Movie Night - Happy Accidents

Happy Accidents (2000)

I can't help it.
Whenever a movie is set in New York City, I feel like I have to watch it.
It's nostalgia! It reminds me of a previous life...an occasional feeling of home.

Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio are both wonderful "character" actors.  In this one, Vincent was definitely a "character."

Here is a brief summary from IMDb:
  

"Ruby Weaver has man trouble: she tries to fix them, so she's stuck herself with a string of losers. Her current lover, Sam Deed, seems different: he's sweet, tender, just in from Dubuque. But, as Ruby tells her therapist about Sam, in flashbacks we see someone not quite of this world. In fact, Sam informs Ruby that he's from the future, 2470 to be exact, traveling back in time to avoid prosecution for his sister's death, and to find Ruby, whose photo he saw back home. Ruby's sure he's delusional, but most of the time she wants to keep him - and maybe fix him. Although he seems sane, maybe Sam hasn't told her the real story: what's he up to, and who is Chrystie Delancey? Written by<jhailey@hotmail.com>" 

I couldn't help but to chuckle with the scenes from the therapist's office. Cracks me up every time the media portrays a psychotherapist at work. Back to the movie.  It's an independent film with a little bit of everything.  Romance, sci-fi, (supposed) comedy.  It's not like ha ha funny, but many funny relational interactions.

I have to say that it was a "Happy Accident" for me to stumble upon this movie.  Enjoy!

Happy Accidents (2000) - Trailer

It's All About Perspective - Optical Illusions

So is it a young lady or an old woman?

Many couples walk into my office arguing about their perspectives.
Each believing that he/she is "Right."
They are very defended with their way of understanding the situation, the relationship and the world.

Many a times holding on to their way as the only way and the correct way.

Of course, there are different  theories of explanation for the interaction.  May it be personality, upbringing, cultural reference, family values or expectations, this attitude will never be productive in a relationship.

To clarify the issue of perspective, I sometimes utilize optical illusions to make a point. (Be aware, some of these may cause dizziness for  those who are more sensitive visually.)

Looks like it's moving and creating a wave movement...

But It's Not.

Compare the dots in the center of both groupings...which is bigger?

They are exactly the same size.

Focus on the center...the flower pattern is moving...Not!

We are often so convinced  that we are right.  We are correct in our perspective.  The reality may speak differently.  It's not a "either, or" but a "and, with" complimentary perspective that is more accurate.

May couples grow old together and still feel respected and connected.  

If not, I guess you can always focus on the musicians.

Good Eats Monday - Supper Specials

Supper  -vs.- Dinner

What is Your take on this?
The usage of the word "Supper" vs. "Dinner" has always been confusing to me.

Growing up, I have never use the word "Supper." In New York, dinner was dinner, the last meal of the day.

I remembered the first time I heard the word "Supper" was out of the mouth of Laura Ingalls from the "Little House" series.

Then the restaurants in New York started posting Sunday Supper Specials.  As time went by, I didn't pay much attention and just accepted supper and dinner as interchangeable.

Now, when I see the word supper, I think of it this way...mostly of Sunday Supper.
People do Brunch on Sunday, either because of getting up late or going to church.
Then, they can't decide what to do with dinner so, they do supper.
Which I define as a less formal, simple, social gathering of a meal.

Many cultures take the Sunday meal very seriously and would pack the house with friends and family.
We are a small family unit so I am much more interested in the Supper Specials offerings than working up a menu.

Here are a few Sunday Supper offerings:

1.  One of my all time favorite restaurant Church & State Bistro offers a 5-course family style meal.

http://www.churchandstatebistro.com/info.html

2.  Lucques - One of the most celebrated restaurants in L.A.

Sunday Supper (sample menu)

august 28, 2011

seared plum and arugula salad with labneh,

crispy soria, blackberry compote and almonds

***

sautéed shrimp with black rice, heirloom tomato,

persian cucumbers and green harissa

or

grilled country-style pork chop with ratatouille,

paprika butter, cherry tomatoes and bread crumbs

***

ricotta cheesecake with roasted

red flame grapes, almond biscotti and saba

45 dollars per person

http://www.lucques.com/#

3.  EVA Restaurant - Fans call this place "Amazing"

Sunday is 5-course dinner with unlimited house red and white wines.

http://www.evarestaurantla.com/#!sunday 

Sunday Motivation - Move...to a different beat

Many people on the Eastern United States are holding their breath today.  Hurricane Irene is in her full fury. Transportations had been shut down in many cities. Evacuation orders had been sent out. Power Outages happened throughout, from Virginia to DC to NY Tri-states area.

