Quick shoutout for our friend Chris Megargee; and his work in microfinancing. I'm especially grateful during these weird economic times; where some are still making obscene money while others have watched the well go dry.
It's unconventional channels like microfinancing which give the underground society hope that they can turn their dreams into reality; and further, to sustain and thrive in their communities.
If you've never invested in microfinancing, recommend you learn more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfinance
Get involved if you can.
con paz,
frank
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Lutheran Oasis
Due to the next round of snow hitting the Seattle area [and Pacific Northwest in general]; we decided to walk to the Lutheran church down the street. It ended up being the sweetest little service. Little because hardly anyone was there; about eight of us total including the pastor.
We had more of a bible study service with Memphis leading one worship hymn - so proud of her - and a nice social hour afterward.
We also met a neighbor who lives a few houses down; but should have known long before now. All in all, a wonderful oasis of blessings on a cold, snow stormed day. Christ is everywhere; don't have to be in your own church to be in His love. Today was another testament to this reality.
con paz,
frank
We had more of a bible study service with Memphis leading one worship hymn - so proud of her - and a nice social hour afterward.
We also met a neighbor who lives a few houses down; but should have known long before now. All in all, a wonderful oasis of blessings on a cold, snow stormed day. Christ is everywhere; don't have to be in your own church to be in His love. Today was another testament to this reality.
con paz,
frank
Monday, November 24, 2008
Getting past ouch
I have been in physical pain for almost a month now. At times it has felt like end of life trauma. But not so fast [I can hear Our Father whispering]; there's more to learn from this crisis.
If you have any special prayers for pain management; please share.
And if I can talk with you about this great mystery; please drop an electronic line.
con paz,
frank
If you have any special prayers for pain management; please share.
And if I can talk with you about this great mystery; please drop an electronic line.
con paz,
frank
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Getting past ouch
I have been in physical pain for almost a month now. At times it has felt like end of life trauma. But not so fast [I can hear Our Father whispering]; there's more to learn from this crisis.
If you have any special prayers for pain management; please share.
And if I can talk with you about this great mystery; please drop an electronic line.
con paz,
frank
If you have any special prayers for pain management; please share.
And if I can talk with you about this great mystery; please drop an electronic line.
con paz,
frank
Monday, November 17, 2008
M store rises above the others
Today Microsoft stock price fell below $20 for the first time since I can recall. Other technology stocks also slumped. But surprise, surprise - look what stock rose while the tech titans fell? Our favorite 'feed the baby' stop - McDonalds.
What's cool about our local M store [as Memphis calls it] is the deep sense of community and shared relief the place offers. We go there as a family, we see other families and people from the neighborhood taking a break from the economic storm. They, like us, want a hot meal for little expense. And what they get is a warm place to sit down with family and neighbors - and a hot meal.
Think of this as my one free ad: stop by an M store today.
con paz,
frank
What's cool about our local M store [as Memphis calls it] is the deep sense of community and shared relief the place offers. We go there as a family, we see other families and people from the neighborhood taking a break from the economic storm. They, like us, want a hot meal for little expense. And what they get is a warm place to sit down with family and neighbors - and a hot meal.
Think of this as my one free ad: stop by an M store today.
con paz,
frank
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Now we wait
All we can do now is watch the news for state by state results.
Most of today was foolishness; picking up 'get out the vote' freebies and trying to sense the mood of the city.
We're now at an elections coverage party; keeping the corked bottles silent. There's too much in play to celebrate without confirmation of victory. And we need the entire society to win; for all boats to be lifted.
More later.
con paz,
frank
Most of today was foolishness; picking up 'get out the vote' freebies and trying to sense the mood of the city.
We're now at an elections coverage party; keeping the corked bottles silent. There's too much in play to celebrate without confirmation of victory. And we need the entire society to win; for all boats to be lifted.
More later.
con paz,
frank
Election Day 2008
What a ride; what a time to live. Thank you Oh Lord for all that has lead to this moment in your time.
Memphis, Deborah and I woke early, got in line with the early crowd at our neighborhood voting location. It was packed with anxious people; wanting something, believing something was going to happen, something bigger than any of them had ever known. Hope is like that.
We headed to the new M store at the bottom of the hill after voting. Felt good to see the refresh of this special place [at least to us].
Now at CC Bakery for some work and drawing in the buzz of the people on election day - great energy so far!
More later. Con paz.
frank
Memphis, Deborah and I woke early, got in line with the early crowd at our neighborhood voting location. It was packed with anxious people; wanting something, believing something was going to happen, something bigger than any of them had ever known. Hope is like that.
