Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Portrait of an Urban Child



We've been taking advantage of our proximity to the city lately, and Grace has gained much confidence from riding both the train and the subway to and from our destinations! She seems to be absolutely at home navigating the transportation system here. I am not sure why I am surprised, as she has always loved the train!

Today, we visited an exhibit on Global Climate Change, an exhibit on Human Origins, one on Birds of the World, and one on Gems and Meteors. Grace decided to sketch some of the different minerals in her sketch book. She really enjoyed that.
We also went to an IMAX presentation called "Monsters of the Deep", which we all really thought was neat! 
It was a wonderful day. We plan to really use the city as a part of her curriculum this year. 
Forte

Monday, November 10, 2008

I love this...

Yes we can.
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.
Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.
Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.
Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality.
Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.
Yes we can repair this world.
Yes we can.
We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. (We want change.)
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics…they will only grow louder and more dissonant ……….. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea: Yes We Can.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Friends

Here is what America could be...SHOULD be.

Thanks, Dawning Mama!

Truths

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A New Chapter

Well, It appears that my post to get out the vote worked! :) YES, We Can!!!
Barack Hussein Obama is our next President elect.


Barack Hussein Obama is our next President elect. He is the first person of color to scale the heights of an electoral process to get to this, the highest office in the free world. He did it with grace, class and dignity. He has a wonderful vision, one which I share, of an America all working together , using our God -Given talents to make the country stronger.  It is an America that we can ALL be proud of  because we have achieved what no one had dared to hope was possible last night. We, the People,  voted in who our history would say is the the LEAST likely personto win.  We voted in the historically-significant underdog.
 I am extremely proud this morning. I am proud of  the American People, for making our voices heard and seeing the election process as that important that we came out in record numbers to vote. I am proud of John McCain, for giving possibly one of the most gracious concession speeches I have even seen.  I am most proud of Barack Obama--make that President-Elect Barack Obama.  He had the good sense and decency to stand on those steps in my home state of Illinois  all those months ago and  he DARED to HOPE that he could be President of the United States of America, despite what history said.  
Congratulations, Senator Obama. You've made it.  We're ready to let our dreams soar with you, and make this an even greater country than anyone can Dare to Hope.

YES. We Can.

Forte

P.S. Sheesh! I can FINALLY change my bumber sticker from,  "Don't blame me. I voted Democrat..." I need some suggestions as to what to get now!! Any thoughts?:) 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

We CAN do this--Together!

I was just going to let this day slide on my blog. I was just going to be about my business and watch the election returns with no comment, as I have done so often before. That is not what will happen today. 

Today , I have hope. My hope is that Americans, both "real" and "as seen on TV", can come together today to overcome the Rovian hatred and divisiveness of the past.  My hope is that the next President of the United States will work with us to help us mend our fences, shore up our national pride, instill honor and dignity in the youngest of our children and see a clear, clean future.  
I know it sounds corny, but I really  CAN see that future. I want it for my child so badly I can taste it. It is within our grasp. We need only to reach out, pull the leaver, an commit ourselves to the task of rebuilding this country, both body and soul. We can do it--together. I'll take your hand, if you will take mine. I'll watch your children, if you will watch mine. I think we'll find that we are not so very different, you and I.  
Let's do this. Let's think about the future of our children's children.  I find the answer to the question "Who should I vote for?" staring me back in the mirror this morning.  I will cast my vote for the American People, to whom this country belongs. 
My hope is that Barack Obama will deserve my vote.  I am confidant that he will. 
Don't forget to VOTE!! We all have the right, and we should exercise that right!! 
Forte

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Hockey Mama for Obama! Vote!

http://www.salon.com/mwt/braodsheet/2008/10/29/hockey_mom/index.html

I am very glad this woman has time on her hands!  Dh and I really love the "moose man" pianist in the background! 
Don't forget to Vote on Tuesday. 
Forte