The Sol Within features the bilingual picture book: Rene Has Two Last Names

RENÉ HAS TWO LAST NAMES/ RENÉ TIENE DOS APELLIDOS

Colato Laínez, René.

Pub. Houston, Tex. : Piñata Books/Arte Público Press, c2009.

• ISBN-10: 1558855300    • ISBN-13: 978-1558855304

Young René is from El Salvador, and he doesn't understand why his name has to be different in the United States. When he writes Colato, he sees his paternal grandparents, René and Amelia. When he writes Laínez, he sees his maternal grandparents, Angela and Julio. Without his second last name, René feels incomplete, "like a hamburger without the meat or a pizza without cheese or a hot dog without a wiener."


His new classmates giggle when René tells them his name. "That's a long dinosaur name," one says. "Your name is longer than an anaconda," another laughs. But René doesn't want to lose the part of him that comes from his mother's family. So when the students are given a project to create a family tree, René is determined to explain the importance of using both of his last names. On the day of his presentation, René explains that he is as hard working as Abuelo René, who is a farmer, and as creative as his Abuela Amelia, who is a potter. He can tell stories like his Abuelo Julio and enjoys music like his Abuela Angela.

This charming bilingual picture book for children ages 4 - 8 combines the winning team of author René Colato Laínez and illustrator Fabiola Graullera Ramírez, and follows their award-winning collaboration, I Am René, the Boy / Soy René, el niño. With whimsical illustrations and entertaining text, this sequel is sure to please fans and gain many new ones while explaining an important Hispanic cultural tradition.

Interview with author Rene Colato Lainez right here on Thursday, January 21st.  Stop by leave a comment or question for the author. 

Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!

~the sol within~

        Anna

Silver-linings do exist!

Today during my morning commute I saw the most beautiful clouds.  They were not directly overhead, but sat in clusters in front of me like a sunset.  They were so beautiful that they almost seemed to be fake.  Then, I saw something so spectacular.  Something I've never seen before, but heard about.  I saw a silver line outline a cluster of clouds.  My children were so mesmerized that we just stared as we uttered "Ooooh" and "Aaaahhhh!" I was driving down the freeway, so I didn't get to take a picture.  For a split second I thought about taking a picture since I always keep my camera in my purse.  I knew I wouldn't be able to capture the true essence of what we were seeing so I opted to keep that image in my head rather than replace that beautiful image with a lesser one of a digital photo.  If you've never seen one...it is amazing.  That word is over-used, but a silver-lining shining down upon you IS amazing! 

It got me to stop this morning and just be in that moment.  For that I am grateful.  I am trying to be in each moment and enjoy and learn and listen to all that I am supposed to get out of each task throughout my day.  I am learning to be content and NOT stress so much.  No, this is not a new year resolution, but something I have been working on for a couple years.  At times it is much more challenging than I expected.  I tend to worry too much and not go for what I want or deserve because of my fears within. 

I have received some emails daily for over a week now all centered around conquering one's fears.  That's when I realized that it is not enough to just say "I have faith", but to really BELIEVE that you have faith that whatever it is you are worrying about will indeed work out!  Maybe it won't happen the way you wanted or planned, but today's worry will not be with you forever.  Eventually it will be the past. 

So for today, know that there are things out there like dreams fulfilled, faith, love, and...silver linings!

Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!
~the sol within~
     Anna 

The song that inspired this post:
~Beautiful Day by U2

The Sol Within Welcomes 2010!

Well it's here: 2010!  I absolutely love the Holiday season, especially the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas!  In my area there are two radio stations that play non-stop Christmas music from the week of Thanksgiving until midnight on December 26th!  My family and I just really adore this time!  All of our birthdays are packed into this season from Halloween until right before Christmas.  Our season is usually pretty busy and this year was no exception.  However, this year, I was finally taking the steps into pursuing my career as a writer.  I made so many new and wonderful "cyber friends" last year that I feel so blessed to have met.

I wanted to blog so many times before the Holidays and throughout the usual two week break, but we were on the go so much that when I was home I wanted (needed) to be with my family.  So we did just that!  We hung out together and played game after game...we even included my Dad!  My Dad has NEVER enjoyed playing games, but for his grandchildren...he'll do anything!  We had the best time together and we all needed to rest, re-focus, and realize the blessings we have.

