Never Forget

 

heroes at work

The video below is Kevin Cosgrove's 911 call for a plea for help. The video is running in real time to his call. I only recently saw this, and had to share. It feels almost a personal duty to share, even though it is a bit late, a type of therapy, a way to work through my sadness to find a sense of peace. I know there are a lot of videos out there from this day. A local documentary was being filmed in the area at the time and got much footage, the sound of bodies pounding on the rooftop as the camera rolled. But I have never seen one from an insider's voice. I listen and wish I could have been the one on the phone with him

Kevin Cosgrove

1-6-1955 - 9-11-2001

                         
                    

For many of us, Sept 11 is a distant memory that brought the nation together for a short time, spawned many terrorism speeches from Bush, then people started forgetting and it is always good to have a reminder... a face, a voice of one who lived it.

I was getting ready for work when it happened. I remember the news and the media wondering how a plane hit the first tower. Was it an accident, did the plane lose control, what happened to the pilot? We were all so terrified, then all of a sudden, I see a second plane. Then we knew it was no accident.

I remember thinking, no screaming inside "NO!" right before I witnessed the second plane hit on live tv. I don't remember if I cried or not from the shock, but I do know I cried later. And now. A friend had an aunt who was a passenger on the plane. She never heard from her again. A roommate's father had an office in the Pentagon that got demolished by the attack. Fortunately for him, that part of the building was under renovation and so he was safe. Many many people were lost that day, many living massively effected by those losses.

 

  

 

I was an assistant manager at a shop in the mall. I could barely make it to work, but life had to continue... though the mall was quite non living that day. No one came in, no one left, we were all glued to the tv screen watching in horror as the events unfolded. No information on the attacks were known then, but I still remember seeing Rudy G. walking through those ashen streets, reassuring the masses. We only watched to see volunteers come together, searching for survivors, falling in cave ins, the 343 firefighters that "answered their last bell"...

 

the Flag from the World Trade towers survives

I only hope that we never forget this day. This terrible event that unfolded, that took so many innocent lives. Not only those 2,189 innocent people who died from the immediate events, but also the responders who are dying now from the exposure, debris from Ground Zero and inner turmoil from that day. That breeding hate does not make one a hero, nor a god, nor any other sort of power to be respected, not in this country. Not for true Americans and allies. Those families are in my heart and my prayers and I know that God will prosper and lift them up in their tears. I love the video on how one man survived and transformed his life through the love of Christ. My little brother is now serving in the Army, and we pray that he, and others will be kept safe and in peace as well. I can honestly say I have a profound love for these people and treasure their sacrifice immensely.

 

scott gries/history channel 

  

thomas franklin

Roughing It

Wood doll family -check her shop for paint your own kits by gemmie lou

This week has been a little bit rough. My grandmother passed away, which is fine. She lived a very long life and has been suffering a bit from dementia and a weakened body. I have not seen her since my father's funeral about 6 years ago, boy she was a hoot. My great uncle was kidding around, trying to make us smile at the funeral and told everyone to show some leg for the family photo, and she lifted up her skirt and flashed some skin! She has been a widow for almost 30 years. Her husband, son (my dad) died of the same disease and her daughter also has the same disease. Leukemia. Her death wasn't so rough on me emotionally though. We have all been prepared for it and are happy that her body will be renewed and her spirit reunited with her ancestors.


My grandma, Myrtice with Jimmy Carter when she worked at the Moultrie, Georgia newspaper.

This week has been rough because of decisions. Lots and lots of decisions to make this week. Deciding to take a moral stand, deciding to sever relationships or play the bad guy, when you are really trying to be the good guy...


Bunny Noses print by planBshop


Don't Shop, Adopt pin my The Dog Coat Lady

One tiny example, I was shipping a package and I see a man stuffing a scared looking pit bull in the trunk of his car (pits get stolen A LOT around here). After much deliberation, I called the police. I knew the guy saw me, and I tried to be discreet, but don't know how successful I was. Puppy mills (read about the bust this week HERE), crooked cops (6th paragraph down) that have effected innocent people, and other stories of abuse, poverty, neglect, war, death, babies and financial crisis have gotten me down a bit.


