Little bit of Paris

Today we are having some amazing wind and rain storms, this somehow made me think of the time we were caught in an awful rainstorm with our French cousins at the zoo.  Brought back to mind that sweet little video sixpencenonethericher did way back when. I felt a bit like the moose in "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" Enjoy :)

Winter Blues?

For those of you getting the winter blues enjoy the following music below by IZ.  If you are in the north close your eyes and pretend the scraping sounds of the snow plow are the soothing waters of the beach, if you are in the south pretend the gusty winds are blowing across the big blue ocean instead of the miles of sand without any trace of water whatsoever..... ok I know it isn't quite the same.   But I am a firm believer that IZ' music can bring a smile to your face.  Most of you probably know his rendition of "Somewhere over the rainbow/Wonderful world"  But in truth all of his music is absolutely stunning.  Enjoy!

WHITE SANDY BEACH

Never Too Late To Learn

This past weekend was absolutely lovely.  We had a small group over after meeting Saturday, Sunday we decided to embark on our first day of our learning adventure attending a Spanish meeting, and wrapped it up by joining a dear family from our congregation out for dinner at a fabulous Southern Mexican restaurant. 

We've decided to start attending one Spanish meeting a week in order to add  Theocratic Spanish terms to our vocabulary as we endeavor to learn Spanish.  In the ministry it is an abosolute necessity to be familiar with Spanish as for the most part all of those we speak to when canvasing, the families of the Deaf, and the Deaf themselves primarily use Spanish. 

Attending some Spanish meetings when I was younger and our lovely brothers in Youngstown were struggling to start a Spanish group I remember the scattered feeling of not knowing for sure where we were, which paragraph they were asking a question to, and how in the world they could possibly read off big numbers so fast.  I was pleasantly surprised to find now that we have been here over a year I was able to follow along just fine and actually focus because I wasn't having to scramble for anything that may sound familiar.  Jehovah provides us with such wonderful opportunities to learn no matter what language group we may be in.  It was such a joy to watch the young children comment, and see that no matter what language you are in it brings a smile to your face to hear one of our dear elderly friends state the answer under their breath loud enough for all to hear.  What a blessing Jehovah's organization truly is!

Mondays and Art

Today I heard a brief excerpt on NPR discussing the fact that children today have little appreciation for classical art here in the USA and that the museums are concerned that by the time they grow up many museums will have to resort to becoming storage facilities due to lack of funds.  Although I beg to differ, knowing many fine art appreciators, young and old alike, I do find at times the incredible urge to share beauty, such that can be found in the classical artists, with others.  August Renoir has always been one our family's favorite artists.  From the time I was little I remember staring at a beautiful print my Mum had of Renoir's painting of two young girls playing the piano.  His impressionistic style seemed to capture realistic touches that other artists of his genre missed in an effort to inculcate light into their works.  I absolutely love the painting which I've posted as background today. It is such a gentle painting yet so full of life.  I thank my parents for the many joys they've inculcated in us children, especially their love of art!

Morning

Woke up this morning realizing that for the first time in a long time I did not have any where to be, no obligations, no appointments..... sigh..... What a feeling!  The biggest decision we will have to make today is whether or not to make more coffee...(which the answer to that is obvious)... I thank Jehovah for this small breather in our hectic schedules and the chance to just relax with my family, all of us, together, on the same day, what a joy!

Mushaboom & 1234

I've always loved Feist but felt she was over commercialized when the ipod commercials came out using her song.  This shows a bit more of what she is really about though.  A French Canadian in Paris, down to earth, and comfortable lyrics make it a pleasure to listen to.

Dean and Britta

This is a lovely duo from across the pond who used to be in a band called, LUNA.  The footage is of a raw earthy sort but I just love the simplicity of their sound, music, and filming.  Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWVtrqXZlFk

Opening Doors

Had to share this little experience that brought a smile to my face.  As I've mentioned before, for the msot part down here, the ladies are treated as exactly that, a lady.



 As I washed my hands in a public restroom I saw a Mum struggling to enter with her little boy who could not have been older than 4.  He had his hands full but was attempting to hold the door open for his Mama. 

She politely asked him to go on ahead of her and he shook his head no saying, "Papa said I always have to hold the door open for girls... you go." 

