Memorial Day Tribute

Remembering the men and women of our Armed Forces this Memorial Day with the deepest appreciation for your valor and sacrifices.

God Bless you on Memorial Day and Always!

 

A Hug is the Best Remedy for a Tough Day (Essay)

A hug or an encouraging word is the best remedy for a tough day.

So often we get impatient or irritated when our kids are acting out; sometimes we are just tired..

Somtimes your kids need discipline and sometimes they just need a hug.

Amazing how kindness will also increase patience,

and make it easier to understand others

It all starts with a hug

A Hug, Lynn Mari 2011

 

The Perfect Light (Photography & Prose)

When my family was homeless, I would tell the kids stories to keep their spirits up.

Since night time was hardest, and they got scared, I told them the last light of the day is the “Perfect Light“.

That the Fairies sleep in the cracks of trees during the day and right before the sun goes down, they wake up, spread their wings & fly all over the world. That beautiful glowing light you see is really hundreds of fairies flying away.. the fairies look over children when they sleep at night and give them good dreams.

My kids remember those stories and to this day, look  for faeries in the trees when the sun is going down.

Lynn Mari, 2012

 

 

 

 

Non-Black Friday Shopping (Commentary)

With just a few dollars in my purse, and a mountain of bills in my horizon, shopping as a single mom on Black Friday seemed to be a bleak task..but then I was surprised by the gift my Baby really wanted.

_____________

Store XYZ  had a “huge” sale on toys, and with my Baby’s birthday coming up plus Christmas, I had to check out the Black Friday deals.. but I was NOT shopping in the traditional way: with rabid frenzy, foaming at the mouth as incremental percentages dropped at the bin a crowd is fighting over, purses battling & claw like hands greedily snatching a bargain that last all of 30 seconds then vanishes, while a metallic voice announces another sale at the other end of the store that has the crowd making a mad dash in the other direction, tipping the store on one end, and tearing everything up in their wake like wild fire..

 

I was shopping as a single mom, on a very limited income, who just wanted to give my kids something nice for the holidays, to let them know how much I love them–how special they are to me. Almost all of my income goes towards the bills or putting gas in the car; it seemed my family had sacrificed so much throughout the year, and I hoped to give just a little back.

 

When I went into Store XYZ, the supply of toys was very small. Most were cheap knock offs made in foreign countries, and the dust on the shelves said they had been sitting there for awhile. My heart wrenched to realize that even with the sale, I could not afford these toys! In fact, I would be scraping coins from the bottom of my purse, and loose change from the buckets of vending machines just to get the kids a little gift. Yet I was determined to leave the store with something...

 

The storm in my thoughts was broken by a surprising ray of sunshine–my Baby. Left to wander the store, the Baby decided to play with an entire box of rubber spiders, snakes, lizards & other creepy crawlies. Next, he found an giant soup kettle–which Baby became enamored with, he loves pots n’ pans. Baby dumped all the rubber critters in the soup kettle then put the lid back on. He smiled with pride. I giggled imaging who would open the kettle & find the realistic bugs & lizards inside..they would probably run out of the store screaming

 

Then Baby found his favorite–spoons. Metal spoons made the best sound when used to bang on objects–he especially loves the ear shattering clang of metal spoons hitting pots n pans. The wooden spoons were also interesting, and you can chew on those! Baby was soo happy with those spoons, his eyes lit up and his chubby hands grabbed tightly onto the handles as he looked for opportunities to bang those spoons against anything his spindly arms could reach. The price wasn’t bad either: $2.50 for 4 metal spoons, and 4 wooden spoons. I had to buy those, and why wait for his birthday, NOW was the perfect time to celebrate!

 

I did find two inexpensive toys and after spending near $10 I was completely broke, and now digging for change to fill my gas tank. So that was my Non Black Friday Shopping..and the bills are piling up as I type.

 

What I learned is that if you are spending all your time worrying about how to please your children, or shopping yourself into debt, you may be able to provide a nice material present but you are robbing your child of the energy, and creativity you have to offer.  The time and attention you give to your children is a gift in itself–children are nourished by our love.

