Jamie and Dylan Chase

CLAW

2011-01-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

EduCLAWtion Evening Shot 1
Originally uploaded by markmonlux

Tacoma friends if you've never been to a Secret Society of the C.L.A.W. meeting, I highly recommend it.

C.L.A. W. is the Cartoonist's League of Absurd Washingtonians. They meet at Amocat. Their site: http://www.cartoonistsleague.org/

And Morgan Alexander is the best friend a C.L.A.W. could have. Just ask Gary Larson, of the Far Side. He was present for the Great Yearly Ceremony at the Knights of the Pythian Temple yesterday. (Apparently his son didn't have swim practice. Mine did.)

Morgan and I share the same birthday and we are having a birthday party at Amocat together next week. You should come wearing your fez or with a cartoon. (This birthday event is not officially endorsed by CLAW or even remotely related.)

That's all.

Barn Raising

2010-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

There has been a litteral barn raising at my homestead and it reminds me of the Amish community near my hometown. My grandparents would take Jon and I there when we were kids. The Amish gave my grandfather a loan to start his business. They are amazing hard working people that cooperatively support one another and view the whole of the community as providing strength for the individual.

That's exactly what I needed in my life. My home project list was as never ending as the rain that prevented me from painting my house all year. We scraped, sanded, power washed but to no avail there wasn't 14 dry days in a row needed for the paint to take. Until the past two weeks, and with a business trip looming, the Butterfield family, my friends Adam, Brandon, and the neighborhood kids worked 16 hour days knowing the paint on that house is the one thing keeping my refinance from helping to get my grandmother's title off my property as collateral, so that if necessary she can go to a nursing home. (PS. I love my grandmother as much or more than any human being on this planet.)

The house is painted. The estimator comes today. I depart for my business trip in the morning.

Before and after pictures coming when the trim is complete, until then here is a picture from when we started the painting project in February. We had to sand the whole house and replace rotten wood. I've learned so much, including how to run several types of saws, an angle grinder, belt sander, power washer and paint sprayer. I could go Amish or into the labor field if credit unions don't work out. (wink)

The reason why.

2010-06-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Why are we frustrated with many of our elected officials? (Some say a movement is gaining traction to vote long-term representatives out of office.) Why are so many credit unions struggling to survive? Because they are focused on WHAT they are doing instead of WHY! Loyalty comes when people are inspired by WHY you do what you do. Why creates trust beyond the immediate choice, the immediate law written, the immediate rate or loan product you provide. Why we do it conveys who we are that it is our choice to get up in the morning to be the best we can be. For many of us, the best our legislators can be is not just keeping their job by passing another law or spending more money. The best credit unions can be is not just making another loan. Any bank can do that.

I was contemplating this with Scott about why we get up in the morning excited to go to work everyday, building Credit Union Strategic Planning. Why we do it is because we believe the world is a better place with credit unions creating financial opportunity through the realization of the International Operating Principles. How many credit union's even consider the operating principles in their strategic planning? How can you have a plan that isn't defined by why you exist?

So it is that we came to the logical conclusion:

"Our goal is not to do business with everyone that needs what we do. Our goal is to do business with credit unions that believe in why we do it."

And that's why our clients are getting $500,000 grants from Harlem NYC to Hawaii and growing loans by 50 percent in a single year.

This short, inspiring video provides more insight:

Dylan and Jamo: The Community We Create

2010-06-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a geek for community building. How can we love where we live? Make it the community we love to live in...with action.

Dylan and I love to give to and receive help from friends. We also volunteer a bit. The video (see below) is a PSA that featured our family. While we were not the biggest donors, the idea is that if I can give $100 as a single mom, you can too.

YWCA Pierce County "What Can You Do?" from Jason Ganwich on Vimeo.

The YWCA was the first domestic violence shelter in Washington state. Our community is a better place to live with a safe place for women and children to escape domestic abuse.

Trip to Turkey!

2010-05-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm honored to share that the Acacia Foundation invited me on behalf of my firm Credit Union Strategic Planning to participate in a cultural trip to Turkey to develop mutual understanding between Turkish and American people. I am deeply moved to visit my second predominantly muslim, democracy to study their economy, culture, history and of course the presence of cooperatives and credit unions.

I learned much during my 2006 trip to Mali, West Africa. It too is a predominantly Muslim nation with a thriving democracy. The role of cooperatives and credit unions there, inspired much of my community development credit union work during the last three years.

We depart for Turkey next month! My passport is ready.

Over $1 Million in Blessings and Counting

2010-04-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a week so spectacular that your heart won't stop beating out of your chest? That's what is going on up in these parts! It is a mind blowing, miraculous affirmation that living a life of purpose, service and integrity creates both the community we enjoy and the reality we desire.

Sooo what's so mind blowing? First, my friend Demaris has been praying for her grandson's spinal tumor to stop growing. And miracles occurred this week. Which really got me to thinking about how grateful I am for my son's health and my own. Dylan celebrated his 11th Birthday this week, which I must say as a mom brings me more joy than any other event, accomplishment or affirmation. If my one success in life was to raise this fine human being, my life would be well spent. God's using my life for more is just the icing on the cake.

And the $1 million in blessings? That is how God is using my life. We, the Credit Union Strategic Planning we, (Melina, Scott and I) are actively inventing programs for credit unions to reduce poverty. And it is a ton of work and months waiting on the sidelines to hear if our programs are funded. Today we heard. The US Treasury granted our client, Hawaii First, $457,000! It is the only credit union in the nation to receive a CDFI NACA grant. That large sum is the full amount we requested in the application they hired us to write. The money will be used to help low income native Hawaiians to move from debt to asset building. This follows on the heels of our client in NYC being one of only two credit unions in the nation that received a CDFI Supplementary Round funding- and ours was the largest. That award was also for $500,000, to help immigrants, the poorest of the poor for three generations to obtain micro-business loans. These two grants along with the others, places our total of funds secured through the US Treasury to deploy to low income people in distressed communities through credit unions well over $1 million in the last two years alone!

That, AND the US Congress is recognizing our separate project The American Debt Relief Challenge on the official House Record for saving consumers over $20 million to date. We've really saved consumers over $20 million. I think of that impact and I'm humbled about the days my insecurity gets the best of me. We all have those days when we are down or tired. What purpose or service is there for us to share and be in integrity with using our life as a gift?

If you ever want to talk about finding your purpose, email me. I love that conversation. Then lets put action behind it. You can be any you, you want to be.

Such Great Heights

2010-04-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

This spring has been beautiful with mist and sunshine producing a rainbow over Tacoma at least once a week, and there is a pot of gold under it, I swear. Einstein blessed us all with his philosophy, "in adversity there is opportunity." The adversity is nearly a vague memory, even my attachment to it. Now the opportunities that continue to unfold are taking my life to such great heights!

Such Great Heights Top Ten List:

10. Inventing a new exercise regime resulting in my trainer guiding me to beat all of the men at the gym to gain the most lean muscle mass during the Fitness Challenge. My weightlifting and yoga with SkyAnn has become an incredible spiritual practice with affirmations between weight sets like, “I am one with God,” and “I am strong, powerful and focused,” held in warrior two position with an archer movement. This focus has direct application to getting results with my home and work.

9. Amsterdam in August. I am actively pursuing affordable ways to broaden my experience of the world. The planning is paying off. Another consultant offered to do a brief home exchange. Details to come…

8. The guest cabin is finished and officially a revenue stream that produces financial stability with a renter that also enhances my quality of life. My long-time friend, Sam Dollar, friend of both Graef kids and all around good guy is great fun and help to have around. The cabin is there if Grandma ever wants to come live with me. It could also be a future office as Credit Union Strategic Planning continues to grow.

7. Quality family time at Camp Seymour with Dylan, one of the best weeks every with my son. We canoed, climbed a giant rock wall, and made new friends. My co-cabin leader Kelly, ended up becoming one of my dearest friends. She’s from New Zealand and a real kiwi.

(My camp uniform)

(Dylan smiling on a big canoe.)

(My cabin pranksters: We stole the boys' shoes, including Dylan's.)

6. Credit Union Strategic Planning is rocking. The Congressman’s Office called us to offer official Congressional Recognition for the American Debt Relief Challenge. And after adding Scott as our CEO the quality of work continued to exceed expectations. The reward is in the referrals. We will be speaking at the national Community Credit Union Conference as experts on The US Treasury CDFI grants in Boston in October. Landing the largest individual credit union grant from the Obama Administration’s Recovery Act Funds had a little something to do that.

