Weekend Reflections

The Concert- Celebrating Gifts
Everyone has gifts, Multiple gifts. I'm not one of those people who encourages others to discover what their gift (singular) is. Gifts are so varied, and so needed in community it's a good thing there are lots of different ones. This weekend we celebrated Lance and some of his gifts - music and words in particular, in the concert and releasing of the album Renovation.

I was thinking those are such public gifts -music and words - but then I thought they wouldn't have to be - he could have kept them to himself, but he didn't - and now, with the release of the album, Lance's words and music (and Aimee's art) go out as seeds cast. They will encourage, prop up, call, entertain, amuse, correct, teach, show, tell, light, and beautify where ever they land. The concert will be something many will remember for life. So many friends came - it was a reunion. The musicians had a blast and in turn we did too. The feel of the event was joyful, exuberant. Lots of people came who had never heard Lance - how cool. I don't know how they heard of it acutely - but I know the local paper had been very generous with our press releases. We got 4 articles and an add placed - just one indicator of favor on this project.

I love the music, I believe in Lance, I believe in truth, truth is in the music, truth and grace, health and life. I believe Renovation goes out on the wings of the dove who with great sweeping movement of strong yet gentle bright wings renovates the interior of our heart homes, fresh wind ushering in -- space. light. freedom. grace. celebration. dance. Move holy dove, renovate, make new.

Martha and Mary -
Change in direction here -- About me -- Looking back on the weekend, I wish I had two of myself. One to help facilitate and the other to just enjoy. I ran like a chicken with my head cut off - collecting, driving, delivering, helping, arranging, cooking, cleaning, video taping. Lance's family loves facilitating. It was amazing to watch them work together with imagination, smoothly, like a well orchestrated dance, seemingly tireless in serving the incredibly arranged intermission milk and cookie break AND the after party Norwegian Nacho party (you never saw anything like it).It gives me joy to do some of these things - in moderation. But if I had another of me, she would slow down, prepare in advance - everything, even film in camera and tripod located (what, did I loan it out?? never found it) - then my other self would revel in the experience, greet all the friends as if I had not a care in the world. I would sit up close take in every expression and drop of sweat. I would be almost in the music. Of course there was only one of me and she got very tired, she both did and did not do what she wanted. The show is very small looking through a camera lens, and you have to be very still - not something that comes naturally. LK filmed some of the time, and then I was free - hurray. But yesterday I watched some of the video - amateur filming to be sure - and I am thankful to have it. I get to see the concert again and again - with my feet up - relaxed - rested. It's often a matter of both - not either or - that is good. Sometimes a Martha sometimes a Mary.

Goodbye Traditions -
We got home from the after party at 2:00am. Lance and Aimee had to leave the house by 4:30am to catch their plane from Vancouver. I didn't set my alarm thinking I would hear Aimee and Lance up - then we would get up and say our goodbyes. I hugged Aimee goodnight and went to bed. I must have slept like a dead woman. The next thing I knew it was 6:30. I leapt out of bed - thinking and saying - "the Odegard's have missed their plane!" I ran across the hall - when to my shock I saw the empty guest room. I ran down the stairs and outside - no car. They were gone. Sleep deprived, shocked, I began to cry (outloud and ugly).
I was absolutely and pathetically inconsolable. For generations the women in my family have sent their people off with hugs, tears, prayers, watching and waving as they have driven off. This is how it goes. I was learning how deeply entrenched and significant this unspoken rule was to me. Where was rewind? Redo, Redo! I was glad they hadn't missed the plane - but I wanted to go backwards. There was no one to hug. I went back to the empty guest room to find a note, or some evidence that they had been here - all I found was an used airline boarding pass and a ripped and wrinkled program from the night before. I tried to read it though my persistent tears. It was too blurry. I didn't like it that it was ripped and and wrinkled. I had failed to get a CD even. I'd go to the store later and get one - that would help. I wondered what the rest of the story was. Did we not respond to their morning knock? Had Aimee come in and whispered a goodbye and we slept on? Did they wake up really late and just have to run for it? Were they giving us the gift of sleep? It would take a while to find out.

