The past few weeks have been insanely busy.

Actually…

I think I blinked in June…

and here we are.

How does this happen?

Two weeks ago…

I entered a “contest” on Facebook.

I was to state in 100 words or less…

what my “favorite feel good” movie was…

and why.

I have several of those…

but narrowed it down…

per the request.

I was notified last Tuesday…

that I was the winner…

of two tickets…

to the Opening Night…

of the “Feel Good Film Festival!”

It was located here…

on this boulevard of the same name…

in this historic theatre.

The Hero Hubby was already scheduled…

to work in Malibu all day Saturday.

With a bit of re-arrangement…

to our schedule…

I was able to procure a hot date…

with Son #2…

a reasonable hotel room close by…

and we were off!

Kristen Ridgway-Flores…

pictured here on the right…

(with a big hug for Laura-on-the-Left…

our new favorite Brit!)

co-founded the Feel Good Festival…

three years ago…

with her friend America Young…

as a purposeful way…

to combat all of the darkness…

and evil…

that pervades our daily lives.

The festival featured 64 films, including 14 features, 39 shorts, and 11 student films. Along with the films offered throughout the festival, highlights included a lively Opening Night intro from Host Cheryl Hines; a New Media panel “Why Web Series Suck” presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation discussing some hot-button issues prevalent in the web community and highlighted by the world premieres of a handful of web series, an outdoor bazaar highlighted by “green” and health-oriented vendors, and nightly after parties in the Egyptian Theatre Courtyard. ~ The Los Angeles Times

We admittedly had other reasons to attend as well.

We are in love with this family…

that the “Hero Hubby” has known…

and grown up with…

pretty much his entire life.

Stephen married Kristen…

and makes his living in Hollywood…

doing “all kinds of cool things”…

most of which pertain to acting.

We hadn’t seen them in a long time…

and the “winning entry”…

provided opportunity…

and motivation all around!

I’ve told you before…

Los Angeles…

is quite a mecca of diversity…

and creativity…

without any room for doubt!

Need inspiration for a new hair style?…

look no further!

How about that special outfit…

or personal fashion statement?

(these shoes looked like real ruby slippers off of the Wizard of Oz set!)

There is simply no end…

to the people watching opportunities!

Ever wondered why most everyone…

is the “same height” in movies and television?…

Here’s your answer!

In addition to Friday’s Opening films…

We attended all day Saturday.

Many of them were simply brilliant!

This one…

was profoundly moving…

as well as thought provoking.

Entitled…

“That Doesn’t Look Like Me”…

it was the documentary…

of an artist that solicited…

other artist friends…

to go into a senior residence…

and paint or draw…

some of the individuals there.

They interviewed…

and got to know these people in the process.

As the credits rolled…

it was revealed…

that some of these beautiful individuals…

had since passed away.

There was also a challenge…

to engage in a community project of this nature.

We came out to…

some of the actual portaiture.

Powerful beyond belief.

It was an enriching experience!

We plan on going again…

should Kristen…

and her colleagues continue.

Here’s what Leadership Education…

has to say about this experience.

“Young people need to learn to think and lead before they start dividing themselves into campes of allies and enemies…A deep respect for all good ideas, people and organizations, and the ability to identify both the good and the error in all things is an important part of Transition.  This is where the child notices differences and draws conclusions that will either lead to a life of bias or respect…Leaders will remember lessons of Core and “trust the process,” knowing that its fruits are worth its labors.  And in the process, they will enjoy life, have a lot of fun, and learn to bring the best feelings and experiences into their lives.  Leadership can be challenging, but it should also be joyful.”~ Leadership Education, Oliver and Rachel DeMille, pages 170 and 266

We definitely had a lot of fun…

met some amazing folks along the way…

(hello again to Laura…

the exceptionally fun...

witty…

and “Brilliant Brit!)…

and definitely broadened our horizons…

while experiencing joy!

There is a lot of genius…

and amazing creativity out there..

floating around in the form…

of “the arts!”

How do you…

tap into them?

Through big city Productions?…

Festivals?…

Local theatre?…

High school performances?…

Regardless of the source…

I hope you’re tapping them…

to promote brain development…

deep thought processes…

and to build and strengthen…

all areas of learning.

that awhile back…

I wrote a post…

on community responsibility.

It involved a trip…

to LifeStream…

which is our local…

as well as our county…

blood bank.

The shortened version of the events that followed…

is that they read the post…

approached me…

and asked if they could use our family…

in an upcoming campaign…

that was to be entitled…

Blead By Example.

I loved the title of this campaign…

and have also considered it a privilege…

to share with the employees…

that have contacted us…

about Leadership Education.

What it involves…

why it’s great…

what it is!

It’s been a fun…

enlightening…

journey.

Many of you also recall…

that on the eve…

of our scheduled photo shoot…

Son #3 wanted to know…

exactly where and how…

these photos would be used.

I will readily admit at this point…

that perhaps I was tired…

and lacking sleep…

when I shot back with…

“Maybe if you’re lucky…

you’ll be in a bus stop somewhere.”

I got the reaction I wanted…

and we proceeded to our photo opp.

I promised to keep you updated…

as to the progress of this project.

Here is a synopsis…

of the conversation…

that Son #2…

had with LifeStream…

at the end of last week…

when he called to reschedule his appointment.

LS: “Hello, LifeStream.  How may we help you?’

Son #2: “Yes, I need to reschedule my appointment, please.”

LS: Your name?

(Son #2 complies.)

LS:” Oh my word!  As in the individual…

that is currently on our vehicles?”

Son #2: “Um…well, I guess so.”

Oh yes, indeed!

Later that day…

Son #1 went in to give blood and came home with these…

making it official.

My two eldest children are zipping back and forth on freeways…

all over Southern California!

I believe they said they are on 14 vehicles…

but don’t quote me.

Here’s the best part!

When I called the corporate office…

and spoke to Piper…

my new…

peppy…

perfectly professional…

and popping-with-excitement friend…

here’s what she had to say.

