Moments and Memories

9/3/2007 The Opera House

2007-09-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

My Grandfather Arthur Karklins was the director of this Opera House before the war.When they came to the U.S. he continued with his entertaining abilities. They continued to have Latvian Theater and opera. I was lucky enough to watch, to see and hear

The Latvian National Opera is the biggest and best musical theater in the country. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1918, Latvian National Opera at once became the center of Riga's musical activity. Great masters, multinational personalities and generations of talent have molded the Latvian National Opera's history. They preserved the craft and traditions of diligent work, raised artistic standards to new heights and cultivated the opera audience. During less than a century of the prolific work the repertoire of the theater embraces all the opera masterpieces. No 19th century German, Italian, French or Russian opera is left unstaged. The 20th century is represented by such outstanding composers as Strauss, Albert, Schilling, Krenek, Reinberger, Wolf-Ferrari, Cilea and Janacek. The company pays great attention to the preservation of national tradition and culture. Original Latvian opera and ballet productions by Janis Medins, Jazeps Medins and Janis Kalnins graced the repertory. Nowadays the LNO Opera Company is a group of artists known all over the world due to the bright voices of the soloists and smooth timbre of the chorus, the outstanding performances and high artistic level of the troupe.
But the Latvian National Opera is famous not only for its operas, but for its ballet troupe as well. The Ballet Company of the LNO or the so-called Riga Ballet is world-renowned for its soloists Michael Barishnikov, Aleksandr Godunov, Maris Liepa and many others. Professional Latvian ballet began developing in 1919 as a part of the National Opera company. In 1922 the very first ballet performance in Riga, P.L. Hertel's "Love In Vain" was shown to the public. The art director and the inspirer of a first permanent ballet troupe was Marinsky Theatre ballet teacher and director Nikolai Sergeyev. Ex-Marinsky Theatre prima ballerina and outstanding ballet dancer Alexandra Fyodorova solidified the base of the new-born Riga Ballet. The LNO Ballet Company has evolved into a group of artistically brilliant and technically strong performers who work really hard to show to the world audience their interpretations of both classical and contemporary choreography, combining the best tradition of world ballet and the unique national character.

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Address: Aspazijas Blvd., 3
Phone: 371-7073777

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All rights reserved.

9/3/2007 RIGA

2007-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Riga is the Capital of Latvia and retains the largest population of people. It is broken into two sectors. There is Old Riga and New Riga. They are very proud of their country and preserve the historic buildings. The architecture is so phenominal. There were times we just looked and stared that human hands created the beauty.

It took us two full days of sit seeing. We Stayed with my Aunt Gaida and daughter Inga.We visited with them and Aunt Gaidas son Edgar also. Tim enjoyed conversing in English. Inga took us by bus both days and we walked literally for 6 hours each day. Snapping pictures, listening to outside entertainment and eating. What I attached is just a snippit of what we saw but I have included many. We already want to go back and want to see more of the Castles and more out lying areas. The internet is a great research place.

OLD REGA:

NEW REGA

Now this is how we should all travel.I understand the Smart car is coming to the States

DID YOU KNOW:

Riga
Territory: 64,589 sq km
Location: Eastern Europe
Geographic coordinates: 57 00 N, 25 00 E
Border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km , Russia 217 km
Coastline: 531 km
People in Latvia: Population: 2,366,515 (2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%

Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Languages: Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian
Type of government: Parliamentary democracy
Administrative divisions: 26 counties and 7 municipalities: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgavas Rajons, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezeknes Rajons, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils Rajons, Daugavpils, Riga, Jelgava, Ventspils, Liepaja, Jurmala, Rezekne.
Climate: The climate is maritime, wet. Winters are moderate.
Terrain: Low plain.
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
Highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
Flag description: Two wide red horizontal stripes separated by thinner white horizontal stripe.
National Emblem: The National Coat of Arms combines symbols of Latvian national statehood as well as symbols of ancient historical districts. The sun in the upper part of the coat symbolizes the national statehood. Three stars above tell about the inclusion of historical districts into united Latvia. Culturally historic regions of Latvia are characterized by such heraldic figures as a lion and a winged silver griffon.
National holiday: Independence Day, 18 November (1918) - independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August (1991) - independence from the Soviet Union
Constitution: The 1991 constitutional law supplements the 1922 constitution and provides for basic rights and freedoms.
Legal system: based on civil law system
Industries: Synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, washing machines, vans, buses, cars, railroad cars, electronics, fertilizers, processed fertilizers, processed foods, pharmaceuticals.
Natural resources: Limestone, peat, dolomite, wood, arable land, hydropower, amber.
Official currency: Latvian lat (LVL)

Copyright 2003-2007 Optima Tours
All rights reserved.

9/3/2007 Blackheads House

2007-09-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

The 17th century Blackhead's House is a low-rise building that figures prominently as an integral part of Riga's architectural landscape.

The Blackhead's House was first mentioned in 1334. The building was owned by the Great Guild that sprang up not later than in the 14th century. The Guild consisted of the privileged groups of merchants and landholders in the Baltics and had a great influence on the town council work.

In the 15th century, the house was rented out to the Blackheads Merchant Guild and became their property in 1713. Blackheads organization was a union of unmarried foreign merchants who lived in the Baltic towns without families. Beachheads' houses were clubs and communities at the same time.

This beautiful Gothic building with a Dutch Renaissance facade was destroyed in 1941, during World War II. It was just recently rebuilt in honor of the city's 800th anniversary in 2001. The building is now open to the public. The renewed building, wide and squat topped with mechanical clocks, is so authentic that it looks like as if it was transported directly from the 14th century.

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Address: Strelnieku, 7

9/3/2007 Freedom Monument

2007-09-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

The voluminous Freedom Monument (Brivibas Piemineklis) is a sacred place in the hearts and minds of every Latvian. This potent symbol of the nation was built in 1935 with the help of citizen's donations. The author of the project was an outstanding Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale.

The image of Liberty holding three stars in stretched hands crowns the monument and symbolizes unity of the country. Somehow the monument has survived four decades of the Soviet rule. A popular local joke during the Communist era was that the monument was actually a travel agent, since laying flowers at it guaranteed a one-way ticket to Siberia. Today, the monument, the tallest of its kind in Europe, is back to its best after a major renovation, and still retains its meaning, as well as doubling up as a favorite meeting point for the city's youth.

This monument takes a very special place in the history of Latvia. In the late 80s - early 90s the monument became a spiritual centre of the nation, a symbol of people's longing for independence. Riga's residents gather on the square round the monument on state holidays and commemoration days. Military parades are held there.

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Address: Brivibas St. and Raina Blvd.

9/3/2007 Powder Tower

2007-09-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

For the first time it was mentioned under the name of the Sand Tower. At the beginning of the 14 century the tower was a main part of Sand Gate fortification system, consisting of 25 towers. It stood on the Sand Road that led to the town.
From the 17th century the Powder Tower served as a gunpowder warehouse. So it gained the name "Pulvertornis" meaning Powder Tower in English. It had to stand main attacks of Swedish troops in 1625 and was restored only in 25 years. The war with Russia left its traces too. 9 cannon balls embedded in its thick three meters wide walls.

Today in the Powder Tower the Latvian War Museum is located. The museum was founded in 1916 as the Latvian Riflemen's Museum. In 1937-1939 a new museum extension was added to the Powder Tower. The museum was closed by Soviet authorities in 1940 and reopened in 1990.

The museum houses the permanent exhibitions "Latvian Soldiers During World War I 1914-1918", "Proclamation of the Latvian State and Liberation Battles 1918-1920", "The Latvian Army and Navy 1919-1940", "Latvia and World War II" and "The Road towards the Barricades 1945-1991".

Quoted by historical information

9/3/2007 Three Brothers

2007-09-03T13:15:00.001-07:00

This architectural ensemble that bears unofficial name Tris Brali or Three Brothers in English is located in the heart of the Old Town. It's a very good sample of medieval Riga dwelling buildings.
The oldest house called the White Brother is the most medieval and dates back to the 15th century. It has typical characteristic of Latvian medieval architecture and is the only premise that survived originally from that time.

The year of birth of the middle Yellow Brother is 1646. The date is written on the facade. The Green Brother is the youngest. It was constructed in the middle of the 18th century. With the pediments facing the street these houses present the main principles of the medieval architectural manner.

