Pam's Place

:: HNY ::

2006-12-31T13:56:00.001-07:00

::New::

2006-09-01T09:01:00.000-06:00

I have a new niece! And she's precious...

Reese McKeylee P., born September 1st--8 lbs, 7 oz, 20.25 inches.

::Bonnie Babes::

2006-07-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Robyn Gough, owner of the site Clikchic Designs has called upon the talents of seven other Australian digital scrapbook designers (Shelleyrae of Scrapabyt, Trish Jones, Debbie McKenzie, Glynis of Bag of Scraps, Fiona of Serenity Digital Designs, Leonie of Honie Designs and Deb Fisher) to join her in making this fantastic A Whisper of a Dream mega-kit to raise funds for The Bonnie Babes Foundation, a cause very near and dear to her heart. I encourage you to read a bit more about this digital project and the upcoming launch crops, take a peek at some layouts already made with items from the kit, and then consider making a purchase to show your support. Thanks so much!
I commend these ladies that gave of themselves and their digi-abilities to help make a difference! Well done...

:: 37 ::

2006-07-13T07:13:00.000-06:00

I have received many wonderful digi-cards, e-cards, e-mails, snail-mail cards, instant messages, private messages, and phone calls--it's been such a treat!! (Thank you everyone!)

The above is a digi-card created by my mom...

:: 4th ::

2006-07-04T00:00:00.000-06:00

::Hall-Eye::

2006-06-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

Holli (hall with an eye) and I met in 9th grade band class. She played the clarinet and I played flute. Not long after graduating from high schoool she left Colorado (with a Colorado accent, but now that she's in Texas...!) and we haven't seen each other since! In recent years, email has brought us together again and we stay in touch in that format. She was in Denver this week working with a group called Dry Bones which ministers to the homeless. I was able to snag her one evening to spend some time together--I am really glad we did! It was so good to see you after 19 years, my friend!

::Preserving Your Precious Memories::

2006-05-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

Have you seen my mom's new website?
I think it looks great! Visit Kollage By Kay to see why....

::Alleluia::

2006-04-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

One of my all-time favorite hymns--I love how it expresses victory and celebration.
Easter blessings to you all....

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia! Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today ~Charles Wesley

::Fundraiser--supporting the victims of Cyclone Larry::

2006-04-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

In a combined effort, Trish Jones, Kylie Clark and Tracy Ann Robinson have put together a beautiful kit called Strength. It was so named to represent the strength and courage of the Australian people as they deal with the aftermath of the Cyclone Larry (a Category Five storm—the strongest on the intensity scale) that blasted Queensland in March. All proceeds of the sales of this kit will be donated to the Cyclone Larry Appeal--please visit the store at Clikchic Designs to show your support.

::Todd Taylor Info::

2006-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Although there are probably blogs out there like this, I haven't seen one until today.
My brother posted his resume' in blog format !!
I think it is a clever thing to do.

::One Year::

2006-02-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Terry David Eflin

June 24, 1944---February 27, 2005

{Mom and I made the floral wreath, and placed it just before sunset...}

::My feet HURT::

2006-02-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

It isn't everyday that I spend hours at a time on my feet, and certainly not three days in a row, but that's how it was yesterday, the day before, and the day before. I took time off of work so I could be an extra designer at the floral shop--do you have any idea how busy florists are at Valentine's Day?! Yah, flowers seem to be a popular gift choice for someone special! Oh yes, I knew that, and I anticipated being busy, but wow--I now know how mentally and physically draining the business is. And probably even more so for the owners/managers of the shop.
It was great practice, so I'm pleased for the opportunity to test my skills that I learned in school. So glad the owners are happy to give me that chance! I truly am there to help and learn and practice. So, on the day of love, I was able to spend time doing something I love--being with flowers.
It wasn't a stroll in the garden however. No strolling--only clipping, snipping, hauling, lifting, laughing, talking, helping, chopping, filling, arranging, trimming, making, creating, questioning, searching, standing, selecting, bending, answering, holding, pouring, cleaning, opening, sweeping, shifting, draining, processing, tying, tripping, reaching, cutting, calling, commenting, dropping, carrying, turning, head shaking, hurrying, carpooling, reassuring, spilling, order-taking, assisting, pricing, spritzing, smelling, encouraging and designing. Sitting? Only when using the restroom. Eating? Only now and then--never time for a meal.
It's amazing how many people shop for flowers like it's late Christmas Eve--last minute, after work, mostly men lined up hoping to find something for their special someone. (Hint for the future: select a different gift, or plan ahead and order in advance--thanks! LOL!)
I am wiped out. Tired. Drained. All good experience though.
Now we anticipate Easter, proms, and Mother's Day....

