One Person. Every Day.

12/31/11 I LOVE YOU HENRY CHRISTIAN

2011-12-31T16:10:00.016-05:00

It's New Year's Eve, and a glorious day in Richmond. I've spent a year missing exploring cities on foot. I've spent a year thinking it would never be the same to do it by myself. I charged my camera battery, put my boots on, and went for a walk. I first saw Henry from behind, and snapped a picture of him.

His was the only booth at the 17th Street Market that had any wares. I had to buy something, or at the very least, talk to the vendor who had taken the time to set up.

I picked out two bright oranges, and admitted that I have no idea how to cook turnips.

The younger man working the stand said, "Ahh, just get 'em. Boil em, little salt and pepper and butter, all set." And so I picked out two. "You'll need three," he said, in a way that belied his seconds-earlier confidence that I would be "all set."

With my two oranges, and my three turnips, my total was just $2.00. I gave him a five and told him he could keep the change if he let me take his picture.
"What's your name?" I always love to know someone's name before taking their picture.
"Tim. I'm Tim."
"I'm Amy, Tim. Thank you for the turnips. I will probably never cook them. But I will love having your picture."

As I was walking away I heard someway say, "Hey! Take my picture!" I was too embarrassed to admit to the old man that I already had. That's when I found out his name was Henry.
"I'm Amy. It's nice to see you here, Henry. My grandfather's name was Henry."
"He black and sell produce?"
Well, no.
I said I would be HAPPY to take his picture. And I was.

And then he said he had to show me something.

And we walked to his truck and he started talkin.

"Got a Christmas card this year. Let me show you. First one. First card I got. Someone took my picture just like you did, and then she sent it to me in a card. Christmas card. Look. See? Henry Christian, right there on the envelope. Henry Christian. That's me. Inside was a picture of me just like the one you took. Same chair."

Here's Henry holding a picture of Henry that someone just like me took.

We talked and talked. I kept asking him questions about his life. I found out these things about Henry

Turnip pusher, Tim, is his youngest son.

There are other children, one who works over in the West End, one they don't see much after the nervous breakdown.

Henry's been coming to the 17th Street Market longer than any other vendor, 29 years.

His wife has heart disease, and takes 4 pills in the morning, 4 in the afternoon, and 4 in the evening.

He grows everything I saw today.

He's 81 years old. And drives a gravel truck, only missing work for those 30 days of radiation to treat his prostate cancer.

He's never made more than $150 a week, but has built four homes, and has never had a mortgage payment.

He has a Ford Model T that he drives to the market once a year. Young people sometimes ask him if they can take pictures of it and they dress as old gangsters and "act a fool" for some pictures.

The pastor of his church helped him build two houses, but he only lived to be 101, and couldn't help with the last two.

He had so many pictures to show me, including one taken at the market in the summertime. Henry is standing with two pretty young women on either side of him.
"I get lonely. I tell the old black women I got these girls waiting for me if ever no one wants me."
And then he laughed at himself.

"I'm still driving my gravel truck. I have two. I'm 79. My wife is 75. I'm just six years older than she is."

"Six? Are you 81?"

"How you know that?"

"Oh, Henry."

"Are you staying downtown tonight? It's New Year's Eve. People are crazy. Shooting over in Church Hill just the other night."

I assured him that I was not staying downtown after dark, that I actually heading home when I bumped into him.

"Are you okay? Do you need some money for later?"

"No, no. I am fine."

And so he gave me an apple.
"You pick it out," he told me. "Any apple here. Pick out the best one. Do you need turnips?"

No. I don't need turnips. But I needed this day. To be out in the sun. To explore the city like I used to do. To meet Henry and Tim. To have someone let me pick out the best apple, and give it to me in exchange for conversation, and stories.

I love Henry. I love his openness, and his gratitude, and his pride. I love his humor, and stories. I love that he reminded me the reason I go exploring in the first place, and that I can do it alone if I have to.

I took a picture of the return address on the envelope from the person who sent Henry the picture she had taken of him. I am going to write to her and let her know that I met Henry, too, and that I am grateful that he had her card to show me--that tangible thing that could be turned over in our hands that began a conversation that saved me today in ways I can't explain. And made the end of very difficult year a little better.

All Henry knows is that he went home three turnips lighter today. He'll never know how much he lightened my load.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

1/23/11

2011-01-23T22:19:00.002-05:00

I miss writing this blog.

And I do not want to give up on it.

In the meantime,

I am participating in another project that you might be interested in.

Visit me here.

xoxo

Dec 19. 2010

2010-12-19T15:11:00.003-05:00

LaDonna Austin

For not being afraid to extend a
short notice invitation.

I WILL BE RIGHT THERE!

xoxo

Dec 18, 2010

2010-12-19T15:09:00.003-05:00

Valerie McQueen

For knowing that you can't get your
whole life together just because you
get one snow day.

xoxo

And for calling me on the telly phone.

Dec 5, 2010

2010-12-05T21:06:00.006-05:00

Brenda Downstairs.

I don't have a picture of Brenda right now,

but didn't want to have to delay this post until morning.

Brenda lives on the first floor

and whenever I pick up a call from her she says,

"Hello! This is Brenda Downstairs."

I have her programmed into my phone as such--

first name Brenda, last name Downstairs.

So I already know who is calling.

I'm not sure how old Brenda Downstairs is.

She has been a widow for a long time.

Her sons live far away.

She calls me if there is high wind.

Or even the threat of high wind.

"Are you okay up there?

You know that you can come down."

Once, I told her that I loved the shoes she was wearing.

Brenda Downstairs called me a couple of hours later

and told me that she got the shoes at DSW,

she had a coupon that she would probably not use,

and that I should knock on her door and get it.

She called me on Thanksgiving morning

because she saw my car out front,

and wanted to make sure I was okay.

Tonight, she heard my bathwater drain

and Brenda Downstairs called.

I don't know what the original reason for her call was.

But we ended up talking about love, loss, snow,

and Christmas.

On this December Sunday, it's Brenda Downstairs.

Dec 2, 2010

2010-12-02T20:32:00.001-05:00

I really don't want to have to re-name this blog
One Person. Every Day That I Get Around to It.

Sorry I have been remiss.

I promise to do better.

Nov 29, 2010

2010-11-29T21:16:00.002-05:00

Nicole Krauss

"It's in those places...those fissures...those very fragile and quite dark places...abysses that people find themselves in...I think those places give up this opportunity for revelation, for transcendence, for transformation.
I'm attracted to them not for their darkness, I think in everything I write, it seems strange to say, I feel hopeful about all the potential, about the magnitude of life and all that we are given to feel. I'm not shy about touching and talking about how painful it is, but I have this hope that somehow in dwelling in all of that there is an opportunity for some kind of enhancement."

Nov 28, 2010

2010-11-28T17:52:00.002-05:00

Mary Daisy Dinkle

Nov 27, 2010

2010-11-27T12:39:00.002-05:00

Phone Call From Madeline

HI MADELINE!!!!

Hi, Amy.

What are you doing?

Driving to swim lessons.

How is Daisy?

Fine.

Did you have a good Thanksgiving?

Yeah. We had ham. What were you for Halloween? I was a fairy by day, witch by night.

I wasn't anything. I went to bed early.

Oh.

You know what we forgot to do when I was in Denver? We forgot to make a Christmas list.

I know.

What could I send you for Christmas?

You know. You know. You know. Not clothes.

Toys?

My mom and dad made my Toy Story 3 list and Santa is bringing me ONE Toy Story 3 thing.

Who do you think you'll get? Woody? Buzz?

Probably. But Dinosaur, Potato, Jessie, Woody, they are all my favorite.

Do you think they have Jessie at Target?

Probably they have Jessie at Target. She's twenty cents.

*****mumbling from what sounds like Madeline's mother in the background****

Oh, Amy? Jessie's MORE than twenty cents.

Okay. I will make sure I take enough cents for Jessie.

Okay. I love you.

I love you, Madeline. Have a good swim lesson. Call me again. Soon.

Nov 26, 2010

2010-11-26T20:51:00.003-05:00

Lynn.

A little birdie told me today that
Lynn reads my blog.

Oh, the pressure!
When you (I) can write with the knowledge that
no one is reading,
you (I) can write anything at all.

At least it's Lynn,
who teaches second and third grade,
and is used to a lot of trial and error
in writing.

xoxo

Nov 25, 2010

2010-11-25T11:01:00.004-05:00

Nathan Alexander Dickerson McCracken
To me, simply Buddy.

For a hundred reasons that everyone knows,
and for many, many reasons that
only I know,
today it is Buddy.

During the middle of a night
23 years ago, my heart broke with
the knowledge that the tiny person I
was holding would grow up and
leave me one day.
*Poof*
Gone.

But it doesn't really happen like that.

There's mercy in the way children go.

They leave you a little bit every day.

And we celebrate it.
When they learn to feed themselves.
When they walk.
When you change the last diaper.
When the school bus pulls away.
When one day they have body odor.
When you can't breathe because you see tail lights fading up the street.
Then there is the tassel on the mortarboard.
And the goodbye on the curb outside of the dorm room.

