GIS- Geographic Information Systems (English) GIS- Global Information Science (ASL) Butterfly- A colorful insect that flies from flower to flower pollinating and bring joy to the onlooker.
This happened in 2019. I learned that there is a camera and speaker on my laptop and that I could make a video without my phone. When I ordered my laptop I had requested that the camera not be installed. That did not mean that it wasn't there all along, just wasn't turned on until I started my Simpson University Orientation. This orientation took me over 15 hours to complete. Along with a video of myself discussing me, a spreadsheet with every hour marked from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m./ 7 days a week "in color", a 500 word essay on why I wanted to be in the program and another 2 page essay on what I expected to get out of the program; I had to comment on other peoples submissions and learn the ins and out of the online experience.
I'll be looking back on this post in a year to see how I did. My goal in 2020 is to continue working 40 plus hours a week and go to school with 12 units per trimesters, which will end in December 2020. My outcome will be a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies so that I can get a higher paying job in the school system. I thirst for information to be better as an educator. Currently as a classified employee of 5 years I make just a little more than minimum wage in California.
As a three year employee of Pier 1 I just got a raise so that I will get minimum wage. Meanwhile, my rent is raised every year at least $50 a month. That alone is 30 cents a hour of a forty hour work week. Basically that would be a cost of living raise.
But Life Aint all That Bad
My Dad blessed me with a 2015 Toyota Camry this last week. My old Buick was leaking something awful and had not had A/C or heat for two years. The window went down and wouldn't go back up in November. She served me well for seven years and will be headed to the "Happy Scrap Yard" within the week. Thank you Cash for Clunkers.
In 2019 I was blessed with a Grandson in August. Judah Earnest is an amazing young man who already tips the scales at over 20 pounds.
He has two of the most adorable cousins on the planet. Ellie Anne was a year old in December and Emelia Claire is Three already!
Ellie loves her babies
Merry Christmas 2019
Emelia loves life and shopping
We had the usual 2 weeks off for school. My paychecks are averaged over the 12 months of the year, so that I always can pay my rent. Pier One Imports kept me out of trouble at least three shifts a week and I tried to attend a few extra church services in the holiday season. I especially loved the Christmas Eve service at St Luke's Anglican where I now attend. It was a simple service with 8 carols and 8 scripture readings.
My sister from Georgia came to visit my Dad here in town from Dec. 10th to Dec 26th. She joined me for one of the morning prayers. Our oldest sister from Reno joined up for Christmas day and that was a special treat. It was hard to believe that we had not spent a Christmas together since 1975.
Cheri, Deena, Elaine and Ebony 1975
It has been a rough month and 1/2 for Dad as his wife of 33 years passed away in November. 2020 has a lot of new opportunities for him. He faithfully cared for her for many years. I pray God will bless him for that faithful service.
Dad watching his three daughters interacting
The festival of lights as our LORD celebrated began on Dec. 21st this year, the day I got my new car. Each day I got a gift from someone who did not know that I was lighting the lights on my little menorah. The final day I completed putting the year of photo that Abbie sent me of the girls in a book for safe keeping.
Chanukah 2019
So much love in these pages
My final project of the year was to clear away the craft clutter and prepare my table for the new year.
My Dad made this great little table
This drop leaf table will open twice this size or close down to just the width of the drawers. My Dad made it for my Step-mother's crafts and it is perfect for all my projects. The past month it has been a craft clutter as I sorted through some of the crafts from my Step-mom's caches and created my own designs, mostly from discarded items that I re-purposed. Now it is ready to be a place to eat and study. It appears from the spread sheet that will be a lot of my free time.
If you are reading this via my Facebook, thank you friend. I have uninstalled the app from my phone, but will be checking in a few times a week on my laptop. The messenger app is still my favorite way to communicate, so please keep me in touch. 2020 is going to go by very fast.
I can't believe that this is my 5th Christmas in The Nest. God has been so gracious to me these past years as I have learned to be alone. My children are all adults being productive in their own communities. I would be remiss not to add that my grandchildren are the most amazing children ever born. Now in 2020 Grammie hopes to make them all proud as I venture into a new chapter of life.
