Thankfulness

I find that an attitude of thankfulness serves me well. Even in turbulent times I’m able to see truth and beauty. Bad things certainly happen…more so to some than others. I don’t claim to understand why, but I do have a constant faith in God and will continue seeking to understand.

This Thanksgiving I have many things to be thankful for…

…a part-time job at Argyle with my old buddies and customers.

…two children that are relating more and more to me as adults, but still show glimpses of their dear childhoods.

…two dogs that don’t provide enough warmth for a three-dog night, but in Oregon (thankfully) the most we require is a two-dog night.

…a cozy home with yellow walls, plants inside and out, music playing constantly, and a place that I desire to be welcoming. Come see us!

…Walt’s Sherwood Appliance Shop. They helped me once again troubleshoot my washer/dryer problems and helped me fix the problem myself! I love small, locally owned businesses!

…Jacqui, Jenny and Becky, who are patiently teaching me how to play pinochle on ladies’ game night!

…the YMCA where I go to participate in circuit training, yoga, spinning, etc…I’m staying healthy even without health insurance!

…my family, Mom, Dad, Laurie, Dan and Sue and each of your spouses and children…you mean so much to me. Thanks, Dan, for sharing Thanksgiving with me.

…Emmanuel, you were my pastor in Bujumbura. It was great to share over 7 hours of one-on-one time with you on our way to and from Yachats. Our discussion on reconciliation will stay with me.

Advent Conspiracy

My sister, Laurie, had this video on her blog and it really spoke to me. I hope it resonates with you as well. Season's best!

Wordstock

Perhaps it's because our mother was a teacher (and made us look up the spelling of words we didn't know in a giant dictionary by the front door), but I love words in poetry, in books, when talking. Portland is a city obsessed with words too and has an annual event called Wordstock where writers get together and discuss their work. I missed it this year, but found some great quotes in the newspaper this morning. One was from Alexandre Poussin who made a journey across Africa with his wife on mostly the good graces of strangers. He says, "I believe you must have very little goals, but you must follow them to the end. You ought to wish little, but for a long period of time." The only other choice, " is to be unfocused, dispersed and to achieve nothing."

This same article quoted G.K. Chesterton, "An adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered." I LOVE that!

Yes, We Can!

I went to the Obama rally in Portland on May 18, 2008 when 72,000 people showed up on the banks of the Willamette River. A young fellow OSU alum next to me shot this picture of Obama with his telephoto lens...we were about 35,000 people back. The Decembrists, a local band that is one of my fav's, was playing when we made our way to the rally. To the tune of O' Valencia, we (my friend, Jacqui, and I) smooshed ourselves into the throng. I'd have to say it was a moving moment to be among so many people and to hear Obama speak.

So on this day after Barack Obama has been elected the forty-fourth President of the United States of America, I hope for change. My hopes are for a national healthcare system for all our citizens, for renewed diplomacy among the world's nations, for the end to the war in Iraq, and for our youth to retain their new hope by volunteering at home and abroad.

Beth in Vancouver, B.C.

There is almost nothing more beautiful than fall in the Northwest. I had a chance to experience it via train as I rode up to the International Conference on Urban Health in British Columbia, Canada. A cohort, Emily, and I were presenting a study from our Geographic Information Systems class last winter. We connected with another couple of friends of ours who were going to the conference and toured Vancouver together. I know these conferences are meant for networking, but I'd have to say the best part of the whole trip was getting to hang with the girls. They're some pretty remarkable women!