on audio within this link.
So sweet, and such depth of understanding for 6 years old. Old soul, I guess.
Friday, January 30, 2009
100 Things
My first grader is in the midst of a school project to mark the 100th day of school. He decided that since the "fake" "fruit loops" I bought at Whole Foods taste "disgusting" (actually, they taste like you imagine cardboard would taste if you decided to eat that...) we won't be wasting if we use those.
And so begins the project of counting and gluing of 100 FruiteO's. It will be slightly more fun than actually having to eat them...slightly.
But today, I read this article found on a newly discovered web site called "This I Believe". I commend this little piece apparently written by said first grader. Its very sweet, and searing just the way children can sometimes be. You can read a bit more about Tarak here.
This little boy is deep...really deep. I wonder what his parents are doing to foster that? Hmmm. Ministermom might need to go research this a bit more.
Enjoy.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Grateful Heart
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
So claims the book of Proverbs. And it occurs to me, this has something to do with the reason that ministermom and dad have spent time truly considering our faith community.
We're thinking of the impact upon our young ones. Not only what they will learn and perhaps come to hold dear, but what opportunities they will have or what interests they might develop as a result of a positive, faith-filled, and fun environment.
And too, we realize that with all the mess and misery, the tears and protests comes a great deal of true and lasting joy. We want to make certain that we're not overlooking that, or failing to see it all together.
Last weekend, after we finished re-doing our daughter's bedroom to be more befitting of the tween she truly is, we sat down to dinner. Immediately she announced, "I want to say the prayer tonight. I really want to!"
Her prayer was one of sheer gratitude to her parents, and grandparents for helping to create her new space. "Its the best bedroom, and I'm really grateful, I love it thank you, God and thank you daddy."
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
And maybe while they are still quite young, they will offer assurances and reminders that they see and understand the source of good, of God within.
amen
So claims the book of Proverbs. And it occurs to me, this has something to do with the reason that ministermom and dad have spent time truly considering our faith community.
We're thinking of the impact upon our young ones. Not only what they will learn and perhaps come to hold dear, but what opportunities they will have or what interests they might develop as a result of a positive, faith-filled, and fun environment.
And too, we realize that with all the mess and misery, the tears and protests comes a great deal of true and lasting joy. We want to make certain that we're not overlooking that, or failing to see it all together.
Last weekend, after we finished re-doing our daughter's bedroom to be more befitting of the tween she truly is, we sat down to dinner. Immediately she announced, "I want to say the prayer tonight. I really want to!"
Her prayer was one of sheer gratitude to her parents, and grandparents for helping to create her new space. "Its the best bedroom, and I'm really grateful, I love it thank you, God and thank you daddy."
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
And maybe while they are still quite young, they will offer assurances and reminders that they see and understand the source of good, of God within.
amen
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Importance of Being Human
I only briefly watched this video of President Obama giving an interview on Muslim Television. I will give it the attention it deserves tomorrow.
But from what I have read and have seen, it is very important.
How powerful will it be if our President can sincerely signal to the WHOLE WORLD that we are connected and that we recognize that connection to be sacred. The potential impact should not be underestimated.
More to follow...
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
But from what I have read and have seen, it is very important.
How powerful will it be if our President can sincerely signal to the WHOLE WORLD that we are connected and that we recognize that connection to be sacred. The potential impact should not be underestimated.
More to follow...
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Monday, January 26, 2009
Grace and Class
I know I have a tendency to swoon over Michelle. And I also realize that the media has been so focused on her clothing and her style that they may finally end up forgetting that she is one smart woman with ideas and a brain!
That being said, I simply MUST post this story I read today about the surprise gift Mrs. Obama offered to Mrs. Bush on Inauguration Day. It speaks volumes, in my opinion about the kind of woman Michelle is. That she had the grace to think of what the day might feel like for Mrs. Bush, and the class to consider something so appropriate based on what Laura had planned to do next.