Today I went to see the new Tom Hank's movie: A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood. I loved him as Walt Disney in Saving Mr Banks, but it was amazing that Tom Hanks could be Mr. Rogers too. I went to the movie alone and found myself sandwiched between two older gentlemen. One fell asleep next to me and started to snore.
My nerves have been on the raw this past couple of weeks. My stepmother, Kathy Orr, passed away a week ago after a week in the hospital in a coma. She has been ill a lot the past three years and had a sudden attach after a really good day, Monday Nov. 11th. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in a few weeks.
Sitting with my Dad this past two week I was able to do a bit of reflection. I realized that he has been a role model for me of showing unconditional love and respect. His faith has been very strong all my life. He was devoted to my mother for nearly 35 years of marriage until her death in 1986. The past 33 years he has been devoted to Kathy.
I have heard over and over and again today in the movie: "Caring for others is what makes us who we are." It isn't who I am that makes me do certain things. I make choices to be kind. I make choices to not show anger and frustration. It is okay that I am a quiet person who can sing loud. It is okay that I need time to recharge my spirit after giving all I have to the people in my life.
Most of my life I have spent trying to please people. I recently discovers Helen Fisher and her brain based personality test:
I am a Negotiator:
"People who are expressive of the estrogensystem tend to be intuitive, introspective, holistic, imaginative, trusting, empathetic, and contextual long-term thinkers. They are sensitive to people's feelings, and typically have good verbal and social skills."
This was a surprisingly good description of me. My problem is keeping a balance between: imagination, empathy, big-picture thinking and making my mouth work well. What this description does not take into consideration is that I am dyslexic.
Being a "dyslexic, overthinking, mouthy, emotional mess" is not a far cry from what I have felt like at times of serious stress. Fortunately I imagined it was always worse than others believed when I would have a melt down.
As a mom of four children that were only 4 years apart caused a very stress-filled teenager season. Three years in a row I had to visit the hospital for stressing out during the end of the school year. The graduating child was not the cause of the stress and I felt so worried that me having a melt down would effect their, "Big Day". Now I look back and see that I did pretty well at covering what a "Hot Mess" I was during those years. What I hope my children will remember is that mom was human and loved them through all the ups and downs.
The Tom Hanks' movie reminded me of the importance for kids to see adults have emotions and deal with them properly. When we are going through tough times, we need to show choosing love. Mr Rogers mentioned that a lot in his program. Loving starts by loving myself. Giving myself grace as God has given me grace.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have Grace in my life.
As my son often said, "I think I did a thing yesterday." Yesterday afternoon I had my first appointment in the process of beginning the Aspire Program at Simpson University in Redding.
If all goes according to plan I will have a Bachelor's Degree in Education (Liberal Studies) in about a year from now. Since this is designed to be an adult education program I will only be studying one subject every five or so week for the next year. Concentrating on one subject at a time while I am working two jobs, sounds a lot more "doable" than a normal course load of at least four classes.
A New Season
It is hard to believe this is Autumn when it is in the mid to high 80's every afternoon. In Redding it does dip down into the 40's at night. Last week one day it was 37 degrees in the morning when I arrived at school and it got all the way up to 91 degrees that afternoon.
Layering clothes~ does not begin to explain all the problems with this kind of extremes in a day. Our school "Lost and Found" is overflowing with jackets and sweaters. My school is kinda "inner city", it surprises me that these sweaters and jackets are not being expected by the parents of their offspring.
I spoke to a mom today that has two elementary age boys. She has sent them regularly to dig through the Lost and Found for their hoodies. "He is a bright kid in most ways, but he just can't keep track of his jackets." I've heard a lot of parents using "The Tough Love" approach. If little Jonny forgets his coat he will be cold and remember next time. That may seem to be working at 8am when it is 56 degrees, but by lunch time he has completely forgot, so, Tough Love aint workin'. We have the Facebook Page, Parent Memo and even the Sunday evening phone message, all asking the parents to go check the Lost and Found. By Christmas break it is usually overflowing and we donate it all to the local Mission. That is a weird way to give your donation of clothing to the Mission parents, just saying.
