Blue Moon Tonight! New Year’s Eve 2009!

Deb’s House Concerts

Once In A Blue Moon

It only happens “once in a blue moon.”  What does that mean? “Once in a blue moon” is a very rare occurrence. A blue moon is not a moon that is blue. It is the 2nd full moon that occurs in the same calendar month as another full moon.

Blue Moon On New Year’s Eve

Tonight there is a blue moon. The moon is full for the 2nd time this month (December 2009). We went to the airport this morning and looked at the moon on the way and talked about it. They saw the full moon when they arrived, and they saw the full moon when they left. And, the one they saw today was spectacular if only for its rarity (even more rare than a blue moon).

Blue Moon Once In 28 Years

The blue moon today is the blue moon on New Year’s Eve, even more rare than a 2nd full moon in the same calendar month. A blue moon on New Year’s Eve only occurs every 28 years. We added 28 to our ages. The children will be in their 30s. The adults will be as old and older than their parents are now. They made a plan to remember this blue moon, an historic event.

Howl at the Moon to Bring in the New Year …

or, just look up and enjoy … or, crawl into bed and snooze into the next decade. Your choice.

Either way …

Happy New Year!

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A Very Happy Surprise

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Not Invited This Time

In most of the things I’ve studied in recent years, I’ve been invited to participate in an honor society, or have been on the Dean’s List, or have been near the top of my class at least during some part of what I’ve been studying. This year, I was not one of the ones invited to join the honor society. I did not know what the requirements were, but I figured I must not have met them, since I was not invited.

Imagine My Surprise

So, I was surprised and very happy to have someone approach me a few weeks back, prior to a ceremony, to check my name off a list and hand me a medallion.  I don’t normally post about things that are directly happening in my life. I prefer to post about ideas. But, I just want to say this was a happy surprise that added to the joy of the day.

Honors Medallion

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Exceptional Oklahoma Blogger

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Me?

Hmmmm.

Well, thanks!

Thanks for this:

my 2009 nod to exceptional oklahoma bloggers

Posted on December 13th, 2009 by Rena

I just want to tip my hat to some Oklahoma bloggers who have managed to penetrate my haze this year, for their persistence, their regularity, their seeming tirelessness and their apparent ability to be completely self-motivating.

So here’s my list of 2009 bloggers who have earned my respect, just becausethey blogged. (And this in no way is to dismiss their other qualities as astute observers and creative writers.)

Oklahoma Lefty …

Carless in OKC …

Deb’s House Concerts – Another blogger with passion for music, as well as other creative expression. Thoughts about politics, culture, language, horticulture, nature and anything else that comes along.

Rena from Peace Arena (http://peacearena.org/)

About Peace Arena

PeaceArena.org consists of a blog, wiki, (and soon) news feed and discussion forum. It is owned and produced by Serena Blaiz, the nom de tubes of a longtime progressive political activist and communications professional…  I am a feminist, secular animist and collectivist, working at the grassroots level for peace and justice, previously in Florida, and since 2003 in Oklahoma. Sometimes I get paid for this work, mostly I do it out of a desire to seek justice and build community.

My Introduction to Peace Arena

I heard from Rena when I posted a poll about the font I was using for my blog posts (November 2008). She strongly opposed the font I used, and she was convincing enough in her explanation (about what I was doing wrong) that I changed the way I write my posts. I never heard from her again. So, being chosen by her as a blogger who “managed to penetrate my haze this year” was quite a surprise. Thank you, Rena.

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Birdhouses (the children’s gift to their families)

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Finally!

Last night, I finally made the truffles for this year, and I spray painted the birdhouses, just to put a base coat on them. Today, the kids painted the birdhouses.  After days of snow, cold, and rain, we finally had sunshine and enough warmth to be outside for a few hours. The timing was good after all. Today, we finished the project. Three days after we gave each other gifts, our birdhouse project is finished.

Painting in Shifts

At first, it seemed like only a couple of the children wanted to be part of the project. Then, one by one, they showed up and painted. And, each one talked about how much fun it was to paint. One said it was ‘freeing’. Another thanked me at the end of the day, saying, “Thank you for letting me paint.” After the kids put their touches on the birdhouses with acrylic paints, I sprayed the birdhouses with polyurethane, in an effort to seal the paint, and make it better able to stand the weather.

