Remember, Part 2

Do you remember this? I have had this name stitched for a while now. But I have been putting off this post because I knew there was no way I could adequately express how I feel about this. I am grateful to have been a part of this project and I look forward to carrying the tote when it is my turn. I hope it will give me a chance to tell people about Alicia.

Alicia A. Birchett

She was my same age.

She died on my anniversary.

She left three sons and a husband.

She joined the military so she could see the world and contribute.

She died from injuries sustained when the brakes failed while she changed a tire on a truck.

I wish she were still here.

While searching for information about Alicia, I came across a page that listed pictures and names of the one hundred and forty-one men and women my age who have died in this war. This war that never should have happened. I weep for them. I still have so much life ahead of me and while I am grateful for these men and women who have sacrificed, I can't help thinking that they should all still have so much life ahead of them too.

Remember

I wanted to post this yesterday as it seemed fitting for the day, but I didn't find the time until today. I remember six years ago on September 11th - I got up early (we were living on the west coast - it was 6 am or so) to take a walk before work, something I had not done in a while. I loved to listen to NPR while I walked and so I turned on my radio and listened. Then all of sudden, the programming went out and a few minutes later the report about the plane hitting the first tower came in. I thought it was a joke - but who would joke about such a thing? The more I listened to the reporters repeat the same information, it began to register. I went home and turned on the the television - just in time to see the second plane hit the tower. I couldn't believe it still. Ryan came home from his run and then we watched to replay and then we went to work together. That day was surreal. There were such varying reactions from my co-workers- anger, sympathy, depression, seeming ambivalence (although I don't think it was real - who could not care on a day like that day?). I went home for lunch, turned on the television and sobbed as I watched again what had happened in New York and heard about Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. That day, I wanted to do something to help, but I didn't know what to do. I often remember this day and I still want to do something, but often lack the initiative or organization. Does anyone else feel like this? What do you do to feel like you are contributing in some positive way? I did find a small thing I could do.

Have you heard of the Mother's Day Project? Basically, Anne Landre is organizing a project where the names of fallen female soldiers are embroidered on muslin (by volunteers - this is where you and I come in) and then she will take these names and make them into a tote. The tote will then be passed through the participants, each to use it for a week or so, taking it to the grocery store, to church, the library and hopefully giving them the opportunity to share about the project. I first heard about this project on one my favorite podcasts, Craftsanity, a couple of weeks ago. Immediately, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
So, here is my name....Alicia A. Birchett. I haven't found out anything about her yet, but I plan to and I'll share when I do. I believe Anne is still looking for volunteer stitchers, no experience needed, so go on over to her blog and volunteer, if you feel so inclined.

Hello Autumn!

I am loving the crispness in the air, wearing a jacket in the morning, and the golden hue in the sun's light. This time of year may just be my favorite (I have a hard time deciding between the first days of autumn or the first days of winter with new snow). Call me crazy, but I love to wear layers, snuggle up with some hot cocoa and a good book and enjoy the chill. And I love it even more because I haven't experienced it for a number of years. This is our first year in Idaho at autumn time. California (at least where we used to live) has autumn for about 3 days - it goes from 90 to 80 the first day, then on the second day from 80 to 70, then 70 to 60 on the third day, and then it starts to rain and is 50 and winter has arrived. For the last three days here, though, I have walked out the door and thought,"Oh, it's a little chilly," and that thought has brought a big smile to my face. It's time to start planning for Halloween costumes (I'm trying to convince Ryan that we should do a Peter Pan family theme. Little P as the Pan, Me as Tink or Wendy, Ryan as Captain Hook and Baby N as Smee - leave encouraging comments. Maybe we can persuade him.) and Thanksgiving dishes and Christmas gifts. It's time for butternut squash (one of my all time favorite foods) to be in season. I hope there's lots of it here in Idaho like there was in California. It's time to pull out the cold weather clothing. Hello Autumn! I'm so glad you're here!

And autumn has perfect timing - it was nice and sunny and warm when we went to the fair on Friday night - a perfect farewell to summer. And I didn't get too many pics because we were too busy eating yummy junk food like these "Tortatoes." Gotta Love Idaho potatoes! YUM!
p.s. Check out this good cause if you're in the Salt Lake area.

Another Good Cause

Here is another good cause that's been buzzing around blogdom lately. In case you haven't heard, check out Skip to My Lou, who is collecting Linus blankets for Chinese orphans.

Helping Fight Cancer with a Postcard

Christina just posted about Jennifer Dangerfield who has created an interesting and fun project to help fight ovarian cancer. My mother-in-law died of ovarian cancer before I was able to meet her, so this is a cause that touches me personally. It's so simple:

• Let her know you want to play by e-mailing her and she'll send you a code along with her mailing address


• Mail a postcard to her


• And that's it! For every postcard she receives, she will donate $1 (up to $250) to Ovarian Cancer Action. You will be entered into a drawing to receive a jewelry prize as well!

This is the piece she is giving away for first prize. How gorgeous is that?! Check out the others.

Check out her blog for full details. I've told her I will play and she sent me a very nice e-mail with all the details in no time at all. And it's fun to see the postcards she's received so far.

Thanks to Christina for letting me copy her post!