What is your passion?

What is your passion?

Over lunch last Sunday, the youth pastor-equivalent, Ed, asked me how M did at the competition last weekend. I'd been late to that youth advisors meeting in order to spend time at M's horse show.

(Sunday's horse show went great, btw, M was laughing, really enjoyed it (and got a solo first, a solo second, and a team second! yeah!!!). But, I knew he meant the Oireachtas.

I gave Ed the summary and we were chatting about M and the Oireachtas. Then, he interrupted me, "Wait, there are BOYS there, too?" "Yeah," I responded with a shrug. "How do you convince boys to dance, I mean, this," Ed paused to attempt hand dancing, "this kind of dancing?"

Admittedly, only so many boys take dancing classes regularly and have familial and societal and personal support for doing so, compared to girls.  (Those who do, however, ah, the girls who dance LIKE the boys who dance!)  "You don't. [At this level,] you can't keep them FROM dancing." I tried to explain.   When someone hears music playing, and he has to move, when he hears Irish music, and he can't NOT dance. At the Oireachtas, M wasn't unusual.   She was one of over 1,000 [Irish step dancers]; her dancing constantly, while "walking" down the halls, was normal. Hearing music in their own heads, an internal beat or rhythm they may not even be fully conscious of. The boys have that inside of them, too.

(There was a girl there at the second night of awards dancing away in place as if absent-mindedly. She wasn't practicing for her competition; they were over. Other parents and dancers know instinctively to move out of the way (IDers kick, lol).)

Ed took this in, and relayed how he feels when he's at a youth workers convention or youth pastors get together. It's really neat for him, as he doesn't get that opportunity to be around others "like" him / doing his type of job, very often.

(These conventions can be so powerful, so God-filled, it's likely a huge spiritual connection and high, also.) He's lived in Israel, he felt called by God. He can't NOT do it, so to speak. I've known Ed since he was in middle school, I believe what I'm writing about him.   Even if he knows he must meet each youth at his/her place, he implements realistic ideas for outreach, and growing deeper in the Lord's word for those ready for that challenge. Etc.  To work with youth, to share his love and convictions of the Lord Jesus Christ, is his passion.

Each of us are given different gifts in life. Are any of your gifts things that you can't not do, to really be truly yourself, a passion? Or, with a little bit of tweaking, some encouragement, it could grow to be a passion? If so, do you find some way to utilize your gift(s), your passion?

Had my ceili/set dance group's Christmas party tonight:) Very nice, as always. Food and more food, (we were late to so M could dress up, finish some homework, and we could wrap the gifts).   Then there is always caroling to a pianist or two or three, all members of the group. Traditional hymns, We Three Kings, O Holy Night, others I may not have another chance to sing with M this year, a few fun songs (Frosty even!), and Christmas in Killarney (sp). We only sing that song there. It's a family party, all ages. Then 12 days of Christmas, separated into groups, rofl, it's always funny and hence, fun.   After a small break, everyone goes to grab the wrapped gifts we each brought, and get into two circles, one big one for adults, one smaller one for children. To the reading of "the night before Christmas," we pass the gifts to the left, every time the word "the" is read. It's pretty funny, too.    I was pleased that one of the youngest children got our "kids" gift -- an outgrown, great condition shirt M had whenshe first started with that group at age 7.5, and a large candy cane with a nice snowman puppet on it.   I figured if it got to a child small enough to fit into the shirt, he won't care about the shirt so much, and he didn't.  He went for the snowman:)

M had a choice tonight, go to the youth group annual Christmas party, familyone so I'd go with her, or this one. She had wanted the one with all others her age, but chose this one tonight instead. She knows what to expect, abd she likes it. People like seeing her again, too:) She dressed up, wore a new sweater whose color caught my eye, told her I'd likely wrap it back up for her for Christmas, too:) It was maybe going to be mine even. Wore her flashing ornament necklace, leggings. So grown up looking, as did the other girls there. The house FULL of Christmas decorations, even more so, somehow, than in the past years:) M declined my taking her photo. Oh, well. She wasn't so sure she liked her gift at first, but another parent knew her boy wanted it, and offered a trade. M really liked the trade! so all left happy, lol.   She enjoyed chatting, but seemed a bit beat so we didn't stay until the end.   "Mom, this bump hurts some."   A swollen gland.   U-oh.

