An Echo from the Past

In Anacortes, WA, there is this wonderful 100 year old train depot. For the last 20 plus years it was a vibrant center for the arts. 

I an not sure why, but I feel a deep affection for this old building. It speaks to me. It's a pleasant conversation, full of happiness and history.

I recently organized a two-day holiday gift show in the Depot. For two days the building was full of happy energy. The atmosphere was festive and laughter filled the rooms. I started to imagine what it must have been like 100 years ago. I could hear the excitement of people traveling. I could feel the hustle as they bought their tickets and waited for the train. The energy from the employees swirled around me, as they helped the passengers and loaded the freight.  I could see the tears of loved ones, as they came and went. I could hear the children laughing and playing. How exciting those times must have been. 

It was then that I knew that The Depot is meant to be filled with happiness and laughter. It is my hope that the tradition continues.  That the memories in the Depot will always be filled with excitement, with the hustle of people, with laughter, playing and happiness. This building deserves that for all that it gives to this small community.

The Depot

Through the years

through the laughter, the tears

People came, people went 

brief moments that were spent

Memories remain, written in time

a beauty now, as it was in it's prime

Today it still stands

still beautiful and happy, thanks to loving hands

Not then, Not later - NOW

Is the world upside down?

Which way's up?

Which way's down?

What if I went this way?

Should I turn here?

Should I turn there?

Is this the Past?

Is this the Future?

What does it really matter? Just live in the NOW!

Let It Be a New Day

 Let the morning sun squeeze out the night.

Let it bring with it warmth and light.

 

Let it enter a brand new day.

Let it show us strength and light the way. 

Let each morning be a reminder 

of how grateful we should be for each day.

55 Reasons we are friends

In honor of your 55th birthday, (that's right you are 55). 55 reasons of why we are friends and why you mean so much to me (us).

55. Why not!

54. You are somewhat crazy!

53. You make me laugh.

52. You insisted.

51. I insisted.

50. Our children insisted.

49. You make me laugh.  Wait I already said that. Well you do.

48. Just because.

47. 23 years of ups and downs.

46. You helped raise my kid.  (thanks for that by the way)

45. We are somewhat related?  Aren't we?  :-)

44. Growing up together.

43. Getting old together. Even if you are the 'older' one :-)

42. Being a part of your family.

41. Watching your children grow. Watching my children grow.

40. Birthdays

39. Holidays

38. More holidays.

37. More birthdays.

36. Raising teenagers together. You more than me, but I was there with you in spirit :-)

35. Watching you raise teenagers.

34. Now watching you with a grandson (and the next generation of family).

33. Family squabbles.

32. Marital squabbles.

31. Co-worker

30. Co-worker squabbles.

29. You being older than me :-)

28. Years of history.

27. Helping you find your home.

26. Family loss - our moms.

25. Shawn

24. Tyler

23.  All of the kids.

22. Smiles

21. Laughter

20. Tears

19. Heartbreak

18. Happiness

17. Joy

16. Sorrow

15. Family

14. Family Gatherings

13. Weddings

12. 23 years

11. You being the 'oldest'. :-)

10. Being there for each other.

9. Support

8. You get me.  And I sometimes get  you :-)

7. Family meals

6. Our traditional meal together (now that the kids are all grown).

5. Hope

4. Dreams

3. Best Friend - Long time friend.

2. Friendship

1. Love


Happy Birthday!  May we celebrate many more together.

36 Years

On this day, thirty six years ago, the year was 1976 - the year of the U.S. bicentennial celebration. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and friends and family were gathered in a small church in SW Denver to witness the vows of a young couple as they started their journey in life together.

Thirty six years!  A lifetime ago. Sometimes a vivid memory just skirting the memory banks trying to be recalled. The day went so quickly. It seems like we just started and suddenly it was over, - I Do and now you may kiss the bride - that was it.

Since that day, we have had two children (sons). Lived in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Washington. Grown up together, gone through ups and downs, businesses, moving, jobs, raising a family, friends have come and gone (some have stayed) and yet some part of us is still that young couple standing in front of everyone to say "I Do".  Well we did and we are still, "I Doing".


Happy Anniversary!