Children's Book Text: Really Real for Honest and True by Cherrie Ward

It's strange, very strange, I thought I posted the text to the children's book I wrote for kids who see spirits.  Now I can't find it anywhere.  Maybe I posted it, maybe I didn't, maybe it disappeared.  Poof!  I know I published it on Examiner.com a long while back and then removed it when I quit writing for their site.

So it all seems very dejavu, but, here's the deal.  I felt compelled, after being inspired by a child I knew about who saw spirits and was truly bothered by it.  The text to this (what I hope will be), "picture" book for young children and their parents pretty much wrote itself.  Now I need a good illustrator who can turn it into something special, and a publisher, and I suppose probably an agent.  I've submitted it to a lot of places and I've written to a lot of agents.  So far, it is seen as having probably too narrow of a market.  What little they know.  LOTS of kids see spirits...we just tell them they don't.

Pending my 10 minutes of fame, I want to make the text available to parents and children.  Parents, so they have some tools and creative approaches to assisting and empowering young kids, and for kids, for the same reason.  I know this is an issue that exists.  People write to me and ask me about it.

Here is the text.  Imagine each separated section with its own illustration.

Really Real.  For Honest and True by Cherrie Ward

“MOMMY!!!! DADDY!!!!  COME QUICK!!!  THERE IS A MONSTER IN MY ROOM!!!!!”

Bleary-eyed, Mommy and Daddy stumbled into Jacob’s room.  This was happening every night…sometimes more than once…sometimes more than twice.  Jacob couldn’t sleep.  He was only five, and at this rate, it would take forever to reach six.

“Jacob”, said Daddy, “I don’t see anything.  Where’s the monster”?  Jacob looked ashamed, but still, very, VERY frightened.  “I don’t know,” he whispered, “I guess it’s gone”.

“Well,” said Daddy, “that sure is a shame.  I’ve ALWAYS wanted to meet a monster.   I’ve never seen one before”.

“I see them all the time.”  Said Jacob.  “Ghosts too”.  “And,” he lowered his head and spoke softly, “I know you told me that Grandma Eva died, and went to a better place, but, well, sometimes I see her too, and she talks to me in my room”.

“Really?” said Mommy “That’s amazing!  How very lucky you are.  Sometimes, I think I feel her near me when I miss her the very most, but I’ve never actually seen her.  You are a very special boy, Jacob.  You can see what others can only just imagine”.

Jacob’s mom and dad turned on his rocket ship night-light and both climbed into his little bed with him and snuggled him into his covers.  “You know,” said his mom “I don’t really know if monsters and ghosts are really real for honest and true, but we believe you.”

“And, if Grandma Eva visits you, and that makes you feel Christmas and birthday happy, then I think that’s just first-spring-flower-dandy.”

 “I would suppose, that if ghosts and monsters were really real, for honest and true, and they were of a kind that were bothersome and bully-ish like that kid that steals lunch money,

they would be made of wispy steam like the kind in the bathroom after your shower,

or fluffy like the fog we drive through in the mountains.

If monsters and ghosts, of the icky-in-your-tummy kind were real, I bet they aren’t solid and strong like you are.  In fact, I bet that the next time you see one, and if it is the lima-bean-in-your-mouth sort, you could make it leave.”

“No Way!” said Jacob.  “No way, no how”.  He shook his head back and forth so hard it made his eyes feel wobbly in their sockets.  “Yes Way,” said Dad “Yes way and here’s how.” 

“Jacob, you are solid and the realest of real, most honest and true.  You are stronger than wispy steam and fluffy fog even if they are the smoke-detector-noisiest kind.

The next time you see a ghost or monster of the dog-poop-on-your-sneaker variety, just puff your chest out, and say in your Superman-er-ish voice…

‘I am Jacob.  I’m the boss of my room.  I command you to take your wispy, fluffy, ant-in-my-ice-cream self out of here and never, ever, in your long-legged life return!  Rude fluff and mean wisps are not allowed in my house!’”   “If you say that”, said Daddy, “ghosts and monsters will have to leave”.

“They will?”  said Jacob.  “Yup,” said Dad “it’s pretty much a rule.  They gotta go.”  “But what if they don’t?”  Said Jacob.  “Well,” said Mommy “If Grandma Eva is visiting your room, you could ask her to make them leave.

“Also, as they leave, send them a blessing.  Try something like ‘You are loved as much as little kids love puppies’.  For truly Jacob, what makes one mean and bothersome is to not feel loved.  It helps them to make a choice.  A choice to feel the love that is waiting for them, or to keep feeling woken-up-too-early crabby.”

“But what if they STILL won’t leave?” asked Jacob.  “Well then”, said Daddy, “you just call us like you did tonight and we will always come to help you feel better, and kiss away your fear.”

“We really think you can do it though, Jacob.  Really real.  For honest and true.  We love you like sleeping late on weekends.  Good night and have dreams as fun as Saturday cartoons, as sweet as cotton candy at the fair, and as peaceful as a nap in the backyard swing.”

“Goodnight” said Jacob.  “I’ll try” said Jacob “I love you too”  said Jacob  “I love you like a rock in my pocket, like a big mouthful of bubble gum, like candy before dinner”.

About the Author:

Cherrie Ward wrote Really Real for Honest and True to empower children who struggle with night terrors and are afraid of the dark.  She also intended it as a tool for parents.  Her desire is to give parents additional tools for dealing with a fearful child that don’t include such statements as “There’s nothing there, go back to sleep”.  Cherrie has some psychic gifts and understands what it’s like to see, feel and sense things that not everyone else does.  Even if you don’t believe in “ghosts”, the approach in the book empowers children and validates their experiences as real for them.

Cherrie lives in Northeastern Oregon.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University, a master’s degree in social work from Portland State University, is an ordained minister, received an honorary doctorate in divinity and is a certified Reiki Master Teacher.  She is married with one grown son, who used to be afraid of the dark like she was, and often asked if things were “really real, for honest and true”.  You may e-mail the author at wardc@eoni.com and visit her webpage at www.eoni.com/~wardc

I have no idea if the book I show below is any good or not.  I've never read it.  I came upon it "by accident" (as if there IS such a thing) when I was trying to find an image on Google to go with this post.  Might be useful.

