A WEEK FOR SALADS

     Whenever I have to take a dish to a Potluck, I put together a special salad. Most of the ingredients are in my fridge anyway so it's easy. My salad is very exciting and filled with colorful nutritious goodies. A young Pharmacy student approached me Friday at the U. of A. Cancer Center where I had a table for my book. She asked if I was Norma, then asked what was in my salad. We talked for a half an hour on what I had included.

        I was at the Cancer Center because a friend, Bettina Hofacre, was putting on a special program of monthly talks of promoting good health, especially for those with cancer. Several people were asked to have a table with wares. My friend Lindsey Meyer, who hand makes wonderful purses had the table next to me. In lieu of table fee, we had to donate a salad for 10. They have a luncheon with mostly salads, fruits, and desserts.  

        Inside my salad is whatever kind of lettuce I found inviting, celery, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes. Then I add crunchy things like sunflower seeds, chick peas, and walnuts.  Two types of cheese gets sprinkled on. I like feta for a surprise bite. A few ounces of cut-up free-range chicken adds protein. Then goes in some fruit like a cut up apple, raisins, or maybe blueberries. My salad dressing this time was Pear Gorgonzola by Litehouse which was mixed with plain yogurt. I prefer getting my veggies at Sprouts Supermarket which has a goodly selection of organic products.

        The second Potluck I went to was a going-away party for friends. How do you handle people leaving you when knowing you may never see them again? Most of us held back tears until the last minute. My daughters and I shed many tears when Lisa left for Chile for a year. We know she will come back for a visit. But how do you handle the knowledge that the people you are saying goodbye to will never come back to Tucson, and you won't be able to visit them?  We gave some Tucson t-shirts and baseball caps as mementos, but that still isn't enough. I have some sadness in my heart today and don't know when it will disappear. I can but put it into God's Hands for Him to heal the hearts of those at the Potluck. I pray He protects and guards all who travel and brings them on a new journey filled with richness and grace.

 

GEM SHOW SLOWLY LEAVING TUCSON

     I have been busy all week selling at our booth at the gem show. Many people still stopping by and today was super busy even though this is our last week. Some folks have packed up and gone home. I have met many from Australia these last few weeks and have found all of them the most delightful people. Both those that I buy from and those who buy from me are well-versed, articulate, and pleasant. I meet them in the restaurant or they stop by my tent. I find them very laid-back and gracious.

     It was so cold this week, most unlike Tucson. It rained on Monday: we had to close down the tent and go home  We got flooded out - luckily no goods were damaged - and had to go home. Tuesday the tent floor was still wet and we had to walk in the mud. It took about two more days to totally dry out. Yesterday and today were beautiful, short-sleeve weather again.

     A huge meteorite fell to the Earth just two days ago in Russia, making national news. Usually the meteorites don't hurt any one when they fall, but this one was extremely different. The sonic boom was deafening, windows rattled, and panes of glass scattered all over. Many were sent to hospitals from injuries - at last count 1,400. It exploded with the force of 20 atomic bombs, was the size of a school bus, and weighed 7,000 tons. About 3,000 buildings have been damaged. There was no word of any deaths nor anyone hit by meteorite fragments.

     In the news at the same time was a story about an asteroid the size of an office building that narrowly missed Earth. It was 150-feet wide and passed within 17,000 miles. No connections were between the meteorite and the asteroid which will orbit the inner solar system. NASA has been watching this for a while. FYI the Earth is about 7,900 miles wide and the moon is 239,000 miles away.  

ON RETREAT IN GLOBE, ARIZONA

 

       I spent the weekend in Globe at a fantastic retreat for women put on by the Tapestry of Hope Ministry www.tapestry-of-hope.org. It was sunny as we left Tucson on Friday. Saturday we woke to rain then snow then cold weather all day, but most attendees were well bundled. Of course, we had to enjoy goodies all day long and homemade macaroni and cheese with fried chicken. Desserts, snacks, and varieties of beverages spoiled us. Ramona Ortiz was our most gracious host. Sunday on the way home was absolutely gorgeous skies of bright blue and numerous white clouds. Delightful.

       Fr. Joe Rodrigues, www.jrodrigues@salvatorians.com of Tucson and Milwaukee gave the most in-depth talk on getting life together and healing from wounds of the past. Singing songs from six CDs he is on, helped get the message across.  In the bible are 1200 words that mean hear or listen. We need to listen more to our children and coworkers. Listen with your heart and speak with love.

        Fr. Joe said elderly people have several regrets. They wish they had not worked so much. They wish they had the courage to express themselves. They wish they had stayed in touch with friends. They wish they had let themselves be happier. Where are you in these stages? What do you have to change and let go of?

        When my daughter, Beth Carrillo, read that on Facebook, she commented,  "I have little regrets, as I have a wonderful mother who taught me to cherish friends, family and relationships. I have had to let go not being accepted for who I am and understanding that it is ok to do so. Even from those closest to me." I commented back that she has been brought up well. I wish more people were.