For many, the safest place today is just being at home.  Here is one for you all who may feel a little stuck.

MercyMe - Move

(partial lyrics)
...don't give up...
...there's gonna be brighter days...
...I just might bend but won't break...
...when life won't play along...
...I'll keep dancing anyway...
...no matter what may come...
...gonna move to a different drum...
...gotta move, gotta move to a different beat...

Move by MercyMe (with lyrics)

MercyMe - LIVE

For All You Zumba Fans - Zumba Steps to Move

Don't Give Up...Keep On Dancing...Brighter Days Will Come.

Room Painting Update - Summer Project 2011

Kiddies' Rooms - Before & After


Now, this shouldn't be too difficult to figure out which is the boy's room and which is the girl's.

At over 100 degrees heat over a period of 3 weeks. Summer Project 2011 is completed!!!

Thank You Nerdy Hubby!

Cannot take any personal credit except for the conceptual ideas.  Per request of a "Girly Girl Pink" & an "Beach Theme Color Blocks"  (we are waiting on a 6 foot Palm Tree decal for the beach/ocean theme room)

Pink Room was completed first so girly moved back in her room already.
Ocean Room needs a few more days to air out so Big Brother is still sleeping at the loft.

Both are extremely excited of the results...Nerdy Hubby is quite proud of himself too...And rightfully so for an "googling" painter for such techniques and outcomes.

Here are the few other Pictures in Progress...

Both rooms started out in a "moss green color"...yearn 

The Before pictures of the Beach Color Block Room

Beach Color Block Room - After

Putting The Kiddies to Work - Child Labor Law?

They did complete one wall.

Pink Room Before

Pink Room - After

Told Nerdy Hubby - Great Job Honey!

"Now, let's get to the rest of the house 

with you handy dandy hammer & nails!"

To Be Continued...hee hee!

What Superpower Would You Want?

(no, this is not my child...just a stock picture)

The first writing assignment for the 2nd grader today was...

"If you can have any super power, 

which one would you want?"

Not surprisingly, She Wants to Fly!
She thought it would be fun.  She can be fast and see many places. She would love to have wings. She also wishes for her family to fly with her. (and a couple of other sentences which repeat the above)

When she got home, she asked everyone which would they choose.  We were on a tight Friday schedule so we really didn't entertain her idea.  (now I feel bad)

Yet, it was a really good questions...What Superpower Would You Want?
Anti-gravity
Bullet Speed
Cross-dimensional Travel
Duplication
Energy Manipulation

Ok...don't be too impressed.  I am no superpowers wikipedia.
There is an actual website with an ever growing list of super powers contributed by the cyber public.
Do reference it for fun...
http://www.superherodb.com/powers/ 

I realized though, after looking at the (long) list that I gravitated toward the mind and time control attributes. What does that say about me?

I am also drawn to pushing and changing the reality of the future rather than the past.

It maybe a waste of time to ponder on this silly question.  But at the status of our world today and the ever changing political and environmental uncertainties. It might not be a bad idea to think about...

What Superpower Would I Want To Help Change The World For The Better?

Fun Thursday - The Getty

The Getty Center & The Getty Villa 
http://www.getty.edu/visit/

I get very excited about The Getty...
Be it the Getty Center perched up on the hillside of the 405 Fwy or the beautiful and glorious Getty Villa by the seaside of Malibu, both museums are the crown jewels of Los Angeles.

A visit to them will take you back in time and ponder upon the rich history of the human potential of creativity. Yet, you almost cannot help but to speculate the future of the human fulfillment process.

Both of these museums will entice you with the landscapes, the architectures, the exhibitions, and the latest research of the moment. And all these for the price of nothing.  There is no admission fee.  You do have a $15 parking fee.  IMHO, a very small price to pay. Enjoy a Day at the Getty.

The History of Getty Villa 

The Getty Center 

Movie Night - Between the Folds, a documentary

Yes...I am a Geek...
I watch and enjoy Documentary.
Especially well made ones.

Between the Folds -2010
http://www.greenfusefilms.com/

"A fascinating documentary about the science and art of origami..."

But...It's so much more.

To me, this was not a film, it was an "Experience."  I will never look at a piece of paper in the same way ever again.  It's a medium; it's a plane; it's lines; it's building blocks.

