Don't Thank Me; Thank MadPriest

Here's a shocking thought:

madpriest's thought for the day

If 53% of Californians were either Jewish or Muslim you could end up with a Prop 8 situation where every man, no matter what his age or beliefs, could be forced to undergo circumcision. I may be wrong but I don't think even the Iranian government insists on that from its few non-Muslim citizens. This means that the majority of Californians have a less enlightened attitude towards personal rights and freedom than those peoples their previous government regarded as barbaric.

Comment: Actually it would be 51%--truly frightening.

If you've been locked away from all news sources since November 2008, Proposition 8 in California took away equal marriage rights for LGBT people. It is now being settled by the Supreme Court of California, and we will learn more in two to three months about their ruling.

Creation Stories

Every culture has its creation story, an oral or written explanation of how the world and its inhabitants came into being. Some are whole histories of what has happened since creation.

One of the most widely recognized creation stories is carefully preserved in writing in multiple language translations. This creation story is generally agreed to be The Correct One by adherents of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. But the Creation Story of the Torah, the Pentateuch of the Old Testament, is only one creation story. For as many cultures that exist, there are creation stories with respective histories.

Many of these are not written, but told from generation to generation orally. Spiritual leaders of each generation's culture preserve the accuracy of oral tradition and carefully teach the next generation.

So what makes a creation story codified in written form more valid than those of oral tradition? What makes one written creation story more valid than another written one? I suspect the oral recounting of Navajo creation is just as sacred, just as valid, and just as much an allegory as the creation story of the Israelites. By this, I don't mean that none are valid; I mean all are valid.

For a sampling of cultural creation stories in short form check out Creation Myths in Wikipedia.

A Musical Reminder of Diversity

This morning on NPR's Morning Edition, I learned that written musical notation in China pre-dates the earliest known written music, Gregorian chants, in the western world.

I was momentarily surprised. Then I thought, of course! Just because I am a product of western society, I'm inclined to think we are the beginning and end of Civilization. This is a massive fallacy of thought. Our historical perspective reminds us mankind has lived through culture after culture, civilization built on civilization. And this yeasty boiling up of civilizations happens throughout human history in all of the world--perhaps in all the universe.

Predating European civilization that produced Gregorian chants came Egyptian and other African civilizations, Mayan, Aztec and other American civilizations, Chinese and other Asian civilizations, not to mention Greek and Roman civilizations in place at the time of Christ. And let's not forget Hebrew civilization from which Christianity derives. Surely all of these civilizations experienced, played, and perhaps wrote music. Just because we don't have written notation of older musical culture, doesn't mean it didn't (or doesn't) exist.

We are not the beginning and end. We are not alpha and omega.
Creation happens!

What is Right? What is Wrong?

What is right? What is wrong?

What seems right to you may seem wrong to me, and vice versa.

I strive to remember that judgment is God's business, not mine.

When I catch myself identifying a person or situation as 'wrong', I try reframing it as different rather than wrong.

Funny how things that are different become interesting--or even right!

(See also Good or Bad?--Just Different)

I have to keep reminding myself. I'm a fallible human being, not to mention a self-centered, self-righteous, and self-absorbed one, ...she reminded herself with a smile!

Pitching In To Help Feels Good

In response to Timothy Schmaltz's timely opinion in this morning's Arizona Republic, I advocate pitching in to help.

If you have a severely disabled child; if you have a parent needing round-the-clock care because of dementia; or if you are losing your employment because there is no childcare assistance, then you understand where Mr. Schmaltz is coming from. I work as a provider to severely disabled young people. Services to them are essential, so rather than reducing essential hours I am absorbing a reduced hourly rate of pay. I think of it as a way to pitch in and help.

In a small community, everyone chips in to help when someone is in need. Everyone feels proud of being able to do so. And everyone knows the community will be there for them when they need a hand. In Arizona we are a big community, but we can all pitch in and help. One way we can all participate in helping is to encourage our legislature to approve Gov. Brewer's suggest sales tax increase. We also need to expect our budget and finance experts to restructure our tax bases in a fair and productive manner.

The days of cutting taxes is over, but income, sales, and property taxes can be balanced to meet the needs of operating our state efficiently.

Oh dear. Did I just say fair and balanced? That's not like me! Let's keep our sense of humor while we are at it.

