Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Where the Wild Things Are

March 8, 1990. I purchased 'Where the Wild Things Are'. 


My dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness in Minnesota in March of 1990. I flew, on my own from California, to be with him. Married, with both of us working and raising two young sons, it made the most sense for my husband to stay behind to take care of things at this end.

What an incredibly special time this was with my dad - tough as it was. It's one of those 'slices of time' that is separated from all others. My dad was one of the 'good guys'. 

Grandpa Lehmberg wanted to buy his grandsons a gift to send back with me. We agreed that a book for each would be good. He wasn't able to go to the bookstore himself so entrusted me to select something appropriate for each of the boys.

His younger grandson had a mind of his own from the get-go. Funny how they are born with a stamp on them. It's in their DNA, isn't it? When I went to the bookstore, "Where the Wild Things Are" jumped out at me as perfect for him from Grandpa. 

The books were read over and over when our kids were young. When they outgrew the books, they went on a very special spot on our bookshelf so they would remain in good shape. After all, my boys lost their Grandpa when their lives were just starting. They can always connect these books to him. A good thing.

Oh, Grandpa Fritz (as we called him) wrote something in each of the two books. The momento to our younger son - well - you can see it in the picture below. It suggested he hoped our son would grow up to have a boat just like Max. If you read the postscript below, you'll learn his summers have gravitated to living on a boat -- though not a sailboat.

RIP, Maurice Sendak, on this day, 8 May 2012. And thank you for such a wonderful book which so many millions have enjoyed over the years...including two little boys who grew up to be well over 6 feet tall. 

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P.S. My dad died on the 4th of June 1990. We'd probably read "Where the Wild Things Are" 100 times by then. The little boy, my dad's youngest grandson, grew up to be big and tall and an adventurer doing such wild things as commercial salmon fishing during the summers on the Coventina (photo by his brother on the boat) in Alaska and snowboarding crazy terrain and traveling in India on his own and riding his bike from Northern California to Memphis.

I think Maurice Sendak would be proud he was part of this little boy's journey into becoming a man. In fact, both goys grew up to be two of the good guys. Their Grandpa Fritz would be proud of them, too!

Proud to call Dr. Svien my BFF

Lana Svien, you have really done it this time! 


Lana and I have been friends since before I can remember a thing. Honest. I was 6 months old when we moved to Hill Road in Willmar, Minnesota. She and her parents, Don and Evie, lived two doors away. She was 3 months old. I always felt a little proud of the fact I was older. (funny how that changes with time!) For the next 18 years, we lived two doors apart. Neither of us had a sister. You could say we rectified that early on by adopting each other. 

The neighborhood we lived in was great then and it remains so in my memory. All the families were intact. They weren't split up because of divorce. There were tons of kids to play a game of tag with or softball or what have you. We'd gather on the Gilman's lawn on Walnut Place just down the street...still in our neighborhood. I remember nights catching fireflies and soaking in the warm, humid nights after dark. The stars were bright as there weren't a lot of street lights. We could easily wander off to Miller Park on our bikes or on foot and swing to our hearts' content. 

The stories we could both share about our childhood are probably pretty typical of then. My lips are sealed about many of them. But, being that it was a simpler time, it was all pretty much good, clean fun. We were able to run around our neighborhood like we owned it. All the parents looked out for everyone else's kids. It was a world apart from what goes on in 2012. 

We both went onto college after high school. I eventually became an RN with a break in between bouts of schooling while Lana was very directed from the start. She went to Bemidji State and then the University of Wisconsin in Madison and achieved becoming a physical therapist in five years. I had no idea until this week that our neighbor planted the seed of going into that particular field of work. Walt Hinz, a general practitioner, thought it would be a great career for someone interested in the field of medicine AND wanting to have a family one day. Until this week, I had no idea this was her direction from the 9th grade on! Funny how you can know someone so well but there are still fun things you KEEP learning about those you are close to.

