Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Because they have faces.......
This bill affects kids like my Gabey and our Marta (below), just a reminder...However, this is a political issue that is worth breaking that habit.
This bill needs support, it needs you all to contact your reps and let them know that it means something to you. This bill makes a difference, finally. This bill would keep families from getting stuck in the protocol snare that we did. This bill would bring families together, sooner. This bill would bring children home, sooner. This bill supports families. This bill makes an actual difference in our world, for good, not just for some pork barrel agenda. This is what the political process should be used for. So, contact your Senators, contact your Congressmen and women. Let them know that this bill is important to YOU.
And, once again, go to to the EACH site and sign up. McLane Layton is doing great important work. Help her make it happen! Read this, below, and then go do something to help.
Here's the press release, below:
Bill Introduced to Provide Citizenship Rights
to Internationally Adoption Children
of American Families
June 29, 2009 (Washington, DC) -- The Families for Orphans Coalition announces its support for the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act (FACE Act) which was introduced last week in the Senate and House of Representatives. The FACE Act will allow American families to bring their internationally adopted children home as American citizens instead of as immigrants. The bill is spearheaded by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and James Inhofe (R-OK) and Representatives Diane Watson (D-CA) and John Boozman (R-AR). The FACE Act simplifies the acquisition of citizenship for internationally adopted children and removes these children of American citizens from the immigration process.
The Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act addresses needed changes to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA) which was enacted to provide automatic U.S. citizenship to internationally adopted children of American citizens. As it stands now, the internationally adopted child of a U.S. citizen receives U.S. citizenship once the child enters the U.S. to reside permanently. If enacted, the FACE Act would allow such children to acquire U.S. citizenship at the time their adoptions are finalized in the country of the child’s birth. The child would then enter the U.S. as a U.S. citizen with citizenship documentation in hand.
“Passage of the FACE Act will eliminate the need for an immigration visa for internationally adopted children and instead will treat these children as children of American citizens, not immigrants subject to immigration regulations,” said McLane Layton, President of Equality for Adopted Children (EACH) and a member of the Families for Orphans Coalition. “Additionally, the FACE Act classifies internationally adopted children as “citizens from birth” just like children born of Americans overseas, thus providing them with equal rights of citizenship, including the right to run for President of the United States.”
“Under current law, the type of immigration visa an adopted child is given to enter the United States determines whether the child receives U.S. citizenship upon entry. Those children who do not receive U.S. citizenship upon entry and whose parents overlook the bureaucratic steps necessary to secure citizenship for their children are often later denied scholarships, passports, and the right to serve in the U.S. military. Most tragically, some young adults who have lived in the United States with loving, American families their entire lives have been deported to their birth countries - places they have no knowledge or memory of – for committing minor juvenile offenses. Half the children adopted internationally each year currently enter the States on the visa that places them at risk,” said Chuck Johnson, a Coalition member and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the National Council for Adoption. “The Face Act will resolve these issues and provide U.S. citizenship to all internationally adopted children of American citizens.”
The FACE Act also provides older orphans the ability to be adopted – children who were overlooked in the Hague Treaty on Intercountry adoption. “Prior to the Hague’s passage, children age 16 to 18 whose younger siblings had been adopted by an American were able to be adopted by the same American family,” said Terry Baugh, President of Kidsave. “The Hague eliminated all adoption opportunities for children 16 and over. The FACE Act will fix this oversight and expand the opportunity of a permanent family to all children up to age 18.”
Marta, last summer. This bill, if it had been passed, would have changed so much.
It still can, for so many others....
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Avril Lavigne Tattoos
Nicole Richie Tattoos
Nicole Richie has a few tattoos from nine to be exact. Back in 2005, Nicole held the number two spot on the list of Top 25 Tattooed Celebrities, as you can guess which is very beautiful but the tattooed Angelina Jolie came in number one.
Nicole has lived a very hard life, but he seemed to get things taken together since the birth of her son Harlow. Nicole is not foreign to the tattoo gun and like to show off her tattoos to nine of the world.
Here is a list of Nicole's Tattoos:
1. Her rosary in Foot and Ankle
2. Angel Wings on Her Shoulder Blades
3. Richie "and Ribbon on Back of Her Neck
4. Tiara on Her Hip, Not like some thought Spider
5. Shooting Star on the red Insider's Her right wrist
6. Virgin "in the left wrist Her
7. Ballerina Slippers on Her Stomach
8. Her cross on the Lower Back
9. Dots on the spray from the Finger Unknown
However, it seems that Nicole is not too keen on the idea of Harlow and the future children of the other wanted to go and get inked when they age. Nicole to Access Hollywood when she was eight months pregnant with baby Harlow Harlow akan hope he does not want to get tattoos.