The Mama asked him to obey and to please go ahead that it was ok since his hands were full.  He again protested, "Noooo that's not what Papa said you go Mama you go."

 It was absolutely adorable to see how firmly he stuck to his chivalrous behaviour.  Another glimpse of beauty through the deeds of children.

Never know what the day will bring

Today during our lovely service day Stefan received a phone call from Bethel.  He has been asked to serve temporary in January!  We are so excited for him!  What a privilege!  He having this opportunity, his fiancee serving where the need is great in Honduras, and Tony recently appointed an Elder, I feel overwhelmed with excitement and am so proud of them all!  As they work hard in Jehovah's service it is always amazing to see what happens next.  Jehovah has such a beautiful organization and what a joy it is to be a part of it!

Thoughts Update

One of our first commenters in answer to my question:


    "I am of course most thankful for the sign language DVDs in sooo many different sign languages world wide! Can't even get my head around the fact that we now have Revelation in ASL!
    The family book is still one of my favs!
    I remember attending some sort of meeting at a school with my grandparents when I was a kid, long before I was a JW. Maybe it was a assembly but don't think so. Any way they had all of the young folks including my little brother & I walk up to receive the newly released youth book. I read it off & on during my worldly youth but remember knowing from what I read that I was not living as I should be. This little gem had a lot to do with me finally realizing this was indeed the truth that I wanted to be part of." -Elizabeth



Please keep them coming!  For some reason some have problems posting comments not sure why but if so feel free to email it to me instead :)

Thoughts

This past weekend our parents headed up to Albuquerque and Santa Fe for an anniversary/public discourse trip.  It has been so long since us 4 youngin's have been together alone I had quite forgotten how strange it feels.  It is always amusing to hear the boys playing their music first thing in the morning, ahh the rebellion of it all ;)  Eventually it even gets to me though (yes I know Stefan I'm getting old :) ) But we really had a lovely weekend with just us kids. The boys have grown and are growing into such fine young men and sometimes I sit back and wonder at the fact that it doesn't seem that long ago that we were all lil munchkins running around throwing snow in the air. 

Speaking of snow.... Although I know how beautiful it must be I would like to say that if I could life flight all of you from the North down here to our amazing 70 degree and sun sun sun weather I would.  I feel almost selfish living in such an amazing climate. Don't get me wrong it will get colder and colder and I am starting to crave a bit of rain..but January is coming and then soon there after we shall get our rain...I hope...  But please send us photos of your winter wonderland so we can share them with all down here. 

Last night at meeting our school overseer brought out that we have had the BE book since 2001....I choked back the shock and realized that the book came out almost 10 years ago!  Jehovah's organization is progressing so rapidly that I often lose track of time.  I remember when they announced the release of that book and our school overseer in Youngstown East was beaming from ear to ear with excitement.  MAN I do feel old!  I was thinking how nice it would be to share some of those moments of truth expansion with our friends.  So if you have any lovely experiences that you remember of releases or new thoughts brought out in our publications that you would like to share and how they've impacted you please comment or send me an email :)

Well all the fam is back together now and I must tell you that although everyone needs time apart it is always a joy when you are together again!  Something so empty and melancholy when people are missing.  29 years since our family's beginning.....so proud of you Mum and Pops for all of your hard work and dedication to a beautiful marriage and family which I consider it a privilege to be a part of!

Nostalgia

The other day I came into work and found taped above my desk a yellowed scrap piece of paper.  Written in the careful exacting writing of a child in grade school.  And guess what it said, "Hi Dad my name is Meagan".  My Pops came across this little scrap he had saved from our old office in Ohio and has kept it all these years.

 Although it is slightly embarassing to look at the ridiculous things we have done as children it is also a reminder that at one time we were naive, young, and full of new ideas.  My Mum and Dad have always been sentimental, and this has been something I have struggled with understanding over the years as I tend to be more tied to the memories than actual physical things that remind me of the memory.  But now as I get older, (yeah I know I'm not old yet but we all are aging)  I am starting to understand this more and more and find myself holding on to more things than I ever used to.  I think it has to do with living in this system of things, knowing that life in this world is short and we try to hold on to what we can till we can reach the time when we will no longer have to worry about holding on to everything as we will have forever.

