Saturday's Baby Shower and More

The Beauty and Comfort of Friends and the Hope of New Life

IE snafu is b-a-c-k . . .

Today was the real test when I opened lots of windows to prepare for Live Chat Operator time at 0600. IE froze again . . . it's still stuck as I type from FireFox browser. Bummer. A solution must be nearby.

Late into the evening, the problem still exists. Guess I don't have the problem fixed after all.

Mid-morning and to late afternoon, however, the day was spent amongst a large group of women in honor of the new baby coming to town . . . It was a delightful experience, one which demonstrated the true power of giving and appreciation of friends, and, the wonder of new life. I felt truly blessed to be among so many wonderful women.

Though the food served was home-made and the best tasting since I can't remember, the most touching, gentle and loving part of this event was the creation of a chain of beads in a ceremony for Mom and Baby. A few times there wasn't a dry eye around and it was incredibly beautiful, inspiring, and a wonderful way to send our good wishes for mom and baby during delivery and into life afterwards. We had grandmothers, and mothers, and sisters, and nieces and friends all the way from meeting as friends next door to the recent years. WOW. Each one of us brought a special bead (oh, some of the stories of these beads was really, really cool) and as we strung it onto the chain of beads, we got to share with Mom and baby our prayers, thoughts, hopes, and appreciations of them and for them and their family.

The outpouring of love really felt "pregnant" with Hope for our world and people who are so challenged right now. (Sorry about that pun, it just felt right.)

Afterwards, I was blessed to go on a brisk walk in the cool dusky air with our friend's doggie, and it was lovely to hear the geese come into the lake to bed down for the night --- their gentle honk, honk, honking a comforting sound as we trekked with busy steps in a race with impending darkness. The darkness won, but our spirits were lifted and we were "dogged-out" when we made it back to the house ;0).

It was truly a renewing and inspiring day.