P: “Hello, Teri!  The vehicle wraps look great!

People are embracing this campaign…

and the feedback has been wonderful!

Thanks so much again for helping us”

Me: “Are you kidding?

We feel privileged to have been asked!”

Piper: “I have more exciting news!

Towards the end of September…

there are plans to use Sons #1-#5…

to wrap two of our buses! ”

Me: Stunned silence.

Piper: “We’re going to use the three older boys…

on one side…

and the two little ones on the other.”

There was simply no denying…

that I had some serious “splaining to do”…

where Son #3 was concerned.

His response when I told him?…

“No, really Mom…

feel free to exploit us for however long…

you feel is necessary.”

Okay, so maybe some of us are grateful.

I know he really is as well.

He’s just supressing it…

for a later release.

Don’t worry, friends…

I will keep you posted.

Our winner was chosen by Random.org and was Gale de la Rosa!  Congratulations, Gale!  If, when you put this lovely saying up, it’s missing one morning off of your wall…it was me!  Send me an e-mail with your address in it, and I’ll get this off to you!

This article is long, but worth the read.  And be sure to comment…

as I will be announcing another giveaway on Monday!

Monday is the early bird deadline for registration for the Sept. 10-11 Face to Face in Temecula.

Contact evlundquist@gmail.com to register. 

The Best High School Valedictorian Speech Written by Erica Goldson
The 2010 Graduating Class of Coxsackie-Athens High School.

Comment: The following speech was delivered by top of the class student Erica Goldson during the graduation ceremony at Coxsackie-Athens High School on June 25, 2010
Here I Stand
There is a story of a young, but earnest Zen student who approached his teacher, and asked the Master, “If I work very hard and diligently, how long will it take for me to find Zen? The Master thought about this, then replied, “Ten years . .” ?The student then said, “But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast — How long then?” Replied the Master, “Well, twenty years.” “But, if I really, really work at it, how long then?” asked the student. “Thirty years,” replied the Master. “But, I do not understand,” said the disappointed student. “At each time that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that?” ?Replied the Master, “When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path.”
This is the dilemma I’ve faced within the American education system. We are so focused on a goal, whether it be passing a test, or graduating as first in the class. However, in this way, we do not really learn. We do whatever it takes to achieve our original objective.
Some of you may be thinking, “Well, if you pass a test, or become valedictorian, didn’t you learn something? Well, yes, you learned something, but not all that you could have. Perhaps, you only learned how to memorize names, places, and dates to later on forget in order to clear your mind for the next test. School is not all that it can be. Right now, it is a place for most people to determine that their goal is to get out as soon as possible.
I am now accomplishing that goal. I am graduating. I should look at this as a positive experience, especially being at the top of my class. However, in retrospect, I cannot say that I am any more intelligent than my peers. I can attest that I am only the best at doing what I am told and working the system. Yet, here I stand, and I am supposed to be proud that I have completed this period of indoctrination. I will leave in the fall to go on to the next phase expected of me, in order to receive a paper document that certifies that I am capable of work. But I contest that I am a human being, a thinker, an adventurer – not a worker. A worker is someone who is trapped within repetition – a slave of the system set up before him. But now, I have successfully shown that I was the best slave. I did what I was told to the extreme. While others sat in class and doodled to later become great artists, I sat in class to take notes and become a great test-taker. While others would come to class without their homework done because they were reading about an interest of theirs, I never missed an assignment. While others were creating music and writing lyrics, I decided to do extra credit, even though I never needed it. So, I wonder, why did I even want this position? Sure, I earned it, but what will come of it? When I leave educational institutionalism, will I be successful or forever lost? I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning. And quite frankly, now I’m scared.
John Taylor Gatto, a retired school teacher and activist critical of compulsory schooling, asserts, “We could encourage the best qualities of youthfulness – curiosity, adventure, resilience, the capacity for surprising insight simply by being more flexible about time, texts, and tests, by introducing kids into truly competent adults, and by giving each student what autonomy he or she needs in order to take a risk every now and then. But we don’t do that.” Between these cinderblock walls, we are all expected to be the same. We are trained to ace every standardized test, and those who deviate and see light through a different lens are worthless to the scheme of public education, and therefore viewed with contempt.
H. L. Mencken wrote in The American Mercury for April 1924 that the aim of public education is not “to fill the young of the species with knowledge and awaken their intelligence. … Nothing could be further from the truth. The aim … is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality. That is its aim in the United States.”
Comment: The full passage reads: “The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all; it is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to down dissent and originality. That is its aim in the United States, whatever pretensions of politicians, pedagogues other such mountebanks, and that is its aim everywhere else.”
To illustrate this idea, doesn’t it perturb you to learn about the idea of “critical thinking.” Is there really such a thing as “uncritically thinking?” To think is to process information in order to form an opinion. But if we are not critical when processing this information, are we really thinking? Or are we mindlessly accepting other opinions as truth?
This was happening to me, and if it wasn’t for the rare occurrence of an avant-garde tenth grade English teacher, Donna Bryan, who allowed me to open my mind and ask questions before accepting textbook doctrine, I would have been doomed. I am now enlightened, but my mind still feels disabled. I must retrain myself and constantly remember how insane this ostensibly sane place really is.
And now here I am in a world guided by fear, a world suppressing the uniqueness that lies inside each of us, a world where we can either acquiesce to the inhuman nonsense of corporatism and materialism or insist on change. We are not enlivened by an educational system that clandestinely sets us up for jobs that could be automated, for work that need not be done, for enslavement without fervency for meaningful achievement. We have no choices in life when money is our motivational force. Our motivational force ought to be passion, but this is lost from the moment we step into a system that trains us, rather than inspires us.
We are more than robotic bookshelves, conditioned to blurt out facts we were taught in school. We are all very special, every human on this planet is so special, so aren’t we all deserving of something better, of using our minds for innovation, rather than memorization, for creativity, rather than futile activity, for rumination rather than stagnation? We are not here to get a degree, to then get a job, so we can consume industry-approved placation after placation. There is more, and more still.
The saddest part is that the majority of students don’t have the opportunity to reflect as I did. The majority of students are put through the same brainwashing techniques in order to create a complacent labor force working in the interests of large corporations and secretive government, and worst of all, they are completely unaware of it. I will never be able to turn back these 18 years. I can’t run away to another country with an education system meant to enlighten rather than condition. This part of my life is over, and I want to make sure that no other child will have his or her potential suppressed by powers meant to exploit and control. We are human beings. We are thinkers, dreamers, explorers, artists, writers, engineers. We are anything we want to be – but only if we have an educational system that supports us rather than holds us down. A tree can grow, but only if its roots are given a healthy foundation.
For those of you out there that must continue to sit in desks and yield to the authoritarian ideologies of instructors, do not be disheartened. You still have the opportunity to stand up, ask questions, be critical, andcreate your own perspective. Demand a setting that will provide you with intellectual capabilities that allow you to expand your mind instead of directing it. Demand that you be interested in class. Demand that the excuse, “You have to learn this for the test” is not good enough for you. Education is an excellent tool, if used properly, but focus more on learning rather than getting good grades.
For those of you that work within the system that I am condemning, I do not mean to insult; I intend to motivate. You have the power to change the incompetencies of this system. I know that you did not become a teacher or administrator to see your students bored. You cannot accept the authority of the governing bodies that tell you what to teach, how to teach it, and that you will be punished if you do not comply. Our potential is at stake.
For those of you that are now leaving this establishment, I say, do not forget what went on in these classrooms. Do not abandon those that come after you. We are the new future and we are not going to let tradition stand. We will break down the walls of corruption to let a garden of knowledge grow throughout America. Once educated properly, we will have the power to do anything, and best of all, we will only use that power for good, for we will be cultivated and wise. We will not accept anything at face value. We will ask questions, and we will demand truth.
So, here I stand. I am not standing here as valedictorian by myself. I was molded by my environment, by all of my peers who are sitting here watching me. I couldn’t have accomplished this without all of you. It was all of you who truly made me the person I am today. It was all of you who were my competition, yet my backbone. In that way, we are all valedictorians.
I am now supposed to say farewell to this institution, those who maintain it, and those who stand with me and behind me, but I hope this farewell is more of a “see you later” when we are all working together to rear a pedagogic movement. But first, let’s go get those pieces of paper that tell us that we’re smart enough to do so!