I know this portion doesn't fit with "what is your passion" part. But I felt like sharing:) It's a "real" Christmas celebration. Heck, one dancer's dad played bagpipes for us while we re-checked out desserts:) night night all. Peace, love, hope to all of you. And, yes, if you have a gift that could be a God-given passion, consider it.

Tags: Irish dancing, Irish stepdancing, Oireachtas

Wow, and please do say hi if you drop by

Ever do a search on your name?  What about on your screen name?   Okay, admittedly, I spent part of my lunchbreak doing that.   Wow, what tidbits of blogs get exerted and passed about!

Btw, Look, Mom, I Can Ceili, to this Missourite?? who is just now learning about ceili's, welcome to the world of ID (Irish Dance) and ceili/set dancing!   I tried leaving you a comment but I had to have a blogspot id, which I may obtain later.   If you ever get up to northern Virginia (not "just" James Madison), DC, or ANYWHERE in Maryland for a ceili, or festival, feel free to contact me.   Thanks for noticing me:) 

And, Samantha/ mybabyalan's journal (I can't seem to relocate that link), welcome!   Please say hi and leave me the link.  

Seems I've also been quoted in "top healthy foods."  Just a snippet there, how I try to get M to eat anything at a feis just to get her to eat, which includes healthy foods.

And a high school I'm not sure if I'm familiar with has my Christmas list/questionnaire entry on their sidebar. 

Blogpulse in November extracted my "egg nog or hot chocolate" paragraph for their "this day in blogs" segment.  Update - Horizon's Organic also has a nice eggnog withOUT corn syrup, as well as Lactaid.

News Channel 8 in Oklahoma (from Oklahoma?  I've never even BEEN there, just love the song and musical, for crying out loud) included my cold gusty weather description I'd written one day. 

A cellular pda phone blog I can't fully ascertain used my Oireachtas Update entry :)  Perhaps they would have preferred names of winners, too.  Ah, well.  I try to be more confidential   

I have a different entry noted on a site listing educational resources for teachers for that same competition, (Oireachtas Bound).  I'd rambled an outline of how M could perhaps do her applied algebra project based upon how to determine the # of world qualifiers, cuz it's tricky.   MAYBE also on the educational information on the competition??   That may have been the one where I mentioned Zand B's form letter to school teachers explaining in advance that the child will be absent due to the cultural experience of a feis / Oireachtas.  It certainly was not due to my inability to condense sentences and thoughts:)

Search on your own screen name, or journal name, including going to Technorati for a search.   Go ahead, try it!  Even report back if you feel inclined.  It is amazing how much information is out there, has to be out there for this little "blog" to be picked up.   Then again, I've done searches on info and found some of YOURS, too:)   Please do let me know if you're going to link my journal.  I'd love to stop by and visit yours, too!

Two steps forward, one step back (Meals on Wheels)

Meals on Wheels question I was asked today:  "Was it able to get started, and does he like the food and the daily visits? I can imagine it's a whole new routine, maybe not all welcome (just because it's a change). B."

Well, the nice thing about taking our time and it taking time, is that he's ready for it, even a bit excited I think:)   They are to start TODAY.  I checked online, chicken fajitas for lunch and turkey sandwich for dinner, and other items.   They actually swung by on Thursday and gave him just the dinner I think, cuz he said it was only sandwiches, and an apple, and two milks.   Not sure if ot was relayed to them that he was short on food now, also, and they had the extra, or just what.   He wasn't scheduled until TODAY.   I wish I could view the menu in advance, cuz he's interested in knowing.   He said that it was alright food, seemed happy about it.   I didn't hear anything negative from him, nor from them, so?!  :)  