{photo NOT my own--it's an image from the internet...}

::A Sweet Valentine Treat For You::

2006-02-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

{scrapbook page elements from the Sweet On You kit by Karen Aicken, Julie Mead and Kay Eflin of E-scapeandscrap}

::Forecast was for snow...::

2006-01-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

...but it rained instead!
Today is Martin Luther King Jr Day, and I have the day off. No big plans, and since the forecast had called for snow, I thought it would ba good day to stay home and "get things done". That's what I was doing when I heard pounding on my my door. Now usually I don't answer the door at my apartment unless I'm expecting someone, or I sense an urgency. The pounding was urgent and the yelling from the other side of the door indicated the unit below me was flooding, so I decided I better open the door. After I got dressed real quick (hey, it was my day off and I hadn't gotten that far!) that is. I hadn't been to the laundry area since I'd started the machine but I soon noticed the floor was now a small lake. Yikes! I grabbed towels and threw them down, opened up the door, and the maintenace guys were in super fast. In no time, then had the shopvac in and sucking water, and I rushed downstairs to see what was going on in the unit below. Like I said--it rained. It was like a shower in their place just below my washer area. There were firemen there. No fire, but in my neighbor's panic, she called them just in case. My apartment claims it's a faulty part (water level regulator?) to my washing machine--I'm getting a new machine in 2 days!--and that it is not my fault. I really hope not--I feel bad enough as it is! Really no damaged to my place--just the need to run this blower thing for 24 hours to dry my carpet (not very quiet!), but they have a mess below. I helped move some things, but not quite sure how else to help out.
Usually I run my washer at night--I'm glad this was during the day instead so people didn't have to get up and come help then.
Lost my momentum--haven't done much since (except scrapbook!)

::Collection::

2006-01-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 7) I was in a second circle journal group, and I asked the ladies to do a layout telling me about what they collect. Here's a collection of mine...

::Mama Said...::

2006-01-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 6) This is one of the circle journal pages I enjoyed doing the most. Stacy had the theme of "Mama said..." and we were tell about a piece of advice we've heard from our mothers. What I did was take all the little things I heard her say (not necessarily advice) time and again growing up and collect them on to the one page. We both got a good chuckle out of this one... (Love you, Mom!)

::Simple Pleasures::

2006-01-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 5) Jen asked us to share our simple pleasures--here's a small list of some I have...

::What Is Magic::

2006-01-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 4) Lauren asked each of us in our circle journal group to do a scrapbook page of what is magic to us--here is my response...

(Let me know if the print in the layout is too small to read, and I can put the text here instead)

::My Earliest Memory::

2006-01-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 3) This is the page I made for my own topic--I asked everyone to share their earliest memory.

::Home::

2006-01-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 2) This is the scrapbook page I did for Lisa--her theme was "Home". Others in the group did their layout featuring their house, or family members that made them feel at home. I decided to say my home is one of my favorite places--Colorado....

::What Makes Me Laugh::

2006-01-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

(Day 1) Last year, I was part of a circle journal--a group of scrapbookers that each chose a topic, and in turn, each person in our group made a scrapbook page to fit that person's topic, and then gave it to her. In the end, we had made and received twelve pages each. I was looking through some of my files, and came across the pages I made for the other ladies in the group--since most of them give a little tidbit of insight about me, I thought I'd share some on my blog. This is the page I made for Gina--her topic was "Things That Make You Laugh", and although there are numerous things that make me chuckle, this is the one I chose. Thanks for looking!

2006-01-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

::Tagged by Carla::

2005-12-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

I was blog-tagged by Carla awhile back, and I'm just now getting to the questions!

*2 names you go by~ Pammie (by my nephew and some co-workers) and La (by a co-worker/friend)
*2 parts of your heritage~ English & a mix from northern Europe
*2 of your everyday essentials~ lip goo & gum (can't leave home without 'em!)
*2 things you are wearing right now~ socks & glasses (among other things, not just those!)
*2 of your favorite bands or musical artists~Michael W Smith, & Elvis
*2 favorite songs~ since it's the holiday season, I will tell my two favorite Xmas songs: O Holy Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful
*2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)~ kindness, & sincerity
*2 truths~I miss my dad, & my favorite color is green (okay I know, not very revealing...)
*2 physical things that appeal to you~ eyes, & shoulders
*2 of your favorite hobbies~ digital scrapbooking, & baking
*2 things you want really badly~ (Gosh, this sounds like I'd die without!) It would be fun to have a 1958 Chevy Corvette, & money-is-no-object travels.
*2 places you want to go on vacation~ Italy in its entirety, & Vancouver/Victoria
*2 things you want to do before you die~get married, & skydive (just once, tandem is fine!)
*2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick~ going to afternoon tea with the girls, & I like yummy, fruity shower gels
*2 things you are thinking about now~a job application, & the pretty pink sunset I see out the window
*2 stores you shop at~ Kohl's, & Lowe's
*2 people to "tag" next~Robyn, & Jill

::The Night Before Jesus::

2005-12-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

'Twas the night before Jesus when all through the earth,
every creature was stirring for a new baby's birth.

