Last Weekend

So I had a busy weekend and a great time. It started out Friday morning going to Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate Seattle. Then after I got ready, I jumped in my car and drove to Salem, Oregon to visit my daughter, Gretchen, and her family. It was fun to see my grandchildren, Jack and Elizabeth. Lizzy doesn't want to be called Lizzy anymore so it is the more formal Elizabeth now. Jack was sure busy coming from basketball and off to a birthday party at an aquatic center and then a sleepover with a friend. Elizabeth had basketball and then I got to see her karate class.

In the evening we watched the documentary about Hood to Coast. It was wonderful to see. In the last Hood to Coast, my daughter, Gretchen and her husband Chris ran with my son, Ben and his wife, Amanda. I'm proud of all of them. It is a running relay starting at Mount Hood with a team of 12. Every one runs three legs or parts of the distance to Seaside on the Oregon Coast. It's a distance of almost 200 miles. It's a stay awake for 36 hours, eating, laughing, having fun, and running until you can't run anymore, unless you're an elite distance runner like Ben.

The next morning, I took Gretchen out to breakfast and then off to investigate sea berry at One Green World. I'm writing an article about it and I want to turn it into a book project. They were busy but I got to see the two acre plot they have in sea berry and got brief interviews of the owner and those who work with him and travel the world to see all these amazing plants. I sure hope it turns out because I would just love to travel on book tours taking about sea berry.

I made it back to Seattle by 5:30 on Saturday just in time to make it to the Zumba event at 24 Hour Fitness at 6 p.m. I love to go to any Zumba class taught by Niel, my favorite instructor who makes every minute fun.

The next morning I slept in until 9:30 a.m. I should have put on my alarm. Usually I'm up at 5 a.m. I missed Zumba so I headed on over to Weight Watchers, which is always inspirational.

My Kids

I had five kids. I have six grandchildren. I always said that I have the BEST kids in the world and I do. I love talking to my kids. They are the BEST people I know.

My Message to Young People

If you are in school, please understand what an important opportunity you have to learn and grow to live your best life. Don’t let anything distract you from school and learning. Not everyone has a good home life. Not everyone has a positive experience in school. If you are in school, please understand that it is critical for you to focus and concentrate on your studies.

If it is hard at home, do what you can to help out with at least one or two chores every day. Be respectful. Find a corner where you can read and study. Focus everyday on your school work and getting your homework done. Read extra. Read ahead in your books. Study. Learn. Doing well in school is your opportunity and chance for a better job, a better way of life. Don’t rob yourself of this gift by only thinking of now.

If someone at school is mean to you or is teasing you or makes it hard to stay in school, please understand that it is important to believe in yourself. Don’t react, focus on school. Become focused on your schoolwork and try hard to ignore bad behavior around you. This is not always easy but it is important for your future and opportunities in your life to learn all you can no matter how hard your circumstances.

Maybe you don’t have the best teacher this year and you want to tune out. Not all teachers are created equal. Remember that there is always something to learn from everyone. Always be respectful. Always do your work. Read ahead. Don’t ever be disrespectful or cause trouble. Concentrate on your studies and learning.

There are a lot of things in life that are not easy, not fair. No matter what happens in life, no matter how people treat you, focus on your growth, on learning, on being the best person you can be. If someone in your life who is important to you is a bad example, don’t follow. Think more of yourself and what you have to offer and of your future. Don’t blindly follow anyone who is trying to take you down a path away from your best life.

Stay in school. Read lots of books. Don’t react to bad behavior. Focus on what is most important. Keep yourself in school. Do your homework.

A young person who is in school has the opportunity to live the life they dream. Don’t let anyone rob you of a bright future. Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough or that you aren’t smart enough or that you don’t belong. Always be respectful to those around you no matter how you are treated. Focus on your schoolwork and on learning. Believe in yourself.

[Yesterday I was walking to the health food store at the time that kids were coming home from school. I saw kids get off the bus and kids walking home from school. I saw kids of all skin colors walking together. It was beautiful.  I've been thinking about these kids and kids all over the country for the last few hours. The kids in Northgate seem like great kids who have parents who watch out for them. I live in a good neighborhood but not all neighborhoods have kids with great families. I know that the quality of education is in question in many schools, in many states, in many countries. I have noticed through the years that all children and their parents start school with hopes and dreams. However, not all kids finish school. More are dropping out. More are participating in bad behavior. More are having a difficult time. It is important for all children to stay in school, learn all they can and study.]

Zumba--Niel Smith

Niel Smith is a great Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate Seattle. He's very popular and his classes are always crowded. He makes Zumba fun and easy to follow. Niel is a gifted dancer and choreographer. We are lucky to have him teach. I wish he taught every single day.

This morning Niel taped two Zumba songs in the class which he is going to send into Zumba International to audition to be a Zumba Jammer. A Zumba Jammer creates original choreography, works directly for Zumba, and instructs Zumba instructors. I know he's going to get it because he's great. Not all Zumba instructors are created equal. Some are truly gifted and rare. Niel Smith is one of these great dancers.

Zumba

I love Zumba. It's so much fun. I love dance. I love the movement. It truly makes me happy. The ONLY time during the week that I am happy is when I am taking a Zumba class. Niel Smith is a great Zumba instructor and he's my favorite. His choreography makes it fun. He's easy to follow. I wish he taught Zumba classes every single day.

I wish I could be a Zumba instructor. I would want to teach Zumba Gold, which is for baby boomers and older Zoomers. Zumba is something very special because it taps into and opens up something inside that puts a smile on your face and happiness in your heart. I am truly happy when I am dancing the choreography of Zumba. The music. The movement. The dance. It's all happiness and joy. Pure joy. This kind of happiness is rare in most people's lives. I need MORE Zumba.

Priorities

I reevaluate my life often and try to make sure that my priorities are in line with my actions. I've decided that my priorities right now are:

1. writing
2. exercise
3. eating healthy
4. reading

I have the opportunity to see what I can do with my writing. Writers dream of time to write. I'll save money and work on my writing goals to finish projects and work on new writing projects.

If I can start making money with my writing, I can be generous to everyone around me and I can take my family on a cruise every year. I want to be able to take my children and their families on a seven day cruise every year. That would be perfect.

There is a lot of things that I can not do anything about in life but I can work on my four priorities every day. Add to that daily chores, cleaning, continue to get rid of clutter, and donate extra stuff to Goodwill. That will keep me very busy.

Northgate Seattle Air Quality

The air quality in Northgate isn't good for several reasons.

• Northgate is right next to I-5. Not good.
• Northgate is directly under the flight path of jets going into Sea-Tac. Not good.
• Northgate has a lot of traffic. The exhaust from cars--not good.
• When I moved into my apartment, they put in new carpet, which was nice but new carpet releases arsenic into the air. Not good.

What helps? Trees! It's always good to see a windy day that blows in fresh air.

I have two air filtration systems that I bought from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Education

One of the most important things that can be taught in schools is how to think, not what to think, and to teach the process of making a decision and how to find information needed to make a decision.

Aggressive Panhandlers in Seattle

Seattle has so much to offer. The downtown area is beautiful. It has the Seattle Art Museum, the Aquarium, the amazing Seattle Public Library, the Symphony, Broadway plays, Northwest Ballet, Pike Place Market, and the Pacific Science Center. It also has great shopping, music, restaurants, events, and festivals. Seattle has everything.

What isn't good is that there are a lot of homeless and aggressive panhandlers asking for money. It isn't okay.  Something needs to be done about this because otherwise it wrecks all the good parts of downtown Seattle. I don't understand people who think it's okay to leave things the way it is. I've heard that a lot of people refuse to shop downtown. Why would all the businesses not want to see this problem solved? People want to feel safe coming downtown and riding the bus to enjoy all that is Seattle.

I don't understand anyone who doesn't want to see this problem solved. I don't understand anyone who doesn't want to see that people get shelter when they are cold, have food to eat, and medical care. Anyone who enjoys seeing people struggle, cold, and miserable is sadistic and a bully! Something needs to be done and this problem needs to be solved.

The last time I went downtown on the bus a homeless woman grabbed my shoulders. She was sick and I got sick a week later with a bad cold. This isn't ok. She needs help. All these people need help.

Bill Gates, don't you feel a little ashamed of yourself having all that money and not fixing the problems in your own backyard? You give money to the world and you have homeless here in Seattle. You have education problems in your own area. How about helping to solve the homeless problem here to make Seattle better? Seattle first.

Jimmy John's

The Seattle Times had a full page ad this morning in the paper for Jimmy John's gourmet sandwiches for only $1 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today. I decided to walk over there to the Northgate Jimmy John's. I've never gone there before. I guess I have been a Subway fan but no more! Wow! I'm impressed. I ordered #4 for $1. #4 is a Turkey Tom with turkey, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, and mayo. I also ordered extra cheese and a drink. This sandwich is excellent. I have switched. Now I will be a loyal customer of Jimmy John's. It's THAT good.

When I approached Jimmy John's, the line was out the door, around the corner and into the parking lot. A girl coming out said they were great because it took only 9 minutes! They had two people taking orders and to hand out menus to speed the process. They were ready and they did a great job. Once I got inside, I enjoyed watching the young people who work behind the counter. It must be a great place to work. It looks like young college kids. It was fun to go there and I will enjoy eating there. I overheard two young people who worked there saying that Bill Gates came in.