I actually have a theory. I think, if we have a son or a woman, they will be so embarrassed of Joel's tattoos and the tattoo, because I have nine, because you do not want to be like your parents. Does that make sense? [Joel] has sleeves. I really think that they will be embarrassed because he was their father, so I have a feeling that not only will they get it. At least that's what I hope. "
Heidi Klum Tattoos
California
Renew the promise of each wedding anniversary is not yet enough for Heidi Klum. Tattoos are German model is more fitting.
Step further, now the name of the husband, Seal any scratches on the body. detikhot quotation from the Daily Mail, Thursday (19/6/2008), the tattoo as a reminder of the men love Heidi mendampinginya the last 3 years.
Calligraphy tattoo in the arm in 3 children is the mother some time ago seen in New York. Heidi then put sleeveless dress and gladiator style of footwear today.
Couples susu coffee was still visible intercommunion. Although not rare people that they pout. Evidence, Heidi and Seal diligent still sticky.
Each year on the day of anniversary, models and musicians celebrate the beach in Costa Careyes, Mexico. Where they married 2005.
Heidi and Seal also renew the promise of marriage, and plan to do the same in 2008. "Our focus is on the reasons why our marriage, also gave a good example for children," said Seal before.
Marriage they bear Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel (2) and Johan Riley Fyodor Taiwo Samuel (1). Heidi also has a child, helene 'LENI' Klum (4) of the relationship with F1 boss Flavio Briatore.
By : Lupus
Final Countdown Approach; Second Edition
It is Sunday. It is my favorite time of day on the beach: that quiet time between afternoon and evening when the beach empties and the sun lowers and the sand still has the warmth of the day running between your toes. I look out to the waves and watch my Little Man and Miss M on the boogie boards, still. And I realize that I have loved this spot in the world best since I was a child, their age. And I know that they will bring their children here, or I hope they do...and they can love it as a home for their heart to rest too.
And then it crowds back in: we are at week nine. We are in the final countdown. The cultures are done. The final final (? yeah, it confuses us too) report is due at the embassy and doc on Wed.
And so once again, we are in a final countdown to launch.
We will soak up our last two days at the beach, gathering up the calm and the soothing of the waves and the sand.....packing it to overflowing as best we can in anticipation of the rocket launch of travel across the world to our new daughter and family.
A dear blog friend pointed out to me that this is our last time together as a family of nine.
Soon, we will be ten, together.
Officially we have to wait to Thursday (or God forbid, Friday, again) to get the all clear to go.
But, we all dare to believe that we are going.
And so, in my mind I have the checklist forming:
Donations: packed, still, in foyer.
Marta's suitcase: packed, still, in foyer.
And then the list of to do's before we go.....it can expand at warp speed in my brain.
But not yet.
For the next two days, I get to dig my toes in the sand and soak in the salty sun.
I am deeply grateful for the time here, in this special place.
I feel the countdown approach but I am going to push it back to enjoy this last sandy time on this beach before our world changes in my arms.
Or, I will pretend to.....because inside, I feel it.
The countdown, it's beginning.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Bridal Gowns Bridesmaid Dresses By Justin Alexander
One of the wedding dress collection designs Justin Alexander. This is the design of clothing in the formal wedding reception. Elegant beaded buttons on the back of the chapel leads to a dramatic bubble train. Available Colors: Ivory / Silver, White / silver and Sizes: 4-32 USA / UK 6-34
Wedding Dresses Brides J Alexander
Wedding dress design Justin Alexander. a famous American fashion designer, this is the design of clothing in the formal wedding reception. silver with a luxury size:USA 4-32 / UK 6-34
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
ON THE RUN BLACKBOOKS
Due for release in Part tds inOctober, Smash in November and New York city black book in December.
Hot Designer Wedding Dresses and Gowns 2009
Bridal gown and custom bridal dresses from wedding dress store. Choosing your dream gown is an experience to treasure at Priscilla of Boston.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Time
Salvador Dali, 1931, "La Persistencia de la Memoria."The adoption process is about so many things: desire, love, fear, courage, grinding paperwork, intrusive questions (official and unofficial), endurance, faith, hope, delight, joy, despair, physical stamina, finances, community..... The list can go on and on.
