A Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women,

revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends,
We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous,

who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and
promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the
Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

There is seating for 800 people and the media will be attending .....
Organize, mobilize, and put your words and emotions into action

...the work starts now ....

Sweet Home Alabama.....

On Thursday morning, I will be off to Camp McDowell (http://www.campmcdowell.com/) in Nauvoo, Alabama for the Province IV Youth Ministries Network Meeting. Included in the Province are Episcopal Dioceses located in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and part of Louisiana. Province IV has the largest number of clergy, baptized members, communicants, church school and day school pupils and is the largest contributor to the General Convention budget of any Province in our Church.

During the meeting we discuss what has worked well and what has not worked well during the last year. We do some resource and idea sharing along with planning and brainstorming for the upcoming year/2 years. The youth are the focus, so their voices and ideas take the lead. The adults do meet separately to discuss some of the boring stuff like budget, staffing, logistics, training, etc. But, overall, it is a very productive, educational, and spirit lifting meeting.

I will be travelling with 3 youth and one other adult. We have been told that the buildings are "rustic" (which to me means drafty) and to bring layers of clothing to keep warm. We will be doing some outdoor activities on Saturday.

I will be out of touch until Sunday, so I hope you all have a safe weekend ... and remember Thanksgiving is coming up on Nov. 27 .....

Peace.

Join the Impact!!

NOTE: I agree with the protest and encourage all to go. I am concerned about the choice of location for the one in the Miami area. We just had the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, Walk and Day last Monday that started at the Miami Beach City Hall. The Government Center, The Torch of Friendship (in front of Bayside), Miami or Coral Gables City Hall would have been a better choice. As commented by The Mrs Astor: "I wonder about the organizers' choice of City Hall for this when the mayor and the commission has always been 100% in favor of every gay rights issue."

If you go, please be respectful of the City of Miami Beach, the Mayor and the Commissioners while showing support/solidarity for the cause. This is a peaceful protest and I am sure that people from "the other side" (you know .... the one's who are still angry because a house fell on their sister...) will be there trying to cause discord.

"Join the Impact" is organizing a nation wide protest to take place in front of city halls at the same time on Saturday all across America against proposition 8 and other anti-gay/anti- human rights measures that were passed on Tuesday (In Florida is was Amendment 2). Miami needs to step up! Yes, we can!

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Location:Miami Beach City Hall
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Billy Elliot - The Musical (revisted)

Billy Elliot - The Musical opened this week on Broadway. Elton John was on "The View" promoting it with the boys playing the character of Billy. The show has been playing for 3 years in London and Sydney. I saw it in February 2006 at the Victoria Palace Theater, London. It is based on the Universal Pictures/Studio Canal Film of the same name. The book and lyrics are by Lee Hall and the music is by Elton John.

The "Cliff Notes" version is that it is the story of a boy raised in a mining town that discovers freedom and acceptance through dancing in the midst of a miner's strike. It was very inspirational and uplifting. There are three very talented boys who alternately play the lead at different performances.

One idea that strikes me is how the boy uses the arts to uplift himself, his family and his community. In a time when organizations are struggling for donors, access to and teaching of the arts to youth, in my view, is needed.

I am thankful to the Countess Bedelia for the initial recommendation to see the play, it was definitely was one of the highlights of my trip.

"I really can't explain it,

I haven't got the words

It's a feeling that you can't control

I supposed it's like forgetting, losing who you are

And at the same time something makes you whole..."

from the song "Electricity", Billy Elliot-The Musical

I invite all of you to practice two of the main messages of the play:

"If you want to dance....DANCE!"

"Be Yourself!"

I will, with God's help.

In the Episcopal Church (and other denominations), this is the reply given by a person, or their godparents, during the sacrament of Baptism and reaffirmed during Confirmation. During the past week, I have heard "Christians" use language and actions that, in my opinion, are not Christ-like. My Diocesan Bishop spoke publicly and in writing against Amendment 2 in Florida and is an open, accepting and pastoral man. He practices what he preaches.

