56

September 12, 1952

About 8:00AM this morning, a rather large bird, identifed by the orinthology department of Appalachian State Teachers College as a Western North Carolina Hatching Stork, dropped a bundle of joy into the lives of Steve and Zeb Shook. Named Tanya, after a character in a book her father is reading at the moment, the new arrival weighed in at 8 lbs., give or take a few ounces. During the first hours of observation and acquaintance with their daughter, Steve and Zeb speculate she'll be a rather independent, unique sort who'll dance to the the beat of her own drum, loving life all the while.

Her birth chart reveals that little Tanya is a double Virgo. Earthy, analytical, artsy, friendly to animals, and somewhat of a perfectionist, this Virgo will test and challenge her way through life, but family and friends will be hard pressed to find anyone as faithful. One can expect a zany ride as he/she travels life's journey with this one!

CUBA: PHOTOS AFTER HURRICANE IKE

After yesterday's post and diatribe, I'll just let these photos speak for themselves.

PHOTOS FROM CUBA & A DIATRIBE

On this island less than 100 miles from our country, where the inhabitants survive on a daily basis with next to nothing...where they stand in line with ration booklets for food and water...where the government now boasts the availability of cell phone and computer access for Cubans(even though the people cannot afford the commodities and the services are hugely antiquated and/or non-functional)...where human rights activists are arbitrarily arrested and summarily tried...where the average citizen has NO access to medical or dental treatment from one of the touted "best health care systems in the world" because there is no medicine, novacaine, equipment in hospitals that works, etc...

the Cuban people now must come to grips with the results of two intense natural disasters within a week: Hurricane Gustav AND Hurricane Ike. The following photos were taken last week after Gustav passed over the island. Imagine what it's like now that Ike nailed the entire island just yesterday.

A woman examines what remains of the interior of her house. Note that she only has an old TV and a destroyed chair to examine. That's all she had inside her house.

Total destruction. This woman's house is basically two rooms in a larger house. Nothing remains.

Destruction in the local barber shop.

In Cuba, rather than get excited when there are power outages, the people celebrate when there is an "alumbrón," a time when there IS electrical power. The hurricane has eliminated the possibility of occasional electrical service completely.

I understand horrific natural disasters have occurred recently in many places across the planet...the cyclone in Myanmaar, the tsunami of a couple years back, the recent earthquake in Japan, Hurricane Katrina to name a few. It amazes me, however, that Cuba is so totally overlooked by the American press and people when it comes to the suffering that takes place on a daily basis there. Less than an hour's trip from Key West, Cubans endure life under a totalitarian regime that equals or surpasses the opression suffered by any other group of people on the planet. I am amazed at the lack of dialog / concern in our country about the plight of a nation so close to our own shore.

OK, I've vented...I'm now hopping off my soapbox to go mow.

CHECK THIS OUT...

Just another example of the creativity of one of my former students, Sara Deutsch...

www.burgesscustom.com

BENT OBJECTS VIDEO

With quick glance to my favorite blogs link on the right of Namasté, you'll find the link to Bent Objects. When I first began blogging a couple years back, I found Bent Objects on the Blogs of Note page, and I've followed the evolution of Terry Border's art and humor ever since.

Today while visiting the blog, I discovered this video and decided to post it for Namasté viewers. Off-the-wall humor is what it's all about at Bent Objects. Look for a Bent Objects book coming out in the fall of 2009!

Enjoy !!

CLASS OF 1998

The last class I taught at Marietta High School before I made the jump to post-secondary teaching at Washington State Community College celebrated their 10th year reunion this past weekend, and the majority of those who returned were former students. This group was a great one for me to "graduate" with...probably, with the exception of the class of 1986, the most fun, lively, motivated, highly intelligent group of students I've had all at one time. I taught these "kids" for 4 or 5 years, depending on whether they completed the five-year sequence we had in Spanish at that time.

(Starting from L to R, there's Sara (clothing designer, creates her own line of snowboarding clothing, lives in Jackson Hole, WY), Stephanie (works in corporate management for Victoria's Secret), Curtis (a lawyer in NYC), Christine (upper management with Honda), Michelle (management with a business in Columbus), Meera (just completed her MBA at Berkeley and will soon be employed with BAIN), Michael (Ph.D in chemistry from the University of Chicago), Señora Wilder (still teaching but NOT at the high school), Adam (behind me, an MD at Riverside Hospital in Columbus), Laura (beside Adam, a Ph.D / MD from Johns Hopkins), and Drew (a law student in Cincinnati). Missing from the group are Chuck (who's working on a Ph.D from MIT) and Mike Sieburg (who's starting graduate school at Columbia in NYC). An amazing bunch, to say the least!! I'm so proud of them.)

