by Phoebe Maurer
Being caught in a Long Island expressway traffic jam means being late to work, dinner is overcooked, and everyone is cranky. Having a snow and sleet storm descend without warning is a living nightmare. I had lunch in Manhattan with my husband when a few snow flakes floated down."Get the car and go home now." I listened and drove through the Lincoln tunnel expecting to arrive home in Great Neck ,Long Island within 30 to 40 minutes.Was I wrong!
This was no ordinary snowstorm.The road out of the tunnel metamorphed into a sheet of ice. Traffic plowed to a crawl, stopping and starting, sliding and skidding. The radio blared the terrifying news that a huge storm had blanketed New York and all points east, west, north, and south, crippling traffic and causing power outages. I switched stations, hoping to find soothing music. No luck. The speedometer was stuck at 5 miles an hour-or less. A bus was sliding treacherously close to me. Fear sent my heart racing. I took deep breaths, there were no cell phones to call Herb at home. The Long island commuter trains were running on time. The windows fogged and iced up. Thankfully the defoggers were working and warm. I held my breath as my car skidded close to a concrete barrier. The car in front started and stopped. It was nerve wracking. The clock on the dashboard said five-thirty. I was moving on glass for five hours and nowhere near my exit. I whistled, sang lustily, and glanced at expressions of close drivers faces to cheer me.
The gas gauge was less than a quarter of a tank, six-thirty and at last my exit. I slid onto the road leading home through more traffic jams and maneuvered up the steep hill to our home with difficulty. Foolishly I, a good citizen, stopped at a stop sign without another car on the road, one block from our driveway, and went into a long skid. I kept the steering wheel from hitting a huge tree. The yard had a glorious wonderland canopy of glistening white branches hanging low. Our house a glow of lights as Herb opened the garage door, his face a mask of worry. The embrace was what I needed to calm my nervous system. That plus a double scotch and soda.
Never again….I will take the train!
(a note from Lois to Phoebe….Maybe that is why you moved to Arizona!)
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
My Favorite Things About February
By Lois Jamieson
There are lots of special days in February, but only one happens every four years. And it only happens when the year is divisible by four. That’s right, 2012 is divisible by four, so this is a LEAP YEAR, meaning there will be a February 29th day. An extra day to do wonderfully helpful things for others.
Here is a little history about the calendar…The first calendar was created by the Romans. At first it had only 10 months and 34 days. Later on 2 more months were added, making the number of days 355.
The birthstone for February is the amethyst. The amethyst once was more valuable than diamonds. It is the purple variety of quartz and the most valued member of the quartz family. Amethyst is considered as an aid to the brave because it was believed to protect soldiers in battle.
Special days in February are…
Valentine’s Day on the 14th
Arizona’s 100th birthday on the 14th
Gumdrop Day on the 15th
Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthday on the 20th
Mardi Gras Day on the 21st
February is also…
Black History Month
American Heart Month
For me, the most special day in February is the 27th, the day my daughter, Jan Shoop was born.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIZONA
There are lots of special days in February, but only one happens every four years. And it only happens when the year is divisible by four. That’s right, 2012 is divisible by four, so this is a LEAP YEAR, meaning there will be a February 29th day. An extra day to do wonderfully helpful things for others.
Here is a little history about the calendar…The first calendar was created by the Romans. At first it had only 10 months and 34 days. Later on 2 more months were added, making the number of days 355.
The birthstone for February is the amethyst. The amethyst once was more valuable than diamonds. It is the purple variety of quartz and the most valued member of the quartz family. Amethyst is considered as an aid to the brave because it was believed to protect soldiers in battle.
Special days in February are…
Valentine’s Day on the 14th
Arizona’s 100th birthday on the 14th
Gumdrop Day on the 15th
Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthday on the 20th
Mardi Gras Day on the 21st
February is also…
Black History Month
American Heart Month
For me, the most special day in February is the 27th, the day my daughter, Jan Shoop was born.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARIZONA
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Quotes For you
by Lois Jamieson
I thought it was time to pass on to you some interesting quotes.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela, South African President and
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
Born 1918
“In everything, no matter what it may be, uniformity is undesirable. Leaving something incomplete makes it interesting, and gives one the feeling that there is room for growth.”
Yoshida Kenko
Japanese author and Buddhist monk
Born 1282
“If there were, in the world today, any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years.”
Bertrand Russell
British philosopher, logician, mathematician,
historian and social critic
Born 1872
“That is the best – to laugh with someone because you both think the same things are funny.”
Gloria Vanderbilt
American designer
Born 1924
I thought it was time to pass on to you some interesting quotes.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela, South African President and
Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
Born 1918
“In everything, no matter what it may be, uniformity is undesirable. Leaving something incomplete makes it interesting, and gives one the feeling that there is room for growth.”
Yoshida Kenko
Japanese author and Buddhist monk
Born 1282
“If there were, in the world today, any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years.”
Bertrand Russell
British philosopher, logician, mathematician,
historian and social critic
Born 1872
“That is the best – to laugh with someone because you both think the same things are funny.”
Gloria Vanderbilt
American designer
Born 1924
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Ageless Spirit
By Phoebe Maurer
I find aging to be a conundrum. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would sell our home to move into a senior residence, now known as independent living. The truth is, we are now dependent on children for advice, legal, financial and bookkeeping. We did it willingly for our parents until they were 92, 94 and 97.
