Making Their Case

Thankfully, it happens just once every four years -- the first debate between presidential candidates.  Like many Americans, I am looking forward to this election season being over -- and with just 42 days to go, Election Day can't get here quickly enough.

This evening, my good friend Richard and I co-hosted a viewing party of what turned out to be a rousing debate (no surprise there) between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.  Richard invited his friends, I invited mine, and it was a wonderful inter-mingling of folks from different backgrounds, everyone eager to listen to our next Commander in Chief (whoever that may be).  

We reserved the "Owner's Box," a big private room at McGivney's Sports Bar and Grill in downtown Juneau.  Hats off to McGivney's staff for their attentive service, especially with my insistence that televisions were all set to different channels, so we could see the variety of coverage.  And, oh, was there a variety of coverage amongst CNN, FOX News, and Free Speech TV!

It was so much fun having a secluded space to broadcast the debate on the multiple big screens.  The reclining theater-style seats were a big hit, too.  Richard's friend, Bev, organized entertaining bingo cards, fortunately taking the place of any drinking game that could have been disastrous.  About 30 people came out for the festivities, and I'm happy to say there was no fighting or bad temperament!

But the best part of the evening here in Juneau?  On the block for the winner of the bingo game: a 1992 vintage Ross Perot sweatshirt, donated from Richard's personal collection.  At the end of the 90-minute debate, I didn't win, but I sure had fun trying.

Light and Darkness

Today is the autumn equinox.  It is also the six month anniversary of my dear sweet Momma leaving this earthly home for her heavenly one. 

On March 21, 2016, she passed peacefully and quickly at Huntsville Hospital after a long illness, which she battled courageously and bravely and with so much sass.

She will forever be my best friend, my biggest fan, my rock, my solace, the person I love most in this world. I remain her baby girl, her best friend, her biggest fan, her pride and joy.

We have a depth of love and a special bond that spans death itself. God knit me in her womb, and this incredible woman gave me life. Without her — without my Momma — I wouldn't be.

My heart has been broken into a million pieces since her passing on. I am grateful she isn't suffering any more. I miss her more than I ever imagined. The death of a mother is no doubt the first sorrow wept without her.

My sweet, beautiful, smart, resourceful, talented, silly, resilient, strong Momma — I love and miss her in an indescribable way that aches me to my core.

My Friends: love on your Loved Ones today.  We aren't promised tomorrow.

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Mudrooms Defined

A 'mudroom' is a small sheltered spot at the entryway of a home.  It's where you remove muddy shoes and wet raincoats before entering the house.  Before moving to Alaska, I hadn't really ever heard the word 'mudroom.'  I was more familiar with formal foyers and wide open porches, probably because my hometown wasn't nestled in a rainforest. 

Well, mudrooms abound in soggy southeast Alaska.  But the word 'mudrooms' means so much more here in Juneau.  

A few years ago, a couple of inspirational and thoughtful volunteers organized a fundraising event - called "Mudrooms" - centered around Juneauites sharing personal stories.  The idea was modeled after an Anchorage event called "Arctic Entries" and centered around a monthly theme with seven speakers, each having seven minutes to tell their story.  

What began in 2011 as a small intimate gathering in a downtown cafe has blossomed into an eagerly anticipated monthly event that welcomes hundreds of visitors to listen in, both in person and later on the radio. 

To date, "Mudrooms" has raised $60,160, and this Wednesday, September 14 will be the premier event for Season 6.  The theme is "Cheechako," and speakers will be sharing stories of being green in the Great State.  And surprise --- I'll be one of the storytellers!

If you're in Juneau Wednesday evening, please join us at 7pm at the Northern Light United Church (downtown in the Flats).  There will be live music by Njuzu Marimbas, and a $7 cash donation will be collected for the Zach Gordon Youth Center.  If you can't make it, just listen in later to the online archives.  

There are some great stories out there, just waiting to be heard.

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Never Forget

It's impossible for me to not have a heavy heart on a gut-wrenching anniversary such as today. So much has happened since September 11, 2001. It feels unreal to recognize that it has already been 15 years. Fifteen years. Surreal.

I was a freshman at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and was in the midst of an 8:00am German 101 class when the first tower was hit. The liberal arts dean came into the classroom and made the announcement. We all left the room quickly and gathered in the lobby of Morton Hall. This was before the days of social media, before Facebook Live and Snapchat. We all stood there, staring at an old TV atop an even older rolling cart, watching in horror as the news unfolded.

To be completely and ashamedly honest, some of us thought the plane hitting the North Tower was some kind of freak accident, perhaps an inexperienced pilot flying too low. Boy were we wrong. The South Tower was hit by the second plane as we all watched that grainy pixelated television. Then came the news of the Pentagon attack. Many of us wondered if Redstone Arsenal, the large military base near campus, was next.

So much has changed since that fateful day 15 years ago. The world is a different place now. The United States is an altered nation. 9/11 taught us unequivocally that the future is unpredictable and moreso that life is short. The tragedy also taught us that we must always remember. We must never forget.

There are some poignant words I've heard over the years which are fitting for the present day turmoil faced by this world. War creates 1,000 bin Ladens. And only the dead have seen an end to war.

Peace and mercy and blessings be upon you and yours. May God protect us all.