Review of Tips for Photographing on a Hike

There is nothing like a hike in the woods to find great material for nature photography.  During the past month I have gone on several outings with photographer friends to capture the beautiful images of springtime in Missouri.  These images were taken on two of our outings at state parks in the St. Louis metro area.  The photo above was taken at Cuivre River State Park in Troy,  Missouri.  The second park we visited was Lone Elk Park just off Hwy 44 in the southwest portion of the region.

Preparing for Your Trip

Good preparation is important for your trip.  On both of the occasions there was a chance of rain so some rain gear was added to my checklist.

• Camera and back pack
• Extra batteries and memory cards for the camera
• Lens cloth to wipe away dust and dirt
• Two lenses- one wide angle(18-70) and a longer lens (70-300)
• large trash bag (to sit on if the area is muddy)
• rain poncho (just in case)
• lens hood
• filter
• tripod

Although I make sure all of these things are in my backpack, when I get to the place where we are going to shoot I leave most of the items in my car.  I do this because we were going on trails of 1 mile or less and if I need something else I can go back to the car.  For my first trip from the car to shoot I will put on one of my lenses and make sure to wipe it off.  I then check my battery and memory card and head out to shoot.  Later depending on what I'm wanting to photograph, I will come back and change lenses and/or pick up my tripod.  I used to always carry my backpack and tripod with me, but I have found that to be too cumbersome and not needed for short hikes.

 Photographing Wildlife

I have not done a lot of wildlife photography but on my trip to Lone Elk Park I had two photography buddies who really helped  me to hone in on wildlife to photograph.  Dina was great at listening for birds and pointed out the Pileated Woodpecker  that I was able to capture with my long lens in the photo below. In the photo below that you will see an Elk.  Our photo buddy Mac drove ahead of us through the park and would point out places where we could find Elk and Bison. I found that photographing wildlife takes a lot more patience than photographing flowers.

Photographing Plants and Flowers

I enjoy photographing flowers and foliage.

There is always something interesting to shoot in the parks. The first shot  is some pink dogwood I spotted through the trees.  This photo was taken in Lone Elk Park and the shot was taken out of the window of the car.  I had my lens set on aperture priority f8 and was able to capture the pink as I saw it through the trees.

We were hiking down a small path in Cuivre River State park when I saw part of an old stone wall. I stopped on the path and took several shots of the wall from different directions. It is amazing the different looks you get just by walking around an area and looking at it from a different angle.

I love the way the leaves were growing over this stone wall.  The sunlight filtering through the trees also gave it an interesting look.

 

Waterdrops and Puddles Create Interesting Photos

We were at Cuivre River right after a rainfall and there were puddles everywhere and raindrops still falling from the branches and leaves.  Sometimes new photographers avoid rainy days, but I find that you can capture some of your best images on a rainy day.  The first photo was looking down at the top of an old stone pillar.  The pillar was about 3 feet high and a oval pool of water had collected in the top of the pillar.  I stood over the pillar and focused my camera down on the puddle of water that showed a reflection of the trees above.              

This next photo depicts a waterdrop on a branch.  I was having trouble getting a good shot when a fellow photographer suggested I back up a bit and refocused.  It took a few tries but I was finally able to get a fairly clear shot of the waterdrop with the background blurred.  

Watch for Special Features to Photograph

As you are out in a park look for special features to add to your photographs.  Old stone bridges like the one below make an interesting photograph.  Don't forget to turn around and look at the path you've just walked down.  The leading lines will also make for an interesting photo.

I couldn't resist photographing this goose that sat out right in the middle of the parking lot.  He didn't move all the while I was shooting.

Gifts from  my Photographs

Here are some items I made on Zazzle from my photographs.  You can see other items on my Zazzle shop by clicking through either of the links below.

Old Bridge at Cuivre River Card by mbgphoto
Look at other Old stone bridge Cards at zazzle.com

Leaves on Old Stone Wall Gift Box by mbgphoto
Check out Cuivre river state park Gift Boxes online at zazzle

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of The Only Witness by Pamela Beason

The Only Witness

An infant is abducted in broad daylight. The only witness is a gorilla. Can you imagine how a detective would feel when about to ask a judge for a warrant on the basis of the testimony of a gorilla? Of course, he wouldn't tell the judge anymore than he'd first been told himself -- that the the only witness was a twelve-year-old with the IQ of a five-year-old. As expected, the judge had the same reaction he himself had had -- he wanted to  meet the witness. That's why Detective Matthew Finn had brought the video tape to show the judge if necessary.