Time cannot be seen, or smelled, or felt, it passes without sound or motion. Years unfold, experiences multiply, until we are suddenly 89 and 90, married 67 years when realization sets in. Our bodies have betrayed us! They sag, develop uninvited mild dementia, loss of hearing, arthritis, back pain and feet that need orthotics and special shoes.
However, it isn’t all misery, since we have ageless spirits. We are now living in a different world. One that offers many opportunities for growth. We are challenged by new friends, men and women in similar situations and fascinating backgrounds.
It is, and will continue to be, a life worth living as long as our ageless spirits determine each day. A story of laughs, tears, remorse, and joy, that comes from knowing our children and grandchildren are prolonging our tradition. We have survived illness, financial difficulties and every known problem that challenged our beliefs. Our values will prevail.
I will not sell my car, it is my last vestage of independence. I relax when I’m in the driver’s seat. It is my time to take control.
I find aging to be a conundrum. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would sell our home to move into a senior residence, now known as independent living. The truth is, we are now dependent on children for advice, legal, financial and bookkeeping. We did it willingly for our parents until they were 92, 94 and 97.
Time cannot be seen, or smelled, or felt, it passes without sound or motion. Years unfold, experiences multiply, until we are suddenly 89 and 90, married 67 years when realization sets in. Our bodies have betrayed us! They sag, develop uninvited mild dementia, loss of hearing, arthritis, back pain and feet that need orthotics and special shoes.
However, it isn’t all misery, since we have ageless spirits. We are now living in a different world. One that offers many opportunities for growth. We are challenged by new friends, men and women in similar situations and fascinating backgrounds.
It is, and will continue to be, a life worth living as long as our ageless spirits determine each day. A story of laughs, tears, remorse, and joy, that comes from knowing our children and grandchildren are prolonging our tradition. We have survived illness, financial difficulties and every known problem that challenged our beliefs. Our values will prevail.
I will not sell my car, it is my last vestage of independence. I relax when I’m in the driver’s seat. It is my time to take control.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Kids Without Stuff
by Lois Jamieson
There Are Kids Without Stuff all over the world and volunteers helping them, just like at *StarShine Academy where I volunteer. Just this week I heard that my great niece, Stacy has been volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal. Stacy, an interior designer decided to spend her two week vacation in Nepal. Here are some of her experiences in her own words.
“I walked to the orphanage through the busy and narrow streets. There are 34 children in total . Seven children are pre-school age and there is one baby. I will be spending most of my time with them. The older children are in school. When I first arrived, Krishna who is 2 years old, Himal who is 3, and one boy who normally would be in school but could not attend because he did not have a clean uniform, were playing. I sat and played with them for about an hour. I gave them bouncy balls and covered them in stickers, they loved it. We went outside and I read to them. That is when I met Sony who is 4 year old girl. She came up and jumped in my lap. She held my hands. I learned later that her little friend was recently adopted and she hadn’t been the same since. Later we put together a puzzle.
The next day when I got to the orphanage I was pleasantly surprised to see the children playing outside in the sunshine. They love having their picture taken and then looking at the picture. Later I was upstairs writing with three 5 year old boys when the director’s assistant came in to ask me if I would stay with the baby for awhile. The baby was lying in his bassinet, which is a rusted metal triangular shaped frame that sits on the floor. He was falling asleep when she left the room. Of course the second she walked out he started screaming and crying. I picked him up and held him and started to sing the only lullaby I know. One that my Mom used to sing to me when I was a child. As I sang I lost it. I was sitting on the floor holding the baby and we were crying together.”
Stacy shared some stories about the rest of her time in the orphanage in Nepal. I am so proud of this young professional woman who would give up her vacation and travel so far to help these poor little children without parents. They truly are kids without stuff and Stacy is truly a saint.
*StarShine Academy is a school dedicated to educating the poorest of the poor children. I have spent the last six years volunteering at the school as librarian and have taught etiquette classes to all ages. If you would like to learn more about the school and read the stories my daughter and I write about the children we call Kids Without Stuff, go to www.kidswithoutstuff.com
There Are Kids Without Stuff all over the world and volunteers helping them, just like at *StarShine Academy where I volunteer. Just this week I heard that my great niece, Stacy has been volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal. Stacy, an interior designer decided to spend her two week vacation in Nepal. Here are some of her experiences in her own words.
“I walked to the orphanage through the busy and narrow streets. There are 34 children in total . Seven children are pre-school age and there is one baby. I will be spending most of my time with them. The older children are in school. When I first arrived, Krishna who is 2 years old, Himal who is 3, and one boy who normally would be in school but could not attend because he did not have a clean uniform, were playing. I sat and played with them for about an hour. I gave them bouncy balls and covered them in stickers, they loved it. We went outside and I read to them. That is when I met Sony who is 4 year old girl. She came up and jumped in my lap. She held my hands. I learned later that her little friend was recently adopted and she hadn’t been the same since. Later we put together a puzzle.