Bible passage Bookmark by My Treasured Creations

A lot of challenges we face have little to do with monetary/concrete/physical things, but the kind of mental battles you know you have to decide on that may hurt or help a person, and hoping it will help them but knowing it will hurt them too.


Love One Another print by persimmon and pink

One thing I heard the other day, was a tv pastor type (which I don't usually listen to by the way!) was talking about how we get down on ourselves when we see others suffering. He said, "no matter how sick we make ourselves, it won't help them. No matter how poor we make ourselves, we won't help them". He went on to talk about how we shouldn't feel guilty about what we have (well, unless you are rich from dishonesty of course!) because others are suffering, but we can still find ways to help others.


Fairy Love Angel by bonne singer

I think, that weeks like this, I reflect back and am so grateful for what blessings I do have. Also, it seems that I find ways in which I could improve. Perhaps I haven't been turning to the Lord for help and seeking for guidance in the scriptures as much as I should have. I haven't been nurturing my testimony like I need to. But, soon it will be another week. Things will soon pass, hopefully for the better. Next week, may or may not be just as rough, but I will try to remember the things I can do to remain uplifted no matter the challenges.

Here is a quick little feature, since today's theme seems to be a bit on the religious side. I browsed through countless pages of religious art on Etsy, and got sad because so much of it was anti and kitch, so I went with these cute boards and baby Jesus pictures instead! TikaKids makes cute activity magnetic boards and crayon totes that are perfect for keeping your little ones entertained at church/doctor offices/car rides. She offers both religious and not religious themed puzzle magnets for her boards.


For Unto Us a Child is Born by KotterKreations





Baby Jesus ACEO by Katerina Art

Tired

I have about one hundred projects in my head, 5 custom orders to finish, several orders to ship, a growing mountain of amazing supplies... and absolutely no motivation to do them. Then, there's dinner, and laundary, kids... Not to mention that our car air conditioning is broken and it is going to cost $800 to repair... just in time for Texas summer weather.

I was thinking about my issues and trying to map out schedules, and even though I knew about the earthquake in Japan, and am absolutely horrified, I saw some pictures that definately has humbled me.

This man is half buried under the collaped school. (REUTERS/Stringer)
I am amazed at how many natural disasters have occured these past couple of weeks, how many lives are gone, maimed or forever changed... and then I go about my daily life as if nothing has happened. It always leaves me with a sense of greater call that I need to do something. Besides prayers and donations, what can I do with 2 little ones at home? I have been wandering, if hurricanes get names... then what about earthquakes and tornados?

Rescued newborns from a collapsed hospital. (AP Photo / Cheng Chaosheng, Xinhua) This image has really struck me.


Housewife collages by DadaDreams.

On another note, tired as I am today, we had a quick, but yummy dinner. I rolled some sweet potatoes in foil and baked them for about an hour and a half, and then make some pre-cooked ham! It was easy, yummy and the only seasoning we needed was just butter for the potatoes. I even sneaked my baby his first bite of solid food, and he somewhat ate it, yumm!

A New Day

I have been sooo busy these past couple of weeks with custom orders and life, that I have greatly neglected my blog. Yesterday morning, my cousin Jordan died of a rare blood cancer commonly known as "rhabdo". We are all so deeply saddened by this. He was only 26 years old and a newlywed, he had only been sick for about 7 months. You can read about it on his family's blog. Our hearts are turned to heaven in prayer.

Also, if you want to donate to help the people in Myanmar, this is the most reputable and effective charity around that will get the most for your money and will get the relief to the victims quicker than others because they have resources in neighboring countries. Visit here to make a donation and find out more.

Today is Mother's Day, and so "Thank you Mom", and all other mommas out there who labor with love, and even those women who aren't moms yet and still have motherly love and influence, you do a world of good. Here's my sweet mom with all of her grandsons.



We had an excellent General Conference for our church that has truly enriched us and I am excited for the next one in October, read/watch/listen to it here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has launched a new website that is more user friendly and it is so beautiful and wonderful to visit. See it Here.

Also, here is a very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...
I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and
makes us think about the pathetic negativity. That's right, Jay Leno!!


People CLAIM Jay Leno wrote this essay, in actuality he only said a small piece in a monolougue and it has been added to by others until it became this. Read about the metamorphasis HERE.... I will post the whole thing becuase I think it is an interesting read.

