Jim, Laura, and Bells had a 2025 filled with personal growth, challenges, and joy. The highlight of the year was Jim’s lodge trip to Nashville! His lodge is loaded with couples who really enjoy each other’s company, so it made for a truly fun time. In addition to the various tours, bar hopping, and who will ever forget the Grand Ol’ Opry, we booked time for Jim to record some tunes at NashVox. Jim was in his element behind a microphone, https://youtu.be/a_wr8x55TIA?si=99yzJkRsgG7Hx_rF.  As always, thanks Jordyn!

Individually, Laura continues to thrive in retirement as she lives the truth of the old saw “how did I do all this stuff when I was working?”  Her greatest joy remains the kids of the Graham Crackers 4-H Club that she advises. Her young charges inspire her and her fellow volunteers with their creativity, talent, and generosity. Laura is especially proud this year, as one of her kids won her age division in the Washington Make It With Wool Contest and will be competing in the national competition in January.

Speaking about joy, Jim was in three shows this year – The Wedding Singer, Mary Poppins, and The DaVinci Code. He is embracing every lesson shared as he learns what he needs to do to grow as a performer and castmate. His coaches and fellow performers are encouraging, gracious, and patient; casting directors have been willing to share constructive criticism and advice; and Laura has always been there with loving support. Much love to those who have come out to watch Jim take the stage or have checked out a video on the interwebs.

Bells is always looking for a blanketed lap and has little trouble finding one – even in the summer months. 😊 She is a senior cat and had a major health issue this year, so we are doing everything we can to give her a life filled with love and happiness – along with the occasional kitty treat.

Sometimes, a Little Rain Must Fall

The challenges of 2025 have reminded us about the importance of resilience as illness visited Jim’s side of the family. While that story belongs to those family members, love and prayers of healing & comfort are appreciated.

Jim also lost two of his life mentors – men who nurtured, guided, and supported him as he navigated life. Though deeply saddened by their physical absence, he understands that he must become to others what his mentors were to him. To Al Jorgensen and Bill Miller, THANK YOU!

Gratitude and Looking Forward

At La Casa Mendoza we are grateful for the people in our lives, the memories we make, and the opportunities to grow. 2025 was perfectly real – and that’s amazing. No doubt 2026 (our 40^th year as a married couple) will bring new adventures, more laughs, and maybe a little bit of luck along the way.

We close this letter with some truths shared by Jim’s friend Bill: Remember that this day in your life is a gift, that is why they call it the present.  So as you live this day try to make it one of the best and here are some simple reminders:

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.  Speak your love.  Speak it again.  Listen.  Apologize if you are wrong.  Try to understand.  Gladden the heart of a child.  Mend a quarrel.  Search out a forgotten friend.  Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.  Keep a promise.  Find the time.  Forgo a grudge.  Forgive an Enemy.  Examine your demands on others.  Think first of someone else.  Appreciate and be kind.  Be gentle, laugh a little more.  Deserve Confidence.  Express your gratitude.  Worship God.

Pre-COVID, we had a planned trip to Paris. Those plans, of course, got scuttled so we focused on home improvement, but transcontinental travel never left our minds. As fate would have it, our friends Steve & Robin Martin organized a group of us to head over to Edinburgh, Scotland this past year – and it was a trip of a lifetime! We ate haggis and properly prepared Scotch eggs, drank scotch (OK, Laura sampled less fortified beverages), and toured magnificent historical sites. The Masons on the excursion even had the opportunity to attend a Lodge meeting. If customs were any indication, the ladies purchased many items made of Harris Tweed.

Laura continues to enjoy retirement, especially where needle & thread are involved. She has always been a “fair girl”, so it should be no surprise that the Pierce County Fair and State 4-H Fair occupy much of her time in the summer and early fall. The Lodge at the Pierce County Fair is her home away from home where she oversees open class sewing, needle arts, and culinary arts. This is also where her 4-H kids get a chance to strut their stuff in the various competitions. Some of these kids even make it to the State 4-H Fair as participants in events which Laura supervises, Fashion Revue and Creative Consumer Fashion.

