Reverb10 Dec. 8 Reflect on what makes you different; what makes you different makes you beautiful

People don't have to be different (or beautiful) to have value. What's wrong with being a faceless form among the masses of humanity? For if we are honest, that is where most of us live and who most of us are. And I'm okay with that.

Women over 50 have had to learn to see beyond beauty. And I pity any older woman who hasn't. Some things in life can't be turned back. Age is one. I've also seen enough of fame to be content with a ray of sunshine from a Colorado blue sky, and enough of wealth to look fondly on my house that looks very much like the others on the block.

So, today I praise the ordinary...those who live their lives before a small circle and live them well. Those who find satisfaction in their daily walk--those who live in contentment. And, maybe that's what makes them different after all.

Reverb10 Dec. 7 Where have you found community?

I've always had community at school. And if Geri gets married and moves to Denver, well, there goes half my community. Not really half, but it will seem like it.

Reveb10 What was the last thing you made?

The last thing I made was a crocheted scarf for Helen to keep her warm in the cold German winter as she walks to school each morning. It's soft and purple (her favorite color, the last time I checked.) She will open it on Christmas Day; and I hope she loves it, as I thought of how much I love her with each stitch. Next, there are blankets to make for babies...and I will find time for those too.

Reverb10 Dec. 4 A sense of wonder

Today: Listening to the wind sing through the evergreens on a mountain ridge and noticing how much it reminds me of the sound of ocean waves...steady, rhythmic, peaceful.

Reverb10 Dec. 3 One Word to describe this year and next

This year: change  There have been significant changes in my life this year, some good, some bad.
Next year: changed I'd kind of like to settle in.

Reverb10 Dec. 5 Letting Go

I don't think I let go of anything this year. Maybe I should have, or maybe I've already let go of what I wanted to let go years ago--things like a clean house, being organized, and goal driven. Whether good or bad, I think I want to keep what I have--a good job (frustrating, but good), good family and friends, a good God. What's there to let go?

Europe: One Day at a Time-Camp Darby

June 24, 2010

Missed the game, but thanks to Yvonne, she navigated us to the quaint hotel just over the Italian border. Joel was able to catch the World Cup highlights. It was nice that the US won.

Driving through the Alps was breathtaking in a good kind of way. As Kim said, “Everywhere you look is a postcard.” Our room was very nice, and the décor gave me an idea of something to try in the family room. Our breakfast this morning was the best I’ve ever eaten. Last night we found a little park where the children played, and they and Joel skipped rocks. We walked through back avenues and up a walkway next to a mountain stream. It was prettier than I can describe.

We are nearing Camp Darby where we will stay the next 6 nights.

From here, I’ll have to go by memory because we were too busy to take any notes.