%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
 |  Every person is a new door to a different world...
|
|
Skyewriting ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? - it is the same the angels breathe." ~Mark Twain ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance." ~Thomas Merton ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Why I'm Here~ ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive." ~from Six Degrees of Separation "Writing can be a creative and invigorating way to make our lives available to ourselves...We may discover that the better we tell our stories, the better we will want to live them." ~Henri Nouwen You can also read my poetry at "Invalid Item"  I'm so glad you dropped in! Peace and Blessings  ~Mandy~ |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer I've had the pleasure of knowing Ken, (aka Carolina Blue  ) for over a year-and-a-half now, and I'd be remiss if I didn't credit him for mentoring, encouraging, and challenging me; but more than that, I've come to know him as a very dear friend and confidante. I spoke with Debi Wharton tonight, and she shared with me the news that Ken is breathing with the aid of a ventilator. There are some indications that his situation is very grave; but as I shared with Andra, I've witnessed miracles in my lifetime and I have to believe that Ken still has many gifts to offer this world. Thanks to all who have helped to spread the word, and for all of your thoughts and prayers. SummerLyn Guthrie and Kåre Enga in Montana  both shared contact information which I'll post again here:REX HealthCare 4420 Lake Boone Trail Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Attn: C6-Kenneth Rhodes (919)784-3100 The physicians are hoping to perform tests tomorrow that will answer some difficult questions. Let's keep vigil tonight and pray for a Christmas miracle. Peace, Love, and Blessings to All Mandy |
| I owe my friends here an apology; it wasn't my intention to take a hiatus at all, let alone to be away for so long. Suffice to say that I've been overwhelmed by life in general lately. But I didn't come here tonight to write about me; but instead to share some news and request healing thoughts and prayers for our friend, Ken, Carolina Blue whom I've just learned suffered from cardiac arrest last night and is currently in a coma. I don't know any details beyond that, but will share when I learn more. Love you all. Peace and Blessings, Mandy |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Time is like the wind That comes in the morning With a barely palpable caress of the cheek Rising to a comfortable caress In its measured passage of the day Until it rises a sudden gale Revealing the irrevocability of its power Trembling our browning leaves And blowing them to our finality. ~Phillip Pulfrey, from Beyond Me Preceding the imminent clamor of hydraulic brakes, diesel exhaust, and exuberant youth, I stand at the southeast corner of the classroom, somewhat dazed and yet mesmerized by its brilliance. Most of the trees have long since reached their peak and shed their foliage in preparation for winter's slumber; but this sugar maple is at the apex of its glory — towering and symmetrical — its amber leaves emulating the morning sun. Despite the quiescent surroundings, there is a sudden stirring amongst the branches, and gingerly the progenitor releases its charges. One-by-one, they float delicately to the earth, coming to rest at the roots that sustained them during their brief, but glorious existence. Soon it is raining leaves and I press against the pane — a moist fog forming as the steady rhythm of my exhalations mingles with November's chill. Individually, each leaf represents a life — golden, fragile, ephemeral — and I whisper their names in remembrance...  Chuckquea  Emily Jason Brittany David Sarah Nick Tyler Joy JeremyI adamantly believe that each soul has a purpose and that these children — impaired, fragile, and imprisoned — are angels on earth; they're sent to teach us patience, tolerance, and compassion and our Creator rewards them with a very brief season in this place before allowing them to become whole and free once again. As silent teardrops fall in unison with autumn's departed, a tingle of assurance permeates my being and I am comforted... fluttering blithely unencumbered by frailty November's children Do-Re-Mi: We have six children in our classroom: three who live at home, one who lives in a group home, and two who live in a skilled nursing facility for children ages birth to twenty-one. H1N1 has reared its ugly head at the nursing facility and three children have passed away over the last few days. Two were children that I had never met; but I worked with Jeremy during my first year with the district. Eight years ago, we lost four of our students and others have since left us. It's a reality that I was keenly aware of when I signed on. I hope I can honor those children by