A little bit every day.

Until they really are gone--and all grown up.

But, if you're lucky, as I am, your child will
do or say something that makes you
realize they'll never forget that you
held them in the middle of the night
and that your heart broke.

And everything will be okay.

Buddy Nathan Alexander Dickerson McCracken,
I love you.

xoxo

Nov 22, 2010

2010-11-22T12:20:00.005-05:00

September 2008, New York City
Eeyore shirt.

November 2010, Denver, CO
Eyeliner.

I've been with my family for the last 4 days.
It's been impossible to pick only
one person, every day.

Flying home tonight to face the next couple of days
without them.

Nov 17, 2010

2010-11-18T04:15:00.003-05:00

Leslie Hall

Oh, Leslie, honey, I LOVE YOU!

On the first Wednesday of every month,
everyone I know is invited over for dinner.

Guests bring a dish to share and a small, handmade gift
to give away.
The "handmade" part stops some people from coming, I think.

Let Leslie inspire you to be
craftastic.

Work through the pain....

Nov 15

2010-11-15T20:47:00.000-05:00

Lucifer the Cat from Amy McCracken on Vimeo.

MADELINE!

I get to hang out with this little girl
in three days.

I can't get this blog post formatted
the way that I want.

I don't care. I get to see this
little girl when she gets out of school
on Thursday.

And there's also 6 other people I dearly love who
are waiting my arrival.

xoxo

Hello, Denver!

Nov 13, 2010

2010-11-13T23:56:00.003-05:00

Julia!

I'm not going to lie.

I invited myself to Julia's birthday party today.

And, oh my goodness, am I ever glad I did.

Let's all have AT LEAST one day a year
to wear a hat like this
and have a cake all to ourselves.

Happy Birthday, Julia.
xoxo

***It is now the morning after the party and I'd just
like to say that my imploring you to have your own
birthday one day a year illustrates that I give myself a
little too much credit. You'll probably have a birthday one day a year
whether you read this blog or not. Please enjoy it.

Love.

Nov 12, 2010

2010-11-13T15:16:00.003-05:00

Best in Show Candidates

I'm lucky enough to be the Executive Director
at Richmond Animal League (RAL). I do not
know how it happened, and I tried to talk
them out of it. But here I am!

Founded in 1979,
RAL is the area's longest operating
no-kill shelter. Our mission is
SAVING LIVES:
Providing hope, help, and homes for
animals in need.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is an
event we call Best in Show.
We round up seven candidates
(who happen to be humans--don't hold it against them)
to vie for the coveted title of Best in Show.
These candidates embark on their own
fundraising campaigns, and for 10 weeks
become obsessed with raising as much money as
possible before we come together for a
Grand Finale. Every dollar is a vote and we tally it all
up to determine the victor.

The winner gets the following:
her mug on a Richmond billboard,
a $12.99 tiara from Party City,
and a heap of gratitude and a round of applause
from all of us!

This year's candidates were tireless and relentless
advocates for all of the cats and dogs in our care.
They wore their friends and families out,
they sat at restaurants for hours on end
because they were promised a percentage of
proceeds from evening sales.
They hosted Poker Runs,
Halloween Parties,
and even had a date auction.
They robbed banks (just kidding),
held raffles, solicited sponsors, and, toward
the end, just resorting to posting on Facebook:
Support Me. Now.

The Grand Finale was held on November 12
at the Science Museum of Virginia.

The candidates raised almost $63,000
for the animals in our care, and those cats and dogs still to come.

It's a tough world out there.
But these women make it look easy.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

Here are my heroes today....

Tarra Balcom
Dee Bogetti
Ashley Carroll
Suellen Christeller
Carly Keating
Heather Mullican
Natalie Wier

Nov 11, 2010

2010-11-11T17:16:00.004-05:00

Jeff Reed

It's Veteran's Day.
Everyone is posting tributes and
messages of support to our troops
past and present.

But not me.
Because I have some big work thing
going on and I am overwhelmed with
details, details, details and loading the van.
La la la. Heinous Bitch.

I adore my co-worker, Cynthia.
But I was even rude to her.

I left the office for a little while
so that I could find a quiet place to work
for a few hours.

After I calmed down a little,
I logged into Facebook and saw
Cynthia's profile picture.

It's Jeff.
He's Cynthia's brother.
Fifteen days away from coming
home from his second deployment,
Jeff died on a spring day
in Balad, Iraq.

A brother. A son. A husband.
A Philadelphia Flyers fan.
A soccer player.
After witnessing Iraqi children
resorting to playing soccer with soda cans,
Jeff organized soccer ball shipments from his hometown--
and played along with the Iraqi children
when new, inflated balls began to arrive.
He is missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

I'm happy Jeff lived.
I'm happy to know Cynthia.
I'm happy to have been jolted out
of my temper tantrum by
the reality that I have the freedom to
do all of the things that I do because of our
nation's servicemen and women.

Today, it's Jeff.

Nov 10, 2010

2010-11-11T07:14:00.002-05:00

My Camellias

I love my camellias for many reasons.
But I really, really love them this morning
for illustrating it's not always
all about the blooming--
there can be a lot of beauty created by
letting go.

Nov 9, 2010

2010-11-09T21:15:00.002-05:00

My See-ster Stacy

Sometimes you just have to tell it like it is.

I sent a somewhat whiny email
(and by that I mean an email in which I questioned
my existence and the meaning of life,
complained about how tight my
pants were on my thighs,
and used the "f" word more than a couple of times)
to my sisters and a friend this morning.

My friend replied with all sorts of
cheery love.

Stacy wrote back and said
(and I paraphrase)
God! I know! Life SUCKS!
It's HORRIBLE!
I KNOW, GOD!

I love her for it.
It made me laugh.

And I love her for it.

Nov 7, 2010

2010-11-07T11:48:00.003-05:00

Edison Pena

Oh, I love this happy, funny, irresistibly
adorable man. So much.

But I can't imagine what he would
have thought if someone told him--
when he was trapped deep in the
Chilean mine in which he worked--that he would
be laughing about his 69-day long brush with death.

In the mine, he was dubbed "the runner."
He ran as much as six miles a day through dark tunnels
--sometimes dragging a pallet behind him.

He explains his motivation by saying this:
"When I ran in the darkness, I was running for life.
I didn't say I can't.
No, I tried and I succeeded and I did it.
And, of course, I did that in the darkness.
Without light.
I was running to show that I wasn't just waiting around.
I was running to be an active participant in my own salvation.
I wasn't just waiting around.
I was running because I was also contributing
to the struggle for our rescue.
And I also wanted God to see that I really wanted to live."

Today, Edison Pena is running the New York City Marathon.
I am cheering for him.

Show God that you really want to live by being an
active participant in your own salvation.
Don't wait around.

Nov 5, 2010

2010-11-05T21:20:00.005-04:00

Kathryn

Today it's my friend
Kathryn in Indiana
who posted this photo
of winter's first snowflakes.

I'm been so afraid for winter
to come.
I tend to get a little dark.

But this made me think that
maybe,
just maybe,
winter could be dark pink
and white
and beautiful.

Nov 3, 2010

2010-11-04T06:51:00.003-04:00

Paul

Today, it's Paul.

He's my brother.
He is coming to spend Christmas
with me.

And the day after we'll
leave on a road trip
that will forever change
both of us.
Or not.
We might find out
that we'll always be the same.

And that will be okay.

Nov 2, 2010

2010-11-04T06:48:00.004-04:00

Frye Melissa Button Boot

It's good to have goals.
Just sayin'

October 31, 2010

2010-11-01T11:01:00.005-04:00

Patti Digh

I spent the day by myself today.
But sometimes even when we are trying
to be hermits and we don't leave the house,
people who make us happy come to us.

My friend Patti made me happy
today by being brave and then
sharing it with me.

So that I can be brave, too?
Maybe.
Maybe she just did it for no
other reason that she's just
like that.

The inspiration she provides for so many people
is like the wind was today--
gutsy and steady and comforting.
Patti can find words for things that
are all a part of us at some point
--loss, joy, grief, appreciation,
wonder, confusion, anger, ignorance, tolerance.

But when Patti puts into words stories
that are hers alone, it's even more powerful
and.....
wonderful and brave.

You can know Patti at www.37days.com

Here is another picture of her.
I wasn't sure which one she would want me to use.

October 30th, 2010

2010-10-30T21:48:00.003-04:00

Pam and Lynn

When I asked Pam if she thought
she and Lynn would like to go
walk around a long-forgotten,
overgrown cemetery on the
city's east side she said
"Sure. Maybe."

They did end up joining me this morning
for a long walk around
Evergreen Cemetery.
It was established long ago
as a beautiful burial ground for
African Americans who lived and
worked in Richmond.

It's been forgotten.
And it's overgrown.
And sad.
But it's hopeful--because a small
group of volunteers are trying to
clear some of the growth and restore
the cemetery to a place where there can
be eternal rest.

And where Bertha E. Thompson's
membership in a
Forget-Me-Not Club
will continue, even in her death.

