Last night temperatures were low and snow fell again upon the city of Pittsburgh. On these nights our downtown church offers shelter to the homeless. As a result, this morning as we joined the adult Sunday school class, we saw a few new faces in the social hall as we passed through.
As we joined the class and were introduced to the topic--Facing Death Faithfully, a couple of men joined us carefully setting their tattered backpacks to the side. One man pulled a worn Bible from his and set it gently on the table.
Introductions were made amongst the diverse little group. As we were prompted to read the Psalm 139 together "popcorn" style (reading for as long as one desires and jumping in as needed), the younger man finished the selection. He was a kid who openly admitted he had very little background--he was just here because he spent the night. He hadn't read from the Bible before, but he was good-natured about it, as he willingly jumped in. His voice was strong, thoughtful, and slow as the emotion emerged through his voice as he absorbed the meaning of the words as he read. As I followed along the power of the words was enhanced for me as I read it through his eyes. I paused and reflected more deeply as I was drawn into his emotion.
As he finished the selection and the discussion prompted us to explore our own wishes for our final days, it was fascinating to listen to the different perspectives. The man with the worn Bible was incredibly well read and insightful as he referenced verses that reflected his thoughts. He exuded an inner peace.
The spirit of Christ filled that little room this morning. I can feel the presence in my heart still. The retired ministers...members of the congregation...the homeless...my husband...all made me reflect from the heart. From many different places in life, we joined in an intimate conversation about a journey we will all take...death, with our only point of reference our personal experience with death thus far in our journey.
Images of the worn Bible carried by a man whose mother was a faithful Methodist though he was Catholic, a young man who had never opened a Bible, a minister whose face was lined with wisdom, compassion, and laugh lines who had spent a lifetime studying the Bible, and the tenderness in the face of a mother-to-be will reside forever in my heart of our humble gathering.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
After church today, we went to the new Asian restaurant in our neighborhood. Our waitress was excited that we were attending their grand opening. She was a young woman who was enamored with Chayse. In very broken English she asked me if Chayse was my daughter. After I confirmed she was with a big smile, the waitress again responded that she looked like me and continued with a comment about Chayse being beautiful like her mother. Eventually, we explained to her that all the children at the table were ours. In utter surprise, she exclaimed, "But you too young!"
I left her a great tip.
I left her a great tip.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Looks like home...
The snow is falling sideways. The trees are swaying in the wind. AND the snow is drifting. It looks like a snowy day in Big Timber.
Today's headline for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is weather related too.
Pittsburgh sees record monthly snowfall -- and more is on the way
For perspective, the record keeping started in 1884 in this city. Plus, I don't know how much more snow has fallen since this article hit the press Thursday night, but it is several inches.
For the record, the kids also didn't have school again today. However, contrary to previous snow days the call didn't come in until 5:36 AM this morning to inform me of the delay, and then followed with an 8 AM cancellation. We will lose a day of spring break on March 31 to makeup the day.
For the record, my kids have never experienced so many snow days on days that feel like home. We didn't know that people cancelled school for snow so frequently.
It is a record breaking day...and the rest of the weekend is still ahead.
Today's headline for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is weather related too.
Pittsburgh sees record monthly snowfall -- and more is on the way
For perspective, the record keeping started in 1884 in this city. Plus, I don't know how much more snow has fallen since this article hit the press Thursday night, but it is several inches.
For the record, the kids also didn't have school again today. However, contrary to previous snow days the call didn't come in until 5:36 AM this morning to inform me of the delay, and then followed with an 8 AM cancellation. We will lose a day of spring break on March 31 to makeup the day.
For the record, my kids have never experienced so many snow days on days that feel like home. We didn't know that people cancelled school for snow so frequently.
It is a record breaking day...and the rest of the weekend is still ahead.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
GPS
A few years ago when we were buying a new vehicle, the salesman asked me if I wanted the model with the built-in GPS. I laughed and told him I didn't need one in the middle of Montana...
Another humbling moment. Again...whenever I think I have things under control, I learn otherwise. Today Ron's new GPS arrived. We already own two; however, the older one costs more to update than a new one does...and updates are vitally important--particularly in a new location.