The people were looking straight up and then down,

to the left and to the right, both in country and town.

Some faces were watching far out in the sky

believing God's son would soon be coming by.

In Bethlehem children were snug in their beds,

with dreams of olives and figs in their heads.

They jumped to their feet and stood straight and tall

and saw thousands of angels and heard angels call.

It sounded like glory, looked bright as could be;

it was hard to believe, it was so hard to see.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear

but glory around them, so loud and so near.

It happened so sudden, it happened so quick.

Was it real? Was it true? Or was it a trick?

More rapid than eagles the shepherds then came,

found Mary and Joseph, and whispered His name.

"It is Jesus, Jehovah, Messiah, the Son,

Emmanuel, the Lord. He is all and each one."

They fell to their knees way down on the ground--

how good to receive Him, the One they had found!

The shepherds saw Jesus, they almost did cry,

for Jesus their Savior had surely come by.

So straight up the hillside their running feet flew,

with their eyes full of Jesus, their hearts now like new.

Far away, Wise Men stood on a roof,

Searching the skies for some biblical proof.

Night after night they hunted with care

for a sign of God's love in some stars way up there.

"There," each one shouted, "out in the east!"

And they mounted with haste their two-humped beast.

One Wise Man with gold had a little round tummy.

The frankincense Wise Man smelled yummy yum yummy.

The gift of rare myrrh had been packed in a can

for Jesus would need it when he was a man.

They were soon filled with questions from head down to toe.

They asked, "Where's the new King?" We truly must know."

They traveled so long and traveled so far,

and followed their hearts and came to the star.

Each face of the Wise Men were grim for awhile,

then slowly each cheek returned to a smile.

They saw that God gave His Son to the earth,

they took up God's gift, putting theirs on the earth.

There was no more to do; there was no more to say.

This was God's world, and this was God's day.

As the Baby blinked slowly while turning His head,

The Wise Men knew then they had nothing to dread.

They spoke not a workd as they headed for home;

They were thankful to God that Christ Jesus had come.

Christ was on earth, and old was like new.

Now people could see what God could do.

When children hurt and old men whistle,

where there are fir trees and dry prickly thistle,

it's the night before Jesus, from ground to the sky,

and Jesus the Brother, will surely come by.

So we know and you know that God is in sight.

Good morning to all, and to all a good night!

2005-12-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday

to my

brother-in-law

Robb!!

(photo is an image of a paper scrapped card I found on the internet--Robb is quite the photographer these days, that I thought it could work as a little visual for my post!)

2005-12-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

...given this 10th day of Dec. 2005...

This certificate indicates that I have completed the requirements for floral design school, so I guess I have "graduated"!

I'm doing some part time holiday help at a floral shop--so I'm pleased to gain a tidbit of experience and perhaps a good reference when I need it!

I loved classes--I was eager to go and had lots of fun learning and arranging.

::Blossoms of Light::

2005-12-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

For the past week or so, I've seen houses and businesses lit up in all sorts of colors and decorations in anticipation of Christmas--I've even wrapped my balcony railing with white lights to lend a bit of cheer to the area I live in. I really enjoy seeing the various things people string, and then can I ooo and awww (and sometimes eeeuuw!) Tonight, the first night of December, Austin & I met up with Mom, Sarah, Robb, Noah & Lacey to stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens in the preview night (free!) of the annual Blossoms of Light display. Trees, bushes, arches, and fountains are loaded with millions of lights giving the gardens a festive looking landscape. Plenty to ooo and aww at. And plenty of spots to smooch, as mistletoe is hung in many places! It's a cold night in Denver, but we bundled up warm--Noah was sure to let me know he had two pairs of pajamas on under his clothes!--and drank hot cider and cocoa with big marshmallows (a hit with Noah and his Grammie). Fun night--it was good to be out enjoying the holiday atmosphere with family...
(Photo: message on the hillside at the Gardens)

2005-11-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

2005-11-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Llama....

