greenpepperpressblog

Michelle Ward/GreenPepperPress Blog

  • Score: Perfect 10

    Sambuddyparty

    We woke up to a sunny day, praise God.  After last year’s party with pouring rain, and the forecast of a Nor-easter on the way, we were lucky to have a day of sun.  With the five boys from Room 10, fifteen buddies, six teachers, (3 came with their dogs) and our family, we had a lovely day outside!  Sam hauled in lots of loot and had a terrific day. 

    Sambuddyparty2

    Last year I passed out Autism Awareness bracelets in the goodie bag.  This year I made bracelets with an "X", the Roman Numeral for 10.  Since the boys are from Room 10 I thought it would be a clever way for the buddies to show they are in the clan.  But really, they deserve a "10" for being such cool kids, befriending and encouraging our special boys. 

  • Dye Supply

    Easterdye2

    It’s cheap, it’s quick, it’s easy.  Get some while on clearance – egg dye.  Every Easter I have tags, strings, paper swatches, and even coffee filters on stand-by to soak up the leftover dye.  I can’t resist experimenting with the vibrant colors….even though it is not my comfort zone when it comes to this palette.  It’s the only time of year you’ll see me use these.  On the 2002 journal page you’ll see I dropped the dyed bits into plastic pockets, laid over coffee filters.  The metal rimmed white tags are the best – use bunches of them dangling on a package, makes a great impression….especially if you spray paint the wrapping paper 🙂

    Mwardsprayspring

    EDIT:  I meant to mention earlier a congrats to Penny Stuart for having her name drawn on the last Crusade.  The next one has started, come see, and come play!  Crusade No. 7 ~ "Say What?"

  • Happy Birthday Sam!

    Sam15

    If you would have called our house yesterday to wish Sam a "Happy Birthday" he would have replied "Why Thank You!", like a little gentleman.  Who knows where that came from but it made many of us smile as he enjoyed his day, especially after Easter brunch was cleared away and it was time for ordering pizza.

    Before Graham’s sister Sandra and her family left we took them to Rain Forest Cafe on Friday.  A last night out, complete with Volcano dessert ordered for Sam.  This birthday of his started early and will extend a week when we have the classmates and buddies come on Saturday for a party.  So the Volcano comes to the table with the waiters making quite a hoopla and Sam gets all shy…..then later says "You surprised me!"  Such spontaneous commentary, making me smile.  The men were off on the train to the city for a R&R concert and we headed toward Build-a-bear so our niece Molly, age 5 could make a bunny.  I hadn’t been there in years since Fallon, now 11, has outgrown the adventure. 

    Mwbuildbeara_2

    What I didn’t expect was that Sam would join in!  A Cat-in-the-Hat lured him in and soon we were at the filling station.  HERE’S THE COOL THING:  This month, for Autism Awareness, you can purchase a purple satin heart, proceeds going to Autism Speaks, to imbed in your animal.  Sam smothered the heart in kisses and buried it in the Cat, and soon was skipping off with his newest beloved.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 were added to the basket and I had one happy camper.  To most people in the mall that night it might have seemed a little odd to see my now 15 year old carrying around his Cat-in-the-Hat, waving a hand saying "happy birthday".  But for us, it was infectious to witness the pure joy in his heart.

    Autismawareness_2

    I have always found it fitting that April is Autism Awareness month as we celebrate Sam’s birthday.  Last year we had a HUGE party at the house with his classmates, teachers, and handfulls of buddies who come to help out in Room 10.  These kids are so awesome and have made it Cool to be Kind – boys and girls who sign up to participate in activities throughout the day with our special boys.  Having the party in April gives me the chance to thank them and to say a word about how cool it is to be in a school that embraces diversity.   Let’s hope it doesn’t rain this Saturday like last year.  Our home burst at the seams with 30+ guests last year 🙂

    Samtie

    One last word today about Sam-the-Man.  Check him out in a TIE!  His first tie ever!  I never thought he’d actually do it.  I had to warm him up to it for several days.  He still seemed resistant to the idea until it came time to get on the shirt….and he let me do it!  He was so proud as we pulled up to the church to see one of his teachers, Mr. Dave, get married last week.  Look how handsome the Room 10 boys look!  I was so happy, I can’t even tell you.

    (The Sam-I-Am toy in top picture came from Kohl’s, available last xmas, and Cat-in-the-Hat is from Builda-bear.)

  • For Sandra

    Music – the ever sweet transporter of memories made.  With this video, Paul McCartney and Wings performing Mull of Kintyre, we’ll remember the visit from Sandra, Dean, Harry, and Molly.  From Piscataway, NJ to Birmingham, England, with love.

  • Sound the Trumpets

    Mweaster

    At the church where I grew up, they presented Easter in such a powerful manner, I am still moved by the impression it left.  It was a contemporary building, a half circle of pews, facing the alter against a large brick wall.  On Good Friday evening, you entered a darkened church….stripped of all ornament, the only light was shown on a large cross leaning against the alter, with the bottom extending into the center aisle past the first few rows of pews.  You were given a nail as you silently took your seat.  The readings were very powerful, and almost scary, as members of the congregation were given the task of shouting "crucify him".  We were ushered up to the cross, kneeled to kiss it, and dropped our nail into a tin can.  All you could hear was the shuffling of feet on the carpeted aisles and the clanking of the nails as they dropped in.  I remember feeling sorrow and guilt that the people chose to put Jesus to death.  Years later I learned that the crosses used at Easter were saved from the previous Christmas…branches cut off, and the tree formed into a cross, crudely tied with rope.  Another powerful image.

