Hey, can Mom play?

Last week I attended an incredible event for Xbox360, MTV Games, LEGO and Warner Brothers Entertainment promoting their Beatles Rockband Game.

Held at the Tribune Towers, on a brisk but clear night in Chicago, there was fun and food and fantastical video game playing.

The children participated on-stage in bright-light setting. They rocked and rolled to Beatles songs which is one way to make a night thoroughly enjoyable.









Speaking with Stone Chin, Global Manager of Xbox PR, was truly delightful.

The passion that goes into these games and the follow through is extremely intricate.

It's not just wam-bam-money-in-the-hand.

As a parent who has spent thousands on games over the years, I feel so much better having met the teams behind the games. Genuine, thoughtful people who are animated as they are smart. Managing to keep our kids entertained with family-friendly footage is not easy, I'm sure.

The fact that this particular series of games supports Doctors Without Borders was icing on the cupcake.






Stone shared that the custom made, hand-painted Beatles console displayed at the event was one of 50. At a recent charitable auction, this beautiful work of art went for $17,300.00 on Ebay

What a night.

I told my kid, I may need to get my own controller!

Many thanks to MJ Tam, editor of www.Chicagonista.com who graciously included Houseonahill.org.



Thanks to all and please support you favorite charity today-making a difference is what it is all about!

"I can feel it, calling in the air of night..."

"I've been waiting for this moment ALL my life, oh Lord" - Phil Collins (In the Air Tonight)


If any of you know anything about me, you know I LOVE President Bill Clinton.

There, I said it.

I LOVE him. I may have shared before, that once he, Hillary & Chelsea were leaving the White House, I wrote them a letter professing my thanks. I enjoyed having him as my President, and I was never ashamed.

The scandals were what they were. Whatever.

This last election, I supported Hillary because I am a woman. No way, no how would Stupak have been pulling his crap, but alas, I, as you know, worked my tail feathers off to get President Obama elected. But my love for Bill is nothing about any of that.

I enjoy him as a person. A human being. Watching his evolution to the icon he is today is fulfilling.

Politics aside, I thought his history was such that he could have easily been a statistic. ALL of THAT said, I saw my beloved President at a humanitarian event Wednesday night, here in Chicago.

I felt like I was at a rock concert at the House of Blues. Oh, hey, I was at a rock concert at the House of Blues!

Chicago's Millennium Network in conjunction with the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation held a fundraiser to support many of the causes that are important to so many of us.

It was a riveting evening. The crowd was energized and filled with Chicago dignitaries, politicians, socialites, and citizens for change.

There was great food, drinks, and I met some really neat and interesting people! (Hey Karen and Bonnie!)

The entertainment was Common, but he came out last. It was Bill's night! And boy did he deliver.

Once he came out on stage, of course the crowd erupted into cheers. Bill just has that way about him that makes everyone go insane.

He is as tall and handsome and debonair as he is pictured in the media.

He spoke of the works he has initiated with his foundation these past 5 years.

1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS getting the medicines they need affordably.

40 cities reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

30,000 families being assisted in agricultural training to increase their incomes.

Identifiable and measured reductions in childhood obesity with Healthy Generation.

And actually the list goes on.

So yes, while my community shrank and shunned President Clinton during this past campaign, I was not as vocal about my love.

I felt so torn, fought a few battles with other bloggers, and even boycotted a few radio shows because I felt they crossed the line - really some folks memories are short, but that's all past news and the country has moved on.

The event is so timely because I feel re-energized to promote the needs of others.

It is essential that we all remain involved in the battles that hold some of us back.

Listening to President Clinton encouraging us to care is a call to return to action. Hip/Hop artist Common sealed the deal spitting conscientious rhyme that made me want to share that we need to take note ~ we can make a difference and do what is right and good for our fellow man.

"Private citizens can do public good" ~ President Clinton.

What a wonderful evening and inspirational night.

When there is another Sunset...

My family lost another loved one. Vibrant and young. Beauty personified. A giving, warm spirit. Zesty and could make a pineapple cake like you never had.

Amazing how a fire can be put out without the smoke ever clearing. The aroma never fading. Lingering with us...though she is an angel now...

Yes, she is an angel now.

Really, she was before...but now high over us, smiling. I feel her rays.

I really did not want to cry. She lived life. She was a strong and generous force.

She deserves to be celebrated. We should rejoice because we knew her. We loved her. We were blessed because she was born. Some folks never get to know anyone so bright.

We will miss her being with us in the flesh ~ but she will always stand around us, I know, laughing, smiling, sharing and shining...

Love You Ker...

～を愛する 、松井 秀喜 - I LOVE MATSUI!

My YANKS are the champs of the world!