BETWEEN THE FOLDS profiles brilliant artists, mathematicians and scientists who are reinventing the ancient Japanese tradition of paper folding. With just one piece of paper, and without the use of glue, tape or staples, these offbeat and provocative minds are creating unimaginably beautiful works of art and thought-provoking mathematical models.

One of the best line from the film was:

A piece a paper, Nothing Added, Nothing Removed...

Just Transformed.

Before, I watched it, I knew nothing of the film.  From the first moment, I felt moved, inspired, a true potential energy surge.  I wanted to be that piece of paper, be transformed to my fullness potential. 

I have nothing but praise for this film.  Watch it.  It's only 55 minutes, yet, hopefully, you too will be transformed.

Dialogue for Deeper Understanding

Remember when as a new couple, you cannot get enough of each other?!

When you want to spend every moment with, listen to every word of and express every thought to your partner.

When people come into my office after that phase and say, "I am just not a talker.  I am not a romantic. I want to be accepted just the way I am."

I can't help but to chuckle a little.  Why?
Because it's not the "whole" truth.

In order to become a couple, most likely, the person did talk and express thoughts and feelings.  The person was romantic or at least did or say things to show love.  And, they didn't just "be themselves" without the consideration of the other person.

If none of these things happened, most likely the two people would not have become a couple.  There wouldn't have been a relationship.

What needs to happen is "Dialogue."  Conversation that Deepen Understanding, Create Connection, Make Space for the Relationship, Validate and Facilitate Empathy.

Imago Relationship Therapy was co-created by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D and Helen L. Hunt, Ph.D
http://gettingtheloveyouwant.com/

The Imago Dialogue creates a simple loop of communication between the Sender and the Receiver.

The Sender is to speak only in terms of him/herself using "I Statement"
To deepen the connection between the two people, to Sender will Speak of one's own feelings, needs, desires, etc.

The Receiver is then to "Mirror," paraphrase, the Sender's ideas, thoughts and feelings.
To deepen the connection, the Receiver will Validate and Seek Further thoughts of the Sender.

When the Sender confirms the Receiver has provided Empathy and Understanding, the partners will switch roles.

Here is the link for the article:
http://gettingtheloveyouwant.com/articles/imago-dialogue-101

I must admit, too many times, my own conversations with Nerdy Hubby look like this.

My Hope is, in time, We will become This!

Good Eats Monday - The Pioneer Woman

I was away this past week.
There were good times and some let downs...but such is life.

I was thrilled to have HGTV & The Food Network at the hotels. And who keeps popping up?  No other than Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman.

Every self respecting food blogger knows who Ree is!

She has done it all...and looks good while juggling all.
Now...She is getting a TV show on Food Network.
What great news for her!

She writes, she cooks, she takes beautiful pictures and she homeschools...there is nothing she can't do...BTW she lives on a working ranch.  So it should be an interesting show.

Pioneer Woman Official Website:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Because I didn't cook this week, here is one of hers,

Pork Chops with Apple & Creamy Bacon Cheese Grits

Click here for her website and recipe:  http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/pork-chops-with-apples-and-creamy-bacon-cheese-grits/

Even though, it's like 100 degrees where we are, and I am definitely not from the South, I want me some of that cheese grits!!! Making me drool...seriously.

Sunday Meditation - Blessings

Gratefulness on A Sunday Morning.

Feeling the Overwhelming Blessings of Life.
Not things, they will fade.
Not materials values, they will disappear.
Not even security, they will be snatched.

So only the blessings of Today.
Love, Friendship, Family and the Everlasting.

Laura Story seems to telling stories with her songs.
Blessings is one of my favorites of hers.

The Story Behind the Song Blessings

Live Version of Blessings

Surprise...Back To School Next Week

Surprise...Why Am I Surprised?!  

Seems like literally yesterday that I said Summer vacation began.
Now, kiddies are starting school next week.

5th Grade and 2nd Grade...Wow!
Not sure what to expect. One thing we do know, it will be a lot of work and very little play (at least Monday to Thursday).
Not sure if school is supposed to be like this, but like every other parents, we would like our kids to succeed.

I used to be able to say that as long as they are happy, that would be success.
Now, I am not so sure.

Maybe it's because of the latest news report.  Or the never ending gloomy broadcast of the "breaking news" around the world, and maybe we really just don't know much about anything anymore.

The older I get, the less (I realized) I know. (So much for back to school inspiration...sorry)
If there is ever a time in my life the phase "live by faith" holds meaning, I would say it is now.

So I pray...
pray for today, tomorrow and the next...
pray for my children, all the children, the teachers, the community, the world...