We headed to the new M store at the bottom of the hill after voting. Felt good to see the refresh of this special place [at least to us].
Now at CC Bakery for some work and drawing in the buzz of the people on election day - great energy so far!
More later. Con paz.
frank
Monday, October 06, 2008
Old post, reborn
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
What is loss? I lost Danny, and Joyce, Kevin, Stewart before him. Today ghosts are in the dreams, but they also walk the stairway. Eat more grapes and hope you get some wine, soon.
The big fear is that I spend more time in digital spew than in paper confession. My journals are, well like a family of odd relatives who never forget where they came from. Simon would be proud of my words, but possibly unhappy about the subject matter. Guadalupe is still talking. We are all connected, even if there's a node you can't quite get a strong signal from. Let's get everbody offline and see if there's a bowl of food big enough for each pair of hands on the planet.
Did I tell you about my friend Dave?
For those who have been there, remind me why I need to visit Machu Pichu. It's a place waiting to give back what it never lost. And I have a little set of eyes who may understand more about it's mystery than the old man here. See you in Cuzco.
The big fear is that I spend more time in digital spew than in paper confession. My journals are, well like a family of odd relatives who never forget where they came from. Simon would be proud of my words, but possibly unhappy about the subject matter. Guadalupe is still talking. We are all connected, even if there's a node you can't quite get a strong signal from. Let's get everbody offline and see if there's a bowl of food big enough for each pair of hands on the planet.
Did I tell you about my friend Dave?
For those who have been there, remind me why I need to visit Machu Pichu. It's a place waiting to give back what it never lost. And I have a little set of eyes who may understand more about it's mystery than the old man here. See you in Cuzco.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Uncle Bill's Last Day
We're feeling a bit sentimental about Bill Gates last [official] day at Microsoft. He's been many things to many people; for our family he will always be a leader and a role model we can aspire to.
There's a personal story angle as well; based on Memphis receiving a book reading award and later receiving a "good job" email from Bill. He loves books, libraries [and if I can read between the lines] children.
Have a great second life Uncle Bill.
con paz,
frank
There's a personal story angle as well; based on Memphis receiving a book reading award and later receiving a "good job" email from Bill. He loves books, libraries [and if I can read between the lines] children.
Have a great second life Uncle Bill.
con paz,
frank
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
poolside
Con paz,
frank
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mama you can smile now
St. Mary's was just the oxygen my soul needed today. At the pulpit [isn't there a better term for this, well thing?] stood a woman sharing a personal homily about women; their history for humanity and how we ended up with a holiday [when was it ever such a thing for women?] in America.
I was sent back in time to the women who have drops crumbs in the forest, to lead me through the tall trees and into the valley of peace and love. Each of them left a different kind of crumb, each of them spoke with a different voice - but they all asked me to stand up, don't be afraid, don't run from love but give it back because that's when it's true.
Guadalupe fell asleep while visiting her today. She was tired, suppose you get to be tired after living 100+ years in a row. She spoke charming words while I stared at the walls; wondering how we ended up in a place where she sits quietly, falling asleep while visitors pretend to be present. She liked the flowers from the Ballard Farmer's Market. It's tempting to bring a boom box next time; and a pile of great music to fill the silence of her room, the hallway leading into it.
Mother, wherever you are, listen to your sons asking for guidance. We need you now more than ever.
con paz,
frank
I was sent back in time to the women who have drops crumbs in the forest, to lead me through the tall trees and into the valley of peace and love. Each of them left a different kind of crumb, each of them spoke with a different voice - but they all asked me to stand up, don't be afraid, don't run from love but give it back because that's when it's true.
Guadalupe fell asleep while visiting her today. She was tired, suppose you get to be tired after living 100+ years in a row. She spoke charming words while I stared at the walls; wondering how we ended up in a place where she sits quietly, falling asleep while visitors pretend to be present. She liked the flowers from the Ballard Farmer's Market. It's tempting to bring a boom box next time; and a pile of great music to fill the silence of her room, the hallway leading into it.
Mother, wherever you are, listen to your sons asking for guidance. We need you now more than ever.
con paz,
frank
Monday, March 31, 2008
Mountains, stars, blue moon
Do you recall the first time you drew, anything? My guess is I was about 7 or 8 years old. I may have been younger, would have to ask Chula [or my rest in peace departed Aunt Lupe] to be sure. Watching a child illustrate what's in their heart, what's on their mind is worth all the time in the world [and then some more time]. To create complete stories from complete nothing is like the new flowers in Spring, in a post-Easter morning.
