It has been ten years since that horrific day, 9/11, when the WORLD watched the Twin Towers fall after two hijacked planes crashed into them. As I type this, I'm watching 205 FXNWS on DISH, '9/11: Timeline of Terror.' And as they play a timeline of that emotionally traumatizing day, I remember ...
A beautiful day ... much like today, ten years later ... and I was on my way to work as a telemarketer for a call center here in my home town of Ogallala, NE. The radio went on alert with a report that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers of the Trade Center in New York City.
"What!? Oh my God! What could this be?" I remember mumbling out loud.
I drove into the parking lot of my work and ran into the building and announced loudly, "Have you all heard the news?"
A few blank stares met my eyes, just as the supervisor came out of her office and together we announced that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center.
I went to my assigned cubicle and put my personals away as I sat down to log in and begin my day. I felt numb as I began my calls. It wasn't even 15 minutes into the job when the phone lines went blank and the call center went down. Our supervisor reappeared and announced that the phone lines were down for an undetermined amount of time and everyone would be sent home for the day. Any other day I would have been elated that we had an unexpected day off. But this day was different. Different? How?
I packed up my things and couldn't shake feeling alarmed, scared even. Everyone was trying to analyze what was happening as they gathered their things and headed out the door. An accident? Another Pearl Harbor? A joke ... we knew NOTHING, but we all felt a premonition of doom, of something out of balance.
"Lord," I silently prayed, "please protect us!"
Protect us from what? Us? I was recalling Oklahoma. Even remembering Columbine. Our great country is full of sick thinking so I was preparing for the worst. I had no idea how the 'worst' would unfold as it did that day. Our easy access to such events through the various media seared the events to our soul.
Instead of driving home, I drove over to Mom and Dad's. As I opened the front door, they were both watching the horror unfold on TV. I recognized that look of alarm on their faces. Didn't I just leave an environment of alarmed looking telemarketers? The day would draw in alarmed expressions from all walks of life and from all over the world. Alarm that would grow into despair, anguish and sheer shock.
Mom moved her pillows from the end of the couch to make room for me. I sat right beside her. Being near her seemed to make me feel more settled, more secure. I knew my folks were just as powerless as I. Still, there was some comfort in sitting as near as Mom would let me. I felt like a little girl again and had this crazy desire to climb into her lap. Yeah, sitting as close as I could get was good.
.... and later in the day, she and I would tell each other how grateful we were to be with each other. Families would be watching what we were watching and they would know someone inside the towers or one of the first responders. For them the agony would find no comfort. We still had each other. Mom and I said a prayer for everyone. Ok, I said the prayer but Mom was holding my hand and agreeing with me.
Dad sat in his recliner with his hand over his mouth. It amazed me that he was so quiet most of the day. He'd have moments of ranting when we learned that it was a terrorist attack but even his ranting was mostly quiet. He hadn't been feeling well since coming home from a recent hospital stay. And after this traumatic day, he seemed to decline faster and would go to be with the Lord less than 5 months later. He was also a veteran and had seen war and didn't like it then and sure didn't like it now. Now? He knew we would be going to war as a result of this. We all thought it would be with Egypt since the terrorists were from Egypt or Iran. Dad would have been surprised that we went back to Iraq. Anyway, rather Dad wasn't feeling well or reeling from the events unfolding on TV ... he was quiet. Too quiet. Later in the day, I would look over to witness tears rolling down his cheeks as he sat silently crying. In that moment I felt so small and helpless.
So there we sat, in silence, watching ... shocked. My only comfort of the moment, of the whole day, was being with two people I loved dearly. Together we witnessed, and cried, and despaired for all those in the Twin Towers and the unfolding terror that we could only watch...
... I only watched ... and it tore my heart out of my soul. I can't imagine what the experience was like for those who became innocent victims of such senseless evil. I can't imagine what one went through when they jumped from one death to another. I can't even fathom what sickness holds someone to commit suicide while killing thousands of innocents. I cry for those who went up to save lives and lost their own. I marvel at the survivor stories, miracles amid the tragic loss, and the heroes, like Flight 93 and all the first responders and all the people who helped each other. I was moved so much that, ten years later, I still feel a knot in my stomach and my heart still aches. And I wasn't even there ... I could only watch ...
