Legacy

 August  Wilson (Fredrick August Kittel, Jr.) leaves a rich literacy legacy of ten plays.  He was a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright.  Earlier this week, I visited the museum that bears his name.  This center's mission, "August Wilson Center for African American Culture engages regional and national audiences in its mission of preserving, presenting, interpreting, celebrating, and shaping the art, culture, and history of African Americans utilizing  the rich history, legacy and culture of African Americans from Western Pennsylvania as a foundation. "

August Wilson father was a Sudeten German immigrant
his mother was from Alabama.

A new exhibit at the museum opened March 30 and will continue until June 30.  Strength in the Struggle: Civil Rights.  I love this truth, we do not grow strong by easy lives, but enduring and learning from the struggles. The lessons learned in  fiery trials shape our character.  As my pastor often says, "God is more concerned with our character than our comfort." I agree!

Pet of the week!

Today’s pet of the week is the mascot for the Pittsburgh Professional Hockey Team.  The Pittsburg Penguin…I know, officially mascots are not pets. Mascots offer a way to help fans become involved in a game. Plus, I think penguins are the most adorable birds. 

Then I wanted to add some real Pittsburgh Pets owners...

Laura is the Visitor Service Representative  at the Visit Pittsburgh Office. She owns Oscito and Sasha two short hair rescue cats.

Next, Mary owns Diamond a dog and Angel a cat.   Mary is the lady to the right. 

Thanks for the staff who made our stay very enjoyable.  They also loved their Mary Kay Satin Hands hand creme.  Visit my site for your own! Shop 24/7 free shipping & 25 discount. go here:  Mary Kay

Visting Pittsburgh

Interesting pattern on the staircase

 We are guests at the historic Renaissance Hotel

This building is over 106 years old. Renaissance has been a hotel since  2001. Prior to this, the hotel was a hospital, bank, and a nightclub.

Located in the cultural district.

I wonder if they are related to the Cleary's of Kansas.

Birthday Celebration

 Last Saturday, Jerry and I traveled to Ft. Wayne to be a part of a surprise birthday celebration for my cousin Rick.  It was a lovely evening. Their home was filled with so much love and laughter.  


On Sunday, we were able to attend church services at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church.  It was touching to hear how the members of the congregation love and appreciate their pastor. 
Pastor Fredrick Alexander Sleet.
To God be the Glory!

Children are indeed  a blessing. 

This looks like love!

Bridges

"He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven."

A Wonderful Weekend

Surprise Birthday Party.... a glimpse of the party

The Courtyard Marriott @ night

 Sunday's afternoon's program... Faithful Women in the Bible! Inspiring...Incredible Worship

Pet of the week!

Heidi is this week's pet of the week.   She  lives in our memories.  Heidi was a loyal, kind, and faithful pet.    My sister Beth is on the right of this picture. I am holding Heidi.  This beautiful dog was a long hair dachshund. Can you see the bird cage in the background? Our parakeet... Buddy. 
"The dog was specially created for children. He is the god of frolic." Henry Ward Beecher

Love

Lunch Box

 Lunch Box is an independently owned restaurant in Lexington.
Inside this Lunch Box you will discover interesting decor and good southern food.

Lessons from my students...

Tulips are a gift from a student

I am grateful for the lessons my students teach me. I am humbled when I listen to their stories. Their journey to America is amazing. In spite of many obstacles, they demonstrate such dedication and commitment to class attendance.  Each student is a beautiful picture of resiliency and love.  They are so easy to love.

Spring !!!

"Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men." Chinese Proverb

Monday evenings...

Looking around the sanctuary on Monday evening, I smile. It is sweet to see  women gathered for one purpose, to study God's word.
Our rooms are filled with laughter and love.

After the lecture, we continue to gather and talk. Walking to the parking lot, we leaving encouraged.
Thanking God for these beautiful sisters.  Transformed as we continue to grow in our faith...applying these truths to our daily lives... at home and at work.

Prepare to believe...

In the beginning God created...
heavens, earth, light, day, night,
Genesis records the entire creation...sun, stars, moon, plants, food, animals...
This spring I plan to visit the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky.
Prepare to believe.  Visit their website here  CREATION MUSEUM

Our young ones are learning about the world that God created...

coloring in class

spring flower

March Madness

Authentic Indian Food

Back in the day, day, I was a cheerleader. Cheering my high school team was exciting.  Now,  it is difficult to view an entire game.  Hoosier Hysteria or March Madness  can be a fun while your team is winning. It is heartbreaking if your team  does not advance in the  tournament. Tonight, I enjoyed dinner  prepared by two UK students.  I'm looking forward to trying a new recipe with eggplant.