Before I share the PODCAST she shared with me this week, I just wanted to say how much fun it's been to continue this lifelong friendship with the gal I've known since before my memory began. We've enjoyed swapping parenting stories in person and over the phone for the past 3 decades. She has worked hard in her career (currently the Chair of the P.T. Department at the University of South Dakota) and as a parent.

Lana's son, Anthony, is my Godson. He will be graduating from medical school in June. I am pleased to be going to his graduation in Tampa and also I will be taking part in the celebration of his joining hands with his very special Tressa after all these years. They will move to Omaha where he starts his residency in July. Good on them! It seems like yesterday I was at his baptism!

And there is Ingrid - Lana's daughter. Some of you know I went to Israel this past September to attend the wedding celebration of Ingrid and Roy. What a wonderful experience that was for me. They are now making a life for themselves in Panama where Roy is doing some smart and needed land development and Ingrid has started the BuenaVida Language School in Pedasi. She has a true knack for languages and is teaching English and Spanish there. It may be something to consider if you'd like to learn Spanish (or English!). 

Now to Lana's PodCast where you will hear a bit about her path with physical therapy that has opened up the world to her. She has traveled, frequently on her own dime, to such places as Viet Nam, Guatemala, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Palestine, Native American reservations in her own state of South Dakota -- working with people who may need a wheelchair fitting or other kind of physical therapy support. She is one of the most giving, thoughtful and capable human beings I know.  I am proud to call Dr. Lana Svien my BFF! 

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Sundial Film Festival Tickets On Sale Now

The Sundial Film Festival is on March 10, 2012.
Not long now! Gather up your friends and...

Now is the time to get your tickets. Come one, come all!
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Where is it? Cascade Theatre | Redding, CA

Two Different Shows | Two Different Showtimes
 
Red Carpet at 1pm | Student & Animated | $7.50
Silver Screen at 7pm | Premier Show | $15.00
SPECIAL PRICE: $20.00 for Festival Pass for both shows.

Celebrate your Local Artists! 
 
This is a great chance to see some wonderful short independent films.
This is a great chance to see some wonderful photography.

A Little History on the Sundial Film Festival

Hats off to the Active 20-30 Club of Redding for adopting the Sundial Film Festival from
Redding Rotary who launched the festival on March 13, 2009. Its now in its 4th year and things are humming along nicely with the 20-30 Club taking it from strength to strength. Their focus is to support young kids in our community. Let's help them do that!

See you there!
 
I will be there with bells on. I'm excited to see this year's films and photographs.
I submit 3 photographs every year. I understand there were 180 submitted this year and I didn't win a thing. Oh well. I'll delight in the fact that BOTH my sons will have photos hanging in the Cascade this year. That's a first. Every year is different. 
I've got plenty to strive for next year.
I'd love to see all three of us chosen.
That's a LOT to strive for.
But I'll have fun trying! 

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I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

TV in the Antennae Age | Display at SFO

I love the current exhibit at San Francisco International Airport.
TV in the Antenna Age.


We returned from our paragliding venture in Costa Rica (more about that here with a link to photos) a few days ago via Houston and San Francisco. With a two hour lay over at SFO, we were able to relax and have dinner (clam chowder and Caesar salad complimented by California wine, of course!) and also take in the art display this time. 

Too often we're in too much of a hurry or thinking about other things to take in the exhibts airports have. That's unfortunate, really, as there's a lot of thought, time and effort applied to making the exhibits worthwhile and interesting. I personally know a young man who takes part in some of the bigger airport displays in the country. He's nothing short of a genius in his own right!

Which of these shows were your favorites?
I've got great memories from each and every one.
How about you?

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I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

Paragliding in Costa Rica

Have you thought of paragliding in Costa Rica?

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We just had a fantastic week with Paracrane's Costa Rican tour. (www.paracrane.com) We did so with Nick Crane, to be specific, and the cast of characters he gathered for a week (or two) of paragliding on Costa Rica's Pacific side.

