Seasons for All

Enneagram Results

I took the short version of the Enneagram test; here are the results.

Hope on Memorial Day

As we pause this weekend to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the name of freedom, it is also a time to once again appreciate the dignity and respect to our history and our heroes that Senator Obama consistently demonstrates in every aspect of this campaign.

I am saddened by the comments Senator Clinton made today about Senator Robert F Kennedy in the context of presidential races during June. "Bobby" was my hero. I have never forgotten certain images of him and certain speeches he gave. As soon as iTunes and YouTube made them available, I searched for and saved all his speeches. I love listening to him. There was such paced eloquence in his written word and such poetic cadence in his verbal deliveries. This world has not seen a public figure who even remotely resembles Bobby, until now.

I don't think I'm alone in making the comparison between Senator Obama and Senator Kennedy. What could have been in 1968 is now within our reach again in 2008. For those who recall in detail the 1960s, let us remember the optimism that was beginning to mount across our nation in the early months of the Democratic Presidential primaries of 1968. As we look to the past this Memorial Day with somber gratitude, we can look to the future with renewed optimism. Hope. Indeed.

Believe Campaign

"Believe" has been my favorite word for over a decade.  And supporting programs that provide assistance to children who have been abused or neglected has been one of my passions for nearly two decades. 

Edgewood Center, a San Francisco-based residential treatment program for abused and neglected children, is at risk of closing.  I have direct knowledge of the success this program provides and have encouraged Mayor Gavin Newsom to ensure it continues.  Won't you please consider doing the same?  Just click here to help.  Thank you!

Dreams of a Mother

MOMocrats are hosting a special Mother's Day blog activity: "post about Mothers on Mother's Day." Thank you for the invitation, MOMocrats.  Happy Mother's Day!

The following post was originally published on Independence Day, 2006

On a pole mounted to a second story window of a home on the corner of the street where I live waves an American flag. That the flag hangs outside this corner house is not unusual at all. There are many flags hanging outside houses in my neighborhood and throughout the town where I live. What is unusual about the flag on the corner is the condition of the flag.

This flag has been hanging outside this home for quite some time; in fact, I believe it has been there since those neighbors moved into the home. I don’t recall how long they’ve lived down the street, maybe 3 years. I also don’t really know a lot about these neighbors; I think they own a company that provides services for pet owners, i.e., dog walking – something like that. There is a van outside the home from time to time, and, if I think hard enough, I can place one or two women getting into or out of the van as I round the street corner in either direction.

I’ve been more mindful of this flag lately because, rather than boasting vibrant colors of red, white, and blue, the patriotic hues on the flag are extremely faded, almost pastel. Beyond the colors, the state of the flag itself is perplexing. It’s alarming actually. All of the white stripes are missing and only a few of the red stripes are present. The field of stars is fraying; I’m not even sure if all 50 are present. In short, the flag is in shambles.

My first inclination was to think that the flag has weathered several rough seasons yet still hangs prominently from the home. Last week, though, it occurred to me that this tattered icon may very well be commentary on the current condition of the United States of America. Many questions followed relative to the statement the occupants of the home may be making:

• Has the same flag been hanging since we entered Iraq?
• Does the flag represent the condition of our country?
• Does the flag represent deterioration under the current Administration?
• All of the above?

I decided not to go to a family picnic today, primarily because it was a cookout at a local campground. I do enjoy a setting like that once in a while, but I got to bask in nature with my family last month, decided to enjoy Independence Day at home, and will instead spend quality time with my grandchildren soon.

I called Jonathan last night to let him know I wouldn’t be at the picnic, and he told me the latest stories about Austin and Haley. Austin is doing well at summer day camp and is gaining confidence in the swimming pool. (Shades of his father!) Haley is a “pistol” and has tackled on at least one occasion another pint-sized girl so she could get a toy she wanted. Each of these stories is a pearl, and I want a strand of them as long as the Amazon River. Jonathan is such a good father; he is so much wiser than his 24 years.

I slept in late this morning, read my email, watched my two favorite television shows on HGTV, then went to an outdoor mall and meandered. On the way back home, I stopped to buy 6 huge, freshly-cut blue hydrangea blossoms for the center of my dining room table. And I dropped by Jamba Juice to see if Justin could take a break and visit with me for a few minutes.

With a “pink star” in hand – Jamba Juice’s delightful underground drink that tastes just like a strawberry Starburst! – Justin and I strolled along the cobblestone sidewalk and chose a flowerbox bench upon which to perch as we chatted. This is a wonderfully exciting time for Justin. He has enough money in the bank to buy a car, and his 21st birthday is in a few short weeks. We talked about what kind of car he may want to buy, and we talked about when to have his family birthday party. He said he had hoped to see from the freeway as he drives home tonight the fireworks display at the Civic Center. Then we walked back to Jamba Juice and, before disappearing into the store, he said with a smile, “Happy 4th, Mom. I'll see you when I get home.”

My sons are safe and happy and healthy. They have peaceful lives and continue to flourish in their hometown where we all live. I am so grateful for who they are and how they are living their lives.

Back in my car, CNN was updating its audience on the nuclear missiles that were launched today by North Korea. Sketchy details indicative of reporters still in the information-gathering mode suggest there were 5 or 6, at least one was intended for the U.S. but failed upon launch. Some landed in oceans closer to other countries, Japan and Russia were mentioned. Oh my, more questions…

• How will the President of the United States respond to this one?
• Could we soon have troops in Iraq and North Korea?
• What will the flag down the street look like in another couple of months?

Simon and Garfunkel wrote a lyric in their song Mrs. Robinson: “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.” I’m not looking for Joe. I’m looking for Norman.  Norman Rockwell.  I need him to paint a portrait of my family – thriving Americans who are happy and healthy and safe at home.