Keeping it Real...Welcome! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you. In 2011 I shared through my writing, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing. I have the energy and passion to share with others. Sometimes through Facebook live and others with my blog and most importantly, I've learned my passion to cook and bake is a vessel to share my writing and live presentations, while glorifying God in the process. I just needed to let go, and follow His lead.
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 Let the rain kiss you. I'm sure my Gram wasn't the first to say this nor will I be the last to repeat it. These sayings, old wive's tales, or poems each started somewhere and probably were modified along the way from the original wording. Regardless of their origin, it's important to remember they started somewhere. WE started somewhere, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous -- how well I know it." Psalm 139:13-14 NLT I believe the Bible and am encouraged to know God chose me and created me, He also selected my parents. Heidi and I were blessed to grow up with parents who love unconditionally and valued their role as Mom and Dad. A Heavenly Father and earthly parents who love us regardless the weather or storms of life. Rain has a depressing effect on some, while others thrive in the rain. Why is this? Is it our genetic make up? Is it a chemical imbalance? Who knows, I don't, but there is one thing I'm sure off...we have a choice in the storm.  We can dance in the rain or drown. I wish I could tell you that I always dance, but I don't. Sadly, when we let the rain and weather win, the outcome is less than favorable. We need to recognize that a lot of the things happening in our lives is out of our control yet there are aspects we do have some say. I don't know about you but I'm a work in process. There are times I should keep my mouth shut and don't. There are times I should open my mouth and share, and don't. Then there is the non-verbal talking...yikes...I'm failing there. One thing I realized yesterday as I let the evils of hurt, jealousy, exclusion, and pain eat at my heart...I wasn't looking up or leaning on The One who created me so many years ago. If I'm to be a witness of God's love, grace, mercy, compassion, and ways then I need to be a good one. I apologize to you all for failing yet I share because we are all human and we fail. We sin. We make mistakes. To personalize this...I fail. I sin. I make mistakes. Today, with my eyes looking up and my heart and ears open to hear God speaking to me...I choose to seek and share the color of the rainbow, not the darkness of the rain. Clouds come floating into my life, What will you focus on...the rain or the rainbow?
I'll start today's blog with a big THANK YOU! Many have posted words of encouragement for my Mom and the family since I shared of her recent cancer diagnosis. Some have sent cards and emails. Even more are praying and lifting her in your thoughts when God places her on your heart. I want to personally thank each of you, you're a blessing I count. As you've noticed, Mom isn't able to respond to the blogs daily BUT she is reading them via her Kindle. I thought for this week's TOP's Tuesday I would do something different. To encourage my Mom, what if we have a "Share a Memory" or "Offer Words of Encouragement" to my life's greatest cheerleader? I thought you would enjoy joining this celebration... Mom is getting up daily, walking to the kitchen table, and sitting in her new lift chair. She is enjoying times of reading and visiting. She munches on snacks throughout the day and her positive attitude is an inspiration to family and friends. Mom can't get out and about and we understand the reality of coming home with Hospice but there are also miracles still happening in this world. Hope must be the focus... To keep hope, laughter, love, and joy the loudest of emotions...will you share a comment? Maybe you have a memory of my mom, Sue Allen, from your childhood? Adulthood? or at Work? Maybe God's placed a Bible verse or encouraging word on your heart you hoped to share? Here is one way you can do this. Mom might not be able to comment but she is reading. This one's for you Mom... The prognosis is a limited window of months, |
 Trixie joins our family |  August 24, 2015 |
It has been an emotional week of information, diagnosis, prognosis, denial, and acceptance. In addition to my mother coming home from the hospital with a cancer diagnosis and Hospice, our oldest dog, Trixie, was losing her fight.
Trixie is a beautiful rottweiler, gifted to our daughter for her 5th birthday, before starting kindergarten and her school career. A fast friend to all who met her, she met you with a wag of the nub.
