La semana pasada

There were a few moments of joy; when the sun rose, made the eyes squint; then went on to blanket us with brightness. But this is early February in Seattle; it's cold and rain or clouds are not far away.

Memphis is settling into first grade overachiever mode; trying to be ready for second grade curriculum with all the eagerness of a young bird after the first few long flights away from the Mother tree. She excels at many things [are they really 'things'] which is like saying she is panoramic in her curiosities. I often sit back and wonder what source she draws from: is it my blood, Deborah's or her own identity - free from ancestry - emerging?

Like some parents of children in Seattle Public Schools; we're learning to manage expectations for world class education. We want excellence for all children [Deborah has made a personal commitment to this - at least in our time together as partners - see Atrium and PTSA investments as proof] but not at the expense of our own child's immediate experience. The district is blessed with passionate; determined adults who want the same. But they [perhaps] have a longer view of the outcomes; given their children are either past K12 education or carefully monitored to stay on track.

What do we want from our public schools? Integration. What does this mean? It's not about race. I believe it's about the blend of gifts brought forward from each child; each family connected to the child. When this blend works; it's God blessed magic. And [unfortunately] when it does not work; we're all frustrated and thus retreat to taking care of our own; and only our own child. It seems to work most often in the arts; where choreography [as one example] is an integral part of the process of creating a sum from children working together. Perhaps the academic classroom needs a sum; which then prompts a need for more choreography.

Met an old carpool amigo for lunch Wednesday. He's in a new biz; with a new speedy car. I like the guy [and his family, values - do we still talk about these?]. What's odd [maybe sad] is that we don't hook up often; even infrequently, yet we live like a mile apart. He had to drive to Redmond to see me [when we could have walked to each other's home]. Anyway; we'll help each other make our families stronger and the neighborhood brighter.

Later in the week Sarita and Ken met us for 'Spaghetti Factory' dinner. Wasn't good; actually made my tummy rumble all night. But I'll take the company anytime. It is a HUGE blessing to have my sister in the same city. It's like we're catching up after all these years [which never existed because we slept in different houses]. But as I was sharing with Deborah; makes me miss my brother Eric even more.

I'm hunting for hom bow; see ya.

frank

One Family Dinner at a Time

With all the blight floating in the air; we can't stop practicing the basic act of loving each other. Tonite there was a gathering of dear friends; people I love super deep [if for no other reason, because there is no reason, i.e. there are no conditions, i.e. it's unconditional], and we ate hot, spicy food, shared stories; met a new person [from Cincinnati] and settled into the feeling you get when you're with your people.

If you know me - and you know who I'm talking about if you don't - then it's all easy to follow. One pause at a time, one plate sitting next to another plate and who cares what's being served [although good food makes it easy to use silence as an excuse to keep the mouth full]. And perhaps this is more loving each other; to keep feeding each other, whatever each other needs to be [not satisfied] but loved when it's not asked for.

Stay together; be together, keep loving.

con paz,
frank

Microfianthropy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

# posted by francisco @ 11:14 AM

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

Home base

Remember playing tag as a kid?

Will meditate on this more.

Con paz,
frank

poolside

Like Mexico hot today. Going to the pool is mandatory. Despite the loco heat, we finished campesino level yardwork.

Con paz,
frank

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

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          

Dipping eggs

This year we're trying several techniques. Silk wrapping is next.

Con paz,
frank

Passion Friday

The stations were on the door, hung facing west.

Con paz,
frank

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

Updated Virtual Earth image of the farm

Virtual Earth Image of Martinez Farm in Sunnyside

I happened to visit Virtual Earth yesterday, reloaded the view of our home in Sunnyside; noticed the new image of the farm where many of us grew up is current, i.e. without the grapes.

For me, the grapes will always be there.

con paz,
frank

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