THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL...

Eliza got her driver's license today on first try, and she's one happy girl!!!!!

UNDERGOING CHANGES

Blog Change: If you haven't checked into Namasté blog recently, you haven't seen the changes in the banner that I'm attempting to make on my blog header. I'm excited I used Piknik (as instructed by Mary Ann on her blog)! Now, I only have to figure out how to center the title, and I'm set to go. As I become more skilled in using the program, I'll be changing the blog banner with different photos along the way. Today's banner features one of my last summer's dahlias. Seeing it makes me want to zoom ahead into spring and summer. (By the way, Piknic is a free service on the web. All you have to do is go to the site and register.)

Life Change: The greatest change to report today, however, is that my father (87) finally realized my mom (89) can no longer care for him, and agreed to go live with his principal caretaker, Pansy. In fact, the move took place earlier today.

When I talked to my mom just a while ago, I asked her what it felt like to watch him leave after living with him for 63 years, and her response was that she felt like she just needed to crawl in the bed and take a nap. That speaks volumes in terms of her fatigue. She's cared for Papa everyday of the week since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 30 years ago, sometimes getting up as many as 17 times a night to assist him. Were it not for her nursing skills, infatigable patience and love, her beloved Zeb would have been in an assisted living center long ago. In the past few years, he's become very feeble.

And lucky are Papa and we to have Pansy in our lives. She's a good match for Papa...a career caregiver whom we met when Daddy was in a facility after his back surgery several years back. Pansy's a mountain woman and lives fairly near where Papa grew up...She's strong in body and spirit and so loving and compassionate...one of those very, very special persons who loves old people and cares for them in her home. She provides great relief for us since we know Daddy will be better cared for with Pansy than any other place on earth, short of with Mom.

My heart is full of love for my both my parents today. Daddy's never been one to leave home, to want to be away...I know coming to the final realization he is more than Mom can take care of breaks his heart...

However, we've all known that this day was soon to come. When I talked to Mom earlier as Daddy was about to leave home, I will confess that the tears flowed for a moment, but then a wave of relief swept over me as I affirmed in my heart that this huge change for our family really is for the best...

I hold Papa and Petie close in my heart today and give huge thanks for all they have done for me and my children...

RELAXATION SEMINAR OFFERED AT THE FARM

Having trouble letting go of stress and tension in your life?

Got the winter blahs?

Crazy things happening all around?

Just can't get enough rest?

Feeling under the weather?

Well, here at The Farm, we've got the answer for whatever ails you!

Join Clousseau the Cat, feline relaxation specialist, for instruction in the latest relaxations techniques!

"Crash and Snooze---Any Time, Any Where"

A specialist in sleep all day / sleep all night, Clousseau will lead individual or group mini-sessions in

"Purrrr while you Power Nap"

&

"Advanced Snuggle Techniques"

Sessions totally free anytime of any day

Open to all who seek relaxation for whatever reason

Bring warm, cozy clothes, pillow and blankets*

(It's rather chilly at the farm these days...)

Other feline colleagues available for one-on-one sessions**

As our friend, Sherm, says...

When in doubt, mellow out...

( and Clousseau totally concurs.)

NO NEED FOR APPTS.

*(Those with cat allergies should also consider a decongestant, and those bothered by loud purring or snoring might want to consider ear plugs, as well.)

** (Disclaimer: Clousseau does not recommend signing up for a session with Loonis since she has a tendency to get bitchy and pissy without warning or the corgis, since they stink.)

ONE MILLION PEACE SIGNS

Check out these websites:http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.com/ /http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.blogspot.com/

There are some really neat photos and apparently so many people joining the site that the blog managers are way behind posting photos.

I tried to post one of my photos of the peace sign in the back field, but I don't know if I made it through all the steps. If it did post, I estimate that it would be past page 17 on the site.

Anyway, people are thinking about peace and seeing it all around...That's neat!

WHAT HAVE I DONE TODAY?

