Shona Congo

Most of those who know me, know about my passion for Shona Congo. Four disabled, but absolutely amazing women sew beautiful bags that help support their families. These bags are distributed by a wonderful woman, Dawn Hurley, and the women get the fair profits of their labor. I guess my own mobility issues with my congenital myopathy just drew me to this particular cause.

Being disabled makes these ladies targets for those who would harm them. Two of them have now fled with their families.  Argentine and Mapendo have had to go to a refugee camp. This is not the first time these women have had to pack up and travel miles, often on foot, to seek safety.

The good news is that a non-profit organization, Athabasca Interfaith Refugee Sponsorship Society, is applying to sponsor them for resettlement in Canada. The money has to be raised before they can move to Canada, so that they have enough to live on for a year. This gives them time to start learning a new language and find jobs. Mapendo and Argentine already have sewing skills that will help them earn their livings in Canada as they will be able to continue sewing their bags there. 

I know money is terribly tight for most people I know right now, but, if you have a little to spare and a heart for the plight of people from Eastern Congo, every little bit will help. Make it a really early birthday gift to me or something!  

For more of their story, check out the Shona Congo website. You might even see a bag that you just can't resist!

http://www.shonacongostore.com/overview/ 

 

 

Musings of a “Cradle” Methodist

I was baptized in the Methodist Church when I was an infant. My great grandfather’s family built Pine Ridge (now united) Methodist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana back in 1896.

Since then, I have been a member of Redbone UMC, Crawford Street UMC, and now Hermanville, UMC.

Among long time members of a group like the United Methodist Church, there seems to be sort of a collective memory. We Methodists tend to love our routines and traditions. We know that when we recite the Apostle’s Creed on Sunday mornings, that thousands of other United Methodists are reciting it as well. We crave the opportunity to pray as a group. We love including our Weslyan hymns in worship. The Methodist tradition runs deep in our souls.

I have occasionally considered leaving the United Methodist denomination. I visited other churches. But, there was always something missing. I always come “home” to the traditional United Methodist service. 

 

Boundaries

This book was recommended to me years ago. I can't remember exactly who told me about it, but reading it was a life changing experience. 

Over the years, I have recommended this book to a number of people, including my own nephew, just this week. This book is written from a Christian perspective, which is especially helpful to those who have allowed fellow "Christians" to make them feel guilty if they say no to anything. 

Once I owned my feelings, I could manage them, at least most of the time. I stopped allowing people to disrespect me. I stopped allowing people to manipulate me through guilt. I stopped allowing people to emotionally abuse me, although they claimed it was because they "wanted what was best for me."

There will always be people who see those who are trying to set healthy boundaries as their personal challenge. They are the ones who will call at times you have already stated are inconvenient. These folks have no regard for your time or energy. They will create a crisis to try to get friends and family to drop everything and come running. 

I don't always succeed in my boundary setting, but practice makes perfect. And I intend to keep practicing! 

 

Empty Nest

It happened so fast. I thought I was going to have more time. Seems like just yesterday...

My baby bird has grown up and flown away, taking mama and papa bird with her (or him). In less than 3 weeks, she went from being an egg, to what seemed like a perpetually open mouth, to this adorable little fledgling. 

Then, suddenly, she was gone. The nest empty. The azalea bush bare looking without the bright red of the papa cardinal flying in to help feed the baby. 

I have been ridiculously happy watching these birds. It has been an amazing experience to watch the mama build her nest, lay her eggs, and hatch and feed the baby. 

They grow up so fast...

 

The Gift

No matter how much we think we are loved, the cynic in many of us occasionally wonders if anyone would REALLY care if we were no longer here. We fantasize about being able to somehow attend our own funerals and see who the true mourners are. 

This week, due to the sad passing of a woman bearing the same first and last name, and being close to my own age, I was given a bit of a chance to see how people would react to my passing. I have had phone calls from people with tears in their voices, telling me how glad they were that I was not the Karen Sanders who had passed on. I walked in Cracker Barrel where my longtime waitress, Nancy, looked at me as if she had seen a ghost. With tears in her eyes, she told me she had been crying for two days, thinking I was gone. What a humbling and emotional experience this has been.

