Cross-Blogging ~ Virtual Craft Show

So, over on my newest blog, The Crazy Creative Corner, we're having the First Annual Virtual Craft Show and, yes, I'm a part of it.  I now not only have a blog (or two) but I have a Facebook page and an Etsy Store all of which you're more than welcome to visit me on (and, of course, buy!).  Anyway, check out today's blog, here, and see what's going on as well at take a peek at some of the items over on Etsy that I have for sale.  Here's a sneak peek of a few items:



Christmas Dangles



Spina Bifida Awareness

Denim Dreams



Christmas Tree Dangles



Christmas Holiday Dangles



DON'T "SWEETIE" ME IF YOU'RE NOT MY GRANNY

Y'know, I probably shouldn't complain.  I mean, it's hard enough finding people who think "customer service" means forcing a plastic-looking smile as they serve you in some way.  But, honestly, folks, having someone who's about 15 years younger than you call you "sweetie" is annoying! I'm not 12 anymore and I don't know anyone over the age of 14 who likes the term "sweetie" being applied to them.  If you're in customer service (i.e., fast food, restaurant, cashier at any store) don't call someone "sweetie" unless it's obvious they're under the age of 12 or they're your husband/spouse.

And, while I'm ranting, to you women who use the words "hon" and "sugar" to everyone... don't.  Just. Don't.  Unless you're a Southern woman, it sounds patronizing in the extreme.  I worked for years with a woman who did that and it always sounded like she was talking down to the person she used it on, as if they were mentally incapacitated in some way.  When Southern women say "Hon" or "Sugar" it's a complement, as if they're including you in their vast circle of friends. And it's the way they can say it.  They sliiiiide it under the door and follow after! It's not a short, abrupt bark of a word "Hun!"  They draw it out as "Huuuun" and you expect to hear the second half, "-ney," on the end.  You don't feel talked at or down to, you feel welcomed.  And, when she says "sugar" it, too, is drawn out, "Shuuh-gah."  Southern women are just easy on the ears and ego.  And they never call anyone "sweetie" unless it's a grandchild (at least, not that I've ever heard... and, yes, I can say this with authority, my mom's side of the family is Texan - as am I - and most of my college friends were from Alabama, Georgia, North & South Carolina... you get the idea).

I think we forget that words have meaning, even words we take as "meaningless" today.  And, the meaning takes on more weight in how it's used, when it's used and how it's said (the one thing you don't want is a Southern woman shortening that "hon" when you've done something stupid... it's a reprimand all on it's own!).  Think about what you say and how you say it before you verbalize.  Because, seriously, folks, I'm about ready to snap off a good, old fashioned, Southern "Hon!" at the next young person who calls me "sweetie!" as if I were twelve!

THE FIRST GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

Okay, yes, I know, it's not Christmas, yet.  And, no, I'm not being like the stores and putting out "Christmas Items" before Thanksgiving is even here.  This isn't about my new blog (or Etsy store), this is about being asked (in a very round-about way) by Mr. School Principle to write the kids Christmas play this year.  You see, our school is the smallest, student numbers-wise, that it's ever been so he needed something simple.  Yes, this is why he came to me (droll-roll-of-the-eyes).  Anyway, below is the story I came up with and he, so far, has approved.  It's about two little boys at granma's house on Christmas Eve and a dream about Christmas' first Gift.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFT

[bedroom, two cots with a little boy in each, about 6 and 10 years of age]


Ivan: Pssst! Gabe! You still awake?

Gabe: [rolls over] Yeah, Ivan. What's wrong?

Ivan: Nuthin'. I'm just excited 'cause tomorrow's Christmas. D'ya think Santa will bring that skateboard I've been begging for?

Gabe: [in thoughtful tones] I dunno, Ivan. You were a real pill to Mom last week.

Ivan: [with a whine in his voice] Yeah, but... I worked double hard at being good over the weekend!

Gabe: [trying not to laugh] And you broke Mimi's favorite vase this afternoon.

Ivan: [defensively] You know that was an accident, Gabe. 'Sides, you threw that pillow!

Gabe: [snickers] Yeah, well, Mimi wasn't too upset. MAYYYYYbe Santa will bring all the loot we asked for. I really, really want that new bike!

[woman's voice from off-stage] You boys go to sleep or Santa will never come!

[in unison] Yes, Mom! [snuggle down in cots]

[lights dim, dream sequence begins with K thru 1st grade children singing first verse of "Away In A Manger"]


ANGELS:

Lead Angel: For unto you a Child is born.

Angel chorus: a Child is born

Lead Angel: Unto you a Son is given

Angel chorus: a Son is given

[all angels in unison] : And His name shall be called Wonderful, [little louder] Counsellor, [louder] the Mighty God, [firmly louder - no screaming] the Everlasting Father, [softly] the Prince of Peace.