When one is baptised, he/she is joined into the Christian Family community. The Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body ... the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism
is indissoluble. For one to tell me that I am "less than" for any reason is breaking the the covenant he or she has made with God.

Yes, the Church is still divided and is still in discussions on some matters. The good news is that we can all come to the table together and no one is denied access. We are all made in God's image, so when God looks in the mirror she/he sees your face......

Quote from Bishop Frade's Address to the Diocese of Southeast Florida's Convention on November 7, 2008:

"Of course diversity is nothing new for us in this diocese. I am sure that there are many different ideas and theological positions represented here, just as there are different races and ethnic groups, socio-economic standards, male and female, gay and straight, red and blue and many shades of purple. Of course there are also many countries and languages represented here.

But what unites us? I believe that what unites us is what unites hundreds and hundreds of Anglican bishops around the world who may have different ideas about many things but are united in this: It is our commitment to serve Christ, to bring the message of God’s love to the whole world, our commitment to love our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is a commitment to the belief that we should stand for what is just and right in this world.

That is why as Episcopalians–who, by the way, are the only true Anglicans in this country–we are not guided by any of the popular phobias of this day, like xenophobia and homophobia. That is why we can dare to obey Christ’s call to welcome the stranger in our midst; that is why we can actually care for the immigrants and refugees who arrive at our doorstep, even when some call us to hate and fear those who are newcomers in our land. That is why we refuse to discriminate against people because of the color of their skin or what language they speak, why we will not discriminate against or despise any who have been created by God different from what we may perceive as “normal” or “like us,” even when the forces of hate and discrimination insist on denigrating God’s diverse creation–to the point of actually enshrining bigotry in our state’s constitution. "

From The Book of Common Prayer:

Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
People I will, with God’s help.

Pride Flag Raising Walk

Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, along with the support of her Miami Beach Gay Business Development Committee and the Miami Beach Commission, has changed City policy with the adoption of a resolution to finally allow the pride flag to fly legally on our Beach.

Celebrate this historic moment with Mayor Bower, her Gay Business Development Committee, and Miami Beach Pride, Inc. as they host an official pride flag raising walk beginning at City Hall at 4 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2008, with Mayor Bower making an official proclamation that November 10, 2008 will officially be Pride Flag Day in the City of Miami Beach.

Following the opening ceremony, attendees will march with Mayor Bower to the following locations on Miami Beach at the allotted times listed below:

4:30 p.m. - Score flag raising ceremony hosted by Craig Stevens;

4:45 p.m. - New World Symphony flag raising ceremony

hosted by Merle Weiss;

5:00 p.m. - The Wolfsonian/FIU flag raising ceremony

hosted by Elaine Lancaster;

5:30 p.m. - The Miami Beach Police Department flag raising ceremony

hosted by Assistant Chief Martinez and Elizabeth Schwartz Esq.

5:45 p.m. - TWIST flag raising ceremony hosted by Adora

6:00 p.m. - TWIST hosts the Flag Raising Walk Afterparty

and Pride Fundraiser

During the various flag raising ceremonies South Beach icons will address the crowd, and briefly explain the importance of flying the gay pride flag in Miami Beach, including what the flag symbolizes to them.

A prayer for this week.....

Almighty God,

to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges:

Guide the people of the Miami, Florida and all of the United States in the election of a president, officials and representatives

and in voting for amendments;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws,

the rights of all may be protected and

our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Happy Halloween!!!

It's that time of year again for you groovie ghouls and ghoulies to get all decked out and have some fun. It is on a Friday this year, so I expect a large crowd out on Lincoln Road and other areas of Miami.

Mr. S and I are going to the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Colony Theater located at 1040 Lincoln Road (Box office: 305.674.1040). It is a General Admission show for $25.00 (A benefit for ECOMB-Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach) and you receive a bag of goodies to use during the film and an "adult beverage". I'm glad they have a bar.