Today we walked the east side of our blessed home; to plot where vegetables and flowers and everything in between would be planted. Sunflowers, tomatoes; cilantro, pumpkins, beans, strawberries, corn, squash were on the list. This side of our home gets the best sun; the direct sun from early day to early afternoon. We want to regenerate it with life and wandering paths, a place where we can spend time but also feed each other and our community. Deborah and I have often thought we should turn our east and north sides to a community garden, to open the land Father blessed us with for neighbors to grow the gardens they need for that extra bounty on the table. Just thinking.
Don't often endorse commercial art here but check out "Across the Universe" if you can. It's been haunting me for days. Perhaps because I grew up in the 1960s - watched America come out of Vietnam; then later travelled their myself as a tourist - did the film have [and still has] such a lasting impact. The music didn't arrive in my personal catalog during that time; it was not until post-college that all things Beatles came to mean "music for an era". And here we are so many years away from 1960; in a war on the other side of the planet; discussing race on a national level; watching the economy of our nation and our planet collide with the reality of daily lives that can't absorb the have some/not have some challenges.
Peace still matters; peace is still something to pray for. Love still flows; still needs us to be vessels to keep it flowing. Give it a chance; give it a path into your life.
Update: there is hail and lightning and thunder outside.
con paz,
frank
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wash their feet
The large tree sags north, bending toward a cry for peace. It is Holy Thursday, the meal is being prepared, the parish gathers to feed itself.
Love your family, love your village - don't ever give up.
Con paz,
frank
Love your family, love your village - don't ever give up.
Con paz,
frank
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Updated Virtual Earth image of the farm
Virtual Earth Image of Martinez Farm in Sunnyside
For me, the grapes will always be there.
con paz,
frank
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Third week of Lent: Sunday prayers
Memphis and I stayed home today instead of going to church; while Deborah went ahead to participate in today's dramatic presentation of the reading - John 11:1-45.
We decided to pray for those on our hearts, while at home during church time. Our prayers include:
Grandpa Tom [because he has two holes in his head]
Mama [because readers need prayer support :> ]
Guadalupe [because she is 100 years old]
Tyler [because he just turned 3 years old]
Mac [Tyler's brother; who is a little brother who also needs love]
Ourselves [so God will help us be better servants to those in need]
I love you to mama from memphis
con paz,
frank
We decided to pray for those on our hearts, while at home during church time. Our prayers include:
Grandpa Tom [because he has two holes in his head]
Mama [because readers need prayer support :> ]
Guadalupe [because she is 100 years old]
Tyler [because he just turned 3 years old]
Mac [Tyler's brother; who is a little brother who also needs love]
Ourselves [so God will help us be better servants to those in need]
I love you to mama from memphis
con paz,
frank
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Second week of Lent 2008
Riding a ferry on a sunny day; when it's a day out of the office and with family; is next to a perfect living prayer experience.
We took the Vashon ferry early Friday morning; landed in Vashon in time to have a mid-morning coffee with the locals at our favorite Vashon coffee house - Cafe Luna. One gentlemen was the elder we all know is there; hanging on the edges, often unnoticed but ready to engage in social time if someone gives the chance. I even ran into a colleague from a peer research lab; who Memphis noticed due to some cool stuff on his laptop screen. Remote work from Vashon Island - nice!
Next stop was the long pier on Dockton Road SW, on the way to Pt. Robinson. This is one of those go forever piers you just have to run to the end of - and I did. It's the crazy thing about Vashon Island; it's close to Seattle but once you're there [and say running a long pier] it feels like a 700 miles away; another place and time.
Next stop was Pt. Robinson beach and lighthouse. Please understand Northwest beaches are an acquired aesthetic; not endless sand you might find during one of our Mexico vacations. Instead the beaches are rocky; the water is cold; driftwood is scattered about. We brought along rubber boots to wade in the Puget Sound; and extra clothes for Memphis [who always seems to get wet at a beach, no matter how much we try to prevent it]. The girls found sea shells and stones for our home collection while I wrote, watched the water and clouds; stood in complete bliss filled with all the love from such a lovely day. At one point Deborah decided she had to have a large sea shell [or so it seemed - think optical illusion underwater] about 7 yards off the edge of the water. It was too far out to walk for; deeper than her rubber boots; she ended up using a long driftwood pole to scratch it back toward shore. Memphis and I watched in calm admiration; determination is a wonderful thing to witness. She finally got her large sea shell; which ended up being smaller than the shells we already collected. Probably a life lesson in there [or underwater].
