Historical Society of Woodstock Cook book

What a great way to support the Woodstock Historical Society. Contact them thru their web site http://www.woodstockhistory.org/ or 845-679-2143 to purchase this lovely little cook book. There are dozens of cookie recepies shared by woodstockers of all ages. Check it out!

Tasty Vegetable Stew Recepie

It's so simple

Vegetable Stew

2 onions and 6-7 cloves of garlic chopped and sautéed in olive oil
1 Butternut squash chopped into two inch pieces
1 potato chopped into one inch pieces
1 can of stewed tomatoes with liquid
1 green and 1 red pepper chopped into bite size chunks
1 can of chicken or vegetable broth
Layer chopped ingredients into a sauce pot and let simmer till squash and potato
are soft .
Serve with bread or roll of your choice, grated parmesan a tasty option over the stew.

Serves 4 people

Support the Troop Surge in Afghanistan

December 1, 2009
It’s the first day of Advent, and I’m waiting to hear President Obama tell us why we are going to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. I flipped the TV on to CNN. For God sakes, they are set up like it’s a football countdown to game time. 23 min and 20 seconds till Obama speaks to us from West Point. What’s that I see? A panel of pro troop and anti troop deployment speakers, all ready to spout out their opinions on why or why we should not add troops into this region.
At the moment, 7: 43PM EST I am saying to myself, there won’t be any end to this conflict, clash of cultures. Why does Afghanistan matter? Yes, we have lost the sense of urgency since 9/11.If we are going to escalate the war- --- we must do it in a way that we must eradicate Al Qaeda.
Can you do that? If you cut off the head of something that just seems to grow another?
7 45 PM. It would seem to me that President Obama is telling the American people without saying so specifically, that we are in danger. Our national security and the safety of the American people is threatened by Al Qaeda and if we let up the pressure in Afghanistan, there is the distinct possibility that we will be attacked on American soil once again. “We didn’t ask for this fight” Al Qaeda started it by attacking us on our home soil.
• He’s asked us to “summon the unity” that we had after 9/11. Let’s support this plan.
• He’s pledged to the people of Afghanistan that we want to be their partners, not their patrons. Of course this is what we all want!
• He’s pledged to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat” Al Qaeda. I believe that job will be better done with education the young boys and girls who are currently being brainwashed to hate westerners. However, I’m prepared to support the troop surge, there doesn’t seem to be any other choice. What’s was that George W. Bush kept saying? We have to win the war to keep the peace.
The whole world needs peace and prosperity. Without war.
And as for the panel of speakers on CNN; the armchair quarterback correspondents who know as much or more as our national security advisors… they are still debating!!!

Rain or Shine, Mary is always in view

Spring, summer and fall, Mary watches over my " hunger grass" and the sedum. Now that the weather drifting below freezing, I'll bring the statue of the Blessed Mother inside to be safe from the winter snows.

Janine -Gail -Megan

The Cruise for the Cure is put together by the Health Alliance Womens Health Committee. Gail is our lead mammographer at the Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center and also a member of the Committee. The group works all year to plan this event and their hard work shows. Kudos to Gail and the Womens Health Committee! We all look forward to the Cruise next year!

Just a small part of the Breast Center Staff

We all had a lot of fun on the Cruise, the music was great, the donated raffle prized were fabulous, the food was tasty and abundant. Sharon, in the front row on the right is part of our clerical support staff. Without a well trained clerical staff, the office would not run smoothly! - Thank you Sharon for all your hard work! and dedication

Megan and Janine

We are on the Cruise for the Cure- on the Rip Van Winkle
A perfect night on the Hudson. Megan is one of the Mammo Tech's and the
Fern Feldman Anolick Breast Center where I work.
Megan is well versed in mammo tech speak and Dexa speak! Highly qualified and the go to person for stereo biopsies at Fern Feldman. I learn new something from Megan every day! -

Soccer at Rick Volz

In the infancy stage of proposal, the friends of the Dixon Avenue Water Department meadow attended a Recreation Commission meeting this week and the Commission members graciously spent an hour listening to our objections to the proposal.
Details to follow

Anne Mower

A great lady has moved on to the next phase of her life- passing away about ten days ago in Yorkville Ill. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The comments I intended to enter into the record

People say to me, we can’t propose anything on Comeau, it will just open a
Can of worms – I looked the phrase up on the internet and on some sites it is attributed to a mid 20th century saying that likened a situation that had many challenging twists and turns to being like the tangled mess of worms one used to find in cans sold by fishing stores.


I’m here tonight to support the idea of looking at the terms of the draft Comeau easement with a fresh set of eyes, eyes that are focused on the infrastructure needs of our town well into the 21st century.

Thank you, Supervisor Jeff Moran for articulating in a recent news paper interview the concept many Woodstockers struggle with, how to protect the 77 acre Comeau property and at the same time utilize small portions of the land to satisfy the needs of the town government and recreational groups. I support his idea that the details of the draft easement need to be looked at with members of the WLC, from the perspective of how the towns infrastructure needs have evolved since 2003. Thank you to the members of the WLC who wish to “make sure that any eventual easement reflects the Town’s current and future activities, uses and conservation goals for the Comeau property




I hope that out of tonight’s meeting will emerge community leaders who aren’t afraid to open a can of worms.

We know that we must provide our police, court and justice employees with a safe secure place to work. We know that town offices at the Comeau need TLC – to bring them up to 21st century work standards.

For at least 20 years town leaders have been trying to resolve these problems.
It seems to me that we always come back to Comeau.

The Comeau property is a stunningly beautiful peace of property. I don’t know of anyone who is speaking about “developing” Comeau. If I let my mind wander a little throughout all the hamlets of Woodstock, there are hundreds and hundreds of acres of our 70 some square miles that are preserved from development because they are already held by the WLC, the DEP and other land preservation groups.

I am interested in supporting community leaders who can work with the Friends of Comeau who seem to always be in a state of hyper vigilance whenever the use of Comeau is mentioned and guide them to the discussion table with those of us who want sufficient amounts of land reserved for upgrading our Town offices.



There is another definition of the phrase can of worms. It is said that it might be a modern version the ancient term “ Pandoras Box” Of course we all know that once Pandoras box was opened, all kinds of terrible plaques were set upon the earth. What I had forgotten is that at the bottom of the box, was HOPE.

And I hope that both sides in this issue, how to use Comeau, can meet in the middle and
agree that it’s ok to consider and perhaps agree that a few more acres are needed to resolve our town infrastructure and space needs at long last.

Standing on the Steps outside the community center

I went to the Community center last night, that little building on Rock City Road where John and I were married 35 years ago. I planned to be part of the public be heard comment section of the Woodstock Land Conservancy Presentation. The parking lot was full to capacity, as expected and the meeting room was standing room only.
I was late, 8 PM, and wasn't sure what the process was, so I asked Deputy Town Clerk Lynn what the format was. Written questions to be handed in on cards, no public comment. Hummm, says I to myself. I sat a few minutes and decided, why not go home and listen on the web. I can balance my check book and do a few other things while I listen to the presentation. I don't have any questions about the easement. I don't like that we have it, but I have accepted that it is part of my Woodstock taxpayer life now.


As I walked out into the cool summer air, I encountered Joan Swartzburg, who told me she was steaming. She was mad at the town board because they wouldn't let her speak in the 10 minute public be heard session before the presentation.
Why? I'll listen to what you have to say. In the process of telling me what happened, I didn't get the gist of her comments. ( Sorry Joan)

Then, town board candidate Ken Panza came out, and he was of the same opinion, might as well go home and watch on TV. I guess we were part of the community that wants to still have input and debate the use of the Comeau. ( and we were on opposite sides of the issue)

I think the Comeau use and the Comeau easement will be made into the hot topic for the democratic primary this September. To bad, cause boy do we have a whole lot of
other issues facing the town.

The Line Drawn in the Comeau Fields

July 7, 2009
To the Editor,


It recently became apparent to us that we have finally reached the status of

“Old timer” in the town that we grew up in. We gained that insight when we found ourselves wondering, how on earth did we get to the point in our community where we find townspeople pitted against each other over the use, or non use of 77 acres of town owned land?
Kudos to Supervisor Jeff Moran for articulating the concept many Woodstockers struggle with, how to protect the Comeau property and at the same time utilize small portions of the land to satisfy the needs of the town government and recreational groups. We support his comments made recently indicating his opinion that the details of the draft easement need to be looked at with members of the WLC, from the perspective of the evolution of the towns needs in 2009. We were also pleased to read that the WLC wishes to “make sure that any eventual easement reflects the Town’s current and future activities, uses and conservation goals for the Comeau property.”
Old timers will recall Val Cadden, a Woodstock Supervisor who had the keen ability to bring opposing groups together and build consensus. She managed, among other accomplishments, to convince Woodstockers to purchase 77 acres of land in the center of town for consolidation of municipal services, recreational services and protect the property from purchase by future land developers. As you may have guessed, we were among those many Woodstockers who voted yes, let’s buy the Comeau property, and looked forward to Val’s plans being implemented.

