How He Loves Us

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me

Oh how he loves us so

We are his portion and he is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking
So, heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us
Oh how he loves us so

Rootin Tootin!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Recession-proofing

Recently, the Corbett Clan has had to tighten up the reigns in our monthly budget. Back to aggressive couponing and necessary expenses, mostly.

In the spirit of cutting back, I have also restructured my pricing with Mollie Corbett Photography. No one should have to forego quality professional photography just because, as my brother would say, "Times is tight."

I believe in bending wherever possible. If you need quality, affordable professional photography for your family, child, high school senior, newborn, etc.--well, the shorter answer is...I'm CHEAP, BABY!

Take a look at the NEW PRICING page on my website. Same commitment to excellence in quality and customer service, just more affordable during "tight times."

Carpe diem, people.

Clever Boy

Sweet Boy

As I parent of a two year old, I do a fair amount of thinking about gender differences and the roles genetics and environment play in our thoughts about what it means to be male or female. I also wonder about the future Jackson, what kind of man he will be and whether I can have any lasting influence on how he treats himself and others.

We live in the deep South and I was lost in list and thought that day on the cereal aisle when I heard the voice of a man pleasantly addressing Jackson and conversing quite animatedly with him. Jackson had a very brief period of stranger anxiety before he turned two but hasn’t met a stranger since then. His general demeanor (with everyone but me, apparently, on occasion) is enthusiastic contentedness. He is just one of those happy little boys.

This fact was not lost on our cereal aisle friend, who remarked repeatedly on what a “sweet boy” Jackson is.

Then a shift. And then the disclaimers.

Well, I only had little girls, you see, and he is sweeter than any little girl I have ever known. Well, I mean, he is the sweetest child, boy or girl. I’m sure he’s a little rough and tumble guy. Well, you know what I mean. I bet his daddy plays good with him…

Painful.

Maybe it was a generational thing. Here’s a man of a certain age, probably with daughters my age, struggling with a well-meaning compliment that somehow turned into an accusation.

Weird.

I felt sorry for him. He wasn’t trying to make a statement on the nature and origin of gender differences. He was simply enjoying interaction with a little boy thoroughly amused by his face and the sound of his voice. They were delighting in each other and the communication taking place between them. It was perfect and harmless and fun.

I wish that I could have said something to make the guy feel better. All the explaining and clarifying just wasn’t necessary. Jackson IS a sweet boy. There is a sweetness about him that draws people close to us when we are out in town. Why can’t boys be sweet without there being some kind of stigma attached to it?

Are we terrified that attributing any quality to a male child that is deemed effeminate in our culture will “turn him gay”?

With no disrespect intended whatsoever toward our friend in aisle five, I reject this notion and I also reject the prejudice and ignorance that feed it.

Mollie Corbett Photography

Mollie Corbett Photography launched the new website this past Friday night. Take a look. More to come but this should get it going for now.

Me 'n my Cuz Katelyn

My 30-hmph Birthday

Last week, Charlie was due in Ft. Worth for a training day with his squadron. The squadron commander, Lt. Col. Sean McKenna, is a family man himself, and he makes spouses and kids feel especially welcome when the squadron gets together. I should also note that it was Lt. Col. McKenna who got me the Texas Rangers gig on the Fourth of July. He's no slouch when it comes to community and charity, either. Check out these shots from a charity event he did earlier this year.


But I digress...

This was the third year in a row in which the Air Force preempted my birthday, so I was glad at least to be able to go with Charlie to training, with our son, and stay in one of my favorite places, the Navy Lodge (clean, comfy, cheap--my three favorite c-words), visit Half-Price Books, get some fresh produce at the Farmer's Market (last month, those tomatoes lasted nearly a month!), and maybe stop in at the Ft. Worth Zoo, where we are members.

We only missed the zoo, which was okay because it's hot as hell down here and I will enjoy the zoo a whole lot more when the thermometer takes a dip, capiche?