She is the niece of my closest childhood friend, DeDe.  When she came home to Seattle for her grandfather’s funeral; she asked me several questions about home education and “how we had done it.”  She was considering the options before her.  We had a lovely conversation!

A couple of weeks later, I received the e-mail below.  I was so humbled, I cried.

Krista is a beautiful young woman, inside and out.  Her husband, Eric, is delightful.  They have two darling children and currently make their home in Wyoming.

All I did was open my mouth.

Yes, it’s something I do well.

Based on the content of her e-mail; it is my hope that you will open yours.

There are many people that would benefit from the principles of Leadership Education…

in every educational model…

and walk of life.

Next Saturday, June 5, 2010, in Temecula, California…

there will be a day long seminar…

highlighting the principles of Leadership Education.

If you are interested in attending; you may contact Jennifer McLaughlin at jmclaugh08@yahoo.com or (951) 302-2111.

TommyMom is sponsoring one scholarship for you or someone you know…

that is interested in exploring Leadership Education…

or revisiting the basics.

Leave your comments, and a winner will be chosen Wednesday.

If you have already registered and are the lucky winner…

you may either choose to be reimbursed…

or bring along a friend!

Hope you win!

WOW!!!!  I’m devouring my new favorite book, “A Thomas Jefferson Education.” I met the postman every day at my door, anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.

The book finally arrived on Friday and I immediately set my son up with some quiet play, put my new baby girl to sleep, and dove right in!

Now this is all I can think about!

Oliver DeMille has very eloquently put into words what my instincts have been telling me for years.

As a sidenote; I always have several notebooks that I write in all the time and as I read this book I’m quickly filling one of them with things like; “Ways I’ve been inspired by TJEd…” and “Talking points for Eric…”

Eric’s completely sold by what I’ve shared with him, and plans to start the book as soon as possible.

How have I not stumbled on this before?

I’m so very glad you recommended this to me.

This is truly a great gift you’ve given me and I plan to pass it on to as many others as I can.

I’ve always been a fan of the Classics but I used to consider them a guilty pleasure.  Now that I know how profoundly and positively they can affect our lives I feel free to indulge as often as I am able.

I’m so looking forward to continuing my own education!  I’m so glad I have more time to study and prepare to become my children’s mentor.  This has finally made up my mind to home educate and given me a clear direction for their education.

I started out with a Leadership Education and was home educated through the second grade before I was put into public school.  When we were given a placement test for public school, both my friend and I tested at the sixth grade level.

However, our parents decided to put us in fourth grade so we wouldn’t be too far ahead of our grade level.

My first two teachers were completely L.E. and I excelled in both the fourth and fifth grades.  I was in their advanced placement programs for all available subjects including a college level English program, where we studied the Classics, in exactly the form DeMille recommends.

I received many honors at Graham Elementary.  I was among only a few students in the school chosen to write an essay for a contest.  I won and got to read my essay before the whole school (and parents) in a special ceremony.  The essay went on to a district and eventually statewide competition.  I’m telling you all this, not to brag; but so you get an idea of how I was thriving in TJEd and ended up falling so far through the cracks.

In Jr. High I ended up on the conveyor belt and couldn’t figure out what had happened.  First semester of Jr. High I pulled all A’s.  Second semester I quit and just focused on my social life since there was nothing left for me academically.

After that semester I was lucky to pull C’s and a few B’s.  I managed to barely pass most of my classes since I was good at taking tests I hadn’t studied for!

I never bothered to do homework since it was so incredibly boring.

I was a typical case of someone falling through the cracks on the conveyor belt.

In fact I dropped out of school all together at 16.