You still have 45 minutes to get your $1 sub. A great sandwich, great atmosphere, and you will enjoy.

507 NE Northgate Way
206.957.0770
jimmyjohns.com
They deliver too!

Seattle North Precinct Safe Communities Conversation

I went to the Seattle North Precinct Safe Communities Conversation this evening at the North Seattle Community College. I was very impressed. All North Seattle neighborhoods were invited. All police officers representing this area were there and participated. Mayor McGinn was there, which was great! It was nice to hear him speak. I wish I could have met him in person.

There were large tables in the cafeteria to discuss issues. The goal was to prioritize concerns about public safety, share thoughts about police/community relations, offer ideas on enhancing community engagement, and select delegates to represent the groups.

We had five issues selected at our table that were a concern and received the most votes after generating around 30 ideas. The top issues were prostitution and pimping on Aurora, increased incidence of robberies and home break-ins in Fremont, pedestrian and bicycle safety in Northgate, aggressive homeless and public aggressive drunken behavior in Fremont and downtown, and street lighting in Northgate.

I believe strongly that anything that encourages better communication between police, city leaders, and the community is important. I believe strongly in participatory democracy and this was participatory democracy in action in one of the greatest cities in the world. Mayor McGinn is in charge of a great city. He doesn't duck problems. He faces them head-on. I'm impressed. He encourages dialogue.

I've been impressed with the phone calls that I get here in Seattle that notify me about criminal activity in my neighborhood. I have received a couple of these phone calls. This is great that this kind of alert would happen for the general public. There is a lot of construction in Northgate and I'm impressed that the police officers that are on the corners talk to the public.

I like being involved and that my opinions matter. I usually don't venture out at night but I'm glad I went.

I enjoyed the entertainment. There were three University of Washington students singing. I enjoyed them. It was unusual how they blended music. The girls would sing ballads and the guy would sing rap. They exchanged back and forth blending both genres of music. They were really good.

Smoothie

This is my smoothie recipe. This is what I made today after coming home from Body Pump.

1 scoop whey protein
1/2 banana
1 T. wheat germ
1 T. flaxseed
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup yogurt
16.9 ounces water

I mix all this up in my blender and it is really good. It is like dessert and it's good for me.

Body Pump

This morning I went to 24 Hour Fitness to take a class called Body Pump with Alex. She's a great instructor.    I stayed for 50 minutes this morning. I've been trying to go to the gym every day after being sick with a bad cold.

Here's how the last few days went at the gym:

Oct. 9--Tuesday     15 minutes elliptical and 50 minutes Body Pump with Alex as instructor

Oct. 8--Monday     55 minutes Zumba with Niel as instructor

Oct. 7--Sunday      30 minutes Zumba

Oct. 6--Saturday     50 minutes Body Pump

Oct. 5--Friday        50 minutes Zumba

Oct. 4--Thursday    50 minutes Body Pump

Oct. 3--Wednesday  30 minutes Zumba

Oct. 2--Tuesday      45 minutes exercise bike at home

Exercise

I've had a bad cold the last couple of weeks and haven't been able to go to 24 Hour Fitness for about a week and a half. I really missed going to the gym. Two days ago, I went to Zumba and stayed a half hour. I couldn't go the full time. I have to start slow and build up endurance again. It was fun. I enjoyed every minute. Exercise is medicine. Yesterday I went to Body Pump, which is a weights class. I stayed for 50 minutes. It makes me feel good to take this class and I notice a difference in my body. I am thinner and can fit in smaller sizes since when I moved to Seattle six months ago. It makes a big difference that I live close to the gym and that I have the opportunity to go to the gym every single day. I feel very lucky and blessed. It may seem odd that I love to go to the gym but I do. This is the healthiest choice I can make.

Seattle Weather

I see in the Seattle Times this morning that the weather is going to be in the 60's this week. Perfect weather! Yes! I'm glad that it is going to be comfortable. I'm not someone who enjoys hot weather. If I am in hot weather, I need air conditioning and I don't have it here in my apartment. I look forward to fall and winter weather in Seattle.

A Japanese Family at Target

I witnessed something yesterday that was beautiful. A young son, probably a university student that I am guessing is Japanese was showing his parents, probably visiting their son, the neat escalator at Target in Northgate. It made me smile. It was cute and precious. There was so much respect and love shown in this family--the son for his parents and the parents for their son. The son was showing the father that he could put his cart through a shoot and it would ride down the escalator next to them. I marveled at this when I first moved to Northgate too. I thought it was amazing that you could let your cart ride too. It was wonderful to see this family. I have so much respect and admiration for the Japanese. They value academic achievement in the family. They respect one another. I am attracted to Asian people and feel comfortable around them because they value academic achievement and show respect for each other.

Freeman Peel-Off Mask

I went into Walgreens in Shoreline the other day and I found one of my favorite products--Freeman facial cucumber peel-ff mask. It's so much fun to use. You goop it on your face. Let it dry. Then you have fun peeling it off. I know it is silly but it is really fun. It makes your skin look better. I like to put it on thick so it takes longer to dry. It's not easy not touching your face and waiting for it to dry. It takes about a half hour. You also have to be careful not to get your hair in it. I usually end up taking a shower after or you have to wash your face after all the peeling fun.

www.coursera.org

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/23/opinion/koller-online-college-courses/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

I just learned about www.coursera.org from my son, Daniel. It's amazing. This is the opportunity for anyone around the world to take university classes for credit FREE! It was started by Daphne Koller who is co-founder and co-CEO from Stanford University. The university line up is impressive with big names like Stanford, Columbia, The Ohio State University, University of Washington, Duke University, and more. There are 33 universities participating. You take real classes, watch the videos, do homework, receive grades, have deadlines and receive a certificate from the instructor. What a great opportunity for people around the world to learn and go to college. This makes it education for everyone possible and life long learning possible. I'm impressed.

I'm thinking about signing up for:
Principles of Obesity Economics from Johns Hopkins University or
Community Change in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University or
Think Again: How to Reason and Argue from Duke University

If I had a better background in math, I would also be looking at:
Cryptography from Stanford University or
Introduction to Logic from Stanford University or
Experimental Genome Science from the University of Pennsylvania or
Introduction to Astronomy from Duke University

Snoqualmie Casino

I went to the Snoqualmie Casino a second time last week on Wednesday. I had a great time. I spent $2.50 on a penny slot machine. My favorite machine is Relic Hunter. I love to win 20 or 50 or 120 more chances to play the machine. It's a fun machine. I had a nice lunch in the buffet area.

I don't think I can go back anymore because of all the smoke. My father smoked and he died of lung cancer. My husband smoked and he always had lung problems and died of esophageal cancer last year. It's hard for me to be around all the smoke. I've never smoked myself. I wish they had a high tech filtration system to get the smoke up and out and bring in fresh air. Or I wish they had completely different sections where nonsmoking was really a no smoke area.

I almost didn't get on the right bus home because there wasn't a sign in the window. I asked and was careful to make sure I was on the right bus.

I'm sad that just when I thought this was going to be a lot of fun once in awhile that I doubt I will go again because of all the smoke. If you smoke, it's a great place. Great food. A nice ride on the bus out in the country, like a mini vacation. Oh, well...............

Homeless Population

I'm sick today. I started to feel sick on Thursday night. A week ago last Friday on the 14th, I decided to ride on the bus and visit the Seattle Art Museum, one of my favorite places. When I came out I noticed a homeless woman sitting at the side next to the building. She asked me for money. I didn't have dollar bills in my pockets. I usually make sure I put dollar bills in my pockets when I am downtown. She asked for money for sanitary napkins. I said I didn't have change and that I was sorry. She lunged forward and grabbed my shoulders. I was scared. She said, "look into my eyes." I thought, Oh, no, I'm going to get sick. She was obviously sick. She spit mucus on the front of my blouse and was close to my face. I wanted to push her away and run. Then I thought, I'm not a good person because I don't want to hug her. I thought of all the Peace Corps volunteers and Doctors Without Borders who signup for this stuff to be around people who are sick and need help. I like to stay in the safety zone.I don't consider myself better than her. I'm having money trouble too. A few twists and I could be sitting on a corner. It was an awful experience. I honestly don't understand why cities don't help people who are homeless.

The solution isn't easy but allowing this kind of onslaught isn't fair. The best solution for the homeless I have ever seen is a model I heard about used in Woodburn, Oregon for migrant workers. There was a large apartment building and all services were on site. Help was given until they were ready to get jobs and housing. Why can't the homeless populate an isolated area and become totally self sufficient with services onsite. They can garden and grow their own food. They can build their own houses with volunteer help. I've always thought that Habitat for Humanity should also help the homeless by building apartment buildings or structures for more people. I saw a great design in the Seattle Times by a German architect who built small houses or cubicles for one person that could work.

Land developers who profit from developing areas with public money should start paying for their own developments plus helping out the community by building housing for the homeless. I've always been amazed that developers who will profit use public money to build structures. Seattle does it better because there is better negotiation but still............. This is a time that you can leverage and negotiate for what you want city fathers. Use it to fix some of your problems. Nobody listens to me though or cares what I think.

