Absurdity?

Sometimes it really gets to me...

As I peruse my local newspaper, the blaring headlines scream out the following things going on locally and around the world:

Suicide bombings (I'll never understand this lack of value given to human life)!

Ozone holes (huh?)!

Crashed airliner found in the Amazon (so tragic...)!

E. coli and spinach (what would Popeye do??)!

Colorado shooting (how awful!)!

American Idol trio are here picking finalists for the new season (I wonder how Simon and Paula are getting along...and are we really interested??)!

Florida Representative Foley resigns amid a nasty scandal involving improper emails sent to an underage page (embarrassing)!

Death toll in Iraq continues to rise (when is this war going to end?? Is this war going to ever end?)!

Local football team loses a pivotal game and is now out of the race to be #1 in the nation (Hoover High School...now featured on an MTV show...maybe the pressure of all of the cameras finally got to the players....or their egos?!)!

Mideast issues continue (continual...)!

World leaders blasting Bush (no matter what personal feelings one might have.....he is our leader....where is the outrage?)!

School principal killed in shooting (scary)!

Crime is up all over (and continuing to rise)!

Madonna is the highest paid female singer on the planet (do we care?)!

Cheating controversy hits Russian Chess Championship as player takes too many bathroom breaks and it is thought to be receiving technical help via a computer (is nothing sacred anymore?)!

...and on and on.....

But amongst these headlines, there are also the following stories offering a bit of comic relief:

A chicken name Henrietta was spotted on Pennsylvania farm and was found to have four legs! (I didn't realize that farmers even named their chickens!)

A passenger snuck a pet hamster onboard an Austrian Airlines flight. The hamster got loose and the airplane had to make an unscheduled stop at the nearest airport to deal with the matter.

...and recently a bride in California was found riding a camel to the church for her wedding. (That couldn't have been real comfortable in her bridal gown!)

Now, after reading these stories, my question is....which news is more absurd, illogical, or preposterous...the headlines or these humorous stories above????

I'm not sure anymore. Are you?

Children's Wisdom

Jeffrey and Janet gave me a wonderful little book for my birthday.

It is called "Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me" by Cynthia L. Copeland and it is priceless.

While it is filled with "childish thoughts", they still have valuable meaning to us as adults. Here are a few examples from the book:

"Don't say 'the last one there is a rotten egg' unless you're absolutely sure there's a slow kid behind you."

"You are only little until someone littler comes along."

"If you can't reach someone, blow kisses!"

"The path you're on looks different when you turn around."

"If you stay clean, you'll never have fun."

"Squeeze the tube slowly, because once the toothpaste is out, it is hard to put it back in."

"Some weeks you really need Saturday on a Wednesday."

and, "If you stand on tiptoe to be measured this year, you'll have to step on tiptoe the rest of your life."

I have read through it several times and each time I get something else from it.

I especially love the page near the end that has one word of advice for us and that is simply:

"GIGGLE"

You can't get much better advice than that. : )

Blame it on George!

I am very late getting to my blog today because I spent a good portion of my day sitting in standstill traffic in my car.

I had good intentions all day...but, things just haven't worked in my favor.

First of all, I headed out early this morning to sit with my friend's sister in the hospital. My friend had broken her wrist and was needing to have two pins and a plate put in before they could "cast" it. First, I ran into a wonderful local bakery to pick up some warm muffins for her and then got on my way. Well, I totally forgot that early morning traffic out of my neighborhood is bumper to bumper for a while. So, I got caught in that. By the time that I got to the hospital, the surgery was over and the doctor had already come out with the news. Everything was fine and she would be in recovery for a bit. I had an early morning doctor appointment so I stayed as long as I could in the waiting room. UnfortunateIy, I was only able to see my friend for less than a minute before rushing out to get to my appointment on time...