Fortunately I went on to get my G.E.D. and eventually got some college credits under my belt.  I really want so much more for my kids, and even for myself, now that I know how to fill in the gaps of my own education.

I had this conversation with my husband roughly three years ago.

In it, I described my ideal school for our children, and it looked just like this!  I remember telling Eric that I wanted my kids to love learning more than anything.

I knew this was the key because this is where the public school system lost me.

I also knew that reading and writing were the foundation for every other subject.

I wanted to give my son a great learning foundation, build confidence and a sense of security and then set him free to pursue his own interests.

I’ve rambled on MUCH longer than I intended so I’ll end with this; I hope you realize that you’ve just become my Mentor.  Honestly my hope is that God will one day lead a mentor into my life that is a little closer in proximity, but until then…you’re it Obi Wan

I plan to keep bouncing ideas off of you and reading your blog often.  I love the way you present ideas and tell stories.  I am truly grateful that God has brought you back into my life.

Most Sincerely,
Krista

Today, our featured highlight is Vernie DeMille.

I can’t say enough about Vernie and her amazing spirit!  She is an incredible woman that is an asset to her farmer husband, William…

and a great mom to their children; two of which are pictured here.

The DeMille’s just recently relocated to the Willamette Valley, near Portland, Oregon.

There, they have founded C’est Naturelle Farms; a local gardening resource for their community.

You can read more about them and contact them at MiniAg.com…

As well as on their new blog cestnaturellefarms.com

Will and Vernie’s gardening expertise is amazing!

And as you will soon see from this feature…

is only surpassed by their love for people and a sense of community.

I always leave a conversation with the two of them feeling uplifted, encouraged and loved.

Won’t you please welcome…Vernie DeMille!

Hey, Teri, how’s it goin’?!

I’m great, Vernie.  Thank you so much for taking the time to join me this morning.  I know that you are so busy right now planting and getting things set up on the farm.  I really appreciate it!

Yeah, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner.  It’s been crazy around here! In fact, I hope you don’t mind that I’m milking the cow while I talk with you today!  Will’s been up all night working the fields, because it wasn’t raining.  He wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to get some things done while the weather was good.

Vernie, I know that you guys are using somewhat of a CSA model; but will you share your twist on it for us today?

Sure!  Well, often with a regular CSA model, when you pay the money and don’t use what is available; you’re just “out the cash.”  We’re going to try something different.  We want you to invest and in return, we’re going to give you farm “credit.”  You can buy 1,3,6,or 12 months in advance and invest in the farm.  This credit is good for one  year from the date of purchase.  This way, if you only want tomatoes, you can have tomatoes!  If you want milk, eggs, produce, or even some finished products in the form of canned goods; we’ll offer all of this.  And you customize these things to your personal needs and desires.

Wow.  I wished I lived closer!

Well, we’ve figured out that each of our growing spaces is worth a $1.50, which is one share.  We’re trying to keep the prices down.  Sadly, there has been so much elitism that has crept in to local food markets. Local food sources have become so exorbitantly priced; that many people can no longer afford them.  This is tragic.

I know that you and Will believe that it is your life mission to do this work.  The fact that you can make even the most urban of dwellers so excited about knowing their food source is always so inspiring to me!

I can’t tell you how important I think it is that people have a genuine and very real relationship with the earth.  It is so integral in realizing who you are, where you have come from and what you’re made of.

Living the the Willamette Valley is a dream come true, Teri.  The more you get out and work the land, the more you understand the efforts and courage of those who came here as pioneers.  When I think about the hardships that were involved on the Oregon Trail trek, and the arrival here, only to find more work ahead; it leaves me in awe and total humility.

When the pioneers arrived here, there were nothing but evergreens, oaks and ash.  This was a 2,500 mile trek!  Yet, they looked at what they saw; and honestly what they saw produced even more vision.  So they got to work!  I think about this often.  It’s amazing!

It is so uplifting to spend time with you, Vernie!  You’re a real encourager of people.

Well, I think that today, our lives are relatively easy, Teri.  Physically, spiritually and emotionally we don’t have it difficult.  It took real strength of character for the pioneers to settle and begin working the land.

I think that so much of a successful life can be likened to farming.  We can choose to till our hearts and furrow out hurt and pain that others may have caused; whether it was intentional or not.  So many people lead lives that are based on individualism and being loners; rather than embracing community. Somehow, telling themselves that they don’t need or want people in their lives makes this a reality.

The truth is, we need community.  We benefit from community.  It’s worth it to love people and to invest in relationships.

Everyone can till the soil of their heart.  It’s so worthwhile to love.

I can’t thank you enough for choosing to be here today.  I know that anyone that contacts you on your website that desires to be mentored or has questions will be the richer for it.

I’m going to close with an excerpt quoting you from a post I found; when the topic of  “to till or not to till” came up!  I was so impressed.  And you’re very modest, so you probably wouldn’t share it.

I know that you’re finished milking, so I’ll let you go!

Yes, we’re going to pile into the car and go to town.  I’m getting Dead Aid today and plan to join in on the discussion.  Sorry I’m late.

No worries.  We’re really just now getting started.  Jump in!

I love you, Teri!  You have a great day!

Right back at you, Vernie!

Excerpt: “tilling is actually a really good thing to do if you’re working soil that isn’t already enriched…it takes about a decade to get the garden soil to a consistency that no longer requires turning.  At that point the layering method is wonderful and should be the goal of every good gardener…The trick to good gardening is to find a way to grow a good amount of food this year; while thinking of and caring for, the soil in years to come. While tilling does kill some of the micro-organisms in the soil, it won’t kill all of them.  There’s about a million microbes in every tablespoon of soil and they multiply rapidly.  Now that you’ve gotten the compost in, they’ll grow even faster.  Gardening is so much like education.  You have to study your garden.  I’ve met a lot of “box” gardeners lately.  They want to garden using only one exclusive set of methods.  They draw boxes that may be keeping good things out; instead of a circle of knowledge that draws all good things in.  The trick is to stay out of boxes; look at your soil, study it, find out what it needs, and give it what it is asking for…but can’t say out loud!  Man, I just LOVE farming!”

