Mamas*Little*Treasures

Prayers for Peace and Freedom in Iran

As the news reports and photos continue to stream across the internet and television screens, it is interesting to see the responses from people around the world.  Following through part of the night via Twitter, it is obvious to me that millions of people are horrified by the shooting of Neda by the military thugs who are confronting the protesters in the streets ofTehran.  This one terrible incident has galvanized people around the world, with the recognition that this is the ultimate fate of people who stand up to the terror that is possible in a country where the government has complete control.  But why should we, as Americans, even care?  Well, of course, anyone would care and be affected by pictures of a beautiful young woman shot to death (just about anyone, I mean) - but is there more to it than that?

Of course there is, and it is the longing in every human heart for freedom and liberty, and when we see the struggle of a repressed people, crying out for liberty, we are affected by that, as well.  But why do we think that just by staying uninvolved and neutral at a time like this will keep US safe?  People are people, and there will always be people, in every country of the world, who will murder, maim, torture, and destroy anyone and anything that gets in the way of their power grab.  Why do we believe that simply by sitting down and chatting, or "playing fair" we will ever convince a maniac like Ahmadinejad to just "be nice."  He will NOT be nice, because his agenda requires power.  Human beings have been fighting, making war, killing one another, and doing horrific things to one another since the dawn of time.  It does not matter one's religion in this scenario . . . . every religion has devotees who are just plain evil, and will perpetrate their evil deeds on innocent, peace-loving people if it achieves their goals. 

I am not a particularly political person, but I realize that the blessings of peace and freedom that I enjoy every day (even in a terrible economy, trying to struggle through until we find another job) and are available to me, are not part of my life because we chatted with previous world thugs and convinced them to "play nice."  Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way, and history has proven this over and over.  Any normal person with a brain and a heart would prefer peace, hate war, and live a life of freedom . . . . it just doesn't work that way, because the world is full of those who take advantage of the ordinary people who just want to live their lives and not bother others.  So, now a nation is revolting against the heavy hand of a tyrannt (or several, as it seems), and we should not be surprised that regular ol' folks eventually get fed up with repression and speak out.  Even those who are not particularly political.  Today my heart is filled with compassion and fear for the innocents in Iran, and my prayers are with them at the dawning of this new day.  Stand for freedom, be willing to die for freedom, because it has never been free . . . . it is worth the fight.

Working on Wednesday: Pretty Little Things

What is it about holidays that gets our entire schedule out of sorts?  I'm so thankful that we have a holiday to remember and celebrate all that has been done for our country, and for each of us as individuals, through the sacrifices of our military men, women, and their families.  Although this is a difficult time in the lives of many Americans, we still live in the best country on earth!  When we traveled to China for our adoptions, we were reminded moment by moment of the gift that is ours as American citizens.  China is an absolutely beautiful country, and the people we met were so gracious, kind, friendly, and welcoming.  We love China, and we are so grateful for the opportunity we were given to bring our daughters home.  But we also saw hundreds and hundreds of Chinese people lined up at the American Consulate waiting in line for hours, days, weeks to get a visa to come to our country, because as our tour guide told us, "Chinese people think America is Heaven."  We are truly blessed, and I can only pray that our country will remain free and always be a refuge for people who are seeking a life of liberty.  So, I am truly grateful for Memorial Day!

I have discovered that whenever we have a holiday on any week-day, it kind of gets me all confused about what day it is for the rest of the week! So, yesterday seemed like Monday, and today seems like Tuesday . . . .. so I've got to get my internal clock adjusted!  And since it really is Wednesday, I'm home working on several projects.  But since I've determined to simplify my life lately and seek out opportunities to experience the beauty in my everyday life, one of the projects for today is to find as many "pretty little things" in my world as I can.  I have these sweet little pink plaid teacups and saucers, a few cottage teapots in my collection, and a few other random items from thrift shops, antique shops, and garage sales that I decided to begin photographing to share with you.  A couple of weekends ago I came across a yard sale where they were selling pint canning jars filled with vintage buttons.  Well, of course I had to have them!  All of them!  She had six jars so I bought them all!  Now I am in "button heaven" and have been making all kinds of fun stuff embellished with some of these gorgeous buttons.  But I've got to get busy today, finish up this eBook pattern revision and get the pattern pieces in the mail this afternoon . . .. . so here are a couple of pictures of some of the "pretty little things" in my world.  Aren't they beautiful?  I'd love to see some of the pretty little things in your world, so if you post some pix on your blog, leave your comment here and I'll come for a visit! 

A Weekend To Remember

It's been one of those weeks . . . . it's Friday night, and I'm exhausted.  And I have to go to work again tomorrow morning.  All I really want to do is stay home with my family, maybe have hamburgers on the grill, and perhaps work in my garden a bit.  Maybe.  Unless I'm too tired, and then I might want to just sit out on the deck with a book and a glass of lemonade.  Or take a nap.  But I can't so of course, I whine.  I'm so inconvenienced.  I mean all I want to do is just take a break from working all the time!  Is that too much to ask?

 

But when I think about the sacrifices that are made everyday by our men and women in the military, those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, I am humbled and realize how much more they give every day.  And they do it for those of us whom they will never know.  Their families must sacrifice, too, the time and attention of their loved ones.  I am so grateful for all those who have given of themselves for our country and our freedom.  Because I know that freedom is not free . . . . and that is not just a cliche that happens to have a nice sound.  It is true. 

So today I want to say THANK YOU to everyone in the military, past, present, and future, for protecting us, keeping us safe, and giving up your own comfort for our security.  Because I know you never have a day just to relax when there is a war raging around you.  You are truly a gift to our country and to every citizen in America, even though you may not always feel like it.  Thanks for doing the hard stuff so the rest of us can sit on our decks and drink lemonade if we want to.  Thank you for a country that is still free.  God bless you and God bless the USA.