Next stop was the south end of the island, to catch the Tahlequah ferry to Tacoma and Pt. Defiance Zoo. But wait, the ferry crew is taking lunch, next ferry is 1.5 hours away! We're all hungry and that's too long to wait while you're hungry [try it with Memphis next time you take care of her; and live to talk about it]. We wandered back to Vashon central and ordered up some fish and chips with a milkshake. By this time the sunroof was open; the music was on full tilt, it was good getting better by the minute. Stocked with tasty road trip treats we headed back to the Tahlequah ferry stop. We made it in time to sit and eat lunch treats, listen to music, be silly. Also called Pt. Defiance Zoo and found out they were closing at 4Pm; hence no zoo trip today. Oh well, we'll try the Tacoma Art Museum instead. The ferry arrived, we boarded and headed for Tacoma. I stood at the front of this small ferry; believe it was the "Evergreen State", and took in the lovely weather and view; prayed some more.
Next stop was the Tacoma Art Museum, via a tour of north Tacoma. What a sweet neighborhood; rivals our best neighborhoods in Seattle [or at least those neighborhoods people seem to be fighting over with their wallets and attitude]. The Tacoma Art Museum featured an exhibit of Auguste Renoir print work - wow! And the facility is [to my eyes and senses] nicer than SAM. The girls ended up in the workshop room; where they worked on quilted blocks, pastel chalk sketches. Again I was seduced by the sky and clouds.
Next stop was the city park near the museum. It's under construction but enough is there to play, run, swing, be silly again. They also have a conservatory on a hill above the park that's a lovely add to an already sweet public space.
Next stop was a local coffee shop next to a tatoo parlor. Nice play; good coffee. I needed a jolt for the drive back to Seattle.
There's a lot more detail to add; let's leave it at we had a fabulous day. What is Lent? It's reflecting on why God loves us; and how we transform this into love for others. Yesterday I didn't have to think about it; the day [and God's love] took care of us as we took care of each other.
Remind me to tell you about the lunar eclipse. Con paz,
frank
We took the Vashon ferry early Friday morning; landed in Vashon in time to have a mid-morning coffee with the locals at our favorite Vashon coffee house - Cafe Luna. One gentlemen was the elder we all know is there; hanging on the edges, often unnoticed but ready to engage in social time if someone gives the chance. I even ran into a colleague from a peer research lab; who Memphis noticed due to some cool stuff on his laptop screen. Remote work from Vashon Island - nice!
Next stop was the long pier on Dockton Road SW, on the way to Pt. Robinson. This is one of those go forever piers you just have to run to the end of - and I did. It's the crazy thing about Vashon Island; it's close to Seattle but once you're there [and say running a long pier] it feels like a 700 miles away; another place and time.
Next stop was Pt. Robinson beach and lighthouse. Please understand Northwest beaches are an acquired aesthetic; not endless sand you might find during one of our Mexico vacations. Instead the beaches are rocky; the water is cold; driftwood is scattered about. We brought along rubber boots to wade in the Puget Sound; and extra clothes for Memphis [who always seems to get wet at a beach, no matter how much we try to prevent it]. The girls found sea shells and stones for our home collection while I wrote, watched the water and clouds; stood in complete bliss filled with all the love from such a lovely day. At one point Deborah decided she had to have a large sea shell [or so it seemed - think optical illusion underwater] about 7 yards off the edge of the water. It was too far out to walk for; deeper than her rubber boots; she ended up using a long driftwood pole to scratch it back toward shore. Memphis and I watched in calm admiration; determination is a wonderful thing to witness. She finally got her large sea shell; which ended up being smaller than the shells we already collected. Probably a life lesson in there [or underwater].
Next stop was the south end of the island, to catch the Tahlequah ferry to Tacoma and Pt. Defiance Zoo. But wait, the ferry crew is taking lunch, next ferry is 1.5 hours away! We're all hungry and that's too long to wait while you're hungry [try it with Memphis next time you take care of her; and live to talk about it]. We wandered back to Vashon central and ordered up some fish and chips with a milkshake. By this time the sunroof was open; the music was on full tilt, it was good getting better by the minute. Stocked with tasty road trip treats we headed back to the Tahlequah ferry stop. We made it in time to sit and eat lunch treats, listen to music, be silly. Also called Pt. Defiance Zoo and found out they were closing at 4Pm; hence no zoo trip today. Oh well, we'll try the Tacoma Art Museum instead. The ferry arrived, we boarded and headed for Tacoma. I stood at the front of this small ferry; believe it was the "Evergreen State", and took in the lovely weather and view; prayed some more.
