Steppin' Out with DWNTWN

Thor: The god of Thunder

2016-06-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

His name might have meant Thunder, but our dog of 14 years did Not live up to his name. He hated Thunderstorms. He was a 'cower in the deepest part of the closet' hating thunderstorms kind of Thor.
But,

Thor was a damn good dog.
He was loyal,
Ever vigilant,
and loving towards me and all 8 of my kids, and even in his old age was patient and cautious around my 4 grandchildren.
But Thor was Especially
Loyal to his mealtime,
Vigilant to any dropped morsel (We should have named him Hoover),
and Loved all of my cooking, especially taco meat.

He is missed already!

I believe All Dogs Go To Heaven!

Steppin' out with DWNTWN DWNTWNimages.me

2015-04-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein famously said,
"The way I see it, you have two ways to live your life: one, as if no miracles exist and the other, as though everything is a miracle."

To be open to the miraculous is to be open to impossible things becoming possible.
It is a stance toward life that is fundamentally hopeful, one that places confidence in God always, and is especially confident when all other sources have run out.

- Posted by DWNTWN

July 14, 2012 - Garibay Wall Raising

2015-04-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

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Success....

2015-04-06T16:55:00.004-07:00

"The measure of success is how we cope with disappointments." The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Disappointments are a part of life.
I have learned that sometimes disappointments come all at once and for some people become an expectation.
And other times disappointments are quite spread out and come as a surprise, ... almost a shock.
I have a tendency to live in between both worlds of disappointments...Somewhere between expectation and surprise.
Regardless, I try to remain ever an optimist.
Where do you live?

Steppin' out with DWNTWN
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"Amy's" hurt

2013-01-17T16:01:00.003-08:00

All she wants to do is see her son. It’s been over a year since she has been able to make him a meal, tuck him in bed, or tousle his strawberry blonde hair. Oh how she longs to wrap her arms around him and tell him she loves him. They have both diligently crossed the days off the calendar, sometimes patiently, sometimes anxiously waiting until they could be together again. Sometimes the pain of waiting is almost too much to bear. There is nothing she can do about it, but wait.
Hindsight is 20/20. If only she could have seen clearly the pain of her actions before. If only she could have felt the anguish of separation before the incident, then surely she would have made different choices. I guess some people have to learn the hard way.
The issue of domestic violence is a serious one. When the police are called in for a domestic disturbance and one party is injured in the presence of a child the crime escalates to a felony. Many of us know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence, but we don’t typically picture the mother as the abuser. In the case of Amy, a young mother with an alcohol problem, she let her drinking cloud her judgment, and in the heat of the moment she hit her husband. It wasn’t the first time she had too much to drink and let her anger get the best of her, but it was the last straw. She was drunk, angry, and struck her husband in the face. The big difference this time was her son was present. A felony was committed.
In the State of Oregon an Assault IV felony will put a mother in Coffee Creek Correctional Institute. That in itself is sobering. There is a lot of time to think when you are locked up. Time ticks slowly off the clock when all you can think about is the family left behind. For over a year all Amy could think about was her 7 year old son. What is he doing today? I wonder how tall he is now? Did he get a good breakfast before school? I wonder if he likes his teacher. Does he have any friends? Do his friends know? How can he ever forgive me? I hope he knows this isn’t his fault.
Amy hit the gate at the beginning of a new year. She is determined to do things right this time. The loss of time between her and her son has already been too much. She is determined to never go back to drinking. She is finally free, and ready to begin again. Yet as she looked over her release papers there were 2 simple words that weighed heavy on her heart, No Contact. Just as she had feared there is a No Contact order between her and her victims. This includes her now 8 year old son. All the plans made, all the days crossed off, all the hopes they shared are still delayed. No one knows yet for how long. Amy was holding out hope that her parole officer could pull some strings, could erase her past, make some exceptions, something, anything, so that she could leave prison and see her son. Supervised visits would even be acceptable. Her husband called ahead of time to plead her case, plead for her return, and asked that allowances to be made, after all their case was different. But the law is the law. There are rules for a reason.
Domestic violence is a serious matter, and the ones hurt most often are the children. We must protect our children. Mothers die every day by the hand of one who is supposed to love them and we can’t allow that. We can no longer turn our heads and pretend that domestic violence doesn’t exist. Thankfully our laws are clearly defined and quite strict. The laws are there to protect the innocent, to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
But still I hurt for a young mom who wants a second chance, who wants to be the mom she once was and knows she can be again. I hurt for a young son who wants his mom back home and doesn’t understand why she can’t even talk to him on the phone. I hurt for a young family that is now torn apart. And my hurt pales in comparison to Amy’s.

