Saturday, February 24, 2007

Sunny Morning

I love this graphic. It helps me to remember some things. The last movie I saw in a theater was The Chronicles of Narnia. I know . . . it's been a while. The lions in the graphic remind me a little of Narnia. The movie came from a series of books that I've read more than once. The words in those books come from the mind of a man I respect immensely - C.S. Lewis. At home recently, we watched A Wrinkle in Time. That movie also came from a book my son was reading many years ago. I read the book as well, more than once. Madeline L'Engle has a wonderful imagination.

Of the movies that have come out in the last 20 years (maybe 30),I have read and re-read many of those books. Most of the time, I think the book is better. There is something about sitting down with a book and finding a character I like or identify with. I begin to see the characters in my mind, the places they live and work and their adventures.

I never watch the Oscars. I haven't seen the movies unless we have purchased the DVD. So many times over the years, I have seen a movie made from a book I read and been disappointed. Often, the script gets so far from the book that it becomes unrecognizable. I read some books, the Left Behind Series. When the movie came out on DVD, I don't think it came out to the big screen, I was truly disappointed. A relationship that was only in the;minds of the couple suddenly turned to a real affair. So sad. The books were written to Christians for the most part. Affairs didn't happen there, but Hollywood had to distort it so others would buy and watch.

Our kids today are trained to watch television and movies that they get bored reading a book. They want instant gratification. My family are all readers. My older children are readers. John became a reader a couple of months after he turned two. Okay, he's very smart and talented.I didn't learn to read until I was 3 1/2 and Heather was about 4. You get the picture. We read.

My younger daughter is struggling to read. She doesn't remember what she has read. She writes her own stories, mainly with the same theme. She loves the spell check on the computer. It was frustrating for me to home school her. I needed help. Why? I came from a family of readers and could not comprehend a child who couldn't learn. After I found out that she had learning disabilities, I was okay with it. She goes to regular school now, with a group of kids who are also learning at her level. She wants badly to learn and to comprehend. I believe that desire will overcome many of her problems.

I got off the subject. Do you read more than watch movies? Do you read a book and wait to see the movie so you can see if they got it right?

When all went wrong in my life and I began to lose my personal things, I had this thought, "they" can take it all, but "they" will never be able to take from me what came from a book. The same thing applies to today. The knowledge and imagination that comes from between the pages of a book is ours forever. Isn't that cool?

Thursday, February 8, 2007

HUMBLED

http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/snd/emo/fs/helloweird.mp3http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/snd/emo/fs/helloweird.mp3Thank you so much for the letter that you gave me & the pictureBye Mom and I hope you write me back mom.
Click to play sound: Hello Mom I know you will love this so much because you love me so much that you wouldn't let me die. I love My mom so much.

I know that she will probably hate me for posting this. I just put her on the other computer yesterday and am teaching her how to get homework help, write e-mail and make her first journal. She found the games right away and wants to play Pogo. I'm a little afraid of that - I may let her play poppit or something while I look on. Oh, I don't know. I have to think about it more. She will be 13 next month, but she's such a novice at life. She can't spell or read much and reacts to some things more like a 6 year-old than her real age.

To get a letter like this from my little girl is humbling at the least. I did take her into my home when there was "no hope" but she has given me more joy in 12 short years than I could ever have imagined. I am truly a blessed woman. I have four childrenand they have all brought me joy (yes, a little grief at times). Just read that precious letter one more time.

I have nothing to complain about today. I may change my mind later or tomorrow, but right now I am happy, humbled and at peace with my world.

Love and prayers to all of you,

Monday, February 5, 2007

Monday, Monday

              

Yesterday afternoon, a very nice lady arrived in Ventura to bring me my cuddle dog Kessa.  She came from 3 hours north of us on her way to Los Angeles.  Instead of having her go out of her way to get to our house, I chose an off-ramp of the 101 Freeway that was easy-off and easy back on.  I jumped on the freeway as soon as she called and hurried to get there.  Funny thing as I pulled off the freeway . . . there she was, right behind me!  I was so excited.

I took Kessa out of the little carrier - she was so sweet, but dirty.  I let Andrea be her dog carrier.  We sped to Petco to have her washed while we got a bed, some little bowls and some senior food for her.  We drove home . . . and guess what happened . . . . Kessa chose her person . . . .

    Go on you know you want to know who she chose . . .

                                   

 

and Tigger says (jumping high in the air) . . . .

                      

 . . . . and I thought I was going to have a little doggy to cuddle with me . . . and whose bed is she on?   Duh . . . not mine  This may well be just what Andrea needs right now.  That little dog can't see too well, can't hear too well, has hair missing on her back (thinning hair, anyone?), but her nose works!  She knows where the food and water are.  She also know where Miss Andrea is.  They are in love. 

In just a few days Andrea and I are going to fly to Las Vegas to visit with my sis and watch my daughter Heather get married. I love weddings!  I should I guess, having had 5 of my own.  That's another story.  My sis will be having her birthday the day after we arrive.  It will be nice to stay with my sis and get caught up on our lives.   

 I am feeling at peace today.  We shared the Super Bowl yesterday by eating ribs, beans and spicy guacamole (not me!).  Andrea and I went on the Internet and ordered her new bedding.  Cool beans, huh?  I am tired and in pain, but I see a pinhole of light at the end of the tunnel.  God is holding this little family in the hollow of his hand.

I pray you all sleep well and have a bright and lovely day tomorrow.  Be blessed

              





Sunday, February 4, 2007

Finally . . . I get a chance to do an entry!

Today is the start of registration for JournalTournament IVclick on the link to find out more I tried the Journal Tournament Revolutionized in December. I think I will like this one better. Go to his 2/2/07 entry to read the schedule.

Something else is happening today. I am so excited. At around 2:00 pm, someone is coming home with me:

Isn't she cute? She's an older dog who just needs a loving family to be with for her remaining years. Cuddling is her favorite thing. Just what I need as I struggle through my health problems.

Kayla and Lupe's move went smoothly yesterday. Miss D. had a big surprise for them: Kayla's old bedroom set was waiting for them. We also sent the bunk beds with them and Miss D gave us a beautiful daybed. I cried at their leaving. Miss D gave me a great big hug. They are only 2 miles away, for heaven's sake. I feel a real sense of relief as well as loss. Now we can work on health problems one at a time and keep our family close

SUPER BOWL TODAY

Rob and I need time that we didn't get. He took care of the 3 girls 99% of the time in addition to trying to keep ahead of the work here. It's time for us to spend time with our daughter and each other.

God has his hand on all of this. I have felt His love for us as we shared our home with two little girls who had some hard stuff to go through. A year ago, Miss D had a desire to care for the girls, but was totally unprepared. The Lord did his work on her and when the time came, she stepped up to the plate. Praise His holy name!

I still have the flu, but can at least get out of bed today. I'm ready to put fresh newspaper in the bottom of the bird cages and take a shower. I pray that all of you have a blessed day.