12.28.10

Posted in Just Me at 4:37 PM by Ann Hornbeck

The families are all nestled in their beds after a long winter’s night in Oregon and England. Thank God they arrived safely home. Bruce is back in the hospital and on oxygen that should alleviate his panic attacks. The doctors will assess his condition tomorrow to evaluate if the tumors are growing again in his lungs or if the lack of oxygen is due to his chest infection. Prayers to the entire family. I am feeling a bit rundown today. I think it is just the holiday “run-down blues!” I had an altercation with another car in the Target parking lot the day after Christmas. I ran to the store to grab a couple of last minute items and as I was driving to the stop sign, a woman exited her parking space by moving forward into the empty space in front of her car, and exited into my right-of-way, hitting the passenger side of my little Honda Fit.  Wah!  But, the woman who hit me, and myself, were pretty much on the same plane – it’s only a car, no one was hurt, and it became obvious that both of us defer to our value system that helps us move spiritually through life. Everything happens for a reason, and even though an accident sucks, it validated the good in “fellow-women!” And, not only is the damage manageable, her insurance company has taken full responsibility for the damage. Life is precious, that’s for sure. The little things, the big things, and everything in-between. Right now, I am witnessing the simple things that life provides as the grandchildren play with the “Just Dance” Wii game. And of course, there is tugging and pulling and fighting and laughing and pouting and more laughing. Such is life!

Peace.

12.23.10

Posted in Just Me at 8:00 PM by Ann Hornbeck

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I have finally completed my shopping (duh!) and now waiting for the arrival of the family from Northern California and England.  They better hurry up – Christmas is only a day away!  Prayers to Bobby who is in ICU after suffering a heart attack due to surgery and high-stress.  We love you, Bobby! When it rains, it pours.  The holidays seem to bring out the best and worse of every situation. My girlfriend stopped by this evening on her way to Chico and she brought me a miniature Christmas tree.  We had a glass of wine and decorated the “tree” together before she continued on her journey – how funny!  We laughed and laughed and I needed it!!! Tomorrow, I will make my mother’s milk chocolate pies, a staple at every Christmas dinner past and present!  I think of those who wish for the basic things that we all deserve – food, water, clothing, medical attention, a place to shower and rest, a cup of coffee, a conversation with someone who knows how to listen, perhaps an opportunity to give thanks and sing a few Christmas songs and Yuletide hymns in a nurturing and comforting environment. What a beautiful life.

Peace.

12.20.10

Posted in Just Me at 5:02 PM by Ann Hornbeck

California continues to be wet, wet, wet!  But, hopefully, the cloud layer will go away for a viewing of the full lunar eclipse tonight.  How exciting! And, a special treat as the full lunar eclipse takes place on the shortest day of the year! That hasn’t occurred since the 1600′s!  Maybe it is a sign of better times to come! So many good things have been coming out of the last few weeks of the year. But of course, where positive energy exists, negativity also exists, most obvious as I read a NPR story that  the Pentagon’s health plan does not cover treatment of brain injuries. This is daunting, especially with all of the press regarding the increase in brain injuries.  The world sometimes seems upside down.  But, behind every idea, there is a hidden agenda, for better or for worse.  It will all come out in the wash as my mother used to say.  Speaking of Mama Betty, in January, it will be one year since she passed away.  It is only natural that our loved ones are present in our hearts and minds as the memories of “Christmas past” shares its joys of family, childhood and community.  Hold tight those memories.  And, hold tight your loved ones.

Peace.

12.15.10

Posted in Politics at 11:51 AM by Ann Hornbeck

Good afternoon, World.  If you have not read the Huffington Post (www.huffingtonpost.com) today, you might enjoy reading the article “The Great Disconnect” by Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson. The main gist is that it appears our politicians remain blind to what really matters – jobs, food, shelter, and health care: “Maybe a good chunk of the political class is just so insulated from the realities in the report that they don’t feel the same sense of urgency that most Americans do. Things are terrible on Main Street, but on Wall Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and K Street, they don’t look so gloomy. How else can we explain why everyone in Washington was talking about deficit reduction (at least until they decided to blow another hole in the budget), even while polls show that Americans ranked it way, way below fixing the economy?” Hmmmmm.  I also read on NPR News that the Air Force has blocked any access to media sites that post information about WikiLeaks.  This is because Air Force computers are required to prevent viewing classified documents.  Interesting. I hope everyone is finding the time and energy and funds to assure a happy, happy holiday for your friends and families. I guess I should get started! Perhaps today I will at least work on creating a list.  I tend to wait until the last moment when it comes to shopping.  I like the sounds and the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping experience.  Ho, Ho, Ho. Merry Christmas and happy tax cuts for all.

Peace.

12.13.10

Posted in Politics at 5:51 PM by Ann Hornbeck

Sterling is upon us; the sun, though invisible behind a layer of clouds, slips away, presenting a moment of silence, a time to reflect, a little “wiggle-room” to forgive and forget, an opportunity to just be while honoring and witnessing the cycles of life.  I was very shaken today when I read that violence has once again disrupted the normalcy of this small community. A young man breaks into a home, stabs a 13-year old girl repeatedly with a kitchen knife before raping her, then assaults an 18-month-old baby, who was awakened from the noise, stabbing the baby more than 10 times, then stabbing the 13-year old girl, leaving more than 30 stab wounds on her body. The girl grabs the baby and escapes, and the police eventually find the intruder asleep in the home. The girl and the baby are in critical condition but are expected to live.  It turns out, the intruder knew the older brother who happens to be in jail. And, the mother was “out for the night,” not returning home until 9:00 a.m., and then, to a host of police cars surrounding her home. Must we judge? Perhaps she works nights. Perhaps she is a user.  Perhaps she is a street walker.  Perhaps she is at the end of her ropes. Perhaps she is the victim of child abuse. Perhaps she is an abuser. Perhaps she was searching for food.  And, what about the victim?  Tie him to a whipping post? Hang him from a tree?  Give him a life sentence? What is the answer? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? Do any of you feel compassion? Or, overwhelming sadness?  And of course, anger?  Towards the victims? The intruder? The mother? The estranged father? The brother? Our society is very broken.  Gangs exist in our middle schools, our high schools, our colleges and our universities, and have even infiltrated the NFL and the NBA.  Not to mention what is occurring across the border! Eventually, we will have a “Great Wall” around our country – no one in and no one out.  Just like the end of the Vietnam War.  You make it out, or you don’t.  I realize that “we” are not the problem, but “we” are definitely part of the problem.  We must take responsibility, apply compassion and recognize the root cause – one horrible event at a time.  The answer is in the middle.

Peace out!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Benjamin!!!

12.09.10

Posted in Politics at 4:13 PM by Ann Hornbeck

I am still struggling with parts of this blog. I suppose it is time to RTFM! Poor Olivia is not feeling well today with a high temperature that is disrupting her nap time, sleep patterns.  It is always heart-wrenching to watch a little one fight a fever.  Well, what do you know! A handful of Democrats have revolted against the Obama compromise, knowing very well the vote to extend tax cuts to “all” Americans will be passed and unemployment benefits will be extended, and whatever else is in the bill. (I suppose I should do my homework!) It’s about time someone takes some action!  I am saddened to hear that the repeal to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has failed.  In the military, anyone with “Special Needs” are rejected from serving in the armed services. That means that anyone who is lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender are also in the category of “Special Needs.”  I find that completely ludicrous. Where is our compassion?  What is there to fear? Who are we to judge? Sad, sad, sad.  And, so is war.

Bring them home!