The Latvian Museum of Architecture that is housed in one of these buildings, and namely in the White Brother, was founded in 1994. The museum has a database of Latvian architects from 1869 up to the present. Its drawing collection contains up to a thousand original drawings and plans as well as qualitative blueprints and photocopies. The museum also offers some temporary exhibition programs.

The tradition that members of one handicraft lived on one street was in full force and effect in medieval Riga. These three dwelling houses are remains of former Backer Street, which of course was inhabited by backers. Standing side by side to each other, the buildings form a typical ensemble. And this is also the reason why they are called Three Brothers.

Quoted from historical article

9/3/2007 Riga St Peters Church

2007-09-03T12:50:00.001-07:00

St Perters Church

This church was mentioned for the first time in 1209. In that time it was meant to be the main church of the town. During the fight with the Livonian Order in 1297 it was used for catapult bombarding of the Wittenstein Castle. In 1408-1409 Rostock architect I. Rummeschotel added a new altar part the existing building. The construction works continued in 1456 and by 1473 the old church was reconstructed. The tower of the church had quite a bad luck. It was rebuilt many times. For the first time it collapsed in 1966. Then it was burned down several times - the last one was right on St. Peter's Day in 1941. In 1971, the tower was restored. From the observation platform built on the top of the tower you can enjoy a wonderful bird's eye view of Riga. Nowadays it's one of the best samples of Gothic architecture in the Baltics. Various concerts and exhibitions are held in the church.

9/3/2007 Tourist Infornation Jurmala

2007-09-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jurmala [ pronounced Yurmala – see Language Tips ] - the largest beach resort in the Baltic States is situated along Riga Bay, only 20 km from Riga’s city centre.

Jurmala’s unique, white sand beach is 32 km long. It meets Europe’s water quality, infrastructure, and safety standards and receives the EU Blue Flag each year. Smoking and walking dogs on Jurmala’s main beaches are banned.

Jurmala’s uniqueness not only lies in the length of its beach, but also in its shallow coastal waters, where one can not only swim, but also walk, stand, sit and lie. The shallow water is perfect for children. The beach is surrounded by dunes and tall pine-trees, giving off a wonderful, relaxing, and healing scent.

Jurmala’s attractions extend beyond the beach. Jurmala is also a township situated in a park-like landscape, where two-storey, intricately carved wooden housing predominates. The architecture consists of an eclectic combination of modern mansions and original wooden homes dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jurmala is quiet, calm, and relaxed with its clean paved paths, narrow streets, and houses hidden among the trees. Garden-lovers will enjoy the impeccably mowed lawns and elaborate flowerbeds surrounding Jurmala’s mansions.

9/3/2007 Jurmala

2007-09-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Baltic sea is beautiful place the sea is very shallow so you can walk way out before it actually drops deeper. WE visited twice in our trip/ We went the first time to walk through the tourist area Jurmala- this could be similar to our Newport Beach Ca. We walked through shops and stopped and had lunch. They do not have coffee like we do . It is very different and had grounds that settle at the bottom. I had an iced coffee but it was not STARBUCKS. We shopped for some souvenirs there. We saw the higher class beach homes . Not in the price range I can even afford. I was told that they are owned in large by influential and rich Russians.

The white sand is so beautiful. It was rather cool on both visits. At least for me. Tim, Katrina and my Cousin Daina swan the second visit.The second time was in a more unpopulated area. It was very interesting walking through the woods and then suddenly there is the sea.

Latvian Folk Dancers

2007-09-02T02:25:00.000-07:00

8/12/07 St.Johns Day

2007-08-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

One of the largest holiday festivals in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is St. John's Day which celebrates the summer solstice. Traditionally, the evening festivities last the entire night. During this celebration men wear crowns of oak leaves and women put on wreaths of wild flowers. A bonfire is built, around which the nights activities take place.
Every year's Festival presents a variety of St. John's Day traditions include wreath making, a bonfire, and dancing.
Latvian participants making wreaths and garlands of oak leaves.
All men named John are offered a special bread in honor of John's Day
A bonfire is lit in celebration of St. John's Day.
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We had such fun with the family on Johns day. We went to the country where we spent the night. In preparation we made head dresses ,prepared food and the bonfire was prepared well in advance with wood and old objects thrown in guaranteed to be a huge fire.

We used the Sauna (pirt) which is big in the Baltics. They go every Saturday to rest from work, have a drink and use the sauna. My cousin Daina and her husband built a room on to the sauna. So you have the eating living area, dressing room and the sauna. The ladies go separate and go three different times thru the evening finally finishing with a coat of honey on the skin and using Birch branches to whip your skin. Believe me I see now why they all have such beautiful skin. Just the time I was there and we went couple times my skin was soft and alive. If I would stay longer perhaps I would even turn younger (ha!ha!)

We sang. danced and ate. Eating is a requirement with Europeans. No one is ever hungry. If you have ever been to my house now you can realize where I get served so much food. The men drink their beer. Some went swimming in the pond. The idea is to stay up all night but Tim was the only one after 3:00 in the morning up. Since the country is so far north it only gets dark about 12:00 midnight and then starts to get light again about 3:00 in morning. When I got up at 5:00 a.m. Tim was sitting alone by the fire . Everyone pooped out on him. He had a blast though. During the main part of the evening you could see other bon fires speckled in the distance and sign of others celebrating.

The next day we visited, played Yahtzee and then my cousin Daina went into the garden and picked fresh vegetables and made a home made soup. Was that ever delicious. Fresh out of the garden is the best. Of course we had our rye bread.

There was a time that there were more celebrations with the traditional dress and the official dances. That was fun. I remember as a girl at home the Latvians in Washington had special celebrations like that. We could have stayed to watch the city celebration but believe it or not the country choice was better as it rained in the city

What a fun weekend. I love my heritage and the traditions.

8/11/07 TERVETE PARK

2007-08-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

Author of children fairy tales lives not too far from the main entrance of this beautiful park It is filled with wood carvings and figures made of sticks. The walk alone was incredible. We did not even finish half. The witch in the forest was brewing tea. She offered the people a taste (yuck). It tasted like grass but who said anything a witch gives you is to be delicious.

The snails we saw were huge. Our family told us that many of the other countries come to Latvia to farm these interesting creatures for ESCARGOT The day we went was misty but nice. AS you see we are wearing coats. The weather being the ocean climate there were many days it rained in the morning and then the sun came out.

Not far also in the horizon was the Tervete Castle Mound (Sugar Mound). It is on the right bank of the river Tervete on a hill 19m high and has been artificially transformed into the castle. Archeologist's studied the mound where six cultural layers were found attesting that the castle mound was inhabited since the 1st century BC. Later a brick castle, from which ruins still remain and was built on the north western side of the castle mound

Little snip it from the guide book:

Nature Park “Tervete”:
Annele’s pathways and characters from A. Brigadere’s fairy tales, the Dwarf’s Village and the Mushroom Forest, the children’s playground and camping places as well as picnic opportunities, beautiful landscape, bridges, fascinating Tervete pines and fresh air. Fishing. Guided tours.

Light Hearted Fun In Latvia........

2007-08-09T01:31:00.001-07:00

8/5/07 Rundales Pils

2007-08-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful outing to see this georgeous palace . Just one of hundreds that can be found in Latvia. I have inserted a little history for everyones enjoyment. We went with my Uncle Erik, Aunt Elza,my cousin Daina , husband Maris. We did not get to go into the palace as they were having a French concert there that day. So we walked the grounds. That alone was so nice. Next trip we will go inside for sure. We had a nice lunch out. We had cold beet soup and rye bread. Soup is a popular staple. I enjoy it as my mom cooks like that and I was raised with it. Soups of any kind I can eat it morning or night .

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Summer Residence of the Duke of Courland, ERNST JOHANN BIRON
Built: 1736-1740, 1763-1768 Architect: Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli

Rundāle Palace is one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia. It was built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence of Duke Ernst Johann of Courland.The Duchy of Courland-Semigallia, a vassal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, was founded in 1561 and it existed until 1795.In 1737 Ernst Johann Biron, a landlord in Courland and favorite of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna, became the Duke of Courland-Semigallia.

The Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli designed Rundāle Palace and supervised construction work. After the death of Empress Anna Ioannovna, the Duke was arrested and sent to exile in Russia. Construction works in the palace were resumed after the Duke's return at the beginning of the reign of Empress Catherine II.The major part of the interior was made in the period between 1765 and 1768.The Italian masters from St. Petersburg Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi created paintings on the ceilings and walls while sculptor Johann Michael Graff from Berlin made stucco decorations on the background of artificial marble.Following the annexation of the Duchy of Courland-Semigallia to the Russian Empire, Rundāle Palace became the property of Count Valerian Zubov.

The next owner of the palace was the Count's brother Platon Zubov whose widow married Count Andrei Shuvalov. The Shuvalov family owned the estate until 1920 when the new Latvian government introduced the agrarian reform and, as a result, the palace became the property of the Republic of Latvia.After World War I there were flats and an elementary school in the damaged palace. In 1933 the palace was taken over by the State Museum of History and some repairs were carried out there. The palace did not suffer damage during World War II but after the war some of its rooms were adapted for a granary. In 1972 the Rundāle Palace Museum was founded and restoration of the palace began. Restoration is not yet completed and is still going on.

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Every day and every moment I spent with these amazing people was a blessing. The love they have for each other is truly amazing. Most amazing is the love they have for my father. My grandmother Zelma and grandfather Janis were a strong influence and never let my fathers memory die. Before Grandma Zelma passed she called all the cousins to her bedside and told them not to forget the family in America. They have not forgotten and the nice thing is to have this extended family. It completes me and my heart is happy.

Hope you all enjoy the pictures

8/2/07 Dobele

2007-08-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Our first two days we spent in Dobele with my Aunt and Uncle. I was amazed at the quaintness of the town and how everyone walked every where. You saw cars but definitely not like here in California.

As I mentioned I brought gifts and we sorted them out Saturday after a nice sleep. Boy did I sleep good. I gave them their gifts. My Uncle has a problem of hearing. He has a hearing aid but it is old and just was not doing anything for him. He did not join in conversations much my Aunt said. I saw an advertisement on TV about a devise call Miracle Ear. You slip it in the ear like a hearing aid and it amplifies the sound. When he put it in his ear. He said speak to me. So we did. He started to cry. He was so happy that he finally could understand the words. I thought I gave him a million dollars. I just thought it would assist him. He wore both at first but used one in the opposite ear of the one which he had a hearing aid for. He said it made a great difference and he was saving the other one. I gave him a big hug and said I love you ( Es tevu melu). All through our visit he jabbered and asked questions.

Aunt Elza said the other day that they actually have conversations now. I am so glad. I also brought the normal Disney souvenirs as well. They all love Disney.

Dobele (the name)is first mentioned in historical records from 1254. Settlements were recorded as far back as 1000 B.C. The people were referenced as villagers. Of course time paid its toll on the town with the plague, Soviet control and war time.

There is Semigallian castle remains still standing in Dobele from the Livonion Order from the 13th century. The castle was abandoned after 1729. There are many tales and legends surrounding the castle which tell about hidden gold and secret underground passages. Dobele has undertaken the task to conserve the castle.

How cool is that. We walked around the inside of the castle a couple times on our long walks. It was interesting as when a stone is sticking out farther than others meant that someone perished during it's construction and was placed that way to show respect to them.
There are many churches and palaces and beautiful national park land and lots of farming property. Believe it or not much of the harvesting is still done manually. We saw many an old lady out there making hay bales with just a pitch fork. Hard working people. But all find time to laugh, sing and enjoy life no matter what they have.

In Dobele I visited with almost everyone. we had dinner with my cousin Gunta and family, My Aunt Ilga and Cousin Raivis and family and my cousin Daina and family. We laughed, we cried and we laughed some more. I knew I would have to let go but I did not want to. There were times I curled up next to my Uncle and put my head on his shoulder like a little girl. He said he wished we could have met earlier in life but we couldn't. I told him life is precious and we must make the best of what we have now. He does not look like my dad but his mannerisms and the way he laughs and how when he says something funny he raises his brows. I felt at home and so comfortable. I hope everyone will enjoy the pictures of Dobele and the family.

July 31, 2007 The Arrival

2007-07-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

My trip seems like a dream but it happened and it was surreal. We flew out of LA airport on June 14, 2007. I was a little nervous because me and airplanes... well enough said. The flight was excellent. We flew Luftansa Airlines. I can only say they are a classy airline and the service was excellent.
Our first leg of the journey was 10 1/2 hours to Munich Germany. The flight was long but I tried to get up as much as possible . I dozed a little. We watched a couple movies. I was excited. I woke out of a sleep and looked out the airline window and I saw the northern lights. I have heard about it but never saw it first hand. How beautiful. The sky lit up in pinks, purples,blues and rippling white. I was in awe. I watched until it was no longer visible.

We arrived in Munich late. It stressed us out as the connecting flight to Stockholm, Sweden was only 1 hour after arrival. We had a lady that met the group of us and rushed us through the airport, customs and to the connection. This put us late to arrive in Stockholm and the connecting flight in Riga. Once again we got off the plane and literally ran to the next connection. All was well as Riga Air was late leaving as they were over booked. How they do that I do not know. Finally 5 people agreed to wait till the next flight and off we went. Talk about nervous then. One hour away from Riga,Latvia and my family.

Alot was going through my mind. Tim was so excited too. It was odd being on Riga Air and actually understanding the language everyone spoke. Not always you go to Europe and understand the native language. I chuckled to myself and ease dropped on conversations.
When we flew over part of Latvia my heart was fluttering. I finally had made it. I said to myself "Dad, we are here " He went with me I know that for sure.

The landing was good and when we got to the entry and custom they took each person separate and asked the reason for the visit, where you were staying and who you would be seeing. I bravely spoke in Latvian and told them. Then it came to be Tim's turn and I advised the officer that my husband spoke no Latvian and she asked me to step to the side. She was very cordial and stamped his passport and off we went. I was not sure what to expect but I knew someone would be there to get us.
As we got closer where many people were waiting for their loved ones I started to recognize faces. Oh my God they were all there. All 16 of them. My aunts, my uncle, my cousins, second cousins and third. Tears in my eyes I ran up to Aunt Ilga first. She said Dainite do you know who I am . I said yes and grabbed her and just held on. After that everyone one at a time came up to me and stated who they were and hugged me and gave me flowers. I felt like royalty. My uncle cried. I barely could get my arms around all the flowers. They gave Tim a can of Beer and hugs and a big welcome.

Everyone discussed what was going to occur and what we needed to do and we said goodbye and would see everyone later. We went with Dina and she would take us to Dobele where my Uncle Erik lives and Aunt Elza. We would stay there for two nights and then go back to Riga and stay with my Aunt Guida and cousin Inga and cousin Edgar. We should have been tired considering the time change. We were now 10 hours ahead of California time. I just stared at everyone. I did not want to take my eyes off of them. I was finally here and my heart was at peace. Tim and I were ready for the adventure and the people and the beautiful sites we would see.

We visited a short while , had a bite to eat and went to bed about midnight. I kissed and hugged them and told them I would do that everyday so I had plenty hugs to bring home with me. In the morning we would sort out the gifts and visit some more. I was just so happy and comfortable it felt like home. The odd thing Tim felt the same way. We were excited for the new day to come.

To be continuted...........

Busy!!!! July 28, 2007

2007-07-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am back and I want to go back. What a trip and what a beautiful time we had. Here is a little article by Washington Post....Just to wet your whistle. I will start adding my memories tomorrow. Wait till you see the pictures. Time has flown and so much to do so little time as they say. Feels good to write again; Enjoy this article....... about Riga the capitol of Latvia

By Gary LeeWashington Post Staff WriterSunday, July 22, 2007;