Of course, some friends and family knew that the birth date under the name in the Riles funeral ad was not mine and were not worried, thank goodness.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Karen Cynthia Sanders. May she rest in perfect peace. 

Happy Wednesday!

Papa cardinal began showing up a few days ago. Mama was staying on the nest almost full time. I was officially on "baby watch." 

Yesterday afternoon, I saw the first little beak pop up above the nest. I was so happy that my husband joked that I must feel like passing out cigars! 

I can't see inside the nest, so I have no idea how many babies there are, but I am hoping to see more little beaks popping up soon. 

I woke up this morning feeling ridiculously happy. I spent much of my late night hours reading back over the life and words of Jesus. Luke 10:27 is one of my favorite verses and is the crux of who Jesus was and what he wanted for this world. 

 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

I also woke up with this wonderful Mama Cass tune running through my head. Have a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfQsngNoV7I 

Madama Butterfly

Yesterday, I had the experience of seeing a Metropolitan Opera simulcast via Fathom Events at Tinseltown in Pearl. It was one of the most wonderful things that I have ever seen in my life. And, I have seen a lot. 

My introduction to opera was through my mother's recordings of Met performances back in the 1950's and '60's. One of these recordings was Madama Butterfly. Dorothy Kirsten was the soprano lead and Daniele Barioni was the tenor. I fell instantly and irrevocably in love with Puccini. 
However, I had never seen a stage production of Butterfly until yesterday. 

Dressed in my butterfly sweater and my "Un Bel Di" bracelet from operabracelets.com, I went to experience Butterfly. I was absolutely enchanted. The costumes were exquisite, the sets, simple, and elegant, and Kristine Opolais, and Roberto Alagna were perfect for Cio Cio San and Pinkerton. They are gifted vocalists who are also physically appealing enough to be believable in the roles. 

There is supposed to be an encore at 6:30 PM at Tinseltown in Pearl if you are interested in this amazing event. 

 

The Bird

I admit it. I have never been much of a bird person. I saw the Hitchcock movie when I was a child and it completely freaked me out. 

But, a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that a cardinal was building a nest in the azalea bush right outside the room in my home that I use for an office. She is probably not six feet from where I sit when I am working on my computer, albeit separated by a window and a screen. 


I became instantly fascinated as I watched her build her nest. She would bring in more twigs and leaves, then sit on the nest, changing positions every five minutes or so. I guess she was making sure that something she was going to be sitting on for a while was as comfortable as possible. She is spending a little more time in the nest each day. I have not seen her mate around, so she apparently has not laid her eggs. I hear cardinal daddies are pretty good at helping keep the eggs warm. Poor mama has to go start building yet another nest. 

Now, I find myself feeling a bit like a mother hen! I worried that this weeks storms and wind might harm the nest. I have been concerned about possible predators. Do I feed her or will that attract creatures who might do her and her babies harm?? My husband is not helpful in his "that's just nature" approach! This is MY cardinal! 

I have named her "Mamacarla" in honor of a friend who has a nurturing soul. 

Stay tuned for the further adventures of Mamacarla and the babies. 

 

Broken

The tragedy in Brussels today made me think about a lot of things. How tired I am of senseless violence. How tired I am of some of the reactions to the senseless violence. But, most of all, how sad it would be to have one's last words to a loved ones be spoken in anger. 

Thankfully, most of us have a chance to apologize to our loved ones after we strike out in anger. Tempers cool, more appropriate words are spoken, and things are at least a bit better. 

I know, that in my case, the words that people have battered me with hurt far more than physical blows. I still occasionally tear up when I remember things that have been said to me. "Sorry" didn't heal the wounds. That took time, and some of them have never totally scabbed over. 