 

        Fr. Joe also let me read one of my new poems called "Beautify Yourself". It went along with a Teapot story he told. I hope to put it here this week. Watch for it!

ABOUT LUNAR AND MARTIAN METEORITES

      Today I read some interesting facts about Lunar and Martian meteorites. Only 134 different Lunar meteorites exist. They came from 50 falls and most were found in the desert. None were found in North America, South America, or Europe. These meteorites were ejected from the moon during the last 20 million years. They go into orbit before landing on Earth. They also were brought back to Earth by the Apollo space missions.

     The Martian meteorites were formed on the planet Mars and ejected by an asteroid or comet before landing here. They were ejected almost 11 million years ago. Of the 61,000 meteorites only few are Martian. Scientists argue over whether the fossilized interiors are really former life on Mars.

      The most meteorites were found in Antarctica, 19884, where the government has put numerous restrictions on hunting there. Next is the USA with 1346, then Libya with 1302. Australia has 578, Oman with 511, and Algeria 472. North West Africa has 407 and India with 139.  Russia has 117 and Mexico has 99. Poland has 26.  Facts from Wikipedia.

       Our perfect Tucson weather continued today for many shoppers to be out and about. It was jacket weather earlier. Many people were in shorts most of the day. I'm still feeling chilly and wearing three shirts and a hat. Still haven't found the organic apples but did enjoy the buffet at the City Center. Nice menu change from last year: fresh fruit, yogurt, choice of cereal, scrambled eggs and hash browns. Four breads, bagels, and hot waffles were a surprise. Starbucks coffee was delicious.  

                                 

FIRST DAY FOR CUSTOMERS

     Today we had several strong men assist us in taking the tables, tablecloths, display stands, and other essentials to the Kino Sports Park where a very secure tent was awaiting all our efforts from the past few weeks of cleaning, labeling, and selecting. We were just down the walkway from the main tent. Many others were already set up and doing much business.

     It was just a little chilly in the morn, but soon the bountiful sun bathed us with its beauty and warmed our tired bones. The sun welcomed visitors from all over. Massachusetts, Delaware, Florida were among the signs along our walkway. Soon I'll have a chance to meet most of them, touch their goods, and share stories of why they think their brand is the best.

     Once the men set up the tables and hung our signs, we girls were left to show off our stuff by filling each stand with yellow desert glass from Libya and green moldavite from Germany. Next out went the really big meteorites from Argentina from a fall 500 years ago. A box of smaller ones from a fall in Arizona, called Canyon Diablo went up soon. Medium-sized from a fall in Russia that was witnessed by a number of people in broad daylight went in another corner.

     It was wonderful to see familiar faces stop by just to say hello and let us know where they had set up their own booths.  A little wheeling-dealing later?? Oh, yes, definite doings soon. Some of the other people who said hello came from Alaska, Wisconsin, and California. All had a tale to tell on now they got their first meteorite and where it is today, what size it is, and how they feel it was a good purchase and content with keeping it.

     Still looking for the food wagon with the organic apples!

    

  

MORE TENTS ARE UP AND U HAULS ARE IN

     As I drove along the highway today I spotted more tents up, especially the huge, white one at 22nd Street and I-10. Several U Hauls were parked in front. I couldn't see what they were unloading, but the 22nd Street tent usually has fossils and many gems. Mysterious goods. 

     A friend who works security for the show has been busy already keeping careful watch on several people who have started setting up at the Kino Sports Center where the ballgames are played. This is a new name change now from T.E.P. (Tucson Electric Park). Last year there were several new food vendor's with a better selection of eating healthier. I hope they keep some of them. It is difficult to find healthy, hot food at a reasonable price. I hope the vendor with the organic apples comes back.        

     There is also a small RV park adjacent to the Kino Sports Center whereby people drive their RV's into a designated spot, put out a canopy, and sell in the shade. Mostly retired elderly from around the country with some fascinating stories of how they collected whatever rock or gem they have for sale. They go to swap meets all over and find just the right color or brilliance in the gems they display.

      This was where I spent most of my gem show time the last two years and will again this year. I have been fortunate to know someone with a great interest in meteorites so I will again be helping set up and run the booth. The last two years we had problems with the tents blowing away during heavy wind and rain storms. It was very mean out there a number of times even for the usual calm weather Tucson is famous for. I am excited about seeing what our new tent will look like and how fast we can open and close the sides when windy.

      Last week was spent sorting and labeling, getting paperwork ready, and packing boxes to bring over for this weekend's opening. Anxious to see thousands of people descend on Tucson in a few days.

     

GEM SHOW COMING TO TUCSON

      I got so excited as I drove the Expressway this week because some tents have gone up to signal the start of the annual gem show here in Tucson.

     Hundreds of merchants prepare for weeks to set up attractive displays for the thousands of customers who descend on our happy city in the middle of nowhere. It is very unusual that so many could gravitate here, rather than anywhere else.