I got three books to read, substance-less and gossipy, perfect. I got bags full of okra, tomatoes, and peaches. I've had some of all three already--delicious! And, thanks to my good friend Chris Holden who turned me on to such, we scored a big ol' rain barrel with a spigot for a hose to water our flower beds and the garden I still intend to put in. Oh, and you know those party dips that women bring to bridal luncheons and baby showers--the ones that have roasted red pepper or spinach in them? Well, there was a lady there selling those little seasoning packets at her booth, so I bought five bags of those, too. The spinach one already has the spinach in it...NO SQUEEZING/DRAINING REQUIRED!!! Sorry for the caps but this is huge for those of us who take food to these types of events. You know who you are. I've got her number if you need some. Let me know, and I'll get it to you. She says she'll happily mail some to you.

So on the day of my birthday, I mentioned to Charlie an idea I was mulling. He seized on it like crazy, and within 4 hours the deed was done. I'm keeping it to myself for a few weeks, because it's a big deal for me, and I will be visiting family soon, for Labor Day: I'd like them to know first.

Hang in there.

Suffice it to say that I have no regrets, and I think a move like this is important for those of us celebrating our 30-, 40-, 50-(and so on)hmph birthdays. Change and newness can bring freshness and improved perspective. It forces one to look at things differently. It reveals old habits that show up awkwardly, no longer necessary, never necessary at all, more than likely.

I told someone the other day that I actually like birthdays better now than I did in my twenties. Then, I was reliant on someone else to make me feel special, alive. If there was no someone there, special occasions were diminished with the pangs of loneliness. When there was a someone there, special occasions were diminished with the awareness that loneliness still lingered, beating heavily against the locked door of denial. Lonesome with can be so much worse than lonesome without.

And so I embrace the birthdays of my thirties, if not by confessed number, in the knowledge that I am better equipped now to enjoy them. I ask myself, what would you like to do for your birthday, Mollie? And I always answer honestly. This year's activity has been transformational. Right on time.

Stay tuned for a photojournal.

Just as soon as I see my sister and my momma.

Breakfast

After five years with a sturdy $30 rounder from someone's driveway, Mollie is enjoying her farm table from Ikea. And so is Jackson. Charlie assembled it for me while I was CVSing on Sunday. He's been doing lots of things for me lately. Not sure what's gotten into that boy but...me likey!

Anonymous

Many years ago, when I was a music leader at a church up north, I received an anonymous note that criticized me for an outfit I had worn on stage during a church service. I had had the audacity to wear sleeveless that day.

I don't lead music in church anymore.

I'd like to offer a hearty "Up yours" to that gutless wonder, whoever he or she may be. I only regret not having offered it sooner.

On the subject of anonymity, I offer the following piece of advice. If you have something kind, uplifting, thoughtful, or complimentary to say, by all means remain anonymous.

If, however, your remarks are critical, disingenuous, unkind, mean-spirited, loathesome, and hurtful, I suggest the following three options:

1. keep them to yourself
2. offer them to the mirror
3. at least have the balls to sign your name to them

Your anonymous and apalling comment has been rejected. My name is Mollie. And I hope my son is never criticized by someone like you.

Today

Working on new website launch, cleaning house, playing with Jackson, and finalizing dance portraits for tomorrow's studio delivery.

Austin Music Hall's apology

It was the best Counting Crows show I've seen since 1995.

I left early.

Here's why:

August 3, 2009

Austin Music Hall
208 Nueces Street
Austin TX 78701


Dear Ma'am/Sir:


My husband and I were guests at Austin Music Hall tonight for Counting Crows and Augustana. We are residents of Shreveport, a military family just trying to get a break and enjoy a night out with my favorite band 6 hours from our home.

Because we are responsible and self-sufficient, we paid our money, bought our tickets, looked up the venue online, mapped it out, and perused the general information about it to ensure we were aware of and abided by house rules.

As a result, we elected NOT to bring my Nikon. This was a matter of respect for the rules. We were glad to comply. It’s what reasonable people do.

Unfortunately, reasonable people are often lonely for the like-minded.

