Rave...our beautiful January!

Along with having Barack Obama as our president, January has been a gift...wonderful memories made...incredible weather in the 70's and 80's (better than our summer here!), time spent with elderly parents (spry as they may be), wonderful time to ourselves, as well as "firsts" spent with our grandaughters at the snow in Sequoia National Park...I've decided to post pictures to tell the story instead of words...I'm so greatful to have my parents still in our lives...aren't they cute? Elizabeth and Valentina continue to be an inspiration as always, as well as keeping us young whether we like it or not!

Rave...Change

When I was in 5th or 6th grade, my Dad and I were driving in the car...a news program on the radio was reporting about a civil rights demonstration and the ensuing violence. I asked my Dad what it was all about and why people were acting this way. He then explained the basis for the civil rights movement, who was involved, and why...from that moment on I was an activist. I had an uncanny awareness of the injustice around me, and for many years, my young life would be filled with speaking my mind on the subject, in many different ways, and much frustration and disbelief at the cruelty people could inflict on one another.
As a kid I was aware that my Dad took heat from the city and school system in Berkeley because he integrated the elite and all white basketball team at the high school. Previously, no Black students would come out for the team, because they knew they wouldn't be chosen...then they came, and they WON, and they kept on winning and they became famous.
As a teenager my church group leader told racist jokes in group....I left, angry and in tears, slammed the door, and had the group leader at my house that evening in a discussion with my parents...they backed me up, the guy left the church........after a while, so did I. What I learned at church didn't translate into the real world. Didn't change my relationship with God, only organized religion....to this day, hasn't changed much has it?
All of the leaders in my youth were killed...JFK, MLK, RK...would we ever be able to have a credible leader without violence, and hatred?
I've experienced racism through my associations much of my life...sadness, disbelief, even despair, that people didn't see what I saw in my friends....I saw no end in sight....
The other day, I felt reborn as an American...not because my new President is a Black man and civil rights was my cause for so long, but, despite continued racism and misunderstanding, we have come so far as a nation to have given him our collective respect, the reins to our future, and the passion to make all things possible...that is truly worth breathing a sigh of relief, getting involved, being proud, and just feeling filled up with a love for my fellow man that I haven't felt for so long. Feels so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rave...Getting out of town!

HI all...I'm taking down all and anything to do with the holidays, packing my clothes and my tire chains, and I'm off to Oregon in a couple of days to see my parents! So, I'm taking a little break from my computer, my house, and grandkids in exchange for a change of pace....and scenery, that may include, yes.....SNOW! Can't wait! The good part is, I get to come home to Monterey Bay after one week! See ya all then........

Rave...January 1, 2009!

I'm usually a pretty positive person, but there has never been a Jan. 1st that has felt so good, held so much promise, hope, expectation, and yes...a little fear too. There's something about a clean slate...but in reality, a new year can also bring a mixed bag of experiences, some of which of are out of our control...an illness, a death of a friend or loved one, etc. I'm trying to live my life more in the moment, and embrace the negative in hope of learning what I'm suppose to learn from it. I'm hoping, as a nation, we will also take the negatives of last year and turn them around to our advantage. I feel like we have started that process by electing a man with a fresh view, intelligence and inclusiveness. The next obvious step is for all of us to take responsibility and the challenge to support him, advocate for our causes, and stay involved. I'm probably preaching to the choir here, as all of you out there in blogging land, have been so dedicated to working to make sure we're stimulated, informed and inspired. Thank you for keeping me on my toes, and making me feel like I had something worthy to say!
Let's all have the best year possible!!!!!!!!!