In Big Timber, we would have noticed if a new street was added or if a street was changed to a one way. Even a stoplight would not have escaped notice! This is in sharp contrast to unfamiliar metropolitan areas.
To illustrate the value of a GPS... I remember a trip into the heart of Pittsburgh to the Children's Museum during my first summer. I was still adjusting to using a GPS and my developing proficiency was still handicapped. Anyway, we were downtown in Pittsburgh and I missed my turn. Immediately the GPS rerouted me, but I realized that I was definitely taking the long way around a big park and the neighborhood was changing quickly.
Nikela was sitting in the front seat, and after a few minutes she quietly commented, "Mom I don't think this is where you are supposed to be."
This was easier before the kids could see the reality for themselves, and I could just distract them.
Feebly I respond, "Probably not, but if we follow the instructions more closely this time, we will be okay."
In my head I was so grateful that I didn't need to stop and ask. Evidently my facade was not effective either. Nikela knows exactly how the GPS works and can spot a turn from a distance. She is growing into an excellent navigator. The opportunities abound when one doesn't have faith in their mother!
Now I can navigate downtown Pittsburgh without the GPS. Of course, my ability to occasionally navigate without instructions is being rewarded with a new community to learn.
This little gadget helped me navigate a city that is famous for not being able to "get there from here." I still use a map every time I go somewhere new and always will. I like to have the full picture...not just the four inch screen.
Nonetheless, we are officially city folks with a GPS, but I like to think we still have rural common sense :)
Happy navigating my Flying Ace! Maybe Snoopy just needed a GPS to overcome the Red Baron!
Another humbling moment. Again...whenever I think I have things under control, I learn otherwise. Today Ron's new GPS arrived. We already own two; however, the older one costs more to update than a new one does...and updates are vitally important--particularly in a new location.
In Big Timber, we would have noticed if a new street was added or if a street was changed to a one way. Even a stoplight would not have escaped notice! This is in sharp contrast to unfamiliar metropolitan areas.
To illustrate the value of a GPS... I remember a trip into the heart of Pittsburgh to the Children's Museum during my first summer. I was still adjusting to using a GPS and my developing proficiency was still handicapped. Anyway, we were downtown in Pittsburgh and I missed my turn. Immediately the GPS rerouted me, but I realized that I was definitely taking the long way around a big park and the neighborhood was changing quickly.
Nikela was sitting in the front seat, and after a few minutes she quietly commented, "Mom I don't think this is where you are supposed to be."
This was easier before the kids could see the reality for themselves, and I could just distract them.
Feebly I respond, "Probably not, but if we follow the instructions more closely this time, we will be okay."
In my head I was so grateful that I didn't need to stop and ask. Evidently my facade was not effective either. Nikela knows exactly how the GPS works and can spot a turn from a distance. She is growing into an excellent navigator. The opportunities abound when one doesn't have faith in their mother!
Now I can navigate downtown Pittsburgh without the GPS. Of course, my ability to occasionally navigate without instructions is being rewarded with a new community to learn.
This little gadget helped me navigate a city that is famous for not being able to "get there from here." I still use a map every time I go somewhere new and always will. I like to have the full picture...not just the four inch screen.
Nonetheless, we are officially city folks with a GPS, but I like to think we still have rural common sense :)
Happy navigating my Flying Ace! Maybe Snoopy just needed a GPS to overcome the Red Baron!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jelly Beans
Peach. Blueberry. Sour Cherry. Bubble Gum. Green Apple. Toasted Marshmallow. Margarita. Sizzling Cinnamon. Strawberry Cheesecake. Dr. Pepper. Cappuccino. Watermelon. Wild Blackberry.
Jelly beans kick a little flavor into life. Of course, I prefer some flavors over others...significantly. I still don't care for cappuccino, yet I feel like I am eating that one today. My neighbor is leaving for Jamaica tomorrow for her birthday. The neighbors across the street just returned from Florida. Another couple is going to head out on a cruise from the Gulf.
My husband is on vacation. Together we are scrubbing and painting the basement. No tropical setting for us. Just a bitter jelly bean. Of course, when our project is finished it will look fabulous and hopefully sizzle our home into a hot commodity when it is time to sell.