Later I talked to first Lance and then Aimee. We had never encountered such a late night and early departure time before. What to do - Odegards wondered? We had not been specific - wake us - Lance thought wake -Aimee thought my hug was the goodbye - she thought let them sleep. Aimee and Lance must have been mostly asleep - only two hours of sleep. It was to be a kindness. I never thought it was an unkindness --we are all good there.

Cara, who had overheard me cry and run out the door, later in the am helped me carry stuff in from the car and fed me a therapeutic muffins and orange juice breakfast while we enjoyed a visit. After I talked with those Odegards, and we had a little phone affection-connection (I just made that up - nice eh?) and phone goodbyes - all was good. This morning I woke up, no startle, no surprise at empty room, no panic - normal again.

You know, for what it's worth, I thought I would just tell this story and say - WOW -you just don't know HOW important some things are to you until a missed chance lets you know. SO...be forwarned - if you stay here - you won't be getting away with an early departure without saying goodbye - I will have my alarm set, and as you drive away you'll see me waving in your rearview mirror.

Here is Steve at the studio. We had so many fabulous left-overs from the after concert party that I offered to bring supper for the guys. This is the band Steve is currently recording. They seemed to be having a lot of fun, they seemed hungry and the microwave is VERY slow, so they seemed pretty patient to wait for it, and they seemed grateful - that's always a nice feature isn't it?

Birthday Breakfast

LK and I went on an early morning city hike. He's "training" for a mountain hike with some guys. Then we went to my parents for a lovely birthday breakfast. Breakfast is my favorite meal out. It was amazing that mom could manage this as she has that severe compression fracture now - but she just told dad what to do and had the girls bring some food also. It was great and everyone was fresh. Again, I don't have pictures of everybody because I also used my film camera.

One gift I'm excited about is soft sage green electric blanket that my folks gave me. And why?? Because it extends the camping season - HURRAY! Someone told us once the key to camping in freezing weather in a tent trailer is an electric blanket. (I think that and a hat) Anyway, I'm really excited to camp longer and in more comfort in the fall.

Our musician friend Bruce mowed our lawn today while everyone else was running about getting ready for the concert tomorrow. WOW. That's some house guest. Tonight is a big practice for the band. If you live in the Abbotsford area, I can't tell you how fun I think this show will be and at intermission, you get to have milk and cookies - how cool is that?

Melanie came out to hang with Aimee and hit the used shops. Tonight they are feeding the hungry band as they practice in Surrey. I like to watch Aimee and Melanie together - they have such a warm and real friendship.

We had Lance's parents and sister over for tea tonight. One of the boxes that they sent by Greyhound bus has not arrived. So tomorrow we have to try to convince the Greyhound folks to find it and hand it over - even if only the passenger side is open. Oh I hope that works. Some of the food is in those boxes for the intermission.

Good night.

Sarah playing at the party with the stacking toy from Great Grandma and Grandpa W. She's very interested in trying to figure things out - just like her daddy I might add.

Here Aimee shows my dad Lance's CD liner notes (do they still call them that?). It's 16 pages and a beautiful work of art. Aimee did the album design and much of the photography. Now the reason my dad is smiling so big is that, unknown to him, Aimee had photographed my dad's old Stan Smith Addias runners - and the song "Young" is illustrated using this photo. Dad is so surprised and he's chuckling. Oh and for the party - he forgot the smokes. I think he was to busy following Mom's directions for the egg dish.

A little snuggle with Sarah Mae. She's wearing her super cute, will fit for a long time, outfit from Auntie Heidi and Uncle Josh.

I am trying out my new birthday gift. What is it? Guesses?

Lance and Aimee are preparing the fruit tray for my birthday breakfast. Cara baked some fantastic muffins and my parents had an egg dish in the oven. It was great to get together.

Here is my precious firstborn daughter Cara. I think she is so lovely - inside and out.