The next day when I got to the orphanage I was pleasantly surprised to see the children playing outside in the sunshine. They love having their picture taken and then looking at the picture. Later I was upstairs writing with three 5 year old boys when the director’s assistant came in to ask me if I would stay with the baby for awhile. The baby was lying in his bassinet, which is a rusted metal triangular shaped frame that sits on the floor. He was falling asleep when she left the room. Of course the second she walked out he started screaming and crying. I picked him up and held him and started to sing the only lullaby I know. One that my Mom used to sing to me when I was a child. As I sang I lost it. I was sitting on the floor holding the baby and we were crying together.”
Stacy shared some stories about the rest of her time in the orphanage in Nepal. I am so proud of this young professional woman who would give up her vacation and travel so far to help these poor little children without parents. They truly are kids without stuff and Stacy is truly a saint.
*StarShine Academy is a school dedicated to educating the poorest of the poor children. I have spent the last six years volunteering at the school as librarian and have taught etiquette classes to all ages. If you would like to learn more about the school and read the stories my daughter and I write about the children we call Kids Without Stuff, go to www.kidswithoutstuff.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
By Lois Jamieson
I find so many things to be thankful for this year. First of all, that I made it to age eighty two and a half. I still get up in the morning and greet the day with enthusiasm. I throw a kiss to my sleeping husband of fifty eight years and walk around the house I love. Then I check to see if the flowers are still growing in the courtyard and watch the birds taking a morning bath in the fountain. Some quiet meditation and “thank you God” comes next. What more could I ask for.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our son’s home. There were 17 of us – not all family – who gathered together. A special treat was having all three grown up grandchildren with us. We all feel so very grateful to have and love each other.
My life hasn’t always been like this. When I was eleven years old my parents were divorced. I went with my mother to a state 1200 hundred miles away. We had no money and had to live with my grandparents. The hardest part was leaving my two brothers behind to live with my father. There were lots of uncertain years, not knowing where my next dress would come from. But even then I had many gifts bestowed upon me. I was so lucky to have a fun and loving Irish mother, the opportunity to stay close to my brothers in spirit, and a great God given faith.
I wish all of you, whereever you are, a happy and thankful holiday season.
I find so many things to be thankful for this year. First of all, that I made it to age eighty two and a half. I still get up in the morning and greet the day with enthusiasm. I throw a kiss to my sleeping husband of fifty eight years and walk around the house I love. Then I check to see if the flowers are still growing in the courtyard and watch the birds taking a morning bath in the fountain. Some quiet meditation and “thank you God” comes next. What more could I ask for.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our son’s home. There were 17 of us – not all family – who gathered together. A special treat was having all three grown up grandchildren with us. We all feel so very grateful to have and love each other.
My life hasn’t always been like this. When I was eleven years old my parents were divorced. I went with my mother to a state 1200 hundred miles away. We had no money and had to live with my grandparents. The hardest part was leaving my two brothers behind to live with my father. There were lots of uncertain years, not knowing where my next dress would come from. But even then I had many gifts bestowed upon me. I was so lucky to have a fun and loving Irish mother, the opportunity to stay close to my brothers in spirit, and a great God given faith.
I wish all of you, whereever you are, a happy and thankful holiday season.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Kids Without Stuff
I write another blog, with my daughter Jan, called Kids Without Stuff. In that blog we write about the children at StarShine Academy, where I have volunteered for seven years, and Jan has been principal and now superintendant of the StarShine Schools. We are also writing a book called Kids Without Stuff to be published in the spring of 2012. The following is a post I just wrote for our KWS blog. I would like to share it with you.
There Are Kids Without Stuff all over the world
And volunteers helping them, just like at StarShine. Just this week I heard that my great niece, Stacy has been volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal.
Stacy, an interior designer decided to spend her two week vacation in Nepal. Here are some of her experiences in her own words.
“I walked to the orphanage through the busy and narrow streets. There are 34 children in total . Seven children are pre-school age and there is one baby. I will be spending most of my time with them. The older children are in school. When I first arrived, Krishna who is 2 years old, Himal who is 3, and one boy who normally would be in school but could not attend because he did not have a clean uniform, were playing. I sat and played with them for about an hour. I gave them bouncy balls and covered them in stickers, they loved it. We went outside and I read to them. That is when I met Sony who is 4 year old girl. She came up and jumped in my lap. She held my hands. I learned later that her little friend was recently adopted and she hadn’t been the same since. Later we put together a puzzle.
The next day when I got to the orphanage I was pleasantly surprised to see the children playing outside in the sunshine. They love having their picture taken and then looking at the picture. Later I was upstairs writing with three 5 year old boys when the director’s assistant came in to ask me if I would stay with the baby for awhile. The baby was lying in his bassinet, which is a rusted metal triangular shaped frame that sits on the floor. He was falling asleep when she left the room. Of course the second she walked out he started screaming and crying. I picked him up and held him and started to sing the only lullaby I know. One that my Mom used to sing to me when I was a child. As I sang I lost it. I was sitting on the floor holding the baby and we were crying together.”
Stacy shared some stories about the rest of her time in the orphanage in Nepal. I am so proud of this young professional woman who would give up her vacation and travel so far to help these poor little children without parents. They truly are kids without stuff and Stacy is truly a saint.
