Crossroads...

In Career World, crossroads don't happen very often. Should I go to college? Which one? Should I quit this job? Where should I apply...

In Project World, on the other hand, every day offers a choice that could change things. Should you start a new project? Organize a conference? Open a new channel of social media? Quit something you're doing right now to make time for something else?

It's easy to get stressed and excited about the infrequent crossroads. It's just as easy to ignore the daily opportunities you have to change everything. Seth Godin

In my World, I think the daily opportunities are not as easy to ignore. Ok, maybe those days of Headaches or Heartaches - when it takes everything you have to just keep going but mostly, I'm all about the Daily.

I remember Career World. I was very good in it. I was a Pain to those around me and to those I reported to, a dream come true. A bulldog that did not let a penny go unless it had been accounted for. I dare to say that most of my working days, I could have been Employee of the Month, every day. Not bragging but the feedback I have gotten after a 25 year career.

Did I love working? 99.9% of the time, no.
Was I aware of anything but the job? 99.9% of the time, no.
When the Crossroads came, was I aware? 99.9% of the time, no.

Project World has been a whole new experience. Besides learning to live in the Moment, which I believe we learn everyday our lives, I have found a creative side I never knew and would argue vehemently even existing. There are more Crossroads than I ever imagined but if I don't see them, they go unnoticed and poof, they are gone.

When the Crossroads came, was I aware? 99.9% of the time, no. What bothers me is what did I miss? How would my life look now if I had been aware? The true is it doesn't matter. The truth is today is what I have and the Crossroads I have to deal with are here and now. The question is, whether for you or me, what are we going to do about them?...

fracture...

I come from a crazy family. There are cousins, multiple aunts and a family that just doesn't know each other. From what I so know, most of the cousins had a lifestyle similar to mine so survival was about all they could handle. There was one cousin, my uncles first wife who I remember spending a lot of time with. It is where someone pointed out Frank Sinatra, sitting a the bar in the family restaurant in Palm Springs but I had no interest as we were on the way to the kitchen to pick our dinner for that night.

Facebook. In the last six months, I have searched for a few cousins. Have found a few but after much though, decided not to go down that rabbit roll. Influenced by their FB page, ok, scared by their page. Sometimes is it time to just move on.

Last night, my first cousin came to mind. She has an unusual first and middle name but FB found her in a nano second. As I looked at her photos, saw how happy she was and the lack of our family name, I did not send a friend request. I couldn't. Her mother is still alive and she was a fabulous aunt, I would have like to let her know that I appreciated everything she did for my sister and me but not sure, that would be best for her.

But... just because you can doesn't mean you should. I don't remember how the marriage ended and we never saw either cousin or aunt again. There were rumors that Grandma got to visit and sent gifts for SS birthday and Christmas. Maybe she deson't remember her day, surely not us and opening up that can of worms is just not right. I got to see her happy. beautiful smiling face. She is so beautiful. She looks like her dad. I hope she and her mother made a new life and have been very happy. Sometimes, love means never having to say, a word...

fan or follower...

Another branch would include Like, as on Facebook. We all have degrees of enthusiasm for most everything in our lives. What separates the men from the boys analogy is how much Like. Are you a casual observer, a fan or a follower? What determines which camp you are in and what does moving from camp to camp. look like in one's life.

Good question. I have no answer, just more questions. Not a big fan of liking anything on FB because what does it really mean? I am either trying to win Something and being a fan literally means, I pushed a single button in an internet page. There is no true love or even, like. There is no true relationship. No commitment. No anything.

Being a fan. Is that a step up? What is the relationship when you are a fan? Do you wear the fan hat or tshirt? Have you even ever met the one you fan? What does being a fan, mean?

Follower. Are fan and follower the same? I am just asking. For me, to live in the Moment is to be fully involved in where you find yourself. Could I go from fan to follower and from follower to fan? Going to do some research. Ever notice Somedays, it is all about the questions?

you're welcome...

In talking to a younger, well dressed woman up at Sumpter, she shared her DIY pedicure recipe with me. Not sure how it came up but her enthusiasm was contagious and I decided to give it a try. Not one to usually try strange things except for that one time, I did try to paint a couch(a Story for another day). Duct tape on your heels, and overnight with socks on would leave me with smooth as a baby's behind, feet.