Therefore, when it was time to return to school and work and back to the hustle and bustle of daily life...it was HARD!  We are still trying to adjust to the schedules.  I am usually not a fanatic about the new year the way many people on television seem to be, but hey, I realize I am a work in progress.  I know I am not alone in feeling this way.  Although, this year I am pretty darn excited to step into this new decade and venture out into the great possibilities that await me!

I have recently attained a paying gig/ freelance job and I am enjoying it.  I have so many projects coming up that my head is spinning with each new adventure and I am overjoyed!  I am learning to let go of the things and people that hold me back mentally and emotionally.  It is hard, I think especially for a Catholic Latina because of the tremendous amount of guilt we can torture ourselves with!  I am learning to listen to my own voice and learning to follow my own path that I feel best suits my family, my goals, and me.  None of this is easy and I know I will hit a bump in the road every now and then, but it is worth the experiences to travel this journey.

I must take a moment to give a tremendous "Thank you!" to Anjanette Delgado for allowing me to interview her with the release of her first novel.  It was my first blog interview and it re-opened a passion that I tucked away long ago!
A great amount of gratitude goes out to Lucha Corpi for being a wonderful and gracious woman!  She is a brilliant writer and poet and I learned an incredible amount from her through our correspondence and interview.  I will never forget her and the time she took for me!
Another wonderful interview last year was to feature one of my new favorite Latina artists...Caroyln Flores!  We had a great time doing that interview and her sweet demeanor really came through for all to see.  She is incredibly talented and is just beginning to make her mark in the world!
I have enjoyed the Q&A portions of the interviews and I look forward to the interviews coming up very soon...

Thank you to all the readers and visitors of The Sol Within...I do this to hopefully encourage and inspire each and every one of you!  I needed to show my heartfelt appreciation once more before I begin diving into this new year!  I leave you all with this quote I received this week from Jo Ann Hernandez (who got it from Literanista)...

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.

And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. 
~Neil Gaiman 

Happy New Year, dear readers!  I really do wish you all a great year filled with health, wealth, and the love of true friends and close family!

Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!
~the sol within~
      Anna
The music that inspired this post...
~The Best is Yet to Come by Tony Bennett
~Cumbia del Sol by Control
~Hold On Tight (to Your Dreams) by Electric Light Orchestra
~These are Days by 10,000 Maniacs
~Spread My Wings by Troop
~It's a Small World (After All) by Disneyland Chorus

And the WINNER is...

Thank you to everyone who stopped by The Sol Within this week to read my interview with the incredibly talented artist Carolyn Flores of Flores Originals!

I am so thrilled to have hosted her this week and to get to know her because I discovered such a beautiful soul and spirit.  By the comments that were left, it is very evident that Carolyn has a tremendous spirit that shines through in all of her art work which touches the souls of those who view it! 

 I want to remind everyone that Carolyn has some very affordable creations that are great and original gifts for the Holidays.  Please continue to follow Carolyn on FaceBook or her blog Mi Vida Loca so that you are sure to be updated with her upcoming events and the art that she is producing in 2010!

Also, if you enjoyed this interview, please stop by as I am working on many other interviews as we begin a new year!  I will continue to try my best to inspire the readers of The Sol Within!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the comments this week.  A special thanks to The Fancy Chola for stopping by and making us laugh with her "behind the scenes" stories.  I loved it!

Before I reveal the winner...I must extend a truly heartfelt thank you to Carolyn for allowing me to host her and her work this week!  I became a fan of your work and your blog many months ago, and after working with you this week...I can honestly say that you are one of the most gracious people I have ever met!  May you and your family continue to be abundantly blessed!

To all my readers, followers, and visitors, I wish you a wonderful Holiday season filled with love, health, happiness, and lots of family and friends to share the days with!

 AND THE WINNER IS...

Leticia Werner, please be sure to contact Carolyn or myself with your address so that your prize can be mailed off to you!

Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!

~the sol within~

       Anna

New Mexico artist...Carolyn Flores is here!

About six months ago I came across a blog name that intrigued me...Mi Vida Loca.  I soon came to learn that this blog is beautiful, witty, family-centered and inspiring!  The owner of the blog is an artist from New Mexico sharing the details of her adventures as a wife, mother of three, and all around very busy Latina trying her best to pursue her dreams of being the passionate artist that she knows she is meant to be! 