One Perp, Two Perps, Three Perps, and Counting

I'm waiting for Pope Benedict XVI to weigh in next and become Perpetrator #4 in this dreadful story.

Today Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, speaking for the Vatican, defended Archbishop Jose Cardoso Sobrinho's excommunication of the mother and doctors of an impregnated nine-year-old child for proceeding with a termination of the child's pregnancy.

Let's go back to the beginning. A nine-year-old Brazilian girl was examined after complaining of stomach pain. The examination revealed that she was pregnant with twin fetuses, twin babies who through no fault of their own, were conceived by repeated rape by the nine-year-old child's stepfather. He would be Perpetrator #1.

Under Brazilian law, an abortion to save the life of the mother is allowed. Let's remember this mother is a nine-year-old incest victim, who would not likely survive bringing two babies to term. The child's mother and doctors made the decision to terminate the pregnancy to save the life of the child/mother.

Archbishop Sobrinho condemned this action, citing the law of God as being more applicable than the law of Brazil. He excommunicated the mother of the nine-year-old and the doctors who terminated the pregnancy. Archbishop Sobrinho qualifies as Perpetrator #2.

Now, Cardinal Re, defends Sobrinho's excommunication of the people who saved the life of the nine-year-old at the expense (and I GET this) of the innocent fetuses. Yes, it is a tragic choice. But for his affirmation of Perp 2, I nominate Re as Perpetrator #3.

There is one more layer of Roman Catholic hierarchy left to weigh in on this. Will there be a Perpetrator #4?

Is there no representative of Jesus Christ who will raise up and heal the nine-year-old victim? Is there no representative of Jesus Christ who will cradle this young child and tell her she is God's own daughter, worthy of God's love and protection from evil? Will no one defend this child's dignity and humanity?

Read the details at this BBC report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7930380.stm

Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

The Line

I draw the line at tweeting on twitter. I draw the line at building a second life avatar and digitally romping through cyberspace.

I reserve the right to erase the line at some future date--lol.

Life's Not Fair

...but God is good. The Rev. Dr. Robert Schuler of Crystal Cathedral says that. And it's a powerful message when life seems unfair.

Sometimes a news story catches my attention and it dwells in my mind until I write down some response. Now I can't find the story, so much so that I question the efficacy of my memory.

The gist of the story amounts to a high percentage of people unhappy with Obama's proposed homeowners' mortgage rescue plan, proclaiming vociferously: That's not fair!

Well, no it isn't. But lots of life isn't fair right now. Jobs are being lost by the thousands. Homes are being lost due to the mortgage mess. Businesses are failing. Families who have worked conscientiously, paid their bills promptly, and never dreamed of homelessness are now clogging private and public social service agencies, seeking shelter and food and medicines.

The number of respondents to this 'fairness' poll question was something like 62-65%. Since I can't lay my hands on the article, let's be conservative and say 'over 60%' of respondents feel the proposed mortgage bailout isn't fair. Now I wonder what percentage of these respondents claim to be Christian. And what would the Christian response be? Of the Christian/lifes-not-fair contigent, how many are going to social service agencies offering to help a nouveau homeless person or family get their life back on track? How many are figuring ways to help a friend or co-worker carry through this tough time? How many are kicking in a little money to hold someone else's household together until the mortgage industry decides how it wants to solve this crisis? How many are being part of the solution, so government doesn't have to rescue people?

Many want to scream, "Socialism!" Many want government to let the economy fail rather than pour money and regulations into resuscitating it. Many feel that bailouts and administering them can't be done fairly, so they shouldn't be done at all.

Unless those of us complaining about the unfairness of it all are prepared to give people a hand up, we need to be supporting solutions that may work--not whining about fairness or lack thereof.

Just a suggestion...!

Feast Your Eyes, Part Deux

Whether he is herding "Big Blue" in the course of his over the road trucking or vacationing with his camper, Michael (just below) photographs his natural surroundings with a keen eye for composition. His photographs bring his trip home to share with friends. I'm grateful he allows me to share them with you.
Michael's first love is the scenery of Arizona, whether desert scenes or mountain scenes.

He captures the beauty of a sudden desert storm.

Here's a rugged rock formation set against a boundlessly blue desert sky.

We're not in AZ anymore with this one. Winter snows in the Rocky Mountains are sheltered by canyon walls.

