A Tribute to John Lennon

I think in my lifetime there stands three moments in which time stood still; one of those moments that becomes indelible in our minds and our souls. I am sure we can all remember exactly what we were doing that exact second when we heard the words: “Our President, John F Kennedy has been shot”; “John Lennon has just been shot in front of the Dakota, and died on the way to the hospital”; and the incident that changed the world, hearing “A plane has just hit the Twin Towers” – the day of Sept 11. It is these three tragedies that caused within me a fear, heartbreak, numbness that I will always carry with me.

Today, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of that tragic evening when John Lennon, returning from a late night of recording, was gunned down in front of his home, The Dakota, with his bloodied glasses and a copy of his just released album Double Fantasy, which he had just signed for “a fan”, laying next to him. How ironic that all he ever wanted was Peace, as he sang “Give Peace a Chance”; or “Imagine” asking us to “Imagine there's no heaven, no hell below us, above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…” – it was all he ever asked for, only to be destroyed against all that he was asking us to believe in.

Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940 during a German attack with air sirens all around, everything had grounded to a standstill almost destroying most of Liverpool that night. It wasn’t long after that that John took up the guitar to fill the void of loneliness in his life. Although we always think of John Lennon as the fighter and the rebel of the Beatles, within, he was truly shy and very self-conscious. Never really wanting the fame that brought him to us and which ultimately took him away from us. In New York he found the quietness he was seeking, and where he retired from writing and performing; living the sheltered, peaceful life he was always seeking. It was only 3 months before his death, that a renewal of life took over and he start recording his first album in years “Double Fantasy” – I always thought it ironical as I listened to that album over and over that day, that the main song was “Starting Over” singing… “Our life together is so precious, our love still special…it’s just like Starting Over again”. It is almost like he had a premonition of what was to come.

In an interview just weeks before his meeting with John Chapman, John Lennon spoke these words: “You know..give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace. All we need is love – it’s damned hard, but I really believe it. Were not the first to say “Imagine no countries, or give peace a chance, passing it on from generation to generation”…”I’ve never claimed divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answer to life. I can only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can, but only as honestly as I can – no more – no less”.


“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one – I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” May he find the peace and tranquility in the heaven he was seeking all his life.





Daisy Photo by YankeeGirl.etsy.com

 

 **I highly recommend anyone who is a true John Lennon fan, read Philip Norman’s book, “John Lennon, The Life” – you will learn the truth behind the man we all looked to for a peaceful world. The book is one of my treasured Christmas gifts from my boys last Christmas.

Create Crochet: What Music Inspires Me

I know I have mentioned in other blogs how music is such a big part of my life. Whatever the situation, I seem to find a song that fits what is going on at that time; but when asked what song inspires me most and has gotten me through a lot of conflicts, I would have to say “Let it Be”.
At times I may be upset by something that someone said, or conflicted with one of life’s many paths that we may not always wish to travel. It seems that out of nowhere, in my head I often find the words not only just comforting, but a reminder of how short life can be. If I find myself facing a certain situation, instead of anger building or resentments, I remember that one particular line in the song, and keep repeating it to myself “Let it Be”. Maybe tomorrow I may not get a chance to say I am sorry, or even if I am hurt, I cannot hold that within me. I may shed some tears, but within my heart I know even just a little prayer can do a lot.


When I find myself in times of trouble,
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of Wisdom,
“Let it Be” “Let it Be”
There will be an answer, "Let it Be"


It is those little words of wisdom that have guided me through so much, given me the strength to look at things differently, and the courage to move on.
Ps. I even have “Let It Be” as the ringtone on my phone. So I am always reminded that there is always someone watching over me, and an answer for all that lies ahead.

What Inspires Me?

This week’s question was “What inspires me” when I am creating something.


For as long as I can remember music has always been a passion and very important to me. There is never a moment that there is not a song that is “floating” in my head. When my children were young, they would always laugh when I would answer a question with a song. Something I still tend to do!


So most of my inspirations are created with a song playing in my head while I am crocheting, knitting, designing jewelry or quilting. In you notice in my jewelry shop http://MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com, most of my jewelry is named after a song – to name a few: Layla, November Rain, Black Velvet, The Rose, Ruby Tuesday. Of course with the new listings I had to go back and change the titles to reflect the item, but within the description you will find the song behind my inspiration.


Could it be a coincidence then that our CreateCrochet Team “Weekly Challenge” was to create something from a song or musical artist that inspires us. When I first read about the challenge, the song “Good Day Sunshine” by the Beatles was the first that came into my head.


I need to laugh and when the sun is out
I've got something I can laugh about
I feel good in a special way
I'm in love and it's a sunny day
Good Day Sunshine


Hence my creation for this week’s challenge: a Lemon Yellow Sundress with a pink flower for a little toddler.

Video the life of a Bengal Cat!