 

That'd been my response earlier today.   Sunday, he'd told me matteroffactly that they'd been by last Thursday, and I thought, yikes, um, okay, I wasn't ready for them quite yet, while also overly ready for them.   It was a man that day, who did not come in.   I reminded Dad that it'd be a different driver each day, so Monday's driver is likely to almost always be the Monday driver, etc., and this man, likely to return this Thursday.   I also asked him about pants again.   His had gotten dirty so he washed them (huh?  in the sink?) and they're dry now.  Okay, good.   Please do have them or shorts on for when MoW comes, okay?   "I always have shorts on."   Generation clash.   Not underwear shorts, Dad, but short-shorts.   "I will, I will."   He actually cares about these things, always had cared about his lawn and yard and his appearance.  Not overly so, but he was concerned.   Now, he still means to care, but forgets.  I know these people have seen it all, but I wish for the best.

 

So, today while in the drive-through lane at my bank, Dad called.   He couldn't hear me, which I know is because of the buttons on the side of his cell phone, so I called him back.  Somehow, that seems to work fine everytime, if he answers.   He asked me about something else, including when I was coming back with more food.   I'd been by yesterday, including bringing a fried chicken platter he enjoyed, leaving fresh fruit and other items, food and otherwise, at my home.   "Oh, by the way, Meals on Wheels called.   They couldn't come today.  They're going to start up tomorrow."   Huh?  They couldn't call me, too, so I could be sure he had food, he couldn't have told me earlier so I'd have planned my break differently to visit him?  Calming down, we talked about what else he had in his home to eat, which really is sufficient for a bit.   He didn't remember some of it, but he felt fine and didn't feel a need for me to return today.  

 

Well, it WILL start, and they did let him know, both of which are good.   The drivers are 100% volunteer.   I don't know if it was a driver shortage today or another reason.  

 

He tried to shave this weekend, however, but his beard too long so he tried trimming it with scissors and it, um, doesn't look so good, lol!   I offered to get him in to the barber (this week).   He said he'd wait.  I realized later, it may have been because he's out of money right now, but I'll get it paid for if he's up for that trip, when I can do it.:)   We had agreed not to get too many extra items while we were both short on money, yet I was encouraged when he asked for shaving cream last week.  

 

I was happily surprised that visit, anyway, Tuesday as the "O" weekend was too crazy.   I had anticipated chaos and disorder.   Wow, he'd been cooking eggs on the stove/range, and had all the trash bagged up outside of the door, and other self-incentive things.   (He tends to put the recycling in with the trash, but at least it's picked up, and yeah, wow, even bagged.)  He wanted more eggs, and (fully precooked) sausage, so I got him a new frying pan, also, and oil.   "Oh, yeah, I didn't have oil."   I don't think he's used the new pan yet, maybe tonight.   Anyway, it is there and he's reminded he has more /fresh eggs.  

 

Rather glad not to re-visit tonight, as I'd just like some time with M when she comes home:)  Go over with her some Christmas gifts I'd picked up (charge cards ugh I hate that), her homework, etc., just "be" together.

 

In what I wrote Beth, I also said:  "This weekend, I put up some garland in the front foyer and swept the carpet for the steps and the hard floor there, and mopped that, and dusted off the air vent.   Just wanting it to look presentable, yanno?   But, I'm feeling relieved and happy about this.   So far, so good:) "

 

Alright, one day setback on the food part, but, it's still moving forward.   Even if it's not nearly fast enough for my mother oy, which is an entire other entry and something I'm really trying not to be a major headache, so dealing diplomatically.

Tags: Meals on Wheels, elderly

aol journal trouble argh

Can't seem to modify or read my own aol journal today.......

I want to add a title (and a line) to my Frosty entry....... thumpety thump thump thumpety thump thump  look at Frosty go, thumpetyblahblahblah over the hills of snow.....  could probably edit it, too, but, shrug, I don't edit anything else on here!  lol  (Sometime I should consider this as a place to broadcast good writing and actually aim to have some.  In the meantime, it's my online diary of sorts, sans editing.   Sorry y'all have to bear with that.)