Michael takes meal breaks, dawn or dusk walks, any stop for Big Blue, as an opportunity for hiking and photography. Here's Big Blue as he looks back at the start of a hike. (Or is it returning from the hike?)

How high is up? This Arizona butte is framed by the stalk of a century plant and the branch of a tree imitating a century plant stalk. That's a hiking challenge!

The rain gods have been good this year. After several years of hard drought, Arizona's mountain snow packs and desert rains have combined to nurture our lands back to health. This year's wildflowers will be spectacular. In the meantime, this oasis promises safety for wildlife.

Michael is home this weekend, spending time with family and friends. His first call to me? Would I like to hike the perimeter trail? Oh, I'd love to. Give me cooler weather please, and I'll gladly hit the trail to see the world through Michael's eyes. And for those of you elsewhere in the cold cruel world, the high today in Phoenix AZ was 80 degrees. Whew!

Just bring me the beautiful pictures, Michael, and thanks!

Atheist Bus? Not My Bus

In London, UK, atheists have bought bus adverts to declare,
"There is no God."
Every blogger on two continents has trekked to a clever website that allows us to design our own adverts. Okay, I exaggerate.

I declare that for me, there is a God. She is devine. She loves us all with no exceptions.

My beliefs grow and change with time. They began with fairly conventional Christianity in the Episcopal Church, went to lapsed Christian, returned to theism in general, and are now Christianity plus. I couldn't explain it today to save myself. Thankfully 'saving' myself is His/Her job. My job is to be the best Pat I can be, cuz that's how God created me and wants me to be.

Thanks be to all the universe for the me that I am!

Feast Your Eyes, Nourish Your Soul

Big Blue
Blue Rider blew into town last weekend and brought his digital camera with him. He kindly allowed me to share some of his Nature Boy discoveries along the highways of America. Blue Rider is my friend, Michael, who travels the highways of America and revels in every magnificent scene he absorbs.

Michael's constant traveling companions are Skittles (forground) and Duffy. Nope, that's not Duffy in the background; it's a local pup coming up to make friends with Skittles. Duffy is the spiritual one, present with Michael and Skittles wherever they travel. Notice how attentive--okay, downright hammy--Skittles is! Micheal sees beauty in barren winter scenes, and imagines the trees greening up in the spring.

Some images are from his drives in Arizona. There is precious little of his home state that Michael hasn't visited, hiked, and photographed. This was from a local trip, a "busman's holiday." Shall we call that truck Little Blue?

Below is a scene from the cab (passenger side, I'm sure) of Big Blue.

More pictures are coming. Due to my resurgent blog-ignorance, this post is it for now.

Flight 1549 From The Inside

I was touched by this first hand account of passenger and rescuer heroism following the ditching of US Airways flight 1549. I received this by email and it is clearly an in-house communication that escaped into cyberspace. Because of this, I'm editing the names as I am sure the business would prefer. Thanks to Marge M for calling my attention to this account.

This is from a Managing Partner at Name & Name who was on Flight 1549.As many of you now know, Gerry McN. (New York/Charlotte) was on US Airways Flight 1549 last week. We caught up with him to discuss the harrowing incident and - in a departure from our usual format -present his stirring account as told to us:

Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the Park Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for La Guardia Airport. I was scheduled for a 5 pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3 PM. As many of us who fly frequently often do, I recall wondering if I'd just placed myself on a flight I shouldn't be on! Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my associate, Jenn S. ( New York ), and our placement, the CIO of United Airlines. When I told him that I was about to board a US Airways flight, we all had a little fun with it. I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in the cockpit and thinking "that's a good thing... I like to see grey hair in the cockpit!"

I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young business man. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I've taken what seems like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over the Bronx and as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New Jersey and tack south. I love to fly, always have, and this flight plan gives a great view of several NY landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge. I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to me when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear while flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt. 10 seconds later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we would be landing and thought the pilot would take us down no doubt to Newark Airport. As we began to turn south I noticed the pilot lining up on the river still - I thought - en route for Newark. Next thing we heard was "Brace for impact!" - a phrase I had heard many years before as an active duty Marine Officer but never before on a commercial air flight. Everyone looked at each other in shock. It all happened so fast we were astonished!