Gave myself a nice little peppermint-foot bath and with freshly cleaned and filed heels, I applied the tape, put on the socks and waited for 24 hours to pass. Must admit the Duct tape felt pretty good and I interpreted that to mean, it was working. Next morning, I ripped off the tape. This produced a few tense Moments and a bit of tape pain. When I went to feel my newly - baby butt smooth heels, the disappointment on my face was even evident to me. They were no smoother and now, they felt a bit sticky from the tape residue. I felt a bit disappointed, but realizing that I really didn't have much to lose, it was worth a try. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. If it had of worked, imagine how cool that would be. Wish I could have reported for all of you to go share this with the world but instead, you can't share this with the world - Move on, nothing to see here...

focus...

If you click on the flower picture, it won't take long to see that being able to change your focus after you take a picture, is a big deal. Lytro has my attention and email address. Haven't see it nor know how much it will cost although they say it will be affordable. Imagine never having to imagine.

Now, imagine what would happened if we could change the focus of our lives? With one click, we could move an issue, event or thought - to back of our minds. Here today, gone tomorrow, in an instant. NO more obsessing, no more anything.

But, we can't. Or if we do, we will have to work at it. always. No easy fix from Lytro or anyone else. We are stuck, Being human means it will always, always be about manual focus. We will always have to do the hard work and hopefully, will get better and faster at shifting the focus when we need to. We will have to enjoy the creative focus through Lytro and those who will follow. Just like other areas of our lives, using the wrong focus to live one's life can be counter-productive and even, life threatening. Knowing how to tell the difference will make all the difference in the world...

acceptance...

In talking about expectations, not sure you can get around not talking about acceptance. Not sure if acceptance comes before or after throwing away the expectations. Maybe there is a Place for them at each end.

Acceptance is sometimes seen as a waving of the white flag, admitting defeat, a giving up of sorts. It is seen with a yellow stripe painted down its back. I don't see it that way, I think it is a grown up, mature thing to do. Not a bad thing and quite possibly, a very good thing.

It is part of our journey, a big part. As we move from season to season in our lives, things change, people change, our lives do not, stay the same. If they do, we are doing Something very,very wrong.

Whether hopes, dreams, people or outcomes, when it time to move forward, acceptance moves in and will help with the transition. To the next thing, to the next leg of the journey. Think of it as an old friend, you get to see every so often. If you can change your perspective from a negative to a positive, there is only one way to see it for what it is. A win-win...

the Big Picture...

Picture all the expectations you have for yourself, your life, your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, your job, the world. Take them from inside you, and toss them in the ocean. A river or lake will also do.

What happens to them? They float. They’re carried around by waves. The current takes them out, and they drift away. Let them be washed away by the cleansing waters, and let them go.

Now, live your life without them.

What’s a life without expectations like? It means you accept reality as it is, without expectations, without trying to force people into the containers you have for them, seeing things as they are. It’s a life where you don’t need to be disappointed or frustrated or angry — or if you are, you accept it, and then let it go.Zen Habits

Me and a million of my human colleagues watched this afternoon as the case we had been following for three years ended, with a not guilty verdict. A mother who admits he daughter died and that evening, she is seen on video, renting movies and acting completely normal by the boyfriend that was with her. The mother who didn't report her daughter missing for 31 days before her mother dragged her out of boyfriend's home, demanding to see her granddaughter. The mother who no matter what a jury of her peers have decided, will have to account to the One who gave her life of her actions, Someday.

Obviously, I am part of Team SheDidIt. Never able to imagine that she would be completely set free, that she would HAVE to be found of guilty of a lesser charge at the very minimum. Why all the emotion? Women don't like women who hurt their children. Those of us who had mothers like Casey Anthony, even less so. We have a hard time wrapping our brains around that concept even though it is nothing new. To be able to give life and feel the right to take it away, doesn't make sense to most of us. It never will.

I had read this quote last week and I didn't know what it meant until I heard the words, Not Guilty today. No instant gratification today. Today is about, the Big Picture. Somedays are just like that...

Happy 4th of July...

For all the reasons that you know and love. For those who gave their lives that we have the freedoms we enjoy every day....

the bottom line...

I have had a million thoughts about food.
I have had at least that many experiences with food.
I have read a million articles on food.
I have had at least that many conversations about food.

And here is what I think is the bottom line...

You either Live to Eat or Eat to Live.

We live in one of these two camps, every minute of our lives. There is no neutral territory, no safe zone. Every Moment of your life, every single one - you are buried deep in one of these two camps.