Osama Bin Laden is dead now. He was supposedly the master mind, the leader of such evil. He was killed by the United States under the order of President Barack Obama. And he never was in Iraq ... but President Bush put us there and ... ok, ok, I'm digressing. So the king pin was finally brought down. But that pales to the impact of that day, 9/11/01, when terrorists brought down the Twin Towers. Ten years later there are still more questions then answers, more sorrow than joy and more fear than trust.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
2011 BLUE WATER BLUES FESTIVAL
On a cool, crisp, fall like evening, the sand hills of Nebraska near the small town of Lewellen, echoed out the best sounding blues I'd heard in a while. What a treat for those of us who spent our evening in the back yard of the 17 Ranch Winery, listening to and watching some extraordinary talent!
Labor Day Weekend usually finds me on a bike trip with my husband, touring somewhere, in this awesome country we live in. Several reasons kept me home this year and my disappointment was completely erased last night, when hanging at home, gave me the opportunity to finally check this annual festival out. I love the blues!
The day opened on a planned day of work. Up by 6 am to prepare for the final day of my weekend garage sale. A couple of dear friends had come from Kearney to help me with the sale and brought a new golden retriever puppy with them. So the sun came up, dog went out for her morning duties, coffee was brewed and garage sale baked goods were raided for breakfast. Then ... to work...
We closed up the garage sale by mid afternoon, and everyone took turns cleaning up for our evening date with the blues while watching the Nebraska football game! Nebraska won! The festival was to start at 5 pm and we weren't going to be on time. Finally ready ... we set out for Lewellen as the sun was setting.
As we drove into town, my friends asked me for directions. I'd never been to this winery since it's opening so my directions were to just open up the windows and listen for music and follow it's sound. That's what small towns are all about. As it turned out, driving down main street, one couldn't miss it even if the band hadn't already been playing to lure us near.
We weren't the only ones arriving late and as we walked up to the gate, a gal asked me if we were going to the festival. Before I could answer she took note of two tickets I was holding and commented that I probably didn't need any tickets.
"Oh but I do." I told her.
"I have these two tickets but I still need to buy one."
She then handed me a ticket and I asked her how much it was ...
I had bought two tickets for the 'early' purchase price of $15 earlier in the week and knew the third ticket was gona cost me $20 at the gate. I was hoping she would only want $15.
... She GAVE me the ticket!! Wow! I asked her if I could hug her and thanked her profusely!
Yes, these are tough times and usually 'concerts' are a luxury and often not experienced during such times. But I LOVE the blues. I was going to be home this time. I soooo wanted to go and I didn't want to make my friends pay for their own tickets especially after helping me with the garage sale AND what if they didn't like the blues ... anyway, what a blessing this surprise free ticket was! AND my friends loved the festival so much so they purchased a couple of CD's of the last band! ~ Note to Co: Thank you, darlin, for the CD. Listening to it as I write this blog. ~
While the sun went down, we set up our lawn chairs, put out our blankets to wrap up in when the cool crisp air settled in after dark and set out to purchase a gourmet hamburger and some ice tea.
Later we would learn how to get a commemorative wine glass and could taste the various wines the winery specialized in by the glass or the bottle. Beer and soft drinks were available also.
Picnic tables were near the grill but most had brought their own lawn chairs and were comfortably snuggled into their own blankets ... such a comfortable, warm (in spite of the early fall chill) and fun atmosphere. Cudos to Lewellen, to 17 Ranch Winery, for making such a festival available to us sand hill natives ... to those of us who love the blues.
Love the blues?
We missed the 1st bands performance. We arrived during the second half of the second bands performance. Sol-De-Joe , out of Denver, Co, had a slamming bass player, a sultry sax player, great vocals and all round sound that left you wanting for more. Check em out for yourself and see if you agree they are worthy of enjoyment. http://solfedjoe.com
The final band, Mary Bridget Davies Group, was soooo worth hanging through the cold night to hear! Mary has a voice that reminded me of Janis Joplin. She did some favorite Janis tunes and was right on ... closed my eyes and could see and hear Janis ... opened my eyes and could see Mary and hear both Janis and Mary. What a voice this woman has!!