We began to descend rapidly and it started to sink in. This is the last flight. I'm going to die today. This is it. I recited my favorite Bible verse, the Lord's Prayer, and asked God to take care of my wife, children, family and friends. When I raised my head I noticed people texting their friends and family, getting off a last message. My blackberry was turned off and in my trouser pocket; no time to get at it. Our descent continued and I prayed for courage to control my fear and help if able. I quickly realized that one of two things was going to happen, neither of them good. We could hit by the nose, flip and break up, leaving few if any survivors, bodies, cold water, fuel. Or we could hit one of the wings and roll and flip with the same result. I tightened my seat belt as tight as I could possibly get it so I would remain intact. As we came in for the landing, I looked out the windows and remember seeing the buildings in New Jersey , the cliffs in Weehawken , and then the piers. The water was dark green and sure to be freezing cold. The stewardesses were yelling in unison "Brace! Brace! Brace!"It was a violent hit - the water flew up over my window - but we bobbed up and were all amazed that we remained intact.

There was some panic - people jumping over seats and running towards the doors, but we soon got everyone straightened out and calmed down.There were a lot of people that took leadership roles in little ways. Those sitting at the doors over the wing did a fantastic job; they were opened in a New York second! Everyone worked together - teamed up and in groups to figure out how to help each other. I exited on the starboard side of the plane, 3 or 4 rows behind my seat through a door over the wing and was, I believe, the 10th or 12th person out. I took my seat cushion as a flotation device and once outside saw I was the only one who did; none of us remembered to take the yellow inflatable life vests from under the seat.

We were standing in 6-8 inches of water and it was freezing. There were two women on the wing, one of whom slipped off into the water. Another passenger and I pulled her back on and had her kneel down to keep from falling off again. By that point we were totally soaked and absolutely frozen from the icy wind. The ferries were the first to arrive, and although they're not made for rescue, they did an incredible job.

I know this river, having swum in it as a boy. The Hudson is an estuary - part salt and part freshwater - and moves with the tide. I could tell the tide was moving out because we were tacking slowly south towards Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty , and The Battery.

The first ferry boat pulled its bow up to the tip of the wing, and the first mate lowered the Jacobs ladder down to us. We got a couple people up the ladder to safety, but the current was strong pushing the stern of the boat into the inflatable slide and we were afraid it would puncture it: there must have been 25 passengers in it by now. Only two or three were able to board the first ferry before it moved away. Another ferry came up, and we were able to get the woman that had fallen into the water on the ladder, but she just couldn't move her legs and fell off. Back onto the ladder she went; however, the ferry had to back away because of the swift current. A helicopter arrived on station (nearly blowing us all off the wing) and followed the ferry with the woman on the ladder. We lost view of the situation but I believe the helicopter lowered its basket to rescue her.

As more ferries arrived, we were able to get people up on the boats a few at a time. The fellow in front of me fell off the ladder and into the water. When we got him back on the ladder he could not move his legs to climb. I couldn't help him from my position so I climbed up the ladder to the ferry deck where the first mate and I hoisted the Jacobs ladder with him on it; when he got close enough we grabbed his trouser belt and hauled him on deck. We were all safely off the wing. We could not stop shaking. Uncontrollable shaking. The only thing I had with me was my blackberry, which had gotten wet and was not working. (It started working again a few hours later).

The ferry took us to the Weehawken Terminal in NJ where I borrowed a phone and called my wife to let her know I was okay. The second call I made was to Jenn. I knew she would be worried about me and could communicate to the rest of the firm that I was fine. At the terminal, first responders assessed everyone's condition and sent people to the hospital as needed. As we pulled out of Weehawken my history kicked in and I recalled it was the site of the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Thankfully I left town in better condition than Mr. Hamilton who died of a mortal wound the next day! I stayed with my sister on Long Island that evening, then flew home the next day.

I am struck by what was truly a miracle. Had this happened a few hours later, it would have been pitch dark and much harder to land. Ferries would no longer have been running after rush hour and it would not have been the same uplifting story. Surely there would have been fatalities, hypothermia, an absolute disaster! I witnessed the best of humanity that day. I and everyone on that plane survived and have been given a second chance.

It struck me that in our work we continuously seek excellence to solve our client's leadership problems. We talk to clients all the time about the importance of experience and the ability to execute. Experience showed up big time on Flight 1549 as our pilot was a dedicated, trained, experienced professional who executed flawlessly when he had to.

