Superwoman – Then and Now

I know I've posted these  photos before.  I like them because they epitomize who I am –  or who I've been for the past 20 years.  These photos were taken April 28, 2002 according to the metadata (I learned this word from the Johnny Depp trial :-)).   So these photos were taken just months before my accident.  I actually remember purchasing this Superman shirt at JCPenney.  One of my favorite pastimes was taking self-portraits – before selfies were a thing.

Anyway, I happened across these photos the other day and I wasn't having a very good day and and I thought how nice it would be to look like that again and have a young healthy body that worked properly.

So today I wore my Superman shirt – not the same one – and had Lisa take my photograph.  20 years later – 20 years of being paralyzed from the neck down.  20 years I certainly would not want to relive but also 20 years of mortal experiences that have taught me many things and have shaped my character and who I am now.

I certainly wouldn't recognize me as the same person in the Superman shirt 20 years apart.  I actually took the time to Photoshop the photos to lighten them up a bit because they were very dark.  And I also cropped them.  So I will put the original lightened photo and the cropped ones.  And then at the end I will post my current photo taken today.  I don't really like posting photos of myself now but the contrast is drastic and I want to document it for my next blog book.

Original photo (lightened)

Cropped

Close crop. Downey, California.  April 28, 2002

Original photo (lightened). I love my leather animals and plants.  :-)

Hippopotamus, giraffe, elephant

Cropped. not much different than the one above.  Oh well.

Close crop.

Little did I know when I bought that Superman shirt 20 years ago and took those photos that I would have to become super to survive for the next 20 years.

20 years later.  June 23, 2022

Here I am 20 years later, still kicking it.  Although I look much different now, I'm still sporting my Superman shirt.  Because I am a super woman!  :-)

That's my two cents.

Sunday School Lesson – 1 Samuel

These are the handouts for our lesson today.  Lisa tied every stone with a paper that says "Conquer your own Goliaths"

 I led the lesson today.  It was on 1 Samuel.  Chapter 8 talks about the people wanting a king instead of judges and going apostate and turning away from God and towards the world.

Then, because of Father's Day and going over, we were short on time so I skipped through to 1 Samuel 16:7 where it talks about man looking on the outward appearance but the Lord looking on the heart.  And we talked about not being judgmental.

Then we finished up with 1 Samuel 17 – the story of David and Goliath.  We talked about how David's faith gave him the courage and confidence to conquer Goliath.  I told a couple stories and that was it.  I was going to post my entire lesson but it's mostly Scripture and I'm sure no one will read it anyway.

That's my two cents.

Missing You, Mom

 I miss her!

I love you forever, Mom!

The Little Things

It's the little things in life that seem to affect us the most.  Today I was outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine and all the beautiful surroundings.  I really love where I live.  I love to go outside and admire all of God's creations.

Occasionally I'll see a slug or several on the sidewalks trying to cross to the other side.  Often times they are dead and dried up with a trail of slime behind them.

Today I saw a few dead slugs but as I ventured to the overlook I saw one crossing with a trail of slime behind it.  I wasn't sure if it was dead or alive.  But I went out of my way to avoid running over it.  Which I always do.  I know, most people wouldn't care about slugs.  But they are still God's creatures and I love all of God's creations.

As I made it to my spot on the edge of the overlook I turned around to look at the slug to see if it was alive or dead.  I noticed that his back half was stuck to the concrete, with a trail of slime behind him, but his front half was wiggling around trying to free himself.  I desperately wanted to reach down and free him, but obviously I couldn't.  This made me super sad.  I know, is just a slug.  And most people see them as a nuisance and kill them every chance they get.  But I see it as one of God's creations.

It's little things like this that remind me of my weaknesses and limitations.  Something so little and insignificant can affect the rest of my day.

I couldn't bear to watch the poor little guy struggling.  So I turned around.  A few minutes later I turned to look at him again and he wasn't moving as much.  Then I went down to the dog tree for a a while.  When I came back, his corpse was plastered to the cement.  It made me sad.  I could have saved him.  But I couldn't.  It's these kind of little things that affect our days and our lives.

My little slug friend is now in heaven, but my day is ruined.  Hopefully tomorrow will bring a happier day.  RIP slug.

That's my two cents.