5. Recovered pictures from Africa. After the 2006 World Trade Center Tacoma Goodwill Mission to Africa debrief at the University of Washington with Congressman Adam Smith, my hard drive deleted my photos. I was bummed. Most of the trip was spent studying poverty reduction and visiting credit unions and cooperatives. A conversation this week with my brother and viola, he had backups the whole time!

4. Paying off debt. It feels good to be complete with my word. Money is just a means to exchange value. I value my word and am being100% complete with my word, beyond legal obligation. (Even paying cheating ex-boyfriend who I don't legally owe money. I did care deeply about him and have the respect to bring closure for myself.)

3. Being a role model for friends who see I made it through a hard time to show them they will get through it too. Two friends have called me on the brink of taking their lives during the last year. Both have thanked me for being there at the critical time, being unwavering in my demand that they deal with it head on, and being so honest about my own challenge last year that they weren’t embarrassed to talk to me. Several other friends have sought assistance with starting their own businesses. It feels good to be a reliable friend.

2. My brother desires to plant another garden this year. Scott and his boys want to help build the fence. Whitney is committed to lead the old concrete removal and I will have a new back yard when we paint the back house to get ready for a refinance. The goal, thank my grandmother for believing in me by getting her name off the loan.

1. I feel like myself again and life is rocking. And with that comes the realization that I am best when I am fully being me. And with that comes the knowledge as a parent to support Dylan fully being himself.

(Dylan during a recent trip to Washington DC visiting Cousin Simon.)

I am motivated to action by my awareness that what holds us in the same place is only what we do not do. And wow I am not in the same place now I was at this time last year. I got rid of all of the negative influences. Took action on every opportunity and am making life the reality I desire to live…

Help Me Be Great

2010-02-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about happiness coming from our way of being- not from what we get from anyone else, not money, or affection or even praise.

My friend Sam Dollar, a phenomenal graphic designer, volunteered to design these billboards for the Boys and Girls Clubs. I love to take photos and we previously collaborated- so he asked me to volunteer.

In the hour Dylan and I spent with these children asking them what they enjoyed about the Boys & Girls Clubs, snapping the camera to catch that glimmer of excitement in their eye, i really got it. My happiness was in my way of being in that moment. It was spending time with Dylan, contributing to community, listening to the kids talk about their lives. It was helping my friend Sam.

Christmas Gifts in the Tub

2009-12-24T02:46:00.000-08:00

It was much easier to live with the bathtub in the living room for a few days than the refrigerator for a few months; and the bath rehab was a ton more fun.

Why? Possibly the creative adventure of going potty (without a potty) or diving into my first tile job. Honestly, I didn't think I had it in me to do all of this construction. But it was nothing compared to skydiving-or Melina, Scott and I kick starting Credit Union Strategic Planning. So why am I timid about this construction business? I'm about to get over it. Ok, I'm over it. We are doing it. Heck, I'm doing it with a little help from my friends. I can't believe that I fooled myself into thinking this was too much for me to do as a single mom earlier this year. This year has been a blessing for affirming my faith. It's all God.

Status Check: The back house is nearing the home stretch. It now has walls, windows, doors AND the electricity was powered up this week.The countdown to 2010 is on. Dylan recieved his first A on his report card last week (and he earned several). And we added another staffer at Credit Union Strategic Planning- my old colleague and dear friend, Marilyn De Lucia.

Christmas is coming and the gifts disguised as challenges are rockin' my world. Throw some more my way, God. (I'm smiling, grateful and enjoying an occasional bathtub in the living room for a day or four.)

Merry Anything You Celebrate. Merry Christmas!

Happiness is Love

2009-11-24T01:38:00.000-08:00

Dylan was happy to see me today. His little kid kisses were full of thanks to have mom back. With no grant deadline or travel in sight, it's good to be back to normal life, being a mom and folding laundry.

I confess that I am guilty of being a road warrior and grant junkie. For the past month we traveled cross country from Sonoma, CA to Columbus, Oh and NYC. This past week we submitted all of the poverty reduction U.S. Treasury Grants we labored over during 18 hour work days- and held our final meeting in Louisiana, literally the beautiful bayou. The people, they were warm like an apple pie right out the oven. An old minister and college professor schooled this white girl on how to play dominoes. Scott (one of my business partners and a dear friend) and I left after eating the best gumbo, being embraced by a group hug and farewells from our new friends.

After sleeping for 14 hours, I woke this morning absolutely delighted to run errands to replenish the basics like TP and garbage bags, do the dishes and enjoy the connection of laughter, hugs and random conversation with the kids, my brother and the people round home that I love. It's amazing what being MIA from your own life will do to your TP supply. (Ponder that for a moment. It is meant to be odd.)

During the travel, I picked up a magazine, The Atlantic, founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who I admire for his logic, poetry and science based spiritual philosophies. Tonight, online I was steered to a video by the Atlantic about a Harvard research team that followed 269 Harvard students, 10 men through their entire lives starting in 1930 to document the keys to happiness and how to live well. The men are now in their 80s. The video is short and well worth the watch up to the final seconds.

I found the video while searching for the folloing quote:

“I am the happiest man alive. I have that in me that can convert poverty to riches, adversity to prosperity, and I am more invulnerable than Archilles; Fortune hath not one place to hit me.”

Sir Thomas Browne

Life reflects back to us our own attitude. We experience what we expect to experience, because it is what we create. When we face adversity and view it as opportunity. The attitude shapes our sight. The adversity passes and we are left with: The Opportunity.

The Harvard Study's concluded that happiness is love. I believe our happiness comes from our way of being. When our way of being is loving, that is what the world reflects back.

As I center on this with faith in a loving God, I am the happiest woman alive.

Ever Feel Just Incredibly Blessed?

2009-11-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

After a month of traveling from Sonoma, CA to NYC for work, I came home to see this sign. The porch was decorated with ten beautifully carved, lit pumpkins. The whole house was clean, including the boys room, the dishes, fresh sheets. This is all the work of the amazing, magnificent (drum roll please) Jenny Arde.

Jenny (pictured with beau Todd) is a single mom, like me. She owns her own business, again ditto. She is renting the spare room in my home and her son and Dylan are sharing a room while construction finishes on my investment house, the mother-in-law home on my property. She will move into that home at the end of the month. And what's brilliant is: we lift each other up! We help one another with the kids, cooking, laundry and she is bringing so much to the table on the construction projects from drywall hanging to painting. The business she owns is a painting company. So while she builds equity in my properties, I am giving her slashed rent so she can save her money away to buy a home for her and her son.

Here's a photo of our boys with their best bud Travis before last week's soccer game. This week Ashton cleaned Dylan's room and left a note for him that said, "Thanks for being a really good friend. Love, Ashton." Dylan and I are so blessed to have such great friends in our lives.

Speaking of, for her birthday, one of my dearest friends, Robbi Firestone took me to see Teatro Zinnzani. It was amazing. She won the tickets at a philanthropic event she attended this summer. We had the best time. Robbi does so much good in the world, it doesn't surprise me that the universe gave something remarkable back to her. Last year alone Robbi donated over $30,000 to local non-profits from her art. She is a world class oil portrait artist. My favorite story is her donation to Camp Korey, which is a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses.

With all of this gratitude, how could I not instigate something to give back to the world. When I got sick from my trip to Ohio and stayed home with my mom, I was spoiled by her homemade chicken noodle soup. As soon as I got back to Tacoma, I made a quadruple batch of soup and delivered it to sick friends. Everyone is sick right now and so many people don't have insurance- or even moms close by to make soup. So I threw the idea onto Facebook as the Chicken Soup Movement to encourage others to do the same and 134 people from across the country have accepted or passed it onto others to join to make soup for sick people in their neighborhood. Crazy, awesome! Check it out.

$500,000, Einstein, NYC and a Long Lost Friend

2009-10-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's my favorite work of art, because it comes to life in person. I haven't visited it in over ten years. It took $500,000 to get there and I arrived at the MET with the man who stole my heart as a boy seventeen years ago in high school.

