CLEAN SWEEP{from the JUMP FOR JOY series}

Warrior Zamora  was happy as a lark.  She was building her dream house and watched as each room took  its rightful place.  She had kept the photo she had cut out from a magazine, in a small box that that kept her important papers.  It was crumpled some but still visible enough for the Architect to make a blue print.  And now she looked with pride at the big beautiful house and although she knew she did not need as many rooms, she wanted them anyhow.

Today she is celebrating six months in the immaculately kept abode.  This is the day she plans to bring friends and family together to give thanks for this house.  She had an extensive menu and still had a lot of preparation to make.  Zamora looked up at the huge framed picture in the splendid living room.  The portrait was that of Grandma Fannie and Ma Shirley, Zamora's grandmother and mother.
They looked like women of power even behind a wooden frame.  Zamora looked up and asked them to take care of her, to protect her and lead her down the right path.

The music flowed through each room, the voice of her favorite jazz singer could be heard belting out her favorite tune.  This music to her ears brought music to her soul.  Zamora sang along, closed her eyes and moved to the beat.  She was caught up in her satisfaction with the way she was living.  She looked up at the women one more time and silently thanked the matriarchs for the ethics they had instilled in her.  "Stay true to thyself" was their mantra.

These God-fearing women as they liked to call themselves took their role in the church and community very seriously.  They made their presence known when they felt justice was not served.  These women never backed down until things were made right.  Even the detractors had words of praise for these warrior women who made things happen.  Family, they preached was the crux of everything, whether it was the one you were born in or those in the communities far or near.  Zamora
threw a quick glance at her guardian angels and knew they were watching over her.  She could feel their presence and at times she thought she heard their belly laughs.

She had paused long enough, lost in her thoughts and must get cracking if she wanted to complete her tasks before the crowd arrived.  She took the broom and gave the kitchen floor a CLEAN SWEEP.  This huge kitchen was the center of her home.  This is where she prepared those tasty dishes that she is known for around town.  She came from a long line of caterers and from the stories she had heard, this was the family that you visited for mouth-watering dishes.

So it was not by chance that Zamora found herself on the same journey, carrying on the family tradition; it was in the genes.  Today's gathering was two-fold, to show gratitude to those who had supported her over the years and to also introduce her new line of food products which she wanted to see on the shelves in the local markets around town.  She had a few restaurants that were steady customers, but Zamora was bent on making a CLEAN SWEEP of this culinary corner,so this event was also a marketing venue.

Zamora had big dreams, instilled in her by the matriarchs and she had the fortitude to carry her dreams through.  The smell of spices was like perfume in the air.  She loved her spices. Zamora would visit the markets out of town and picked out her favorites but at the same time hoping to discover something new.  A good mixture of spices she knew would bring out the taste in the delectable dishes she wanted to create and be known for.  The amber colors on the kitchen walls gave a special warmth to the room and the sunshine coming through the big window gave a cozier feel.  Her spice cupboard was stacked with different seasonings from all over the globe and she was always cooking up a storm and experimenting.  Not only did she want to cook tasty food but healthy dishes was on her mind too. She began to move fast, cleared her mind and she glanced one more time at the ladies on the wall before stepping up her game.

It was an event that was second to none.  Zamora had paid attention to the smallest details, the presentation was a delight, the sweet and savory dishes were superb and the mouth-watering desserts completed the spread.  And what she had hoped for came true.  Someone in the crowd loved her cuisine and decided to show her the rope.  This kind soul had made a clean sweep of this same culinary corner in another town but knew there is room for others and could guide her.  She would remove some of the rough pebbles, filled the potholes and although she may not be able to fully pave the road, the path will be made clear for Zamora to begin to showcase her handiwork.

Zamora was on cloud nine and as she bade her last guest a safe journey home, she JUMPED FOR JOY.  Tomorrow she would follow-up with Jamieson Ford who promise to 'hold her by the hand'  Jamieson was a successful business woman, who understood the importance of giving back and knew Zamora would benefit immensely.

Although she had worked all day sleep would not come.  She placed Jamieson's calling card in a safe spot, right on the table under the matriarchs' portrait.  She trimmed her budding plants, watered them and add some nourishment, mindful that they too must be cared for in order to thrive.  She has vowed to take care of herself and the things that mattered to her even when her life became too hectic.  Good music, green healthy plants, spices that lit up the air with sweet smelling scents, made her JUMP FOR JOY one more time, then she dimmed the light and crawled into bed.