::COMPA::

2005-11-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's a Thanksgiving tradition here in Denver. The Saturday before the Thanksgiving holiday is Delivery Day of hundreds of grocery sacks containing some of what we've come to know as the tradional fixin's to families or individuals who could use a little extra help. COMPA is responsible for organizing this annual event--food collection, bagging, sorting, loading and delivering are what the hundreds of volunteers do to make this event come together. Sarah, Austin and I headed down to the National Western complex this morning (thankfully is was sunny unlike the past two snowy years!) and loaded 26 bags into the minivan.
Recipients of the bags have been nominated by friends, then we're provided with names, addresses and a map, and sent out to the city to bring a bag of food (which also includes a gift certificate for them to purchase a turkey) to the person(s) listed. We encountered all sorts of things when out and about--parking issues, grateful people, one-way streets, angry people, weather, construction, names not matching the mailboxes, no one home, etc. But most of the time we were successful in getting the correct bag to the correct person, and we feel the outreach is well worth the effort. To those people we met today--blessings to you this holiday....

::Shoeboxes::

2005-11-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Every year, thousands of shoeboxes or plastic tubs the size of shoeboxes, are packed with all sorts of things that might delight a child. Who packs them? People like you and me! Why? To be a blessing to children at this holiday season--children (mostly in poorer nations) that have very little material items. When they receive a box, they receive the love of Jesus through you.
The organization Samaritan's Purse operates this annual event called Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes can be packed throughout the year--I purchase little odds and ends all year long--and they are collected mid-November for the major distribution worldwide. Inside the box can be practical items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, socks & soap, and fun things like candy, dolls, jumprope and balls--countless possibilities! The OCC website can give you all the details of what and where. (Yes, that was a hint!)
From all over the country, boxes are first shipped to the major distribution sites. Denver happens to be one of those cities and for the past three years, I've volunteered my time, spending several hours in the evening working at the warehouse. Boxes are sorted according to age and gender (marked by the one that assembled it), and then they are inspected. Long lines of people take a box, one at a time, and look through the contents of the boxes just to make sure inappropriate items are not being shipped overseas (food, liquids, breakables, chocolate, war-related toys, etc). Once they are given the okay, they roll down the line to the taping location (securing the lids) and then boxed in cartons for the shipment. It's a lot of work, and the effort is tremendous--it's very impressive actually how organized the operation is!
In the layout above, you can see hundreds of boxes on pallets, waiting to be sorted (a shot I was able to snap while working last year)--this is just a small glimpse of the amount done daily. I believe last year's total (nationwide) was 7 million. 7 million--that's fantastic! I hope that many, if not more, can be shipped in 2005!
I really like this project--just today I dropped off the boxes mom and I put together. I wonder what little kiddos will open these?!

Election Day

2005-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Arrrrrgh, Matey!

2005-10-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

No eye patch, no parrot, no wooden leg or a bottle of rum, but here I am at work's annual Halloween potluck as a swashbuckler. I don't know--call me Stan. Swashbucklin' Stan.
Counters were laden with plunder--and all our bellies were full by 11am. And again at 1pm. And any hour after that as long as food was still around. A tradition and feast we look forward to. Out of the woodwork came a lion tamer, a witch, a crusader, a hillbilly, a flapper, Willy Wonka, a prisoner, a cleaning lady, a doctor, a mouse, Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy from Oz, and others--all in good fun.
Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum!

Tess is 4!

2005-10-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

How did this little miss get to be four already?!

Happy birthday to my little niece who is loaded with energy and imagination.

Lots of love and hugs to you!

She's 30!

2005-10-24T10:24:00.000-06:00

She's the big 3-0 today--all the best to my little sister Sarah, with lots of love.....

Bonkie is 3!

2005-10-15T10:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing nephew, Noah!

(He loves donuts. And chicken, dancing in the kitchen, helicopters, books, family, 'wimming at the poo', and making collages with glue, pasta & fruit loops. And so much more!)

18 Years

2005-10-10T15:00:00.000-06:00

Just a few days ago was my eighteenth anniversary--at work. I've been employed by the same place for that long. Literally half my life! I was encouraged by a former neighbor to apply for a job where she was working, so I did. A few months later, I became an employee. I did resign once--but a couple months later, they asked if would come back to help with some backlog, and since I wasn't working anywhere else, I said yes. That was sixteen years ago, and I've been here ever since! (No, I'm not still working with that backlog--LOL!)
I'm not sure that I'll go for another eighteen though....

Doglift

2005-10-04T15:00:00.000-06:00

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- The first major airlift of dogs from the hurricane-battered Gulf Coast left Louisiana on Sunday, carrying about 80 pets to new temporary homes in California
Some dogs were placed in cages in the cargo section while others rode in the passenger cabin, where they barked and wagged their tails.

Lily

2005-09-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, a girly, goofy little quiz I came across, but since I'm into flowers, I took it and discovered my flower type...