1. Taught three classes.
2. Written two recommendations
3. Written a response to a student's concern about her grade 4. Created a writing prompt and rubric for my Spanish II students
5. Responded to numerous phone calls
6. Responded to numerous emails
7. Written an agenda for a meeting
8. Chaired the meeting
9. Met with a person about putting up an art exhibit
10. Graded two sets of papers
11. Answered numerous questions from students and colleagues
12. Made lists of things that must get done this week
13. Sat a lot while I did all the things listed above
14. Fed the animals
15. Fixed brussel sprouts for supper...

If I read this list on someone else's blog, I'd think the person needed to get a life....Hmmmmm...

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY FROM THE FARM - 01/12/2007

I am blessed.

I have the best guy friends in all the world. Samuel, Joe, Brett, Tom, Chintu, Dr. Tom, BJ, Dean, Ricardito, Rodolfo, Norm, Andrew, Pepín, David, James, Ralph, Darryl and...they're the best! They're for real...

I enjoy being in their company. I find it easy to talk to the "fellers," laugh with them, listen to them...My guy friends are wise; they're perspective is important and always enlightening for me to ponder. I learn from them...Many are the men I admire...respect...honor...love....

My gratitude for them is HUGE...

HE'S LOST HIS ARMS, AND HE'S STILL SMILING

The winter hasn't been all that severe (yet!), but my garden Buddha seems to have lost his arms in the last wind storm. I can't find them anywhere. Additionally, it looks as if he'll need a new paint job come spring. Nonetheless, I can always count on this guy with the truly hefty belly for good humor and an unfailing smile, and he seems quite content to wait out the winter outside. Way to go, enlightened but tarnished one! I laugh with you every time I walk by...

Two extremely warm days make me extremely suspicious that freezing butt weather could be on the way. I'm alone at The Farm now, officially declaring the holidays have come to an end since Samuel and Megan have gone back to school, Eliza's off for her two-week stay with her dad, and the rest of the farm family has scattered back across the country. It's quiet here, so quiet I find myself ready for bed by 9:30 PM.

Return to work has been bearable thanks to the presence of Mary Ann and students who seem happy to see me. I am a bit dull of brain until late morning--actually until about the time I finish my last class. I bumble about like Inspecteur Clousseau and am good for a few laughs along the way. I didn't realize until I got to the office today that I pulled the slacks I wore today out of the dirty clothes. One didn't have to look too closely to see the coffee and dirt stains down the legs of my pants...OOPS!!

On a final note, if anyone hasn't yet checked in on Daily Coyote, I again recommend this blog as one of the best in the world. Go to http://www.dailycoyote.blogspot.com/, and I promise you'll fall in love with Charlie, Eli, and Shreve...It's a great read, and I'm sure their story will be a movie some day. Enjoy!

NAMASTE BLOG: TWO YEARS RUNNING

Time has flown by these last two years, and this week (Tuesday, January 8, 2008, to be exact) is the second anniversary of my blog. At the time I started blogging, I had no idea I would keep it up, and I couldn't think of anything to title my ramblings. The idea of Namasté is one which I embrace--a recognition of the common divinity in all, a friendly greeting exchanged with honor and respect for the person(s) to whom it is directed. It's both "hello" and "goodbye," "I honor you," "I respect you," and "We're all on this life journey together." Hence, the inspiration for the title of my blog.

Also embedded in my understanding of Namasté is the idea of peace and neutrality, in essence, freedom from turbulence of the spirit. I associate the term with joy...with happiness...with deep and free breath...with commonality and similarities in the human experience. Namasté for me means that Gomer Pyle is as great a teacher for me as Albert Einstein...that a cabbage radiates as much beauty as a rose...that anyone or anything that takes us to a greater level of compassion and love is something to be treasured...that we can all live life our own way (as long as we do no harm to others).

OK, enough philosophizing...If anyone would like to submit an idea for Namasté 2007 post of the year, just leave a comment. I'd love to know which entry captured my readers' attention and interest...And again, thanks to all who check in on Namasté from time to time....I'm deeply honored!

NAMASTE..

MEME TO BEGIN THE YEAR-WELCOME TO 2008

The new year's here. There was a wonderful gathering of family and friends here at the farm Monday evening. Photos will appear in the next day or so.