But what is glaring throughout the entire process adoption is the element of time.
Timing, in adoption, IS everything.
Most of us have lived through, in exquisite detail, the time issues that press and pull during the process: the initial thrilling phase of deciding to adopt, the daydreaming, the fantasies played out in a 'not too distant future." Then comes the excruciating paperchase, the hurry up and wait on CIS or the social worker or this form or that. Then we have the exhilaration of the referral; time stops, because it has been redefined into "before and after."
It is not only 'before and after' referral, however, because time has, seemingly, just changed. The waiting has changed. Now it has a new layer to it. Now you are counting the hours and living with your heart and mind in two very distant time zones: what you are doing and what your child (who has a face and name that your are searing into your soul) is doing. But you can sort of move forward in more precise preparation and know that court will come. It becomes a goal. After you pass court (hopefully swiftly) typically you have that giddy breathless rush of packing and arrangements and sense that time has sped up. It has become a speeding locomotive, rushing straight at you. And your heart beats faster at it's approach.
I know those kinds of time. I've been there. Done them. I know how to 'surf' those kinds of waves of rushing or bogging time. Now, I am in a new kind of time. It's odd to me. I've been quiet for a few days or so, cut back blog and facebook, because I am literally in "process" time. I feel a bit like the painting above: surreal and droopy and just......hanging there.
This is not my kind of time.
We are in week seven, entering week eight actually. And I know I should be starting to feel the wind of that approaching locomotive: time is gathering itself to rush at me. But still, I am still. I feel the wait. I feel the weight. And I don't know what may come.
And so, in this surreal wait time; uncharted by others as of yet (this tb culture protocal wait), I find myself slipping between things. I get very busy, it's been slamming busy actually. And even so, it's like two layers: the busy right here, do this now layer, and the set aside twilight zone "waiting" layer. Very split. Surreal. It's not that I'm blue or depressed or fretting (tho I've hit those often enough of late). It just so different. It's Time out of time....even as it is Time so swamped in time. And it's bizarre. And I don't know much what else to do except kind of muddle through it in my usual clumsy fashion.
It's a different, unique, new, not so great, part of the adoption process time. Maybe, as it gets more familiar or God forbid, common, it will be less strange. I pray and hope and will fight if I can for it to not become common and in fact for it to be abolished...for this tacked on last endless minute of the process to be revamped or, best, cut off. This is a clock I would love to smash. I know, such a whiny post. This is why I have been quieter. I don't mean to whine. But I think that since this is part of the new international, Ethiopian, adoption process for some....it's maybe worth talking about.
I know, someday I will understand how this delay, this surreal drooping time, will have been woven into our lives for a purpose. I believe that. But right now, it's hard to see. I accept it because I have no choice. But I still object to it. And it has, to be frank, thrown me into a weird state of stopped clock. The activities of any given day, from the most mundane laundry sorting to the most sweet and profound of my kids kisses goodnight or a quiet real talk with my teen son....they are functioning on two levels: the here/now and the filler. Not that the actions of the moment mean nothing, they mean everything...more so perhaps as I cling to their normal. But. It's filling time too.
Time has stopped or it has slowed into a Dali-esque droop. This wait. The end approaches and my head and stomach can feel it. I now have three clocks: real present time and activity, eight hours ahead for my daughter's time, and the culture countdown clock. Their hands have been independent, circling on their own cogs. Soon, soon, I hope those clocks will merge. And then perhaps time will reset back to a new normal. I am ready for that time, now.
But what is glaring throughout the entire process adoption is the element of time.
Timing, in adoption, IS everything.
Most of us have lived through, in exquisite detail, the time issues that press and pull during the process: the initial thrilling phase of deciding to adopt, the daydreaming, the fantasies played out in a 'not too distant future." Then comes the excruciating paperchase, the hurry up and wait on CIS or the social worker or this form or that. Then we have the exhilaration of the referral; time stops, because it has been redefined into "before and after."
It is not only 'before and after' referral, however, because time has, seemingly, just changed. The waiting has changed. Now it has a new layer to it. Now you are counting the hours and living with your heart and mind in two very distant time zones: what you are doing and what your child (who has a face and name that your are searing into your soul) is doing. But you can sort of move forward in more precise preparation and know that court will come. It becomes a goal. After you pass court (hopefully swiftly) typically you have that giddy breathless rush of packing and arrangements and sense that time has sped up. It has become a speeding locomotive, rushing straight at you. And your heart beats faster at it's approach.
