Awaiting Tonya and Bob's Arrival!

Jim is on his way back to Canton with Tonya and Bob. It is snowing and sleeting here tonight, so I guess they brought the Fargo weather with them! Looking forward to our ringing in the new year with the Fargo Relatives!

Winter Flowers

I spent last Sunday in the yard clearing leaves. Most of the areas are done. During the day, I also discovered some blooming flowers. Winter camilla and a snowball bush. The snowball bush blooms all year. It will freeze and then leaf out and bloom as soon as it warms up a little. A picture.

Canton Fire

Here are some pictures of the fire that happened early Saturday morning. At least 4 businesses were destroyed. I am not sure they know the cause. I am not the "Jim" that took the photos.

Click here

Jim Parenting - The Sequel

A photo of Jim "parenting" my grand nephew during our family holiday gathering. Pierce is 9 months old and is one of two twin boys. They were very premature but have grown very well. Jim is making a habit of tending to babies these days!

Merry Christmas!

My favorite holiday song. Enjoy.

Our Tree

We couldn’t compete with you guys so we let Mother Nature decorate one for us.

Bake Day

We had our annual bake day at Monna's house this past Monday. Here is a little video of the baking and yummy treats.

Merry Green Christmas Eve

“Ere long the most valuable of all arts will be the art of deriving a comfortable subsistence from the smallest area of soil. No community where every member possesses the art can ever be the victim of oppression in any of its forms.” —Abraham Lincoln

Randomness

I have been quiet for a couple days. Who knows why. We had Bill's family Christmas this past weekend. Is was quite the event. There were 10 or 11 who slept overnight Saturday. Well, it ended about 4 am so I guess they slept. Then there was a total of 20 for the brunch on Sunday. Overall, I think it was a warm and loving family gathering. A new generation has taken over. The ages were 7 months to 53. I have to say. I was the oldest. Ouch!

Anyway, here's the documentation of the last few days of my life.




The Grant family gathering.




Tatum and Piper's gifts from Bill and me. Random wrapping paper from around the office.



A greeting card holder that we need for the store. Where to find it?





Pathetic Publix sale table.

Holiday Greens

Cedar and White Roses

Our Tree

Our Tree

A couple of shots

Here are a few more pictures of our tree and holiday decorations. The realities of "real life" have forced us to opt for a fake tree. I supplement this by "helping" some neighbors trim their cedar trees.

I have posted a couple more pictures and look forward to seeing others from around the country.

Enjoy!

not our tree... but a holiday creation.

This has been an art project I have been working on for the past couple of months. The lighting in the picture is not the best, but you can get the idea of the scale. The wreath is made from magnolia leaves that I have gathered and then spray painted in metallic colors, copper, bronze, and silver. I then wired them each to a metal frame. I really like the way it turned out, but it was too time intensive to ever be repeated. I'll take a couple pictures of the tree and maybe get another shot of the wreath and post them later. Hope everyone is doing well.

I'll show you ours, if you show us yours...

Here's ours. I will post better pictures later.

Happy Holidays

We have had these garlands for years. They are one of my favorite holiday decorations.

It Can Always Be Spring

Paper Whites



Amaryllis



Tulips - just starting to poke through.

Jim "Parenting"

We had a great time with Uncle Jim this weekend. I think Jim was a little smitten with Piper. He loved holding on to her while she slept. Here is a photo of Jim "parenting" with Piper.

 

Thanks for coming to visit us!

Happy Holidays!

Today Fairgrove had a float in the Grover Beach Holiday Parade. The kids and families had so much decorating it and riding in the parade. I brought Henry with me. He was so calm and let all the kids pet him. They fed him so many treats that he probably won't need any food all week! A good time was had by all. Looks like we are going to have rain most of the week. Stay warm and dry wherever you are!

It Might be a Civil War - But its a Great Day to be an Oregonian

For the first time in the history of the competition the winner of tonights Civil War game (Oregon State University) vs (University of Oregon) is assured a spot in the Rose Bowl.

The game is captivating the state - and will be shown live nationally on ESPN.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:01pm Pacific Time.

We will be watching with some friends and the boys - munching on Pizza and yelling GO DUCKS!