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October 7, 2012 - Finding Dimes

2012-10-07T22:22:00.001-07:00

I haven't found a dime in quite a while, or as my dad would say, "a coons age."
But I can't say that after tonight.

We are just finishing up a great weekend 'boat camping' / Kayaking with Nick & Marsha in and around Bremerton and Gig Harbor.
We left them and took a nice ferry ride over to Seattle

and had a quick dinner with Brad.

I'm always a little nervous taking Otto, our oldest vehicle, on the road but the Subaru is the only vehicle we have that can haul our kayaks (Search & Rescue).

{I'm sure we can't be the only people who name their cars & boats. But that's a question for another blog}

As we headed south for home it wasn't but 30 miles or so before I began hearing a rattle on the rooftop. Shortly after that a car gave us a honk as it passed by making me doubt the security of Search & Rescue up above.
We opted to pull off the highway and check things out.

The straps remained secure and the kayaks were fine, but a nagging thought from hours ago said, "check the oil."
You see, Otto, being a Subaru and all, has a clatter to the sound of the engine that is somewhat normal, but when we were on the Ferry I thought this clatter was different, but I simply let the thought go.

As we were getting back in the car I could hear my dad's voice saying, "by damn Julie, it won't take but 2 minutes. Check the Oil!"

I asked Jeff to pop the hood and I grabbed a paper towel and sure enough the oil was low. We added a quart and were back on the road after a quick 5-10 minutes and I thanked my dad Right Out Loud.

I know he was looking out for me from above.
It made me smile!

On down the road a piece we stopped at Love's Truck Stop for fuel and coffee.
The parking lot was not well lit, and certainly not clean, but in my path a slight glimmer of something caught my eye.
I bent down and saw a coin. I thought at first it was a penny, but no. I thought, It can't Be!?!
Sure enough, a bright shiny dime!
I laughed out loud and again said, "Thanks Dad!"

{Click here for more about my Dime Stories.}

Jeff met me inside the store and I told him what I found in the parking lot. On our way out I retraced my steps to show Jeff how unlikely a place it was to find a dime.

That's when I found another one!
I couldn't believe it!

This time I took a picture before picking it up.

It's was as if my dad was throwing dimes in my path and laughing right along with me the whole time.

It's been a great weekend that's for sure!

I love you Papo!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:I-5 S,Napavine,United States

August 23, 2012 - Summer Road Trip - Day 1

2012-08-23T20:03:00.001-07:00

We have ventured off for our family vacation under vastly different circumstances than originally planned.

What began as a road trip for 6 in 2 cars; the Honda & Eos, has morphed into a road trip for 5 in the Subaru.
We are now traveling without A.C., without cruise control, without the benefit of a Hybrids gas mileage, and no new tires.

However, I am thankful to share the driving and am grateful to be in 1 car,... At least until the girls get tired if such close quarters.
(I am glad My flask is handy!)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sisters... Volume 2

2012-08-03T21:16:00.003-07:00

This summer has brought about opportunities to watch my girls regather and reconnect.

I don't know if I have words to express how happy it makes my heart to watch them
laugh & play,
argue & still love,
and grow & enjoy each other as young women.

I believe it was Margaret Mead who said,
"Sisters
is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but
once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship."

I believe that is mostly true. I treasure my sisters, and especially my oldest and closest sister.
I have blogged about our relationship before.
(click here).

I miss my sisters when we are apart and I know my daughters miss each other when they are separated by miles.
But when we are all together, it is a beautiful thing.

I believe having a sibling enables me to live life as half - child, half - woman. When we are around our siblings it is impossible to not share stories from our past, reminisce, and feel like a kid again.

And that is enhanced when you get together with a sister whom which you shared a bedroom, fought over bathroom space, car keys, and clothes.
When squabbles and fights would occur between us kids, I recall mom telling us, "you don't have to LIKE each other, but you do have to LOVE each other. Because in the end all you have is family."

As I grew into adulthood and my sisters were less present in my life, I found solace in sister-in-laws and 'surrogate' sisters.
I found new best friends that are now as close as family.

I am blessed and I know I am loved. What else does a girl need?
Oh! Yes! We need
Brothers!
Watch for my next blog.
Oh the stories I have to tell!
;-)
Steppin' out with DWNTWN
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Change

2012-06-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today I was traveling west to what would become my new home in Salem Oregon.
A lot of change was taking place in my life.
Some of that change was of my choosing.
Some was not.
Roughly six years ago I began a blog to help me reflect on, process, and understand all the changes taking place.
Writing helps me with refecting, processing, and understanding.
If you know me well,
then you have been with me reading along as I try to capture the changes of my life.