There Are Kids Without Stuff all over the world
And volunteers helping them, just like at StarShine. Just this week I heard that my great niece, Stacy has been volunteering at an orphanage in Nepal.
Stacy, an interior designer decided to spend her two week vacation in Nepal. Here are some of her experiences in her own words.
“I walked to the orphanage through the busy and narrow streets. There are 34 children in total . Seven children are pre-school age and there is one baby. I will be spending most of my time with them. The older children are in school. When I first arrived, Krishna who is 2 years old, Himal who is 3, and one boy who normally would be in school but could not attend because he did not have a clean uniform, were playing. I sat and played with them for about an hour. I gave them bouncy balls and covered them in stickers, they loved it. We went outside and I read to them. That is when I met Sony who is 4 year old girl. She came up and jumped in my lap. She held my hands. I learned later that her little friend was recently adopted and she hadn’t been the same since. Later we put together a puzzle.
The next day when I got to the orphanage I was pleasantly surprised to see the children playing outside in the sunshine. They love having their picture taken and then looking at the picture. Later I was upstairs writing with three 5 year old boys when the director’s assistant came in to ask me if I would stay with the baby for awhile. The baby was lying in his bassinet, which is a rusted metal triangular shaped frame that sits on the floor. He was falling asleep when she left the room. Of course the second she walked out he started screaming and crying. I picked him up and held him and started to sing the only lullaby I know. One that my Mom used to sing to me when I was a child. As I sang I lost it. I was sitting on the floor holding the baby and we were crying together.”
Stacy shared some stories about the rest of her time in the orphanage in Nepal. I am so proud of this young professional woman who would give up her vacation and travel so far to help these poor little children without parents. They truly are kids without stuff and Stacy is truly a saint.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Quotes From Famous Women
by Lois Jamieson
I recently came across a very little book called “Quotable Women”. I would like to share some of my favorite quotes with you.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do. – Eleanor Roosevelt
And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong
You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm. – Colette
Life itself is the proper binge. – Julia Child
Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. – Sarah Bernhardt
Life is what happens to you when you’re making other plans – Betty Talmadge
I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to earth. – Pearl S. Buck
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold – Helen Keller
I recently came across a very little book called “Quotable Women”. I would like to share some of my favorite quotes with you.
You must do the thing you think you cannot do. – Eleanor Roosevelt
And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong
You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm. – Colette
Life itself is the proper binge. – Julia Child
Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. – Sarah Bernhardt
Life is what happens to you when you’re making other plans – Betty Talmadge
I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to earth. – Pearl S. Buck
Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold – Helen Keller
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
More Interesting Facts About Arizona
by Lois Jamieson
In my last post I wrote about my love affair with my home state – Arizona. I have, since then, come across some interesting and humorous facts to share with you.
During the Second World War there were a group of U.S. Marines who created the first unbreakable code that baffled the Japanese. There were 29 Navajo Code Talkers. Only one remains alive today, Ninety year old Chester Nez. Ever the patriot, Chester Nez went on to serve in the Marine Reserve and fought in the Korean War in the l950s.
Arizona is home to twenty one American Indian tribes, each has its own history, language and ceremonies.
There are a lot of interesting and quite humorous names in Arizona. Some of these are towns and some are places of interest. There are 95 names with the word “bear” in their names, at least 100 with the word “black”. Here are some interesting names you will find somewhere in the state of Arizona:
Bagdad, Buenos Aires, Winsor Castle, Ajo, Sasabe, Devils Hump, Devils Corkscrew, Devils Bridge, Spud Mountain, Dewey, Potato Patch, Young, Wotans Throne, Freya Castle, Cape Royal, Siegfried Pyre, Cape Final, Antares, Aquarius Moutains, Constellation, Catholic Peak, Holy Jo Peak, Winkelman, John the Baptist Mountains. Hell Canyon, Hades Knoll, Hookers Hot Springs, Tortilla Flat, Holy Grail Temple.
I can’t say I have visited all of these places, but I have been in some of them. Maybe the rest should be on my “bucket list”.
In my last post I wrote about my love affair with my home state – Arizona. I have, since then, come across some interesting and humorous facts to share with you.
During the Second World War there were a group of U.S. Marines who created the first unbreakable code that baffled the Japanese. There were 29 Navajo Code Talkers. Only one remains alive today, Ninety year old Chester Nez. Ever the patriot, Chester Nez went on to serve in the Marine Reserve and fought in the Korean War in the l950s.
Arizona is home to twenty one American Indian tribes, each has its own history, language and ceremonies.
There are a lot of interesting and quite humorous names in Arizona. Some of these are towns and some are places of interest. There are 95 names with the word “bear” in their names, at least 100 with the word “black”. Here are some interesting names you will find somewhere in the state of Arizona:
Bagdad, Buenos Aires, Winsor Castle, Ajo, Sasabe, Devils Hump, Devils Corkscrew, Devils Bridge, Spud Mountain, Dewey, Potato Patch, Young, Wotans Throne, Freya Castle, Cape Royal, Siegfried Pyre, Cape Final, Antares, Aquarius Moutains, Constellation, Catholic Peak, Holy Jo Peak, Winkelman, John the Baptist Mountains. Hell Canyon, Hades Knoll, Hookers Hot Springs, Tortilla Flat, Holy Grail Temple.
