connections in the Ukraine

Following up to this morning's blog update about counting my blessings. Sure enough today I was reminded again about how fortunate I am.  My time at church recently has had me interacting with Maryna Kohut and her concern and involvement with her home country- The Ukraine.  Our church is working with Maryna to collect funds to help those in need. Maryna did a wonderful job putting together photographs show casing before and after images as well as speaking passionately about why we all should consider giving.   The Granville Sentinel/ Newark Advocate shared the store as well.  Details about giving support are in the article, or simply write a check to First Presbyterian Church and put in the memo line- Ukraine.  The church address is 110 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023

http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014302280034

Maryna is a positive, upbeat, happy person.  I've always admired her jumping into our community and giving in a supportive way.  Our paths haven't crossed much lately but I'm glad to see her again, I'm sorry for the reason. The good news is technology today allows her to be in constant communication with her family in Kiev.  I was impressed with her command of the English language and appreciated how her native language was part of our service- The Lord's prayer.  Every time she shares about the situation she is poised and inspiring, the emotion is evident and calls me to help by praying, sharing and giving as able. My life on Newark-Granville Road is enhanced by interactions like this- not easy but important and valuable lessons showcasing how connected we all.

counting my blessings….

It is Sunday- time for church and a service that will be filled with blessings.  I'm packing my tissues as it may be one of those days.  Yesterday was a day where my blessings held my hand- being at Denison for Kids Tech University- KTU- where 100 children from our community are given the opportunity to learn about science- how things work, why things happen on a college campus.  This doesn't just happen because someone has a great idea- Marcia Downes.  This happens because scientist/faculty like Dr. Joe say- yes and make it fun, and bring others like Nester Mathews. It happens because Janet Shultz brings in amazing partners and individually asks parents to bring their kids showing promise but have no idea how to get to Denison or even think a college experience is possible for their child. It happens because the parents that love and expect (in a good way) a college experience bring their kids and sit with other kids who's parents are not there. It happens because donors say they'll give money to make it happen. It happens because OSU-N staff and Denison staff and The Works Staff and PEAK/Call to College staff work every day to get the details right and then are there to see the wonder in the kids face, the ahhhhs, oooohhhs and the blessings are everywhere.

How lucky was I to attend Dension University, find Granville Ohio, develop the relationships and friendships with the people I did in this community. How lucky am I that our 3 children have friends and families that love them so I can go out last night to support an organization in our community- Mental Health America of Licking County- MIA.

Yes yesterday's blog idea was all about my blessings and soaking in the sun and the snow that accompanied each moment. Today I'll gather my blessings at FPC and give thanks for my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Happy Friday

I tried to get a more serious blog typed up- lots on my mind about legacies, keeping on the sunny side, not sweating the small stuff and looking forward to the what spring and Easter bring…..but it is time to get this day going on Newark-Granville Road.  A day filled with good people doing good things- it doesn't get much better than that.  I hope your life is filled with the same and know that you are a good person to someone and hearing from you, interacting with you makes their day- the smile to the person passing by, the random text or call to an old friend, the pause to listen and talk instead of just walking by…tell the people you love, you love them, the people you like a lot you apprecaiate them- that is what I'll be doing today.

themes of the week found in the blogs…..

Two awesome blogs….the 1st one opens with an amazing quote and involves making mistakes- the theme of the week for me. I've had to say- I'm wrong quite a bit this week. I'm proud of the fact I've learned how to do this- it isn't easy, I don't like it- but it works.

The 2nd made me cry- teachers and coaches- those that spend so much time with our children- thank you for the extra care and attention you give them and the behind scenes love and care you provide.

When you combine these two theme- making mistakes, caring enough to say I was wrong, caring enough to say I'm sorry and talk about it openly- good good things happens, progress, learning and love shines.  This is my life on Newark-Granville Road and I love having others also blogging to help me.


http://howtheyshineforyou.blogspot.com/2014/03/mistakes.html?spref=fb

http://momastery.com/blog/2014/01/30/share-schools/

Here is the quote of the week I identified yesterday:

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams.  Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.  Pop John XXIII

where do I go?

Life on Newark-Granville Road just returned to a tinier bit of normal….a bit of stress has been lifted and I have found a tad bit of time…how you ask?  My calendar should now appear on my iphone again.  It disappeared quite some time ago and after 3 attempts- 2 by Joe it wasn't working. Finally team work did the trick- thank you Laura, Larry and Joe for returning this important tool to my fingertips.

Now if the magic fairy could come help me clean up all the emails in my inbox I'd sleep all the better on Newark-Granville Road.  But at least I know where I am suppose to be without consulting 3 calenders, paper from work I carry around in my purse in my Lilly daytimer…I have to ask the question- what did we do before iphones?  Ah the day timer…I still use mine- I still like to see the calendar over two pages- I so remember when I found this addition to the Franklin planner.   I am having memories of my Mom's AAUW calendar she would order each year and fill it in, the Denison red scheduler for assignments and planning and also my beloved Kate Spade planner- a lovely gift one Christmas. I had a hard time parting with that one.

Welcome back calender filled with meetings, practices, reminders and appointments, I've missed you in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

with roses

This is one of the last roses from the beautiful bouquet Joe sent me for our 15th Anniversary.  Village Flower Basket does a lovely job and this year they seem the most beautiful of all. The white roses with deep greens and small specks of white/pink were my wedding bouquet.  Each year I am fortunate to reflect and celebrate that crisp gorgeous day with Joe's thoughtful tradition and gift. The roses opened quickly this year and stayed for quite sometime. The reality is I love camillas and gardenias- the open white flower- but open white roses were what worked best in Feb in PA and with our budget. The roses this year opened and stayed with me well over a week.  Joe had them delivered to the office which was such a treat. Nothing beats walking into your busy, piles everywhere office balancing work priorities to be greeted by a bouquet saying Happy Anniversary.  I pulled a few and left them at work- today I snipped the top and floated the last one in water to delight me early in my work week.  The bouquet came home last weekend and remained beautiful and giving pleasure. I've snipped a few to cluster together in bowl on the counter.  This one has been by my bed greeting me each morning and saying goodnight. Life on Newark-Granville Road is blessed with the love and promise this flower represents.

defination of a good book….

Here is what I shared with book club friends in an email reminder about our upcoming discussion……I'm happy to have a really good book and a deadline to give me permission to read instead of putting away laundry…..I may be the one cheering for the snow day on Monday so I can finish the book.  I'm sorry I didn't start this one sooner as I think I'd like the characters and slow down to finish to keep the book in my life.  I knew it would be good when I told my sister in law what we were reading and she smiled big and shared her thoughts on the book.  I then returned the favor and gave her "The Snow Child" to read.  She was able to use her library ap and reserve it right there- how cool is that!  Anyway- looking forward to seeing you on Monday evening to discuss Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.

Life on Newark-Granville Road is always better with a good book!

Warmly- Susan