The Party's On

Lance and Aimee arrived today, also Bruce. Lance's CDs arrived as well. I think it's so exciting when boxes of CD's arrive at our house - someone's hard work all neatly packaged and ready to go. It's especially exciting because it's Lance's work. The album design is fabulous - that's Aimee's work - Wow. The CD release concert is this Sunday eve. At the municipal Auditorium. (See www.houseofjames.com for details OR check out Lance's website wwww.lanceodegard.com)

This evening Aimee and I did a little shopping - turned out neither of us bought anything which is always good for the budget. We ended up at homeworks in the kitchen gadget department - mixing spoons, silicon stuff, weird whisks. We were expert analyzers. Skeptical about the silicon - if it didn't work as breast implants, why would you want to use it in direct contact with food?? Then we looked at dishes. Hmmm. I found an antique looking platter with heavy brown glaze over an oak leaf pattern. This plate was tempting to me. I have a heavy bowl that looks like the same vintage. Well, we look on the bottom and it says, NOT FOR USE WITH FOOD, MAY POISON FOOD. YIKES. They were no platters, but pillar candle holders. So being the kind of person who cares for the well being of others, I find a staff member and point this out. Well, she might of been neutral or whatever about it - but no - she was right on the case - getting those candle plates out of the dishes department. Maybe we saved a life - or at least a really crappy weekend for some folks!

Oh - I should say we were in Winners today too. Ours has changed - it's much more open now and very bright - no decor. I could totally see Ron thinking it's like a big Value Village store :)

I spent the first half of today cleaning and trying to get two guest rooms ready. Bruce is sleeping on the floor of the library/recording room. He's good natured and the mattress is comfy enough.

I'm sleeping a little better - had two naps two days in a row.

Tomorrow am is breakfast at my mom's in honor of my birthday - early. Only the Steve's can't come because they are working.

Prayers going out for the Houston/Galvaston area tonight.

Quote Day

My talk went well. I was more relaxed and more fluid than when I practiced - I guess that's what practice is for. I used notes and read some - I don't feel bad about that because I don't public speak very often and at least I got said what I wanted to say. The ladies were very attentive - nodding and such. When I read Melanie's poem at the end I suggested they close their eyes, you could have heard a pin drop. It was absolutely still. I'm thankful it's all done - we have a big weekend coming up with Lance's CD release party.

Two quotes from my parents. At Sarah's party, my mom asked Steven, "Did you get my email?" Which struck us as very funny because they don't have a computer and she particularly does not want one. She had called his cell phone and meant to say - did you get my message.

While Aimee and Lance are here my mom is having as many of us as can come over for a birthday breakfast for me. The Steve's can't come - they are working. LK might only come for a bit as we are short staffed. While discussing the menu, my dad said "We can keep it simple, the main thing is getting together -- some toast, coffee, and a couple a cigarettes will be just fine". I laughed right out LOUD. Where did that come from? Cigarettes - out of the blue. Funny Dad.

Thanks for praying for me. I know some of you are. Now I am going to attempt one serious NAP.

Nitey nite

Tired Daze

Crazy sleeps these days. I went for two days with virtually no sleep. I finally thought - oh my - this might be how it feels to be a little manic, I absolutely could not find my off button.

Last night I had trouble posting pictures in the order I wanted them. Cara helped me with an idea to reorder them by changing the date - so the pictures are in order even if the dates are not.

In the morning I give my God as Potter talk. I wish it were more polished, but this is the best I can do for now. Perhaps it will be encouraging. I hope it will remind us to trust the Potter's heart and hands. Prayers welcome :)

Peace out.

Happy birthday dear Sarah, Happy birthday to you. Daddy holds the cake. Sarah likes the flame. Daddy blows out the candle just in time as little fingers reach to touch it. Cara did a mighty fine job of putting the party together, including rounding up some needed help. Andy came home from his fishing journey in good time for the party. Praise God for a safe trip and FISH.

Eating birthday cake and frozen rice dream. She liked the rice dream best when it warmed up a bit. FUNNY face when she tried it very cold - Nice people that we are, we didn't push it. She liked Mommy's cake. I saw her eat big bites of it. Grandpa LK loved it - said it was one of the best deserts he'd had in his life. It was sort of a fig crisp - with ice cream and extra warm fig jam topping. Yummy.