I want to read comments that have been left.   I can't access them!   Thankfully, I have them on alert, so any left, I can read via e-mail:)

Anyone else having trouble today?   I've had this before, too.

Happy Xmas (for Dougie, for all of us)

Sorry about the ads on this one..........   tried to not have them included.

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" lyrics

www.OldieLyrics.com

(John Lennon) So this is Xmas And what have you done Another year over And a new one just begun And so this is Xmas I hope you have fun The near and the dear one The old and the young A very Merry Xmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one Without any fear And so this is Xmas (war is over) For weak and for strong (if you want it) For rich and the poor ones (war is over) The world is so wrong (if you want it) And so happy Xmas (war is over) For black and for white (if you want it) For yellow and red ones (war is over) Let's stop all the fight (now) A very Merry Xmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one Without any fear And so this is Xmas (war is over) And what have we done (if you want it) Another year over (war is over) A new one just begun (if you want it) And so happy Xmas (war is over) We hope you have fun (if you want it) The near and the dear one (war is over) The old and the young (now) A very Merry Xmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's a good one Without any fear War is over, if you want it War is over now Happy Xmas

Frosty

Twas really Rudolph on last night, Krissie was right:) and then Frosty the Snowman, and Frosty Returns (with, um, not exactly stellar vocals on that last one). Ahh, yes, the classics, at least, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman:)

I remember being a kindergartner in Maine, riding home from school, singing with the driver, or, to the driver, Frosty the Snowman.  snow.  I imagine this over and over and over again, as if every day, we'd enjoy that. I hope he did as well. Over the bridge over icy water, to home. Toddler brother Doug, and my mother, were home, while my father worked in Old Port. Most others in the school stayed all day, but not the kindergartners. I remember snow, lots of snow, and tunnels underneath it was so tall.  I had fun my young winters in Maine:) 

I don't remember learning the song, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer until I was in elementary school back in Maryland. I was a bit confused, as it didn't seem to quite apply to Christmas "proper," and where were all the other Christmas songs?  Ah, "the other Christmas songs" meaning the traditional ones, the carols and hymns, the ones that dare breathe something religious in them.  Mom most likely was the one to try to explain to me how not everyone believes, so we can't sing them in the secular schools.  But, we're singing Rudolph, which isn't religious, but is about Christmas?  

I had fun singing, even going around caroling outside of school when we could sing hymns, too, the "real" Christmas songs. Or when a guy friend of mine would break into the "other" version of Joy to the World, and we'd all giggle. I never did understand that difference, however. I do more NOW, but it's still a bit weird if you think about it.

I remember a velveteen reindeer, red and white, with gold antlers. I tried to understand how my cousin, Dougie, would be afraid of reindeer as a little boy. (We were essentially the same age.) Of course, deer were much more common there in Maine, perhaps one had almost been hit by a vehicle he was in or something, not sure. I like watching them myself:)

Actually, as fond as I am of Frosty the Snowman, as an adult showing it to M, I was a bit surprised at the analogies. Hmmm, Frosty springs to life miraculously, melts / dies, and comes BACK to life, with Santa the all-knowing god-like featured character in the show. Frosty Returns has a great anti-globalwarming / anti-aerosol message, with lackluster singing, so it is rather harmless and cutesy once a year just not a classic like the original is.

Oh, the singing in the original Frosty:) That New York accent. Everyone sing with me now, "Frosty, the Snowman, was a very happy soul, with a corn cob pipe and button nose, and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty, the Snowman....."

As I stay warm INSIDE, cuz it feels practically arctic outside lately with the wind chill. Light flurries one night, ha, technically speaking. My coworker from Maine seemed a bit amused at that, telling me there'd been actual snow, accumulated snow, in Maine the night before. Yeah yeah, don't make me jealous:) Besides, it's exciting but it can wait a few more days or weeks, just get her when it does. Frosty the Snowman.....
Besides, it hasn't been Christmas yet, I haven't gotten my lumps of coal for the eyes:) lol okay, we have the carrot, of course. M needs those for the horses. (making note to add carrots and apples for the horse show).

Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, look at Frosty go.  Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, over the hills of snow!  (in warming weather while walking Daisy through the park, but hey, she'd love a romp in the snow!)

Tis the Season, Piece of Chocolate a Day, and $1. to spare

I've bought two $1.99? wreaths and supplies (which added up lol) to "make' my father wreaths for his doors, with the two wreath holders I found for $1. each.  I want the world outside to think yes, it is festive there.  

M is creating felt ornaments to put on a cooler (which I finally figured out is a type of horse blanket, not a food/beverage cooler oy), to decorate not Chance, but Echo now for the Christmas horse show coming up this weekend.   (Wow, Sh okayed this, but M is all excited.)  

I took hot apple cider in to M this morning, and when she was finished dressing and came out of her room, she went right to the advent calendar for her daily chocolate surprise:)  lol   She told me that this weekend while she's away, I could open the Advent calendar doors in the card Beth sent.  She doesn't know yet who she has for "Secret Snowflake" in her class, and has the silver glittler glue sticks bought for the gift she'll make for her dance troupe "Chinese auction" gift sharing.

Lovely treats, yet I worry, we have a few things to have gifts for, will her teachers be okay with homemade sugar cookies or such?  (I'm sure they will be.)  Can I decorate pillow cases with fabric paint and nice stamps, or?   (Do I have the TIME?!  lol)   Budgeting every few dollars UGH.   It will get better, it will, it has to (and I have taken steps towards that just taking time, albeit having child support on time would help, too).

I come out of the grocery store, with my dad's items I've put on my credit card, or out of "the" mall, with new flannel pants for him, on sale!, as he only has one pair of workable long pants right now, on another credit card, returning the too-wide slippers, and Salvation Army is there.   I perhaps smile, perhaps nod, perhaps ignore them, and I wish I could spare something for them, too.   Daggone it, I didn't know they worked weekdays, too.   Part of me wonders if they think we're all spending money left and right with tons to spare but we're just not seeing the needs of the people they serve and assist with, that we're greedy and certainly we could spare a few more dollars.   Sometimes I want to scream "this whole grocery cart is for charity" if one considers family charity.    Then again, it's not, really, it's a loan to Dad.   I pick up little thingshere and there for him, like the wreaths, or a box of Christmas cards cuz he wants to send out a few, or socks, just because, and I underestimate what I spend on the groceries and supplies, and not as if I'll charge him the interest, either, so he doesn't really pay back everything, and that's okay.   But at that moment in time, I'm struggling financially, scrapping.   I can't do much more.   Especially not every time I'm in and out of a store.  I hate that.

Sometimes I'll have PetsMart or CVS or Giant other stores that ask, add $1. to my bill for charity, or heck, sometimes even $5. just not $5. lately.  

There's a family close to a coworker whose entire home just burned down in a fire, who needs a bit more help.   There is a box in the lobby, collecting outwear, for local shelters.   I can help there, I do believe M will no longer wear an outgrown coat.   The main charity drive is going on, also.   I'm pleased we have a local "drive" again this year.   It's important, I do believe, not only for those who receive, but for those who give.

Christmas lights, Chanukkah lights (I actually really like the blue and white combinations), the parties (none we've attended yet), the real joy in Christmas, Captain playing in a box, Indie curling up in the dark green cooler (blanket), the studio who took their photos asking if I want greeting cards.   (Um, sorry, I love greeting cards, I love photos, I love my cats, and my child, but I find I never get around to mailing ANY cards.   Even the intended ones.)   Wreaths and ornaments, the red wooden "cranberry" beads, the green fuzzy garland that's so fun for kitties to play with, the Gaelic Santa Claus.   First Advent was last week and we missed it, being at the Oireachtas.   Trees there which many used for photo ops:)

What child with a Christmas tree, even one colored himself on a paper taped to a wall, cuz not everyone can afford a Christmas tree, what child with a stocking, even one pulled from her foot, doesn't want something for Christmas?   Expects the lights to turn on, food on the table, warm clothing, or, if s/he doesn't expect it, deserves it, anyway?   So many places have Toys for Tots.  (Do we have something GOOD, looking new, to give?   I don't think so, but will check........)