I have received scores of emails from across the firm and I am so grateful for the outpouring of interest and concern. We all fly a great deal or work with someone who does and so I wanted to share this story - the story of a miracle. I am thankful to be here to tell the tale.

There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened to me? Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this gift? For me, the answers to these questions and more will come over time, but already I find myself being more patient and forgiving, less critical and judgmental.

For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share:

1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.

2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have.

3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.

4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.

Thanks to all who have reached out; I look forward to seeing you soon!

Dick F.

Please Don't Divorce Us

Thanks to Di Scott for directing me to this video that says it so eloquently:


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Now step right over to the Courage Campaign website and sign their petition to the California State Supreme Court.

The Stethoscope

My friend, Nancy, sent me a copy of this reminder that we aren't walking alone in this world. What a joyful reminder:



This was produced by Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene TX. Thanks to them as well as to Nancy for calling it to my attention.

Arizona Cardinals (Almost!) Win Super Bowl

The Arizona Cardinals did themselves proud in the 43rd Super Bowl tonight. Kurt Warner connected repeatedly with receivers and called rushing plays advantageously, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won out in the end. After going ahead with less than three minutes left in the game, our Cardinals were unable to stop a sustained and successful counter attack. Our Cardinals lost very honorably, 27-23.

Now that we've got our game, just wait until next season!

Sponsor An Executive

This is funny once, maybe.... Or maybe it just makes me feel cranky. Thanks to Dale H for calling my attention to this:

So Go Before You Leave Home....

Proposed light rail station bathroom (left).

Jim Walsh at the Arizona Republic reported yesterday that there is a wave of discontent among passengers using the spiffy new light rail, The Metro. It seems these delicate souls need bathrooms at Metro stations, and Phoenix has failed to anticipate and provide for this basic need.

Let me just say this: If Metro light rail stations get bathrooms, then bus transit stations should get them, too.

One of the first hard lessons of bus commuting for me was continence planning. You know, visit my home bathroom before leaving for work? Just like Mom taught me to do before rides in the car? Know the route to the bathroom upon arrival at my distination business? Drink less fluids? Surely Metro riders have heard of these precautions.

For that matter I used to plan accordingly for my car commutes. So, what's with these precious needy folks? Did they all have mini-commodes in their automobiles?

Quite a few Metro riders are enjoying test rides anyway. Metro still looks like a Disneyland ride on weekends: "I know George. Let's bundle up the kids and take them for a ride on the train." I also secretly long for a sign four feet high saying, "You must be at least this tall to ride."

When the newness wears off and the Metro is left to experienced mass transit commuters, the idea of bathrooms at stations will be an amusing memory.

Are There Christians in Iraq? Yes!

And many of the Christians in Iraq worship in Baghdad with the Reverend Canon Andrew White who has courageously worked for religious reconciliation in the midst of Iraq's war. Tip of the hat and thanks to Lyle Skillen for connecting me to Canon White's updates from Baghdad. From an article published in the UK Times, January 23, 2009:

From Times Online
January 23, 2009
Wanted by God, but wanted by killers too
Canon Andrew White talks about life, work and death threats in the world’s most dangerous parish.

Michael Binyon

He drives to church in an armourplated car, escorted by 25 members of the Iraqi Army. As he preaches, he and his congregation are protected by soldiers cradling machineguns. Each week, familiar faces disappear — kidnapped, abducted or blown up by a suicide bomber. And each week politicians, generals, Muslim clerics and desperate mothers stream in to St George’s Anglican church to beg the help of an English vicar in ending violence, promoting dialogue and negotiating the release of hostages. For Canon Andrew White, fighting for peace has an all too literal meaning. His parish is the most murderous in the world: Baghdad.

* * *

“Peacemaking of the old woolly liberal kind no longer works,” he writes. And the US military, he says, is vital to any effort. “Many people object to the idea that military action has an important role in peace- making, but I believe it more strongly now than ever.”

But he insists that religious figures are central to politics in Iraq. There is, in Iraqi eyes, no distinction. He is trusted and respected, he believes, because he is ordained — and because he belongs to no faction. His work in encouraging reconciliation has high backing — by Lord Carey of Clifton, the former Archbishop of Canterbury and a personal mentor, by Shia and Sunni clergy, by the Iraqi Government, US commanders and by President Bush himself, who wrote to him, just before leaving office last week, to “thank you for helping our people and sharing the Almighty’s love with the people of Baghdad”.