Some of you might recall that in my very first post I paid a little tribute to the owner of Mi Vida Loca, as well as, the artist and owner of Flores Originals.  I found her art to be so captivating and awe-inspiring that I soon became a follower of her blog and often found peace in my day by scrolling through her art work as if I were in a museum. 

I had the opportunity to interview some talented authors recently and have been contacted by several more to interview them in the upcoming new year.  I have been blessed to be able to promote my fellow Latina/os and their passion for what they do.  However, before I continue with any other interviews I wanted to bring the readers of The Sol Within the Latina, artist, woman that has inspired me for some time...Carolyn Flores!

Please enjoy my interview with Carolyn.  She has graciously offered to raffle off an art piece for one lucky reader who leaves a question or comment for her. 

Please, please click on everything you can because you will want to see as much of her work as possible.  Her work is clean, beautiful, and vibrant.  She is a true artist and I just know she has a long and successful career ahead for her!

Artist Interview: Carolyn Flores of Flores Originals

Anna:  Thank you, Carolyn, for visiting The Sol Within today!
When did you know you wanted to become an artist? What does it mean to you to be a Latina artist?

Carolyn:  The first time I knew I wanted to be an artist was probably around age 8 or 9. I remember I was sitting on the floor of my Grandparents living room watching the Flintstones (my favorite cartoon), my Mom had sketched all of the characters while I was watching the show. I didn’t know she could draw. I was dumbfounded, she was really good! My Grandpa said, “Maybe one day, you’ll be an artist”. That was a revelation to me. I could be an artist? That’s all I wanted to be from that moment forward! I have always loved to draw.

I am proud to be a Latina artist! My life is surrounded by my Hispanic heritage and it is what inspires me. When I first started painting I had painted a woman and her skin was my color, a delicious chocolate brown (jaja). I was told by someone that her skin was the wrong color and I needed to work on that. At first I was discouraged and my Best Friend said, “Why is her skin wrong? It’s the same color as yours, is your skin color wrong?” I opened my eyes, I realized my art, is exactly that, MY art! And from that point on it was going to tell the story of my life, my family, my heritage and everyone I love. I feel it’s my duty to share all that I have been blessed with, with the rest of the world.

Anna:  When did your career as a serious artist begin and what was the first piece you ever sold? What is the current price range for your work?

Carolyn:  My career as a serious artist only began January of 2008. This is when I decided I was going to see if my art was good enough to be accepted to the Contemporary Hispanic Market, one of the largest art shows here in New Mexico. I was so nervous that day. The process is a lot of waiting. You don’t know if you’re accepted for at least a few weeks. I finally got my results in and they have accepted me the last two years as an alternate. This is a very successful show for me I have met people from around the world such as Europe, France, Mexico, India, Jamaica and more and of course around our own USA. I have hardly left New Mexico so this is exciting to me. I really enjoy seeing repeat customers. Although I don’t really like calling them “customers” I feel like the people who buy my art are purchasing important pieces of my life. So to me they are more than just a customer, they’re more of a friend a Flores Original patron, but definitely more than just a “customer”. The very first piece of work I sold was 2007 of November. It was a saw blade and I painted winter scenery on it using oil paint, and it was sold for $20.


My original work ranges from $45 to $800.00. But I like to have items available for everyone. I incorporate my art into anything and everything, from bottle cap bracelets to jewelry boxes, light switch covers, wallets, necklaces, greeting cards, ornaments and so much more. I want everyone to be able to afford a Flores Original. These items range from $2-$75.

Anna:  Who or what is your inspiration for your work?

Carolyn:  My husband Ray is my main inspiration, because without him I really wouldn’t be able to do any of it. I have 3 children and I am a stay at home mom, which a lot of people don’t realize is a full time job in itself! When I am preparing for a show, my husband goes into super husband mode and helps with dinner and the kids. If I am working with wood, he’s my guy! He is learning right along with me, he is an electrician not a wood worker, so between us we have made some pretty funky things, but we have improved together. My inspiration comes from my family, friends and this awesome state of New Mexico. Inspiration also comes from the feedback that I get from shows, people have so many opinions, comments and compliments and yes even the critics inspire me! I do enjoy incorporating my family and friends into my pieces. Sometimes you will find hidden images in my work. Usually if I don't show the onlooker they never notice. The hidden image I like best is 3 tiny foot prints; this represents each one of my children Pablo, Marielena and Lorena Flores.