In saying that I also believe that you can switch camps, in an instant. Either for short or long periods of time. In less than a nano second, you can go from the philosophy of one camp, directly to the other. Make no mistake, these are two distinct and couldnotbemoredifferent camps. Don't let the word swap fool you. These two camps are diversely opposite, their priorites are different on all fronts. Their values are both compelling, hence the camp jumping.

I have spent 99% of my life in one particular camp. At this very Moment, I am happily hanging out there, now. The older I get, this camp just makes me happy and I find myself, wanting to be happy. I am sitting with my homies, enjoying the fire and roasting marshmellows. We are laughing, telling jokes and passing the graham crackers around. Had a english muffin yesterday, it was heavenly.

Also can report that this week, I spent a bit of time in the other camp. They make so much sense and I enjoyed my time there very much. They are kind, wonderful people and make you feel like you are an important part of their family, what else could a girl want?

Somehow, knowing this makes the whole concept, easier. It may never change anything but understanding where one is in any given Moment explains a lot... Kumbaya.

obsessed...

Trailer: Finding Vivian Maier from John Maloof on Vimeo.

If you laid all my photos from end to end from the last 6 months, you would see a recurring theme. A lack of color, unlikely subjects and a woman who is obsessed.

If you looked at my scrap pages, you would think I have lost my mind. Again, very little color or ornamentation. I would tell you that none of this was by choice. I didn't expect to find or change the way I was doing business but the minute I saw the VM collection, something clicked inside.

I have gone back over the last few years to find, I have been seeing life in this medium, all along. When I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body, I was already doing it, only I was unaware.

Now I understand. I am more comfortable in my skin. The idea that the color and ornamentation might not come back bothers me but I have enough life experience behind me to know, it could be back and that is good enough for now.

At any given time, we are each ahead and behind of where we actually think we are. We are better than we think, we are braver than we think and we know tomorrow could change it all. This whole obsession does not appear to be laving soon but if I wake up tomorrow and it is gone, there will be only thanks...

seasons...

Seasons.

of life
of calendar
of circumstance
of consequence

reoccurring
one time
in community
by birthday


It dawned on me today that without even looking at a calendar, I think I could tell you by just standing outside for a few minutes, that is was Jun. No the sweltering heat like July and August but warmth with a bit of wind that you can feel, if you are trying.

We each will experience many seasons of winter, fall, spring and summer. Other seasons of our lives do not follow the calendar not is the weather a indicator. We are thrown into seasons of expectations, of change and of sorrow. They come and go with no warning. They are as dependable as the seasons of nature, yet some would say, they never saw it coming.

They only thing all the season have in common is that there is a start and a stop date. If something has a season, it is not forever. It has a time frame, a real sense of non-permanency. Season imply impeding change. It's funny when you think about it, but season and life have the same meaning. We are more forgiving when it comes to season, less when it comes from life.

Right now, I am in a season of summer, season of change in many areas of my life and a season of understanding how it all works together. Would have been useful many years ago but as the old adage goes, better late then never. While your first rodeo is exciting, having a few under your belt makes it a lot easier.

Blogger's photo uploader is on the fritz, another seasonal event but somehow, I am going with the flow. Ebb and flow, is the name of the game...

the Smiths and the Jones...

When we moved 12 years ago, it was a move of less than a mile. Way smaller house, way smaller lot. It was the House of Having a Teen, the best time in life to have a big house, a above ground pool and yes, our own personal soda fountain.

We were the last to the party. The Smiths and Jones, our next door and across the street neighbors, were already there. Never did find out how long but by very few convos, figured out it had been a while. Neither was very talkative. Not just to us but to each other. They could not have been more different. A college professor and a computer guy. The woman had less in common. In the 15 years we lived there, I never saw the women speak to each other. They both had kids but there was little interaction. DH says he say the boys playing once, but i just a few minutes, one got mad and went home.

