We All Blossom In Our Own Time

And the day came

when the risk it took to remain tight

inside the bud

was more painful

than the risk it took

to blossom.

Anais Nin

If I know anything at all, I know that life goes through its seasons. Sometimes, the season is lush and green as it brings forth the promise of new growth. Sometimes, life lies dormant. It looks brown and dry and lifeless. But, the truth is, life is simply rejuvenating, getting ready for its burst of growth. Without the season of dormancy, life would not blossom.

Why My Dad Loves Pancakes

First of all, this picture is of my dad, who is 93 years old and my grandson Parker, who at Christmas 2005 was about 3 1/2 months old. They are the oldest and the youngest members of my family. I think they look pretty happy together! Since the last picture and music had to do with lollipops, I thought what better follow up than to do a real life story about why I think my dad loves pancakes. I learned a while back, when my dad was a young boy, he would get up early with his six brothers and go out and do chores on the farm. They would get the chores done and then come back to the house for breakfast. Most of the time, breakfast would be eggs, bacon and toast. But, every now and then, on the way back to the house, my dad would smell something different. And, he would say to himself, "Oh boy, pancakes!" It was always a special treat. To this day, every time my dad goes out to eat, he orders pancakes. I suggested to him that maybe this early memory is one of the reasons he loves pancakes so much. He said, "It just might be. I never thought of that." He has invited me out to lunch for my birthday. I know we will go to his favorite place, and he will be having pancakes! Who knows? Maybe, I will too!

Hi Derek! Hi Davey!

I love this picture! When Sarah sent it to me tonight, I knew it was going on the blog. I went in search of a song and found this magical song by Burl Ives. What a fun little song. Just the idea of a little boy planting a lollipop stick in the back yard made me smile. And, then, the idea of the big brother telling his little brother about it as a bedtime story made me smile more. Well, from there, my mind went back to a really nice memory when our children were little. Tom used to tell a made up story about Reginald the flying picnic table. From what I remember, there would be a new adventure each night. That bedtime story lived on for years. I know for sure Sarah told the neighbor children the stories when she babysat them. Adventure and magic and make believe are three things I believe we need to keep in our lives no matter how old we get.

Just Nice To Talk

I know it is a simple thing. I know talking on the phone is an ordinary thing we do everyday. And, sometimes, it is just nicer than ordinary. Tonight, I talked to Sarah on the phone. We talked about all kinds of things. We laughed. She told me she liked the music playing on my blog. We talked about fruit and cookies and children and being moms......all the important things in life. It was a moment. It was a moment for about forty five minutes. It was just nice to talk. I guess it is who, and not what, that makes it special. But, then, I have always known that.

Heaven And Earth

Life is really full of simple events that make me feel like I get to live heaven on earth. Last night, for example, it was a simple phone call from my son, Adam. We talked for a while about blogging and then I mentioned American Idol was on. He said, "It is? Let me go turn it on." We ended up watching American Idol together for forty five minutes. The fun part is he is in Georgia and I am in Minnesota. Soon, we will get to watch together when he is in Iowa and I am in Minnesota. Yes, Adam and his family are moving to Iowa in June. Instead of being 2 1/2 hours away by air, they will be 3 hours away by car. What a lovely thing to look forward to!

I took this picture in 2004 when we went to Georgia to see our newest grandson, Kallsen. I believe Adam had taken us to the site where the new church building was being built. The view was beautiful. We were at the top of one of the mountains and when I saw this view and the sun shining through the clouds, I couldn't do anything except exclaim how beautiful it was. It really did feel like heaven was touching earth. Every now and then a moment is captured. This is one of them for me.

It Starts Somewhere..

Sometimes we have to look outside ourselves to find the inside.

The thunderous roar stills my soul and calms by breathing.

The gentle power reminds me I am not alone.

(A number of years ago I put together a book of photos and verse as a creative outlet following my mother's death. The above is one of the pages from my book. The picture is of my son, Adam, as he looks out at the Pacific Ocean. Notice, that there are no footprints behind him. I find this picture beautiful and soothing and spiritual. My daughter, Sarah, took the picture.)

Just Because.....

I did this post with this music just because I wanted to. I love this picture and I love this music. Tonight was the night that ended a busy and beautiful and fun and meaningful week. On Monday I had a day off work because of snow. I did what all kids do. I played. I had fun. I saw my friends. Other days I worked. And, I spent a week going down memory lane as I anticipated my 63rd birthday. I had a wonderful birthday! It was only late in the day I remembered I was a year older. I thought I was just having a really great day. Actually, I don't mind getting older. It has its advantages. You can get the senior discount at several restaurants for example. And, they have senior discount days at some department stores. My goal is to be carded when I try to order off the senior menu. I will let you know if it happens.

The picture is of the centerpiece I created for my son in law, Dave. Dave did a presentation for his Master's program today and he needed a table set with food and a centerpiece. The initialed tiles personalized what otherwise would have simply been a table with food. I was too proud of him to not have everyone know this was about him.

The music was sent to me tonight by my friend, Joe. I think it is beautiful! Thank you, Joe!