My New Normal
Today I hit day 36 of my French lessons. I took French in High School, and decided after house sitting for two different friends who combined spent Two Months in France that I needed to review the High School French and see if I could improve on my learning skills. Since I will be taking classes in a couple of months, this was an opportunity to get free French Lessons and grease the brain wheels.
Another month long habit I have adopted is Morning and Evening Prayer with The Cradle of Prayer. This has got me starting the day off well and being more intentional in my evening routine. Since I don't have kiddos in my household or anyone else to be accountable to...it has been a good way to end my day this past month.
The next step is an evening and morning exercise or stretching practice. My stretches are hit and miss in the morning depending on my stiffness. In the evening I have faithfully swam 4 to 6 night a week until the past month. You may be saying, "Duh Deena, it is cold." However, I was swimming in March last year, but this past month has been very hard to get out more than a couple of nights a week.
My apartment has a lovely pool and spa. It is clean and safe. The thermometer in the pool assures me that it is 75 degrees, but that just seemed colder than I expected. So, starting this week I will add 10 minutes of stretching morning and evening and see how that goes.
Grammie's Brag Book
The best picture ever of my Dad and Grandson Judah
Miss Ellie is standing and ready to take off She will be 1 year old in about a month.
Em is Thankful for Cocoa and Crafts with her sweet Mama
I'm looking forward to a three day weekend for Veteran's Day. I am very thankful for the Veteran's who have played an important parts in my life and the lives of my children. My Burnham Bunch and I give a special Thank You to all the Veterans who have given their time, lives and service for our country and our family.
So, it is Friday and I am going to hit the Spa and the Pool one more time 😃
1962 Hymnal for Church, Home and School by Hope Publishing
1928 The Book of Common Prayer
1937 Hymnal
Some have described me as: a spiritually minded person, a faithful person, strong in my faith...may I say honestly that my faith is a gift from the GOD of my salvation. I am only strong, because HE has met me at my lowest places and set my feet on firm ground. Everyday is an opportunity from God and every bad thing that has happened to me was a reason to praise HIM. Often it is easier for me to praise in the bad times as that is an act of faith.
Currently I find myself in, "a good place", but needing to get out and stretch my wings. This past four years I have been in an Unchurched mode. It has been the longest stretch in my life that I did not have a Home Church. My Church Community has always been a part of life.
As a child in Central Oregon we attended church whenever the doors were open and both sets of Grandparents attended the same fellowship. I hear often how the first five years are crucial in the development of a child. My First Five were all about extended family, church family and being outside as much as possible. "Deena go outside and get out from under my Feet", was a daily statement from my Mother.🤣
Through the first 18 years my church family were the people who cared the most about me. I didn't have an outside of church social circle. As I married and move into a nomadic lifestyle for the next seven years, I searched for that sense of belonging and never found it again. As my children came into my life I craved for them to have community in church.
It was my desire that my children have people in their lives that would encourage them in their faith. This was a difficult journey as their father had some odd ideas about church. The children were home taught in the Bible and home educated with the umbrella of the public schools. I worked to support us all their growing up years. I tried very hard to not speak ill of their father, however, being in a relationship for nearly 30 years with a man who did not respect me as a wife or even a person made it very difficult.
Recently, a woman asked me, "How could you continue to have faith in GOD when your husband was using God to tear you down and belittle you?" My reality and what got me through all those difficult years was that MY GOD was not his God. My faith had nothing to do with my husband's religious views. My faith is a personal relationship with Jesus, The Messiah, The Creator; GOD the Father, and the Holy Spirit.
Where is Home
So, in my recent mental ramblings, I began trying to figure out why in four years of searching I could not feel at home, or at peace in a place of worship in Redding, California.
Let's go back to my Nomadic Years. I visited the Crystal Cathedral with a coworker in Garden Grove. From hometown church of 100 tops to a glass Castle with a wide screen in the parking lot where people could come to church in their pajamas!
Then I returned home for a year, but my parents moved away and the church was going through some major changes. Secularism had been creeping in the doors of the conservative church since the 1960's. The Catholics surprised me by being some of the first to welcome this movement with open arms. I recently read an article that confirmed my suspicions on what had happened to my church. Leaving home for only three years had opened my eyes and broadened my world view. My hope was in the Lord, but I was confused about what had happening in the church and my world at large.