We drive by our old street everyday and several times a year, go by the old house. We were there just this weekend, yard saling. The Smith and the Jones are still there. Close to 30 years of living not 15 feet away, with virtually no contact. While you don't have to be best buds with your neighbors, shouldn't there be some kind of mankind Love? I think about it with our house now, There is Craig and Suzie, and Neighbor Mike. Because of foreclosures, we have a whole new crop of neighbors that remind me of the Smith and Jones. They are young and transitory. One lives in house that has a for sale sign in front which doesn't evoke the same kind of fear it did just a few years ago, the house will still be for sale, long after they have moved on. Last weekend as Keaton mowed our lawn for Father's Day, he wanted to mow the young neighbor's yard, just because. She usually doesn't answer her door but this day she did. First she said, someone was coming that very day, then she said - he could mow it. He did a beautiful job, swept the sidewalks - it was a masterpiece. She didn't even come out and thank him.

There are many signs that we are slipping as a society but when life is all about us and kindness toward our neighbor is hard to find, that is when I start to worry. When I apologized to Keaton and thank him, he just looked at me with that face, and said. What would Jesus do... Touche, my fabulous boy.

6 months...

Talking with a friend last week about how fast time has gone since Christmas. Even with a long, cold winter - it flew by. I suspected with all the retirement plans, it would drag but that has not been the case.

We are now deep into surgery healing mode, the hard part is done, just sleeping in, hanging out and waiting for DH to heal. By the time he returns to work, he will have 6 months to go. Will it go as fast? Common sense ways no but not sure I agree.

Summer, 4th of July, then Back To School. a 60th birthday and a 40th wedding anniversary. You always hear that time goes faster the older you get. Thinking it is because we see it in a different light. Remember as a kid, waiting for insert activity here? Waiting to get your first driver's license? Time dragged on, seeming to never come fast enough. The one thing I think now is that you will live your life almost exclusively based on your perception, be it good or bad and the results will depend on that perception.

Yesterday was Keaton's last day of Hunter Education. He was positive, he was going to fail the test. He didn't want to study because he knew it wouldn't make any difference. It was a multiple choice test and I tried to encourage him that he didn't have to know every detail, just the basics. Guess what? My phone rang last night, Guess what Nana? I passed!

You are what you believe you are. I am enjoying these lazy, crazy days of summer and healing and am confident that the next 6 months are going to fly by and we will start a new chapter. Am getting excited... finally.

obsessed...

Trailer: Finding Vivian Maier from John Maloof on Vimeo.

If you laid all my photos from end to end from the last 6 months, you would see a recurring theme. A lack of color, unlikely subjects and a woman who is obsessed.

If you looked at my scrap pages, you would think I have lost my mind. Again, very little color or ornamentation. I would tell you that none of this was by choice. I didn't expect to find or change the way I was doing business but the minute I saw the VM collection, something clicked inside.

I have gone back over the last few years to find, I have been seeing life in this medium, all along. When I didn't think I had a creative bone in my body, I was already doing it, only I was unaware.

Now I understand. I am more comfortable in my skin. The idea that the color and ornamentation might not come back bothers me but I have enough life experience behind me to know, it could be back and that is good enough for now.

At any given time, we are each ahead and behind of where we actually think we are. We are better than we think, we are braver than we think and we know tomorrow could change it all. This whole obsession does not appear to be laving soon but if I wake up tomorrow and it is gone, there will be only thanks...

average...

Reading a book about what the average person look like and it is not looking good for me. My definition of average apparently is not based on criteria or at least in the particular authors mind, of what average should look like.

The family home has to be worth between 100,000 and 300,000 dollars. I would have made it in in 2008 before the crash. Now, not so much.

Number of family members would have to be between 3 and 4. Quite a narrow path but with the family shrinking in numbers since 1790, it seems to be a factor. For that reason, most cultural families would not be considered normal because of the size of their families. Interesting.

Average or not, the life I have been given is one I wouldn't trade for any other. The bad, the good - all of it. Making it a priority every morning as soon as I wake up to be thankful for waking up to a new day and for all I have. First thing, before my day gets away from me. One of the reasons I love summer is the unclutter that I protect like a momma bear. Summer is a time for just being. No worries about wearing a coat or most everything. I keep my Other Season activities to a bare minimum. This is the season for going to Sonic at 10 PM, and basically, just flying each day, by the seat of your pants.

If that isn't average, I don't know what is and I am pretty sure, I am not interested in finding out...

summer is officially here.

and guess who is over the top besides me, happy!

she gathered her anger,
the hundreds of pieces that had fallen out of her purse
and very lady-like, put them back in her bag

they lay at the bottom, staying to themselves.
not much on making friends, they usually just stayed alone,
with only the occasional outburst.

she never acknowledges the keys, makeup or wallet.
they got all the attention or so it seemed but the reality was,
she wasn't comfortable unless they were close by.
an emotional blanket, with sharp edges
helped her keep the perspective that soothed her pain

That day she tripped and her purse spilled out,
was a God sent but it was lost on her.
it was meant to be a new start,
but to her, it felt like she had stepped off the edge of a cliff.

once she felt safe and secure again,
she picked up her purse and headed down the street
with the mental assurance that all was well.

