(((((((( Fearless )))))) Thank you for sharing that story. I relate to you because I tend to handle pain alone. Not sure why I do that, when I know that it's the strength of positive connections that can make such a difference in my well being. Journey starts singing, I am a rock, I am an island....
So what was it that the Wizard gave the Cowardly Lion after all? Some certificate of some kind? I'll have 10 of those, please!
Please be safe kid and please above all else...enjoy this time with your family. I know you're feeling the stress or anxiety or whatever!! Try not to let that overide what is really important..you and your family, together, a very meaningful time in your lives...enjoy
Ohhh BTW...As Miss IC had me pinned down and shoving snow in my face...she mentioned something about Journey! Did this vicious, blind-sided, blatant attack on humanity have anything to do with you????
She told me of your anniversary...Congratulations!!
Now about paybacks? {as IC ponders the little red wagon, HSA's and such }
Well, come to think of it, I did mention that LI got that wintry mix stuff and not snow, and I did say Miss IC should make good use of that Michigan snow...and I see she did!!!
Thanks for the wise words, IC. I am sure it will be a memorable time, but all all know "Dorothy" had it right the whole time.
Journey, last night-- Christmas Eve-- when I crawled into bed with my doggies, I thought of you up on top of Masada and hoped that all was going well. I shouted (mentally) a big MAZEL TOV into the universe... although given the time difference... don't know when it got there. I hope you're having a wonderful, meaningful journey and come home renewed and refreshed! xoxo
Lil, Thank you so much for thinking of me at that moment of time! I have been thinking of you, too, as I believe you would have found this whole trip fascinating...we covered so much ground, by uncovering thousands of years of history, and by visiting many early sites of early religion and civilization, from the desert to the Galilee. There is so much culture, so much diversity that comes alive right before you...I am still in a kind of post-trip high, but I'm sure to crash soon.
I see that your ankle is coming along, but more importantly, it is coinciding with some clarity of thought, as we head into 2008.
I skimmed over the threads, and I am sure I will have more to say later when I'm more coherent and have more time.
A quick note to IC: What a stupid, reckless thing to do, but amazingly, you picked yourself up quickly and got yourself on the path. Don't let the shame and guilt of this dumb incident derail you from the progress you've made. Hugs to you and Miss IC.
And to LFL: I am so glad, that the fates being what they were, prevented a rendevous with soldier boy. LFL, I have to share with you a story ( and no, it doesn't have to do with chocolate). I was at this shabbat dinner in Israel on the first Friday I was there, and it was lead by an Israeli. At this dinner, the Israeli men included a special prayer, A Woman Of Valor ( from Proverbs 31), which I have never seen done here. I can't look it up right now, but it is just a kind thing. And.... waaaay sexy. They turn to their wives and recite it. It's like a gentle dominance, these modern Israeli men have ( I have noticed this in other occasions)and the women seem savvy enough to accept it. Makes the hair pulling stuff seem like child's play. The following Friday, we Americans were on our own, and somebody suggested we do a Shabbat dinner, and the women were kind of joking they wanted that prayer, and the men, well, they couldn't pull it off! And that is what is missing!
At this dinner, the Israeli men included a special prayer, A Woman Of Valor ( from Proverbs 31), which I have never seen done here. I can't look it up right now, but it is just a kind thing. And.... waaaay sexy. They turn to their wives and recite it.
A Woman of Valor (Eshet Chayil)
Eshet chayil mi yimtza v'rachok mip'ninim michrah An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond pearls.
Batach bah lev ba'lah v'shalal lo yechsar Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
G'malathu tov v'lo ra kol y'mei chayeiha She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.
Darshah tzemer ufishtim vata'as b'chefetz kapeiha She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.
Haitah ko'oniyot socher mimerchak tavi lachmah She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.
Vatakom b'od lailah vatiten teref l'vetah v'chok l'na'aroteiha She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.
Zam'mah sadeh vatikachehu mip'ri chapeiha nat'ah karem She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Chagrah v'oz motneiha vat'ametz zro'oteiha She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.
Ta'amah ki tov sachrah lo yichbeh balailah nerah She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
Yadeha shilchah vakishor v'chapeiha tamchu felech She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.
Kapah parsah le'ani v'yadeiha shil'chah la'evyon She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
Lo tira l'vetah mishaleg ki chol betah lavush shanim She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.
Marvadim astah lah shesh v'argaman l'vushah She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Noda bash'arim ba'lah b'shivto im ziknei aretz Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Sadin astah vatimkor vachagor natnah lak'na'ani She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.
Oz v'hadar l'vushah vatischak l'yom acharon Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
Piha patchah v'chochma v'torat chesed al l'shonah She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
Tzofi'ah halichot betah v'lechem atzlut lo tochel She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Kamu vaneha vay'ash'ruha ba'lah vay'hal'lah Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.
Rabot banot asu chayil v'at alit al kulanah Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
Sheker hachen v'hevel hayofi ishah yir'at Hashem hi tit'halal Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be praised.
T'nu lah mip'ri yadeiha vihal'luha vash'arim ma'aseha Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
{as IC ponders the little red wagon, HSA's and such }