Si se puede!

Today is the birthday of Cesar Chavez, an honorable person who fought for social justice and the rights of farm workers.

A leader, an organizer, a human being, a hero, a learner, an activist.

http://www.chavezfoundation.org/

Prayer of the Farm Workers' Struggle

Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people's plight.

Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.

Help me to take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.

Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.

Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.

Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the spirit will be alive among us.

Let the spirit flourish and grow;
So we will never tire of the struggle.

Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.

Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.

Written by Cesar E. Chavez, UFW Founder (1927-1993)

Ugly tchotchke of the week

Behold the glory of

"Santa's Ultimate Tootsie Roll Musical Motion Workshop."

This caught my eye for a few reasons. First, its sheer...tackiness. Second, the creepy look on Santa's face as he clutches an oversize tootsie roll. Third, the fact that this particular tchotchke is available for purchase now. In March. Not December, when one might consider any Christmas themed item to be worth snapping up.

It moves! It plays a medley of 8 favorite holiday songs! And it's "shown smaller than its impressive actual size of about 11 inches high. FREE AC adapter included!"

It doesn't get any better, people. Just 5 installments of $24.99 each.

Where's my laurel wreath?

Today I ran 2 miles without stopping.

Also without puking, busting a gut, or embarrassing myself in front of the neighborhood.

Good times

In the past week, TH and I have spent time with several good friends. We met up with old theater pals, we had some friends over for pizza and Guitar Hero, and I met the BFFs for dinner and cocktails.

Chicago deep dish pizza with our theater buddies.

I don't have a lot of prolific wisdom to spout about friendships, and the importance of staying connected, and all that, but I will say that all these get-togethers have fed my soul. People are not meant to stay home and watch TV (every night).

Guitar Hero with the Jones family.

Sooner or later the texting and emails are no substitute for laughter, shared experiences, and making memories. And pigging out, drinking delicious alcoholic beverages, and laughter.

A Venetian sunset with my BFFs - Asti, pineapple, and grenadine. Goes great with gossip.

To the girl who desires clean soles.

Dear precious one -

You are lovely. Your feet are lovely. I understand how, after dancing across the floors, your soles require refreshment. However. Please do not wash your feet in the sink of the women's locker room.

All my best,

a page from her book