The point is that what is being done isn't working. This makes me want to avoid going on the bus downtown, to be honest. I want to safely go to the Art Museum, the library, Science Center, the Aquarium.

Snoqualmie Casino

I had so much fun today. For weeks I have been watching the large luxury Snoqualmie Casino bus go by as I am walking to 24 Hour Fitness in the morning. It stops on 5th around 9:15 a.m. every morning. I finally got curious, googled, and called to find out details. I called a couple of days ago to set up a reservation to go today. I waited outside at 9 a.m. ready to get on the bus. I met some nice people who enjoy going to the casino until the bus came. The bus is air-conditioned, which I appreciate very much. You hand the bus driver a 10 dollar bill when you get on the bus and he checks a list for your name. We left Northgate at 9:15 a.m. and arrived at Snoqualmie Casino around 10:30 a.m. It felt like I was on vacation. It was nice to get away and enjoy the trees surrounding Snoqualmie.

The Snoqualmie Casino is in such a beautiful setting and the casino is a gorgeous building. When we arrived, we were told to go to the Crescent Club office to receive our 10 dollars back and a free lunch buffet ticket or a 10 dollar ticket to eat anywhere in the casino. Such a deal! I searched for penny slots because I don't know what I am doing in this area. I figured I couldn't get into too much trouble with a penny slot machine. I brought $20 and didn't take any credit cards. I found out that not all penny slot machines are a penny so I asked for a lesson from one of the people at the casino at the Crescent Club office. I found out that if you push the button for service, people come around and answer your questions. I ended up having a lot of fun for $7.50. I went to the lunch buffet. It was fabulous. It felt like eating on a cruise ship and not leaving land. I had a great salad, fruit, and Mongolian grill. Everything looked delicious. They have such a wide variety of foods and everything looked tantalizing. This is such a great deal. You hand the driver $10. You get it back and a ticket for free lunch. The lunch is an amazing 5 star lunch. You get to have fun and then they take you back home on a luxury bus. I got home around 4:30 p.m. On the way home, I sat on the bus with a lady who won several hundred in Keno today!

I'm definitely going to do this again. I had a great time. It felt like I was on a mini vacation. Great food. To find out all about it and to arrange a reservation, call 425-888-1234 or go to www.snocasino.com.

The Court at Northgate

I live at the Court at Northgate. It is a closed access huge apartment building. We had a barbeque last week. I really enjoyed talking to new people, I hadn't met before, and talking to people I have met before in the hallway or outside. I love parties. I love "working the room." I love finding out about each person and finding out what is important to them. Parties make me happy and I need more of this type of social interaction. The manager told me that we are having another in a couple of months so I'm excited. It will be fun. I met some neat people. My favorite was a young man from a family of attorneys and who is very intelligent--probably a Mensa. It is fun to just learn about people and see the variety, the difference, the unique qualities that make up each person.

Zumba Fever Tour

I signed up early for the Zumba Fever Tour to see featured Zumba dancers Armando Salcedo and Walter "Wally" Diaz. Both professional dancers are featured in the Exhilarate Zumba Fitness DVD's that I have. I got there early around 5:15 p.m. At 6 p.m. we were allowed in to meet the Zumba stars on a tour of 7 cities--Seattle, Portland, Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Denver. Wally signed a card for me. See photo above with me next to Wally. 24 Hour Fitness Northgate Seattle was crowded and the basketball court was packed with Zumba enthusiastists when it started at 7 p.m. Wally is my favorite. He grew up in Columbia with Beto, who created Zumba in 1999. There is so much to Zumba that makes you smile as you dance and move. Marci Shimoff, New York Times best selling author of HAPPY FOR NO REASON, a book I need to read, says "...the Zumba experience gives you a double dose of endorphins, because on top of getting your heart pumping, it makes your heart sing!"

I know that when I am in a Zumba class, I am truly happy. A smile is on my face. I am moving. I am alive. I am not thinking about anything but being part of the experience of movement, dance, following the instructor, the music, and being part of a group dance. I love it. It is the happiest time of my week when I am in a Zumba class.

I didn't stay the entire time last night. I made it through 45 minutes. I can not always do all the high impact, jumping moves. I had a wonderful time. I'm so happy I went and I will never forget it. At first I was in the line at the beginning with a neat person who lives in Tacoma that I found out later goes to Zumba Conferences. I got out of line to buy a Zumba shirt. I love talking to new people and finding out what they do and what they think about. Zumba brings a bond.

Social Isolation

In the September/October 2012 issue of Psychology Today, there is a quote on page 61 that says, "low levels of social interaction have the same effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day--and worse effects than being obese or not exercising." This is important so I'm going to talk about it again. Young people don't talk anymore. They text. They e-mail. They twitter. Does social interaction mean talking face to face? Does texting and e-mail count as social interaction? I don't find it enough. I think there needs to be more face to face contact.

In the time of Facebook and texting, conversation is rare but so desperately needed. There needs to be more opportunities for social interaction where there is conversation, debate, socializing, talking, etc. There needs to be gathering centers in every neighborhood. There isn't a Senior Center in Northgate. There needs to be one. Most gyms don't have smoothie bars with lots of tables that encourage people to gather and talk. There needs to be opportunities to mingle to get to know your neighbors and learn about them and talk within a safe area.

As babyboomers grow older, this will be even more important to have ways to connect and gather.

I've been very deliberate in my attempt to find what I want in Seattle. I go out almost every day to do something. I try to exercise every day at the gym. Sometimes I go mall walking. I enjoy walking around Green Lake but don't do it as often as I should. I enjoy Hydrofit at the Helen Madison pool. I love to play mah jongg but often find a conflict with the times for mah jongg and my first priority that is exercise/health. I want to learn bridge but haven't found a beginning bridge group to play with. I read lots of books. Sometimes I go to a movie. I guess I am kind of boring but I have a good time.

Do I have close friends yet? No, but I figure that if I keep doing what I am doing, I am going to find good friends.

My Notebook

I created a notebook when I moved to Seattle of all the things I wanted to find here and learn about. I have tabs for Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Aquarium, mah jongg, roller skating, quilting, Toastmasters, the Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Broadway plays, knitting, bridge, tennis, 24 Hour Fitness, Hydrofit, Seattle Metro bus system, Weight Watchers, dancing, New Horizons Band. I stuffed the pages with information I found on Google. I couldn't find a New Horizons Band close so that has to be forgotten. I have everything I could want here.

The best part is that when I have been a resident for a year, I can go to the University of Washington and take classes for only $5. I can take two classes a term. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow and I'm looking forward to winter term. I can also take classes at North Seattle Community College--two classes a term. Such a deal. I wish all who wanted to attend could take classes at this price.

I am grateful to live in Seattle. It is the gathering place of the most intelligent people in the United States. They do everything well and I have a lot to learn from the people here. I am excited to be here. I'm grateful. I look forward to living here. Seattle has lots of festivals. Next year I want to watch the pirate ship and the pirates land on Alki Beach. I didn't find out in time which bus would take me there. Parking is at a premium in Seattle so it is much better to go places on the bus. There is also a yearly Norwegian Festival in Ballard. There is so many great events. I'm lucky and blessed to live here.

Social Isolation

I got my copy of Psychology Today in the mail. There is an interesting cover article, "Life Lessons: 5 Truths People Learn Too late." What really caught my eye was the quote on page 61 from the research from Utah. "Low levels of social interaction have the same effects as smoking 15 cigarettes a day--and worse effects than being obese or not exercising." I thought it interesting that two universities from Utah [University of Utah and Brigham Young University] were sited in this article about the dangers of social isolation since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are big ones for shunning. The psychological damage and abuse of shunning is tremendous. Many churches use shunning as a way of getting their members into line. The Amish are another religion that does this. If I were in the Senate, I'd write a bill to prevent churches from allowing such a practice that is such a danger to public health. It is cruel. It is interesting that Christian churches often use shunning because Jesus said to love all your neighbors as yourself. This doesn't mean that you judge. This means that you love even those people who are hard to love. God judges.

When I was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 to 2001 or 2002, my husband and I were shunned. It wasn't any fun and I couldn't understand why. We were serving as church service missionaries at the time to help people find employment in an 8 stake area. I quit after 6 months after the shunning. I objected to many things about this church which you don't learn until you get deeper into it. My husband and I wrote letters to Salt Lake City objecting to things that shouldn't happen. My husband told me that in Elders Quorum, there were times when an order to shun an individual was announced.

It has been coming out in the newspapers in Oregon and Washington how the Boy Scouts of America has been protecting child abusers who have served as leaders. The general public doesn't realize how linked Boy Scouts is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A leader in Boy Scouts is a calling in the church. Boy Scouts is basically a Mormon organization!

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can't have a different opinion and you can't challenge a leader or question them. You must always fall into line. After my letter to Salt Lake City, Bishop Haslam told my husband to shut me up and control me. Not long after he was promoted to Stake President. No matter what a leader does, it is right in this church. Members can become gods. I think this is what attracted my husband. And it is funny but even if the leader is wrong, it is still the will of God because it was meant to happen. Will I vote for Romney? Not in a million years!!!!!

