Is it true...

Last week, my daughter and her 2 cousins accompanied me on an adventure through the streets of downtown Boston. I called it the Make Way, Adventure.

Here's an image of love we found along the way...






















*Happy Birthday to my hubby and my sister, Nella!
I love you both...Sincerely.

**But before I go, as we celebrate love, please join TANGOBABY in raising awareness to actively help K., a homeless mother of 3 escaping her domestic violence situation. What better way to show love than to help those less fortunate? You can read more about K. here: please please please let's help her. My grandmother always said, "There go I, but for the grace of God".

Pet Parade...

Meet Gromit (as in Wallace & Gromit). He's our maltese-pomeranian mix. He replaced Wallace, a bunny my daughter won at Easter a few years ago who I was allergic to...Wallace had to go. Isn't Gromit much cuter?




















This is Bird (left) and Belle (right). They are my hubby and daughter's fishies, respectively. Bird is laid back, like my hubby. Belle is always on the go, much like my daughter.







And last but not least....drumroll please...my trusted pet. My daughter made it for me. Since she is exhibiting fiercely feminist traits, I'm going to guess it's a she. Like other people I know, this pet has no name yet. :-)



You can participate in the "Pet Parade" by visiting "red or gray depends on the day" or "Planet M Files" and leaving your links there.

Say it again...

hustle

hustling, hustling

hustle

hustling, hustling

panic

Say: JAH will provide

relaxation and calm

JAH provides

don't know if to laugh or cry

Giving thanks...

Inspirational Monday: Another blooming game...

About a month ago, we played a game here in my Necessary Room called "What's it like in your neck of the woods?".

Since then, Spring has definitely sprung in these parts.




















The Boston Celtics are back in the Playoffs!!!















The Boston Red Sox vs. Yankee rivalry is reborn. Red Sox Nation here!!!




















People are starting to visit the seashore again.















Oh yeah...lest I forget, Pollen has made a grand entrance and is mischievously tickling my nose as leaves push forth to display their beauty.




















Are you familiar with the old proverb, "the early bird catches the worm?" Well, it's true. How do I know? I hear them very, very early every morning. All I can do is lay there in bed and enjoy their sweet symphony. Aaaaahhhhh... Notice the empty nest in this tree? That's tangible evidence that they are out catching worms...believe me now?




















The bees are quite busy now...there's even a bumble bee who just keeps buzzing around outside my daughter's bedroom window. They say spirits come in all forms. Not sure what this one is looking for but my daughter is off limits! Say it with me, buzz off!















Even at the beach, Mother Nature is pushing up daisies through the arid, rocky sand.




















And, flowers are starting to bloom all around. Here's a sample:


























To participate, please leave a comment/link of what it is like in your neck of the woods now that Spring has sprung.

*For more inspiration, visit vchelle over at Operation You, hostess of Inspirational Monday.

Make Way, Adventure...

One of our favourite classic books is Robert McCloskey's Make Way For Ducklings. I recommend this 1942 Caldecott Medal book for any child's library. Making the words in that book come to real life for my daughter has been an incredibly memorable experience that I will cherish for always. I now share with you a few moments of solace from our "Make Way For Ducklings" adventure.

Accompanied by her two cousins, my daughter curiously followed me single file through the streets of downtown Boston not knowing where we were headed. They were sooooo wired with anxious anticipation I decided to create a game: Let's see how many birds we can find around us. In the back of my head I wondered if they would figure out where we were going...after all, that's a BIG clue (at least for me it is).

My daughter found a duck doorstop on the stoop of someone's brownstone.




















We went inside a Tibetian shoppe. We admired the artistic talents and peered at this runner noticing that every sequin was sewn on by hand.

"That's hard work" my daughter exclaimed. "But isn't it beautiful?".

Yes baby, it is.




















Captivated by the beautiful culture represented in the goods sold in this basement store, I came upon this chandelier.




















My daughter's cousin J pointed out this little birdie.




















J's older brother found a painted duck in a storefront window.




















Within a few minutes, we arrived at the Boston Public Gardens. You all would be so proud of me because I found it on foot by myself sans my trusted Garmin. We made our way to the equally famous Swan Boats rides which just happened to be in the same pond Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings returned that faithful Spring.


















We spent even more time enjoying life in the Boston Public Gardens before it was time to go.


















But we had one more stop to make. And there they were, the historic bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard and her eight little ducklings.




















And I left the gardens with three children walking single file quacking like ducks.





















What was really cool about this trip is that some one stole one of the bronze ducklings, Pack, a few weeks back. The story was all over the local news. Fortunately, the statue was recently recovered and put back in the second-to-last spot behind its mother. It was also our first time visiting the famous landmark after Pack had been reunited with Mrs. Mallard and its brothers and sisters. Can you imagine how scared poor little Pack was during the time he was missing?

*Go ahead. Get your own book. (wink) Click here.
*To review a complete list of Caldecott Medal books from 1938 to present, click here.
*For more information on the Swan Boats, please visit http://www.swanboats.com/.

