Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria
Photo by: Chandra Brown

Alstroemeria
Zygomorphic beauty
Unfolds in symbiotic affinity,
together apportioned truth combine
imparting genuine love; sublime

Silken petals
Curve suspends upon fluent mien
a benevolent theme of paramount,
cautious eyes and breath passing lips
should not disturb where the calyx sits

Intricate anther
dresses fine tenets of rapport,
dissuading flux in sentiment
braced by firm filament

Unfailing frond
worthy to bear the conduct of being,
vaulted in set similarity
no encumbrance to harmony
By: Chandra Brown

Alstroemeria Facts:

• Symbolizes friendship and devotion and the trials and tribulations encountered upon the journey.
• Also called Peruvian Lily, Lily of Incas or Parrot Lily

Proverbs 20:6 - "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?"

John 15: 12-13 - "Love one another just as I have loved you. No greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Remembering on Memorial Day

I have been enjoying this Memorial Weekend Holiday in the great outdoors with my daughter hiking trails, fishing, swimming, crafting and watching Leave It to Beaver re-runs.  I had a little time to organize my filing system and came across a picture of my dear Grandpa Jack. He's sitting on a trike in his  Army uniform looking like he's ready for some adventure.

The picture got me thinking about the reason why we celebrate Memorial Day. It is so easy to plan outings and barbeque's and focus on fun without even giving second thought to what the Holiday represents, this can especially be easy to forget for the civilian population. Memorial Day is about those that died while in service to their nation; quite sobering when you begin to think about what that really means. Thankfully, my Grandfather didn't die in his service during World War II and I have wonderful memories of him that I enjoy sharing with other family members.

So many things flood my mind as I write about remembering the service men that gave the ultimate sacrifice. It makes the words, 'thank you' seem so cheap. I think the best way we can celebrate this historic National Holiday is to talk and listen. What an honor to be able to listen to the stories of those that gave the ultimate price. Somehow the story is what keeps the sacrifice real. Maybe this is one reason why I love World War II history (besides letting a little of my Dad's passion rub off on me). I know we don't necessarily have the opportunity to discuss intimate details of life and death one on one with families that have experienced the loss of their son or daughter, so I suggest the next closest thing; pick up a Historical Biography of one of your favorite era's ( recent and ancient history are fraught with examples) and read the amazing true stories of real people fighting for freedom.

If you don't know where to begin, I have some suggestions for you...
1. Unbroken, by Laura Hillibrand
    World War II Airforce.

2. Fly Boys: A True Story of Courage, by James Bradley
     Covers the Pacific Theatre in World War II.

3. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and The Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10, by Marcus Lutrell
    Afghanistan Theatre

Since the picture of my Grandpa in uniform inspired this post, I'd like to remember him by keeping the 'story' flame alive. I'm going to share a memory of my late Grandpa Jack, although not related to his service this story does give a picture of a man full of vibrant independence; or maybe better labeled, a rebellious streak.

I was eight years old and was fond of riding in my grandparents car when our large extended family caravaned from one place to another. This particular ride was on a Sunday. We were let out of church services and were heading down Wadsworth Boulevard in Grandpa Jack's sparkly, emerald green Buick with matching green fabric interior.

I was nestled in between Grandma El's yellow, damask back pillow and some Bibles on the seat meant for me to hold so they wouldn't fly all over the backseat. In these days, wearing a seat belt was pretty much optional, although buckle up billboards were cropping up everywhere. We lived by the seat of our pants in those days and none of us payed attention to the life saving warning.

Now Grandpa Jack was also known as Lead Foot Jack by friends and family. Speed limit signs were only suggestions, and even a red light or two fell under that category. We all agreed after careful consensus that he must have Angel's specifically posted on his bumpers because with his carefree, "what is this rear view mirror for" driving style and no incidents, that was the only logical conclusion one could come to.