This is much, much more than the proper, mannered hostess gift. It acknowledges the truth: that all endings are beginnings and however difficult, there is always something worthwhile and positive about starting a new chapter.
Below, is the piece I read.
That being said, I simply MUST post this story I read today about the surprise gift Mrs. Obama offered to Mrs. Bush on Inauguration Day. It speaks volumes, in my opinion about the kind of woman Michelle is. That she had the grace to think of what the day might feel like for Mrs. Bush, and the class to consider something so appropriate based on what Laura had planned to do next.
This is much, much more than the proper, mannered hostess gift. It acknowledges the truth: that all endings are beginnings and however difficult, there is always something worthwhile and positive about starting a new chapter.
Below, is the piece I read.
When Mrs. O and her husband first arrived at the White House on January 20, she was carrying a present in one hand. It was a large rectangular box wrapped with red ribbon.
Until now, attention has been turned on the ceremonies and the celebrations. But now that the hoopla has calmed down a bit, we can all return to an unanswered question: What was in the box?
It was a hostess gift from Mrs. O to Mrs. B, who has said that she now plans to use her time out of the White House writing her memoirs. But unlike many hostess gifts-candy, wine, flowers-this one was a highly personalized selection. It was a leather-bound journal inscribed with a quote from Louis L’Amour, the American writer known for his iconic Western novels: “There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.” Accompanying the journal was a pen engraved with the date January 20, 2009. What better way to start your memoirs?
This is the first known time that an incoming First Lady has brought a gift to an outgoing First Lady.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Suburban Milestones
I met a neighbor in town yesterday who during the course of pleasantries mentioned how busy she was getting ready for a big fund raising event for our children's school. "I'm putting the kind of energy into this that I put into my career...when I was working. It just feels so important to be doing this for our children. I'm exhausted but it happy to be doing it."
She then added, "well, you know what that feels like, right? You know, with all your work for Obama."
Beyond its affirmation, her comment reminded me that despite the wide gulf between our politics, she and I were connected. Somehow, the disagreements we'd had before the election dissipated and I could see that we were the more similar than I would have guessed, or maybe admitted.
Passionate, energetic women driven to reach out beyond ourselves.
We are fueled by excess professional energy, or maybe just a need to think thoughts beyond the peanut butter sandwich and the laundry.
Whatever drives us, we are left with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, however hackneyed, that we have fed and watered our children with just a little extra something that will surely help them flourish.
****
She then added, "well, you know what that feels like, right? You know, with all your work for Obama."
Beyond its affirmation, her comment reminded me that despite the wide gulf between our politics, she and I were connected. Somehow, the disagreements we'd had before the election dissipated and I could see that we were the more similar than I would have guessed, or maybe admitted.
Passionate, energetic women driven to reach out beyond ourselves.
We are fueled by excess professional energy, or maybe just a need to think thoughts beyond the peanut butter sandwich and the laundry.
Whatever drives us, we are left with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, however hackneyed, that we have fed and watered our children with just a little extra something that will surely help them flourish.
****
It's that fundamental belief — I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper — that makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. "E pluribus unum." Out of many, one.
Barack Obama, Democratic National Convention, 2004
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Post Boomer Era Has Arrived
Quite a bit has been made about the new age that we have entered as a culture. With Obama's rise to the White House, our country is now being lead by the first post Boomer President.
Much has been written about the impact of this, and much of it I think is speculation. We're two days in...too soon to tell, I think.
I did experience the reality of this phenomenon, however, when disscussing whether Caroline Kennedy should be Gov. David Patterson's pick to replace Hillary Clinton. Most people my age, post boomers that is, said "NO". We liked her, appreciated the Kennedy brand and all but didn't like the dynasty, business as usual quality to the whole idea. The discussions I was present for were always split and almost always went the way of Boomers for Kennedy, Post Boomers against her.