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.
People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.
You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.
Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

Valiant

2005-09-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

My nephew had seen this movie with mommy and daddy, but kept telling Pammie "Noah and Pammie go see pigeons!" So we went on a date to see the pigeons (not to be confused with the penguins movie currently out!). Valiant is an animated comedy that tells the story of a lowly wood pigeon named Valiant, who overcomes his small size to become a hero in Great Britain's Royal Air Force Homing Pigeon Service during World War II. The RHPS advanced the Allied cause by flying vital messages about enemy movements across the English Channel, whilst evading brutal attacks by the enemy's Falcon Brigade.
After I bought my ticket (he's still free!), we went to the concession stand for a kid's pack--a small tray of popcorn, a small drink and a small packet of M&M®'s. He politely thanked the woman that helped us and off we went to find theater number 10. Stopping along the way, we grabbed a booster seat (the red one, not gray). Into theater number 10 we go and we find it completely empty--we can pick any seats we want! With the booster in place, Noah settled in and a tray of goodies on his lap, we were set. Having seen the movie before, Noah knew of upcoming scenes and would squeal with anticipation or say "watch"--now, normally when people do that during a movie, it can be a little annoying, but when he did it, it didn't bother me. I was enjoying his enjoyment! We did end up sharing the theater with one other family, but they were far enough away that their noise didn't bother us, and I felt we didn't have to be completely silent where we were. When you go to a movie with Noah, you have to sit all the way through it until the very end of the credits. Too fun when this movie ended, credits started rollin' and he's out of his seat dancin' and dancin'! More entertainment for me. Then, with a thank you from him to the cleanup crew, we were out the door.
It was a cute little movie with some clever artwork and humor, and a fun, entertaining way to spend a couple hours with one of my favorite people.
(Photo is just a little snap I did with my phone camera...)

Sigh...

2005-09-20T23:00:00.001-06:00

This is ridiculous.

Study

2005-09-19T11:00:00.000-06:00

For quite awhile I've been very interested in floral design. I'm not a gardener--I'm really not that great with growing things, but I would like to be able to take what someone has grown and arrange it in to a piece of art. Or at least, a lovely bouquet ready for delivery! I finally decided to give it a try--and I need training for that. Tonight, I begin my study with Kaz (the instructor)--three nights a week for the rest of the fall I will be in class learning all I can. I really like working with my hands, I like pretty things, I have creativity, and with my interest, this could work. I don't know what will happen beyond my class as far as a job/career, or owning a shop (cousin Roxanne has found the perfect place for me in England though!), but first things first. I have my school supplies--notebook, pens and a camera. (I wonder if a few of my class project photos will end up in a digital scrapbook layout!) Looking forward to starting--not the commute part and getting home late, but the having my brain absorb something new and seeing if I'm any good at design--I sure hope I like it!
(Photo--image from internet, not my work--but maybe someday!)

2005-09-17T09:17:00.000-06:00

She's loving, creative, fun, strong, special--she's my Mom! Happy Birthday, with lots of love, to an amazing woman!

School Kits

2005-09-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

You may have read my August 23rd entry about school kits I've put together for children overseas--this same organization collects kits for school children right here in the US. And I know you're all aware of the great need there is to aid the victims of Hurican Katrina, to help them get back on their feet. Right here at the start of the school year, kids have lost so much, including their school supplies. I've heard on the news about the kids that have been enrolled in schools across our nation--that's a lot to adjust to! New state, home, faces, school, environment--how overwhelming! As you continue to give of your resources, consider one other option--making a School Tools kit (or two or three!) for these little American citizens.

Hello

2005-09-06T13:30:00.000-06:00

Mary Ester

2005-09-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

She calls me Ate which means Big Sister. She's Mary Ester, my little friend in the Philippines, and today is her tenth birthday.
We met through an organization called Compassion which matches needy children to people willing to give. My commitment is easy--a monthly donation, a few letters each year, and a photo now and then. And prayers. I pray that Mary will grow strong physically and spiritually. I pray that she will have opportunities that other people in her country may never have. My support offers her the means to not only to have meals and clothing, but attend school and church where she will grow in mind and spirit. I received a letter from her just the other day and she indicated she is ranked 6th in her class. I don't know how many other children are in her class, but she seems pretty proud that that's her spot, and so I'm proud of her too, and pray she will maintain good grades during the school year.
I may never see her face to face on this earth, but in her letters and photos, I see her sweetness and kindness. She prays for me too. What a little treasure she is, my friend Mary.
I first learned of Compassion years ago when I was about Mary's age. My parents sponsored a young boy until he turned 18, and then sponsored a second one for a time. When I was in college, I decided I wanted to sponsor a child myself. At the time, I asked for a boy from Latin America--I thought I could work on my Spanish in my letters. I guess God had other plans, since I was assigned a girl, Sheila Ann, from the Phillipines and she wrote to me in English! She has grown up and is no longer in the program, but I still think about her and pray for her. (Currently, I sponsor two children--Mary, as you've read about, and Daniel from El Salvador.)