I was the only non-pilot in the group but it provided me with plenty of subject matter for my Nikon. Wow!

I did, however, squeak in a couple of wonderful tandem flights with Nick over Caldera and Dominical.

The vegetation is lush, the ocean blue, the clouds varied from none to white and billowy and a few a bit more ominous looking.
 
Interesting that this is officially winter but they call it summer because it is the dry season. Those clouds really produce no rain or moisture.
 
Weather just could not have been better. Picture low 80's. There was humidity but there were also breezes to keep us from feeling overheated. Mind you, sunscreen is a must. I would suggest no less than SPF 30.

Why did we go on this paragliding venture in Central America? My husband started paragliding last March in the Ashland, Oregon area.He was introduced to Nick Crane when he returned from his winter gig in Costa Rica. And the lessons and attainment of P1 and P2 licenses ensued.

Paragliders love to go where they can to catch some wind. Why not tag along with Nick to Costa Rica? He had talked enthusiastically about tours he does. It wasn't until we arrived that we realized how well set up they are. Wow!

Upon arrival in Caldera, we met Grampa Ninja and Thomas who run the B&B where we initially stayed in Caldera. Mind you, they are keen paraglider pilots themselves. Oh, and hot air ballon pilots, too, on the East Coast during the non-winter months. Flying in one form or another stole these guys' hearts a long time ago.

To round out the cast of characters were Mary Ellen from Talent, OR, Kata and Zion from Rivas, Thomas from Edmonton, and Mark and Mary from Redding, CA. Also, Luis from Brazil and Joey - originally from Colorado - now from Rivas. 

The age range was 15 years old to 67 years old. It didn't take long to get a sense of everyone and know this was a diverse group who, together, was going to have a lot of fun.
What a week of comradery - with the thread of flying bonding us all together. It was unbelievable how everyone got along and ENJOYED each other's company.

No matter the expertise, this was a paragliding tour that accommodated. I've learned paragliding pilots just want air time. And if it can be in new surroundings, all the better.
Sometimes it was straightforward. Sometimes not.
Mother Nature has her say sometimes. That's part of the fun and what is captivating about the sport.

Hours in the air at Caldera! Everyone got no less than two hours of flying in at this one location and one person (I'm married to him) got FIVE HOURS FLYING. I think all the paragliders got a taste of heaven on that day in particular. That was at Nemaclys, owned by Jean Claude - a great launching site.

A summary in KEYWORDS
It is hard to say in a few words what the week was about so I thought 'stream of consciousness' would be fun to remind myself and let you know what this week in Costa Rica was about:

Monkeys, iguanas, pools of water, beaches, colones (currency), thermals, birds, ships, great tap water, living fences, Imperial and Pilsner, rice, beans, cilantro, hot sauce, fresh pineapple, papayas and bananas, dried bananas and pineapple, plantains, ice cream, pipa (coconut milk), Frescos, fish, shrimp, surf, guitars, flutes, Spanish (I must learn it), rental cars (it was a good thing!) Pan American Highway, sea level, high altitudes (as high as 10,400') good roads, treacherous roads, horses, cattle, breezes, coffee, machete, ferns, jungle, crocodiles, very few bugs!, yoga, music, parawaiting, paragliding, Caldera, Jaco, Dominical, San Miguel, Rivas, San Jose. 

Would I do a Paracrane tour again?
Without question. I saw so much, enjoyed the company of all, and got a couple tandem flights in with Nick Crane. He's a great pilot and he saw to it that we launched and landed safely. I now know what a bird's eye view looks like. When do we go again?

I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

Rx Pets Goes to Bella Vista Elementary School

I recently went with Prescription: Pets when they visited Bella Vista Elementary School in Northern California.