The art is Autumn Landscape by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The $500,000 is a US Treasury grant Melina, Scott and I (Credit Union Strategic Planning) landed to help immigrants in Harlem to lift themselves out of poverty. Did you know that immigrants are the poorest of the poor in the U.S. for three generations? And my renewed friendship is with one of the finest people I've ever had the pleasure of calling a best friend. Back in high school he bagged groceries at the store and I worked at the restaurant across the street. Back then he was my first crush. Now he is a remarkable father, brother, son, veteran, and more remarkable friend than I could have imagined. We hadn't seen each other for over 15 years- so of course we met up in
NYC (smile). Like me, he works to help people. And our friendship is a gift, like all things in life- even hardships. His sister remarked that the timing of our friendship was good for him. She had no idea of the good timing in my life for a positive male influence to reaffirm my faith in men treating women with respect. We both lifted each other up and that is where happiness comes from: Our way of being.

Everyday my faith (in a loving God) is affirmed by life. It's occurring to me that the spirit of God in us, the way we are made in the likeness of God means that when we create anything in life it is divine. We see this in the inspiring works of art that are created by Tiffany or the feeling of awe from inventing an opportunity to be a positive change agent in the world. I'm also astounded by the story of Jesus having faith to die on the cross for our sins, and it's profound beauty in reflecting the good that can happen in our own lives and the world when we embrace fear and take a leap of faith to turn adversity (Any hardship. See the 911 memorial cross in the picture) into an opportunity for humanity, kindness and love. As I look at the challenges I've faced this last year, and how the circumstances were altered by surrendering to God and choosing faith instead of fear, I see the gift of a graceful and powerful life.

And that is what's going on in life right now. To that end Melina and I offered Scott Butterfield ownership in Credit Union Strategic Planning and the position of CEO. He accepted our offer and we immediately picked up clients in Alaska, California and Louisiana. The word is out that we are saving small credit unions and helping consumers.

And the H1N1 I picked up in Ohio (yup mom and I got really sick) laid me up at my mother's house, just long enough to let her make me homemade chicken noodle soup, for us to love one another and appreciate all the health and happiness we take for granted.

So I'm jumping on a plane from Ohio back to Tacoma tomorrow. Dylan's sock hop is this weekend and I'm certain to have a great time with the kids and my friends Jenny, Karl and Ayana. Life really couldn't be any better- with the exception of maybe getting to spend a week or a month with my Grandma Jeanne. Guess I'll have to come back to Ohio next month. That I will work on until then, Thank you God for all of the blessings in my life..

Good Times

2009-09-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Dylan and I have hit our work hard, play hard stride. Dylan's grades have skyrocketed. He is taking caring for the pups seriously. And soccer is in full gear. My dear friend Karl Kilga (Claire and Travis' dad) is D-man's soccer coach.

Karl works the boys out so hard they come home EXHAUSTED.

The Kilga kids, Karl, Dylan and I have been close for years; I even taught Claire how to ride her bike. While the boys work the soccer field, Claire and I relax with the puppies, swing on the playground and taunt each other with double dutch jump rope challenges. With work in full gear (The US Treasury CDFI Fund opened a new $113 million round) and my promise not to work at all after picking Dylan up from school, Tuesdays and Thursdays have officially become my favorite days of the week.

Melina and I are embracing a tremendous work milestone this week. We are celebrating the one year anniversary of our business with gratitude for the amazing people we work with and good that we are doing. As I've said before, the world is reflecting our good intentions back at us. It is amazing. I never dreamed our business would be so healthy after one year. I cried tears of joy this week. The sustainability is awe inspiring as we add new clients from across the country every week including credit unions in Sonoma and Louisiana this last week. Thank God. Thank God. Good times.

Little Girl Games

2009-09-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

I still like to play games, little kid games. I am talking about the kind of nonsense I played with Trista. Tuesday I attempted an old game silently in my mind as I drove D-man to school in a neighborhood filled with beautiful houses. It was a game of little girl imagination along the lines of how many kids do you want to have? What do you want to be when you grow up? It was which house do you want to live in?

I always chose the little white one beside Dr. McDonalds' (both of them) office in downtown Bolivar. The one with the Bolivar sign in the front yard. It was the way they manicured the lawn with kris-cross perfection, and kept the home freshly painted. These people LOVED their home. It wasn't decadent. Ironically, my parents' home was four, maybe six times as big- with a HUGE swimming pool.

On the drive to Dylan's school, I thought what a great life visualization exercise. What is my favorite home in this incredible neighborhood near Dylan's school; Only to be frustrated by my inability to choose. None of the houses were my favorite house. I felt slightly defeated. Why couldn't I choose? It's an easy game.

Lets bring this ship into port. I sat on my porch swing this morning watching the pups do their bidness. Two middle school girls walked by. One paused in the sidewalk and turned to me, "Your house is beautiful. It's my favorite house. I look at it everyday.” And blough like a steam roller- it hit me.

My home is my favorite house. I love this house. I even told the girl, "Thank you. Thank you for telling me that you love my home. I love my home. I work on it all the time. This summer I climbed up onto the roof myself to paint the trim."

Just like the people in the little house in Bolivar, I love my home. Apparently that love is something that little girl's dreams are made of. I'm living my own dream. Bliss.

Now off to make money to pay for that paint (wink). Special thanks to my Grandma Jeanne for the love that she put into my life and home. I am grateful.

Yo Quiero- We got a puppy dog!

2009-09-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

Dylan has been asking for a Chihuahua for over a year. Not just any dog- a Chihuahua. As we've been living in peace and harmony with new rules and respect in the house I was actually thinking about it. During the past year, I've always said, "No way." I haven't really liked a dog since my dachshund when I was a little girl. And ooooh the responsibility (wrinkled brow and sigh.)

Well the lesson at Genesis this week was about feeling joy. I almost felt like Rev. Charles was speaking right to me about letting go of the need to work too hard and taking life too seriously. Separately we had a great conversation about the lightness he's seen return in my spirit during the last month. Of course I busted out a famous machine gun laugh to celebrate the call for free, joyous expression.

Along those lines, I had a joyous weekend and on Sunday night God sent more joy to our house. My friend showed up with not one, but two Chihuahua puppies in need of a good home. The big fat begging lip showed up on Dyan's adorable face. I thought to myself, "Ok, God, I hear ya."

We played, laughed, rolled around with the disgustingly adorable spotted, blue eyed pup.

After much deliberation (I am still very serious.) and agreements with Dylan about responsibilities and chores- we decided to keep her. We didn't keep both pups, but we are now a family complete with one disgustingly adorable salt and pepper spotted, blue eyed chihuahua puppy.

Now for a name...Suggestions. I was thinking Faith? or Joy?

Saling Under the Harvest Moon

2009-09-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

September in Seattle (and Tacoma) is marked by cool air that chills the nape and the last of the zucchini blossoms. In the Garden of Goodness, a beautiful bounty of squash, cucumbers, peppers, leeks, tomatoes, and lima beans was lit by the harvest moon this weekend. It also sparkled across the water of Elliott Bay (read on).

The seeds we’ve sown and nurtured have blossomed and bore fruit when we reap our harvest. These past few months I planted seeds of my own to:

1. Regain my self-love.

2. Establish boundaries to improve my parenting and protect my home and finances.

3. Step faithfully beyond the fear of the unknown with my business and construction projects.

4. Be the integrity that my word represents my intentions to the world.

5. Forgive and release energy focused on the past.

The (symbolic) garden of my life is overflowing with freshness..

Dylan started the fifth grade last Wednesday. We made an agreement on the house rules. After setting the rules, I asked, “Is there anything that would keep you from living with these rules? Now is the time for us to change anything you can’t live with.” He asked if we could have a rule that I take him to school 20 minutes early everyday. I said, “No problem,” and kept my promise all week, as I will for the remainder of the year. He also kept his word about living with the rules.

For the first time ever, on Thursday he asked, “Is there any other chores I can do for you, mom?” AMAZING! The rules and expectations are building his motivation and confidence. He wants to exceed my expectations.

I too want to exceed my own expectations (and his). In business, we closed two more U.S. Treasury grant writing contracts last week- and picked up a strategic planning client in Sonoma, CA.

What about personal joy? I mentioned, “the moon sparkled on Elliot Bay.” I’ve been so heartbroken these last few months, that I forgot that spending time with an attractive, charismatic man could be enjoyable and romantic. I went on a date on Friday- let my hair down, laughed, smiled and was swept off my feet for an evening. It’s been so long since I’ve felt remotely interested in a man. And really it has been about me loving myself enough to let go of something that didn't work to create an opening in my heart for something that could.

I’m letting go of the sadness. It’s not hard when the option is to sit in mourning or to graciously accept roses during a sunset cruise from someone that just wants to get to know me.