MARY:

Prince of Peace. So the prophets said He would be called. But, I don't remember much being peaceful about that night. God's only begotten Son was born in a city so crowded, people were literally sleeping in streets and alleys. I was so glad Joseph was able to talk an innkeeper into letting us use his stable. [shakes head, small smile] This King of kings, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel Himself was born in a small, dirty, smelly hole in the wall when He had every right to be born in a palace.
But, He came to give, not take.
To be a servant, not a King.
I remember His first visitors, too. [laughs] You'd think just-hours-old parents would be left in peace but, no, a bunch of unwashed, burly shepherds found us, wanting to see Him. They said God sent angels to tell them of His Son's birth. The Lamb of God visited by keepers of the lambs used in sacrifice.
How amazing!


ANGELS:

Lead Angel: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy...

Angel chorus: good tidings of great joy

Lead Angel: For unto you is born this day... a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.

Angel chorus: a Saviour, a Saviour, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord

[first verse of "Silent Night"]

SHEPHERDS:

Silent night? HA! There wasn't much silent around Bethlehem that day OR night. So many people were crowding into the city, kicking up dust as they came over the roads and through the hills, scaring our sheep out of their wool.
Then the angels appearing in the middle of the night to proclaim the birth of the long-awaited Messiah. This time, it was we shepherds who had the wool scared off of us! We got the idea, though, and raced off into the city, looking for a manger with a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. [chuckles] We made quite a ruckus ourselves with our looking but the angel didn't say which manger He'd be in!
Well, we found Him. Oh, yes, we found Him! We paused before we got too close, wanting to calm ourselves and not wake the baby. The gift of God.
His Son.
Our Messiah.
The Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world.


ANGLES:

Lead Angel: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulders: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

All Angels [unison]: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.


WISE MAN:

We weren't there at His birth even though we saw the star announcing it. We had a long way to travel; mountains to cross, bandits to fight off, animals to care for, people to protect. It took us close to two years or so to even reach the city of Bethlehem and the first place we went was to the palace. I mean, where else do you find a King? But, King Herod wasn't too happy when we asked for the one born King of the Jews. I'm sure he had no idea what we mean. He wasn't looking for the King of kings. He had no help to offer but he asked us to let him know if we found the child. That made us nervous and, because of a dream we all had later, we never went back to tell Herod where He was. When we left the palace we happened to look up and His star was back in the sky and it was moving! It led us right to the house where the yound child lived. We surprised his family when we knocked, but they welcomed us and allowed us to see Him. We only had small gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh but it was the very best we had to offer Him.
The King of kings.
Immanuel.
God with us.


NEXT MORNING:

[lights come up slow--like a sunrise]

Gabe: [rolls over and stretches, then sits up fast] Hey, Ivan, you up!?

Ivan: [pops up quickly] Yeah! And, I had the coolest dream!

Gabe: Me, too! All about the first Christmas and -

Ivan: [interrupts Gabe before he can finish the word "and"] -and God's Son!

Gabe: - and Mary!

Ivan: - and Angels!

Gabe: - and Shepherds!

Ivan: - and Wise Men!

[together] Coooool!

Ivan: Think we ought'a tell the others?

[woman's voice from off-stage] Boys! Mimi made homemade waffles and French toast! And Santa came last night with presents!

Gabe: [grinning] Yeah, we should!

[scramble out of bed and run from the room, whooping with excitement]

© Copyright 2011 Pam Sears (UN: condorsfan at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
(may not be used without permission of author)

REDEFINING SPINA BIFIDA ~ LIVING LIFE FULL-BORE

Well, my other loyal subject in the Procrasti Nation has sent me her answers to my nosy questions.  We're closing out the month of October discussing Spina Bifida.  Karen (aka Scasmflop) over at Carson's Corner let me ask her questions about what she went through when she discovered Carson has Spina Bifida (SB) and some advice for those who may find out their child will have a disability. 

See, here's the thing, a disability does NOT mean that child's life is valueless and should be terminated.  Karen was already far enough along in her pregnancy her doctor didn't even bring up abortion as an option to her (it wouldn't have been an "option" anyway, as far as she and her husband are concerned) but others have been told that "the child's quality of life" would be poor or not worth living.  What that really translates to is "your life will be harder and you won't be able to do things others do."  Well, guess what, having a child, with or without a disability, changes your life.  It makes it harder.  It changes what you can and can't do.  You have someone else to think of, now, other than just yourselves.  If your child has a disability, that doesn't make life worse, just tougher.  And, as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Are you willing to let that child be stronger?

Another great resource is Spina Bifida Kids and you can follow links to other blogs and see these a-MAZ-ing kids and their loving parents.  Parents who decided not to take the "easy" road and abort these precious lives.  Parents who decided even a physically disabled child deserves a chance at life and to bring joy into someone else's life.  Here is the mother of one such child, Karen and her adorable son Carson.