It came tumbling out in the middle of the night and I knew if I didn't write it down, I would never remember. Might sound like this was written by a woman in anguish but nothing could be further from the truth. This was written by one who hasn't had a piece of toast, a slice of pizza or a hamburger in over 10 years and who has had all three in the last 7 days. Crazy good...

sometimes...

it is all about you. By the very nature of the beast, you have no choice. You are no longer in control. You are stripped of most everything and covered by virtually nothing. You are at the mercy of those around you, hoping that everyone does the right thing.

DD and DH had surgery 7 days apart. Took care of one and then, the other. Prayed for both of them at the same time. No lover of any thing hospital, I tried to lighten things up for DH. Camera, jokes, nothing was off limits. Had a big issue 24 hours before surgery, was told surgery was canceled and get a new surgeon. Do not know what happened but after 6 hours on the phone, found a contract doc to make the surgery happen. Never had a contract doctor before. Loved him. Also had a contract nurse. At least 6 1/2 feet tall, our age and a southern accent, he came in and had us instantly at ease. Both patients are on their way to recovery now. Summer can officially begin without anyone thinking they have missed out. We have three birthdays and one 4th of July in the next 2 weeks, we need to party.

Birthdays, the same thing. For 24 hours, it is all about you. Most of us aren't comfortable in either setting. At least at birthdays (or most of them), you get to keep your clothes on! You have no control over the amount of candles that are on your cake. Heading toward a milestone birthday has me in a bit of a mental stinky fit but the alternative is nothing one wants to embrace. I will handle it the best way I can, with my grandbabies who remind me of what is important.

I will take a birthday over hospital, anytime. I am better on the other side of the bed, helping and encouraging, than being the patient. I know one can not always dodge the medical bullet, but it won't be for lack of trying.

Get well, my darlings. If you need me, just yell...

Tom Bodett...

Like me, you probably wouldn't recognize his name or face but his voice, you would have had to be living in a non-wifi cave - not to instantly, know.

We'll live the light on...


One day David Fowler, a creative director from The Richards Group advertising agency, was driving down the Dallas Parkway in his pickup truck listening to the public radio station his receiver had been stuck on for months. Suddenly a homey voiced monologue emerged from his dusty dashboard. He heard the name, Tom Bodett, and thought, "Gosh, if I only had an account for a national budget motel brand with a sense of humor and humility, I could make a heck of an advertising campaign with this guy." Enter Motel 6, and the rest, as they say, is history. More than twenty years of award winning advertising later, Tom is still speaking out of America's dusty dashboards and television screens about life as a road warrior, and the merits of Motel 6./Motel 6

I am more of a Motel 6 girl than Red Lion Inn girl. When Tom speaks, I feel like home is just a Motel 6 away. Love the new commercial where he touts that Motel 6 doesn't spend a lot in extras, as burnt toast is seen fallen into a bowl. Simple, steady and to the point, is all that Motel 6 has ever promised. If you want fancy, better head down the road. Don't get me wrong, a $3000 a night room would be awesome to experience but after many years of listening to Mr Bodett promise, my heart belongs to Motel 6...

being brave...

Went yesterday for DH's pre op appointment. We were ushered into Nurse C's office and began the whole pre process. We quickly noticed that we were in the same Season of life and started swapping Stoires. She is a year older than DH doesn't look it. She is the breadwinner of her family, her husband had a recreational injury and can't do much for a long time.

In between an EKG and nothingtoeatordrinkaftermidnight, we talked retirement, health insurance and wanting to do the right thing. Then, she just said this...

You have to be brave.

It hit me like a brick and hasn't left yet. I have been in quite the mental tennis match on what to do and how to do it. The truth is, there is nothing I can do. For the first time in 45 years, when DH retires, we will no longer have health insurance until eligible for Medicare. To purchase a policy with a $10,000 deductable would take 3/4 of our pension.

You have to be brave.