So what did I object to in this church that brought the big sanction?  I disagree with polygamy. This church keeps printing quads that says it is God's will. One of my letters was about this. I disagree with protecting child abusers and not reporting crimes to the police. When you go to the temple, you have to promise not to laugh loud. I knew this wasn't going to work out when I heard this. Happiness is bad. One doctor bragged to my husband that Utah was an enlightened state because it uses the most psychotropic drugs. That's necessary to keep their members following the leaders and not objecting to anything they do. You can't have a temple recommend, if you disagree with the leadership of the church. Bah humbug. In other words, you can't have an opinion that is different. I was told I couldn't read National Geographic and should only read church literature. This was from a visit from my visiting teachers from the Relief Society when I lived in Alsea.
There is more that I object to.  What did I enjoy about the church? I loved singing in the Stake choir. I loved writing plays and planning for Primary as Primary President. I loved visiting sisters. I loved having parties in my home in Salem at the 4 Corners Ward in East Salem when I lived on Burlwood Loop. I miss this. Do I have friends now? No. Were these people my friends? No. They weren't there when I needed someone when my husband died and when I needed help.

Seattle Weather

I love Seattle. I haven't enjoyed the hot weather but I haven't anything to complain about because it isn't going to last long. The weather forecast for today is a high of 72 with a low of 54. It would be great if the weather dial would stay between 45 and 68 but living in Seattle is about as good as it gets and I'm lucky to live where there is mild, temperate weather. I don't mind the rain at all. It's refreshing and clears the air. I enjoy the wind because it clears out any polluted air from the freeway. I stay out of the hot sun. I know I need a daily dose of Vitamin D but I figure short walks gets it in. You will never see me sitting out in the hot sun with the intention of getting a tan.

Hood to Coast

My daughter, Gretchen Bennett and her husband, Chris and my son, Benjamin Haber and his wife, Amanda ran Hood to Coast in Oregon this weekend. Their team name is Running in Harmony. It would be great if my sons, Joe and Daniel were also running next year with their wives.

Big Brother

I am a big fan of Big Brother. I love this show. I'm a closet anthropologist and I think that this is a great study of human behavior. I'm sad that Mike Boogie got voted off. He's a good person and the best player in Big Brother history plus he's fun and livens things up. I really like Frank too. Frank is now my favorite. You know how he feels. He's honest, trustworthy, and a good person. Why he is unemployed, I have no idea because anyone would be lucky to have him be part of their corporate team. He's smart, athletic, quick, honest, and has integrity. I would apply for Big Brother, if I was younger and thinner.

It was so funny on Big Brother when Brittany commented about Frank winning all the competitions. She said, "Who is he competing with? People in hospice?" It's true. Frank's very competitive and athletic. He's really great at everything. He's alone and has to win everything in order to stay in the house because everyone wants him out. He deserves to win it all. He's smart enough and athletic enough to win all the competitions and deserves to win the $500,000 at the end.

Exercise

This is the exercise that I have done for the week.

August 8 on Wednesday

• 45 minute training session with trainer

August 9 on Thursday

• 30 minutes elliptical
• 50 minutes body pump
• 60 minutes hydrofit

August 10 on Friday

• 60 minutes elliptical--level 10, resistance 10
• 55 minutes hydrofit

August 11 on Saturday

• 50 minutes body pump

August 12 on Sunday

• 55 min. elliptical--level 10, resistance 10

August 13 on Monday

• 45 minute training session with trainer

I bought three training sessions with a trainer because the manager was nice to video tape me so I could send it in to Biggest Loser. I figured that at age 64, unless I could prove I could move, I wouldn't have a chance. Everyone at Weight Watchers dreams of having a trainer. I can't afford a trainer and to be honest, I would rather have fun taking Zumba and body pump classes. I get more out of it and it is free with my gym membership.

Gyms for Seniors

There needs to be gyms for senior or gyms need to do a better job of providing more exercise choices for members. Most of the time when you walk into a gym, it is one program for everyone, no matter what the demographics. Usually all you get is a sitting in a chair exercise program for old folks. I think there should be a wide variety of choices. You can't train everyone the same.

If I had a gym or managed a gym, it would have to be a spacious gym with lots of choices. There would need to be three huge exercise classrooms the size of a basket ball court with no pillars in the center of the room to obscure vision. There should be classes running from early morning until evening in each classroom running every hour with lots of variety and choices. There should be Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, pilates, yoga, hatha yoga, standing abs, body pump, body pump for seniors, line dancing, ballroom dancing, and on and on. One of these classrooms would allow roller skating at different times of the day, every day. The more choices the better.

If I have to sit in a chair and exercise just because I am 64, I might as well give it up. I refuse! I have a lot more active years ahead of me. I feel like I have just begun living and I am determined to run and dance and play well into my 90's!

Since I don't have health care, I try to exercise more and longer at a slower rate. Often trainers tell you to go faster to bring up your heart rate and then injury often occurs with older people. I think it is important to listen to your body and exercise slower and exercise longer. I think you have to build up endurance and strength but you must do it safely.

Health Care

I keep hearing from different people about how awful the health care in Canada is. "#%^&@," I say. The people in Canada receive health care and they don't have to pay. Maybe sometimes they have to wait in lines but at least they get care. I haven't had a complete physical in years and years. I don't remember when the last time was because if I do see a doctor and pay through the nose, it is for a specific symptom. Last time was to clean the wax out of my ears. Yes, for the most part I am very healthy. That's because I am putting my money into a gym membership and healthy eating. I won't receive care until 2014 when President Obama's health care kicks in. Then I still won't get the care that I would get in Sweden or in countries where prevention comes first. Prevention doesn't come first in this country. There has to be a major overhaul in the health care system.

In the United States, there is a different kind of health care when you are rich and have lots of medical insurance compared to the health care you get when you don't have insurance or lots of money. I know because I saw what happened to my husband in Oregon. Let me give you just one example. He was being seen by an oncologist at OHSU, the best care in Oregon. She said he needed a blood transfusion so I said why can't he have it right now. She said he has to come back for an outpatient treatment. That meant that I had to drive him back to Alsea, three hours away and then come back two days later, three hours back. It was hard for him to sit in the car because he had a feeding tube and he was in pain. I brought him back to get the blood transfusion and he ended up in the ER and admitted to the hospital. Am I impressed with health care in this country. NO!

To even think that Romney could get elected makes me shudder because he wants to take everything back to the Bush disaster where this country was verging on a major depression. Romney doesn't think the rich should have to pay 60% in taxes. He doesn't think many programs that help people should continue.

I hope and pray that President Obama gets reelected and that the Democrats work together for better health care.

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont should run for President after President Obama has finished his last 4 years, then maybe health care would really get good and people would be valued in this country.

Ann Rule and Leslie Rule

I had the best time today at 1 p.m. Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie Rule came to Barnes and Noble at the Northgate Mall in Seattle to sign books. It was an honor to meet them both. Ann Rule lives in the Seattle area and Leslie Rule lives in Seattle. The ladies ahead of me had several books to have signed and had read every one of Ann Rules books so I was blessed with the opportunity to listen. They are both so nice.

Ann Rule was a former Seattle police officer and has written 31 New York Times best selling true crime novels. She's a great writer and brings true crime to life on the pages of each of her books. She graduated from the University of Washington and has a Ph.D. from Willamette University. She is "a certified instructor for police training seminars and lectures to law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and forensic organizations, including the FBI and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences." She is so nice to talk to. It would be wonderful if I could listen to her more about her writing, the process of her writing, investigating, etc. She wrote about the Green River killer in GREEN RIVER, RUNNING RED. She wrote about Diane Downs, a case familiar to anyone who lives in Oregon in SMALL SACRIFICES. Her latest book is IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT: The Strange Death of Ronda Reynolds and her mother's unceasing quest for the truth.  If you aren't already a fan, you will be when you start reading her books. www.annrules.com

Leslie Rule is the daughter of Ann Rule. It was a pleasure to meet her. She is every bit as nice as her mother. Her book, WHERE ANGELS TREAD: Real Stories of Miracles and Angelic Intervention is one of five books on the paranormal that she has published. I look forward to reading it. At the back of her book, it says that she grew up in a haunted house so that sounds intriguing and makes me want to read all her books. Her other books are COAST TO COAST GHOSTS: True Stories of Hauntings Across America; GHOSTS AMONG US: True Stories of Spirit Encounters; WHEN THE GHOST SCREAMS: True Stories of Victims Who Haunt; and GHOST IN THE MIRROR: Real Cases of Spirit Encounters. Leslie is a professional photographer and author of seven books.

Seattle

I am so impressed with how everything is run in Seattle. In the last few days the Seattle Times reported a garbage strike by the Teamsters. I was bracing myself for garbage not being picked up for weeks, maybe months. I have no knowledge of how everything was handled or what happened except for one article talking about fines but I haven't had any interruption in garbage service. Everything is proceeding without any problems. What is so amazing to me is that it isn't that problems don't come up or that it is easy to manage Seattle. What is amazing is how well the problems are handled and managed as they do come up. I think this says a great deal about Mayor McGinn of Seattle. He handles difficult problems as they come up quickly and with great success. Seattle is a great place to live and work and thrive. I am grateful to be living in Seattle and in King County. Everything is here that anyone could want and I feel safe here.