Looks like Uncle Steve is really excited about the presents. Sarah digs deep - ever the explorer.

Sarah is often very serious about her play. Here you see that opening gifts and exploring their contents is serious work for a young lady. After all the gifts were opened, she settled into playing with a few toys and moving around a bit more. It must have been amazing to have so many grandparents in the same room - 4 "greats" and 4 "grands" plus Auntie Carolyn, Uncles Steves, and Uncle James.

Sarah opens presents with Daddy and Mommy's help.

I Wasn't Even Away!

It's been a while - you'd think I'd been camping but no - just settling into normal fall. Some highlights of the week are:

-Single Mom's went especially well. We are really getting into the relationship material and we are very willing to be open and ask questions. My flower lady did not come back yet, but I did look for her and send some prayers up for her as the last couple weeks rolled by.

-The talk I am preparing on "God as Potter" is in a disjointed state and I give that talk on Thurs. But - I do now have a story - an anticdote and Melanie generously offered to send me a poem she has written about God as potter. I'm very excited to receive that - let me tell you! I know it will be well written and insightful.

-Andy has been away this week fishing - so I've seen more of Cara and Sarah at serendipitous moments. Only once did we have them up for a formal (I use the term loosely) meal. But I enjoyed many moments hanging out in her home - or out in the yard, or for a walk. Sarah can say Grandma - I love it - she pronounces it with a silent g. She's such a little smartie she's learning all sorts of words and signs, and she jabbers with the inflections of actual sentences. So exciting.

-Yesterday was Sarah's first birthday and that led me to being nostalgic about a year ago - with my firstborn expecting her firstborn in faraway Cranbrook. Andy called us in the height of labor so I could pray during Cara's labor - something that meant a lot to me. AND they we got the call - that little Sarah Mae had been born. Hurray. Tonight there is a party and Andy is driving 14 hrs. home to get to it on time. Please pray for a good trip for him. Girls who love him await his arrival.

-Melanie came and stayed her weekend with us. I live with fellows now - it was delightful to have another woman in the house - and especially Melanie. I find her easy to be with. My house is cluttered as Aimee so kindly mentioned - but that's OK. It doesn't interfere with a visit with Melanie as no formality is required. I was busy doing some computer work for one of my women's groups. But still, we had lots of time for one on one visiting, a walk, some crafting of cards, and I was amazed how much fun Melanie could add to a football game! All her questions and LK's animated answers jut livened things right up. Unfortunately the Mon.. trip to the bead shop didn't happen because they are closed on Mondays. I will just look forward to that longer - we'll have to hit it on a Saturday.

-Church we better than usual - it was like more thought had gone into it to make it a more personal experience even in a large setting and I really appreciated it. One man talked a bit about his life - he called himself a recovering alcoholic - and he led a song that was really significant to him. At another point we were invited to ask God what beautiful thing we could do for him (this after having read about the woman pouring perfume on Jesus feet - Jesus said that was a beautiful thing she had done for him). So I quieted myself (not an easy feat) and I believe the Lord suggested "Sit With Me". That was the beautiful things he wanted. I could see myself sitting on the floor, knees pulled up, arms around my knees, head bowed resting on my knees. Very at ease and comfortable. The invitation and my posture reminded me of Ps. 23, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. The next picture I saw was of me in hiking boots climbing a steep hill and this came with the words - "Go in my power". Such a balance - how can I go without the resting, refueling and being built up. Historically, I never go very far on my own power. I welcomed these words and wouldn't it be interesting to here what the Lord had suggested to others?

I love this shot of Sarah and Melanie checking each other out while playing with an animal puzzle. See Melaine's "skinny skinny" hair? Cara has just told us that Sarah really likes people's hair. So, is Sarah looking at Melanie's eyes, or her lovely hair? I think eyes.