In the meantime, I am going to munch on some tropical jelly beans (yes, I am intentionally avoiding cappuccino) and look to the future...perhaps I will be able to find the flavor of California! Or at least a little sunshine!
Jelly beans kick a little flavor into life. Of course, I prefer some flavors over others...significantly. I still don't care for cappuccino, yet I feel like I am eating that one today. My neighbor is leaving for Jamaica tomorrow for her birthday. The neighbors across the street just returned from Florida. Another couple is going to head out on a cruise from the Gulf.
My husband is on vacation. Together we are scrubbing and painting the basement. No tropical setting for us. Just a bitter jelly bean. Of course, when our project is finished it will look fabulous and hopefully sizzle our home into a hot commodity when it is time to sell.
In the meantime, I am going to munch on some tropical jelly beans (yes, I am intentionally avoiding cappuccino) and look to the future...perhaps I will be able to find the flavor of California! Or at least a little sunshine!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
49ers
"Thar's gold in them thar hills!" echoed around the world after gold was discovered in California in January of 1848. By 1849 a flood of folks responded to the call. The call of gold forever changed the frontier of California leaving behind cities that would be built in the wake.
Thus emerged the 49ers...a reference to all the gold seekers who arrived in 1849, but remains in use today in reference to San Francisco's pro football team.
Many folks here in Pittsburgh are making sure we don't leave the beloved Steelers behind in 49er country. Both teams have a rich history. Both were based on mining industries. Both were filled with immigrants trying to fulfill dreams of a better life for their families and the sacrifices...sometimes with their lives...along the way.
Of course, gold rush country feels a bit like home, as the gold rush in the Black Hills arrived in 1874 with Custer's expedition. The miners flocked to the area. Lead would emerge as the richest ore vein, and eventually would become home to Homestake mining company in 1876. Investors from the gold fields of California would bring the capital to operate the mine, and they would make another fortune. The mine would survive for 125 years.
We were there in 1998 when Homestake Mining Company would begin laying off employees until 2001 when the mine officially closed. Ron started his mining career here at the age of 19. His grandfather and great uncles worked at this mine. His cousins were still there when Ron was. The boom and bust of mining was familiar to us by this time, so we headed to Montana where a new mine utilizing the technology of the tunnel boring machine would bring new adventures. This opened the mining world further for Ron, as mining under cities to create tunnels for utilities and transportation was a growing market in the US. Minneapolis was the first stop and then Pittsburgh. Though I would be remiss to fail to mention the hundreds of coal mines in the Pittsburgh area that fueled the steel mills, though Ron has never worked in the coal mines.
Ultimately, generations of miners around the world have worked hard and died young. Their sacrifices have made the industry safer, though it still struggles with a rough and tumble reputation.
So the gold rush may be over, but the call to mining adventure is still strong around the world, and I am grateful we over 150 years behind the gold rush though we are still headed West...but thankfully, I will ride in comfort...not on a ship thorugh Panama or across the country in a covered wagon. Progress. Instead I will complain about the price of gas and the days it will take...rather than worry about good grass, water, food, and weather for months...
Perhaps I will just quietly buy a few new DVDs for the kids! Though I am going to complain about the cost of a "shanty" in California!!
Thus emerged the 49ers...a reference to all the gold seekers who arrived in 1849, but remains in use today in reference to San Francisco's pro football team.
Many folks here in Pittsburgh are making sure we don't leave the beloved Steelers behind in 49er country. Both teams have a rich history. Both were based on mining industries. Both were filled with immigrants trying to fulfill dreams of a better life for their families and the sacrifices...sometimes with their lives...along the way.
Of course, gold rush country feels a bit like home, as the gold rush in the Black Hills arrived in 1874 with Custer's expedition. The miners flocked to the area. Lead would emerge as the richest ore vein, and eventually would become home to Homestake mining company in 1876. Investors from the gold fields of California would bring the capital to operate the mine, and they would make another fortune. The mine would survive for 125 years.