Laura’s textile pursuits extend to the Pierce County Clothing & Textile Advisors where she serves as Secretary of the Board, participates in the fabric sale committee, provides presentations at new members training, and does charitable sewing.
The annual Sewing & Stitchery Expo is also a big event for her as well as being a great avenue to show off her kids. You will note that there has been frequent mention of 4-H. Of all her charitable endeavors, it is 4-H that has been most rewarding. She has been a club leader for many years, teaching sewing to many kids. She is the Secretary of Pierce County 4-H Leaders’ Council, which oversees several county-wide 4-H events.

Laura loves sharing her sewing knowledge in all areas of 4-H from teaching kids to mentoring new sewing leaders.

How did she ever do all this stuff when she was working?

Jim has spent much of 2024 enjoying time near a microphone and on a stage. He is still providing good & wholesome instruction to those approaching retirement, but he has also taken to the musical theater stage. That’s right, Jim was cast in his first show! While we were enjoying our time in Scotland, we also made sure to carve out time to work on his lines as “Mr. Hawkins” in the Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) production of “The Prom”. His performance was well received, and he enjoyed the support of many friends who came to cheer him on. He remains over the moon that Harry Turpin (Director) and Michael Matlock (Musical Director) were willing to take a chance on someone with zero acting resume.

Jim has gone to understudy the role of Hawkins in the Auburn Community Players production of “The Prom”, and as we write this is thrilled to be playing the role of “Count Ipolitov” in TMP’s “Anastasia”.

Jim’s first love as a performer remains singing, and he placed first in the annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) in the Older Singers Category. You can check out his work at https://www.youtube.com/@jimmendoza2086. He even formed a band with several of his Masonic brethren that they named “Steadfast”. They have performed a couple of times – at the Conference of Grand Masters and in support of Washington Job’s Daughters. Much love to Jordyn (voice coach) for nurturing his voice (and for no doubt enduring one or two interesting vocal choices).

The best of the holidays to you & yours.

BREAKING NEWS at La Casa Mendoza! Laura retired! After 30 years with Hallmark, Laura poetically hung up her apron the weekend BEFORE Mother’s Day! As no one really retires from anything – they retire to the next thing – Laura has taken an even deeper dive into her service with 4-H serving on the Pierce County Leaders Council, and with the Pierce County Clothing & Textile Advisors (CTA) helping to raise funds for the various community endeavors of this group. Pierce County continues to recognize Laura’s work as they again selected her as an Outstanding Volunteer.

She is also enjoying spending more time with her mom. Laura continues to do her part in shaping the next generation of sewists, with many of her kids winning first place ribbons at the county and state fairs.

Jim continues his voice lessons with the fabulous Jordyn Day. This year, Jordyn challenged Jim to enter the Contemporary Music category – and he placed 3^rd. He also placed 3^rd in the Music Theater-Advanced Adult category. Last year we shared that Jim began auditioning at local community theaters. Guess what, he got call backs! (If you get a chance, ask him about his call back for “Jersey Boys”.) Though he did not get cast, knowing that theater folks were interested in his voice was quite the reward.

Jim’s Masonic journey continues to be a blessing and took an unexpected turn when he accepted the opportunity to be a Rainbow Dad. For those not familiar, the Rainbow Girls is a Masonic youth service organization for young women between ages 11 and 20 that teaches leadership training through community service. The Rainbow Dad is essentially the “male role model” for the group. Like Jim, the young lady who asked him to take on this role is a musical theater geek, and they truly connected, even having sung a duet.

Jim enjoys the ritualistic work of Freemasonry and the lessons the work imparts. For him, it’s all about trying to inspire candidates and his brothers. The statewide organization thought enough of what he does by recognizing him as their first recipient of its Lifetime Achievement in Ritual Excellence.