always applying the lessons they've taught me. You Fill Up My Senses: I'm beginning to wonder if the Canadian geese have taken up permanent residence on the library lawn and adjoining pond. When taking off, the lead bird will waddle forward and begin nodding his head. The others then fall into line and they take off in formation like a fleet of B-52 bombers. As soon as there is enough clearance, another gaggle will follow suit. Amazing birds. But very dirty! Sesame Street Turns 40!: ...on November 10; so just for fun, I'd like to share this song that our fifth-graders will be performing at their concert next week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLqb64Pb9So It Happened On This Day: In 1935, Parker Brothers launched the board game, Monopoly. Iowegian Skies: 46° and cloud cover at 22:35 CST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** meekly, he bellows beseeching her affection poor lovesick fellow Long ago, elk and bison freely grazed the prairies of Iowa. Settlers arrived, bringing with them their guns and altering the landscape. By 1900, these creatures and many other species had disappeared from the region. Slowly, our prairies are being re-established and elk and bison are being reintroduced in protected areas, such as this enclosure at Jester Park. I enjoyed watching as this bull elk followed the female around like a lost puppy dog. I was surprised by his bugle, which was high-pitched and pleading — not at all the majestic call that I had anticipated. The cow paced nervously, panting. I think she had had enough! Rutting season has most definitely arrived on the plains, bringing with it many photo opportunities. I was blessed to lock gazes with this beautiful white tail — In fact, I could almost reach out and touch her at one point. She was cautious and inquisitive initially, but soon realized that I meant her no harm. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Just as I readied my camera to snap a shot of three does that had come into view, they suddenly startled and ran. Mistakenly, I believed that the man emerging from a neighboring car was the cause of their rapid flight. That is, until I saw him cantering out of the thicket — a libidinous buck, like a pimply adolescent, in pursuit of young love. Ah, mi... Do-Re-Mi: The bad news is, I've been bitten by the bug. Doc Andersen says it's not flu (H1N1 or otherwise). Could've fooled me: cough, fever, aches, chills, sweats. What else could it be?  The good news is that I finally have some time to do a little catching up. I'm already feeling better, but if you could, please keep the kiddos in my classroom in your thoughts and prayers. Three of the six are ill and their disabilities put them at a higher risk than most of us. In Iowegian News: It pays to submit! Just ask Hannah... http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091022/NEWS/910220316/1131&community=... It Happened on This Day: In 1797, Andre-Jacques Garnerin made the first recorded parachute jump. He made the jump from about 3,000 feet. Wheeeeee!!! Iowegian Skies: 45° and raining cats and dogs at 13:50 CDST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** The Irish gave the bagpipes to the Scots as a joke, but the Scots haven't got the joke yet. ~Oliver Herford The word conformity had never appeared on her first-grade spelling lists and it would be a few more years before she was introduced to its definition. However, she learned quite early that to be different was to be subjected to sneers, whispers, and taunting. While her peers jumped rope, chanting Cinderella, dressed in yella...Went upstairs to kiss a fella, she galloped across the field, wind billowing in her long, black mane, imagining that she was a wild pony on Chincoteague Island. She was painfully shy — actually preferring solitude or the company of an elderly neighbor — and her classmates seemed to pay her no mind; so for a time, she was content to exist in her own little world. It was on a Friday morning that they first seemed to notice her. Mrs. Hansen, their music teacher, occasionally permitted students to share a favorite song with the class and it was on this day that she timidly handed her teacher a 33 vinyl album and asked her to play Rocky Mountain High. It was only a matter of seconds before her cheeks turned to red and she hung her head, hoping to hide as she noticed Theresa's hand pressed to Becky's ear, overheard their giggles, and the words I hate John Denver. It wasn't long after that, that she learned to dress like they did, embrace the Bay City Rollers, and to chant Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish...how many pieces do you wish, as she jumped. And yet, somewhere deep within her soul, she still longed to be a mustang and to sing Sunshine On My Shoulders. Fast forward to adulthood and the young girl eventually expanded her vocabulary to include words like diversity, individuality, and variety. And so, it is on the 12th anniversary of his tragic death that she proudly shares music by one of her favorite artists... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvb-rxmlX2A&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhbFIsx2VSM |