Best Buy

At the first of the week, I decided to learn about making DVD's so I went across the street to Best Buy to ask questions. I bought some DVD's and cases. I asked about video editing software. My problem with the video on my camera is that it was shot [in Microsoft Word lingo--portrait instead of landscape] at a different angle and I needed to turn it. Everyone was so nice and I'm grateful for the help. I went back and there was a customer in the store who overheard my conversation about needing to turn the video. I had brought my camera into the store thinking it was an easy fix. He told me about Windows Live Movie Maker which is a free download and can do these kinds of edits. He was wonderful! I had the best experience at Best Buy. The girl waiting on me was obviously a techie and great at her job too. Best Buy is a great place. It is the go-to place for answers and technology. Nerds gather at Best Buy. I love it! I'm going to go there more for answers and to buy my stuff.

zumbamarco on YouTube

Marco is my favorite Zumba instructor at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate in Seattle. He's a gifted dancer and his classes are always crowded. I can hardly wait to buy a DVD. There are six videos posted so far. All are outstanding. Marco is the reason I love Zumba. He makes it fun so you want to keep coming back. I wish he taught classes every day.

Brooks Running Shoes

I went to Finish Line in the Northgate Mall in Seattle and purchased a pair of Brooks running shoes--red and black adrenaline GTS. I will never buy another brand of running or cross fit shoes. These shoes fit my foot as if they were made specially for my feet. I have a hard time finding shoes and I don't want my feet to hurt so I'm picky about my shoes. I want a well made shoe with support. I want my feet to be cushioned. These shoes are perfect. My ankles don't slip. It is a perfect fit for my feet. Everything about this shoe is perfect. I'm so glad I walked in the door and asked for Brooks. And the Brooks socks that I got are specially designed not to slip down in your shoe when you are walking. A perfect pair of shoes and a perfect pair of socks. I'm spoiled. In a perfect world I would be healthy and fit, live a long time, run a couple of marathons every year, and be sponsored by Brooks.

Biggest Loser

I submitted my application and videos to Biggest Loser Season 14 today. I'm really excited and hope I get picked. It is an amazing opportunity to learn how to get healthy and lose weight. I've been staying the same weight for years now, in spite of eating healthy and exercising. I need help. I want to live a healthy, long life. Kayleen, the manager of 24 Hour Fitness Northgate got permission from media to video 4 minutes of me doing a Body Pump weights class and 4 minutes of Zumba. It was so kind and nice of her to help me. I'm very grateful for her help. I hope that I get picked. A couple of years ago I waited for 11 hours in line to audition for Biggest Loser. I didn't get picked but it was fun to see what it was like to go through the process with everyone else standing in line who were hopeful. Since I am 64, I figured it was important to submit videos showing that I can move and that I will try hard, if selected. It would be a dream come true and it would save my life.

The Submission

The Seattle Public Library Northgate branch book club met last night to discuss THE SUBMISSION by Amy Waldman. It is an intelligent book that skillfully deals with timeless issues of prejudice, conforming to pressures of a group, and the right of an individual to take credit for the intellectual property or design he creates. From the first few pages, I saw that this book deals with the gifted and talented individual who is asked to conform, compromise, to blend in, rather than to be himself. It reminded me of THE FOUNTAINHEAD by Ayn Rand and I am now in the middle of rereading this book by Ayn Rand. Both are about architects who are asked to conform, blend in. They are both asked to modify their brilliant designs. Khan in Waldman's book was asked to let someone else take the credit for his design or to withdraw. Howard Roark in Rand's book was asked to add classical design ideas to his modernistic design so as not to threaten the architectural community. Only recently did the U.S. Supreme Court rule that the inventor has the right to profit from his invention. Before this time when an individual at a university or research facility invented something original, the intellectual property rights belonged to the institution for whom he worked. Khan in Amy Waldman's book felt he was being erased when he was asked to allow someone else to take credit for his submission or withdraw. This is a powerful book that should be read along side THE FOUNTAINHEAD by Ayn Rand.

Priorities

My first priority right now is my health, which means to exercise every day, eat healthy, and to study fitness and health. This is the most important thing since I don't have a safety net. I don't have health insurance. I've been encouraged to volunteer right now but I've done enough volunteer work to last a couple of lifetimes and it was never appreciated. I must think about myself right now. No one else is going to help. I lived for six months without plumbing in my house in Alsea. I tried so hard to get someone to help and no one cared. Every fix seemed to make it worse but people were sure there to take money. Enough of Alsea. I don't care if I ever see Oregon again. There were no opportunities for me there and I'm not seeking them now. I'm starting over and I'm happy in Seattle. I love it here. I love the weather. I love living where lots of people from all over the world live in peace. I love living close to everything. I love living across from shopping. I love being able to go to the zoo and the art museum and the science center. I love it that I got to go to the symphony on an afternoon. I am healing. I am figuring out what comes next. I don't have close friends but right now I am very busy. I'm grateful to live where it is safe. It is really odd that I live in a major city and I feel safer than when I lived in Alsea or Gates or Salem, Oregon. Seattle feels safer than Corvallis. Seattle does a great job of taking care of whatever happens. I'm grateful to be here. I applaud all that goes on to keep everyone safe behind the scenes. I'm happy and I have the freedom to make choices of how to spend my time. I have been reading a lot of books the last week. I can learn from Writers Digest Tutorials. When I have been here a year, I can go to the University of Washington and take two classes a quarter free! How amazing is that! I can play mah jongg, learn about bridge, or go have coffee at Starbucks. Seattle is a great city. I love it here and I'm grateful to be starting over here. My second priority is to work on my writing every day and to read every day. I need to get projects edited and submitted. I've published lots of articles. I completed National Novel Writing Month twice and Script Frenzy once. I have finished four novel length manuscripts and two screenplays but they need more work. Maybe I should just start new. I wish I had an editor to work with but it must be perfect before you submit. A manuscript must be perfect before you submit to an agent too. I've been writing mysteries and mainstream fiction. Maybe someday I will try my hand at romance and women's fiction. I haven't been always writing every day. Last night I wrote a poem. Anyway........I need to get myself organized and schedule writing every day. I know I want to participate in National Novel Writing Month again and Script Frenzy. It's inspiring to be part of the process and fun to see what develops in your writing. I'm grateful that I have the choices to be able to do this. [There are no paragraphs and line breaks because I can't figure out how to do it with this new format.] I guess short, one subject paragraphs are best.

Sweden

I'm half Swedish. I would love to visit Sweden. I frequently write to four cousins in Sweden. One lives in Stockholm and teaches English at a university. I am proud of being Swedish. I love everything about Sweden. I think it is wonderful that Sweden gets along in the world. They have health care for everyone and they have a high standard of living. In the book, THRIVE: FINDING HAPPINESS THE BLUE ZONES WAY, by Dan Buettner, Sweden is listed as one of the top ten happiest places in the world to live. All Scandinavian countries are listed in the top ten along with Canada. I won't have health care until 2014 in the U.S., if I moved to Sweden or Canada, I'd immediately have health care because people are valued. The last three years of my husband's life, he started making plans to move to Germany since he was a duel citizen. He wanted to move because of health care. If he had lived, I might be living in Germany right now, which isn't that far from Sweden.

Olympic Athletic Club

I'm a member of Olympic Athletic Club in Ballard, the Scandinavian area of Seattle. I'm half Swedish and I love Ballard. I would like to live there but I can't afford it. I joined OAC at the end of December when I moved here. It's a Fit Life Gym, which means that when you travel throughout Oregon and Washington, you can go to the other Fit Life Gyms free. I haven't been to the OAC since January because I go to 24 Hour Fitness Northgate almost every day and it seems far to go to Ballard. I was told to park at the far parking lot near the water near an abandoned restaurant. OAC is crowded and they are building a new part. I got to thinking that if I were making the decisions, I would build a whole new four story two block long athletic club next to the water. The space is just sitting there doing nothing. My gym would have glass walls next to the water so you can see out on all four floors. On the first floor would be an Olympic size swimming pool. Four laps would be saved for hydrofit and deep water running classes at all times, 8 to 12 lanes for lap swimming. On the side saved for hydrofit and deep water running, I would put a giant flat screen television for those who get bored running in the water. There would be also music piped in at other times when classes aren't in session. There would be four to six large classrooms and there would be classes running every hour in each classroom with Zumba, Body Pump, standing abs, Tai Chi, and lots of other choices. There would be tennis and racketball. There would be a large basketball size court for indoor roller skating. I would go to skates.com and buy the quad skates I've been looking at with the purple wheels. It would be a gorgeous facility and people would come from all over to exercise there. The top floor would be the poof floor for spa treatments, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas overlooking the water. There would also be a restaurant, juice bar, and a salad bar. It would be beautiful. I called and asked for a refund since I'm not using my membership. I think I paid $680 for a year. Next year I would only have to pay $40 a month. I was told there is a no refund policy, which I don't think is nice so I am giving my membership to my son, Ben.