And between songs she was such a kick! Funny, light, sexy, and soulful! Mary is one that must be seen as well as heard!! http://marybridgetdaviesgroup.com
And her band ... wow!! The bass player was captivating and made sitting still IMPOSSIBLE. Once some of the sound issues were refined ... wow!! The whole band is like a puzzle that fits perfectly. Each is a stand alone performer and ... well, all I can say is ... wow!!
Labor Day Weekend usually finds me on a bike trip with my husband, touring somewhere, in this awesome country we live in. Several reasons kept me home this year and my disappointment was completely erased last night, when hanging at home, gave me the opportunity to finally check this annual festival out. I love the blues!
The day opened on a planned day of work. Up by 6 am to prepare for the final day of my weekend garage sale. A couple of dear friends had come from Kearney to help me with the sale and brought a new golden retriever puppy with them. So the sun came up, dog went out for her morning duties, coffee was brewed and garage sale baked goods were raided for breakfast. Then ... to work...
We closed up the garage sale by mid afternoon, and everyone took turns cleaning up for our evening date with the blues while watching the Nebraska football game! Nebraska won! The festival was to start at 5 pm and we weren't going to be on time. Finally ready ... we set out for Lewellen as the sun was setting.
As we drove into town, my friends asked me for directions. I'd never been to this winery since it's opening so my directions were to just open up the windows and listen for music and follow it's sound. That's what small towns are all about. As it turned out, driving down main street, one couldn't miss it even if the band hadn't already been playing to lure us near.
We weren't the only ones arriving late and as we walked up to the gate, a gal asked me if we were going to the festival. Before I could answer she took note of two tickets I was holding and commented that I probably didn't need any tickets.
"Oh but I do." I told her.
"I have these two tickets but I still need to buy one."
She then handed me a ticket and I asked her how much it was ...
I had bought two tickets for the 'early' purchase price of $15 earlier in the week and knew the third ticket was gona cost me $20 at the gate. I was hoping she would only want $15.
... She GAVE me the ticket!! Wow! I asked her if I could hug her and thanked her profusely!
Yes, these are tough times and usually 'concerts' are a luxury and often not experienced during such times. But I LOVE the blues. I was going to be home this time. I soooo wanted to go and I didn't want to make my friends pay for their own tickets especially after helping me with the garage sale AND what if they didn't like the blues ... anyway, what a blessing this surprise free ticket was! AND my friends loved the festival so much so they purchased a couple of CD's of the last band! ~ Note to Co: Thank you, darlin, for the CD. Listening to it as I write this blog. ~
While the sun went down, we set up our lawn chairs, put out our blankets to wrap up in when the cool crisp air settled in after dark and set out to purchase a gourmet hamburger and some ice tea.
Later we would learn how to get a commemorative wine glass and could taste the various wines the winery specialized in by the glass or the bottle. Beer and soft drinks were available also.
Picnic tables were near the grill but most had brought their own lawn chairs and were comfortably snuggled into their own blankets ... such a comfortable, warm (in spite of the early fall chill) and fun atmosphere. Cudos to Lewellen, to 17 Ranch Winery, for making such a festival available to us sand hill natives ... to those of us who love the blues.
Love the blues?
We missed the 1st bands performance. We arrived during the second half of the second bands performance. Sol-De-Joe , out of Denver, Co, had a slamming bass player, a sultry sax player, great vocals and all round sound that left you wanting for more. Check em out for yourself and see if you agree they are worthy of enjoyment. http://solfedjoe.com
The final band, Mary Bridget Davies Group, was soooo worth hanging through the cold night to hear! Mary has a voice that reminded me of Janis Joplin. She did some favorite Janis tunes and was right on ... closed my eyes and could see and hear Janis ... opened my eyes and could see Mary and hear both Janis and Mary. What a voice this woman has!!
And between songs she was such a kick! Funny, light, sexy, and soulful! Mary is one that must be seen as well as heard!! http://marybridgetdaviesgroup.com
And her band ... wow!! The bass player was captivating and made sitting still IMPOSSIBLE. Once some of the sound issues were refined ... wow!! The whole band is like a puzzle that fits perfectly. Each is a stand alone performer and ... well, all I can say is ... wow!!
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