After the doctor I (unwisely) decided to head down to Costco to pick up some much-needed household items. You know, like huge quantities of paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, as well as a 40 pound (!!) box of wild birdseed, etc. etc. Of course, I also picked up a few total non-necessities which kept me in the store for quite a while...I do this all of the time....It is so hard to resist as you walk down the immense aisles and see all of these wonderful products that you never knew you could live without. You know, like gigantic bags of pistachio nuts, enough candy for the next five Halloween's, an adorable baby storybook for my new grandson, a rotisserie chicken, and a lifetime supply of padded mailing envelopes. I guess that this is the management's plan when you shop at their warehouse stores...and, I fall for it everytime !!

Anyway, I digress. I head back to my car and head home. Normally, this would be about a 10-15 minute journey at most....BUT, not today. You see, our President, George Bush, was in town for a visit. He was here to elevate interest in our using ethanol as a source of renewable energy and to talk about the possibilities of setting up a plant here in Alabama.

Well, unbeknownst to me (still in "new baby Owen fog" I guess) all of the major highways were being closed until his visit was over. So, there I was....SITTING in my car going nowwhere for over 45 minutes. (luckily, I had ordered a fat-free frozen chocolate/vanilla swirl before leaving Costco....so I wouldn't starve to death!) I then noticed that some of the cars were making a U-turn over the median--- ironically right past a highway sign that stated: "Do not cross median". Well, I finally got up the nerve to follow the other cars and warily headed in the opposite direction...hoping to find a side road to finally get me home.

Unfortunately, as I headed down some of the smaller roads, I realized that traffic was at a standstill here as well. You see, the Costco is located in the actual Alabama town that Mr. Bush was speaking in....so, the police had pretty much closed everything down and nothing was moving. aaargh.

Well, without boring you with any more details, suffice it to say that I finally made my way back home after an hour and a half in traffic.

Thus, the lateness of my posting today.

Hail to the Chief... : )

Crisper days ahead

My calendar stated that on September 23, Autumn officially began.

This is my very favorite time of year!

Temperatures begin to drop just slightly.....the humidity levels follow suit...and the air just feels fresher, more alive. My early morning walks become more invigorating as the cooler days begin to make their appearance. And, Mother Nature begins to bring Fall colors to the trees as the leaves begin their transformation from green to vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. I love it!

Living in Alabama, we will still have some very warm days ahead, but for the most part the weather will be very pleasant. After having grown up in S. Florida, I welcome the changing seasons here even though they may be moderate. In S. Florida a winter day meant that you might start out wearing a light jacket but by afternoon you were uncomfortably warm.

I also love the upcoming holidays. Dave and I usually carve pumpkins together for Halloween...then I roast the seeds. I love to give candy out to the neighborhood kids and see them in their costumes. It all takes me back to when my boys were young and enjoyed this candy feast!

Adam was always a bit leery of anything in a costume (he really disliked clowns and ran from all of the costumed characters at Disneyworld!).

So, on trick or treat night we would have to go to the door for him and collect his treats... as he was apprehensive of what might lurk behind those closed doors. He would stand a prudent distance away and watch. Sometimes when he observed that it was a "safe" house (and not "haunted"!!) he would venture closer to retrieve the goodies on his own.

It does make me wonder how his new son, Owen, will do when he is old enough to trick or treat. Or, should I say, I wonder how Owen's daddy will do...I think that he has outgrown this fear...but, one never knows!

BOO! : )

Uncle Jeffrey and Aunt Janet visit with Owen!

 

 

Brotherly Love

I feel so much emotion just watching my children.

The immense pleasure that my boys and their wives bring to my life is indescribable. They have grown into tender and gentle adults and treat everyone they meet with such kindness. I can't ask for much more than that.

When the four of them spend time together, I smile inside the whole time.

So, you can imagine my delight when Jeffrey and Janet flew to Minnesota to visit Adam, Jenny and Owen last week. Viewing the pictures of their time together completely fills me with joy.

As I look at the pictures I feel so gratified for their close and loving connection. Adam and Jeffrey have had this kind of relationship always. Even as children, they really supported each other and very rarely, if ever, conflicted.

Their relationship always amazed me in that when I was growing up with my 3 sisters we fought like cats and dogs!! There was hardly a day that went by where one of us wasn't getting angry over something....and then running to tell mom with the hope of getting them in trouble. Conflict was pretty much a constant throughout our growing years. (Thank heavens we have all outgrown that now!)