Until then, here's a MEME I stole from Mary Ann, who snagged it from someone else. (It has taken a good little while to get all this together here on my first day of work. SHHHHHHH!!!)

Age on next birthday:

Note how modern this '56 car looks!

A place you'd like to visit:

...only, of course, when Fidel finally kicks the bucket and it's safe for me to go...Nepal places a very close second, and at the rate it's taking for Fidel to check off the planet, it looks like I'll make it there first...

One favorite place:

...New Mexico, Land of Enchantment...

A favorite object:

... knitting needles, pretty yarn, and some music, and I'm in 7th heaven...

My favorite food:

...after all I am a GRITS - Girl Raised in the South - and I do love my collard greens...

Favorite color:

...a difficult decision since I love ALL colors...this thistle purple always catches my eye...

Favorite animal:

...yep, I'd love to be an otter!!

Name of first pet:

...Bitsy, a solid white mutt who didn't look a thing like this itsy-bitsy fellow...

Where I live:

...Marietta, OH - oldest town of the Northwest Territories and home of the annual Sternwheel Festival (2nd weekend in September of each year)...

First grade teacher's name:

Miss Charlie Putnam...yes, Charlie was a she

My middle name:

...Lee, just like Robert E....

A bad habit:

'Nuf said....

College major:

¿Hablas español?

My favorite holiday:

I love a good costume, a good costume party, and a trip to the graveyard!

WHEW!!!! This post has taken me two days to complete...Was it worth it?????

HOME & PREPARING FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Not only are Samuel, Eliza, and I home from our trip to NC, but Megan, Samuel's girlfriend, is here with us, and other members of the farm family are home as well. Lori (Maui) and Joe (Utah) are already in, and Dana (Nebraska) and Brett (California) are on their way. Barring crappy weather, tomorrow evening the house will be full of people to bring in the New Year.

I'm preparing the Manifesting Bowl today by making small bundles with the names of Cuban political prisoners and writing FREEDOM on their cards to place in the bowl with everyone else's wishes. If anyone who reads my blog between now and tomorrow evening would like for me to write down a wish to toss into the New Year's fire, just leave a comment and consider it done. I promise to keep everyone's wish(es) totally confidential, and I'll also promise to wrap up the wishes in nice paper and decorate them with pretty yarns and ribbons.

(In case you've never been here on NYE, everyone who comes to the party writes down his/her wish(es) for the new year, rolls up the paper into a tiny scroll, and ties it up with pretty ribbons. We place them all together in the bowl, and immediately after the new year arrives, we go outside to the bonfire. Everyone picks a "scroll" and tosses it into the fire. Our collective wishes ascend to the Universe together when we toss on last year's Christmas tree and watch the wishes and flames light the whole night sky. It's really amazing!)

I'll close today's post with a photo from Boone...Here's my entire family...Papa, Petie, my sister, Myra, the kids and me....We had a wonderful, wonderful time together...It was indeed a very special Christmas.

SOLSTICE DAY-AFTERNOON WALK

I watched the setting solstice sun brightly light the rising solstice full moon...The two were in perfect alignment --southwest setting sun to northeast rising moon. Talk about magical !!!!!

SOLSTICE DAY

FARM VISITORS TODAY

Chintu & Tom...

spent last night at The Farm. We got up this morning, Tom fixed a huge Solstice breakfast, and these two, Eliza, her friend, Shelby, and I had a wonderful time talking around the table in our PJ's. Later, the boys and I hung out for a while before they took off for another friend's home. So good to see these two...so good to sense their happiness...so good to chuckle with them... I love Chintu's grin in this photo.

Lori (right) & her sister,Whitney...

Just having arrived from Maui, Lori (no sleep in the last two days) and her sister stopped by to say hi on their way to buy their mom an alligator saw. When LoriBeth enters the house, laughter and the stories begin. Can't wait to sit down and spend some extended time with this girl. Another farm kid's at home now, and it's really feeling like the holidays are moving into full swing...

Eliza & Shelby..(no photo available)

Eliza and Shelby were out until 12:30 AM last evening and finally got to sleep around 3:00 AM. When Lori arrived around 2:30 PM today, these two had not gotten out of their PJ's, washed their faces, or combed their hair. I do have a group shot of the four girls together, but as a favor to E. & S., I'll save it in the family archives.