During the Counting Crows concert, we had two great spots on the floor just three people deep from center stage. Those around us were respectful, there to see the band, and very cordial with one another during the wait for start time, as well as during the first half of the show.

Then came intermission.

Three women had made their way to our side and shoved their way into no available space. After being jostled and bumped for the entire 10 minute intermission by the one closest to me, I turned to face her and asked her, with great restraint, to please stop pushing me. She, along with her two friends, took my request as fighting words, and proceeded to berate me for the next 40 minutes of the concert. I was not the only guest falling prey to their bullying. One lady immediately in front of them leaned over to me and empathized, saying the same girl was pushing her as well and maybe we should call security over.

The security representative closest to us at the edge of the stage wore a badge bearing the name Francis. He was engrossed in a flirtation with a woman immediately in front of him on the front row, but the other guest and I were finally able to get his attention and alert him to the fact that this rude person was killing the concert experience for the rest of us. Mr. Francis was patronizing and reticent, and returned to his conversation with the attractive lady on the front row.

Perhaps you can imagine how this must have further fueled the rudeness of the offensive guest in our midst? This woman was so close to my face that the alcohol emanating from her breath burned my eyes. She moved even closer to me and flipped her hair against my chest for the next half hour, all the while bumping into me repeatedly, in time to the music.

When she started to speak disrespectfully about me to my husband, I addressed her directly to turn around, stop talking to my husband, and enjoy the concert like she said she was there to do.

This is when Mr. Francis decided to intervene. He left his conversation with the attractive lady on the front row and asked me if he needed to throw me out of the concert.

I told him he didn’t have to. My husband and I left right then, before the concert of my favorite band whose tours I have not missed since 1994 had come to an end.

We left because Austin Music Hall expected me to behave a certain way and abide by certain rules but did not care to enforce its own policy with a drunk and unruly patron.

We left because a security representative who was too busy fraternizing with a guest to his liking failed to exercise the authority of his position to execute the published policy of the venue he serves.

We left because we are decent, hard-working Americans who don’t deserve to be treated this way by someone who was paid to protect us from unruly, drunk, and disrespectful guests who don’t know how to behave in public.

Then I got back to the hotel and started looking around online. Apparently, Austin Music Hall has a sordid reputation for just this sort of incident. While it helps to know that I am not the only one to have been treated this way at AMH, I will head back home to Shreveport tomorrow with bad memories of this concert that I had been looking forward to for nearly four months now. I regret that I laid down 90 hard-earned dollars and was robbed of my money’s worth. I regret that when I and another guest asked your security detail for help, we were dismissed and ignored.

Is this the kind of behavior you encourage from your security representatives? From your patrons?

I am deeply disappointed in my experience at Austin Music Hall. This night was ruined for me by drunken rudeness left unaddressed by inept security staff and further exacerbated by Mr. Francis’ threat to eject me from the concert when I tried to defend myself because he refused.

The concert is over, the night is lost, and the moment can’t be undone. Something special and much-anticipated has been totally ruined for me. Hopefully, no one else will have to undergo this kind of treatment at your facility. It certainly will not happen to me again.


Respectfully,
Mollie Walton Corbett
6019 Rosemead Circle
Bossier City, LA 71111
757-241-0859
318-734-5182

God bless the people who run Austin Music Hall.

Here's why:

Mrs. Corbett,

I am sorry to hear that you had a disappointing experience at our venue last night and I am disheartened to hear that your situation was handled in such a manner. We appreciate patrons such as yourself who come to the shows and abide by the rules, making it an enjoyable experience for all involved. Unfortunately, as you stated, reasonable people are often lonely for the like minded. It is unfortunate that you had to be involved with one of the few patrons who chose to be disrespectful. I would like to apologize for the way the situation was handled by the security guard. We use an independent security company who is NOT a part of the Direct Events organization, therefore we have no part in the hiring or training of said security guards. I will forward your email to their management so that they can take the proper steps to ensure a situation like this does not happen again.