At the end of my Nomadic years I discovered Christian Radio. I have always been able to control my mood by the music I listened to whether: rock, classical, country... Each genera had a way of changing my attitude about life and people. As I have reflected on my own history with Contemporary Christian Music I know that it has been a mind numbing way to avoid feeling all that was going on in my life.
Each day when it had been the worst I would find comfort in the songs from the radio and in my "hymnal of the heart" that was stored in my brain.
I remember a difficult time when I had to work a lot more than I wanted and my youngest said something to the effect of, "I want my Mommie back who puts clothes on the line and sang hymns." She may not remember that day, but it was heart wrenching to hear those words from my baby girl.
A New Beginning
I am no longer in a difficult time. My husband divorced me four years ago this past week. My children are all grown and have great lives. They did have a rough time growing up surrounded by mental illness. They are all compassionate and loving people because of what God has allowed. I have continued my search for a Home Church.
Recently, I came to a realization that my First Five Years had shaped my: Call to Worship. I am blessed to have a copy of the old Hymnal from my Mama's piano bench. She would say, that she played the piano for her own amusement. I think fondly of trying to follow along singing the songs in the hallway as she banged around on the family piano.
In my preteens my voice began developing. I remember one day at church after a hymn was sung, when a friend's boyfriend looked me in the eye and said, "That is not normal." He wasn't the nicest guy, but he spoke truth. I could never play a musical instrument,but after years of piano lessons and singing in church choirs; I can read music, have near perfect pitch and sang 1st chair Second Soprano all four years of high school.
During the Nomadic years my music was only radio top/pop. In the next years the Redding Christian Station was played in our house from morning to night. My girls began to go to Christian concerts in their pre-teens and music became a mood stabilizer for all of my household.
But in my husband's religious wanderings he hit the nerve of our family's love for music with a period of Gregorian Chant. From the computer speaker or the bomb box it was never pretty. It was just another form of torture that made us all want to hide. In the process it turned my thoughts away from the church he was pushing on us at the time. Unfortunately, I could not visit this church again until a few weeks ago.
A Call to Worship
Two weeks ago I decided that I wanted to explore the Anglican Church. As I researched the liturgy and the order of service my soul became peaceful. I have that old ,worn hymn book of my mother's and an older hymn book given to me by a dearly departed friend. In reviewing the Preface of the older hymnal I realized it is an Anglican Hymnal. On Sunday we sang,"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, page 551". It was the same hymn number in the little, older book! I was so excited I had to email the deacon.
Studying I Corinthians the past month has also help to show me that this is the way that I should go... The order of service in the 1960's Baptist church was not so different from the order of service in the Anglican church. There were/are differences in practices, but my spirit is telling me this is were I should be worshiping.
In upcoming blog posts I will elaborated on some of the reasons and how I see a need for us to consider what has become of church. A friend this week responded to an observation that was bothering me, "It is just cultural." Well, I'm not comfortable with all the cultural stuff at church. In a day when we are expected to give tolerance to so many things that I am not comfortable with in the base of my beliefs: at work, school and in society...I would hope that the church I choose to worship at is not someplace where I need to except, "Well it is a cultural thing."
We each have a journey. As mentioned above, I don't wish the journey I have taken on anyone. I have sang on the stage of every kind of church worship service: Bethel in Redding to 1st Baptist in Cottonwood, Christian Women's Retreats to Christian Working Women's Club in Susanville. I have lived the music dispute from the inside out in the past 50 years. I am an artist, a teacher, but most of all I am a follower of Jesus Christ.
Madeleine L'Engle , Walking on Water At the
end of the day, here's what I care about whether in thought, word or deed:
“The journey homewards. Coming home. That's what it's all about.
The journey to the coming of the Kingdom. That's probably the chief difference
between the Christian and the secular artist--the purpose of the work, be it
story or music or painting, is to further the coming of the kingdom, to make us
aware of our status as children of God, and to turn our feet toward home.”
We don't all have a radio on the counter in the kitchen (well I do, but I'm pretty old school here at The Nest.) I love all of the Christian Music that has been crossing the line of Pop culture. However, with my background I find that contemporary Christian music and the coffee cup need to stay in the car when I go into a place of worship on Sunday morning.