Santa is coming to town...oh wait...Jim is coming to town

Santa or Jim? Tatum gets confused as to who is coming to town. Should we leave cookies out for you Jim?

S=

Hello Winter

Well, it's not really winter as some of you experience it, but this does signal a change in the weather. I must really be ready for the year to be over as I have the date wrong. Crazy me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and as Jim said we have lost family members but we still have each other and we still have the memories of our family so I continue to be thankful for all that I have and I'm looking forward to Christmas my favorite time of year. The time to be a kid and I have 4 grandchildren to have fun with.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Randall's

We are relaxing at home in our PJ's this Thanksgiving. We seem to be passing colds back and forth so we thought we would just hunker down and relax at home. Here are a few pictures of the girls. Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving. Jill, Tim, Tatum & Piper.

From Thanksgiving 09

From Thanksgiving 09

Thanksgiving - A Long View

This year seems a particularly challenging one for which to be Thankful. We have said farewell to several loved ones. Some tragically, others a part of the natural cycle of life. However, even in the loss, there is a glimmer of something to be thankful for. The many holidays spent together. The healing of broken relationships. The introspection that grief affords. The rawness of life that is soothed by the tenderness of those around us. Perhaps loss serves to remind us to take a long view of life. The moments, strung together, create a fullness for which to be grateful.

At our annual Thanksgiving gathering of friends and sometimes family, there will be one special someone missing this year. Calvin. His presence will be especially missed tomorrow. He was a very sociable cat and always enjoyed the turkey that he got on Thanksgiving. His brother, Leo, carries on the tradition of talking for turkey. I am thankful that Calvin was in my life as long as he was. His ashes now sit on "our shelf for nice things". Tomorrow his spirit will oversee the food preparation, the libations, the laughter and the inevitable late night dance party. It's really pretty simple. We miss him everyday.

As the leaves turn color and fall, the bare branches remind me that the structure of life remains. As I rake and blow the leaves into the woods, I am reminded to be thankful for each season, each life lived and each special moment along my journey to whatever is next. I am thankful for whatever is next and especially for each one of you.

Peace.

Jim

Holiday Decor at the Store

Here's the first picture of the store decorated for the holidays. I'll post more later.

No Gum in the Toilet

It's truly amazing that no matter where we go we run into this sign.

Floating over Egypt in a Hot Air Balloon

Fall in Salem Oregon

A colleague of mine took this picture of the Oregon State Capitol last week.

The capitol, constructed from 1936 to 1938, and expanded in 1977, is the third in Salem. The first two buildings were destroyed by fire. Unfortunately – fires have become a trend at the Oregon Capitol.

Last Labor Day a portion of the Governor’s office burned and we were displaced to a building across the street. The renovations and rebuilding is nearly complete and we should be back in the building sometime in January.

Personally, I think the building is a hybrid of a Mormon temple and a bowling trophy. The design certainly reflects the era in which it was built – when art deco was the rage, but I think I prefer the more “traditional” styles.

View From the Kitchen

November 17, 2009

Fun In Blue Ridge

We are spending the weekend in the "mountains" with our good friends Shafel and Shelley from Vashon Island, WA and Jeff and Cory from Canton. We are in Blue Ridge, GA.

Here is a little taste of our fun.

Children's Author Visit

Since August we've been working on bringing a children's author to Fairgrove for assemblies. Yesterday was the day! We had the wonderful Alexis O'Neill, who is most famous for her book The Recess Queen. The kids have been reading her books for months now and loved meeting her.

Veteran's Day

We should all take the time to reflect and thank all those who have served or are serving in the military.

Michael Buble

I am not a Dancing with the Stars fan. However, when my favorite "star" appears on it, I have to watch it. Now, you can too. It's already up on Youtube. Here you go.

Company

My great friends, Shafel and Shelley, from Vashon Island are coming to visit us tomorrow. I may be posting less over the next week. Although, there may be some interesting events worth posting. We're going to the "mountains" for the weekend.

It's a rainy night in Georgia. Too much rain.

