Light

In corners of periphery;
Sleeking,slithering,
Black shadowed ghouls in misery

The darkness cold and shivering;
dark, lost souls spew relentlessly,

Feed off fear, power, control;
To drive them mad; it takes it's toll,

Until.....

The divine light emanates in; 
Enfolding,engulfing, surrounding them,

In every crack, crevice, space and place;
Out pours pure love and Jesus Grace,

 We turn to see heart and hands on fire;
transmuting darkness into light,

Supernatural power of God;
Nothing as pure, as loving or bright,

Thank you for your light that reigns over dark;
All it takes is pure intentions, prayer and a spark

Jesus Christ my savior and king;
Your power and might cover everything

Amen

Mothers Day 2013

What a grand Mothers Day. Spending time with family is everything. My amazing children, my sister who has helped me raise my children in my home for nine years, and Devon Worley who is like my adopted daughter spent quality time today on mothers day.

We started out the day going to the Farmers Market on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. We ate some of our favorite foods including: Corn on the Cob, French Fries and Soft Tacos. Great Reggae music played in the background, and the families buzzed around the vendors jewelry, crafts, and food.

We left the Market and landed at West End and did some window shopping and had a delightful meal at ROHO Mexican Restaurant. The sun was shining bright and it was a lovely day out if you were under the sun's direct rays.

We returned home to wonderful gifts for both mommies. We received lovely smelling body sprays and lotions wrapped in a beautiful pink bag. The kids seemed so genuinely excited to spend time with us and give us these gifts.

I feel so blessed in life. I can't imagine my life journey without kids. They have made me a better human being. I am so grateful. Thank you God for these precious jewels who you have given in my care.

Prom: A Night for a Mom to Remember

Fifty years old in January and this! OK, so, my son had his first prom this year. When did I get so old because....

His Junior prom was more exciting for me than for him. I know men and women see things differently, but really????? He was calm as a cuke and I had butterflies. What?

You heard me. But. I am guessing I am not the only one who has felt this way. Please Please tell me I am not alone in this.

I want to know if you have sent a child off to prom and how your daughter or son reacted and how long it took her/him to prepare for the big night?

I think it took Jacob all of about ten minutes to get ready. What's your story?

My son Jacob and I-He pinned me with a flower during pictures at Lafayette Country Club. (Sweaty Eyeballs) No worries, It didn't hurt~ Hee Hee

Spring Day

May day? yes, May 1st, should be sunny, warm and breezy
Minnesota record breaker, snow, ice and rain

Cuts deep into Minnesotans morale, that want, need spring!
too much winter in Midwest, done are we

Blinding sun bring to me~ with birdies loudly singing

blowing blades of grass breezing, billowing, & babbling Brooks

water, warm feel to tosies, wiggling in their wake

Staring down the waters earth, clear, rocks, fish

beaching babes building castles

pails, shovels, Giggling, gagling, boys and girls

Runners, joggers, round the path, heavily huffing happily

walkers tuned into talk, intense, joyous gate

Ring Ring. Dreamsicles, bomb pops, dogs and dillies

But instead.....

Cruel spring creates cycles of contravention

curbing cooperation to our chagrin

Conundrum...

Weather maker? When will Spring Really Begin?

Ebenezer Volunteers Rock

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon 2013 has come and gone. What has not gone, is the compassion, dedication, and talent that volunteers gave in 2012 and carries over to 2013.  Ebenezer volunteers gave over 29000 hours dedicated to our seniors in many different areas including but not limited to:

• Escorting residents to meals, beauty shop appointments, chapel, Adult Day Program, Parties
• Shopping Outings with residents
• Gardening opportunities
• Cashiering at the gift shop 
• Administrative Assistance
• Nursing
• Cleaning 
• Performing for the residents singing, dancing, playing piano...