Anna:  We always hear of the "starving artist", have you ever encountered this and if so, what advice would you give to other artists wanting to pursue a career in art, but are currently struggling financially?

Carolyn:  I wish starving artist meant that I could lose weight in the process, ah que suave, I’d be so thin (jaja)... Yes, I have been a “starving artist” which means basically I paid the employee’s wages at the art supply store, just to keep on painting. No matter how scared I have been at times to try a new show or gallery showing, my love for art just keeps me going! When I first started out, I was so scared to be called “an artist” (I know it sounds funny), sometimes in this business, (just like any other) you run into the snotty artist. These artists are the ones who give you passive aggressive compliments. These artists used to intimidate me. I needed a new way of thinking. I told myself over and over, an artist is a person who creates passionately from their heart. I won’t ever let anyone tell me I’m not an artist or put my work down, I can’t stop them of course, but I definitely won’t believe it! My advice to other artists wanting to pursue a career in art, is to always take a chance. There will always be people out there to knock you down a peg and criticize your work, but in the end the art, and opportunity to create, will outweigh the struggles. If you love what you do, build a strong wall of passion around you and no one can knock it down. I am inspired by God, my faith, other artists and family, and friends.

Anna:  Writers are always told to have "thick skin" and not to take the criticism personally. As an artist and crafter, have you ever read or overheard criticism of your work that surprised you or hurt you? What did you do? How do you overcome it to create again?

Carolyn:  Yes, the second year that I participated in the Contemporary Hispanic Market, I started to hear criticism. I participate in a lot of Dia de los Muerto (Day of the Dead) shows. One of my largest pieces is a Marilyn Mon-Muerto. I like to have humor in my work; she is a very sexy Skeleto (skeleton). So, I stood outside my area where the public was. I heard things like , "I know that "stuff" is supposed to be happy "stuff" but Marilyn Monroe was an icon, and to portray her as a skeleton is just awful." or "That's horrible, look at that!" or "Oh My Gosh (roll of the eyes)", I used to think I would fall over and die if someone criticized my work. I’ll tell you why, when I first had to go take my art in front of a panel of judges for the first time, I felt as if I were going to be sprawled out in the nude on a table while they judged me, not my work, me! However, I didn’t die; in fact it did the exact opposite. It drove me, I was so excited! I made people feel something, and as an artist that is my goal. I heard comments that were good, bad, shocking and uplifting. This is not to say that criticism has never hurt me, it has, but luckily I am surrounded with so many people who support me and feed my artist ego...(Jaja)... I have wanted to quit so many times, I can be a weird emotional artist. The worst is when you get painters block. I had it for 3 months one time; I thought I would never paint again. And then one day inspiration hit! Thank God!

Anna:  What has been the most meaningful piece that you ever created and why? Did you sell it or do you still have it?

Carolyn:  I am heartbroken over a piece that I will regret selling for the rest of my life. I had a piece that my Grandfather and I made together. My Grandpa made me a special frame, the painting fit into the frame like a puzzle piece. This piece was featured in our local paper, my first interview. I loved this piece, but I sold it for a mere $200 to a very nice woman who is an author and resides in Sweden. Although my painting got a good home, I still regret selling it. I got desperate to make a sale, at a slow show, and my consequence was losing a very special piece.

Anna:  What artists, living or deceased, do you admire? What artist/crafter living today would you like to collaborate with if you had the opportunity?

Carolyn:  Oh I love this question. All of the artists that I admire are indeed alive!
The coordinator and artist of Arte de Muertos, Mr. Hank Estrada is someone I admire. He has such a drive and is passionate about this show that he has created and continues to work hard to put it together for us. He has carefully traveled to pick out handfuls of artists that are amazing. He has also managed to bring us together like a family. Hank is always researching and working on ways to make the show better. He cares about all of us artists and when we have other shows, he is always there to support us! I feel so blessed to be a part of this family and for this I really admire Hank.