October 29th, 2010

2010-10-29T12:41:00.003-04:00

Elaine Carter Whiddon

It makes me laugh that Elaine
has "Family Feud" listed as one
of her interests on her Facebook page.

I am happy (and lucky) to know
Elaine because of her fierce dedication
to her own family.

She's part of Beau's Brigade, a team that
gets together every spring to raise funds to
find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening
disease that her grandson Beau is living with.

Elaine makes a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
every year that
gets Beau's Brigade on the back of the
event t-shirt. The first year that I added it
to the event t-shirt we had a lot of sponsors and logos and
Beau's Brigade was printed a little lower on the t-shirt.
The next year, when it came time for Elaine to make her donation,
she called me, a little sheepishly, and said that she had
a special request.
"I'm old," she said, "and like to tuck my
t-shirts in. When I tuck last year's shirt in Beau's team
name gets hidden in my pants."

BEAU'S BRIGADE
is now printed very near
the top of the t-shirt.
For Elaine and her generosity.
For reasons only I know
(well, you know, too, now).

Even though Beau's Brigade only gets together
one day of the year to walk as a team, Elaine is
a bright spot 365 days a year for me--as I am sure she is
for her family and all of those who know her.

xoxo

October 28th, 2010

2010-10-28T07:14:00.003-04:00

Gina Greco

This is an ordinary photo of an extraordinary woman.
(After all, I use a cell phone camera, and we were at Panera,
and it was 9:30 on a Tuesday morning, nothing at all
out of the ordinary)

But here is Gina of Must Love Paws Bakery
and there isn't anything ho-hum about her.

That she dreams and sets goals for herself
makes her just like the rest of us.

That she is constantly living those dreams
and reaching those goals
sets her apart from many of us.

Gina left a job in the high-rise corporate world to
make organic dog treats in her basement.
Because
that is what she wanted to do.

Did she have all the answers before she took the leap?
Did she have to figure stuff out as she went along?
Did she know she'd be able to make this work?

I don't know. But she knew she had to try.

She's brave, passionate, sincere, and
she's here.

Gina's also a very good listener when
other people start going on and on about
their own dreams.

Thank you, Gina, for being an example of
what we can do when we want to.

Happy Thursday.

October 27th, 2010

2010-10-27T07:54:00.003-04:00

Patti Digh and Kathryn Schuth

It's been a YEAR since I started this blog. For the first couple of weeks, I so loved the task of having to truly appreciate at least one person, every day. Like so many things that I love to do, I let it slide. I'm climbing out of that slump this morning to recognize my friends Patti and Kathryn who keep me writing whether I want to or not. Here we are working on, uh, uh, a project together. I'd really love to see it fly one day and resolve to do my part to make that happen. Even though I did not win the lottery last night (AGAIN) I feel lucky this morning.

I'm Back

2010-07-09T07:46:00.002-04:00

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Today it's Johnny and June

April 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T12:54:00.003-04:00

Kathryn Ruth Schuth

I'm back.

I have missed this little blog.

Now that I have an assitant

I should be able to find the

time to appreciate and record

one person, every day

again.

Many thanks to Kathryn for her

role in finding me this

perfect co-worker.

xoxo

March 9th, 2010

2010-03-09T19:15:00.003-05:00

Bob

This is Bob.

Bob belongs to Cooper--

has always belonged to Cooper.

In exchange for being loved by Cooper

these long seven years,

Bob will wait.

In the cold car.

In the hot car.

In a bucket of other,

less dignified toys.

In the backpack.

On the floor.

On the bed.

Bob will wait for Cooper.

And Cooper will always

come back.

xoxo

February 27th

2010-02-28T13:10:00.003-05:00

Sydney and Stella

If you are ever really, really, really

worried about grown-up life,

find a baby to hang out with.

It helps.

Tremendously.

If you don't think this will work,

find two babies.

February 24th, 2010

2010-02-25T07:38:00.003-05:00

Larry West

Providence Middle School

Yesterday afternoon I had the

pleasure of seeing Providence Middle School's

production of Thoroughly Modern Millie (Junior)!

I was invited because one of the students who

in the show has cystic fibrosis and

ended up hospialized--unable

to fulfill her role as a singing,

dancing Priscilla Girl.

A life with CF sometimes

means you can't fill certain roles.

But CFers always manage to play other roles.

Like Hero.

This particular student, Brianna, leads a team

in the annual GREAT STRIDES walk in

Richmond, VA. They raise over $5,000

every year for CF research.

Her fellow actors, out of love and respect for what Brianna does,

decided to donate proceeds

from today's show to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

It's my work, so on a professional level, this was good news.

On a personal level I simply could not believe my

luck of being able to watch a group of incredibly

BRAVE and talented students bring this show to life.

By intermission, my face hurt from smiling.

If you ever wonder if you should embrace life

and live in an exclamation point sort of way,

just go see a play. A local middle school play

would be best. But Broadway will work if you

can't catch a show at home.

February 17th, 2010

2010-02-17T08:06:00.001-05:00

I had a dream last night that I was sitting in a restaurant

and the women in the booth behind me was laughing, laughing, laughing

and I asked her if I could take her picture and feature her on my blog.

I think that means I need to resume my daily posts.

February 10th, 2010

2010-02-10T18:41:00.005-05:00

Larry and Katy Brydon

Oh! Networking!

Breakfast Clubs!

Business card exchange!

I'm Amy!

Who are you?

I'm supposed to "network."

With strangers.

It's not something I love doing.

But early this snowy morning

I found myself at a breakfast

meeting--to network.

I was a little early. I put my L.L. Bean

canvas tote (my version of a briefcase)

on my chair and took my coat off.

Oy.

There were 8 or 10 men in suits

standing around the coffee pots

chatting about...

I don't know.

I didn't get that close to find out.

I was just standing by my chair when a woman

walked in and said,

"Oh! Good Morning! The tables are so pretty!

Did you do that? I hope everyone comes

this morning despite the snow! How are you?!

Oh, look at her pretty sweater.

I'm Katy!"

She never stopped being that positive and lovely.

She engaged everyone she saw in

sincere, give and take conversation, making

sure to repeat their names so that she

would remember them and acting as if every

stranger she met were a long, lost friend.

I just stuck by her and walked around the

room with her. If nothing else comes of

my breakfast networking, I am so happy to have

met Katy--and her husband Larry. The next

time I have to get up really early to go

hang out with a bunch of people I don't know,

I'll try to be as full of wonder and grace as

Katy Brydon.

Larry and Katy opened MacLaren Jewelers in November.

I wish them all the success in the world in this new venture.

www.maclarenjewelers.com

February 8th, 2010

2010-02-10T18:36:00.002-05:00

No Kidding

I went to visit a darling girl

in the hospital today.

Finding my way through

the maze that is VCU

I heard the wackiest version

of Dancing Queen

EVER.

It was coming from these

happy mouths.

Hilarious.

And wonderful.

February 6th, 2010

2010-02-06T14:08:00.003-05:00

It looks like this today.

Unless I have my camera out

when the snow plow driver comes by,

I probably won't have a real live encounter

with someone who makes me happy today.

But technology took me to the

Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin
this morning where I heard my

dear friend Patti Digh speak

directly to me.

This is what she said:

http://uuce.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=571867

February 2, 2010

2010-02-03T08:01:00.002-05:00

http://blog.cjanerun.com/2010/02/ode-to-groundhog-day.html

Everyday. Every day. Yes, this is all there is.

And that's a wonderful thing.

You just have to realize it.

February 1, 2010

2010-02-02T07:18:00.003-05:00

http://gimundo.com/videos/view/validation-a-beautiful-love-story/

Will it take 16 minutes to watch this?

Yes.

Is it worth it?

Yes.

That is all I have to say.

January 31st, 2010

2010-01-31T12:54:00.002-05:00

I Don't Know Who!

I just looked out the window and saw

that 14 inches of snow has been

cleared off my car.

Three cheers for random acts

of anonymous kindness.

January 30th 2010

2010-01-31T12:50:00.004-05:00

Angela Dickerson

Can something from 22 years ago be the thing today?

On this snowy winter day in 2010?

Yes.

Today, it's Angie.

January 29th, 2010

2010-01-30T11:16:00.004-05:00

Susan Keitges (rhymes with righteous) Kelly

Turning down an offer to come and get snowed in

with Susan this weekend I went on and on about all

of the things that I needed to do

(clean, pack, paint over a water stain, pack,

fix the latch on the door, fold up the futon,

sulk, get another quote for the hot water heater,

remove all soap scum from tubs, etc.).

She replied.

"You do what you need to do. If necessary,

the girls can come over and help you

with your tasks."

Here are the girls.

I have the best friends.

The best.

I'm watching the snow and am so grateful.

So grateful.

January 28th, 2010

2010-01-28T20:52:00.003-05:00

Jasmine!

I met Jasmine at a really hectic family

sing-along at Christmastime. She was so darn cute,

and so johnny-on-the-spot

when it was her turn to belt out

TEN LORDS A LEAPING

that I wanted to be her friend instantly.