Dexter - my son's Bengal cat with Zoey, another Bengal
You have to watch this video until the very end - it is truly worth it!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=40438122730

Crochet Question: Honing Your Craft

This week's question: How do you continue to hone your craft (crocheting!)? Books, internet, magazines? What do you do to learn more?

I started crocheting when I was about 13, when everyone at that time was wearing crocheted vests, and berets and shawls. Of course, the first stitches I learned were the sc and dc. Once I mastered those, and yes, there was a lot of ripping out stitches, there was no stopping me. I think once someone learns those basic steps they are well on their way to a world of creative crocheting.

From those early days of shawls, etc, I began making afghans. Since I love antiques and collecting them, naturally I found a book of antique afghan patterns. The terminology was a little different, but knowing those few beginning stitches I originally had learned, I was able to follow the directions, and make some very different afghans. I still use (or should I say my kids use) one of the first ones I made – so it is about 35 yrs old (the picture above). I love browsing through different books, and now look on the internet for patterns that are a little different. I am currently working on a little girl’s sweater using a pattern from 1956. I think in those days, they just took for granted that you knew what to do, because it explains each section, but no where does it explain how to put the pieces together – it is like a Chinese puzzle – all these little pieces, and I am trying every possible angle to assemble them. Hopefully it will be in my shop one day!

I do admit, as I have grown and find myself doing a lot more crocheting, I am working with a lot of different stitches I haven’t used before. My friend in India sent me some books on crochet patterns, and quilting patterns (which I do also) – truly great birthday presents, because they are both very useful. What I did with some of the crochet patterns I wasn’t familiar with – I did little practice pieces, which I save in the book where that particular pattern is – so when I do need to use that particular pattern – I have already worked it out, and am ready to take on any project. Also, if you want to take the easy route – just go into Google and type in that particular stitch - not only will you find explicit directions, plus most of them have a step by step video that you can follow. Now if they only can explain this 1956 sweater pattern!

A Tribute to Native Americans

I received a convo today from Joni Stinson, http://www.etsy.com/shop/jstinson, that my little crocheted-baby-moccasins-in-sage-0-6-mo, were included in her very special Tribute to Native Americans.

Joni started this thread (which is now on Chapter 3) inviting people to do a search of Native American or Native American Inspired items and list their favorites or to list one of their own items) and promote any item listed throughout various Etsy shops which give tribute to our first settlers in this country. The title of this great Tribute is called “Walking with the Wind”.

“Walking with the Wind is to have the wind at your back…helping your journey along.

We each in our own way help others on their journey…We become the wind.

Helping others either through words, support, praise, or just being there to listen:

"Walking with the Wind is to have the wind at your back ....helping your journey along.

Anyone who follows Joni’s blog, http://www.jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com, knows her passion and dedication to her heritage, which she continually shares with all of us. Joni, who is Creek-Cherokee, has given us so much history of her tribe’s customs and the plight of still so many Native Americans who live in poverty. Her jewelry is just one example of her love of heritage; these are a few examples of her beautiful Indian jewelry.

I was also thinking how befitting it is to receive this honor today when we are celebrating the many American soldiers who fought in wars throughout history to make this country what it is today. What many people may not realize is that from the beginning when the first pilgrims arrived at our shores, our survival was at the hands of Native Americans who taught the settlers how to survive. Also, how many of us realize that during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars, the Cherokee’s played a very important part in these wars fighting for the Union, along side of the American soldiers who were fighting against the South who wanted to separate and form their own union. The only way American soldiers (known as pioneers) knew how to fight was face to face combat, each side standing in opposite lines shooting at each other. The Native Americans (known as the warriors) found the white man's strategy of standing still and allowing people to shoot at them, or lob artillery shells at them quite curious. It was the Cherokee’s who taught the many soldiers the tactic of sneak attacks while hiding in trees or sneaking through the dense wooded areas, completely surprising their enemies. This tactic was one of the main reasons that the North was able to defeat the South. So let us also remember those many Cherokee warriors who gave their lives fighting to help save our country from the British, who were helping the Confederate soldiers.

Vote for Zachary!

Vote for Zachary! (my little grandson)


We need your vote to help Zachary, NJ win Baby of the Week in the Babytalk/GMA Digital Cover Contest. The winner will be featured on Parenting.com

http://www.parenting.com/Babytalk/covercontest/contestant.jsp?ID=42396277

Memorial of Doves

On the wings of this white Dove, I’ll set your spirit free.

Up into the big deep sky, to heaven, where you’ll be.

I know God has a plan for us.

But it is hard for us to understand when we are left behind.

Little Dove, lift our hearts as we watch your go.

God is there if we just ask, to watch our loved ones

In the Heavens where your spirit is free.