Sarah loves CATs. This neighbor cat was on our garden patio - what a present for Sarah to play with a cat on her birthday. Here we see that Sarah has already pursued the CAT quite a ways and is now heading out of the yard. Mommy is enthusiastic co-adventurer and safety guard. Another thing to notice in this picture is that my maple tree from Melanie has been planted. It has a circle of rockes surrounding it. There will be a new fence, two feet back and the grass will be cut. This will show her off a little more to her advantage. She is beautiful and the plants and the little maple will begin to fill in between the yards quite nicely. I had LK move the butterfly bush near the gate. Can you see it Aimee? - Now - Back to Sarah and the Birthday Cat adventure!

Rounding the corner out of Grandma's yard and off she goes - very quickly I might add.

Into the neighbors yard - the pursuit was on. Sarah would catch up with cat, sometimes being able to touch it - but then the cat would run off a few more feet.

Sarah on her 1st Birthday with her muddy knees from stalking the cat.

Wow, That is Mighty

It's been impossible to not be impacted by Katrina's devastation. The power of the storm and the overwhelming aftermath are pretty much beyond belief. When I read Psalm 93 today I was really struck by the comparison between a raging storm of nature and God's mightier power. I am reminded God is REALLY big and incredibly MIGHTY. Somehow that makes me think of his being more than capable of carrying my (read our) burdens, tending to my problems, holding me up in times of trouble, rescuing me when I am lost - because he is not impotent - but powerful.

Psalm 93
The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty.

Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength.

The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.
Your throne, O LORD, has been established from time immemorial.

You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The mighty oceans have roared, O LORD.

The mighty oceans roar like thunder;

the mighty oceans roar as they pound the shore.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,

mightier than the breakers on the shore--

the LORD above is mightier than these!
Your royal decrees cannot be changed.

The nature of your reign, O LORD, is holiness forever.

This Week

After having the unstructured days of summer the beginning of fall schelued events is a shock to my system. I agreed to lead the Single Mom’s group and the Open Door Fellowship (presently older ladies in the church, who would like their group to be more intergenerational). These commitments morphed into more planning meetings than I ever thought possible. At first I was alarmed and pulled back inside – oh no this is not what I imagined. But, as time has rolled on each of the meetings has turned out to be rather interesting – supportive even – and it turns out not all of the meetings are mandatory. The leadership training meetings are optional. So I’m a little surprised but not as freaked out as before. One group I meet with is called the Women’s Council and it is made up of all the women in leadership. I am just catching on that this group exists as a place where leaders don’t lead – leaders care for each other – a place to rest and be refreshed – to maybe even make friends. LK is wanting to protect me and this I have come to appreciate (it took long enough for me to appreciated this husbandly quality I used to balk at). I think I will ride out the schedule a little farther and see how it feels.

Coming up on the 22nd I am doing a talk on God as Potter. So I’ve been digging around in the Bible looking at passages that relate. I want to focus on the rightness of him shaping us – his being qualified, his trustworthiness, and a little bit about what goes wrong when the clay tries telling the potter how things should be. Have you ever had a job in which you were under qualified? Oh the pressure!! I’d be happy for any insights you have on this topic.

Yesterday was LK’s 52nd birthday and we had a pizza party here. He absolutely did not want me putting out too much energy after the week I had. I did make some fabulous apple and raspberry crisp and my dad brought gourmet vanilla ice cream. Grandma and Grandpa Klassen were able to come too. Sarah was having so much fun she didn’t go to bed successfully the first time around so she came back to party some more. One great advantage to living in the suite downstairs – it’s easier to come back than if she’d been driven home for bed time – smile.

Oh Yuck – yesterday when I was waiting for the pizza watching the fellows form the crusts – one guy gets a phone call, reaches into his pants pocket, flips open his phone, takes the brief call, phone back in pocket, hands back in dough – never skipped a beat. Do these people not know food safe procedures? I had already waited 20 extra minutes because of a bad batch of dough that kept getting bubbles so big that the topping would get scraped off as the pizzas went though the oven – and now – I wanted to ask this guy to wash his hands and start yet again but # 1 I don’t want to be a bag – or I don’t want to appear to be a bag, #2 I have hungry people waiting at home for supper and I am missing out on the party. My hope is that the germs baked off in the oven. Oh my goodness, we have a coffeehouse in the bookstore and this would not be happening – not more than once. Food safe – Food safe people.