The message at my spiritual center today was simply be light and feel joy. That seams like a way to be grateful for the things we’ve nurtured and grown in our lives.

Last week before school

2009-08-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

It's the last week before school starts and what does that mean for kids? It's the last week to help mom out! (hehe) Actually, Dylan's been at his grandparents in Portland for most of the Summer. It has been a joy to have him back.

I've grown as a parent during these few short months. I realized we needed a few rules, boundaries and for me to clearly communicate my expectations- so he could exceed them. And boy was this the best idea I've ever had. He loves that I am letting him know what to expect up front. So much so, that he looked forward to his chore of washing the car, told me that it was his bed time and offered to make me coffee in the morning.

I can't imagine the coffee making is a permanent thing, but I believe the respect is sustainable. I realized that being consistent with bed time, home work time and expressed rules and consequences is actually showing him respect. We reap what we sow.

It's going to be a great year.

Leap of Faith

2009-08-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

I jumped out of a plane yesterday and it was spiritual. In fact I'm jumping into a whole new life. At first I was terrified by all of the life changes. That fear was debilitating. Can I manage the huge home construction project as a single mom? Can I make my business soar without a loving partner to back me up? Then I decided to take control and turn that fear into faith. I tackled the challenges one at a time- and with faith each step I took turned into a giant successful leap. Yesterday I went skydiving to change my entire mindset. It was AMAZING! Remember this is your life and fear can only paralyze you, if you let it. Im choosing to live an empowered life. I am letting go of my fear to make my dreams come true. See my bliss. ( My smile is nearly blinding in this video.) It is in you too.

Separately, I recieved amazing news today. This blog was named #29 on the list of 100 Incredible Philanthropy Blogs by Bible College Reviews.

The review said, "With many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, charitable giving and philanthropy is more important than ever to help people domestically and around the world get on their feet and lead better lives. If you’re interested in learning how to give back or want to find out more about people and organizations dedicated to philanthropy, the web is a great place to start. These blogs will help you get a clearer picture of philanthropic projects large and small, and ways that you can get the greatest result from dedicating your time or money."

And goes on in the list to describe my blog, "This mom uses this blog as a forum to talk about the community projects they work with in their hometown."

I've been writing much more about spirituality and God's connection to my decision to create an enjoyable life and actively contribute to community. My wonderful church Genesis Global Spiritual Center has guided me to a much more graceful life. I am grateful for the beautiful place of unconditional love it is in my life and community.

Can't beat the heat- join it!

2009-07-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

We are experiencing a record breaking heat wave in Tacoma- AND loving it. Dylan is embracing the opportunity to swim with his friends everyday. My best friend Robbi lived in LA for many years and like Dylan is enthralled with the heat. How could I do anything but join in the fun? While Robbi stained furniture in the 102 degree heat, I layed a brick patio. This photo shows the pristine nature of her artistic staining and the filthy, back breaking truth of my brick paving.

We ended the evening with Uncle Jon and Jess. I made dinner and the whole gang enjoyed homeade ice cream. We busted out the ice cream maker that dad and mom used when we were kids.

Transition to the Present and Future

2009-07-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am filled with joy that Dylan comes home this weekend. Plans are for a night of volunteering with friends on Saturday, Genesis and meditation on Sunday morning and old-fashioned ice cream making Sunday in the heat of the day.

In the mean time, Dylan’s trip to Portland (and its divine timing) created a graceful transition of Luke out of our lives without causing Dylan more sadness. Little guy was as shocked and torn up as I was. The truck came and went this weekend and God opened a new door for a dependable, honest, caring man to walk into our lives to love us and let us love him - WHEN we are ready.

Counter balancing the move, my dear friend Robbi provided inspiring entertainment to ensure my focus remained on the present and future- not fantasies of a false past. I can see now that I was wrong about Luke being my life partner and that many good things came from it. As a single mom, I would never have started my business if I didn’t think I had the stable backing of a caring, dependable partner. And I love my business. Melina, Scott and I are doing phenomenal work. We've written $10 million in US Treasury grants with clients from New York to Hawaii. The world can only continue to reward our hard work, vision and talent. Thank God Luke was in my life at the time, so I would have that false sense of security to take the leap of faith to start this business. It really is a miracle. My friend Stacy had tears of pride in her eyes when we talked about the impact our work is having to make the world a better place.

Speaking of miracles, everything my mom, brother and I planted from seed has sprouted. Every single plant is in full bloom in the "garden of goodness." I cooked the first meal from the garden this weekend. It was a fun Sunday, getting filthy dirty and the perfect juxtaposition after attending a Gala event with Robbi on Friday.

On the home front: The shingles are on the house. This was a top priority to protect the exposed insulation. I felt very overwhelmed about all that needed to be done when Luke first left. I’m so grateful that this is off the list. And a generous electrician volunteered to bring the electrical wiring up to code. This also scared the hell out of me. We couldn’t even pass inspection and I didn’t know a darn thing about electricity. Now to figure out how to finish the tiling that has part of the floor exposed. I’m tackling one thing at a time.

For now it’s a good mix of accepting best friend love, reflection and centering, a whole gob of welcome home Dylan hugs and a focus on small tasks to make this house a home again. Ok work and personal development are in the mix too. Robbi and I both registered for the August Landmark Forum Class.

In the end God’s plans are more beautiful and natural than my ideas. There were and continue to be many gifts through this life experience. So I am surrendering .

Doing Good

2009-07-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Back in the day (elementary school), I had a tormenting friendship with the boy who went to my church and lived at the end of the street. He was a stinker and I was a prissy little girl. In middle school, he fell (or I pushed him) off of his trampoline. In high school, he had a visible hump on his back. I always felt guilty (because he teased) that I gave him that hump during the famed "trampoline incident." We were good buddies through the tormenting, teasing and life's accidents. Our first jobs were at the strawberry farm together. We were in drivers ed. together and even confirmed and left our church at the same time when they fired our beloved minister. We graduated high school and haven't seen each other since.

He called today and it's been over 15 years. He heard of Dylan's and my heart break, my facing life's challenges head on and like so many other friends was just extending his friendship (over miles and years). He called to offer to come out and help me with my home construction woes and to give pearls of wisdom about life, kids and common sense. One of the many things he said that touched me,

"If you do nice things and you're a good person, people will help you."

(even after you push them off a trampoline, apparently)

His wife and kids are lucky to have him, as am I to have such a wise friend.

Writing of friends and doing good, Melina and I had a great trip to Loon Lake to support our friend Demaris. We shared our gifts: Melina sang at her wedding and I took the photos.

Demaris was a beautiful bride.

Storm before the Peace

2009-07-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

As my dear friend, Melina and I drove across Washington to Loon Lake, we passed seven or more dust devils (mini tornadoes). It was thrilling. We joked, hoping the largest would dissipate as the road and the tornado's path became one. Of course it did. It reminded me of the sand storm that Patrick Hogan, Linda Danforth and I were caught in beside the Niger River in the port city of Mopti, Mali, West Africa, the chaos and the peace that followed.

We arrived at Loon Lake in time for dinner, a peaceful lull in the hammock and to catch the serene last rays of the setting sun.

Storms are natural in life. Humidity and fluctuating temperatures, the calm that follows is a moment of wondrous, easy peace. The perfect moment to simply be.

This is my life right now. Thank God, my family and good decision making.

New Roommate

2009-07-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

My new roommate, Amanda, moved in last night-divine timing. She needed a safe place to escape domestic violence. She is taking all the right steps. She filed charges, filed for divorce and our living arrangement is based on her keeping our address confidential for our safety.

She is a sweet young girl, twenty-years-old, finishing her last two months of her school program. Remarkable timing that I have a room for her and was recently open to having a roommate.

A friend of mine shared a quote today, "Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am thankful for the creative altruism that makes this living situation mutually beneficial.

Self Defense

2009-07-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

One of my dear friends, Shayne Jasper, made this hilarious YouTube video about self defense. Tips include an open-handed slap and stomping on the perp's feet.

A little story relating to the good we put out into the world returning to us- I helped Shayne to start his business last year: Train with Shayne. During that time he has been one of the driving forces behind my regaining my health and moving from a size 12 to a size 6. As I've gone through life's challenges this past month, he's been there holding me high- like a brother. Thanks for helping me to tap back into my authentic strength Shayne. I hope the world spreads the entertainment of your funny video.