Mark and Johnny

This is going to be a weird post.  Just a warning in case you want to stop reading now.  I thought about doing this blog post over a month ago, a little after the Johnny Depp trial started.  But, life got in the way and I never did it.  Today, Juliet got me thinking of Mark Chesnutt with her IG story.  So I decided to go ahead and do this post.  :-)

I've been a big fan of Mark Chesnutt's singing voice since I first heard "Broken Promise Land".  Probably around 1990. I own all of Mark Chesnutt's albums and often played him on repeat during my college and medical school days – actually I still do.  :-) There's just something about his voice.  Especially the ballads.  Mark isn't much to look at but his singing voice is very attractive.

Well, a few weeks ago I saw a video of what Mark Chesnutt looks like now.  Unfortunately, time has not done him well.  I couldn't believe how old he looks now.  I knew he was a few years older than me, but not that much.  So I looked up how old he is.  Mark Chesnutt was born September 6, 1963.  Only seven years older than me.  We are both in our 50s!  I don't like to think of myself as looking that old, but I reckon I do. 

From Mark Chesnutt's Instagram May 8, 2022

Then, a couple of days later the Johnny Depp trial started.  As I stated before, I didn't know much about Johnny Depp.  I don't get into Hollywood stuff, but I started watching the trial as a distraction from dealing with Mom going through the dying process.

As I watched some of Johnny Depp's testimony I noticed that he has a really nice speaking voice.  I can see why he became a famous actor.  Naturally, one of the first things I did was look up how old Johnny Depp is.  I was a bit surprised to learn that he was born the same year as Mark Chesnutt.  Johnny Depp was born June 9, 1963.  Exactly 7 1/2 years older than me.

Although they are only three months apart and despite Johnny Depp living a hard, fast, Hollywood lifestyle –(And although Johnny's age is showing) time has been kinder to Johnny than to Mark.

Image of Johnny Depp from 2022 defamation trial

It might seem like a weird comparison, but I found it fascinating that Johnny Depp is less than three months older than Mark Chesnutt and they both have incredible voices.  Both born in 1963.  And it's interesting that Mark's singing voice is much better than his speaking voice.  And vice versa with Johnny Depp.  His speaking voice is much better than his singing voice. 

Another weird observation – does Mark Chesnutt look a lot like Bob Hope in that photo?  He does to me.

Apparently 1963 was a good year to be born with a good voice.  Okay I'm going to end this weird post now.  :-)

That's my two cents.

Johnny Got Justice

As you know, I've been following the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation trial.  It's been a helpful distraction.  But it's also more than a fluffy Hollywood defamation case.  It's about false accusations, truth, and justice.  And today truth and justice prevailed.  Johnny Depp was awarded $15 million in damages.  Amber Heard was awarded $2 million in damages for something Johnny Depp's attorney said.  But it was definitely a win for Johnny Depp.

I honestly can't fathom how someone could falsely accuse someone of something they didn't do.  It's beyond my comprehension.  But I saw it happen under oath, on the witness stand in court.  Amber Heard blatantly lied time and time again spewing vile, disgusting, very hurtful and damaging false accusations against Johnny Depp.  She was obviously acting as not a tear welled up in her eyes as she was supposedly crying.  It was just bad acting.

For justice to truly be served she should do jail time not only for perjury but also for domestic violence against Johnny Depp.  But I doubt that will happen.  I'm just happy that the jury came back with finding that Amber Heard did defame Johnny Depp.

Amber Heard's words ruined Johnny Depp's life and career for the past six years.  All he wanted was for truth to be known.  Everyone was saying that it didn't matter if Johnny won or lost this case because he already had won in the court of public opinion.  Which he did, but I do think it was important that he won this case in the court of law.

There needs to be consequences and people need to know that you can't just falsely accuse people of heinous acts, ruin their life, and get away with it.

Kudos to the jury in Virginia for doing the right thing.  Kudos to Johnny Depp for standing up for truth, even though he had to bare his shortcomings and parts of his life that are embarrassing and even shameful.  But it was necessary for truth to prevail.  I hope Johnny can get his life in a better place now.  I hope Amber can get the help that she desperately needs.  She's one messed up soul.

Today Johnny got the justice he deserved.

That's my two cents.

Success Is Measured at Home

During one of the devotionals I was watching last night, I heard a couple of quotes that reminded me of my mom.  These are classic quotes that every Latter-Day Saint will recognize.  But I want to post them today in honor of my mother.

