I'm waiting for the winter to finally kick in. Right now [in Seattle] it's so damn cold you can see your breath in the bathroom [at least in ours]. If it gets any colder we're moving to Canada, at least then we have an excuse for having to wear mittens to bed, making coffee in a parka.
Might also be my age; can't generate heat like I used to. Con paz.
frank
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
And more thanks
Special thanks for the new children this year. There is Tyler, who has a very round and yummy face [with hints of Thailand in his smile]. There is Lilly who is being raised by two of the nicest folks you will every meet. There are many more in the St. Therese family.
Special thanks for all the hard working parents, who at times never seem to catch up. Yet they always manage to generate a smile for their children to fill them with love and hope. Let them believe their patience - even when they feel as if its run out - is infinite, because Our Father is infinite with granting us all we need to love and care for our children.
Special thanks to the many 'little' businesses which provide us an oasis from the grind of consumer driven America. These merchants put their heart and soul into what they do; and it shows with each of their offerings. They are the backbone of our economy; not that different from the laborers of our past, the farm working elders who paved a road to prosperity for their children.
The game hens are in the oven; the ginger bread cookies have been iced. We all feast in love. Con paz.
frank
Special thanks for all the hard working parents, who at times never seem to catch up. Yet they always manage to generate a smile for their children to fill them with love and hope. Let them believe their patience - even when they feel as if its run out - is infinite, because Our Father is infinite with granting us all we need to love and care for our children.
Special thanks to the many 'little' businesses which provide us an oasis from the grind of consumer driven America. These merchants put their heart and soul into what they do; and it shows with each of their offerings. They are the backbone of our economy; not that different from the laborers of our past, the farm working elders who paved a road to prosperity for their children.
The game hens are in the oven; the ginger bread cookies have been iced. We all feast in love. Con paz.
frank
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Every meal has a name
It's kind of funny how Thanksgiving places so much attention on the meal; the sit down with whomever to eat whatever. Yet every meal has a name, and that name is "thanks". We try to say "thanks" with every meal; it's a gift we didn't have before breaking bread and it feels better when it's over.
If I had to give it a different name, might call it praying. Isn't eating like praying? Isn't every bite like reading divine wisdom? You know when it's entered your body, your soul.
What do you call it? Con paz.
frank
If I had to give it a different name, might call it praying. Isn't eating like praying? Isn't every bite like reading divine wisdom? You know when it's entered your body, your soul.
What do you call it? Con paz.
frank
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
A view from the sky
Last week's homily at St. Therese was just the kind of cozy message my heart needed to hear. Father Harbaugh essentially turned the church into a large living room and then shared his perspective on the parable of the talons [sp?]. Our Father gave us a life; what are we doing with it? Or how are we giving it away to serve those in need.
With this I invite all of us to consider thanksgiving thoughts, which if your comfortable with the blogging you can share here.
I'll add my personal thoughts on thanksgiving over the next week. One thing I want to say right away is how fortunate I feel being raised by Guadalupe y Simon, on the farm in Sunnyside. Check out this link to see what the farm looks like today:
http://virtualearth.msn.com/default.aspx?cp=46.345912|-120.013215&style=h&lvl=17&v=1
Con paz,
frank
With this I invite all of us to consider thanksgiving thoughts, which if your comfortable with the blogging you can share here.
I'll add my personal thoughts on thanksgiving over the next week. One thing I want to say right away is how fortunate I feel being raised by Guadalupe y Simon, on the farm in Sunnyside. Check out this link to see what the farm looks like today:
http://virtualearth.msn.com/default.aspx?cp=46.345912|-120.013215&style=h&lvl=17&v=1
Con paz,
frank
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Save the Tree
I was blessed to have been raised among strong trees. We had this really big walnut tree in the back yard, it was like it's own little village. It also created a beautiful frame for the entrance to the grapes. Some of my fondest memories R staring through it's branches out across the valley.
Today we trimmed the largest tree in our backyard. It was needing some love, because of several broken [but not fallen] limbs. The tree guys, from Louisiana, knew how to take care of these problems yet keep the tree vital to the nature around us. We were also able to salvage one of the limbs, which will be used as part of a gateway to the north out of the backyard. This was Deborah's idea, to create a natural trellis.