She is my cousin's step-daughter.

She lives in Ohio.

I live in Virgina.

THANK GOD FOR THE POST OFFICE

I made her a refrigerator magnet.

She sent me origami.

I told her she was totally rad.

She sent me basil seeds.

I told her I loved her photography.

She sent me a story about visiting

a nursing home and witnessing an impromptu

(and kind of scary) choir break out.

In short, I love her.

Last summer, she sent me really groovy collage.

I mean REALLY GROOVY.

With boots and butterflies.

And ninjas.

On the back side she had written,

Sometimes I forget why I'm going about, doing what I do.

That is when I do things I love.

Doing things I love and being around people I love

helps me remember that, well, everything

that people do matters.

Everybody I know is somehow needed.

They are somehow loved.

My life is a bunch of pieces put together (like a collage)

as is everyone's life.

My point is, every piece is important!

You are part of my collage

even if it is starting as a small piece.

I hope it grows, it will always be there.

Jasmine rocked my world again today

(even though I found out that she

got a B in Art because a classmate asked

her for an answer on a test and Jasmine...

gave it. Zero for Jasmine Art Cheater).

Out of the blue, and into my lap

came the sweetest message.

About integrity.

And summer camp.

Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine, you are

an incredible gal.

And you have made me VERY happy today.

January 24th, 2010

2010-01-24T21:12:00.004-05:00

Breathe from Amy McCracken on Vimeo.

Inspired by--and happy to know--all of these faces!

Fifty years ago, kids with cystic fibrosis rarely lived

to see the first day of school. Today, some CF patients are living

into their 30s and beyond.

Some don't.

There is no cure for CF.

Yet.

The families behind these faces work tirelessly to make

CF stand for Cure Found.

You can help by supporting me as I take a short walk for long lives.

January 16th, 2010

2010-01-16T11:55:00.003-05:00

Princess Pierce

With no regard for my health or financial well-being, a Daisy Scout walked into my office on Thursday and asked if I wanted to buy some cookies.

While Daisy Pierce’s mother, Amelia, was carrying around the sheet of paper on which we were to transcribe our dreams of Thin Mints and Samoas, Pierce and her friend Charlotte hung out in my office.

They told me that they were having a play date. Right then and there. Charlotte had come with Pierce and Amelia to sell cookies. Pierce told me that she had earned her Daisy petals.

“What else?” she asked me when she stopped talking.

Before I could think of what to say Pierce spotted the big bucket of shiny, plastic beads that got tossed in my office after they had been used at an earlier event.

“What are these?”

“OH! Those! Those are Princess Beads.”

Eyes as big as saucers, both of the girls asked, “What are princess beads?”

“Well, if you wear them you will turn into princesses.”

“Weally? Weally? Is that true? Can we have some?”

“Yes.”

After much deliberation about whether they wanted gold or silver, diamond shaped or circles, they each took a strand of beads and put them on.

I answered the phone. As I was talking on the phone they both stood there looking back and forth between each other and then me. Each other and then me. Each other and then me.

I finished up the call.

“Well? We are not princesses.”

“Oh, that is because you have to wear FOUR strands. One of each shape.”

Frantic digging through the bucket ensued.

In no time both Charlotte and Pierce had four strands of beads hanging around their little necks, reaching their bellies. They looked at each other and then me.
“Well?”

“Oh, I forgot. After you have all of the beads that you need you have to wait until the first Saturday that comes along before you can tell that you are princesses.”

“Weally? What is today? What is today? What is today?”

“Thursday.”

“So Saturday is tomorrow?”

“Friday is tomorrow and then Saturday is the tomorrow after that.”

Another phone call.

As soon as I hung up they said, “Are we weally going to be princesses?”

"I think so."

They had more questions, though.

“Do we have to sleep in them or should we hold them in our hands? Will we wake up in our dresses and tiaras? Will we still have to go to school?”

Pierce was completely ready for the transformation. Charlotte seemed a little skeptical.

“Why aren’t you a princess if it’s so easy?”

*ouch*

“Well, I keep forgetting to take my beads home.”

They gathered up four strands of beads—one of each shape and hideous color—and started to put them on me.

“Wait, wait! We should probably make some wishes.”

"Yeah, yeah, wishes!"

And then they started giggling. And I started giggling.

I cupped my hands around my beads and held them up. Then I put my mouth to my closed hands and started whispering, “Dear Princess Beads, when I wake up on Saturday morning…”

And the little girls followed. Their beads were spilling out and hanging down to their elbows as they whispered their princess hopes into their hands. While I was wishing for money to cover my Thin Mint bill, warmer temperatures, and better hair, the girls were whispering about more important things
“Dear Princess Beads,
I want a tiara
and the kind of puppy that a princess would have
and shoes that sparkle
and a pink snowstorm
and…

It was during this ritualistic blessing of the beads that Pierce’s mother arrived at the door and wondered what was going on.

“Hi, Amelia! It might be a good idea if you just go ahead and pick up a couple of tiaras and puppies before the end of the day tomorrow.”

As the beaded princesses got ready to leave I shouted out to them, “If you have any questions at all you can call me on Monday. My name is Martha. Just call and ask for Martha.”

Did the girls know? Yes. Did they know that the beads were beads and that we were the ones giving them magic? Yes. Did they understand how fun it was to wish and to make yourself believe? Yes. Did they know that my name is NOT Martha? Yes.

But I weally, weally hope that when they got up this morning that they also knew how happy they made me, and how truly sweet and beautiful they are—tiaras or not.

January 15th, 2010

2010-01-15T17:42:00.004-05:00

Rachel

I mean, just look at her.

She's happiness no matter what

I could write about her.

January 14th, 2010

2010-01-14T20:43:00.007-05:00

Chinda!

Oh, misery and petty bitterness today!

Starting early, mean, nasty.

Annoying alarm clock.

Uncomfortable pants.

Debbie Downer.

Negative Nelly.

Trapped in a spiral of destructive thinking.

All the while thinking of the grief in Haiti

and

wondering how to let go of it all...

And then, at 3:28 p.m.

like magic...

I get an email from someone I have not seen for

more than 2 1/2 years.

Pretty Chinda.

Amy,
I just wanted to say:
Even though our daily face-to-face interaction was shortly lived at the AHA,

you have managed to reach back into my life through the amazing internet and Facebook,

and I'm truly grateful for it.

I love your blog and your random sayings and your positive "glass half-full" mentality.

I love that you love and appreciate everyone, especially when

I'm constantly surrounded by negativity

and mean people and people

who do nothing but spew the words

"I hate..." and "This sucks..." and "My life is miserable so I will make your life miserable...".

I go through my news feed on Facebook,

and have to constantly roll my eyes at the people who hate Mondays and who hate their bosses or who complain about their kids,

but your news feed is like the sunshine that jumps at me when I'm looking for that little ray of good news from my friends who can make me smile.

Thank you for that.
Stay positive.
I hope to make it to a First Wednesday soon.
xoxo from someone who is grateful for YOU.

Chinda.

The truth is: it made me cry.

I really believe that we go through life appreciating

so many things. So many things that we never take the time

to acknowledge. Chinda told me that she had resolved to take the time.

She wrote, "I had a few minutes before my Banana's gymnastic class,

and I'm glad I spent those few minutes to tell you how I felt".

Glad, indeed. Whew, me, too! I immediately wanted

to be the person that Chinda thinks I am!

And how lucky is Chinda's "Banana" to have Chinda for a mom!?

If someone does something that makes you happy,

LET THEM KNOW.

They will love it.

Love it.

And it may come in right on time.

Like it did for me today.

January 13th, 2010

2010-01-13T11:37:00.007-05:00

Valerie's Desk Drawer

Since Valerie left me , I have been sitting at her desk.

I turn the light on in my own office every morning.

I check my voice mail.

Then I go sit in Valerie's office.

Sometimes I spread her business cards all around.

I use her pens.

I talk on her phone,

type on her computer,

and say, "Over here!" when my coworkers are looking for me.

And I ate most of the crackers she left behind.

This morning, I finished off the Tums.

Yesterday, I got a text message from

Val telling me that her beloved Mammaw died.

A picture of the two of them used to sit on this desk.

I wish I could sit with Val today like we used to everyday

from 12:00 - 1:00, and tell stories about

our grandmothers.

But I am grateful to be here in her chair,

in her old spot, casting every comforting thought I can

her way. To her new spot.

Love, love, love to Val and Mammaw.

xoxo

January 12th, 2010

2010-01-12T19:18:00.002-05:00

Angela Dickerson

Today, it is Angie.

Not because of anything in her email, but for the

words "Good Morning Amos"

in a subject line.

I took this photo. But not today. I wish.

January 11th, 2010

2010-01-11T19:26:00.003-05:00

LaDonna Austin

While at my desk, on the phone, filling out reports,

dealing with a grouch, planning the weekend,

questioning my worth, in my living room, in traffic,

cooking a meal, petting a dog, making a call, talking to my boss,

hanging out with my son, picking out wine, pouring wine,

hating my big feet, telling a story, choosing my shoes,

thinking of hair color, planning an event, making a poster,

decorating my house, planting flowers,

or loving someone,

I frequently ask myself...