There was some sadness at La Casa Mendoza as our beloved Sassy, the Sweet Sazoo, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Sassy truly fit her name. She may have been the runt of her litter, but she was packed with personality and love. If you visited our home, Sassy would greet you at the door, find her way onto your lap, chest, shoulder, follow you into the bathroom, I think you get the picture. Though she was with us for just shy of six years, Sassy left a lasting imprint on our hearts. Her sister, Bells, seems to be adjusting well as a bachelorette kitty. Bells loves laps, especially those with a blanket; and sitting under a dripping water faucet. So we laughed, pushed ourselves into new challenges & vistas, and were even moved to tears. That’s what’s known as a full year, and one more chapter in our wonderful life. From our house to yours, the best of the holidays and my God’s blessings be on you & yours.

All the things we love to do came back live & in living color and in full effect!

As y’all know we love live theater, and it was great to return to our seats and experience the energy that that forum brings. We were especially pleased to watch our friend and Jim’s voice coach, Jordyn, take the stage as Mary in a local production of Jesus Christ Superstar. She absolutely rocked the house!

Speaking about houses, project “Reclaim the Backyard” has begun in earnest. A couple of problematic trees were removed (including the stumps), and a whole lot of crushed rock has been spread throughout our landscape. There’s still a lot of work to do as we create the backyard that we want, but as our present home will be our retirement home it will be worth it.

All work and no play make for a boring Laura & Jim, so we got together with about 40 of our closest friends for a bit of fun & frivolity. 😊 Jim’s Masonic Lodge decided to take a cruise, so for seven days the Harmony of the Seas was our “home”. The great thing about our little getaway was that we got to eat different food, breath different air, see wonderous things, and make new friends.

Directing our energies in the fight against breast cancer to the work of the Carol Milgard Breast Center seems to be a great fit. Thanks to events like Pink in the Park and performing at Relay for Life we are able again to celebrate all that it means to Rock the Pink, and it feels fantastic.

Laura’s 4-H club was able to return to full in-person instruction, and her club continues to grow. Passing on needle & thread skills to the next generation of sewists is a passion for Laura, and the joy that she exudes when she brags on her kids is something to behold. In the spirit of the teacher is always a student, Laura again challenged herself as an ongoing member of an online group, 52 Weeks Sewing Challenge, by completing all 52 challenges – her second consecutive year of meeting this challenge. Many of her sewing projects are given to local non-profits that support kids. She was also thrilled that her local sewing group was able to have their four-day sewing retreat after not having it the past two years. Sewing with 35 of her sewing friends and having all meals catered was a perfect way to relax.

Jim continues his vocal journey and may be having far too much fun. His coach continues to push his emotional and vocal capacity as well as moved him into a new competitive category, Musical Theater-Adult Advanced, where he placed 3^rd at the chapter level. As he said in the last letter it’s not about the placement, it’s what you learn along the way. Jim also took a big step by auditioning for a community theater. We’ll let you know if he gets a call back.

Probably the big highlight of the year was a reunion of the Mendoza boys. Jim and his three brothers haven’t been in the same locale at the same time in more than 20 years. Over the Thanksgiving weekend they descended upon Larry’s (brother #2) home in Phoenix (Larry’s wife, Cherise, is now up for sainthood) for a very loud and fun filled reunion. Larry has taken up photography and archived the gathering. Hopefully, many of these pics will not see the light of day. 😊

Food for thought: Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) is the heartbeat of “Mary Poppins. The song reminds us that it doesn’t take much to do the right thing, to do a nice thing, to do a kind thing, to give a little love. It doesn’t take much – “tuppence.”

Merry Christmas and the best of the holidays from our casa to su casa.