WINTER SOLSTICE EVE

Officially Winter Solstice arrives at 1:08 AM tonight...the shortest and most powerful night of the year.

It's time to welcome back the return of the light with fire and candles, make lists of those things we want to manifest in our lives.

(Note: Experience would suggest that the old addage "Be careful what you conjure" would apply here. Just be very sure and specific what you want to bring about in your life.)

It's time to surround ourselves with loved ones, enjoy a hearty meal, and savor the food and company.

It's time to dance, feast, burn the Yule Log, "green" the house, make a puppet, and sing! Bring in the holly and the ivy, pine cones, and evergreen boughs.

It's time to begin anew, start new projects, develop new ideas, take the leap of faith in new creative directions.

It's time to connect with those most dear and share our commitment to love.

It's time to express gratitude out loud. Today I am grateful for.....

It's time to give thanks to the EARTH for her unconditional sustenance and patience with us humans. We really are a species of "bumblers."

It's time to take a walk, breathe deeply, and laugh out loud.

It's time to celebrate without allowing our worries and fears show their faces....

It's time to IMAGINE AND BELIEVE.....

Happy Solstice to All....So Mote It Be!

~HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM THE FARM~
December 20, 2007

For the first time in a good while, morning has broken with bright sun in the sky, frost-covered grass twinkling in the light, and a flawless blue sky. I’m at home with two purring kittens who snooze on the computer table as I write and two corgis who long for a walk in the back field…..a silent, peaceful winter morning on Solstice Eve.

In a nutshell, here’s a look back at 2007 with the Wilders and farm family….

Eliza started the year with a nasty bout of mono that zapped her for a good three weeks. Fortunately, she’s rebounded and is the picture of health now. With as much objectivity as a very proud mom can muster, Eliza’s beauty and grace on the field as a color guard member with the high school band was amazing. Her band placed in the top third of the competing bands at Grand Nationals in Indianapolis in November, and she was delighted! Long phone calls, weekends with friends, and extended computer conversations on IM every night haven’t impacted her school work, thank goodness. Academically and socially, she’s at the top of her class. :0) Driving on her own is just around the corner! (And that means looking for a job is in the new future,)

Samuel has only one more semester to go until he’s an official college graduate. Appalachian State has been the perfect fit for him, and as he looks toward graduate school in the next few years, I’m confident he’ll be well prepared. He wants to be a novelist; reading and writing are his passions, so I foresee work in creative writing on the graduate level. However, after four years of intense academic demands, a couple of years off seem like a heck of a good idea. Thoughts at the moment are that he’ll stay around the Boone area, do some writing / traveling, etc., and take some time to breathe and play. Employment at The Gap has confirmed that work in retail is NOT the career he chooses to pursue although he was recently named Gap Employee of the Month. (The recipient of the award receives the honor of having his/her photo posted on the wall in the employees' station for a month--Samuel posed for his with greasy hair styled in a comb-over.)

The Philadelphia contingent of the farm family thrives as well. Isabella’s in 2nd grade, and Bobbi’s yoga/pilates/gyro/massage business has grown tremendously. Never one to let a moment pass by without living it to the fullest, Bob’s recently taken up the tuba and plays in a neighborhood band for peace. Isabella recently sang a solo in the school Winter Holidays pageant and stole the show with her on the spot choreography. (For those of you who know Bobbi, Isabella’s her clone!)

I continue to teach at the local community college, direct the arts and humanities series there, and keep up on the farm. The barn’s still standing, and there’s new siding on the house. Despite the summer’s drought, I had a huge and fairly successful garden and some rather spectacular flowers. Plans for the coming year include taking a break from my adjunct position at Marietta College to work on a Student Activities Manual for the Conexiones series at Prentice Hall. Something tells me I’ve jumped from the skillet into the fire, but I’ve got my fingers crossed that I can graduate from the activities manual into a more lucrative position with the company. That certainly bodes well for thoughts of retirement in the next 5 – 10 years. And, I continue to faithfully work with human rights issues in Cuba. (Hopefully one of these days, the Christmas letter will include an invitation to come visit me on the beaches of the island…don’t hold your breath, however!)