And we really do love you, Vernie. Thanks for sharing and for leading in this way.

Since Trisha has loved and supported all of us, when you need a lovely gift, or some personal cards for yourself, please consider visiting her in her Etsy shop; to which you can link above.  Etsy will be in heaven someday…of this statement I am certain!  Mothers can log in, click the button, use debit or credit…and wah-lah!…Delivered to your door!  All of your comments are your entries from which Random.org will choose a winner!

I’ve found that bribery works best with the likes of this group.  You’re a tough crowd.

Please also remember, that the discussion of the book “Dead Aid” has begun on TommyMom’s Facebook page under the Discussions tab.  No, you are “not behind.”  Yes, you may join in at any time. ~ You’re missing out if you don’t…both in “the read” and “the gab!”

When I was engaged to be married to the “Hero Hubby”…

we would often visit the greater Los Angeles area…

where, at the time, his parents were currently stationed in the Salvation Army.

I love L.A.

This would also include the song written about it by Randy Newman.

I love the diversity…

of people…

and of geography and climate that the entire state of California offers.

The history…

the glitz of “the city of Angels”…

the glamour…

the “weirdos”…

the weather!…

Bring it on, baby!

It’s my kind of town!

I “mentioned” this on one of our visits…

and my soon-to-be-husband stated very gently but firmly…

that we would never live in California.

He was a Pacific Northwest…

backpacking…

REI…

hiking-boot wearing…

Mountain climbing…

kind of a guy!

So…

when the Seattle economy took a “header” shortly after our marriage…

and we were invited to move here because there was work…

I received prompt number two.

“Listen…

we are moving to California for one year…

and one year only.

That state is full of kooks…

and we’re you’re not going to be two one of them!”

Truth be told…

he already thought that I was a goner…

and he has always been the “Steady Eddy”…

“Rock Solid”…

pretty much predictable one of the duo!

And I love and appreciate him for it.

Really, I do.

However…

That second prompt was given nearly 23 years ago now!

And we’re still here!

And, yes, perhaps the profile of the “duo” still hasn’t changed so awfully much…

thanks for wondering.

This past weekend, however, confirms…

for more than one reason…

why people live in Southern California!

We have known Luke since he was a young boy.

He and his older brother, Ben…

used to be in my art co-op when they were being home educated.

Their mother, Vicki…

is one of my dearest friends…

and a real example of dynamic leadership.

Not only in her profession…

but in life.

We were honored to be included in Luke’s marriage celebration.

Ben and Luke are stellar examples of the end result of Leadership Education.

They are statesmen and genuine leaders by example.

They know how to serve.

Luke teaches at a private Catholic school in Los Angeles.

In fact…

while at UCLA…

he met Sarah.

They worked together on a comedy newspaper called “The Flying Squirrel!”

These two young men that introduced them…

also married them!

Welcome to the 21st Century, folks!

Where you can go online…

research and then procure a marriage license…

choosing your officiants…

and still be “legal!’

It was clear upon our arrival…

that this was going to be one “rough atmosphere!”

Yeah, right.

There were incredible views on both sides…

an absolutely stunning ambiance…

and beauty everywhere you looked!

Much of Sarah’s family is Jewish.

The imagery in both act and word during the ceremony was beautiful to behold.

From the chuppah, that was constructed from Great Grandma Edna’s tablecloth…

to the blessings that were given over the couple by three sets of grandparents as well as parents.

Sarah and Luke took ancient traditions…

and “modernized” them…

celebrating love…

marriage…

family…

commitment…

community.

And as the sun began to set…

on a balmy 85 degree…

gentle breeze-filled afternoon…

we were just getting the party started!

This fall…

Sarah begins graduate school.

Luke will not only continue teaching…

but will also be pursuing his dream of creating the largest…

most effective Children’s Classical Literature Library…

ever to reside in the city of Los Angeles!

He already has much of the prep work in place…

including books!

What about the state in which you reside?

Each of them has its pros and its cons.

They are filled with diversity…

opportunity…

and charm.

The United States.

There are several of them, of which I am particularly fond!

In honor of Luke’s dream…

check out this beautiful…

fact filled…

richly descriptive book…

on the States.

Mine and yours.

Just think…

one a week…

and you’ll be finished in a year…

and that much richer for it!

Just like I am…

from knowing Luke and Sarah!

Mazel Tov to you both!

Oh…

and as you leave the greater Los Angeles area…

please don’t turn out the lights….

it’s a huge part of the ambiance and charm!  Thank you.

She and I were backstage in a huge convention center, preparing to receive tremendously public recognition for a leadership level we both achieved in our direct sales company.  Admittedly, it was a bit daunting…in that there were 10,000 of our “closest friends” beyond the stage…and while we waited for our names to be called..we could hear them all screaming with excitement.

I felt something bumping against my back, and upon turning around, came face to face with a pasty white Katherine, who, by this time, had tears streaming down her face.  I had never recalled seeing her before.  I’m West Coast, she’s East.  Her knees were locked, and she was “fixin’ to faint!”

Me: “Hey, what are you doing?!:

Katherine: (in a faint whisper) “I simply can’t do this.  I thought I could, but I can’t.  I’m terrified.”

Me: (grabbing her by the shoulders) “Okay, listen…you’ve worked for years to earn this privilege.  You can do this and you will.”

Katherine: “No, really, I just want to go home.  Do you hear that crowd?”

Me:”Yes.  And it’s full of individuals…mostly moms…that you have led. They are waiting to celebrate with you.  We’re going out there.  I’ll go first.”  ( H is before M…there was really nothing heroic about the offer…)

Katherine: “What if I can’t?”

Me: “Don’t make me come back here and get you after I’ve been recognized…because I will.” ahh…the “warm, fuzzy approach” that I so often use!

Today, as she shares one of the most personal pieces of her heart with you, please know one thing…

I’d go back for her with no hesitation…

in whatever life situation we happen to share!