I am blessed:)   I'm stretched, I sure could use that child support check due December 1st (I thought it'd arrived last week, I was excited, but the handwriting was from elsewhere, a scary elsewhere, I decided the suspense was harmful enough so I opened it up and it was a copy of part of what I should have gotten with a bad notice I got recently, so nothing new at least).   I can give M hot apple cider, and oatmeal, and a piece of chocolate, for breakfast and send her with lunch, and a jacket.   Even if I got it on clearance last Spring.   And shoes.   Etc.  I have a job, we've been rather healthy mostly, really.  

We have each other:)   Talking with a coworker this a.m., he says he's just thankful to be seen and heard each and every day.  He's survived two tours with the Navy Reserves, and is being called back, with a granted delay, heading out again in January, not sure if he wants to reup in March or not.   Uncle Billy's not home, not even his remains.   Too many aren't "home."   Even "sharing" the Christmas itself, it means she also has her father in her life in his fashion, and Si has BEEN home from the hospital and will be there, and I'll see M, too, cuz spending Christmas with ones child, it's special.   Met a helpful coworker over the past 2 days while in training, one of those who is genuinely good inside.   We were talking, and I mentioned that I understood how he was handling something at work, as life's too short.   He shared a poem he'd written.   We have similar approaches to life -- treasure what we have that actually matters.   He also focuses a touch more on health, I focus a touch more on trying to maintain peace, and both are good.

So, what does matter?  And, is there $1. to spare?   Just $1.?   I've mentioned The Giving Tree before, and I'm going to do so again.  There are many who help out in all sorts of ways in this world, in their own little corner.   Bless you:)  There are some who can help only with their time, not with money.   Bless you:)   There are some who struggle and yet, in other ways, can assist, with an outgrown but washed and good condition coat to give, or homework assistance, or through their place of worship or through a variety of ways.   Heck, just treating the person ringing up your items as another human being helps the world be a brighter, more humane place.   I hope I never get too rushed to see others as unique human beings.

There are many hurting financially in this world right now, some hurting in other ways as well, perhaps even due partially to their finances.   If you feel that you can spare $1., and are willing to trust a fellow J-Lander do-gooder, please check out The Giving Tree.   The Giving Tree  Ang has posted her personal address on her private website, saying that she is willing to collect money to send on to one of the families having an really hard time.   I will not repost Ang's address here, publically.   Ang is at canyonsun04@aol.com and she will send you her e-mail address.   Will $1. plus $1. plus $1. add up?   It won't get compound interest, but it will add up in simple addition:) and could make the difference in milk or water for a family, or something larger.

Those of you who are Christians, please consider what you or someone else would find most important this season.   Can you lend that smile and human interaction?   I am certainly feeling blessed, in advance, for those who will visit my father starting next week.   I can only do so much there myself, and his world is expanded greatly at having others come, anyway.   Can you pause and not yell, can you stop for a moment and wonder at the little white lights outside, maybe get excited with a child at the first flurries of snow (we had some last night! okay, it did NOT stick but).   Play with the dog, or the cats, or the children, or, even with other adults.  

Take a moment to close your eyes, feel the spirit and peace and love of Christ, the rest and hope He wishes to give you, share with you.   :)

If you then feel called to share that feeling with another, sharing some part of yourself, or something monetary or material, a $1. here or there, as you are able to, please do.

Have a blessed, peaceful and most joyous of Advents:)   Oh, dag, I think Charlie Brown's Christmas is coming on right now!   Now THAT is a classic, and also "gets" it:)   Even if my version of Snoopy wants a walk first.