We were probably clipping a good 55 down a 40 mile per hour lane when the sirens of a police car blared in our ears. Jack kept going through the intersection of Alameda and Wadsworth without slowing. I said, "Grandpa, don't you hear the police siren? I think you better pull over."

He retorted, " AA!" with a wave of his hand. Only when El piped in with a June Cleaver calm demeanor did Jack slow down and pull over.

The protocol commenced and the police officer in professional fashion asked, " Did you know how fast you were going, and may I see your license and registration?" My grandpa handed the paperwork over and watched silently as the officer went back to his car to log his information down.

The officer closed his car door and that's when my Grandpa turned his car on and took off like a bat out of hell, in disbelief I scolded," Grandpa, he has your license, you can't do that, it's breaking the law."

He retorted with his signature, "AA", and hand swipe.

I think Grandpa may have run a red light to make it to his hideout, but I'll never know because I had my head hidden under Grandma's back pillow the rest of the way home.

If you have any stories to share about your family whether they served or not, I'd love to 'hear' them.



 

Grandpa Jack Koch, Armed Forces, World War II, stationed in Hawaii

"History is nothing but a series of stories, whether it be world history or family history."
Bill Mooney and David Holt, The Storyteller’s Guide.

Disney World Family Photos

Utopia Land Delivers With Side Effects-Day Three

February 29, 2012- Leap Day

On the third day we piled in the two rental vans and headed to Disney Hollywood Studios. We anticipated a day full of action. The rounded metal vintage style entrance reminded us of the movie, Robots.  Upon entering the park you felt transported to a movie set with a street scene.

Mary was our expert navigator and pinpointed on the map the way to the Star Wars virtual ride. We strapped ourselves in the seats and encountered Darth Vader who used the powers of the dark force to fling us into space. C3P0 flew our spaceship through galactic space meteor showers and we crash landed but all in one piece. We were all smiles and giggles getting off that ride.

The Force is strong with this bunch

We ran over to the Indiana Jones set just in time to get front row seats. Alex's expressions were priceless to watch as the rolling boulder scene was played out before her eyes and the stunts and explosions were re-enacted showing how a movie set works.

Alex was gasping and getting ready to cover her mouth at the intense action and explosions.

The scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indiana has to fight the Nazi twice his size and the propeller finishes the job.

We finished off this park with Aerosmith's roller coaster a couple of times and the Tower of Terror. The Tower of Terror was like an elevator dropping you and rendered the theme of the Twilight Zone, one of our favorite old television shows.

We arrived at Epcot and the girls were wondering if that globe was a big golf ball. This park definitely had a more futuristic atmosphere.

We all enjoyed the first ride we went on called Soarin'. We got to be hang gliders over different scenery. It was nice to land and go have a beer and some sushi while we decided on what part of the park to go to next.

We toured the Land and Nemo exhibits, gentle rides compared to the one we decided to go on next; The Mission to Mars. Of course we chose the Intense Program Module. As we waited for our mission detail from Gary Sinise the apprehension built as we wondered if we should have picked the fiercest level. One traveler backed out and was escorted to the mild program. My Dad, Husband and I looked at each other in a 'what did we get ourselves into but I'm not going to chicken out' look. My dad was the Pilot, Nathan was the Navigator and I was the Commander. We pressed our buttons on time and made the orbit in order to land with the gusto of the Astronauts from the movie The Right Stuff. My dad still wonders how Gary Sinise our base mission controller made it to Mars before we did to congratulate us on our successful mission. Ha, the details he doesn't let get past him cracks me up.



 We got to be crash test dummies and go through a test course cars go through to determine safety and performance.

The best parts were the near collision with a MAC truck, the fake cement wall separating just before you thought you were going to slam into it and the 60 mile per hour speed test at the end of the ride.
Nathan would have liked his car to have been a Porshe or a Lamborghini.

