Films to "pack" by

You know you've found an incredible movie when you get four boxes packed during it and you don't want it to end.  In other words, little was accomplished.  But it was worth it.

I found such a gem in Amreeka   I am going to go out on a limb and imagine that most of you have not seen it.  I hadn't even heard of it until it played as a preview at the beginning of another movie I rented.  And boy am I glad it did.

It is incredible.  I wish I were a better writer to come up with some poetic phrasing and fancy words to fill this entry.  But I cannot at this moment.  The movie must speak for itself.  And all I can say is you will not regret watching it.  It handles the subject of what it is like to be Arabic and American after the terrorist attacks of 09/11 in such a way that I find myself really understanding for the first time.  To say that all Arabics are terrorists is to say all cookies are bad and must be avoided just because some have raisins, which you don't care for.  Of course that makes no sense.  There are many varieties of cookies one can enjoy.   And I believe that all races have their bad raisins.

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie.  It is incredible.

Another recommend, while I am at it, is Wardance - The Movie.  This centers on a group of children living in a displacement camp in northern Uganda that compete in their country's national music and dance festival.  These children are beautiful, captivating and spellbinding.  And heartbreaking.  This I would say is not for the faint of heart nor for children prior to being previewed by mom and dad.  But to say this will educate you and change you would be an understatement.  I watched this a couple of years ago and still think of the lessons I learned and of specific scenes.  Now that is impact.

Ok so I guess I'll go back to packing now that I've put on some "fluff" in the form of Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr.  Hmmm....Maybe I will just call it a night on the packing and relax.  It is my day "off" after all.

Oh and an update on the moving.  I think we found our place today.  Perfect location, space, and the landlord seems really sweet and lives right next door.  I like that idea.  Keeps things in line and the property clear as they see it every day.  The only downside is that we would be switching congregations and joining the brothers in Wasilla.  But there is one more place I look at on Wednesday afternoon that also looks like a winner and is in our present Pioneer View congregation territory.  Also a good location, etc. but they would require all the money up front as it is managed by a real estate broker.  No negotiating there.  Although it would put a huge burden on us financially and probably lead to a few nights of toast for dinner, I am truly hoping that the one in our present territory works out on Wednesday so that we can keep a routine and stability to our lives and grow in our present congregation.  But the landlord of the one in Wasilla is willing to work with us on deposit and move in date.  And the brothers in Wasilla would welcome us with open arms as well.  I just don't know what will happen.  But I do know that I will make this decision with Jehovah's will fixed firmly in first place and it will all work out.

So on the next rainy day, you've got a couple of movies to find and watch.  And I've got some packing to do.

Upside down, Inside out and every other which way

Well, staying in our home is officially NOT TO BE.  They have everything worked out with the buyers and it looks like they will be making some repairs so that the financing will go through starting Friday morning.  While they are tearing up my home, they are tearing my life apart.  I was homeless for so long before we stumbled, as if by miracle, on this place. It has suited us well and we love being here.

So the question comes - now what?  Well, we have until the end of July to move due to the timing of the notice according to the law.  Actually we have until August 13th if we want to push it.  And that is IF he delivers the notice before the end of today.  That will make things a bit easier for us.  We can breath easy knowing if we can't find a place to rent before July 1 that we can try again for August 1.

So I am going to pack, pray for another miracle and hope for the best.  It's all I know how to do.

Sing, Dance, Rejoice in Life Together

This video of Miley Cyrus singing to a sick young girl with cancer is such a sweet moment that I had to share.  I can only pray the little girl is fully healed by now.  Such a nice moment for her and Miley both.  If we could only all care about each other enough to carry their worries and burdens for awhile and we would see just how beautiful we all truly are.  We are all human and aching for the same human needs to be fulfilled.  I leave you with these words this inspired me to write:

Sing, Dance, Rejoice in Life Together.  Let Life Be the Music of Your Heart.

Ode to Monkeykins*

Children. Specifically my niece and nephews near me here in Alaska are full of surprises. And love. Little Miss Monkeykins made my week and probably month today.

I was feeling sorry for myself again and very tired as well. As we pulled up into the driveway of my house after our trip into Anchorage, Monkeykins said to me "Aunt Tawnya, Can I have a hug?" Oh you bet you can. And you won't ever know how much I needed it back. And if that wasn't enough she followed up with a very sincere "I love you, Aunt Tawnya!" and reminded her big brother, Mater, to "Say goodnight to Aunt Tawnya!"

My mind reels at how this four year old girl knew how and when to reach out with a simple gesture and kind words at the perfect time. I don't know that she really knew that I needed this gesture or if she is just a genuinely loving child at heart. I think it was probably both.

I don't have children of my own but I have come to know from observation and my own childhood that children are sensitive creatures and we cannot underestimate how what is going on around them affects them and what they are internalizing.

Somehow, someway this baby girl knew I needed her today more than ever. And she delivered. Ever so simply. Ever so sweetly. Never to be forgotten.

I love you, too, Monkeykins. And I love your parents for raising their children in Jehovah's ways. Today proves that it is working.

I think I just found my new favorite niece :)

*For protecting privacy I have used my nicknames for the kiddos.