A mere week had passed since this merriment and things were rolling along when the unthinkable happened; where her beautiful 'palace' once stood were ashes and broken objects strewn around, fire had engulfed the place she called home.  When the firemen left, she continued staring at the ruins in disbelief and she began reasoning with herself.
             "I am doing great with my career.
               No lives were lost.  Something made
               a clean sweep of my castle,
               but I can build again"

She began to leave and turned around one more time and in the rubbles was the framed photo of the matriarchs that graced her living room.  She pulled it out, not even a scratch was visible and she JUMPED FOR JOY.  This was a sign and she knew for sure that she would build again.  As she walked away, she recalled a poem by RUNI.

                 "This being human is a guest house.
                   Every morning a new arrival.
                   A joy, a depression, meanness
                   Some momentary awareness comes
                   As a unexpected visitor.
                   Welcome and entertain them all!
                    Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
                    Who violently swept your house
                     Empty of its furniture.
                     Still, treat each guest honorably.
                     He may be cleaning you out
                     For some delight"


Questions for CLEAN SWEEP

1. She was called Warrior Zamora in the beginning but never throughout the story. Why was she introduced this way?
2. Zamora kept glancing at the portrait of the matriarchs.  Do you think she truly believed they were watching over her? Explain.
3. She seemed not to be able to make a move without looking up to the matriarchs, was that because she was afraid of missteps?  What do you think?
4. Was Jamieson another guardian angel sent to help Zamora?  Talk about a time that someone 'held you by the hand'
5. Zamora jumped for joy even in the midst of tragedy, what is the message here?
6. When there was a time that you jumped for joy? 

THE PASSAGE OF TIME

You let out a cry to announce your entry into the world, and the earth welcomed another resident.
Through the growing years the smile on your face was bright as the sunshine.  You skipped and romped with not a care.  A sprained ankle, a broken bone, just a temporary set back you called it, knowing you would heal and be back on your feet.

The people who love you had great hope for you.  They said you would be a champion.
As the years go by, sometimes the sun was hidden and the dark clouds opened up, thunder and lighting bolted across the skies.  But just like the storm that destroys nature to have it grow and thrive again; you continued to go with the tide and rise again after each tempestuous journey.

You grumbled like the others and wondered what this world was coming to?  Uprisings, countries toppled, Tsunamis, some inhabitants like mother nature are in a constant rage.  You shook your head and predicted that these goings on marked the end of the world, echoing the sentiments of world-wide  prophecy.  But the sun shines again and you put your worries aside and embraced this wonderful world of ours.

Life is good and your smile widens on your still smooth skin, although a few fine lines have began to settle in.  You didn't quite make it to the top of the ladder but you climbed enough rungs to feel just as proud.  And you gave a helping hand and made space for others as much as you could.

Then out of the clear blue sky, they discovered the unexpected.  The legs that carried you up and about have lost their lift.  You carefully placed your feet down not wanting to be caught off balance.  You know the bones won't mend so fast this time around, things have changed.  It is not like before when a cut and a bruise healed in no time with an epsom salt soak and a dab of iodine.

Then aches decided to be your constant companion on this part of the  journey.  A dull pain is residing in the back.  You cannot bend too low to pick up that pen that slipped out of your hand because you no longer have a tight enough grip on.
"What did you say?" you asked.  Even when the person speaking is close by.  You know the face but the name has escaped you.  You have removed your glasses so you can see the words much plainer and this was not the fine prints, rather BIG BOLD LETTERS.
The thinning hairline and white strands of hair have sprung up fast and want you to forget your once vibrant color and full head of hair that cascaded down your face and neck.

You fear the big A&C for which there is no cure. And with each new ache comes a new name and a new dread.  Disaster strikes over and over.  It hits those dearest to you, young and old.  And you have come to the reality that life has its ups and downs.  Dear friend, let me tell you, occupying earth comes with many challenges.  All you can do is to keep living the best that you can.  Quiet your mind and tap into your purpose for living, as we make room for another innocent entrance into this vast and moody world of ours.


Questions:

1. What does black clouds, thunder and lighting signify?
2. Name a few times that "you went with the tide"
3. There is reference to a 'moody' world/explain
4. What have you done to make this world a better place?
5. What is the crux of this message?
6. Think about your passage of time so far
7. It ended,"as we make room for another innocent entrance" /decipher

MAKING ROOM AT THE TABLE

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see"

This wonderful village was a well-kept secret.  Once this was barren land, the inhabitants scraped to get by until the bright idea of working together brought them a wonderful life.  In this lush village, the birds were cheerful and the wild life flourished.  This tight-knitted community did not openly welcome outsiders and those who entered came under the watchful eyes of these proud dwellers.  Living under the same roof has its ups and downs, yet this was a place where happiness flows.