This first quote is a longer version of the well-known quote by the prophet at the time, Pres. David O McKay.  This quote is from a talk given at Gen. conference in 1966.

“The home is the first and most effective place to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self control, the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

― David O. McKay

The other quote is also by a prophet, Pres. Harold B Lee.   I don't have the details of this quote but here it is:

“The most important of the Lord’s work that you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home.”—President Harold B. Lee

Mom certainly took these quotes to heart and her life epitomized their teachings.  Mom's greatest work  was certainly done within the walls of her home.  Mom may not have been considered successful by worldly standards,  but she was absolutely successful by the Lord's standards.

Thank you, Mom, for prioritizing the Lord and your family over worldly success.  I love you and miss you.  God be with you till we meet again.

That's my two cents. 

Mom's Printed Funeral Program

 

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's 77th birthday.  She so wanted to make it to her 77th birthday.  She's been saying for years that she wants to live as long as her mom – who was 77 when she died.  Mom fought hard but fell a week short.  Now that she's on the other side though, and sees how glorious it is, she's probably glad she didn't have to stay here in mortality another week.

Happy birthday in heaven, Mom!

I love you!

Mom's Funeral Information

Mom's funeral will be Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Graham Washington Stake Center located at 13612 224th St. E, Graham, Washington 98338.  Here is a breakdown of the services:

9:30 a.m. viewing in the Relief Society Room

11:00 a.m. funeral service in the Chapel

~12:30 p.m. police escorted funeral procession to cemetery (Fir Lane Memorial Park, 924 176th St E, Spanaway, WA 98387)

1:00 p.m. grave dedication and lowering of the casket at cemetery

~1:30 p.m. luncheon in Cultural Hall back at the church

After the luncheon for those of you who wish, we will meet back at the house for visiting and ice cream.

For those of you unable to attend, you may watch the funeral services on zoom.  Here is the link: 

 https://zoom.us/j/94187270930

Thank you to  Bishop Hellyer and Brother Wennerlind for providing the link and managing the stream.

We look forward to seeing all of you who can attend on Monday.

Mom's Obituary

Darleen Sabin Stone, 76, of Graham, Washington, graduated from mortality on May 12, 2022. Darleen finally succumbed to multiple myeloma which she battled for 10+ years. Darleen was born on May 19, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York to Marvin Elmer Sabin and Sylvia Wall Sabin.

Darleen was raised in Orem, Utah. She graduated from Orem High School in 1963. She then attended Brigham Young University, graduating in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She earned a teaching certificate and taught elementary school in Salt Lake City.

Darleen met Myron (Mike) Hampton Stone at a dance while attending BYU. They were married a short time later on October 29, 1969. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Provo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 15, 1990.

Darleen was a wonderful wife and mother. Her number one priority was raising her children in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She sacrificed to be a stay at home mother and was always there for her children. Darleen loves her family so much. They were always the most important thing in her life.

Darleen loved to dance. She learned ballet, tap dance, and acrobatics and loved dancing to ‘50s music. Darleen loved to garden and won several beautification awards for her yard. She spent many spring and summer days weeding and planting flowers. She also liked to bake and would have treats for her family when they came home.

Darleen was predeceased by her husband, Mike on July 23, 2019. Mike and Darleen would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 29, 2019.

Darleen is survived by her children: Tammy Stone, Lisa (Rex) Hamblin, Juliet (Aaron) Gerry, Michael Adam Stone, and daughter-in-law Derrinda Stone Brandis; 13 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.

Darleen is also survived by her siblings: Marvin Don Sabin, Ron (Annette) Sabin, and Gary (Valerie) Sabin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022 with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at the Graham Washington Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 13612 224th St E, Graham, WA 98338.

Interment will be at Fir Lane Memorial Park in Spanaway, Washington.

God be with you till we meet again.

Link to online obituary

Happy Mother's Day!

Unfortunately, my mom will never see this post.  But I still want to pay tribute to the gold standard of mothers.  My mom epitomizes motherhood.  If you look up mother in the dictionary, you will most likely see a picture of my mom next to the definition.

Mom is the most selfless, caring, righteous woman I know.  I could find many adjectives to describe her but those three sum it up.

I am happy that she was able to stay on earth long enough to spend her last Mother's Day in mortality with us today.