What Would LaDonna Do?

That's how much I love the way LaDonna does things.

That's how much I love LaDonna.

January 10th, 2010

2010-01-11T10:38:00.004-05:00

Susan and Richard Kelly

In exchange for a spaghetti and meatball dinner,

I got to hold the new baby

(with the sweetest ears)

and pretend that

she was all mine....

if only for a little while.

January 8th, 2010

2010-01-09T10:50:00.004-05:00

Okay! Okay!

Today I will screw my arms back on and starting writing again!

I promise.

My heartfelt thanks to the universe

(appearing to me in disguise, but looking an awful lot like

Katie DeMaio , Quotesqueen,

The River Side Writer, and Patti Digh) for reminding me

that I have a little project going on here

that I have neglected.

xoxo

January 6th, 2010

2010-01-06T07:41:00.002-05:00

Oh. Dear. Am I really this far behind?

On the lookout today for a good story....

I promise.

January 1, 2010

2010-01-01T10:53:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

Here's to a great year of one person, every day.

December 29th, 2009

2009-12-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6PAqnhIK9s

Sad Brad Smith

I never want to get away from approaching

complete strangers and letting them know that

they are adding to my happiness--that is my main

objective in keeping this blog.

But I so loved this imperfect song as soon as I heard it

during a movie last night. I've been singing it all

day. All day.

Take the time to take apart each brick that sits outside your heart

And look around you

There's people everywhere

No they don't know, in short they're just as scared

and we'd be more prepared if we just hold on through

December 27th, 2009

2009-12-28T11:47:00.010-05:00

Decisive People in Battery Park, Richmond

While on a self-guided walking tour of Richmond's Northside,

we came across this sign.

There were even spotlights to illuminate it after dark.

At first, I thought it seemed very negative.

I mean, hey, it's a pretty big flat-out NO.

But then I started to think about how it is not always bad to say NO. And stick to it. Stick to it in the kind of erecting-a-lit-up-sign-kind of-way. I'm not talking about being stubborn, or mean, or selfish. I'm not talking about passing up a trip down the hill on the sled,
or a trip to the beach in your bathing suit.

I'm thinking about saying no to making promises you can't keep.

Say no to counting how many Christmas cookies you ate

(or will eat today and tomorrow).

Decline to engage in the latest gossip.

Pass up comparing what you create against what someone else created.

Say no to being defined by that dent in your car, or that scuff in your shoe.

Refuse to be small.

Withhold judgement until you know the whole story--or even after you know the whole story.

Reject the voice that tells you to give up.

Say no to setting your alarm for Saturday morning.

Turn down an offer from someone who will expect too much in return.

Avoid foie gras.

Resist taking yourself for granted.

Don't stay at work past 5:00 if you have fresh vegetables waiting for you at home.

Fight every insecurity.

Challenge every fear.

Put your NO sign up. With lights.

December 25th, 2009

2009-12-26T20:33:00.003-05:00

Elvis

Merry Christmas!

December 21st-December 24th

2009-12-26T20:08:00.010-05:00

Paul

For the first time in my life, I got to take a road trip

with the greatest traveler I know, my brother Paul.

We drove to Ohio and West Virginia to visit family for the holidays.

We listened to stories.

We told stories.

He told some pretty tall tales.

We played games.

And we wept.

It was an amazing journey. I will never forget it.

Merry Christmas, Paul.

December 20th

2009-12-26T19:58:00.004-05:00

Alice and Grandma

My sweet Aunt Alice was my home base this trip.

She had great food, plenty of wine, a thoughtful husband,

her usual laugh,

two great daughters, old family videos,

warm blankets, fluffy towels, and all the

air I wanted for my mattress.

My grandmother will be 92 years old in January and

was very, very happy to have everyone together

if only for a day.

December 19th, 2009

2009-12-26T19:46:00.004-05:00

The Ferrell Pack!

Greg, Carrie, Jasmine, Becky

The whirlwind of family visits started here.

With bearclaws and bagels.

These people confirmed for me that it might be

fine to never figure out what you want to do for work.

I also learned that my Aunt Becky used to drive a

Leggs Pantyhose truck around for a living.

That was before she taught at the prison.

Carrie and I concur that we might not want to work at all.

We talked about my grandfather (who would have been

celebrating his birthday on this day).

We cut through the ridiculousness of

having only one pastry.

And Carrie kept bringing me coffee.

Jasmine just listened to all of us. I think she's probably

the only 13-year-old in the world who knows

exactly what she wants to do. She's smart like that.

December 18th, 2009

2009-12-26T19:44:00.001-05:00

These

I drove from Richmond, VA to Columbus, OH for these.

December 17th, 2009

2009-12-17T13:40:00.002-05:00

Brendan

Here is Brendan handing me my old

canvas tote bag that goes everywhere with me.

In it is my journal that contains a few lines from

everyday life, everyday, over the last 8 years.

I left it in a rental car yesterday and cried myself

to sleep last night thinking about where it might be.

On the phone this morning Brendan said, "Well, it's right here."

It's right here. Whew.

December 16th, 2009

2009-12-17T10:34:00.009-05:00

THE TOWN OF MECHANICSVILLE!

Very LONG story kind of short..

Little girl (Alyssa) is eligible for a Make-a-Wish.
Wishes for 4 years in a row that Ty Pennington
will come right on over and re-do her family's home.

Make-a-Wish can't really promise Ty.
"Is there anything else?"
"No."

But after seeing the SpectroMagic parade and
lit up princesses at
Disney, Alyssa decides that going
BACK
to that magic might be worth everything.

And, after four years, she gives up on Ty and the home makeover.

Her family starts planning a trip to Disney.
Then Alyssa gets admitted into the hospital.
Again.
But she gets better.
Her mom and dad ache from sleeping in chairs.

Her dad in particular.
If fact, he feels awful.

It's because he has appendicitis!
Alyssa on one floor, her dad on the other.
The trip to Disney up in the air.

After a couple of their vehicles break down,
and it rains for three days,
and Alyssa's IV lines blow
several times,
everyone gets better!

And then they leave for Disney.

Right on time.

Happy ending!

Not so fast.

While all of this was going on,
the town of Mechanicsville, VA
was planning the sneakiest, fastest
extreme home makeover ever.

Before the Orlando-bound plane ever left the ground,
PODS were delivered, the house was emptied,
movers, plumbers, tilers, painters, and carpenters
flocked from near and far.

Old carpet was torn out, new tile layed.
Shiny new appliances. Check.
Pretty, pretty paint. Check.
New furniture. Check.
Deck built in 1/2 day? Check.
Vehicles repaired. Check.
Box of tissues placed in every room
so that the family can cry their way
through the house when they get home tonight.
Check.

This project moved me to tears. I started crying as soon as
I rounded the corner
yesterday to deliver some small things to the house
and saw the street FULL of work trucks. I cried again when I
saw people in every single room of Alyssa's house, busy, busy, busy
making her wish come true.

The masterminds behind this don't want to be
highlighted here. I already asked them.
They said that they don't deserve the praise.

I'll tell you this, though. In Mechanicsville, this is what Ty Pennington looks like:

December 15th

2009-12-15T18:25:00.004-05:00

Ms. Flugelhorn

The Salvation Army bell ringers

are stepping it up.

This lady (and I am really embarrassed

that I introduced myself to her but did

NOT ask her name) made going to Kroger

tonight a delightful stop on my way home.

December 14th, 2009

2009-12-15T14:20:00.004-05:00

Jared!

While I was busy

being petty and cranky,

Jared was wondering

who my person of the day

might be.

I love this kind of motivation.

Jared, I will try not to miss another day.

Thanks for keeping me on my toes.

xoxo

December 13th, 2009

2009-12-13T20:54:00.002-05:00

You. And you. And you. And you. And you. And you. You. You, too. Yes, you. And you.

What a day I have had. The December 11th post took me about an hour to write (after thinking about it for two days). Making notes, crossing things out, cutting and pasting whole sections. Constantly hearing the VERY LOUD voice that says, What are you doing? You can't make sense of anything for yourself, let alone for others who don't even know you. Why don't you go do another load of laundry or something that you know how to do. No one reads this. You KNOW that the little counter on the bottom counts the times you read YOUR OWN blog. What are you doing?

I kept at it somehow to honor my gratitude for Debra, Roz, and everyone else who has ever realized they have the power to change fate by simply being kind right on time.

It was as good as it was going to get. And I posted it. I posted it with the crappy picture of Debra's card, with whatever grammatical errors there might have been, and with the funky (stupid) spacing issues that come with writing on Blogger.

Then I did some laundry and other things I know how to do.

Then I went out with my son and his girlfriend. We did what I wanted to do first (walked around Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and looked at all the Christmas lights). And then we did what he wanted to do (have a few beers at Buffalo Wild Wings surrounded by 432 televsions all tuned to different stations). When I got home, I sat down at my computer and read my story. I don't know if it was the Christmas lights in the garden or the beer at Buffalo Wild Wings, but I started crying.