I know those kinds of time. I've been there. Done them. I know how to 'surf' those kinds of waves of rushing or bogging time. Now, I am in a new kind of time. It's odd to me. I've been quiet for a few days or so, cut back blog and facebook, because I am literally in "process" time. I feel a bit like the painting above: surreal and droopy and just......hanging there.
This is not my kind of time.
We are in week seven, entering week eight actually. And I know I should be starting to feel the wind of that approaching locomotive: time is gathering itself to rush at me. But still, I am still. I feel the wait. I feel the weight. And I don't know what may come.
And so, in this surreal wait time; uncharted by others as of yet (this tb culture protocal wait), I find myself slipping between things. I get very busy, it's been slamming busy actually. And even so, it's like two layers: the busy right here, do this now layer, and the set aside twilight zone "waiting" layer. Very split. Surreal. It's not that I'm blue or depressed or fretting (tho I've hit those often enough of late). It just so different. It's Time out of time....even as it is Time so swamped in time. And it's bizarre. And I don't know much what else to do except kind of muddle through it in my usual clumsy fashion.
It's a different, unique, new, not so great, part of the adoption process time. Maybe, as it gets more familiar or God forbid, common, it will be less strange. I pray and hope and will fight if I can for it to not become common and in fact for it to be abolished...for this tacked on last endless minute of the process to be revamped or, best, cut off. This is a clock I would love to smash. I know, such a whiny post. This is why I have been quieter. I don't mean to whine. But I think that since this is part of the new international, Ethiopian, adoption process for some....it's maybe worth talking about.
I know, someday I will understand how this delay, this surreal drooping time, will have been woven into our lives for a purpose. I believe that. But right now, it's hard to see. I accept it because I have no choice. But I still object to it. And it has, to be frank, thrown me into a weird state of stopped clock. The activities of any given day, from the most mundane laundry sorting to the most sweet and profound of my kids kisses goodnight or a quiet real talk with my teen son....they are functioning on two levels: the here/now and the filler. Not that the actions of the moment mean nothing, they mean everything...more so perhaps as I cling to their normal. But. It's filling time too.
Time has stopped or it has slowed into a Dali-esque droop. This wait. The end approaches and my head and stomach can feel it. I now have three clocks: real present time and activity, eight hours ahead for my daughter's time, and the culture countdown clock. Their hands have been independent, circling on their own cogs. Soon, soon, I hope those clocks will merge. And then perhaps time will reset back to a new normal. I am ready for that time, now.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
RIP IZ THE WIZ
Unfortunatly IZ the WIZ collapsed and died at his bother’s home in Florida last night.
RIP IZ THE WIZ
RIP IZ THE WIZ
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Novena, day nine
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Victoria Beckham Tattoos
After husband David unveiled his new tattooed ode to wife Victoria, not to be outdone, Posh unveiled a new design on her wrist at the launch of her denim line in Boston. Dressed from head to toe in black, and wearing her trademark black leather gloves, like David the day before, Posh revealed a new addition to her growing cluster of tattoos, a new script inked underneath her Roman numeral tattoo.
The next tattoo is located on Victoria's lower back. It initially started out with the 3 stars that are horizontal to each other symbolising herself, her husband, David Beckham and their first son, Brooklyn. Afterwards, the tattoo was modified by adding two stars to represnt Victoria and David's two younger sons, Romeo and Cruz.The tattoo - which was created by his regular artist Louis Malloy - is a biblical proverb written in Hebrew which reads: "My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart."
It accompanies another Hebrew phrase on the same arm which translates: "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine". Victoria has the same tattoo.
David, 33, is known for his obsession with tattoos and his upper body is covered in etchings.
He has Victoria's name in Hindi, the number seven - his shirt number for Manchester United and England - in Roman numerals, a guardian angel across his back and a Michelangelo angel on his right arm.
By : Lupus
Danielle Lloyd Tattoos
Who says models do not like to emulate? Former WAGs Danielle Lloyd secretly mengidolakan Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie for the tattoo business. The Daily Mail, initially, the former beloved Tottenham Hotspurs striker, Jermaine Defoe mimic this sign language tattoos on the Jews Posh neck.
Then when visiting Universal Studios in Los Angeles, United States, girls aged 25 years to make this tattoo any posts of the Latin sounds, "attero quis mihi tantum planto mihi validus''which means that" care will only strengthen me "on the left shoulder.
