A Woman Without Measure

"Nothing at my house is free". Shanna had taken in a dog at her house and commented that she would be keeping the stray if her oldest daughter did her share of the chores. I teased she was a mean momma. She remarked, "Nothing at my house is free."

Many times we take things for granted. When something is given, without cost, it can have little lasting value. But those things in our lives that have a price (whether it is a monetary, physical or emotional price) have an impact that is, at times, immeasurable.

Shanna carried many burdens. She shouldered the needs of others selflessly. But, that's not to say she was soft. For the families she worked with, Shanna had a clear, bright line. She set out expectations that defined success. If a client progressed, Shanna was a cheerleader and driving force for their success. Shanna believed every child deserves a safe home. The importance of this belief can be seen in both her professional and personal lives. Giving so much - to so many.

From Proverbs -
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. She worketh willingly with her hands. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. Her candle goeth not out by night. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Gotta give up hot chocolate... leads to deep thinking.

Respect. Isn't that the most basic commodity? It can't be held in your hand or stuffed into a pocket. It can't be accurately measured. Certainly it is traded, discounted and stolen. Sometimes you lose it. Sometimes you give it to someone who doesn't deserve it. A few people are worth a lot of it. Some quiet souls are like hidden treasures - not everyone has discovered their worth. It's usually hard-earned and most valuable to yourself. That's my deep thought for the day. My new system to overhaul society (see I DO want to take-over the world). Respect as a basic commodity. Later, folks.

Call Me Hettie

Grandma Hettie loved to people watch. Because palsy had limited her ability to talk, she often communicated with few words and gestures in those later years. But, she would watch people for hours. Observing them as they interact with each other and the world bustling around.  She watched. Sometimes shaking her head slightly or smiling easily. But she watched. Often our minds run at hyperspeed on twelve different channels while we observe or hear others.  Our minds zoom with thoughts of what we will say in response or what three zillion things remain on our itinerary for the week/day/hour. We never really watch or listen anymore; only seeing and hearing - and even then we only see or hear what those that affect us or ours. Instead of processing at the speed of light what we will say, or do perhaps we have a responsibility to LISTEN and WATCH. How many needs are out there waiting to be really seen or heard. Later, folks.

AG McDaniel on All Things Considered? What next?

All Things Considered has long been influencing my position on social, political and trivial matters. Like so many other NPR programs, they often seek out not only remarks from obvious "big-ticket" personalities, but also from stake-holders and academics. So, when I heard AG McDaniel's interview on the health care reform act, I was impressed. He quickly focused this on the legal issues and the responsibility for execution. This next era is about to an example of the interplay between the branches of our government with judicial examinations in to the constitutional nature of the Act. And a challenge in the execution of the federal mandate at a state level. Big points out to McDaniel for his citations to landmarks of this classic clash. These are historic times. These basic, primary issues are the monuments and landmarks for the future. Again, impressed. Later folks.

¿Dónde Está la Biblioteca?

It's been a difficult transition, back to the real world after taking vacation.
As for the chance to speak some Spanish? Utter disappointment. After years, mind you, YEARS of diligent study -in the windowless, concrete block classroom with the low table and pillow in the corner with the dimmed lights, eccentric music and cluster/bunch seating arrangements - but still YEARS of diligent study, I didn't use that phrase a single time while I was on the Yucatán peninsula. All of those words, I flaunted with ease for years still remain untested. I could not find (and I tried) a single situation in which to use "¡Albóndigas! No te dije?" or Tegucigalpa. Why didn't someone warn me? Could it be that the Spanish-speaking world I experienced in that windowless, concrete block classroom with the low table and pillow in the corner with the dimmed lights, eccentric music and cluster/bunch seating arrangements wasn't reflective of an expected experience in Latin America? But, looking back on those years, that room WAS kind of a foreign land with it's own language and culture. Oh yeah, and those strange rituals.
But hey, I got to say Xtabentún and I even bought a nice-sized bottle and brought it home. Later folks.