Donna Conrad and Shasta, her dachshund, have been involved with Rx: Pets for years. They've been volunteering their time visiting patients at Shasta Regional Medical Center for for a long time - in fact, THIS year they will celebrate their 10th year visiting SRMC. That's a lot of tiny little doggie treats for Shasta! Let me tell you,with his perfect behavior, he deserves every one. He'd be FAT if Donna didn't downsize the treats! That tiny morsel keeps Shasta going.

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Entering Bella Vista Elementary School's office to sign in.

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Shasta loves the attention - as do the students!

Bella Vista School, a few miles from Redding, CA, has had the good fortune of having Prescription Pets (Rx: Pets) being involved with the students to help improve their reading skills. This program participates in the Prescription: Pets (Rx:Pets) which is a visiting animal group and an affiliate of Intermountain Therapy Animals R.E.A.D.® and the Delta Society's® Pet Partner® program. It offers Northern California facilities an opportunity to bring smiles to their clients through volunteer activities such as pet visits (AAA), pet therapy (AAT) and Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.®) 

My experience with Shasta and Donna at Bella Vista Elementary School...

I met Donna and Shasta, her dachshund, at the Bella Vista Elementary School office where we signed in. We then walked along the classrooms, all accessible from the outside, and I noticed how tidy and nice this country school was. It was larger than I realized, too. The school my sons attended was not far away and I recalled many games I'd enjoyed between the two schools. It was great to note their lovely new gym (I know the architect on that project which made it fun) - a great thing for the communityl! I loved visiting BVES on this day to see the pride they obviously have in their school. 

We made our way to Mr. Mike McKenzie's 4th grade classroom where the students were well behaved and remained engaged. As a teacher, you have to be on your toes for whatever comes at any moment and try to stay one step ahead of the kids. As smart as the students were, Mr. McKenzie was keeping their attention. My hat is off to him!

O.K., well, you guessed it! Everyone's eyes did divert to Shasta when he entered the room. All the students eagerly surrounded him when we suggested a group photograph. And, as happens twice a month, there were a few lucky students who were chosen to read the book, "May I Pet Your Dog", to Shasta on this day. They all read the same book to him. In fact, it's a delightful book about dog safety that each of them owns. Shasta sat on the chair with each of the students listening intently to the story. Sometimes he'd lay his head down on the student's lap - he was soooo relaxed.

When each boy or girl completed reading the book to Shasta, they got to sign the book and give Shasta a small treat. Oh, they each cleaned their hands with sanitizer prior to reading to him and after - another way of teaching kids a useful tool - good hand washing! (Nice touch, I thought - covering as many bases as possible.) 

A handful of students read to Shasta during that hour we were there. The other students were involved with math and vocabulary once they'd had their 15 minutes of independent reading. Upon wrapping up the hour, the students all gathered around Shasta for a good-bye photograph.

The hour went by quickly but it was one I'm so glad to have witnessed as it was an extremely positive experience from start to finish.

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Great manners Shasta has!

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"May I Pet Your Dog?"

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So relaxed while being read to...

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Donna with a Rx: Pets flyer

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Mr. McKenzie's classroom and Shasta

Rx: Pets is an all volunteer, non-profit based program based in Redding, CA since the year 2000. With over 100 members, this successful volunteer program trains and screens volunteers with their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools, women's shelters, libraries and other facilities.

Rx: Pets animal and handler teams, instructors and evaluators accept no compensation for their volunteer service.

I see pure love and dedication from the volunteers in the Rx: Pets program. Each volunteer does it for the love of their animals and seeing the difference it makes in people's lives.

If you are at interested in finding out more about the program, you can find Prescription Pets on Facebook or go to the Rx: Pets Website. I know Donna would be happy to talk with you. She was involved in the program when it got off the ground twelve years ago and has been instrumental in keeping it going and growing.

There are so many ways to give back to a community. Rx: Pets is one awesome way!