I can’t say I have visited all of these places, but I have been in some of them. Maybe the rest should be on my “bucket list”.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
I Love Where I Live
By Lois Jamieson
I was born, and lived my first eight years, in Pennsylvania. The next twelve years I lived in Florida. I was married, had two children, in Indiana, where I lived for six years. I lived two years in the state of Illinois and since 1959, I have lived in Arizona. I feel blessed to have lived in Arizona for fifty two years and I love where I live.
I love living in Arizona for lots of reasons. The weather, yes, even the Hot Hot summers. From where I live In Scottsdale, I can drive two hours to Flagstaff in Northern Arizona with an altitude of 7,000 to 12,000 feet. I can enjoy the cool weather amid the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the world. I can stop, on the way North, at the historic city of Prescott, the first capital of Arizona Territory. I can lunch in beautiful Sedona with a background of red cliffs. I can stop for tea in the old mining town of Jerome. On another trip, I can drive North and East of Flagstaff and onto the Navajo Indian Reservation. There I can spend a few hours in Canyon De Chelly, and then to the Four Corners area, the only place in the United States where four states come together – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
On another trip North, I can drive to Page, Arizona and houseboat on beautiful Lake Powell. I can spend the night at the historic hotel, El Tovar, at the Grand Canyon. I can ride a mule to the bottom of the canyon at the South Rim. I can ride the rapids on the Colorado River, and I can ride a horse along the North Rim. I can arrive at the Grand Canyon via a train from Williams, Arizona or in a car. While I am in Northern Arizona I can see Sunset Crater and the Petrified Forest. I can drive a few hours East and be in the White Mountain area and be at an altitude of 8,000 feet and above. In the winter I can ski in Flagstaff and in the White Mountains.
I can drive two hours SouthEast and be in Tucson – the “Old Pueblo”, as it is affectionately called. From Tucson I can drive South to Nogales, Arizona on the border with Mexico. From there I can drive East through the wine country and on through the Huachuca Mts. to Tombstone. I can walk to the OK Corral of Wyatt Earp fame and I can spend a pleasant hour in the very fine Tombstone Museum. I can drive South East to the mining town of Bisbee and stay overnight at the famous Copper Queen Hotel or at one of the many Bread and Breakfast homes. I can then return to Tucson by driving through the Dragoon Mts. and the Cochise Stronghold.
Those are some of the many reasons I love where I live – Arizona.
Watch for a post on some interesting and fun facts about my favorite state.
I was born, and lived my first eight years, in Pennsylvania. The next twelve years I lived in Florida. I was married, had two children, in Indiana, where I lived for six years. I lived two years in the state of Illinois and since 1959, I have lived in Arizona. I feel blessed to have lived in Arizona for fifty two years and I love where I live.
I love living in Arizona for lots of reasons. The weather, yes, even the Hot Hot summers. From where I live In Scottsdale, I can drive two hours to Flagstaff in Northern Arizona with an altitude of 7,000 to 12,000 feet. I can enjoy the cool weather amid the largest stand of Ponderosa pines in the world. I can stop, on the way North, at the historic city of Prescott, the first capital of Arizona Territory. I can lunch in beautiful Sedona with a background of red cliffs. I can stop for tea in the old mining town of Jerome. On another trip, I can drive North and East of Flagstaff and onto the Navajo Indian Reservation. There I can spend a few hours in Canyon De Chelly, and then to the Four Corners area, the only place in the United States where four states come together – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
On another trip North, I can drive to Page, Arizona and houseboat on beautiful Lake Powell. I can spend the night at the historic hotel, El Tovar, at the Grand Canyon. I can ride a mule to the bottom of the canyon at the South Rim. I can ride the rapids on the Colorado River, and I can ride a horse along the North Rim. I can arrive at the Grand Canyon via a train from Williams, Arizona or in a car. While I am in Northern Arizona I can see Sunset Crater and the Petrified Forest. I can drive a few hours East and be in the White Mountain area and be at an altitude of 8,000 feet and above. In the winter I can ski in Flagstaff and in the White Mountains.
I can drive two hours SouthEast and be in Tucson – the “Old Pueblo”, as it is affectionately called. From Tucson I can drive South to Nogales, Arizona on the border with Mexico. From there I can drive East through the wine country and on through the Huachuca Mts. to Tombstone. I can walk to the OK Corral of Wyatt Earp fame and I can spend a pleasant hour in the very fine Tombstone Museum. I can drive South East to the mining town of Bisbee and stay overnight at the famous Copper Queen Hotel or at one of the many Bread and Breakfast homes. I can then return to Tucson by driving through the Dragoon Mts. and the Cochise Stronghold.
Those are some of the many reasons I love where I live – Arizona.
Watch for a post on some interesting and fun facts about my favorite state.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
What Is Love
Today I would like to share parts of a sermon, I recently heard, written by the Rev. Debra Asis, St. Barnabas on The Desert Episcopal Church. Debra has generously given me permission to share her thoughts.