These trees R our elders, we respect what they provide and how they endure our lives. Amen.
Today we trimmed the largest tree in our backyard. It was needing some love, because of several broken [but not fallen] limbs. The tree guys, from Louisiana, knew how to take care of these problems yet keep the tree vital to the nature around us. We were also able to salvage one of the limbs, which will be used as part of a gateway to the north out of the backyard. This was Deborah's idea, to create a natural trellis.
These trees R our elders, we respect what they provide and how they endure our lives. Amen.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Twist Those Hips
We just rented 'Fun in Acapulco', a 1963 Elvis Presley film. Elvis plays this gringo who is running from his past, hiding in [what was at the time] Mexico's finest resort destination. The film is absolutely hilarious, but to Elvis' defense, the musical performances R top notch. I'm hoping to rip a few from the DVD, can't imagine this soundtrack is available anywhere.
And Memphis was nearly mesmerized by the musical performances. Elvis in his prime had this effect on all young ladies.
Check it out if U get a chance. If my memory still works... seem to recall a few of the dresses in the movie being worn by an aunt of mine. Viva Acapulco!
And Memphis was nearly mesmerized by the musical performances. Elvis in his prime had this effect on all young ladies.
Check it out if U get a chance. If my memory still works... seem to recall a few of the dresses in the movie being worn by an aunt of mine. Viva Acapulco!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Who needs a whistle?
If you're raised Catholic, this past week has been a time of reflection. What does the Pope mean to me, or my personal faith? Do I relate to this person far, far away in Rome.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
The answer for me is a simple 'yes'. Guadalupe raised me to honor the church leaders, as the messengers of faith practice. As it turned out,John Paul became the Pope the same year I became a legal adult. He was my Pope, my church leader, regardless of whether I drifted away from the Catholic church or not.
May Our Father greet him in peace, to behold in graceful eternity.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Aunt Carbina is a Grandma!
Thursday night, March 31, 2005, at 9:16 p.m., Logan was born. He was 8 lbs., 2 oz., and 20 1/4 inches long. Who is this Logan, this new "Marinez-clan member"? The son of David Resendez and his trouper of a girlfriend Beth!
Welcome, Logan! Congratulations, David and Beth!
(If you want all the statistics, ask Carbina.)
Welcome, Logan! Congratulations, David and Beth!
(If you want all the statistics, ask Carbina.)
Children's Candlelight Celebration
Yesterday afternoon, our family had the joy and privilege of celebrating the Easter season and the Resurrection with the families of small children in our church. We gathered at the Baptismal Font at the front of the church where each child was given a special item to carry in the procession (Bible, cross, prayer card, tulip, altar cloth). A couple of teachers began by holding up the Easter candle, declaring the Risen Christ to be the Light of the World. The candle was lit, and we processed through the church to the center of the sanctuary and the altar, stopping three times along the way. Each time we stopped, the candlebearer sang "The Light of Christ" and we responded "Thanks be to God".
The children set the altar and put their flowers in vases at the foot of the altar. Then, three of the older children (who just last year couldn't read) read from the Bible. They did so with such dignity, reverence, and applomb! I read the gospel account of the women finding the empty tomb and the declaration of the risen Christ. The candle-bearer lit each of the teachers' candles from the Easter candle, and we in turn lit those of the parents and children attending. As we lit each candle, we declared, "___ (person's name), the light of the Risen Christ is for you." After a few moments of reflection and song, we put our candles into buckets of sand, still lit, and sang "This Little Light of Mine". We processed out of the church with this song and went to eat a potluck (filled with child-friendly and parent-friendly foods) together. (Don't worry, a teacher extinguished the candles as soon as everyone was out of the room. In our training, you never extinguish the "light of Christ" symbolized in the lit candles in front of the children. It's very traumatic.)
As one parent said after the service, "that was so moving. It is so special to have the families with small children together to celebrate in the church, without having to worry about kids running about or what people think." And I added, "and to have the service presented by them and at their developmental level. " Talk about creating a feeling of home and community and belonging for children!