Being together 10 years later was as easy as if we still saw each other every day in Spanish class at Marietta High. I had forgotten that their class motto, "la luz es la verdad," came out of a cheesy play we read their senior year. I had not forgotten, however, that I was selected to hand these students their honor cords at graduation. At the time they graduated, I thought I would be returning to MHS in the fall, but along came an offer to move on, and so I left for brighter pastures. It would have been difficult to return without them around.

One of the valedictorians of the class has remained one of my best friends. Meera and I had the chance to hang out Saturday afternoon at the farm. It's been about two 1/2 years since we've been able to sit down and catch up with each other. After undergraduate school, Meera did a two-year stint in the Peace Corps in Uganda and still talks of "her village" there. She's just returned from an amazing trip to Asia and Africa, so I got to see her photos and hear of her latest adventures.

On a day to day basis, teaching can be an exhausting profession. The educational system and beaucracy never cease to mystify and puzzle me in terms of what I perceive to be a very uncreative institution with too many demands of teaching professionals. However, the reward of witnessing students grow as their lives unfolds is one of my life's great joys. I am heartened and delighted to have had the privilege and honor of knowing this group of students. They and those like them provide great hope for the future of our country and planet!! They are, indeed, some of my best friends.

EDITORIAL NOTE

I don't have the "new look" totally finished / polished yet, but I'm on the way. Can't decide if it's pretty or gaudy. Comments welcome (and they won't hurt my feelings!).

2,000 HITS

No, that's not the number of encounters I've had with intelligent, nice-looking, courteous, wealthy, artistic, honest, down-to earth available men my age....

No, that's not the number of #1 singles by my favorite group of all times.....

No, that's not the number of meteors that have banged into the earth lately....

Not, that's not the number of punches I can throw at a sparring partner in 5 minutes....

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I have to aim at a nail before I "nail it"...

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I've backed into the trash cans....

Yes, it could be (but it's not) the number of times I've swatted at a fly and missed....

2,000 hits.....

A celebration of 2,000 stop-bys on Namasté....

Thanks to all !

PS: Look for changes in the "look" of Namasté as soon as I can figure out a couple of things....

LAZY, LAZY DAY

Just the animals and I are at home today, taking it easy. A steady rain falls outside, the perfect rain that allows the earth to soak up each drop. A gentle breeze adds a slight chill to the air, and I'm watching leaves fall one by one from the maple tree outside my window, a graceful reminder that fall's just around the corner.

It's the classic "stay in bed under the covers and read" day, and that's just what I've done this morning. I saw Eliza off to school, hopped back in bed, watched "Enchanted," a cheesy but sweet Disney movie, snoozing along the way and dreaming my own version of living "happily ever after." It's a quiet day here at The Farm, the last uninterrupted day I have at home before school starts. I'm soaking in the mellowness / laziness / solitude of it all.

Don 't know that I'll accomplish much today. If it weren't raining, I'd work on making grape juice from the "fruit of the vines." I'll probably cook a bit. I might start my next knitting project, read, or do a little yoga. I'll listen to music, for sure, and maybe work on my refinishing project.

This morning shot of Cato in La-La-Land pretty much sums up the day.

I'm in love with this moment and so grateful for this day and my many blessings.

Off to do something.....or nothing.....!

REALITY SETS IN

A brief whine, similar to the one I posted about this time a year ago and the year before that....

Back to work part-time tomorrow...one class at Marietta College
Back to work full-time next Tuesday.

'Nuf said.

IDYLLIC

A close to dark evening walk to the back of the field with the dogs....The farm juvenile hawk squealing above as he floated and soared along with us....Budding goldenrod interspersed with purple ironweed and delicate Queen Ann's Lace...Two deer awaiting us at the back of the field, taking a chance on our harmlessness until instinct reminded them to dart away...Buddha's sweet smile.

Clouds rollin' in...Hoping big time for some rain.

THE DAY AFTER

After sleeping the last 24 hours as a result of anesthesia, I'm still sleepy and will probably sleep most of the day today. The extraction was no big deal, and the pain has been quite manageable with Advil. I did get a prescription for Hydrocodone, which I promptly flushed down the toilet. I'd be out for weeks if I took one of those.

I'm going to try to accomplish something today, but I've yet to decide what that might be. Perhaps I'll go thrifting....perhaps I'll work on a couple of chairs I got that need some sanding and tung oil....perhaps I'll take a stab at cleaning the inside of the house a bit.