Sentimentality is a beautiful attribute and I thank Jehovah for giving me such beautiful parents that have taught us the importance of family, of loving life, and loving the Truth.

Boots

Today as I walked to work I realized the sounds of my boots were echoing slightly through the neighborhood with each step.  Then I realized how funny it is that here in El Paso, casual Friday at work means we can break out our cowboy boots.  Mind you, we wear tennis shoes every other day of the week with our scrubs.  What can be more comfortable than that?  But wearing your jeans and boots just seems to give you a feeling of complete satisfaction that can't be accomplished when you feel as though you are wearing pajamas.  Don't get me wrong it is nice to not have to adhere to a strict dress code but sometimes you feel as though you never really got out of bed at all and it tends to make you a bit sleepy.

So speaking of boots I cam across a little email that holds so true and for any of you who have ever been to West Texas or are currently living here I would love your thoughts as I have found that I agree with these comments:

You know you are living in West Texas when:

1. You have used the phrase "Fixin to" during the last 12 months.

2.  You can properly pronounce Pecos, Amarillo, and Chaparral

3.  You can recall hot summers by the year they happened easier than you can remember your anniversary.

4.  You know why there is a town called "Notrees"

5.  You believe that more than 3 inches of rain a year is a "Rainy" Year

6.  You think that people who complain about the wind in their states are wimps.

7.  You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door but by the availability of the shade.

8.  You have owned at least one belt buckle bigger than your fist but are afraid to wear it.

9.  You know that most bad traffic jams aren't caused by the accident themselves but by the rubbernecking and concern of the drivers not involved in the accident.

10.  You know that Odessa-Midland will never be.. it will always be Odessa and Midland.

11.  A Mercedes Benz is not a status symbol.  A Ford F150 Texas Edition is.

12.  You speak Tex-Mex as a second language

13.  You have had this conversation:
    
"You wanna coke?"  "Yeah."  "What kind?"  "Dr. Pepper."

14.  You own several pairs of cowboy boots but don't live on a ranch.

15.  You no longer associate bridges over rivers with water

16.  You know what a swamp cooler is.

17.  You discover in July it only takes two fingers to drive a car in order to avoid the heat

18.  Sunscreen is sold year round yet no one has weathered skin.

19.  "Y'all" can be singular

20.  You know that Chuck Norris is actually now a Real Texas Ranger

Home

Today was another beautiful day out in the ministry.  After service we stopped to try a fabulous restaurant.  We weren't able to try the dish recommended by our friend as it was only the lunch menu but what we were able to enjoy was fantastic.  Check out my mum's blog for more details on this as well as other neat spots here in El Paso.  www.floursandfleurs.wordpress.com

Right now I am sitting in Kinley's Coffee House before I head to the last class of this semester to interpret.  So interesting being surrounded by loads of El Pasoans and students and out of towners.  You can spot the out of towners right away.  I have been studying it for a while now as I remember the first time we stopped here when we first came down to check things out before moving.  I remember the stares as we must have looked funny wearing our short sleeve shirts in the middle of what I now consider chilly weather.  At night the temperatures really drop compared to the day as the lack of cloud cover allows for all of the heat to escape from the day.  Now I sit here in my cardigan and am tempted to put on my jacket as the draft is starting to be a bit much.  What a change!  I no longer notice the distinctions between Spanish and English as the chattering makes its way through the air.  I smile as I realize that I am living in a place that I truly truly appreciate for all of its beautiful qualities.  The mix of cultures, the people, the music, the dancing, the food.....did I mention the food?!!!  Though we never know what Jehovah may have in store for us in the future or where else we may have the beautiful privelege of living I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to be here in this moment, in this place, that I call home.

Things to Do Week of 12/06/2010

El Paso Events:

Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso

 — More than 150 years of El Paso railroad history are on display at Union Depot Transit Terminal, 400 W. San Antonio, at Durango.

Hours:

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday

 Admission is free.

 Information: 422-3420 or elpasorails.org.

Youngstown Events:

Fellows Riverside Gardens

D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center

123 McKinley Avenue Youngstown, Ohio

Garden Cafe hours

Tues. - Sat., 11 am - 2 pm

Sunday, 11 am - 3 pm

Pittsburgh Events:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Hours

Phipps is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm and until 10 pm on Friday.