I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

A Brand New Day | Private Room Available

A private room in a Redding, California's premier memory care community is now available.

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A Brand New Day in Redding is an assisted living, memory care community with 26 beds. 

They currently have a private room with a private court yard. The resident may even be able to have a small pet. 

A Brand New Day invites you to call for a consultation and tour if you are caring (or know of someone else who is) for a loved one with Alzheimer's. 

They are located at 776 Kerry Jen Court in Redding, off Bechelli Lane not far from Riverview Country Club. 

Helping to 'spread the word' for ABND.

I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

RED KETTLE CHALLENGE

WHAT IS THE RED KETTLE CHALLENGE?

This started in Shasta County in Northern California. 3 businesses have committed to giving the Salvation Army's RED KETTLE $1 for the first 100 NEW LIKES on their Facebook Business Pages this week. The commitment goes until Friday afternoon, California time.  Join in the fun. Here's how:
LIKE THE PAGES: When you click LIKE at the top of each page involved in the RED KETTLE CHALLENGE, they donate $1.00 to the Salvation Army's RED KETTLE. 
It's a win-win, simple as that.
 
The three pages with their links are below. Click away!

Moving Links 4 You | Relocation Services

A Brand New Day - Redding | 26 bed Memory Care assisted living home in Redding

Shasta EDC | Shasta Economic Development Corporation (they have an anonymous donor picking up the tab on this challenge!)

Wouldn't it be great to fill up RED KETTLES across America? Share the idea!! After clicking LIKE on the above pages, share the link to this post. Perhaps other businesses will join in and we can do even more good. It's hard to do as much as we want all on our own. This is a fun way of drawing some attention to Facebook Business Pages along with filling up the RED KETTLES. 

I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You

The truly perfect day that almost wasn't...

A meeting this morning with someone I knew a long time ago. YEARS ago. We had fun catching up and were talking about how we can collaborate with our work. A good catch-up session.

Then off to another appointment to discuss business.
The day was brilliant. 80 degrees said my car! On December 2nd. Wow!
I flashed back to Christmas Day in the early 80's when we rode our bikes in Redding, CA.
This wasn't so unusual. Just nice. Savor it!

Done with my appointments, it was time to do a little Christmas shopping. 
I stopped into Macy's and TJ Maxx. I admit it, I tried on a few things but...
The best thing I found was a friend.
We decided to go have lunch at a local sushi restaurant.
We talked and talked about all kinds of things.
The conversation flowed. 
I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

THEN, I reached up to touch my earrings.
I don't know why we women do that but, admit it, we do!
One was missing and I thought, "Drat!"
My mind flashed to buying them in Ferndale.
That had been a special day with friends, too. 
Now one of them was gone.
A pair no more.
I removed the remaining one and put it in my purse.

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I re-traced my steps back to the car but no earring. Nor was it in my car. 
My friend and I said good bye and 'Merry Christmas.'
Then I wondered if I should go back to the stores where I'd been.
That would have been like looking for a needle in a haystack.
On this day, I gave it away.
It had been too good to get all bent out of shape over this material item.

I got home and unloaded my computer and some other things from the car. 
I felt something drop on my shoe. Or did I?
I looked and there was THE OTHER EARRING!

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Agreed. It wasn't a horrible thing that happened.
It was simply a reminder.
Sometimes it's best to let things go and see how they work out. 
One way or another they WILL work out.
Worrying and searching surely don't impact the outcome in a good way!
 
I had no idea I'd end up with both earrings at the end of the day.
How cool is that? 
Great day almost messed up by a disappearing earring.
It would have put a damper on my day if I'd gone chasing after it.

I let it go and it came back to me. A good day indeed! No effort required.

I've a passion for "faces and places." I am looking forward to highlighting many going forward - right here. If you know of someone or someplace really interesting, let me know. Perhaps I could shine a light there! ~ReloMary from LinkedIn: Let's Connect! | Moving Links 4 You