Six years ago I wrote about Change

I recall the early days of out move and how odd it was to

I have eight children. It doesn't seem that long ago that all ten of us lived under one roof as a family. One family living, sharing, fighting, loving, annoying, and laughing together. However when I think about how long ago it has been since we shared the same home I realize that it has been seven years now. Seven years! When did all this time pass and how did it pass by without me knowing it? Four of our eight children have graduated high school and are on their own life's journey.
And in many ways my own life journey has taken a new turn as well.

One month ago I and four of our children left Kearney, my home of nearly thirteen years, to join my husband (and child #6) in Salem Oregon where he had been living and working for the previous four months. It was with very mixed emotions that I started my car and began the trek 1500+ miles across the country to join them in our new house. Waving to me in the rear view mirror was my oldest daughter and her husband (who will soon give birth to our first grand child) along with our oldest son, our third child, and a couple of dear friends.

This past month has found me experiencing life in vastly different surroundings. Everything about where I live and work is different. I expected vast differences especially in terms of our terrain and climate. But there are differences that one never anticipates until you are right there living and trying to function in a new environment such as: where do you buy groceries? What isle is the lemon juice in? Why can't I pump my own gasoline? Who are these people we are calling neighbors? Where is the dump? How do I find someone to cut and color my hair? Which schools do I enroll the kids in? How do I choose a parish, by boundaries or by where I want to worship? Where is the liquor store?
There is a lot to be learned and a lot to adjust to. Most of the time I feel as if my world has been turning, spinning and rotating and I am just trying to stay upright.
I have found that when I can go to the beach and just sit by the ocean then I feel more solid, I feel more grounded, I feel a sense of peace in my world.
I hope to get to the beach more often until I don't need to go to the beach as often.

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The Summons

2012-06-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Summons has been a favorite hymn of mine for years.
It speaks to me on so many different levels.
It is not a hymn sung often at church and I am always surprised when it is.
This morning was one of those mornings.

Yet, as much as I love the music and the lyrics,
I just couldn't sing.
I fought back tears.
(And I am not a 'pretty' cry-er.)

This morning the lyrics struck me more deeply than usual. A lot of past memories came flooding back and it was simply too many emotions welling up at once.
I know my daughters felt a bit awkward on my behalf as I tried to catch the tears unnoticed.

Oh well...
Sometimes life brings tears.

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

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Hiking Stick

2012-05-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have always loved sticks and stones.
I seek them out, pick my favorites and being them home.
My collection of rocks and sticks has grown since moving to Oregon.
Walking the beach or hiking the mountains presents more opportunity for new discoveries.
Thankfully my family is good enough to tolerate this strange attribute of mine.

Recently I have been bringing home driftwood off the beach to make my own hiking sticks.
I have made hiking sticks for most of the family.
I know if I am to continue this new hobby then I will need to find an outlet for my hiking sticks.I can't just continue stockpiling them in the corner of the garage.

For me, a hiking stick is a useful tool, something that simply helps me stay upright on a steep path.
It helps me feel more sure-footed whether that be going up a steep incline or down a steep descent.
Being a flat lander from Kansas, I seem to lean on a hiking stick, if not physically, then certainly emotionally.
I feel a little more secure on a narrow trail hundreds of feet up a cliff overlooking the pacific ocean when I have a hiking stick in hand.
Hiking sticks have been around for centuries. In folklore the hiking stick, or staff, represented the tree of life and was thought to be somewhat of an axis between heaven and earth. they believed the staff lended support and aided one in direction and gave intensity to ones energy.
Some say it was a link to our spiritual energy.
Still others indicate a journey staff would keep the magic in our lives alive on the journey through life.

In scripture, Mark 6:8 it says, "He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick--no food, no traveler's bag, no money."

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Sedgwick County Zoo

2012-05-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

This morning was a zoo day at Sedgwick County Zoo for me, my Grandsons, daughter & husband, and my mom. The 3 year old clearly ran circles around us and I loved watching him burn energy knowing it would ease the long drive home for my daughter.

I made the long 5 hour trek, 311 miles door to door drive, from our home in Kearney, Ne to my childhood home in Wichita KS too many times to count.
And making that drive with little ones just makes the trip seem that much longer and adds a handful of grey hair to my head of hair too.
But I don't exactly have words to express how wonderful it is to know and watch my daughter grow older, and more comfortable coming to her grandma's home, the home where I grew up, all on her own.
It truly is a circle of life feeling.

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SandPrint

2012-05-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

It is not you who shapes God,
it is God who shapes you.
If then you are the work of God, await the hand of the artist
Who does all things in due season.
Offer God your heart, soft and tractable,
And keep the form in which the artist has fashioned you.
Let your clay be moist,
Lest you grow hard and lose the imprint of God's fingers.

DWNTWN Images

Poppies make me smile.