Photo Courtesy of Pixabayxabay

                                                                                                                               

The Kidnapping                 

Seventeen-year-old single unwed mother Brittany Morgan stops at a convenience store because because she's out of diapers. Her two-month old baby, Ivy Rose, is asleep in her car seat. She doesn't want to wake Ivy, so she carefully locks her car after opening the windows just far enough for the air to flow, but not far enough to reach in. She whispers through the passenger window to Ivy, 'Mama will be right back, Ivy Rose.'

Brittany  notices a tall gray van parked next to her on the right, the kind with mirrored windows that prevent people from looking in. The words "Talking Hands Ranch" were painted on the side. Then she went into the store and bought a few groceries. When she got back to the car, the doors were still locked, but the baby was gone. So was the gray van, but Brittany didn't remember the van at that moment because she was still in shock. She thought some boys standing around smoking might have taken the baby as a joke but they denied it and hadn't seen anyone else with a baby. A woman called  911. Soon Detective Finn was on the scene with  his crew gathering evidence. Brittany was frantic.

Inside the Van

Grace, a research professor at he University of Washington, returned to her van and to Neema, one of the gorillas in her project to whom she was teaching sign language. Unbeknownst to Grace, Neema had seen the kidnapping of the baby. She had signed to herself what was happening as it happened.

When Grace had returned, Neema signs "baby" to her, and then "car." Grace has no idea what Neema is talking about. In intervals Neema signs "Snake make baby cry." Grace thought Neema was calling her a snake, a word Neema hated. Neema continued to sign: "Baby cry, bad blue snake". But then Neema remembered she wanted a banana and the conversation took a different turn.

Later, Grace found out about the abduction, but still did not make the connection. It took her days and repeated signs from Neema before she made an anonymous call to the police. She remembered she had been at the Food Mart about that time.

The Investigation

Before Grace finally called Finn was not getting far in the investigation.  He'd learned that Brittany had been in a program for unwed mothers at her high school, the Sister Mothers Trust program. They had a support website for the girls in the class called YoMama where the girls could communicate. Brittany's computer had been taken in to custody, since she was the first one the police suspected, along with the baby's father Charlie, who was the son of the County Executive. The police certainly did not want to get Travis Wakefield's name into the news over this.

So far, the police had not learned much that helped. It was only after Grace called with the anonymous tip that Finn began to make progress. Brittany, had, meanwhile, remembered seeing the van and  described it to the police. By tracing Grace's call from a pay phone and tracking down the van, he was finally able to find  Grace's compound and discover that his only witness was Neema. In the phone call Grace had only said her ward told her that a man with a snake bracelet took the baby to a green car. Grace had said her ward was twelve and had the mentality of a five-year-old. Finn still thought Grace was passing on the words of a mentally retarded child witness. Finn had been  crushed when Grace said he could not contact Neema and then hung up.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Finn Meets Neema

Finn finally tracks down Grace's location just after she has received a letter from the University of Washington that the project is closing and the gorillas will be sold at auction. When Finn unexpectedly appears, Grace is crying. He still has no idea Neema is a gorilla. When Grace finally allows him to meet her, he still believes he is meeting a child. He has even brought a flower to try to win her over. When he first lays eyes on Neema,  you can just imagine what went through his mind.

You'll have to read the book to see that rather humorous scene. It is the first of many interviews Grace tapes. Neema's testimony,  though not presented formally in court, does help solve the case and the cases of two other missing children of mothers who were in the Sister Mothers Trust classes. I'm not going to spoil the book for you by telling you any more. I'm anxious to read the sequel. The best deal is the Kindle box set for the two books.

 THE ONLY WITNESS (The Neema Mystery Series Book 1) THE ONLY CLUE (The Neema Mystery Series Book 2) The Neema Mysteries: A Box Set Including The Only Witness and The Only Clue

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I would recommend this book to those interested in inter-species communication, gorillas, and police procedural mysteries. One thing I appreciated about this book in addition to the story itself was that no one got killed -- no gory scenes. The emphasis was on the police work and the human-gorilla interaction.

Gorilla Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

 Could this Really Happen?