I haven't been very brave lately and it is time. It is time to live with what you can do and not what you wish you could do. When I think of brave, I think to stand tough in the face of being beat up. To not just put on a good face but understand that life has pitfalls that you can not overcome no matter how tough you are. It is about being brave when you wish you could run as fast and far in the opposite direction as you can.

That is how I handled my last surgery. That was over 20 years ago and I had to be sedated before going into surgery. Would like to think I would do better this time but if history is any predictor of future behavior, I would imagine not.

One would think the idea of being brave might come easy and maybe it does for some. Love it in the movies but not so much in Real Life. Looks like I am going to get a second chance, hoping I will do better...

the class of a long, long time ago...

If it is summer, it is the start of high school reunion time. Dh got his invite last week to his 45th reunion of the Class of 1966, The school is less than 2 miles from our house. He didn't go to his 10, 20, 30 or 40th reunions, not sure why they might expect he would now. But, at his age, it is no longer about what do you do? but that you are still around. His sister on the other hand, has been planning for 3 years, is coming from Canada for her 40th in August.

I am with DH. Even if my high school experience had been a positive one, I would be seeing the people I wanted to see. We would have kept in touch, maybe it has more about being an introvert but IMHO, reunions are about not moving on in life. Whether trying to relive the days of being young, or trying to hook up with an old flame, the whole experience seems like a less than desirable one to me.

Do those four years really define us for the rest of our lives? Are you always the cheerleader, the geek, the jock, the brain? It is a natural part of life, why the lifelong commitment to return again and again? I notice this trend in the 2 used cars we have bought in the last 4 years. We are continually invited to get togethers at the dealers. BBQ's, Q&A - an endless barrage and that is just for a 1/2 Buy and Go.

I am sure I am in the minority but the class of a long, long time ago is an experience in my life, one of many. It shaped who I am today in a good way, I learned that it is just four years, either way you slice it. Real Life is out there waiting, go grab it...

yahtzee...

I have played Yahtzee for years. Since the iPad, I have played it more in the the last year than in all the years before that, put together.

It is a game of strategy. Much like Real Life, the obvious answer is not so obvious. The great thing about the playing Yahtzee on the iPad is that with every roll, it gives you all the options for that particular combination. For instance, you could have 3 of a kind, a full house, Chance and your sixes, all in the same hand. Doesn't that mirror real life?, sometimes we have a lot of different choices. How we think decides which we choose, which in turn will lead to a win or a loss.

1 1 1 6 6....let's say this is your first roll. You could choose 3 ones (3), three of a kind (15), a full house(25) or Chance (15). Right off the bat, which way do you go? Which one grabs you? Full house gives you the most points but is it the right move? If you choose 3 ones, you only lose 2 potential points - knowing it is highly possible you will roll a couple more full houses during the game. Do you go with a low 3 of a kind or Chance?

No doubt there is risk involved and we each have our own particular level of risk, depending on past experiences. What might seem the logic choice, may not be the best choice. Every time I play this game, that thought runs through my mind. It has affected the way I see Real Life, and the way I make choices. I am watching myself and the way I through an issue. Sometimes, I like what I see. Sometimes, I want to slap myself silly, just like Real Life. Thanks Yahtzee, hope we have a long, happy life together...

the beginning of summer...

Week one - mommy has surgery, stuck inside, might as well get a pedicure...

That is the attitude we like to see, the positive side of a less than desirable week. Tough as it may have seemed, they certainly found more than a few ways to entertain themselves. Miss M was more than generous with manicures and pedicures, complete with gum-smacking conversation that was a bit too Real.

We all found ways to entertain ourselves. I had the pleasure of taking care of my family. I love to cook and having all these people to cook for, put me in heaven. Sounds crazy but I would cook for them every night if I could. Something so satifying about a making a meal - it really is comfort food for the soul.

Next week, mommy will feel better and we will be on the move. Swim and tennis lessons should take care of quite a bit of their free time and on Friday, poppa's surgery will take up all of nana's time.

We are just on the verge. Birthdays are flying all around us and 4th of July is just around the corner. Looking forward to fall but will love all that summer is and brings. Visions of lemonade and watermelon are dancing in my head and that, is just the beginning...

millie...

It is not polite to ask a lady's age but we could both agree it is rare to see a woman of her age, in any kind of computer store. I introduced myself and complemented her on her desire to learn about technology. She had two blue notes about shortcuts on either side of her MacBook laptop. She had been looking for a particular photo to finsih her book, they never found it. I asked if she had sent the photo to anyone who might still have it, she thinks she might have.