Page P01

Saturday evening was falling across Riga's cobbled Old Town,bacchanalia calling from every street corner. At Steiku Haoss, a classy steak joint, a saxophonist was working the floor with Big Easy abandon. Long-legged dancers balanced on tabletops at the Pupu Lounge.Across the packed floor of Nobody Writes to the Colonel, a perpetually hip warehouse club, 20-somethings were dancing up a frenzy to house music.Temptations, temptations. But my plans took me elsewhere, on a forayinto Riga's dark and drama-filled past.A few steps inside a massive room in the city center, and I was engrossed in paraphernalia from the city's five decades under Sovietand Nazi rule: secret listening devices taken from the walls of the Hotel Riga, dispatches from Latvians deported to Siberia, poignant photographs of the 370-mile human chain of protesters that snaked through Riga and across the Baltics in 1989. Admittedly, my evening tour of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia would not be everybody's idea of a Saturday night thrill.But I'd come to the Latvian capital to explore the city beyond the revelry, and it turned out to be like searching for cornfields inKansas. There is so much here -- art nouveau buildings with elaborate facades, music rippling through churches and concert halls almost nightly, and hearty Baltic fare in restaurants on nearly every block-- that I wondered why any curious visitor would squander time over abeer in a dank basement club.Riga is the rising star of European destinations. For the last half ofthe 20th century, this urban stronghold -- in fact, all of Latvia andthe neighboring Baltic nations, Estonia and Lithuania -- were buriedon the bleak side of the Iron Curtain. Riga's relatively small size(population 727,000), far-flung location (11 hours from Washington)and nippy climate (snow often covers the ground from November toMarch) kept all but a trickle of travelers at bay.That changed when the Baltics gained independence from the SovietUnion in 1991 and Riga's stock began climbing. It hasn't stopped. Bythe account of the Latvian Tourism Development Agency, travel to the seaside country has shot up 25 percent a year for the past four years.Much of the fuss has been over the up-all-night festivities,especially on weekends, that consume the Old Town, an alluring quarter dominated by Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings. In the pastcouple of years, stag groups and other youthful partyers have swooped in by the plane load and transformed the place into a kind of My konos without the bikinis (or the beach). A plus for American travelers:Most young Rigans have a good grasp of English.Sounds like fun. But I knew there was much more to this place.A Flowering of FreedomFirst, a brief history lesson.The Baltics, free of foreign control for a brief period in the early 20th century, were placed in the Soviet sphere by a 1939 pact between Hitler and Stalin. The Soviet troops and security agents who were deployed throughout Latvia after World War II brought home thecountry's occupied status. In the late 1980s, dissidents started campaigning for Baltic independence, climaxing in an extraordinary human chain across the Baltics on Aug. 23, 1989. The collapse of the Soviet Union the next month freed Latvia to declare independence.As a foreign correspondent in the 1980s, I'd visited Riga several times to cover demonstrations against Soviet occupation. In thatperiod, many of its monuments and other historical locales were closed or inaccessible. Last fall, I took my first trip to independentLatvia. I wanted to use my five days there to see landmarks that had shaped the city's character.The House of Blackheads, near the Occupation Museum in the Old Town,is a replica of a landmark that did not survive. Crowned by a 92-foot-high gable, Riga's most exalted mansion has more than a dozen rooms adorned with portraits of monarchs and landed gentry. After theoriginal (built in the 1330s) was heavily damaged during a World WarII bombing raid, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin condemned it as an example of bourgeois excess and had it destroyed.Eight years ago, the replica was constructed in exacting detail, downto the oversize statue of St. George at the top, spinning slowly inthe wind like a weather vane. "The destruction could be considered adefeat in our battle with the Soviets," a guide, employed by theBlackheads, said. "The rebuilding is a symbol of our ultimatevictory."A more poignant reminder sits on the northern edge of the Old Town.The Freedom Monument is a 138-foot-high granite column crowned by a28-foot figure of a woman holding three golden stars overhead. It wasdedicated in November 1935 to honor Latvia's independence.During the 50 years that the Soviets occupied Latvia, locals wereforbidden to approach the structure. Protesters often attempted togather at its base and were quickly arrested.Since 1991, the monument has become a pilgrimage site. Now guarded by Latvian soldiers who change stations every hour, it is at once asolemn and euphoric scene. On this sunny October afternoon, severallocals approached and left bouquets of red and white flowers -- thecolors of the Latvian flag -- at the base.The Old and the NouveauOn a spin through the city with Ojars Kalnins, a former Latvianambassador to Washington and an old friend of mine, it quickly becameclear that there was a more alluring aspect to Riga's history than itssobering years of occupation.The city, Kalnins told me, was founded in 1201 and quickly became the object of tugs of war involving Russia, Germany and other major powersin the region that recognized its value as a key shipping port on theBaltic Sea. From the mid-1800s to the early 20th century, a landedclass of merchants and shippers transformed it into one of northernEurope's most prosperous trading centers.The legacy of that era -- opulent mansions and quaint wooden estates-- is the source of Riga's splendor. The art nouveau style,characterized by elaborate animal, shell, flower and human-bodymotifs, accounts for about 40 percent of the buildings in Riga'scenter, according to Kalnins, director of the Latvian Institute, whichpromotes Latvian culture.The Old Town and adjacent New Town, separated by a canal, are the two neighborhoods that attract travelers. Both are smack in the city center and are easily walkable.Intricately designed wooden homes dating to the 1800s are sprinkled throughout. Until World War II, wood was used for much of the city's construction, and although many of the earliest structures aredecaying, dozens remain. We stopped at the Blok estate, a two-story mansion on Vienibas Street built in the early 1800s; with its rustic,weathered facade, it could have been plucked out of the Latvian countryside. Next came the grand Jesus Church, just east of thecentral market. The largest wooden building in the Baltics, it has awhite-painted facade that made it stand out amid the decaying timbered buildings on surrounding streets.An excursion to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum rounded out my tour.For this outing I went solo, on a shaky half-hour bus ride north ofthe city. The museum is a cluster of nearly 100 buildings --farmhouses, windmills, churches -- sprawled over 240 acres. Like a Latvian Williamsburg, it includes structures that were taken from all corners of the country and reassembled here.There was a lot to take in: a small 18th-century church, a working pub, an early-19th-century bathhouse, a 19th-century fishing village.Then it struck me. I was in a Latvia where the clock had stopped. Classically Modern In a city whose residents have worked hard at preserving a culture their grandparents would recognize, the affection for culinary traditions is particularly strong.I'm thinking of the matronly woman wearing a dark cloak and flowered scarf whom I stumbled across gathering mushrooms in a wooded area near the edge of the city. She was trying to get enough to make potato and wild mushroom soup, a dish her great-aunt had taught her. Or the cooksat Lido, a chain of eateries featuring time-honored Latvian dishes.They regularly laid out massive buffets of pork ribs baked insauerkraut, sorrel soup and other local comfort foods. After a coupleof days, I became a regular.Then there was Edgar Strauts, the manager of Laci, a popular roadsidebakery a half-hour north of Riga. The house specialty, a dark rye that Rigans adore, created an aroma that filled the adjoining cafe. The bread was made according to a centuries-old recipe, by hand andwithout preservatives."Latvians stick to the food they know," Strauts explained. "They likethe tastes that they grew up eating, that their parents grew upeating, and so on."Soothing music could often be heard wafting across courtyards and sidestreets. One evening as I passed the Doma Cathedral, a massivered-brick structure in the Old Town, I was drawn inside by music fromthe organ, said to be one of Europe's largest. The free performance ofBach's "Brandenburg" Concertos, before a packed house, was a reminderthat the classics -- and music in particular -- are a deep-seated partof the culture in these northern stretches of Europe.But the hot ticket these days is the Latvian National Opera. A major institution in Soviet times, it has become one of the few Riga cultural icons whose following envelops a cross-section of locals,including ethnic Russians, senior citizens and 20-somethings,grandmothers in white gloves and teenagers with spiked hair. Theinnovative performances are the handiwork of Andrejs Zagars, theopera's imaginative general director. In the current, ongoingproduction of Richard Wagner's Ring cycle, the gods appear as Mozartand other German cultural figures."One of my goals is to take classical works and make them relevant tomodern audiences," Zagars said. This approach seems to be workingmagically for Zagars's productions. Indeed, the whole city seems tohave found rare success in adding contemporary touches to venues steeped in tradition.Endangered SplendorBut no city is all dazzle.With only a day left to explore, I hopped a public bus through some ofRiga's less-touristed neighborhoods. A few blocks from the center,historic buildings quickly gave way to newer, high-rise apartments andoffice buildings. Bolderja, a Russian-speaking enclave of Soviet-styleapartments to the northwest of the city center, could easily have beena section of Moscow. On the brighter side, broad expanses of parkland,covered with trees and other flora, stretched through nearly every neighborhood I passed.Back in the Old Town, the party was just warming up. The scene wasvaguely reminiscent of New Orleans's Bourbon Street. As I strolled through the streets, three hawkers approached and tried to convince methat salvation could be found in a strip bar around the corner. A young Russian woman who bore a close resemblance to actress Nastassja Kinski playfully grabbed my hat. And a self-styled nightlife guide began to reel off a list of clubs and their unique attractions.I stopped him during his description -- in a mix of English andRussian -- of Thank God It's Friday, a popular hangout where thebartender does an uncanny Tom Cruise imitation.Edging away from the crowd, I took a moment to behold the attractive city scape and began to imagine neon lights covering the baroquefacades, and nightclubs overtaking the quiet cafes and restaurants.Perhaps I'm wrong; maybe Riga will hold on to its special Old World splendor. Authorities have already taken steps to rein in the revelrya bit.But just in case, my recommendation: Go now.