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a eek?

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are fo r-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why
they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about 'how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way'...Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

Jay Leno (and others), 2008


My little brother, on his way to boot camp. We love you, Jae!!

10 Most Historically Innacurate Movies

I just had to include this Yahoo article, since I am a huge war/historical drama buff... so in part it's here to edumacate my readers, and in part it's here as a bookmark for myself :)


10,000 B.C.
Director Roland Emmerich is usually a stickler for realism (see: sending a computer virus via Macintosh to aliens in Independence Day). So we hate to inform him that woolly mammoths were not, in fact, used to build pyramids. Heck, woolly mammoths weren't even found in the desert. They wouldn't need to be woolly if that were the case. And there weren't any pyramids in Egypt until 2,500 B.C or so.


Gladiator
Emperor Commodus was not the sniveling sister-obsessed creep portrayed in the movie. A violent alcoholic, sure, but not so whiny. He ruled ably for over a decade rather than ineptly for a couple months. He also didn't kill his father, Marcus Aurelius, who actually died of chickenpox. And instead of being killed in the gladiatorial arena, he was murdered in his bathtub.



300
Though this paean to ancient moral codes and modern physical training is based on the real Battle of Thermopylae, the film takes many stylistic liberties. The most obvious one being Persian king Xerxes was not an 8-foot-tall Cirque du Soleil reject. The Spartan council was made up of men over the age of 60, with no one as young as Theron (played by 37-year-old Dominic West). And the warriors of Sparta went into battle wearing bronze armor, not just leather Speedos.


The Last Samurai
The Japanese in the late 19th century did hire foreign advisers to modernize their army, but they were mostly French, not American. Ken Watanabe's character was based on the real Saigo Takamori who committed ritual suicide, or "seppuku," in defeat rather than in a volley of Gatling gun fire. Also, it's doubtful that a 40-something alcoholic Civil War vet, even one with great hair, would master the chopsticks much less the samurai sword.


Apocalypto
This one movie has given entire Anthropology departments migraines. Sure the Maya did have the odd human sacrifice but not to Kulkulkan, the Sun God, and only high-ranking captives taken in battle were killed. The conquistadors arriving at the end of the film made for unlikely saviors: an estimated 90% of indigenous American population was killed by smallpox from the infected Spanish pigs.


Memoirs of a Geisha
The geisha coming-of-age, called "mizuage," was really more of a makeover, where she changed her hairstyle and clothes. It didn't involve her getting... intimate with a client. In the climactic scene where Sayuri wows Gion patrons with her dancing prowess, her routine - which involves some platform shoes, fake snow, and a strobe light - seems more like a Studio 54 drag show than anything in pre-war Kyoto.


Braveheart
Let's forget the fact that kilts weren't worn in Scotland until about 300 years after William Wallace's day and just do some simple math. According to the movie, Wallace's blue-eyed charm at the Battle of Falkirk was so overpowering, he seduced King Edward II's wife, Isabella of France, and the result of their affair was Edward III. But according to the history books, Isabella was three years old at the time of Falkirk, and Edward III was born seven years after Wallace died.


Elizabeth: The Golden Age
In 1585, when the movie takes place, Queen Elizabeth was 52 years old - Cate Blanchett was 36 when she shot the film - and was not being courted by suitors like Ivan the Terrible (who was dead by then). And though the movie has her rallying the troops at Tilbury astride a white steed in full armor with a sword, in fact she rode side saddle, carrying a baton. She was more of a regal majorette than Joan of Arc.


The Patriot
Revolutionary War figure Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion was the basis for Mel Gibson's character, but he wasn't the forward-thinking family man they show in the flick. He was a slave owner who didn't get married (to his cousin) until after the war was over. Historians also say that he actively persecuted and murdered native Cherokees. Plus, the thrilling Battle of Guilford Court House where he vanquishes his British nemesis? In reality, the Americans lost that one.


2001: A Space Odyssey
According to this film, in year 2001 we would have had manned voyages to Jupiter, a battle of wits with a sentient computer, and a quantum leap in human evolution. Instead we got the Mir Space Station falling from the sky, Windows XP, and Freddy Got Fingered. Apparently the lesson here is that sometimes it's better when the movies get the facts all wrong.