In the heightened uncertainty of today's world, I would encourage everyone to think before they speak in anger. Leave the situation for a time. Write a letter expressing feelings, then burn it and write one that expresses them appropriately. Never assume that you will see your friend or loved one again. Try to part on terms that may have to last a lifetime.

 

Voiceless Again

Once again, Holy Week approaches and I am not able to sing. Unlike last year, my vocal cords are only severely inflamed due to being intubated and getting the crud shortly after. They will heal. I just have to have patience. If I behave now, there is a possibility that I might sing by Easter Sunday. 

Holy Week and Easter is my favorite time of the church year. I love the scriptures, contemplation, and music. It seems ironic that not just one year, but two years in a row, I should be unable to do what I do. Sing. Thankfully, I have much more of a peace about things than I did this time last year. Easter will happen, with or without my singing voice. 

Speaking on the phone is especially taxing. So, feel free to email, text, Facebook, or write me a letter. I will be resting these vocal cords. 

Nurses

Last week, I ended up in the hospital having to have a sooner than expected gallbladder surgery. Because I am a bit medically complicated, this "23 hour" procedure turned into an almost 6 day stay at River Region.

For me, hospital stays always boil down to one thing. 

The nursing care. 

During this stay, my nursing care was absolutely exceptional. First was Sharon, who worked to get me settled in despite not one, but two codes called that afternoon on my floor. The next day, as I was trying to get dietary to send up something I could eat, (Jello!)  the nurse I called "Sic em' Sheila" had the dietary manager come talk to me personally. Anita, who is not even a floor nurse anymore, came and finally got my new IV started after others could not get my notoriously difficult veins to cooperate. The day of surgery, I had a wonderful nurse, Mioshae, who knew firsthand what it was like to be on the "other side" as a kidney transplant patient herself. Nurse Debra stole me an extra pillow to help make that miserable bed tolerable. And it was quite easy to remember nurse Karen's name.  Saturday night, when the computers were down, I had the old school "dream team" of Sandra the nurse, and Barbara the aide,  who went back to paper and pen with no problems. 

I met many other wonderful people during my stay, but they will have to wait for another post. This one is for the the real hospital rock stars. Those nurses!
 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Cheers debuted during my last year of (my first tour) of graduate school in 1982. I heard people talking about this show, but I never really had time to watch it. I did like the catchy theme song: Where Everybody Knows Your Name. 

I tend to choose the restaurants I frequent not only for the food, but for the personnel. I have my favorites. Nancy at Cracker Barrel has been waiting on me since they opened in Vicksburg. The folks at Martins at Midtown are always pleasant. The waitresses at Goldie's know what my husband is going to order before he orders it. Even the young lady at the Frontage Road McDonald's knows that I am headed to church when I stop there early on Sunday mornings to get my weekly McGriddle and sweet tea. My favorite place in Vicksburg to eat is Billy's. Brady,  Karen, Jessica, Sarah, Kylie, and TyAnn all take good care of me. I know that I am going to get consistent food and service. 

I am saddened when favorite restaurants change hands or staff that I am particularly fond of leaves. Toney's is not quite the same without Mike, who left to become a car salesman. I miss Brian at Martin's. Another favorite place has disappointingly changed ownership and personnel many times in just a few months. I guess I am just getting old and crochety. When I spend my dollars in restaurants, I don't want it to be like a box of chocolates. I want to know what I am going to get! 





 

David Bowie

I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news that David Bowie had passed away from cancer at the age of 69. However, news of his passing brought back a precious memory of my mother. 

Betty Nelson absolutely LOVED to play Trivial Pursuit. She was a master at this game and almost never lost. One particular night, we were playing the Baby Boomer Edition. In this edition, the sports and leisure category was replaced with a category for pop music RPM. 

Mama was a Broadway baby. She loved classical music and show tunes. Her pop music knowledge pretty much began and ended with Barry Manilow and The Carpenters. So, when she ended up in the center one evening and the rest of the players were allowed to choose the category we thought would most likely stump her, of course we chose RPM. 

The question was "Which pop star played John Merrick, also known as The Elephant Man, on Broadway?" 