2012-05-07T00:11:00.001-07:00

I have loved poppies since I first discovered them in the spring of 1994. (That was our first spring in Kearney.)
We moved into our home on Avenue K in late Autumn when all the trees, bushes, and flowers were dormant.
With each successive week something new was in bloom.
A couple short years later the poppies were mistaken for weeds and died at the hand of a well-intentioned landscape assistant wielding 'Round-Up'.
I've been looking for replacements ever since.
Today I found ornamental poppies!
They weren't the vibrant red ones I had in Kearney, but I found several colors that I really liked...
So I bought all 3.

I will always remember today,
A truly Joy Filled day.
I planted poppies
And
I spoke with my good friend José who recently received a Heart/Kidney transplant.
I don't have words to express the joy I feel for him and this second chance at life.
God is Good!

I love May Day. Hope Springs today!

2012-05-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Today is May Day!
I had to stop by the store on my way to work to buy coffee for our office.

(They ran out last week while I was on 'furlough',

along with a few other things.)

As I passed by the floral department of Safeway I couldn't pass up the sale on big, bright, sunflowers. After all I remain a Kansas Girl at heart.

And it is May Day!

Everyone needs flowers on May Day!

I have very fond memories of May days growing up in Wichita.
I often times miss the simpler life of hanging around on the front porch, waving at the neighbors, playing hide-n-seek or kick-the-can at dusk, and barely listening for that call to come in for the night.

I guess I just miss being a kid.

To read more about my memories of May Day Click Here.

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April 27 - this time last year

2012-04-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

http://steppinoutwithdwntwn.blogspot.com/2011/04/on-road-again.html?m=0

This time last year I was on my way home after helping Mike and Aimee move halfway across the country.
I blogged about looking forward to hugging the younger kids and sleeping in my own bed.
Today my feelings are the same...
I look forward to hugging my kids and sleeping in my own bed.
The past nine days of furlough from work have been good. Some of the days were spent at the beach and the past five days have been spent in the mountains at Silver Falls State Park.
I brought a number of projects with me that I had been wanting to finish for quite sometime. 9 days ago I envisioned accomplishing so much; photos to edit,
books to finish reading,
Photo books to begin writing,
quilts to make,
and a prom dress to alter.
Aside from altering the prom dress I didn't do a darn thing except sit by the fire, and take an occasional hike.
Sitting by a campfire, simply stirring the coals, chopping wood, and just keeping the flames going is very cathartic for me.
I have had time to pause,
reflect,
reevaluate,
reconnect,
and re-create.
It's been a wonderful luxury to be able to escape these past five days.

After my volunteer shift at the nature store this afternoon I will head home to a wild and crazy next few days.

I think I'm ready!

April 24, 2012 - Seeing Nature

2012-04-24T19:23:00.001-07:00

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ~John Burroughs

Today has been a soothing day.

Being Resourceful

2012-04-24T10:42:00.001-07:00

Its day's like today that I am ever more grateful for my parents,
Don and Carole.
My folks raised us 7 kids to be resourceful.
We didn't have a lot growing up, but I remember mom saying on more than a few occasions "We'll get by just fine. We have enough."

We learned to make due.
We always figured out how to get by.
There was no running to the store, or buying more stuff, after all gas was 55 cents a gallon and we weren't going to waste the money.
We always figured out how to rig something up when things were broke. My dad could fix just about anything and mom could make a meal with very little.
These skills were passed down to us kids, or at least me.
I shouldn't speak for all my siblings. ;-)
This morning I used skills learned from both mom and dad in preparing breakfast over my campfire.
You see, I forgot all my skillets, and griddles. I can visualize them all stacked neatly in a bag on the kitchen table at home waiting to be loaded into my car. And while its not too terribly far from Silver Falls State Park to my house, gas is now over $4 a gallon, and I can here my dad say, "by Damn Julie, we aren't going to waste the gas money. You're smart. Figure it out."
So I did.
I got by last night by simply making hotdogs. But when this morning arrived, I had my heart set on scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.
A breakfast granola bar just wasn't going to cut it.
So I took stock of my supplies, thought about what I had and what I could use to 'julie-rig' something.
And what I found was that I had enough.
I fashioned a couple of skillets/griddles out of aluminum foil and had a delicious breakfast.
Thanks Mom & Dad!

The 2012 Mentor Awards

2012-01-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

Working at Mid Valley Mentors presents me with new challenges each and every day. I never know what will land on my desk or at my feet.

Most of the time my days consist of data entry, little tasks for others, some financials, and making coffee.

And that is okay.

After working for several non-profits I have learned that it is the little things that make an organization successful. And it is the little things that can mean a lot.

That is why I treasure hearing the stories of how a small gesture can make a significant difference.

Here are a few stories I wanted to share regarding yesterday's award recipients at the 2012 Mentor Awards. You can also read what the Statesman Journal had to say about it.

