Being Thankful

I found a short article in yesterday's paper quoting an unknown author. I'm not taking credit for the ideas, but adapting for myself.

I'm thankful that I don't have everything I want, for what would I look forward to?
I'm thankful I don't know everything. I can learn.
I'm thankful for my limitations, because they give me opportunities for improvement.
I'm thankful for difficult times because they help me grow.
I'm thankful for my mistakes, they teach me valuable lessons.
I'm thankful when I'm tired. Hopefully I've made a difference.

I'm most thankful for family and friends, they keep me humble.

inukshuk

Confession. I didn't double check the spelling of this fascinating rock sculpture. When reading You are Here, I discovered my mistake. Who knows how the Inuit culture, native to the extreme Northwest, would have spelled it if they had a written language.
These stone sculptures were built to resemble humans and were usually placed on high ground with their arms pointing toward shelter.
Some strings of Inukshuks were built so that peering through a hole in one would lead to the sighting of another.
Sometimes they were used as icons to represent departed family members.
They may have even acted as a kind of scarecrow to influence the movement of caribou herds.
In addition to navigation aids, they go beyond being simple landmarks as they are imbedded in story telling.

When you see this symbol for the winter Olympics. You will be well informed and fascinated as I am.

Scouts and Sutherlands

THANK YOU SUTHERLANDS!

Saturday, Nov. 14, was a busy day for Boy Scout Troop 221 and Webelo Pack 221.
Sutherlands Lumber Yard and Hardware Store on College in Beaumont hosted a tremendous Fund Raiser for the the boys. Sutherlands provided hotdogs, drinks for the boys to sell, and balloons and American flags to give away.

The boys worked in three to four hour shifts, with Bryan working eight hours. At 8:30 pm he was still going strong. I was not at the sale for the entire 13 hour sale so my photos are limited.


They are having fun, feeding the masses and earned money for camping.

The last photo is an Inookshook. The rock construction is native to Canada and was a means for Natives to communicate directions. I made this one from Alaskan rocks (and super glue).

Watch for Inookshook. It is the symbol for the Winter Olympics to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Don't you wish you could go? I do.

signings and such

I have a new book in the works. "Loon's Necklace" is a children's story that I illustrated. The manuscript is with Publication Consultants in Anchorage. When I have a publication date, I'll post it.

The pictures below are two that are being considered for the back cover of "Loon's Necklace". I'm so glad I didn't try to read to more than two wiggly girls. This is my youngest granddaughter, Gianna, and her best friend, Bianca. We call them Gigi and Bebe.

Laurie Kolp arranged for us to be interviewed on Fox 4, KBTV, Friday morning. Quite an experience and something I'd like to do again. The staff was so easy to work with.

Friday night Laurie and her kids joined me with a booth at First Friday in Groves. The night was cool and pleasant. We each sold a few books.

Saturday we joined another autthor at Barnes and Nobles for a book signing.

It is time to start shopping for Christmas. Books are the perfect gift.