Body Pump

I went to body pump this morning at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. Shannon was the instructor. She's great! She's been off for awhile having a baby. I haven't had her before so she's new to me. She's nice, high energy, enthusiastic, fun, and great at getting everyone in the room to reach higher. I'm going to enjoy taking her classes. She should teach more classes. As I look at the schedule, I see there is only 1 body pump class on Saturday, none on Friday and Sunday, and only 1 on Wednesday so there is lots of room for more classes in the schedule and more instructors. If I could decide, I would take over the floor above and build large classrooms. I would run at least three classrooms with classes from morning to night, one right after another. There would be several body pump classes every day, every two hours, and several zumba classes a day, every two hours. There should be Zumba Gold classes, aqua Zumba, and Zumba Sculpt. Zumba and Body Pump classes are bringing people in to 24 Hour Fitness. There should be more and the rooms should be much bigger. It is so crowded in body pump that people have to set up in every corner of the room, even next to the equipment. While we are at it, let's build a large olympic size pool with a large deep end. 24 Hour Fitness is a proud sponsor of the Olympics so we need a huge pool too for hydrofit and deep water running. As we dream on, let's add racketball, tennis, handball. Let's also add another basketball court, only use it for indoor roller skating. Then I will go to skates.com and buy my quad skates with purple wheels! Oh, the fun we could have..............There should also be Tai Chi and an hour long standing abs class. Years ago, I think 1999 or 1998 when I was a member of 24 Hour Fitness in Salem, Oregon, there was a great standing abs class. It was great and everyone loved it. I think there should be a standing abs class in every gym. Not everyone likes to get on the floor and twist all up and not everything thinks it's fun to do sit ups. There would a lot of people that would vote for standing abs for an hour class, at least 30 minutes.

The Planetary Report

I received the Planetary Report yesterday from the Planetary Society. One of the best parts about the Planetary Society is that Bill Nye, the Science Guy, is the CEO. He's the best science educator around. On page 5, he talks about the Mars landing coming up soon and Planetfest 2012 in Pasadena. He mentions the death of Ray Bradbury, one of the best SF writers and members. In the center of this issue is a great section for kids with instructions on building a MarsDial. The Atlantic Crossing Total Eclipse 2013 voyage sounds fabulous which follows the historic path of Columbus across the Atlantic. On pages 12 Deimos and Phobos, moons of Mars are discussed with a "did you know that..." series of facts like "deimos seems to be covered in dust," and "Phobos is slowly moving towards Mars and probably will crash into it in about 10 million years." For reports on the expedition to the end of the earth to observe the aurora borealis and more, subscribe today and become a member of the Planetary Society founded by Carl Sagan. The Planetary Society, 85 South Grand Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105-1602. USA. 626-793-5100. www.planetary.org. e-mail: tps@planetary.org

Phos in Northgate Seattle

I love eating at Phos and when I eat out in my neighborhood, I usually go to Phos. Phos is healthy Vietnamese cuisine. It is located right in back of 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. The food is fresh, healthy, and makes me feel like I have made a great choice when I eat there. I usually order #16 or #19. I need to branch out and try other items on the menu. The price is reasonable for all the healthy food. I enjoy the green tea at my meal. I could eat there every day. I usually eat there at least twice a month.

Woodland Park Zoo

I am a member of the Woodland Park Zoo. I paid for my membership on Easter Sunday when I went to the Easter Egg hunt with my family to see my granddaughters have fun. I love visiting the zoo and need to visit more often. When my husband I have traveled to different parts of the country and the world, we always visited the zoo. I visited the zoos in London, Beijing, and Chicago. Zoos protect animals where habitats are threatened and are the front line in helping protect them. It is a great gift to be able to see exotic and rare animals in a zoo up close to observe and marvel. A yearly membership is important to me and is one way I have of helping animals around the world who are threatened. It's important to support the zoo. A couple of months ago, I visited the zoo in Columbus, Ohio when I went to visit my youngest son, Daniel. My favorite animals in the zoo are the large cats, especially the Siberian tigers. All these gorgeous animals need to be protected around the world.

Ban on plastic bags in Seattle

I hear constant grumbling about the plastic bag ban here in Seattle and that it is too much to expect customers to bring bags or pay the 5 cents to pay for a paper bag that can be recycled. It isn't too much to pay 5 cents. Businesses could easily pad prices and not say a thing about this cost. I appreciate and admire the leadership in Seattle of leading the way to stop the use of plastic bags and hope it extends to the rest of the world. The plastics industry pollute our water, air, and environment and all you have to do is watch a video of a bird choking on a plastic bag to understand why this is needed.

Seattle Art Museum

I have a membership to the Seattle Art Museum and I visit often, about twice a month. The art inspires me, fills my soul, makes me happy. I visited yesterday. Right now there is the Australian Aboriginal Art collection on exhibit. I find it fascinating and inspiring. It makes me want to paint using these techniques of the dots, lines, and curves to paint the solar system, star systems, and galaxies. I can hardly wait for the Rembrandt and Van Dyck exhibit coming in February of 2013.

Phos

I really like eating at Phos. The last two times I have had lunch with my son, Ben, we went to Phos. The Vietnamese cuisine is inexpensive, healthy and fresh food that I enjoy. The address is 1414 2nd AVenue in downtown Seattle, close to the Seattle Art Museum building. It's a great place to eat.

Starbucks

I love Starbucks. I used to love riding on the train coming into Seattle to visit my son and see the Starbucks building. I believe in the mission statement of Starbucks and I admire the CEO. I recently bought another Starbucks card. Since I was going downtown today to have lunch with my son, I decided to register it. I met my son in the Starbucks in the lobby of Russell Investments. It's a beautiful building and a nice Starbucks. I sat outside. I ordered a brewed coffee and a small cup of ice. I was offered a sample of one of the new natural energy drinks made with green coffee extract and real fruit. I picked a lime refresher and it was delicious and refreshing. I know that I will enjoy this great low calorie choice this summer. Thank you, Starbucks. You're great!

Zumba with Neil

I just came back from taking a second Zumba class today at 24 Hour Fitness. I couldn't stay for the whole hour but sweat was pouring off my face and dropping on the floor so I had a great workout in 40 minutes. I am glad Neil is back. I've been told he is an international flight attendant. Wow, what fun! I bet he has Zumba gigs all over the world where he stops at large resorts. That's the way to live. He's very charismatic and great at Zumba. I hope he teaches often.

Zumba with Marco

I just came back from an hour of Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness Northgate. Marco Antonio Contreras is the instructor on Wednesday. I admire Marco. I admire him as a gifted dancer and as a person. He brings people together and shares his love of dance. I'm grateful to be in his class to learn from him. Zumba is pure fun. Marco is the BEST Zumba instructor I have ever seen. His dance and choreography is flawless and fluid. He blends Zumba moves with his own original choreography and it's great. A couple of months ago, I purchased the new set of Zumba DVD's and I watched a couple. Marco's choreography is better. I will be first in line to buy one of his.

Les Mills Body Pump

I went to Body Pump at 5:30 p.m. at 24 Hour Fitness. I really enjoy this class. I know it is making a difference. This is a class using a barbell with different weights doing squats, lunges, and lifts. Usually I go to the classes in the morning but today, I tried this one and I'm glad I did. The instructor was someone I hadn't had before and he was great. His name is Elbert. I don't see him on the schedule anymore this week for Body Pump. I hope he teaches more classes. If I were to bet, I would say he's a fraternity guy and has been in the Greek system at a university from the way he was talking. He obviously has lots of friends and is great around people. My youngest son was President of Sigma Pi and he's also great around people. I made it through 55 minutes of class. We started 5 minutes late and worked out until the next class came through the door. In looking at the schedule, I don't see any Body Pump classes at all on Fridays and Sundays or Wednesday mornings so there is plenty of room on the schedule for more instructors and more classes. I hope to take more classes by Elbert because he's great! High energy, enthusiastic, and fun.

Seattle Bridge Club

When I first moved to Seattle, I created a notebook. I searched for things that I wanted to find here. One of the things I wanted to find was bridge. I've never played bridge or been around it but I knew it would be fun. One day when I was shopping at the Dollar Tree on 15th, north of Northgate by QFC, I saw the Seattle Bridge Club with plenty of small tables and chairs. It looked like a great place to me and I wanted to find out all about it so I called up and asked. On Monday nights, Nick Tipton teaches beginning bridge lessons starting at 7 p.m. He's a great teacher, brilliant, and a nice person. I'm finding out that bridge has so many layers and takes effort to learn. In order to "get it" I need to read about it, spend time playing, and take lessons. Those who are great at bridge participate in tournaments around the country and the world. Sounds great to me and a lot of intellectual, challenging fun. I don't have a beginning group to play with. I haven't been diligent about reading about bridge. I find that in order to start playing, you have to have a certain level of knowledge and need to be accountable to everyone at the table, especially your partner. The people in the class all seem very nice, potential friends. I'm not giving up. I must try harder to learn and spend more time reading about it. I hope that I find a group to play with every week. I wanted my son, Ben, to be my partner because he's a card counter and so smart but he turned me down. He doesn't have time. Maybe eventually, I'll be playing and confident in my skills to play.

Suits

I've discovered a new show on television--Suits on the USA Network. It's my new favorite show. It's an amazing new series set in Manhattan in a large law firm starring Gabriel Macht and Patrick J. Adams. My favorite character is a young attorney named Mike. He's brilliant with a conscience.