2021 – a sorta return to normalcy. Zoom may have become a necessary utility, but at least we’re now venturing into public spaces again. Date Nights have made their return, as well as the other activities we have sorely missed. We still couldn’t have a Showcase for the Cure, but we still raised funds in the fight against breast cancer to help our new partners The Carol Milgard Foundation. Much thanks to our generous donors.

Laura has been able to restart her 4-H Club. It’s so much fun listening to her talk about her kids and their accomplishments. They even had fairs where they could show off their skills and gave Laura the opportunity to get into “fair mode”.

To keep her creative mind sharp, Laura participated in “The 52 Week Sewing Challenge”. This is a Facebook online sewing support group designed to challenge and motivate people to sew up one project a week during the year. Each week comes with a sewing theme that can be used for inspiration. It’s an opportunity to try new patterns and designers, expand sewing skills and use up that fabric in the stash (Jim has doubts about the using up the fabric in the stash part). As one can expect, Laura has created some amazing things.

Jim continues singing and is having a lot of fun along the way. By the time you read this he will have submitted recordings for this year’s National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition. To quote his coach, Jordyn, “This event is not about winning or losing. I am truly never disappointed if someone doesn’t place in their category. The fact that you are doing it is a win in my book. NATS is a great way for us to measure your growth as a singer and get some comments back about what other teachers hear.” Jim is loving this journey.

La Casa Mendoza has recovered from the recent set of improvements. Drywall repairs have addressed the myriad of cracks that occurred pre and post foundation reset. New concrete adorns our driveway, garage, and walking paths; and the newly installed shed awaits the stuff to be stored. Plus, we have an awesomely cool new deck! Patio furniture will be added in the spring. As for the grounds surrounding the house, let’s just say that some serious landscaping is in order this spring.

In case you’re wondering, our cats seem nonplussed by the goings on, and continue to have no respect for bathroom privacy.

If the there is a bright side to this pandemic, it is that the humans of La Casa Mendoza have gotten a sneak peek at what life could be in their “next third” and have refocused their retirement goals. Jim even said “no” to something (not anything Laura related).

Food (or coffee) for thought: The practice of caffè sospeso is a Neapolitan tradition that was born in the late 1800s in the center of the city and that boomed during World War II. Originating in the many working-class cafés of Naples, where someone would order a sospeso—paying the price of two coffees but consuming only one, leaving the other to be suspended until later. Anyone could then ask whether there was a sospeso available and would be served a coffee for free. This is not about paying for the order for the person next in line. It’s more about taking care of an individual who may be dealing with something, who’s just looking for a cup of coffee as a source of comfort. Give it a try. It feels pretty good.

From our casa to yours, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.

• 

As part of the most recent legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed HB 1016 making Juneteenth a state holiday (the federal legislature would follow suit). These are the words that I shared as part of the public commentary on HB 1016.

Mr. Chairman, it is my honor to appear before you and this committee to speak in favor of passage of HB 1016 – a bill that would make Juneteenth a holiday in the State of Washington.

In many ways, Juneteenth represents how freedom and justice in the US has always been delayed for black people. The decades after the end of the Civil War would see a wave of lynching, imprisonment, and Jim Crow laws take root. What followed was the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration, discriminatory housing policies, and a lack of economic investment. And now, in the light of the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd – deaths which sparked a response that amplified the very reasons why black lives matter. it is clear that while progress has been made in black America’s 150 years out of bondage, there is still much to do.

These resounding tragedies have forced people around the world to open their eyes to the plight of black people in this country and beyond. While the universal call-to-action from individuals and corporations regarding black lives matter seems new, it’s important to recognize that black Americans have been fighting for justice since this country’s inception.

Which is exactly why it’s so important to create the holiday of Juneteenth as a means for Washingtonians of every race to remember, learn about and celebrate the nation’s enduring, but unfinished, aspiration of liberty and justice for all.