Bawling.

I am not a writer. For me, writing is much like drinking--at the time it seems so FUN and liberating, and AWESOME, and maybe you'll make some new friends this way, and sometimes you can even convince yourself that tequilla tastes delicious! Woooo-hooooo! But then morning comes and you have throw up in your hair and you hope beyond hope that it is your own throw up and that you are in bed alone and you wonder REALLY? Really?

So I was reading my story and thinking REALLY?

And then you chimed in. I started getting messages from all of you. So sweet. I am blown away by the kindness of your notes and comments today. Humbled.

Thank you. You have made my writing hangover bearable.

Amy

December 12th, 2009

2009-12-13T20:48:00.003-05:00

John Watson (Buzzy)

Buzzy just finished his last semester as an undergrad.

His facebook status today said:

"I'm not sentimental or anything (i dont even know if that is spelled right), but it was kind of weird walking out of hiner for the last time as a student, all done"

I love that a big tough, beer drinkin', goatee sporting

guy can acknowledge the poignancy of

beginnings and ends.

Congrats, Buzzy.

Ms. McCracken

December 11th, 2009

2009-12-11T17:32:00.004-05:00

Debra Griffin Haskin

Debra was my best friend. We were inseparable.
We spent long days together and then
had sleepovers at her house.
We both had typewriters and would sometimes
stay up all night pretending to be working
on something very important.
In the late mornings we would work on our complicated,
choreographed dance routines to Captain and Tennille's
Love Will Keep us Together.
When we had to cross the lawns of the dozen
or so houses that separated us, we would pretend
that if a car came along and spotted us
we would immediately be turned into a
mysterious vapor and then disappear altogether. Forever.
Engine revs and headlights sent us running for our lives--
scurrying behind trees or bushes.
If there were nothing to hide behind we might have to
throw ourselves down on the ground and lie as flat
and still as possible until the car passed.
Often very dirty and out of breath upon walking in our front doors,
we never explained the game to anyone else.
Best friends do things like that.

Debra had a beautiful mother, Roz.
Roz was a real estate agent.
I didn't know any moms who were real estate agents.
She seemed to constantly be going here and there,
but was always around when Debra needed her.
My own mother went between here and there, too,
but because of crippling depression and a brutal drug addiction,
didn't always come back from "there" when you needed her to.

I remember when Debra turned 10.
She and Roz let me in on all the plans for the party.
We figured out what kind of cake to have,
what kind of games to play, and who would be invited.

On the day of the party I got dressed
in a pair of brown corduroy pants (that I loved)
and the cleanest shirt I had.
And I went into my mother's room.

"Mama?" I had to wake her up.
"Did we get a present for Debra?
Her party is right now. Mom? Mama?
I have to go soon. Did we get a present for Debra?"

She didn't say anything.
Her eyes were open and she was looking at me,
but not seeing me. Even in my clean shirt
and my favorite pants,
I was starting to crumble a little with anxiety.
"Mama, please."
"Let's see what we can find."

She had a tall dresser in her room
and the top drawer was full of things not clothes.
We all knew this. Sometimes she'd ask us
to get something out of the drawer for her--
a rosary, a crochet needle, an extension cord, a postage stamp.
When she opened that drawer, any hope
that she remembered and had gotten a present just for Debra faded.
"Here. Take this."
"What is it?"
She had handed me a yellow Avon box.
Inside was a jar of hand lotion.
It was the same lotion that my grandmother used.
No. I can't. I can't give this to Debra today.
"Is there anything else?" I asked.

On my way across the lawns,
with the Avon box in my hands,
I didn't hide from one car.
I closed my eyes and wished every car that passed
would vaporize me and save me from the party.

At the door, Roz let me in.
I tried to tell her everything with my eyes,
but she just broke my stare, kissed my head,
and took the small package from me.
Everyone was there and we ate popcorn
and listened to Captain and Tennille. At one point,
Celeste started throwing popcorn up in the air
and trying to catch it in her mouth,
and we all cheered her on, and I temporarily forgot
about the little yellow box of humiliation
with all of the other brightly wrapped presents.
I told myself that it might be possible that Debra
was enjoying her party so much that she
wouldn't even need to open presents.
But seeing the floor covered with popcorn, Roz said,
"Sweetie, are you ready to open your presents and have some cake?"

Celeste's gift was a charm bracelet that got passed around the party.
Debra opened a sparkly baton from Doreen.
Twirled it in her fingers.
Kathrine gave her roller skates!
Nicole gave her a mood ring that we all put on in turn.
Roz stayed close and picked up wrapping paper.

Handing Debra that yellow box was like offering up
every failure a ten year old girl could handle.
It was like saying, "Here, here are my shortcomings.
Here is everything I lack today:
the whimsy of a charm bracelet,
the flash of a baton through the air,
the shiny ball bearings in the wheel of a roller skate,
the mystery of a mood ring,
a mother who can get out of bed."

Debra took the box and shook it.
The heavy jar thudded around.
What is it? What is it? Let us see!
Debra pulled the jar of lotion out of the box.

No one said anything for what seemed like an eternity.
It was so quiet that I was pretty sure my life had ended.

And then Roz said, "Oh! How thoughtful! How wonderful!
Something that you can really use. Let me smell it.
Ummmmm. Look how pretty it is. It's like butter.
It's beautiful. It's the nicest gift so far."
Taking her cues from sweet Roz, Debra nodded in agreement.
Everyone else, slightly confused,
came to believe that it really was the best gift.

In the seam of shock and overwhelming gratitude,
I vaguely remember everyone rubbing their hands together
as the lotion was passed around the party.
I don't remember anything, really, after that.
Like singing Happy Birthday, or eating cake,
or going out into the driveway to try out the skates.

In the 32 years since then,
there have been other people who reached down
and pulled me up when I was surely sinking.
And it may be that I was rescued once or twice
before the day of Debra's party.
But I think that this is my earliest memory of being so keenly aware
of both my need to be saved
and the heroic kindness and grace of those around me.

When I was 12 our family moved away from Atlanta--
and from Debra and Roz.
I have not seen either of them since.
But I got a Christmas card from Debra today.
It had a picture of her and her family.
On the back it said, "I think of you often and always remember
what a good friend you were to me. The best.
Thank you for everything. Merry Christmas. Love, Debra.

Thank you for everything, Debra and Roz.
Everything. Every. Thing.
Merry Christmas.

December 10, 2009

2009-12-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

All of the Good People at Uggs

It's freezing here.

But my feet are warm.

December 9th, 2009

2009-12-09T11:34:00.016-05:00

Merle Kincaid (and Student Artists at Echo Lake Elementary)

I visited Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to see the GardenFest of lights. It's a cold garden all warmed up by millions of lights.

There was an entire grove of trees that had been decorated by local elementary schools. I was envious of every young artist behind the beauty. But one tree in particular took my envy to a higher level: I was inspired. I immediately wanted to make something even half as beautiful. Every ornament on the tree was made from "odds and ends from the art room." There were these wonderful little silver frames with gorgeous collages in them.

(I've had to say this before: this is not a photography blog. I may go back to the garden and take better pictures)

Sometimes when I read a good book like, oh, say, Life is a Verb, or hear a lovely song, like Kristin Adreassen's, I feel compelled to know the artist. I find a way to send a letter. Yes, it's usually something as transparent as "I like you. I want to be your friend. Okay? Check yes or no." (If you have ever thought of reaching out to someone who inspires you, go ahead. I've had some amazing replies from writers, singers, painters I thought I would never hear from).

I took a picture of the teacher's name. Merle Kincaid. I searched for an email address for her. No luck. But, of course, she has a Facebook account. So I sent her a message.

Hello Ms. Kincaid,

Are you the art teacher at Echo Lake? I was at Lewis Ginter last night and I saw the most amazing tree ever. If you are responsible for some of that beauty, will you send me an email? I would love to say THANK YOU for doing what you do. I would also like to say: I have to make one of the little frames and I want to know what the magic silver/foil stuff is, and what the students used to color it. I love, love, love the tree that I saw. Loved it. It made me very happy. I'm still happy about it.

All the best,

Amy

Merle wrote me back. Twice. Her replies told me two very important things. 1) How I, too, could be an artist for the small price of the silver foil tape (huge roll, $8.00 at Lowes). And 2) That my email made her feel connected to the world in a big way.

Hi Amy, thanks for the kind message! It is so sweet you took the time to say our tree made you happy! I can't wait to share your note with my students! My 3rd-5th graders are the talented artists responsible for the decorations. Most everything we used were donated odds and ends I have collected over the past few years in my art room and studio. The frames are so easy. I took leftover cardboard boxes, cut them up in different sizes and shapes. Next I had the kids cover the cardboard with foil tape I got at Home Depot or Lowe's-it's a huge roll for around $8.00. Next I cut out an opening out of the middle with an xacto knife-this takes a little time. The students used a ball point pen to carve in the decorations-but a stylo pen would work great. We then rubbed acrylic black paint on the lines with a brush in a circular motion and quickly buffed it off with a paper towel-again in a circular motion. They used colored sharpies to decorate the designs-but they look great with no color as well. I punched holes in the frame and the students used wire and beads for hanging it. In the past we have added holes in the bottom of the frame as well and attached beads to wire to hang down. Then we added the collage in the middle. In the past we have recycled old art magazines and put famous art work in the middle.....that looks great too. Hope you have fun making one. They make great gifts! Take care and thanks again for the note.