We, again, are dressing as Franknfurter from the "Creation Scene". We did upgrade this year with .... (do I dare say it?)..... Heels!!! I practiced and Mr. S. says I walk like a monkey in heels and yells "Godzilla, Godzilla!" when I walk towards him.....let's see how it goes.

I have a Facebook page inviting people to come to see the RHPS. So far, the fabulous Vickie and her friend Penny will be attending. I also received a "yes" from Edison Farrow and some old friends from High School. I'm hoping it will be a good turn out.

We are planning to get dressed early. If Mr S. is done with decorating Twist in time (there is always some last minute maintenance and decorating to be done) we will have time to "chill" before the evening. Then, time permitting, we will hit Twist to see Tommy and then Laundry Bar to see Chuck or meet the other Sobe Transylvanians at Halo and then go to the show. We will play it by ear after that .... try to walk Lincoln Road.... and later to Twist.... we have our back-up costume....Western....."Bandit and Sheriff"... I thought more of "Butch and Sundance"... all we need is the bike and a recording of "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head". That will get us through the night ... I think. Saturday, we might hit the show at the Palace adn meet up with the Jonnies (Haven't seen them in awhile) or just have a couch day and recuperate watching old horror movies.

The boy and the other kids will be going to an neighborhood Halloween Party and he is going as a variation of The Ghost Rider. They get to run around, get candy/food and play in a large, safe environment.

Whatever you plan, be safe and have a good time.

REMINDER: Clocks move an hour back

the evening of Sat Nov. 1/morning of Nov.2

Oh, my! It's the great pumpkin!

Time to spend some quality time with Mr. S. today. I think I'll help him with laundry.

BUT, at about 2:30 pm we will be heading to Twist and hang out with Adelino. He is having a pumpkin carving contest. I bought some tools and I have some patterns to choose from. It's a nice, traditional autumn thing to do and I think it will be a great distraction from the past week and get me in the mood for the upcoming Halloween debauchery.

Any ideas on patterns? Mr. S is going to do either a "Simpsons" or "Family Guy" character and I'm thinking old Hollywood monsters/scary things or cartoons.... or maybe just an old fashioned scary house. I'm sure I'll come up with something. Hopefully someone will have a camera .... I'm still going through withdrawals from not being able to take pictures......

A Brisk Day

Today, I feel like it is really Fall. It is our first day with cooler weather. We were in the 50's during the evening and today is in the 60's/70's. It is a nice feeling to be outside and not be in a pool of sweat after 15 minutes of being in the sun. I think I'll take the bike out or maybe do a little walking/jogging. I want to lose a few pounds before the holidays hit and I get a little bigger. The sun with the mix of cooler weather makes you feel like being outside.

They say we don't have the change of seasons in Miami. I think it is true. We have green and brown. No colorful leaves and beautiful foliage. We have to jump into a pile of palm fronds instead of leaves .... and that is not as comfortable!!

I guess I'll see what I can do in between all of today's errands. Drop off and pick up the boy from school, Mom's Dr. appt, pick up some paperwork, take the boy for a haircut and help with homework, Winter Party Festival Committee meeting and whatever else comes up. Have a good day y'all! Enjoy the weather!

Today is the "Herald Hunt" (formerly known as the "Tropic Hunt). It will be held in downtown Miami. The main stage/starting point is at Bicentennial Park. There will also be part of it at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Dave Barry is one of the creators and MC for the event.

Mr. S and I participated last year and he enjoyed it. I have done it at least 5 times and have always had a great time. It is a Scavenger Hunt/Puzzle solving day of surprises and fun ...... and all for free!

It is difficult to describe to those who have never heard of it or participated, so if you want to know more or see some video from past "Hunts" go to:

http://www.miamiherald.com/heraldhunt/

Irma update and the weekend....