    Then, Sunday morning, dressed in our finest, we entered a brightly lit church.  On the back wall behind the alter hung dozens of white and yellow banners.  Potted lillies and daffodils piled EVERYWHERE.  Bells were ringing and the trumpets sounded, truly exclaiming the good news, that Jesus had risen.   I’ll never forget that portrayal of JOY.  To experience a somber Good Friday, followed by a rejoicing Sunday, is the Easter I carry in my heart.

    Let those of us who celebrate Easter remember why we honor this holy day.

    And if you get black jelly beans in your basket, save them for me.  I love licorice.

  • coming home….

    Mwardsailingship

    I am standing upon the seashore.

    A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the

    morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.

    She is an object of beauty and strength.

    I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of

    white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

    Then someone at my side says:  "There, she is gone!"

    "Gone where?"

    Gone from my sight.  That is all.

    She is just as large in mast and hull and spar

    as she was when she left my side and she is just as able

    to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

    Her diminished size is in me, not her.

    And just at that moment when someone says:

    "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes

    watching her coming,

    and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:

    "Here she comes!"

    And that is dying.                                       
    ~Henry Van Dyke

      
        
      
      
      

    My friend Lesley Jacobs shared this beautiful poem recently with a group of friends.  I love this perspective of death.  It’s a perfect illustration of entering heaven.  My friend Liz is now in there.  It was a sentimental journey this week.  Thanks to those of you who wrote your sweet words of comfort.

    I’m home now and trying to catch up.  Kids are off school for a week and we have lots planned as Graham’s sister Sandra and her family have arrived from England.  I had hoped to plan some online specials for April since it is Autism Awareness month but I didn’t get it together.  The month is 30 days long so maybe I’ll come up with something.  In the meantime, tomorrow is the last day for the SixDegrees fundraising, and Ali is making us all proud with her efforts for Autism….last I checked it was over $25,000!!!

    EDIT: she’s at $37,000 plus! Ends at midnight.

    Have a good Spring Break, Easter, or Passover.

  • Don’t Wait

    Mwrip

    Monday I will travel to my native Minnesota to attend a funeral of a dear friend.  Just a few weeks ago I wrote her a letter to tell her what she meant to me and my family.  It was one of those things you get an impulse for and know you need to do it.  I believe now, that God knew the timing was right.  Writing is a good way to gather your thoughts, and put into words things you might not say over the phone or face to face.  Too often tears get in the way and you don’t complete your message. 

    Just wanted to say today – if you have some kind words to share with someone – don’t wait.

  • “I fancy you like mad”

    Mwanniversarycollage

    That was his opening line when we met at a nightclub in England in 1984.  March 23 will mark our 17th anniversary.  And even though he doesn’t come by here I wanted to acknowledge this cool dude I spend my life with.  Gets better every year honey.  Love ya.  Yep, those are leather pants….he bought ’em.

  • Hope Springs………

    Simonsays She’s doing it!

    She’s making a difference!

    Ali is raising awareness, raising funds, and is making a huge donation to Autism Speaks on behalf of those who contribute.

    Here’s the thing – Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees Network will match her total if she’s in the top 6 at the end of March.  He even mentions HER on Ellen today.  (Take a look!) 

    HELLO?  She’s in the top 3.  BRAVO ALI!!!  Thanks to ALL who have made donations, and those who will…..it’s time to solve this puzzle!

    I don’t know how to make a badge link thingie in my sidebar so you’ll have to follow link from here.

    Donate:  HERE    

    (Photo of Simon Edwards from the 6 Degrees Badge for Autism Speaks, created by Ali Edwards)

    EDIT:  Tonight on CNN, Larry King will be hosting Toni Braxton and Bill Cosby to talk about AUTISM. 

    EDIT AGAIN:  Autism Speaks Co-founder Suzanne Wright will appear on CNN’s "Larry King Live" to discuss autism on Wed., March 21, 2007 at 9 p.m. EDT. Wright will appear along with Bill Cosby and Toni Braxton, the stars of the upcoming Concert for Autism Speaks on April 9 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Braxton was recently named national celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks.

    See details for the concert, and get more info on Autism Speaks:  HERE

  • Green Pepper Press = Four Leaf Clover

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    To finish up GREEN week I’ll tell the origin of my company name.  Cutting open a green pepper, dipping it into paint, and pressing to paper, makes for a great St. Patrick’s Day card when you are stamping for the first time with your young child (now 16 years old).  Here are the keepsakes saved from a project Peter and I did together when he was 3.  I love when there are secret meanings behind something…..so now you know this one.  Green pepper’s pressed to paper make four leaf clovers, provided you’ve scouted out the best shaped ones.  How cool is that?