In her sermon, she began with Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul wrote “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Of course this begs the question – what is love? She went on saying “I can remember my first love. His name was Michel. We went to kindergarten together. We put our rugs next to each other for nap time. We played, we kissed once. I can still see his face as clear as a bell. Then there was my first grown up love. You know that love, complete with heart palpitations and sleepless nights. Enchanted, intoxicated, pierced with the cupid’s deadly arrow. Crazy, romantic love.
The Greeks called this kind of love eros. It is about longing and sexual desire. It’s about finding an object that we believe will satisfy our longing – something or someone to fill the empty place inside us. Eros is a self-serving kind of love.
Is this the kind of love Paul was talking about? I don’t think so.
What about this kind of love? I love my daughter, I love old friends, I love the people with whom I work, I love my church. The Greeks called this kind of love philia. It is where Philadelphia gets its name – the city of brotherly love. Philia is a mutual kind of love. It’s the kind of love that also extends to our pets or places. I love my home, I love my country. Philia is a fraternal, brotherly or a personal kind of love.
Is this the love that Paul was talking about? I don’t think so.
Eros and philia are loves that make us feel good or valued or give us a sense of identity. To a greater or lesser degree they are directed toward satisfying our emotional state. Eros and philia are self-satisfying loves.
The kind of love that Paul is talking about is agape love and agape love has everything to do with the person who is the object of our love. Rather than seeing the other person as an object that will satisfy us, we see the other person as an opportunity to give ourself. Agape love is self-giving, rather than self-satisfying. This is agape love; love that values the other. It is a way of life. I believe it is the way life is supposed to be right here on earth in God’s Kingdom.”
In her sermon, she began with Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul wrote “Love is the fulfilling of the law.” Of course this begs the question – what is love? She went on saying “I can remember my first love. His name was Michel. We went to kindergarten together. We put our rugs next to each other for nap time. We played, we kissed once. I can still see his face as clear as a bell. Then there was my first grown up love. You know that love, complete with heart palpitations and sleepless nights. Enchanted, intoxicated, pierced with the cupid’s deadly arrow. Crazy, romantic love.
The Greeks called this kind of love eros. It is about longing and sexual desire. It’s about finding an object that we believe will satisfy our longing – something or someone to fill the empty place inside us. Eros is a self-serving kind of love.
Is this the kind of love Paul was talking about? I don’t think so.
What about this kind of love? I love my daughter, I love old friends, I love the people with whom I work, I love my church. The Greeks called this kind of love philia. It is where Philadelphia gets its name – the city of brotherly love. Philia is a mutual kind of love. It’s the kind of love that also extends to our pets or places. I love my home, I love my country. Philia is a fraternal, brotherly or a personal kind of love.
Is this the love that Paul was talking about? I don’t think so.
Eros and philia are loves that make us feel good or valued or give us a sense of identity. To a greater or lesser degree they are directed toward satisfying our emotional state. Eros and philia are self-satisfying loves.
The kind of love that Paul is talking about is agape love and agape love has everything to do with the person who is the object of our love. Rather than seeing the other person as an object that will satisfy us, we see the other person as an opportunity to give ourself. Agape love is self-giving, rather than self-satisfying. This is agape love; love that values the other. It is a way of life. I believe it is the way life is supposed to be right here on earth in God’s Kingdom.”
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Spend Time With A Child
by Lois Jamieson
There is a marvelous small book called “To A Child Love is Spelled Time”, by Mac Anderson and Lance Wubbels. Their book carries a great message. I often pick it up and read a few pages because I agree with them that what a child really needs from us is time.
My children and grandchildren are adults now and so my interest in children is centered around the children at a wonderful small school, StarShine Academy. StarShine serves children who live below poverty level in a crime area in Phoenix. I have volunteered at the school for over six years, and with my daughter, I have a blog called “Kids Without Stuff” and an upcoming book by the same name.
A lot of the children at StarShine have material needs – food, clothes, books and so forth. These are easy to fulfill. I only have to make a few phone calls and these needs can be met.
It is much harder to fill their need to be listened to. To be offered encouragement, love, values and strength. These needs can only be met when an adult gives them the gift of time. We do have dedicated volunteers as tutors and they certainly spend time with the children. I think, though, there is a need for what I call ‘listeners’. I have had the privilege of spending time with some, but not enough, of the children. I have read to the children and have spent time in special classes with many of the girls. This year I am going to try to do less talking and more listening.
Do yourself a favor and spend time with a child.
To read more about StarShine and the kids go to kidswithoutstuff.com
There is a marvelous small book called “To A Child Love is Spelled Time”, by Mac Anderson and Lance Wubbels. Their book carries a great message. I often pick it up and read a few pages because I agree with them that what a child really needs from us is time.
My children and grandchildren are adults now and so my interest in children is centered around the children at a wonderful small school, StarShine Academy. StarShine serves children who live below poverty level in a crime area in Phoenix. I have volunteered at the school for over six years, and with my daughter, I have a blog called “Kids Without Stuff” and an upcoming book by the same name.
A lot of the children at StarShine have material needs – food, clothes, books and so forth. These are easy to fulfill. I only have to make a few phone calls and these needs can be met.
It is much harder to fill their need to be listened to. To be offered encouragement, love, values and strength. These needs can only be met when an adult gives them the gift of time. We do have dedicated volunteers as tutors and they certainly spend time with the children. I think, though, there is a need for what I call ‘listeners’. I have had the privilege of spending time with some, but not enough, of the children. I have read to the children and have spent time in special classes with many of the girls. This year I am going to try to do less talking and more listening.