Book Review: United Breaks Guitars by Dave Carroll Part 1 of 2

You can often tell the impact a book has had on my thinking by the length of the review.  Many of my book reviews are only a paragraph or so long and get a "good beach read" rating.  This book review, of United Breaks Guitars; The Power of One Voice in the Age of Social Media, by Dave Carroll, will have two parts...two long parts.  That doesn't necessarily mean it was my favorite book of all-time, but it does mean, it, and the story around it, was extremely thought-provoking and timely.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I contacted author/musician Dave Carroll via Facebook and asked if he would send me a free copy of his just-released book to review on my blog.  He most graciously, and immediately responded and I had the book in my hands in a couple of days.  He also agreed to an interview (until I realized, I had nothing original to ask him...but I tried).  Heck, he even politely followed me back on Twitter!  Did a free book and the agreement to an interview influence the caliber of my review or my opinion of it?  I'm sure it did.  How could it not?  And hey, that Twitter follow-back, sealed the deal.  If only I understood Twitter.

I was impressed with the story.  I was impressed with the kind and prompt response I received from Dave who has gotta be one heck of a busy guy.  So, before I even got the book, I felt like I knew him...a little...and liked him...and sure, I don't want to write a crap review for someone I think I like and respect (even if only cyberly).  That being said, I still think there is much to learn from his book, his videos, his story, his music, his lectures and his approach to living life.

I came pretty late to this party.  I had not heard the explosive media buzz when this story first broke back in 2009.  Am I the only one?  If not, enjoy it now.

Dave Carroll is a Canadian musician.  In March of 2008, he took a United flight that resulted in the gross mishandling of his guitar.  It was broken, in fact.  Dave attempted to get United to reimburse him for this loss, or even acknowledge it.  They didn't.  Dave made a vow to himself that "I would not give up until this matter was resolved to my satisfaction; and I would never lose my temper in any of my interactions.  I would do my best to be respectful to everyone I encountered, knowing that they were simply trying to do their jobs within the rules they were given." (p. 10).  Here's where the book started to grab me.  I've been in the position to strive for resolution of some very difficult issues in my time, and while I always saw fit to meet his first criteria, I don't think I ever managed gracefully to meet the second criteria.  That's admirable.  I must read on!

Well, things just didn't seem to improve much with United, and when Dave finally got what United referred to as the "definitive last word"...which was "NO", Dave told their representative that he planned on writing three songs outlining his experience with them and posting them on YouTube.  United didn't seem very threatened or interested.  Dave figured that United needed to improve its customer service.

"I changed gears from someone who wanted something to someone who was going to do something.  Contrary to popular opinion, my motivation was never to force United to compensate me.  From this point on, I actually accepted that there would be no compensation and let it go.


When I chose to stop wasting time and energy navigating a customer-service maze and start investing that energy in a challenging, creative project, I instantly felt better.  Just the decision to take action vented months of frustration." (pp 20, 21)

July 6th of 2009, Dave posted his first video "United Breaks Guitars".  He had a personal goal of reaching 1 million hits from his three songs combined, within a year's time.  That year, it became the #1 most watched YouTube video in the world.

Within 4 days, the FIRST song had reached over one million views.  A media frenzy ensued and Dave's life was shifted in a new and unexpected direction.  To date, there have been well over 11 million views.  That's just the first video.

Eventually, this unfortunate guitar assault has lead to greater income, becoming a published author, becoming a consumer advocate, public speaking engagements, publicity for him and for his music (and increased sales of said music), improvements in customer service awareness/training. Dave co-sponsors a customer service issue resolution website called the Gripe Vine.  Read the book to see the many ways this "problem" has generated positive opportunities Dave could not have foreseen.  Find out how it connected him to Eckhart Tolle, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Wayne Dyer and Hay House.

Dave's book, United Breaks Guitars, tells the original story, and the story behind the story.  He takes you through the process of trying to get compensation from United through their flawed customer "service" department, the making of the videos, the responses to the videos and all that good "what happens next" stuff.

Between every line is the primary story of fun, positivity, and creativity.  Life can change in a heartbeat, in the blink of an eye or in the snap of a guitar neck.  It is the story of taking lemons and making lemonade.  It's the story, of a man named Brady, who was...wait...never mind...that's a different story.   To me, the ultimate message is that we never know what tomorrow will bring, and we can't see yet how our so-called adversities can lead us to new and even better places.  It is also a testament and a challenge to approach life with greater kindness, positivity and respect, even in the face of tough stuff...even when you're being wronged.  I want to take up that challenge; to learn to handle my difficult situations with not only perseverance (which I have), but with respect, dignity, kindness and a polite demeanor (which I don't always have when I'm moving through "customer service" situations...or any other challenging situation).

This book works well as a personal, stand-alone, self-help book to check your attitude at the door and work creatively and kindly in conflict resolution (while still getting the job done).  This book works well as a corporate customer service training guide with regards the power and importance of one customer, the power of social media, and the responsibility of companies to treat customers well.

I appreciated the easy style with which the book is written.  Being a songwriter, Dave can tell a story.  He does so with humor and a congeniality that supports the walk he talks to be walking (is that a phrase?).  He also gives links in the book for free music downloads (you didn't think I was going to give them to you, did you?) and provides the lyrics to the major songs he talks about in the book.  The book isn't long (just under 200, fast-read pages), and includes some photos.

Next, I'll give you some of my fave quotes from the book, links to pertinent information on Dave Carroll, The Gripe Vine and the story and I'll include the videos in question. Of course, be sure to use the link at the very end to go buy the book; I mean, that's the point, right??  Because, remember, with that book, you get the links to download some of his music for free.

Tomorrow, I will include my brief interview with Dave Carroll, my reflections on how this story found me and how it relates to what I'm doing, and I'll throw out some of my goals to the wind...in writing...Dave-style.