Another artist I admire whole heartedly is Pamela Enriquez Courts. She is so amazing, her work really inspires me. Her religious art is very heartfelt and beautiful. Her Muertos are stunning and I am in awe at the combination of costumes and backgrounds that are brought to life with the metallic paint that she covers her canvas with. She is one of the greats! She is not only an amazing talent, but also one of the nicest and most generous people I know. .

Another great artist that I admire would be Cathy Ashworth from Cat Box art studio. She is an artist from California, when I first stumbled upon her art on vacation; we were visiting the famous Olvera Street. I immediately fell in love and had to contact her to tell her how much I loved her work. She is also a very nice soul. Brandon Maldonado, hands down is another favorite of mine. I do not own a piece of his art “yet” I hope to be able to own at least a print one day. However, I do have his book that contains some prints of his works. I could live in his paintings; I really think he is amazing. Antonio Garcez, is another favorite of mine, he is one of New Mexico’s award winning authors. The collections of stories in his books are just amazing. I admire Antonio because his passion for his work is found in everything he does.


I would also like to mention Christina Medrano from the Fancy Chola. Her mind is boggling. Her ideas and sense of style are like no other. She invented the “Patron Pin-up”. She actually has one called “Carolyn, the Patron Pin-up of Artists” She has the patron pin-up of Latin girls, sassy girls and so much more! I admire her for her unique style; I think her ideas and creativity are just awesome!


There are so many other artists that really inspire me as well such as Scott Garcia, John de Jesus, Richard Trujillo, The two Gringas, Michelle Tapia, Michelle Padilla, Alex Chavez and so many others.


I would love, to collaborate a triptych piece with Cathy Ashworth and Pamela Enriquez; I think this piece would be amazing. The themes in work are similar but at the same time so different, and I would love to see how the combined creativeness would turn out. I think it would be amazing.

Anna:  Who is your target audience? What do you aim to accomplish with your art? What do you want your children to always remember about you and your art?

Carolyn:  My target audience would be people who are young at heart, and possess a love for life! Sometimes these people teach me something I didn’t know about my own piece! I feel that I have accomplished what I have always wanted, and that is to earn a living from something I love doing. I love to paint.

I want my children to always remember that I had a dream and I followed it. I had a fear and I overcame it. They are my inspiration, and I hope they always follow their hearts. I think when you are happy with what you do your whole family is happy. I hope my children will always follow this philosophy! My oldest daughter always tells me when she is an artist, we're going to change the name from “Flores Originals” to “Flores Origi-Gals” I can't wait for that day!

Anna:  What would you ultimately like to see happen with your career? Your own store, museum exhibits, teaching classes, etc.?

Carolyn:  Two things I would ultimately like to see, one being my studio actually starting and getting finished. Right now I have the plans and I am working on getting it started. I have many patrons who ask me if I have a studio and I sadly have to answer no. They want to come see all that I have or something in the works. I currently work out of my home and have no space for all of my works to be displayed so this studio will be ideal. When the studio is complete, and I am not participating in shows, I will have a place for the public to view my work at any time.


I would also love to start traveling outside New Mexico to show my work. I think that 2010 will be the start of this. Next March of 2010 in San Antonio, Texas at the Centro Cultural Aztlan, I will be participating in a large show that will only feature three artists, me being one of them! The show will be called Carolina Flores x 3. The show will start March 5, and continue through out that month.

Anna:  What does creating your art do for you that nothing else in your life- family, people, relationships, books, music, traveling, etc. - cannot or has not done for your soul within?

Carolyn:  It does so much for me. It’s a very intimate process almost like a prayer. Painting for me is a way of expression, I am not a verbal person and I used to be horribly shy, but art has allowed me to be expressive, and confident. I would like to add a special thanks to a friend and Flores Original patron Mr. Wesley Starr from Florida, who had followed my work since I first started selling paintings on eBay and is still with me now. Thank you Wesley for your support and friendship!


I would like to add if anyone is looking for unique Christmas gifts, you can visit my etsy shop at http://www.floresoriginalz.etsy.com/, also visit my blog for upcoming show information at http://www.floresoriginals.blogspot.com/


Thank you Anna for this opportunity!

