“I’m in” on Lent 2011

In past years, Lent has been a way to make amends for failed New Year’s resolutions. I’ve vowed to give up processed foods, cigarettes, or whatever goal I fell short on since the New Year.

Last night, on the Eve of Lent 2011, I decided to see what this event meant beyond black marks on people’s foreheads (years ago, I unwittingly tried to brush it off a colleague's forehead thinking it was dirt) and renewed resolutions.

Lent is clearly a Christian holiday at heart but it seems like it could be celebrated by any religion or in a secular way. In other words, I think it is all good--and worthy of consideration in one’s life regardless of religious conviction. A few basic tasks traditionally have been associated with Lent: fasting (or giving up something), prayer, almsgiving (charity), and scripture reading. So, yeah, check,  “I’m in” on Lent 2011.

When choosing an image to accompany this blog entry, the one above waved at me. I looked at it and thought “yes that would be a good idea,” “hmm, need to stop that,” and on. Even though giving up Facebook for Lent sounded the best, I decided that forgoing a nightly cocktail will allow me to save resources, financial and other, for the almsgiving. Since my brother died, prayer has significantly helped me along. Not the “Dear God, please…” type of prayer that I knew as a child but rather conversation with the awareness that it is a Divine discussion for me. For this year’s Lent, my daily readings will include uplifting poetry, Psalms, song lyrics and other things that enrich my spirit and soul.

“Hi Annie, I think making any commitment during Lent helps make the period one of reflection.....I would encourage you to pick something and do it in the spirit of an offering not of depriving yourself. These are all spiritual practices, and my experiences have been very positive.”--excerpt from my sister Mary’s response to Lent questions. 

CD Review: Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More



2010, Glass Note Records



How to describe Mumford & Sons 2010 release Sigh No More: Bluegrass Pop? British Folk? Indie Folk Rock? A folksy cross the Allmans and the Avett Brothers?

These boys from the UK have masterfully crafted an emotional, invigorating, and spiritually uplifting album. It is a wonderful mix of bluegrass and rock with a pop base. The album flows really well, changing pace from roaring, slamming banjo licks to slow picks. Their use of traditional instruments including banjo, violin, upright bass, and mandolin warms this bluegrass fan’s heart. Mumford & Sons hits on all my notes.

After my first listen to this album, I was immediately impressed by the energizing melodic mix and the meaningful and unpretentious lyrics that seem to fall in perfect synch with the music. Additional listens confirmed my initial response. Seldom do I like every song on an album, but each of these songs is full of melody and style.

“The Cave” is a great song, probably my personal favorite, mostly because of the lyrics. The first single released, “Little Lion Man,” possibly stands out as the best overall song on the album. The closing song, “After the Storm,” relays the helplessness of mortality. “I will die alone and be left there/Well I guess I'll just go home/Oh God knows where/Because death is just so full and man so small/Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.”  The singer's grief is real and this song makes a perfect closing for the album.

I like a band with a catchy sound and meaningful lyrics...Mumford & Sons nails it.

Listen to "The Cave"

Stray Kittens Strut

Cleo's First Day w/ Me

Cleo was too young for the Humane Society. Someone had to take her.

4 weeks, palm sized, needing a little help without a mama cat.

9 months later, she’s still a kitten, a smart kitten, a wild one, 

I tell family and friends that Cleo is “of the jungle.” 

She’s sleek, a bit sneaky, and very superior.

Critter and Sir J, One Month Old

Critter and Sir James Cattingsworth of Old Towne call me Auntie, 

their human mom is my Bestie.

Possum the mama cat, the pregnant stray 

She would not keep them if she could not spay (and neuter).

I’m going to help with Possum and Sir J to avoid another litter.

**Did you know that one female cat can begin breeding as young as 4 months old? If she is left unaltered her and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in only 7 years.**

The Way We Were

l to r: Jim, Me, Dad, Mom, Hartley, Mary, and John

This picture was snapped in my parent’s yard a few months before my father died in the summer of 2005.  Jim’s on the far left with his arm around me, it was the last picture of all of us together and accordingly, is precious.

We were 7 for so many years. We are still 7 in my mind though 2 of my main men have gone to the afterlife. I’ve learned to believe in an afterlife; of course I don’t know what it is but who really does?  I take comfort hearing stories of near death experiences as they have so many commonalities: light, lots and lots of warm light! A tunnel perhaps, but still more light; from many reports the faces of loved ones emerge.

Again, who knows? But the thought of a welcoming warmth and light and the chance to see my loved ones again brings hope. I can have faith. I do have faith. But all of us will have to wait to find out when our time comes.

This weekend, I will be with my family of 7-- 5 of us in flesh.  We all have experienced different journeys since Jim’s untimely death. This quote from an unknown source speaks volumes and I plan to share it when everyone is together.