I am not condemning that culture, but it is not my culture. The more Christian artists who crossover to the secular music production world the better. I pray for them to stay strong in their faith. I chose not to have a Television in my home. For two years I couldn't afford WiFi and was able to find a little radio that picked up the FM signal to have my Christian Music.
Music is my first language. I am thankful that I have found a place to worship that continues singing the traditional hymns of my childhood as well as hundreds of years before me. These two hymnals have so much truth. I know many church worship leaders who diligently check the songs that are sung on Sunday for Biblical Truth. These hymns were chosen the very same way.
I don't ask you to stop worshiping at a church with contemporary Christian music, or even to leave that coffee cup in the car. What I ask is that you find an old dusty hymn book, look up some songs from you youth, or watch a video of A Might Fortress is Our God . Our culture has been so often to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Historically, the Church has allowed secularism to declare how we worship. I am going to practice in a church where it is traditional until the Lord shows me another way.May Jesus Christ be praised.
The calendar, the phase of the moon, the sap draining from leaves...may all say, "Autumn is here." BUT until the temperature in Redding, California finally drops below 85 during the day, yes, only then do I believe it is true autumn.
97 degrees and the first red maple leave 9/26/19
Update Since Last Blog Post
After my last blog post an amazing coworker blessed me with a new (to me) bedroom suite. A family member had passed away and after reading my blog she asked if I would like a queen sized bed, dresser and bedside table. I was overwhelmed. Three days later my daughter, Mary, and I took the bit of furniture out of my bedroom and brought up a complete suite.
bed with beautiful bedding
The wood color matches my old desk
A place for the legacy set of bridal pictures
and some of my vanity jar collection
I work with some of the most generous people on the planet. I have slept so well the past week back in The Nest.
The Great Pumpkin Run/Walk
A month ago I saw this virtual run/walk that looked like fun. Get a Pumpkin and some friends and go for a run/walk, 5K. Well 5K is only a little over 3 miles. My route from my apartment to The Sundial Bridge and back is 4 miles. I decided since no friends picked up the hint to join me I would do my 5K today and make it a Triathlon of my own creation.
Cool light weight hoody that was included with the fee
I made my friend to join me
#TraderJoespumpkin
I ran into my friend and principal to witness
this zany adventure I was on
The best view in Redding for anyone
who has gone up
the .5 mile hill up to Hilltop Drive
The Pumpkin and I left the bike at The Nest
Pumpkin and helmet went up then the bike
Another mile to Cinemark 14 to watch
Downton Abbey
No one stopped to ask why I was walking around town with a pumpkin,
but a lady stopped to say she liked my "Poe" Crow leggings.
I had a gift card for the movie from school
and a gift card for coffee from a teacher
After 6 miles of Bike and Walk/Run~
Pumpkin and I went for a Spa Treatment
Finally I opened my metal and ribbon
Special Victory Meal
There will be a few sore muscles tomorrow. It may have been more fun to share with a friend, perhaps next time. I love the speed of riding my bike down to Turtle Bay/ Sacramento River Trail. It was great to see the Canadian geese doing the "Duck Down Dilly" in the Sacramento River and see all the people walking dogs and having coffee dates along the river trail. Seeing the wonderful Mrs. G. and her handsome man was a bonus.
We got a $10 movie card for safety at work and I had wanted to see Downton Abbey. I love Dame Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery. The theater was packed and it was fun to hear people laugh at Maggie Smith's conversations with Penelope Wilton. As I have never watched Downton Abbey the movie was a fresh treat. (Before judging me please remember, I do not have a television.) I did however, watch a segment called, "Everything a person must know before seeing the movie in 5 minutes."
Returning home I enjoyed some time in the 104 degrees hot tub. Our pool was still at 85 degrees, although the air temperature was only 70 today. Calling my sister, Elaine, I learned in Reno it was snowing as I watched the hummingbirds out my plate glass door. It seems her Autumn was only a few days long. We are expecting rain for the next couple of days and my hummingbirds seems to know it, as they dive bomb me when I go out the door.