Anna:  Thank you for being here today, Carolyn! Your work is beautiful and inspires me! It has truly been an honor to host you and your wonderfully crafted Flores Originals art on The Sol Within. I wish you the very best in life, with your family, and with your career as an artist!

                                   ***********

Don't forget to leave a question or comment for Carolyn Flores and you will be entered to win the oval acrylic painting on wood, approx. 8"x5".  Winner will be announced Friday, December 18th.
(Photo at right)

If you aren't the lucky winner today, don't fret, just visit Flores Originals and place an order at Carolyn's etsy store (online).  You will find bottle cap bracelets and earrings, prints, paintings, light switches, and so much more!  Still in search of that perfect Holiday gift...give an original piece of art!  Carolyn tells me that she is holding a sale at this time and don't forget to order soon to ensure that you'll have your art in time for the Holidays!

Take a stroll through the Flores Originals slide show!  Some of Anna's favorites: El Chingon, La Chingona, Aye los Flores, La Grenuda, Metoteras, Taco Tuesday, Senorita, Madre del Sol, and the bottle cap bracelet in the intro post!  Marilyn Mon-Muerto is pretty cool and so are her Frida jewelry boxes!

Happy Holidays and happy Flores Originals shopping!
Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so! 
~the sol within~
      Anna
Supporting Latino arts and those who create it!

To U.S. Troops: We Thank You and are thinking of you this Holiday season!

We all know that the Holiday season is rapidly approaching.  I grew up feeling that this is the most wonderful time of the year!  Now, I make sure that my children feel the same.  We have been attending many wonderful Holiday parades, tree-lightings, and other family-fun events.  Last weekend, one of the parades honored the many men and women our beautiful country has sent far away to fight the wars on our behalf.  I fought hard to hold back the tears from running down my cheeks.  I think of the soldiers so far from home, living in a completely foreign place.  Meditate on that word for a moment, "foreign".  If there is something foreign in our bodies, it usually makes us ill and we seek medical help to assist us in ridding ourselves of this pain.  Our own American brothers and sisters cannot rid themselves of this foreign trouble until they finish their duty!  They feel obligated to successfully complete this duty to their country all while missing out on the Holidays, birthdays, and the many other family moments that happen throughout the year.

I come from a long line of military men and women.  During the week of Thanksgiving, my family attended the funeral of one of my great-uncles.  He served in World War II.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and shared stories like none I've ever heard before!  Just like my Abuelo, whom I've blogged about before, my great-uncle was also buried with a 21-gun salute. 

I was asked some time ago by editor and author, Jo Ann Hernandez, to write about my personal story for a blog that is dedicated to the blogger's daughter, a young woman on the front lines!

Here is my article:
                                       Military Mom
                                     by:  Anna Rodriguez
Each time it happens I wonder how she can do it, but I know she has to do it. I don’t think I could, but I do recall feeling that I wanted to do it for my family and for my country. It was on the afternoon of September 11th, the day had brought so much confusion, astonishment, worry, fear, and by the afternoon…anger! I remember commuting my child home from school that day, a thirty minute drive at the time, and feeling the American pride as motorcyclists, waving the American flag, blew past my American-made truck where I had the American flag flying proudly from my antennae for all to see as we drove down the highway. I recall hearing the fright in the voices of all the local radio disc jockeys. They had been up to their usual antics the day before, but now our country was in this numb and wide-eyed confused state of sheer shock!


For many days after the terror I contemplated the idea of joining the air force. I was angry! I was angry that this country I loved so much was no longer the same place it had been. I was angry that my Grandfather, uncles, cousins, and countless other family members and friends already fought for this beautiful country and now we are no longer feeling safe in our own homeland! I was angry that I had a beautiful child that was now a part of a country that could have catastrophic and horrendous attacks occur in our own backyard.


My father had served in the air force when he was first married and I was even born on an air force base. I have all the photos of my baby-hood posing with my dad dressed in his fatigues or dress blues. American pride was something that I was raised on. I was taught at an early age to take my voting privilege very seriously. I do and it is something that I have instilled in my children. Therefore, all of my emotions from September 11th turned into anger that made me want to fight for the love and pride of this country…my home and my family’s home!