After Val left office, the town government and its townspeople entered into the process of developing two very important advancements in our town government, the municipal sewer system and the 1989 zoning law. There wasn’t much else the elected town boards could concentrate on adequately, therefore, many other important items including the infrastructure needs of our town were put on the sideline, due to lack of time and concentration.

During the following two decades, in our opinion, Woodstock changed. People who were instrumental in supporting Val’s effort, or voted to purchase the Comeau property have moved away, grown too old to care or died. We are a community of new citizens, who bring to the table different experiences, and many may have no first hand knowledge of how Woodstockers used to work together for the common good of all.

In 2002, Jeremy Wilber made a clever suggestion that we study the Comeau as a place to site the Highway garage. We joined 796 Woodstockers who voted against that proposal. We were part of the 838 Woodstockers who voted in 2003 against the proposal to create a conservation easement for the Comeau property. We voted no on this proposal because we were, and still are of the opinion that Woodstockers have the ability to be mindful of the need to preserve and protect the 77 acres at Comeau as well as utilize a small portion of the land to ease the over crowding at the town offices and the remedy the unsafe working conditions of the town court, police and dispatch departments.

Why do we continue to hold the belief that Woodstockers can use a common sense approach to utilizing a small portion of Comeau and also protect this wonderful natural resource? Because we are Woodstocker of the Val Cadden era.
Ok all you old timers out there, now is your chance to voice your opinion.
Yes, tell your elected officials that you want a review the details of the draft easement and you want a few more acres to be designated for town municipal services, an enlarged parking lot and additional soccer fields. Also, let the WLC know that you appreciate their support and understanding in this complicated arrangement.
Erase the line drawn in the fields of Comeau and work toward compromise to help solve the town needs the purchase of the Comeau land was intended to solve.

Sincerely,


Janine Fallon – Mower
John A. Mower

June

Why does June always present itself as a busy month?

Apple Pie Contest

Sunday June 7th will be little league old timers day and apple pie eating contest

Woodstock Parade 2009

Short on time, long on heart- Woodstock's American Legion and Fire Companies
lead in the planning of the annual parade that concludes at the Woodstock Cemetery on Rock City Road. At one time, the war memorial was on the Village Green and there was a tradition that no one should sit on the monument. After all, it was a monument to Woodstock's war dead At some point in time during the late 1960's people began to lean or sit on the " war memorial" ( myself included ) Some were sitting on the monument as an act of defiance, some were just looking for a place to sit.
Over the course of 30 years, and much controversy, the war memorial was relocated up to the cemetery on Rock City Road

Memorial Day Parade-Onteora Band

The Onteora School band marches in 3 Parades on Memorial DAy
The Towns of Olive, Woodstock and Phonecia

Shandaken Theatrical Socitey show this weekend

"Anything Goes" (Cole Porter, et al) at the Shandaken Theatrical Society. Opening night is Friday 5/22 at 8PM. It run at 8PM Sat. and Sunday matinee at 4PM. It's running Fri, Sat and Sun through June 7th. Great musical comedy.

For those of you who don't know where it is, the theater is at 10 Church street in Phoenicia. Go into town and take a right at the convenience store. It's right behind the store.

Easter Sunday 2009

Today is the day Christians celebrate the victory of Jesus over death.
I think he was still physically dead, but he was spiritually alive more than ever- visiting his friends and disciples in the physical body that they were familiar with.

We are asked to emulate Jesus. I ‘m not lining up to hang on a cross, but if you think about it, don’t we all have the opportunity to die on our own metaphorical cross of sin and misbehaviors and be reborn in peace and serenity- every minute of every day?

I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, the holy Earth, the Source of energy for the earth, the Spirit that all who inhabit the earth can be in touch with.

I found myself during Mass on Holy Thursday entering into a Reiki meditation. I wanted to be in touch with the spirit energy and that seemed to be the best vehicle to get to the place I needed to be. I was letting myself die in the moment, trusting that I would be reborn a few minutes later, in a better place.

Today I’m going to make sure I place myself outside in the sun, away from all the tasks that are tugging at me inside the house- to fill myself with the energy of the earth.

Today is a good day to be mindful of starting fresh, letting go, moving on and walking in faith into the future.

Peace

Easter: Jesus Resurrection

April 12, 2009
Easter: Jesus' Resurrection
by Rick Warren

"The Good News is about His Son. In His earthly life He was born into King David's family line, and He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:3-4 NLT).



Although we study the passion of Jesus, His death on the cross, Easter is a celebration of His resurrection: God brought Jesus back from the dead, proving He'd broken the power of sin and death.

After Jesus died, they took His body down and put Him in the tomb, and a giant millstone was set in front of the cave. The religious leaders, worried that Jesus' body might be stolen, asked for Roman guards to be posted in front of the tomb. They didn't want Him coming out!

But of course, He did.

You know the story. But it's important to remember that Easter is not some memorial to a nice, good religious teacher who lived 2,000 years ago. It's a celebration of the fact that He is alive today!

I'm living proof—and so are the approximately 1 billion Christians who celebrate Easter. Jesus "was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:4 NLT).

Easter is the good news about God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came as a human baby, born into King David's royal family line. Four historical records say that after His resurrection He showed Himself to 500 people at one gathering.

Can you imagine witnessing His death and then seeing Him walking around Jerusalem three days later? What an amazing thing!

When Jesus was hanging on the cross, the skeptics and critics mocked Him and said, "If You're the Son of God, why don't You just pull yourself down from that cross? Why don't You just come down and show that You're really God?"

Jesus had something more spectacular planned. He said, "I'm going to let you bury Me for three days, then I'll come back to life to prove that I am who I say I am."

Good Friday

How did it come to be called Good Friday ?
Today is the day we recall how the human person we call Jesus was crucified on a cross, died and was buried.
I'll do my best to remain in a thoughtful frame of mind today as I go about my work day.

Imagine the event, knowing that you are going to be hung on a cross till death, and there is no escape. Jesus, as a human, must have experienced all the emotions generated by the human body and mind that would occur when faced with an awful outcome.
He was tapped into the higher spirit, which allowed him to accept the human outcome.
He knew he was going to rise again in a different form.
We are challenged to get to the same place. To be not afraid and trust in spirit to guide us to the appointed outcome.

Lifes teachings from the Toltec Mexican society

(These come from the teaching of Toltec Mexican based society)
Ready?

1) BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
Why your word. Your word is the power that you have to create. The gift that comes directly from god. Through the word you express your creative powers. It is through the work that you manifest everything. Word is not just a sound or written symbol, The word is a force, it is the power you have to express and communicate, to thing and thereby to create the event in your life.
2) DONT TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
Taking things personally means you agree with whatever was said. As soon as you agree you are trapped in the what they call the dream of hell. Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. All people live in their own "dream" in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one we live in. When we take something personally, we make the assumption that they know what is in our world and we try to impose our world on their world.
3) DONT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
We make assumptions about what others are doing or thing - we take it personally - then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word. All the sadness and drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally.
take a moment to consider the truth of this statement. The whole world of control between humans is about making assumptions and taking things personally.
4) ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST
Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. Keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time so your best will sometimes be high quality and other times it will not be as good. How you're feeling physically, emotionally, if your drunk or sober , tired of rested, happy or upset angry or jealous. Regardless of the quality keep doing your best no more and no less. If you try too hard to do more than your best you will spend more energy than is needed and in the end your best will not be enough. When you overdo, you deplete your body and go against yourself and it will take you longer to accomplish your goal. But if you do less than your best you subject yourself to frustrations, self-judgment, guilt and regrets.

Those strawberry plants

I think a few of them are going to make it!

DAy 19 Cultivating community

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 151
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.


Day 19
Chapter Title; Cultivating community
Point to Ponder; Community requires commitment
Question to consider; How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my
small group and my church.