I love you Mom!  Thank you for being the best mom ever!

That's my two cents.

Vicious, Lying Snake in the Grass

My last post was hastily written and not edited like I usually do.  It's basically a rough draft that I posted.  But those were my thoughts yesterday.  Now that I've had some time to think more about it, these are my thoughts this morning.

I've been awake since about 2 o'clock this morning – which happens often – so I have a lot of time to lay there and think.  So part of what I was thinking about this morning was about this Johnny Depp defamation trial.  And the more I think about it the more I feel like Amber is a vicious, lying, snake in the grass.  And that's putting it nicely.

Some of the testimony she gave yesterday just doesn't make sense.  For instance, when she was talking about Johnny's tattoo she said she asked him what it said because it looked like black blobs to her.  That makes no sense because how can she not know what her husband's tattoo of a former flame says?

Another incident she mentioned about Johnny's daughter makes no sense.  Everything I've heard about his kids are that they can't stand her.  Why would his daughter cling to Amber like a mother figure when first of all she doesn't like her and secondly Amber is not that much older than her.  Just little things like that that she said don't add up.  I feel like she is being deceptive.

Although, I've got to hand it to Amber, her acting skills are better than I expected them to be.  But then again, most narcissists are good at lying, deceiving, and manipulating.

One of the reasons I found her somewhat believable yesterday is because I just can't fathom how anyone could be so evil to be able to lie under oath in saying such devastatingly heinous, vicious, and cruel things about someone else– and in such detail.  It really makes no sense to me whatsoever that someone would spew such vitriol in claiming physical and sexual abuse when it's not true.  It takes a special kind of evil to be so cruel, but I know there are people out there like that.  Apparently Amber Heard is one of them.

I know Amber and Johnny were both verbally abusive to each other.  They have it on tape.  But even in those tapes, Johnny seems to be more calm and in control than does Amber.  But I really just don't buy the physical and sexual abuse.  I think she's lying through her teeth.  Which, like I said, is hard to fathom for me.  Because I can't understand how anyone could say such horrible things about another person if they are not true.

I just can't imagine what's going through Johnny Depp's head while he has to sit there and listen to such unspeakably horrible things being said about him, which are not true.  There's no way he would have brought this lawsuit against Amber if what she is claiming was true.  Nobody in his right mind would want their dirty laundry aired in public – especially such heinous and evil allegations – let alone such a famous, well-liked person like Johnny Depp.

And the fact that Amber tried to get the case dismissed before her testimony is another huge sign that she is in the wrong.  If she were right, and these horrible abuses were actually done by Johnny Depp, you would think she would welcome the opportunity to tell her side of the story.

It will be interesting to see some of the cross-examination of Amber from Johnny's lawyers.  Like I said, Johnny is no saint, but he's also not the monster that Amber is making him out to be.  Like Johnny, I just hope truth prevails.

That's my two cents.

He Said, She Said

Now that I know little more about the Johnny Depp defamation trial and heard a little bit of Amber's testimony, I have a little more to say on the subject.

I don't know how much truth is being told, but I suspect that Johnny did at least some of the things that Amber is claiming.  Especially knowing that he was often abusing mind altering substances (drugs and alcohol).  So it's not so cut and dried or one-sided I don't think.  I do find Amber to be somewhat believable.  Although I must keep in mind that she is an actress.  They both lie for a living.  So this case is really a he said, she said.

But I also understand that Johnny is the one who filed the lawsuit, therefore I tend to think that he must believe she defamed him, or else why would he want to air all of his personal dirty laundry?  It also seems rather fishy that Amber's attorneys motioned to dismiss the case yesterday before her testimony or her witnesses had testified.  If she's truly the victim, then why motion to dismiss?  Why wouldn't you want your side heard? And it's eerily creepy that Amber is dressing like Johnny.  Wearing a three-piece pantsuit with a vest just like what he wears to court every day.  And some of the other things she wears copy his ties.  Weird.

As in most cases, I think they are both in the wrong to some degree.  Like I said before, Johnny is no saint by any means.  He's an admitted drug and alcohol abuser.  And now I know that he left his family for this floozy, Amber.  He obviously hasn't lived the cleanest, most moral lifestyle.  But, that doesn't make him an abuser.  He actually comes across as very gentle, kind, and honest.  At least in court.