This year, Mags turned 17, and will start 12th grade and her last year of high school. It's been a wonderful and memorable time. Trixie gave us joy and love on a daily basis. After yet much thought and prayer, we had to do what is best for Trixie...let her go.
I want to thank North Country Vets for their compassion and care this morning when I finally made the call, and even more so when you relieved Trixie of her earthly pain so her beautiful and kind spirit could join our other dog, Mercedes, in heaven. Dr. Windecker and her team were amazing, so say the least. Thank you!! We'd like to thank Unc for taking time out of his day to help us dig Trixie's grave. And I thank my parents for helping us through this, with all their going through, they held me while I cried.
I do believe dogs go to heaven. My friend and fellow blogger, Mary LaClair wrote a beautiful blog about this a few years ago. Click here to read her blog. As we close our eyes tonight missing our Trixie, we'll shed more tears. Tears for our loss and the emptiness left behind without her wagging nub and playful bounce, and tears of joy for her journey to heaven and freedom from the pain and discomfort that was taking over, making it hard to bounce.
Pets are a part of the family and each play their role. The atmosphere within our home is different. The comfort she provided when I returned from my parents will be greatly missed. Loss and grief are a part of life, for our loved ones...our pets are dearly loved, loved ones too. Forever friends...
Trixie is a beautiful rottweiler, gifted to our daughter for her 5th birthday, before starting kindergarten and her school career. A fast friend to all who met her, she met you with a wag of the nub.
This year, Mags turned 17, and will start 12th grade and her last year of high school. It's been a wonderful and memorable time. Trixie gave us joy and love on a daily basis. After yet much thought and prayer, we had to do what is best for Trixie...let her go.
I want to thank North Country Vets for their compassion and care this morning when I finally made the call, and even more so when you relieved Trixie of her earthly pain so her beautiful and kind spirit could join our other dog, Mercedes, in heaven. Dr. Windecker and her team were amazing, so say the least. Thank you!! We'd like to thank Unc for taking time out of his day to help us dig Trixie's grave. And I thank my parents for helping us through this, with all their going through, they held me while I cried.
I do believe dogs go to heaven. My friend and fellow blogger, Mary LaClair wrote a beautiful blog about this a few years ago. Click here to read her blog. As we close our eyes tonight missing our Trixie, we'll shed more tears. Tears for our loss and the emptiness left behind without her wagging nub and playful bounce, and tears of joy for her journey to heaven and freedom from the pain and discomfort that was taking over, making it hard to bounce.
Pets are a part of the family and each play their role. The atmosphere within our home is different. The comfort she provided when I returned from my parents will be greatly missed. Loss and grief are a part of life, for our loved ones...our pets are dearly loved, loved ones too. Forever friends...
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8/23/2015
Who Hears You When Cry?
There have been moments in my life when I've felt alone. In Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey I write about how I was surrounded by hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement, and family yet still felt alone. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed with an abundance of people around to support us but deep within the depths of our heart...no one is there.
Lately I've experienced moments and feelings similar to when Heidi disappeared. It seems that in life when stress is thrust at you, responses become reactive instead of proactive. We can choose to push through in our own strength or we can move forward leaning on God and the people He places in our path to encourage, inspire, and uplift us at "just the right moment".
While the situation is very different, feelings of isolation and exclusion attempt to overtake my thoughts and actions. In Where's Heidi?, I share about observing the private conversations from a distance and the hurt felt when uninvited to important meetings. Recently, a similar instance happened and satan used this instance in an attempt to drive a wedge.
I have a choice. I can hold a grudge and waste precious time with someone I love dearly OR I can accept the situation as a past event and move forward. While it's difficult, I MUST move forward. The devil would like nothing more than for me to dwell on this event and create a wedge between the people I love most. While it might sound like I've conquered this, I haven't.