Meanwhile in another section of town, the crowd was abuzz.  As the story goes, right after talking to the boss, Sarafina who worked as a machine operator, began rolling on the ground, groaning and howling.  The people around her were amazed at this outburst.  "What could have brought this on?" they asked.  Some bad news they thought.  Sarafina was out of control.  How long would this go on?  The crowd of on-lookers were shaking their heads.  "She is hallucinating," someone cried out.  They were nervous and began to work faster, just then the boss called again.  After some cajoling, Sarafina came to the telephone.  Suddenly the moaning stopped, Sarafina stood straight as an arrow, she would get to stay on the job for now but she needed to do what is right.  She would be transported somewhere else.  The grimace on her face was replaced by a forced smile.  "I have pulled this off again," her look seemed to say.

Mr. Gilibrand a reasonable man decided to give Sarafina another chance.  Maybe he thought, it will be better for her in an environment where things seemed to be working out, where folks understood what pulling together means, where kindness flows and everyone was willing to work out the daily kinks that creep into their daily routine.

Sarafina landed in this idyllic village,this was where she would get a second chance.  The inhabitants were hard workers with contentment written all over their faces.  In this community of workers, merriment was the order of the day.  Each morning as they gathered to start the day's work,it is as if the sun came along to brighten their day.  As they go about their activities, caring for the folks of the community, they were planning their next outing.  It was as if they could not get enough of each other.

Sarafina stood by the door murmuring under her breath.  This was not a good sign, they immediately saw black clouds and the sunshine seemed to be disappearing.  The look on her face was one of evil and sadness combined, a melancholy stare.  Caridad James, the overseer of this charismatic group, knew she would not allow anyone to destroy their happy home.  She had experienced naysayers, ball busters, pretenders and a bunch of other troublemakers.  At this moment she began to reflect on the brood with whom she shared space and remembered a few dissidents.

Take Agatha, she puts up a fight against any change.  She was so used to upsetting the barrel that it took her long time to recognize even when the change was beneficial to her.  Leonardo kept the Bible close by, it was tattered, giving you the impression that this was his regular storybook.  Yet he was cunning and conniving at first but gradually came along for a peaceful ride with the rest of the gang.

Let's not forget Charmaine, a complainer who had every ailment you could think of.  She kept medical books nearby, willing to try any new remedy at the drop of a hat.  This was so out of control that something had to be done to quell this distraction.  Finally no one paid any attention to the stories of these many illnesses and the complaints all but vanished.

Selfish Sara only thought about herself and never lend a helping hand to anyone but came knocking when she needed help herself.  Caridad would always help out Sara even when others felt she should ignore her, but Caridad reasoned that in the real world you couldn't win them all.

You name it and Gretabelle had done it.  How in the world could one person have done so many things?  It did not matter who was having the conversation, she would butt in.  The finest things she claimed to have, yet suffering was all over her face when she came to the village looking destitute.
She had barely settled in when she ran from person to person, whispering, dividing and conquering was her life.

Still water runs deep, as the saying goes and this describes Hadra to a Tee.  She bites without opening her mouth, did not bend for anyone, yet she demanded immediate attention.  Caridad smiled as she remembered this handful of dwellers.  She had no doubt this newcomer could be straightened out in a short time, at least that's what she thought.

Caridad introduced herself and the rest of  the dwellers and knew right away that this one would be a challenge.  She thought she had seen it all but even those who had repented shook their heads, vowing to stay their distance.  There was trouble brewing in paradise, sunshine was replaced with black clouds; they were forever putting out fires and Sarafina was in the midst of this chaos that had overtaken the village.  They had allowed bad spirits to creep in and now they must fight to get back the joy that once flowed in their path.

Caridad called a few of the longtime residents, including Agatha, Leonardo, Charmaine, Sara, Gabrielle and Hadra.  She wanted to bring Sarafina into the foal and needed some assistance.  They were resistant to this move but Caridad reminded them of their beginnings and their turnaround.  The truth is that they now seemed like saints, compared to the daily disruptions that they were now experiencing from Sarafina.  The group relented, making it easier for Caridad to bring the plan to the rest of the villagers.