I turned on the TV this morning and was greeted by the “Hi Mom” aria created by NFL Films. This was a collection of clips of NFL players saying “Hi Mom” with a take of “Il Largo Factotum” from the “Barber of Seville” in the background. If you haven’t seen it or can’t recall it, check out https://youtu.be/CP1ZtcH5RQM.

As I was watching these big burly dudes saying “Hi Mom” a question popped into my head: When did the term ‘Momma’s boy’ become a pejorative? I’m willing to be that each of those players who were part of the video will tell you that they are Momma’s boys and proud of it!

For whatever reason, my mind also went to the ceremonies of DeMolay and I thought about the number of references to mothers that are made.

In Public Installation of Officers, while the incoming Master Councilor is kneeling before the altar with both of his hands upon the Holy Scriptures, he is asked, “Do you promise, upon your honor as a DeMolay, that you will demand of each member clean living, high respect for parents and deference to womanhood?”

If Chapter functions, whether open or private, reaches the hour of nine o’clock in the evening, the brothers are required to give the Nine O’Clock Interpolation. In this prayer, the Chaplain prays for a “special blessing for our mothers who have watched over us with unceasing care during all the years of our lives”

From my favorite ceremony, the Flower Talk: “DeMolay can ask no more of you than that you shall endeavor so to live as to be worthy of your mother’s love.”

I’m sure that if I took a deeper dive that I would find more, but there is no doubt in my mind that the ceremonies of DeMolay allow me to say that I’m a Momma’s boy and damn proud of it!

Because at the end of the day…there is nothing effeminate in the home loving, mother-loving, father-loving young man, gratefully remembering the debt he can never repay, but striving to pay it in thoughtful consideration, courtesy, affectionate and dutiful obedience. 

Hi Mom!

Ah, 2020! You filthy beast!

Things got off to a great start! Jim went to Louisville on a fact-finding trip in preparation for the 2021 Conference of Grand Masters that was scheduled for Seattle. Upon his return, he learned that he was approved for work-from-home – always a bonus for a field employee. Laura enjoyed another Sewing & Stitchery Expo, and got to show off her kids and their talents to a bunch of fellow sewists. Plus she got another all-clear on her mammogram. Then…

The pandemic found Laura without a job for a couple of months. Jim’s work-from-home status took on a new dynamic as “live & in living color” became virtual (maybe you missed it, he’s a bit of an extrovert). Date nights got put on hold. Race for the Cure turned into a “walk where you are”. Even the 2021 Conference got changed to a virtual event. It can’t be denied that much of what defines who and what we are was yanked away from us. The easy way out is to wallow in despair. The tough and more rewarding road is to figure out a Plan B and make it happen, and that’s what we did.

Laura teaches a very tactile skill, sewing, and that requires tactile instruction. Well you can’t do that and maintain six feet of social distancing, so like other teachers she learned how to do what she does online. The amount of time & energy that she puts into a lesson plan, and the enthusiasm that she brings to the table to keep her kids engaged is awesome.

Normally, her kids are able to strut their stuff at the county and state fairs. With the live events having been cancelled, Laura and other adult leaders in Pierce County put together a virtual fair that had over 15,000 visitors – that’s a lot of people checking out the creations of some very talented kids.

Jim went on a mind, body, spirit crusade.

SPIRIT – Jim participated in the Puget Sound Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition.  He has been working with the amazing, Jordyn Day, for a little more than a year, and as amazing as Jordyn is expectations were non-existent. It was about seeing how much he had grown as a singer and performer. Plus, to quote Kurt Vonnegut, “Practicing an art is a way to make your soul grow”. Guess what, he placed 2^nd in his category!

MIND – Jim completed his Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation. He prides himself on being a lifelong learner and being of the best value to those he serves. Achieving the CEBS was a perfect way for him to fulfill his mind and life mission.

BODY – Yeah, working on that one…

Here’s the thing: Being at home together, nearly 24/7, has brought to the forefront this reality – yes, we do love each other, but we also really like each other!