Hi Alma,

I thought I would share with you what has happened in the past 3 weeks (it's all good!). As you and I have seen Joseph always wears his baseball cap wherever he goes. He always tells me it's because it helps keep his long hair out of his eyes. About 3 weeks ago I took him to Supercuts to get his hair "trimmed" because he wanted to look good for the Mentor Awards luncheon. It was a 2 hour wait so I asked my wife if she would trim it for him. 3 weeks ago on a Saturday I took him to my house and we discovered that the reason he always wore his ball cap is that his hair was matted into a large ball not only on the back of his head but all the way to the top of his head. She began working on getting the tangles out which were all the way to his scalp. She spent 3 hours that day and gave him some shampoo and conditioner and asked him to soak his hair every night. The following Saturday she spent another 3 hours with him working on his hair. Well, yesterday after 2 hours all the matting and knots finally came out of his hair. I took him to Supercuts to get it trimmed and the cut it above shoulder length. The motivation for him to part with his hair (I don't think he had a haircut for at least 3 years) was the upcoming Mentor Awards luncheon. He has never been formally recognized for anything during his short 16 year lifetime. The Mentor Association has given him the drive to succeed in life and now he has a chance at accomplishing that feat. I just wanted to take a private moment to thank you and your staff for everything that you do and most importantly for caring about the youth involved in the program. Sure I can help guide him to the best of my abilities but the real credit goes to you and your staff.

Both Joseph and I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation that it will give him the needed self esteem to make something of his life. It's really not fair to have a kid endure a family life like his but he's going to make it and will always remember the Mid Valley Mentors as the catalyst for success.

Rich

p.s. My wife and I also discovered that he has never used a comb on his hair and that he has been combing his hair with his fingers all these years! He now has a supply of shampoo, conditioner and combs.

Here are the award presentations I wrote for the Mentor Awards Ceremony.

(This next award is for Exceptional Commitment and is to honor a mentor, mentee or volunteer for outstanding commitment demonstrate through involvement or longevity.)

When we talk about commitment we often think about an obligation or a binding agreement. And while a commitment can be both an obligation and an agreement, a commitment is also a promise, a pledge, something that is entrusted to someone. The Mid Valley Mentors Award for Exceptional Commitment is named after and given to a mentor-mentee match that exemplifies all that the word commitment encompasses. This match began in April of 2009, and they are approaching their 3rd anniversary.

The mentee was referred to Mid Valley Mentors by the Marion County Juvenile Department at a time when his only family support was a grandmother. This young man has been blessed with an amazing grandmother who stepped in to raise him beginning at the age of 8 months. She is the only parent he has known, and is now in her 80’s. Recognizing that her son needed a friend, and a mentor who could engage him in activities other than video games, she sought support. She knew he would needed someone to help him transition from being a boy, to being a young man. This mentee waited a long 6 months to be matched. In April of 2009 he was matched with his mentor, the two are now approaching their 3rd anniversary. On the surface or from an outsider’s perspective this match might appear to be a mis-match; it is anything but. This is not a match that just does the bare minimum, meeting for one hour a week. This match goes the extra mile, and they have taken their relationship to an exceptional level.

The Mentor is a father, and a grandfather. He is a veteran, and he is retired. Most young mentees would say he is old-school. But this mentor was exactly what this mentee needed; someone who has been a father, a grandfather, and knows the importance of keeping his word. But mostly he needed a male role model that would make a strong commitment to being a part of his life. This mentor has met those needs by committing to a young man to walk alongside him, listening, guiding, getting him to and/or from school, raising the bar for expectations, and often times challenging him to rise to the occasion. This is a mentor that leads by example and is leading his mentee to become the man he knows he can be. This involves trust, time, guidance and listening. It involves commitment. A teenage boy now knows that he matters, because of one man’s strong commitment, consistent positive actions, and genuine words of affirmation. And this mentee has embraced his mentor and is equally committed to the match relationship. Prior to mentoring the mentee was on a path to juvenile probation and wouldn’t have been able to tell you what classes he was taking in school. Today with his hard work and his mentor’s support, he was able to avoid juvenile probation by successfully completing the Family Support Program. Now, he can not only tell you the classes he is taking, but he has also improved his GPA. The two of them have pledged to work together and walk together until high school graduation is achieved.

This award for Exceptional Committment has been named after this year’s award winners to honor their exceptional commitment and inspiration to others. We are proud to present Mentee Joseph Brandon and Mentor Rich Kelber with the “Brandon-Kelber Award” for exceptional commitment in pledging to be there for each other these past 32 months and the coming months and years ahead.

Match of the year: Represents an adult or youth match that have gone above and beyond to spend extra time together, take on unique projects, participate in community activities or separates themselves from others in another capacity.