Jim

New Store Merchandise

Sort of a slow weekend all in all. We went to a birthday party for our friend Jeff last night. I worked in the yard today. It was in the 60's. Divine.

I always like visuals in a post. Here are pictures of some of our new Store holiday merchandise.




Handmade Christmas Stockings - $25.00



Handmade Ceramic Magnets - $!5.00



Hand Stamped Cardboard Coasters - $7.50



Hand Silkscreened Wine Bottle Bags and Sommelier's Corkscrew -$12.50

View From My Window

Blue Sky. November 6, 2009. 2:20 pm

MB

Happy Birthday Tatum

Okay, I missed posting by one day.

Happy Birthday to Tatum (yesterday). At least her Dancing Elmo arrived a day early. And, I think her mom and dad will love hearing him do his song!

I am absolutely thrilled that we can video chat via gmail which we did last night. Although, Tatum spent most of her time jumping around in Piper's playpen or whatever you call those things these days. Video chat enables me to see her and Piper grow up - at least virtually. What a world? Anyway, much love to Tatum and her family as she enters her 3rd year.

Click here

Bon Voyage

Tonya and Bob,

Have a fabulous time on your trip to Egypt. I am happy for you, and I must admit a little envious. Dad loved Egypt. He would have been delighted to know that you are going there. Here is picture of mom and him riding camels. Maybe you will also do that while you are there. You deserve a great adventure.

No Recount

All three of our candidates won. There will be no recount.

Link to article. Click here

Success (one recount maybe coming)

We have been working for several years to change the direction of the City of Canton. You can fight city hall, it's just takes awhile. Well, tonight we got very good news. The three candidates that we supported for various reasons won. The main reason for changing the council was to try to eliminate the back room deals and cronyism. Anyway, here are the result.

Bob Rush - 694
Austin Flint - 386

Bill Bryan - 664
Bill Staab - 345

John Beresford - 520
Amy Turcotte - 512
(May be a recount)

Canton has 22,000 residents. Of course, some cannot vote. But, this kind of turnout proves that every vote counts and the state of our local democracy is pathetic.

So, barring any turnarounds, this performance seems appropriate.

Oh, how I love her.
Notice the spot light on her early on in the video. Chills. Baby. Chills

Happy November

Fall in Seattle

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to everyone. It's a gray gloomy day in Canton. We have had a lot of those lately. However, we are getting some nice color in the trees. May Halloween bring you your favorite candy!

barbecued chicken and strawberry shortcake… or perhaps bacon gravy

Earlier this week I began to contemplate a post which in my mind I had titled How Do You Cope? This sprung from my own reflection about how I was wading through life without a Grandma in Fargo to ask about recipe details. I found that I cope & grieve by telling stories, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.

Sunday I made a chicken enchiladas with home made sauce. The sauce took most of the morning to make, roasting peppers on the grill, removing their skin and blending with spices. The whole dinner took several hours to prepare and was quickly consumed by Gregg, Austen & Ryan (our/his boys) and some good friends of ours who joined us for dinner and carving pumpkins.

Today I ran across a great article on the New York Times about Thomas Keller head chef at some of the best restaurants in the country. Instead of focusing on the restaurants or a particular recipe – the article talked about how the chef had reconnected with his father later in life, and how he cooked him his last meal before he died barbecued chicken and strawberry shortcake.

Finally, the article talks honestly about how the loss of his father changed Mr. Keller, and how his employees, patrons, fiancé, and friends appreciate the evolution.

The parallels between some of the narratives that have been, and are currently being written in this family captivated me. I am fascinated by how my Grandfather’s death changed my Grandmother, how I associate her so much with cooking, and how – her death will change all of us.

Some questions to consider: How have you coped? What are you cooking? Do you have food memories? What changes have you seen in yourself or others? Do you fear this change?

Just some thoughts. Here is a link to the NYT article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/dining/28keller.html?pagewanted=1&hp

Love to all.

It's On!

Bill's letter to the editor - The local paper usually prints most letters they get as they are always looking for content. I will post a link if they print it.

If you use twitter follow cantonmuckraker to get the latest muck.