Thanks for those who have given kind words and prayers for Irma. I am still a little tired and would like to thank Nilda, Mr. S, Ana, The Garcias, Carlely, church friends, the O'Neill's for helping my mom, sis and me with support, food, a smile, etc.

Irma is back to a regular a condition (as she was before Thursday). She is still in a hospital room because the doctor can not see her until Saturday morning. Hopefully she will be discharged, since there really isn't any real treatment for her condition. We, as a family, have decided to sign the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) if this episode should occur again.

"Vitas" is a Hospice type service organization (they bill Medicare/Medicaid/Private Insurance). They have offered some assistance if she qualifies. We have heard that many times in the last 4 years.....let's see how it goes. I'm hopeful.

Today, I have a Youth Commission meeting at the Cathedral in downtown Miami and I have to give my report about the Happening #23 event last weekend and lead a Requiem service for the father of our Youth Commission President who passed away this week. (The President is 16 and will be 17 in November.)

After the meeting I will be with Mr. S. It looks like a laundry day and then a pleasant evening with The Mrs. Astor and some cocktails at Twist with the All American Boy Bartender, Tommy. That's it for right now.

Again, thank yous to all.....Enjoy the weekend.

A morning of anxiety...

Thought today would be productive and that Nicholas and I would have some "guy' time after I picked him up from school, but so much for that......

My cousin and I returned to Mom's after dropping off the boy at school, where we though we would then go out for breakfast. At the moment we walked in, the lady who assists with Irma's care said "she is not looking good". We went to the room and found Irma pale ... almost gray .... gasping for air. It almost looked like we had lost her. My cuz did quick CPR, I used the oxygen and my mom suctioned out phlegm. (I called 911 first, but they were not very helpful since they did not know the history and Irma's condition.) The EMT showed up and we went to Metropolitan Hospital (formerly Pan American Hospital).

We were attended quickly. I had printed out all of Irma's info and our Power of Attorney while she was being loaded in to the Emergency Vehicle. I travelled with her and my cuz took my mom. I called my sis and she met us later in the Emergency Room. Irma is stabilized and is being kept overnight for dehydration. Still waiting for blood test results, but x-rays were okay. This all occurred before before 12 noon.

Friends, clergy, family were called and they all came to give my mom support. I'm glad I got to speak to Mr. S.... his voice kept me calm and ready to keep going. I still have to get Nick at 3:30 from school and explain. I am still a little anxious, etc.

Until later...... I'll be better tomorrow........

Now, I am at home while Mom is at the hospital and my sis and

.....just.....

Getting "back on the horse" after a long, tiring, emotionally and physically draining, but great weekend. I have just gotten my long nights sleep and am about to eat a really big lunch.

Am looking forward to seeing Mr. S later. I'm really proud....he volunteered at the "Out in the Park" event without me!!! Nelly, a friend, ended up being the organizer, so I'm sure it went well. I have not heard anything about it yet.

Am going to spend the first part of the afternoon getting my crap back in order and then go to see Mr. S. Oh! I do have to exchange the shoes I got him for Halloween for a larger size ... will blog about that later.

Have good week!

Out in the Park - Gay Pride Miami Beach Kick-Off Event

Happening #23

This weekend I will be spending my time with appoximately 60 Episcopal High School youth at an event called Happening #23. (You can check out http://www.happeningnational.org/). It is a renewal weekend and I am one of the Co-coordinators. I have been working on the planning of this event for the last year and I can finally see the fruition of the hard work put in by the youth and adults on the leadership team.

There is time built in for different types of worship, music, free time, fun, fellowship, silliness and seriousness (in English and Spanish)..... all in an accepting and safe environment for all. Everyone, no matter of background, upbringing, economic difficulty, etc. is turned away. We are all God's children.