I will not let the devil steal my joy, my time, or thoughts for this event. It's a challenge to do this but instead of whining to the wind, I'll cry out to Jesus through prayer. God knows the hearts and intentions within each of us, my hope is to forgive and move forward in order to keep the peace and eventually to feel His peace in this situation.
The hurt remains yet I choose to prayerfully move forward. This is a daily choice. It's only been a few days and if I think about the situation too much, the pain leaks from my eyes. This is what the devil wants. He desires us to dwell on the past and miss opportunities to share of God's goodness, God's love, God's healing power, God's forgiveness, God's power to transform our sinful hearts to something as pure and white as Heaven. I choose God's light of love and forgiveness, not the darkness of deception and past mistakes.
Lately I've experienced moments and feelings similar to when Heidi disappeared. It seems that in life when stress is thrust at you, responses become reactive instead of proactive. We can choose to push through in our own strength or we can move forward leaning on God and the people He places in our path to encourage, inspire, and uplift us at "just the right moment".
While the situation is very different, feelings of isolation and exclusion attempt to overtake my thoughts and actions. In Where's Heidi?, I share about observing the private conversations from a distance and the hurt felt when uninvited to important meetings. Recently, a similar instance happened and satan used this instance in an attempt to drive a wedge.
I have a choice. I can hold a grudge and waste precious time with someone I love dearly OR I can accept the situation as a past event and move forward. While it's difficult, I MUST move forward. The devil would like nothing more than for me to dwell on this event and create a wedge between the people I love most. While it might sound like I've conquered this, I haven't.
I will not let the devil steal my joy, my time, or thoughts for this event. It's a challenge to do this but instead of whining to the wind, I'll cry out to Jesus through prayer. God knows the hearts and intentions within each of us, my hope is to forgive and move forward in order to keep the peace and eventually to feel His peace in this situation.
The hurt remains yet I choose to prayerfully move forward. This is a daily choice. It's only been a few days and if I think about the situation too much, the pain leaks from my eyes. This is what the devil wants. He desires us to dwell on the past and miss opportunities to share of God's goodness, God's love, God's healing power, God's forgiveness, God's power to transform our sinful hearts to something as pure and white as Heaven. I choose God's light of love and forgiveness, not the darkness of deception and past mistakes.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:7, 11
You are Never Alone...God Knows and Hears
Who Do You Call To in the Midst of Trouble?
To do good works won't buy you a ticket to Heaven yet as one of God's creations, we are called to share who Jesus is and all the cool things God has done in our lives.
Each of us have different gift sets and while you might be similar to another person, there is no one exactly like you. What gifts, talents, or skill sets do you have that could be used to inspire, encourage, and share hope with others?
One of the ways I utilize is through the gift of words. Mostly written, and sometimes through speech. While Mom hasn't responded to many blogs lately, she's still sharing the blog with those she meets. One woman asked, "How many books has she written?" Mom's response made me smile, "Five or six, five I think, she hasn't finished that sixth one." as she looked at me and smiled.
My speaking venues vary. I've been the guest speaker on Sunday mornings for various churches, at women's events, retreats, church meetings, dinners, at events for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and in an educational setting. Each offers a different audience yet the opportunity to share hope, inspiration, and encouragement with others is the same.
I don't know the impact my little bit has in the greater picture but one thing I do understand, we are called to use the gifts God's given us to grow the Kingdom of Heaven. There are more than enough rooms for everyone, all someone has to do is open the door to their heart and let God in.
Each of us have different gift sets and while you might be similar to another person, there is no one exactly like you. What gifts, talents, or skill sets do you have that could be used to inspire, encourage, and share hope with others?
One of the ways I utilize is through the gift of words. Mostly written, and sometimes through speech. While Mom hasn't responded to many blogs lately, she's still sharing the blog with those she meets. One woman asked, "How many books has she written?" Mom's response made me smile, "Five or six, five I think, she hasn't finished that sixth one." as she looked at me and smiled.