I brought up this puzzle for Sarah last night - it's missing the little pig but I think he's here somewhere. She could get the little pieces out easily and loved holding the little animals much of the night.

Litte Sarah, now in her jammies, for round 2 of the party. My mom sends out a hello to her friends. I don't have any pictures of the birthday boy because I used my film camera most of the evening but I will tell you he looked happy.

Saying goodbye before the Steve leaves for tour. Sarah just made it in the picture. She is holding one of Cara's favorite little toys from her childhood - a skinny squeaky duck. Perfect for holding and crawling at the same time. I think Sarah knows to smile at the camera.

The men getting the red van ready for the band tour. They are trying to get the hitch lock off but can't find the right key. I hope the hitch doesn't damage the guys shins too much as they load and unload the van so many times!

Kids Together and the Rose Lady

Steve's band is on tour, as I said, in Alberta and Sask. For the last two days they were at CLBI where Aimee and Lance work. I just love it when some of the kids are connecting away from me - like on the other kid's turf. It was neat that Aimee didn't have to put them all up - 4 rock stars - but that there were rooms in the guys dorm they could stay in.

Tonight single mom's began. It's always a little wild with that group. We are very informal which suites me completely. Tonight a new lady came by accident. She said she was a recovered addict and had just gotten her son back after a year and a bit. I liked her right away. She just noticed the door open to the women's center and came in - it was quite a surprising image. She was a little dirty like she'd been working hard, she carried a back pack, and in her arms was a lovely bouquet of roses from a friend's garden. Her face was streaked with a smudge of dirt and she was lovely. I found I believed her stories and I reacted as if I did. It is possible that she is lying - I doubt people's stories more than I used to because we get lied to so often at the store. Still, I had to wonder, again, how being welcomed, treated with dignity and interest, being listened to and enjoyed would affect someone - lying or not. I hope she will come back and with me it's pretty much innocent until proven guilty. I would rather trust first, and love quickly even if it means pain later. It's part of being fully alive for me.

Steve S. gave us a shout yesterday and invited LK and I to join them after he got off work. We hadn't connected for awhile - due in part to his working many evenings at Mazda. We met at Boston Pizza where Steve had dinner and the rest of us snacked. A highlight for me was seeing the incredible quilt that Carolyn has made over the summer from all of her t-shirts from skipping (jump rope - she has coached for years). I had heard of this before but didn't know how the knit fabric worked out with the woven fabric without getting all stretched out and bunchy looking. Well, Carolyn expalined, the tshirt fabric is backed with some fusible woven fabric to make it stable. I wish I had a photo for you. She had it all done except for the binding. A friend with a long armed machine had already quilted it in an all over random pattern. It was a king sized work of art and memories.

It's fall in the valley. Can you see the Canadian geese flying in a V on the left? Cara, Sarah and I enjoyed an early morning walk and visit to the playground.

Ok - good guesses people. Hot day I'm drinking some water and spraying some in an arc over my head to cool me off. OH why me only. I approach LK to help him cool off. He is laying on the grass. I pour the water on his bare legs and feel wonderfully mischevious(and oh so kind) in sharing my water wtih him. Aimee, I got the top and purse before the trip - I like the sleeves.

Here I am with my new Japanese maple tree from Melanie and Zoe. Isn't she pretty?

I took this picture on our walk over the bridge to Quebec. The bridge was lined with banners from each province. I looked for a welcome to Quebec sign, not finding it I took this banner shot instead.

Home Again

We’re home and again I’m in that strange place of confusing in-between – coming, going, who’s in the house, who’s leaving, packing, unpacking, resettling. Cara and Sarah came to pick us up at the airport. They looked absolutely beautiful to me. We stopped at MEC on the way home. I got yet another water bottle and some camping gaz. LK and I took care of Sarah while Cara tried on shoes. In the evening we saw Steve for just a little while before he headed out early this morning on a band (STERR) tour in Alberta and Sask. – taking our van and leaving us his blue beast. It was a better deal to rent a van from parents than a car rental place. This is totally the summer of hellos and goodbyes. I thought maybe it was just me – wow is it because I’m older and I’m not as flexible as before – but then Cara said too it’s been a really weird summer that way. I find myself actually looking forward to winter – I tend to stay put more in winter.