Rick writes, Community requires commitment. He gives examples of what it takes to develop a God centered community ; cultivating community takes honesty
Cultivating community take humility, cultivating community takes courtesy; cultivating community takes confidentiality; cultivating community takes frequency
He writes on page 147 “real fellowship, whether in a marriage, a friendship or your church depends on frankness.” He continues, “not rudeness or thoughtless words”
I think many of us have all evolved into guarded beings, protecting ourselves from the onslaught of thoughtlessness that occurs in our world.
Those of us who have drawn a circle of protection around ourselves risk missing out on the presence of God alive in people we may not like or agree with.
I can help cultivate characteristics of real community in my circle of friends and associates by working to develop more humility, thinking of my self less, being courteous, respecting the differences and accepting differences put forth by people I come in contact with. I don’t see the confidentiality part happening at all. People are so very ready to gossip and spread
half truths- knowledge about sad things that happen in peoples lives is seen as power over the person,
so confidentiality is left for a very few chosen people – and private conversations with God.
I like what Rick writes on page 151 “ … make a group that shares the characteristics of biblical fellowship// authenticity, mutuality, sympathy, mercy, honesty, humility, courtesy, confidentiality and frequency” Frequency means make the group a priority. I’m going to work hard to make “ my peeps” a priority!

Objective criticism of Obama speech by Factcheck.org

It's not that I don't trust politicians, but they do have a tenancy to spin their words into what they want us to hear, not what really is.
Summary

President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24.
• He said his budget projections are based on economic assumptions that “are perfectly consistent with what Blue Chip forecasters out there are saying.” Not true. The average projection by leading private economists is now for substantially less economic growth than the administration’s forecast assumes.

• He said he is reducing “nondefense discretionary spending” to less than it was under the past four presidents. Not true. His own forecast for the final budget of his four-year term puts this figure higher than in many years under Reagan, Clinton or either Bush.

• He said he was “angry” about “inexcusable” bonuses paid to AIG executives. But he glossed over the fact that his own aides insisted on watering down a Senate-passed amendment that might have prevented payment of such bonuses.

• He repeated that his budget is projected to cut the federal deficit in half by the end of his term. That’s true, but deficits also are projected to shoot up again later unless big policy changes are made.
FactCheck.org,

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American Cancer Society Cancer Services
If you are without health insurance, and find you have a need for
health care related to cancer, call 1-800-ACS-2345.


The staff is ready to assist you.
Thru the Cancer services program, they fund mammograms, clinical breast exams, colorectal screenings and the follow up care needed if something is found to be wrong.

The staff will assist you with qualifying for Medicaid. The income guidelines are higher than you may think.

Don’t wait, pass the word, be served!!
1-800-ACS-2345

I’m not patient enough to be a farmer.

I would like to have a home vegetable garden. It’s a dream that I haven’t given up on yet. However, I wonder if I have the patience to work my dream.
I purchased some very strong, healthy, beautiful strawberry plants, with the intention to have my granddaughter and I plant them together and then we would be able to watch them grow. I decided to place the plants in an area where she walks by when she comes to visit. I could see us harvesting the round juicy red fruit in early June. I can still imagine us sitting on our front lawn, munching on fresh strawberries just picked from my garden.

We planted the tender plants on Sunday, which was a seasonably warm March day. The instructions on the container indicated that planting could occur anytime after the soil was workable. My granddaughter and I had fun, we met a little worm along the way, wiggling out of the fresh turned earth, and I think the experience opened doors that this curious little person and I will visit again later.
The very next day, we were visited by a cold snap. As I went to work, I looked at the eight plants, and knew, I’ll have to protect them somehow from the evening chill.
19 degrees may be too much strain for the little plants to hold up under. I watered the earth around them, said a prayer, and piled leaves gently over their drooping tops hoping the decayed leaves will provide some protection from March’s frigid air temperature.
I peeked at the tender plants this morning. I don’t think they are going to survive. I can feel the frozen moisture in the leaves and stems. I’ll uncover them as the sun gets higher in the sky- perhaps there’s hope for one or two plants.
Another lesson of the fragility of life.
Another lesson in patience.

DAy 18- Experience Life Together

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 144
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Experiencing life together.
Point to ponder; I need others in my life.
Question to Consider: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart to heart level?

Day 18

Rick writes, “ life is ment to be shared” Many days, I prefer to think that “ I am a rock, I am an Island- and a rock feels no pain, and an Island never cries.”
I do cherish what Rick calls “authentic fellowship” , not “ superficial chit chat”
I find that I grow from what he refers to as “heart to heart – gut level sharing” pg 139
These kinds of conversations require trust.
He also writes on page 142 that “ Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren’t rubbed in but rubbed out. … Mercy wins over justice.”
“many people are reluctant to show mercy because they don’t know the difference between trust and forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past. Trust has to do with future behavior.” pg 143

For me, trust, forgiveness and letting go of the past all have to happen in the moment. Every day brings it’s challenges.
Today, I’ll try to forgive and trust a fellow believer who spends a lot of time engaging in superficial chit chat with me.

Day 17- A place to belong

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 137
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: A place to belong.
Point to ponder; I am called to belong, not just believe.
Question to Consider: Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed
to God’s family?


Keep in mind; I see a difference between commitment to God’s family, and a commitment to God.
I also have come to believe that “Spirit”, God- image of Christ- however one calls this
mysterious entity, can be found in all living entities that we encounter.

Rick writes, “ the first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at worship services and other gatherings
of believers. When we become careless about fellowship, everything else begins to slide too. “ pg 132 Rick writes, A church family moves you out of self
centered worship, and we discover our role in life through our relationship with others.” pgs 131-132
On page 136- Rick writes, “ Attenders are spectators form the sidelines, members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are
contributors. The Christian life is more than just commitment to Christ, it includes a commitment to other Christians.”

Aren’t we all challenged with commitment issues? I don’t have enough time in the day. The people sitting next to me are hypocrites. I don’t believe fully what the
priest is saying. All the church wants is my money and more of it. I‘ve heard it all and thought it all as well.
I do believe that it is important to be a contributor and not sit on the sidelines in worship attendance and membership. Where ever one practices religion,
when we are within a group, experiencing the love and spirit of God with other humans, the energy is magnified.
This is a process, and it takes time to move from the self centered- I pray while I’m doing the Sunday cross word puzzle
to- yes, I go to mass every week and make that sacrifice of one hour to be with God and God’s family.
Try it, something wonderful might happen.

DAy 16- What Matters Most

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 129
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: What Matters Most
Point to ponder; Life is all about Love
Question to Consider Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that
they are?

DAy 16


What matters most? “Life is all about Love” Rick writes on page 123.
He states a little later, “Learning to love unselfishly is not an easy task. It runs counter to our
self centered nature.” pg 123
He goes on to add on page 124 “Often we act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule.”

Does any of this ring true in your life. Do you wake up each day and say, why don’t I have time to visit with
….? you name the person… or persons.
If we follow the train of thought that God is love, other people in our lives represent God and God’s love,
and we let our self centered nature get in the way of relationships, then we are letting our self centered nature get in the way of
our loving relationship with God.
I’m thinking about Natasha Richardson this morning
Every day has the potential to be our last day.
Kiss your loved ones, make that phone call, forgive the hurt, open up to life in the moment.

Channel 23 Woodstock

Sorry about the sound out put issues last night
Producing on local cable tv is an adventure!

View From MY Kitchen Window TV Show tonight

GET FRESH- with Janine and Garnette. 830PM EST follow the ustream link
thru http://www.woodstocktv.org/


Our discussion will feature information provided by
Local promoters of healthy eating, David and Nikki Goldbeck


http://healthyhighways.blogspot.com/
http://www.healthyhighways.com/aboutus.shtml

Sunfrost Farms- Barry Ballister book FRuit and Vegetable Stand
http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/575148/
http://www.sunfrostfarms.com/ links to their email and phone number

DAy 15-Formed for God's family

Chapter Title: Formed for God’s Family
Point to ponder; I was formed for God’s family
Question to Consider; How can I start treating other believers
like members of my own family?

Day 15
I have to chuckle when I re read that statement. Don’t all families give each other heartache and trouble along with fun and loving hugs? I think we do treat other believers of Christ and all other prophets in such a manner, like family. We push other believers away if they don’t speak about Christ in the same terms as our teachings are spoken. The world is full of child like and childish believers.
Rick is talking about a concept that is controversial. On page 118 he states, “There is only one condition to be part of God’s family- faith in Jesus.” This is a phrase that stops many good people cold. What about my neighbors and friends who don’t have faith in Jesus- the kingdom of heaven is not open to them?
I suspect that this is another case of human administration of the church and God on earth by humans.
I like the phrase, “on earth we are given the riches, his grace, kindness patience glory wisdom power and mercy.” As Catholics, we are taught that these are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Once I accept these gifts, no one can take them away from me, however, as a human, I can drift away of my own free will.
On page 120, Rick talks about Baptism as a way to publicly announce “ I am not ashamed to be part of God’s family” I understand why people don’t have their children baptized, because they don’t have faith in the process of being part of God’s family.
I try very hard to imagine that each person I come in contact is Jesus- that Jesus is part of my family- and I try to treat my human family as though they were Jesus. Doesn’t always work ! but I keep trying.