My speaking venues vary. I've been the guest speaker on Sunday mornings for various churches, at women's events, retreats, church meetings, dinners, at events for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and in an educational setting. Each offers a different audience yet the opportunity to share hope, inspiration, and encouragement with others is the same.
I don't know the impact my little bit has in the greater picture but one thing I do understand, we are called to use the gifts God's given us to grow the Kingdom of Heaven. There are more than enough rooms for everyone, all someone has to do is open the door to their heart and let God in.
What is your best attribute,
talent, or characteristic?
How can you use this/these to
encourage and help someone else?
8/20/2015
Our Journey Takes a Turn...
Today's blog is difficult to write and share with you. Some know, and many do not, of my Mom's chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Over the past year, Mom has faced additional discomforts and assumed it was the RA worsening due to stress. We were wrong.
Instead of responding to blogs and enjoying the summer, Mom had the privilege and joy to make new friends at St. Joesph's Hospital in Syracuse. I want to give a huge shout out to the staff on the observation, 2-8, and 3-2 floors. These individuals don't just treat illness, they establish relationships with their patients. I'm thankful for those we met along the way.
My parents wanted, and needed, time to process the realization Mom has terminal cancer with the privacy necessary to make decisions and plans. This will be a time of family, memory making, friends, and joy.
No one can stop the unexpected change of plans so instead, we'll embrace each moment, like many of you have done in the past or are experiencing firsthand. Cancer is far too common. I'm not the first daughter to travel this journey nor is my Mom the first diagnosed...but it's the first time for us, just like it was the first for you.
Below is the message I shared on Facebook yesterday.
Instead of responding to blogs and enjoying the summer, Mom had the privilege and joy to make new friends at St. Joesph's Hospital in Syracuse. I want to give a huge shout out to the staff on the observation, 2-8, and 3-2 floors. These individuals don't just treat illness, they establish relationships with their patients. I'm thankful for those we met along the way.
My parents wanted, and needed, time to process the realization Mom has terminal cancer with the privacy necessary to make decisions and plans. This will be a time of family, memory making, friends, and joy.
No one can stop the unexpected change of plans so instead, we'll embrace each moment, like many of you have done in the past or are experiencing firsthand. Cancer is far too common. I'm not the first daughter to travel this journey nor is my Mom the first diagnosed...but it's the first time for us, just like it was the first for you.
Below is the message I shared on Facebook yesterday.
To my friends, family, our community, and those who hold my parents near and dear to their hearts. We have tried to share with as many as possible in person yet it's not a reality.
Out of respect and privacy for my parents I haven't shared details but Dad and Mom think it is time for others to know.
It's out of respect for all of you who lift them and our entire family in prayer since Heidi's disappearance and beyond that they choose to open their heart to you.
Over the past year my Mom's health has been a challenge. The past couple months drained her and she's spent the past few weeks in the hospital. After many tests, pokes, and prods...a diagnosis was rendered and tomorrow, Mom returns home to us with Hospice care.
What we thought was rheumatoid arthritis worsening due to stress ended up being cancer. My parents are the strongest people I know yet the cancer has progressed too far. Mom is choosing quality over quantity...we plan to make memories, cherish each moment, and enjoy every minute we have.
As many of you understand on a deep and personal level, cancer is far too common and we know there are few spared of experiencing this on a personal level through a loved one or themselves.
While Mom isn't up to a lot of visitors, if you'd like to send a card or note,
I know they would boost her spirits. Thank you so much for lifting her in prayer for a pain free and peaceful battle.
We plan to cherish our moments together,
make memories, and hold out hope for Mom to close her eyes
knowing the answer she longs to hear...Where's Heidi?
Ken and Sue Allen
73 County Route 6A
Oswego, New York 13126
With my parent's permission,
I'll try to share this journey with you.
It will be both "One Sister's Journey"
and "One Daughter's Journey"...
Hello everyone! In Central New York, summer is winding down and school shopping is underway. Final summer gatherings and trips fill the calendar.