We really enjoyed the countries of the world walk path along the lake, we would love to go back to see it during the day. We sampled some delicious Japanese green tea, ginger ice cream. We watched another out of this world fireworks show over the lake.

But the fun didn't end there, at least not for the die hard crew. Brantley, Dom, J'Den, Brooke and Alex all headed over to the Magic Kingdom for an all night ride fest. Since it was Leap Day the Magic Kingdom stays open all night. This mom and dad were already to pooped to try to prove our fun factor so we waited to hear about it at four in the morning when they all came home. It was an absolute zoo, with people trampling the grass in order to get to the rides that had more than an hour wait, so the codger crew who just couldn't muster the strength were happy they stayed home. The die hards now hold the title of holding a once every four year occurrence of an all nighter at Disney. Both parties happy!

Leap Day All Nighter at the Magic Kingdom With Mickey and Minnie

Utopia Land Delivers With Side Effects -Day One and Two

Where does one begin to describe a whirlwind week in Disney World that spans seven parks in five days? Conjure up the the scene from Pinocchio's Pleasure Island and that about fits the bill for our trip. OK, I exaggerate a little but we sure did gorge ourselves on all the fun we could muster with some consequences on the side.

Our first day was pleasantly spent strolling the grounds at Sea World. The oceanic wonders amazed us in different ways. The Dolphin Show included parrots in their theme, the Sea Lion and Otter Pirate Show was hilarious and the Killer Orca Whales promised splashes that soaked to the bone. The Wild Arctic virtual helicopter ride brought out the sarcasm in John and Chandra as they threatened to turn the pilot into the FAA for grievous infractions, and the Manta roller coaster really did make you feel like a Manta Ray swimming through the water. Alex went on that one a couple of times.

They used 6 different Sea Lions for the show

               SEA WORLD              

Susie treated Brooke and Alex to their own genuine pearl. A diver harvested the oyster from the sea bed and the girls got to see the oyster opened to reveal the pearl. They measured them, you could see the variation in color. Alex got a peach pearl and Brooke got a golden pearl. Susie remembers the family trip to Disney Land where she received a pearl the same way and wanted to pass on the nostalgia to her girls who are as precious as pearls.  

Day two we ventured to the heart of it all, The Magic Kingdom. We encountered a parade the first minute we stepped into the park. All the kids eyes were as big as Quarters as they saw the characters from their favorite movies walking down the street towards the infamous castle. Aunt Johnna made sure the girls were set for the day with their Mickey ears and we were all on our way to the rides.

We were lucky Dom had a phone App for all the rides because we timed each one perfectly and didn't have to wait long for any of them. We saw The Swiss Family Robinson Tree house, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Small World, The Haunted Mansion, drove a race car and did our favorite ride; Space Mountain a few times. Nathan, even conquered his childhood fears and rode Space Mountain with us. He remembers his mom taking him on the ride as a child and how scared he was. I have to admit it was a little scary being on a fast roller coaster in the dark.

We were all proud of J'Den for facing his fears too, he rode Space Mountain a few times even though he doesn't really care for fast, dark roller coasters.

Tatum, was quite a trooper. Her first ride was the Aladdin Carpet ride. She sat next to Auntie and Nana. She was an amazingly good baby the entire trip. She loves hanging with the big kids.

It was a packed day with lots of walking and rushing to the next attraction. We were lucky to spend the day with Anastasia; Denny's oldest girl. She's beautiful,all grown up and going to college in Saint Petersburg, Florida. I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday.

Nathan being brave, handing over the wheel to Alex.                

Mary and Brantley, Dom and Johnna's in-laws were sweet enough to plan dinner with Winnie the Pooh character's. Gavin really enjoyed Eeyore and he beamed every time Piglet, Tiger or Pooh came by to give him a hug.

After feasting on multiple plates of food, we were awed by a fireworks show. It started with Tinkerbell, flying down from the castle with her wings lit up. A perfect end to a Magical Day.