Quotes from the book:

• "...I personally believe that success is defined by your ability to earn a living doing what you love." p 27

• re goals/purpose for the UBG video series: "First, I would take a frustrating experience and turn it into a positive one with my music....Second, I wanted to bring my friends together...Third,  the videos could potentially compel one of the world's largest companies to change the way it deals with customers." p 36
• "As has happened so many times in my career, there were plenty of reasons to wait until all the conditions were better in order to move ahead.  But once again, I took a leap of faith that doing the best you can with what you've got always leaves you better off than having done nothing at all.  I was reminded that stepping up to make the most of an opportunity is when magic occurs and that the right people will always appear for you, at just the right time, but you have to first show up yourself." p 45
• "As I have come to learn, some people can only understand what they've seen before,..." p 47
• "I...was reminded again how my issue with the airline was about policies, not individuals." p 76
• "...our video would promote nonconfrontation..." p 85
• "What was the big lesson for companies?  No customer is expendable, and we are all part of a bigger whole." p 89
•  "...once again, put a point on the fact that customer-service agents are people with hidden depths, just like the rest of us..." p 99
• "...once again, I was struck by the irony of how a broken guitar had led me to this place.  There we were - me, the band, and Brent - in a congressional hearing room to give testimony in an attempt to change U.S. law.  The bill has since been passed." p 106
• "From what I can see and feel, the concept of statistical insignificance has to be one of the most destructive ideas that certain companies employ when it comes to customer service...This implies that there is some measurable portion of your customer base that doesn't matter..." p 107
• "Every day, people like me are waking up to the fact that what they have to say matters, and that they have the tools to present their message in a way that stands out." p 112
• "The success of UBG was not about anger or confrontation...I simply rejected United's policy and aimed to change the rules by exercising my rights as a consumer." p 127
• "If you care that people may choose to spend some of their valuable time looking at you, your content will likely raise itself up and stand above the clutter.  I have learned that the simple act of caring changes the outcome, and I challenge everyone to try it for themselves.  It works.  The beauty of caring is that it's contagious and unlimited.  Whereas anger is draining and self-defeating, caring is empowering and energizing." p 178
• "I subscribe to the belief that all emotions hold a vibration and that love is the highest vibration there is...when I have been in a caring frame of mind, the right people or circumstances always appeared at the right time to help me." p 179, 180
• "Declaring your goals seems to help achieve them." p 180
• "For my son Flynn, I'd like him to know the value of chasing down his own dreams, especially in the face of uncertainty, and I've discovered that the best teachers teach by example." p 184

Links:

Dave's Web Page

The Gripe Vine Web Page

Wikipedia talks about United Breaks Guitars

Right Side of Right is Dave's first consumer complaint website before he joined forces on Gripevine.


The Videos:

United Breaks Guitars 1 told the story, and did so with a country flair since country music is all about "love and loss".  It features Mariachi band players.

United Breaks Guitars 2 explores Dave's "relationship" with United customer service agent Ms. Irlweg" and has a German Um Pa Pa music style.  See if you can spot Dave's Grandmother.  The book has some interesting background information on the making of all of these videos.

United Breaks Guitars 3 "takes on more of a spokesperson role for all customers." p 95 and has a bluegrass style with famed bluegrass guitarist donating his time to the project.  Do you recognize him?

Everyday Heroes is a song Dave was commissioned to write for/about/in support of First Responders.

Now is a song about being in the present moment, inspired by the work of Eckhart Tolle.

I've Got a Book Coming Out is where I came upon the story for the first time...it was his promotional video for this book.  I'll post that video link tomorrow with more on how this all came to my attention.

Movie Review: Men in Black 3

In 1969, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), apprehends alien criminal Boris the Animal.  Boris is sentenced to a maximum security prison on the moon.  Some 40 years later, he escapes, steals a time travel instrument, and heads back in time to kill agent K BEFORE agent K can shoot off his arm (he's really peeved about the loss of his arm).  Boris is one nasty dude.

Agent K figures out  that Boris has escaped and suspects he will be on his revenge list so he erases all traces of himself so Boris can't find him.  Only he didn't count on the fact that Boris was going back in time to kill him.

Agent J (Will Smith), K's partner remembers him even though nobody else at headquarters seems to (or according to them, he was killed 40 years previously by Boris).  J sets out to also go back in time to prevent Boris from killing Agent K, and to convince Agent K that killing Boris is the only way to prevent a disaster in the future.  Got all that?  AND, as an added twist, you'll learn something about J that even HE didn't know when he was a small child in 1969.

Young K is played by Josh Brolin.  If they gave Academy Awards away for a person who embodies K with uncanny accuracy, Josh would get it.  It is a completely believable version of K.  I found his representation of K VERY entertaining.

As for the movie, It's MIB, and MIB is always cool.  Sequels have a tendency to falter and this one fell slightly flat for me in terms of overall story and special effects.  I didn't dislike it...I liked it, actually, but not nearly as much as the first...or even the second.

This is Boris the Animal.  He's pretty yucky.  The primary focus of the movie centers on this particular character and there are less rich and humorous encounters with other aliens.  The storyline, even though it traveled back and forth through time, seemed one-dimensional.  I don't think it would have helped if I had sprung the extra money for the 3D showing (I'm not at all enthralled with 3D technology).



You wanna know what made me nearly inconsolable?  We waited, until we were the very last hold-outs in the audience, for outtakes, a follow up scene, or a MIB 3 music video.  There's nothing.  NOTHING I TELL YOU!  That's just sad and wrong.  So we told people on FB to be sure to hang on until after the credits...why should we be the only desolate creatures crying in our popcorn over no post-credit scenes? And honestly, I was expecting something at least this good in the post credit scene (of which there was NONE)

What Does a Social Worker Make?

I came across this saved email where a supervisor forwarded me an article about social workers.  No, it's not dry and boring like you would think.  There's even some humor in it.

"Social Workers Get Big Payoff"
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Regina Brett
Cleveland Plain Dealer Columnist
"Sally Social Worker"
I've been called that for writing "bleeding heart" columns.