Our next award, Match of the Year, focuses on a mentor and mentee that have gone above and beyond to make a significant difference in one another’s lives. While we believe most every mentor match makes a significant difference, this match stands out. Our mentor is a young man in his early 30’s, a full time student, a husband, and a new father. In spite of a very busy schedule this mentor spends on average 16 hours a month with his mentee. The mentee is a young boy, living with his mom, sometimes shy, often quiet. The mentor has been patient and consistent, and has nurtured the relationship enabling the mentee to grow in confidence. Because of this match a young boy now participates in scouts, soccer, and other extra-curricular activities. Being more involved in activities brings out a more confident spirit in the mentee. Having this mentor in his life has helped him to recognize that he is valued and important. A young mentee has found his voice, a voice that wasn’t there before.

This match has passed their 12 month anniversary and the bond they have formed is strong. This bond doesn’t begin and end with just the mentor and mentee; it has developed into a bond of 2 families. During those times when the mentor’s busy schedule conflicts with the mentee’s activities, his young wife steps up and steps in driving to and from activities. The two families have come together for celebrations and are learning to overcome language differences. In addition to the mentoring relationship, this mentor is also an advocate and active recruiter for mentoring. By sharing his enthusiasm with others, he has recruited numerous other mentors to Mid Valley Mentors, of which 3 are currently matched with mentees. It is rare to find such charisma, enthusiasm, and wisdom in someone as young as this mentor, but his desire to help guide young boys into responsible, gentle men is to be commended.

Mid Valley Mentors’ is proud to present the Award for Match of the Year to Mentor John McCarthy and Mentee Alan Becerril.

This next award is the Extraordinary Determination Award which recognizes an adult or youth mentee for extraordinary determination, resilience and dedication to making significant life changes or has pushed through seemingly insurmountable odds to stay on the right path.

· In working with families impacted by incarceration we see many inspiring stories of strength and perseverance through difficult times. As staff poured over the various stories of children and parents beating the odds, they agreed that one individual stood out from the rest.

· As you can imagine the hill to successful integration after incarceration is a steep one. There are many roadblocks and challenges that make success difficult. After serving 26 years in the prison system, this individual returned to our community with a resolve to be successful, stay clean, and become self-sufficient. He came out of the gates with a plan to start his own business as a court interpreter. With the help of his mentor he began creating and working a business plan which was halted because of parole constraints. Taking the hit in stride, he pressed forward and obtained employment in another field. With under developed computers skills,

due to years of incarceration, the job ended after just three short days. When many others would have given up, he did not lose hope. Giving it yet another shot, this individual pressed forward with undying commitment.

He then landed himself yet another job, this time a job

that would last.

· His mentor has watched this individual exemplify what

he considers to be the four key characteristics’ that most employers look for, “Show up on time, Do what you say you will do, Finish what you start, and say please and thank you.” There is a lot to re-learn in order to make

a successful transition, especially after 26 years inside the prison system and this individual has never stopped striving to learn. His mentor says, “The community is

far better off having his talent, energy, vision, and values productively engaged for the betterment of us all.

His wisdom and soft spoken conviction are lessons we all need to draw strength from.” In 6 months this individual will have successfully completed all mandatory parole requirements and we commend him for his determination in climbing that steep hill of re-entry into open society.

Mid Valley Mentors would like to recognize Antonio Palacios for his Extraordinary Determination (Thank you to Bob Renggli for being the one who walks along side Antonio as mentor and friend.)

· The recipient of the Outstanding Supporter Award is an individual who in our eyes definitely stands out from others. Mid Valley Mentors crossed paths with this individual in 2010 through outreach to children of prisoners through local institutions. He began as an advocate on our behalf, working to build trust among inmates to help open the door to serving their children. This individual’s passion and commitment for serving children of prisoners grew to extend beyond being an advocate, to one of being an Outstanding Supporter. He is living out that familiar phrase, ‘Put your money where

your mouth is.’ In the spring of 2011, when he learned that

the federal government had cut the funding for Mentoring Children of Prisoners, he began sending a monthly $10 donation. Within 6 months he added half that amount

again, increasing his donation to $15.

· Some of you might be scratching your heads, wondering why such a small amount would warrant special

recognition. What makes this recipient’s support so extraordinary is not the amount of money but the level of giving relative to his means. Each month he gives 20% of what he earns. 20 percent is a level of giving that comes from one’s substance, not just their surplus. Giving from your substance is a type of contribution that changes the giver. Donating 20% of one’s monthly income requires a person to make different choices each and every day. Doing so, to support and benefit others, is a choice that stands out. His commitment doesn’t stop there, this same individual hen the annual event approached, he rallied together three other inmates and sent $100 with a note that read “We can’t be there in body, but we are there in spirit. Use the funds to cover the registration for some kids.”