Tattoos that refers to the tattoo on the belly of the Jolie bunyinya, "Quod me nutrit me destruit" means "What nourishes me destroys me". That is the second tattoo Dani, as he was familiar disapa. In September 2008, Dani makes tattoo with the sentence, "Only God can judge me" (Only God can menghakimiku) on the back of the neck in Hebrew like Posh, which reads, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine, He who pastures his flock among the Lilies. "
Besides Posh and Jolie, the source of inspiration is Dani Transformers stars Megan Fox, who make tattoos dibahunya. Kalimatnya reads, "We will all laugh at gilded butterflies." Sentence is taken from one of the works of William Shakespeare, "King Lear".
By : lupus
Novena, day eight
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Monday, June 15, 2009
Amy Winehouse Tattoos
LONDON - Amy Winehouse wanted to immediately end the marriage with Blake Fielder-Civil. Penyanyi problematic plan remove this tattoo her name is graven in the chest.
"Amy will always love Blake, but he wanted to start a new life in the future without Blake," said the source as quoted Showbizspy, Monday (12/1/2009).
The singer aged 25 years was able to believe that life without accompanied Blake. Amy want to live quietly and forget shadow past, when men are still together.
"Finally, Amy is able to freeze solid, and Blake's life," added the source.
Amy and Blake married in May 2007. They hold weddings in Miami, Florida, are closed.
Currently, Amy lives are improving with the full range of issues. The singer hairy black this endeavor avoid drugs and drink. Amy tried to live healthy...
By Lupus
Novena, day seven
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Feast of Corpus Christi
It's the feast of Corpus Christi: the Body of Christ. It's one of the greatest Mysteries of the faith, capital "M" mystery again...one of those that boggle and baffle the mind. One of those you belief or you don't. Period.
I do.
It's the Eucharist. The body of Christ. It's a gift, a sacrament, it's utterly holy and sacred and, at the same time, the most intimate thing on earth.
I can't do this justice of course. To read more about this, with historical support, go here.
To read a good piece on how to bring together your mind, heart and senses on this, go here.
All I know is that I like thinking about connections a lot. You know that. I like that whole connected relational brought together linked adopted bonded sense in (my) life. I see it so many places that it gives me chills if I stop to think about it. And that is what I find to the utmost, mindblowing, heart zinging way in the sacrament of Communion and the Eucharist: the most intimate connection and unity that can be. Ever - in this world. And I yearn for it and reach for it and I sink into it with relief and gratitude and wallowing comfort and gratitude.
And I don't understand it with my mind.
But my heart and soul know it's more real than anything else.
John 6
"Institution of the Eucharist," painting by Nicolas Poussin Novena, day six
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Novena, day five
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Another Day Older, Again!
Well, today is my birthday, again!
I am 47 years old today. Whew.
Since this seems to come around every year, I can't really justify any big ol' post about it.
It's another day. Another day older and another year to claim.
Last year's bday.
And as I mentioned last year, here, I have always had this weird "go underground" sense about my birthday. "Don't make a big deal of it, don't tell anyone, you don't deserve the notice or the fuss" But I did finally realize that my children deserve the example of rejoicing in a birthday (not that they have much problem with that...but you know that particular oddness sneaks up on you...maybe at, say, age 32, fair warning!).
And I want them to be grateful for every year and day they are given: good, bad, frustrating, harried, stressful, electric, dull, full and overflowing. Every one, it's a gift. And every bit of my old body; it's a gift, even when I notice all the many ways that age is taking it's inexorable claim on me. I could go on, you know I do {But it's my bday so I'll give YOU a gift a spare you. You're welcome...}.
But here is what I choose today to think about: instead of the 'whats," (as in what's wrong, what's old) I prefer, if only today, to think of the "who's"....by which I mean the people who mean something or so much to me.
The connections.
That is where you find the riches of getting older, another day, another year.
With that in mind, there are connections that spring to mind today...
And while I would go on about my husband, children, family, friends....this is not an award show or a roast and I'm not Sally Field.
Today the connections that spring to my mind are of a ridiculously cute small boy, who is precociously potty trained (not that I'm envious, not me, no sir...) and has a smile that lights up a room (I think it's actually a combo of his smile and his beautiful mama). It's his bday today too, go give him a big bday shout!