Day 14- When God Seems Distant

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 113
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: When God seems distant.


Day 14
Point to Ponder: God is real no matter what
Question to consider: How can I stay focused on God’s presence, especially when he feels distant?


God is real no matter what. I’ll not ever deny the existence of God- or Spirit- what ever term you want to use.
Just look around you – evidence of something, an entity – that is unique and powerful – is everywhere.

The challenge we face as spirits in physical bodies is to maintain that belief, sometimes on faith
when things go wrong in our lives.

I stay focused during the times when I feel closeness and when I sense distance
thru prayer and meditation, including chanting Buddhist chants -
Rick includes a quote on page 107
“ The Lord has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my
hope in him. ( Isaiah 8 : 17)
No more needs to be said!

Day 13- Worship that pleases GOD

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 16
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Worship that pleases God

Day 13
Point to Ponder; God wants all of me
Question to Consider; which is more pleasing to God right now- my public worship
or my private worship? What will I do about this?

Rick, on page 101 writes that “God is please when our worship is accurate.
He then goes on; to worship in truth means to worship God as he is revealed in the Bible.

I’ve been attending a Catholic church for worship for the past 35 years, and I believe (and some one correct me if
I’m wrong) that Catholic teachings don’t follow the Bible word for word, as the literal works of God. I think we believe
that they are inspired words, spoken/written by humans.
Rick also writes; “God is pleased when our worship is authentic.” Rick quotes a verse “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
“God hates hypocrisy” Rick adds.
I think Rick is expressing the concept of thoughtful worship, by any means that the individual feels a connection to God. He lists worship thru nature, rituals, solitude, battling injustice, celebration m adoration and study as many ways to worship.

As a young girl, my parents made the decision to not attend worship services at a local church. Their reason, they saw people in church on Sunday that my parents believed were
being unfaithful to their spouses at other times. They didn’t want to worship with hypocrites. As kids, we didn’t mind, this saved us from having to go to church on Sunday.
I had the same experience as an adult. However, I had the benefit of having been around the Benedictine Sisters, who have a habit of saying, “ you don’t know what’s in a persons heart at the moment. “ And, Rick Warren writes, on page 105- and I paraphrase, God wants us to live for him. Offer our bodies and souls as living sacrifice.
“ the problem with a living sacrifice is that it can scrawl off the altar, and we often do that.” aka- the cheating spouses”

I think that how we worship in our hearts is most important to God- my private worship.
( which includes study) My public worship- I interpret as how I conduct myself in public, and that, hopefully
mirrors how I worship in my heart. But, as I am human, I do slip- in my public worship.

My thought for the day, What we carry in our hearts- is the heart of the matter regarding Worship.

Woodstock town board transparency

1:30pm Town Board Special Meeting
Date: Mon, Mar 16, 2009
Address:
Town Offices
45 Comeau Dr


Agenda:
Discussion re: Time Warner franchise.

This was the notice sent via email on March 13th
I continue to be puzzled by the scheduling of meetings at random times with 3 or 4 days notice.

In and email today, I asked my elected officials,
“ What’s the justification for scheduling a mid day meeting?”

Day 12- Developing your Friendship with God

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 99
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Developing your friendship with God

Day 12

Point to Ponder; I’m as close to God as I choose to be.
Question to Consider- What practical choices will I make today to grow closer to God?

“ Draw close to God and God will draw close to you “ James 4: 8

“ God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, but he does expect complete honesty” pg 92

We don’t like to admit that we do wrong, we sin. Catholics use the word sin- in a whisper.
Everyone sins. I know I do! I sin when I step off the path that God set out for me.
“Genuine friendship is built on disclosure” pg 94
God prefers authenticity. We are challenged to grow past our “hidden rift with God” pg 94.
Isn’t it the same in our personal lives?
We are challenged to grow past the rifts we have with other members of the human race.
We must learn to believe, on faith, that God uses everything that happens for Good!.
This action of faith is part of the process of developing a friendship with God.

Day 11-Becoming Best Friends with God

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 91
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Becoming Best Friends with God

Day 11
Point to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.
Question to Consider: What can I do to remind myself to think about t
God and talk to him more often through out the day?

I agree with Rick’s comment on page 87. You become friends with God through constant conversation.
“Friendship with God is possible only because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus.” We have
direct access to God as a result of Jesus death. We no longer have to live in the Old Testament ways, only preparing to
meet God, we have been given the gift of friendship, and we only have to accept it with open hearts.
Constant contact, on a daily basis, is how I build a relationship and friendship with GOD. The challenge is that
life gets in the way. Isn’t that true of all of our relationships.
How did that Joni Mitchell song go…” you don’t know what you’ve got … til it’s gone.”
Keep in touch with the people you value, and in that way, you keep in touch with GOD.

Daffodil sighting in Bearsville

Yes,outside my kitchen window- beneath the pile of sunflower seed shells, what do I see this morning? The first sign of little daffodils.

Tic Toc Diner - Rt 3 New Jersey

We've always wanted to visit a diner featured in Diner's Dives and Drivin's
The meal was good, the company special and what a beautiful late winter day

Irish Music of the Hudson Valley

March 22, 2009 “Irish Music of the Hudson Valley with Robert Huntley Burroughs”: Irish Harp player will talk about the history of local Irish immigrants and perform historic songs and dance tunes of the Hudson Valley. Kiersted House, Saugerties.


http://heritageconcerts.blogspot.com/

Day 10- The heart of Worship

Day 10
Point to Ponder: The heart of worship is surrender.
Question to consider: What area of my life am I holding back from GOD?

This is another challenge. I guess I could say some days I surrender, some days I hold everything back from God. My guess is, this is part of the human condition. I like the phrase Rick uses at the end of the chapter, “ now is your time to surrender to God’s Grace, Love and Wisdom.” If you subscribe to the Power of Now- that means, that each moment we need to surrender, as the moment comes along.
Rick speaks to this on page 83. There is the moment of surrender, and “ there is the practice of surrender, which is moment by moment, life long. The problem with a living sacrifice ( that’s us) is that it can crawl off the alter, so you may have to resurrender your life fifty times a day. ”

I think I can see this process at work in my life. I am a recovering control aholic- and I have to give up control daily- and it’s similar to surrender to God. The trick is to remember!

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Day 9- what makes God smile?

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 76
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: What makes God smile?
Point to Ponder; God smiles when I trust him

Question to consider; since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most.

Well, I must say, in this area, I am able to practice more fully. 10 years ago, I was very involved in letting my ego
self direct most of my actions. I need to trust God in all areas of my life. Some days, I need to get out of my own way!
Rick writes on page 76 “What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: is pleasing him your deepest desire? “



2009/03/05

When Serving God, Listen to Your Heart
by Rick Warren
A man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)
*** *** *** ***
The Bible uses the term "heart" to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations – what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart."
Where did those interests come from? They came from God!
God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests. Your emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests; consider how they might be used for God's glory. There is a reason that you love to do these things.
Listen for inner promptings that can point to the ministry God intends for you to have.
This is excerpted from The Purpose Driven life daily devotional.

Day 8 - You were planned for God's pleasure

Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: You were planned for God’s pleasure
Day 8
Point to Ponder: I was planned for God’s pleasure
Question to consider; What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?

Now that’s a very good question.
I do understand the teaching that I hear each day, “that which you do to the least of me, you do to Me.” per Jesus somewhere in the new testament. Though some days it is a challenge, I do my very best to stop and say – this person in front of me represents Jesus. It takes a lot of faith to believe, as Rick Warren does, that “ the moment you were born in to the world, God was there as an unseen witness, smiling at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure.”
I do have to take this concept completely on faith, because my ego wants proof.

Day 7 It's all for him

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 59
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: The Reason for Everything

Day 7
Point to Ponder; It’s all for Him.

Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God’s glory.

The chapter opens with the statement, “It’s all for him” I guess that it’s my ego that has trouble with that statement.
I have, however, tried to make it a practice to give thanks to GOD everyday for the events of the day, no matter what happened.
I try to take a deep breath of fresh air and thank GOD for life. I use this as a centering activity.
I guess that action is also there to keep my ego in check. So, instead of thinking that it’s all about me, I am reminded that its all about God.

While I'm writing- I'm thinking

I'm thinking about a Muslim extremist- who believes they are pleasing God by caring out a suicide mission.
Do they sincerely believe that in their heart? or are they acting out of fear?
Are they lying to themselves?

Day 6- Life is a temporary assignment

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 52
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Life is a Temporary Assignment.


Day 6
Point to Ponder; This world is not my home.
Question to consider; How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?


