Filed under memories …

September 11th

We have lost so many loved ones on this day. It is so sad. Many years ago Joe and I had to put down my beloved little dog, Dinky, of seventeen years on this day, September 11. He provided so much affection and compassion for us and I miss his sweet smelling strawberry blonde fur and his contagious smile. … Continue reading →

Roseburg, Oregon

When I was growing up in Roseburg, Oregon, I was walking through two catastrophes.  Catastrophe number one was the Roseburg blast.  A truck carrying two tons of dynamite and four tons of blasting agents blew up killing thirteen people and injured many others including one, who later died because of the effects.  The mood was somber … Continue reading →

Portraits of Tia Joanihihia and Sam

The Oregon Society of Artists art reception on Sunday August 4, 1-4pm was a huge success. I mingled with OSA old timers and talked with an author of World War II books. One hundred and six paintings were on display and three of mine were exhibited amongst the many. It was a treat to converse … Continue reading →

My Happiest Moment

Before OFA, Organizing for America, became Organizing for Action, I was a member of Ladies in Blue, a women’s political group that was part of Organizing for America. I was chosen with five ladies to greet the President of the United States when he flew in to Intel, Hillsboro, Oregon, on February 18, 2011. I … Continue reading →

Acting out with Schizo-Affective Disorder

Not long ago I became a preschool teacher to fifty of the most beautiful, caring, and humorous bunch of preschoolers. I directed plays and skits with a combination of personalities that displayed high energy from the word “go.”  Under my direction, the dramatic performances enabled us to express our emotions and to act out. To … Continue reading →

Coping With Stress before the Holiday

I was given the opportunity to be with my aunt who is nearing 90, this weekend. Making 4th of July hats was one activity I had planned. I brought head bands which I had cut out from thick watercolor paper with an extended star from the middle of the band. From working at Preschool, years … Continue reading →

Bonding with my Preschool Class

As a preschool teacher, I went to seminars and found techniques to bond with the children in the classroom. I remember attending a presentation by a teacher at a day care for positive discipline. I made a welcome apron suggested by her with large white letters spelling W E L C O M E attached … Continue reading →

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

He is the handsome intelligent man that I love, He honored his visitation rights with his kids and provided them with food and shelter. When other men would move away and shirk the responsibility of raising their kids as teenagers, he stayed and toughed it out without raising a fist. He studied mechanics and fixed … Continue reading →