 

There are plenty of ways to give your child an enjoyable holiday even on a tight budget…to discover what makes your child really happy, and to discover the enchantment of their childhood, you don’t need to drive to a store or mall; you need only to get on the child’s level, drop adult assumptions, and play in the context of their world. For me it was rubber creepy crawlies inside a soup kettle. My Baby was absolutely fascinated by that..he enjoyed taking a few moments to play more than he would if I was gone a whole day shopping, and he was strapped inside a cart, told to be quiet, stop wriggling, behave or else.. If you get to take a day off work for Black Friday (which is a blessing in itself–who can afford to take a day off work!?!), it only makes sense to spend that time with your family & to limit the shopping. What makes the holidays meaningful, and what colors our memories is contained within the circle of our friends and family. 

– Lynn Mari, 2012.

Antique Spoons for Baby – We enjoyed making homemade mixed fruit applesauce

 

FREE Thanksgiving Community Dinners 2012 – Minnesota

Resources for free Thanksgiving meals and community celebrations in Minnesota. Many of these events also offer volunteer opportunities, contact the individual location for more information.

Please feel free to comment with any additional events, or with corrections. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! <Gobble, Gobble>

Albert Lea:

Fairlane Community Center at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Nov. 21, 2012. 5:00-7:00 pm. 1029 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea. Salvation Army Thanksgiving Dinner. If you have questions, you may call 507-373-5710. http://www.kjly.com/comcal.php

 

Cannon Falls:

 St. Pius Catholic Church. Nov. 22, 2012.11:15 am-??. 410 West Colvill. This annual event provides an opportunity for the community to enjoy sharing a holiday meal together. It also provides a chance for others to reach out in thankfulness by volunteering their time on Thanksgiving Day. To volunteer, callShepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136.

Transportation is available to those in need, by calling Shepherd’s Center at 507-263-2136. Reservations are not necessary, but a call to Shepherd’s Center would be appreciated if you plan to attend. Call Shepherd’s Center before 3 p.m. on Monday, November 19, if you plan on attending, or to make arrangements for transportation.

Monetary donations to help cover grocery and accompanying costs are needed. These donations are being collected only at Shepherd’s Center and may be dropped off or mailed to Shepherd’s Center at 120 W. State Street.

http://www.cannonfalls.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=22330

Center City:

Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church. 1 Summit Avenue, Center City 55012.

Nov. 21, 2012. 7:30 pm. Thanksgiving Eve Service & Pie Fest. Bring a pie to share, bring a friend to rejoice with us, bring a heart filled with new hope and love for Christ’s children everywhere.

Nov. 22, 2012. 12:30-2:00 pm. Chisago Lakes Community Thanksgiving Dinner.Reservation deadline Monday. Nov. 19th, 1:00 pm. 651-257-6300. Free will offering.

Volunteers Needed, please call Sharon Clinch at 651-257-4821.

http://www.chisagolakelutheranchurch.org/specialevents.htm

Columbia Heights:

St. Matthew’s Church. Nov. 22, 2012. 11:00 am-2:00 pm. 4101 Washington St. NE Columbia Heights. St. Matthew serves a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Call 763-788-9427 to volunteer to help with this meal or to provide transportation to and from the meal. http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/guide/a-guide-to-thanksgiving-volunteer-opportunities/#respond

 

Chaska:St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Nov 22, 2012. 11:30 am-1:00 pm.300 East 4th Street Chaska, Minnesota 55318. Community Thanksgiving Dinner. To sign up, or with any questions: 952-448-2433. http://www.stjohnschaska.org/Duluth:

Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). Nov. 22, 2012. 11:00 am-4:00 pm. 350 Harbor Drive. Thanksgiving Day Buffet to those in need.HOME DELIVERY: Please call 723-6484 by Friday, Nov. 16, to request meal delivery.