Off to Latvia...........

2007-06-12T14:26:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

wer'e off to Latvia for two weeks to visit relatives for the first time. will be back and share pictures of our trip in two weeks. Bye!!!!

6/9/07 MY THIRD CHILD

2007-06-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

My last little bundle of joy. She was my angel baby. She came at a time in my life when I was slowly changing. Older maybe.My marriage still was not good but I as many people I felt she would change things.. She was such a beautiful child and slept all night thru right off.. Before she came into this world I craved pizza, raspberries and apple juice.

She was a happy baby. She laughed and smiled most of the time. She was easy care. She loved to play with Tupperware and canned goods. I could see in her eyes she would be very special someday.Her name is Mica. Many of you have looked at her blog or are very familiar with her art. If you haven't please click on the link and check it out. http://garboodles.typepad.com/
I know that she always has had a angel looking over her. Even through her rough spots she was not forsaken. God sent many messengers to help her and brush her off and set her on a better path.

She has a beautiful giving warm heart. She calls me almost everyday if possible and we talk for hours. When she was in grade school she loved Elvis. Do not know why but she told me Elvis was her husband. When I kissed her goodnight I had to kiss Elvis too. Quite an imagination. Her teen years were tough but look at the mess I was in and the children suffered. Beginning relationships were abusive too. I prayed for for her that she would survive our life and her teenage years.

Then she found a wonderful guy Tony. He has given her the love she needs and has provided her with a home and they share their two children( Vincente and Abriana) They both have a strong belief in God and have raised the children that way as well. She home schools both kids, finds time to cart them to their outings and finds great satisfaction in that and her love of art.

I wonder sometimes where she got it but they say creativity is in the blood line. She has instilled a strong family bond in the children and I am thankful for that. I wish everyday that my children will remain close . She used to tell me--Mommy I will always live with you and daddy. I am never going to move away. Now she lives the farthest. I go once a year for a visit. My husband Tim likes to take a few days to visit all by himself so he goes alone.
Mica you have made me so proud of you. I still see the cute plump wide eyed curly headed little girl. You are blessed and you are loved. I miss your companionship.

POEM: Angel

God gave me a little angel and it is you
He gave me no instructions what I was suppose to do

Yours eyes they sparkled like a little star
I knew right then that you would go far

You always sat behind my legs and I played with your hair
You always gave me lots of hugs and I was glad that you were there

I cradle all the memories deep with in my heart
But I am sad at times that we are so far apart

I love you my angel now and forever
I will never be far and will leave you never

I Love you Mica....

6/6/07 My Second Child

2007-06-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

My son. Well what can I say. He is a wonderful human being. He is smart, handsome and has a beautiful wife and family. He is always serious and thinks about things along time before making a decision.

He has had the same personality even when he was born. I was not sick much during the 9 months. I craved tacos and cold turkey sandwiches. The delivery was easy. I call him my 4 hour baby. He did not smile much and was always hungry. As a parent you look at the little faces and cooo and giggle at them and sometimes they smile or giggle back but not my son. He would lower his brow and just stare at me. Just as if to say. Is that all or are you done yet?
He had a little horse with wheels and he loved it. I think that was the only times his face lit up. He laughed out loud. He would repeat. Loopa loopa horsey. The wheels literally wore off the horse. I am sure that growing up between two sisters was tough too.

Remember the Tonka trucks? Well, the ad used to say they were indestructible. Well my Son TY knew how to dent, bend and remove wheels. Every time we bought a toy he took it apart just to see how it operated. That is probably why he enjoys technical work. He was such a smart child. He was very gifted and was in the Gate program. He was determined to show me he was not a SMACK (term for nerd). He deliberately got an F once. I asked why and he said he wanted to prove he was normal. School bored him as it was not stimulating enough.

He became a professional diver for a while. He loved it. Good money long hours. He loves rock climbing. He loves to do Calculus and such math problems just as a hobby. How many people do that? He is is smart with money and excellent financial planner.

He now has 3 beautiful children. Two handsome boys(Jared and Gabriel) and our little princess (Mila). I am sure he smiles plenty at his family and wife Jeannene.

As a parent I am so proud that my little boy is such a good man. Even after the mountains he has climbed. He is grounded and loyal. I love you son...

POEM: Son

When you grow up what will you be
Where will you go and what will you see

If only one wish I wish for you
I wish you love your whole life through

From a boy to man you have grown
Through your journey you are not alone

My little boy my joy my heart
I miss you when we are apart

But looking back from where you have come
I am truly so proud of you son

5/30/07 My First Born

2007-05-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

If you have had children you know how exciting it is to wait for your first. The one you have dreamed about,the one who you have planned for and imagined what they would look like.

I was a very young mother(not quite 18) but I wanted a baby, My prayers were answered March of 1968.
God gave me a little baby girl. She had a bump on her head ,lots of hair and because there were problems in the delivery and she was a forceps baby so she had a swollen face. I was sick all 9 months. I could not stand the smell of anything.But I loved McDonalds hamburgers. I woke every morning and ran to get fast food (reg hamburger with extra ketchup and mustard.)
Do not ask why but most of the time it assisted in helping morning sickness.

She came out screaming and the doctor said she had a great set of lungs. She was independent from day one. She did not like to be confined in anything. She hated the play pen, the stroller and high chair. So going out with her was a shore. She screamed bloody murder. She needed to be entertained all the time. She would not even take naps without me. Days and nights were mixed up. But all through all of this she grew up and turned into a wonderful ,independent, creative individual. I knew she would because of the strength she showed as a young person.
She puts on a tough exterior but she is my girl. My Shawny-what a beautiful person. She is my daughter and my friend and how lucky I am God gave her to me.
She married a wonderful guy Chris. They have been married for 20 years. They both know what they want and go for it. I wish I had more time with her but they have a family of their own. Two great boys (twins). Mathew and Jakob.
She is active with what they do and anything she can sign them up for. She is a strict parent but she is fair.
I am so proud of her. Not only what she will yet be but what she has become thru the years. She is a generous loving person . I love you daughter. You have been blessed. You are my hero.

Poem: A Daughter

My daughter is my reflection
How I love her from the time of inception

So small and tiny and she is looking at me
Does she know I love her and that she holds a key

As she looks into my eyes
Will she know the hows and whys

She is my daughter and I love her so
I whisper in her ear to let her know

A life without her just could not be
To my heart she holds the key

I will forever love you....daughter

5/22/07 The year of change

2007-05-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

The year of change for me was 2003. I had reached a weight that was beyond reality for me. The doctor told me that if I did not loose the weight I would have a stroke or heart attack within a year. I was on medication for blood pressure,I had sugar issues and I was so swollen all the time. I had no energy and buying clothes that were attractive- FORGET IT. I was 336 pounds. I had spoke to my doctor over the years about the gastric bypass but she was reluctant to advise me, I tried all sorts of diets but I was not lucky.

Finally when things became worse for my health the doctor herself told me I should check out the gastric bypass. She by then had several patients that went thru it and had researched more about it.

So I decided to go for it. I ended up going to a hospital in Fresno California (5.50 hrs away) that specialized in this procedure. It never came to mind that 1 out of 3 people have complications or die. That did not even sink in. So off I went to do this radical procedure .They did it lapriscopically and it tool 2.5 hours for the procedure. I stayed in the hospital only two nights and was released on the 3rd day. I had no pain. I got up that night and walked. I had to be able to walk the hall 10 times up and back before they would release me. I know that part of this exercise was to prevent blood clots.