Sometimes...You Are Caught Off-Guard

I received a beautiful card for my birthday. The front of the card is exquisite. The colors are soft pastels. It is a single tulip which is my favorite flower. I don't think the sender knew that. The message also took my breath away when I read it. On the front of the card there are five simple words. "Sometimes life is so beautiful..." and on the inside it says, "it catches you off-guard." I am often caught off- guard by the simple beauty of life. It can be the way the sun shines through the windows when I am sitting at my computer in the early morning. It can be the colors of the sunset as I drive home from work. The other night I almost had to stop the car as I drove home and saw the most beautiful full moon hanging low in the sky. Without thinking, I heard myself saying over and over and over again. Wow! Wow! Wow! Yes, sometimes life is so beautiful it catches you off-guard.

This picture of these beautiful tulips was taken as I walked along the path by Medicine Lake, close to my home. It was taken in 2003. I continue to be taken off-guard every day of my life.

An Irish Blessing For St. Patrick's Day

My very good friend, Joe, is Irish. I have learned from him the importance of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. It has just been another day to me. But, it is not just another day if you live in Ireland. I think the link, An Irish Blessing, is beautiful. In addition, if you wish to know about the history of St. Patrick, visit his blog and view his history link. Joe's blog link is in my list of blog links on the right.

Please click on the link below to enjoy a beautiful Irish blessing. To enjoy it fully, listen to the music, read the words, and listen to the narration by Roma Downey.
An Irish Blessing

It's My Party And I'll Say What I Want To

Today, March 16, 2006 is my 63rd birthday. I knew I wanted to write something for today, but wasn't sure what it would be until I found this picture and put it together with this particular song. I first heard this song in the movie, Witness. I always associated it with a certain playful romantic mood. But, when I listened to the words and put it with this picture, the meaning of something I strongly believe in snuck up on me. We all need and desire to be loved for who we are and not what we know or what we have done. How often we think we need to somehow earn love. At my party today, I want to say I hope we all know that we are loved by somebody simply because we were born. Love is not about accomplishment or achievement. It is about no matter how old or accomplished we become, we are all still the sweet, pure, innocent babies our parents held in their arms and counted our fingers and toes and laid for hours just looking at us, amazed at our beauty and perfection. We are still that sweet pure child who simply wants to be loved for ourselves.

Sweet Innocence

This is my birthday week and I am going down memory lane. I was only a sophomore in high school in this picture and I got to go to the junior prom with my boyfriend, Darrel. My mom thought this dress was ok because it was not strapless and not too...well...you know! Notice the little white gloves, the little purse, and the shoulder corsage. Darrel was dressed up in his sport coat and white socks and loafers. Does it get any cooler than that? We had what was called the Grand March. We all walked down the aisle in the auditorium and stood under this big star. I guess we were the stars that night. Only You by the Platters was one of my favorite songs. It was so romantic.

Davey Sharing Broccoli With Gamma

I think most of you know by now that Davey loves to talk to me on the phone. Yesterday, Davey ate for an hour and twenty minutes nonstop. He ate ham, cheese, applesauce, a whole apple, a whole orange, and broccoli. Sarah got this picture of Davey sharing his broccoli with me. It is so cute! I think he thinks I am really in the phone. If he happens to drop the phone, he says, "Sorry gamma! Are you ok?" I say, "Yes, I am punkin, thank you!" He says, "You're welcome gamma!" Talk about Do Wacka Do.....such happiness!

Do Wacka Do

Feel free to tap your foot! Good things will happen if you do!

Good Things Have Happened..Do Wacka Do

It is hard to believe so much time has passed. I look in the mirror and still see this girl. Life has been good. This little girl has grown up (well, she got bigger) and has gone on to have three beautiful children, eight beautiful grandchildren and a job she loves and feels passionate about. Yes, life has been good! And, what says it better than Do Wacka Do!

School Days School Days....

I was going through some old pictures today and thought how lucky I am to have this picture. The year would be 1949 or 1950. It is a picture of my first grade classroom. The classroom was actually for both first and second graders, the desks were bolted to the floor and if you notice, all the children are sitting quietly with their hands folded on top of their desks. And, and, and...I just remembered the name of my teacher. For a while there, I was having a senior moment. Her name was Mrs. Tadsen. I am so glad I remembered.

Sing A Little Sunshine Song...Why Not? If We Have A Choice

Anticipation...Can You Feel It?

Sometimes, anticipation is the best part!

But, not ALWAYS!

Sometimes....You Just Need Your Mommy

This is a picture of Kara and me from last June, 2005 when I was able to go with Kara to New Jersey for her work. We had so much fun and it was a time to be remembered. We were able to go into New York City a couple of days, see a play, eat out, go on a bus tour in the rain and basically exhaust ourselves with pure fun and joy. One of the funnest moments was when we were waiting, at midnight, in the Port Authority Bus Terminal for the last bus of the night back to our hotel. We were absolutely punchy! We laughed and laughed and if you ever hear the two of us laughing at the same time, it is quite the experience. A funny and quite remarkable thing happened that night as we laughed in the basically empty bus terminal. We had laughed so long and loud that I guess we were taking a break and a man, who appeared to be homeless, walked over to us and said, "You stopped laughing! It was so nice to hear you laugh!" But, I didn't intend to write about that story. It just crossed my mind on my way to telling you what I came to tell you. Welcome to the family! Kara and Amelia came over today and we played the Ungame. It is a game where there are no winners or losers. It is just a game of questions that help us learn about ourselves and others. One of the questions Kara got was..What was the best thing about your day today? She looked at me and said, "I got to have my mommy!" Sometimes, you just need your mommy. I don't think it took me more than a half second to fly to her and hold her again and kiss her. It was so nice. Kara darling, I love you, and I love being your mommy!