I think the family vote for the Highlight of 2007 award would go to our vacation week at the beach in Avalon, NJ in June. Samuel, Eliza, Joe Davis, and I drove to Philadelphia, met Bobbi and Isabella, and headed off to the shore where we completely relaxed for a week, played lots of bocci ball, cooked up some good food, rode the cheesy rides in Ocean City, hung out in our unique beach garb every day, and laughed, laughed, laughed.

As I reflect back on the last 12 months, once again I am in awe of life. Here at The Farm, we’re all happy, well, and thriving. What a blessing! We’ve laughed much, much more than we’ve cried; we’ve made wonderful memories; we’ve honored those who have moved into the world of spirit; and we’ve rejoiced at the good news of births, engagements, degrees completed, new jobs, etc. for our beloved ones. Our extended farm family remains close, and their love always vibrates in the house.

So, our wish to all from The Farm this holiday season: be merry, imagine, and rejoice as we move into the New Year.

Peace & infinite love, to all….

NAMASTE BLOG REACHES THE 1,000 HIT MARK

Thanks to all who read my blog.

It's amazing to me to think my blog has been viewed 1,000+ times, but then I realize half of those hits have to be mine! :0) :0) Anyway, we've hit the 1,000 benchmark, and it's time to celebrate. Pull out the champagne!

Several years back when life got more than just a little crazy, I totally stopped journaling / writing / drawing / sketching, etc. I just couldn't get my pen / pencils to the paper anymore. As I'm about to reach my 2nd year anniversary with the blog, I'm writing again, and I find I really enjoy chronicling farm news, random thoughts, and observations on "how the world turns." I've figured out how to get my photos posted again. I'm an all round happy camper!

Thank you, Mary Ann, for getting me started, and deep appreciation to those who take the time to visit Namasté from time to time! Stay tuned...

BRRRRRRR...it's cold!

AN IMPORTANT DATE IN FAMILY HISTORY

December 13, 1957

On this date in history fifty years ago, my sister, Myra Shook, was born in Watauga Hospital in Boone, NC.

I have three vivid memories associated with her birth. The first is an image of my mother within a week of Myra's arrival. It must have been the annual Christmas Program at the First Presbyterian Church, and I can see my mom standing up on a little stage with the Nursery Class. She was leading the little kids in singing a Christmas song, and I remember thinking her tummy looked really, really huge.

The night before Myra was born, I remember seeing Mom, who I recognize now was in the early stages of labor, reclining back on the end of the sofa in the den of our house on Stansbury Circle. She told me she just might have to go to the hospital later on. And sure enough, the next morning, Myra was born.

And, I have a "feeling memory" of holding Myra by myself for the first time. I knew I wouldn't drop her and I didn't need help holding her. I'm not sure if I held her at the hospital or once she got home. I just remember how neat it felt to hold my little sister. I remember talking about having a new baby sister in Miss Putnam's 1st grade class.

December 13, 1985

Twenty-two years ago today, Samuel was born at 7:20 AM (give or take a few minutes) in Marietta Memorial Hospital. His dad actually delivered him after only five hours of painless labor and birth. From the moment of his conception, I knew I was going to have a son, and Myra, aka Tita, announced the moment she found out I was pregnant that he would be born on her birthday. They've always been two Sagitarrian peas in a pod.

Always referenced as Basil prior to his arrival, Samuel entered the world with ease. By noon of the day he was born, his dad, Bobbi, and I had him at home in front of a fire in our big room. Penny, our dalmatian/blue tick hound and without a doubt the most unintelligent animal to live at the farm, guarded his bed faithfully, as he and I spent every day of his first 2 months together.

I spent part of the afternoon today going through old photos, and some of the ones with Samuel with his blanket clothespinned around his chin with Batman ears stuck on his head are priceless! I also was browsing through my photo folder on my computer and took at look back at our Summer 2007 beach trip, admiring the young man he's become. I can hardly believe the little guy who loved to play with Red Wolf, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Power Rangers will graduate from college in 6 months. I have a fine, loving, fun son. I love him, infinitely so...