More than likely I'll sleep.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

1. a visit from my grad school roomate, Nancy Reuter. Two days of reminiscing, reliving, laughing, catching up. A four-mile walk that turned into a "rescue" of four little kittens (who now live at the humane shelter). A really good, good time.

2. success, finally, at finding the leak in my water line. By chance, on our walk, Reuter and I ran into a guy from the water service who does fix-it jobs after hours, and he found the leak andtook care of things immediately. No more huge water bills, thank goodness! Huge gratitude to the Universe for answering my plea for assistance.

3. an unexpected call today from Juvenile Court in need of a translator. Worked two hours and will receive $130. Helped a young guy who's here illegally and could get screwed without some assistance. Makes me think I should investigate teaching a Spanish for Legal / Law Personnel course.

4. good feedback over the course of the week for a grant I'm writing for the arts and lecture series I chair at the community college. Hopefully, the Ohio Arts Council will be so kind as to send some big bucks our way.

5. teeth extraction tomorrow morning. Only two teeth have to come out. I'll be completely under sedation, come home with drugs, and sleep most of the day. Got some good movies to watch. Should be up and about tomorrow afternoon or Saturday morning.

6. 1st day of school for Eliza, who's beginning her junior year. Already swamped with homework. Has a full schedule with her dad for chemistry. Band, in and of itself, occupies all her time.

7. grapes on the vines ready to make juice. A weekend activity I think. Can't wait to squeeze the juice out of the grapes.

8. basil for pesto ready to go. House smells like garlic and basil combination.

It's been a good one! Highly recommend everyone check out Brett & Betsy's blog. Great photos, amazing adventures! And take a look at Meera's as well. She's back in Uganda.

Ciao....

REUNION IN THE MOUNTAINS

I've spent a good part of the day getting a new blog together for the for my father's family reunion.

Check out the link on my blog roll or go to www.matneygathering2009.blogspot.com

The blog's in its first hours of existence, so there's not a lot there, but I hope there'll be much more to follow.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

From many years of rebirthing....

Love brings up everything unlike itself for healing...

And, thank you, Dean, for providing the pool and breathing time night before last. It was a tremendous gift of love.

IN THE MOUNTAINS

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina at this very moment, nestled down in the valley here in Boone and surrounded by the majesty of the mountains. A visit with Grandma Shook, my aunts, Mabel, Audrey, and Mildred... Supper at the house with Mom, her sister, Hal, my cousin, Bobby, and Uncle Frank, Aunt Lera, and Richard, long time family members, Mildred and Ken..Time with Samuel...a good book...an almost completed scarf...fresh peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes...a trip to the Farmer's Market...and clear skies with a cool, humidless mountain breeze.

I'm home in NC, and it feels pretty darn good. Sending my greetings....T.

NONE THE WISER

So, since the infection in my jaw wasn't getting better at a swift pace, I saw the dentist yesterday who took an X-ray of the suspect area and confirmed that I do indeed have an infection, caused by an impacted wisdom tooth! Earlier in the year, he discovered I have a second wisdom tooth on the bottom left side of my jaw, and now we know I have another on the upper right side that's causing considerable pressure against the back tooth. Both wisdom teeth lie parallel to the jaw bone (see photo as to horizontal placement), are as impacted as they can get and have to come out. When I get to the oral surgeon, we'll find out if there are two other newcomers to round out the two we've discovered.

La Mala Racha seems to be continuing. The high thought, I suppose, is that I can get the extractions taken out before school starts and that I'll be the oldest person for wisdom teeth extraction the new surgeon has ever worked on. What an honor! Maybe I'll get to occupy the recovery area with a group of adolescents / teenagers and their parents!

I asked if there was a special discount for one who had previously undergone this surgery 30 years ago. Alas! No such deal. The receptionist did say the office personnel would treat me specially since I hold the honor of a second set of wisdom teeth and I'm 55. Wow, I feel so special!!

Oh well, I'm off to NC in just a little while for a week. Just learned this morning that there was a nasty wreck involving a chemical spill on I-77 south of Charleston that closed both lanes in both directions for 15 hours yesterday. Glad I wasn't traveling then. After learning about the impending oral surgery, it would have taken me over the top.

Cheers and love to all...Keeping on the sunny side and eager to get to the mountains....

FARM FAMILY -SUMMER UPDATE-2008 (ABBREVIATED VERSION)

The farm family is scattered all over the world, so here's a "catch-up" with where we all are:

BRETT & BETSY - married June 7th in what had to be the most beautiful wedding ever in Minnesota-I couldn't attend in body, but in spirit, the farm was present on every energetic level possible - Betsy takes the cake for most beautiful bride in the world! - Currently in Oxford, England and visiting Paris, these two are off to Bulgaria in the not to distant future to teach abroad for two years. Follow them via their blog link on the right.