Dear Editor,

I have been informed by City Hall that City Council candidates Austin Flint, Bill Staab and Amy Turcotte did not submit their campaign disclosure forms by the required deadline of 5 PM on Monday, October 26, 2009. From speaking with the candidates who did honor this deadline; John Beresford, Bill Bryan and Bob Rush, the form is simple and easy to complete. How can we trust these candidates to tackle the very significant and complicated problems facing the City of Canton if they can not complete a simple form by the state mandated deadline? It is even more concerning to think they purposelly delayed their disclosure forms to conceal who made financial contributions to their campaigns. At a time when trust for our public servants is at an all time low, honest disclosure is essential. Personally, I will never cast my trust in the form of a vote for any candidate that is not playing by the rules, and I urge my fellow Canton citizens to consider the same.

Inside Out View

A rainy Seattle kind of day.

Beautiful Day in Los Osos

If you look at the picture closely you'll see blue - that's Morro Bay! Clear days like today just confirm two things for me:

1) I need that deck ASAP and

2) Everyone needs to visit!

Happy Halloween

It was scary night in Georgia last night. We went to a costume party with our friends Jeff and Cory. Our costumes were torn "straight" from the entertainment headlines. Of course, Kanye did not let Taylor finish...



Taylor Swift



Kanye West




Nurse Scary and Cowboy Cory

FromTim

Jill and I are so excited to introduce little Piper Elizabeth Randall. She can already count to four; she was born at 12:34 on Monday afternoon. What a smarty pants! She’s 6lbs 14ozs and 19.5 inches long.

I am truly in awe of her Mother. Jill woke up at 4:30 Monday morning and said, “Something feels different.” She did a lot of laboring at home. By the time we made it to the hospital at 10:30 am, she was already dilated 9 centimeters!

Tatum was very happy to meet her sis. She calls her “Bebe Pipier”, it’s really quite cute. Other than keeping her from poking Piper while she is feeding, things seem to be going well. She’s already learned to whisper when Piper is sleeping.

The following link includes a few of our favorite pictures:

Click Here

Piper Elizabeth Randall

Piper Elizabeth Randall was born yesterday. I'll get the weight etc later; or not. I have never figured out why weight and length are important. Perhaps it's just something to ask about. I spoke with Jill tonight. I could hear Tatum talking a lot in the background.

Here's Piper



There will probably be more pictures in the next few days. (ya think?)

Final Words for Grandma Theone

Earlier this week I had the honor of saying some words at my Grandma Theone's funeral. She was a wonderful, amazing woman with a great deal of sass. One of her last wishes was to have her family connect more. We have all had a difficult week together - but it has been very fun at moments. I'm not really a technology guy - but I think I can figure out how to use a blog - especially if its a tool to remember my grandma and connect with my family. So here goes...my first post.

Love, Hans

On behalf of my family, especially Effie, Don and Tonya I would like to thank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of THE ONE!

I also stand before you today as the representative of three of the most fortunate people in this room. Lara, Steffen and myself, who had the pleasure of knowing Theone at her best, and had the privilege of calling her Grandma.

Today marks the end of a long journey on this earth and the beginning of another for my grandma.

I know she would want me to take a moment to pause and say thank you for a few important people. To my dad and Effie for many fun memories over the years and the especially over the past month.

And a special thank you to Tonya and Bob for all the love and devotion you showed to her until her final breaths. In the end she was not in pain, not alone, and not afraid, because of the care and love given to her by Tonya and Bob. I know Grandma was grateful for your love and the rest of the family are forever in your debt for the compassion you showed her.

Long before I knew her, Theone lived a life defined by struggle and hardship. At a young age she lost her mother, and at various points her father would head to Alaska for work.

During these years Theone and her older sister Ramona were left to care for Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon…. As if that wasn’t hard enough my grandma was quick to tell folks that they lived in a converted chicken coop during this time.

Most of us here today cannot comprehend the adversity you all faced but we can comprehend the love and caring that you have all demonstrated for each other over the years.

Gordon, Roger, Bill and Sharon, your loss on this day is profound.

Six….was five….is now four, and our sympathies and love are with you during this difficult time.

At the end of her childhood, years past, and Theone met and married her husband Don – moved to International Falls and began a family.