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. ~C.C. Scott Instead of a written entry, I'd like to share a video I put together in celebration of my mother's final chemo treatment. Her latest scan showed no signs of the disease—Her hair is beginning to grow back and she's feeling fabulous! Thank you to all who have kept her in your thoughts and prayers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmQJ96b0gbk Peace and Blessings, ~Mandy |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Children are not the people of tomorrow, but are people of today. They have a right to be taken seriously, and to be treated with tenderness and respect. They should be allowed to grow into whoever they were meant to be. 'The unknown person' inside each of them is our hope for the future. -- Janusz Korczak In kindergarten, wardrobe malfunctions and boo-boos are common occurrences and so I was well-prepared when I noticed young Talli: barely five-years-old, petite, cherub-cheeked, wispy hair the color of a newborn fawn, scuffed black patent Mary-Janes, timid blue eyes, pale chest exposed. I discreetly took the self-conscious child aside, pulled back the straps of her hand-me-down sundress — fastening them with a safety pin — and smiled as she skipped off to frolic with her classmates. When gym class was over, she stood at my feet and beamed up at me, "Thank you for the safety pin," before falling into line with her peers. Later that same evening, I marveled at my daughter's reflection in the mirror: fifteen-years-old, looking more like a woman than a child, athletic and yet feminine, glowing skin, sleek golden tresses, stunning steel blue eyes, confident and poised. The dress she had selected for her first high school homecoming dance complimented her perfectly, but it needed just one small alteration. I smiled wistfully, tears welling in my eyes, as my angel turned to me and said, "Thank you for the safety pin, Mom." Written in response to Carolina Blue 's six sentence challenge. I invite and encourage others to do the same. What can you say in six sentences?http://opensalon.com/blog/carolinablue50/2009/09/12/six_sentences ~  ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Today marks milestones for both of my children. Emily, who turned fifteen earlier in the week, will attend her first homecoming dance tonight. Brandon, who became legal at 2:43AM Pacific time, will go out on the town with friends this evening. For a few years now, I've stated that my own birthdays don't bother me — It's my children's birthdays that cause me to be keenly aware of how quickly time passes. I'm definitely feeling a mix of emotions — and very middle-aged — today. * deep sigh* Emily is embarking on her adventure with a group of friends — something I've advised her to do as I know I would have had a far better time at school functions with my girlfriends than I did with some of my dates. This afternoon will be a flurry of final touches: a make-up session at Ulta, curling irons, hairspray, jewelry exchanges and giggles. Nostalgic and tearful parents will snap photos and carefree teens will display their exuberance — innocently unaware of the significance of the moment. I'll try not to think of how Brandon is spending his evening. A young man's rite of passage with friends who have yet to realize what it really means to become a man isn't something I want to imagine nor do I wish to be privy to. We've had the discussion about responsibility and the necessity of a designated driver. I also shared with him Carolina Blue 's timely account of two lives shattered: http://opensalon.com/blog/carolinablue50/2009/09/18/a_friday_night_story The rest is in my Creator's hands.This evening, I'll have the peace and quiet I've long been yearning for. It's an odd feeling... ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Do-Re-Mi: Well heck — what else is there? I hope my friends here in Blogville will understand and forgive my lack of reading/comments/correspondence this week. It's been a busy one! I'll attempt to do a little bit of catching up over the next couple of days. You Fill Up My Senses: A silvery fog rose up from the emerald landscape this morning. Warm hues provided a complimentary contrast: the eastern sky awash in muted peaches and yellows, cheerful black-eyed Susans, woodland sunflowers and marsh marigolds, chrysanthemums flourishing in shades of red, gold and bronze, deep scarletts in burning bushes, maples leaves, sumac and the crest of a cardinal, the deep orange-red of over-ripe tomatoes neglected on a vine, and a rustic storage shed painted in a fresh coat of canary. Hollywood Comes to Iowegia: As I drove up to the bank the other afternoon, I observed a film