Thanks

2009-07-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

A genuine and vulnerable message to friends and family:

I am grateful for your love and support. It's been a hard time. To remain authentic, I have not posted any vibrantly happy pictures during the last month. This post is just to let you know that the ground is solid and I am landing on my feet. Dylan is visiting his grandparents in Portland as I mange our life transition. We will soon be back in Ohio for an extended visit to heal and feel the warmth and security that embraces children when they visit mom. Mom, I can imagine your hug now.

As for this traumatic experience, it has been an unexpected gift. Friends have placed supportive hands under my arms, as I pull myself back to my feet. Furniture, construction help and prayers have come in endless supply from local business friends and our spiritual center. An electrician even volunteered to finish the half-done project of our kitchen that won't pass inspection. Friends will teach me how to place the shingles that leave our home vulnerable to the weather. By surrendering to grace, a contract came in that will ensure that Dylan and I can keep our home. When we received the call, I shared tears of joy with Melina (my biz partner). Our clients saw the results of our work and asked for more- at what was really the moment of truth. With God's perfect timing, after two month's of panic attacks related to finances and a fear of abandonment that actually came true, the contract came in the day after the negativity and dishonesty walked out the front door. (Said with compassion that it is not meant to shame someone I care for so deeply.) When it appeared all was lost, all there was to do was pray. The results are affirming, reminders to choose faith over fear.

The state of shock is passing. Life is getting better every day. The heartbreak and empathy is still raw. It's hard to decisively let go of someone you love when they are making destructive choices, but necessary. And what appears as destructive or selfish from my perspective is different from another's shoes. It is a healthy choice for the people we love to be real, even when the person they choose to be harms us. We can't be what someone else wants us to be, even when it is humane or loyal- if it is not who we are. I'm just glad to see the truth now. Thank God it was just during financial crisis not while facing illness or tragedy. My love for myself and the man I've loved so well- remains steadfast even with the need to maintain the separation. That love lives in the belief in our separate, personal growth.

As Einstein lived so profoundly, "In adversity there is opportunity." Yes, I am saddened by the disappointment. Concurrently, I am joyous about the opportunity for personal growth and to surrender to God's grace. Beyond those profound gifts, like never before I am able to see and receive the love-of friends, family and community. As the truth unfolds more and more beautiful opportunities are emerging. We must be on the right path. The good I am putting out into the world is coming back to me magnified by ten.

I have remarkable work to do in the world. Thank so many of you for sharing these words. I am listening and ready again to instigate goodness.

Be well. As will I.

Deep gratitude to you: Marilyn, Melina, Robbi, Scott, Shayne,Lois, Ed, Jenn, Joshua, Mom, Jon, Jess, my neighbors, David, Vic, Stacy, Mary and Jim, Reider, Brian, Dad, Grandma, Jake, Linda and Sue. Your love is a treasured gift.

Garden of Goodness

2009-06-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

My mom surprised me by flying out to Tacoma from Ohio last weekend. Random? Yes, but I needed her. I'd worked myself to exhaustion on those CDFI U.S. Treasury grants. I don't think Luke knew what to make of it. Given that he leaves at 6 AM and gets home from work at 7:30 PM, we both need to keep ourselves as balanced as possible in our work/home life. There's not a lot left to give to each other at the end of an exhausting day. Personal responsibility is an important strategy for maintaining happiness. Working 18 hours a day for the month, honestly caused me to be a little down in addition to the physical exhaustion.

Mom gave love so freely that it was contagious. I couldn't believe it when she texted me that she would fly out the next day. She arrived at noon with her "joy spreading" ready to jump off the plane. She brought my brother Jon over and we went to work planting the most energizing cottage garden. My bro even buried bricks to create an adorable border. We planted squash, leeks, tomatoes, beans, peas, peppers, kale with sunflowers lining the back. There will be a feast this summer. Come our way in August. All the while Luke sawed, stained and hung the accent beam in our kitchen. I am so grateful for a weekend dedicated to family and loving our home. It was needed.

Mom wants regular garden updates, so this blog may transition to a few veggie pictures for the summer.

Hey mom the lima beans and sunflower seeds sprouted yesterday!

Love you.

Thank you Mrs. Butterfield

2009-05-18T18:24:00.001-07:00

My friend Scott Butterfield is a master with numbers in a way that I may never know in this lifetime. So it is that Scott and I are connected at the computer-hip this month as our team writes US Treasury Grant Applications.

His wife Lora is his mental match, the Executive Director of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and a domestic goddess. To break the monotony of the hard work and impact on our families, Lora and Scott invited Dylan, Luke and I over for an after work BBQ on Sunday

After hours of toiling over numbers, I joined Luke and Dylan for a jump on the Butterfield's trampoline.

Lora's strawberry shortcake was the sweetest part of the evening.

2 National Emmy Nominations

2009-05-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I did something scary- and thankfully was supported by one beautifully persistent woman, Roxanne Kruger, a genius, Stacy, Augustine, and the greatest diplomat ever known to the cooperative movement, John Annaloro. So it is today, I am incredibly proud to receive a text message with huge news.

The PBS kids financial literacy program we introduced to be underwritten by the largest grant in the history of the National Credit Union Foundation and America's Credit Unions-- was nominated for TWO national Emmy Awards.

I cried tears of joy thinking about the good intentions we had, the promises we kept and the impact credit unions are having on young people across America and internationally.

It's days like these that the sleepless nights of work put into projects like BizKid$ all make sense. I can only hope that a few children out of the millions of viewers learn enough to stay away from high interest credit cards. (smile and coy reference to the American Debt Relief Challenge.)

Get involved:

1. Share Bizkid$ with your kids.
2. If you work at a credit union, underwrite BizKid$. It still needs your support. Conact RoxAnne Kruger or learn more.
3. Talk to your kids about money, don't just charge trips to Disney Land.

Much Love,

Jamo

Happy Birthday and Big Homework

2009-05-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Dylan's first double-digit birthday. He's officially a "big boy." Although, he'd be mortified by my saying that. It was a great party with lots of goofing around. Grandma Mary, Papa Jim, my brother and Luke were all there.

Homework
Then we went back to school and work. Oh yes, the real world does exist after the party. Dylan and I have been doing our homework together. His new teacher is great. She sends spelling lists to both of Dylan's homes.

It's also a big month for Melina and I. We are so excited about how well things are going at Credit Union Strategic Planning. A team of us are writing $12 million in US Treasury grant applications for Community Development Financial Institutions this month. To say the least, it's nose to the grindstone and pencils behind the ear.

Helping Old Friends Make News As Fastest Growing Small CU in US

2009-03-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Melina and I were no sooner off the plane from unveiling the American Debt Relief Challenge in DC and settled into hugs with Jason (her hubby), Luke and Dylan, than we were back on the trail instigating goodness.

We put on a press conference for an old friend yesterday. The credit union is simply remarkable, one of the fastest growing small credit unions in the nation- because it is focused on really helping hard working families. The video is only one minute long if you can suffer through the 10 second nursing home commercial that leads into it. The press conference was a big hit: ABC, NBC, and CBS affiliates showed up, two newspapers and three radio stations. It was great to depart for home knowing that we helped people and that we'd finally get to stay home with the boys after far too many nights away.

(Deleted for noise annoyance. :)

Time to go home- but not before we leave the world a little better than how we found it.

2009-02-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the ten BEST days of my life. It doesn't come close to comparing to the day Dylan was born or the day I realized that I deeply love and admire my mother, but it was amazing. Now my feet hurt, I miss my son and I'm ready to come home from DC.

On the eve of leaving DC, I'm both inspired and filled with inner peace knowing that my dearest friends and collaborators on the American Debt Relief Challenge are truly leaving the world just a little better than we found it earlier this week. I am grateful for the grace that brought four of the most brilliant and talented people I've ever met together to save American families over $300 million.
Just when we nominated former NASA employee and credit union technology guru Jason Green as our supremo team genius, Bob Manning PhD, author of Credit Card Nation and inventor of the Responsible Debt Relief Algorithm joined our co-operative group. This photo was taken at our contract signing with Dr. Manning at the esteemed Aspen Institute.

The joy I feel is even more pronounced in sharing it with my dearest friend and business partner, Melina Young. If ever, I made even the slightest of intelligent decisions it was in discussing full partnership with Melina. To see her in action, pulling national partnerships together was a sight of confidence, truth and beauty. The success of the collective is so equally contributed to, that the lines of credit blur at the edges of each collaborators profound skills and contributions. This includes the contributions of her amazing husband Jason Young.