Excited to Present the Gifts

The children were so excited when they finally were able to show the birdhouses to the adults and tell them which ones were for each one. The adults were enthusiastic and appreciative. The kids were proud of their work.

Long Afternoon

The afternoon craft project started after lunch and lasted almost until dark. It was dark by the time I had the sealer sprayed on and the trash cleaned up. Now, I’m tired, but I’m very happy that my idea for a fun gift for the kids to make (paint) and give came to fruition.  We had a fun afternoon, and they’ll all be able to enjoy their work and watch for birds building nests when spring arrives.

Red, Yellow, and Blue Make Every Color

Here are a few of the photos from the birdhouse project.

12/27/2009

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How Was Your Christmas?

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Responding to That Question

It’s late, and I just read about KZ’s Christmas. She asked how it’s been for others. I’m not in her inner circle, but I tend to comment on her blog now and then. And, as I often do, I decided to post most of my comment here as a post of my own.

What We Did

We went to a Moravian Love Feast on Christmas Eve and had our family time after that.

No Gifts Unless You Made Them Yourself

We went for the “no gifts unless handmade” plan this year, so I got some yummy treats, a necklace made by a nephew, photos of adorable younger members of the family, and a dvd of photos of us when we were young and adorable.

Creating Our Own Definitions

Handmade also seems to have a broader meaning for us, so I also got a 2010 calender from Germany, a hand-stitched, pieced quilt made by the first wife of the 2nd husband of a long deceased sister of a long deceased relative two generations my senior … imagine that! … given by a sibling, a very nice hand-me-down computer case, and a coat that feels so good it should be a down comforter (“from my favorite store” which I’m guessing was Goodwill).

Gifts In Progress

I made truffles tonight (a little late) and the children are painting birdhouses tomorrow (our other in-progress gift).

Party On

Our party (time together) is still going on with everyone staying around for days lounging, reading, cooking, eating, and playing. It’s been relaxing and very enjoyable.

Savoring the Time We Have Together

We were fortunate to have a good week together. Life is short, and I want to savor every moment.  I know holidays are  not a happy time for everyone every year.  If this holiday was more sad than happy for you, I hope 2010 will bring better times.

How Has It Been For You?

What has happened in your life this past week? Do you celebrate Christmas? Who did you spend your time with? Was it a parties and gifts time? Was there lots of good food? Were there religious services? Decorations? Gifts? To quote KZ, “How was yours? Do tell.”

12/26/2009

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Truffles 2009!

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I Forgot to Make Truffles

I’ve been so busy this year, I forgot that I like to (try to) make truffles at Christmas time. I thought this year  I’d just melt some chocolate chips and stir in some peanuts or pecans (not both together), drop spoonfuls of it onto waxed paper, and then give those candies for gifts. But, things got so busy right at the last, I even forgot to do that!

Lucky for Me, A Truffle Page Was in the Stats

Say what? Well, I was looking at the referring page info the other day and clicking links to see where visitors were before they came here. Somehow, someone got here from a truffle recipe on another page (Last minute gift:Christmas truffles). So, lucky me, I read that recipe, and it sounded like something I might be able to do successfully.

The Short Story

There’s a long story here, and I’ll probably tell it some day (about in-laws and calculations and conversions between standards of measure), but for tonight it’s enough to say I told the family they could have any that I “messed up” (imperfect balls of melt-in-your- mouth chocolate). So, they said things like, “Someone scare her, so she’ll mess up,” and, “I’ll have some more of your failed chocolate.” Perhaps the most creative was, “That’s too big a gift. You shouldn’t give so many to one person.” (I made a plate of truffles for three neighbors with eight pieces each.) “A gift box of truffles is usually only three pieces. Three pieces is a nice gift.” They needn’t have worried. I left a full plate  for the family, too many to eat at one sitting, even with many people and several pieces each.

Melt in Your Mouth

Melt in your mouth good? Oh, yeah! The consistency was just right.  You can pop an entire truffle into your mouth and it just dissolves. Mmmmm. I used three kinds of coatings: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.

Truffles for You

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Nathan Pacheco on Disney’s Christmas Day Special 10am on ABC (9am west coast)

Deb’s House Concerts

Christmas Morning

I hope you’re having happy, happy day.

Nathan Pacheco Sings Oh Holy Night on the Christmas morning special on ABC this morning.