It is plausible.  I think the author may have been influenced by the work of Dr. Francine Penny Patterson at the Gorilla Foundation. She is best known as the mentor of the famous Koko the gorilla, to whom she has been teaching American Sign Language, as part of her gorilla research. The project began in 1972 at the San Francisco Zoo. Since then it has progressed and moved to larger spaces, and finally to a large compound in Hawaii, but it appears the foundation is losing its lease and will have to raise enough money to buy the land if they are to stay there.  Koko will turn  45 on July 4, 2016.

Here is some insight into the relationship between Koko and Dr. Patterson. One can easily see how Pamela Beason might see Dr. Patterson and Koko as models for Grace and Neema in The Only Witness.

In this video, you will meet Koko.

   
In this video you  will watch a conversation between Koko and Dr. Patterson.

What do you think? Would you consider a signing gorilla like Neema a capable of being a credible witness?

For more information about  Koko, try one of these. You will see more options when you click through, both in books and DVD's. Koko A Talking Gorilla is a DVD.

 Koko's Kitten (Reading Rainbow Books) Koko: A Talking Gorilla (The Criterion Collection)

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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing A Fathers Day Gift Idea

Hammer It Home For Dad

I have a Father's Day gift idea to share with you today and I think you might just say it nails it. Well, if your Dad, Husband or Grandfather happens to be a bit handy around the house it will work perfectly as this year's gift. Shoot, even if he isn't handy, I think he will like it. 

An engraved hammer with sentiments for Dad is unique and something that will be fun to give and I think Dad would say it is fun to receive, too.

You nailed it, Dad! Hammer

The engraved hammer above was my most favorite pick from the options that are available. There are several options for the sentiment to be placed on this fully functional tool for his tool chest or to hang on the wall. A few options are:

• Thank you for helping me build my life
• We love building memories with you
• Let's build more memories together (I plan to get this one for my husband from me for our anniversary)
• Thank you for giving me the tools to build my life
• My Dad can fix anything

See, there are some perfect sentiments for you to choose from and I'm telling you Dad is going to love the idea! If he chooses to use the hammer, he will think of you every time he picks it up. It will warm his heart and put a smile on his face. At least in our house, Dad will!

Last year for Christmas, my oldest daughter was struggling with an idea for my husband (her step-dad). She asked our little grand-daughter what she thought would be a good idea and she came up with the perfect gift. She said, "Well, Grandpa likes to fix things so I think a new toolbox would be nice. We could put our names on it so that when he opens it, he will always think of us." Well, we just thought that was the sweetest thing ....EVER! So, little McKenna was my inspiration when looking for a good Father's Day gift this year. I was looking for a tool that could be engraved and when I saw these hammers, my search was over. 

So, what say you, dear readers? Is an engraved hammer for Father's Day a gift that will work for you this year?

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sony SRSX11 Speaker Review

Sony SRSX11 Portable Speaker

I procrastinated.  I complained constantly about the lousy audio on my inexpensive laptop for a long period of time.  But I continued to put off purchasing a small, portable speaker for as long as possible. Recently, with a purchase of a speaker-less portable media player and continued frustration at having a hard time hearing audio on my little laptop, I gave in and purchased a small speaker.  I chose the Sony SRSX11 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker and I'm so glad I did. I love this little cube of sound.

The Sony SRSX11 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This little speaker is advertised by Sony as the "compact cube with serious sound". In my opinion, they aren't over-stating. I love the sound that comes from this tiny speaker. Sony provides the following information:

• 2.4" x 2.4" x 2.4" small
• Bluetooth connectivity - NFC One Touch
• micro USB terminal; stereo mini jack input
• 12 hours playtime on the rechargeable battery
• 10 watts
• Variety of colors: black, white, red, pink, or blue

What Others Have to Say About the Sony Speaker

Because I am the most technologically challenged person you may ever meet, I am happy to point you in the direction of reading what others have to say about this little gadget. At the time of this writing, the Sony SRSX11 Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker has a 4.5 out of 5 star review on Amazon.  Of those reviews, 70% are 5 star reviews. 

There is a brief review of the Sony SRSX11 speaker on C/NET.  In the past, I've valued the reviews on C/NET due to their focus on the latest technological news and reportedly unbiased reviews of the latest tech gadgets. 

Why I love my Sony SRSX11 Speaker

The helpful young man at the store tried to talk me into "better" speakers.  I wanted cheap, small, and easy - I insisted. He demonstrated a cheap speaker - definitely in my price range - but when he turned on the demo speaker even I could tell it sounded like .... well, it sounded bad.  Okay, I relented, let's move up into the next price category.  