I pray for Blessings upon the children this day. Give them inquiring minds and discerning hearts.  Give them courage to persevere in all they undertake. Give them the gift of joy and wonder in all things.  Give them laughter and love to share with all.  Give them protection and safety as they move out of our embrace.  And give them sure and certain knowledge of the unfailing love in their lives.

May the teachers...

Instruct them

Strengthen them

Delight in them

Befriend them

Guard them

Love them 

That is what I can do, that is what I know, and that is what I am called to do...to be my kiddies' parent.

Blessings to All during this time of "Back To School"

Antiquing: Finding Objects with A Previous Life and Story

The word "Antique" means very different things to different people.

Many would immediately response with "old things and stuff."
Others may think of  "Treasures and Money."
For me, it's all about the "Stories Await."

PBS's Antique Road Show is one of their most popular shows.  People would literally line the streets to bring their "treasures" to be appraised.

Pawn Stars on The History Channel has its very own fans and following.  The fans would make it their goal to stop by the store when they go to Las Vegas.

Me...I do consider Antiquing treasure hunting.  It has always intrigued me that these objects belonged to someone else, located somewhere else before and if they can tell stories, much would be said.

A piece of beautiful furniture, a delicate decorative piece, a doll, a set of china, they all have a story to tell.

Most of the time, we would be able to find out the period of time and the typical usage, but nothing more.

So I would imagine.  Fill in the possibilities.  These objects are beautiful and precious not only because of their appearance, but also where they have been.  I am not a history buff, but antiques, they speak history to me.

So on my bucket list, I have a two-fold item:  Go Antiquing in the country side of France.
The older the country, the more treasures it holds.  And who doesn't love France.

Until then, like this weekend, Oxnard and Ventura at the seaside of SoCal would do.
I think I even got my fam hooked; Nerdy Hubby loves old clocks; my Big Boy looks for interesting toys and Girly Girl just looks for anything beautiful (her latest find was a beautiful Mexican doll with big eyes and rosy cheeks, whom she named Fiona).

New and Shinny are nice, But sometimes, 

Old may be richer and more meaningful.

Fun Thursday - Annual L.A. Lobster Fest coming in Sept

Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival

http://lobsterfest.com/

Coming Sept 16, 17 & 18, 2011

I know it's a little early, a month early to be exact.
But it's lobsters, food trucks, music and fun.

I've been waiting for the kiddies to be old enough to go.
Not that they will eat lobster...good ridden, more for us grown ups.

This year many food trucks will be there. Kids under 12 y.o. are free to attend.  Almost unbelievable announcement on the website...free parking!

A Must Go for us, especially when we feel nostalgic about being from the East Coast and missing our annual trip up the coast of New England!

Save the Dates and Mark Your Calendar...

Let us know if you are going.

We'll Look For You with A Claw (or 2) in Your Hands.

Movie Night - Interstate 60

Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road (2002)

It's a comedy with a "point."

Fork at the Road decision making
A Reflection of Life's Journey (or the alternative)
It's not a bad way to spend 116 minutes of your life

If you have something very important to do then pass on this movie.

If you want a laugh or two and catch some cheesy phases then, it's not bad.
As Nerdy Hubby said, "wow, they threw anything possible in there. romantic comedy, indie feel, a bit of SiFi, and some fantasy legend...oh and they want to make a point about society"
I must add that they did "blew up a car"

Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road

A Movie About the Journey of Life.

Hope this will Inspire You to Walk 

more Firmly and Truly with Your Own 

My Stuff Bags Foundation

Whenever we go somewhere on vacation or even just overnight, the kiddies will bring their stuffed animal(s).

I started limiting 3 on week long trip and just 1 for an overnighter.

Often, they are their favorite ones and they just couldn't part with them.  One time, the girly smuggled a couple more and said they can just sleep in the car!

Stuff animals give children comfort and consistency.  At minimal, it gives them familiarity. And sometimes, the bear, or puppy, or bunny rabbit, may be the only consistent companion in their life.

My Stuff Bags Foundation gives children in foster care something to hold on to.
http://www.mystuffbags.org/about/mission/

The organization provides new belongings, comfort and hope to thousands of children each year who must be rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment across the United States.

Working with children in crisis in the past, I have come to realize how important it is for children to have their very own "stuff."  My Stuff Bags Foundation understand that need and work very hard to provide that for the children in crisis.