Apple make it real easy, she said.

Note to Steve Jobs - this is your kind of woman...

She told her about her book, the title impleed that we shared in the Love of Jesus. We chated about her late husband and their travels. The never made it to every place they wanted to but her son, went with her and she got to see it all.

Miss Millie lives in my town, she gave me her number and I will be visiting with her shortly. You never know on any given day who you are going to cross paths with, you just never know...

where the wind blows...

Believe it or not, we go where the winds of life take us. Whether gladly or kicking and screaming, we go where we need to. DD is having surgery early Wednesday morning so I am on the go to hold down the family front.

Going to be in charge of my babes for a few days, need to eat my Wheaties and remember the fine art of negotiations and if that doesn't work - BECAUSE I SAID SO! is good enough for me.

Be back next week. Hope the winds in your life are steady and sure, and that you are headed in the right direction...

high water...

Driving around the lake today, doesn't take much looking to see the water is high. Places that I have never seen water, are covered. Looks like no photos for a while without outfitting everyone with boots.

A dear friend had a scare last week when her husband's boat capsized and he was thrown out. When he didn't return home, she called for help. Thankfully, they found him many hours later and he was alive. Sounds like his life jacket saved his life. In the local news, there was a Story of a father and little girl in a boat with a tragic ending, no life jackets were used.

There is a reason people wear life jackets on boats, helmets when riding a bike or motorcycle - why should Real Life be any different? Perhaps not a physical protection but just an awareness of our surroundings. I know many times I am in my own little world and oblivious to anything not involved in my current task. Those are the times I need to take a step back, a time to be aware of what is going on. Not a fear but just to see the high water all around me. In people, places and our journey's.

DH and I kept trading his camera to take these shots, he wandered in farther than I would but was still in a safe zone. I come from a long line of those who never play it safe, and while I am cautious, I still have my kind of risky behavior. We all do, it is part of who we are. Just make sure that when going through the high waters of life, you have your life jacket on...

the face of love...

Blue Like Jazz's , Donald Miller is in love...finally. Have hoped this guy would find what he was looking for and it looks like Miss Paige, is it. Whether is last for a while or a long while, is yet to be determined.

He is in that lovey dovey state now. It is all good except that people in that state look at life through those lovey dovey eyes and make choices, base important decisions and think a bit more heavenly than they might, otherwise. If he continues Down this path, this love will have to change if it has any hope of making it long term. As the love changes, he will have to change too. While love is constant, its properties change continuously. After almost 40 years of marriage, I can testify that the love has been a roller coaster ride and the times that I have not learned about the ebb and flow, have been the worse. When my expectations were completely unrealistic and rigid. Sometimes you continue to love when the object of that love is gone, whether by a breakup or even death. Death doesn't change love, it may change the action of that love but it is always there.

I wish Mr Miller the best. I sincerely hope that he and his new love, beat the odds and find a lifetime of wonderfulness together. I also hope that he uses that great mind that God gave him to make that happen. When we use the wrong parts of the body to do our thinking for us, disaster is not far behind and what a shame it is to waste what could be a beautiful thing...

dog days of school...

Yesterday was the carnival, today is Miss M's graduation and Keaton's Field Day. Friday is just show up for a few hours and then youcangohome day.

I always love the last week of school. No homework, mostly movies and cleaning out your desk. Gage's teacher is having a baby, literally today. She was dilated to a 4 at the carnival and not sure she would be at school tomorrow. Her class had a swim party scheduled but Mother Nature has changed their minds, they will try again in a few weeks and maybe Mrs D can bring her new baby boy!

Summertime and the living is easy... Whether true or not, it is my icon of summer. School is out, the Beach Boys are on the radio and everything slows down...no hurrying for much of anything but the snow cone shack. As the summer progress and the heat turns itself up, we go even slower but this week, when we are in the midst of the dog days of school - anticipation is at its highest. Anything and everything is possible. While our routines are shaken to their core and we might find ourselves with too much time on our hands, there is a need for some deep, deep rest. Today we will celebrate the end of school - rest will start next week...

making Something new...

Much of what we do and say is not new, as much as we may think. Anything wonderful thing you may read on this or any other blog is just a rearrangement. Of words, thoughts, and a bit of perspective. Very little is new...until now.

