Rest in Peace

Last fall I blogged about Wayne Anderson’s passing (See October 31, 2008).  Well, after quite a few months, we went out on the ocean to scatter Wayne’s ashes.  It was so fitting that he was laid to rest on the sea…it was his favorite place.

I wanted to take the time to remember Wayne again.  I would literally not be the person I am today if it were not for his influence.  Wayne introduced me to extended time with God (hours alone with Him).  Most of the strides I have taken forward in my relationship with God have been in those times.

Peace to you, Wayne…

Real Life

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!  (Jude 1:20-21, The Message)

Try, try again

Many of you know that I am putting myself through photography boot camp.  I’m reading my brains out and taking photos of friends to practice my new craft.  One book that I have found really helpful is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson.  He is the one that made something click in my brain so that I was able to use my camera in manual mode.  But this is not why I am writing this post.

I think most people see me as an easy-going gal.  But inside I have a perfectionist streak that can sometimes be paralyzing.  I was reading today in Peterson’s book.  In his section on “Implying Motion” he had an image that was just amazing.  I was under the impression that he just pointed the camera, set the exposure and shot.  Boom…done.  He explained that it took him 2 rolls of film to get just a handful of shots and finally the one that made it into the book.

This made me feel hopeful.  I don’t need to put the pressure on myself to perform perfectly the first time out.  I can expect to take multiple shots before I get a few that are truly spectacular.  If a pro photographer used 2 rolls (about 48 tries) to get just a handful of good shots, then I can expect at least that much trial and error for myself.  (Good thing I use digital.  You make a mistake, you just erase it).  Erasing would be a great feature in life (but that’s another blog post).

So – don’t worry if you don’t get something at first.  Just take the next step and keep walking forward.  One of the “shots” is bound to be the one.

Grace received…again.

Hats

Last Thursday was a “hat” day.  If you are old enough to remember the 80′s, there was a cute Amy Grant song entitled, “Hats.”   Here are a few lines from that song.

“This may be a dream come true.
This may be poetry in motion.
This may be a dream come true.
But when it all comes down
It’s an awful lot to do.”

So back to last Thursday.  The day was packed full and, at the last minute, the need arose to bake cupcakes right in the middle of the day.  Believe me, it was for a good cause.  There was just no way that it was going to happen.

So, long story short – my friend, Lisa, said that she would gladly make the cupcakes for me.  At first I said no because (of course) I could do it all.  I finally realized that I wouldn’t be able to “do it all” and I accepted Lisa’s gracious offer.  She rescued my day by making cupcakes for me and making me look like super mom.  She taught me the valuable lesson of accepting help.

I share this story (the short version of it, at least) because I just wanted to say that we need each other…in ways big and small.  It is easy in this culture to be the rugged individualist.  Lisa reminded me that it is ok to ask for help or just say “yes” when a friend offers to help.

Lisa, you are the best.  Thank you, again.

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day.  We went to Lake Mission Viejo and rented a party boat.  We floated around for a couple of hours and ate my favorite “noshings” from Trader Joe’s.  We just talked, laughed and had time together.  The simple pleasures are more meaningful as I get older.  Here are some pics from our time.  Don’t I have a handsome family?  And catch the “Mom” video at the end.  It is a classic and should be watched every Mother’s Day.

It's official

I am now the 4th shortest member of my family. Unless, of course, you count Lex (the dog) and Fluffy (the snake). Then I am still the 4th shortest.

We all know the legendary height of Sean (almost 6’5″). We call him our circus act because everyone always comments. Well, my next oldest son, Bryan, passed me up this last year. I’m documenting it today because my husband, Alan, measured him yesterday. He is 5’10″ at age 13. He has grown 4 1/2″ in the last year. And he needs to shave. Where is the time going?

Christopher, the youngest, wants to be tall really bad. It will only be a matter of time before they are all towering over me like giant sequoias. At least I will have Lex and Fluffy to keep me company down here in the understory while they are all up there in the canopy.

Here is a picture of our height stick. It is how we track everyone’s growth. Notice my name in the lower right corner (underlined in red). All of those lines are Sean and Bryan passing me up. The lines keep going even higher than you see.