My first meal consisted of small can of Ensure in 1 oz cup full every 5 minutes. I had jello as well. I was not hungry. They by passed my stomach and intestines.
I spent the weekend in a hotel and my mother and I were taken there by limo. The hospital arranged all of this for us. Talk about being special. I went back to the office on Monday so doctor would release me. I was out of work 4 to 6 weeks. With instructions to walk,walk,walk. Eating was a problem later down the road. Some things I loved I can no longer eat. Either it makes me sick or does not agree with me. The worst things I experienced was throwing up. I do not do that much at all . Sometimes if I do not use my head.
I did not loose much hair like some people. The first 6 months are crucial and you loose most of your weight then. After that you must work at it and watch your eating. Absorbtion is an issue so I take multiple vitamins (Diff kinds) in triplicate.

I know weigh 182 lbs. I lost almost half of me. Those of you who know me are amazed. I am too.

I am 4 years out now . I went from a size 26 to size 14. I do not want to be any smaller. Do I recommend this...well I think I would. You have to be a certain kind of person. I remained positive. Now I do not take any medication. I have excellent cholesterol and no high blood pressure.

This last year I did a tummy tuck and hip-buttom (reduction-lift) 6 hours worth. I had a tough recovery from that but do not plan any other altering procedures. I still stare at myself. I have come along way.

Poem: TYPING

Typing is a great big bore

When I think I am done they give me more

One page, two,and even five

Don't they think that I am alive

Sores and blisters on my hands

But they still make more demands

I close my eyes - No it's no dream

One more line and I will scream

5/18/07 My Brother

2007-05-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

My brothers name is Erik. He is six (6) years younger than I am. I was pretty tough on him when we were young as I did not want a brother. When my mother went to the hospital to have him my parents gave me a little dress and shoes to put in my closet and being little I took that as a promise for a sister. Well guess what.

I cried for three days and I still remember the feelings I had. My heart was broken. AS he grew up I did anything I could so he would fall or hurt himself. When I would leave for school in the mornings he would smile and wave like crazy. And me; well you can imagine. I stood there and stuck my tounge out and made faces. He would start to cry and I would laugh. EVIL I was.

We were not real close and I think it was the age difference. I left home early on and he grew up without me. Maybe that was a good thing. But, now we have a relationship. We are both older,have families and are both married to wonderful people. He gives me a bad time of all the things I did. I was so jealous.

He is a wonderful man. Not perfect but a good man. He calls to check on me and mom couple times a week. He has four children. One left to raise yet. Arianna is married, Nick is married, Kaira is going to college and Larisa is still in high school . His wife is an awesome person (Lori). She is kind and loving. I am blessed to have him as a brother and I love him. He lives in Idaho and I do not see him often but I miss him and think of him always.

If you read this brother you are important to me and I am sorry for all the faces I made at you.
Kisses to you.

Poem: New Life

You have given me a new life and hope that I can look forward to

I have picked myself up and turned my head and it is all because of you

The gift of love you've given me its worth more than all the gold

The future together is wide open and one we both can mold

I am convinced our union came from up above

So take my hand and I'll give to you all my heart and love

5/12/07 My Father

2007-05-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

My dad was born In Dobelle Latvia. He came from a family that raised Arabian horses and they owned a large farm.

He left his family when he was 17 years old to go fight the war and become a soldier.

That was the last time his mother,father and siblings saw him . He never returned to his home land.

My father fought all over in Europe. He was a prisoner of war in Italy. He was shot in the temple , stomach and leg and survived. He experienced hunger, pain and loneliness.

He was a huge family man and loved my mother to death. He worshipped the ground she walked on (literally). Even though his health was not the best he found ways to support us.

He was a electrician by trade but for many years worked in the wood industry. He built beautiful furniture, cabinets and custom windows.

Even though he lived in America for a long time. His heart yearned for his family. Latvia became free again in 1991 but by then my fathers health was deteriorating.

He wanted to make a trip to walk on Latvian soil and hug his brother Erik, sisters Ilga and Gaida. There are currently about 18 family members in Latvia and his siblings are still alive. He was the oldest.

He was not there when his parents passed but they kept his memory alive. Even on his mothers death bed the cousins were told not to forget the family in America.

He spoke to them as much as he could and often sent medicines to his brother as it was hard to get good medical care at that time.

Even though he had my mother and me and my brother Erik he was sad inside. My mother did not show much interest in his family when he was alive and I think that really hurt. He saved all the letters and pictures.

My brother and I have turned all that around. We have joined together with the family in Latvia. It is like it has made us complete. We communicate with the family and share picture. My brother Erik has already gone 2 times to Latvia and this will be my 1st.

I know my father will make this journey with me and he knows how much I love his family and this has given me an extended family. I simply adore them.
In the younger days my dad smoked a pipe. I now have all his pipes. Every once and awhile I will be somewhere or just sitting quietly and I will smell cherry tobacco. I get a warm feeling. I know he is near. I miss him ............ He was a great dad and loving grandfather. He passed away from cancer in November 1994.

POEM: Dad

When I have needed he has been there
Running,doing and showing he cares

In the past when I was a little girl
He would fix my little curl

There is nothing bad I can ever say
He is special in every way

When all is lost and seems at an end
He is there to help defend

I love you with all my heart
In my life your always a part

YOU ARE MY DAD

******************************************

5/10/07 I Have Been Tagged

2007-05-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged and need to list seven things that you may not know or may find interesting about me.

1. I love to shop for clothes. Ever since I lost all the weight I have become a shopaholic.

2. I like music in other languages and love songs by Andre Bucelli.

3. It does not bother me when things are on the counter but if cupboards are a mess inside it drives me bonkers

4. I give more than I receive and feel good about it

5. I am a loyal and devoted friend and love to have my family around me

6. I never judge by the outside but what is in the inside of ones heart. I chose my aquaintances the same way.

7. I have a desire when I retire to volunteer my time to the elderly or an organization where I can give back all the good things that were given to me in life.

So there you are.

P.S> if you read my blog please leave me comments. I would like to know if you are enjoying it.

5/09/07- My Mother

2007-05-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

My mother grew up in Liepaja, Latvia. She had a very good life. Her parents split up when she was a young girl and her grandmother raised her. She has so many memories of her grandmother. When the Russians invaded Latvia my mother was about 10-11 years old. War time took a toll on this beautiful country. She left behind friends and family. She was even separated from her own mother.

Her family were all actors or singer/musicians. It is very exciting to know I will see Latvia in June and meet all my relatives.

My mothers first love was a man named Raymond. She was so in love. But he got TB and my grandmother forbid her to see or marry him. When the war got worse they fled to Germany. Where they lived in DP Camps .

They lived there for 7 years during the German war. She still loved Raymond but got acquainted with my father Edgar.

He wrote her and soon proposed. He was 8 years older and my mother excepted. I do not know if she was in love with my father from the beginning but she loved him through the years.

The torch for Raymond remained and she still talks about him. She heard at some point he never married and became a cartoonist in Germany.

He tried to contact her in America but she had to ask him to stop as she was married and was trying to make a life.

She was the strong influence in the family and a hard working person. Not only thru my fathers illnesses but in the family operation.

It is when my father passed, I realized that my dad was the rock.

My mother depended on him for everything.

She lives with me today. She is a great help to me. She washes the laundry, cooks and loves gardening. Yes I am spoiled.

She is so lonely. Dad has been gone 13 years but it is like yesterday. None of us are able to make her happy. She is my friend and my mom. I lover her so much.

I want to solute her for mothers day and everyday. I admire her strength.

5/3/2007 Just Poems

2007-05-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

MOM

Mom you are a guiding light
Like the stars in the night

You are as special as can be
You are all there is for me

You try to set my standards high
You are the one I can rely

If at times I seem unkind
Please do not pay it much to mind

Every day I thank God above
That he gave me you to love

WORK

This is such a funny place
something out of outer space

Full of laughter and of fun
But there are days we wished we had a gun

Scores and faxes and bids galore
wish they would just lock the door

We enjoy our lunches and out tunes
singing sweetly like two loons

I'd never give up this place of employment
Not only does it give satisfaction but sheer enjoyment

1993

I have many tragic poems , love poems and funny poems.

They all came to be in many different parts of my life.

As I share them keep in mind you will sense my pain and my happiness. Hope you are all enjoying my words

April 30,2007- Looking forward

2007-04-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tim and I have been happily married for almost 21 years. The years have flown and the kids have grown up and they all married. During all those momentous moments I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. Believe me it was an echo in my ears. I went on a Friday for my mammo and 2 hours later my GP called me and said they found something. I wrote myself off but my husband and my good friend Karen and Liz gave me hope and told me all will not be bad.

