So, about a month and a half ago, while feverishly trying to
finished a sink full of dishes, I sliced a huge chunk out of the index finger
on my right hand as I was cleaning one of our paring knives. This is the point
when I am sure you are thinking…seriously…she is posting about her finger???…Well,
its not just my finger…it’s the fact that my body healed itself…right before my
own eyes and I am constantly reminded of how cool that is. This cut was a real
doozey and I carved out nice deep cannel almost an inch long. I clearly should
have gone to the clinic for a few stitches but we were moving, I had to get on
an airplane, my “to do before we move list” was endless and I really really
really hate dealing with insurance forms. So. I cleaned it really well and
liberally gooped Neosporin and applied band-aid after band-aid after band-aid
for almost a month. It didn’t really hurt much but it was just a pain to keep
clean and dry. And now, approximately one month later…my finger is not only
fine…but, you can’t even tell where the gash was. It’s completely healed! Seriously!
My body grew back together! Completely! Do you, do we realize how totally
impressive that is? I have absolutely no medical training beyond a few first
aid classes taught at girls camp about a million years ago so, I’m totally
clueless as to how this whole healing thing works and to be honest -I’m okay
remaining in the dark as to the details…but I have say that I am so incredibly
grateful for my body and how the great Creator designed a way for our bodies to
regenerate. This little cut was just that…a little cut and I realize there are
so many bigger medical and physical and emotional conditions stretching and
challenging us. I’m just so grateful that I’ve had a whole month to marvel at
this process. It’s just truly so inspiring how things that were once broken can
be healed. I’m grateful for band-aids and Neosporin and all of the much more
sophisticated medical advances that help put us back together, heal up our
wounds, and remind us what is really most important. We are blessed!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Day of Gratitude #8 – The Island of Naboombu and a few much needed Spoon Fulls of Sugar
As a child, we enjoyed almost weekly trips to Adventure Land
Video located inside the Five Point Mall not too far from our home. With each visit, my two brothers and I
were allowed to rent one video each which we would then watch over and over and
over until our Mom returned them to the store a few days later. There was
always a bit of strategy at play involved with our selections and our family
had some perennial favorites rentals. Two classics rentals have magically
returned to the forefront of my mind over the last few months…Walt Disney’s
Bedknobs and Broomsticks the ever-popular Mary Poppins. I love these two
classics films and all that they represent about creativity, storytelling and
childhood. Both films blend catchy songs, classic animation, and strongly
connected siblings who bond together on various adventures. These films became
childhood staples thanks to the brilliant performance of Angela Lansbury and
Julie Andrews. Burke and I watched these movies a few weeks ago (yes, we are
that lame) and were both reminded of happy memories of our individual
childhoods. These films shaped how we saw the world during the development
years and as adults we were became grateful for the inspirational concepts and story
arcs that only grow up can understand and appreciate. I love the low-tech
special effects. I love that for days after I was humming the music and singing
the lyrics. Several years ago, while vacationing in London my heart leaped when
I saw the streets of London and the very steps where troubled Mr. Banks pauses
to “feed the birds.” And, I’ve never stopped dreaming of and looking for a
brass bed of my very own. I guess there is just part of me that still hopes the
act of twisting a loose bedknob and faithfully singing about “Treguna Mekoides
and Tracorum Satis Dee” would actually transport us from the worries of adult
life to the magic of the “beautiful briny, shimmering shiny, beautifully briny
sea.” And in the last few months, I have easily identified a few modern day
Mary Poppins’ in my life…you know those “practically perfect in every way” kind
of mentors who gracefully float into your life at just the right time and
magically provide the perfect emotional elixir--all the while prompting hope,
hard work, respect for all, and skillfully reminds you that its not only
important but its critical to take time “feed birds” and that I really do “love
to laugh.” God bless Walt Disney and all whose hard work and creativity make a
grown woman stop and think.