Singer brings new life to Yanni’s music(interview with Nathan Pacheco, June 2009)

Nathan Pacheco on MySpace

DISNEY PARKS CHRISTMAS DAY PARADE (12/25/2009)

Celebrating the ‘Season of Giving,’ 26th Annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Broadcasts from Both Coasts, Airing on ABC-TV December 25(earthtimes.org)

http://kathychicago.wordpress.com/

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Christmas Eve Love Feast

Deb’s House Concerts

My Nephew Said …

“Did you take pictures in church????” When I affirmed that I did, he said, “You’re not supposed to take pictures in church!” To which I said, “It’s a good thing you were not sitting with me!”   (I tried to be discreet. No flash. No waving the camera around.)

Moravian Love Feast on Christmas Eve

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NORAD Santa Tracker 2009

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Keep Track of Santa’s Trek

Visit NORAD’s Santa Tracking web site and follow Santa as he travels around the world.

Santa Tracker

The History of NORAD Santa Tracker

NORAD Santa Tracker 2009: Google Earth, Military Track Santa’s Path (VIDEO)

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Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe (just in time for Christmas pies)

Deb’s House Concerts

In the Newspaper

Yep, there was a little article in the local print version of the newspaper. I found it (clipped out) on the table while visiting family.

How Do You Make Pumpkin Pie Spice?

According to the article, it isn’t very difficult. And, the author said it costs less than buying it, too.

Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices

These instructions come from The Contemporary Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices (Wiley, 2004) by tony Hill.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Combine:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Note: For best results, grind or grate cloves, allspice and nutmeg right before using them.

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“Just Don’t Eat So Much”

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Maybe AFTER Christmas

Those are not words we want to hear right before the feasting most of us do around Christmas. Maybe we can hold on to this one for January 1 of 2010!

But, Seriously …

Those are the words that stuck in the mind of a man who had eaten compulsively since he was in high school. He had passed 450 pounds, and he could not find a way to lose weight.

“Just don’t eat so much.”

A co-worker said those words, and they made sense. So, little by little he ate less and less. Now, instead of 9,000 calories of junk food and fast food each day he eats 1,700 calories of healthy food.

Wow! Congratulations!

Read the article and watch the video.

.

[UPDATE: What do you think of this?Students may not be allowed to graduate because they're obese]

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Dreaming of a White Christmas

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Santa and Reindeer Singing on YouTube

A friend just sent me the link to this version of White Christmas. The youtube cartoon was done by the cousin of a friend of my friend who sent me this link. I’m in NC. My friend is in another town in NC.  Her friend is from New England, but she lives in Italy. Her friend’s cousin is an Italian cartoonist.  (How many degrees of separation?)

Enjoy!

White Christmas Cartoon Song

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A Home for Christmas Story We Can All Believe

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A Home for Christmas Story That’s Easier to Believe

After the story yesterday about the man trapped inside his body for 23 years (doctors said he was in a persistent vegetative state) and the recent discovery that he’s been awake and alert all this time (a story that is easier to believe as hoax than truth), today I want to direct you to a story that sounds true inside and out. The protagonist is a woman who thought she was renting from relatives, only to learn that she was paying rent to be a squatter in a condemned house.

Her House Fell Down

This woman was working in a nursing home. She came home from an extra-long shift and the front of her house was lying on the ground.  It seems there was water flowing underground in that neighborhood, and it was causing houses to cave in. She was not even allowed to go back inside, because the house was condemned (something she did not know, as she thought she was renting a house from family members who owned it).

No Home AND a Cancer Diagnosis

For the next two years, she lived with a (very nice, very generous) friend who allowed her to stay with her children  in one of the bedrooms in her apartment. This followed the caving in of the house and the discovery of cancer cells. She lost her home and her job, had no health insurance and was dependent on the goodwill of her friend and assistance from the government.

Project H.O.M.E.

Her lucky day came when she was allowed to move into new low-income housing. She paid 30% of her income for rent and had access to support from social workers. She was able to further her education, and in time, she was working enough to leave the rent-supported living situation and buy a home.

Project H.O.M.E. provides permanent affordable housing to individuals and families who require regular supportive services. Residents pay 30 percent of their income for rent and are offered comprehensive services including case management, education, job placement services and health care.

W.I.S.H.