Spilled a little wine when a hummer buzzed me
In 1985 I was a motel manager in Susanville. My husband of 7 years chose this situation the last year of our marriage to hide me away, while he had an affair with my "best friend". My only break that year was to go to the store and purchase a bottle of Perrier Water and a Cosmo magazine.
Not too racey in 1985
My "Best Friend" would suggest that I take some time off from the office and she would fill in for me. May 1985 divorce was a shame I added to my life and self-care wasn't happening for another couple of decades. 2001 a woman asked me to go to coffee for the first time. This was such a crazy idea to me. I hadn't had anyone ask me out for coffee or anything. I was skeptical that it was even allowed. My second husband had "sheltered our family from the world" and that included getting together with friends.
Then when I went to college in 2009 I started taking my girls to coffee. It was a precious time to share and go to coffee. Thankfully, we have all began the healing from that time of our lives. I still like fancy bubble waters. Coffee has lost some of it's appeal in resent months. Lately, teas have been satisfying the need for morning caffeine. However, having a free hot peppermint mocha was not wasted on me.
What is next at The Nest
A new friend suggested I look at the book, "Hope for the Flowers." She heard the story from my blog that told of my hungry caterpillar to butterfly analogy and told me I needed to get this book. It seems that the wings have started to dry and the flight of Deena Orr has begun.
Years ago, my children and I watch a butterfly come out of the chrysalis one day. It dropped onto some soil and I picked it up on my finger. It jumped off my finger after a few moments and onto Joey's head. She stood there with a "Real" Butterfly clip on her head as we all marveled at this amazing creature. Being a butterfly is scary as they are so delicate, but so resilient.
That is the word for this season in my life: Resilient. Last Monday I went to a workshop on Resilience in the Schools. That is the buzz word for being able to self-regulate. Which is another buzz word for coming back into the present after having a meltdown. So many buzz words. The acronyms in education are even crazier than the buzz words.
In January I hope to return to school to get my Bachelors Degree with an emphasis in Behavior. Our children need to be understood in a totally different way than my children or my own teachers needed to specialize. They say that one person had to care about you or you wouldn't be the person you are now.
That person for me was Virginia Travis. She was our next door neighbor and a 5th grade teacher.
My take home truth from the workshop was that each child comes to me with a load of baggage, just like I do. As adults we are expected to leave that baggage at home and come to work ready to do the task assigned. We expect children will do the same thing, but they are confronted with so many "adult situations" that they can't begin to process.
I had a group of children in which we were discussing the Big Words in the Preamble of the Constitution.
...insure domestic tranquility...was an eye opening subject. I asked them if they knew what domestic meant. One said, "I've dealt with domestic violence." They all nodded in agreement, they knew what "Domestic Violence" was, but didn't know what tranquility was...in third grade! We expect them to understand that we are here to help them learn and be kind to one another. My school is one of the best I know of in this way. I have the most caring staff and the students understand that we are there for them. However, we all go home at night needing someone to care for us. Well in my case, that is me caring for me.
I have started a Bible Study. This group is beginning to get use to me and share. I have a few friends that I have made since moving to Redding four years ago that keep up with me. (Two lovely ladies came over last night for a little TGIF, it was great.) There is also one friend from my old life and one I met a year ago who take me to dinner or coffee once in a while. I am not alone anymore. My family checks in sometimes too. Mostly, I check in with them.
Today was my first day of Autumn and I feel that I have been blessed in so many ways since moving to Redding four years ago. Self-care is a thing. Today it was: biking, walking, swimming and hot tub. I had a free coffee with a pumpkin🤣 and a free movie. My bike tires are full, as well, as my gas tank. A hummingbird buzzed me and I have a great bottle of wine. Radio station Air1 (FM102.7) is softly playing in The Nest as the wind blows in the rain clouds. The Nest is warm and cozy. Yes, I am very blessed.
Breathe~ Deena Marie Orr has a passport; this is my first passport. I don't know where it will take me, but I am ready🌻
Last Weekend with my Friends
Ducks
Dog
Cat
Coffee and Music
My friends have been in the Emerald Islands for the past four weeks and I have been enjoying their place with my: Duck, Dog, Deena and Cat Team.