After looking into the eyes of a sea of social workers on Sunday,
I'll never take that as an insult.
When the folks at The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at
Case Western Reserve University asked me to speak at Sunday's
commencement, I wasn't sure what to say. I asked my friends who are
social workers. They told me to be funny. Social workers could use
a good laugh. Tell jokes, they said. Jokes? I don't know any
jokes about social work, except the ones my friends send me:
How many social workers does it take to change a light bulb? None.
They empower the bulb to change itself.
How many social workers does it take to change a light bulb? None.
The bulb isn't burned out, it's just differently lit.
How many social workers does it take to change a light bulb? None.
They set up a team to write a paper on coping with darkness.
And my favorite, How many social workers does it take to change a
light bulb? The light bulb doesn't need changing, it's the system
that needs to change.
Actually, my friends probably got those jokes from the same Web
sites where I found this:
A mugger with a gun confronts a social worker. The mugger
yells, "Your money or your life!" "I'm sorry," the social
worker
answers, "I'm a social worker, so I have no money - and no life."
Social workers, like most teachers, don't make much. Or do they? I
recently read a powerful email about what teachers make by the poet
and comic Taylor Mali. It inspired me to rethink what social
workers make.
What do social workers make?
They make an infertile couple celebrate a lifetime of Mother's Days
and Father's Days by helping them adopt a crack baby no one else
wanted.
They make a child fall asleep every night without fear of his
father's fists.
They make a homeless veteran feel at home in the world.
They make a teenager decide to stop cutting herself.
They make a beaten woman find the courage to leave her abuser for
good.
They make a boy with Down syndrome feel like the smartest kid on the
bus. What do social workers make?
They make a 10-year-old believe that he is loved and wanted,
regardless of how long he lasts in the next foster home.
They make a teen father count to 10 and leave the room so he won't
shake his newborn son.
They make a man with schizophrenia see past his demons.
They make a rape victim talk about it for the first time in years.
They make an ex-convict put down the bottle and hold down a job.
What do social workers make?
They make a couple communicate so well they decide not to get
divorced.
They make a dying cancer patient make peace with her past, with her
brief future, with her God.
They make the old man whose wife has Alzheimer's cherish the good
times, when she still remembered him.
They make forgotten people feel cherished, ugly people feel
beautiful, confused people feel understood, broken people feel
whole.
What do social workers make?
They make more than most people will ever make.
They make a difference.

Song Lyrics: Come to Jesus by Mindy Smith

I'm not known for being uber religious.  My beliefs have morphed over the years and become so eclectic that I wouldn't even be able to qualify as a card carrying Christian.  That doesn't mean I'm not still moved by Christian iconry (is that a word?), and often my spiritual vision is that of the religion of my upbringing.

For example, I love love love, Michelangelo's La Pieta (The marble statue of the virgin Mary cradling the recently dead Jesus).  It is amazingly moving to me.  Notice how Mary is larger than Jesus.  That's how I see a mother's love.  And she's strong enough to handle whatever she must.  That speaks to me.  In some of my darker times, that image morphed...it became a broken me, lying limp in the lap of Jesus.  When that's all I could do.  So I put this image here to go with the lyrics of this song which I also find moving.

MINDY SMITH LYRICS

"Come To Jesus"

Oh, my baby, when you're older
Maybe then you'll understand
You have angels to dance around you shoulders
'Cause at times in life you need a loving hand

Oh, my baby, when you're prayin'
Leave your burden by my door
You have Jesus standing by your bedside
To keep you calm, keep you safe,
Away from harm

Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms

Oh, my baby, when you're cryin'
Never hide your face from me
I've conquered hell and driven out the demons
I have come with a life to set you free

Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms

Oh, oh
Oh, oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh, my baby, when you're dying
Believe the healing of His hand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand
Here in Heaven we will wait for your arrival
Here in Heaven you will finally understand

Worry not my daughters,
Worry not my sons
Child, when life don't seem worth livin'
Come to Jesus and let Him hold you in His arms

And here is the music video.  Enjoy.

Product Review: Sunglasses from Forever 21

I bought "Thelma" and I a pair of these sunglasses from Forever 21 for our upcoming summer trip.  They have a wide variety and they cost around $6 plus s&h.  I also liked the wide variety available from Claire's online too.  Theirs run about $10.50 plus shipping and handling.

Not shown, I also got a pair that is white with red hearts on them.  We want to glam it up in a hammy, unserious way.

I refuse to pay high prices for sunglasses.  I've never understood designer name sunglasses.  They fall off, I lose them, I sit on them, I break them.  And the expensive ones have never shown me anything more in terms of performance.  In fact, the dollar store makes some fab shades too.  The only time, to me, that it makes sense to spend more on sunglasses, is if they are prescription and needed.  The rest of the time, don't be a snob...just have fun in your shades, wherever you buy them.

These offer 100% UV protection and yes, GASP, they are made in China.

September 2012 update:  These are super comfy and I'm still wearing them.  The other white ones unfortunately got smushed in my suitcase coming home from Mexico.  I just can't ever understand high dollars for sunglasses (unless perhaps they are prescription).  Cuz they get lost, dropped, smushed in suitcases.  These are the right price and all kinds of fun. I should order more.

Children's Book Review: Just a Mess by Mercer Mayer

My son LOVED what we refer to as "the little critter books".  There are a series of these books by Mercer Mayer and the illustrations are awesome.  I'll take a wild guess and say that they might best fit ages 3-7.  They are short, sweet and perfect for bedtime stories.  In particular, we loved the ones where a little critter was in some sort of mischief...hmmm, I wonder why that is?

Published in 1987, I think this series stands the test of time.  At Amazon, they are $4.  The price tag is still on this one.  I got it at Target for $1.49...easily over 20 years ago.

I only saved the faves from this collection and will review the ones that stood out enough to be salvaged from the ravages of childhood.  The first on the list is "Just A Mess" and is about, what else?  A messy room and having to clean it up.  What kid can't relate to that?

Little Critter has a rather unconventional way of approaching cleaning his room, so don't let the tasks he SAYS he does below fool you into thinking it's boring.  There are a few little insects like a spider and a grasshopper and a flying insect that show up on most pages too, so in addition to reading, you can ask you child to find them in each page.  They are easy to spot.

The illustrations are not to be missed.  Here is the simple text to this book:

Today I couldn't find my baseball mitt.

I looked in my tree house.

I looked under the back steps.

I asked Mom if she had seen it.  She said I should try my room.

I never thought to look in there.  What a mess!

Mom said it was time to clean my room.  So I asked her to help.

She said, "You made the mess, so you can clean up the mess."

Dad was working in the yard.  He said he was too busy to help me.

My little sister said, "No way!"

And the baby didn't understand.

I just did it myself.

First, I put a few things in the closet.

I put my clothes in the drawers.

I straightened up my games. (he's shown using a snow shovel for this task)

I shut the lid to my toy box.

and put away my books.

The rest of the mess fit under my bed, so I put it there.

Then I made the bed.  Won't Mom be pleased.

I thought I might wash the floor.

But Mom said, "NO!"

So I just vacuumed instead.

Everything was just about perfect.

Then I noticed that my pillow was missing.

I looked on the other side of my bed.

And guess what I found?

My baseball mitt.