crew across the street at Stella's Diner. Here's the skinny... http://www.kcci.com/goodnews/20973393/detail.html Iowegian Skies: Sunny and a spectacular 64° at 10:15 CDST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Lately it seems, there's been a pervasive cloud hovering just over my shoulder. I've been reluctant to admit it—even to myself; but it's been building in intensity for a while now. Death and chronic illness seem to be too frequent commonalities amongst good people that I care about. Antagonists are shouting into their megaphones and our nation is becoming bitterly divided. The final blow came yesterday, when I learned that the mother of one of our students took her own life on Thursday evening. Helping a child to deal with grief is a challenge in and of itself, but the death of "J's" mother presents a very unique set of circumstances. J has resided in a skilled nursing facility for all of his eleven years. In the five years that I've worked with him, I've only seen his mother briefly on two or three occasions. This is a young man who is severely disabled—immobile and frequently, unresponsive. I don't know how often his mother visited, nor do I know how aware he was of her presence. What I do know is that I was affected by his tears yesterday—Were they tears of mourning? tears of pain or discomfort? We can only guess, offer extra hugs and strengthen our resolve to help him find a means of communication Last evening — while J and his young sisters were forefront on my heart and mind — the airwaves were full of images and grim reminders that eight years after 9/11, there are still those out there who wish us harm. It was when I viewed Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, opus 11 in Carolina Blue 's offsite blog http://carolinablue50.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/black-september/ that the skies opened up and torrential rains poured down. I'm not ashamed to admit that I need a good cry every now and then. Last night's thunderstorm and this morning's subsequent shower were both cleansing and liberating. As the skies began to clear, a morning stroll and a quiet communion with my Creator were just what I needed to redirect my anguish and focus on the positive. "Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again.” ~Alex Tan There is truth in You need both rain and sunlight to create a rainbow. Feeling the sun upon my face this morning — along with the subtle changes of the season beginning to take place — had a powerfully healing effect on me. With each step, I felt the anguish melting away and hope returning to my weary soul. Upon reflection, I was reminded of all the good that came out of September 11, 2001. For a moment in time, our nation was united. People put aside their grievances and reached out to one another. Families and friends expressed their love and affection for one another and focused on that which truly matters. People gave of themselves without hesitation and for once, we were all connected. A group of volunteers, impacted by 9/11 and other tragedies hasn't forgotten; nor should we... http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=11079871 "Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness." ~James Thurber As the heaviness dissipated and I took notice of the little things (cheerful blue morning glories, mallards bobbing gently on the water, a white crane gliding overhead...), I also pondered the gift many of us received when we joined Nada in celebrating Lance's life with a sunset and a toast. That night — as the sun sank below the horizon — I noted the city lights below. How many of those illuminated houses were occupied by people watching reality tv and living vicariously through others? How many residents were preoccupied with tedious tasks instead of gazing into the eyes of their loved one? How many children made futile attempts to gain their parents' attention? How many — were missing yet another opportunity to view a glorious sunset? I plan to see many more sunsets during my lifetime. How about you? "The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough." ~Rabindranath Tagore http://www.yallwire.com/player/pointofgracehowyoulive.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPqp8z2zLHw ************************************************************************************************************************ Do-Re-Mi: It's been a strange week of ups and downs. And, it's worth the effort to get to know folks. My new next-door neighbors are three friends, all with various disabilities that come with age. Jean and Rodney frequently sit outdoors, while Mike is more reclusive. I recently learned that Rodney also enjoys writing. He used to publish a weekly newsletter for the adult community in which he resided. Featured articles were The World According to Rodney (in which he shared about various and sundry topics of interest) and Dear Rhonda (for which he dressed as a woman, doled out advice, and even appeared in character at some events). The topic of author, Bill Bryson, came up and I mentioned that I've only read two of his travelogues — A Walk in the Woods and In a Sunburned Country — but that I thoroughly enjoyed them both and looked forward to reading more of his publications. As luck would have it, Mike is Bill Bryson's brother!   