The week they left we had a forest fire scare. After the awful fires of 2018 that caused the displacement of thousands of people and the loss of many lives the California Fire First Responders were very careful. The fire was 10 miles away as the crow flies, but there are few roads out and really only one major road. I am staying near the Highway entrance (less than a mile). To open this main thoroughfare they closed the Community College and had an emergency evacuation of the Staff and Student Body. I had just returned to my house sitting "home" when my daughter, who drives a bus for the college, called to say that the college was evacuating and she would be taking the entire preschool staff and students from the college. I got a call from the son of the "home", who lives in Chico, to say that he would come up and watch the house through the fire, as the college is basically across the street and I did not sign up for "Fire protection". Meanwhile, my friends had just arrived in Ireland.
A neighbor had snuck in the back after the road was closed and told me that he would help me collect animals. The wind had double the fire from 300 acres to 600 acres in an hour and was headed our way. Then the wind switched direction with a near tornado force... the umbrella in the back yard taking off like a bamboo-copter. I had never seen anything like that! The umbrella was open and in a stand through the table one moment, then it rose into the sky like it had been twisted by giant hands and spun across the patio landing four feet away. The glass table tipped over, but did not break!
bamboo-copter
The "son of the home" stopped in to check on me just as the main road was reopened. The fire was contained within a few days. The smoke cleared in a few days and life went on.
A New Year
These same friends went on their first trip after retirement just a year ago. I began house sitting for them on September 11, 2018. In the past year I have spent over 4 months in their home with my: duck, dog, cat, chicken, fish and froggy family. I had two major skin conditions start here; one a serious insect attach and one may have been shingles. Neither were as a result from this house, but life in general. It was so great to spend a month here and not have any itches.
I have been visiting my apartment to prepare for Fall and moving home. My down stairs neighbors had politely mentioned that my bed squeaked so loud that they heard it below. My bed is a daybed with rusty old springs that were not too great on comfort. So, I spent one afternoon taking the bed apart and dumping the squeaky part. I then moved the old "Click Couch" into my bedroom as the base for my box-spring and mattress. Now there are clean sheets and a quieter, sturdier base awaiting me after work Wednesday night.
home sweet home
My Second Job
We have had a big change in staff at Pier1 this past couple of weeks. I'm excited about the new Manager and feel really great about the changes that the company has been making in the past couple of months. We spent over a month changing the local store layout per the Corporate Plan. Fall has come in and we have an event in a week to show off our new look and new management. I love our events, it is a party at my favorite store.
Since the click couch decided to move to the bedroom, I got a new chair for my living room. My landlady came up to be my first guest to sit in the Markus. That is one way to remember the furniture names, if I buy a piece 😂
A chair for my long legged guests
In the two years I have worked for Pier1 I hadn't gotten to create my own statement in the store until last weekend. The new manager had mentioned wanting to change out the dishes on display in the front and I asked if I could do the change. It was a lot of fun. I also got a 35 cent an hour raise this week. An extra $25 a month is better than a kick in the pants.
A new pillow that looks like Reba, my 3 legged dog friend
This is my Chas chair I purchased last Fall. Using velvet place-mats to protect the back and arms like Grandma did with doilies is a fun way to change the seasons. The cat was a P1 fall favorite that made a come back this year. The lab which resembles my buddy Reba is new this Fall.
New Bible Study
I started a new Bible Study at RCF this past Tuesday. My sweet friend, Virginia, who went to heaven on my birthday had been attending RCF for a while. We went to the first service on the occasion that her folks were out of town this past year. Before her passing it seemed God was telling me it was time to settle into a church home. It has been four years. An evening study once a week is doable. I have my reading chair all set and an alternate with my new left-handed desk. This was another Pier1 find that I repainted.
𝆕Dust in the Wind𝆕
Today I have been on a musical adventure. I started with "Passport" by Blue Sky and have gone from "How do you like me now?" by Toby Keith, to "Trains and Boats and Planes" by Dwight Yockam, to Mama Cass, Toto, Justin Timberlake... None stop Youtubing my favorites. "You are welcome", to my friends who hate people Verbizing Nouns.