These angels on earth help Ebenezer fulfill the mission of:
   Helping older adults and others make their lives more independent, healthful, meaningful and secure. 
As the new Director of Volunteer Services at Ebenezer, my first Volunteer event happened last week after being there since only January 29th. Overall, I think it was a very successful event, but there is always room for improvement. The objective for any volunteer recognition event is to recognize the great work volunteers are achieving. They perform many of the same tasks that employees do, but volunteers are not paid financially.

The venue was at St. Mary's University Event Center, formally the Shriner's Building. My guest speaker was Paul Douglas, a man I call friend, and an amazing speaker who genuinely cares about others. He wowed the residents with his interesting stories about everything weather and then some. He talked about how Steven Speilberg came to him asking for his digital weather programs for a new and upcoming movie called Jurassic Park. Well Paul said yes and is now widely known for his weather and alert technology that is second to none. Go to the link: http://www.medialogicgroup.com/company/

The theme this year for the recognition was "Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness."  Each place setting included a program  colored with flowers from my photography portfolio, watering pitcher with flower seeds and potting soil as the parting gift. Each volunteer picked a number when they entered which gave them a chance at a gift from local businesses.  Each table had a bouquet of colorful Azaleas and a napkin which mimicked the color of the Ebenezer Logo.

I hired an incredible harpist who played before and during lunch. I highly recommend her since she is an up and coming performer and a high school student who made the event feel like heaven. Her name is Molly Rinkenberger and is a student at the Perpich Center for the Arts. I had gone to see her performance two months before the event and knew straight away she was perfect for the event.

I created a PowerPoint presentation as my back drop for the large stage set with palms on each side. My harpist was on the far right of the stage.  I had Lancer Catering service serving the food which was mouth watering and the service came with great care and a smile. I had a line up of speakers which included myself, CEO/President Mark Thomas, Campus Director Joel Prevost, Paul Douglas Guest Speaker and Chaplain Don Knutson who facilitated the Devotional Prayer. The meal was set up buffet style and volunteers were able to line up on both sides. I announced volunteer awards based on 1000-2000 hours of service.

Staff at Ebenezer helped from set up to take down. I feel grateful for working with an incredible team and am proud to be an Ebenezer employee. Well, now to next year executing the plan and strategy for Volunteer Recognition 2014. Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, vendors and staff for making this day so special to our volunteer staff.

Paul Douglas Puts Wintery Image I Captured on Star Tribune Blog

I must say, that Paul Douglas has a great sense of humor. Touring me last month at his spectacular weather studio was a treat to say the least. He is my guest speaker for my upcoming Volunteer Recognition Event on Thursday, April 25, 2013 for Ebenezer. Ebenezer Minneapolis Campus, part of Fairview Health Service is host to over 29000 volunteer hours per year. These generous givers are the glue that make us a great as we serve our senior population.

Last night, as on too many other occasions this month, we have had a heavy spring snow fall. We Minnesotans are not too happy at this time of year,dealing with the white stuff. Well, last night I just could not help myself as I watched in disgust as snow fell and layered our earth once again.

What a perfect time to tease Paul Douglas, senior meteorologist. I know how busy he is at these severe weather storm times in Minnesota. I emailed him something to the tune of  "Paul, how could you do this to us? Is it winter or spring? I sent him pictures of my stoop at my home showing him how deep the snow was and how ridiculous it looked at this time of year.

He graciously let me know that he put my snow covered stoop picture up on his Star Tribune Blog. He assured me that come Sunday, Minnesota will have something to smile about. Yes, seventy degree weather being served up for all.

I will take this prize Mr. Douglas. Thanks for being such a good sport. I don't know which of us gets more slack in their profession: You as a Senior Weatherman, or I as a psychotherapist.

Monster~Poem~dVerse Poets

Embedded deeply inside the caverns of the collective unconscious;
Furloughed thick lines of memories laid;
Dark & Light shades, spun in our minds web;
Archetypal imagery for all ages laden;
Designed before us, we have our choice;
Free will offering, it's up to you;
Light or Dark; Angel or Monster?
Keep it hidden and tight
or
Open and Light