Read the whole article here.

Canon White has a new book out in the UK:
The Vicar of Baghdad by Andrew White (Times Books, £8.54)

Thank You, MadPriest!

As I trolled my favorite blogs last night, I discovered that this humble (new, sketchy) blog of mine has been recognized as a new friend of MadPriest's most excellent blog, Of Course I Could Be Wrong. OCICBW, as it is known in the blogosphere sector I frequent, is full of music, humor, irony, commentary, and God's love for all of us.

I am grateful for the hat tip, MadPriest! I was blown away, and thanks for the references to other new friends, more than one of whom I'll be following further.

Yes We Can!

And I promise to help do the work of healing America.

As I was watching the inauguration, I realized that none of this would have happened if Al Gore had assumed the presidency in 2005. At that time, I wondered what God's plan was. I wondered what benefit could come from President W being re-elected (by court decision, no less). I reminded myself that there was surely a purpose underlying Gore's election loss (by court decision, yes). So many of us were discouraged and even angry. We could not see ahead.

But today I know the purpose, and my faith in God's guidance of our paths is renewed and refreshed.

All hail the Power....!

Cardinals and Steelers!

Our Arizona Cardinals will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers on February 1 in the Super Bowl! We Arizonans have enjoyed a stellar weekend: Cards win the NFC championship; Martin Luther King Day which many of us had to march for in Arizona; and next up, the inauguration of the next President of the United States. Well, maybe not everyone is as thrilled as I am. But many, many are!

Go Cards! Go Barack! Dr. King, what a prophet you were in our midst!

Cardinals Win NFC Championship!

We don't know yet, whether the Ravens or the Steelers will be in Super Bowl 2009.

We do know the Arizona Cardinals will be in Super Bowl 2009 after winning their first ever NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles! Now Bill Bidwill and Arizona Cardinal fans have just about seen it all!

Go Cards!

I'm a Born Again American

Caution: If you listen to this more than once, it will be yours for life. And you'll be glad you listened!



Norman Lear and Keith Carradine have collaborated to bring this new anthem for Americans. They have built a website that asks us to sign on, to be educated about issues, and to volunteer in ways to build a stronger, healthy nation. Count me in!

It's worth the time to go to "About Us" to read the brief stories and biographies of the Americans who performed in this video.

One of the most inspirational settings is at Mount Rushmore where Patti Linsky, Cantor for Temple Ahavat Shalom, sings with Islamic Center's Mu’azzin (Caller to prayer) Benyoucef. Now that's American!

For those of us, like me, who need to see the words, go to the Born Again American website and click on "Read the Words".

Thanks to Rev. Susan Russell at her Inch At A Time blog for sharing this. She is justifiably proud of All Saints' (Pasadena CA) choir's participation!

Fine, Thanks! No Mo Trips to Vet, Pleeez

Joyful Klemme tolerated a trip to the veterinarian Tuesday afternoon and survived indignities like rectal temp and an immunization shot. She traveled in the most modern of conveyances, The Metro light rail. All of that was fine. Joyful was not amused at being 'crated' and bungee corded to a (rolling suitcase) dolly and trundled over bumpy driveways, sidewalks and light rail tracks. I kept reminding her how green we were being, keeping our carbon pawprints down, and saving money on transportation. Joyful kept uttering muttered epithets at every jounce.

Joyful wants her God-guardians, Gail and Laverne, Marge and Maggie, and the neighbors to know, she is healthy, healthy, healthy! "No mo' trips to the vet, pleeeez. I am well!"

On Being Set Free to Live a Dream

A note of admiration and respect to my friend Michael: You go, Blue Rider!

Michael's previous employer 'riffed' him. Reductions in force are happening in all sorts of businesses, and many people look upon being laid off as a dismal and depressing event in life.

Not Michael.

Michael spent some time figuring out what he could do to match his love of travel with his need for a career change. Michael loves driving and hiking and drinking in the beauty of creation. Yes, there are ways to live out the joys of life in one's work, and Michael found his. Then he set about learning how to make his dream job come true. After a few weeks of training, he was granted his unlimited CDL (commercial driver's license), and he went to work for Werner Enterprises as a driver trainee. He put in his required driving time with an instructor-driver, and then got his own Werner-owned truck.