· Mid Valley Mentors is honored to recognize Pepe Rivas with the Outstanding Supporter Award. Pepe Rivas is an inmate at Oregon State Correctional Institution. We could tell you about the negatives issues, and choices that landed Pepe in prison as a young 17 year old boy, but we would rather tell you about the positive choices he is making today as a 42 year old man. In addition to supporting Mid Valley Mentors, Pepe is the founder of Family First, a program that advocates for families and helps incarcerated fathers strengthen their relationships with their children. He has learned from his own experience that every choice, every moment counts saying, “It’s not a complicated formula, it’s just time,

and some people don’t want to give that up.” Pepe has a desire to give of his time, and he has found a way to

work within the confines of his situation to give in every other way possible. While he can’t be present with us today, we know that he is present in spirit.

I didn't write the award presentation for US Bank, but We are very appreciative of all their support.

January 23, 2012 - Rose Garden Arena

2012-01-23T18:53:00.001-08:00

After a very therapeutic afternoon with my sister, I get to catch another Blazer game.

Extreme winter weather at Silver Falls State Park

2012-01-20T18:15:00.001-08:00

Ranger Dorothy set out to capture the effects of the winter weather on the trails and the falls at Silver Falls State Park. The images aren't mine, but they are incredible and I wanted to share them.

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Keep on keepin on.

2011-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days when I am struggling to pick myself back up.
I get this way now and again.
I have even blogged about this sort of feeling before.
Last time I blogged about it I had at least made it through the holidays.
I am working at not taking my mood out on those near me, focusing on the Christmas cheer all around, and waiting, hoping this passes soon.
Sometimes I think I get down because of the lack of sunlight this time of year, maybe it is not being able to get outside and play or dig in the garden. Maybe it is missing family and friends.
I don't exactly know.
What I have learned helps me get out of this funk I need to blog,
to get out and take some pictures,
and look for little escapes throughout the day.
So I cranked up the kerosene heater, turned on the outdoor lights, have some Van Morrison tunes in the background, and am blogging on the front porch.
I'm dreaming of warmer days, summer nights, and a garden in bloom.
The Best is Yet to Come.

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Cale is 5 years old!

2011-12-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed to be here in Kearney to celebrate my oldest grandson's 5th birthday.
Cale Herrmann was born on his actual due date, December 1, 2006.
How many times does that happen?
I know none of my 8 children were ever that prompt. But Cale was.
I still remember the day Cale was born.
It doesn't seem like 5 years ago, but it was. ( When I first learned I was a grandma. )
I happened to be in Las Vegas at a conference. While I would have preferred to be in Kearney, or with family, I was at least with good friends.
It took a few weeks before I was able to make my way to Kearney, but when I did I fell instantly in love with this little guy. (Getting to know Cale for the first time.)

Over the years I have worked hard at making sure I could see Cale, and now Zack, at least 4 times a year.
4 times a year is not nearly enough,
but when you live over 1500 miles away, that has been the best I could do.
This year has been the first that I wasn't able to make 4 visits happen. And while nothing is as good as being together computers and iPhones, Facetime and Videos have helped us stay connected.
I woke up early this morning, made the boys breakfast, wrestled around and played for a bit, and then dropped them off at pre-school; the same pre-school where I used to drop off my youngest daughter, Laura, 10 years ago. While the place looked the same, it was different. I am older, my kids are older, and my grandsons are growing up.

I am glad to be sharing this birthday with Cale and will start to make plans for how to share more birthdays with all my grandsons.
P.S.
It's been a great day. The birthday boy is asleep now after a long day and a lot of celebrating.
As a side note, I found a dime in the middle of a very busy restaurant as we were leaving.
Thanks Papo!
Click Here ... for the rest of the story. or to see The Many Faces of Cale.

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Keeping my eyes peeled.

2011-11-14T19:51:00.001-08:00

My dad always told us kids to "Keep your eyes peeled."
He would say this because he was always finding money laying on the ground. Sometimes a quarter, maybe a nickel. On numerous occasions he even found paper money.
But mostly he found pennies. Regardless of the amount, penny, dime, or dollar, my dad never failed to reach down and pick up a coin. He didn't even hesitate to pick up a coin when it was laying in a mud puddle.
For dad, I don't believe it was so much about Needing the money, (although there were times that we did,) I think it was more that my dad saw a simple found coin as a gift.
As I had children of my own, I fondly remember dad nudging them on the way into the grocery store and saying, "Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what you'll find."
Invariably, a lost coin would be found in the parking lot, or the isles of the grocery store proving that their Papo was right.

Throughout my life I, too, have picked up a simple found coin and considered it a gift. I can't help but think of my dad when I see a penny laying on the ground. I can still hear his voice saying, "Keep your eyes peeled."