Tape From Julie

2005-08-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

Why is it that I like to check my mailbox everyday? Why do I want to insert my key and open the little door just to find inside a bunch of stuff inside that really is a waste of time and paper? I guess it's like looking at my email everyday too--you never know what good thing might be in there amidst all the junk. Although a big percentage of the box's contents are bills and ads, sometimes it's a card, a note, a wedding invitation, or a package. If I open up my mailbox and see a small padded mailer, I get a huge grin on my face because I know it's a tape from Julie. It's like a tradition. For more than ten years, my friend Julie and I have been mailing padded mailers back and forth to one another, each containing one or two audiocassettes. What's on the cassettes? Us. Stories. Life. We talk to each other this way. Sure, we email each other now and then, and we both have Yahoo IM, but she's not on the computer nearly as much as I am. Phone calls are usually reserved for urgent news or birthdays or random calls when the mood strikes. But usually we just send tapes back and forth.
I don't quite remember how it all started, but I'm pretty sure it it was Julie's idea. Although Julie is good at many things, letter writing is not one of them. When she was away at college, she used a recorder during class to tape lectures, and my guess is that she got the idea one day to record her own self, then mail it in place of what might have been a letter. The idea has not stopped. Over the years email and cell phones have become a common part of all our lives, yet Julie and I still use this "tried and true" format to keep one another semi-current. We each have hand-held recorders and a stash of audiocassettes--someone asked me if I've saved the cassettes over time and the answer is no--we re-use the tapes over and over until the quality goes bad (or they get something spilled on them, or eaten by the dog, etc.) I most often talk to Julie while I'm in my car. Yes, I can drive and talk at the same time! I tell her about where I'm headed, plans for the week, updates of previous activities, frustrations, prayer needs, the latest at work (she used to work where I do, years ago), things I notice as I'm driving (i.e. signs, bad drivers, sunsets) and so on. Or I comment on things she's mentioned in previous tapes. By the time I finish a tape, mail it and she listens, weeks have passed and the news may be a bit out of date, but she feels as I do--we're excited to receive a tape and hear the voice of a friend. It doesn't matter if she's telling me something very ordinary (like about mowing the lawn!), I'm still eager to know. And I sometimes I get the bonus of hearing a few minutes from her young daughters, Sara and Kim. I got a tape from Julie just the other day, and I've already devoured it.
There is no one else I interact with in this manner, but I'm not sure I would want to--it's "our thing". A special thing between two friends. {Thanks Julie--it's been fun!}
Note to self: make sure you don't blab too long on a tape before realizing the pause button has been on the whole time....

Back To School

2005-08-23T14:30:00.000-06:00

I used the think that it was the change in the weather--those crisp fall days--that signaled the start of a new school year. I think that's an image that was always portrayed in advertisements or movies as well. Autumn and school go hand in hand. But around here, schools begin classes long before the leaves turn, long before it gets cold, and long before the summer has ended. We're still having warm, sunny days! What I think signals the oncoming school year are the sales in the stores. Clothes, shoes, supplies, furniture are all on special. Many stores have aisles and bins filled with all the things a child or college student could use to make their transition to this year easier or "cooler". Every color, size and shape of pens, pencils, notebooks and backbacks are out there (or so it seems!) Perhaps you as a parent, grandparent or teacher have been shopping recently and know what I mean! Next Sunday, the church I've been attending is having a Blessing of the Backpacks. Any student or teacher is invited to bring along their bookbags and backpacks and supplies, and those people will be prayed for specifically as they each begin the new session, blessing them as they get started back to school.
But what about all the kiddos in this world that aren't able to buy supplies? That don't have access to some basic tools? Perhaps in a small way they can be blessed as well. Early this year, I learned about a program through the organization World Vision. School Tools is a project that collects the very basics of school supplies that can then be shipped to countries in need (think of places like the countries that were affected by the tsunami!). At the website, I learned what was required for my shopping list, and also where to ship the completed packets. A great project for classrooms or youth groups, but also just an individual like me. Inside a plastic gallon zip bag goes two steno books, 8-10 pencils, pink eraser, pencil sharpener, 10-12 pens, ruler, and crayons (24 count). I was able to find this stuff at discount stores and then made packets for less than $7 each! Sure, I'm not financially able to supply an entire classroom with these packets, but I know that even one could make all the difference to the one child that receives it. It's exciting to think of how far these packets might travel and the hands that touch them, and the special child that will use the contents. And maybe they'll even share with a friend, themselves being a blessing to another.

Headstone

2005-08-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

We didn't find out until after the fact, but dad's headstone was set this morning. I didn't have my camera with me when I went to the cemetery straight from work, so these shots are from my camera phone. They aren't super clear, but you get the idea. It's a big, prominent stone--and it's beautiful. I especially like the jaggedy mountain-like top. Clearer photos to come....