Do yourself a favor and spend time with a child.
To read more about StarShine and the kids go to kidswithoutstuff.com
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Precious Gift - Easily Wasted
by Lois Jamieson
“God, the master of time, never gives the future. He gives only the present, moment by moment.” The Cloud of Unknowing
The gift of time is so easily wasted by all of us. I bet at sometime or other you have read the obituary page in your newspaper and surprisingly found the name of a friend. When that happens to me, and it has, my first thought is why didn’t I call or visit the person and now it is too late.
The short amount of time you and I would have spent making a phone call could have made that someone happy, knowing that someone cares.
I am very proud of my husband and his good friend Dick. Just this year they took the time to visit two very ill friends. With one they had a last lunch and the other a bedside visit. In both instances the men died within a month.
It is so easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow”, be it a diet, exercise or a phone call. We all put off the difficult, sometimes until it is too late.
Call a friend, visit the ill, spend time wisely – it is a fleeting thing.
Watch for next Saturday’s post “Spend Time With a Child”.
“God, the master of time, never gives the future. He gives only the present, moment by moment.” The Cloud of Unknowing
The gift of time is so easily wasted by all of us. I bet at sometime or other you have read the obituary page in your newspaper and surprisingly found the name of a friend. When that happens to me, and it has, my first thought is why didn’t I call or visit the person and now it is too late.
The short amount of time you and I would have spent making a phone call could have made that someone happy, knowing that someone cares.
I am very proud of my husband and his good friend Dick. Just this year they took the time to visit two very ill friends. With one they had a last lunch and the other a bedside visit. In both instances the men died within a month.
It is so easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow”, be it a diet, exercise or a phone call. We all put off the difficult, sometimes until it is too late.
Call a friend, visit the ill, spend time wisely – it is a fleeting thing.
Watch for next Saturday’s post “Spend Time With a Child”.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Grown Up Grandchildren
by Lois Jamieson
Sometimes I miss the days when our three grandchildren were little. Two boys, two years apart, and one beautiful little girl. Lots of baby sitting and many hours of enjoying them. Now those three are adults and I find there is just as much joy in spending time with them.
This has been a special summer in that regard.
Our 27 year old grandson lives and works in San Diego, California. We had some time with him when we were vacationing nearby. It was very special to hear him talk about his life and where he would like it to lead.
Our 29 year old rock climbing grandson is in the process of moving back to Arizona and we will be visiting with him this month. He is settling into his career.
Our 18 year old granddaughter recently moved into a dorm at Arizona State University. I had the pleasure two weeks ago of meeting her for lunch and shopping for lots of small items she needed to furnish her dorm room.
I am finding that happiness comes in little packages and big ones too. I feel blessed to have had grandchildren to care for when they were little tykes. Now, as maturing adults, I am blessed to share their dreams and aspirations and to have a loving relationship with them.
Sometimes I miss the days when our three grandchildren were little. Two boys, two years apart, and one beautiful little girl. Lots of baby sitting and many hours of enjoying them. Now those three are adults and I find there is just as much joy in spending time with them.
This has been a special summer in that regard.
Our 27 year old grandson lives and works in San Diego, California. We had some time with him when we were vacationing nearby. It was very special to hear him talk about his life and where he would like it to lead.
Our 29 year old rock climbing grandson is in the process of moving back to Arizona and we will be visiting with him this month. He is settling into his career.
Our 18 year old granddaughter recently moved into a dorm at Arizona State University. I had the pleasure two weeks ago of meeting her for lunch and shopping for lots of small items she needed to furnish her dorm room.
I am finding that happiness comes in little packages and big ones too. I feel blessed to have had grandchildren to care for when they were little tykes. Now, as maturing adults, I am blessed to share their dreams and aspirations and to have a loving relationship with them.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Together But Apart
By Lois Jamieson
Remember how special it was to walk to the park - to the store - to school with a friend.
Remember the joy of walking and talking and laughing together over silly or serious things. I do.
Yesterday, I was out driving and I saw three kids walking together, but with space between them. One was playing a guitar, another staring stonily ahead and the third as in a dream world. They were oblivious to those around them and to each other. They were obviously together but just as obviously apart.
I worry about our youth today. They often seem isolated even when in a group. With texting so popular, I fear the art of conversation is being lost. I can’t believe that receiving a text from a friend that says, “Was up?” can replace an actual conversation between two people.
At least I fervently hope not.
Remember how special it was to walk to the park - to the store - to school with a friend.
Remember the joy of walking and talking and laughing together over silly or serious things. I do.
Yesterday, I was out driving and I saw three kids walking together, but with space between them. One was playing a guitar, another staring stonily ahead and the third as in a dream world. They were oblivious to those around them and to each other. They were obviously together but just as obviously apart.
I worry about our youth today. They often seem isolated even when in a group. With texting so popular, I fear the art of conversation is being lost. I can’t believe that receiving a text from a friend that says, “Was up?” can replace an actual conversation between two people.
At least I fervently hope not.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Moving - Part One
By Phoebe Maurer
We moved from the East 25 years ago.