I realize that you do not live in the Austin area, but I would like to offer you a gift certificate, which is redeemable for 2 tickets to any show at either of our venues (Austin Music Hall or La Zona Rosa) so that we may show you that your situation was an unusual one and certainly not telling of how we do business. It is unfortunate that you walked away from our building with a bad impression, and we would certainly like to turn that around.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your situation.

Respectfully,
Alicia Ross
Business Manager - Direct Events

So, the good news is we can see anyone we want in Austin whenever we want. The bad news is, we won't get back what was lost. I missed everything after Holiday in Spain.

I missed A Murder of One.

Thinking about a plane ride...

Race in America

Race in America

Heroes

All Played Out from a Picnic at the Park

A little something for the folks at home

If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning "Good Morning" at total strangers.

Maya Angelou

Me, recently

Something to fallback on

"You can't pursue music without something to fall back on."

I've heard it all my life.

Then my dear friend Gil sent me this.

Greatest Fan

Jackson watches from the sidelines at a Southwood Cowboys baseball game while Mommy and Daddy take pictures.

Airman Justin Blacklidge, Rest in Peace

Today, Charlie was informed that an airman recruited through his office died in a tragic accident last weekend. Airman Justin Blacklidge was serving his first duty assignment at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC. An avid motorcyclist, Justin was on his bike when struck by a car driver who apparently failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn.

Justin's parents, MSgt. Keith and Angela Blacklidge, are stationed at Barksdale AFB here in Bossier City. They live in Shreveport.

I pray that peace will rest on the hearts of all those affected by Justin's passing and that his memory will be a source of comfort and healing to those that will miss him most.

The Giving Pocket

I do not remember how I came across this website, but I am so glad I did. This guy not only tells a compelling story; he IS a compelling story. I've subscribed to him through Google reader and shared accordingly, but this post merits special attention. It resonates with a truth eternal. I can't get the image of the hungry little boy out of my head, and there's not even a picture of him. That is how you know you've witnessed compelling story-telling. I'll be talking with my husband about our own giving pocket when he gets home from work tonight.

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost--Matthew 10.14

February 19, 2009 @ 2:00 pm - Written by Trent

When I was about twenty years old, I was walking near the edge of a rough part of Des Moines, Iowa and I saw something that’s stuck with me ever since.

There was a young boy there, about six years old, and he was climbing out of a dumpster behind an apartment building. He was dressed in a dirty tank top and shorts and was barefooted. In his hand, he had a wadded-up fast food bag. When he hit the ground, he ran around to the far side of the dumpster, opened up the bag, and pulled out a handful of french fries, which he stuffed in his mouth as though he were starving.

I have never in my life felt so compelled to help someone out, but I didn’t know what to do. I looked around and spied a McDonald’s about a block away and so I walked over near the child and said hello to him. He looked scared and started to run away.

I told him loudly that I wanted to buy him some food. He stopped and looked back at me for a minute. I told him that I was going to go down to the McDonalds down the street and buy him some food and that I would come back and leave it by the dumpster. He could come and get it if he wanted.

I decided to do it this way because I figured the kid wouldn’t follow me there and I also didn’t want to create the appearance that I was abducting him. He seemed to understand the arrangement, so I walked down to an ATM, withdrew $20, went to McDonalds, bought about $15 worth of food (thinking he could perhaps share some with his mother or any siblings or friends he might have), and put the change from my twenty dollar bill in the bag - four ones and some coins.

I came back to the dumpster and the boy was gone - which I kind of expected. I put the bag on the ground by the dumpster, looked around, and walked away. I watched for a little while, but I never saw the boy come back. I ended up just leaving the food there in hopes that the boy would eventually come back and find it, but to this day I don’t know if he did or not. I like to think that he came back, found the bag, took it to his mother and his little sister, and they were able to at least get some calories in their system to sustain them for a little while.

This experience has stuck with me for more than a decade now. I’ve seen some situations where desperate need was quite obvious, but never again has anything stuck with me quite like that barefooted boy squatting on the ground beside the dumpster eating rotten french fries.