DANA & JAMES - getting ready for the December arrival of Wendilynn (sp.?) - decorating the nursery, continuing with teaching and editorial positions at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. I'm betting on Wendy's arrival as December 13th, Samuel's arrival date - James has a blog link in my blog roll as well.

(NOTE: Blogger photo upload problems from here on out...Photos to come when I can figure out the glitch...*&^%!! From what I understand, many bloggers are having photo posting problems. I wish blogger. com would get to the root of this problem).


LORI BETH - in Vancouver, BC, at the moment, living the life of the rich and famous with the Kruegers of Nickelback fame - Click on the link at the right to enter her new blog: Story Lori.
Awaiting many great tales of her jet-setting life.


JOE - back in Logan, UT, after our trip to Vermont and his subsequent trip to Eugene, OR - Preparing for a new semester - Hands in the clay, as always.


MEERA - off on the trip of a lifetime to Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai, and other exotic places after finishing her MBA at Berkeley - See her blog link on the right for details. I'm hoping the last leg of her trip will be to Marietta for her 10-year class reunion in August. Will you be here, girl?


ANDREW - Spending the summer at a kids' camp in Maine - Getting ready for his senior year at The College of Wooster - Kayaking every morning - Having a great summer.


BOBBI & ISABELLA - living life to the fullest in Philadelphia - Spending weekends at the beach in Avalon, NJ - expending enough energy for the rest of the family - Doing well.


SAMUEL - graduated in May from Appalachian State University - Living in Boone, NC - Working at Black Bear Books - Attended a writer's seminar at Antioch College in July - Met Dave Chappell - Had his work chosen as part of the seminar's showcase - Hangin' out with sweet Megan - Lovin' life.


ELIZA - 16 & beautiful - Into band & color guard in the big way - Driving - Enjoying an over the top social life - Learning the realities of gas money, spending money, etc. - Lovin' her life, as well.

TANYA - Holdin' down the fort at The Farm - Working outside a lot - Keeping up with the house - Nursing sick cats - Enjoying the summer to the max! Movin' at her own pace & lovin' it. Tryin' to get blogger photos to work!

Hope this finds all well....Peace from The Farm.

WHAT NEXT?

Eliza woke up with a urinary tract infection....

Clousseau, the cat, is losing all his hair from a snake bite....

The fleas haven't totally disappeared (although we're holding them at bay)...

And I look like I've been sucker-punched on my right jaw from either an infection in my cheek or tooth...Can't figure out which...

¡CACA!

FEISTY, FUN, & FULL OF LIFE!

At this very moment as I sit here at my computer, there are territorial wars and feeder stakeouts in full force outside. The hummingbirds darting around my porch by my bedroom are out in full force for their morning feeding, and the whirling and buzzing as they swoop down to the feeder and then zip away can be heard all over the house. (Like Grandma Shook, I have about 7 or 8 feeders for them to choose from.)

I've noticed the little creatures are more than just a little protective of their feeders. Sometimes it seems to me they spend more time dive bombing each other away from the feeder than actually feeding. When they do their ritual-like hummingbird dance, zipping up and down and up and down, they sometimes bump into each other (purposely I think) and have to light on a branch for a moment to regain their senses.

Another thing I've noticed is that they come let me know when they're back in the spring. They'll hover around my windows as if to say, "OK, we're back, we've flown a long way, and we'd like some nectar. Get to it! Now, please!!" They peek in on me when I'm at the computer and chatter at me from a branch right outside the window while I do my work. In fact, two are watching me at this moment. Oops, make that one. The male just dove at his rival at the feeder. And, when the sugar water in the feeders is low or stale, several follow me around when I'm outside to remind me to take care of their food. They're persistent and quite honestly, rather demanding --sweetly so. Yesterday, I thought one was going to drill me in the ear until I came to take care of the feeders! (I buy more sugar in the summer than I do all year since my flock of hummies eats about 8 cups of nectar every two days...make that 10 cups.)

According to Jamie Sams and David Carson in their medicine card book, hummingbird medicine is "one of love, an opening of the heart... They're a reminder that life is a delight, shying away from disharmony. People with hummingbird medicine love life and its joys. The hummies bring laughter, a flash of spirit, and a strange new burst of energy. If you're around hummingbirds, you will filled with joy and experience the magic of living."

One can't beat that! I'm off to fill the feeders!