Perspective

2005-08-13T23:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday you saw the close up--today you get the full view.

Launch

2005-08-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Early this morning at Cape Canaveral (and right on time), a rocket lifted into space the new Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter--an item that will provide the sharpest photos ever taken of the red planet, as well as provide various science objectives . In the months to come, the orbiter will send interesting data back to Earth to be viewed and studied, but it is not the payload that the rocket carried this mission that has my attention--it is the rocket itself. The Lockheed Martin Atlas V provided transport from our planet to outerspace, and the reason that interests me is because of the connection it has to my dad. Dad was an engineer for LM, and helped design part of the Atlas V. This was not the first successful launch of this model of rocket--others have flown before, but this particular one I find special because of a small addition made to the rocket that lifted today. In the photo above, you can see a section of the rocket--do you happen to notice the white square in the center? The other photo shows a close-up of the words printed. It says

"The Employees of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company dedicate the launch of AV-007, carrying the Mars Reconnaissance orbiter, to the memory of Terry Eflin, Joe Littlefield, Bob Mack, Larry Medlock, and Bruce Shoemaker. The Atlas Team will always remember our friends who now have a heavenly view of the launch. May their spirits guide us to success. Lockheed Martin. Go Atlas...Go Centaur..."
I am so pleased and thrilled that this small decal attached to the side of a big ol' rocket bears my dad's name--what an honor! (and his name is listed first! I just think that makes it stand out!) Want to see the launch?
A side story: A few years back, dad invited me to his place of work for a little tour. At the entrance gate, I signed in for my special visitors badge, and then from there, dad showed me his current office, other buildings in which he had worked in the past, the areas that he'd see wildlife while on his walks, and such. One memory I have of that day was when we went to the "clean room". A section of the rocket was being assembled, and apparently needed to be done free from the everyday grit of the outside world. Prior to access to the room, we had to cover our street clothes with clean room garb. This included pants, jacket, booties and a shower cap-type hair net. I remember the inside of the large room was white. Very white and very clean! Sure would have been neat to have a few photos from in there (even if I had a camera with me, I'm sure photos would not be allowed!)--photos of the outfit I was in would have been a fun bonus--LOL! There in the clean room, dad was able to show the physical parts of his design in place, waiting for its own mission. I'm sure I didn't understand half of what he was saying, but it sure was interesting to be in there with him as he described the capabilities and parts and purpose. I'm proud that he had a hand in the making of this product, and an opportunity to fly "with" it this morning.

Rainbow

2005-08-10T18:00:00.000-06:00

I don't often get to see this particular beautiful creation, but today as I was driving home from work, I saw a fantastic rainbow. This photo really doesn't even begin to suggest the intense ribbon of color God painted across the sky, but I pulled off the road to take a photo anyway!

Gym Class

2005-08-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

One day this summer my nephew Noah invited me to his gym class. Of course I thought it would be fun to go watch him, as he is very active and loves to discover new things. But this class is not just for the kiddos—the adults participate too. And as is typical with Noah, he always wants everyone to be involved! If you aren’t joining in with any sort of activity, he directs you until he’s satisfied that you are a part of it (such a sense of community huh?!)
When we arrived at the gymnasium, we removed our shoes & socks, and tucked them into a cubby near the door. From there it was off to the pit--imagine a large pit filled to the rim with cubes of blue-colored foam. Noah likes to be tossed in, and then he giggles with delight. He thought Aunt Pammie should swing from the rope hanging overhead, then drop in. So I did. Soft landing of course! I soon discovered I was hip high in foam—I had to work to maneuver myself through and over and around this blue stuff just to reach the edge to get out! And was that the end of it? Oh no, not with Noah around. “Again!” he laughs, and so I did.
Once class started, we also walked the balance beams, ran and jumped on the springboard, and had “circle time” with the rest of the children. Part of that time included stretching and singing with actions—look at the scrapbook layout above and you can see what I mean! I know that Noah had a good time, but I had fun too. Thanks, Bonkie, for asking me to come (and getting a workout along the way!)

Tea

2005-08-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

I am one that really enjoys learning about local history--there is so much in Colorado alone to discover! I like visiting museums, going on house tours, & attending lectures. Of all the more well known spots in Denver, I have never visited The Brown Palace--never even set foot inside the door (and with the scores of weddings I've been to, you would think one would have been there!). That changed today. My dear friend Kathy invited me to tea as a special birthday treat--and it truly was a treat! I certainly was spoiled this afternoon! We drove up to the front door, handed the keys to the valet, and strolled right in to a classy, lovely setting. At our table for two, we leisurely sipped aromatic hot teas, listened to the harpist as she played, filled our tummies with tasty scones, yummy sandwiches, and then did our best to share each of the desserts (such a variety and we wanted to sample each one!) As I sat and looked at the architecture, I tried to imagine what it would have been like 100 years ago in that very spot. A different way of dress, and certainly a different way of life, yet then as today, tea was welcome and enjoyed.

