Falling Upward

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Father Richard's e-mail meditations for several years, this is the first book of his I've read. This is an amazing book. It is both challenging and encouraging at the same time! It gives a glimpse into where we have been, and who we are to become as we move into the second half of our lives. It is helping me make sense out of the course my life has taken, and shed light into where my life is headed. It is encouraging to see that changes in life that seem crazy from the first half point of view make so much sense moving into second half living. I am looking forward to re-reading this book with a group of close friends, sharing reflections on how each of our lives have moved as is described so well in this book. I heartily recommend this book to aspiring and newbie second halfers (myself included!) A must read and re-read.

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the picture says it all

NC Hops and Roots Fest

This sounds like great fun!
NC Hops and Roots Fest

• Music!
• Lizzy Ross Band
• NC Craft Beers
• Vino!

finally finished Les Misérables!!!

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finally finished Les Misérables, all 1463 pages of it! Wow, what a story! After having seen the Liam Neeson movie, and falling in love with the story, this unabridged version added so much depth and richness to the story. It was exciting to read the "back story" of so many of the characters I already (thought I) knew, and to meet other characters that were left out of that movie. This must be one of the most classic stories ever written. I especially enjoyed the additional depth of understanding obtained from the MANY discussions of history, politics, customs, philosophy, religion, etc. I fully understand why abridged versions of this story exist, the story itself is a subset of the rich contents of this volume. I loved this book, it is one of the best I've ever read. I wish that I had time to read it again... maybe someday. I'm especially glad that I read this before the upcoming movie release of the Broadway version of this story. I am excited to see the upcoming movie from the perspective of having read this classic work in it's entirety. Six stars to this book. Wonderful story.

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Please join with us to fully sponser Birtha!

Please join with us to fully sponser Birtha!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/abluehallway
Note from Andria:

Dear Friends,  

“Birtha” the NC CowParade cow I’m painting is well on her way to being finished. She has begun her work being transformational in many lives including mine as I thoughtfully place every brushstroke onto her surface. Her stand resonates constantly as she was designed to be a “life giver”. Her concept is simple: “to give life, love and rebirth.” She’s about giving. Along this journey these past few days I have had visitors and phone calls that revolve around being a community – a community that gives from the heart, that believes in making a difference. Birtha was not sponsored by a corporation or organization, i.e., sponsored by an entity that runs our way of life. I am earnestly working to raise the $5000 sponsorship level so that her plaque reads: “Sponsored by the People'.” Birtha is a community cow. In my endeavors as an artist I have created my art to be tangible to everyone. Art is meant to be shared and enjoyed by every walk of life, and to this day I am proud to say my art brings joy to many homes, families, and public arenas where I have donated murals. 

What always brings me encouragement about the choices I have made as an artist is that it is never accomplished without a group of people with like minds and big hearts, people who not only believe in me, but are willing to become a part of something bigger than themselves. In our final stretch to meet this sponsorship goal I reflect on the people who have backed this effort thus far. They are people like you: people that still believe that we can make a difference in the lives of others who have critical illnesses, whether it be physical or emotional, believing that miracles can and do happen. 

This particular fund raiser NC CowParade is reaching for a goal of $300K – $500K to assist critically ill children and their families at the NC Children's Hospital. The effort of Birtha’s sponsorship is to facilitate an opportunity for everyone to take part in her existence. When she is completed by this Friday she will go and meet up with over 80 other cows from the Triangle area. Just envision that you get to say “that’s my cow! I helped make her possible!” Birtha is a gift: she is a gift for me to give to you and everyone who will enjoy her presence while she’s on parade. Then in three months she will go up for auction as and her proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital of NC. 

Please consider being a part of this vision, that we all can make a difference. And while $5000 seems like a lot, especially during this time or economic hardship, many donors equal much money. We have currently raised $1000 with the assistance of twelve donors. Our time frame is short now, but I believe we can and will do this 

While I have been painting I have been thinking about parents I know who have lost their children. Children who are losing their parents. Husbands and wives who long for a child. I think about the joy my young son brings me and the challenges my husband and I went through to bring him to this planet, and the risks we take everyday to give him a world that he will be proud to live in. 

In closing, if your hands are tied but your heart is open to feeling then you have given. And if we meet this goal and you see Birtha somewhere around town with a plaque that says sponsored “By the People”, embrace yourself and know that you are the people. 

Blessings,
Andria Linn

More info: https://www.facebook.com/abluehallway