I Had To Do It.....

Life is BUD a dream...sha boom..

This is just to give you all a sense of my sense of humor...this really really really struck me funny!
(If anyone looks at this and doesn't understand it, you can do one of two things. You can ignore it and move on to other things or you can look at my previous post and see if that explains it.) Somedays, you just have to laugh and if you look around you will find a bit of humor. Me? I can just go into my mind and there it is. And, the truth is, sometimes I am my best audience. And, sometimes I am my only audience.

Life Is But A Dream, Sha Boom...

I love to dream. I think dreams can mean all kinds of things. I think our night life is often made up of things we haven't had time to think about during our waking hours. Sometimes, we come up with the best solutions to problems in our dreams. Sometimes, our dreams reveal our feelings. Sometimes, inner conflicts are reflected in our dreams. Sometimes I think dreams can be a statement about how we see ourselves and our view of life. One of my all time favorite dreams is from a long time ago, and I think it is still a statement of how I see life. I was walking and off in the distance I could see the earth opening up. There was an earthquake, and I kept saying, "Please God, don't let the earth open up under me!" And, sure enough, the earth opened up and I tumbled down down down until I landed on a plateau. And, when I picked myself up, there were all my friends having a party. It made me laugh then, and it makes me laugh today. I would love to hear about a favorite dream of yours.

It's Me, Derek

Hi everyone! Some of you know I have been sick. I learned yesterday that I have an ear infection. It is funny, too, because just two days before that when the doctor checked my ears, they were fine. I also have a respiratory infection and it makes it hard to breathe. I breathe kind of fast and loud. Then, about 20 minutes after I have some medicine, I feel better for a little bit and it makes me happy. The things that make this hard are when I have to take my medicine and when I have to have a nebulizer treatment. Boy, I hate both those things! I cry and my chin and lips quiver. Everybody just keeps telling me those things are going to make be better. I sure hope so! I haven't been sleeping well at all either. Yesterday, my dad took me for a long ride in the car and I got a little sleep. Later, I learned Dad got a little nap too, but he pulled over for that. Meanwhile, Mom was getting a rest and gramma was playing with Davey. He gave her a workout! They played ALL day! I heard Davey say to Daddy when they were standing in the kitchen, "Daddy, I love gramma!" Gramma heard it too and boy did it make her smile! When it was time for gramma to go home, Davey brought her her coat and told her to have a good seepy and sweet dreams. I think Dad, Mom and gramma were surprised to hear him say those things. Then he hugged gramma and I saw him pat and rub her shoulder. That made her smile even more. And, then, he walked her to the front door. I think she drove home smiling the whole way!

The One Who Started It All..Check Out My Links

Yes, for years my son, Adam, has called me Judy Roo. The name seems to have caught on. My daughter, Sarah, now leaves comments under Sarah Roo, and my daughter, Kara, was not about to be left out. She now leaves comments under Kara Roo. Being the inclusive person I am, I have now added Sonny Roo and Hubby Roo to the family of Roos. Welcome aboard Adam and Tom! Please check out both Sonny Roo's and Hubby Roo's blogs. They are great places to visit and stay a while. You know, fun is where you make it!

Where Did The Time Go?

I am proud to say these three children are mine. Granted, this picture was taken many years ago. But, it is one of my favorites. The oldest, Sarah, is 17 1/2 months older than the twins, Kara and Adam. They are all squished in a leather chair we still own and every grandchild finds his or her way into that chair. Sarah and Kara would wear tights on their heads when they wanted to pretend to have long hair. Adam could run the length of our backyard all my himself throwing a football and playing both teams at the same time. I marveled at them then and I marvel at each of them today. Sarah is now 38 and the twins are 37. I have watched them grow up and become beautiful, loving, intelligent, creative, hard working and giving adults. I could never have planned the directions they each have gone. They knew better than I did what they wanted and the paths they wanted to take to get there. I just know there is nothing better or more fulfilling than standing back and watching your children become who they are. Except maybe, when you see and hear them pass along to their own children some of what you hoped you taught them.

It Hurts So Bad

Little Derek has been sick the last couple of days. He hasn't slept, he can't eat and he has cried and cried. Nothing much consoles him. Even when he went to the doctor everything checked out ok. He finally slept in the truck while his mom drove around and around. Now, his mom thinks he is working on the difficult first year molars. Orajel is everyone's new best friend at their house. For something that should be so natural as getting teeth, it sure hurts a little guy. What we know is this too will pass and his beautiful smile will be back. We love you Derek!