Yesterday, my daughter Kelly, my cousin Michael, and myself, attended a beautiful ceremony, for all those who past away this past year. The Memorial Service and Dove Release was sponsored by the Funeral home where my Aunt Joyce was buried from this past February. The director of the Funeral home came up with this idea in a way to honor his own mother who past away this year also; and thought it would be nice to invite others who have lost someone dear to them to join in this dedication. After a brief service inside the home, in which they had digitial photo’s of each person being honored, we then all went out onto the back lawn, where in a huge circle were heart shaped baskets, each filled with a dove. It was so beautiful to watch as we all opened the baskets at the same time, and the Doves took flight towards the heavens. I thought it was a special way to remember a loved one and wanted to share some of the moments with you in the pictures we took.

A Tribute to my Niece: Tara Alamilla

A Tribute to my Niece, Tara

Tara (bridesmaid) at her brother's wedding

Tara (second from right) holding my daughter Kelly with her twin brother & sister; and cousins 

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there. They may become a best friend, soul mate, lover or spouse; you just know that when you lock eyes with them for that very first time, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life now and in years to come. But then sometimes that sunshine turns towards darkness and life as we expected, begins to change. That one person, who we so willingly turned our lives over to, may not be who we thought them to be.

Unfortunately, as we see those dark clouds entering in our hearts, we bear painful and unfair truths, that will test our strength and our faith. Make everyday count and appreciate those around us, our family, our children, our friends, because you never know when God may take that away. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance, God tests our faith in so many ways, that we have to be prepared with in our hearts and our souls to take on that strength to forgive and go forward. "Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last... Tomorrow is Not Promised."Someone once told me that “God will never give us anything we can’t handle.” Perhaps it is through my strong faith and prayer that I can hold that truth. This weekend my family was put to the test, as we learned that my niece, Tara; my cousin’s oldest daughter and a mother of three young children, was murdered by her ex-husband of whom she had only been divorced from for a few weeks. As their three little children lie sleeping in their beds, Tara breathed her last breathe at the hands of her ex-husband. A life of such promise and a love that was thought to be forever has dissipated to a life lost; three little one’s left without parents; and a family left in shock and in tears.

“The cloud burst doesn’t last all day” - right now we can’t see through the darkness; but I know that when God allows our faith to take over, we will begin to see that light come shining through. It is at that moment that we know that Tara is once again safe in the “arms of her angel” and smiling down at us, letting us know that we need to continue with our lives “Living Each Day As If It Were Our Last.”

Thank you all for your many kind words, thoughts and prayers, which I have conveyed to my cousin and our family. Please keep Tara and my family in your prayers, as we wait for the sun to rise again.

The Christmas Pageant 2009

Zachary as "Baby Jesus"

I have written about our annual Christmas Pageant in our Parish Church, Sacred Heart, for the past few years. I get as much enjoyment working on the Pageant even now, as much as I did when I started the Pageant in our Church 19 years ago. Although I directed it for many years, my daughter, Kelly, has taken over the lead as Director for the past 5 years. What made this year even more special was that my new little grandson, Zachary, got the lead in his first part, that of “Baby Jesus”. Even with a grandmother’s pride, I must say he was one of the best babies we have had; it was as if he knew exactly what to do on cue!

Since every parent wants their child to be the star of the show, we begin by choosing those that have participated in most of our Christmas masses throughout the year. Once all the main characters are chosen (Mary, Joseph, Wisemen, angels, etc.), Kelly begins her directing. Our little children range in age from 3 (which are the little angels) to age 12; and of course, Zachary, age 2 1/2 mos. The older children get the main parts, which gives the other children an incentive to work up to each year. We have a wonderful Children's Choir who do all the singing throughout the play. This year due to the weather and many illnesses, we managed to stage the whole production with only one practice!
Using my experience as the costumer for our local theater group, that is my main job with these children, is getting everyone fitted with a costume; with a few alterations here and there. As with any play, once the children put on their various costumes, their whole demeanor changes. They suddenly assume the role they are portraying. A lot of credit goes not just to the Director, but to the small group of parents who dedicated themselves each year working on the Pageant. They each automatically assume the various positions that they
have taken over each year. Once assembling the little angels, another for the shepherds, and still another for the Wisemen, and drummer boy and girl.

It is the team work that makes the Pageant so successful. The success is well noted as the Narrators (children grades 5-7) begin to tell the story of the Nativity, and as you look at the smiles on the faces of each parent. Although our little angels, who I said are mostly 3-4 year old's, completely steal the show; the other children are so professional, and kneel so reverently as they portray, Mary and Jesus from the time they are approached by the Angel Gabriel, to the birth of Jesus, and the arrival of the Wisemen. The final scene is the two little Drummer Girls, and the Drummer Boy who walk so very slowly down the center aisle playing their drums while the choir sings 'The Little Drummer Boy,". The most adorable thing is not only watching them, but watching the little angels singing their hearts out - pa rum pum pum pum, I could continue talking about the beauty of the children in the Pageant, but the pictures tell it all.