::Quilt::

2005-08-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

My good friend Julie likes to tell me of her latest craft project, and many times it has to do with making a quilt. She makes them for her nephews, for baby showers, for family, and I get to hear about the materials she selected, or the pattern she chose, or even why she wants to a particular quilt a particular way. I enjoy hearing about what phase she's in with a project, especially when I can hear the enthusiasm in her voice about how it's working out, or the anticipation she has of giving it. Now, often times I feel inspired by her to do my own quilting. Inspired, but not necessarily motivated! (Does that make sense? She gives me good thoughts and ideas, but I don't always act on them. That's what I mean.)
Two and a half years ago, I had great intentions of getting started in a new quilt top. I have all the materials, and the pieces are all cut. My sweetie had given me a gift of having my sewing machine completely serviced so it was in perfect working condition. And it's been sitting there ready to go. But it wasn't until a few days ago that I sewed my first stitch. And with multiple stitches, the pieces turned into a quilt block! (Yup, that's it in the photo). I have twelve to do, or maybe thirteen, all a different pattern. Each block is fairly simple as suggested by the one in the photo, but I think once all the blocks are pieced together, it could look quite lovely (and simple is good--I don't want to overchallenge myself on a craft that I do rarely)! So I will try to work diligently on each block in the weeks to come, and one of these days I'll have a quilt. With one block finished, I'm already much further along than I have been for two and a half years...

2005-07-29T07:29:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Best wishes and many blessings to my big brother Todd, as well as a long distance hug!

::Hockey::

2005-07-27T15:30:00.000-06:00

There’s been a little buzz of excitement and anticipation among some friends & co-workers this week—we are thrilled with the comeback of NHL hockey! After a season without actual play, and only those long, getting-nowhere negotiations, it’s great to think that we can get back into the swing of things. Over the past year so many people have asked me if I’ve been upset about the hockey lockout, or if I’ve really missed it, and the answers are ‘no’. There is more to life than hockey! I don’t live and breathe hockey--I simply really enjoy it. I missed that there were not games to attend, but believe me, that time was filled in so many other ways instead. Now that the negotiations have finished, and the new rules are set in place, we can move forward. Entry draft, free agents, practices, negotiations, and wondering which of “my boys” will still be with my team—lots goin’ on in the next couple of months, but then, the regular season begins. I can’t wait to bring the jersey out of hiding, slip it on and head down to the Pepsi Center for several games this season with my lower-priced-for-05/06 ticket…..

::Herd::

2005-07-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

When I go to the zoo, the animal I want most to see is the giraffe. I love seeing them walk--I think they have a certain grace and elegance. And the long purple tongues make me laugh. Several years ago, knowing my like for these creatures, my mother bought a wooden statue of one as a gift and I took it to work. Someone asked why I had a giraffe on my desk, and once the word got out how much I like them, it wasn't long before I had a herd. I have received giraffes in all shapes, sizes, and materials (toys, candles, wood, stuffed, lamp, coasters, frames, pitcher, books, pins, socks, and so on). They come from stores around town, yard sales, and even as souvenirs friends have brought from traveling overseas. I admit that even my previous cell phone had a giraffe faceplate on it--better than the basic black that it was! People let me know if they've heard about a new giraffe born at the zoo; they let me know if they saw a TV special that included a giraffe; they let me know if they saw a giraffe item and thought of me. About ninety-five percent of my collection lives at work--within my cube (or are stored). Co-workers like how personalized my space is, and some will try to guess which is the latest addition!
How many do I have? Too many to count!

2005-07-22T07:22:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Many blessings to my sister-in-law Tammy!

::ONE SMALL STEP::

2005-07-20T19:00:00.000-06:00

Like many, I'm taking the step into the world of blogging. Easy to set up--easy small step.
I'm such a private person though--I'm not sure what might be said here! I imagine tidbits of various kinds will appear in the weeks and months ahead--the next step. And perhaps some of you will stop in now and then, and I'll be encouraged to express more--a bigger step. One post at a time though, huh? Could be an adventure....

Speaking of adventure, today is the anniversary of the historical event of man making that one small step onto the moon. 36 years ago, my parents and brother returned to Colorado from California to live. Not having moved the television to Colorado, and sensing the event was a big one, my dad went out and rented a TV for the family to watch it. I was included in that family gathering since just seven days before, I made my small step into the world.

Yah, life is full of new steps, be it birth or blogging or otherwise! LOL! I guess it's official now--I'm a Blogger. Ready to post my first day....