Good Eats Monday - San Diego Mexican Food

Toward the end of  Summer Vacation for the kiddies.
Spending a few days down in San Diego.

One of the best things about San Diego is its San Diego style Mexican Food...street food...served on paper plate or styrofoam box...greasy, yummy and messy!

Here are a few examples...don't even start with the calories.
Most likely, Definitely, don't want to know!

Let me introduce you to the "California Burrito"
First of all, it is the size of a new born baby. (ok, a little exaggeration, but not much)

Start with a Giant tortilla, meat, cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole Plus an order of french fries...All Wrapped Up!

Then there is the "Carne Asada Fries."
The people who created this most likely decide to be a bit more "civilized."
You will need a fork for this.


Again, French Fries are involved.  Then top this giant order of fried potatoes with a load of beef, then big scoops of cheese, sour cream and again guacamole.  This is like the California Burrito, but hold the tortilla. 

Of course the most infamous item on the San Diego Mexican menu is the "Fish Taco"
Rubio's was the first to push this wonderful street food across the border.
Now, every where you turn, at least in S.D. fish taco is on the menu.

Fried fish, cabbage, mystery white sauce and a wedge of lime sit nuzzled in a couple of hand-made corn tortillas.

Next Time you are in S.D., throw caution to the wind, pick up a fork and a stack of napkins, and start munching.

Sunday Inspiration - Awaken

Good Morning Sunshine!

These are often the words to our kiddies.  The sun is shining, the sky is clear...the body needs to be awaken.

How much more our soul needs the same...to be awaken...to live, to jump, to leap!

One of my favorite person, Natalie Grant has a beautiful and motivating song...

Awaken

Taking A Day Off

Taking a Day Off 

to hold hands, walk on the beach, take a long lunch 

and just breath...with the Nerdy Hubby.

So I will be "out" for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Have a Great Day!

Take A Time Out - To Be A Couple

We love our children...but...
Sometimes, we have to remember that we started out as a couple.

Date nights are nice, yet, weekends are better.
A few times a year, we have to remember to relax and take time to be a couple.

There are many travel and accommodation deals if we look for them.

We love the many online travel websites, especially priceline.com.
We decide on the area, pick our hotel level and cap the price on a certain amount and viola... A Nice couple weekend.

Other ideas include Bed & Breakfast, Camping & Mountain Retreat. Being close to the Los Angeles port, a couple can even take a weekend cruise.

One great idea that someone had suggested to me was a "structured" Couples Retreat.  Many religious associations plan them annually. Professional marriage enrichment retreats are offered in every state.  Here are a couple of links:

Smart Marriage - http://smartmarriage.com/app/Directory.BrowsePrograms#type_1
Hume Lake Couples Retreats - http://www.humelake.org/adult/couples/

Fun Thursday - Six Taste, For Those who Like to Eat

Six Taste - Food Tours

http://sixtaste.com/

For tourists and locals alike, Los Angeles has some of the best varieties in food and cuisines.  Yet, it is so spread out that at times, it almost seems like the experiment where a mouse is trapped in a maze.  The yummy smell is out there but you just can't locate it.

We have all heard from a friend or, a friend of a friend this place or that for the best _________ (fill in the blank).

Read about Six Taste from Yelp, FB and other food blogs.  They have food tours by locale and by food.  They take the guess work out of "eating your way through L.A."

Goldstar.com has these tours at deep discount:

http://www.goldstar.com/listings?q=six+taste

Have Fun...And Go Hungry! Bet Ready To Eat (grinning from ear to ear) 

Movie Night - Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind

I am not a Jim Carrey fan...But I am so so so a Fan of this movie.
(I do love Kate Winslet)

Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind...

From the title, it gives absolutely not a clue about the movie.  I cannot tell you why I watched it when it came out.  I can tell you why I go back to it again and again.

I am not a hopeless romantic...sometimes I wish I am...
What I am is an eternal optimistic realist (if there is such an entity).  I am always hopeful about people, situations and life. Yet I look at the facts and almost obsessed with reality.

The movie comes at relationship from a "sweet to sour" (then eternal) angle. It is the reality of the stages of relationship.
From its complex yet simple context, it confirms for me that in relationship, we are not to just "do for" the ones we love.  We have to "do with" them.  We are to create shared experiences, shared emotions, shared reality.

No one can take those away; no negative life situations can remove those in heart or mind.
There is no erasing memories which are co-created.  Now, this goes for both joyful and hurtful memories.

But just for a couple of hours, we can all wish and dream that we all will make the right choices.