When my mom was here for a visit in September, she told me about the collection of coins she and dad had gathered over years. Evidently my parents had been keeping found coins in a nightstand dish for some time, and that dish was quite full. The coins my mom has been finding since dad passed away 11 months ago are adding up too.
But now my mom has been looking specifically for dimes. You see there is a story called Dimes in the Dessert. Mom had shared this story with dad a few years ago. Since then, dimes were the preferred coin to find.
( Link to Dimes in the Dessert: http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Angels/2003/07/Dimes-In-The-Desert.aspx )
As mom & I walked up and down the grocery store isles, She shared how she too wanted to find dimes..., bright, shiny, new dimes. She was just trying to "keep her eyes peeled."
She said, "if I could find dimes, then I would know they are from your dad. Everyone finds pennies, but you don't see dimes very often."
As we walked out of the store towards the car, we spotted it...
a bright shiny new NICKEL.
No....It was NOT a dime, but it also wasn't there when we went inside the store and the car next to us was the same car.

I just had to laugh.
I told mom, "dad is just teasing you! Watch out because he is either going to send you another nickel or 5 pennies."
Mom jokingly said, "Damn it Don, I said a dime!"

I hadn't thought too much about that conversation last September, at least not until this weekend.
This is my birthday weekend. I have been camping up at Silver Falls State park. I just needed some time away.
This is the first year in 51 years that I won't hear my dad sing Happy Birthday to me. The first time I won't get his phone call asking me, "do you feel any older today?"
Its been a tough year for all of us.

Saturday morning, as I walked up to the fire ring preparing to make breakfast, I looked down and there laying on top of the mud sat a bright, shiny, new dime! My husband pointed it out first. He said, "hey look, a dime. Pretty unusual seeing that laying out here"
I just chuckled through the tears, and said, "its from my dad. Thanks daddy!"
Jeff said, "well he couldn't call and sing happy birthday to you so he sent you a dime."
"I know." was all I could say, and I tucked this dime away for safe keeping.
It was absolutely the perfect gift!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Silver Falls Hwy SE,Stayton,United States

Halloween: My dad's (Papo) favorite holiday

2011-10-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

We always had fun on Halloween when at mom & dad's house. From my earliest memories I can recall Halloween parties filled with musicand laughter. I remember scary music, dad making weird flashlight faces, bobbing for apples, and the pleasure of scaring kids and adults alike. I remember laying in my bed listening to the adults continue the festivities long after me and my older sister were put to bed.
I never learned why my dad's favorite holiday was Halloween, but I know it was.

As a child myself, I never cared much for Halloween. Trick-o-treating for a shy kid isn't much fun.
I hated the idea of dressing up in a ridiculous costume, possibly embarrassing myself, and having to knock on the doors of complete strangers for candy. Besides, I was always more of a 'salty' snack person than a 'sweet' snack person and most people gave candy instead of chips and salsa.

As a parent, Halloween didn't become more endearing to me either. A mother of eight does NOT need to deliberately give her children 'sugar highs', nor does she need to spend time or money making and assembling 8 costumes that will only be covered up by heavy coats. Having a 2 month supply of candy/sugar highs around the house isn't a good plan either. And I am know that no mother, regardless of how many kids she has, needs 4 months of subsequent candy wrappers, and sucker sticks hidden behind the couch, under the bed, and in the cupboards. Perhaps my worst Halloween find was the Bit-o-honeys stuffed down the heat registers, and stuck to the carpet in some remote corner of the house that attracted little tiny sugar ants, thousands of them.

But my dad's enthusiasm for Halloween was contagious, and thankfully my kids have all caught his Halloween fever, and not my parental negativity towards the holiday.

I was blessed to spend last year's Halloween with my dad. Sadly, it was also spent in the hospital.
He would have given ANYTHING to get out of that bed and sit on his front porch just one more time, pass out candy, and chat with the kids that stopped by his house. Last Halloween's blog

So in honor of my dad, I went to the store, bought more pumpkins and some new decorations.
Then I headed home to decorate the house and porch in a fashion that would make my dad proud.
...In the past, my older kids have been the ones to carve the pumpkins and decorate, making sure to help their younger siblings do the yucky part of cleaning out the pumpkin guts.
It was fun to watch Jacquie and Laura go through this process all on their own as all their older sisters are now out of the house.
I joined in and actually carved my own pumpkin too.
It is probably the first time I have carved a pumpkin in over a decade. And it was fun.

At Jacquie's request, I seasoned and baked the pumpkin seeds which actually taste quite nice.
I don't remember how I baked them in the past, but this batch was much better than before.
Halloween 2011, our first without dad, went okay.
I think maybe I too am catching my dad's Halloween fever.

Papo's spirit certainly lives on in and through his family.

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