The Hobbit…
Five years from now, a teacher somewhere is going to assign The Hobbit to his or her class for a book report. To save time, the kids will actually read the book. =)
Heading across the pond…
Okay Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my friends and loved ones. Here’s hoping the holiday season is a happy and safe one for you. See you in 2013!
Newton Youth and Family Services
Newtown Youth & Family Services, Inc., a nonprofit mental health clinic, will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for emergency counseling for families, community members or staff involved in the Sandy Hook
Elementary school tragedy. All donations made to the organization will benefit those affected. Find out how you can help here.Newtown Parent Connection
The Newtown Parent Connection, a nonprofit that addresses issues of substance abuse, also offers bereavement group counseling on the first Wednesday of every month. The organization told The Huffington Post that it’s going to try to bring in additional counselors to accommodate the needs of those affected by the Sandy Hook shooting. Find out how you can help here.The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross of Connecticut immediately responded to the shooting scene and provided more than 50 units of blood platelets and plasma to the Danbury Hospital, where some of the victims were transported. The aid organization has also distributed food and water to first responders and is setting up a family reception center that will provide initial grief counseling. The aid organization is not seeking blood donations at this time and doesn’t anticipate any additional need. Learn about how you can help here.
On a lighter note (on a pretty bleak day), we had a girls’ night to the movie. We saw The Hobbit and my inner geek enjoyed it SO much! We saw it in 3D I really recommend it!
Just thinking…
Had an interesting chat with a group I’m in this morning. All age groups, different parts of the world, all different beliefs. It was a chat about books but it eventually went to morals and ran amok from there. Made me realize that I’ve arrived at a place of peace in my life. I have young friends who know everything (I was once one, then figured out in the last few years I don’t have it all figured out). I have friends who are older who age has either brought wisdom to — or caused them to harden their vision down to black and white. I don’t mind being told I’m going to hell because I don’t believe strongly enough or believe the wrong things. I don’t mind being laughed at for thinking there is such a ridiculous thing as hell. But I watch both extremes and the darker shades leading to the middle and I’m exhausted just watching and listening to everyone railing at what they don’t like, are against, hate, must lash out about. I listen. I don’t judge. I learn from all of these wonderful people — a pov I hadn’t considered here or understanding there. And then I remember to be still. To take my focus away from the things I don’t want or maybe even fear and focus on the good things in my life. Gratitude for all the loved ones and friends I’m so lucky to have. Gratitude for what I have. It brings more good things into my life. When I used to be angry all the time, and wanted people to know I was angry (and come to find out most people really could care less what we think), I just pulled more of THAT into my life. Who needs it? Anyway, it’s a good note to end the year on. I hope all my friends and loved ones find such peace and contentment this holiday season — whether you celebrate Christmas or not.
