Mylar, Anne-Marie

50th birthday

Today is my birthday I would like to thank the multitude of people who have surrounded me throughout my life up to this day and who have made the effort to know me, respect me and love me for who I am.

I am in debt, forever, to the mothers who prayed for me that special day during my pregnancy when Kem and I almost lost Andrea. We would not have a child today if they had not been there.

I am grateful to my friends and co-workers who have made the effort to know me. In spite of my sharp and authoritative presence and words, they have learned to work around it and discover, hopefully, a much nicer person behind.

I owe my heart to my family because of their constant serving and loving presence. Love is a valuable art that first needs to be taught and observed, then practiced, to be inherited.

I am in deep gratitude to the forces beyond this world that have given me a life that could be lived and learned. Had I been born in a different place and different time, the opportunity for me to be who I am today may not have been there.

Anne-Marie Mylar 3/31/2001
copyright 2001-2004

One of my favorite picture, Andrea is 10 years old.

My view on homeschooling

My opinion is not in par with most home school parents. I am in favor of regular testing; I am in favor of sending a copy of school work once a year to the state. I am not in favor of the state telling you what to do but I am in favor of parents or guardians proving to the state that they do not need supervision and they are doing a good job and that can only be proven by regular testing and school transcripts.

A Martial Art is not a sport, it is truly an art. And, like any other art form, an individual only has to compete with him or herself, and not with someone else. Nor are you a team member against some other team. Art involves physical, mental, and spiritual efforts, and so does a martial art. Do not be fooled; just because you look like Swartzeneger or Bruce Lee you may never end up like them, your body's power may fail you at any time. However, your mental and spiritual power may, and can, remain strong throughout your life on earth and beyond.

Each of you here today is looking at Martial Arts with different eyes. You come to each lesson for different reasons, such as fitness, health, friendship, or simply to avoid boredom at home. I close my eyes and dream that with a single punch or a few kicks I would eliminate evil from this world. I close my eyes and dream that the powers within me would resonate like shock waves throughout the universe and eliminate the fears that make us monsters. I close my eyes and hope that peace is at hand.

I was twenty years old when I first dealt with the Martial Arts, and back then it was Judo. Developments in my personal circumstances caused me to stop after just a year and a half. Twenty-five years later, I found myself trying to have my daughter learn some self-defense techniques. Every time I would go to class with her, and I as watched her, my heart was on the mat wanting so much to do it myself but thinking that I could not. I had a lot of back problems at that time. Then, I started… and I stayed. The benefits to my health have been tremendous.

I took the process one belt at a time, not thinking that I might ever reach the level I am at today. It was when I was wearing the blue Belt that I thought for the first time that I might go all the way to Black. By Blue Two I was already planning for Black Belt testing and calculating how much time I needed to get ready. By December of last year I had the first four moves of my form. I also knew the theme and the music that I would use.

The melody I have chosen is the tune from The House of the Rising Sun done by the Animals. The song is essentially a desperate cry of someone trying to warn others to not live the way he himself had. I never knew the meaning of the melody until recently when I searched for the song and the lyrics. My appreciation for the tune is not new. I wrote a song based on that melody back in 1972, and it is that song that I will sing today along with the music. The song was translated in English for me early this year.

My form then, is a desperate call to Heaven to bring about peace on earth. It is also a call to mankind to go beyond oneself and reach out to the universe that is meant for us all. Take fear out of your heart and replace it with knowledge, empower your knowledge with compassion, and your compassion with love, and then peace on earth we will have.

We all have something to offer; we just don't always know it. Our lives affect others in ways that only others can know. Perfection is not a state of being but a constant moving target and growth is forever. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have helped me achieve today's event. Beyond themselves, they are Heaven's tools to me, and I believe to many others as well. Mr. and Mrs. Merrylees have no idea what kind of powerful team they are. But, they do not need to know; only those they help need to understand this.

I would not be here today if I had not received the full support of my daughter Andrea and my husband Kem. They have been patient, kind, and always ready to give me the extra enthusiasm necessary to attend each class.

I will not judge others or myself. Martial Arts have reinforced that statement to me many times. We do not have enough understanding of who we are and what the universe is all about. It is most important, however, to live one's life filled with the power of courage, compassion, patience and goodness.

Web Sites that I have created:

	The site you are on now
	www.familyfedkona.org

Click here for pictures - Don't expect miracles!

Click here for Chun Do Moon Song
The file will be downloaded on your computer to a temporary folder. it may take up to 8mn or more depending on the speed of your computer. it will then start playing.

Taekwon-do

On July 21st, 2001 there was a demonstration at my Taekwon-do School. That was the 3rd and last part necessary for every candidate to get there "black belt". I was one of the candidate. Each one of us had to write and essay, create a "kata" or form and demonstrate it with or without music. I decided to do it with music (listen to music above.) The essay on the left was written for this demonstration.

Perfection - June 16, 2002

	I am perfect when, as a newborn, I cry for attention and think only of myself.
	I am perfect when, at six years old, I write on the wall with my new crayons and run in a mud puddle with my new shoes.
	I am perfect when, at sixteen years old, I want to change the world, cry out for peace and freedom, and challenge the authorities.
	I am perfect when, at twenty-six years old, I seek for long-term companionship, look for stability in my new job, try to understand the world around me, and make efforts to belong.
	I am perfect when, at thirty-six years old, I volunteer as coach for the middle school girls softball team, I camp out with my son and his boy-scout group, I donate blood occasionally. When I try to be the best I can be, seeking God guidance every day. When I obey the good laws, and involve myself in trying to change what I feel are inadequate or bad laws.
	I am perfect when, at forty-six years old, I cry within my soul for the suffering of humankind, I have no hate in my heart for evil, but I hope that even It, someday will feel love and compassion.
	I am old today; I have no fear of death. I did my best and helped the world to be a better place. I thank God for His constant presence, His patience, and His love. I dream of a peaceful word and seek to help it from the world I am about to reach. I am perfect.

Nana gave me a "purple heart" once on her birthday.