History and Gratitude

I just watched Barak Obama sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Regardless of political viewpoint or party affiliation, this was an amazing moment. Many thought that we would never see an African American man sworn in as president. I am always glad to see movement forward when it comes to outdated prejudices. My concern is less with his color, indeed, I am half amused and half appalled when that continues to be mentioned. My concern is where our country will go from here. I think his speech was brilliant. President Obama is gifted in rhetoric and his delivery would earn high marks in any speech and debate tournament. :-)

I applauded his insistence at including God and faith repeatedly in his speech. A movement brave in the current fad of opposition of faith as an outdated and ignorant tradition.

I smiled when he reminded America that so much of success here depends on working hard and making your own success and not having that handed to you. Indeed, something that many Americans needed to hear.

I grinned to see the excitement of his young daughters, taking in the sight of their father taking the oath and recording this moment on their little digital cameras.

I cried when I listened to Elizabeth Alexander's poem. I hope to get a copy of it. It was simple, gritty and real, with hope threading it's way through.

I thought it was interesting how there was a hard edge running through his message to other counties, promising to hold to ideals and still fight for freedom. I wonder how that will impact our troops.

I was saddened and disappointed in those small minded individuals that booed former President Bush as he walked in. Regardless of your feeling, it was tacky and inappropriate.

I was untouched by the awkward, pre-written prayers during the invocation and benediction. I felt that they were less prayers from the heart and instead a platform for them to express their political views.

I am eager to see where our country goes from here. I am glad that my husband and children are American citizens and look forward to one day soon, taking my own oath as a citizen and moving forward towards being able to vote and take part in this amazing gift. The gift of democracy.

I think that today, was an historic day for many reasons and I am glad that I could watch it unfold, in a free country. Gratitude fills my heart.

Pollyanna

This post is dedicated to a pretty cool lady! I happen to have the best mother in law in the world! I wish the rest of you could be as lucky as me. :-)
I consider her one of my best friends. Shon and I lived in AK when we were married. I was able to get to know her a little bit through letters and phone calls. One year after we were married, we decided to move to MT. Shon was driving down and I was flying with Alex who was only about 4 months old. Because of ferry schedules, I ended up in MT about a week and a half before Shon. From the moment I stepped off of the plane, Joan made me feel welcome. By the time Shon-O arrived, we were fast on our way to becoming firm friends.
This is something that has grown stronger each year. She is funny, talented and truly blessed with a happy nature. I love how firm her testimony is and how loving she is with her family. I've learned a lot from Joan.
Although I was happy for her daughters, I was heartbroken when she moved to UT. (Still not sure I've forgiven that one. :-) !! ) I've joked with her that I would have to make up a mean mother-in-law story, because she and I like to be with each other.

Happy Birthday you wonderful person you! Hugs on your special day, I hope that Wayne-O spoils you! You deserve it. I miss you, and can't wait to see you on our next trip!

Bouncing Baby Blog!

For several months now, I have been asked to start a blog that focuses on cards, scrapbook pages, projects and tutorials. I have had it ready, but kept chickening out when it came to posting the link. So in 2009, I am trying to get over the fear of sharing my work on the web. Silly really, I love to teach classes and do demos, but putting it out there on the computer was hard. I decided to get over myself and get it done. Shon-o gets the credit for the name, it makes me laugh when I try to say it. So, I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to share it with your friends if they are interested. Although most of the crafts will have some sort of paper base, it is not just scrap booking. There will be bead work, ink, painting, etc. Pretty much any "kee-rativity" that pops into my life! :-) Here's the link. I hope you enjoy!
http://keerativity.blogspot.com/