 A tour of the Conservatory will take approximately 90 minutes so please plan to arrive in plenty of time to complete your visit before the closing times noted above.

http://phipps.conservatory.org/visit-phipps/

Admission

Members: Free

Adults: $12

Seniors (62 and older): $11

Students with a valid ID: $11

Children 2 to 18: $9

Children under 2: Free



Café Phipps, which is Green Restaurant Certified, offers fresh foods with a sustainable twist. The seasonal menus feature entrées, salads, pizza and panini, plus soups made in-house daily. Click the "View our Menu" tab, right, to take a look at the café's current menu offerings. For daily specials and café updates, click the icon to follow us on Twitter.

In our effort to be sustainable, we focus on local and organic foods and sustainably-produced wines. All cups and flatware are compostable; plus, all water is filtered on site and leftover food waste is composted.

Whether you've come to spend the day touring the Conservatory or are dropping in

for a meal or latte, Café Phipps is the perfect

place to stop and smell the flowers.

Free Wi-Fi available.

Summer/Fall Hours:

Mon.-Sun., coffee and grab and go, 10-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.; lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fri., coffee and grab and go, 10-11 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.; lunch/dinner, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

*Friday happy hour from 4-7 p.m. features discounted drinks and appetizers.

Current Displays:
HEADWATERS OF THE AMAZON

Featuring new plants and displays, Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon introduces you to the unique cultures and ecosystems of this diverse and exciting region. Beginning less than 100 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the first trickle of water that forms the massive 6,500 mile long river collects on Mount Nevado Mismi, in southern Peru.

The Andean mountain range boasts both the highest navigable lake and the deepest gorge in the world. Come explore the unparalleled variety of flora and fauna found in these ancient and complex ecosystems, collected and displayed with care in Phipps' 12,000 square foot Tropical Forest Conservatory, the most energy-efficient of its kind in the world.

FUTURE DISPLAYS

ORCHID AND TROPICAL BONSAI SHOW

Jan. 15-March 13, 2011

Rare and colorful orchids will be displayed in a number of rooms including a large and varied collection in the Orchid Room. Bonsai will be featured in rooms throughout the Conservatory.

Weekends

We had a lovely visit by a visiting speaker and his wife from Tucson this past weekend, they brought along with them a dear dear Deaf sister that we met when Tony had the privelege of giving a talk in their congregation about a month ago.  This is the sister who has a bible student who is vietnamese and she shared with us such wonderful ideas on how to visually show different Biblical truths when you are struggling between two sign languages.  We were so excited to see her fabulous energy filling our small group on the East side.

We've been meeting seperately on Saturdays with our East side group now for quite a while and are seeing the hard work our brothers are going through to make adjustments and make our transitions smooth.  It is such a joy to be a part of our congregation I thank Jehovah every day for our beautiful brotherhood.

This weekend was also the Cirque Du Soleil's first time visiting El Paso with a fabulous performance of "Alegria"!  What a show!  Although we have seen it before everytime it seems some acts get switched out and there is always something new that I missed before.  The music from that show literally swarms through the air and into your veins.  Your heart feels as though it has beat so fast that it has completely stopped!  If you have never had the chance and it comes to your area, go!  There is no such thing as a bad seat in the place as the stage is in the center of everyone.  Some of the shows even have clowns that are Deaf so it adds an extra little hidden joy when you know this and you see them signing "I love you" at the end of night.

Yesterday, I spent a beautiful day in service with my Mum, Da, and Shayne.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to get any of our return visits and studies at home, but Jehovah made sure to keep us upbeat with just the fact that we were able to spend time together.  Soon we are going to start attending Spanish Meetings for the Watchtower and Public talk in order to get a grasp on Theocratic terms as even those who know fluent Spanish struggle with this.  And with most of our Bible Students having Spanish-Speaking family it is important that we can thoroughly explain to them what it is we are teaching their Deaf family.  So we are nervous but with Jehovah's help all things are possible!

Lisa Hannigan

So today I woke up with the little bug my family has been passing around.  But it was really nice to spend some extra time at home.  Stefan showed me a lovely video on one of my favorite singers, Lisa Hannigan.  

So in rummaging through some others I found another video in which she is singing with another of Ireland's finest, Kathy Davey. 

 Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFIdaF7ciM8