We moved into a lovely unusual patio home in Scottsdale, Arizona. We thought, “This is it, home sweet home.” Somehow, we never anticipated reaching the ages of 89 and 90 so rapidly, and yet, we do not feel or look ‘old’. Our aging bodies betrayed us!
Now our middle aged children, 57, 61 and 64, arrived at a unified decision. Herb and I suddenly became their charges. However, we were not quite willing to accept their thoughtful decision to have us moved into an independent living facility.
We did not acquiesce easily. We did agree to visit two of the best ‘hotel resorts’ to be convinced.
Helen Keller wrote. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
To be continued…
We moved from the East 25 years ago.
We moved into a lovely unusual patio home in Scottsdale, Arizona. We thought, “This is it, home sweet home.” Somehow, we never anticipated reaching the ages of 89 and 90 so rapidly, and yet, we do not feel or look ‘old’. Our aging bodies betrayed us!
Now our middle aged children, 57, 61 and 64, arrived at a unified decision. Herb and I suddenly became their charges. However, we were not quite willing to accept their thoughtful decision to have us moved into an independent living facility.
We did not acquiesce easily. We did agree to visit two of the best ‘hotel resorts’ to be convinced.
Helen Keller wrote. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
To be continued…
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Remembering Joe
by Lois Jamieson
I am finding that one of the ‘Perils’ of aging is losing friends.
The problem with being an Octogenarian is that a great many of our close friends are also octogenarians. Just last week we said “Farewell” to our wonderful friend, Joe.
It seems like just yesterday my husband and I were sitting in our living room having a before-dinner-drink with Joe and his wife Punkie. Two days ago we celebrated his life at his memorial service.
The Joe we knew was a kind, thoughtful man, with a sweet smile - a gentle man and a ‘gentleman’. At his memorial celebration, we heard from his three children and three grandchildren that he was also an understanding father, who never let them down. His love for his family was unconditional. During the past week we had the privilege of spending time with these three grown-up children, as well as his dear wife of fifty seven years. We shared laughter and tears and sweet moments.
Joe had a keen interest in sailing and spent many happy hours on the water. So we say “Bon Voyage" dear friend ’til we meet again.”
Monday, July 11, 2011
Some Of My Favorite Quotes
by Lois Jamieson
I have discovered the pleasurable pastime of collecting quotes. Sometimes they make you think, sometimes they make you laugh and sometimes they make you cry. But they all give you ideas to use in your writing, whether you write for your own pleasure or write for publication. Here are a few from my treasure chest of quotes.
“Two of the most uninteresting people you would want to meet. They were 65 when they were 20.” – anon.
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Self care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have. The gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” – ‘Let Your Live Speak’ by Parker J. Palmer
“I’ve learned that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” – Andy Rooney
Please Note - Phoebe will be back writing for you in the near future. She and her husband have just completed a complicated move into an assisted living residence. As well as writing on our blog and our book – The Humor, Perils and Joy of Aging – she plans to teach a writer’s workshop at their new location.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Greatest Generation
by Lois Jamieson
My older brother Carl was truly a member of journalist Tom Brokaw’s, ‘Greatest Generation’.
Carl graduated from high school in N.W. Pennsylvania in 1942 amid World War II. Within a few months he joined the Army. He became an infantryman and eventually fought in the famed Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944 and 1945. This was the last major offensive of the war. During this time he was shot and was captured by the Germans. His captivity was short lived when the Germans surrendered. He later received the Purple Heart medal.
After the war Carl attended Penn State University and graduated with an Engineering degree. He married in 1952 and fathered two children. He never spoke about his part in this battle. It was as if his war experience never happened. He simply went on with his life.
Until one summer evening in l994.
Carl and his wife Betty were staying with us at our summer home in Flagstaff, Arizona. We had just finished dinner and were talking over a cup of coffee when much to our surprise he started talking about those years. He must have talked, with tears in his eyes, for thirty or forty minutes about his experiences in that terrible war. I’m not sure why he chose that moment to share his story. Many men and women of that generation never talked about it. I’ll always be grateful that Carl chose to share his story with us.
Carl died in 1997 and I miss him terribly.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
by Phoebe R. Maurer
We are all in this together -by ourselves- we share common thoughts and experiences. However, deep within us is a secret chamber with a window closed to the world. A window has so many uses—it opens a home-or a room to views we never imagined. The window can have blinds like the mind which sometimes wears blinders to obscure truths we should be able to see and perceive. When the window is clear it opens us to visions we wish we had been able to understand when life called for deeper understanding. The ocean leads us out to horizons that are mysterious in its infinity, sea meeting sky, fading blue into blue. The seas roll on and on rarely losing the momentum, carrying our visions back and forth, enlarging the meaning and depth of perception of who we are.
The window into our soul is more revealing, and still, our souls appreciate humor as well as beauty. So always, there is the separation between who we are and who others perceive us to be. Someone different. For all our relationships are individualized according to the personality we are reacting to. We are never the same nor are we one person-one personality-we expand and grow we regress. The depth of life is never even. There are trails that are obvious and sections that are obscure. Our visions can be blurred or crystalline clear.
This is truly the common denominator the human race has.
Feelings-Vision-Windows to see through.
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