A buzz and sense of excitement fill the air. While these things typically have a similar effect on me, I don’t have much celebration in my step and to be honest, I’m just overwhelmed and wish there as a do-over button like the “That was Easy” button from Staples. BUT, life is not as simple as pushing a button or a Hallmark movie do-over. Sometimes, in layman terms, reality sucks!
A buzz and sense of excitement fill the air. While these things typically have a similar effect on me, I don’t have much celebration in my step and to be honest, I’m just overwhelmed and wish there as a do-over button like the “That was Easy” button from Staples. BUT, life is not as simple as pushing a button or a Hallmark movie do-over. Sometimes, in layman terms, reality sucks!
Typically on the blog I share whatever challenge, obstacle, or journey I’m facing or traveling through at the moment. I share from my heart in hopes of helping someone in a similar situation.
Yet, some situations and thoughts aren't meant for the Internet or a blog, they are personal and much deeper. Sometimes, to share how I'm feeling and dealing would violate another's privacy.
Each of us are wired differently, so it might require we set aside our desire and need to express our feelings out of respect for others. This isn’t easy but sometimes it is necessary and the right thing to do. I'm experiencing one of these moments. To be honest, it's probably the most difficult journey and road traveled since the disappearance of my sister.
Those close to me say, "you are so strong" or "your strength amazes me", but on the inside...my heart breaks. I was raised to do what is right and put others before myself. I was, an am, blessed to have an array of strong, determined, and amazing women in my life. Each using their gifts to help others and to get-r-done. Today I find myself in this mode yet don't feel the strength, determination, or amazement I saw reflected from these matriarchs.
Yet, some situations and thoughts aren't meant for the Internet or a blog, they are personal and much deeper. Sometimes, to share how I'm feeling and dealing would violate another's privacy.
Each of us are wired differently, so it might require we set aside our desire and need to express our feelings out of respect for others. This isn’t easy but sometimes it is necessary and the right thing to do. I'm experiencing one of these moments. To be honest, it's probably the most difficult journey and road traveled since the disappearance of my sister.
Those close to me say, "you are so strong" or "your strength amazes me", but on the inside...my heart breaks. I was raised to do what is right and put others before myself. I was, an am, blessed to have an array of strong, determined, and amazing women in my life. Each using their gifts to help others and to get-r-done. Today I find myself in this mode yet don't feel the strength, determination, or amazement I saw reflected from these matriarchs.
While I’m all too familiar with this reality, as many of you are too…life is also an amazing journey and a joy. Life is the greatest oxymoron there is, don’t you think.
My prayer...to lean on God and those He places in my life during this time. It is only with His strength within me, His determination guiding me, and His love shining through me that I will transition through this valley with grace, mercy, hope, and joy.
I haven't blogged much because my energy and clarity of mind are overwhelmed as I run this marathon. While I can't blog the details of the road I currently travel through the valley, my hope and prayer is to share from the heart in hopes of encouraging someone else. In 2010 this blog started with a goal to share and help others.
I've let myself and others down, stress and grief attempt to consume me. A daily prayer and struggle is to keep looking up, leaning on Him and the support network He provides, and be an example of His strength, grace, mercy, love, and joy.
I'm not ready nor do I feel competent for this next phase in life yet my Gram assured me, God won't give me more than I can handle...so why do I feel so helpless and weak? Why do the verses I read, the songs I sing, and the prayers I lift leave me drained and fighting tears?
I can't do this alone or with the greatest support network of friends, family, and community. I can only do this through leaning on God...I need your prayers to remove the "I" from the equation and keep my eyes focused on Him and let this reflect to others. If you are going through a difficult time and aren't feeling the joy, maybe this little ditty will return some pep to your step. I know it helps me. Sometimes we need to think, speak, sing, and dance it before we feel it. A little James Brown might inspire some "feel good".