And Amber comes across as angry and mentally unstable.  Although she does do a good job of acting the part of the victim.  Amber is also a drug user and mentioned her wife during testimony.  So obviously she's got serious issues. Seems like two peas in a pod really.

Obviously they both verbally abused each other.  They are both bucket mouths with severe profanity problems.  And the evidence is clear that Amber physically abused Johnny.  As to Johnny physically or sexually abusing Amber, the jury is still out. 

Basically, they are both scumbags.  But, being a scumbag doesn't make anyone an abuser.  I'm still leaning towards Johnny being falsely accused, but Amber is convincing.

I actually feel really sad for both of them.  Fame and fortune are not all they're cracked up to be.

That's my two cents.

Justice for Johnny

I don't watch movies.  I am not a movie fan.  I don't know much about Johnny Depp except that he is a famous actor and portrayed Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  Why remember this I don't know, but the only other thing I know about him is that my cousin had a crush on him back in the day.  Perhaps she still does.  Brad Pitt is more my type – but I digress.  I haven't seen any Johnny Depp films except perhaps the first Pirates movie but I can't remember if I saw it or not.  I know I've seen clips at least.  So, I'm familiar with the character.  And I would agree, he is a good actor.

Since the Johnny Depp defamation trial is all over the news, I can't help but be aware of it.  And I've actually kind of gotten into it.  I've seen some clips on YouTube of some of the testimony.  And I must say, after getting to know Johnny Depp a little better, I've gained a lot of respect for the man.

I've actually seen quite a bit of his testimony and Johnny Depp comes across as honest, genuine, caring, generous, and human.  I know he's a good actor, but I don't think he's acting during this trial, as some would suggest. He is a real man trying to defend his honor and reputation. 

I'm sure it's not pleasant to have to open up his personal life to the world.  But he understands that it's necessary for truth to prevail.

If there's one thing I can't stand, it's false accusations.  In fact, it's one of the Ten Commandments.  "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." (Exodus 20:16)  I don't really believe this is about $50 million.  The man has more money than he needs.  I also don't think that he brought this lawsuit against his ex-wife because he lost his career.  Although, that's not a small loss.  I think it's about defending his reputation.  And I must say, he and his lawyers are doing a wonderful job.

Honestly, I had never even heard of Amber Heard until this trial.  Having not heard her testimony yet, she certainly comes across as a lying, bitter villain. No reaction to Johnny Depp denying abusing her, seems to say it all.  Because if she had actually been abused by Johnny Depp, I would expect some kind of facial grimace or something.  She's obviously got mental issues.  But falsely accusing Johnny Depp of abuse is beyond the pale. It is unacceptable, vicious, and cruel.  Her false accusations have ruined Johnny Depp's life.  Johnny said to Amber that all he has to offer her now is his blood, she has taken everything else from him. Which sounds dramatic, like something an actor would say.  But that's how he feels.  His reputation and livelihood are in the gutter – all because of  Amber Heard's false accusations. 

Now, don't get me wrong.  Johnny Depp is no saint.  He's a Hollywood actor.  He's lived a hard, fast life.  But he also admits his mistakes.  He testified honestly about his drug and alcohol abuse.  But he's certainly not a wife beater.

I actually feel sorry for the guy because of his abusive mother and a father who abandoned their family.  He didn't have the best childhood.  But I respect him for forgiving his mother, and father, and for working to become successful in his career.

Johnny Depp may lie for a living, but he is being truthful in court.  One example that stands out to me – which you may find odd but to me it shows his honesty –  is in his testimony about one of Amber Heard's friends.  Johnny was asked about Amber's friend, Io.  Not sure if I spelled it right.  But anyway, Johnny said that Io was born female but identifies as male.  And during the entire testimony Johnny Depp referred to Io as she.  Except for one time when he called her a he and clarified with, "I guess that's what were supposed to say now".  Or something like that.  But then right after that he still referred to her as she.  To me, that shows his honesty.  He doesn't want to use the wrong pronouns in reference to someone. That may seem insignificant to most, but I find it profound.

After listening to some of Johnny Depp's testimony under oath, I have gained much respect for the man.  Johnny Depp's willingness to defend his reputation and honor is very refreshing.  His convictions and quest for truth are admirable.

In the court of public opinion, Johnny Depp is winning big.  I hope the court of law comes to the same conclusion.  Justice for Johnny!

That's my two cents.