Product Review: Floppy Sun Hat from Forever 21

I purchased this large floppy sun hat to take with me to Cozumel.  I got it online from Forever 21 for $13.80 plus s&h.  If that link doesn't take you to the same hat, look around at their other sun hat options.  The prices are quite reasonable.

Oh sure, I could have paid $50 bucks or more for a fancy travel sun hat that you can wad up in your suitcase, but I'm not the hat wearing type typically.  This hat actually says it's made of paper...so I won't be swimming in it.  It seems like a cross between fabric and straw...it doesn't look or feel like paper.

To pack it, my plan is to stuff the inside of it with underwear or something similar, then lay it flat in the suitcase just as you see it here, and pack things around it.  I'll try not to mush it, but we'll see what happens.

Mostly we ("Thelma" and I) bought bags, hats, swimsuits, sunglasses to create an exaggerated movie star effect.  We're just gonna rock our bad selves.  If we look like middle aged caricatures, we might not feel so self conscious.  Nothing like going overboard to allay self consciousness.

I have a smallish head and it fits fine.  If you're head is large, I'm not sure what to tell you.  There are a few reviews for this hat on the website and most people seem to like it.  Who knows, maybe I'll learn to wear it gardening.

As with my other review posts for stuff I'm planing to take with me to Cozumel in August, if I haven't updated the post after I return (say by the first part of September), remind me and I'll update you on how it performed on the trip.

I like the style, the color, the fit, and the price.  Mostly the price.

September 2012 Update:  OK, guess what?  I'm not a hat person.  The hat traveled well.  I stuffed it full of underpants, then layed the brim flat in the bottom of the suitcase and packed around it.  I tried it on once while we where there.  I'm just not a hat person.  So it stayed in the hotel room after taking maybe one photo of me in it...acting goofy.  So I can't tell you much more than that.

Product Review: Catalina Suddenly Slim Figure Control Swimwear

I know, "Catalina Suddenly Slim Figure Control Swimwear" is a really long name, right?  I bought this suit for my upcoming (August 2012) trip to Cozumel.  I found it at Wal-Mart online for $33.  I refuse to pay super high prices for swimwear, especially for how little time I spend in it.  I don't know if this "model" will be available anymore when you read this, but certainly, something like it will be.  I read the online reviews about this suit and the vast majority of women are happy with it.

I bought the red one.  My gal-pal who is going to Cozumel with, me bought a black one.  I'm probably the average woman size/shape, not the "media ideal".  I"m 51, five feet, 8 inches, and at last check, 187 pounds.  So, I'm tall and "Goddessy".  Rubenesque.  And not at all thrilled about being in public in a swim suit.

I like the retro look of this suit given that I have more of a retro look bod.  If you read the online reviews, people are not quite as happy with the rear view of this suit, but I think that has more to do with many of us not being too keen on the reality of our rear view to begin with.

It has good bottom coverage.  The shirring across the hips and middle and the tummy control of it makes it quite forgiving as suits go.  For me, being much hippier than I am busty (the pear shape), to get the bum to fit, I got an X Large.  That makes the bust portion gap a little.  I think it will be fine but I'll let you know if I end up flashing young children on the beach and scarring them for life.

If you're reading this after September, and I haven't updated the review after my trip, remind me and I will be sure to do so.  It really only got the "try on...OK, I'll keep it, it will do".  It hasn't been in the water yet.  Or outside my bedroom.  Or on my body more than once.

My friend and I want to embrace ourselves, as we are, on this trip and just come to grips with being middle aged goddesses that don't fit the media ideal.  Those on the beach with us will have to get over it.  We'll have to get over it.  We are GOING to have a blast.

September 2012 Update:  You thought I would forget?  These are dandy little suits.  I ended up sewing a tuck in the center between my boobs.  I just don't have enough boobage and it sort of slacked open which was only going to frighten small children.  Easy enough fixed.  I sort of DID need the extra room in the butt.  This suit is very forgiving, and quite comfy.  The knot tied at the back of the neck is a bit bulky and can be a little uncomfortable but isn't really a big deal.  I tried it out in between uses, and have only washed it once (on gentle, after returning home from vacation).  Look at the photo above.  See how the top goes out into points near the armpits?  I got burned nearly beyond recognition (lost some serious skin) on those points.  So if that part has never seen the light of day...use sunscreen.  Overall, I'm very pleased with this suit and so was my gal pal who bought the same one in black.

My "Kid" is 28 today

My "kid", the kid you see here with me in this old photo, turned 28 today.  How did that happen??  How can HE be 28, when *I'm* not even 28 (in my own mind)?  Where does the time go?

I could blow smoke up your skirt telling you all about what a joy it's been and how sweet and happy it's been, but honestly, this photo is a sweet moment that wasn't oft repeated.

My son has mental illness.  He always has, and he always will.  I wasn't prepared.  Oh how not prepared was I.  I had no idea what I was getting into, and once there I had no idea what to do or how to survive it or how to parent or how to help him...or how to get any sleep or any peace...ever.

No child comes with instructions printed on their behind and there isn't a road map or a once size that fits all, and certainly not if you have a special needs child.

I fought hard.  I fight hard.  I continue to assist and advocate for him whenever he needs it.  I fought unjust systems, I fought school officials and teachers and doctors and agencies.  Every scrap of service I got for him came at a high personal price.  That's another thing they don't tell you:  they don't tell you that if you have a special needs child, the agencies and "helpers" who are in your path, are not always eager to offer up those services.  I've never understood that.

But I gotta tell ya, through it all, I have to say, I love this person more than I have ever loved anyone before or since.  It's not easy to be in relationship, but man-oh-man, do I love this young person.  He's been living independently for a little over 10 years now.  It has been a very hard 10 years on him.  He recently reconnected with services and medications and is making a strong comeback.  I'm so proud of his efforts and his strength and his drive to survive.  It's been unspeakably hard for him...and for me.

People with disabilities and severe challenges to overcome who keep on truckin' in the face of some really awful stuff...they're my heroes.

My son has taught me so much.  He's taught me how to love deeper and wider and longer and higher than I even knew it was possible to love.  It's easy to love when somebody is cute and compliant and sweet and agreeable.  Not so easy when things shatter in every direction, every day, every year, forever.

