In The Heart of the Beast

I have recently joined the Board of Directors of In The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. The organization is undergoing huge stress in these dire economic times. I realize that many, many organizations are in the same boat. I thought you might enjoy reading this thoughtful blog about the layoffs going on at HOBT, and the juxtaposition with a big bucks concert by a major celebrity. http://daughternumberthree.blogspot.com/search/label/Art And here's a Star Tribune article with a bit more information about HOBT. http://daughternumberthree.blogspot.com/search/label/Art I'm not necessarily asking that you give to HOBT. I'm simply trying to create an awareness of the severity of the situation for most nonprofits (but I'm sure you know this already, being the informed and enlightened people that you are). Please think of them - and all who are marginalized and struggling - as we approach the new year.

Also, enjoy this MinnPost video story about La Natividad: http://www.minnpost.com/stevedate/2008/12/23/5457/heart_of_the_beast_n

COOL NECKLACE

This is a cool necklace that I am going to knit... soon I hope. It contains 433 (count 'em, 433) glass beads that you string on to the Silken Straw yarn, and then slide up the yarn into the stitch as you go. It is on size 1 double pointed needles, for crying out loud! This could take me forever, but it will be beautiful when I'm done (sometime before 2010). I also have several sweater projects on deck. Probably enough knitting projects to last me into the next century. I really need to retire. I wonder when my 401(k) will be worth something again?

Post Christmas

Well, Christmas is finally in the rear view mirror. Too much singing, also lots of joy. Minimal presents this year - we're giving our present money to the food shelf. And my amazing employer will match our contribution $ for $. THANK YOU Thrivent Financial! I believe naps are in order for Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

We had an unusual December thaw after nearly a week of often subzero temps! I made lovely ice candle holders - one melted into a pool of water yesterday. The birds are feeding like crazy. I added a suet cake and thistle feeder to the array of feeders in the back yard. The finches are all over the thistle and two woodpeckers (one downy, one red-capped) are enjoying the suet. I think I may have finally foiled the squirrels. They sit atop the dome-shaped baffle and try to hang over toward the cylinder feeder, but so far no luck! The clever (and fat) one will probably succeed before long.

I'm so hopeful about 2009 for many, many reasons. A new and enlightened President will take office, and I believe the economy will start the slow march toward recovery. The turbulent times in which we've been living have, I think, caused people to care more about friends and family, and those who are marginalized. I hear about more people donating time and money to foodshelf and other social service organizations. That's a very good thing!

Happy New Year! May it be peaceful and meaningful.

Here's how this great new cut looks!

Here's the big cut!! Suzette was cool, calm and collected as she cut away.

Here's the last shot of my pony tail.

Well here's one of the last pictures of me with long hair. I recently had 10 inches cut off and I am donating the ponytail to Pantene; they make wigs for women in cancer treatment. I love my new short 'do!

I attended a Women for Franken fundraiser tonight with my stepdaughters Kris and Meg, and granddaughter Kyra. We had a blast!! We talked with Thomasin Franken for quite a while, and talked with Al briefly. The event was at Judi Dutcher's house and Kiki was the youngest Franken supporter there. Let's hope the recount continues to have favorable results for Al and that he's the next Senator from Minnesota. Franni, Al and Thomasin were very gracious and spoke with many people at the event. Al encouraged Kiki to vote for him in 2020 for his third term. Let's hope!!

Big news on a personal note: I am cutting 8+ inches of my hair on Thursday and donating it to Pantene. They use the hair to make wigs for women undergoing chemo.

I will post before and after pix.

Well, I am a neophyte - completely new to blogging! It's Black Friday and I am distressed that greedy consumers have forsaken the meaning of Advent and Christmas for the pursuit of... things!!

I've recently created a facebook page, and yesterday I Skyped with family in Corvallis, OR, Knoxville, TN and Pompano Beach, FL. Very cool! Right now I am on a steep zoom upward with technology. I'm a little bit of a techno geek. Not cutting edge, of course, but sort of an early adopter (the true techno geeks would disagree with me on that). But in the last week I've facebooked, Skyped and now I'm blogging for heaven's sake!!!

I've been decorating the house and deck with greens - I'm even thinking of getting a tree soon, which is earlier than in past years. I'm really feeling the Christmas spirit and looking forward to the season.

Lots of singing ahead and I've already caught, and hopefully recovered from, the seasonal cold. Here's to staying healthy through the remainder of 2008!!!

Our two fabulous Australia Shepherds, Winnie and Shooter, will turn 14 this Monday, Dec 1st. They're still healthy, and they still love going for walks. But they're both almost completey deaf. I think it's a bit distressing for them since they're used to cueing off of noise to know where we are and what's going on. Winnie stays glued to Rog most of the day. Shooter prefers sleeping on the comfy bed (ours, of course) upstairs.

Wishing you love, peace and serenity for the season!