The How To Guide to Fall Out of Love

Every so often, (more often than I would like to hear) someone will be in my office, on my couch saying these words, "I think I am falling out of love..."

I know the concept of love is complicated and multi-layered.  Scholars and philosophers since the beginning of time have been trying to clarify the concept.  People have lived and died for love; nations have been won and lost because of love.  Today, I won't even attempt on the subject matter.

But I will address (at least my two cents) the phase of "Falling Out Of Love." I will take the approach of, if I can't beat, I will join them (Yes, I am applying sarcasm).  So I created a very brief outline to

"The How To Guide to Fall Out of Love"

Here are 5 simple steps to falling out of love.  

For best result, repeat the steps over a consistent period of time.

1.         Stop Communicating

-don’t talk

-don’t text

-don’t email

-don’t listen

-don’t explain

***never write each other love notes

2.         Stop Spending Time Together

-don’t go out and have fun

-don’t engage in any activities together

-don’t vacation together

-don’t go on date nights

***never enjoy each others’ company

3.         Stop Setting Goals and Doing Things Together

-don’t work on any projects

-don’t make plans

-don’t set long and short term goals in life and in relationship

-don’t do any parenting or problem solving

***never compromise for the sake of having a good relationship

4.         Stop Connecting

-don’t share experiences

-don’t turn toward each other in times of need

-don’t rely on each other for comfort

-don’t be supportive

-don’t give empathy

-don’t share your thoughts and feelings

***never show any affections

5.         Stop Being Friends

-don’t be nice

-don’t be respectful

-don’t pay attention to the person

-don’t be helpful

-don’t ask for suggestions and  seek advise

***never show any appreciation

Now that You Know Exactly How To Fall Out of Love...

Please...

Go Do the Exact Opposite for the Love of One Another.

Good Eats Monday - Summer Figs

Summer...
Sometimes it's just too Hot to Cook!

So today is...no cook good eats.

Summer Figs + Cheese + Cured Meat + Honey & Nuts = A Plateful of Light Dinner

Yes...and don't forget the wine and a loaf of crusty bread

We chose a Mini Goat Cheese Brie & Prosciutto 

with a handful of Walnuts and Clover Honey 

The Figs - Beautifully Ripen

The Honey binds all the flavors together

You can also put all the ingredients onto a bed of greens with a balsamic vinaigrette (made with honey, grape-seed oil and a quality balsamic, salt & pepper) 

A couple of great Summer wines to pair with:

Italian Bubbly - Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Mionetto - NV

French Rose - 2010 Cave de Tavel "Lauzeraies" Tavel

Sunday Meditation on Community - Shelter by Jars of Clay

"It is in the shelter of each other that the people live" - Irish Proverb 


Often, this is the true essence of life...Never Alone.
Life Together creates Living.


It takes work and not easy to come by, yet we all seek it.
We long for such togetherness, the life-giving support of one another.


The intentionality of building community in all its forms demonstrate such desire and drive.
We are then reminded to be ready to give and open to receive.

Shelter - Jars of Clay

Back To School Shopping (For Others)

It's That Time Of  The Year Again
...Really!!!

Back To School Shopping

Where has the summer gone?!

We still have a few more weeks of vacation.  But all the stores and media are telling us to shop...shop...and shop!  So we did...Today.

As we shop for shoes and clothes and supplies, we are reminded of the many others who are in need.

Especially with the negative outlook and bad press during this last week regarding the economy, we cannot help but to be more aware.

We participated with our financial support with a few local Santa Clarita organizations' "Back To School Backpack Drive"

It's important to us that our kiddies understand the importance of helping others. Here are a few links if you live locally.

School Supplies Drive, Free Backpack Assessments for Kids

Date: 8/13/2011 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cost: $40

Location: De Sesa Chiropractic
27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Ste. 65
Santa Clarita, California 91355

http://www.santa-clarita.com/Index.aspx?page=134&recordid=4731

Help The Children - Backpack and School Supplies Drive

http://www.santaclaritamagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12717:help-the-children-backpack-and-school-supplies-drive-&catid=239:community&Itemid=59

San Diego Area:  Promises 2 Kids - 2011 Back To School Backpack & Flash Drive - August 1 - August 22, 2011

http://www.promises2kids.org/news-events/events/backpack-and-flash-drive

A well established organization in Phoenix, AZ has videos of their work within the community - Back To School Clothing Drive

http://www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com/

Now go google "2011 Back To School Backpack Drive" in you own community and be a support to someone Today.