Melanie and Zoe stayed at our place one weekend while we were away. I came home to a beautiful thank you note and a TREE. I ran out to meet it – it’s a red Japanese Maple – and a pretty big one at that. She - the tree, I’m sure she is a she, she’s so pretty ;) - was sitting on the little path to my garden – I ran up to her and immediately hugged her. Thank you Melanie for this perfect surprise. I will have fun choosing exactly where to plant her either along the fence line or out a little on the lawn near the garden.

This morning I woke up at 5:00 – well that was 8:00 in Ottawa. LK must have felt similarly, awake early, so we went to early church and stayed for coffee after. Cara, Andy and Sarah joined us for a little visit over coffee too. This afternoon I slept for 3 hours straight I was so tired.

This week my single mom’s group begins. The theme for the year is relationships. I begin preparing weekly sessions tomorrow. I feel badly about being out of touch with the ladies almost all summer but some of them have continued to meet in one of their homes all summer long - very supportive.

Peace out.

Flying home.

On the way home I saw the lakes again - the view that moved me to tears on the way out.

Where we stayed - Les Suites, Ottawa, and the view from the living room.

The National Museum of Culture in Hull,Quebec.

It is a strange feeling to visit the "Fall of Pompeii" exhibit during the same time Katrina's aftermath is just becoming apparent.

Hurricane Katrina brings the flag to half mast outside the embassy in Ottawa. We struggle to comprehend the horror.

Tired Day

Crazy sleeps these days. I went for two days with virtually no sleep. I finally thought - oh my - this might be how it feels to be a little manic, I absolutely could not find my off button.

Last night I had trouble posting pictures in the order I wanted them. Cara helped me with an idea to reorder them by changing the date - so the pictures are in order even if the dates are not.

In the morning I give my God as Potter talk. I wish it were more polished, but this is the best I can do for now. Perhaps it will be encouraging. I hope it will remind us to trust the Potter's heart and hands. Prayers welcome :)

Pease out.

Bonus!

We're staying an extra day. It worked out we could change our flight and even get a straight through flight rather than three legs. This gives us an extra day to play. We had a relaxing morning and then lots of walking - more tomorrow. We hope to hit two different galleries tomorrow - and maybe a bookstore too. It will be our turn to walk to Quebec tomorrow. It will be a runner day.

We look forward to seeing our family when we get home - especially Steve who is heading out on a band tour pretty much right away. Cara and Sarah plan to pick us up at the airport - hurray!

Blessings and peace.

What am I up to? Guesses?

At the locks, across from the gallery. What a fanciful picture. It took me years and a special lens to develop this rainbow technique - not!

Just outside the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. We saw an exhibit of Michael Semak. We rented the audio tour deals, which was an interview with the photographer about his work. The pictures were numbered and we'd push a the number and listen to Michael talk about that photo. There was commentary every few photos. We'd stand in front of one, punch in the number, and hit play together - so we could react together. The exhibit was great -- a real highlight of the trip. Aimee - totally wish you were with us!

Lunch out at a really nice buffett.

What a cool store. I never saw so many guitars in one place. Had to take a picture of the sign - nice name eh?

Last night we went for an evening tour of the inside of the Parliment buildings. It was getting dark so we missed out on seeing the beautiful stained glass windows. Even still, it was very old and beautiful. It reminded me very much of my childhood church. The arches and the windows, also the ornately carved wood. I can't say I understand how Canadian government works any better than I did before the tour. Some things remain mysteries.

Anyone know what's represented by this - well what do you call this type of art? Very pretty and lavish.

My favorite shot from inside.

After the tour we stayed for the sound and light show. We all agreed that the sound and light show was the best. Pictures, music and words were used to give people a taste of Canada. Beautiful and free.

Walking back to our hotels. Lk, Becky and Denise.