But, my boys were different. They got along...and, still do to this day, feeling such respect and admiration for one another. They are the best of friends.

It makes a mother proud. : )

"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man." R. Tagore

"My best creation is my children." Diane Von Fursteneberg

Future Rock Star?

It looks like little Owen is missing his Grammie already! What do you think?

He is wearing the little "Future Rock Star" t shirt that I got him.

I couldn't resist getting it for him as his dad plays guitar and drums and probably still has dreams of some day being a rock star! : ) One can't help but notice the drum set and electric guitar that are sitting in their downstairs room in Minnesota. I think that Jenny might have something to say if Adam started playing any loud music these days! It may be a while before these instruments get any use.

I must say that I can definitely picture Adam and Owen rocking out together someday when he gets a little older. And, with his mom's incredibly beautiful voice, she can front their little family "band"!

When Adam and Jeffrey were little, playing music was a huge part of their growing up. Luckily, we had a large playroom downstairs where they could make all of the noise that they wanted to. It was here that they pretended to be famous musicians having a jam session. We have some wonderful videos of these fun times. Both boys were in rock bands at some point in their late teens, so music was always a big part of our family.

While I am an artist, I don't really have any musical ability, so I was in awe of this talent that my sons both had. While I can't read a note of music, they were naturals when they received their first guitars or when they took their piano lessons. Jeffrey even attempted to take violin lessons when he was about 5 years old. This mainly consisted of "plucking", but still seemed pretty incredible to me to see such a young child reading music as he held up his little violin to his chin.

My greatest musical memory was playing my little record player over and over again up in the attic of our New York house. The song was "Tina, the Ballerina" and 50 some years later I can still hear that tune in my head. As I listened to those magical songs I would be transformed into a beautiful, long-legged ballerina in a pink tutu performing before a full house of fans. It was a magical time.

Truth be told, I was a little, ungraceful 4 year old prancing about in my pink pajamas...

Imagination can be a wonderful thing.... : )

Joyous Occasions and Divorce

A couple of my friends have encouraged me to post some of my feelings on this topic. At first I was hesitant because of the personal nature of it all...but was convinced when I was told that my words might help others who find themselves in the same, or similar situations.

Celebrating joyous family occasions together can be a bit complicated when you are divorced. Owen's recent birth was one of those special events that put me and my ex together with other family members.

While I have only been divorced for the last 4 + years...the ending occurred after a long-term marriage of 31 years...making the recovery all the more difficult.

I would be lying if I didn't say that the divorce and its aftermath weren't a time of great sadness and tears. It was, and then some. I went through all kinds of emotions...starting with denial, anger, confusion, shock, pain, hurt, numbness, grief, etc........all the way to acceptance. I had to give myself permission to find my way to the 'acceptance' part, as it wasn't an easy step to take.

The first family occasion that I faced was my youngest son's wedding a little over a year after the divorce was finalized. My ex was there with his new wife and all of his family. I kept focusing on my son and new daughter-in-law and this celebration of their love. It was such a momentous event for both families as Jeffrey and Janet became man and wife and I wasn't going to let the newness of my divorce get in the way.

Truth be told, as I look back on that weekend....I had a wonderful time....but I was probably in a bit of a fog...I made it through with the help of loving, supportive friends and family. It was a joyous celebration and I did not want any of my 'discomfort' to show through and take away any of the elation.

Now flash forward to Owen's birth several year's later.

Again, a family celebration and another opportunity to spend time with my ex as we shared this incredible passage in our lives and our children's.

In moving on with my life post-divorce, I had made the commitment to always put my children first concerning the divorce. After all, it had nothing to do with them...in fact, they were the most wonderful product of our long-term marriage. While my ex and I may have grown apart through the years, looking back, I have happy memories of a very loving marriage and an amazing family.

Time has healed some of my wounded spirit and I have made my reentry as a stronger and better person because of it all. Taking this energy, I made a promise to be able to look at my ex as an important part of my past life and find a way to truly and authentically share the joys of our being parents together always. I wanted to do this, not only for my children, but for myself.