A Little Iowa Trivia: http://www.kcci.com/video/20694231/index.html Pink Update: My mother only has two chemo treatments left. She is beginning to acquire some "peach fuzz" on her scalp and feels like "an ugly baby bird." The only ill effect, thus far, has been a urinary tract infection. Gotta get myself a Fight Like a Woman t-shirt! Iowegian Skies: 82° breezy and sunny at 14:55 CDST |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one father. And I saw that it was holy." - As written by Black Elk and Told in Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt It is believed by the people of the Meskwaki Nation (Sac and Fox tribes) that each race was entrusted with certain roles and responsibilities during creation in order to complete the Sacred Hoop of life. Over time, each race — failing to realize that their knowledge was incomplete — accepted their knowledge as the whole truth and began to quarrel with one another, breeding prejudice, intolerance, animosity and breaking the Sacred Hoop. As a youth, Ralph Moisa III (aka White Eagle) faced discrimination because of his heritage. He once stood up to two car loads of youth who shouted obscenities at his family and his race. During one incident, he became incensed when someone shot out the window of his family's car. White Eagle could have easily responded in kind — by fostering hostility and violence. Instead, he hoped to gain a greater understanding of other cultures by embracing his own. As Ralph's appreciation for his culture grew, so did his heart. He revered the earth and all living creatures — a bond that he shared with his ancestors. His regard for creation also extended to humanity: The young man often dreamed of a gathering that would break down the walls of misunderstanding and bring together individuals of different races. Unfortunately, he never got to see that dream come to fruition. It was during a walk in December, 1995, that Ralph spotted a red-tailed hawk entangled in a power line. He made his living by climbing utility poles and must have been aware of the dangers. However, that didn't prevent him from going to the aid of his winged family member. Both were electrocuted and White Eagle was buried with the hawk's wings spread across his chest in an eternal embrace. It was five years later that Ralph's parents organized the first Multicultural Pow Wow in memory of their son and his dream. Each year, a young man is chosen by the parents to dance in his memory as the nation and others celebrate their diversity. It was a delight and a privilege to share in the day's festivities... [Embed For Use By Upgraded+] It is our goal to bring all races and nations together, to begin to bring down the walls of misunderstanding, to share their heritages, and the history of the nations, through music, dance, song, and stories. Through this we hope to show that all of us are the same. We hope that you will join us in our circle, to help to begin to mend that Sacred Hoop. ************************************************************************************************************************************************* Do-Re-Mi: The first week of school was a mixed bag. We've had opportunities to navigate and model the new PODD system for our students and two of our young charges are showing interest/promise already. One student fell from her bed at home — breaking her collarbone. We sent her a balloon bouquet.  On the Home Front: Emily has been practicing hard (15 hours per week) and will participate in her first high school volleyball game on Tuesday evening. After submitting independent films to different venues, Brandon was contacted by the Cinemark theater in Cedar Park, Texas: They've selected one of Brandon's films to show prior to their featured film. You Fill Up My Senses: Great music and entertainment at the White Eagle Pow Wow yesterday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JjfEiZEfU8&feature=related What you can't smell or taste is the delicious smoked brisket! Blogville: Want to sharpen your writing skills? Visit my friend diamond_hoop at "Invalid Item" For an uplifting experience, visit SummerLyn Guthrie at "Invalid Item" It Happened On This Day: In 1967, the Senate confirmed Thurgood Marshall as the first African-American justice on the Supreme Court. Iowegian Skies: Cloudy and 61° at 12:45 CDST. Lows in the 40's tonight! |
** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** "We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn." ~Peter Drucker As August draws to a close, parents are rejoicing and educators are lamenting. Though September 22 is still nearly a full month away, my summer came to an end last Wednesday when our district held the first inservice of the 2009-10 school year. Sleeping in and lounging by the pool side will be reserved for weekends only. Tomorrow morning, apple-cheeked bundles of energy will come bursting through our east doors. By 4PM Friday, staff and students alike will be exhausted. Relinquishing the carefree days of summertime in exchange for a more structured schedule always requires some adjustment. However, there is much to be excited about: reconnecting with friends and colleagues, sharing events of the season, meeting new faces and greeting familiar ones, and opportunities to witness a young generation learning and growing. The staff in our district is committed to life-long learning; something I think anyone with a pulse should strive for. I don't recall who coined the phrase When growth stops, decay begins, but it's one I use frequently and believe adamantly. It's for this reason that I'm excited about a new communication system that we'll be implementing in our classroom this year. Those of you who have followed my blog since the beginning will recall that I work in a Severe and Profound classroom; This year we'll have six students with a variety of developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injuries. None of our students are able to communicate verbally, and so to fully understand their feelings, thoughts, and needs is a constant challenge. In years past, we've used picture symbols and computer scanning programs that enable our children to have some choices and variety in their daily activities. These methods, however, are limiting and offer very few options. One student uses a computerized device that allows her to communicate by touching customized screens, but at around seven thousand dollars, this system isn't accessible to many families. This year, we'll be familiarizing ourselves with and teaching our students to use a PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) communication book. The book was designed by a speech pathologist and an educator who cumulatively have over forty years of experience working with children with special needs. The book is organized in such a manner that a child can touch or gaze at a picture symbol which will then branch into additional choices. For example, a child might select a symbol that indicates he/she wants to play. The person assisting the child would then turn to the "play" page and the child can choose from several options. If he/she were to choose "game" you would then turn to another page which might be customized with choices such as Candyland, Sorry or Monopoly. The system is expansive and will allow the children to express almost any emotion, desire, or even to tell a joke. Those who are able to learn the system will be able to engage their peers, tell their mother that they hate the flowery dress she put them in, or tell us where something hurts. Having the ability to communicate and to make choices is something most of us take for granted. For our kids who have never had those skills, finding their "voice" will be liberating. Not many years ago, these children would have been locked away from the world and dismissed as unteachable. Now, they have opportunities to interact with others and enjoy a better quality of life. We ARE learning. ************************************************************************************************************************ Do-Re-Mi: On Saturday, I traveled to Omaha for a small family reunion with my maternal grandmother, aunts and cousins. The weather was ideal and we enjoyed a tail-gate party at Rosenblatt Stadium. Afterwards, we gathered at my aunt Bonnie's house to see her recent updates. In the back corner of the yard, she has planted a small garden in memory of my grandfather. Grandpa lived for fishing and the garden's centerpiece is his old fishing cooler, brimming with smiling shasta daisies. A crabapple tree provides a canopy over the garden. I think I'll attempt to fashion a wind chime out of fishing lures as an addition.  It's All Trivial: In August, 1970, a rock festival was scheduled to take place in Galena, Illinois. When the Galena sheriff obtained an injunction — disallowing the local power company to provide electricity for the event — the festival was held instead on Clarence Schmitt's farm in Wadena, Iowa. Galena in Wadena was Iowa's "Woodstock" and thousands got stoned, went skinny dipping in the Volga river and rocked out to Poco, Flying Burrito Brothers, Everly Brothers, Sons of Champlin, Joan Baez, REO Speedwagon, and Lightning. http://www.thewadenastory.com/ You Fill Up My Senses: I've been walking daily and was recently inspired by some of the flowers along my path. "Invalid Entry" Iowegian Skies: Star strewn and a cool 64° at 23:18 CDST |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
but better late than never.