Next stop was the Tacoma Art Museum, via a tour of north Tacoma. What a sweet neighborhood; rivals our best neighborhoods in Seattle [or at least those neighborhoods people seem to be fighting over with their wallets and attitude]. The Tacoma Art Museum featured an exhibit of Auguste Renoir print work - wow! And the facility is [to my eyes and senses] nicer than SAM. The girls ended up in the workshop room; where they worked on quilted blocks, pastel chalk sketches. Again I was seduced by the sky and clouds.
Next stop was the city park near the museum. It's under construction but enough is there to play, run, swing, be silly again. They also have a conservatory on a hill above the park that's a lovely add to an already sweet public space.
Next stop was a local coffee shop next to a tatoo parlor. Nice play; good coffee. I needed a jolt for the drive back to Seattle.
There's a lot more detail to add; let's leave it at we had a fabulous day. What is Lent? It's reflecting on why God loves us; and how we transform this into love for others. Yesterday I didn't have to think about it; the day [and God's love] took care of us as we took care of each other.
Remind me to tell you about the lunar eclipse. Con paz,
frank
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Reflections on Lent - Week One
Hi there. It's not as bad as you think. Sure the hours are long and the stress keeps piling on, but there is a God and He loves you.
The above is what I have been telling myself during the start of Lent. It's been a hard year - so early - with many challenges and moments of crisis. Why not crawl under the covers, hold your loved ones and just cry? Because that's not who we are. We are the servants of the Lord who made butterflies, who made rainbows, who made laughter; who made falling in love with the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world.
Lent started this year on one of the darkest days of a Northwest winter. It instantly seemed bleak. Yet here we are on Valentines Day and the sun is shining. The days are getting longer and the smiles return with full intensity. Doesn't mean the stuff referred to above is going to wash away - no promises, remember? - but we have each other to love and it's all drawn from the greatest love [thank you Lord].
More on this later; have to finish handing out Valentines Day greetings.
carino,
frank
The above is what I have been telling myself during the start of Lent. It's been a hard year - so early - with many challenges and moments of crisis. Why not crawl under the covers, hold your loved ones and just cry? Because that's not who we are. We are the servants of the Lord who made butterflies, who made rainbows, who made laughter; who made falling in love with the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world.
Lent started this year on one of the darkest days of a Northwest winter. It instantly seemed bleak. Yet here we are on Valentines Day and the sun is shining. The days are getting longer and the smiles return with full intensity. Doesn't mean the stuff referred to above is going to wash away - no promises, remember? - but we have each other to love and it's all drawn from the greatest love [thank you Lord].
More on this later; have to finish handing out Valentines Day greetings.
carino,
frank
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Caucus starting up
The party chair is walking us through the rules, can't officially start until 1:30.
Packed room [actually Dimmit elementary school] ready to cast votes.
We loaded up with snacks from the local taco truck and Ezells chicken.
The pledge of allegience shakes me up every time.
More later.
Con paz,
frank
Packed room [actually Dimmit elementary school] ready to cast votes.
We loaded up with snacks from the local taco truck and Ezells chicken.
The pledge of allegience shakes me up every time.
More later.
Con paz,
frank
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Reflections on Lent 2008 Series
This year I plan to meditate on Lent, and as part of the meditation, to offer some thoughts via this blog. As in past Lent reflections, thoughts will be biased to my personal experiences, what is in my heart as an expression of what Christ is asking me to consider during my 'walk in the desert'.
If you have something to pray for, something you want me to include in my Lent meditation, please let me know [privately or via comments to this blog]. My daily prayers usually include family, friends, the communities around us which are in constant need of support and nurturing.
con paz,
frank
If you have something to pray for, something you want me to include in my Lent meditation, please let me know [privately or via comments to this blog]. My daily prayers usually include family, friends, the communities around us which are in constant need of support and nurturing.
con paz,
frank
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Stop drinking and start pouring
Been quite a brief year thus far. I asked for it, asked for God to send some big stuff my way before I got bored with crisis and adversity.
Reading about surfing in Munich made sense because I did something similar in canal troughs back in Yakima. It's all a ride at some level, just have to recognize what's a wave and what's a washout.
God help me this week, believe I'll be asked to adjust my dimensions a bit.
Con paz,
frank
Reading about surfing in Munich made sense because I did something similar in canal troughs back in Yakima. It's all a ride at some level, just have to recognize what's a wave and what's a washout.
God help me this week, believe I'll be asked to adjust my dimensions a bit.
Con paz,
frank
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