I liked the look of this little speaker "cube".  I liked the weight of it.  It felt well made.  I liked the sound.  The nice young man tried to tell me about the bluetooth features and his voice turned into the teacher's voice in Charlie Brown's classroom, "wah, wah, wah, wah, wah."

I asked if I can connect it to my laptop with a cord. And can you help to make sure I purchased the correct cord.  He seemed puzzled but he answered both of my questions with a "yes".  He tried to explain again how this speaker can be portable.  

While I don't mind being tethered to the laptop or my Ipod with a cord in my teeny apartment, you can easily use this speaker in a more portable way with the NFC & Bluetooth connectivity.

The only downside of this little speaker is that it seems it could be offered at an even lower price. Of course, I believe that about all electronics. But if you are looking for a small speaker that delivers good sound and easy portability, check out the Sony SRSX11 Ultra-Portable Speaker. I think you will be pleased. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Discount and Deals Page for Popular Online Stores

Discount & Deals Page Created
by Funkthishouse Here

Are you taking advantage of all the savings available when you online shop?

I've been guilty of not using coupons, flash sales, daily deals, clearance and discounts when I online shop. 

Has this happened to you? You've reached the check-out point for your online purchase and notice a spot for coupons .... and start thinking .... did I miss the coupon, could I get this cheaper, do I need a free shipping coupon? So you stop the process and go back and double check, or you say 'to heck with it' and complete the transaction as is because you're in a hurry.

After all these years I'm finally paying attention to coupon codes advertised on a site. The problem is, sometimes coupons are not clearly positioned or the best deals turn out to be another type of discount, rather than a coupon; like flash sales, or daily deals.

Another problem; it's hard to keep track of where to find daily deals and discounts. We forget where the location of the daily deals are (where the links are), and sometimes doing 'a google' brings us to multiple wrong or out of date places.

For Deal Shoppers, Here's my Discount Page Providing a List of Links for Deals for Several Popular Online Stores

Daily Deals: Amazon & eBay offers daily deals. It's a great place to scan when you're gift shopping or need daily supplies of basics.

Flash Deals: Flash deals are discounts offered for a short 'flash' of time. The clock ticks on these deals. When you visit The Discount Page you'll see a popular home decor company that runs these.

Clearance: That's exactly what it states, 'items on clearance'. You'll notice a link to both Walmart and Allposters. It will lead you to their items on clearance.

Coupons: If you're looking for where to find a list of Etsy and Amazon Coupons, you'll be directed to it via The Discount Page. All their Coupons are in one convenient place.

BoNuS TiP

My 16 year old son recently purchased a new laptop. Prior to buying, he researched online for the best price based on where he wanted to buy and the features he wanted included.

He didn't buy it online though; he wanted to see it, so he went to the actual store in the mall to make the purchase. However when we arrived there, the item was displaying a 'normal price' not the online sale price.

He was quite discouraged and thought he missed the sale. So we asked the sales representative who looked it up on the computer and found that, yes, this item was in fact on sale. For whatever reason, it hadn't been marked for sale in the store.

Also, because of his age, he was able to receive a student discount of about $100 on top of the sale. So a laptop that would have cost him over $1400 actually cost him about $1100 (taxes all in).

So even if you're not buying online, it pays to research online. That way you're armed with any discrepancies you notice in the store.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Book Review of The Hawk and The Eagle - A Gripping Plot

I recently read and reviewed the first book of the series, MacPherson Brides.  I loved The Rose and the Thorn and could hardly wait to read the next books in the series.  The second book, The Scar and The Star, was a good book, but I am going to skip reviewing it and move right on to the third book of the series.

The Hawk and The Eagle had a very unique plot which is always the best reason to review and recommend a book.  You would know by this selected genre to expect a budding romance.   We all expect trials of some sort to develop in the plot and we anticipate the couple ending up together in the end.  What we don't know when we first pick up a book is whether or not the plot will seem believable or if we will like the characters. 

In a series of books, we have often been previously introduced to the characters.  That was the case with Nia and Adam.  Adam Lone Eagle is Thorn's best friend and the tracker who helped Thorn when needed.  Nia is Thorn's sister and it was alluded to in the first book that Nia was in love with Adam so it came as no surprise that their relationship was the foundation for one of the books in the series.  What was a huge surprise was that Nia married someone else.