Probably the most beautiful moment of the service to me was when little Arthur (a 5 year old autistic boy) came up to the altar as we were singing "This Little Light of Mine", put his hands over his ears, and stared at the lights and the altar. I am grateful for a faith community that welcomes all children (and all people) as they are, to celebrate as they are able with all others.
This program has been a Godsend to our church, nurturing the relationships of these children with God (and nurturing their families, too). This has been Memphis' first year in the program, and her comments and insights have floored us frequently. For instance, she was captivated by the reading of the Last Supper account on Holy Thursday in church, and later reenacted it with me in private, declaring "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" (This is an active THREE year old paying close attention in church!) The cross holds no guilt or negative feelings for her, but resonates of love. It is a blessing to be present to witness her burgeoning faith and to be a student as much as a teacher.
The children set the altar and put their flowers in vases at the foot of the altar. Then, three of the older children (who just last year couldn't read) read from the Bible. They did so with such dignity, reverence, and applomb! I read the gospel account of the women finding the empty tomb and the declaration of the risen Christ. The candle-bearer lit each of the teachers' candles from the Easter candle, and we in turn lit those of the parents and children attending. As we lit each candle, we declared, "___ (person's name), the light of the Risen Christ is for you." After a few moments of reflection and song, we put our candles into buckets of sand, still lit, and sang "This Little Light of Mine". We processed out of the church with this song and went to eat a potluck (filled with child-friendly and parent-friendly foods) together. (Don't worry, a teacher extinguished the candles as soon as everyone was out of the room. In our training, you never extinguish the "light of Christ" symbolized in the lit candles in front of the children. It's very traumatic.)
As one parent said after the service, "that was so moving. It is so special to have the families with small children together to celebrate in the church, without having to worry about kids running about or what people think." And I added, "and to have the service presented by them and at their developmental level. " Talk about creating a feeling of home and community and belonging for children!
Probably the most beautiful moment of the service to me was when little Arthur (a 5 year old autistic boy) came up to the altar as we were singing "This Little Light of Mine", put his hands over his ears, and stared at the lights and the altar. I am grateful for a faith community that welcomes all children (and all people) as they are, to celebrate as they are able with all others.
This program has been a Godsend to our church, nurturing the relationships of these children with God (and nurturing their families, too). This has been Memphis' first year in the program, and her comments and insights have floored us frequently. For instance, she was captivated by the reading of the Last Supper account on Holy Thursday in church, and later reenacted it with me in private, declaring "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again!" (This is an active THREE year old paying close attention in church!) The cross holds no guilt or negative feelings for her, but resonates of love. It is a blessing to be present to witness her burgeoning faith and to be a student as much as a teacher.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Before January Gets Away
Memphis just celebrated her 3rd birthday, with a bowling party at Imperial Lanes. It was a hoot to watch the children try to figure out "roll the big ball until it hits the big white things". She has been a treasure, as are all of our children.
Last month we visited Tia Ana y Tia Bill in Cinebar - a long overdue visit. Cousin Josh was there with his new bride, Drue. We slept in the trailer, which was a huge hit with Memphis. Check out the pic of Josh with Memphis.
This month cousin Quia will also formalize her massage career with a license issued by the State of Washington. We're very proud of all she has accomplished. My back feels better already.
Didn't hear much about Chula's 97th birthday, hope it was sweet and yummy. If someone has pictures, please send me a few. Remember, you can always reach me online at martinez.frank@gmail.com
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Last month we visited Tia Ana y Tia Bill in Cinebar - a long overdue visit. Cousin Josh was there with his new bride, Drue. We slept in the trailer, which was a huge hit with Memphis. Check out the pic of Josh with Memphis.
This month cousin Quia will also formalize her massage career with a license issued by the State of Washington. We're very proud of all she has accomplished. My back feels better already.
Didn't hear much about Chula's 97th birthday, hope it was sweet and yummy. If someone has pictures, please send me a few. Remember, you can always reach me online at martinez.frank@gmail.com
Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