St. Anthony is a saint that I have long loved. Not only because we share a special day, but because I have found him to be a comfort and a trusted saint to turn to for prayers. He was known for his kindness, his courtesy, and his deep humanity. His appeal endures even now in this modern age; and it's no wonder, really. Because in this modern age, what we lack the most in our postmodern harsh world is just that: kindness, courtesy, humanity.
Which brings me back to the whole point of this post. To mark another day, another year older. And with that, to remember the best part: I am happier now than ever and I seem to be happier each year I get older.
How cool is that?
This inexorable claim of time gives me my mother's hands, and now feet and hair. This added day, added year, also gives me more connections, more relationships, deeper ones. Love is the wealth in life.
And so, on my birthday, I have the best gift.
I know.
I love so many.
I am rich.
I am 47 years old today. Whew.
Since this seems to come around every year, I can't really justify any big ol' post about it.
It's another day. Another day older and another year to claim.
Last year's bday.And I want them to be grateful for every year and day they are given: good, bad, frustrating, harried, stressful, electric, dull, full and overflowing. Every one, it's a gift. And every bit of my old body; it's a gift, even when I notice all the many ways that age is taking it's inexorable claim on me. I could go on, you know I do {But it's my bday so I'll give YOU a gift a spare you. You're welcome...}.
But here is what I choose today to think about: instead of the 'whats," (as in what's wrong, what's old) I prefer, if only today, to think of the "who's"....by which I mean the people who mean something or so much to me.
The connections.
That is where you find the riches of getting older, another day, another year.
With that in mind, there are connections that spring to mind today...
And while I would go on about my husband, children, family, friends....this is not an award show or a roast and I'm not Sally Field.
Today the connections that spring to my mind are of a ridiculously cute small boy, who is precociously potty trained (not that I'm envious, not me, no sir...) and has a smile that lights up a room (I think it's actually a combo of his smile and his beautiful mama). It's his bday today too, go give him a big bday shout!
Another connection, dear to my heart: Today is the feast of St. Anthony of Padua.
Painting by El Greco
Painting by El GrecoSt. Anthony is a saint that I have long loved. Not only because we share a special day, but because I have found him to be a comfort and a trusted saint to turn to for prayers. He was known for his kindness, his courtesy, and his deep humanity. His appeal endures even now in this modern age; and it's no wonder, really. Because in this modern age, what we lack the most in our postmodern harsh world is just that: kindness, courtesy, humanity.
Which brings me back to the whole point of this post. To mark another day, another year older. And with that, to remember the best part: I am happier now than ever and I seem to be happier each year I get older.
How cool is that?
This inexorable claim of time gives me my mother's hands, and now feet and hair. This added day, added year, also gives me more connections, more relationships, deeper ones. Love is the wealth in life.
And so, on my birthday, I have the best gift.
I know.
I love so many.
I am rich.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Novena, day four
St. Therese dressed in costume as St. Joan of Arc for a play put on in the convent.The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese
“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Shouting for joy for friends
SHOUT FOR JOY!!!
It's finally happened!!!
Go, see, congratulate the Fournet family, pop champagne, throw confetti, toot some horns.
We are doing cartwheels here!!!!
They deserve every bit of celebration, around the world....surely the saints and angels too are rejoicing for this great gift today.
They have waited over a year to pass court, enduring the disappointments and excruciating wait beyond what most of us could ever manage (certainly not me!).
And they did it with grace and steadfast faith.
Go, see, congratulate the Fournet family, pop champagne, throw confetti, toot some horns.
We are doing cartwheels here!!!!
They deserve every bit of celebration, around the world....surely the saints and angels too are rejoicing for this great gift today.
They have waited over a year to pass court, enduring the disappointments and excruciating wait beyond what most of us could ever manage (certainly not me!).
And they did it with grace and steadfast faith.
I am beyond thrilled for them. This is big big news. Go, see, shout, congratulate them. I know, I want to shout for each person who passes court. But some, some elicit a louder whoop when they wait so very long and through such hardship. I can't help it, I hope their comment box simply overflows with joy. They deserve it. Yippee!!! Those babies are coming home!
Novena, day three
The Twenty-four 'Glory Be's’ Novena to St. Therese“Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, I thank You for all the blessings and favours You have showered upon the soul of Your servant Therese of the Child Jesus, during the 24 years she spent here on earth, and in consideration of the merits of this, Your most beloved Saint, I beseech You to grant me this favour, if it is in accordance with Your most Holy Will and is not an obstacle to my salvation.”
After this prayer, follow with the 24 Glory Be’s, between each of which should be included this short prayer”
“Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us.”
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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