They had made headway and it was time for a celebration.  Rifat our rising chef brought out her delicious dish, Baigan Bharta, translated, Roasted Eggplant.  As they chomped down, Rifat gave a description of this tasty meal.  Baigan Bharta is eaten in most of Northern India and the recipes vary from State to State.  This recipe is from Bangladesh and is usually eaten during the Bengali New Year{early April} as a festive side dish with rice, fish, lentils and other vegetable dishes.  Baigan Bharta can be eaten year round and in Rifat's family, her grandmother and mother always prepared this mouthwatering dish during the monsoon season when people tend to feast on vegetarian and fish delicacies.


Questions From Making Room At the Table

1. The title Making Room At The Table conjures {fill in the blank}
2. Describe your idyllic world
3. Describe your chaotic world
4. The story tells of shutting out 'outsiders' This comes from selfishness/fear or both?
5. What plan did Caridad bring to the villagers? How did the plan go over?

Baigan Bharta Recipe{spicy} Roasted Eggplant Side Dish

INGREDIENTS

1 large eggplant{medium hard}

1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder

1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder

1-3 Green Chillies or Jalapeño peppers{chopped finely}The peppers/chillies should be avoided if you want to keep the dish mild.

1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder {optional} or substitute paprika instead with a dash of black pepper for taste to keep the dish mild.

1/2 cup cooked green peas

1 Tomato very ripe {finely chopped}

1 Medium sized Onion {finely chopped}

3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil

Salt to taste

Coriander {Cilantro} Leaves - 4 or 5 sprigs chopped or torn off from stem.

Above spices are available in most spice stores or at any Indian grocery store

Preparing Baigan Bharta

•  Smear the eggplant with oil and roast it on the stove top on an open medium flame.
• Turn upside down when lower portion becomes soft.  Keep on rotating until the entire eggplant softens and browns. Use strong steel tongs to easily handle the roasting eggplant.
• Remove from the flame and submerge in a bowl of cold water until the eggplant cools. Dry off the eggplant with paper towel.
• Peel the skin off and mash up the eggplant with your hands or with a wooden spoon.
• Heat oil in a frying pan or a wok type of pan in a high flame.
• Add onion and green chillies and fry on a medium flame until onions turn golden brown, lower the heat at this point.
• Add turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder and salt.
• Fry the spice mix for a minute and slowly add the chopped tomatoes and stir.
• Cook until tomatoes become soft and mushy.
• Now add peas and mashed eggplant.
• Stir and fry for about 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat.
• Baigan Bharta is now ready to eat.  Ideally it is served at room temperature or slightly warm.  You can serve it with rice pilaf or with Indian breads such as parathas, chapatis{tortilla type soft flat breads} or tandoori naan.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.  The coriander leaves will add an additional spicy flavor.

Keeping Choose To Care Alive

During 2013  we were able to donate a brand new pair of shoes for over 103 children.
Shoes were purchased for the following:

                   
                     Children International, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
                     Vineyard International Christian Ministries, Bronx, USA
                      A mother for her 3 children




                      We began the year with                                                     $4,736

                      Total for shoes purchased                                                  $1,274

                       Balance @ end of year                                                       $3,462





Through the generosity of  family and friends we continue to fulfill the mission of Choose To Care, providing a brand new pair of shoes for children and young adults who would otherwise go without shoes or wear ill-fitted shoes.  This small token  brings  some dignity to the young person's life.



A request for  the "Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax" can be made on the website,choosetocaresite.org at the CONTACT Tab.

WORDS & PHRASES ADOPTED FOR MY BALANCING ACT

My friend said "put it on your bucket list"  Bucket list is one of those coined phrase that you hear frequently, and according to the urban dictionary, it was most likely derived from the term "kick the bucket." These are the things you wish to do before you leave this earth. Not too long ago, I had a simple "To Do List" and sometimes I call it  a "Wish List"  Anytime I read about a hotspot, that travel destination makes the list, likewise a new restaurant and so on.  This heavily laden bucket list gets unloaded once in a while when I carry through a wish but it soon creeps right back up because there is still so much more to discover.

When I first read about someone finding their sweet spot, I knew right away that it meant that place that gives you great satisfaction, you have nailed it, and it feels real good.  Here again, I find multiple things to call my sweet spots; traveling, theater and helping those in need.  It was not too long ago that after traveling to a distant land, I took an overnight trip to visit one of my sponsored children. While travelling to this rural village, there was a peaceful and restful aura that came over me and remained throughout this amazing journey. There were no inhibitions when we met, this was the face of the smiling child who I  knew only through photos and letters.  I sat in the midst of her family and friends as they tried to entertain me, and I could not help thinking how comfortable this setting was, language was not a barrier although I did not speak their language and neither did they speak mine; that I looked different than everyone surrounding me did not matter, we were having a jolly good time; yes indeed I had found my sweet spot.