Conscious Friday: Morgan Heritage...

*Morgan Heritage: Don't Haffi Dread


*Morgan Heritage: Chant We A Go Chant


*Morgan Heritage: Down by the River (live)


Wishing everyone a Conscious Friday and divine weekend.
One Love massive!

Walk for Hunger...

When I was in high school, members of the National Honour Society had to complete several community based projects aimed at helping families in need in Massachusetts. Each year, I chose to participate in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger in Boston, MA. On the first Sunday in May, a sea of tens of thousands of people congregate on the Boston Commons to participate in the oldest continual pledge walk in the United States. This year, the annual 20-mile walk will be held for the 41st time on May 3, 2009.

Few things tug at my heart strings like the thought of a child starving. As the economy takes a dive, as much as one may think they have it bad, I cannot begin to imagine what life is like for those living without the general necessities of "life".

Fortunately, technology has become far more advanced since my high school days, so people can now donate online by clicking here OR register online for the 2009 Walk for Hunger by clicking here.

*For a more global involvement in the fight against hunger, please visit the One Campaign.

*I also enourage you to read: I'm Starving and Waste Not, Want Not.

LET'S HELP MAKE POVERTY AND HUNGER HISTORY...

**The focus of this following link by TANGOBABY is about a beautiful family in need of your help. I urge everyone to take a moment to read it and help if they can. K. and family.

One Love, Se'Lah

Road Trip: Adventure...

This weekend, we went on another completely impromptu road trip. This was definitely an adventure for all because we just got in the car and drove with no decided destination. (And for those who know me, don't get nervous. I carried along my trusted garmin because let's just say, Stellaluna and I have something in common.) There. I said it.

Sharing some things we discovered along the way:

Mother Nature has some beautiful creatures.






The sound of waves crashing softly against the shore.







My daughter enjoys leaving random gifts of love on the beach.








The feeling of being completely surrounded by Love.






One Love, Se'Lah.

Bonus Inspiration: Order of Merit...

On this the 20th day in the month of April in the year 2009, I hereby bestow Se'Lah's Order of Merit on:

One of my daughter's godmothers and my dear friend, Auntie Jill who ran today's Boston Marathon in 3:12:54! (That's 26 miles, 385 yards or 42.195 kilometres in 3 hours, 12 minutes and 54 seconds.) There were more than 25,000 runners in this the 113th running of the world's oldest annual marathon and my friend was one of them.

WE'RE PROUD OF YOU AUNTIE JILL!!!
YOU ARE TRULY AN INSPIRATION!!!

Please find her stats below:

Checkpoints:
5k - 0:19:36
10k - 0:40:35
15k - 1:02:53
20k - 1:26:08
Half - 1:30:52
25k - 1:48:10
30k - 2:13:05
35k - 2:38:49
40k - 3:02:39

Pace - 0:07:22
Official Time 3:12:54
Overall - 3215
Gender - 229
Division - 26

WAY TO GO AUNTIE JILL!!!

Inspirational Monday: Treasures...

About a year ago, my mom gave my daughter this furnished doll house. Although it was obviously worn and torn, she said, "Make sure you take care of it...it's an antique." "Okay Mother", I thought and stored it away. It was one of the few toys we relocated with but I didn't break it out until today.

It's school holiday week here and I thought it would be a great "new" toy. I told her that Mama gave it to her as a gift so it's a very special dollhouse and she must take good care of it. I pulled up the vacuum and told her she had to first clean it before she could play with it. She eagerly accepted.

When she was done cleaning, she chose a location for it. I then presented her a box with furniture for each room. Her eyes were gleaming. As she was decorating her home, she noticed some curious electrical pieces (fishtank and chandelier). She searched each room like the DEA and located the plugs. And how coincidental that "Detective Daddy" is also electrically talented. Within minutes, he was instructing me to research "Lundby Stockholm" dollhouses because a transformer is definitely required before anything will work electrically.

So now, I jump on the internet. This model of the Swedish dollhouse was created in 1976. There are only 2 dealers in the USA and I must find a transformer. I cannot wait to find it and see my daughter's face when her doll house lights up. Cross your fingers.

Have an Inspirational Monday!

*Inspirational Monday is the brainchild of vchelle over at Operation You. All are invited to participate by leaving a link/comment of what inspires you.

The Butterfly...

My daughter has loved butterflies from the instant she saw one. I remember as a little girl, I would constantly chase them in our garden and didn't give up until I caught one. I would then sit on the ground and admire the inherent beauty and freedom of spirit within that little life form.

Wanting to create similar childhood memories for my daughter, years ago I planted a ginormous butterfly garden in our front yard. Within a short time, our flourishing garden attracted butterflies on a daily basis. My daughter and I delicately collected the eggs from the leaves of the passion vine, watched very hungry little caterpillars emerge and eat incessantly until the formation of cocoons and finally, stood in awe as beautiful, colourful new butterflies emerged. What a wondrous cycle of life. Not only did we make this a personal hobby but we actually would hatch the eggs and deliver hungry little caterpillars to preschool classrooms in our neighbourhood. It was such a joy to share our experience with other children.