I’ve heard the phrase “I’m just passing thru” from a dear person in my life for almost 35 years. It has, and to some degree still frustrates me.
The phrase frustrated the control freak in me. When something goes amiss, I want to repair the problem.
However, with age and experience, I do see that I am not in control of what happens in life. I am not fully on board with life after death.
Rick quotes the psalmist 39: 4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. “Even in ancient times, this humble human was aware of life on earth was like “ just passing thru”
How have I changed my way of living, now that I am aware that I won’t be here forever? Try to make every day count! Live each day as though it were my last

Day 5 -Seeing LIfe From God's View

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 40
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: Seeing life from God’s View


Day 5
Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust

Question to consider; What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God?
What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

The opening sentence in this chapter is “The way you see your life shapes your life.”
I’m thinking about a program I saw on TV last night about the Crusaders in Turkey. I wonder how they saw their lives and the purpose
of losing their life for the Kingdom of GOD. And, also, the act of murdering “infidels” in the name of GOD.

I don’t see myself ever going on such an awful crusade. I do see this type of act as part of what turns people away from religion.
I would like to be able to go on a Crusade of Unconditional Love. I thought that I was capable of such a journey; however, life showed me that my human fragilities were such that I wasn’t up to the task. I am now in the process of remaking myself into the person
I thought I was, and still want to be.
The way I see myself, will shape my life, with GOD’s help.

“ unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in larger ones.” Luke 16:10

Day 4- Made to last forever

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 40
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter title- Made to last forever

Day 4- Thinking about my purpose
Point to ponder- There is more to life than just here and now
Question to consider- Since I was made to last forever,
what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?



I should stop worrying and start trusting GOD today.

I have a couple of challenges with some of this reading. There is the phrase, “if you learn to love and trust God’s Son, Jesus, you will be invited to spend the rest of eternity with him” The writer infers that those who don’t follow Jesus won’t find peace in eternity.
Recently- I read an interesting comment about this subject, the writer (and I’ll have to find the quote at another time) introduced a new idea. I’ll paraphrase- It’s none of your business whether or not the other person believes in Jesus- it’s your business only to keep your self on track.
The other challenge, “death is not the end of you! Death is not your termination, but your transition into eternity, so there are eternal consequences to everything you do on earth. Every act our lives strike some chord that will vibrate in eternity.”
I have two thoughts- First: If we all thought about the consequences of our actions, perhaps earth would be a better place for all. It seems in order to think that way, we must get to a mature spiritual place, and not operate from a childish – my way or the highway perspective.
Second: I don’t think we take the idea that there are eternal consequences for our actions on earth very seriously. Our feet are planted in a space where we believe that humans rule the earth.
What do you think.

Day 3- What drives your life?

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life, page 27
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title: What Drives Your Life?
Day 3 – Thinking about my purpose.
Point to Ponder- Living on purpose is the path to peace
Question to consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life? What do I want it to be?

John and I watched the movie “Body of Lies” last night. It was a mediocre movie, but served to divert our attention from things in the “NOW” The content of the movie did set us both thinking about many world issues that we do try to avoid, due to the complexity of them. And, the fictional portrayal of social, political and religious conditions in the Middle East did reinforce our opinions.

What Drives my LIFE?
I like the statement on page 31. “Knowing your purpose simplifies your life. It defines what you do and what you don’t do. Your purpose becomes the standard you use to evaluate which activities are essential and which aren’t. You simply ask, “Does this activity help me fulfill one of God’s purposes for my life?”

I’m prepared to admit that I worship a God of Peace with Justice- that would be the Catholic phrase I hear each Sunday. We also hear each Sunday, “that which you do for the least of ME, you do for ME.”

I think my family would say that what drives me is seeking to see everyone happy.
(Though I know now, that’s a near impossible task)


I would say that in 2009, I can see that I strive to point out hopeful paths to people.
And, I see the challenge to portray GOD, as a GOD of PEACE, vs a GOD of Vengeance.


It may seem like an up hill battle, but I am forever hopeful that PEACE will prevail

What drives your life?

Why I hesitate to say to loudly GOD drives my life

The Culture of the Middle EAst, portrays GOD as a vengeful and controling entity as then reflected in their political / social structure.
I feel that we are trying to move the worship of Jesus Christ beyond the realm of vengeful control and into a realm of spiritual peace. And we are hoping to attempt this in a country at puts a lot of emphasis on freedom of religious expression.

LATEST: The Iranian actress who appears in RUSSELL CROWE and LEONARDO DiCAPRIO's new movie BODY OF LIES is refusing to return to her homeland - because she fears she will be exiled over her role in the film.
Golshifteh Farahani was detained by authorities in her homeland in August (08) after making plans to visit Hollywood for a series of meetings with directors and casting agents. They also confiscated her passport.
State news agency officials at IRNA claimed the 25-year-old did not obtain the necessary permit from the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance in order to appear in the U.S. movie.
According to the New York Daily News, Farahani has since had her passport returned to her, although Islamic officials are continuing their investigation into whether she broke the law by making the film without permission.
And she has been living in France with her husband since the incident, uncertain if the Iranian government will seize her documents upon her return to the country.
She tells the newspaper: "I'm on trial. I'm totally in love with Iran. I have family there. But now, if they want to see me, they have to leave...
"I had a lot of problems because of this movie. (Iranian officials) took my passport. The intelligence service interrogated me several times. In the end, the judge said, 'We have to see the movie and then decide what we're going to do with you.'"
Farahani - who plays DiCaprio's love interest in the film - is the first Iranian-based actress to appear in a Hollywood film since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/crowedicaprio%20co-star%20fears%20exile%20from%20iran_1082801

07/10/2008 16:12

Excerpt from presentation at the Rhinebeck Historical Society

We know of two mercantile stores in Woodstock at the turn of the 20th century. ID Rose and Layman’s. There was also an Ice Cream Parlor run by Nellie Jane Mower. They were all ready to welcome the artists. Once Byrdcliffe was built, and the Art Students League opened its summer school down the road a piece on route 212, Nellie and her parents kept their ice cream store open on Saturday nights when the Art Student League held dances. Catherine would serve home made oyster stew. Noah and his son Walter had developed a fruit and vegetable route, traveling thru the Mink Hollow notch to the summer houses in Tannersville and Elk Park. They were awarded the exclusive rights to deliver fresh food to the Byrdcliffe Art and Craft Colony.
As so eloquently put by Hervey White’s observations:
Due to economic hard times, not everyone stayed in Woodstock. The youngest sister of Walter and Nellie Mower moved to Rhinebeck at some point and the 1900 census shows that she is working and living as a waitress in a hotel run by Vernon and Sara Lake. ( She may have represented just one two many mouths to feed for the family – Walter has a growing family ) There, Addie as she is referred to met her future husband Patsy Sullivan who was working as a coachman and living in Rhinebeck with his parents and seven siblings.

Signs of Spring from the morning drive

The mounds of snow are receding, revealing signs of last winters garbage along the roadside.
The real estate signs placed last fall are making a reappearance.
The scent of skunk, wafed into my car as I stopped at the red light on route 28.
The air feels and smells different as I walk from my parking spot in the employee lot to the hospital.

Day 2 You are not an accident

From Rick Warren Purpose Driven Life page 21
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter Title; You are Not an Accident

Day 2 Thinking about my purpose
Question to consider: I know that God uniquely created me.
What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

Janine’s Thoughts;
I know I was an accident- in my parents eyes- but everything turned out ok! LOL
What I can’t accept I work to change. Now, I get into trouble when I try to change things that I just have to accept.
That sounds like the human struggle.
I can diet and exercise and that will change some things, however, my body is aging, and I just have to accept that.
Patience and prayer are good friends.
Rick says “ we discover that meaning and purpose only when we make GOD the reference pointof our lives.” Do we do that? Am I going to work this morning to please GOD or pick up my pay check?
I think it has to be a little bit of both!

Commercial Real Estate in Woodstock

I'm here at FreeStyle realty in Woodstock. There are almost a dozen commercial properties available for sale, at reasonable prices, even in this seemingly uncertain economy. You see, I am the eternal optimist. I do believe that there is someone in the universe that would love to come to Woodstock and own a business or buy a building to put their dream business in. The prices range from 600,000 to 1.5 million.
Do you have a dream you would like to put into action?
I'm here and I'm ready!

It all starts with GOD

From Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life page 21
This will be my 5th round of reading thru this book.
It’s part of my public LENTEN journey
Feel free to comment, question, add- this is, as the say at Planet Fitness, a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE.

Chapter title- It all starts with GOD

Day 1- Thinking about my purpose
Point to ponder- It’s not about me.
Question to consider- In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for GOD, not myself?