There were many in a training  I attended who were describing their huddle at the beginning of the day at work.  They described it as getting on the right foot, bringing everyone up to date as to the reality and expectations of the day; such as understaffing or new demands from superiors. It is the kind of word that exposes you to friendly and warm gesture.  An so it is when I join my 'besties' for our quarterly huddles, when we meet to break bread and make merry.  I am always filled with gratitude at these encounters, eager for the next upcoming huddle.

While I am on this journey of faith I pledge to reset my body between rest and labor, lessen my quickened pace and take time each day to notice my surroundings and embrace this wonderful world we live in, one filled with endless possibilities. I will fill my bucket with things that matter and create ways to be filled with gratitude and find limitless joy while searching for more sweet spots and await with great expectations the next meet-up with my 'besties.'

I am not sold on 'selfie' but 'ego candy' is a catchy one that I will leave for another time. Happy New Year!

PEACE & LOVE!

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

Nowadays, I open my day with "Hello Today." It is a way to leave yesterday's old business and start anew.  And so each day as I wonder what tomorrow will bring, I have gotten used to embracing whatever comes my way. It is a game that can be played by one and this solo game continues to enrich my life.

 My penchant is to pay a visit to all the children I sponsor in different countries.  So another journey is on the horizon! I do not have any special dates for the places on my bucket list but each country's turn comes naturally and once again I am planning, shopping and excited to see the child that I have written to for years.  My journey will take me across the Indian Ocean, via Goa to a village called Karwar. There I will meet Neeta, the young Indian girl that I have been sponsoring through ChildFund International.  For a monthly gift of $36.00, Neeta is provided

• Health care and medicines
• New clothing and shoes
• Educational support
• Hope for a brighter future

As in the past when I have visited one of the children, language did not keep us apart and it certainly will not, this time either. It is an exciting opportunity to see the world while contributing to the well-being of someone in need. My message will be one of hope.  I will encourage studying hard because this is the main road out of poverty. I will tell Neeta to never give up, just keep going after a better life, making use of the support she gets from this glorious organization.

My friend told me this is a BOLD move but for me it is important for me to make a difference in the lives of these children born into poverty.  I will continue to heed the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." So as I wonder about the day ahead, I will beckon tomorrow with a big, "Hello Today" knowing it is another day to spread the word to anyone who will listen to why and how we can make a change in the life of a child in need.

PEACE     AND     LOVE!

THESE JOYFUL DAYS

There I was feeling anxious about the many things I still had to complete when I saw these words,HELLO TOMORROW on a magazine in the airline I was travelling in.  Later on I discovered this was their motto.  How welcoming these words were.  They allowed me to stop and pause and sort things out.  Yes there is TOMORROW.
So I have adopted this mantra to use in my daily living, simply translated, I am aware that TOMORROW comes with hope, so I beckon it, but I also embrace today because it is wise and important to live in the present.

                                         "Forget yesterday,
                                           Live for today,
                                           Tomorrow will take
                                           Care of itself."
                                                               Unknown

So as I was beaming with the sound of my new saying: HELLO TOMORROW, a kind-hearted and caring person gave me the most beautiful tea towel and there was the word DEVOUR on that special token.  Under DEVOUR, was a listing of things such as old films, music, books, painting, poems, dreams, random conversations, etc; all things that appeal to me. What a great word! Yes, I will DEVOUR more words, travel, family, friends and the list could go on and on. It gave me an idea on how I could apply this special word to the projects I am now involved with, taking them to another level. I will DEVOUR my love for educating children and their families about healthy eating; I will DEVOUR my love of educating adults to read and write; I will DEVOUR my desire to extend my hands to those in need, especially children living in poverty, globally; I will continue to DEVOUR the mission of Choose To Care, so children in need will have a brand new pair of shoes,allowing them to stay in school and bring dignity to their impoverished lives.

HELLO TOMORROW, the inspirational words that bring me hope will energize me to DEVOUR the plans I have made for a better me, a better community, and even stretch as far as to include hope for a better world. Using those words in tandem will allow me to:

                                               "Live for today,
                                                 Learn from yesterday,
                                                 Hope for tomorrow."

Keep adapting my friends!