Synopsis of "The Hawk and The Eagle"

 The Hawk and The Eagle (MacPherson Brides Book 3)Adam was an accepted part of the MacPherson clan.  He was considered a member of the family instead of just Thorn's friend.  As a matter of fact, Thorn MacPherson was more like a brother to him.   Adam had known for several years that he would marry Thorn's sister Nia once she turned 21.  He had already built a house for them that required only the finishing touches.   His business partner, Clay, and Clay's wife, Caitlin, lived in a house on the same property.  They could easily see each other's homes across the yard that separated them.  Caitlin was also Nia's cousin, which is one of the reasons Adam chose Clay as a business partner.  Clay kept the books, while Adam handled the horses.  When Adam was called away on business, he fully expected to return and marry Nia.  Their lives only had to follow the plan, but we all know plans can be interrupted by life.

Caitlin and Clay already had one son, Sam, and Caitlin is close to the delivery date of their second child when she falls and goes into labor.  When Caitlin realizes she is dying, she pleas for a promise from Nia that she will care for her children.  With Clay lying in the next room very close to death himself, Nia doesn't hesitate to make the promise.   She loves Caitlin, Sam and her newly born niece, Lily.

Shortly after Caitlin's death, Nia is called into Clay's room where he begs her to marry him and adopt the children immediately so they are assured a protected life.  That is a difficult decision for Nia.  She loves Adam, but she and the family are certain that Clay is dying.  Acting quickly is a necessity.  She agrees and marries Clay.  This is were life interrupts Nia's plans because Clay does not die.

When Adam returns home, he is devastated to find Nia married to Clay, plus he has to watch from a close distance as his fiance struggles to make her marriage work for the sake of the children. 


My Conclusion & Recommendation  

The Hawk and the Eagle is another excellent book written by Mischelle Creager that takes a close look at a Christian life that is far from perfect.  Just as I said in my review for the first book in this series, the author does not paint a fantastical life around her characters.  She digs much deeper and allows her characters to be human and to make mistakes.  In this particular book, I also appreciate the illustration of how other lives can be drastically impacted by those mistakes, even if the mistakes were made based on good intentions.  This is something we all need to be reminded of on occasion. 


The Hawk and The Eagle (MacPherson Brides) Book Review & Recommendation Written by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Printable Greeting Cards

Look what I found. It's a fabulous source for printable greeting cards. These are cards on high-resolution downloadable files that you can print at home. Simply choose a design, place your order, grab the downloadable file, print, and the card is ready to be delivered or mailed. It's easy! Here's my review of this sanity-saving method of buying greeting cards at the last minute.

The procrastinator in me loves these cards. Why? Because I can choose, buy, print, and mail or hand deliver any of them quickly, within a matter of minutes. If you tend to put off shopping for special occasions until it's almost too late to be on time, bet you'll love the convenience, too!

Even if you're organized and always on time, there's much more to love about these cards. Since they're designed by artists from all over the world, it's easy to find something absolutely unique and the selection is huge. You're sure to find a style that you like for any occasion you can think of.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. 

Printable Inspirational Card ©JWGiftsandDecor on Etsy

Printable Father's Day Cards

Father's Day Printable Card ©DecorartDesign on Etsy

Father's Day is always the third Sunday in June, but it has a way of sneaking up on me at the last minute. You, too? If you wait until the last minute to choose a card for dear ol' dad, it won't be too late. Take a look at this Father's Day card collection, find one you like, order, then print. Use the search box to narrow down the subject matter to something that perfectly suits your dad.

Cards for All Occasions & Every Holiday

It's always good to have a greeting card or two on hand for emergencies, but if you're like me your card box never seems to contain exactly what you're looking for when you need it. That's another reason I like the idea of being able to choose the perfect card and print it from the comfort of my computer.

For instance, look at this selection of printable get well cards. You'll also find some really unique printable birthday cards. I found a beautiful selection of scripture cards for all occasions, too. Recently I've been exploring printable Halloween cards. You may be surprised at the selection. I was!

Choose a couple of designs that you especially like, order the downloads, and you'll have them on the computer when you need them. Pay once then print as many copies (for personal use) as you like!

©MerryMailman on Etsy

Here's an idea for an all occasion card to keep on hand. This "What's up, buttercup" printable card download includes two designs, an envelope template, and you can color the card yourself if you choose. Or let the recipient color it. In fact, make a gift of it by including a set of colored pencils. How perfect for either an adult or a child! (I got this one for my mom, who really enjoys her adult coloring books.)