He taught me to rise above my upbringing of being seen and not heard, of being a polite little people pleaser.  I had to rise up like the mamma bear that is within me and raise my voice and be persistent and get unpopular and get my OWN labels of blame.  I was all he had.  Nobody else was gonna do it if I didn't.

He taught me that not everyone will understand and that many will judge harshly and that many more will walk away, turn their head, avoid contact...because messiness is embarrassing and messiness isn't pleasant to have around.  He taught me who I could count on and who I could not, and those revelations were often heartbreaking and surprising to us.

He taught me different ways to view a problem or a challenge and he taught me about creativity and beauty and extreme intelligence.  I am different, and I like to believe BETTER because he is in my life.  It wasn't possible to maintain a shallow, hollow, sham of appearances in the face of such stark and loud reality.

So Happy Birthday to you my son.  We've found snippets of joy in the chaos.  We've built a trust and a bond that is unbreakable.  You know I've always got your back.  Thank you for being EXACTLY who you are.

Book Review: The Final Note by Kevin Alan Milne

The Final Note, by Oregon Author. Kevin Alan Milne, is a nostalgic romance novel full of heart.

It begins near the ending, and then retraces it's steps.  As the story begins, Ethan Bright is retelling the story of how his wife came to be on life support and the journey of their relationship. Integral to their relationship is a series of love notes as well as a tie-in to music.

It is touching and somewhat reminiscent of The Notebook.  In the same way, it might make a sweet chick flick.

I'm gonna toss it into the "good beach read" category.  Sweet, entertaining, but not really memorable.  Don't get me wrong, I've said it once...or a million times, there is a place for those good beach reads.  Reading, and being taken on a journey is a good thing.

Movie Review: The Adventures of Tintin

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Adventures of Tintin is a movie adaptation of a European favorite comic series.

The basic premise of the movie is a mystery, adventure, treasure hunt, fraught with much peril and action.

Tintin is supposed to be an investigative journalist...and an adult.  Somehow I can't get past that he looks about 15.

The animation is really quite stunning and different.  I'm not sure if it's called "stop action" or just what the method is, but it is fascinating.  They characters never seem to have adequate eye contact or focus, but in general, they look like a cross between real and animated and claymation figures.

As for the story, I hate to say it, but I was bored.  I think Hubby liked it a little bit more than I did, but he mentioned that it got "slow in places".  I'm wondering if this film will do better in Europe where Tintin is super popular vs in the US where most people have never heard of the comic.  I think, perhaps, the US market felt it was an indulgent enterprise on Spielberg's part.  I don't even think it made it to our local theater.  We rented it from Netflix.  The previews in the theater made the animation portion look interesting enough to give it a go.  I'm not sorry we did, but I wasn't swinging from the chandeliers either.  I wonder if there is enough in it visually to keep the attention of young children.  The dog, "Snowy", might do it.

Product Review: Brushed Goldtone Ring from JCPenney

It was sort of accidental that I purchased this ring.  I'm a sucker for free shipping.  I was placing an order for undershirts for my Sweet Baboo and I was a mere $5 or so short of getting free shipping.  What's a girl to do? Order something!

I found this ring for $8.  I like it!  The catalog number is RN058-7723.  See if this link takes you to the right page...I was having some trouble with their site. 

I haven't had the ring long so I don't actually know how it will hold up, or if it will turn my finger green.  I'm not one that wears my costume jewelry in the shower or to wash dishes or even to wash my hands with it on, so my stuff tends to hold up pretty well.  I would say this ring is best for someone with longer fingers as it is quite wide.  I have monkey hands so it works well for me.  I was also unaware from the picture that it is asymmetrical, so if that sort of thing freaks you out, avoid it.  I rather dig it.

Poor JC Penney.  With all of their highfalutin revamping, they have not made me a more frequent shopper.  I don't find their new prices or advertising any more enticing.  I rarely shop there.  Hubby likes their soft Stafford Essentials undershirts in tall so they tuck in nicely.   There...I gave you a two-fer...bet you didn't see THAT coming.  "OMG...I was reading a review about a ring and got a bonus of another review about men's undershirts!!  That Willow rocks my world!"

You may kiss my new ring.

Book Review: Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew

I have an older, used version of this book (1981).  It looks pretty much like the image on the left of the two on the right (got that??).  The book has been updated a few times but I'm sure the basics are still the same no matter which version you happen across.

Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew is, as the name implies, a book about gardening in smaller bits of land for greater efficiency, yield and ease of care.  In the images you see shown, those are 4 foot plots divided by boards for a walkway, with 4 one foot square plots within each one.

The book talks a lot about general gardening, and specifically about how to train vine crops to grow vertically, and how many of each type of plant can be grown per one foot square.

I started reading up a bit as we planned our new, enclosed, raised garden space.  If you missed the post about that project, which is ongoing and updated from time to time, check it out.  Specifically, I read about Ruth Stout's methods, Square Foot Gardening, and Lasagna Gardening.  I think we incorporated a bit of each in this space.

Mel Bartholomew is a dedicated gardener.  Much more dedicated than I am.  I have to strike a balance between what he calls easy and what I call easy.  What I DID appreciate and learn a lot from was how to go about creating a square foot garden, and how many of each thing will fit in a single square foot.  As he states, it's way easier to focus on a single square foot at a time vs long rows where one has a tendency to over plant.  Since I don't like to thin seedlings, his method of being brave enough to only plant a single seed in each spot you've designated...it will save money on seed, AND on thinning later.

Here's Mel himself to give you an overview:

Product Review: Samsung FER300SX Freestanding Range

Yup, this is my new range.  It's a Samsung FER300SX smooth top range.  It is replacing an Amana that we purchased many years ago that never held up to it's promise of greatness.

Oh sure, the old one was BEAUTIFUL, but even years ago, it cost $1200, and in less than 6 years of use, the same electronic part (an F1 Error code) went out either two or three times...and each time that baby cost between $200 and $350 to replace.  So after replacing it a couple of times, and approaching the cost of a new range, we decided not to put any more money into it.  It also didn't heat consistently,  and was not very deep.  The racks had no "sweet spot".  Things were either often burned on top or on the bottom with only one rack adjustment.  I hated to see her go because she was a beauty.   You can see her in some of my previous posts where I'm cooking something.