Blessings, Merle Kincaid

Amy,
There must be something about Amys because you are the second Amy God has placed in my life in the past few weeks and you both are so kind.

I think your blog is VERY cool...it is a testimony that there are no coincidences. Not a one .The picture I see is God in the middle of a giant web of circles. The web glistens and radiates life. It has no hard edges like a regular web. God is connecting us all through his grace and unconditional love. We are His messengers.

Thank you for being God's messenger of a kind word.

Blessing to you and thank you,

Merle Kincaid

The world is big, disjointed, and chaotic. But it's so pretty in those moments when you can feel a part of it all. Whether you believe in coincidence, luck, God, humans, fate, silver foil tape, or some other thing that brings us together--even if only through a little frame--you can't deny the comfort that feeling connected brings. I'm so grateful for Merle the artist for reminding me of this today.

I will be making one of these for First Wednesday January (which happens to fall on Epiphany--which is a story for another day).

December 8th, 2009

2009-12-08T12:23:00.004-05:00

The Peacock at Lewis Ginter

The volunteers at

Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

make magic happen.

If you live near Richmond, VA, a trip here

would make you happy.

For days.

December 7th, 2009

2009-12-08T12:21:00.003-05:00

Zicam

Please, Zicam gods, work your magic.

This would make me happy indeed.

December 5th, 2009

2009-12-06T13:04:00.002-05:00

Natalie

I've been sick over the last couple of days.

It has limited my encountering strangers whose

spirt, smile, action, kindness or quirk make me happy.

Pouty, sneezy, and hacking, I spent some time this weekend going

through boxes of old photographs and keepsakes.

When my sister Petra died, on a Tuesday night in March of 1997,

I brought home her address book.

Because who she was, and how she lived, she had many friends.

Most of them I knew, many I did not.

I spent the first couple of weeks after her death

writing to each of her friends.

I thanked them for being with her during her life,

and implored them to not forget her in death.

I found this letter.

I love that Natalie took the time to write me back.

I love that she loved Petra.

But perhaps most of all,

I love that she wondered if I had "a shirt or something of hers"

that I could give up.

I hope I sent Natalie a shirt. Or a glove.

Or something.

And I hope that she still has Petra's letters, the mix tape

that she hates, and whatever else she can hold

onto to from a life gone too soon.

That would make me happy.

December 3rd, 2009

2009-12-03T11:11:00.004-05:00

Courtney (left)

I got this email from Courtney this morning:

Amy,

Thanks for having us over last night.

I had a lot of fun.

I hope you and LaDonna

don't have bad headaches this morning.

Also, thank you for the cat toy.

My dad was afraid it was another silly hat for the baby.

I'm pretty sure my parents have stolen my Joy to the World sign

(her Bingo present)

and I am never getting it back.

Hope you have a good rest of the week and that I will see you soon.

There was a song on the radio yesterday that said, "in case you need reminding, you're beautiful.. don't waste the pretty." I like it and thought you would too.

Love
Courtney

If you hear a song on the radio today

that you think someone else would like,

send them an email and tell them.

Don't waste the pretty.

xoxo

December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T17:07:00.002-05:00

Buddy!

I know I already posted my person for the day (even if it was a poundcake), but Buddy called at 4:00 and I picked up the phone and said, "HI BUDDY! Are you calling to tell me that you are driving home from college to attend First Wednesday?" And he said

YES.

Oh, happy day. Happy day.

December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T14:32:00.010-05:00

Linda Hoover

I was born in Huntington, West Virginia
(recently rated the most unhealthy city in the United States).
While the hollows may be filled with illiteracy, obesity, and poverty,
and while there may be no shortage of West Virginia jokes
(I've heard them all),
there is also the most amazing love that grows there.

Linda Hoover is from West Virginia. Magically, the pound cake that
I got from her tasted as if it had been made with WV Love (and butter).

It made me weep. It tasted like this kind of love:

Love that can sprout through even the thickest layer of coal dust.
Love that means soup beans on the stove at the end of a long day.
Love that smells like applebutter with the right amount of cinnamon.
Love like clothes on the line.
Love that tapes a dime (when you are 9), and a dollar (when you are 19)
to a red-paper heart on Valentine's Day.
Love that rocks your baby to sleep when you're simply too tired to do it yourself.
Love that offers Castor Oil if you suddenly don't feel like going to school.
Love that can pack quickly and get there on time.
Love that cuts your crust off until you are old enough to realize how good crust is.
Love that will say, "Honey, you sit right down and let me fix us a Coke."
Love that has a really soft neck.
Love that exclaims, "Well, I am finer than a frog's hair sliced twice! How are you?"
Love that hears the porch swing creaking at 3:00 a.m. and comes to sit with you.
Love that says, "I reckon we'll have to just have each other
for Christmas this year."
Love that writes letters to shut-ins.
Love that can whistle the gospel song "P'wr in the Blood".
Love that never tires of a much repeated story.
Love that understands kids real guidance, and biscuits need real butter
Love that never forgets the spin cycle or the fabric softener.
Love that can spell your name with pancake batter.
Love that tells you to "Get out of the bubblegum"
if you try telling an outrageous lie.
Love that offers a prayer for stray dogs.
Love that won't get mad at you if, when you are 5, you somehow become convinced that you have been abandoned in K-Mart and need to walk the 13 miles home by yourself in the dark rain and love frantically runs out of the store to find you, slips, and breaks a leg.
Love that will don combat boots and pull six children
through the snow on one sled.
Love that insists you take some snacks with you.
Love that knows who you eat with is more important than what you eat.
Love that wakes you up early the day of the funeral
so that you can have a good breakfast.
Love that tells your new husband that he is "handier than a pocket in a shirt" when he straightens up the leaning mailbox.
Love that says casually, "Well, lookie there" when another age spot appears.
Love that says to you one day, "I am forgetting words".
Love that continues through confusion and heartache.
Love that gives you just a little time to give
back a fraction of what you have received.
Love that goes before you could even start to get even.

December 1, 2009

2009-12-01T20:38:00.002-05:00

Valerie

Wabi Sabi

for sure.

Valerie moved away today. We had a two-night

sleepover party before she left.

Just got home to find this on my counter.

I am happy for Val. And might be taking her up on

her farm offer.

xoxo

November 30th, 2009

2009-12-01T09:48:00.004-05:00

Dave.

Dave gave me a very small little chip
that goes inside my camera and will allow

me to take 4,324 pictures before
having to download them.

Smile, world!

November 29th, 2009

2009-11-29T12:59:00.004-05:00

Roger Dickerson

Happy Birthday, Dad.

I love you.

I love you enough to post this unflattering video of me.

xoxo

November 28th, 2009

2009-11-29T11:02:00.003-05:00

Good Luck Charms from Valerie McQueen on Vimeo.

Valerie McQueen

Another video by Valerie McQueen

November 27th, 2009

2009-11-27T14:21:00.006-05:00

Thelma

"I'm here to volunteer."
"Well, praise the Lord, honey. I'm Thelma."

And then started a flurry of activity as

Thanksgiving dinner for the guests of

Hospital Hospitality House

was prepared.

"Katie typed up some instructions/directions

for us to find everything. Do you have

a copy of that?"

"Child, I've been doing this for 14 years.

We just find the stuff wherever it is.

You can round up 140 dinner plates if you will."

Thelma took charge of me and 15 or so

other volunteers who were spending

their day serving dinner to families who

were unable to be home because

they had loved ones staying at local hospitals.

In Thelma's presence, we were

all rookies in our roles as

human helpers.

November 26th, 2009

2009-11-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

Alyssa!

I love Alyssa Doane.

She's smart, funny, and brave.

She also has cystic fibrosis.

She HATES long hospital stays.

But she knew last week that she was not feeling well.

She was admitted with 32% lung function.

She also HATES having to do her PFTs--(Pulmonary Function Test).

It makes her nervous.

So nervous.

So-nervous-I-can't walk-down-the-hall kind of nervous.

But Alyssa conquered some wicked fear and blew 43% a day later!

In case you don't know,

that's pretty much putting CF in its place--

telling it to take a hike.

Alyssa has a Make-A-Wish trip to Disney coming up!

And a family who wants her home from the hospital.

Happy Thanksgiving, Alyssa and all of the

folks on 7 today. Nurses, patients, moms and dads.

I'm thankful for everyone who continues

the fight against CF. Alyssa is on the

front lines today.

Love. Love. Love.

November 25th, 2009

2009-11-25T21:36:00.002-05:00

Shelley

No matter how many times I just send a text

instead of calling.

No matter how many times I am cryptic

and vague.