I see some people who never let go of that anger and hurt and cannot be in the same room as their ex. Why? It is not going to change anything....and it will end up being hurtful to them, and others, in the long run.

I found that it took the same amount of energy to let go and be happy that it did to keep antagonistic feelings inside. So, I made the choice to be happy.

My ex and I will always be Adam and Jeffrey's parents and being able to celebrate together as a family in a pleasant, loving way is great. I wouldn't have it any other way. Life is too short and too important to stay stuck in sadness.

So, the occasion of our first grandson's birth was enhanced by the fact that the two grandparents were there, openly and honestly, commemorating the Circle of Life together....and, most importantly honoring the children that they brought into this world together with love.

Spiritual Renewal

"Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul."

Marcus Aurelius

Tonight at sunset the Jewish New Year will begin.

This period of time is called the High Holy Days and it marks ten days of 'introspection, repentance and renewal'.

It is an opportunity to pause from our daily routines, stop what you are doing, and reflect on the past year. As we look forward to the new year ahead, it is a time to reach deep into our souls and take stock of ourselves.

Being such an introspective person, I find myself doing this most of the time whether I want to or not. I am almost continually in some sort of deep thought...

But, this time of year brings it all into focus as the Holiday emphasizes not only thinking about our lives....but being remorseful and repentant for any wrongdoings that we may have done in the past year...making peace, and moving ahead in a positive and renewed way.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most religious and holy of all days in my religion.

I must admit, at times I find myself questioning some aspects of organized religion. I might be opening up a can of worms here, but my own religious beliefs are very personal and have not always followed the norm.

Religion has been a contributing factor to so much divisiveness throughout the years and the cause of so much hardship for so many people. While we all need something to believe in as we go through life, I don't feel that any one person's beliefs are better or more important than another's.

The labels and prejudices that arise from religious beliefs can be hurtful and untrue. So many wars have started in the name of 'religion' and this seems to be the antithesis of what the word represents. What seems important to me is the fact that we should treat each other with respect, acceptance, and a loving spirit.

Our spirituality comes from our hearts and the kindness in our souls. How one chooses to express that spirituality is so individual.....whether by attending a church, synagogue, mosque, etc. where a sense of community and belonging is fostered through prayer......or by going out in nature and feeling moved by the miracles that surround us.....or by helping out our fellow man by doing kind deeds....etc.

Okay, I will get off of my soap box (!) and end this post with this thought....

The same author of the beginning quote also said: "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

While difficult at times, I strive to accomplish these insights as I go through every day...and I find that I am always gratefully ending my day counting my many blessings.

With the birth of my new grandson this year I have added a wonderful 7+ pound blessing to the list.

If this isn't renewal of the spirit, I don't know what is.... : )

Superstitions?

"Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational-but how much does it cost you to knock on wood?" Judith Viorst

As I took my morning walk today I came upon two pennies lying on the side of the road.

Without missing a beat, I immediately scooped them up- not wanting to miss out on these "lucky" pennies. This happens to me quite often on my walks and I react the same way each time.

I then take these "pieces of luck" and put them into a little mesh bag that I keep in my purse.

I had to laugh as I looked inside of it as I added the pennies to my collection of "good luck charms". Here are its contents:

1) A card with a half penny taped to it given to me by a friend who knew of my fear of flying. This was given to me right before I took a flight home to visit my family during a rough time in my life following my divorce. This friend helped me get through this time, making his "gift" especially significant.

2) A gold airplane charm that my mom gave to me when I started to fly again.

3) A cross- also given to me by a dear, old friend....Even though I am Jewish, this is a precious reminder of our friendship and I cherish the loving thoughts behind it.

4) Two small, smooth stones with the words "courage" and "joy" imprinted on them.

5) A bracelet given to me by my sister with blue crystal beads and the words "fly high" on silver letter beads.

6) A $5 casino chip from the Grand Casino, Gulfport, Mississippi---one of the casino's destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

7) A collection of the other 6 coins I have found while on my walks..

and, finally

8) A little silver cat charm.