I have spent 60% of my past year at someone else's home while they traveled the globe. The GIS-Butterfly has been in a cocoon the past four years. The chrysalis is splitting and this Butterfly is about to spread her wings. 40 years as a "Hungry Caterpillar" who was thirsting for knowledge. Now is the time to fly. The passport is ready and now...I wait on God to show me where and when.
People have told me they have met few people who are as giving as Deena Orr. She gave so much to her family as Deena Burnham that she lost who she was...but as a hungry caterpillar, she grew and grew until she burst and sat in the cocoon of The Nest these past four years. Flying will take practice. For now small trips: the grocery store, two jobs, Bible Study, workshops, diner with a friend...then a drive, an airplane...the sky is the limit.
Yesterday I did a very brave thing. It was the first time I had been to Susanville since I left exactly 34 years ago, August 25, 1985. I felt I was leaving in a shroud of shame. My husband of 7 years had cheated on me. But worse than that, he and this woman had a child and had flaunted their relationship all over town for a year, while I worked in a Motel. I was managing a motel and lived on site with hardly a day off. This was my town, I had lived here since I was 6! Betrayal! Shame! Fear! Unsuccess! Anger! There were many emotions I had no words to describe. My mother had secured a hiding place for me at Shasta Bible College. 34 years ago today I packed my car and headed west with no desire to look in the review mirror at the town I had called home.
A Lot Can Happen in 34 Years
My divorce was very simple. The judge in Susanville was a family friend. I typed the papers myself on a typewriter. After mailing a copy to my ex-husband and securing the "Return Receipt" the judge stamped the divorce final on May 25 and only charged me a $25 fee for filing. This past summer I acquired the official copy for another $25.
To get the real ID from the DMV one must have: Record of all name changes (ie: birth, marriage, divorce if you changed your name), SS card, two forms of current address not over a month old and $27. If at the same time you want to change your name on the title of a vehicle...that is free.
I had been Mrs. D.M. Burnham since Oct 17 1987. My divorce papers were presented to me Oct. 17, 2015. My son was still living with me, so changing my name at the time didn't seem right. When I transferred to a different school in my district last March, I was no longer Mrs. Burnham. At this new school they called me, Teacher Deena.
As the time approached for needing the real ID to fly, I chose to reclaim my name. Deena Marie Orr is now my legal name. I have spent a lot of time and a reasonable amount of money to provide DMV with all the documentation needed to prove my identify. While I was at it, I also filed for a passport. They cashed my check, so I hope to see that in the mail soon.
No More Shame on Me
As a child the phrase, "Shame on you." was said more often than it ever should. It is a phrase that I feel no child or person should have said to them. However, it was a teaching tool. No person should feel shame for an error or illness. Disgracing your family, being improper, public humiliation are things I grew up believing were my total existence. I married two men that seemed very different, but in reality they were excellent at putting shame on me. Being taught that I was less than, not good enough for anything or anyone, was my belief, until four years ago.
Enough
I have learned that: I am enough! You are enough! I have had enough! Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt!
Chonda Pierce T-shirt
I went to a Chonda Pierce concert last spring and I bought this T-shirt. Chonda may be a public figure and have aired her dirty laundry as my mama would have said, but her story always gives me hope. Many of her problems are similar to mine. Many of her problems couldn't be farther than mine. Few people in 2019 can say that in middle class America, they raised four children without a stove, oven or proper heating and air-conditioning, while two of these children graduated with honors from University and the other two graduated from tech programs with honors. Yes, I am enough and I have had enough.
August Milestones
My amazing children have been busy the past three years giving me even more amazing "Grandchildren".
Trader Joe's gave her flowers
Grammie Jammies
"For me and Bear"
The divine Miss Emelia Claire turned "3" last week. We found the Sleeping Beauty night gown with a matching one for a "Dolly". Saturday morning before her birthday we had a video chat, so that I could watch her open her gift. Bear fits the little nightie perfectly😂
Ellie Anne was 8 months old August 10th.
As promised last time I had a new Grandchild on August 8th. The surprising thing is: the sonogram folk told my daughter and her husband they were expecting a girl. Over and Over and Over: a girl!
Judah Earnest Pick
what a handsome boy💗
That makes me a Grammie-flamingo, cuz it doesn't get more awesome for now.
I have many more adventures to record. For today this is enough😉 I'm out house sitting again.