There are so many situations that we come across in our lives where people could be helped out with just a little help at the right moment. I’ve seen a single mother (with two kids beside her) offering to sell the wedding ring on her finger outside of a grocery store. I know an elderly couple who have been very close to having their electricity cut off this winter. A close friend told me about a food pantry that simply ran out of food and had to turn people away at the door recently.

Lately, I’ve started carrying more cash in my wallet than I ever have before. Each week, I put a couple twenty dollar bills in the back pocket of my wallet and rarely do I spend them. Instead, I just let this cash accumulate over time until I find a reason to spend it.

I call this my “giving pocket,” and it’s already begun to make a difference in how I see these kinds of situations.

It’s pretty simple. All I do is keep cash in that pocket and wait until the right moment comes. Inevitably, every few months, I come across a situation where someone is in desperate need - and instead of feeling helpless in the moment, I give them what they need to help with the problem.

I’ve written so often on this site about how I’ve been able to pull myself back from the financial brink and put myself and my family in a better financial place. Today, we’re stable and safe - but there are so many people who don’t share that safety and security, through no fault of their own.

The giving pocket allows me to seize the moment when I see someone that really needs help, and my financial success gives me the ability to keep the giving pocket full.

Perhaps, just once, I’ll be there at the right time to help someone who really needs it - and that one moment of human compassion and help will put them on a better path in life. If I can do that, then the giving pocket is worth far more than what I will have ever put in it.

Happy Birthday, Momma!

Grammys

U2’s opener—Boots on. Raring to go. The Dubliners bring it once again. Always a good time, U2’s “Get on Your Boots” introduces a fresh twist to their signature sound, and Bono’s look is all kinds of “Who’s your Daddy.” Nice!


It was inspiring to see Whitney looking so good fresh out of _________ …and then she opened her mouth. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the culprit of her awkward syntax and delivery, but something just wasn’t quite right. I’m pulling for Whitney, though. And Britney. Whitney and Britney. Now there’s a pop collaboration for you. I’d pay money to see that drama play out. Wonder where Britney was tonight? Did I miss her red carpet appearance? The similarities between these two iconic women is hitting me all of a sudden…

Jennifer Hudson. Touching acceptance speech and then the song. UH! She did it proud, though she was clearly having trouble keeping the tears from taking over. For people who don’t sing, it’s almost easier to sing with laryngitis than to push a tone through suppressed tears. Jennifer was just precious, and an honor, I’m sure, to her present and departed family.


Mmm, speaking of Britney, how ‘bout it, Mister Timberlake? The man is liquid smooth. That voice—I gotta say it, Justin Timberlake was hot all over the Grammys. The best part was he made the Reverend Al Green look and sound like a million bucks, very becoming for a junior in the industry to pay respect to a historically influential music legend like Al Green. It was a proud moment. Al’s still got it, especially when you consider that he was filling in with about 1 hour’s notice for Rihanna. A class act that keeps his cool. Nice to see you again, Reverend.

In other news, it's shaping up like Chris Brown played Ike to Rihanna's Tina (alleged only at this point), and then turned himself in to the police for the assault charge. Both were scheduled to perform and backed out very late in the afternoon, mere hours before showtime. Rihanna reportedly suffered facial bruising, but Chris managed to suffer no injuries. Well, good for him. His mama must be so proud.

Back to the show.

Coldplay. I make no apologies for my firm belief that the addition of a rap from Jay Z in the midst of Coldplay’s medley was an interruption, not an asset. It didn’t flow, and did nothing for neither Chris Martin’s piano solo segment or for Jay Z. This collaboration seemed forced, and I was relieved to see it come to a quick end.

Carrie Underwood. Kicked ass. Featured a shredding female lead guitarist. Double whammy. It was good. Very good. She is the only country artist that performed solo tonight and actually raised the bar. We all know her last name.

The Swift-Cyrus duo hurt my ears and eyes. I believe they should have been seated at the kids table, in the other room. I will, however, admit that Taylor’s SNL performance recently was impressive. Would that she could have gone it alone tonight.


Stevie Wonder is a kind and gracious man.