Day of Gratitude #7 – Bacon + Brussels Spouts
Could you find a better pairing? I love Brussels sprouts and
I just can’t trust anyone who does not love bacon…and together….well, how could
you not think they are not the most delicious vegetable on the planet? The
thing about Brussels sprouts is they are the epitome of adult food….or the food
that as a child you would never choose to eat on your own and refuse to eat
just on childhood principle but now as an adult you can easily consider simply
divine. Did you know that they are
officially listed as plural as in Brussels sprouts not the singular Brussels
sprouts? AND when referring to these happy little leafy bundles you should
always capitalize the “B”…take that broccoli! Its’ true…look it up. Brussels sprouts
do not suffer fools and I just really like that about them. They are not
begging you to love them. They don’t care nor do they need your acceptance or
praise. Upon close inspection you may discover that yes, they really do look
like miniature cabbages but I have a sinking feeling they really DO NOT appreciate
being minimized whatsoever! They are just fine all on their own thank you very
much. Brussels sprouts grow strong and confidently in the garden and if
personified Brussels sprouts would wear sensible shoes, thick glasses, ride the
bus, donate to NPR without being coerced by the biannual pledge drives and I’m
sure they would not own a television. I enjoy my Brussels sprouts roasted with
just olive oil, salt, pepper and sometimes a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar. I
like them best when they crisp up a bit and yet I enjoy them just as much the
next day cold for lunch or a sophisticated afternoon snack. You rarely have to
worry that someone will swipe your Brussels spouts from the lunchroom fridge
which I personally appreciate…its like they have their own built in security system….so
practical…so caring! I’ll happily eat them chopped in a salad or smothered a
gratin style. And when Brussels sprouts are coupled with bacon…well, that makes
for bowl full of culinary perfection and a very happy girl.
Day of Gratitude #6 – Westminster College
I remember distinctly thinking I was not ready to leave the
beautiful Westminster College campus when I finished my graduate program a few
years ago. When I started graduate school, I remember feeling like my brain started
working again after years of mental autopilot. Sitting in a classroom, carrying
a backpack, pacing my days and weeks off of a printed syllabus provided a
refreshing challenge at just the right time of my life. Now that I’m back on
campus, I don’t carry a backpack anymore but like before, my brain has started
working again and this time in a whole different way. It’s been so interesting
to sit on the opposite side of academia and each day I find myself comparing and
contrasting the academic world with the real educational systems I sampled in
Dallas. Over the last few years, like many in my academic cohort, I’ve experienced
both the strengths and weakness of the modern American school system…and
measured the real world against the educational theories developed by John
Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner and then later theorized by Jonathan Kozol
and Steve Seidel . Kozol’s stark commentary of the current academic
inequalities within the modern American school system were at the forefront of
my mind while working with Dallas ISD teachers and administrators. I felt like
I was living inside any one chapter of his various books. While working at Big
Thought my brain was constantly ping-ponging between what I was seeing play out
inside over one hundred elementary schools in a huge urban school district and
the printed words of constructivist writers assigned to me by the Westminster
faculty. The endless hours spent
writing lesson plans that were graded, then revised and graded again helped to
develop and refine a skill that led to an opportunity to write curriculum for a
national educational model. Working
in Dallas provided an education about education and all through a Texas size
lens. It would not have been half as meaningful had I not slugged through grad
school at Westminster. And now, like before, being back on campus, as I talk
with students who are overwhelmed by the details carefully laid out on a
variety of syllabus I continue to see how each individual assignment and
project are designed to work together.
When I think about all the projects and readings and assignments I find
my brain making brand new connections…to what is actually happening inside
schools and the wheels in my brain continue to churn in ways that it hasn’t’ in
the past. AND if that were not enough…this time around…they are paying me…I
don’t even have to pay tuition for the next round of educational nerd-vonna. Anyway you slice it…this Westminster
things is a pretty good gig.
Day of Gratitude #5 - Binder Clips
What more can I say....I just love them. Use them daily. Need them in various sizes. Multiple colored binder clips make anything better. I love binder clips.
Day of Gratitude #4 – Home Sweet Home Sweet Home!
(Facebook post Nov 4, 2013)
Could not be happier or more grateful to have signed a
rental agreement tonight. At some point we will buy a home but we’ve got
different plans for our little nest egg for the next few years. Thrilled to share that Burke and I
found a charming little red brick number nestled in the heart of Holladay that
in less than a week we will call home.
Great location. Great layout. Plenty of room for now and plenty of room
to grow a little family Riches. Great backyard complete with inspiring views of
the mountain range that we moved across the country to see every morning. We
could not be more grateful to enter into the next phase of operation “Burke and
Liz Move Back to Utah.” Today brought a big detail into focus and we are one
step closer….one big step closer…Always thankful for to Burke’s parents for
letting us crash for the last few weeks and feeling ready to unpack our moving
pod and set up house. Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.
