My daughter and I love each other very much.  How to love each other well has been the question.  I’ve tortured myself for years, but  now I think I have found a solution.  So far, so fabulous!

Click HERE for audio

True North keeps us focused on the direction our souls are calling us.  We need daily practices and activities that keep us centered, so we can allow new beginnings, let go of what needs to leave, and be available for creativity and spontaneity.  Read David Richo’s book How to Be an Adult in Relationships for more information.

Click HERE for audio
The sound of hammering in the background is from a renovation happening in a villa close to where we live here in Ubud, Bali.  I did not realize the microphone would be so sensitive, but, oh, well.

This audio is a confession as well as the story of a transformation on the subject of my first grandchild being born with Down Syndrome.

I refer in the audio to a friend whose brother has Downs.  This is part of the email she sent me:

“People with Downs Syndrome are all heart! They are so loving. Yes there will be many challenges but they can be overcome. I just started reading a book called The Shape of the Eye by Corvallis author and parent of a daughter with Downs Syndrome, George Estreich. Even reading the first few chapters could help in acknowledging the grief, confusion, loss and uncertainty that is so common  for parents of Downs children.”

Here is video where an author reads his story about his daughter with Down.  I found it enlightening and comforting.

Katie, Keith and Carter

Happy Birthday, Carter!

Happy Birthday,Carter!  Click here for a terrific rendition of the dirge known as Happy Birthday.  They even use this melody in Bali.  Sigh.

Carter James Culbert, born Sunday, November 13, 2011 to two fabulous human beings, Keith and Katie Culbert.  Six pounds, thirteen ounces, born three weeks early, whisked out by emergency C section.  Mom and son recovering nicely.

Carter is a blessing in my world and a blessing to the world.  Congratulations Keith and Katie!

Here is an  audio of me singing Happy Birthday to the gift known as Carter.

Guess who is optimistic and who is pessimistic.  Cheerful Murray?  Sometimes too earnest Vicki?

Click HERE to find out how to Get Optimistic About Pessimism.