Katy “Nobody-told-me-there’d-be-choreography” Perry. Bless her heart. I’ve seen looser women in seminary than she was dancing that number tonight. Thank God for her cleavage.

Kenny Chesney was a big yawn, which was weird because he was introduced as an amazing entertainer. He is an amazing entertainer, record-breaking even, but his song choice was a double shot of Nyquil. Disappointing, and the levels were all off—you could barely hear his voice over the music and he kept fading the ends of his phrases by pulling too far from the mike at the end of each line. Kenny Chesney has a beautiful voice. Maybe a Grammy audience will get to hear it sometime.


Natalie Cole looked ten feet tall, no?

I can’t think of a thing I want to say about John Mayer. Oh, he performed as a part of the Bo Diddley tribute. There, that should do it.


MIA scared me. I couldn’t get past the outfit, and felt the urge to shadow her with out-stretched arms to prevent an accidental fall. Thankfully, Kanye stepped in with his reliable smooth stylings. He brought Jay-Z, TI and Lil Wayne with him. Eh, it was alright.











Sir Paul with the luckiest drummer alive Dave Grohl. Not that Dave is not a talent in his own right, but let’s face it—it musta been a dream gig for him. Paul McCartney is a presence, and—as usual—gave a spot-on performance. He doesn’t disappoint, ever, and we are lucky to still have him and have him still making music. I do miss John, though. Half of a whole.











Adele redeemed a pop collaboration with Sugarland. I’ll be downloading Adele tomorrow. What a voice. These soulful British chicks—what gives? It’s like they have a direct link to yesteryear Motown, like nothing’s changed in British pop since Lennon and McCartney were fawning over spinning 45s. Lucky us. More, please.

Welcome, Radiohead. I’ve missed you. The performance was flawless, a real pleasure. I’ll be downloading you tomorrow as well.

JT and TI delivered the goods. I’m really impressed with TI. He showed talent and entertainment tonight, the spark that I felt was missing from Jay-Z and even Kanye compared to his usual delivery. JT has a beautiful voice and the soul of a performer, a crowd-pleasing combination that gets you on your feet. Finally.

The Four Tops tribute was a sing-along free-for-all. Who doesn’t know the words to these songs, and what more fitting tribute to this iconic group of a generation?

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” took me way back. This guy—is it me, or does he just get better and better with age?

Coldplay had a good night but were denied album of the year. That honor went to Robert Plant and Allison Krauss for Raising Sand, produced by T-Bone Burnette. They performed “Rich Woman” and “Gone Gone Gone!” beautifully earlier in the evening, but I have “best album” doubts. Of course, I love Coldplay, so I’m partial.

I did come away with a great list for downloads for tomorrow to broaden my music collection. Here are a few I’ll be googling later.

Jennifer Hudson
See what Whitney’s working on
Justin Timberlake (last song I have is “Cry Me a River”—ouch!)
Al Green classics
Kid Rock’s Rock ‘n Roll Jesus (I have a weakness for Southern rock)
Radiohead (going to get reacquainted with this old friend of my youth)
Adele—leading to Dido, Joss Stone, and Colbie Caillat (keep forgetting to look for these)
John Coltrane (U2 always reminds me to look for him)
Maybe the Plant/Krauss stuff, once I’m over the Coldplay loss

Off to bed. Night, y’all.

Econ. Recovery House Meeting--It's not too late.

Meeting tonight at 8 for 1 hour. Charlie is in the kitchen baking his famous homemade chocolate chip cookies. Details and RSVP here.

Grassroots, Baby

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29069515/

Economic Recovery House Meeting, this Saturday night, at our house

For all you locals, get more details here.

Us Airways Flt 1549 Hudson River Ditching--Best Audio/Video Synopsis

Watch more YouTube videos on AOL Video

I can still hear my TWA safety instructor Jon Modrcin's mantra--"Open seatbelts! Come this way! Jump and slide! Jump and slide!"