That night she “bumped” in to me…

was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that spans two coasts…

but in which two hearts are very close… despite the miles.

I love you to pieces woman!

And with that…

ladies and gentlemen…

meet Katherine McCauley!

Well, I guess some things never change, because I’m nervous today as well!

I don’t want to babble on and on and sound stupid.

I came to TommyMom when I saw on Teri’s Facebook page that she had a blog.

My initial reaction was that since I didn’t home educate…

it wasn’t for me.

I was wrong!

The things I love about Teri were really evident.

Humor…

and a good dose of it after something bitingly honest…

the invitation to be loved and accepted unconditionally while being yourself…

I signed up and I’m really enjoying the ride!

I love to think and to learn new things.

In fact, we moved our son, Will, from a “regular” private school last year

to this Jesuit high school.

The academics are very leadership based…

and he is having to think and evaluate more than ever.

We love that!

It’s challenging us to a more rigorous learning curve as well.

I think that in this way, TommyMom is for anyone.

It encourages you to think outside of the box while having fun.

I was born in Texas, but moved when I was only a few months old to Alabama.

My folks have lived in the same house in Birmingham since I was a kid.

Growing up, I just knew that I would have four children…

three boys and a girl.

My husband and I married a lot later than most of our friends…

I was 28 and he was 30.

A year into our marriage, I began having a lot of physical issues…

that pertained to my reproductive system.

We initially joked about it, saying that my warranty was up…

and I had surgery.

When I finally became pregnant, I was elated!

Being the personality that I am…

I took this news full cycle!

I had kids, could see the school years and graduation laid out before me…

college, marriage and grandkids!

And then I miscarried.

Bill and I had built a huge home in rural New York on 6 acres.

We just knew that we were going to have a house full of kids…

entertain both them and their parents…

hosting many a social event.

I became pregnant again.

Another miscarriage.

And again.

The feelings of pain, isolation, and failure on my part…

were beyond devastating.

I became jaded, in that I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

I quit telling people that I was pregnant…

because I feared failing yet again.

The fourth time I became pregnant…

I braced myself.

When I went to the doctor, and he checked my hormone levels…

I was 1/10th of a point above what it takes to maintain a pregnancy in the first trimester!

Our son Will was born May 13, 1995.

When he was 2, I miraculously became pregnant again.

I was hosting an event in my home for my direct sales business…

and thankfully, my primary care giver was present.

I didn’t feel well, and she asked me to go in and get checked.

By the time I got to the office, they had taken their last ultrasound patient for the day.

Mercifully, I was sent to the local hospital, where they discovered an ectopic pregnancy.

While the surgeon was finishing a break…

and I was on a gurney in the hallway awaiting surgery…

I hemorrhaged.

Looking back…

I thought I was taking a nap, when in reality…

I lost 2 liters of blood and had gone unconscious.

I was fortunate to be alive.

They informed me that there was a 1 in 1,000,000 chance…

that I could ever maintain a pregnancy again.

This news was so devastating and crushing that I had to seriously take stock of my life.

I had to give up my plan…

and trust that God didn’t need me to dictate how things should be done.

I needed to rest in His plan…

and find contentment for what my life’s purpose was supposed to be!

People often assume so many things about a single child family.

They think that somehow, your life is so much easier than the lives of others.

I remember when Will was about 15 months old…

and he was struggling with anxiety separation in a setting that he was quite familiar with.

A father came by and saw our struggle and stated to me…

“I don’t know why you don’t just “go”and stop this emotional nonsense.

You’re not a real parent until you have multiple children anyway.”

I still marvel at the insensitivity and judgment that so many well meaning people wield!

Yet, for me, those were fighting words!

I came to realize that I could choose to be bitter and play the part of a victim…

or I could use my gifts, talents and potential to do great things.

People have asked why we didn’t adopt.

There were strict age limitations on adoption in New York at the time…

and we honestly weren’t ever on the same page…

where this option was concerned.

Instead, I set about to offer my life and my family to serve others.

I built a very large direct sales business…

in spite of the fact that people said it was easier for me because “I only had one child.”

I learned to ignore that statement pretty early on and love them anyway.

I want to know who said it, but she wasn’t specific…

I desired to slap them…in love of course…

because I built that same size business and am here to tell you…

that that idiot misinformed individual needed a reality check!

We were always challenged in a healthy way to provide our son with social interaction.

We wanted him to be around all ages…

all profiles…

of people.

This was challenging!

We orchestrated play dates and social events…

that aligned with our goal for him to be well rounded.

He began to swim at age 5…

and very competitively by 8.

I became a certified U.S.A. swimming official.

This way…

I could be on deck…

and have the opportunity to travel to all of the meets…

both to hug and encourage not only my own son…

but other kids as well!

I spent years designing and creating elaborate sets like this one…

for our community summer vacation bible school.

This took a huge investment of time and personal resources…

and Will would be right there with me…

interacting with others…

while helping to build, create and finish!

We have hosted many, many Chinese students through an international exchange program.

My husband has traveled to China on business a few times…

and we have developed a love and connection with these people.

It has been such a blessing to watch them experience so many things in our Western culture…

for the very first time.

Currently, I am working on a project very near and dear to my heart.

I have vacationed since the age of 15 months on the northwest Florida panhandle.

I am heartbroken to think about the devastation of the oil spill…

and that it is headed this way.

Teri said that I could share the following address with you…

(at the time of this writing, we’re still getting that for you and will post on Monday…)

in the hopes that many of you would choose to help.

If you have panty hose that you could send..

or know of individuals that do…

they are being used, along with human and pet hair from barbers, salons, and animal groomers…

to make buoys!

Hair soaks up oil…

and if we all do something...

we may very well divert the spill and its potential to damage.

hello….GREAT community service project that benefits our nation!  Collect pantyhose and hair and send them!

how simple is THAT?!?!?

They are also accepting Home Depot cards for any amount to purchase the PVC.

I wanted to go and help…

but there are restrictions as to the procedures and volunteer profiles.

This is something we could all be involved in.