One day, while navigating my way through a difficult situation, an otherwise oblivious family member sent me this story. While I normally delete chain mail, I read this one solely because of the title. (I know, I'm shallow). It has stuck with me ever since that day.

So now, I share with you "The Butterfly" :
(Author Unknown)

A man found a cocoon for a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no farther.

Then the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.

But something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the small opening of the cocoon are God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through all our life without any obstacles, that would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.

Not only that, we could never fly.

*This post is inspired by the students of colour at Colby College in this challenging time. JAH Guide!

*Damian Marley, Stephen Marley & Capleton: It Was Written


*Burning Spear: I Stand Strong


*Bob Marley: So Much Things To Say (live)

Conscious Friday: Equal Rights...

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"...MLK, Jr.

This week, I learned of a disturbing incident of police brutality of students on the campus of Colby College in Waterville, ME. The students were then arrested and charged with criminal trespass and assault. Their very future now lies in the balance.

I simply urge each of you to review the following news articles and especially the video footage of a portion of the incident. WARNING: The video contains graphic violence upon the students.

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-244430

http://necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/04/14/Colby-students-rally-after/1239745979.html

http://exceptionmag.com/news/law/000661/police-brutality-colby-college-maine-caught-tape

While I understand the civil legal ramifications faced by the college, some times, people need to do the "right" thing. Some times, the right thing is not blurry at all. Some times, when an unpleasant situation presents itself, the best course of action is to face it head on in pursuit of truth and justice rather than wandering down the dark road of self-preservation. In the end, what's done in the dark will always come to light. Well, the light is on. What do you see?

Calling out for "Equal Rights and Justice"...

*Peter Tosh: Equal Rights


*Have a Conscious Friday and a divine weekend.

Girls just wanna have fun...

Reality Check...

I cannot stress the importance of having open communication with our children on the subject of sexual abuse. During my legal career, I have seen some of the most atrocious cases of sex abuse of children imaginable.

In honour of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I thought I'd share a few facts and also a bit of my personal opinion.

*FACT: Sex offenders come from every walk of life. They work in every arena you can possibly imagine. They live in every neighbourhood. They attend every church. They are everywhere!!! and pedophiles prefer places where children congregate.

Reality Check: Due to the enormous amount of unreported sexual assaults, sex offenders and pedophiles continue living amongst us undetected and therein seize any opportunity to continue offending...that is, until they are caught. Therefore, I never assume my child's safety.

*FACT: Once a child does not report a sexual assault, the sex offender is empowered to progress and sometimes can become increasingly graphic and/or violent.

Reality Check: It is probably safe to assume that most sex offenders you see on the television news who have murdered their victims have offended at some point before. One "normally" does not kill the first time around.

*FACT: Pedophiles like to groom their victims. They do so, for example, by buying toys, candy, CD's, and other gifts for children. This list is certainly not exhaustive. They strive to gain the trust of the child until the opportunity for sexual assault is ripe. Pedophiles often convince children to keep their sexual assaultive behaviour a secret either through manipulative expressions of love and/or threats.

Reality Check: Speak to your children about "good touches" and "bad touches" from an early age. I even go a step further and explain to my daughter that there are "good people" and "bad people". There are "good secrets" and "bad secrets". She needs to tell me immediately if anyone ever asks her to keep a secret. I will NEVER get mad at her for telling me any secret. If it's a good one, I'll keep it safe for her. If it's a bad one, I will protect her. Parent must have open communication with their children. Their life may depend on it.

*Thought of the Day: Our children are always watching...absorbing how people react and/or handle life situations. It is imperative that we teach them from an early age that sexual impropriety is never acceptable. If a child ever reports any type of sexual assault, please do not dismiss it. One must always investigate any and all allegations of sexual assault reported by a child.

*For more reference, please click any of the following links:
*Did you know?
*About Shapeshifters
*Safety First: Protecting Our Children

Off on Special Assignment...

Today, I am off on a "Special Assignment". You will find me over at Operation You blogspot.

Please come on over. I look forward to seeing you and reading your notes over there. Click here.

One Love, Se'Lah

Inspirational Monday: Patience...

I am not often described as the most patient person. Part of the challenge is that I do not like not having control over certain events in my life. But those are the times when I am reminded most to simply "be still" and "have faith". Although it's difficult going through those periods of uncertainty, in the end, JAH always provides. So, enjoy living in the present because whatever will be, will be.

Have an Inspirational Monday!

*Inspirational Monday is the brainchild of vchelle over at Operation You. All are invited to participate by leaving a link/comment of what inspires you.

Don't try this at home...

One of the things I absolutely love about being in the city is watching street performers. Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston is such an awesome place for that. Yesterday, my daughter and I enjoyed watching a British acrobatic family group do the most amazing stunts...even their warm-up was more than I could ever accomplish. Unfortunately, I only had my phone camera so here they are (unedited). Click on photos to truly enjoy their flexibility and daring spirit.