Bells (L) and Sassy (R) continue to fascinate us. Their big thing is wanting to take showers. They will stand at the bathroom door waiting for one of us to walk by. When one of us eventually does, they will meow until we turn on the shower faucet. Aren’t cats averse to water? Plus, based upon their feeding area, they are not what one would call fastidious. We still love ‘em.

We even got some work done around our house. New windows have brightened up the place, and the early returns indicate an improvement in our energy usage. We also got rid of a patio awning that was getting to be an eyesore. As this will be the home that will be our retirement residence, we will be tackling several projects over the coming years.

Some final thoughts as we wrap up this crazy year: Generosity of spirit is the openness and willingness to share our own ‘gifts’ freely with others, joyously and willingly and without expectation of receiving anything in return. Generosity of spirit is created through respect and compassion for others; it involves experiencing and celebrating that which is important to another person.

When we share in this way, we generate abundance and increase prosperity for all. This helps us make a difference and transform situations; generate creative and innovative solutions; lead by example; strengthen our acceptance of responsibility and that of others; share our wisdom and knowledge for everyone’s benefit; explore and build connecting threads where there were none before; and foster peace and harmony. And we can celebrate all that becomes possible as a result.

While being generous in spirit means not expecting anything in return, it yields more to us than we could ever imagine. What we have given will come back to us in ways we may never have expected. From our casa to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

Recently, Laura posted on her Facebook page that we have a “nutso crazy” schedule. She’s right, but it’s the life we’ve chosen and it allows us to make some great memories. No doubt you’ve seen us doing the Date Night thing on Facebook. I’m so glad I was listening when that idea was presented some 30+ years ago. Probably the most important memory for 2019 is that Laura entered her 11^th year of survivorship. As they say “11 is louder!” One of the cool things about beating cancer is that you get to make more memories – and that’s a good thing.

Laura continues to teach kids the joy of making things with needle & thread. At this year’s county fair, she was greeted with a commemorative bench appropriately placed outside the entrance of the building she superintends. The bench pays tribute to her tireless efforts as a mentor and volunteer.

Her kids are inspired by her teaching style and it’s fun to watch how she encourages kids to be better with each stitch. At the state fair, all of Laura’s kids qualified for the fashion review finals. Following the state fair, despite several kids not being able to return to her program due to school related commitments, she picked up nine new kids. Yes, she is a popular teacher.

I decided to challenge himself on two fronts. As a vocalist, I have had performances that have knocked folks socks off. I’ve also had a few that could be best described as “well wasn’t that special”. In an effort to be more consistent, I sought out the services of a vocal coach. Jordyn is a bit of a unicorn in the world of vocal instruction, as she is a gifted singer who can also effectively teach. The breathing exercises and scale work are exhausting, but folks are noticing a higher level of consistency, depth, and range in my voice. I have a goal to audition for my community theater in late 2020, so some serious work lies ahead of me.

On the second front I’m challenging myself professionally by going after the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation. Having spent nearly 15 years in the world of benefits marketing and expanding my knowledge base beyond retirement plans and retirement planning, I came to the conclusion that earning the certification would make me more valuable to my organization. They must feel the same way as they agreed to support my efforts.

This year, Laura & I decided no more gifts. To be sure there will be stuff under the tree and in the stockings, but things will be a bit different. We have everything we could ever want. Things are nice, but memories are priceless – and that’s what we hope to create for and give to each other.

As we look forward to making new memories, we will also take the time to cherish the memories of those who left us this year – Dad, Al, Chuck, Ray, Winnie – wish you were here. It would have been a treat to make some more memories with ya. Be sure to look down on us from time to time, OK.

From La Casa to Mendoza to yours, the Merriest of the Christmas Season and the very Best of the New Year.

Recently I was a guest on The Working Tools Podcast,  https://youtu.be/D0qefe7Fh9o. These brothers are doing really good work. After you, hopefully, enjoy my thoughts be sure to check out the other topics and guests.