Rising and Falling

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Today's word prompt is Rise. Immediately the following lyrics came to mind and I began to write:

I will rise on eagle's wings. Before my God fall on my knees, and rise.

Such an interesting juxtaposition of phrases. I'm going to rise, but in order to do that I must fall down.

 We've rehabilitated hawks a few times in Zambia and as they are learning to fly they fall a lot. But, before you know it they have gained wind beneath their wings, learned how to control it, and they are off. There is nothing we can do to help that process other than make sure their nest is high enough that they get a bit of help on their way down.

In the words of Woody: Falling with style

As my kids grow up it can be hard to watch them 'fall' out of the nest. They can get some good swoops in and fly short distances, but other times they hit the ground a little hard. 

As a parent the best thing I can do is model the rise and fall of life in a positive way and hope they take something away from my example. 

My six kids in various stages of flight celebrating Timothy's graduation

And when they swoop through the sky I cheer with all my might. When they hit the ground I kiss their bruised wings. And continue to nudge them back in the air again.

So this turned out differently than I thought it would when I started writing, but it's my heart on the page. Enjoy!

Exactly Four Years Ago: Sundays in My City
Almost Exactly Four Years Ago: I'm Not the Only One Missing Someone (and boy, am I missing him today....)

Finding Relief in Mothering

Today’s word is relief. Nothing profound really came to mind when I heard this word, but I challenged myself to write anyway. Stretching oneself is good for the soul, or so they say....

Easter Sunday!
Such a treat to be together as a family

The main thing that comes to me is the relief I feel when I know that my loved ones are safe. I regularly check in with my kids through Facebook when I’m in Zambia, and now while in the States I can keep up with them through phone calls and texting.

My brother in law and his wife just buried their oldest daughter this past weekend after she passed away in a tragic accident. While there is some relief that she is now completely safe and far beyond hurt and pain, there is awful longing and grief for her loss.

Balloons released for my niece, Lisa 

I know our days are in His hands and there is absolutely nothing I can do to keep my kids from harm’s way—especially now that they are grown and making their own decisions.

Someone said (I can’t remember who) that being a mother means having a piece of your heart out in the world. I’m badly paraphrasing that eloquent saying, but it’s true just the same.

Relief also comes when my kids each begin to find their place in the world. When they find their calling and passion and reach their goals. Mothering is fulfilled in those moments.

And that's a wrap. Five minutes is not long at all.......

Exactly One Year Ago: Volunteering is Grrreat!

Exactly Two Years Ago: Visitors and Parties

Exactly Four Years Ago: Sunday in My City--Shopping Trips

Exactly Five Years Ago: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Back Stories

Are you ready for another installment of Randomness from Amy's brain?

Whenever I watch a particularly unique or captivating commercial or advertisement, aside from crying (usually), laughing (often) or getting caught up in whatever item is being peddled, I wonder and am amazed by the idea of the ad.

Who thought it up? What made them think of it? Did they have a random idea one day that led to that entire campaign? Was it a group of people in a room brainstorming? What set off the thought process that led to the chain of events that produced this touching/amusing/captivating ad?

I love the creative process. It might be part of being a woman and enjoying the tangle of yarn that is my brain. One random thought leads to another to another to finally deciding to make cupcakes for dinner. Viva la feminine mind!

And so, after I watched the following video, I immediately wanted to know who came up with this idea? what were they thinking? and hooray for them!

Coca Cola Hidden Cameras

And then I wanted a Coke Zero*. Good thing I have one chilling in the fridge right now.

*This is not a paid advertisement. Coca Cola is doing fine on their own. However, should Coca Cola like to show some appreciation to a long time fan, I would not turn down a lifetime supply. Just sayin'.

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On a semi-related note: last week I posted a video my son made and that he had loaded on Facebook. Unfortunately, due to privacy issues not all of you could view it. I will be working to fix that as soon as I can. And, my son would like you to know that he is 14 years old, not 13. Where have the years gone??

Exactly Two Years Ago (yesterday):   Vacation Days Two and Three

Important Facts

I have four interesting things to tell you today:

Firstly-- Joseph has gained weight! I repeat, Joseph has gained weight! It is only 100 grams (3.5 oz) but it is something!!
He's eating like a champ now. He also sleeps really well. It won't be long before he is chubby. Can't wait!

Secondly--Guess who is a self-soother? Joseph is!! He found his middle fingers and happily occupies himself with sucking on them when he is bored or approaching sleep time. Of course this means he nearly takes out his eyes each time with those long fingers but that's a small price to pay for a peaceful baby. Right?