I am not sure that any of these are responsible for any luck that I might encounter throughout my life...but, I have a sense of peace, calm, and safety, knowing that I have these items with me.

So, like millions of other people out there, I guess that I qualify as being a superstitious person. Having been born on Friday the 13th, I think that this feeling has been with me since birth.

To this day, thirteen is still my "lucky number"...in fact, on the two connecting flights home from Minnesota, I sat in row 13 both times. While other people may avoid sitting there....for me it signified good things.

Crazy? I don't think so. To me this is just another validation of mind over matter...and how a belief in something can be so very powerful. This way of thinking is the basis for the deep spirituality and faith that I carry with me always that everything is "going to be alright".

And, so far, so good. : )

Home again....

Well, I am back in "Sweet Home Alabama" after my wonderful two weeks with the kids and Owen. : )

I knew that reentry would be difficult, but waking up this morning and not being able to hold my new grandson hit me like a ton of bricks.

I am sure that it will get easier as the days go by and I get back into my routine. It was time for the Jenny and Adam to get into their own rhythm without my presence and assistance.

I'm not really that concerned about their adjustment...they are naturals....But, what is a grammie to do? I guess that my cat, Gizmo, will just have to get used to some extra 'mothering' from me.

I don't think that she will mind too much.

A little purring is good for the soul...

 

 

 

My last day....

My dear, sweet Owen,

Tomorrow I will be heading back home to my reality. Gizmo awaits my return as do all of the mail, bills, and clay waiting to be formed, etc.etc. And, of course, I will have so many wonderful stories to relate to all of my dear friends.

It will not be easy to leave you and your mommy and daddy. I well up with tears just thinking about not getting to wake up every morning and see your angelic face. However, I will not be leaving with sadness, but with a filled heart.

I will carry that image of your incredibly beautiful face with me always.

I will celebrate your good health and unlimited ability to make full grown adults melt by your coos and your smiles.

I will continue to be in awe of the miracle of your birth.

I will be warmed as I think about the immediate love and connection that I saw in your parent's eyes as you entered this crazy world of ours.... and that I continue to see every day as they care for you.

I will smile as I think about how entertaining your hiccups, your smiles, your every movement, and, yes, even your poops, became to us.

I will think about the simple pleasure of just sitting and watching you in wonder as your tiny fingers grasped my finger with such strength and determination.

I will laugh as I remember Oscar's accepting you into the family by putting his favorite toy on your face.

I will feel empathy as your tired parent's wearily find the strength to comfort you in the middle of the night.

I will dream about the next visit and how I will be amazed by your growth and new skills.

I know that each day you are growing and changing in that I have already seen such changes in you since I arrived here 2 weeks ago. I will miss all of those little passages, but, I know that your mommy and daddy will keep sending pictures and that we can always do a little webcam when I need a "fix" of my Owen.

The miles may separate us, dear Owen, but our hearts are forever bound together...and I know that I am leaving you in very capable and loving hands.

Bye for now, sweet Owen. I know that it is time for me to go....

But...

I am missing you already...

I love you, Grammie

Uncle Dave and Owen talking 'football' before the games...

 

Reinforcements have arrived!

Well, Mimi left yesterday : ( ....and then "Uncle" Dave arrived last night.

He immediately joined the ever-growing group of Owen admirers as he comforted him after a fussy spell. Dave's soft voice seemed to relax him as he held him in his arms.

Of course, greater chores lie ahead for Dave as we have assembled a list of "honey-do's" for him...First, there is the leaky faucet in the master bathroom....then the kitchen sink is not getting enough water pressure....etc.etc.

Welcome to Minnesota "Uncle" Dave! We are so glad that you are here... : )

Most Men Hate Shopping.....

...but, not Owen! He seems to love it. (I guess that he takes after his mommy.) : )

As you can tell, we took him for his first shopping trip yesterday. It was quite and ordeal but a good practice run for Jenny for when she is on her own. First there was the gathering of all of the supplies that we would need to pack up the diaper bag. Fresh diapers, a cooler with formula, wipees, blankets, changing pads, burping pads, a toy or two, a baggie for dirty diapers, an extra outfit just in case....etc etc etc. The bag was overflowing.