Hideki Matsui is Most Valuable Player of the series. His determination despite injury and his home runs make him my hero!

My love of the New York Yankees has spanned almost a decade. Sitting in April snow as they battled my White Sox will always be my a favorite memory.

Persevering, unwavering and focusing makes you the winner.

Going that extra mile when all else seems to tank.

Going the distance when there are nothing but obstacles in your way.

Maintaining your sense of honor and defeating in a world of cheats.

Baseball is a euphemism for life.

Yes, we use it to entertain, but in reality, it mimics what we are striving to do in our own lives.

We all want to overcome and taste victory. Often we get close, but not quite making the mark, can fly high for just one night, for a moment, above the clouds, touching the full moon on a chilled November night!

YES YANKEES!

I am NOT a Pre-Existing Condition ~ Pass It ON!

How do you look? Let Anna Tell You!!

two pictures of Anna Oct. 29, 2009 at Barnes & Noble in DesMoines, Iowa.






Anna with Douglas Burns a reporter Daily Times Herald


Meet Anna Soo Wildermuth author, and personal image consultant!

Anna, you are so sleek and stylish. Tell us about how you came into your own sense of style.

Thank you for the compliments. It is combination of being clear what you like to wear, colors, fit and style. It started very young being conscious of it was important for me to like what I wear and have a style, being sensitive to my environment and the image I wanted to project. I believe everyone goes through style changes and for me it is a revisit every 5 years. I had role models, my dad who had a great sense of style, Doris Day was always a role model – loved to watch her movies and all the wonderful outfits and jewelry was always amazing.

When did it click for you that we all have an attribute that we need to behold?

It began at a very early age and I continue to be sensitive of what works for me.
Love what you wear, always feel attractive, buy the best you can afford, know what colors work best for you and always fit. Your tailor is your next best friend.

In your book "Change One Thing: Discover What's Holding You Back and Fix It" (with Jodie Gould) you speak about some of your early challenges. I was very touched and surprised by some of them. Which one of your earliest challenges impacted you most?

My first outfit I loved and wore it forever before my god mother told me gently you don’t’ mix big flowers with plaid. I was so embarrassed but never forgot it. So sometimes your biggest embarrassments are the best lesson’s learned. Now it is done all the time.

I enjoyed reading because your true self comes through loud and clear. The humor is great. How did you make the decision to share yourself with the world?

I love helping people I want them to know we all are more alike than different. What the difference is what we do with our experiences.

Seeing you work your magic in person was a gift. Precision and class. How can our readers catch you in action?

Most of my work is company sponsored but I am planning on putting together a series of free webinars based on the book beginning in January. Please sign up for my free monthly tips which will announce when they will begin. Also, I hope to have a book signing in January at a Barnes and Noble or Borders.

What, do you think are the most important factors when searching for that new job or your niche in life?

Knowing what you are good at and have a passion for. It takes patience and perseverance. Please visit my blog PersonalImagesInc.Com/Blog which comes out on Friday’s and Monday’s and my monthly tips. The website is here : PersonalImages.Com

Also I will be starting a Change One Thing FaceBook Fan Page starting November 15th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Anna, I can't wait for all of the new information ~ Thank You so much!

Pastor Jonah & Mission Update!

We heard from our friends Sister Penny and Pastor Jonah and have been given an update on Pastor Jonah's Missions!

Pastor Jonah has been very busy with many different activities. There have been many changes to the blog making it much easier to navigate and find different parts of interest.

We can also see more ABOUT the mission here. They'd love to hear your feedback. There is great work being done in Kericho and northern parts of Kenya, but more donors are needed.


Currently the team in Kenya is stretching their funds.

There has also been a team of contacts visiting Pastor Jonah's village and ultimately making a commitment to build a much needed well in Marigat. Though this is far north of where Pastor Jonah lives, it is part of the missionary outreaches. The need is for about 4 more wells.


Additionally there is a project to help the ladies with their backbreaking work of collecting wood and cooking. The traditional 3 stone stoves are not good for their health or for the environment. With funds for only about 8 of the stoves, 20+ more are needed. Faithful donors is how real change can be made.

Read here to know more about what a jiko stove is.

There has also been word of a more practical stove. Practical Action in Kenya has a new stove called "Fireless Cooker". These seem much cheaper and achieve a similar goal to the jiko. Readers, please spread the word, and or donate for a few of these cookers by going on the site now.

There are, of course, more urgent ongoing needs for food, school supplies, hospital care and medicines too.

We hope you can see that Pastor Jonah and his supporters, including Sister Penny, are still keeping very busy by God's grace. Though they lost 3 women in the village since July; two to cancer, they are staying optimistic and continuing the fight to rise above circumstances.

We at the House hope we are making their voices heard and their visions attainable.

Do what you can!