11.30.2007

Matriarch’ s Mission

Normally I spend the season doing some holiday shopping for my family, friends & co-workers. But for the second year in a row, my friends and I decided against the purchase of presents for each other in lieu of buying gifts for a Salvation Army Angel Tree recipient.

This year we purchased gifts for a 4-year old little girl who really wanted a Bratz doll, Dora the Explorer, learning toys and some clothes. So the Matriarch’s set out last night to do a spot of shopping. We got everything on the list and we hope the little girl enjoys the holiday presents as much as we took pleasure in shopping for them. It was pretty amusing to watch us debate the pros & cons of each item, like we were purchasing them for ourselves.

There was major discussion about fun vs. educational toys. And then again heated conversation over clothes, specifically in regards to socks – to purchase ankle or low cut... But beyond all the dialogue over material items, what made a lasting impression on me was observing all the other folks in the store shopping for Angel Tree gifts too.

One couple specifically we met last evening have been purchasing Angel Tree gifts for children over the years. They started it as family project with their kids, but now as empty nesters continue to come out and select kids & presents for the Angel Tree. Hearing them speak of the joy we bring to people we never meet made me feel very full of hope.

By the end of evening I was filled with happiness and laughter as I walked away with my friends.

11.28.2007

Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU!

I really miss Lawrence in the fall...



And at the start of another KU basketball season...

11.26.2007

Bedshaped


"But what do I know
What do I know?
I know"

11.14.2007

WEVL Radio

Keep Memphis own volunteer radio station alive and kicking, by pledging a few extra dollars this week.

WEVL's Mission: To entertain and inform its audience through diverse music programming with an emphasis on the culture of Memphis and the South.


So skip the movies or cut out the caffeine for a week or two. Tune into a WEVL broadcast, come on - I dare you! You might actually encounter a new song, sound or show that really awakens something inside you.

11.12.2007

I wish I was like you, easily amused...

Maybe Kurt Cobain was right, I'm easily amused. Even though I've been tossing and turning as of late, I'm constantly reminded how simple gestures can turn an overcast day around. I'm learning to take these lessons in day-by-day.

Case in point - I arrived to find some fun snacks at my desk this morning!


It was a simple and kind. And exactly the little lift I needed for a Monday. But it's not just the sweet treats that made me smile.


The true reason I’m so easily amused this morning is that no matter how hard I fight it; people are always teaching me new lessons. And it’s nice to rediscover ways to connect, listen and act selflessly.

11.04.2007

Birdhouse In Your Soul

They Might Be Giants put on an AMAZING concert last night at Newby's. It was eccentric, exhilarating and ended at a reasonable hour. All the things you want in good concert. Plus as added bonus when they played one of my favorite tunes:


TMBG Rocking IT Old School!

LG, Amanada, Andi & SPE enjoying the concert. Guess who was hiding behind the camera again?!?