Janine’s thoughts;

I still rebel against this idea. I want my life to be about me.
However, deep inside, I know better, that I am part of a greater… the word escapes me at the moment. Some days I think the word is “experiment”. LOL And, GOD is experimenting with humans.
I have to remember to change my question from- what do I want to do with my life to
GOD, guide me in where you want me to go. So, I am hearing acceptance and surrender.
Some days it’s easier than others.

I must remain in contact with the higher power I chose to call GOD thru prayer, meditation and surrender. Sometimes, minute by minute! I think the surrender part is where we let GOD use us for the purpose we were intended. Sort of like what we do with REIKI. We are vehicles for the healing energy of the earth to come in contact with others.

"Sarcasm is the domain of losers "

Joe's Squawk- box wisdom for this morning.

My take on Sarcasm is that it represents hidden anger therefore
anger is the domain of losers

Ash Wednesday

I think the key to Ash Wednesday, Lent and the Glory of Easter is reflected in the reading for last Sunday from The Book of the Prophet Isaiah, 43: 18

Thus says the LORD- ( to Isaiah and also us in the present moment)

Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not;
see, I am doing something new!
Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.


The people ( us humans ) I formed for myself, that they might announce my praise.

Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob.
for you grew weary of me, O Israel.

You burdened me with your sins, and wearied me with your crimes.

It is I, I who wipe out, for my own sake, your offenses;

Your sins I remember no more.

And this, my dear friends, is what we are charged to do with one another, in the present moment, as we represent GOD on earth.

Join in my Lenten conversation

Janine is both excited and nervous

Planning for a panel discussion- the excitement is building and I realize there isn't enough time in the presentation to say all that I would like to - CUT CUT CUT!

Another excerpt from the Hervey White Diary
In despondency came a friend to MR. Brown. He made acquaintances with Levi Harder at Rock City and Mr. Harder understood the situation. He said the coming of the art colony to Woodstock was the only thing that could save it from destitution; that the village was as poor as a church mouse. The farms had been neglected and grown up to brush on account of the quarry business. Then the bottom had dropped out of the bluestone prices since concrete had been substituted for flagging and the only source of income was the crop of summer boarders

From Hervey White's Diary

"The surrounding mountains were wild and a bit sinister. Mr. Whitehead grumbled nervously at this prospect. However he would buy the farm. Doubtless we could use it, but he hoped to find a more pleasing prospect toward the West. He finally decided on five farms that lay above on the upper side of the Glasco Turnpike extended in from Rock City cross roads to the hill above Shady. This decision once reached he returned to his family in California and authorized Mr. Brown to buy the farms. "

This is an excerpt from Hervey White's diary that is in the collection held by the Historical Society of Woodstock. I'll read a selected few paragraphs for the presentation in Rhinebeck on Friday. Look for more tomorrow!

You have to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything

I am on Rick Warren's purpose driven email list. Below is a partial copy of this mornings essay. It reminded me of the country western song, You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. Or, that old saying, if you stand in the middle of the road long enough, you'll get run over.

I do my very best to stand with Christ.

Everybody Surrenders to Something
by Rick Warren



Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. Philippians 2:6-7 (LB)



*** *** *** ***


Everybody surrenders to something or someone in life.If not to God, you’ll surrender to popular opinion, to money, to resentment or fear, or to your own pride, lust, and ego.


We were designed to worship something, and when we fail to worship God, we create gods (idols) to surrender ourselves to. E. Stanley Jones said, “If you don’t surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos.” You’re free to choose what you surrender to, but you’re not free from the consequences of that choice: “So give yourselves completely to God” (James 4:7 NCV).

http://www.saddlebackresources.com/en-US/PurposeDrivenLife/PurposeDrivenLifeResources.htm

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

The Carolina Wren

The Carolina wrens have made their first appearance outside my kitchen window. I've heard them singing to the early dawn light for the past week, but today they visited our feeders. I must say, I sure do have quite a mess to clean up from all the sunflower seeds that have been consumed this winter.

Pay increases for Governor Paterson’s inner circle

The Kingston Daily Freeman posted an AP story about pay increases for the Governor’s inner circle staff. The Governor blows off the criticism stating that it is part of a “ net cut in executive chamber pay” because he “ eliminated some jobs and cut executive spending by 10 % over all.”

It would seem to me that if he held the line on the salaries of the remaining staff, he could have increased his budget cut the $ 250,000 figure referenced in the article

Those of you who are private sector business owners and employees would love to have a pay increase in 2009 wouldn’t you.

Can you forgive A-Rod?

Lent begins next Wednesday February 25th. For me, Lent is a time to reflect and learn more about the process of forgiveness.
Was taking performance enhancing steroids wrong?
Yes.
Did A Rod make a mistake?Yes. Was he trying to cheat? Yes. Would he have confessed if the SI writer hadn't investigated thoroughly enough to uncover his past actions?
Only A Rod and his conscience knows the answer to that question.
But does that matter in the present moment?

" Judge me only from this moment forward." he asks.

I believe he is asking for FAN forgiveness.

Let's stop crucifying him
Let's forgive him and move forward to another baseball season

The Middle Class in 2009

A recent article in the Parade magazine provided me with figures regarding the definition of the “Middle Class”
“According to the census bureau, the median income of an American family in 2007 was $ 61, 355.”

The article later states- President Obama defines the middle class as families that earn up to $200,000. And, New York Senator Chuck Schumer defined middle class families as those earning up to $ 160,000. (For purpose of a tax credit for college tuition)

According to figures used by RUPCO, the 2008 median area income (surrounding Woodstock) is $ 46, 050

At first blush- the 2008 median area income is significantly below the 2007 median income of the American family. And, it’s quite an income stretch from $46,000 to $200,000. It’s time to head to work- that’s what us middle class Americans do every day.

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The first reading at Mass today was from the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus.
Leviticus 13: 1-2

To paraphrase- The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, if someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to the priest. If the man is leprous and unclean the priest shall declare him so, and the man shall forever keep his garments rent and his head bare and cry out Unclean -Unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.

The second reading at Mass was from the New Testament, St. Paul letter to Corinthians, 10: 31

To paraphrase- Do everything for the glory of God

The Gospel- according to Mark- 1: 40-45

To paraphrase- A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “if you wish, you can make me clean. Jesus touched him and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.”

I thought, well, the leper showed great faith in Jesus. He spoke to the man he knew as Jesus and told his troubles to him. And, they were resolved.

I’m glad that most days I can live in what I call New Testament thinking.

Thoughts from the memoir festival

All of the panelists were very different in their life experience and this was made evident by their participation in the panel discussion.

A few insights that I gleaned from some of the panelists;

Fred Poole- Few people know their story till they begin to write it.

Martha Frankle- What’s off limits? It’s all fair game.

Abigail Thomas- What story are you going to tell? Feed it what it wants.
Memoir is about clarity, not about sticking it to someone. You figure out what you have been trying to not know.

Abigail Thomas - Go thru it and come out the other side.

Janine Pomey Vega- Pursue the truth in the essence of the character

Malachy McCourt- It’s best not to hurt people with your writing, make amends.

Malachy McCourt closed a very fine evening with “Let’s have a song”
and proceeded to lead the attendees in an impromptu Irish song.

The other panelists had insightful offerings, they just did not strike a tone in my heart at the moment.

Friday the 13th

What a better way to spend a chilly Friday night after a splendid full moon?
at the Woodstock Memoir Festival


http://www.woodstockmemoirfestival.com/


I'm just itching to have another writing success!

SQUAWK Box

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1031293351

An interesting way to start your day- This interview with Richard LeFrac of
The LaFrac Organization has a few tidbits worth listening to.

Penny Social Feb 14th

I like penny socials. They are an economical way to purchase items and support the non profit at the same time.
The members of the Shady United Methodist CHurch are a group that sets a wonderful example of service to the community that one lives in.

Benefit for St Judes Children's Research Hospital

Penny Social
Feb 14th
Open at 1 PM calling at 2 PM
for your convenience, the kitchen will open at 12 for Lunch
Lake Hill Fire House
Sponsored by the
Shady United Methodist Church

THere are no rich Democrats

Check the internet. Google Bernie Madoff and ask what his voter enrollment is.

For years, we’ve been fed this bear doo doo that Republicans are rich and everything that goes on in government benefits rich Republicans.

Bernie Madoff is an enrolled Democrat. A very rich Democrat who has contributed money to campaigns of many elected officials who are rich Democrats.

So, my friends, what are you going to say when the current administration continues too promote the fairy tale that only Republicans are rich?

