The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo by Mary Vee I am getting ready for another adventure. My suitcase is packed. I'm really hoping for no hassles from TSA, a flight with no issues, my car rental ready, and GPS in a good mood. So, while I am doing all of that, let's talk.  Anytime the norm is changed, upheaval happens. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Even a flat tire isn't necessarily horrible. Amazing how fast a crucial meeting could be rescheduled, eh?  For work at home folk leaving for a trip can create a mountain of work up front--and a cavern of work when we return. Sure the family can survive on pizza, dishes mounting in the sink, fruit flies in the air from the food left out, and dirty laundry.  We over planners like to know there is healthy food in the fridge, the kitchen is clean, all laundry folded and where it belongs, and the vacuuming done before we leave. Sticky note lists separating what needs to be purchased at the grocery store from what needs to go in the suitcase re

As a nation we have witnessed a lifetime of surging, explosive power the past two weeks. Photo Courtesy The cautious have done their best to protect themselves and their loved ones, and while destruction may have followed in the wake, there are those who lived to tell their experience. Although we wish we could help those who are no longer with us, our nation rises to help those who have survived.  Photo Courtesy So, we built a reminder of those who lost their lives to terrorism in the 9/11 attack a means to honor the fallen, the heroes, the families, the co-workers, and neighbors.  Much more, we think about where we were at that time. I stood in a school with my class of third graders. How does one tell little ones a terrorist group attack our country? That was my first question after processing the information and wondering whether this was a War of the Worlds hoax or a vicious truth. Dollars, cards, food, water, medical, prayers and encouraging words

Rescuers have traveled to Harvey affected areas from far away. They probably never realized the tremendous impact their help has made. What happened to folks before they arrived. How very appreciative they were when the rescuers did. A friend lives in Wharton, Texas, which is south by southwest of Houston, and very much in Harvey's path. C posted over days, keeping us updated. Notice the short posts. Notice the emotion. Notice the dilemma she faced. Notice her focus-wanting to leave but choosing to stay, asking prayer for others.  8/30 3:40 pm C:  Water is now rising in my neighborhood.  Road is flooded and closed. 8/30  4:09  PM C: Neighborhood (see pic) 8/30   5:46 pm C: Front yard (see pic)                          (A friend responded) Are you going to leave?                         C:  No. 8/30 6:21 pm C: water coming through back door. 8/30 6:38 pm C: water coming through front door. 8/30 9:02 pm C: ankle deep in our living room. We are the only ones in ou