Master Naturalist Conference~Day 1

Last week I received a phone call that I had been chosen to attend the Nebraska Master Naturalist Conference in Nebraska City on a scholarship.  The 3-day conference is put on by NACEE-Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environment Education and provides an amazing opportunity for Nebraska’s formal and non-formal educators, resource professionals, and citizens to network and share ideas.  The 2012 Conference is filled with fantastic speakers ranging in topics from grant opportunities to no-material activities to sustainable schoolyards. I found the opportunity to be an adventure in the making and decided to put on my flannel and puffy vest and join the tree huggers for the weekend.

 

Day one-A small group of "master naturalist" and I spent four hours surveying the flood damage from last year.  I found myself being the only early educator within the group.  I quietly observed and didn't have much to say-not normal, I know.  Yet, that is exactly what I cherish about nature.  The opportunity to be quiet, to observe, to dig deep into the roots that have kept me into Nebraska.  While most of the time I have no idea what kind of tree or plant I'm looking at, I have this established appreciation for all things living.

A Little Shower For A Lovely Lady

While I am blessed beyond belief with dozens of dear friends and a staggering amount of acquaintances, there are only few true blue soul mates that know what I'm thinking with the tilt of my head, a twinkle in my eye, and beyond the mask that I am destined to wear day in and day out.  Missy is one of these true blues.

While we've only known each other for about 4 years, though it feels as if our paths have crossed before even when there is no possible way.  We were introduced by a very dear man that we both have the privilege of looking up to as a father figure and spiritual mentor. Together, we found ourselves preparing to travel to a third world country for a trip that would forever change our worldview.  During that trip, Nick and I formed a strong bond with Missy that has Nick feeling comfortably protective of her and I knowing that there is someone who is a true listener and has my best interest at heart.

Shortly after we returned from Haiti, Missy found the love of her life and married Jared.  Nick and Jared have become good friends and we adore Jared's little man Hudson as if he was our nephew.  We were never more honored to take part in their wedding and pray that their marriage will be strong and blessed.

And blessed it is!  When hope started to wavier, Missy and Jared were fortunate to find that they were expecting a little bundle of joy.  Claire, is due in December. (Even though we think she is anxious to get out early and meet the world)  We know they will make excellent parents because Jared is already an amazing and doting father and Missy, dear Missy, has a heart so full of love that this little person will never want. It was with greatest happiness that I joined two of Missy's friends to throw a shower for her.  Fairies, pink, satin, and hydrangeas danced in the sunlit room on a perfect Saturday afternoon.

Watching Missy surrounded by people who love and adore her, family, friends, and co-workers, I began to see how really blessed I was to have this woman in my life.  She is beautiful-even in the ending days of her pregnancy she is breathtaking.  Her style never waivers even when she "Au natural." Her giving is far beyond the capacity of her wallet and yet, she gives.  Her thoughts are always on those around her even when it's supposed to be her day.  She is a no-nonsense type of gal and yet loves frills and things that sparkle.  She is everything a woman should be and is going to make the best of mothers.  When Claire arrives, I know that my heart for this woman will change once again as I see her in the role she was born to play.  Until then, I will just admire from afar, pray for her daily, and be here as she is for me.

Your Voice-Your Vote

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012~An Election Day To Remember

President Barack Obama vs. Republican Mitt Romney

Never before has there been a Presidential race that we felt so intent on watching, taking note, and feeling so annoyed with. Never before have we ever felt the utter importance of our vote. Never before have we ever felt that our voice matters so much.  Never before has a race inspired us to get involved...and get involved we did! 

Incumbent Steve Brock vs. Nicholas Mayo

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

Nick put his name on the ballot, spoke at several public venues, won the preliminaries, and did a couple interviews. Check out his recent interview with the Omaha World Herald: http://www.omaha.com/article/20121027/NEWS/710279896/1707  Today, he did his civic duty and voted with his "number 1 fan" and "politicians wife in training" by his side. 

Together we sit.  Eating Nick's choice of a celebratory dinner-chili with oyster crackers-watching the blue and red numbers rise and listening to the commentaries of what seems like one-sided views. We also sit and watch the bottom of the screen, rejoicing with enthusiasm every time his name shows up. Yes, that is MY husbands name on ABC under Diane Sawyer.

Stay tuned for the final count and Nick's reflections on becoming a politician.