Next time you're at Walmart, Target, or your favorite office supply store, pick up an inexpensive package of card stock paper along with some pretty envelopes (or make your own envelope from a grocery bag!). Choose a few favorite printable card designs to have handy on your computer, and you'll be ready whenever the next card-giving occasion arises. You'll save both time and money and the recipient is sure to be pleased.


So, who will your first printable card recipient be?

~ Susan
See more of my reviews.

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review This: Why are Deacons going to Rome the Eternal City!

Rome Here We Come!

Two weeks ago, if you would have told me I was going to Rome, I would have laughed out loud!
It just goes to show you how quickly things can change.

Many of you may know that my Husband is a Permanent Deacon with the Roman Catholic Church here in Toronto.  What does that mean?  Well, to put it in it's simplest terms, a Deacon Serves.  My husband serves by visiting inmates once a week at the local jail/holding facility.  He also visits the elderly at a nursing home, and visits the children in schools (2) in our neighborhood.

We (he and I) entered the Diaconate Program in 2005, went to school for 4 years and then in 2010 Alan became a fully ordained Deacon, while I received a Diploma in Theology.

Deacon Alan as Deacon of the Mass May 29. 2010 with Rev. Bishop Vincent Nguyen officiating.

Our current Pope Francis had called all deacons to Rome, last year.  We did not expect to be in a position to go to Rome, so put it out of our minds.  But, this year, during our anniversary celebration of ordination, with our fellow Deacons (and wives), we were encouraged to come along.  

Now both my husband and I, were in a cross roads.  Circumstances in our lives had changed (not for the better), so a time away to rethink, relax and recommit our lives, seemed to be the order of the day. So that's the background as to why and how we ended up making a quick trip to Rome.

Now the Fun Begins:

What astounds me the most, is that if you are meant to be somewhere, doors will open and things will fall into place, like they were meant to be.  On Saturday May 7th 2016, we found out about this trip and by Monday May 9th, airline, hotel and everything else that needed to be booked to get us to Rome, was indeed booked.

Second Thoughts:

What hadn't occurred to us, was that there was a cut-off date for those Deacons who were going to show up in Rome, to make themselves known to Vatican staff.  So to our dismay, we looked and found out that the closing date for this Once in a Lifetime opportunity was March 31, 2016! 

When God wants you to be somewhere, He opens the door and let's you walk through.  We e-mailed the Vatican, let them know that we were really late in getting our applications done and waited.  I was on pins and needles, the Deacon, he just smiled and said, "If we are supposed to be there, we will be accepted."  What he didn't realize is that I had already paid for the airline tickets......

As reported earlier, If He Wants You There:

He will make sure that you are accepted.  Within 24 hours (a very tense 24 hours for me), we had our answer.  Rome (the Vatican official responsible for this Deacon's Call) let us know that they would be so happy to have us join them.  To say that I was relieved is the understatement of the century.  But there we had it in writing, we are called to join our Pope Francis on May 27, 28 and 29th culminating in the Celebration of the Eucharist with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square on Sunday May 29th.  It doesn't get any better than this!

Looking out over St. Peter's Square

Inside the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis with the children

We are delighted, elated and thank God for giving us this opportunity, not only to go to Rome, but to be able to speak with Pope Francis on topics that relate to us, in our ministry here at home.  Both Deacon Alan and I are elated at this chance to speak with a Pope that we feel understands, is sympathetic, and empathetic to the needs of the Church abroad.  This meeting should be really interesting, since just last week, he (the Pope) was speaking about the role of women in the church!  I know many North Americans are really interested in that subject. Hopefully, we can be the voice of some of the people here in North America and that he will take what we say and take them to heart.

Now we are scrambling:

Not only to get everything we need in order, but also to get Rome maps, tourist guides and a sense of what we want to see.  Good walking shoes are on the agenda, blisters do not make for happy feet and we only have 7 days to do all the sights, picture taking and eating that glorious Roman cuisine, so we better have a plan in mind.

Cameras are ready, extra batteries, medications, passports, suitcases and hundreds of other little necessities are piling up on my dining room table.  Rome guides are ordered and should be here soon. Now we just have to be patient until the 23rd of May, when we will be flying out of Toronto on our Way to the Eternal City, ROME!

By the time you are reading this review, we will be on our way home from Rome.  We arrive on June 1st, late in the evening, God Willing.  

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