Fat Tuesday

Winter Edition: UKC Magazine of the Arts

http://www.kcpt.org/uniquelykc/index.shtml

It's time for another UKC!  

February 19th, 8pm (see site for 2 more show times) 

Please support the show by calling, donating and/or emailing the station - tell them it is worth taking into the 2009-2010 season :) Shameless, I know.

randy_mason@kcpt.org

KCPT Public Broadcasting 19, Inc.
125 East Thirty-First Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816.756.3580

Songbird Cafe - in the news again!!

http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/998002.html


It's risky quitting your job - with the steady pay, the insurance package, a command of the store, and co-workers you are fond of. Well that's just what my friend Courtney did almost one year ago (Anniv. Feb. 07). The Kansas City Star link above is the Songbird Cafe listed in Cozy spots in KC. She's had other wonderful write-ups too! I am so proud of her. She puts her heart into it and everyone can tell and is greater for the visit to her cozy little cafe in KCK.


songbirdcafe@gmail.com

Courtney Wasson
(owner)

Being Little

There was a little girl who had 2 brothers who grew up in my neighborhood - Jenny.  Her back yard and my backyard connected and we would hop the fence to play with each other.  It was in a red wooden slated wagon down their steep driveway that I had my first taste of speed and danger.  We would sit inside using the pull as a steering mechanism, point it down the drive and GO!  We didn't worry about cars or bruises - just FUN.  By the the end of the day that wagon was busted, never to be used again.  Onto other adventures for the neighborhood kids of Keysor Elementary...

Top row, 2nd from Right - me (5 or 6), to my Left - Little Jenny S.(4 or  5) 

Inauguration Day

"This day is all that is good and fair. It is too clear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays."                                                                  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reflection this morning

When the heart grieves what is lost, the spirit rejoices over what is left. -Sufi saying

A road made of dirt turns to mud in the rain and often we get stuck.

A road made of smooth concrete becomes slick at the slightest moisture and we often slide off.

A road with a good foundation - dirt/concrete with rocks and pocks, this road, is the one we can best grab onto and move forward with.

As is life - the beautiful times, the giving times, the loving times, connects us with the road, like tires with deep treads.

As is life - the tough times, the painful times, the confusing times, actually gives us the right foundation to grab on and propel forward.

I woke up today with a peaceful tender feeling. Holding on is not an option. I mourn and honor, reflect and release. Things are different today without her here. Our time together was sacred and the lessons that relationship teaches me helps me connect to my road. The feelings of loss I am experiencing will help to build my foundation. Every situation and being provides a gift and I don't have to work to find the gift that Seneca has been to me. I feel spirit everywhere and in me. I remain open to life's lessons, and I know all is well.

Seneca "Sennie" Sunshine Suetos

July 3, 1993 - Jan. 17, 2009  (16 years old)

Sennie is a gift in my life.  As Sam says, "Seneca is a beautiful spirit in dog's clothing."  I like that.  And it is true.  She's been my dog for 13 years.  And Sen, Sennie-Pennie, has been a pleasure and a joy.  And sometimes, well, stinky, poopy, scratchy and loud (mucho-barko).  But I would do every bit of it over, and over again...even the nights where she needs  3 to 4 trips to go outside to the bathroom.   

Every friend of mine became and 'Auntie' or an 'Uncle.'  She has had a lot of dog friends over the years too - Moose, Devie Dog, Rosie, Lucy, Terra, Yeti, Switch, Bernie, Rainy, Cosmo and Dango :) and more... And she has the best Grandma any dog could hope for - Jeanne 'Nene.'

Seneca has wagged her tail on t.v., she's moved to interesting places, she once chased away a burglar, she nipped  Jen's doggie 'Sailor' while on a hike and he had to get stitches (sorry), she was surprise attacked by a neighbor dog... Many adventures.  

Mostly she's been...my dog.  My wonderful true sweet 'Spirit in dog's clothing.'  How blessed am I.  I hope she feels as loved as she makes me feel.  Turn up your speakers  & click 'play', here's a little look at us recently:    (special thanks to Matt Smith & Cassie Jo - great photos!)

For her last night (tonight) I threw her a little party with lots of bacon!  I do believe between the bacon, the love, the pets, the kisses and the belly rubs - this has been one heck of a celebration!

I will miss her.  We will miss her.  It will be so strange without our morning walks.  Her kissing spot.  The way her head smells.  The sound of her breathing.  The sound of her snoring!  Her pink tongue.  HOWLING!  The softest ears.  Saying "Paw, Paw," so she'll put her foot through her 'clothes.'  I'll miss how sometimes she liked food more than me.  I'll miss her following me from room to room. Talking to her - actual conversations (I swear she listened).  Singing songs to her and singing songs that I alter to insert her name into - like "Oh, Sen-e-ca (Canada)."  So very many songs.

It will be hard for awhile but I know I am better for this time with her.  She helped 'grow me up.'  And I'll be with her again.  I love her.  I love her.  She's my friend.  My dawghter.  Goodbye sweetie face.  You're a GOODGIRL.

Thank you to everyone who came into Sennie's life and loved on her.  She loved you very much.

From Courtney.  Thank you, my dear friend (I'd like to share this part - it's beautiful):

Did you know that the Mayans believed that dogs were sacred to humans?  It was because of their unique position within the structure of their world.  It was thought that they bridged the animal and human realms, almost an ambassador between the two.  Because of that position and their connection to humans they were considered sacred beings.  Statues from this era often depict a human and a dog sitting across from each other and "kissing" or sharing breath.

I believe in that sacred connection and it has been a privilege to witness your love and friendship.  You and Seneca are so special and treasured.  Steph, Seneca is a part of you and I know that this is unspeakably difficult.  It's no secret that she has been one of the most important loves and friends of your life...now and forever.

Tomorrow will be hard and I will be thinking of you.  And I will be there.  Just call me...maybe we could go on a walk?  I love you and I'm going to miss Seneca.  I'm just so sorry.

Your friend - Courtney Michelle