December 13, 2007

Tonight, I had Christmas Dinner with Nellie Carr, my friend Sharon's mom, at The Inn (an assisted care facility) here in Marietta. The highlight of the evening was holding Mom Carr's hand while the resident choir sang every Christmas Carol one can imagine. As I watched the older folk in reindeer head bands with jingle bells in hand sing, I felt real Christmas joy, unlike I have in a long time. It was obvious the little choir had rehearsed quite a bit, and they were proud of their efforts. (I imagine every one of the choir members had been a member of his/her church choir at some point in time.) Joy, spunk, and big smiles radiated from each of their faces. It was a special, special evening.

DECEMBER 13, 2007...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITA AND SAMUEL...¡FELICES FIESTAS A TODOS!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A BIT LIKE..SOLSTICE & CHRISTMAS

The last couple of days have found me chipping away at getting the house decorated for the holidays. Solstice and Christmas are just around the corner, and hopefully by the time of their arrival, I'll have the house really pretty for celebration.

The tree is up, despite non-stop scaling attempts by two white kittens who are so full of themselves they can hardly refrain from batting at ornaments every time they get the chance; the stockings are hung but not by the chimney, for located there, they would get scorched; and Tanya, in her kerchief and PJ's, has done a significant amount of cleaning and rearranging to make room for the holiday decorations. Still, there remain a few things to take care of, like bringing in some greenery.

Most importantly, may peace and love reign in every aspect of our lives and in every part of our world.

And in the words of a seasonal jingle, "tis the season to be jolly!"

Namasté

CAROLINE ELIZABETH & ELIZA CAROLINE

Who more beautiful and wonderful to name my beautiful and wonderful daughter after but Caroline?

RECENT FARM VISITORS

With the holiday season underway, the Farm is alive as the farm family checks in to say to hang out for a little while.

The first couple to pay a visit this season was...

Brett & Betsy

Their wedding date has been set for June 5th in Minnesota! Both will finish out the year at Webb School in CA before tying the knot and heading off to teach abroad. Although Betsey will be away for New Year's Eve, Brett will be here to keep an eye on the pesto pizzas I traditionally forget about once they hit the oven and carry on his tradition as fire tender and the tosser of the last year's tree on the New Year's Bonfire. On a personal note, I delight that the Universe has brought two such amazing and wonderful people together! Betsy's a farm natural--a member of the farm family from the moment she met Brett. Thanks, Brett, for bringing her into our lives!

Following Brett and Betsy's visit, Eliza and I got to spend three wonderful days last week with...

Caroline & Joe

These guys have been on a helluva ride this past year and have weathered some of life's most intense moments with extraordinary grace, patience, acceptance, and love. Who would have thought this time last year that Joe would have been diagnosed with throat cancer in May, undergone weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, and returned to his work and shows by early December of this year? With Caroline as his caretaker and greatest support, Joe is back on this feet and well on the mend. I am so, so grateful for having time to hang out with Caro and Joe, for I am always inspired and energized by their presence. They always lighten my heart as they share the gift and blessings of years of friendship and remind me it's possible to find a soulmate out there somewhere.

This weekend, two of Eliza's friends, Kaitlynn and Shelby, have been here at the farm. I don't have photos, but suffice to say, it was two nights of slumber party, lots of junk food, and play. It was great!

WHITE'S THE COLOR OF THE DAY

WHITE: Today's weather - - the first snow of the year--Definitely not a snow storm...

A gentle, quiet, dry snow that has covered the Earth in about 5" here at the farm...A snow day for Eliza... A hang out in PJ's day...A decorate the house a bit day....A listen to music and stretch out on the couch with kittens day...I'm happy.

WHITE: White kittens who are growing by leaps and bounds....I'm trying to figure out how on earth I'll keep a Christmas tree together once they figure out what a playground it could be...Total, unadulterated catspunk play around here these days...Learning more and more what it's like to stay outside for longer periods of time...Still curling up and sleeping close together at night...Loonis still wishes they'd go away.