A Piece of Americana

On July 11th I got a taste of Americana in quaint Eagle, Wisconsin. My husband, daughter Megan and I attended a community concert to benefit the local cemetary. This cemetary was desimated by a tornado that ripped through the area in June, uprooting older trees, which in turn fell and ruined many a grave marker--doing much damage. That damage was still evident everywhere you looked...trees split in two, people's property still showing signs of the power behind that storm.

We sat in lawn chairs we brought. An empty bucket was passed for donations. As the Palmyra-Eagle Community band played patriotic songs, I looked around and felt I was experiencing what the Midwest is all about--a strong sense of community, apple pie and lemonaide.

Ages of the patrons ranged from infant to old geezer. There was ice cream to accompany your piece of cake or cookies--all donated by local bakers who wanted to do their part. All free, but donations were welcome and taken before you helped yourself.

The band was typical for a small community...all volunteers like you and I. An occasional off note, but their pride was absolute. Directed by none other than Ed Pierce, they did the community proud. (and I'm not just saying that because he was my band director in junior high!)

The local boy scout troop presented the colors, we all sang...it was, America at its best. A wonderful way to end a sunny weekend in Wisconsin.

Immigration Reform ?

This past weekend, I got into a minor discussion about the new Arizona law concerning illegal immigrants. I'm not a fan of the new law, but I wasn't able to properly communicate my feelings to the people in the room that felt differently. I found this post by Archbishop Timothy Dolan (late of Milwaukee) that states how I feel....http://blog.archny.org/?p=652

Blast from the Past

Tonight, while on Facebook, someone I used to date "chatted" me. You know, that little strip in the lower right corner that shows you who is online? I've avoided it like the plague, never chatted with anyone....it seems, so....90s. It reminds me of AOL instant messaging.

I hung in there...stayed on to see what was so important. Nothing. I got caught up on the past ten years of his life, he didn't ask one question about mine. Reminded me of one of the many reasons I dumped his ass so many years ago....

Gotta Love Spring

This is one of my favorite times of the year in my garden. The daffodils are all in full bloom....all different shapes and colors. Tulips are starting to bloom and iris' are beginning to sprout. One of my routines is to walk down the driveway (garden strips down both sides) and in front of our yard where the majority of the garden space is.

Almost time to put away the winter clothes....not quite.....it was in the 40's this weekend!

Only in Wisconsin....

Only in Wisconsin can you have sleety/slushy/rainy/snow one day and warm enough sunshine the next that the entire neighborhood is out for a walk! I am so pumped about spring I can't wait to get in my gardens!

To officially kick off the spring season, Megan and I went to the mall and both of us got a manicure and pedicure. She got wild/glittery blue with white flowers and mom got a sedate pinkish red. I even managed to get hubby to make supper. All is well in the kingdom.

Spiritual motivation sorely needed

To get more involved at our parish, I volunteered to teach Faith Formation class this year. Growing up Lutheran, we called it Sunday school and I believe my Catholic friends called theirs CCD (I have no clue what that stood for.) I converted to Catholicism in college and have been a Cathlolic now for almost 30 years.

Corey comes along to assist because if everyone shows up, we have 28 seventh and eighth graders! Some weeks I put in a lot of effort and don't feel I'm getting through to them at all. This week I didn't put in as much effort for our twice/monthly lesson and Corey's comment after class was "that went well." What!?! Were you in the same class I was?

The kids rarely participate and only read if I make them read. Seventh and eighth graders should be reading better than they do in class...although even I have difficulty with some of the words in the Bible etc. I try and switch it up--do something different every 30 minutes or so. I've also resorted to candy bribes so they bring their folders and to encourage them to participate.

Talk about a workout. I'm so drained when our time is up. Fatigued....mentally and physically.

Am I getting through? Do I force them to think? I hope so. Minimally, I hope our discussions and lessons incite discussions around their dinner table. I can't say I remember any of my Sunday school teachers from my youth, but as we have made our way through our lessons this past year, the Biblical stories came back. And as we slowly close out the year (only three classes to go), they are all tieing together.

I guess I need to be more like St. Francis who says in the Introduction to the Devout Life, “the proud man who trusts in himself has good reason not to attempt anything. The humble man is all the more courageous because he recognizes his own impotence. The less he esteems himself, the more daring he becomes because he places his whole trust in God.” I need to quit doubting and begin trusting in Him and perhaps our last few sessions will go well for all.

Blah Winter Blues

Despite the glorious sunshine, I feel guilty because all I want to do is lay in bed and read a book. When did kid's shoes get so expensive? Good Lord! In the past we've purchased Megan's shoes at discount box stores but this time she really wanted a pair of Sketchers....so off to Famous Footwear and Rogan's shoes we go. $39.99 for a pair of shoes that she will likely grow out of before she wears them out. Did manage to pick up my new specs and do some grocery shopping. Next I get to chauffeur Megan to a birthday party and hope to have the Chair Massage guys at the mall work out a few kinks. ;-)

Facebook

So while I've been stressed a lot by work lately, it hasn't been enough to blog about it. Facebook seems to be a nice distraction lately--its new and I want to check up on my 17-year-old as well as stay in touch with coworkers and friends.

It also has given me an opportunity to see what my world-traveling brother is up to as well.

What does my future have in store for me electronically? A 'crack'-berry? *gasp*