Week One of Fifty-two Weeks of Adventure

As I started this week I declared I would find some adventure or discovery, some ah-ha moment each week. This week I expected to find it in Washington DC when I was there for work, somewhere around the beauty of the National monuments or on the National Mall. I did not find it the once again closed Washington Monument, at the Lincoln Monument, or at the National Mall. Instead as I waited for my hotel room to be cleaned I wandered around the neighborhood. As I walked by a protest, and some construction I could see the park in front of the White House, and just across the street on a small corner lot sat a small very old looking Church. The sign out front announced the service that started five minutes ago. I find a seat, not hard considering there were four other people there including the pastor. I learn from the brochure this is St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, known as “The Church of the Presidents” because beginning with James Madison, every person who has held the office of President of the US has attended a service at the church.

As I listened and observed I thought of the men who have “run” our country and their thoughts as they sat in this same room. What did Abraham Lincoln think about? Did Theodore Roosevelt ponder the state of the country here? Were they here because they were told everyone else was or did George H Bush, Clinton, Reagan and the rest come here to worship? Were they humble, open minded? Did they pray for peace for this nation? Democrats and Republicans, some powerful in their position, some weak all sat in this room at one time over the years.

I am sure without a doubt that all of these men were facing trials; some of them with personal hidden demons. I couldn’t help but think of the quiet inside of this old church and the chaos that was boiling throughout the city and country. It was a respite among the storm.

This adventure reminds me of the need for civility and peace. That is my wish.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl

Last night our family welcomed a new baby girl to the world. Our niece Sara and her

husband Travis had their first child. She is a beautiful little girl.

In 2018 one has to wonder what this child might see in her lifetime. As she grows into

a young lady will see she the possibilities of the lifetime ahead, will she be a dreamer,

setting goals and striving for peace and love like her sweet mother? Will she have a

love of the outdoors like her daddy? Will she be a list maker? Riding a Harley?

It is exciting to think about what lies ahead for this young lady, one would hope that

all things are equal for women, love is the way of the world and peace rules everywhere.

These are the things I wish for this baby and every baby born in these days. When they

are 50 years old in 2068, I hope they can look back at the trying times, grateful for the

changes that the current generation has changed.

Sara and Travis’s baby girl, I wish you peace.

Never to Old for a New friend!

Sometimes in life you are lucky enough to meet the right person at the right time, yesterday was one of those days.

I had been tasked with having a conversation about an unpleasant situation. With a bit of dread and some determination I finally reached a point where I had to deal with the alleged problem. I was sure the outcome would be fine, but it was one of those times that the idea of dealing with that conversation was intimidating.

I faced the issue marching down the hall to talk to a woman that I had met in passing. As I knocked on her door I took a deep breath. As she opened the door her smile let me know I was welcome. The conversation was just lovely. She instantly made me feel at home, voiced her concerns, listened as I spoke and then it happened. I had a new friend!

With each story we shared we leaned into the conversation a bit more. She gazed out her window answering questions, telling of her love of a city in Mexico, this city, family, friends and neighbors. At one point she said proudly, "I am 90, for Christ's sake". She told me of her husband that she lost 30 years ago and misses everyday, the thought of him bringing an even larger grin, he made her laugh and still makes her smile.

She is very active, still painting, still walking down Nicollet Mall, a regular at Orchestra Hall, Target and Walgreen's.

The story I have linked is from last summer. She is one of the most lovely ladies I have ever met. If you have 4 minutes, take the time to watch this video. It will be worth it. There was also an article about her in a past Star Tribune. Nancy reminds me of a good old friend who values nature and every day, Yvette Johnson. It is so wonderful to have these kind of people in life.

Today I am thankful for all of my good friends!

Yesterday afternoon Nancy reminded me to put anger aside, don't let people get to you. Contemplate and reflect, hold your tongue and have some compassion. When it is time don't give in, learn to compromise. Life is too short to carry a chip on your shoulder. Lots of wisdom in that lovely lady. I will carry that with me today, and be reminded of it every day as I walk by that door down the hall.

As always I wish you peace!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1dvy0dIwag&t=10s