My husband Bill and I also made a point of reaching out to our neighbors…

by hosting a community barbeque years ago.

I bake things for neighbors in need…

and check in with them regularly.

We were shocked to find out…

that until we spear headed this effort years ago…

our neighbors, who also live on acreage…

didn’t even know one another!

There is so much to be said for the diminishing art of genuinely caring for your fellow man.

I’m sharing my meatloaf recipe here.

It’s great for a “quick” help when someone is in need.

( ahhh…you can take the girl out of the South, but you’ll never take the South out of the girl!…She did give me a wonderful idea!…there is a new tab on the main page entitled “Let’s Eat!”  Forever more… when you are spotlighted on TommyMom, if you feel so inclined to share one of your recipes with all of us…we will all cherish this act of benevolence…and think of you when we eat!)

In closing, I would like everyone to please consider this.

We are a nation full of quips and trite sayings.

When someone is hurting or in need…

if you can’t think of anything to say…

it really is okay to just hug them…

and say, “I’m sorry.”

No one is expected to be a fount of wisdom.

Especially when people lose a child…

at any stage.

I came to realize that what I wanted and needed most during my own pain…

was a hug…

and comfort that was spiritually good.

I found a booklet that I have purchased by the hundreds…

to give to those that I meet along the way that have been in my position.

Perhaps it would be helpful to someone here.

It’s entitled, “I’ll Hold You In Heaven” by Jack Hayford.

I think that that’s about it.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!

Did I do okay, Teri?

you are kidding me, right?!  I’ve half cried my way through this!

Thank you for being willing to share!…even the Meatloaf! XO

p.s.  And might I just add..I knew we were destined to be friends when I saw one of her favorite quotes…

“You’d better dip those words in chocolate, baby, because one day you might have to eat ‘em!” ~her Daddy

This certainly hits uncomfortably close to home…for some of us!

Dambisa Moyo colloquia begins Monday on Facebook!  Keep reading!  You’re not behind…just jump in where you are!

Today, we are joined by Benjamin Muhelstein, founder of the Quintillian School of Oratory, located at www.youthorator.com

Ben, we are delighted to feature you today and thank you for your time.

Teri, thank you so much for the opportunity to briefly share my passion and a little bit about what I will be doing at the upcoming forum.  May I just say that I haven’t ever been given an opportunity like this before any conference and so appreciate your willingness to conduct all of these interviews.

Well, thank you, Ben!  I really do believe the pleasure is all mine.  I did initially start this in order for the attendees to be able to familiarize themselves with the speakers and the sessions that would most meet their needs.  However, I must confess, that I have thoroughly enjoyed this; getting to know each individual presenter ahead of time as well.  I love to talk, and love people so this is pretty much a hand-in-glove fit!

I’m sure we would all like to know how the name of your business was chosen.  Would you care to explain?

Certainly.  Oratory, if we were to define it, is the art of writing, speaking, thinking, listening and ultimately, understanding the human character.  Those are inseparably connected to understanding the other arts.

I have studied and read many of the great classics and created the Quintillian School of Oratory, which is named after a Roman teacher.  Dr. James J. Murphy of Berkeley made the bold statement that he is among the first of the Roman teachers, and I would have to agree with him.  Quintillian wrote 12 books prior to his death entitled, “The Intitutio Oratoria” in the 90’s A.D.

Only fragments of his writings still existed until the 1400’s A.D., when a set was found fully preserved in a basement of a monastery tower.

Along with these, were works of Cicero and others.  I truly believe that these classics were preserved for our time.

It is the principles housed in these works that I utilize in my curriculum.

Books 1, 2, and 10 are the sum of the substance of these sources.  They help communicate oratory in its truest sense.

The calibur of skill that they help to produce would be along the lines of Dr. Martin Luther, the Founding Fathers, and others.

My program addresses the what, why and how of communication; why it is foundational to our lives in our ability to influence others, bring about change and become better individuals.

Can you share with us a couple of examples of what people will do when they enroll in this program?

I mentor both youth and adults internationally.  I also offer instruction on other levels, and enjoy both very much.

What I teach does not just encompass speaking skills.  I teach principles that enable individuals to bring about transformation when they communicate.  Again, this is done through classes, seminars and webinar formats.

I find out what the student is passionate about and help them identify the great classics that would help them to unlock creativity, ingenuity, and passion; thus helping them to accomplish their personal missions.

My students go one of two ways.  They go through the classes that I offer in order to understand oratory, building upon a process of understanding the principles that they have learned.  They will practice and utilize them in their religion, their profession, and essentially in every area of their lives.

There is also the option of going through an advance mentoring program, to include the 8 major arts of learning.  People learn to build their personal mission through years of highlighting each one.  Essentially, an art a year is taken, going into serious depth; while making connections and annotations in line with their personal mission, as well as the other arts of learning.

It is an amazing process.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time, Ben?

I like to have fun with my children.  We love to watch movies, and practice famous quotations together.  We laugh and have quite a good time.  I enjoy the company of my family very much.

I also like to act, sing and perform.  Reading is not only a hobby for me, but is a passion in life, and I also enjoy doing this with my children as well.

Well, it is obvious that you are very passionate about what you do and we thank you for being with us today.

Well, thank you, Teri.  For me, communication is so important to my life and the business that I have created.  I struggled tremendously with communication in my youth and was very shy and introverted.  It was a tremendous weakness.

I had a mentor that approached me, saw the potential in me and showed me where I could become better through working on my communication skills.  The result is a process I began many, many years ago, looking to improve those skills.

Now, I so enjoy helping others to do the same.

It’s been a pleasure.  Thank you again for being willing to come.

Before you read her excellent piece, I ask you to consider the following, taken from the Preface of “The Great Conversation”, which is in the Great Books series; from which Dr. Shanon Brooks is mentoring.  It is so very relevant to Beth’s commentary.  What a great way to begin the week!   Comments?