Well...today Patterson chose Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Clinton's seat. Gillibrand is 42 years old and had her second child this past May. She will be the youngest member of the senate.
That pretty much qualifies her as post-boomer!
Our time has come. We're up to bat. This is it!
Exhilarating! Nerve-wracking? We'll see...
Much has been written about the impact of this, and much of it I think is speculation. We're two days in...too soon to tell, I think.
I did experience the reality of this phenomenon, however, when disscussing whether Caroline Kennedy should be Gov. David Patterson's pick to replace Hillary Clinton. Most people my age, post boomers that is, said "NO". We liked her, appreciated the Kennedy brand and all but didn't like the dynasty, business as usual quality to the whole idea. The discussions I was present for were always split and almost always went the way of Boomers for Kennedy, Post Boomers against her.
Well...today Patterson chose Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill Clinton's seat. Gillibrand is 42 years old and had her second child this past May. She will be the youngest member of the senate.
That pretty much qualifies her as post-boomer!
Our time has come. We're up to bat. This is it!
Exhilarating! Nerve-wracking? We'll see...
America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.
-- Barack Obama, 1.20.09
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
To Be Inspired
Inspiration comes in many ways...and we are certain that THIS DAY has breathed new life into many, many people.
Check out my brother's blog, linked on my sight: AG's Picture of the Day. He is a master paper cutter among other art forms.
His cutting of Obama today is...well, yes...inspired!
Way to go, baby bro!
Check out my brother's blog, linked on my sight: AG's Picture of the Day. He is a master paper cutter among other art forms.
His cutting of Obama today is...well, yes...inspired!
Way to go, baby bro!
New Day, Old Friends
Just as George Bush was getting on that helicopter, we had a visit from ministermom's colleague and friend of 15 plus years.
What a fun way to celebrate and round out the day! It stopped my blogging but not my thinking about this incredible, full, historic moment in history.
I'm still processing it all...can hardly believe it, really.
I need to hear the speech a few hundred more times to get the full impact. Among other things, a junior member of my team here continually interrupted during the live broadcast. Some talk of Scooby-doo or something. It was at the very moment I heard Obama paraphrase Corinthians...
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.
Indeed.
What a fun way to celebrate and round out the day! It stopped my blogging but not my thinking about this incredible, full, historic moment in history.
I'm still processing it all...can hardly believe it, really.
I need to hear the speech a few hundred more times to get the full impact. Among other things, a junior member of my team here continually interrupted during the live broadcast. Some talk of Scooby-doo or something. It was at the very moment I heard Obama paraphrase Corinthians...
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.
Indeed.
Rick Warren
Well done.
Best line: "I pray this humbly in the name of the one who changed my life."
I appreciated the clarification.
Ministermom would have left out the Lord's Prayer for inclusivity sake...
Best line: "I pray this humbly in the name of the one who changed my life."
I appreciated the clarification.
Ministermom would have left out the Lord's Prayer for inclusivity sake...
LOVE THE DRESS
Okay, let me go on record live...love Michelle's dress and coat. Not many people can carry off that color.
Love...
Love...
New Day, New Friends
Well in my small town, I have learned the power of Obama to bring people together.
Before 9am this morning, I received a phone call from a neighbor who had read THIS ARTICLE in today's Bergen Record.
"I just had to call you and let you know you are not alone! There are a lot of us here in town and my husband and I need to meet you!"
Change is coming...yes it is!
Before 9am this morning, I received a phone call from a neighbor who had read THIS ARTICLE in today's Bergen Record.
"I just had to call you and let you know you are not alone! There are a lot of us here in town and my husband and I need to meet you!"
Change is coming...yes it is!
A New Day!
I woke up this morning feeling brand new
cuz the dreams that I'd been dreaming have finally come true.
Its a New Day
Listen.
Revel.
Enjoy!
cuz the dreams that I'd been dreaming have finally come true.