My Latest speaking engagement

Rhinebeck Historical Society
Feb 27, 7:30 pm
Starr Library, Rhinebeck Local History Room (lower level)
A Tale of two Communities
"The Evolution Of Rhinebeck and Woodstock"

A Panel Discussion featuring:

Richard Heppner - Woodstock Town Historian
Janine Fallon - Mower - Author of several books on Woodstock History
Cynthia Owen Philip - Author of books on the history of Rhinecliff and
a Rhinecliff Resident
Dick Hermans - Owner of Oblong Book Store - Member of one of the first
families of Rhinebeck


Free All Welcome

Holy Cow- it's the January thaw in Februrary

Yes, we are in the balmy 40 degrees F. The snow piles are melting, now the little squirrles will not be able to leap up to my bird suet cake bird feeder. The wind is blowing like an early March day.

It's flea market cabin fever day

Check out the video at the Woodstockflea blogspot. You can find it on the side bar to the left

Woodstock Commons Proposal

I admit to turning off the public hearing after two hours. I heard many residents speak for and against the project. The wisdom from Tom Collins, who sat on our original affordable housing committee almost 25 years ago- and I paraphrase- If this was the type of project we could do ourselves as a town, it would have been done a long time ago-
I empathize with my friends and neighbors whose neighborhood will change if the complex is allowed to be built. I hear the concerns about the wet lands and the wild life. It's my understanding that with today's technology- most- if not all wet land issues can be mitigated.
Sasha Gillman, in quoting President Barak Obama, - " lets not let perfect get in the way of the essential " And to quote Sasha,( former Woodtsock planning board chair)
" if we don't approve this project, let's stop talking about affordable housing in Woodstock."
I agree with Tom 's observation, the common theme echoing from opponants of any affordable housing project is ......we all want affordable housing, just not here, or here, or here, or here......
What's a community to do?

Ulster County Big Brothers And Big Sisters.

Many thanks to Colleen Mountford for coming out on a chilly night last night to appear live on my local cable access TV show. She is not only the executive director of the local chapter of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, http://www.bigbrothersbigsistersulster.org/Colleen volunteers as a big sister as well. If you have an inkling that you would like to begin, or renew the habit of giving back to your community, call her at 845-338-0431 and make an appointment for an interview.
If you decided to commit one year to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, you will be matched with a child how has similar interests to yours. Your life will be enriched in ways that you can't imagine at the moment. Make the call today.

The former Gitmo Prisoner

Was found heading an army in Yemen. Let's release a few more and see where they end up.

The Beauty of marriage

The beauty of marriage

John reminded me today that we have been celebrating my birthday since I was 19 years old.
We will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary this year.

This week celebrates World Marriage Week and CFCA ( Christian Foundation for Children and Aging) is grateful for the gift of loving relationships. Societal, cultural and economic pressures have placed a heavy strain on marriage both in the United States and in developing countries where CFCA serves. But there also are shining examples of marriage to celebrate.

In El Salvador, one couple has remained together for more than 58 years. Miguel remembers when they were very young seeing Maria getting water for her family. He finally got up the courage to talk to her and they have been together ever since.

Miguel makes about $6 a day as a laborer, and their adobe home is owned by a kind neighbor who allows them to stay there. Maria, now blind, depends on Miguel to guide her. They find comfort and support attending monthly CFCA meetings. The love of Miguel and Maria shines through their souls by the companionship, understanding and support they give each other.

Please pray:
O God, you have consecrated the covenant of marriage. Send your blessing on Maria and Miguel and all married persons that they may love, honor, and cherish one another and be a beacon of your love in the world. Amen.

Blessings,

CFCA Prayer Team

Watch a short video of Maria and Miguel at their home in El Salvador.

The Avon Lady

Avon is fun, it's work, but it is independant work. I establish a relationship with the customer, and adapt to their needs. I offer advice and provide access to many of the best affordable skin care products for sale in the world.

I am my own best customer!!

http://jmower.avonrepresentative.com/
click on the link and become a customer today

25 years of AVON sales

Every two weeks for over 25 years, I have submitted an AVON order. The company is right on top of their plan to remain in the game in these tough economic times.

Finally, my writer bio

Janine Fallon Mower
Local History and Family Lore Consultant

Historians have written that the nineteen sixties was a time when the United States was in turmoil and countless numbers of people were searching for deeper meaning in their lives. The dawning of the Age of Aquarius was expected to occur and PEACE would be the theme for the world. Janine Fallon – Mower, today known as a local history author and family lore consultant, was just one of those seekers, standing high on a windswept hill on the coast of northern Maine in August of 1968. It was there that she took the first step of a journey that would deepen her knowledge of her birth families and the community that she grew up in, Woodstock, NY. Genealogy remains her main passion. She finds connecting generations of families, whose knowledge of each other has often been lost through the passage of time, to be a satisfying process.
Janine spent 10 years researching and interviewing her family members on her paternal side. Learning about the city of Kingston in the 19th century, as it grew to accommodate Irish, Italian and German immigrants, Janine developed a story about three generations of the Heaney and Fallon families. The work resulted in a self published family memoir in 1998, “From the Midlands West to the Rondout Docks”
She began a more formal role in the research and promotion of local history when she served on the Woodstock BiCentennial committee in 1987. Subsequently, she began a relationship with the Woodstock Historical Society that lasted for almost 10 years. She served as co president of the Historical Society for five years, and during that time instituted a program referred to as Historical Road trips. Volunteers, lead by Janine Fallon – Mower would bring artifacts, photos, and paper ephemera from the Historical Society Collection to the outlying hamlets of Woodstock. Local residents attended what are recalled as lively and informative local history discussions at the neighborhood fire houses.
During her tenure with the Historical Society, Janine had the opportunity to interview local residents and, listen to their stories of Woodstock during the early twentieth century, from their personal perspective. Along with anecdotes about daily life, Janine was allowed to peer into the more intimate areas of Woodstock life by reviewing local family pictures. This experience led to the publishing of two books with ARCADIA PUBLISHING in the Images of America series, “ Woodstock” in 2002 and “Woodstock Revisited” in 2005.
Janine has led a number of local history discussions/ slide shows for the Woodstock Library Forum and the Woodstock Senior Citizen Group.
Most recently, Janine was invited by story teller Mary Savage to present a program on genealogy research and local storytelling for the Brooklyn Community Storytellers at Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture in Brooklyn NY. While in Brooklyn, a new research door opened for Janine. The cycle continues.

On a more personal note;


Janine believes that “family genealogy and local history research compliment each other like apple pie and ice cream, Desi and Lucille, night and day. The careful process of researching a family tree reveals a picture of how a family group interacts within a small town or an urban neighborhood. An image that comes to mind when researching multiple families in a geographic area is the image of a simmering pot of stew. With the addition of each ingredient (family member) the stew (family) becomes more flavorful and varied. The same can be said for each local community or urban neighborhood.”
According to Janine Fallon Mower, “it is imperative that we continue the work of capturing the memories of our older family members and community residents. Time moves forward, our memories grow dim, and we risk losing the wisdom held in the events of the past. As many have said before, culturally and socially, we benefit by the experiences of those who have walked before us. Our elders can guide us to find deeper meaning in our lives.”

Back Yard Breakfast

The crusted snow covered over the sunflower seeds we put out before this latest storm. The squirrls found a way to burrow under the thick crust and grab a snack.

California Farmers Idle Crops- Mendota California

That was the tag line in a short article found in the Kingston Daily freeman this week.
“ Consumers may pay more for spring lettuce and summer melons.. now that California farmers have started abandoning their fields in response to a crippling drought.”
I learned that most of the county’s summer supply of fruits and veggies come from the Central Valley in California, and thought to my self, - better get that plot started for my own back yard lettuce. I paid 1.89 for ice berg yesterday at Adams.
Some of the problem is attributed to the worst drought in two decades.
However, as a read through the article, I read, “ While dry weather has exacerbated the problem, farmers’ water woes are not all drought related. “
“Supplies for crops and cities also have been restricted by several court decisions cutting back allocations that flow through a freshwater estuary called the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta, the main conduit that sends water to nearly two thirds of Californians.
Environmental groups and federal scientists say the delta’s massive pumps are one of the factors pushing a native fish to the brink of extinction. Last year, FEDERAL water deliveries were just 40 % of the normal allocations, fallowing hundreds of thousands of acres causing nearly $309 million in crop losses state wide.”


Can we relocate the native fish? The drought solution is to pump in water, and now the water is cut off to protect a native species. I’m going to buy topsoil as soon as the snow clears. What do you think?