They tried to cut it out but could not find the margins. So I asked what my options were. They said we could try again to find the margin or just see what happens. See what happens!!!

I told them to take by breast. It was a good thing as through the biopsy and the samples they found I had an even more radical cancer "Padget's" disease of the nipple. I have never been sorry. I was not depressed or discourages. To me my life was more important.

I was afraid what my husband would think and when they UN-did my bandages Tim was standing in front of me as the doctor removed them. When they were off I looked at him and his expression never changed.

He did not cringe or pull away. He just smiled sweetly and whispered he loved me. To me that is love. I took tamoxifen for two years but I gained 80 lbs from it and swelled like a balloon. They took me off of it.

I have faithfully done my yearly checks and have now been clean for 8 years. I thank God and my family and friends. So many people are not as lucky.

Since then I know of six people with breast cancer and have come out O.K. Only one girl passed at 28 years of age. Too young!!!
My good friend Liz had it too and had both removed.
My friend Joan also was diagnosed.
Please ladies take care of yourselves. It does not wait for sex,race, color or creed. Do your yearly checks.

Poem:

TODAY

Today I wanted to call you
But my mind tells me you’re gone

Today I wanted to tell you
How much you mean to me mom

Today I wanted to tell you
How much you have molded who I am today

Today I wanted to tell you
Bur you’ve gone away

Today I wanted to tell you
How much I love you mom

Today I wanted to tell you
But I realized I was alone

So Today I wanted to tell you
But looked up in the sky

Today I wanted to tell you
I will miss you and goodbye

But no one can take away my memories
That you have given me

And as I look into my heart
There you will always be

April 26,2007 The Wedding

2007-04-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

My wedding day was so wonderful. We had planned and budgeted and planned some more. We paid for our own wedding so we had to be smart in finance. We rented a hall above a bowling alley. We made the food all finger foods and the relatives brought it. My mother-in-law and friend Phylis made my dress.

We shopped for the right material and chose a winter white lace. It was so beautiful, Tim rented a tux w/tails. He was so handsome. I think we looked sharp. We had invited 54 guests and the reception followed directly after. Boy was I nervous.

My daughter Shawny did my makeup, my youngest daughter Mica was my Maid of honor and my son did me the honor of dressing up and assisted with tables.. Tims brother Mark was the best man.

We picked out a specific song "The Wedding Song" but things do go wrong and sure enough the minute I started to walk down the isle they played "The Wedding March". Tim raced over to correct it but the man said he was not told and he did not have it.

As I walked closer to Tim and looked over at everyone I began to cry. I had never felt this emotion before. My father walked me down the isle and that was a special moment for me. He placed my hand into Tims. We wrote our own vows and during my part I barely could talk and Tim just rubbed my hands. We just looked at each other . It was like no one else existed.

The funny thing about it after we watched the video we could hear the sound of the bowling that was happening downstairs. My nephew asked us if it was lightening outside that day. We still laugh about that. How many people that you know get married above a bowling alley?
We had dancing and food and cake. Our honey moon was very low budget. We borrowed Phylis and Bobs camper and went camping for 4 days. We had a blast. We took a long walk into the wilderness. No one around-that was pretty romantic!!!!! Just us and nature.
I would not change anything about our special day. While we were gone our family moved us into our new apartment. That is when our lives truly started as a family.

Poem: Love is Forever

Love is forever when hearts are joined as one
Love is forever when things are exciting and fun

But marriage is a foundation of every couples dream
It must be planned and built on lots of love it seams

It takes alot of courage on the part of man and wife
Working hard together building a good life

Loyalty and respect another important part
One of many blocks that create the heart

Join together and build a life that is new
Love is forever-but to make it work it always takes you

April 25,2007 LOVE

2007-04-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Love is a beautiful thing. When you have it just lifts you up. Tim and I are still love bugs. When we were dating he would bring a single rose or send a cute card . Always showed his feelings. The kids thought I had gone crazy. But what they did not realize they had not seen their real mother. When people are surpressed it is hard to be happy.
I had a problem with Tim being younger but really the 6 year difference is nothing and has not been an issue. It was amazing how quickly I was able to trust again and feel. It was just meant to be.

My parents never showed affection openly. I never saw them really hug. My brother and I thrive from having mates that give us hugs and tell us they love us. My mother says it is a sign of insecurity but I say NO.

When Tim proposed he drove us to Seal Beach, Ca. This was a favorite place for us. It was April and the weather was blistery and cold but My husband brought an ice chest with champagne and glasses. He brought the ring out and asked me to be his wife. He poured the champagne and we made a toast (with chattering teeth). Of course I excepted. How could I not as it was very romantic despite the cold. We both looked at each other and said "Are you cold?" we both muttered yes and quickly picked up the blankets and things and ran to the car. But-----Tim left the keys out on the sand. When the wind blows you can imagine what happens to the sand.. But someone was looking over him he walked right back to the same spot and there they were partially covered. Pretty Lucky,huh?

We still love the beach whenever we can go. Where we live now is more than an hour from the beach. We make a point to celebrate our anniversary every year by going somewhere near water. We have a true bond to water-it is very calming.

Poem: I Feel

What is it now that I feel
Can I be sure that it is real

A new touch and new kiss
It is one I could surely miss

Take a day at a time
I cannot assume it is all to be mine

It all seems so easy when you think it through
It feels so right and bright and new

The laughter and happiness I have sought so long
With all of this and more it cannot be wrong

I feel like a woman and totally a part
So much to give with all my heart

This is the door I'm looking for
To be me- to live- and much much more

1985

April 24, 2007 Life of Surprises

2007-04-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

When I look back and then forward I really have had a interesting life. Although things were tough I am happy where I am today.
My ex-husband and I split up in 1985.

My husband now Tim was the son of my good friend Phylis.

Phylis and Bob were friends to me before the split and remained that way through all my problems. Tim was their son. He also came out of a bad relationship and they thought it would be nice if he and I got together to go out socially, I really think they never dreamed we would marry but a year later November 1986 we did.

We quickly became very close and had the same ideas. WE both are silly and just love spending time together. Tim had not had children and was 29 years old I was 35. WE talked about adopting but after a year Tim decided that my children were enough and someday we would have grandkids.
It was not easy as the kids had their own father but Tim wanted to be their friend. He would do anything even today for them.

I was not good at telling the kids what to do so he helped to stabalize me.
Now my mother-in-law Phylis brags she picked me as her daughter-in-law. Life is funny.

I thank God for Tim. He married me when I was round.

did not care what shape or size I was. He loves me.

He always compliments me and tells me I look beautiful.

I feel beautiful when he looks at me.

Poem: Loving Eyes

Thru Gods loving eyes I join with you
In this Holy Union as we say I do

The road will be hard to overcome
But with sincere devotion we will work as one

Never alone in everydays trials
Always to greet each other with a smile

Take my hand and walk with me
Thru lifes door of fantasy

With the pleasures of Love and Life
I now become your loving Wife

1986

growing up

2007-04-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I was sick for several days and I certainly could not concentrate. I'm Back!!!

Growing up as an only child for almost 7 years was fun. I was spoiled (still am). My Mom and Grandma always took me shopping and I was dressed up to the hilt. I was extremely mature and I think that is why I married so early. I loved school. I did very well and advanced ahead by taking summer school and such. When boys came into the scene I did not try as much. I hated gym. I have never been athletic and never will be. I did anything to get out of swimming. It is so degrading to have to walk around with a wet head from 1st period on through the day. I sang in chorus and my favorite subjects were History and English.
I was voted most talented in Junior High.
I had lots of boyfriends although I tied myself down too early. My Grandma always told me that I needed to marry a successful Latvian boy but I didn't. I remember grand times attending Latvian get togethers. I loved to dance and dance I did. With young and old I twirled around doing the polka and waltz. My family always had get togethers for every kind of holiday, birthday and aniversary.

All the relatives would come dressed up . We had dinner and drinks. Then the singing started, They sang all the old war songs and Latviam folk music. How I loved that. Well-they sang till morning,went home and then returned again. The celebrations were long but so happy. Sometimes it was emotional when they struck on the memory of the homeland and the hard times after the war and what they had. Tears fell.

Even through all that ; they had each other and everyday was a happy day. No one was ever left out. Much of the voices have fell silent now. I miss them all.