Its a New Day
Listen.
Revel.
Enjoy!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Great Expectations
I don't think emotions have been this high since the primaries. My children begged to stay up and watch Disney's Inaugural Concert celebration. They got about an hour in...they're going to school tomorrow! We TiVoed the rest.
I caught a piece of a radio show today on NPR talking about "THE SPEECH" tomorrow and how much will be expected of the man. One who is already a great speaker, at a time when much needs to be said. The bar is QUITE high. The nice thing is, he set the bar himself, so presumably, he'll be just fine in meeting or surpassing it.
The shoes he'll be filling: small
The issues he'll be facing: gi-nor-mus.
As usual, Andrew Sullivan hits some of the most salient points of the new era we are facing in his article out today entitled: Can Barack Obama Fix It? Yes He Can. Of course, the title made ministermom think of Bob the Builder...but I commend it all the same.
I'll be blogging tomorrow...let me know what you think. I can already tell you: I'm planning to have a box of tissues real close by.
I caught a piece of a radio show today on NPR talking about "THE SPEECH" tomorrow and how much will be expected of the man. One who is already a great speaker, at a time when much needs to be said. The bar is QUITE high. The nice thing is, he set the bar himself, so presumably, he'll be just fine in meeting or surpassing it.
The shoes he'll be filling: small
The issues he'll be facing: gi-nor-mus.
As usual, Andrew Sullivan hits some of the most salient points of the new era we are facing in his article out today entitled: Can Barack Obama Fix It? Yes He Can. Of course, the title made ministermom think of Bob the Builder...but I commend it all the same.
I'll be blogging tomorrow...let me know what you think. I can already tell you: I'm planning to have a box of tissues real close by.
Girls With Pearls
A friend sent me an email the other days encouraging ALL WOMEN of EVERY AGE ANYWHERE to Wear Pearls tomorrow in honor of our First Lady, Michelle.
I can't verify this, but I did see the email which I can't seem to cut and past here...the only address I had was girlswithpearls09@gmail.com.
Why not I say?
Note to self: wear pearls on January 20, 2009
I can't verify this, but I did see the email which I can't seem to cut and past here...the only address I had was girlswithpearls09@gmail.com.
Why not I say?
Note to self: wear pearls on January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Beginning To Sink In
The reality of Tuesday is on the verge of sinking in. Today in church the power Anthem, The Last Words of David by Randall Thompson was sung. The key phrase being:
"He that ruleth over all must be just, ruling in the fear of God."
The music minister selected this piece because she realized that the history of a people whose very survival came from their focus on a future and a better life with God is recorded in their music. And, she concluded, the future of our country most certainly depends on that text from 2 Samuel.
Indeed, he who rules over the land must aspire toward justice...always.
"He that ruleth over all must be just, ruling in the fear of God."
The music minister selected this piece because she realized that the history of a people whose very survival came from their focus on a future and a better life with God is recorded in their music. And, she concluded, the future of our country most certainly depends on that text from 2 Samuel.
Indeed, he who rules over the land must aspire toward justice...always.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!
Today is Michelle Obama's 45th birthday. She is poised and ready to become The First Lady of the United States of America. She is poised and ready to become a fashion icon of my generation. She is poised and ready to transform the way we see working motherhood, working out and working for others.
Heck, she is just POISED.
The New York Times suggested last week that she will give a needed boost to the world of American Style. We'll take our economic boosts any way we can get em, right?!?
In the meantime, enjoy your special day, Michelle...history is waiting for you.
The Golden Ticket
The Democratic State Committee called yesterday informing me that they had a ticket for me to attend the Inaugural Swearing In Ceremony! After months of asking and waiting, now I could be one of the 200,000 in the "official viewing area".
It is nice to be included in this moment of history...a day late and a dollar short. oops. It seems as if I would have to move heaven and earth to get down there, and in the end stand alone amidst hundreds of thousands. I was only offered ONE ticket.