Gracious hostess provided a delicious meal tonight.

Pet of the week!

 President Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and Sir Walter Scott all have something in common with the owners of this week's pet of the week.  What? They all owned Pit Bulls.  Pete was President Roosevelt's dog. Sir Thomas was Helen Keller's pet.  Sir Walter Scott's dog's name was WASP.

 I recently met the owners of this lively little puppy while I was walking my dog.   How did they become pet owners?  A litter of of puppies were left on the side of the road in a nearby county. They decided to rescue this puppy. Her name is Sadie. On this sunny afternoon, Sadie was running quick laps around her owners.  We talked for a bit.  I encouraged the owners to consider  dog training at Pet Smart.

A passion to teach

Class refreshment:
California roll

"So try to pursue the very things that you are passionate about that - that is the difference between good and great." Shawn Doyle

 What are your gifts and abilities?  Are you pursuing your passion? For me, I love tutoring/teaching students. It is such a joy. Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings are two of my favorite times... working in a classroom ... pure joy...  times that make me smile.  I am also humbled. I also want to make sure that I am prepared with excellence... and teach only the truth. I am so grateful to God. I love serving.

Students from today's class.

The cutest paper on the planet!

Daffodils in Lexington has a very clever slogan for the store. 

The cutest paper on the planet.

Well, that is what they say! 

It is difficult to chose with so many pretty options.

The fun of helping host an event.... window shopping.

Sunday School Shoes

Sweet

Sassy

Sharp

Sweet

Life Together

"The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them.  Just as the love of God begins with listening to his word, so the beginning of love for our brothers and sisters is learning to listen to them." Life Together ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Every Saturday morning I have the privilege of participating in training with other leaders in BSF. I am humbled as I sit in the circle and listen to what God is doing in the lives of the women. Humble, grateful, joyful, excited, are just of a few of the words that come to my mind.  Another word... refined.... God continues to refine and transform me... I am so thankful.

Thanking God for my dear sisters.

Pet of the week!

Jan has graciously agreed to let her Lily be the pet of the week. This is how Jan describes her sweet puppy, " Lily is a 10 lb ball of fur personality. She is a 2 1/2 year old havanese and colonde tulear mix, both breeds related to the bichon frise. We got her from  a breeder instead of the human society as my husband has allergies."


Jan goes on to share, "When I picked her up from the airport in LA she bounded out of her crate after a long flight from Wisconsin.  She fit into the cup holder in my car."
After some serious health challenges, Jan credits a heroic vet in saving Lily's life. Now Lily is enjoying life in California.  She loves to be outside, talking walks, tummy rubs and playing with other dogs.


Special thanks to Jan for sharing Lily's story.  Jan and Phil, your Lexington friends miss you.  God Bless  and be well. 

Brain Exercises...

One of the myths regarding Mahjong suggests that it was developed by Confucius, the Chinese philosopher  around 500 B.C.*  Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy and calculation... and chance.
While the exact origin of the game may be in question, I know this... Practice makes perfect... I continue to practice

Today's Mahjong group

* source Wikipedia

where learning lives

Gratz Park view from the steps of the Carnegie Center
March 5, 2012

Carnegie Center, Lexington, Ky


The Carnegie Center for Literacy

What does God require?

This is what is recorded in the Old Testament by the prophet Micah,

"No, O people,  the Lord has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy, 

and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 (New Living Translation)

  

Do these words shape my behavior? 
My faith propels me to put my faith in Jesus into action. Vital to a vibrant growing faith...faithful church attendance, Bible study, prayer, and service.  How can I serve outside my church?.  Our pastor encouraged us to become involved in a justice ministry.  Christians in our community will be working to address the following issues: 

• working to help cap payday loan fees from 400% to 36% APR
• working to help families have access to Affordable Housing
• Restoration Justice

I love this quote:
"The pearl of justice is found in the heart of mercy." Catherine of Siena

Happy Birthday

"I will instruct thee and teach thee 

in the way which thou shalt go:

I will guide thee with mine eye."

Psalm 32:8

Birthday scripture for son.  Happy Birthday to the best son!

Sunday Dinner

Sunday's Dinner Menu

Spinach and Mushroom Salad

Steamed Broccoli

Vegetable "Meat" Loaf

Chilled water with lemon

Looking for a delicious vegetarian  main dish?   Please consider a recipe in this month's Cooking Light  issue,  Vegetable "Meat" Loaf. 

Zumba Birthday Party

 This evening  Jara (my daughter) is celebrating her birthday. I imagine the  party is getting ready to begin.  Right now, I  imagine the room is filled with friends, laughter, and love.  Happy Birthday Jara!

Looks like a great place have Zumba Birthday Party!

Daffodils