I haven't blogged much because my energy and clarity of mind are overwhelmed as I run this marathon. While I can't blog the details of the road I currently travel through the valley, my hope and prayer is to share from the heart in hopes of encouraging someone else. In 2010 this blog started with a goal to share and help others.
I've let myself and others down, stress and grief attempt to consume me. A daily prayer and struggle is to keep looking up, leaning on Him and the support network He provides, and be an example of His strength, grace, mercy, love, and joy.
I'm not ready nor do I feel competent for this next phase in life yet my Gram assured me, God won't give me more than I can handle...so why do I feel so helpless and weak? Why do the verses I read, the songs I sing, and the prayers I lift leave me drained and fighting tears?
I can't do this alone or with the greatest support network of friends, family, and community. I can only do this through leaning on God...I need your prayers to remove the "I" from the equation and keep my eyes focused on Him and let this reflect to others. If you are going through a difficult time and aren't feeling the joy, maybe this little ditty will return some pep to your step. I know it helps me. Sometimes we need to think, speak, sing, and dance it before we feel it. A little James Brown might inspire some "feel good".
What helps you to feel good
as you transition through the valley?
Star light, star bright
First star I see tonight
I Wish I may
I Wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight"
One of the first poems my mother taught me is this silly one about wishing on the first star I saw each night. Although I know to wish upon a star won't move me forward in life or alter the direction of things, I still, in my forties...wish upon that beautiful star. Why do we wish upon a star into our adult years, even after age and wisdom tell us differently?
The reason any of us repeat something is different from situation to situation, person to person. For me, I think it's a habit. At Two O'clock this morning I woke and gazed out the window and saw the stars, even in a sleepy mode, I whispered this little ditty. I smiled, chuckled at myself, and then put my feet to the floor. I couldn't just roll over and go back to sleep.
These beautiful stars are a portrait painted by a loving and creative God.
These beautiful stars are a portrait painted by a loving and creative God.
Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights--
His faithful love endures forever.
the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever."
Psalm 136:4-9 NLT
While the stars are a beautiful reflection of God's faithful love and its endurance over time, this isn't the reason for my enjoyment of such a simple and childhood poem, or nursery rhyme. Instead, it's the memory attached to it. My Mom taught Heidi and I these words, words to memorize and cherish. Words to tuck away for the tough times in life, when all hope seems gone...to wish upon a star. Words to instill laughter at the silliness of making a wish in my mind that no one heard, a wish you never told anyone. If the wish was answered, you knew it was real because we never uttered it aloud.
As an adult and one who believes in God and the power of prayer, I still recite this poem when admiring such a beautiful canvas of black and white. I wasn't able to capture it with my camera yet in my mind's eye...it remains. With my hoodie and camera I ventured to the deck. I returned inside without a photo yet the hope and reminder in my heart can't be contained.
None of us know what tomorrow brings yet we know who brings tomorrow.
I'm thankful for moments like this. It's a joy to remember those moments of star gazing with my parents. To lie on a blanket between my parents as they pointed out different constellations and share about "back in the day" are fond memories.
Times of two sisters encompassed in their parent's love and life. Two parents investing in their girls so we would carry on the tradition with our own children. Memories hold power...I'm thankful for something as silly as a star triggering a snip-it in time. A time of laughter and hope.
As an adult and one who believes in God and the power of prayer, I still recite this poem when admiring such a beautiful canvas of black and white. I wasn't able to capture it with my camera yet in my mind's eye...it remains. With my hoodie and camera I ventured to the deck. I returned inside without a photo yet the hope and reminder in my heart can't be contained.
None of us know what tomorrow brings yet we know who brings tomorrow.
I'm thankful for moments like this. It's a joy to remember those moments of star gazing with my parents. To lie on a blanket between my parents as they pointed out different constellations and share about "back in the day" are fond memories.
Times of two sisters encompassed in their parent's love and life. Two parents investing in their girls so we would carry on the tradition with our own children. Memories hold power...I'm thankful for something as silly as a star triggering a snip-it in time. A time of laughter and hope.