Mama just looked at us with a smug smile and hollered DAVID BOWIE! Unbelieving, we looked at the card, and, sure enough, that was the answer. She basked in that victory for years. 

Rest in peace, David Bowie, and thanks for the memories. 

Send Snacks!

Honestly, I have been so busy trying to recover from Christmas, visit with out of town company, and get my ducks in a row for the new year, that I have not had time to pay too much attention to what has been going on in Oregon. 

One thing I have heard is that these folks took over a federal building and neglected to bring any food. Seriously?? That is one of the first things I would think of. I always know where the nearest snack is and what I have to do to get it! If I am going somewhere, I might not take a lot of clothes or jewelry, but honey, I am going to take food. 

It would not take long to get me out of anywhere that did not have a ready supply of food and sweet tea. 

Those folks need to go home and get a cup of hot chocolate and some cookies. 

Christmas Reflections

Fortunately, blogging about my good December did not jinx my Christmas.

Christmas Eve was lovely. I did some holiday baking for the first time in many years. Sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, and mini pecan pies were put on trays and in goodie bags to be given to friends and family. 

It was fun to be around some young great nieces and nephews who are new to the family this year. Seeing their excitement about Christmas made the holiday more jolly this year. 

Then, I went to Christmas Eve Communion with my friend Alex Brown and his family at Porter's Chapel UMC. Hermanville does not have a Christmas Eve service, and I have been looking for a place to "be" on Christmas Eve. The pianist playing in the foyer graciously allowed me to sing while people went in and out of the church. I am already planning to go back next year. 

This morning, I stuffed my eggs and went to Granna's house. Granna is my sister's mother in law, but she has adopted my entire family. I am grateful that she invites us all to dinner so that everyone can spend time together. Sharing the holiday with one of my niece and future nephew's friends from England was a joy. I came home to a lovely nap and rented movies from iTunes.

I can't remember when I have had a nicer Christmas. 

 

 

December

I am almost afraid to write this post for fear I will "jinx" this (so far!) calm and peaceful December. But, I am counting my blessings today that neither I, nor anyone else in my family is seriously ill or dying. I am not having surgery and I do not have the flu. (Knock on wood!) 

The Memories page on Facebook reminded me that 7 years ago, I had surgery, 6 years ago, I was not doing well, and mired in doctor's appointments. Five years ago, my stepmom had hip surgery and ended up in ICU. Four years ago, I was helping care for my dying daddy and 3 years ago today, we laid my father-in-law to rest. Two years ago, I had a nasty case of flu that necessitated the delay of my hip replacement, and last year, I got hernia surgery for Christmas. 

Through all of this, I was blessed with encouragement and support from my friends. Meals were brought, prayers were offered, and one precious person even brought me a small, decorated Christmas tree when I was too exhausted from caring for loved ones to even try to put one up. 

This year, I have had time to put up my tree, go to some Christmas events, buy a few gifts, and send Christmas cards. I even have plans to bake some treats to send with my husband when he goes to spend Christmas with his brother and sister in Tennessee. All in all, what seems like a normal December. 

I know that life can turn on a dime. My loved ones and I might yet have our December disrupted. But, in this moment, I am thankful for what I have already had this month. 

Happy December!
 

Fear

Some sources say that there are 365 Bible verses telling us not to fear. This is one of my favorites.

 "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:31 KJV 

I think everyone has particular verses that resonate with him or her. This is one of mine. I grew up fearing many things. From the "Russians" to getting "out of step" in marching band, I spent many days and nights being just plain scared. 

Several years of therapy helped me to find the roots of my fears, and to overcome them. I wish I could say that I have absolutely no fears now, but I manage them pretty well, using the wisdom of Jesus and my own common sense. 

Don't get me wrong. I take reasonable precautions to ensure my safety. But, I simply refuse to live my life in fear. I think that is an ultimate insult to the God who consistently tells us not to be afraid. 

