What does love look like?

On any level it is attention to the details.

The End Game

A 56 year old Framingham woman died two days ago when a mattress flew out of a truck on route 128 and caused a multi car accident.

I wonder if love was left unsaid, unexpressed.

Her unexpected death is a shock and leaves a physical sadness. It is also a wake up call to live and love fully each day. There should be no wondering or misunderstanding over the love we share.

Inspiration

It's in there.

It started with a cup

I taught my students the Cup Song. They were not so excited at first. But in 10 minutes they were able to share and pass cups in time with the music. Not perfect, but who is? And they learned when they miss a best to wait and jump back in.

Next time they will go out two by two to another class and ask a youth to join them. Teaching what they have learned. And the next time too...

First Light

What is so lovely about this piece is the colors it casts when subjected to light. We are all stained glass. With love, our light, may we cast our own beautiful rainbows. Illuminating those around us.

This is so true.

Is it better to be late, than never?

Almost missed posting today. Think I'm skirting the flu. Slept in. Then later in the day my daughter went to work with me to work on her projects. One for school, the other in glass. I'm a lucky mom.

Open Up For Goodness Sake

Bloom where you grow.

I Love This Quote

Next...

Life moves ahead one project to the next. Learning from the past. Applying it to the future.

Sorry, I don't speak Insult.

Some people speak in science. The words seem to be English but when pieced together it makes no sense at all, to all but a few. Been there. Done that.

Then some people speak in Insult. Again, it sounds like English. Starts to process as simple English but then there is the barbed hook.

To me, Insult  is a foreign language. And every time it catches me off guard. By the time I pick apart the pieces and get to the meat, it could be hours or even a day later. And it leaves me very sad.

If rather piece together stained glass.

The Eucharist

It's not enough to go to Mass and receive. You have to pass it on to know it's power and redemption. What does the Eucharist look like to you?

What's your Santa's name?

Mine is Elliot. In early December a gift was left for me; tucked between our house doors. Santa on a bike was my present; no name or card. A feeler put out and thanks expressed on Facebook and my benefactor confessed. Yesterday I heard the rest of the story.

Her dad, now passed six years, owned a stationary store. When it was closing she helped clean up and clear out merchandise. This December she came across a bin in the back of a closet. Inside was a stash of ornaments. Delighted she wrapped and distributed them.

Her dad's name? You guessed it Elliot. I will remember you.

Most important words I'll say today

Or any day. Have nothing to do with work or laundry. And everything to do with my children.

I love you.

Grounded

Three weeks ago I twisted this ankle. It's back 75% but it's not 100%. Pedaling is fine but every other motion is tender. I've been toying with the idea of no riding until all the swelling is gone. But no exercise is no option. Today was day one of the new routine. It's a gift.

That which doesn't kill us...

Makes us stronger. I never truly understood that quote until this week. For the past two days, and it will continue for today, I've been doing my boss' job. Doing none of the work I was hired to do and doing his general work from his space. It's been interesting, frustrating, eye opening, enjoyable, and loathsome. Crazy. A tight learning curve of thinking on your feet. Worst part: Trying to get a truck loaded without a pick up number.... Don't ask. I now completely understand why he uses a headset phone. Best parts: Talking and negotiating with many wonderful people. Have I made mistakes... Oh yeah...

And I will admit to being very nervous about this experiment but it's been a good experience. And perhaps I am stronger.

Don't let the world whither you.

Stay strong. Stay true.
Note to self.
PS. This blog is always a note to self.

Interesting

We love, defend and protect our children. That's what being a parent is. Something happened this weekend that rocked our corner of the world. Something where I was accused of being a snitch. As an adult I shook it off. Chuckled at the source and in a discussion with my teen proposed my accusers got caught. It was easy for them to finger me. They are angry but we all know I wasn't involved. BUT if I saw them, yes I would have acted; because that is what adults do.

But even bigger was my daughter's reaction. A text back to her friend. Defending and protecting me as if she is the mother bear. Such an act of love from a teen is tsunami-sized eye opening. World shifting.

Do you ever get angry at them?

Except from The Shack.

Boston Brain Tumor Ride

I ride for you and with your spirit Memere.

May 18th is a special day this year. It's the Boston Brain Tumor Ride. It is also the day 23 of my students make the decision to become confirmed in their Catholic faith. Can you imagine two huge events, happening on the same day, hours apart. Really... But honestly why not and what better testament to commitment. I'm committed to my faith and to helping others. Cancer has touched us all; both negatively and positively... Strange how that works.

And how will we pull this off?
Ride hard and early in the morning.
Rejoice and celebrate at noon.

Won't you help me, help others.

Almost... Maybe more

Than Mack I needed to revisit The Shack.

No really....

Have faith.

At work yesterday

My coworker sent home sick.
Tons of work for the boss and me.
In a lull at the end of the day I picked up a small project to fill in the time.
The analogy was made that the boss was the captain of the sinking Titanic and I was below unclogging toilets.

And though I laughed and saw his point, and knew what he meant... I pointed out that I had already gotten all my people safely to the life boats and was working back up support the best way I knew how. After all I was hired to unclog the toilets.

I wonder what analogies I'll hear today. Work, I learn so much every single day.

The Epiphany

An ah-ha moment for the world.

A life

Made up of multiple colorful pieces. Some old, some new most discarded scraps... Would you consider them trash? It's a beautiful thing.

Don't forget to smile

Even when life piles up all around you.

Blessings

They grow like puppies. Right before your eyes.

Winter wonderland

Woke up to a whiteout and wondering about work. Heading out to dig us out. Snow is a great silencer. Shoveling in hushed tones.

What you put into life.

Determines what you get out of it.

Happy New Year

2013 ended with Mass. A vigil for today's Holy Day.  Mother Mary pray for us.
2014 is so far a 10. Great friends. Great kids. Great food. Great coffee.

Topped off by early morning exercise. With the promise of homemade noodles with boulettes. Happy and Blessed New Year.

Truly it is the little things that are huge.