Today he and his trusty side-kick, Skittles, drive the highways of America delivering goods to distribution warehouses, everything from toilet paper to lawn mowers and more. The list of goods he has freighted over the road boggles the mind! When they stop for rest or a meal, he and Skittles take long walks, exploring woods, deserts, mountains, lakes, streams and any other roadside wonder of nature. Skittles and Michael are always accompanied by the spirit of Duffy. Skittles and Duffy have been Michael's canine companions at home and on the road for many years.

I'm a big fan of Michael's can-do spirit. Instead of falling into fear and depression about losing his job, Michael made the most of being set free to make new choices.

I've taken to calling him Blue Rider and his truck, Big Blue. He calls me and lets me know where he is driving and gives me a verbal travelogue of his scenery while driving and nature walks on breaks. He is living out a dream and he knows now he has options for his new career.

If I can talk Micheal out of some other pictures, I'll post them. In the meantime, thanks to Werner's website for allowing use of an ideal picture of Big Blue. And thanks to photographer Jim G. for this picture of the happy travelers. Isn't that Duffy in the image, too?

You go, Blue Rider!!

Being Gay Really IS a Gift from God

Here is the Reverend Edwin Bacon from All Saints Church, Pasadena CA with an expanded message for my life and the lives of LGBT people everywhere:

Cardinals Win! (Yes, really!)

Would you look at this?

Arizona Cardinals 33

Carolina Panthers 13

It is Saturday, January 10th, and the long-time lackadaisical Arizona Cardinals just won an NFL quarter-final game. They will next play for the right to go to the Super Bowl!

Is this the same Arizona Cardinals we've had all along? Well, yes and no. It sure is Kurt Warner at quarterback and Edgerrin James and Anquan Boldin and other familiar names. Yet there is a distinctly new spirit and team, perhaps as the result of Coach Whisenhunt's leadership. I'm not a Cardinals fan; I lost interest years ago due to year after year of failing seasons. So I'm not going to run out and try to buy a ticket or buy a TV to watch them, but I'll give them a post in my Diverse Mind blog! Good for the Cards! Go Cards! We are finally proud of you!!

My Other Car Is A Valley Metro Bus!

Mi Coche

On October 31, 2008, I donated my car to charity. Yes, it will be nice to have a modest tax deduction. Yes, it means I'm thinking 'Green!' But mostly it helps me prepare for retirement. It was time to fix or replace my well-worked car, and I chose to do neither.

Instead I walk out to a bus or Metro stop on Central Avenue or Camelback Avenue and hop aboard for a relaxed ride to anywhere. I read my newspaper or a book or do a puzzle or just spend quiet time. I smile at children and sometimes help someone who is new to riding the bus. We are all new at riding the Metro, so I'm the one being helped half the time. I'm getting some exercise walking. I'm enjoying a slower pace to life. I'm reducing my carbon footprint. And I'm being much gentler to my bank account.

People react with astonishment or pity. They have no idea how much I enjoy my car-free lifestyle. If you don't believe me, try it! Click on the title above for help getting started. You don't have to give your car away or sell it. But you might find you want to. I did!

Missing You

 

Babs,

Your smile was there for me when I was new, your hand reached out in welcome.

You gave me your name and phone number and asked me to call you the next day. You became my sponsor, my guide, my friend, and--somewhat unwillingly on my part--my honorary psychologist. You taught me how to make the steps work in my life and how to hang on to recovery no matter how life buffetted me. You said, "There are no big deals." You also said, "Life's hard and then you die." No matter what my whine, you had a wine-free answer. And I learned to live one day at a time, however imperfectly.

We were at Willie's on the north shore of Kauai, a short walk to End of the Road. We visited gardens and luaus and beaches. We spent relaxed vacation time together with our loved ones, and it was good. This photo is in my memory as one of the happiest smiles I've ever seen. I'm keeping it here and looking back from time to time to remember.

I miss you. Thanks for my very life!

Feeling Fine in 2009

It's here; it's the New Year!

This year is full of promises for us as individuals, for our nation, and for the world. Let's make it the best we can, one person at a time. Let's do less criticizing and more construction. Let's find the kernel of good in each other's ideas and help improve the idea. Let's work together, instead of obstructing one another.

Let's build 2009, build America, and build our self-respect. That's my hope for 2009.