To think the American Debt Relief Challenge started over a 4 hour philosophical coffee with Scott Butterfield, ADR co-founder. He simply shared how he saved the average family $200 a month by transferring their high interest credit card debt out of a mega bank credit card (28% APR) into a not-for profit credit union (9% APR). He is my hero.

And our extended team and friends at Currency Marketing, the leading credit union advertising agency in North America and first agency to submit marketing campaigns to ADR have been in our hearts and minds all week. Thousands of people saw and loved your work. The big hit "It's ok to ask for help."

Team accomplishments in DC:

*ADR praised in speech by presidential appointee to audience of 4,000+ people.

*ADR signs partnership contract with Bob Manning PhD, author of Credit Card Nation and regular guest on NPR and CNN.

*ADR gains official national trade press media sponsor, The Credit Union Journal.

*ADR invited to many states to speak at conventions.

*ADR loves and thanks Filene Research Institute for cultivating innovation in our most worthy movement.

*ADR off and running in the challenge to save consumers $300 million.

Happy Birthday Uncle Jon

2009-01-23T19:47:00.001-08:00

Wishing you the happiest 29th birthday because you are the best uncle and brother in the entire universe! We love you Jon George! Jamie and Dylan

Something big is going down

2009-01-22T18:48:00.000-08:00

Some people far more talented than myself and I are working on an inspiring project. More details to come soon.
Also, my new business website is up and live!

www.CreditUnionStrategicPlaning.com

Bad Santa's Festival of the Last Minute

2008-12-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

How's this for a fantastic idea: My friend Melina is buying holiday gifts from indie stores and regional artists, giving the business card with the gift. Love the gift- buy more, support the local entrepreneur and economy.

Dylan and I took this idea to Portland last weekend. We needed a little family love, so we went to see his Granpa Jim and Grandma Mary. (I'm grateful that they still consider me a daughter, even though Brian and I were divorced earlier this year.) Weekend treasures included Mary's gourmet cooking, Jim's always inspiring conversation and the wacky goodness of the Portland artist's market. As part of our visit we went to the Festival of the Last Minute.

My favorite artist was Matt Hellner. I bought one of his Layered Shadow Boxes for my brother's girlfriend, Jess.

But it was the outrageous Bad Santas and a crazy merchant dressed as a bear that made our family gawk and laugh.

Of course, I encouraged Bear Man to chase Dylan.

A Lil' Piece of Americana Isn't Scary

2008-10-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

Things I dreaded when "D" started elementary school 5 years ago:

1. The PTA
2. PTA Moms (AND DADS)
3. Becoming a PTA mom

Today the words came out of my mouth, “Oooh my two favorite PTA moms,” as I hugged the most sustainable greenest thumb chickadee I know in Tacoma and the associate publisher of the hippest art mag in the city.

I guess Halloween is an appropriate time to officially overcome my fear of PTA moms, though I’ve yet to become one. It was my costume tonight. And I was in good company. Jess, the cowgirl, confessed the key to being a cool PTA mom is throwing the “F-bomb” around occasionally. I laughed, realizing she’s either normal or we’re both abnormal. Either way she’s my kind of PTA mom.

I had a great time posing for our Americana picture with Cowgirl Jess and Politico Nathe at Dylan’s Halloween Sock Hop at Sherman Elementary. My pose throwing a PTA gang sign is to show that I still embrace diversity as a part of Americana, even if I’m following my other sheeple (and friends) to PTA dances. They’re good people to be a sheeple with- and I Fucking love the kids.

It wasn’t scary at all.

Why are we failing financial literacy?

2008-09-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Financial literacy has come up several times recently among my friends, at work, in grad school, on the news and even at home last night.

Luke is setting up a budget for our family and it even includes the opportunity for Dylan (my 9 year-old son) to earn $25 a week. Along with that we are charging Dylan for rent $5, utilities $5 and food $5. Does this sound drastic? It's actually an innovative approach to teach him about budgeting and self motivation.

And that's one of the reasons we are failing financial literacy. My fellow grad students were shocked and awed when I said the "preachy" credit union approach to teaching financial education is not working. The fact, backed by quantitative data is that bank and credit union educators lecturing students is ineffective.

With both parents and teachers ignoring financial education, presuming the other is teaching it, I don't mean to criticize the only people actively addressing the problem.

I do want to help credit union educators do a better job of teaching financial education.

Education is not just about teaching. It occurs when the result is learning.

Dr. Lewis Mandell is the leading researcher of financial literacy in the United States. While he is currently assessing the outcomes of his 2008 research, the 2006 research was mind blowing. I've attached a link to an online PPT. check out slide 4.

To give credit unions the praise they deserve, the PBS show Biz Kid$ funded by America's Credit Unions does create the needed self efficacy to produce results. It features kids teaching each other with real life examples of kids who own their own businesses.

Kudos to the National Credit Union Foundation who spearheaded the funding of this show. They realized you can't bore kids into learning-so lets inspire them.

Hey Mom I Skipped a Grade!

2008-09-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Dylan's back in school and it’s a brave new year. They decided to put him and a handful of other 4th graders in an experimental 5th grade classroom. The teacher is very engaging. They choose Dylan not because he achieved the highest test marks, but instead because he shows the greatest aptitude. We are hoping the more mature student will increase Dylan’s self-efficacy (motivation).

Open house was last night. The students put mystery notes on their desks with clues about which desk belonged to each of them.

Dylan’s note was the only one that told the parents, “I love you.”

Guess some of that 5th grade maturity is rubbing off on him already.

Honestly it was the “my favorite toy is Bokugan,” that was clue that tipped us off to Dylan’s Desk. It was an unexpectedly sweet night. Dylan’s dad Brian is backpacking in British Colombia with my brother, Jon, but Brian’s girlfriend Emily came to the open house.

Emily and I were blessed with Dylan’s love for us…and Bokugan

The Tall Ships Are Coming!

2008-06-27T19:30:00.001-07:00

0627081319.jpg
Originally uploaded by Tacoma Urbanist

On the heels of my post about the Frost Park Chalk Off, this sidewalk chalking urged on a shout-out for the International Tall Ships Festival here in Tacoma this week.

Oh yes, Tacoma is a cultural mecca. We love our community.

Special thanks to Michelle Merritt in advance for gifting Dylan and I tickets to watch the fireworks from one of the historic ships on the water. You are an amazing woman, friend and we are grateful.

Artists Everywhere Move to Tacoma

2008-06-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

0627081821.jpg
Originally uploaded by Tacoma Urbanist

The Tacoma Urbanist has posted an interesting photo on Flickr. Is it true that our own Tacoma Art Place is the prize of the next Frost Park Chalk Off?

The city of Tacoma has so many cool things happening, organic. It is organic. Seriously, right now this moment, you can walk to the park in the center of the downtown and see the most vivid, beautiful and unusual chalk art on the sidewalks and fountain walls.

Oh, and then walk up the hill to Tacoma Art Place and with your membership that costs about $4 a month make stained glass art or have someone teach you how to use the dark room.

Artists everywhere move to Tacoma!!

What does a BBQ rocket launch look like?

2008-06-26T09:25:00.001-07:00

Eat and play 2
Originally uploaded by jamiejchase

Ok, I admit it when the United Way pulled funding for Boy Scouts I looked down my nose at the organization and bought into the idea that maybe they discriminate against different religions or our gay friends.

What I didn’t know is that they don’t, at least not across the board as a constant. Apparently, the Boy Scouts are run like a credit union or our political parties at the local level. Each troop is individually owned by the community and has a vote at the regional council.

In fact, the councils set the stage for the national platform. So for all of you Boy Scouts, moms and liberals that love community and scouting re-engage. It is your organization.

Our experience has been wonderful. The handbook has guided important discussions that I never would’ve imagined. And the religion badge, if your child chooses to pursue it,crosses all cultures and sects-not just Christianity, seriously.

The event this week was so much fun. We did a rocket launch and BBQ in the North End of Tacoma. The kids had a blast, pun intended. Ha!

School Daze

2008-06-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

The last days of school are so great for kids. Dreams of ice cream, swimming and no homework forever.

Yesterday there was a BBQ and field day with games at Mr. D's school. It brought back so many memories from Bolivar Elementary. I could almost feel the kick ball field between the playground and Burfield's Strawberry Farm under my feet. JB if you are reading this, I think we should plan a family field day back home.

I am so grateful that life keeps getting better and better. The last days of school are great when you are a kid, but like Christmas morning, it is even better as a parent seeing Dylan and his best friends enjoying the same innocent freedom that come with the last days of school!