The new one isn't chopped liver though.  Better yet, many years later when prices on most things are higher, this one cost $719 vs $1,200  Typically, the stainless and black option costs about $100 more and I was going to go with just the black version.  Till I saw that it was on sale and I could have the stainless for only $20 more.  That's doable.  We spent some time reading customer reviews this time around.  I hope doing our homework pays off.  I still am not familiar with all of the buttons and features and have not had the opportunity to need to clean it yet.  It has a self cleaning feature and a 20 minute steam cleaning feature.

I can't truly give you a full-fledged review yet because we've only had it a month or so.  So far, I have baked bread in it and it came out fine, and it seems like the stove top heats faster than the Amana.  It has a bread proofing mode that I've used to raise the bread and it works well.  I have no complaints yet, but it's early in the game.  If you come across this post and I've forgotten to update down the road about how I'm liking or not liking it, be sure to leave a comment and I'll tell you the status at that time.

Product Review: Jambu Water Diva Sandal

I think I mentioned...I'll be going with my gal pal Thelma to Cozumel in August.  I've been looking for a good pair of dual purpose shoes.  Shoes comfy and cool enough for lots of walking, and waterproof enough to wear for added foot protection in the ocean.

I've never been a huge fan of the look of most river sandals, nor have I found them to be overly comfy.  A friend of mine suggested I look in to Jambu shoes.  I had been considering the Keen water shoe but they are a bit more bulky and blocky than I really wanted.  Enter the Jambu Water Diva vegan sandal.  I looked around for a sale, and eventually found a small one.  These shoes average about $100.  I think I got mine for $90.  Yeah...such a steal.  Snork!

I haven't had them very long.  I'm spending short periods of time in them to see how they feel.  I have some initial thoughts and opinions about them...some pros and cons.  In the final analysis, I think they will do fine for my trip and I can update you later as to how they perform under heavy daily use in and out of the water.

I purchased mine from Planet Shoes.  I don't have anything bad to say about my ordering experience.  Yeah, I wish the sandals were a better sale price.  But they were delivered in a timely manner and in perfect condition.

I'm very prone to heel blisters and was a bit concerned about the heel strap on these since it's very thin.  It does have a nice little pad on it though so it might work just fine.  Time and use will tell.  Another small concern was the placement of the little plastic loops that the straps run through.  There is one that falls right at the top of my arch and at times it can sort of poke me there.  Again, time and use will tell if this is a problem.  In some of the reviews, some customers mentioned it being an issue for them.  I'm sure it depends on your foot too.

They're cute, offer foot support and good toe protection, are waterproof and the straps are thin enough that it still has a feminine look.  I like the look.

You wanna know my main beef, and one I struggle to overcome?  The price.  Nearly $100.  It also sort of torques me off that it supposed to be such a big deal that they are "vegan".  I don't mean that only vegans can wear them, I mean that it is this trend to not have any animal based materials (leather) in a shoe.  It's a feel good thing...a trendy thing.  In lay terms, what it really means is the same thing as "all man-made" and often that used to translate into "falls apart soon" or "stinks when your feet sweat" or "hurts".

I would be all for the trendy vegan thing...but if you're gonna charge me the same price for old recycled tires with nylon straps as you do for leather?  I have a problem with that.  There probably isn't $5 worth of material cost in these.  And if Vegan is the new feel good thing, why are they made in China...probably in some sweat shop...by kids who can't afford to eat meat...or much else.  So the advertising that makes one think it's so "green" and hip is misleading.  I'm not so easily mislead.  It just chaps my ass to be treated like a fool.

But I did buy these for a specific purpose and for that I think they will work nicely.  Nobody wants to go on vacation and injure a foot.

I will be taking my fave cheapy stand-by sandals too.  From Old Navy.  I reviewed them in a previous post.  I walked all over LA for a week in these without a hitch.  I just had this fear that in wet sand in water they might suck in and then pull out at the button like flip flops can be prone to do.  But honestly, if you want a comfy, CHEAP sandal that holds up well...look at those toe strap flips.  They don't carry them every year, so I buy a few pairs on the years they do carry them.

Rant over.  I like them, I think they'll work.  I like the style better than the Keen (which is close to the same price).  In general, I don't like to wear shoes at all, so I really don't like spending what seems like way too much for them.

UPDATE: I wrote this post almost a month before it "aired".  Since that time I've had an opportunity to wear them a bit more.  The heel has not been an issue.  That padding seems to be enough for me.  My foot feels well supported and comfortable.  Honestly, though, I still like my Old Navy flips best of all...I don't think they will work well for water sports though so I'm gonna take these Water Divas with me to the beach in August and give them a whirl.  I like a quick pair of slip on shoes by the door.  I'm lazy like that.  Comfort, fast and easy.  That's me...just ask my husband.

September 2012 Update:  I actually only ended up wearing these for my first day of travel...the long day of running through airports.  The rest of the time I was in my stand-by loves, my Old Navy toe cross flips.  The Jambu's fared well in airports.  I wanted a little added toe protection for the journey.  It wasn't until after I got home a week later that my husband noticed a large, dime-sized flap of blister skin on my little toe.  I hadn't felt the rub while running through airports, but these are the only shoes that could have done it.  I was in flips the rest of the time.  So...hmmm.  I don't think they are worth the high price, but they are a comfortable shoe overall and I like them.  I didn't end up needing them in water.  But a girl can never be too prepared, right?

Movie Review: The Avengers (Alliance or Assemble)

Did you see Thor?  Do you remember his naughty adopted brother Loki?  Well, he's back and looking for power; both figuratively and literally.  He's reeking  havoc on Earth in order to have ultimate control and to locate and retrieve for his own planet, the Tesseract.

The Tesseract is a powerful energy source of unlimited potential and unknown consequence.  Earth wants it...presumably for unlimited energy for the plant (or is it to make weapons??).  Loki is opening a portal between his planet and Earth and bringing in all the big guns to stir up more than a little trouble.  This calls for all of the Avenger super heroes to band together to work to save the planet.
More on the plot here (if you're into nerdy stuff like that).

I'm not big on super hero Marvel Comic movies, so I'll say that right up front.  Hubby wanted to see it, so I went too. Lord knows he's had to sit through enough chick flicks.  This is you're typical super hero flick.  Big on noise, non-stop action, and blowing stuff up all over the place.  My son was happy to hear from me that there wasn't any romance, because to him, that would ruin it.