We were there in 1998 when Homestake Mining Company would begin laying off employees until 2001 when the mine officially closed. Ron started his mining career here at the age of 19. His grandfather and great uncles worked at this mine. His cousins were still there when Ron was. The boom and bust of mining was familiar to us by this time, so we headed to Montana where a new mine utilizing the technology of the tunnel boring machine would bring new adventures. This opened the mining world further for Ron, as mining under cities to create tunnels for utilities and transportation was a growing market in the US. Minneapolis was the first stop and then Pittsburgh. Though I would be remiss to fail to mention the hundreds of coal mines in the Pittsburgh area that fueled the steel mills, though Ron has never worked in the coal mines.
Ultimately, generations of miners around the world have worked hard and died young. Their sacrifices have made the industry safer, though it still struggles with a rough and tumble reputation.
So the gold rush may be over, but the call to mining adventure is still strong around the world, and I am grateful we over 150 years behind the gold rush though we are still headed West...but thankfully, I will ride in comfort...not on a ship thorugh Panama or across the country in a covered wagon. Progress. Instead I will complain about the price of gas and the days it will take...rather than worry about good grass, water, food, and weather for months...
Perhaps I will just quietly buy a few new DVDs for the kids! Though I am going to complain about the cost of a "shanty" in California!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
North Shore
Today is my Flying Ace's last day of work. Yesterday, as we shared lunch together, several of his colleagues came in. As he introduced me, I listened quietly, as they graciously shared stories of Ron and his skill. Through the years, I have become accustomed to employees and colleagues sharing their thoughts with me at company parties or on the street. A common thread runs through their comments: "I have never worked for a man like your husband. He is an incredible boss. We exceeded the expectations and had fun. I would work for him or with him again anytime. I will miss him."
This is the essence of almost fifteen years of conversations that are spotted with stories of compassion about when a daughter arrived and Ron was accommodating, or a son was hurt and Ron accommodated. The joys and tragedies of living intertwined within the lives of people.
Ten years ago, an older man (yes, he probably was approaching 50 :) introduced himself to me on the street, just to express his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Ron. He said he had worked a lot of years for a lot of men, and he admired my husband's character and ability to manage people. I remember being surprised by this exchange...flattered because of course I love my husband, but the adamancy with which he felt compelled to share his viewpoint was powerful.
A couple days ago a telephone call came in for Ron from an employee that worked for him eight years ago...just to talk. Not unusual until I am sitting here today reflecting on all the special people we have met through our travels.
As I ruminate on Ron's career journey, I share this with you not to glorify my husband, but with the bittersweetness of the day...his final day on the job.
Sometimes I jokingly introduce myself as the "real" boss to keep the conversation lighter. Of course, every married man nods respectfully and says, "I know" with a twinkle in his eye. Though the degree of seriousness does depend on how long he has been married.
Our nomadic lifestyle seems in theory one of isolation, but to the contrary, these friendships follow us everywhere--thanks to modern technology. I am grateful for my husband's crazy career and the opportunities he has been given. I am grateful for these stories. I am grateful for the friendships that have been extended to us.
Farewell North Shore Project.
This is the essence of almost fifteen years of conversations that are spotted with stories of compassion about when a daughter arrived and Ron was accommodating, or a son was hurt and Ron accommodated. The joys and tragedies of living intertwined within the lives of people.
Ten years ago, an older man (yes, he probably was approaching 50 :) introduced himself to me on the street, just to express his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Ron. He said he had worked a lot of years for a lot of men, and he admired my husband's character and ability to manage people. I remember being surprised by this exchange...flattered because of course I love my husband, but the adamancy with which he felt compelled to share his viewpoint was powerful.
A couple days ago a telephone call came in for Ron from an employee that worked for him eight years ago...just to talk. Not unusual until I am sitting here today reflecting on all the special people we have met through our travels.
As I ruminate on Ron's career journey, I share this with you not to glorify my husband, but with the bittersweetness of the day...his final day on the job.
Sometimes I jokingly introduce myself as the "real" boss to keep the conversation lighter. Of course, every married man nods respectfully and says, "I know" with a twinkle in his eye. Though the degree of seriousness does depend on how long he has been married.
Our nomadic lifestyle seems in theory one of isolation, but to the contrary, these friendships follow us everywhere--thanks to modern technology. I am grateful for my husband's crazy career and the opportunities he has been given. I am grateful for these stories. I am grateful for the friendships that have been extended to us.
Farewell North Shore Project.
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