      First the magazines start to arrive in the mail. Colorful photos of geodes, necklaces, and precious stones adorn the pages. All lure the wanting buyers to reserved rooms in busy hotels. Maps and floor plans are laid out in each brochure.

      Next we see the U Hauls driving into town. We know they carry hidden goods: Persian rugs, Moroccan fossils, or African tribal masks. Those huge trucks have hidden destinations for just a little while. Soon we will see them unload all their carefully wrapped insides.

      Later we spot the sellers toting their suitcases around the hotel lobbies and walkways. More hidden goodies for sale. A quick jot into a room, a quick business transition, a quick sale of gems leads to a duo-happy exchange.

      During the next few weeks, I'll take a break from my Small White Hearts blog to share the gem show and the exciting events it brings to our town. 

 

MECEDORA COUNTRY CLUB BOOK SIGNING PARTY

This week had several exciting events. The biggest was a Mecedora Country Club signing party for yours truly. Invites were sent out and wonderful food and conversation was shared.

Several people at the party who already had a copy of Small White Hearts told what letters or meditations they liked best. Christina read from my poem "Everything" that talks about the opportunities available in this world to do and be whatever you want to be.

Phil shared that he likes the calming, peaceful feeling he gets while reading and meditating.

We all are looking forward to seeing the next issue of the New Vision, the Southern Arizona Catholic newspaper, which will carry a picture of the book and a comment by an excited reader who says this is a must-read for those who need to find serenity in their lives. The New Vision reaches an audience from Tucson to Yuma, Nogales, Bisbee, and Casa Grande. It covers issues pertinent to the Catholic community as well as those affected by its outreach.

PLACES IN TUCSON SHOWING MY BOOK, SMALL WHITE HEARTS

Many new places are going to show my new book, Small White Hearts. That is so exciting.

Most Holy Trinity Church in Tucson has allowed me to have a table after all services on Saturday, July 21, and Sunday, July 22. I will have a chance to visit with people I haven't seen for a while.

My daughters Suzanne Morrison and Beth Carrillo will be helping me out.  They have been excellent cheerleaders. They will also be helping me out when I am at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Tucson on August 4 and 5.

The third place I will be is at Sacred Heart Church in Tucson on August 11 and 12. Also on the 11th, I will be at Mostly Books, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at a signing table. Everyone is welcome to all events and encouraged to bring a friend.

On the last blog, I shared that my 96-year-old Aunt Elsie Santos from Taunton, MA, was greatly enjoying my book. Now there are 3 more 90-year-olds reading Sweet White Hearts. The youngest reader is my 16 year-old granddaughter.

How wonderful to see such a wide range of interest. The Lord said this is to spread to all corners of the world.www.smallwhitehearts.com

MY AUNT ELSIE SANTOS LOVES READING SMALL WHITE HEARTS

My 96-year-old Aunt Elsie Santos from Taunton, MA, is greatly enjoying my book, Small White Hearts.  She said sometimes she feels I am speaking to her directly when she is reading one of the love letters.

Elsie ordered two signed copies - one for a friend and one for my cousin Elaine and her husband Harold. She is also a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. I try not to call her when the game is on as she gets so totally involved in the game that she is talking to me and the screen at the same time.

Also this week I turned in a blurb for the bulletin at my local church, Most Holy Trinity Parish in Tucson. In three weeks the pastor will let me have a table after services so people can look at, and, hopefully, acquire a copy so they will be spiritually refreshed. The blurb has my activities at the church, which is being Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Soup Patrol, and a volunteer at their Cooling Center. 

The Soup Patrol takes soup, bread, and hot chocolate to the homeless during the winter months. The Cooling Center is open in the summer at  nearby church and 35 people have a chance to get out of the sun from noon to four every day but Sunday.

THE SUCCESSFUL SIGNING PARTY

We had a wonderful Signing Party in the Foothills at a home with the most fantastic view.

Earlier in the day we had some unexpected monsoon rain catching all of us off guard. The temperature on my car thermometer gauge said 102 degrees about 1:00 p.m. The clouds started rolling in and by 2:00 p.m. huge drops of cold rain started pelting my windshield.

The wind started blowing and the washes started flooding. The temperature gauge went down to 70 degrees.  Typical for Tucson everything cleared up shortly to give the most spectacular viewing of clouds, mountains, a rainbow, then an absolutely gorgeous sunset.

The books were finished for us to have people take them home and start reading their own copies. All this time it's been mostly me reading my stuff along with a few people I have shared with at prayer group.

Now others had an opportunity to understand the impact the Lord's Word will have on the world; yes, many people say this will go around the world, yea.

I especially want to thank my daughters for all the work they did both before and after the party.

Suzanne Morrison of Backcountry Photography AZ.com  and Beth Carrillo for their copy editing skills. Also Lisa Marie Morrison of Sirocco Design who creates such beautiful works of silver-crafted jewelry and took the photos for the cover.