Alas, hubby and I are content to stay home and witness history together. A neighbor, shocked that I turned down this opportunity, asked why I wasn't going.
I was a witness to history in Denver. I believed in the possibility of this occurrence when others laughed and called me a dreamer. I was one voice out of millions, from the beginning who truly believed that with a lot of hard work and faith, this day would indeed arrive.
So here we are, three days away...YES WE DID.!
Knowing that feels just right for me.
It is nice to be included in this moment of history...a day late and a dollar short. oops. It seems as if I would have to move heaven and earth to get down there, and in the end stand alone amidst hundreds of thousands. I was only offered ONE ticket.
Alas, hubby and I are content to stay home and witness history together. A neighbor, shocked that I turned down this opportunity, asked why I wasn't going.
I was a witness to history in Denver. I believed in the possibility of this occurrence when others laughed and called me a dreamer. I was one voice out of millions, from the beginning who truly believed that with a lot of hard work and faith, this day would indeed arrive.
So here we are, three days away...YES WE DID.!
Knowing that feels just right for me.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Well, Well, Well...
I just had to post this quote from CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER as told to Bret Baier on Fox News. It seems the darn hope thing is contagious. More on that in another post...for now, this money quote from Real Clear Politics as Krauthammer and others were questioned about Obama's big meeting with conservative columnists...meeting with them before the liberals, that is. How can you not believe in the power of change after reading this!
"What is interesting is the fact that he would want to do this. And you see that since his election he has kind of reached out to people that may not be ideological allies, to Rick Warren, the pastor who will be at his inaugural, to John McCain, whom he has treated with a lot of dignity and respect, and to a bunch of right wing columnists last night, in part, because I think he is a guy who is intellectually curious and wants to exchange ideas, but also in part he wants to co-opt the vast right wing conspiracy.
And I'm here to tell you that, speaking for myself, he has succeeded. I am brainwashed entirely. I'm in the tank, and I am a believer of hope and change and, above all, audacity,"Monday, January 12, 2009
All Beautiful The March of Days
We attended a new church yesterday and this new experience welcomed me with a favorite hymn. As we struggle to find a new faith community that feels just right, I don't take these kinds of signs lightly. To walk in and feel welcomed, to have the children happily cared for and nurtured, to be able to sit next to hubby and actually worship, relax and rejoice. What a joy.
I received a phone call first thing this morning from a welcoming soul thanking us for joining them in worship, yesterday and asking if we had any questions. Mostly, she was interested that our children felt safe and at home too. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Lately, I have tried to become more comfortable with not knowing the next step. Opening myself up to the movement in life and seeing where it leads. We make dozens of decisions every day, some good and some not so good -- but each leading us to where we are supposed to be. The key is to remember to be open to hearing when the right idea, the one that is best makes itself heard.
All beautiful the march of days, as seasons come and go;
The Hand that shaped the rose hath wrought the crystal of the snow;
Hath sent the hoary frost of Heav’n, the flowing waters sealed,
And laid a silent loveliness on hill and wood and field.O’er white expanses sparkling pure the radiant morns unfold;
The solemn splendors of the night burn brighter than the cold;
Life mounts in every throbbing vein, love deepens round the hearth,
And clearer sounds the angel hymn, “Good will to men on earth.”O Thou from Whose unfathomed law the year in beauty flows,
Thyself the vision passing by in crystal and in rose,
Day unto day doth utter speech, and night to night proclaim,
In ever changing words of light, the wonder of Thy Name.Amen.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Change
I attended the funeral of my great aunt yesterday. It was a bittersweet memorial for a wonderful lady. Though it is never easy to say good-bye to someone dearly held, at 91 she had lived her life well and completely. Always with a smile on her face and a kind word, a pinch for your cheek she was the last of my grandmother's generation in our family.