The special effects are fun, but it is definitely a busy, messy, loud, destructive movie.  There is some humor (but not really in keeping with some of the hysterical laughter in the theater...WTH is UP with that?).  So as super hero movies goes, this is one of them.  Predictable plot and lots of action.  The good guys always win, right?  It also sets up nicely at the end (so stay after the credits start for a preview) for a sequel.  Oh Joy.

Book Review: Skye's West: Rendezvous by Richard S. Wheeler

Skye's West:  Rendezvous by Richard S. Wheeler (1997) is a "wild west" adventure book. It is one of many in a series.  My mom picked this up somewhere and passed it on to me when she was finished.  I sorta dig wild west adventure stores...with a tiny smidge of chaste romance thrown in.

Skye is our "hero" in the series.  In this installment, we learn the story of how he was "pressed into service" (ie, made a slave of the Royal Navy) at the age of 14.  After 7 years of hellish treatment and conditions, he escapes only to find himself with very little knowledge of the wilderness, with scouts from the government snapping at his heels, and all the trials and tribulations he can scarcely handle, just to survive.  The story begins in 1826 in the Pacific Northwest.

I was a bit distracted during the reading of this book so it took me some time to get through it what with other activities taking more precedence than my precious reading.  I still liked it though.

Movie Review: Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp

We went to see the quirky Tim Burton film Dark Shadows.

Based on a long-running television series, Dark Shadows follows the multi-generational family curse of the Collins.  A wealthy family, the curse began in the 1600's when Barnaby trifled with the affections of a household servant who just happened to be a powerful witch.  When she saw he was in love with another, she cursed him.  Women he loved would perish, he was turned into a vampire so he couldn't die to end his anguish.  After being locked in a coffin underground for a few centuries, he he accidentally exhumed and the party resumes in the early 1970's.

The original television series ran from 1966 to 1971 (about the time the movie resumes).  In preparation for seeing this film, we rented a few episodes of the television series which are available on Netflix.  The series was intended as a gothic soap opera.  Oh my, was this thing corny!  The acting, of course, represents the melodramatic, over the top style of the era and we found it funny how many mistakes were in them (because at that time, they were aired LIVE with no cuts to correct later).  It was also a bit boring to me.  It certainly would have been on during my childhood, and I immediately remembered the opening music/images...but that must be where I would change the channel to something else.  The series was briefly revived in 1991.

In this modern day adaptation, there is melodramatic acting, but not nearly so corny (although I think they intended the corn held within).  It is rated PG-13 and I would advise that I don't think it is appropriate for anyone younger.  There is violence and vampire biting and blood (although not graphic) and more than a little overt sexuality which will not go unnoticed (no nudity, and it isn't graphic sex, but is sure is obvious sex including a brief scene pointing to oral sex).

In Tim Burton style, it is off-beat and abstract, with dry humor.  The last showdown scene sort of reminded me of some of the "fight scenes" in Death Becomes Her (remember that?)  The music of the 70's is laced throughout and that was a fun trip down memory lane.  We found it entertaining and different and worth seeing, but probably not worth raving about.  I found it interesting to watch some of the original episodes so I had a flavor of the old series (of which really this isn't like except for the continuation of the general story).


And this is an overview of the television series, episodes 1-209

Sister Trains for First Marathon to Raise Funds for Children's Cancer Association

 This is a guest blog from my sister, Karen Tannehill

This blog, and my marathon preparation are the tools I am using to raise money for the Children's Cancer Association. As I was running this morning, I was thinking about what it would be like to be celebrating Mother's Day when you have a seriously ill child. I can't imagine.

I'm not trying to get all Debbie Downer on ya, but really, if you are a parent, you know what that bond means. We want our children to be happy and healthy, and when one of those elements is missing, it's missing for us too. Our hearts break when theirs do, we cry when they do, we ache when they're ill, and we lose sleep (sometimes grudgingly) when fever strikes, or the vomit misses the toilet, or the diapers overflow or.....you know the drill.

Baby Alli - the picture of health

I was thinking about my own mother. She is not an adventurer AT ALL, but she wholeheartedly supports my adventures. She is the one who has pledged $1000 for my run! She is my strongest supporter, in big ways, and in small. She has shown up with groceries when times were tight. She has taken all our laundry, and our baby, when we were both sick. She has replaced our pillows or dishrags when she saw they were worn beyond what is useful. Her graciousness continues to be a lesson for me. She shows up and offers.

I was thinking about my mother in law. You will find no mother in law jokes here - I have been blessed by the woman who raised my tender-hearted husband. I have nothing but respect for her. She is a wealth of knowledge, but waits to be asked. She IS an adventurer! After being a lifelong swimmer, she, at the tender age of 79, tried the slide at the swimming pool for the very first time. The other 'swimming ladies' followed, saying they had always wanted to try it too. She now slides at least once a week, and on her 80th birthday, she went down the slide four times - since it was the fourth! She bravely undresses in the locker room, showing her mastectomy scar. I don't know if I could do it. She has attitude and spunk, yet she, too, is quiet like my mother. You would never suspect that underneath the granny gear, she is a student, a teacher, a lover of romance novels, and a try-er of new things.

I was thinking about my friends, Will and Julie, who lost their sweet son at the age of 6, to brain cancer. I don't know how you put one foot in front of the other and pick up your life after that.

I am filled with gratitude for my health, and the health of my daughter and her cousins, and second cousins. I made another contribution to the CCA - $5 each for Robbie, Joanna, Alli, Rebekah, Elizabeth, Clarissa, Marissa, Hannah, Ava and Ethan. I can pledge, and I can run. And for those who can't face the day - but must do it for their children, I can pledge more, and run further.

My child got to grow up - now, that's a gift not to be taken for granted!

Hug your healthy kids. Celebrate your motherhood, and think of those who are struggling with loss - either of mothers, or children.

1 year old Travis and his chemo-pal, Kim Martin

Luke Jensen and his chemo-pal, Ryan Foote

 SPREAD SOME LOVE TODAY ~ DONATE TO THE CCA!

tiredlegsfortiredfamilies.blogspot.com

OR - to MAIL it -

CCA Challenge

Attn: Briana DeJong

433 NW 4th Ave, Suite 100

Portland, OR 97209

*IMPORTANT: in the memo line, write Karen Tannehill/Portland Marathon

 UPDATE:  Karen has started collecting donated goods and services for a "Donor Thank You Raffle".  Check out the cool thank you gifts you could win!