As I said my poem tonight tears flowed
I whispered words to the wind
with the early morning dew beneath my feet.
Star light, Star bright...grant my wish tonight.
God of light, Son shining so bright...answer my prayer tonight.
Have you ever wished upon a star or
Taught this poem to someone?
8/11/2015
TOP's Tuesday: Field Day Memories...
Do you have a community event that involves a parade, games, rides, and BBQ? In our neck of the woods, these are called "Field Days". Field Days are one of my fondest memories as a child. This was a time when the entire town, and neighboring towns, gathered to celebrate summer while raising funds to support our volunteer fire department.
Below is a picture of Heidi and I from one year's new's coverage of the field days. And yes, we are in matching clothes again. We weren't twins, we had four years between us, and Mom still tended to dress us alike for outings. It was cute at 8, not so much at 13. Just the thought of the sailor outfits makes me laugh, but that's another blog.
Another Field Days memory is to know the entire family gathered at the New Haven Building Supply to watch the parade. When us kids came by, all the aunts and uncles, and cousins not in the parade cheered as if we were the highlight of the parade. As an adult, to watch the kids on their bikes and such is still my favorite part to watch and I try to cheer so they feel like royalty too.
Below is a picture of Heidi and I from one year's new's coverage of the field days. And yes, we are in matching clothes again. We weren't twins, we had four years between us, and Mom still tended to dress us alike for outings. It was cute at 8, not so much at 13. Just the thought of the sailor outfits makes me laugh, but that's another blog.
Another Field Days memory is to know the entire family gathered at the New Haven Building Supply to watch the parade. When us kids came by, all the aunts and uncles, and cousins not in the parade cheered as if we were the highlight of the parade. As an adult, to watch the kids on their bikes and such is still my favorite part to watch and I try to cheer so they feel like royalty too.
Fast forward to the year or two after Heidi disappeared and I remember the Syracuse Bagpipes stopping in front of the Heidi Allen Command Post when it was located at the intersection of State Route 104 and County Route 6. They played Amazing Grace while facing our family and friends, and the sign, "We Won't Forget You".
Memories flood my mind lately. I miss my sister so much and wish she was sitting at my side. I wish she was here to help, to plan, and to comfort. While I'm surrounded by so many family and friends, my heart aches for Heidi to be here, a life event unfolds when you just want your sister. While I don't have Heidi here, I know God is strong enough to hold us up through this new journey. Praying for His strength and for His comfort. Thank you for remembering Heidi!
*News clipping from local Mexico paper in late 70's/early 80's. Found in a photo album.
Memories flood my mind lately. I miss my sister so much and wish she was sitting at my side. I wish she was here to help, to plan, and to comfort. While I'm surrounded by so many family and friends, my heart aches for Heidi to be here, a life event unfolds when you just want your sister. While I don't have Heidi here, I know God is strong enough to hold us up through this new journey. Praying for His strength and for His comfort. Thank you for remembering Heidi!
*News clipping from local Mexico paper in late 70's/early 80's. Found in a photo album.
Will you share a memory or two below? I hope you will....
Last summer I attended the Oswego Writing Institute in August. In addition to learning from published authors, illustrators, and various experts in the area of writing.
As if this isn't exciting enough, I was invited to teach a break out session each day, with more attending on the second day because of the feedback shared by previous attendees. I learned and taught.
As if this isn't exciting enough, I was invited to teach a break out session each day, with more attending on the second day because of the feedback shared by previous attendees. I learned and taught.
SUNY Oswego hosts this great Writing Institute again this month with new speakers, presenters, and authors. I'm not able to attend this year but am grateful for the valuable information I learned last summer. I learned things to apply to the classroom and my own life.
When we attend a conference with our eyes, ears, and hearts open, there are many lessons we can receive . Ones we are meant to share with others as we move along life's path for us.
