519: Be Not Afraid

It's my first beer in almost a month!

Melted snow and a six pack from my parents--

I couldn't refuse tonight.

My post holiday detox is done 

and I have concluded once again,

I am a much nicer person when the waistband on my pants

is looser.

Melting snow sure does make lots of mud.

Be not afraid!

It wipes up off of the floors after you let it dry a bit.

Let the kids and pets go outside and play.

Since the roads are clear

my group is making our first Winery Run

from 6 Mile Cellars

to Burch Farms.

We are taking off at 9:00 am

if you want to join us.

It's about 5 miles.

If you don't think you can do it,

Be Not Afraid.

We'll have a support vehicle in the vicinity

to pick you up,

throw your stuff in,

or offer you water if you need a drink.

Then you can drink the good stuff 

after you arrive at the winery!

(Well....except for this guy on the edge.  Don't slip!)

This is a big bowling weekend for the hubby.

He bowls the daunting giant of Erie bowling, 

Lee Eighmy,

in the first match of the day.

Be Not Afraid, Louie!

Stay focused and do what we all know you can.

Strike will be your word of the day.

I'll be wearing my new rally shirt my friend Amy made.

It's my new lucky shirt!

I'll have a whole collection of them,

ordered personally to my liking.

I'm too beyond a side tattoo--

but I will do a vertical seam word on a t-shirt.

I got one for HC Hoops, too!

Ellen's season hasn't started yet,

but we have her monogrammed bow all ready to go!

Ever think of starting your own business?
Be Not Afraid.

Best of luck, Amy.

We are so glad you are sharing your talent.

It felt so good to go out last weekend.

It warmed up nicely after another cold snap,

and I jumped at the chance to take my camera out for a walk.

Thank you to all of those who added decorations to this dying park tree.

I collected them up

and will save them for another tree next year.

It was a good day.

I even caught a blue jay and a woodpecker at my feeder at the same time!

My wellness group went for a beautiful walk across the bay.

I wish I could have joined them,

but I went Prom dress shopping for a special dress buy out.

We didn't find dresses, 

but tried on many.

More fun to come.

My friends had lots of fun.

Here are some of their epic photos:

Sara had a stunner.

Loved this one.

Erie sunsets always get the big press,

but the sunrises are just as glorious.

Push through the end of January the best you can, Erieites.

Yes, spring is coming,

but we have a whole lot to get through yet.

Make the best of it,

and 

Be Not Afraid!

Eloise

Lesson 518: Darkness & Light

Good evening, Readers.
A shadow of darkness has crossed Eloise this week.



Far too much devastating news involving children.

With abysmal news coming out of California about 13 siblings

Link to ABC report on the story CLICK HERE



and the horrific crimes of the gymnastics team doctor,

Link to NBC News story CLICK HERE



I've spent a significant part of my week feeling sickened.
I didn't even feel like taking pictures that much.
Perhaps when you are consumed with so much darkness
it's difficult to see through it into the beauty of the light.

I spent most of last weekend chipping away at the 

Pennsylvania Mandated Reporter Child Abuse class.

Me and 153 other of my teacher colleagues 

are due for an update on our training hours,

as are the rest of our school personnel.

I spent over 3 hours reading and learning about child abuse

and the law.

Every slide contained very important information.

Childline Number CLICK HERE

Anyone coming into regular contact with a child

is considered a Mandated Reporter,

and there are strict procedures we must follow in reporting

suspected abuse. 

Anyone else falls into the Permissive Reporter category.

The above link will give you the number you are to call

if you suspect child abuse.

If there is anything I can summarize for you

after more than 3 hours of continuous instruction 

is this:

Child Abuse is not someone else's problem--

it's ALL of our problem.

Do not look the other way if you suspect abuse or neglect.

All it takes is one phone call to the professionals 

who will handle the case from there.

The difference in saving someone's life just may be you.

Look at this creative pin very closely.

For those of you reading this blog
who may have yourself suffered abuse,
take care of yourself--right now.

Find support if you haven't yet,

and know that true help is really available to you.

Take it from Elie Wiesel,
who also lived in a world of darkness and hate



and emerged the victor on the other side.

As this all was happening this week,
the Olympic torch moved along one of the most
treacherous and feared borders of the world--
the DMZ separating the Koreas.

I am looking very forward to the Olympic Games,

which I always see as a two-week bright light

in a cold dark world.

Do your part, Readers.

Stay on guard and act when you need to.

Prayers sent tonight for all of the victims of abuse.

Join me in saying this simple prayer:

Lord, bless them.

Amen.

Eloise