Pushing Boundaries in the Volcano

2008-06-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm crazy about Seal. His words are set me on fire, hot. "In a world full of people why do only some of us fly? Isn't that crazy." Think about that. Me, you, we can do whatever we want in life to fly. And by fly I just mean to be yourself, free to be you-vibrantly.

There is an artist who exemplifies this. I wrote an article about her. Want a shot of empowerment? Read on:

Pushing Boundaries by Jamie Chase in the Weekly Volcano.

To intrigue you into reading the story...

Gratitude Call

2008-05-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a beautiful message from a dear friend, Charles. He was making his "gratitude calls". How amazing is that, seriously!

I thought about how warm his call left me feeling. The call wasn't just about thanks for the fun projects we are working on together. He actually thanked me for being me. Can you imagine? Profound. It left me thinking about the people I am grateful for just because they are: Jon, Robbi, my mom, Brian. The list is long and if you are reading this, I'm grateful. Guess I need to make a few calls.

Beyond the love that surrounds us, I'm grateful for the simple things.

Dylan and I are on a mini-vacation at his grandparent's in Portland. Yesterday, we spent a beautiful morning at the farmer's market. Do you see how grateful Dylan is for the banana bread his papa purchased for him (see picture)? I took my camera and shot a few pics of colorful, fresh veggies. Wow, how lucky we are to have such simple beauty in our lives. I'm grateful for that and so much more. Life is good.

Harry Hogwart Tacoma

2008-05-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

Magical beasts, crystal amulets and the kids made wands too. Wish someone could've put a spell on me. Kids parties are dizzying and Dylan's 9th birthday was a Harry Potter bash. There were fifteen or more kids running round the backyard of the historic fire station we call home (North I ST behind Dave's Meat and Produce). At the end of the day the count of wounded soldiers was not high. One little girl will have glitter in her hair for at least a week, another had a muddy pant seat and my condo neighbors were kind about the a new mythical hiding spots in our hedge.

The childish good time turned into one of urban legend when my friend Josh delivered a gag gift to the birthday boy. What does a preteen want more than a Pokemon or the latest Transformer? Well, it is NOT a My Little Pony. Dylan's reaction was hilarious and he was a trooper-even in front of his little dudes.

A gift for Tacoma that is pure gold

2008-04-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

My stomach gets geeky mom butterflies of pride for our community when I watch the Tacoma Art Place YouTube video. If you haven’t seen the video, the story is this beautiful man, Mark Bratlie, owner of Turtle's Shell Stained Glass in Chehalis, WA was selling a kiln for $450. When we saw it on Craig’s List, we wrote to him about Tacoma Art Place (non-profit art center in Tacoma inspired from art co-ops in West Africa creates affordable access to art equipment for everyone) and asked if he’d donate his kiln to the project. He did. In the video, Mark said of the kiln, “It’s a gift for Tacoma,” as he stood in front of one of his own majestic pieces of stained glass work with rays of sunlight beaming off of him as big as his smile.

As Mark and our friend Patrick Hogan loaded the kiln into a van to bring it back to Tacoma, my eight-year-old son Dylan said, “Mom, It’s pure gold.”

Put your sunglasses on, that pure gold is glittering in the hilltop this week! That kiln along with a second donated kiln and a darkroom are all now operational. Tacoma Art Place even held its first fused glass class this past Sunday. My brother, Jon Graef, took the class and said he enjoyed leaving with his own glass art.

So here’s the deal, what’s the cost to use all of this equipment? It’s the equivalent of $4 a month for an individual, only $48 a year and Tacoma’s best kept secret. To learn glass fusing with an instructor my brother only paid $20. It is a crazy inspiring good deal. Check it out: Tacoma Art Place

Spread the word. It’s a gift and it’s pure gold.

First day at Disney: All wet!

2008-03-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

The plane ride on United from SeaTac to Orlando was Loooong. We saw the best and worst that United had to offer. In the end, as in the final 5 minutes, Dylan fell asleep while we were landing in Orland0. (With the right perspective, that's just funny.)

This morning we were up and running, actually swimming. Who needs the Magic Kingdom when there is a pool! We are in the world where dreams come true and my sons dream is to swim, and swim and swim. So we did, and everyone was happy. Papa Jim and I even snorkled with sharks and stingrays. It was inspiring.

Dylan just loves his grandparents as you can see in this picture with Grandma Mary. She's like a second mom to him. I lived with Mary and Jim, while I was finishing my college degree.

And Papa Jim knows how to plan for everyone to have a good time. Here he is going down the water slide at our hotel. Papa is the life of the water party.

Dylan has always loved it when Papa throws him up in the air to make big water splashes.

After a long day of swimming, the men sat at the bar together drinking innocent frozen dream sickles. Ahhh.

Saving Ohio

2008-03-26T01:38:00.000-07:00

This blog is written as a tool for you to use to help Ohio. Please copy, paste and repost on your blog and into emails to your friends and family to help save a historic village and jobs in Ohio.

***************
My name is Jamie and I love Ohio, my grandma and a little historic village named Zoar. Grandma Jeanne raised me to build community by volunteering. We even made apple butter and spun wool together in the village garden. Right now she and everyone else back home is trapped, flooded in their homes.

Please help me to raise $250,000 to save Zoar's historic buildings. It is a beautiful place that looks like a Norman Rockwell painting. Unfortunately the walls are cracking and the flooded buildings are caving.

http://www. timesreporter. com/opinion/x1670185857

Beyond the first greenhouse in Ohio, amazing architecture and the history of co-ops (like REI and credit unions) in Zoar, these buildings have significant impact on Ohio tourism. Ohio needs every job and the HOPE of future jobs. Tourism funds jobs that can’t be outsourced to another country, continent or planet.

When I visited villages in Africa, I saw first hand jobs created, when tourism brings outside dollars in and how it empowers communities. If you have even one friend living in Ohio, please send $1 to help this town.

Even though I’m a single mom, I am sending $100 to the Zoar Society. Please join me. For every $100 that is sent, I’ll work hard to find $100 to match it.

Here's how you can you help now:

1.) For matching funds, email me your pledge: jamiejchase@mac.com

2.) Mail your check to:

Zoar Village
198 Main Street
P.O. Box 404
Zoar, OH 44697

3.) Please also send an email to Ohio Senator Ron Amstutz at
SD22@mailr.sen.state.oh.us

Ask him to join you in saving Zoar and to sponsor legislation that creates jobs by funding tourism promotions and historic preservation. Funding this is a strategic investment being made by and producing returns by states from West Virginia to Nevada and even in Mali, West Africa. Ohio, get jiggy with it! These buildings of the past, also represent your future.

Thank you already for helping me to repay the lessons that my grandmother taught me, not only do we build our communities, but together we keep them strong.

With Hometown Love,

Jamie Chase (Graef)
www.jamiechase.blogspot.com

Family Tradition

2008-03-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am missing Grandma Jeanne's chzy bread and jello salad with fruit, but we enjoyed another beautiful Easter Egg hunt on the beach (Ruston Way Waterfront on Tacoma, WA).

After the great hunt and sugar treats-Dylan, his friends and I rolled down the hill until we were so dizzy we couldn't stand. What a beautiful day!

This is my best friend Robbi Firestone

2008-02-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

I can't say enough good things about this beautiful friendship. Robbi Firestone has changed my life by introducing me to Genesis.

She is also a prolific painter.

And from right here in Tacoma, she was chosen to be the featured artist for the 2008 PONCHO red carpet gala auction April 12 at The Westin Hotel in Seattle. As the Volcano recently covered, "More often than not the Seattle-based PONCHO — Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations — selects a Seattle artist for this honor."

But most importantly she is a great friend to both Dylan and me. Dylan likes to dance and laugh with her.

Hair Raising Weekend

2008-01-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Dylan and I had a great time in Portland this weekend with his grandparents. We even learned a thing or two about static electricity!

What Dylan will see when he opens his gift on Christmas morning.

2007-12-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

He doesn't know it yet, but we are going to Disney World!

2007-12-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Doesn't Dylan look cute pretending to be Santa? I am so excited for the holidays. The two of us are going to see the Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet on Christmas Eve.

My friends at JayRay are taking Dylan's picture and super-imposing it into a photo of Disney World. I'm stuffing the photo into a giant box with tissue paper and wrapping it up. Christmas morning will be like the old, post-Super Bowl commercials.

"Now that you've won the Super Bowl XVI, where are you going?"