The school district I work for has transitioned into "Leader in Me" schools, at least for our elementary buildings at this time. The training started this Spring and offered tools, strategies, plans, and information that focus first on us as a person, then us as a staff member of MACS.
If you are familiar with Steven Covey, then the "Leader in Me" will make complete sense. Covey wrote a book and started with trainings to improve business, a principal applied this to her elementary school, and the result...lives, environments, and communities changed for the better.
I'm thankful to work for a district that values not only their students but also the staff working with their students. The principals taught can be adapted, carried out, and applied in our homes and private lives too. The next time you attend a conference, what is the life lesson you can take away with you?
When we attend a conference with our eyes, ears, and hearts open, there are many lessons we can receive . Ones we are meant to share with others as we move along life's path for us.
The school district I work for has transitioned into "Leader in Me" schools, at least for our elementary buildings at this time. The training started this Spring and offered tools, strategies, plans, and information that focus first on us as a person, then us as a staff member of MACS.
If you are familiar with Steven Covey, then the "Leader in Me" will make complete sense. Covey wrote a book and started with trainings to improve business, a principal applied this to her elementary school, and the result...lives, environments, and communities changed for the better.
I'm thankful to work for a district that values not only their students but also the staff working with their students. The principals taught can be adapted, carried out, and applied in our homes and private lives too. The next time you attend a conference, what is the life lesson you can take away with you?
Why do you attend conferences and workshops in the field you work, study, or pursue?
What is a life lesson you learned that helped you at home?
8/9/2015
Starting the day with coffee...
This morning on the Where's Heidi? Facebook page, I asked, "What is the first thing you do on Sunday morning?" The first person to answer said, "turn on the coffee". So Jenn, this blog is for you.
Have a great day everyone!
Have a great day everyone!
Have a great Sunday and start to the week...
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Since 2010 I've written many blogs on various aspects of waiting. To wait is one of life's greatest lessons and occurrences. We wait for good news, for test results, and for our loved ones to be found. In the past few weeks, the waiting game has stepped up for our family. For those of you that remember life before Facebook and social media, you'll understand my next statement and truth. "Not everything is meant for social media" and "there is a right time for sharing things". In today's instantaneous day of posting and chatting, it's difficult to keep one's privacy while also reaching out to others. Yet there are also times to reach out, share, and ask for help and prayers.
Today I ask you to join my family in prayer as we wait. I know people who don't like it when a prayer request is shared without more detail but at times like this, I think it's okay. God knows our needs, fears, reality, and hopes. In the right timing and with the permission of my family, I will share. For now, thank you for joining and once again lifting us in prayer.
We've waited over twenty-one years to know where my sister, Heidi Allen, is. Many years ago, I waited months for the birth of our daughter. We all waited for the publishing of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Teachers and students wait for the school year to end and then wait for it to start again. Waiting can be with anticipation or trepidation, either way, waiting requires faith, patience, and prayer. Waiting is a part of life..
Today I ask you to join my family in prayer as we wait. I know people who don't like it when a prayer request is shared without more detail but at times like this, I think it's okay. God knows our needs, fears, reality, and hopes. In the right timing and with the permission of my family, I will share. For now, thank you for joining and once again lifting us in prayer.
We've waited over twenty-one years to know where my sister, Heidi Allen, is. Many years ago, I waited months for the birth of our daughter. We all waited for the publishing of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey. Teachers and students wait for the school year to end and then wait for it to start again. Waiting can be with anticipation or trepidation, either way, waiting requires faith, patience, and prayer. Waiting is a part of life..
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As we wait, we have a choice...to seek God or wallow in the unknown.
I choose to seek God as I reach out for prayers...
prayers of strength, courage, wisdom, and hope.
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Sometimes life gets busy, but one of my favorite peeps is missing her daily blogs. Not much to say but here is your blog....lol...I'm going to spend time making memories and who knows, maybe I'll even blog again this week.
Dedicated to my number one fans...
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