Expect the Unexpected, Pt. II

,

A few days in 60 degree weather, a great trainer, lakes, mountains, pilates and a little of the unexpected


can do so much for our outlook.







Before the weekend even began, our clan of 8, met the most wonderful little package. We were waiting on a rental car when the voice of a young boy came bursting out. At that moment, we looked over and were introduced to the young Harvey Parry from London.

He had lost both legs and part of his hand from meningitis septicemia. What a fun time we had with him! He had his running legs on so guess who got to chase him - ha! He and I ran in circles until he went sideways. It was so neat to meet him and his family. You can read more about him at http://www.harveyparry-appealfund.com/pages/Harvey.htm. He has been on quite the media circuit for such a young chap :)

Then, it was on to a fun time with friends and beautiful scenery. We even had jokes that were actually funny and good food. Donna, my pilates trainer (ok, she does train others but I wanted to claim her this weekend, as did everyone) was chosen to perform with a few others, in front of approx. 100 people. She did an amazing job!!!!

I'm really not sure what I would do without people around me who are motivating, supporting and see me for ME, nothing else. Build your circle and allow yourself spontaneous events and unexpected friendships. We grow and understand others, ourselves, and life so much better.

Love, Jen

Expect the Unexpected

So, Nick & I were at the Paul McCartney concert last night and WOW. What a night.

I can't imagine what it must have been like to see him during the Beatles. He had 3 encores which lasted a while. It was fabulous. The great thing is he is still moving and rockin' like he is in his 20's and the audience was such a vast mix of younger people. It was truly amazing!!!

While we are there, my trainer surprises Nick & I by pulling me away for the weekend!! She is involved with a Pilates workshop in California with pretty great people & decided I needed to go. What a great friend she is :-). So, Nick & I are getting my things together at the moment and I'm headed to a plane in an hour. Talk about last minute & total spontaneous decision.

Anyway...I will be in Pilates heaven for a few days so I will catch up with you from Cali. Nick is holding down the fort, thanks babe.

Love & Peace,
Jen

Getting Comfortable

I rarely have photos taken that expose my hands. However, this weekend I experienced a whole new attitude! I had a fantastic weekend with a friend who I have not seen since in 20 years but has turned into an amazing woman and creative photographer!

She turned my view of "flawed" photos into something so special that I forgot about the flaws. She has such an eye for creativity (did I say that yet) and allowed me to smile without thinking of strategy for my hands. Before I knew it she had me laughing, flipping my head, posing, and puckering up for the camera. It was really great. She is working on them now and hopefully using the heck out of Photoshop's edit functions! :)

It is such a free feeling to let go of our inhibitions and just go for it. Thanks for a great weekend! It was such good therapy.

In looking on the internet, again, I found other flawed things in photos. Ms. Kelly Knox (above) has done an amazing thing in the modeling world and for the idea of letting go. She is British and can be found at www.kellyknox.com. As you can see, this beauty is missing part of her arm but it seems so secondary by the picture.

Also, this is a bit late but really wanted to thank all the special people who work with my mom. I was so glad to have had the opportunity to meet you all recently. You did such an amazing thing by providing her the support you gave her and your prayers have never been forgotten.

Love,
Jen

Who Is This?

I was at a neighborhood meeting tonight when the room finally got quiet and the discussion started. All of a sudden, a phone rings and I hear "who is this?" "what?" "who is this?" When I found out who the culprit was it became such an endearing sight.

The cutest, youth challenged guy, stands up in his seat and proceeds to talk as if he is the only one in the room. I then saw the hearing aid and smiled. It was probably his grandson telling him how he just won a game or his wife asking him to bring home flowers or milk. Whoever it was made this guy happy. He was trying so hard to be quite and hear the person calling and succeeded at neither. But, a smile did make it's way into his efforts.

I watched this 10 second snapshot of a precious moment and couldn't help but see this as a commercial for a movie preview. The one where a phone rings and ruins the moment for everyone. Except this one would be encouraged :-)

Love these special moments & be patient...they don't come everyday!

ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities

ACA Celebrates Progress in the Campaign for Hate Crimes Protections for People with Disabilities

The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) has been added to the Department of Defense Authorization bill. While there will be several amendments offered in the Senate debate on Monday, July 20th there are no other procedural obstacles and there will not be another vote on adding the Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This all but assures that this important legislation will finally pass through Congress.

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) signed on in support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) recognizing that bias against people with disabilities takes many forms, including violence.

This bill will broaden the definition of hate crimes to include disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity. It will grant agencies the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victim’s disability, whether real or perceived, and would authorize funding to states to help with the prosecution of Hate Crimes. It also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias-motivated crimes.