Now, she lives in her own home, and works to help others. She has her own non-profit foundation called W.I.S.H. (With-In Strong Hands) through which she offers help to others who are facing housing difficulties.

… closest to her heart is her own nonprofit, With-in Strong Hands (W.I.S.H.) Right now, Myers is the nonprofit, working as a catchall advocate and problem-solver for people moving out of shelters into homes, senior citizens and anyone else that needs someone to speak up and look out for them.

“I try to solve problems for them, clean their houses for them free of charge, help with their paperwork,” Myers said. Her nonprofit lets her look after others the way she’s been looked after over the years.

Read the Article

Fraud, Cancer, House Collapse: Adversity Inspires Philly Mom To Pay It Forward

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Home For Christmas (an amazing story)

Deb’s House Concerts

Did You Hear About the Guy Who ….

was in a coma … no, was in a vegetative state … no, was simply paralyzed for 23 years???

No Joke

According to the article, a man was paralyzed, yet fully conscious, for 23 years while no one but his family thought he had brain activity.

What I Don’t Understand

How in the world could this happen? Physiologically it sounds amazing and possibly unbelievable. But, if the article is true, this man spent 23 years in prison.  He was in a car accident. Doctors thought he was in a coma. Then, they thought he was in a vegetative state. Only the family believed he was really in there and conscious.

Why Were Tests Not Done?

There are diagnostic tests that show brain activity, or an absence of it. According to the article, those tests were finally done, after decades, and the man was shown to be conscious inside a paralyzed body.  That is very hard to believe, yet amazing if it is true.

Wow!

What a nightmare. I’ve heard stories (read articles) of people who were given paralytics before surgery, but were not given enough of the pain medications that were to accompany them. So, they were fully awake, but paralyzed while they were cut open and operated on.  So, it must be possible that some freak accident to the brain could leave someone paralyzed, but fully aware. How horrible!

Difficult to Believe

I find this story hard to believe for many reasons. I don’t know if I want it to be true (and, that poor guy was trapped for 23 years unable to let anyone know he was in there), or I want it not to be true (and, the hoax will be revealed before too long).

23 Years Without Motion?

I cannot imagine someone living for 23 years while completely immobilized. I don’t mean paralyzed in the ways we think of it. I mean complete immobility with no signs of life  (awareness, communication) and lying in bed for 23 years. There are too many bad things that happen to a body that does not move.

Even Electrodes Record Brain Activity

I find it impossible to believe that modern medical diagnostic tools would not detect brain activity if they were used. The story suggests the family had the motivation and resources to explore every option. How could brain activity not be observed for 23 years, then all of a sudden, someone discovers there is brain activity?  These questions make this a difficult story to believe.

What Do You Think?

Read this article and see if it doesn’t just make you cringe thinking of being trapped (unable to speak, move, or show anyone you were alive and conscious) inside a paralyzed body for 23 years.

Rom Houben, Man In Coma For 23 Years, Was Fully Conscious, Mom Says

What Others Are Saying About This

Please leave your thoughts and feelings about this story. Do you believe it? Have you ever been in a coma, or ‘under’ for surgery while actually still awake? Feel free to leave a link to another article about this story, or others that might be related.

Related: Naysayers and Skeptics

Good articles about why this is a hoax and about why people should not be kept alive at any cost.

The Coma Man Hoax: Rom Houben’s “Communication” Is “Ideomotor” Ouija Board Effect

The Rom Houben Tragedy And The Case For Active Euthanasia

Personal Comment

For me? If I’m ever in that situation, and there is no brain activity, and someone wants to justify keeping my body alive for decades … I hope my family will not fall for the emotional hooks, and they’ll  do the right thing (for me) and let me go. A person who is in a persistent vegetative state is not going to come back. They can do a lot of good for others if they donate their organs. Saying goodbye to a living, breathing person (body) and knowing they’re going to have their organs removed would be heart-breaking, but knowing that loved one was not there at all, and would just live on for decades with no hope for recovery would be even more sad.  I want my loved ones to do the right thing, donate my organs to people who will be given a new lease on life, bury, scatter or keep my cremains (cremated remains of the rest of the body), grieve, and move on with their lives.

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Deb’s House Concerts

First Snowfall This Winter December 18, 2009

We’ve had mostly bright days so far this winter, but midday Friday the rain, sleet and snow moved in.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Here’s what it looked like about 5pm Friday December 18, 2009.

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