Thirdly--If one cleans off one's desk and makes progress at chipping away at the avalanche of papers, folders, correspondence and other items that seem to find their way to one's workspace, one might uncover a forgotten stash of Belgian chocolate. 

Look at that loveliness!

Finally--If you take a look below you will find links to articles written last year and the year before. Walking down memory lane is fun!

Exactly One Year Ago: Forgiveness vs. Consequences

Exactly Two Years Ago: Jack Fruit

Do you have any interesting facts for me?

March Madness

Most of you know that I grew up overseas. I lived mostly in Mexico and India and eventually met my husband in Japan while I was attending school there for a year. Because of our moving around so much and also not owning a television, we didn't really watch many sports. We were also homeschooled and therefore didn't take part in group sports . Whenever we got together with neighborhood children or other missionaries, we would play things like kickball, hide & seek, and kick the can--games easily played when large amounts of children come together.


But, I always knew I would be married with children one day.  And, I further knew that men love sports. They love nothing more than sitting down in front of the TV on a weekend watching the Game. I prepared for this mentally and even developed an interest in American football. I was ready to Support My Man.
Then I got married to Tom who couldn't care less who is playing which game. He supports no team and is completely indifferent to one of the best days of the year: Super Bowl! Ah, the ironies of life.
And so, my sports education remained fairly lacking. Aside from some professional football, my annual Superbowl Party, and the World Cup every four years, I really don't watch much sports.


Yesterday I was invited by Lu at www.justlu.com to come join her March Madness bracket challenge. just housewives bracket challenge 
I wrote back that I have too much on my plate right now, but that I can never hear about March Madness without remembering the following story:

When we lived in Lusaka  (the capital of Zambia), there was a monthly braii (barbeque) for all the missionaries. We would rotate between houses, bring our own meat to throw on the grill, and potluck the other dishes.

At one of the houses, I noticed that most of the men had gathered in the living room and were watching some type of sport. I only saw a grandstand of some sort filled with people. I tried to enter into the festivities by asking what sport they were watching. Nearly every head turned to stare at me, and one man spoke up, "It's Basketball!" The Duh! was inferred. It was March. I had no idea about the madness that sweeps our nation. 

"To be forewarned is to be forearmed". or Never enter a room full of men and try to enter into the conversation unless you have some idea what you're talking about.

A Paradox

We're gonna take a break from Africa and Orphans for a side trip into Amy's Brain. Hang on!

Last  week one of my friends posted this quote on her Facebook status:

"Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart." - Erma Bombeck

I liked the sound of that. Life is too short too count calories, isn't it?

 But then, later that very day I happened upon Speed on TV. I saw this movie years ago but since I have the memory of a sieve I thought I'd watch again for a few minutes. I don't want to give anything away in case you haven't watched it yet, but in the very beginning of the movie a rescue took place. It involved people being pulled out of a small area. I thought how embarrassing it would be for me if I were in a situation where I had to be rescued but I was so heavy or out of shape that it was impossible. 

 I read an article some time last year about how our health goals should have more to do with getting healthy than being a perfect size. The author challenged everyone to think about whether they'd be able to rescue a child from a burning building or run far enough to get out of dangerous situation.

I think I fall somewhere in the middle of these two. I definitely want to be healthier so I can be around a long time and that I am fit enough to look after myself, but I don't want to obsess over calorie watching and miss out on the fun that can be had in life.

 So, what do you think? What is your take on this paradox?  

Exactly One Year Ago: Extending the Table (in reading over this again I've realized I promised to share some of my favorite recipes and haven't kept my word. No promises this time but I'll try to do better in this area.)

My Rapunzel

Photo taken at the beginning of 2000

I married and had children early (with no regrets, I should add) but every once in a while there is the young woman inside of me who retired early instead of dying a natural death and being laid peacefully to rest.

source

Mostly she's content up in her little tower but every once in a while she demands to be heard and wants to let her hair down. 

 

Then I find myself enjoying lyrics by Muse or Kanye West and feeling a bit rebellious and wondering what it would be like to run away from home and live in New York City or Seattle. 

source

They will not force us

They will stop degrading us

They will not control us

We will be victorious

Total rebellious teenage angst. And I like it!

Then I realize that it's just past 9 PM and I'm ready to go to sleep. Forget Rapunzel and her little tower. I'm headed for bed. I'm officially old!

This is a new feature I'm adding to the blog.  I'm calling it Randomness from Amy's Brain. My mind can be a scary place, but feel free to look around.