Writers Digest Tutorials

I've been having fun watching Writers Digest Tutorials. It's one of the best investments I have made. Since June 23rd, I've watched 14 of them. Most of them last over an hour. I've been able to spend 1 hour and 24 minutes with Cheryl Klein, the executive editor of Arthur Levine Books who worked with J.K. Rowling and edited the Harry Potter series. How amazing is that! Her tutorial is HOW TO PLOT AND STRUCTURE YOUR NOVEL. I've watched it twice. Last night I watched Scott Eagan an agent that represents Greyhaus Literary Agency here in Washington. He sounds like a great agent to have. His tutorial is HOW TO TARGET AGENTS AND EDITORS--MARKET YOUR NOVEL TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE. I love watching writing craft tutorials and am grateful for this opportunity.

Marco Antonio Contreras Zumba Instructor

I just got back from the 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport Club in Northgate Seattle. I walked a whole block to get home. I took a Zumba class by Marco Antonio Contreras, the Zumba instructor. He's a gifted dancer with star quality. He is so good. No other instructor even comes close. I can see him having his own CD's, being on television, and in the movies. I can see him being a permanent choreographer on So You Think He Can Dance. He's absolutely amazing. His talent is rare. He's also kind and good inside. He's the total package. I've only taken his classes three times but it only took one class to see who he was. He's great at cueing to let everyone know what comes next and his dance is flawless. He lives dance. Marco is Zumba. I keep requesting more classes by Marco to the manager of 24 Hour Fitness. I am requesting that he teach every single day, two or three classes a day, seven days a week. A 24 Hour Super Sport Club needs the best instructors and Marco is the BEST! There are days when there isn't a Zumba class during the day. There should be at least two Zumba classes during the day and one in the evening, seven days a week. Zumba is popular and every class is packed with people having fun.

Health Care

I am one of the millions without health care. I'm working on prevention. I'm trying to eat healthy and exercise every day. I look for the good in every day and if things don't turn out as I had hoped, I turn it into something good. I'm great at finding fun at a bargain. Reading a great book is one of the best ways. We're taught in this country to not complain or whine about what we don't have. Keep smiling no matter what.........

Heaven

Heaven is Seattle. Heaven is Zumba. Heaven is a membership to the Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center and Woodland Park Zoo. Heaven is walking around Green Lake and going to Dukes or Spud for fish and chips. Heaven is looking at the art of Dale Chahuly. Heaven is playing mah jongg. Heaven is ballroom dancing. Heaven is going to the Seattle Symphony. Heaven is living one block from 24 Hour Fitness and close to the Northgate Mall. Heaven is going to the Seattle Public Library and reading stacks of books. Heaven is talking to my children. They're the best people I know. Heaven is spending time with my grandchildren. I hope there are friends in this new heaven. I hope there is extra money in this heaven to be a member of the Aquarium and to buy season tickets to Seattle Symphony, Northwest Ballet, Broadway plays and live theater. I hope there is a cruise once a year in this heaven and what I write turns into big checks in the mail. I LOVE Seattle and I'm grateful to be here. I look forward to my future.

National Dance Day

Saturday, July 28 is the 3rd annual National Dance Day. There are going to be two routines. Routine 1 is Hip Hop and Routine 2 is Zumba. You can find out all about it at www.fox.com/dance or www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org

So You Think You Can Dance

What fun! SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is here again to enjoy. It is a show that celebrates talent, hard work, and the spirit of dance. I watch the show slowly. Watch a little bit, savor it, watch a little more. Christopher Scott, choreographer did a spectacular job on the baseball routine for three male dancers. It brought the entire audience to their feet and did such an amazing job of showcasing the special talent of all three dancers. I love this show. I love to see young people win.

Nora Ephron

I'm very sad that Nora Ephron passed away. It is a tremendous loss. I admire everything that she was as a writer, screenwriter, and playwright. She was a strong woman who stood up for women and understood that women do not have the same rights as others. On page A2 of the June 27, 2012 issue of the Seattle Times, Nora Ephron is quoted as saying of women, "We are definitely the best-dressed oppressed group. Nora Ephron wrote the screenplays, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY and so many more. I loved what she wrote, like I have always loved Neil Simon. It is hard when someone dies who should have lived 30 more years so that the world would still be able to enjoy all she loved to create.

Ben Haber

I opened the Seattle Times and I found the coverage of the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. On page C9, I looked down the list of runners and found my son's name, Ben Haber, as coming in 17th place in the men's section with a time of 2:55:18. Wow! I'm so proud. I knew yesterday. I was babysitting his two cute, smart, precious little girls, my granddaughters while he was running. I wanted to be on the sidelines yelling for Ben because he is amazing. He hasn't had time to train and he was injured too. He came in with an amazing time anyway! What could he do, if he ran and trained the way he should be? I sent him a text that said I would be cheering every mile in my heart and I was during the race. It was great because he arranged to have the stats sent to my cell phone during the race. It was exciting. Ben started the track club at Northwestern University when he attended. He got a degree in biomedical engineering at Northwestern. He came in first place in the Kilauea Volcano Run, a grueling marathon running on lava in Hawaii in July of 1999. His time was 3:11:53. He has been sponsored by Brooks. In the 2000 Chicago Marathon, Ben came in with a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes. In the 2001 Boston Marathon Ben came in with a time of 2:35:53. Ben is the best and he deserves the best. He deserves to be surrounded by people who are supportive, encouraging, and want to see him win. Ben has always been the best at everything. He has always worked hard and is amazing. Yes, I am very proud of him and always will be.

Mighty O Donuts

I had a Mighty O Donut today and it was delicious. Homemade right there in Green Lake. It was perfect. I had a coconut one. I love Green Lake. In a perfect world, I would have the money to buy a house near my son so I could walk to Tangle Town, Mighty O Donuts, Diggity Dog, Spud, Dukes, the zoo, walk to Wallingford, and walk around Green Lake every day. Oh the fun..............

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon

I'm so excited. My son, Ben sent me a text that signs me up so I can track him on my cell phone while he is running the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. This is going to be fun because I can feel like I am part of it all. I'm so proud of him. He's always been a great and amazing runner. He started the track club at Northwestern University when he attended. He got a degree in biomedical engineering at Northwestern, the BEST, the FINEST. The Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon is tomorrow. I wish I was running too but I'm not ready. Maybe someday. My son, Benjamin Haber has always been my hero. He's brilliant and great at everything. I've always called him my Golden Boy. Now he is a man and all grown up with two beautiful, smart little girls of his own. Ben is an amazing runner. He came in first place in the Kilauea Volcano Run, a grueling marathon in Hawaii in July of 1999. His time was 3:11:53. He has been sponsored by Brooks. In the 2000 Chicago Marathon, Ben came in with a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes. In the 2001 Boston Marathon Ben came in with a time of 2:35:53. Ben is amazing and I'm always proud of him. If you are out there cheering for people at the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon, please cheer and yell for my Ben. He's amazing. He has worked hard for everything he has ever gotten and he deserves the BEST. Ben works at Dendreon, a biotech in downtown Seattle in the Seattle Art Museum building so I have fun going downtown on the bus, having lunch with Ben, and then going to the Seattle Art Museum. Please cheer for Ben. Ben is great at everything and I'm so proud of him. Ben ran the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon in 2 hours and 55 minutes. Great time for someone who doesn't have time to train and is so busy. If he had time to train consistently, I wonder what his time would be?.............

Body Pump

I took a weights class at 24 Hour Fitness this morning in Northgate Seattle. The class is called Body Pump. It's a 60 minute weights class using a barbell as you do squats, lunges and lifts. There are supposed to be 800 repetitions in each class so you are really getting a workout. This morning at 9:30 a.m. Wanda was the instructor. She's great. She's high energy and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's nice to everyone. She's a great instructor, great at cueing, and great at making it fun. Now I love ACDC because of her. The music is blaring and she wears a microphone to tell you what to do. It is so much fun to just get lost in the repetitive motion and music. This class is good for me. It will help me to sculpt and tone my body as I lose weight. It's perfect and Wanda is my favorite instructor for Body Pump. The room is packed with strong women who are fit and take care of themselves.

Zumba

I just got back from zumba at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate in Seattle. I had so much fun and did the entire 60 minutes. Marco is the instructor on Wednesdays now. He's the BEST instructor that I have ever had because he is a great dancer, great at cueing, great as an instructor, and great with people. I want to lose weight with zumba. Not all zumba instructors are created equal. Marco is amazing because he makes it pure fun and he is easy to follow. With zumba you get lose in the movement and the music. I'm not great at it but I do the best I can and I have a great time. It would be perfect if Marco would teach at 24 Hour Super Sport Fitness Club at Northgate every day or he needs to start selling DVD's but a class is better. All I want to do is zumba if there is a great teacher like Marco..........Zumba is pure fun!

Seattle

I had so much fun on Friday. I rode on the #16 bus downtown and met my son, Ben for lunch. Then I went to the Seattle Symphony to hear Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3. It was glorious. I was in the presence of perfection. After the symphony, I walked to the Seattle Art Museum since I have a membership. I wanted to see the new Australian Aboriginal Art collection. I saw a few pieces the last time I went and it inspires me to want to paint the galaxy using these techniques. After having fun at the Seattle Art Museum, I went to Ben's house [my son] for dinner and then home. A perfect day........

Sid the Science Kid

I love Sid the Science Kid on PBS. It's sponsored by Boeing. It's the greatest kid show. This picture is of my granddaughter, Anna with Sid the Science Kid that was taken at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.