No matter how many times I say,

"At work. Will call you later."

No matter how many times I say

"I meant to call last night, but I

fell asleep."

No matter.

Shelley always checks on me and says,

"Love you. Talk to you soon."

I am her step-daughter. She doesn't even

really HAVE to afford me all of that

gracious love.

November 24th, 2009

2009-11-24T15:13:00.006-05:00

Virginia (Ginny)

I knew the moment I saw her that I would have to summon

the courage to walk up to her and say, "I'm Amy,

and I am documenting one thing, every day that

makes me happy--and that red jacket of yours has made

me smile from ear to ear. Can I take your picture?"

She was as gracious and vibrant as you might expect

a woman wearing this coat to be. Her husband said affectionately,

"I told her when she got it that it was too shiny."

Virginia herself admitted, "I can't wear it when I

substitute teach because they told me that it

looks like that Jackson guy's--you know, Michael."

I told her to shine on. And that I loved it.

She told me where she got it--and even took it off

to show me the label.

Virginia and her husband are traveling to North Carolina

to spend Thanksgiving with family. If they provide

at least a little of the cheer they created for

me this morning, their hosts will be very lucky

indeed. Happy Thanksgiving, Ginny.

November 21, 2009

2009-11-22T12:45:00.004-05:00

Wendy and Emmy

Mill Street Grill in Staunton, VA,
was a very random coice to have a beer
before riding the highway home to Richmond.
But the kindness of Wendy and Emmy was anything
but haphazard.

The sincere hospitality of these two hilarious women
extended well beyond the borders of the jobs and friendship
they so obviously enjoy.
Emmy ("like the awards," she said)
and Wendy ("like the hamburger," she said)
helped two strangers feel as if they'd made it home
without getting in the car.

November 20th, 2009

2009-11-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

Nathan McCracken

Note left on kitchen table, November 1997:

Mother,

Please sign this OOPS! I Forgot My Homework slip.

I have to take it back to school.

I think Mrs. Davidson is not telling the truth on that P.S. that says

"This makes the 83rd time this month"

Love,

Buddy

Text message received November 20, 2009:

Mother,

I got a 94% and an "Excellent Paper, Nate" on

the Rousseau/Montessori paper that I wrote on while we

were on vacation in New Orleans.

Love,

Buddy

Sometimes things really do figure themselves out.

Keep the faith.

November 19th, 2009

2009-11-19T17:39:00.002-05:00

Katie

I have THE coolest friends.
Here is Katie Demaio as she is giving me a tour of Hospital Hospitality House where she is the Director of Volunteers.
HHH's work is made possible by thousands of hours put in by dedicated volunteers (and a very small staff). It's Katie job to make sure all of those volunteers are trained, scheduled, and happy. In other words, Katie is a very important cog in this wheel:

HHH provides lodging and non-medical services to families and individuals in medical crisis. Guests are referred from physicians, staff and social workers from area hospitals.
Since we opened our doors in 1984, we have served over 100,000 guests from across Virginia, the United States and beyond.
Our mission is to provide lodging and non-medical services that promote the healing process in a caring, emotionally supportive, home-like environment. Referred families are served with dignity, integrity and without regard to financial resources.

I'll be spending Thanksgiving serving turkey
and stuffing and cranberry cheesecake
(oh god, please let there be cranberry cheesecake)
to all of the guests at HHH.

It's the least I can do to show my appreciation for my friendship with Katie.

November 17th, 2009

2009-11-17T17:21:00.004-05:00

This Girl

I was lucky enough to be walking around Belle Isle in the sunshine.
If you live near Richmond and the James River,
you know that it doesn't get much better than Belle Isle in the fall.
It was so pretty that I swore I could hear music.
Sweet acoustic guitar music.
And then girl singing music.

I looked up and there she was.

And this made me very happy indeed.

Click on the picture to make her bigger.

November 16th, 2009

2009-11-16T12:01:00.003-05:00

Patti. Patti. Patti Digh

The LAST thing I want to do is to keep a blog about things that make me happy because they are all ABOUT ME, ME, ME.

In other words, this page is not meant to be merely a list of people who
might have complemented my haircut
or told me that they liked my jacket
or shoes. (But don't think for one minute that I don't
appreciate comments such as this--especially
since I don't have great hair or lots of
awesome jackets and shoes.)

What I really hope to do is
show my appreciation and gratitude for
kindness big and small--whether it has anything to do with me directly or not.

But, you have to pardon me today. Please.

I am so, so, so giddy proud to be featured a "guest writer" here:
http://www.37days.com/2009/11/mindful-monday-offer-them-a-peppermunt-from-holland.html

November 14th, 2009

2009-11-15T13:13:00.003-05:00

Dr. and Mrs. Joel Schmidt

Here are Dr. Joel Schmidt and his wife, Daphne at the

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's 16th Annual

Starry Night Gala that

took place tonight at the Jefferson Hotel.

When Dr. Schmidt is not wearing a tuxedo

and beaded necklaces,

he is treating CF patients at the VCU

CF Care Center.

Dr. Schmidt's and Daphne's intelligence, compassion,

and wit make them CF Heroes.

I'm not the only one who knows this is true.

November 13th, 2009

2009-11-13T23:11:00.002-05:00

Susan Keitges Kelly

In this very photograph Susan KK is saying, through her

clenched teeth,

"Amy! I don't have time for your games!"'

Susan is the mastermind behind the Richmond Animal League's amazing fundraising events. And, she is my very dear friend.

Thank you, Susan, for making this world a better place for everyone--including our four-legged friends.

xoxo

November 12th, 2009

2009-11-12T14:50:00.004-05:00

Sarah Branigan

(Left)

Once upon a time, Sarah and a group of her friends took some photos of
themselves jumping around a campfire.They could not help but notice,"It made us all laugh and it was something we wanted to keep doing
in different places and document..."

It was the start of something wonderful.

I first heard about JumpBecause on NPR last spring.
Imagine my delight when I realized these inspiring people
live right here in my neighborhood (Richmond, VA).

Sarah and her friends are world famous for making people happy.

You can learn about them here
http://www.jumpbecause.com/jumpbecause.html.

The concept is simple:

It's hard to be unhappy

while your feet are off the ground.

The effect has been profound:

People from all over the world have

sent photos and stories of their own jumps.

You can jump for a cause

(as Sarah and her friends did for cystic fibrosis research),

or you can jump just because.

Jump because. I love this. I'd love to see YOU submit a jump and a story.

November 10th, 2009

2009-11-11T12:53:00.002-05:00

David

Good thing this is not a photography blog.

My picture didn't turn out, but I still wanted to

feature David as my One Person today.

David gave us a tour of the city of New Orleans and

compassionately told the story of Katrina and its aftermath.

There are 300,000 people in this city and each person

has 100 stories to tell.

I could have stayed with David all day today.

November 9th, 2009

2009-11-10T10:39:00.003-05:00

This Guy

I really hoped that documenting these things

that make me happy would also inspire me to

write about WHY they made me feel

that way.

But, so far, these things speak

for themselves.

And nothing I could say would add to them.

I Love This Self Portrait.

I love it.

love

it.

November 8th, 2009

2009-11-08T19:06:00.002-05:00

Stephanie

A friend for more than twenty years knows

all about you

and loves you anyway.

That this girl exists makes me happy.

AND we are in New Orleans.

November 7th, 2009

2009-11-07T17:41:00.004-05:00

Pacquito

This man dropped me off at a beautiful hotel this morning

in NEW ORLEANS!

Pacquito Rocks!

November 6th, 2009

2009-11-06T14:20:00.003-05:00

Kristin Andreassen

Crayola Doesn't Make a Color For Your Eyes

No explanation necessary.

November 5th, 2009

2009-11-05T13:55:00.003-05:00

Gina!

Gina took my order, asked for my name,

and then yelled out "AMY!" after she made me the best cheeseburger

ever.

(Dawn, it's okay, I ordered the mini)

November 4th, 2009

2009-11-05T10:09:00.005-05:00

Judy!

I love Judy.
Teacher of second-graders, tell it like it is Judy.

Judy HATES the gift exchange at First Wednesdays. You have to MAKE your gift and she is never enthusiastic about the prospect of coming up with, on her own, some unique handmade somethingorother to give to a stranger. It puts a damper on First Wednesdays for her (and by that I mean that she sometimes stays home rather than make a gift).

But this month the food theme was soup and we were exchanging bowls instead of handmade gifts. Judy was so happy.

And Judy opened bowl after beautiful bowl. But our "exchange" can be heartbreaking because the person who gets to pick a present after you do has the option of stealing yours. We stole bowls from Judy all night.

I moved closer to her to steal this "First Wednesdays" soup bowl. Here she is smiling through the pain and disappointment of the evening.

I hope she comes back in December.

November 3, 2009

2009-11-03T21:56:00.003-05:00

Someone who had no reason to be kind to me

was kind to me today. Once again.

But I don't have a photo.

And, I got carded at Whole Foods while purchasing a fancy beer.

But the cashier would not let me take her picture.

xoxo