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“In this loss, as I draw strength from my family, I also acknowledge and honor the fact that we each grieve in our own way.”

"I-think-I-can"

1954 edition with illustrations by George and Doris Hauman

If there is one childhood book that I treasure, it is this volume. It teaches both children and adults about believing in oneself and perserverance along with the value of a positive attitude.

~~~~~~~~~
An early version goes as follows:
A little railroad engine was employed about a station yard for such work as it was built for, pulling a few cars on and off the switches. One morning it was waiting for the next call when a long train of freight-cars asked a large engine in the roundhouse to take it over the hill "I can't; that is too much a pull for me," said the great engine built for hard work. Then the train asked another engine, and another, only to hear excuses and be refused. In desperation, the train asked the little switch engine to draw it up the grade and down on the other side. "I think I can," puffed the little locomotive, and put itself in front of the great heavy train. As it went on the little engine kept bravely puffing faster and faster, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."

As it neared the top of the grade, which had so discouraged the larger engines, it went more slowly. However, it still kept saying, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can." It reached the top by drawing on bravery and then went on down the grade, congratulating itself by saying, "I thought I could, I thought I could."
~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, as I face struggles both at work and home, "I--think--I--can, I--think--I--can" will be ringing in my ears reminding me that "I-Know-I-can!"

Walking the Talk, Biking for Bucks

Yesterday...Today it's Jumped to 3.25 9/10

With gas prices well over $3/gallon right now and Spring weather emerging, it’s time for me to make some economic decisions that will provide plenty of fringe benefits.

Here are the top places I drive within the city of Columbia, Mo. on a regular, often daily basis. In my case it is important to note that I live in central Columbia, which is a college town that has been undergoing changes over the past 5 years to make it more bike friendly. I have two incredible bikes (mountain bike and road bike) and two long legs that let me walk at a quick clip. Do I have an excuse? I think not.

Work—30 minute walk and 10 minute bike ride

Gerbes—20 minute bike ride

Mom’s—40 minute walk and 15 minute bike ride

Hartley and Kim & family-40 minute walk and 15 minute bike ride

Library—15 minute walk; 7 minute bike ride

Murry’s—drive for several reasons

Green Tennis Center--15 minute walk; 7 minute bike ride

Downtown aka The District—15 minute walk; 5 minute bike ride

Columbia Cemetery—20 minute walk; 10 minute bike ride

Schnucks—20 minute bike ride

I read a very interesting article today, titled ”How bicycling will save the economy (if we let it).”

Except from the article:

(It can be read in its entirety: http://www.grist.org/article/2011-02-28-how-bicycling-will-save-the-economy)

Imagine getting a $3,000 to $12,000 tax rebate this year. Now imagine it coming again and again. Every year it grows by around a thousand dollars.

Imagine how this would change your daily life.

Sounds like a teabagger's wet dream, but it's actually a conservative estimate of how much you'd save by ditching your car, or even just one of your cars -- and getting on a bicycle instead.

Car-centric conditions don't always make it easy to choose the bicycle. Communities designed exclusively for motor vehicles impose a major financial penalty on those who are compelled to take on the expense of driving. But if you're one of those who lives in a bike-friendlier place, you'll be doing your local business community a good turn and padding Uncle Sam's pockets as well as your own if you trade four wheels for two.

In the many North American cities where two-wheeled transportation is taking off, a new bicycle economy is emerging. It's amazing how much money can stay in your community when it isn't being pumped into the gas tank, big insurance, and the auto market.

National Self-Injury Awareness Day

Out the Door this Morning in my Orange in Support of National Self-Injury Awareness Day

Self-injury is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.

While self-injury may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension, it's usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions. And with self-injury comes the possibility of inflicting serious and even fatal injuries.

Because self-injury is often done on impulse, it may be considered an impulse-control behavior problem. Self-injury may or may not accompany a variety of other conditions, such as depression, eating disorders and borderline personality disorder.  

Words of Hope and Support:

"I love and adore a beautiful young woman that has struggled with self-injury. Awareness is a beautiful thing....Continue to share and care...." Sherry Hinshaw

"I hope this changes people's minds that its not a joke, that those who hurt themselves are not attention-seekers; that its a serious problem. That help is needed."—Daryln Perez

"As someone who has struggled with this for over 30 years, I am glad that there is finally awareness that this is just not a 'phase.' "—Maggie Bacon

"I'm sneaking up on six months of taking great care of myself, and that includes no self injury!! Taking good care of myself hasn't been easy or pain-free, but it has been accompanied by amazing, rich, deep, lush growth!"- Anonymous

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For more information:

Here is the link to American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse

http://www.selfinjury.org/ 

What parents should do if their teen is self-harming according to www.focusas.com/

Another good resource: http://www.selfinjury.com/

***Please understand that this could be affecting a young person that you would least suspect.***