Then baby needed changing....and of course, a cute little outfit for his big venture out into the world of "The Mall"! At this point it was lunchtime so the two grandma's and mom ate a quick lunch. Well, by this time it was Owen's feeding time again....soooooo...he was fed, burped, changed....and again readied to go.

Now, when I was a mother (in the olden days!!), we used those lightweight umbrella strollers. Nothing to them...just close them up and go....open them up and use. The modern stroller is more complicated than building a house. Reading the manual together, the three of us could not figure out how to collapse it to get it into the car. Of course, part of it can be removed to click into the awaiting car seat where Owen would be riding. But we needed the stroller packed into the car to get around the Mall. After several minutes of unsuccessful attempts, we still could not get it closed up. So, finally, in desperation, we put the entire open stroller into the back of Jenny's SUV and finally headed to our destination. whew

By now, we were all exhausted, including little Owen who pretty much slept through the entire outing with the exception of his having a poopy diaper while we were in the store dressing room. Changing him would have to be a whole 'nother post.

Suffice it to say, that it took three grown women to get this done.

I'm not sure whether or not Jenny will ever venture out of the house again...

What's the big deal, Grammie, Mimi, and Mommy? I'm perfectly content....

Got milk?

As I sat and gave little Owen his early morning supplemental feeding today, I was thinking about so many things.

I was trying to remember back when I was a new mother full of anxiety and questions... and how I got through every day while his dad was at work and I was on my own.

I know that Jenny and Adam are totally exhausted as they try to find a rhythm again in this new and wonderful life as parents.

With Jenny breastfeeding, a lot of the responsibility falls on her...so she is going through her days very sleep-deprived.

And, Adam does all that he can, but he has to get up each morning and go to work.

Reality is starting to set in and it is very challenging.

I have all the confidence in the world that they are going to be incredibly loving and capable parents....but they are the ones that need to feel that parenting instinct on their own.

Jenny's mom will be leaving tomorrow and then I will head home on Tuesday....leaving them totally on their own for the first time. As difficult as it will be for us to go....we know that it is time for them to find their own way.

In a way it feels as though I am watching Adam go off to kindergarten all over again.

You know that time when you worry so much about them heading off for their first school experience....

Will they be ok? Will they cry all morning? Will they miss me? Will they get more attached to this new caretaker in their lives? Will they get along with the other children? etc. etc.

You drop them off and they cautiously...but, happily go into the teacher's awaiting arms...

and then you get in the car and cry your eyes out...

 

 

The Birthday Gift

I am 58 today.

That sounds almost inconceiveable to me since I still feel like the 20-something young woman in so many ways....until I look in the mirror and see some of those little visible signs that one can't ignore. : )

It is strange how age just kinds of creeps up on us when we aren't paying attention.

Being a grandma has made me even more aware of the passage of time and the new, almost surreal, role that I am now in. How can I be a grandmother when I was just a new mother????..........

oh. That was 32 YEARS AGO!

It is interesting that all of the brightly wrapped gifts with the curled ribbons, while so appreciated, must take a back seat this year to the greatest birthday gift of all....my new little Owen.

sigh : )

New Parents!!!!!

So, what do new parents do on a slightly coolish Minnesota afternoon when they take their baby out for a walk in the neighborhood???

Overdo the blankets!

So, where's Owen?

See the picture below.... : )

 

Great-grandma's moment

...I captured the joy on my Mom's face holding her first great-grandson..... 

 

My Dad and Owen

I was so touched today watching my Dad and the newest member of the family having a 'moment' together...

What an honor for him as Owen's middle name was taken from my Dad's last name.

My sweet grandson't birth has brought me so many of these emotionally touching moments...

I am so blessed.

 

Oscar, the green dog!?!?

Adam went out to mow the lawn the other day. He didn't put the bag on the back of the mower, so the thickly grown grass was left lying on the lawn.

Shortly thereafter Oscar went out to play and came back inside a lovely shade of grass green!

So, we celebrated St. Patrick's day a little early this year. : )

 

The happy threesome! 

.....another early morning picture.....