Volunteer to prepare for and/or serve food at the Buffet. Please sign up onlineor call the volunteer phone line at 723-6774.http://www.css.edu/Administration/Thanksgiving-Day-Buffet.html

Hastings:

Hastings United Methodist Church. Nov. 22, 2012. 1:00-3:00 pm. 615 w 15th Street
Hastings, 55033.The meals, with most of the food donated by The Bierstube, include roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, vegetables, and pie. The meals are free and open to the community. Reservations for the meals are recommended and can be completed by calling the church at 651-437-4398. Those wanting delivery of a meal should also contact the church.http://www.hastingsstargazette.com/event/article/id/28710/

Hopkins:

Gethesemane Lutheran Church.715 Minnetonka Mills Road, Hopkins. 952-935-1753.

Nov. 21, 2012. 7:00 pm. Thanksgiving Eve Worship & Pie Fellowship.

Nov. 22, 2012. 1:00 pm. Community Thanksgiving Dinner. We will once again provide a delicious, free, turkey buffet meal, open to everyone in the community.Call the church office at 952-935-1753 by Wednesday, Nov 21 to make your reservation. Reservations will close when capacity is reached.http://www.glconline.org/node/1596

Minneapolis:

All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church. Nov 18, 2012. 11:30 am-?? 3100 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55407. You are cordially invited to join us for Thanksgiving Dinner at the church. We will provide the turkey, just bring a favorite side dish or desert. http://www.agcmcc.org/(612) 824-2673.

Kierans Irish Pub. Nov. 22, 2012. 601 North 1st Avenue Minneapolis, 55403. (612) 339-4499. Free Thanksgiving meal call for reservation. Free clothing closet also available on Thanksgiving day. http://www.pediatrichomeservice.com/blog/2012/11

Pepitos Mexican Restaurant. Nov. 22, 2012. 10:00 am-3:00 pm. 4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, 55417. (612) 827-2928. Free Thanksgiving meal & community celebration.http://www.pediatrichomeservice.com/blog/thanksgiving-meal-assistance-programs2012#disqus_thread

Monticello:

St. Henry’s Catholic Church. November 21st, 2012. 3:30-6:30pm. 1001 East 7th Street, Monticello, MN 55362. Free Thanksgiving Dinner. Dinner & entertainment provided! All are welcome.http://business.monticellocci.com/Events/details/free-thanksgiving-dinner-2101

Oakdale: Nov 22, 12:00-2:00 pm. Bierstube’s Restaurant 7121 10th St. N., Oakdale. Offering free, family style Thanksgiving dinner. Open to the public.http://thecatholicspirit.com/to-do/dont-miss/local-restaurant-offers-free-thanksgiving-dinners/

Osakis:

First Presbyterian Church. Nov. 22, 2012. 12:00-??. 101 West Oak Street.Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Reservations are appreciated by calling the church at (320) 859-4550, Lil at (320) 859-3301, or the Senior Center at (320) 859-2325. Walk-ins will also be welcomed.http://www.theosakisreview.com/event/article/id/9822/group/News/

 

Saint Paul:

St. Matthew’s Thanksgiving Service & Feast. Nov. 22, 12:00-??. 2136 Carter Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55108. Gather for the Eucharist (Rite II) at 10:30 am, followed by a festive holiday coffee hour, and Thanksgiving Dinner together at about 12:30 pm. We especially welcome anyone who otherwise would be alone on Thanksgiving … Please invite co-workers, neighbors and any others who would like to be a member of our “parish family” on Thanksgiving. It works well if everyone brings something to share.