I looked into my options and learned that many young Americans had felt the same way I did. After the uneasiness of what was to come and the amount of questions that my child had for me on a daily basis, I decided that I needed to continue to be a good and loyal citizen, but I couldn’t leave my little child. I just couldn’t have done that. I was glued to the television and watched and cried for all of the young Americans who departed from the clutches of their parents’ arms. Many of the fathers knowing all too well, from their service during the Vietnam War, the violence that awaited their children. I saw all the husbands hugging their wives so tightly each of them nearly suffocated; the daddy’s that kissed their little girls gently and gave their sons the nod as if to say, “You’re the man of the house now, son. Take care of your mom and siblings.” Then, I saw all the news footage of the women who left: married women, mothers, and single mothers. They were all leaving this country, the comforts of their homes, and…they were all leaving broken and worried hearts behind. I knew in my heart that I wanted- maybe even needed- to do something to show my appreciation for what these brave heroes are doing for all who reside in the United States. I just didn’t know what I could do.


Years passed and we are still fighting a war, and some might even say we are fighting several wars in many places. It doesn’t really matter to those who have someone “over there”. The fact is they are not here- at home- and they aren’t even in their own homeland. I have had cousins and acquaintances “fight in the war” and we’ve even prayed for them weekly at church. I’ve seen our local soldiers depart and return and I’ve seen the local news reporters outside the homes of those who did not make it back. Still, I didn’t know what my part would be.


My daughter’s junior high years were suddenly upon us and with it a new friend was made when she transferred to my daughter’s school. Laurie was in a grade younger than my daughter, but they played on the same school basketball team and soon became fast friends! Laurie’s mom would pick her up after practices, dressed in her army fatigues. We soon talked and I learned that Sgt. Jackie, a single mother, had five children: two high school boys, Laurie, and a seven year old son, and a two year old son. Our girls were similar in age and our babies were the same age. We live near a base therefore, we’ve met many military parents over the years, but we were not as close to any as we became to Sgt. Jackie’s family.


Shortly after the basketball season began we noticed that Sgt. Jackie had not been to games in quite some time. When I asked my daughter about it she informed us that Sgt. Jackie had been deployed to Afghanistan. She is gone for months at a time and the kids are left with friends, the youngest boy stays with his babysitter’s family. The eldest son must carpool the younger kids to school and pick them up from day cares when he is done with his high school basketball practice at the end of the day.


This is where I found the service that my family could do. We, along with another school family, have become Laurie’s second family whenever her mother is deployed. We have a place for her to sleep, stock up on her favorite foods, and my husband even stayed up well past 1:00 a.m. one Sunday night, as we’d do for our own children, to help Laurie finish a school project. We have a bag of Laurie’s clothes in our home and it is not unusual to do a load of laundry and find a sock, t-shirt, or pajamas of Laurie’s in the mix. Sgt. Jackie’s younger children became our own children and we love them as such.


Sgt. Jackie has been deployed many times over the years and can be gone for weeks to months at a time, but with no family in-state, she must rely on help from trusted friends.


Sgt. Jackie’s children are pretty tough and resilient. They are happy and make friends easily. I love the energy that Laurie brings to our home. She jokes and teases with me as I do with her and my other children. She is fully aware that this is her second home and when she is here we can often find her rummaging through the refrigerator at midnight for a snack. I bring her lunch as I do for my own and I deal with school issues on her behalf as her own mother would do if she were here…and not “over there”!


I can’t even begin to fathom the strength that Sgt. Jackie has to have in order to leave her children each time and to allow herself to fully focus on the challenges she faces. I don’t know how her children are able to cope, but they do, and they do it well. I know they miss her immensely, but they know that their mommy is a true American hero! And for that we are all very grateful and blessed!
                                Copyright 2009

If you are a knitter or you can crochet, please consider sending some items to the troops this Holiday season to keep them warm! Visit A Mom of a Daughter Soldier blog for more information!

May there be peace...finally!  May God bless the troops and bring them home safely!

Wishing you dreams to fulfill and the inspiration needed to do so!
~the sol within~
      Anna

Give it a listen.  The songs that inspired this post are:
~Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
~Do they know it's Christmas? by Band Aid
~Home for the Holidays by Perry Como
~I'm a Long Way from Home by Shooter Jennings
~America the Beautiful by Ray Charles
~Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
~Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival