Uphill idealist

Picture found at Picasa , taken at Heron Pointe, East Patchogue, NY August was, a month to pause, a month to wander, and a month to be lost. In the sunshine and shadow, in fear and regret, in the ideas and possibilities that lie ahead. It seems like a lifetime ago, but sometimes a day - full of warmth, and wonder, and whatever will may. August was a gift, one I didn't want. But, from the other side of the calendar, I'd be foolish to go without. It was there that I found the strength to rebuild my life, gained eyes to look forward and not hide, and embrace both joy and strife. T.L. Eastman 09

It's my favorite. When I was about 12 I discovered the joy of Earl Grey tea and have loved it ever since. It's comforting, does not make me jittery , and if it's decaf it helps me get close to drinking the fluids doctors say you should every day. Did you know that there is a Tea Appreciation Society ? Indeed there is, and they offer any number of trinkets for the tea lover in your life. For Valentine's Day, they are promoting memberships in the organization that come with a certificate, a tea bag, a note book and some other tea worthy trinkets. Speaking of tea, isn't it about tea time already? "Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea! How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea." - William Gladstone, British Prime Minister.

I think my love of letters and words all began with watching Sesame Street as a small child. Do you recall the animated letter breaks that featured each letter of the alphabet? The bits went something like this , "This episode brought to you by the letter... _____. " I remember waiting anxiously for the letter of my first name to be the sponsor letter. Well, today my friend Libby sent me a quiz based on the first letter of the quiz takers name and it reminded me of the letter fun of Sesame Street. Share your letter proudly, it's a "T"errific day! To play, copy your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real. . .nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question. Have Fun!! 1. What is your name: Tara 2. A fou...

The groundhog saw his shadow and we're due for another six weeks of winter. There is no other thing western NY's can do except put on their boots and get out there anyhow. Get your boots on boys and girls and shake off the chill for good. Get on your boots!

"See everything; overlook a great deal; correct a little." ~Pope John XXIII Funny how if we'd follow through with this approach to relationships, we'd have more opportunity to be in relationships with those around us. It's important to be aware of reality, but not be defeated or limited by it. Often I've heard the statement that in relationships we should sharpen each other by the contact we have, like steel on steel. Last I noticed, people weren't made of metal. We're made of flesh and blood. I'll opt for a hug any day. Sculpture by Briony Marshall

There is something so comforting to me about journals. Personally, my favorite kind are made by Moleskine . They are leather bound, usually black or red on color and have a simple elastic band around them to keep the journal neatly closed. I have journal that I've taken on most of my road trips and carried with me most every day for the last few years. There are notes from meetings, lyrics from songs or poems I've written and random ideas, thoughts or drawings of things I need to process or work out. I've carried this journal so much, that the elastic band actually snapped open - I need to find a giant rubber band for it soon. Some days ideas pour out of me like a waterfall, other days its a slow trickle; but collecting ideas in my notebook helps me be greater aware of the journey I'm on both creatively and intellectually. Sleeping with bread is my Monday online journal. It helps me to see what is going on in my life and know what I need to let go and hold on too. It...

Most folks in Pittsburgh spent the last weekend revving up for and celebrating with the Pittsburgh Steelers being in and winning the Superbowl. My youth group and I had the opportunity to go to Pittsburgh last weekend, not for football, but for a Jr. Youth event called Youth Quake Encounter . This weekend event takes place at a hotel and is an opportunity for students to gather, learn more about and develop their faith in God, have fun and get to make new friends. Our group consisted of myself, Pastor Billy, Katie, Katelyn, Hannah, Scott, Nigel, Skyler, and Jeremy. All together, there were 150 students gathered for the Pittsburgh leg of the tour. Here is a photo essay of what we were up to this last weekend. If you work with youth, consider attending a Youth Quake (Jr High) or a Zone (Sr. High) event, I was really impressed with the quality of the musicians, speakers and overall approach to the weekend. Also, the theme this last weekend was "Unity". I'm happy to let you k...