I'm really proud of the youth on the team. One of my main goals in working with youth is that they develop their leadership skills and take on the leadership roles and be "up front" all during the weekend. The adults should be there for support, take care of logistics (food, safety, lodging, etc), mentoring .... and when needed "parenting". There will be two clergy present for the whole weekend (one male and one female) to assist with Spiritual direction and matters. Bishop Frade will be with us on Saturday afternoon and all the parents and clergy are invited to the closing service on Sunday afternoon.

The event starts on Friday evening and ends on Sunday late afternoon. Part of the team and I will be at the location in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday to set up and take care of last minute things. The youth always have a voice, so I also give them this time to resolve any last minute issues.

Right now, I'm having flash backs. I have close friends that I know from church youth events that I have known for 30 years......Did I say 30 years??!!!! We might not see or contact each other consitently, but we always have an ear open for each other. I am blessed that we are still in contact and that I can say I have friends. We have helped each other through school, relationships, weddings, divorces, coming out, births, deaths, injuries, sickness, promotions, demotions, transfers, moves to other States, coping with family, etc. I am hoping some of these youth will make some life long connections. (We all have to learn how to live together in one community.)

Peace and have a great weekend.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings

I was exposed to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' "100 Days 100 Nights" (also the name of the CD) one day while watching some music videos while having some cocktails with Mr. S and some friends. We really liked it because it had that 70's funk and blues sung by a raspy voiced black woman.

Mr. S bought the recording, we gave it a listen, and now really like it. It is a 2007 recording and it had has that Gospel-like background vocals along with piano, guitar, drums, organ, saxes, trumpet and some congas/bongos. It is from Daptone Records and is my favorite pick of the week. Give a try....you'll enjoy it.

So, updating my playlist for the week I have: Duffy, Amy Winehouse ("Frank" CD), Alison Moyet, Joss Stone, Pink Martini, K.D. Lang, Etta James, Cyndi Lauper ("At Last" CD) and Madeleine Peyroux..........gives you an idea of my mood this week. Give 'em a try ............

Teacher of the Year!!!

Congrats to my little sister, Gladys!!! She was just named Teacher of the Year for James H. Bright Elementary, Hialeah, FL. She is also featured in one of the posters showing teachers reading in order to promote reading. (Point of interest: Gloria Estefan's mother was a teacher at this school.)

I am very happy for her. The down side is that now she had to fill out all that paperwork and get interviewed and observed for the next level of "Teacher of the Year".

FYI: Gladys is a National Board Certified Teacher and has two Master's Degrees (Montessori Education and Reading). She has been at the same school for more than 10 years and currently has an ex-student as a teaching intern. There is no one in her school who has not been touched by her ..... from the Principal to the Maintenance Staff. She is dedicated to the students, parents and teachers.

Now my soapbox: Teachers are the leaders in children's education. They are the day to day person that directly deal with all the good and bad things that occur in the classroom. Due to budget cuts, Gladys did not receive her promised bonus/extra pay for mentoring teachers taking the National Board Certification Exam (including teachers from other schools) and is not being paid for training and consulting for an after school tutoring program (at another location) to assist students taking the FCAT Exam. This was all done off school time ...... So, who exactly is being left behind?

Okay, back to the good thing. I am very proud of my sister and all the hard work and caring she puts in daily for the community of her school.

Pridelines "Welcome to the Jungle"

Tonight Mr. S and I are volunteering at the Pridelines Adult Gala "Welcome to the Jungle" at Jungle Island. Pridelines is an organization that helps and assists GLBTQ youth. Their website is: http://www.pridelines.org/.

Pridelines Guiding Principles:

All the decisions we make focus, as their ultimate goal, on the improvement of the lives of GLBTQ youth in South Florida.

We focus on identifying resources for GLBTQ youth to create the most comprehensive system of services for them.

We work together in building relationships based on equality and respect.

Our programs are flexible and respond to the emerging needs and issues of the youth and community.

We are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment that encourages self-expression and personal growth.

We have a demonstrated commitment to providing leadership opportunities to empower GLBTQ youth as full participants in the governance of their own services.