With Effie and Don family life was defined by being a mother at a young age and struggling to make ends meet.

As the years past and Effie and Don grew up Theone developed a robust set of hobbies and friends and became quite the social creature, just in time to for a surprise her second daughter Tonya to arrive.

Her life in International Falls was defined by curling, bowling, her children, and being a cook at the local high school.

I may be biased but I believe my grandma’s best years were the last 30 of her life.

It was during this time when preconceived notions of what was right and required were cast away in favor of what was needed and fun.

It was during this time that Theone connected in new ways with many of us in this room and developed a unique ability to walk into a room and sense who needed to feel included and loved.

Sometimes this inclusion came in the form of a deadpan line delivered to a niece or nephew seated across the room. David, Ryan, Jimmy, Jeffery….. “While your up, get me a glass of water.”

Other times it came in the form of an invitation to come spend a week at the cabin with the reminder. “Don’t you dare walk up the steps empty handed”

And in my case it was an open door, and heart, every summer for several years.

It was during these summers that she taught me essential qualities any young person should have; how to line dance, respect and learn from your family,
help loved ones, attend funerals, drive a boat, love, laugh and play cards.

In my later years, these lessons also included how to enjoy grain belt, and buy Virginia slim ultra light 120’s. Just imagine the looks I got from the clerk.

My experience and connection with Grandma was really only unique because of the amount of time we spent together….

I suspect most people who knew her in these years also learned these lessons, and connected in similar ways.

I believe the greatest testament to my grandmother is the fact that in the last 30 years of her life these lessons were taught universally.

Kids, cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors, card playing friends, re-hab buddies, from all walks of life and corners of the country.

After her death, Lara and I both received messages of condolence, several people commented on how sweet grandmas were.

We politely agreed, but also thought to ourselves… that’s not the first word that would come to mind.

Salty, yes. Brash, yes. And yes, certainly sweet.

Earlier this year I had the sad pleasure of attending a memorial service for Theone’s brother in law Ted Wilson in Seattle. After the service, Jim and Sharron introduced me as Theone’s grandson. I left that day thinking I will receive no greater honor in my life.

I suspect there are many here today who feel honored to be known as a member of Theone’s group of friends, church, or family.

We all have stories that will make us laugh when we are sad, but as Theone used to tell me after she lost her husband. It never gets easier… it just gets different.

In the end though, I do believe my grandma found a way to make it easier, by channeling the love and positive memories into other aspects of our lives. By doing this we can help replicate that which the person we have lost had given us.

As we mourn the loss of THE ONE. Let us remember her love, laughter and spunk…. And let us pray.
Walk with us this day O Lord and strengthen us to live our faith in bold and in quiet ways.

Help us listen attentively and speak with thoughtful care.
Make us quick to love and slow to anger,
Quick to share and slow to hoard.
Open our hearts that we may extend a genuine welcome to all we meet each day looking for your presence in each face around us.
Amen.

Thank you Grandma. The honor was mine.

Levity

Missing you guys in Fargo and thinking about happier moments...

Jim and Theone

Another great day at the lake!

Family

There was a visitation for Theone this evening. I will try to list all the family members that were there, but I may miss some as I don't know all the names of the next generation.

Siblings/Significant Others
Gordon Christian
Emma Christian
Roger Christian
Jean Christian
Bill Christian
Carol Christian
Sharon Ausman

Children/Significant Others
Effie Blubaugh
Donald Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)
Barb Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)
Tonya Omdahl
Bob Omdahl

Grand Chrildren
Lara Storm
Hans Bernard
Steffen Bernard (arrived at Tonya's house later as their plane landed at 8:30)

Nieces/Nephews/Significant Others
Jim Wilson
David Christian
Lisa Christian
Gordy Christian
Jody Christian
Sam Christian
Debbie Welle
Hugh Welle
Joseph Welle
Ryan Christian
Julie Christian
Ben Christian
Victoria Christian

Many many friend from Fargo were also present.

There is a visitation tomorrow at 10 followed by the service.

Just add names of those I forgot in the comments section and I will republish this post.

Unruly Canton, GA Man Diverts Delta Flight!

