Antique Arts of Tibet

We are, from the sidelines, involved in a project involving the creation of a mandala at the college where I teach. The Tibetan monks and their interpreter arrived yesterday. We enjoyed dinner with the group including many traditional vegetarian dishes. This morning was the opening ceremony during which the monks "asked permission" of the invisible forces in the room, cleared the air of evilness, and presented other petitions that I quite didn't understand. It has been interesting to observe W (7) and J(5) as they learn about a culture so very different from their own.

A Confident Heart

SI'm reading a book be Renee Swope called A Confident Heart. I've really benefitted from many of the lessons in the book.

One in particular really hit home for me...how to focus on God's unconditional love.

HE calls me His. I'm His daughter.

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Storm/Mother Lake

"Damaging waves possible along the lake Ontario shore line late tonight & Monday. Wave heights may reach 11 to 14 feet."

I'm not that fond of swimming. Going into the water to my knees is the limit of my comfort level. And going out on a boat, even a big boat, is a lot for my senses to handle (the sea kayak is nice, however)

But I want to be near the lake. I need to visit her. I've been thinking lately about her moods.

We are expecting a Noreaster tonight.

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Chuck Colson passed away yesterday. I've been watching the way that the mainstream media describes his legacy...his creation and direction of Prison Fellowship, now working in over 113 countries...over twenty volumes published, thousands of people led to the Lord. Sadly, the media has largely focused on Mr. Colson's role in the Watergate scandal. Chuck Colson life story is the story of redemption. It's the story of how wrong can seem right when we aren't focused on Jesus. Mr. Colson was a very deep thinker and I appreciate his teaching. I'm grateful that he took the time to write: I plan to continue reading his works and listening to his "2 Minute Warnings." This morning in Sunday School we looked at many of the ways that "the world" has become more shallow with regard to relationships, values, expression and analysis. I hope that I can teach my children how to question the world's values, and in the end, do far more good than harm, as Mr. Colson taught us to.

Tribute to Chuck Colson

Chuck Colson passsed away yesterday. I've been watching the way that the mainstream media describes his legacy...his creation and direction of Prison Fellowship, now working in over 113 countries...over twenty volumes published, thousands led to the Lord. Sadly, the media has largely focused on Colson's role in the Watergate scandal. Chuck Colson life story is the story of redemption. Mr. Colson was a very deep thinker and I appreciate his teaching. I'm grateful that he took the time to write: I plan to continue reading his work. This morning in Sunday School we looked at many of the ways that "the world" has become more shallow with regard to relationships, values, expression and analysis. I hope that I can teach my children how to question, care for people in need, and

Photo from Wombai! performance

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Interesting People

My aunt and uncle recently treated me to a night on the town, in the city. They thought, since I play the djembe, that I would enjoy a performance led by a world class percussionist from New Guinea.

I did so enjoy the drumming, the enthusiasm of the crowd, and the chance to mingle with interesting people.

I'm realizing how taxing it is to work day in and day out with people who always appear to be angry and dissatisfied. The moat common topic of conversation is which fast food restaurant to visit for lunch.

It was refreshing to spend an evening in the city. Thank you Aunt A and Uncle P!

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A Weeping Cherry

Yesterday I got an unexpected visit from Pine Hill Pete and his beautiful wife Dana.

He called me over to the car and said "you're gonna need that," pointing to a shovel I had leaned up against the chimney.

In the back of his station wagon was a potted weeping cherry tree.

I started to cry. I was so surprised and touched.

He moved it out and later it went into the garage, since our area is still under a freeze warning.

And there it is....

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Greg The Barber

Greg The Barber is an exceptionally nice guy.

He owns the oldest buildin in town, a small stone structure that sits alongside the canal. His shop is inside and it us filled with relics from the past, including the old barber's chair rumored to be at least 100 years old (Joe DiMaggio himself sat there for a haircut, they say)

Greg's shop is the hub of man gossip. And tool talk. And hunting.

We heard that the old Rite Aid building might be turned into a Dunkin Donuts.

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Balloon Lady

http://instagr.am/p/JLfyqoyEFs/

There's a lady at church who makes me smile.

In the Spring she brings in vases full of daffodils in all shades of yellow and sets them on the altar.

In the Summer she blows up balloons and bends them into shapes for the children.

I've seen her weave baskets with her daughter.

For Easter she wore a wide brimmed hat covered with purple feathers. It was fantastic.

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Daddy Schlabach

I'm feeling super out of sync with and discouraged by modern life lately.

Thieves (in Brooklyn?) took my husband's debit card information and made off with our vacation savings. The bank will reimburse us, eventually, but the situation brings even more hassle into our busy lives.

Today I kept a boy home from school and spent time exploring his interests, which inclue herbology and potion making a la Harry Potter.

We went to see an Amish herbalist I know. Instead of finding her home, we learned that she sold the business in order to teach in Mexico. Her parents and brothers were home, however, shipping out fruit tree orders.

It did my heart good to chat with "Daddy" Shlabach. I bought a Danube cherry seedling. I'd like it to remind me of the verse the family wrote on the calendar that they ship out with orders:

Acts 14:17

"Nevertheless he Left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

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A Weekend in Westberry

Mr. WestberryDad and I probably have a higher than average tolerance for noise, chaos and activity. A raging sea of boy energy surrounds us, even into the night when wee ones wake up with nightmares or have to use the bathroom and can't reach the light.

This past weekend was exceptionally turbulent....tax forms to fill out, wacky weather, a birthday party and Easter Egg Hunt. A student musician playing "The Sound of Music" for three shows.

Puppy gets loose, an entire grain delivery is left out in the snow and rain, and my boss delivers some end of the month bullying.

We took the kids to The International Museum of Photography. It WAS a thrill to see original prints by Ansel Adams and the original "Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima" picture. We went out for Greek food at Jine's where I used to work.

It was Palm Sunday and our little church's birthday/anniversary. The children waved palms and paraded through the aisles.

Turbulent times or otherwise, I feel blessed to be on this American ride with my energetic family.

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