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV

In these troubled times, I am clinging to these verses, while living my life to the fullest!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hcqrVtXZT0 




 

Elections 2015: What I Learned

For the first time in quite a while, I found myself particularly involved in the election that was held last Tuesday. There were actually people running for office that I truly believed in, rather than simply choosing the lesser of two evils. 

I was disappointed in many of the results. It appears that a majority of Mississippians are quite content with being 50th in most categories. The things that matter to me, such as education and healthcare don't matter to everyone. And, God forbid that someone should get something to which we think he or she should not be entitled. I was also chagrined at the number of young people who told me that they did not bother to vote. Many were not even registered and had no idea where their polling places were.

But, there were good things that happened as well. I was privileged to meet the courageous Christen Hemmins, who, although not in my district, amazed me with her story and ability to overcome the stuff of nightmares. I was pleased to see that the ever capable Jan Daigre and Donna Hardy retained their positions in local government. 

The best part of the campaign process for me was meeting Joce Pritchett. A highly educated, successful owner of an engineering firm, she ran for the extremely important office of State Auditor. That she lost to the Caucasian, upper middle class, Republican male was no real surprise in this state. However, she ran a clean, honest campaign that will hopefully inspire other women to step up and do the same.

All I can do now is pray that the duly elected officials make choices that will benefit ALL the people of Mississippi, not just a select few. 
 

 

The Cubs

Tonight, I did something I have not done in many years. I sat and watched a Chicago Cubs game. 


I used to be a HUGE Cubs fan. Back when they were on almost every day on WGN, I had the TV on every time I was at home when they were playing. I can still name the players and their quirks from when I watched from the mid 1980's till about 1998. My husband and I took Amtrak to Chicago in 1993 to watch three games back in the day when Harry Carey, Steve Stone, and Thom Brenneman were announcing. We had seats just a few rows in front of the press box. Mark Grace was on first, Ryne Sandberg was on second, and Turk Wendell, relief pitcher,  was entertaining the crowd with his superstitious antics.

1998 was the summer of the (or, so I thought) great home run race between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. I was in my last semester of graduate school, but I would go to restaurants in Monroe that had TVs tuned to baseball so I could keep up. 

Shortly after I graduated, I began working a full time, very demanding job. I did not have much time for baseball anymore. Evidence of illegal steroid use by both Sosa and McGwire broke my heart and the hearts of pure baseball fans everywhere. Two friends, with whom I loved to discuss Cubs baseball, passed away. Constant trades and free agency made it difficult to keep up with the constantly changing rosters of players.  It just was not as much fun anymore. I kept up with the Cubs, but it was only sporadic, lacking in my previous enthusiasm. 

Tonight, some of that former joy returned. The game was fun again. I plan to watch as much as I can of the   playoffs between the Cubs and the Cards. 

Who knows? I might just get hooked again. 

 

Just a Nurse...Practitioner

Over the past few weeks, I have heard several people complain about "only" getting to see a nurse practitioner. They feel shortchanged when they do not see an MD. Granted, I have met one or two nurse practitioners that I have not seen eye to eye with. I have also had doctors with whom I did not get along. 

Personally, I LOVE my nurse practitioners. I have gotten great care from the ones I see. Molly, at Jackson Pulmonary, has been wonderful at helping me keep my asthma under control and working with me on my sleep apnea. She has more time to see me than my actual pulmonary doctor, who stays swamped with patients who have much more serious problems than I do. 

I have also received great care at University of Mississippi Medical Center from my nurse practitioners. The neurology department stays incredibly busy there, but Leigh took the time to listen and help me come to terms with my neuromuscular disorder. When she left, the very capable nurse practitioner, Carolyn, took over. Carolyn has been able to help me get answers to questions about whether or not I have anything that could be passed on to my niece or nephew (I don't, thank goodness), and making peace with my limitations. 

Nurse practitioners work under the supervision of medical doctors. The ones I have known are quick to consult with or have me see my MD if the need should arise. To me, they are not "just" nurse practitioners. They are key to my healthcare circle. 

So, give nurse practitioners a chance. You might be very glad you did.