“We believe that the reduction of the citizen to an object of propaganda, private and public, is one of the greatest dangers to democracy. A prevalent notion is that the great mass of the people cannot understand and cannot form an independent judgment upon any matter; they cannot be educated, in the sense of developing their intellectual powers, but they can be bamboozled.  The reiteration of slogans, the distortion of the news, the great storm of propaganda that beats upon the citizen twenty-four hours a day all his life long mean either that democracy must fall a prey to the loudest and most persistent propagandists or that the people must save themselves by strengthening their minds so that they can appraise the issues for themselves.” -emphasis mine.

Another tax day come & gone.

Another Tax Day Tea Party that my family attended (despite it being at the worse possible time for me to not be working on the upcoming JECHS auction fundraiser…sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do)

So this morning I read a CBS article describing those who affiliate themselves with the Tea Party Movement…

They are white.  They are old. They are angry.

Since a picture paints a thousand words and I have no time for a thousand words this morning.  Here you go!

White

cutest and sweetest All American Tea Party Patriot ever!

Old

These “old” Tea Party Patriots will be voting for the first time  this fall in 2010 and in 2012 respectively. (can I tell you how happy that makes this Mom)

Angry

This was the angriest Tea Party Patriot at the event

Just in case you do not know what the Tea Party Patriots believe. Here it is in a “nutshell”

Core Values
Fiscal Responsibility
Constitutionally Limited Government
Free Markets
Fiscal Responsibility: Fiscal Responsibility by government honors and respects the freedom of the individual to spend the money that is the fruit of their own labor. A constitutionally limited government, designed to protect the blessings of liberty, must be fiscally responsible or it must subject its citizenry to high levels of taxation that unjustly restrict the liberty our Constitution was designed to protect. Such runaway deficit spending as we now see in Washington D.C. compels us to take action as the increasing national debt is a grave threat to our national sovereignty and the personal and economic liberty of future generations.

Constitutionally Limited Government: We, the members of The Tea Party Patriots, are inspired by our founding documents and regard the Constitution of the United States to be the supreme law of the land. We believe that it is possible to know the original intent of the government our founders set forth, and stand in support of that intent. Like the founders, we support states’ rights for those powers not expressly stated in the Constitution. As the government is of the people, by the people and for the people, in all other matters we support the personal liberty of the individual, within the rule of law.

Free Markets: A free market is the economic consequence of personal liberty. The founders believed that personal and economic freedom were indivisible, as do we. Our current government’s interference distorts the free market and inhibits the pursuit of individual and economic liberty. Therefore, we support a return to the free market principles on which this nation was founded and oppose government intervention into the operations of private business.

I agree with these principles and I believe in being active in my community, state and national government.

As a Mom I want to pass these beliefs, principles and passions on to my children.

Therefore I attend every tea party I possibly can. It is that simple.

Ok I am off to:

A well baby doctor appointment for the cutest baby on the planet…my sweet 1 year old daughter
To get immunizations for my amazing 14 year old daughter who is going to Uganda in two weeks to serve the orphans (and am I ever so proud)
To work tirelessly the rest of the day on the Jim Elliot Christian High School Auction fundraiser that is happening two weeks from tonight and where I must, with the Lord’s help raise $50,000.
And then just the “normal” life of a mother of eight….running the home front, picking up & dropping off kids for various activities all over the city and on & on & on
All in the day of the life of one Tea Party Patriot…me!

Today, we are pleased to feature Kathy Mellor of  Unleashing Your Voice. As you will see, she will be presenting several workshop opportunities, not only to adults but also to the youth forum.

Hey, Kathy!  I’m so glad that we have finally had the chance to hook up!  You are presenting several times at the upcoming FATJEF.  Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re going to be doing?

I’m actually doing four different things, Teri.  I’m presenting two sessions on coaching the forgotten environments; which involve speech, debate, writing and simulations.

I’m not saying that there aren’t other environments, but I have personally specialized in scholar age youth finding their voice in these given modalities.

In the above mentioned sessions, I will be having a young man named Andrew Humiston do an impromptu speech and will then coach him, so that people can see “live and in person” how this is done.  It’s rather unique.  It will give people the opportunity to see what a scholar age youth is capable of doing.  Andrew is very inspiring in that he’s 17 years old and is already a great coach.  There is power in that.  He has turned out super well and this gives him a chance to practice leadership as well as confirm that this really does work.

This can’t be theoretical.  It has to be practiced and put to use!  I have also found that in providing youth with an elder peer that is one step ahead; it gives youth an opportunity to relate; as well as to work and develop a step or skill that isn’t easy.

We are also going to present on impromptu speaking; teaching some basics of why it’s important and how it is done.  We will be taking volunteers to do some interactive things.  The goal here is to lessen the anxiety that tends to be associated with public speaking and not cause physical harm while doing so!

Boy, isn’t that a true statement? There are so many people that are terrified to speak publicly.

I am going to also present a session on debate.  It is so important to learn to debate and to understand and master the skills that bring it out.

This will also involve volunteers and do some interactive things involving activities surrounding the art of effective debate.

We also have some impromptu speaking activities planned for our time with the youth.

Wow!  Busy day.  May I ask what caused you to focus on this, Kathy?

I have a background in it.  I competed in high school and I have to say that it is by far the most valuable thing that I took from my high school experience.  It serves me in every area of my life.

It also happens to be something that tends to be difficult to do well in home educating.  We need to create environments where youth develop this skill, especially if they feel that they have a message to get out to the world.

In the kids that I work with I see great content; and a need for executing how to communicate that effectively to others.  I had a gift and saw a way to use it.

I believe that we’re raising an important generation that has a need to be prepared not only to think; but to persuade in order to move the cause of liberty.

How long have you home educated?

For 14 years.  I have 6 children, so I will definitely be doing what I do for awhile!

Unleashing Your Voice is what I do professionally; but my greatest passion is mentoring the youth in my community.  I teach TJYC and am grateful for being a part in helping to transform these individuals into future leaders.

My oldest is 19 and my youngest is 4, so I have a good decade or so ahead of me here!

We appreciate you joining us here today.  Thank you so much.

My pleasure.