The rabbi noted that she had seen a tremendous amount of change during her long and full life. But gracefully, she was not afraid of new or different or change. She saw it as a part of life. "So much so," he said, "that this past November she voted for Obama."
The comment brought a smile to some of those gathered. I think we all realized that for a nice Jewish girl from Tennessee, raised in Brooklyn, who ultimately lived her life in Pennsylvania this was quite new perhaps even daring.
Somehow this little comment from the rabbi reminded me that we are indeed in the midst of a new era. Like it or not, things will never be quite the same. It is exhilarating, given mess that this country and even the world seems to be facing...things will never be quite the same.
Yesterday was also the ONE YEAR anniversary of Obama's now famous "Yes We Can" speech given after narrowly losing the New Hampshire primary. In part, he said:
Yes We Can.
The rabbi noted that she had seen a tremendous amount of change during her long and full life. But gracefully, she was not afraid of new or different or change. She saw it as a part of life. "So much so," he said, "that this past November she voted for Obama."
The comment brought a smile to some of those gathered. I think we all realized that for a nice Jewish girl from Tennessee, raised in Brooklyn, who ultimately lived her life in Pennsylvania this was quite new perhaps even daring.
Somehow this little comment from the rabbi reminded me that we are indeed in the midst of a new era. Like it or not, things will never be quite the same. It is exhilarating, given mess that this country and even the world seems to be facing...things will never be quite the same.
Yesterday was also the ONE YEAR anniversary of Obama's now famous "Yes We Can" speech given after narrowly losing the New Hampshire primary. In part, he said:
Many people live their lives with this spirit...I think Aunt Lee was one of them. I hope to be one too.We know the battle ahead will be long. But always remember that, no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.
... For when we have faced down impossible odds, when we've been told we're not ready or that we shouldn't try or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Yes We Can.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Looking Back For What Is Ahead
I have never been very good at resolution making. Well, I suppose keeping is really the thing that is difficult.
And so this year, I decided to do something a bit different. The idea came from a family I know who has done this for years.
Rather than come up with a list of what you want to do in the new year, take stock of your top ten moments in the year that has just passed. Your TOP TEN THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO ME list.
My theory is that in so doing, you recall not only the events themselves, but the warm emotions that accompanied those events. You then take those happy sense memories into the new year.
If you find a painful event making its way to your list, perhaps time and distance will give you a new perspective on it.
To my mind that is a great way to begin. And perhaps will set you on the right foot to keeping those resolutions after all!
********************
Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume. ~Jean de Boufflers
The past is never dead, it is not even past. ~William Faulkner
And so this year, I decided to do something a bit different. The idea came from a family I know who has done this for years.
Rather than come up with a list of what you want to do in the new year, take stock of your top ten moments in the year that has just passed. Your TOP TEN THINGS THAT HAPPENED TO ME list.
My theory is that in so doing, you recall not only the events themselves, but the warm emotions that accompanied those events. You then take those happy sense memories into the new year.
If you find a painful event making its way to your list, perhaps time and distance will give you a new perspective on it.
To my mind that is a great way to begin. And perhaps will set you on the right foot to keeping those resolutions after all!
********************
Pleasure is the flower that passes; remembrance, the lasting perfume. ~Jean de Boufflers
The past is never dead, it is not even past. ~William Faulkner
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Welcome 2009!
As we enjoy the freshly minted snow here in New England, I continue to be aware of what an exciting year it has been.
Last night at our party, one of the children was having fun walking around in an Obama mask. Our youngest, somewhat frightened by the plastic likeness, nevertheless recognized the subject matter. At one point during the evening he ran to my arms yelling "Mommy, Obama is coming, Obama is coming!"
Yes indeed, he is. January 20th won't be here soon enough will it?!?
Surely, that is one of the highlights of the year at least from my perspective.
Here is hoping you enjoyed a Happy New Year's Eve filled with the warmth of good company and that you had much to be grateful for during this past year.
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