It never rains in California...

...yeah, right.

I don't care if it is raining because I am home in San Diego instead of Los Angeles this week.

Before leaving L.A. last weekend, I went to visit my mother again at the nursing home. We had a lovely visit and we talked about a lot of things that her recent illness had not allowed. I also went to see the gentleman I met there in the hall, James Akwaboah. It seemed he did not go to Ghana. When he told me of his plans, I wouldn't allow myself to think that he might be deluded. When I saw his speech therapist in the hall, I asked about James. He was indeed not returning to Ghana, his stroke affected his reasoning. He'd been there six months and well, he might not be going anywhere. That was a hard one. I did go see him as I promised and he seemed to remember me. Perhaps I will see him again.

In the meantime, I am working at getting my life back on track now that Mom appears to be on the mend. (Thank you for your prayers). There are still many details to attend to for establishing the Study Group; and for assisting Dr. Jim in getting HeartSpace open in March.


There have been many concerns of late in addition to my mother that have required all my pastoral care and more hospital visits these two months more than I had all last year. It is interesting to feel so ministerial and not be in a church. And I am getting to speak again at Light of Life Church this Sunday. So my Rev collar is still starched and working.

Although I will be unable to attend the UCSL Annual Gathering held in Miami this year. I need to be in Los Angeles that week to help my mother. We are aiming to bring her home that week. I regret not being able to be there to vote in this important election; to be a part of the election (I was nominated to the Vision Core); and for my UCORS Clergy Cabinet duties. Ah well... personal pastoral care takes priority.

Today, I took a step towards furthering my financial freedom. I made a choice to cancel my Nordstrom charge account. I had no balance due and I have been a customer since 1983. So when I went to the store today, I was met with confusion about my choice. Why? I told Martin that I was going on a credit-card diet and closing my revolving charge accounts. It was nothing personal as I love Nordstrom and have always enjoyed shopping there and their premier customer service. I just prefer to now use cash; to buy what I have the immediate funds to buy. I watched Martin talking to the main office to accomodate my request and he was smiling at me while reiterating my request. "I know she's been a good customer...no, she is not unhappy...she's going on a credit card diet...." Martin laughed and then asked me if I wanted a VISA instead? No, thanks, no more plastic--that's my plan. He hung up ad said the account was now closed and I would be receiving a letter of confirmation in the next 10 days. I thanked him and left.

There was a modicum of nostalgia and sadness about my choice. I almost retracted my request while it was taking so long to convince the home office. I had opened the account in 1983 when I was a new bride. And being that it was a Nordstrom card, to me, it represented a level of prosperity. Did I really want to let that go? Well, I am no longer married (even though the card was/is in my own name); and my prosperity is an inside job these days. Yes, I was ready to cancel this account and attend the yearly sales with cash in hand.


This afternoon, I went to Costco to return the charging unit from a Bluetooth headset I had returned last week. I sat in the car watching the beautiful clouds and making a few phone calls. I watched as over a dozen men walked out with pink roses presumably for Valentine's Day. I pondered as to why they were buying the flowers a day early. Were they going to deliver the flowers early? Keep the flowers hidden somehow till tomrrow? Hmmm. Has Valentine's Day become so automatic? I am glad that I really do like to celebrate love all 365 days of the year. And yes, I am happy to say that I have my Valentine back this year and although not roses, I did get him something to acknowledge this recognized day o' love.

Now go out and give somebody some LOVE!

XXXXXX