"I'm going to Disney World!"

Life is good!

Tacoma Art Place

2007-11-01T09:36:00.001-07:00

My son Dyaln is really inspired by his volunteer work. I think everyone is inspired by Tacoma Art Place. The idea came from art co-ops we visited in Mali, West Africa.

It's a gift to Tacoma!

Pop culture gets Seattle and Tacoma kids to save 11 percent more

2007-10-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, more organizations should think outside the box like these credit unions. They're inspiring teen savings by actually staying outside of the classroom. Instead they send in a former regulator who uses her old-skool stories about her pink Mohawk and straight talk about compounding interest to motivate savings and improve financial literacy. The crazy best part is that their research is proving that Credit University in high school classrooms succeeds where others fail. Yes, research shows that just in time education sent into schools by most banks is not working.

I think this is pretty cool because:
Washington high schools failed national financial literacy test for four years.
Seven credit unions created Credit University to address the problem.
Testing of 6,500 participants showed an 11 percent increase in teen savings.
Credit University measured improvement while other programs show no impact.
Credit University is receiving national accolades for improving teen savings.
Tacoma and Seattle schools ahead of the curve and have visionary teachers.
Its a cooperative project of seven local not-for-profit credit unions: Qualstar, Group Health, Sound, Watermark, America’s, Seattle Metropolitan and Verity.

We Love The Fair and Our Krusty Pups!

2007-10-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

I have the best bosses in the world!

2007-09-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

The president of my company, Kurt, is so wonderful. Today I received an anagram, "I love to see see you rock." As you can see, the "see you" is my preferred "CU."

Isn't the rock fantastic in the word puzzle? Our rocking was about blowing away a credit union member communication project to increase participation in an election. The preliminary results are that double the members voted! ( I love democracy!) I hope my CU friends are also getting flowers, anagrams and smiles. And am I dreaming or am I really lucky enough to have a boss that enjoys seeing employees "rock!" What else can I say? Wow!

My credit unions are lucky too.

I'm going to be a C.U.D.E.

2007-08-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

It sounds a lot like "dude", but means social responsibility to me. I can't contain my excitement. I'm going to be one.

Being a CUDE is about gaining contemporary perspective on how a cooperative business model of social responsibility, volunteerism and community development makes the world a better place. In my mind,CUDEs are the protectors of the credit union movement and uphold the international operating principles.

"Those who have graduated from DE Training are some of the credit union movement's best and brightest around the world," said Mike Beall, president of the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association

Currently, there are about 350 CUDEs active in the credit union movement among the 700 who earned the designation since the DE Program was launched in 1982. Of the 202 active CUDEs from individual credit unions, 101 are CEOs, vice presidents, or board members. Another 102 CUDEs represent state and national credit union support organizations.

I feel humbled and honored. Thank you Tom Decker!

Random Acts of Easy

2007-06-06T16:31:00.001-07:00

This video is a sneak peak of JayRay’s most recent consulting work for credit unions. I’m calling the marketing approach, “Be the Difference.” The video demonstrates what credit unions can do to get back to our roots-before spending member money on advertising. Be the difference. Then market the difference. I look forward to consulting to credit unions and speaking at credit union conventions about this topic later this year. The video is more of a story than advertisement. As a busy mom, I love it when Dylan (my eight-year-old son) does the little things that make me feel loved. It really makes a difference in my day when he brings me a cup of coffee in the morning. (Note: Dylan makes a special appearance in the video.) This story is about the random acts of easy, those little things that make all of us, but especially women (the primary financial institution consumer) feel good. This credit union is actually doing all of these things. The marketing roll-out is secondary. If your money is on referrals and skyrocketing member service ratings from exceeding expectations, we should hit Vegas together.

Governor Signs Financial Literacy Bill

2007-05-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is a great moment for the children of Washington state, including my son Dylan. Thanks to Jump$tart Washington and Washington's credit unions they are one step closer to having financial education in their classrooms.

Personally, this is my first bill signing for legislation I was included in as an active participant instead of a background supporter. My dear friend and mentor Stacy Augustine, Sr. Vice President of the Washington Credit Union League (right of Gov. Gregoire) is the most determined advocate and lobbyist for financial literacy legislation in Washington state. She was recently named the Washington State Association of Executives, Executive of the Year. Cathy Broroson, (left of Governor and me) joined us from Kitsap Credit Union. Cathy is a national leader in the effort to educate credit union leaders about educating young people.

It is an honor to work with these remarkable people on an issue critical to the prosperity of our children and the next generation of Americans. I'm very thankful that my employer JayRay. The president of JayRay, Kurt Jacobson even joined us in Olympia on Jump$tart Washington's first annual legislative day.

Easter on the Beach

2007-05-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is our (Dylan's and my) family tradition. It was another great year. We were joined by friends from Portland.

Jon and Jess at the Point

2007-04-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

This was taken during a relaxing afternoon motorcycle ride through Point Defiance Park with Jon and Jess.

Biz Kid$ PBS TV Show

2007-03-09T14:13:00.001-08:00

Like the video of Mali, West Africa, I am very proud of this video clip. After meeting the producers of Bill Nye the Science Guy, I introduced BizKid$ to credit unions across the United States to underwrite the production of this program. I deeply believe this program will make a difference in the lives of our children. Credit unions are the natural choice to make this program possible for American families, because credit unions are not-for-profit. Last year credit unions saved American families $11 billion dollars at the same time that banks made the cover of USA Today for being the only industry in the nation more profitable than the oil industry. Now that drills right down to how credit unions are looking out for us! Call your local PBS station to see if BizKid$ will be played in your town.

Mali and Mentor

2007-03-09T14:04:00.001-08:00

This is my video footage taken during the trip I took last summer with Linda Danforth, Ruth Clapp and Patrick Hogan to the Here Je Center in Mali, West Africa. As the video shows, the trip and woman we traveled with, Carol Schillios, were inspiring.

Please email me if you would like to send a donation to Carol's project.

All lobbying is not bad

2007-03-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago I joined my fellow board members of Jump$tart Washington in Olympia to educate legislators about the importance of financial literacy.

To learn more about financial literacy visit: http://www.wajumpstart.org/

What can we do to help Washington students become smarter about their money?

Start by not just charging gifts for your child and vacations on a credit card. Let them take a role in the family budgeting.

Dylan is making good choices as we are saving for Disney World.

My cub scout

2007-03-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

I am sooo proud of Dylan. He earned his wolf badge last week.

Inspired

2007-03-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

After all the art projects with Dylan, I started painting this year. This is a Chineese watercolor I did at Christmas. My new project is spring flowers and buds painted on long rice paper sheets that to be hung from the cieling.

Show You Care

2007-02-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,
Please join Dylan and I this year as we celebrate Earth Day right before Dylan's Birthday, April 28.

Show us you care. Check out Waste Free Gifts: www.wastefreegifts.com

Much Love,

Jamie and Dylan

Mother and Son

2006-09-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

My son Dylan and I smiling in bliss, loving on each other. It was a great summer.

Mali West Africa Trip

2006-08-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Bloedel Bees

2006-08-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Euphoric Nature Walk Series

2006-08-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

Magpie Field Flowers on Steroids Make Good Wallpaper

2006-08-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

Delicate

2006-08-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hydrangea Series

2006-08-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Technicolor Leaves

2006-08-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Reflection in Pond

2006-08-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Blue Bell Flowers

2006-08-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

Reflection Pond

2006-08-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Bud

2006-08-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Seed and Flower

2006-08-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

Same Subject Diferent Perspective

2006-08-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Small Yellow Flower

2006-08-23T21:42:00.001-07:00

Charlotte's Web

2006-08-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

Is it Hydrangea?

2006-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Field Flowers on Magpie Steroids

2006-08-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Field Flowers

2006-08-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Is it tumbleweed?

2006-08-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

Technicolor Flower and Leaves

2006-08-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Red Flowers Green Grass

2006-08-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

Yellow Flower Green Grass

2006-08-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Splendor in the Grass

2006-08-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Mom and Son

2006-08-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

"Son" Photo by Mom

2006-08-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

"Mom" Photo by Dylan Chase

2006-08-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Red Flower Green Leaves

2006-08-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

"The Chases" Photo by Dylan Chase

2006-08-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sprouts

2006-08-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

Branch in Pond

2006-08-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Dylan Pensive by Pond at Bloedel

2006-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

"G" and Dylan.

2006-05-16T21:11:00.000-07:00