Columbia Tower Race

My son, Benjamin Haber completed the Columbia Tower Race and came in 4th place. This yearly event is sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money. Ben was on Team Dendreon. It is a 69 story climb up the Columbia Tower. Ben ran up the 69 flights of stairs in 8 minutes, 18 seconds. www.bigclimb.org

Tough Mudder

My son, Daniel Haber finished Tough Mudder on Saturday. It's a 12 hour grueling experience that is an extreme endurance challenge. You can see the video all about Tough Mudder at www.toughmudder.com. He didn't train and says that if he does it again, he will. One of his Sigma Pi fraternity brothers who moved to Ohio asked him to sign up. You have to be tough and fit to finish this challenge.

Arthur Murray School of Dance

My life has completely changed from last week to this week because of Arthur Murray School of Dance. I'm living my dream. I can't get over how much fun my first dance lesson was tonight. Let me take you back to two days ago when I discovered Arthur Murray School of Dance across from Office Depot on Aurora, not too far from where I live in Northgate in Seattle. When I saw it, I thought it would be so much fun to take lessons so I drove across the street to investigate. I signed up for two private lessons for $59. I had a lesson with Zach who is a great teacher and nice. We did the tango, the waltz, and something else like the waltz. I've been wanting to take ballroom dancing my whole life and now I finally get to do it. My husband didn't ever want to dance so I have only danced in my heart. I also love watching So You Think You Can Dance and once in awhile Dancing With the Stars. I can't get over how much fun I had this evening. It's fun to dress up, meet new people, dance to music, and just have a great time. The group lesson was learning how to do the Bachata. I have never heard of that before but Zach did a great job of teaching and getting everyone to learn it, even me. I sure hope I get to continue taking lessons. I had such a wonderful time. It was pure fun.

Rahm Emanuel

I look forward to casting my vote for Rahm Emanuel for President of the United States in a few years. I've been watching his career with interest and enjoyed reading the feature article, "In Your Face," in the Summer issue of Northwestern. If you want to read the complete article, go to www.northwestern.edu/magazine

Weight Watchers

I have been going to Weight Watchers for 16 weeks straight here in Seattle. Last week, I lost 4 pounds for the week. I have been concentrating on exercising and eating healthy and it is working out for me. I'm not giving up. I'm going to continue to work hard. What is helping me? Zumba and Body Pump, a weight class at 24 Hour Fitness!

Zumba

I have been having so much fun taking Zumba classes at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. When I wake up in the morning, I think about Zumba and it makes me smile. Zumba is pure fun. It is movement, music, and dance. I enjoy all the instructors but my favorite is Marco. He is great at cueing, a great instructor, his movements are fluid, and he is an amazing dancer. I also really like Niel as an instructor.

May 27th

This photo was taken on May 27th, 2012. In the back from left to right are Benjamin Haber, my son, holding my granddaughter Ella. I'm in the middle, and on the right is my daughter, Gretchen Bennett. Seated on the couch is Amanda, Ben's wife holding my granddaughter Anna. In the middle is Elizabeth, my granddaughter and Gretchen's daughter. Next to Elizabeth is Jack, my grandson. On the end is Christopher, Gretchen's husband. In the morning, Gretchen and I went over to Starbucks on Northgate Way and then went to the Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness in Northgate. Gretchen is my oldest. She's the Executive Director of Liberty House in Salem, Oregon. We spent the afternoon at the Woodland Park Zoo. I really enjoyed the raptor presentation. Ben did Ski to Sea yesterday. Ben works at Dendreon in downtown Seattle, which is in the Seattle Art Museum building.

Modern Family

My favorites on the show Modern Family are Manny and Lily.

I wish.................

I wish everyone in the world was valued, wanted, needed, and loved. I wish everyone had a circle of friends and family who show support, encouragement, and help when needed. I wish everyone had unlimited opportunities to develop their potential so they can grow and soar. I wish everyone was surrounded by kindness, laughter, fun, happiness, and joy. And I wish this for myself................ I wish all animals on earth, birds in the air, and fish in the ocean were protected. I wish no one was allowed to pour chemicals into water on earth. I wish no person had to worry about violence, abuse, or racism. I wish everyone felt safe, had enough food, and adequate shelter. I wish everyone was educated to their ability and everyone could go to university without financial burden. I wish everyone had health care. I wish women, all women in the world, were respected. I wish all children were safe, happy, loved, and protected.

Seattle

I love Seattle. Everything is here. I feel so blessed to live here. I'm now a member of the Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Science Center so I can go on the bus and visit whenever I want. I also want to become a member of the Aquarium. What else is in Seattle that I love?...the symphony, Broadway plays, and much more. I love going to the gym at 24 Hour Fitness. I found deep water running and hydrofit at the Helen Madison pool. Last week I played mah jongg, which was super fun. I got mah jongg twice. Seattle is an international city where people from all over the world come to live and work. Everyone gets along and lives side by side. I looked up the demographics of Northgate before I moved here--1/3 new immigrants from other countries, 1/3 young urban professionals, and 1/3 humble class.

24 Hour Fitness

I'm a member of 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate. I've been trying to go once a day. What I love at 24 Hour Fitness is Zumba, Body Pump, and the elliptical. Body Pump is helping me build muscle and lose weight. You use a bar with weights as you do squats, lunges, and lifts. The music makes it fun to do the repetitive motions. I've been told it is 800 repetitions per class.

Zumba

This morning I finished the full 60 minutes of Zumba at 24 Hour Fitness here in Northgate. I love Zumba. It's pure fun. I love the music. I love the movement. This is only the second time that I have been able to finish the full 60 minutes. Christina was the instructor today. She's so much fun and makes it fun for everyone in the room. All the Zumba instructors are fun, energetic, smiling, and nice. It would be so much fun to be a Zumba instructor.

My Family

I was looking through some old family photos and came across this one that made me very happy. We're all sitting on the couch. I'm sitting on the far left holding Daniel. Ben is next to Gretchen. Then comes Aaron and Joe who is being held by Leslie. Les passed away over 9 months ago. We were married over 39 years.

My Job

My job at the Seattle Times telemarketing center didn't work out. I wasn't able to make the required quota of daily/Sunday subscriptions each week. I needed 16 every week in order to stay. I was told last week that if I didn't make the quota, Friday was my last day. It was a great job, great hours, health care benefits, and close to my home. I wanted it to work out so I felt sad to leave.

Everyone with whom I worked was different from one another so it was interesting. Each call was a challenge. I believe in print media. I believe in newspapers. I love the Seattle Times and I'm a subscriber. I believe in newspapers with the same irrational love that I have for trains. It's in my blood. So I don't understand anyone who doesn't share the same feelings. A newspaper, a great one like the Seattle Times that has won 8 Pulitzer prizes, is a blessing to any community with the highest standard of journalism, reporting, and commentary. It is the pulse of the area. It gives you important information that everyone needs to know. I consider it essential.

The best part of working for the Seattle Times was the birthday card I received from Michael Shepard, senior vice president, business operations. It was an honor to briefly work for the Seattle Times.

THE WORST HARD TIME

I'm part of a bookclub at the library. The last selection was THE WORST HARD TIME by a Seattle author, Timothy Egan. This is an important book and won the National Book Award. It tells of the drama of the American dust bowl and how it was caused by greedy people wanting to make money by using the land inappropriately. The native grasslands of the region of the area where Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico intersect weren't meant for large scale farming. After the top soil was disturbed by farming, the winds and drought took over to destroy this region. The heartbreaking misery caused is well documented within the pages of this book.

After reading this book, I wonder what other things are being done in the name of greed and money that will destroy the land? drilling for oil, nuclear power, natural gas and oil pipeline, chemicals spewed into the air and water, etc.

My Birthday

I turned 64 on February 25th. What I wanted to do was go roller skating. I haven't been on roller skates since the early 1980's in California when I skated with my kids outside. I used to be serious about roller skating in junior high in Salem, Oregon but that was a very long time ago.

I didn't think I was going to be able to stand up because I was even having trouble standing on the carpet at first. After about an hour, I was skating around almost as fast as my son, and Amanda, his wife.

It was a wonderful day. We went to the Rusty Pelican in Wallingford for breakfast and I ordered my favorite, Garden Skillet. Then we went for a cupcake at Trophy Cupcakes and I had the chocolate cupcake with white butter cream frosting, my favorite.

I wish there were more roller skating rinks around. Roller skating is pure fun.

Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult came to the Seattle Public Library to a packed auditorium of fans who love all her books. Jodi shared with the crowd some of her research that went into LONE WOLF, which was fascinating. I’m in awe. It was an honor to meet her and to walk away with signed copies of her books. I was in the presence of greatness and everything that a writer should be. She’s articulate, clever, generous, brilliant, funny, does original research for each book, and writes about serious issues with courage.

Her newest book, BETWEEN THE LINES, that comes out in June, was written with her daughter. It sounds like it will be a big hit, not only with the young adult crowd but with all of the Jodi Picoult fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts out on the top 10 bestseller list after hearing a little preview.

I am wondering if she knows Stephen King who says on her book jacket, “Picoult writes with unassuming brilliance,” and if she plays with the Rock Bottom Remainders since she is musical—SING YOU HOME.

I stood in line with two young high school students who have read every Jodi Picoult book and cry at the endings. They brought her a card.

You can see a podcast of Jodi Picoult at the library website. www.spl.org