M&T:  How far into your pregnancy were you when the doctor informed you there was a problem with Carson?


Karen:  32 weeks

M&T:  Did he actually say there was a problem, or just indicate a need for further testing on your baby and what was your initial reaction to this?

Karen: My Ob detected what he thought to be a cyst on myself- possibly a ovarian or uterine cyst. He said those are fairly routine but I can’t rule out for certain that the cyst is not on the baby so I am going to send you for further testing.

M&T:  What was your immediate reaction to being told Carson has Spina Bifida?

Karen:  shocked, scared, sad, mad, hurt, confused, couldn’t breathe.

M&T:  Do you recall if you noticed, at the time, what your husbands’ reaction was?

Karen:  Pretty much the same as mine.

M&T:  I know you did Internet research into Spina Bifida after learning Carson has it. What was your emotional state as you learned what it was and what it could entail for him?

Karen:  Some info helped me relax while other info scared me for him. It was a Russian roulette game with info.

M&T:  I know you’re both Christians, do you feel your relationship with God was affected by these circumstances that were occurring at the time?

Karen:  I would say that I’ve realized more how much He is in control and not me.

M&T:  What about your marriage relationship, how was it affected at the time?

Karen:  We have a very strong relationship and this really didn’t seem to help/hinder. We just stuck together, leaned on each other, cried together, prayed together, but also laughed together and focused on what really mattered.

M&T:  I know when Carson was born, they insisted on a C-Section birth in order to reduce as much trauma to his little body and spine as possible, were you able to see him immediately after his birth?

Karen:  It was about an hour after his birth before I was able to see him. He went straight to the NICU and I was transported to recovery. I didn’t think I would get to see him till the next day since he was to be transported immediately to Childrens… I had to stay at Hollywood Pres. for 24 hours and recover. However, while I was in the recovery room I overheard the nurses talking. One nurse kept asking about moving me out into my room … she said I was ready and they needed the spot in the recovery for another patient. This other nurse adamantly told her that I was not moving anywhere till I got to see my baby. He was on his way to see me and we were waiting. I quickly called out to her and ask if I had heard her correctly. She said, oh honey yes, you are gonna see your baby. I squealed!!!! Sure enough about 30 minutes later they wheeled him into the room. He was in a transport incubator. I cried with joy. He was so perfect. They let me reach my hand into the hole and touch him. I just stroked his face over and over and prayed for him. They stayed for probably five minutes then he had to transfer. It was amazing!!!!

M&T:  Do you recall your emotional state at that particular time?

Karen:  Overwhelmed…. so many emotions I can’t even explain it. Joy, wonder, anticipation, fear, love, exhaustion.

M&T:  Did you, at any time immediately after his birth, consider all the things you and your new family would be facing in dealing with Carson’s Spina Bifida? Can you tell us some of what was going through your mind at the time?

Karen:  Not really. His birth and seeing him made me just want to see him more, hold him, and take him home. I was worried about him in some ways but also just felt a perfect peace that God was taking care of him.

M&T:  I know that there have been some physical difficulties for Carson, he had a broken leg immediately at birth and it’s broken a couple of times since then. How fragile are his bones at this time? Is he able to bear weight on them, yet?

Karen:  His bones are fragile, how fragile is unknown exactly but we have to be very careful. Weight- bearing actually strengthens the bones so we currently do about 30 mins 3 times a week in a mobile stander. The more the better!!!! This is why we need to get his braces so badly. He needs more standing time, but currently he requires a supine stander in order to do that. We cant afford to purchase one so I have to take him to therapy and do that, and that’s limited for time.

M&T:  How much time do you have to spend on a daily basis to work on Carson’s physical therapy; getting him to get up on his knees, working on his crawling, whatever other exercises the therapists have given you for him. And, how much more difficult is this when you have another son who’s 6 months old and probably beginning to think about mobility, himself?

Karen:  This is hard to answer. Each day is different… Part of that is having a 6 month old, and part of that is just daily schedule. Also some days Carson seems willing to work and other days he just doesn’t. I’ve learned when to push him and when not to push him. Pick my battles- I guess. I’d say on average we spend 1-2 hours a day on physical therapy activities.

M&T:  Give me your best piece of advice for women facing the birth of a “disabled” child and name three web-sites you think would be good places for them to go for support and/or information.

Carson and one of his many "girlfriends"

Karen:  It’s gonna be fine. Your baby is a precious, amazing, and a special gift. There’s nothing that is going to change that. Love is not based upon physical expectation. Do not grieve or fear, just trust in the Lord and His plan. Don’t lose sight of the great blessings you do have. Cherish them, and search for everyday wonders, and miracles.

 As far as websites go it would depend upon your unique situation. There are online support groups for everything now-a-days. I recommend finding friends who understand your situation… it’s been one of my biggest blessings and comforts. Try babycenter.com, facebook, or Parents.com.