Day of Gratitude #3 – Enders Game
Read the book last year and loved it-even cried a little in the end. Saw the movie last night and loved it just as much. Brave storytelling. Strong acting. Killer CGI. Two thumbs up. “It’s not just about winning…its about HOW you win.” – ENDER WIGGIN
Day of Gratitude #2 – Hymns
(Facebook post Nov 2, 2013)
In my church, in any chapel throughout the world, you will
find resting carefully in the benches and pews a little green book full of
sacred hymns. These books are opened weekly and the members of my faith sing to
open and close worships services. We sing on holidays. We sing to celebrate. We
sing to mourn and we sing to inspire hope and faith. Sometimes we sign loudly
and off tune (mostly I do that). If you are lucky it’s with piano but mostly
it’s the organ and a brave person who stands in the front and waves their arms
back and forth to lead the congregation. I find that tempo is critically
important. Variety is nice but there is just something about singing the
familiar songs of my faith surrounded by ordinary people who are just trying to
slog it out form one week to next that makes things someone right and good. I’m
pretty real with the fact that we don’t all have to believe in the same things
and there are lots of aspects of my faith that are just plan weird…but the
traditional practice of scared song can be agreed upon by many. These songs are
normally not very exciting nor could you really dance to them…but these hymns are
burned deeply in my heart and mind. I’ve been reminded as of late how grateful
I am for these traditional songs of worship. They ring in my head and rattle
inside my heart The texts of many song shape my view of the world and remind me
how we should treat each other and how important it is to pick yourself up and
keep going when life get tricky. Some of them I just love and to be honest there
are others that I just can’t stomach. But they are a part of me and I am grateful
for them and how they keep me on track, remind me what is important, and
inspire me to be the better me. Here are the words of one of my all time
favorites…
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy when you way.
Through hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
‘Tis better far for us to strive
our useless cares for us to drive; Do this and joy your
hears will swell –
All is well! All is well!
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
‘Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
It we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell-
All is well! All is well!
We’ll fine the place which God for us prepared,
Far away in the West.
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the Saints will be blessed.
We’ll make the air with music ring
Shout praises to our God and King
Above the rest these words we’ll tell –
All is well! All is well!
And should we die before our journey’s through
Happy day! All is well!
When then are free from toil and sorrow, too:
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell –
All is well! All is well!
Day of Gratitude #1 – Strong Women
(Facebook post Nov 1, 2013)
I am grateful to be blessed with a collection of strong and
powerful women who have made me who I am today. Is there anything as complex or
dynamic as a determined woman? Without question, I am the person I am today
because of the strength, vitality, compassion, creativity, and hope displayed
by the women in my life. From professional mentors and AP reps to academic
teachers and the YouthCity Mom’s paired with the Clayton Middle School PTA then there are the female leaders in
church not to mention the roommates and girl friends I feel sincerely grateful
for the women in my life. Last week, Burke’s 90-year-old grandmother passed
away and yesterday, while attending her funeral service, I was reminded again
how grateful I am for the endless examples of goodness and grit displayed by
the women in my life. Effie Dean Rich was a force to be reckoned with and had a
lasting impact for good on so many people throughout her almost century of
life. Harriet Emily Smith Parker, my maternal grandmother, passed away years
ago but her love of the color yellow, her thrift and kindness and example
continue to inspire me. As the only
girl in my family, I was not blessed with sisters growing up however my
brothers have married amazing women who have taught and mentored me in ways no
one else could. As a Rich, four new sisters-in-law are my trusted confidants
and forever wingmen. Eight nieces year to day keep me on my toes and I’m
forever in love with seventeen teen-age girls successfully navigating the
teenage years in Dallas, Texas.
And last but not least….the two women who have had the greatest impact
in my life are Melinda Snow Rich and my sweet mom EmilyAnn Robinson. Two very
different women whose love and care for Burke and me in a specific and
heartfelt and endless way. I am
who I am today because of my mothers love. My mother is a woman of strength and
resiliency and has taught me more about what is right and real and good than
any one ever could. God forever bless the women in my life!
November 2013 Daily Gratitude Posts
November is perhaps my most favorite month of the entire
year. At the eleventh month mark
you can pretty much decide how the year will round out. I believe in the law of
the harvest….you know….a planting season followed by a reaping season….a time
to laugh, a time to cry. Wheat. Grain. Prosperity. The spiritual and tangible
sifting of chaff and grain. The rich scents, spices and flavor of the harvest wafting
in the air as bowl after bowl of hearty soup are enjoyed and gas station hot
chocolate flow uninhibited day after day. Sweaters worn and scarves tied for
both fashion and purpose. I
secretly cheer when I see a collection of pumpkins in November -those that have
victoriously survived the Halloween season and are now proudly decorating mantles
and front porches helping us transition from a holiday of ghouls to the
holidays of generosity. A solid month of gratitude ending in a feast of
carefully seasoned poultry, mashed potatoes AND pie….YES, PLEASE….I will have
some.
As is my tradition….thus begins a month full of daily posts highlight
the things I am most grateful for….AND…for those who consider these gratitude
posts cornball and cheesy (I’m
talking about you John Lyman) feel free to skip right on by…counting up ones
blessing is good for the heart and soul….and I’ll still love you anyway….
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