Uphill idealist

Image found via Flickriver , artwork from Ink and Dagger Tattoo Parlor's photo page. cosy US, cozy [ˈkəʊzɪ] adj -sier, -siest US, -zier -ziest 1. warm and snug 2. intimate; friendly 3. convenient, esp for devious purposes a cosy deal n pl -sies US, -zies a cover for keeping things warm egg cosy ---------------------------------------------------------- It happened so quickly. Yesterday was a balmy August day. Up until then, I thought summer was going to stay forever. It's as if someone found a giant thermostat in the sky and turned it to the setting: just chilly enough for a sweater. Is it the season change that draws me back to layer my naked arms in warmth, or something else? It happened so quickly. Yesterday was a baby toting, PTA Mom day. Up until yesterday, I thought they were going to stay small forever. Wrap me up tight cosy sweater, this change is going to take some getting used to. T.L. Eastman 2011'

Image from official True Sisterhood website. "True sisterhood began with "four fearless yet fragile women tackling the issues of life and relationship from a distinctively Christian perspective. Hosted by Constance Rhodes w/ Margot Starbuck , Sharon Hersh , and Paige Armstrong ." says the official web page for True sisterhood. Over this summer a group of Jamestown women began getting to know a little about this group of ladies and if all things work out well, our stated small but not so small group of over forty women interested in growing in faith, confidence and purpose might become and official chapter /partner with this greater organization of "True sisterhood and Finding balance." We hope to find out in the next month or so if an official partnership with this "big sister" organization will be possible. Years ago, I was incredibly influenced by the author Madeline L'Engle and never wrote to tell her. Madeline passed away in 2007, and...

It's getting closer and closer to that wonderfully spooky time of year again. The grocery stores are filling up with Halloween candy, Tim Horton's is serving hot cider and I've begun day dreaming of what I'll be dressing up as for Halloween. My family loves this time of year. We have an extensive collection of Hammer Horror movies and usually spend the month of October watching through their stories with delight! I think at one point or another kids (and some grow-ups too!) become fascinated by mysterious tales about ghosts, vampires and UFOS. In about fifth grade, I went through a phase where the only books I'd borrow were ones filled with urban legends, ghost stories and other strange phenomena. I remember thinking how cool it was to read those books, but to be honest I think that part of the reason I'd read those books was to get a handle on what a true feared. This page posted below was printed in one of the books I used to borrow from the library. Perhaps ...

For more information on Thomas a Kempis and the source of this image, go to Society of Saith Pius X in Canada. Last year I purchased a copy of Thomas a Kempis's "The Imitation of Christ" for my husband as a Christmas present. The reprint I have of this text was originally published in 1418. In the introduction, Steven James explains Thomas's writing and life to be a catalyst for reader to embrace, "...the "Jesus life" (as) one of faith rather than sight, simplicity rather than extravagance, moderation rather than indulgence, sacrifice rather than acquisition, and risking the ways of God rather than settling into the soul-numbing security of the ways of the world." I'm only three short chapters into this text and feel Thomas's words and ideas directly challenging my perspectives ,yet compassionately inspiring authenticity in growth in learning how to closer walk with Christ in daily life. There is a great deal to contemplate in this short...

This past Saturday evening, I had a great opportunity to play a music set for the 7th Annual Music Showcase to benefit Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Program in Jamestown NY. I had a great time playing some original and cover tunes, but I'm always on the trail of some new or old tunes to add to the set sheet. After the show, I asked some friends if they would be so kind to give me some song titles they'ed love to hear me sing sometime. I received some great suggestions: Everyday is Sunday by Morrisey , Fastcar/Breakeven by Collie Callait , Suzanne Vega's "Small Blue thing" and an artist who is new to me - Adele with the song "Someone like you". It's wonderful to be introduced to a vocalist of such unique and great quality, and an even bigger compliment that I should cover something so fine. To hear a recent demo to my song "Home", click here . If you like what you hear there, visit my music page to hear some more. If you have a sug...

Photo taken at the center of the labyrinth at Kirkridge Retreat and Learning Center. Clutch notebooks, lip balm and matching socks prove that small things are the stuff that make room for: scribbled pages filled with ideas to share, talks among friends that sincerely care, and long walks to ponder- meandering over here and there. Simple things are ingredients to create something grand. How we use them, make or break the grandest of scams. When little things are honored, they lead to the: out-there dream, the hoped for change, and that doosey of a plan. T.L. Eastman Sept 2011'

Original photo taken by Mencer Photography. Two dear friends of my husband and I got married recently. They are a wonderful couple and I've been really excited to attend and take part in the celebration. What makes this day even more exciting, is that I've been invited to sing and play one of my songs for their reception. It's an honor for me to give something so personal to friends so dear to my heart. However, it's always challenging to know what to give to newlyweds. This couple have their household already set up, so I don't think they need towels or dishes. I knew that this dear couple probably considered my gift of song to be their wedding gift; but I still wanted to do something more for them. Later on, I asked my son's opinion on what card (funny or sentimental) to choose for them and he said, "You know, I really think they would like something that you made them instead." How is it that in the midst of giving a song, I'd overlooked the ob...