Frank Capra- Jimmy Stewart

Wonderful movie- " You can't take it with you"

Genealogy Day

I thought I was going to work on the Fallon's before I headed down to volunteer at the Historical Society.
Instead, I just received a call from a Bickner relative that I've been trying to get in touch off and on for 12 years.
His father, my great uncle, was placed on an orphan train from NY City at the turn of the 19th century and grew up on a farm in Hillsboro Ill.

Genealogy is a hobby that requires a lot of patience!!

Page 1

At the blog list to the left is Page 1. It is a link to http://www.eatlocalfood.org/
this web site. Take a look see.

Toby - Biggest and Baddest

We saw one heck of a show. 1 hour of Jason Aldeen and 2 hours of Toby Keith and the Easy Money Band. Most of the crowd stood and cheered through out the whole show. I was surprised to see so many under 40 something fans at a concert in Albany NY

Toby played a great blend of old and new songs, he looks like he enjoys himself on stage. The concert ended with a red white and blue tribute to the service men and women. We left the area after being showered in confetti. It was fun.
My ears are still ringing.

Toby Keith Day

I've always wanted to see Toby Keith live and in concert and today is the Day.
Something for fun in a dreary cold January.

Get Fresh

To read the Tootie fruitie recipe, scroll down to older posts and you will see the nice yellow front cover of the Woodstock Cook book.

Think Simple, shop local.

Sorry for the late start. Each time we come into the studio, it’s a different technological adventure!!

Father Chris Berean

I went to 9 Am mass today at St Johns Church. It was good to see the faithful dozen who attend week day mass. Father Chris is amazing. He’s been a priest in my life for over 20 years now. His sermons are short, meaningful and personal.
I couldn’t tell you for the life of me what the gospel reading was about.
Father Chris homily was very touching.
An associate of his gave him a bag of Mallo Bars yesterday.
His heart was touched because this was his mom’s favorite cookie.
No one touched her Mallo Bars, for fear of serious repercussions.
The gift of Mallo Bars, for Father Chris, was a gift from God and his deceased mother.
Today would have been her 76th birthday.

Father Chris reminded us that you never know when or how the holy spirit will speak to your heart. Thank you Father Chris for serving as an example of a person who has great faith.

Sagging Confidence in America.

President Obama referred to the sagging confidence in America; that some how people believed that our system of government would fail.
He gave the American public and the world a history refresher, he referenced George Washington, and the near loss of a decisive battle for the city of Washington during the revolutionary war. George Washington rallied weary troops who were under the worst of conditions to stay the course and press on.

President Obama is on target, we can learn from history. He is just what America needs right now. A charismatic leader.

I must confess, I never lost faith in the American people or the American spirit. I look forward to hearing a more hopeful tone come from the people I associate with.

A friend poses a good question.

What do think the Obamas are likely to find in the White House that Bush left behind?

My reply;

The Obamas will probably find an aura of a family that cared about each other and cared about their country and did their best under very difficult circumstances

Now, I ask the same question.

What do you think the Obamas will find in the White house, that Bush left behind?

"Humble-Grateful-Mindful"

Humble- Grateful- Mindful. Words used today by the 44th President of the United States

In his Inauguration speech, Barack Obama called to mind the sacrifice that our ancestors made to come to America and forge a new democracy. He asked us to remain faithful to the ideas of our forbears and the founding documents that they created. Liberty and freedom for all. Words that ring in our ears, they are part of the national songs that we may sing; they are part of the pledge of allegiance we repeat. They are words that we may have come to take for granted in the United States. I spoke of the term immigrant energy in a previous post. I think it’s a similar concept- and includes the sacrifice that our ancestors made to create this great country that we live in.
We’ll need to all sacrifice to regain our greatness.

Working from home

How fortunate I am to be able to work at home this morning and also be able to listen to the chit chat on the TV as the country prepares for the inauguration.

I had the occasion to call AVON help line this morning, around 11 AMEST.
Just to give you an example of the global reach that AVON has, I spoke with a very helpful
internet represenative, in India. He was working, and it was around 9PM in his time zone.

This demonstrates to me how everything we do in America has global implications.
My sales here in Ulster County NY do go to help employ this person in India.

7 AM Inauguration Day

I’ve stayed away from all the hoop la generated by the media surrounding the Obama Inauguration. I will watch the speech on TV later today. I happen to have the day off, without pay, from my job.

I have a sense that I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. I don’t want to jump on the train that points to Obama being the person who is going to save us from ourselves.
Perhaps he will be a breath of fresh air that allows the American people to blossom again.

We didn’t get in the mess we are in here in the United States over night. And the mess wasn’t just magically created over the past 8 years. The mess isn’t going to resolve itself magically in four years. We, as a country have lost our emigrant energy- we’ve lost the sense that we are the country of promise and possibility. President Obama can make all the promises in the universe. He needs the actions of the American people to back up his
plans for change. ( and that includes the cooperation from the Senate, Congress and Governors of 50 states)

The End of the Bush 2 Era

I won’t be shedding tears of good bye tomorrow. In my nearly 40 years of paying attention to the person that is president of this great country, I don’t recall anyone in the office who has generated more hatred from the American public than George W. Bush. Even the dislike and distrust created by the aura of Richard M. Nixon can’t hold a candle to the way people feel about Bush 2.
I won’t be joining the group on FACEBOOK that is planning to “smudge “the White House. Bush didn’t act alone in any of the areas that Americans are dissatisfied about. There is a long list of elected and appointed officials who are partners in his actions.
Nor will I be flipping the middle finger at Bush 2. I’ll let editor of the Woodstock Times Brian Hollander do that for all the people he represents.
I will be pondering how one would go about rebuilding the National Republican Party.
Our country needs two strong parties to continue the debate of issues that face our nation.

How's your sweetie?

Not the one you hug every day before you head for work. The one you buy in the supermarket green grocery section. The Sweetie that looks and tastes very similar to a grapefruit, but the outer skin is a lovely lime green, and it’s the same size as a grapefruit.
However, it’s a product from Jaffa, Israel. I purchased it in Kingston NY USA in January. Do you see where I ‘m headed with this post. It’s a real challenge to eat healthy and in season. I’m off to make an apple pie with NY State Apples.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

Remember the Body and Soul Challenge a few posts ago? I never did get the log in info from the web site. I do have the magazine to follow along till I take the time to sort out the web snag. I found this tasty recepie and I highly recommend it on chicken!

2 cups cilantro
1/2 tsp grated peeled ginger
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
In a blender combine 1 tbsp oil, cilantro, ginger, lime juice, vinegar and 3 tbsp water
Puree until smooth. Set aside.
Can't get easier than that
Drizzle over chicken, served up on tumeric infused rice ( or rice of your choice)

Brisk and Dark

That's what the morning looked like at 5 15 am when I trudged out to the recycling pile to add a few more old newspapers to the collection. Brisk, dark and simply beautiful. The stars are so much more bright in the winter night air. They seem to be beconing, we are warm, look at us, we glow for all to see. The peaceful night sky was interupped by the sounds of a jet plane making its way south. Where on earth are they traveling from! Where are they headed? Home? To Work?
Are you suffering a case of the January doldrums? Embrace Winter, make it your friend.
Stand outside in the sunshine today and give thanks for its warmth. I watered my christmas cactus this morning and reminded them to be patient, soon they would be transported outside to the summer growing spots. The four large plants, most over 30 years old, rewarded our household with a month of non stop blooms. Winter beauty!

CATCH OF THE DAY

I'm not sure why I'm thinking about LENT this morning, perhaps its the Phil Coulter HIghland CAthedral music. I'm feeling the prescence of Jesus in the Music. Anyway- John Fischer writes a daily column. This mornings topic touched my heart.

Follow the link to his web site. http://www.fischtank.com/ft/

What was your name again?" by John Fischer
"In humility, consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Do you ever have trouble remembering someone's name?

You may have asked them for their name but you weren't listening when they told you, and now you have to ask them again. Don't you hate it when that happens? I met a man this weekend, that said he used to have trouble remembering people's names until he realized why. He was focusing on his introduction of himself when he met someone new, and not on the person he was meeting. Once he got it through his head that the important one was the person he was meeting, not the one he was introducing, he was able to focus on people and remember their names. How remarkable, and remarkably simple.

As I thought this over I had to go one painful step further. If I forget someone's name, it's because I don't care. I'm not valuing the meeting. I just don't care enough to listen. If, on the other hand, I concentrate on the person I am meeting—give them 100% of my attention—I can remember a name. I can remember quite a few names if I put my mind to it. But to do that, of course, I will have to empty my head of its favorite topic (myself) to make room for someone else.


Think about it: a name is important. In some cultures it's everything. The Bible makes a big deal about the name of Jesus. At the name of Jesus, many things happen. Our names are significant, too. Make somebody's name important to you today. Remember it. "