Sing a little song.(and an organ donation plug)

Chorus concert tonight for my girl.  She loves to sing, she’s got it in her blood and tonight we have some public witnesses to what is really my life with this child.  She sings ALL the time.  Now, her Dad and grandfather are both musicians and sing non-stop so I should have known.  And since she has a beautiful voice it’s actually quite nice most of the time.  However, it will be nice when she gets past singing about such things as an 8 year old sings about.  :)On another note…I’m currently reading Jon Krakauer’s “Under the Banner of Heaven”, a novel about religious extremism, in particular the Mormon Fundamentalists.  If you’ve ever read “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote and liked it, you will enjoy this as well.  I have to say that it’s got a strong historical basis, which being a non-fiction reader by nature, I love.  I’ve learned so much about a religion that I previously knew nothing about.  I have to say, that when they come knocking on my door, spreading the Word, I will be able to say that I truly am not interested now, instead of just brushing them off.  🙂 I’m Catholic, with a bit of a Buddhist tinge to me…ok, more than a bit, but I definitely think that Mormonism (and especially Fundamentalism) is not for me.  But yet again, Krakauer did not disappoint.  His exhaustive research on the subjects he writes about really educate his readers, without boring to tears, as many history based books can do.   I do realize that this is just one viewpoint as I’m a very discerning reader and research even farther than my books take me, so I know that there is another “side” to the story and am exploring that as well.  I do see why people are attracted, or were attracted to this religion, in light of what they were promised.  “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson is a book that I will not soon forget.  I advise everyone to check it out and see the difference that one person with no significant financial means, can make upon this Earth.  His wife should also be commended for enduring the extended absences of Greg Mortenson while he makes all of his wonderful sacrifices, because she’s a guiding force behind his successes as well (as he is the first to admit).   There is mention of him someday receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and it would be well earned.  He’s given so much, to a country that many of us just dismiss.  This book opened my eyes and encouraged me to help try and make a difference and most of all, to increase tolerance of other cultures and religions. And last of all, as many of you know, my husband was  an organ donor eight years ago, before I met him (he donated a lung lobe for his childhood best friend who had cystic fibrosis, in a surgery that nearly cost him his own life).  Hence, we are active in CF fundraising and research and very interested in the possibilities of any cures on the horizon.  In my exploration of the blogosphere, I found Confessions of a CF Husband (cfhusband.blogspot.com) and became very involved in their story.  Nate and Tricia and their adorable daughter Gwyneth have touched the hearts of many people around the world and once you visit this blog, you will be checking it several times daily.  Please swing by and visit and no matter what your faith, say a prayer for these people who have tackled one of the most difficult situations with grace and style and always with immeasurable faith in God.  And I guarantee you’ll enjoy the regular pictures of baby Gwyneth that you get treated to!  And remember, give the gift of life.  Whether it’s while you are living or after death…donate blood, become an organ donor, become active in encouraging others.  It’s the greatest gift you can ever give.  Tricia received “new lungs” late last night and early this morning in an long surgery.  Please pray for her swift and full recovery.