This was the headline that wound up on our Twitter page today! I thought I better check out the complete story since Jim was flying Delta to Fargo this morning! Alas, it wasn't him - just a right wing fanatic from Canton!

http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washington/stories/NW_101309WAB-delta-flight-diverted-TP.212890276.html

Guess Who?

Guilty Pleasure

In the middle all of this, sit back and have a listen. He's my guilty pleasure, you know.

Arrangements

Arrangements for Theone

West Funeral Home

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 with a prayer service at 7 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND and one hour before the service in the church.

Funeral Service: Thursday, Oct 15, 2009 at 11 in Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.

Burial: Friday, Oct 16, 209 at Riverside Cemetery, Warroad, MN.

The burial service time has not been finalized. However, the earliest it will be is 1:00 pm.

Sad News

Theone passed away today in Fargo. Bob said that Tonya was with her and she went peacefully. When I know what the arrangements are, I will post it on the blog.

Taste of Canton

1,700 people turned out for The Taste of Canton last night. A great crowd. Bill was asked to participate in one of the activities. The other participants were the city council candidates. Funny.

Some Music

I usually don't like to post links to videos, but this one can not be embedded. Stay with it. It's worth it.


I Look To You

One Never Knows From Whence It Comes

Sorry,a lot of words.

I took a break from all things political sometime in mid-August. I was so exhausted from the lack of constructive debate about the issues. I have high blood pressure anyway, so the break was good. I am now putting my toe in the water again. So, I was watching Rachel Maddow tonight. One of her guests was Sarah Vowell author of The Wordy Shipmates about the Massachusetts Colony.

Anyway, I was particularly struck by a John Winthrop sermon she mentioned. It was written in 1630. Yes, 1630. It is the sermon that Reagan "borrowed" his "shining city on the hill" mantra. The interesting thing is John Winthrop never said shining. Oh well. Here's part of the sermon that I was drawn to. I had to overcome my resistance to "sermons". (I tend to follow the teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and I should pay more attention to her) I was just amazed that how much I connected with something from 400 years ago. The human experience is timeless. I tried to modernize the spelling of most of the words. I think I got most of them correct.

We must operate more like this in our society.

John Winthrop's City upon a Hill, 1630

- Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck and to provide for our posterity is to follow the Counsel of Micah, to do Justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God, for this end, we must be knit together in this work as one man, we must entertain each other in brotherly Affection, we must be willing to abridge our selves of our superfluities, for the supply of others necessities, we must uphold a familiar Commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience and liberallity, we must delight in each other, make others Conditions our own rejoice together, mourn together, labor, and suffer together, always having before our eyes our Commission and Community in the work, our Community as members of the same body, so shall we keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace...

Here's the entire sermon

Can't Title it

Sorry, words escape me. Perhaps it's all in the music.

Really Early Monday Morning

It's been another very rainy night in Georiga. I have been up since 4 am searching youtube for a song for today. It seems like today needs one.

It's 6:30 now. Leo finally got up to join me.

Tom Waits is an acquired taste, but brilliant. Here is my choice for the day.

Living in Gratitude

The last two days have been gift. We have been so blessed to have two days where Theone has been quite alert and able to share fun memories of times past, excursions, and adventures. Lots of memories of the cabin, which holds a special place for all of us.

I really have no sense of the timing of all of this. My heart knows it could be any moment; and I seem to vaciliate between welcoming the end to deliver her from her pain and frustration and willing the universe to allow us one more moment.

In the quiet that remains now with only Theone and I (and Cocoa who isn't very noisy) in the house I have much time to contemplate...it is peaceful here, and that is good. It is a blessing to be together and I live in gratitude.

The Space In Between

Since last Thursday, when I first learned how serious Theone's medical condition was, I have lived in the space in betweeen. I wait for the final call, the final text, the final email, the final blog entry. I try to find words that will convey the finality of the process. Part of me demands to say the actual words, yet being sensitive seems the more gentle and loving path to communicate reality.

I ache at times for those sitting with Theone. Then the stuff of my life distracts me and the ache subsides. But in the quiet and when I truly feel what's in my soul, the pain of loss seems bottomless. I think each one of our journeys is different. Yet, the common emptiness and helplessness at these times is universal. I believe there is a passage somewhere that says through death we are reborn. I don't know about that, but I do know that I have been given amazing gifts through these losses. It's that moment of clarity when you know nothing can be destroyed. It is simply transformed.

Life is tenacious, precious, precarious, joyful, sorrowful, painful, humorous, serious. It's a mystery that we know. I once had the honor of being in the delivery room when a friend of mine had her baby. I cried. No other response seemed more apt. All of the sudden there was a new life in the room. I have had the honor of being in several rooms when lives have ended. I cried. No other response seemed more apt. It's about the cycle. Nothing is destroyed, it just changes, it's just transformed.

I could not have written this without Theone being in my life when I was a teenager. It wasn't about what we did or where we were. She saw me. She heard me. She told me that I deserved to be here. She just knew when I needed to be seen and heard. I new I was her favorite, yet I have a suspicion that many people felt that same way. No, she wasn't a saint, but on the other hand she was my Patron Saint. My Patron Saint of knowing that life is worth living.

Sadness

Most of you probably know that Theone is in the hospital in Fargo. She will start hospice care tomorrow either at home or a different facility. I don't know many medical details other than her lungs and heart are failing. Donald will arrive in Fargo tonight. Effie and Lara plan on getting there Tuesday. I have been texting with Tonya and spoke to her this afternoon. It's a hard process as most of us know.

Theone holds a special place in my heart.

I will update the blog as I know more. If you want to add anything you know, please do.

Canton 4th Friday Artwalk

We had a nice event last night in downtown Canton. The store was full at times. Sales were actually pretty good. People love the masks. Some of the artists canceled because they thought it was going to rain. Every time I talk to someone they say the rain is supposed to start at a certain hour. The next person keeps saying a different thing. What's a boy from Seattle supposed to do?



Jim and Liz with masks.

Where is everybody

Thanks, I love Whitney, one of my favorites is I didn't know my own strength.

Where is everyone?

No comments? I guess everyone is too busy these days.

Breath and say OM with me.

Listen to this and then return to whatever multitasks you are doing.



Peace y'all

More Commerce

Okay, as promised, some of our products are now on-line. You can access the site here:

feltandwireshop

There are products from other designer's on the site as well. Of course, ours are the coolest. ;-)

The Halloween merchandise will start coming on-line tomorrow. Ask Monna how awesome it is.

Jim

That Impressive Mr. Grant

Bill is speaking at a conference next week in North Carolina. Here is some nice press on the conference. It's a quick read.

Piedmont Triad Partnership Presents Second Triad Design Leadershop Program with Designer Bill Grant

When It Rains...

Unfortunately, Monna did not get to experience the Sunny South for her birthday visit! Instead, she was here for the Great Atlanta Flood of 2009. Some parts of Atlanta had up to 18" of rain over 7 days. We had around a foot here in Canton. We had some water in our basement at home, and the office has been leaking all week. However, we are fortunate compared to many people in the ATL Metro. We were taking Monna to Going Coastal for her birthday dinner, but the restaurant was flooded! So, she got to dine at Canton's newest fine Italian restaurant instead! Supposedly, more rain is on the way through the weekend. This photo is from Heritage park in Canton. There are usually walking trails and grass in the park, but we may have to replace them with canoeing and boat ramps!

Welcome to the South Debby and Ronaldo

Welcome to the South Debby, Ronaldo and family. It's a little different (understatement) than Seattle. The people are crazy, but that just gives you permission to also be crazy. One thing I learned early is that if you establish eye contact with a true southerner you may be in for a long conversation about their life. Transplants from the North and Left Coast are safe. I am still not used to living here, but the sun shine so much, I forget all about being home sick. Although, this week the sun has not shined.

It sounded like Monna enjoyed her visit with you.

Perhaps we can visit with you one of these days.

Francesca, if you send your email address to jim.wilson@yahoo.com, I'll add you to the blog as an author and you can you can update your family back in Seattle. I am pretty sure Georgean reads it.

Enjoy Charlotte and your big beautiful new home.





Jim