Can't Get Over This

Watch more YouTube videos on AOL Video

I'm not sure I ever will. I applied to be a flight attendant in 1996 with now-defunct Trans World Airlines. After training, I flew from June 1996 until January 31, 1997, when I like hundreds of others was furloughed. I never went back.

OMG, I Found It!

I have been looking for this video for about a year now. The thing is, I didn't know the name of it, and all I could remember was these puppet babies. Unreal. I can't get enough of this vintage stuff!

My Number One Most Favorite Song from The Electric Company

Eat up, Kids.

Remembrance from my youth.
Thank God for YouTube.

Don't panic.

So your girlfriend
got you a skydiving class
for Christmas.
You're stoked.
You strap on your gear
and head out
on your first session
with your flight instructor
strapped to your back.
You make your jump annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd
Your instructor has a heart attack
While strapped to your back
On your FIRST dive
EVER.

What would YOU do?

Twinsies

Supper

Some of my most favorite people on this earth are seated at this table. And some are not.

My Husband

"F-ing" Unbelievable

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28894427/

Iceland

...has collapsed.

S-S-Satellite

A Bird’s Eye View Of The Inauguration
(First Satellite Image)
Posted at techcrunch.com
by Erick Schonfeld
January 20, 2009

My Beautiful, High-School Best Friend

Rae Pearson, talking with her momma via cell phone the night Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. Salem High School, Virginia Beach, VA, Class of 1991.

Love you, Girl!

Hometown Newspaper

The Virginian-Pilot

Citizen Accountability 101

Your homework assignment

With thanks to my brother, Rob

President Obama's Inaugural Address

Inaugural Address

By President Barack Hussein Obama

"My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you've bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.

So it has been; so it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many -- and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation. But in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops, and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip, and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died in places like Concord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions, greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week, or last month, or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We'll restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched. But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man -- a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake.

And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity. And we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.

We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken -- you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the role that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.

We honor them not only because they are the guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service -- a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.

And yet at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do, and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.

What is demanded, then, is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall; and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At the moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words to be read to the people:

'Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it.'

America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

Right on, Bloggy Todd

My friend Todd nails it with his post today in follow up to yesterday's inaugural festivities. I'd like to share it with you here.

"I, for one, am ready and expect for the new prez to take us in the right direction. I am done with Republican/Democrat, conservative/liberal crap. I'm ready for Americans. Let's band together and get the things we need. A better economy, healthcare, etc.

Congrats to yours, mine and our new President . I pray that 2009 will be good to us all."

Well said, Todd. Readin' my mind. I swear I was just thinking about this while pouring my coffee this morning.

I was reflecting on our times, the crises at hand (plural intended, with Iraq, Afghanistan, the Economy in mind). You know, the reports about what it was like in those stairwells in the crumbling WTC towers revealed a camaraderie and synergy that was born in adversity for the purpose of the task at hand: live through this or at least die trying. Americans summoned the best of themselves to render aid, pour out compassion, and strive together for the common good.

I spent yesterday in tears—sadness for the years paid in the waiting, years that deferred the dream of people like the Reverend King and President Johnson and Bobby Kennedy; joy for the blessing of bearing witness to its fruition and of being a citizen of the state of Freedom and Democracy with the power to effect peaceful change as one person and one of millions; anticipation for the hope that somehow has come bubbling up into a beautiful crescendo of affirmation.

Old labels and divisive ideology are the yoke of yesterday. Today is a new day, a time for courage, a time for involvement, a time for responsibility, a time for accountability.

We may be broke. We may be limping. We may even be fearful. But we are something else as well. We are Americans, and it feels good to be proud of it again.

Bedtime

Water-ditching

I got serious reservations regarding air travel. I can't believe I ever worked in an airplane.

I'm genuinely...

speechless.

"I love Jesus, but I drink a little."

Gladys Hardy, of Austin, Texas, talks with Ellen Degeneres.

Jackson plays with his cousin Bailey

Jackson is visiting his Austin family for the New Year with his momma and daddy. Jackson loves his cousin Bailey. Here's a video of the two of them playing at breakfast this morning.