I went to beauty school at one point and worked a short time at that but due to the excessive moving-how do you know what state to keep your liscence in. I still love hair. When I was about 10 years old the big hair-dos came out. The higher the better. I remember in the 5th grade lining my girlfriends up on a log and teasing their hair with a tooth brush. The smaller the bristols the tighter the teasing. Then we piled on the hairspray. I permed my friends hair once and left the solution in too long and when it was time to rince the rods and hair fell off together. Mom was so mad. She took us both to the beauty shop and cut our hair. My friends hair was maybe 1/3 inches long after (ooops) It did not stop my creative self. It still works over time.

Poem:

Show (Analogy)

The world is like the Big Top colorful, big and round

Inside there are three circles- rings of life to be found

These rings they are endless with love and eternity

Just as our Lord has promised for you and for me

The trapeezes they go back and forth as trials of life remain

But the Master with all his love can make it better again

The people and the animals entertain with all their worth

For God is their leader of the "Greatest Show on Earth"

Enter in the clowns-deciples of days of old

Follow them to graciousness the story it is told

You ask the price of admission-well it is up to you

For you are saved by by faith alone and not by the things you do

Up strikes the music and our Savior appears

How pleased he is of what he sees and hears

So go and tell your neighbor- go out and give a hand

Come join the most beautiful show anywhere in the land
11/1/1990

APRIL 15, 2007 While I sit here

2007-04-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

While I sit here thinking about what I will say. I think I should still continue to go from the past to present. I got married when I was 15 years of age . Did not have to and I think my parents should have locked me up. I spent better than half of my young married life in turmoil. Tears ran frequently. We were always short on money and my husband really did not know what love was. He was not given much of it in his youth so he had the curse passed on to him. He was very handsome as a young man but the temper he had was very unbecoming. We split up I think 3 times that I remember. Each time I was told he did not love me and never has. I was a little stupid and took him back. As the abuse became worse to me and more fiscal against my son especially; I became afraid to leave.

We went from things being thrown at me to a man that could stop spanking the kids.Verbally throwing language out there that was not appropriate. When the guns came into play I knew that when I could I would leave. Although I stayed much longer than I should have we continued to grow more and more apart. He finally had an affair. Maybe I pushed him to that but this became his idea and my way out. I momentarily was sad but the odd thing I survived and found out that I was still an attractive women and there are people that would appreciate my love and my children. My children were 13,16,17years of age when we split. I know it has been tough for the kids through relationships they have had but I believe they have grown into wonderful and exceptional parents.

I found a wonderful man my Tim. He stood beside me and went up and down with raising teens. We all know that is not easy. But he never once said he regreted it . He just said he loved me and loved my children. Here we are almost 22 years together now. He is my rock and my best friend.

I just have to say if anyone is being abused I can relate how you feel. Now looking back I lived in a bubble. I always made excuses for him. I did not know what to do. Looking back in I get sick thinking about it. I just hope my children now can understand that I was so young. I did not have the tools to work with that everyone today has. But I love them and no one can go backwards. Hopefully all of us have learned by these tragic circumstances and the impact this has made.

A little poem:

I Wonder

Yes I wonder sometimes about you
The things you like the things you do

But that is not our life you see
Theres no more you and no moe me

The pain it remains to remind my heart
The day you left and tore us apart

But I have survived and live a wonderful life
With someone who appreciates a loving wife

Grim reminders soon fade away
And love engulfs me forever to stay

Yes there are days that you pass my mind
But no more do I need to be treated unkind

Faces fade in times kind hands
No more word and no more demands

April 12, 2007 Its All About Me

2007-04-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Although I say that it is all about me ; I really do not feel that way. Sometimes I give too much of myself and get hurt. That is the sensitive side of my sign. I am a Cancer. I think it fits me well. I am loyal and I am home loving and thrive for family. I make my friends family as well. My parents were not as social as I am. No where does it say in a book that we all are made alike.

I have had some tough times too. Getting married at a young age, having my children and worry about money all the time. In my first marriage my husband was in and out of work alot. We did not have a lot of money. We lived with my parents when things were real low. It was a constant struggle. I remember calling and asking my folks to wire me some money. Understand that I was a young nice looking girl that was used to getting what I wanted and needed. Suddenly my life came to a halt. I was pushed down as a person and had to work. I worked hard. I worked in nursing homes, factories, burger joints. I cried many a mornings and did not want to go. My dad was always there to take me smile and cheer me up.

My first marriage was a toxic relationship. It was abusive and the children suffered the most. When you marry an individual who does not even know what he wants from life and has had issues of abuse in his life it was not easy. I managed 20 years of it. Do I blame him alone? No, as I should have not stayed no matter what he would have done. I have regrets but my children are my jewels. I will add more about this part of my life as I continue to remember where I have been and where I am going today. Literally I that God for what I have today

A little poem: Reflection

When things seem tough and more than you can bare
Release yourself and open up to prayer

Draw from him who gives you life
And off come the burdens of everyday strife

It is hard when you reach your lowest pit
But don't give up and never quit

You have your integrity and walk with pride
For no one can hold a candle to your kind

Let those who attack you with horrible spite
Let them answer to a higher source of what is just and what is right

April 11,2007 Time

2007-04-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone. I remember when I was just a little girl. Boy would I like having some of that back. I remember my folks Rita and Edgar worked very hard. My father got polio when he came to the United States in 1950 and he wore braces for a few years. My mom worked double shifts during that period and my father watched me. He controlled me with his cane. I remember a funny time when I was running away from him and he told me stop and come back or he would spank me (of course he never did)but I put my hands on my hips and I said" Ha Ha you can't catch me" He quickly pulled his belt off and his pants fell off. I laughed so hard. I think he laughed too but the visual still sticks in my mind.
I always have loved to sing. When I was a teenager I sang in a rock band. We did Friday night dances,Girls Clubs, Intermissions at roller rinks and teen night clubs. Of course my parents were against that as they had such a bad reputation but I can honestly say I had a blast and there was nothing bad happening. I was offered to record at one time but my boyfriend then and later my first husband gave me an ultimatum to pick him or singing and I of course gave up a dream. Advise to all NEVER GIVE UP A DREAM FOR ANYONE. I enjoyed my teen years, although I gave up alot when I married at 15 years of age. I did not have to but I felt if I didn't I would loose him. So my voice fell silent. How sad that I did not choose the correct path . But time does march on with or without you.

Here is a little poem:

Time is like the shore line sands
Stretching, reaching, and touching other lands

It can pass and it can go
And many times it is very slow

Time can mend a broken heart
Time is long when we are apart

Time is around us all
Time is summer, winter and fall

If you think about the crazy time
You will surely understand my rhyme

April 9,2007 -Introduction

2007-04-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Well- what do I say about myself. My name is Daina. I was born 7/13/50 in Tacoma, Washington. I am of Latvian decent. Both parents came over from Latvia in April of 1950. I was raised in Washington state. I attended Jefferson Elementary, Truman Junior High and Wilson High School.

I love to sing and I think that comes from a long line of performers in opera and stage. My mothers side of the family were all actors and or singers. They were multi talented and lived in the city. My fathers side of the family lived in the country and raised Arabian horses. They had large amounts of the land up until the war. But back to my love of music. I find it greatly stimulating and I truely can relate to the sounds. I love rock and roll, classical, new wave and well rounded selections from European singers. For relaxation I love to listen to Indian music ( the real pow wow stuff) The drums and flute are very enjoyable.

I am not afraid to get up and perform at all. I like when the spot light is on me. I love people ,my family , my friends and I love life.

I have great kids. They in turn have raised wonderful kids. My grandkids are the most special human beings. I am so proud. As I fill you in on my life,defeats and accomplishments I will also post pictures .

I love poetry so after I twist your mind with my jabber I will offer some of my poetry I have written over the years. My poetry reflects different times in my life. Happiness, saddness and deep rooted feelings. My daughters blog so I thought this was a great way to put myself out there and share.

This Poem is called:

The Waiting (February 13, 1993)

It has come to my attention that all we do is wait
It all seems very normal but is it really fate

You stand in lines forever just waiting for your turn
Do they really think that you only have time to burn

Our time is just as precious as the others standing here
Too bad they don't serve concessios or just a bottle of beer

Waiting is a game of who can get there first
But if they don't start moving I'll just blowup and burst

I'm Finally Blogging....

2007-04-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone !! I finally made it to blogging. Yeah. I hope you enjoy my blog. I will have poetry,my lifes moments and other good stuff.Keep coming back.