Uphill idealist

After looking into the cost and competition of the sneaker culture that lives and breathes in the consumer market, I was not shocked by the following quotes form the founders/administrators of Greedy Genius merchandise. (One pair of these shoes retail for an average of $225.00) Quotes from the founders of Greedy Genius taken from an interview by Amanda Koger for http://fashion.hiphopdx.com/. Nick Lostrs: Greedy is the overwhelming desire, and achieving, I guess, is the genius side of it. We came up with a lot of names but that one was the ultimate. It just fit us perfectly. Mikhayel Tesfaye: I think it's evident when you look at the sneaker culture and where the kids that really do this are headed; like, everybody is in the game of sneakers at the end of the day. Everybody's goal is to stack as many pairs and the idea of being a collector and all that is taking over. So, I think being we're rooted in the sneaker culture as a brand; it kind of speaks for everybody who's...

Have you heard about the article in the NY Times concerning the plight of Child Slavery worldwide? So many times you hear about causes and needs and wonder how is it possible to aid in such large and overwhelming social problems. On August 4th, 2007 Freedom Rocks (a fundraising project to aid those affected by child slavery), will hold a walk and silent auction from 9 to 3 at the Jamestown Ice Arena. If you would like to walk, please contact me to get you pledge sheets and additional information. If you can't participate in the event on the 4th, please send this information to friends, family, co-workers or organizations that might be willing to participate. Grace and Peace, Tara

See, breathe, exhale, sing the moments of time that memories bring. Fireflies spark catch eye as the wheels of cars go speeding by. Waves crash and tumble over, washing the grains away. Water moves and calls me to live in this moment and stay. Slow down and live in the day you're given, slow down and really see - the memories in the moments that only want to be. See, breathe, exhale, sing the moments of time that memories bring. Birds sing at morning light calling to wake the heart. Listen to the song and rise to live and love your part. Sun is setting in pools of color, bathing the world in dusk. Light is calling to see the moment and twilights' spark in us. Slowdown and live in the day you're given, slow down and really see - the memories in the moments that only want to be. See, breathe, exhale, sing the moments of time that memories bring. Copyright 2007 Tara Eastman

How do we put the pieces in order? Growing healthy youth is something of a puzzle. There are so many schools of thought on how to assist children and adolescents in the process of becoming someone or something greater than they currently are. The difficulty in looking at any persons' life from this perspective is that teachers, administrators, and counselors are seeing the individual as lacking in resources instead of searching for abilities and characteristics are already present. If educators, parents and students first looked at what positive assets they already possessed the road to overcoming a crisis or challenge in adolescence my not seem so daunting a challenge to face. There are points in my own professional life that I've found it necessary in the midst of all the chaos of an adolescent's crisis point to initially stop and listen to what has got them to the critical point, where they want to go from there, and what helps and supports they have to help them accompl...

Just like shadows reflected in a pool of sparkling water, I've been reflecting on the happenings of life in my family over the past few weeks. Join me in my gazing into Sleeping With Bread for this week... It has been a blessing so far this summer to have the opportunity to be present and accounted for on some rites of passage with my children and family. Here is Erin with her crew of dearest friends. I'm so proud of her success in completing this goal of earning her associates as a single mom. Here is a photo of her little guy Eli celebrating in his own toddler way! End of School/Fun Activities: In the last few years my work schedule made it impossible for me to go on the end of the field trips and activities with my kids, so seeing that I have the ability to flex my work week at my new Church, I decided to jump into the world of my kids for the last week or so of school activities. Visiting Midway Park is a tradition in elementary school trips that are far and few in happenin...

In response to Rublev's Trinity Icon... The hunger that draws me close to You. This thirst that brings me back to Truth. Where else can these needs be met? Sift through the shallow, Push past the rest. The Bread, the Wine - Made real in Your time. The Body, the Blood - Fills my need in love. Cups to fill, Bread to break - Each day holds a Eucharist... Take your place. Brought together in one place, We are drawn by Your love and grace. All as one and each one seen - How does this table draw us? Unpredictable and unclean. The Bread, the Wine - Made real in Your time. The Body, the Blood - Fills my need in love. Cups to fill, Bread to break - Each day holds a Eucharist... Take your place. Carry this meal to the heart of the world. Carry the message of hope restored. Sit and share this meal and rest - Forgiveness offered, conversation blessed. The Bread, the Wine - Made real in Your time. The Body, the Blood - Fills my need in love. Cups to fill, Bread to break - Each day holds a Eucha...

(Art by: Chad Friesen. He has been painting for 20 years. He lives with ataxia, which means clumsiness or lack of coordination. Chad uses a wheelchair, and paints laying on the floor, steadying his left hand with his right. You can buy Chad's work through God's Eye Art.) In response to Freedom Writers Diary - Look to each other and take the timid step. Reach out trembling fingers, Create some bridges. Become the hero you haven't seen - yet. Can we stand hand in hand? Creating fusion at the heart of movement? "WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS" - and dance. Days to tame and movements to claim. Learn to dance in unison and communion... Unique - graceful - safe. Can we share spaces and places? Building neighborhoods of hope and grace? "WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS" - and dance. "WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS" - and dance. Copyright T.L.Eastman 2007 ("...