Marilyn Grantham has agreed to accept reservations and keep track of food donations. Please contact her at m.grantham@comcast.net or 651-644-5422 with specifics on what you can bring to coffee hour and/or dinner and the number of people you’ve invited, or sign up in the parish hall: http://www.stmatthewsmn.org/events/st-matthews-thanksgiving-service-and-feast

White Bear Lake: Bierstube’s Restaurant. Nov. 22, 12:00-2 pm. Offering free, family style Thanksgiving dinner. Open to the public. 2670 E. County Road E.http://thecatholicspirit.com/to-do/dont-miss/local-restaurant-offers-free-thanksgiving-dinners/

Victory Celebration Family Church. Nov. 22, 2012. Meal times 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Home-cooked Thanksgiving meals and community gathering. Please call the church to register, or if you would like to volunteer: (651) 483-9999. www.myvcc.com/

 

Thank you to the Churches, Organizations and Volunteers involved in serving these meals..your generosity is much appreciated! God Bless you. <3

 

Ordinary Circumstances & Lethal Outcomes (Quote)

“The first steps to murder are often set in motion by ordinary circumstances  in our daily lives. What is more normal than a man and a woman, total strangers, discovering one another in a restaurant, bar, shopping mall or any other venue where people gather? Most of us have been through similiar circumstances, and have never given the slightest thought to a potentially lethal outcome.” – “Honeymoon with a Killer” by Don Lasseter with Ronald E. Bowers, forward. Pinacle Books: New York, New York. 2009.

This paragraph is so powerful, it reminds me of how easily an ordinary person can be ensnared by an abuser, their life forever changed. That when someone wins your trust, and your heart, it is easy to miss the “red flags”… but have hope, for if you survive, there is always a second chance for a better life.

________________

About “Honeymoon with a Killer”:

Bruce Cleland, by all accounts, was an intelligent, friendly man with everything to live for. He was devoted to his family, and got along with everyone. He was frugal with money, to save for his future–and dreamed of finding a loving wife to spend the rest of his life with. Instead, Bruce was targeted by the narcissistic sociopath Rebecca Salcedo who systematically stole his money, his heart, and then his life by masterminding a brutal murder.

Rebecca never loved Bruce, but after meeting him did a credit check, and once found out he was financially well off, sheexploited him for expensive gifts while having sexual relations with multiple partners, and partying at his expense. Rebecca married and killed Bruce for financial gain. Only months after the marriage, her emotionally abusive & erratic behavior caused Bruce to ask for a divorce. When Rebecca realized she would not profit from a divorce, she  faked a carjack, in which her two cousins killed Bruce, so that she may inherit money through his death.

Rebecca and her minions deserve a long, miserable life in prison..where they can see the sunshine and in it’s bright glimmer remember Bruce, and the life they have brutally stolen. They deserve to take a few steps, only to be chained and held behind bars–to remember the taste of freedom, and the bitter reality they will never experience the free world again. They deserve long nights tossing and turning on hard mattresses, dreaming of Bruce, and haunted by what they did.

Thank you to the police, prosecutors, witnesses, jury and everyone who worked so hard to put these 3 evil killers behind bars, and ensure justice to Bruce.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cleland family, and to the friends of Bruce. May God give you comfort. — Lynn, 2012.

Sources:

Don Lasseter Online: http://donlasseter.com/

In Memory Bruce Cleland: http://www.sphs72.com/class_profile.cfm?member_id=563472

“Wife Allegedly Hired Killer, Faked Carjack.” by Matea Gold. February 18, 1998. Los Angelos Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1998/feb/18/local/me-20303

 

McCain for President: Lucas McCain the Law is on Your Side!

A bit of humor for those sick of the negative campaign commercials..

VOTE McCain for President - Lucas McCain the Law is on Your Side!

America has returned to the Wild West. The Rifleman, offers REAL Solutions for today’s problems.. Giddy on up to the voting booth to elect Lucas McCain!

* Horses for Hoopties! Trade in your gas guzzling car to purchase a horse…will reduce dangerous greenhouse emissions increasing friendly methane emissions! Mhmm country fresh!

 

* Is Pro-Life.. unless you are standing at the wrong end of his rifle

* Can solve any problem with the right amount of dramatic music & a steely eyed glare

The Rifleman Online: http://www.therifleman.net/

The Rifleman, “Welcome to the McCain Ranch”,  ”Mark’s Memories: http://www.riflemanconnors.com/marks_memories/marks_memories-toc.htm

Watch the Rifleman on Hulu: http://www.hulu.com/#!the-rifleman