Just spent a half hour with Ryan, my new BFF after having my email stop today. He had me download a new program and as I left my mouse alone, he ran everything on my computer. No more having to write down and repeat when talking to a CSR, just sit back and enjoy the ride. After not being able to fix my issue, he converted us over to a new system. In no time, a new account was created and I was up and running but Ryan didn't stop there. He helped us set up our iPads and he even copied my Contact list to the new address. Customer service isn't new. We have all been on both sides of CS and have horror and wonderful Stories we could tell. With Ryan, I experienced both, the new and the not so new and I loved every moment of it. Life is good especially when you appreciate what it takes to do both...

the here and now...

We have the good fortune of having a almost 12 year old that still likes to hang out with us. Maybe it is the music, maybe it is the food - both of which, are constant. The three of us have much in common. There is a streak of artist in a couple different mediums, some of which we share and some that just seem to overlap.

We cruised the Mall, hit the Apple Store and got more to eat. Movies and ice cream afterward, more music on the way home. I looked back just before we got home and one of us was gone. He was completely gone, still with his earphones on. He got his second wind when we got home and for a bit longer, we hung out and finished the evening playing Yahtzee on the iPad.

The next morning, he agreed to a quick photo shoot. He needed a bit of encouragement to smile but when he did, the smile turned to silliness which I will take any day. The brooding of teenhood has started and these photos will help him to see when he gets through it, that is wasn't all bad. If one can remember to laugh, at any age, that is more than half the battle. We spent more than our fair share laughing while he was with us. Thanks bud, we had a blast...

the tale of 2 poppas...

These two could not be more dissimilar. One loves sports, the other, not so much. One loves art, the other, less than not so much. They have spent holidays together for the last 15 years and have learned how to get along. In Real Life, they would not spend one minute together but...


They are both Steve.
They have both been in the military.
They both love their country,
and John Wayne.
They both have iPads.
Most importantly, they both
adore their grandchildren.
Adore may not be a strong enough word,
they would give up everything for them.

Sometimes there are Things bigger than us. We put aside who we are for the Greater Good. Manly men behaving well, is there anything more wonderful?

We will never, ever forget...

feet...

Maybe, you have cute toes. Maybe, you love your feet. Most of us just use them and don't give them much thought until Something hurts. DH has had an issue with his big toe for quite a while. Even went to the doc and the doc said, the nail will fall off and a new one will grow in. Did the same thing to mine a couple of weeks ago. and the mail has still not come off and it is killing him. Lost of focus on the feet in his world, right now.

For the rest of us, we will continue to give our feet, little thought. We girls might be thinking about a pedicure because it is almost summer, somewhere and the flip flops are high on our priority list but after those few minutes, we will rejoin our fellow man in the Big Race of life.

It has been said that people are the feet of Jesus. What does that look like? I usually think of the church as fighting to be the face of Jesus or the brain of Jesus. Feet, by their very location, come last or are at the bottom. They are not glamorous and to add insult to injury, there are two of them. The thing is, the rest of the body can't move very well without them. They are the backbone of making a move. They are the wings beneath our, well, you know. They are the bread and butter of our bodies. We would all do well to remember that...

reminders...

We saw lots of different kinds of people on Sunday. Very few families. Mostly older men, followed by older women. There were also a few teens. While it was a diverse crowd, culturally - the majority were white. Not sure that is what the average homeless population is but for this area, it was.

This man in particular, caught my eye. He was one who elected to sit at the tables provided by the church. As I am processing all that I saw, it seems even more courageous that any one would sit at those tables. Everyone knows nothing is free. These people know the drill - trade a meal for having to listening to the Jesus talk. Imagine they can quote the Bible as well if not better than many church people. I imagine that the Story he might tell might be one of loss and choices. He was particularly striking to me because he looked like my dad, right down to the garbage bag.

My father was homeless for a time. It was a story of loss and choices. It is difficult to allow someone in your life to live this life but Sometimes, you don't have a choice. I did not have a choice, I had to pick the safety of my family first. We both made the choices we did because there was no other way. I would not change a thing, I can't speak for him. My experience with the homeless is of the alcohol kind. The ones who would choose booze over everything else. Is it a disease or a choice? If I put in context with my chocolate pudding obsession, I get it. Addiction is a mistress, no matter which one you choose. I make no judgement, everyone should be allowed to choose, but we each have to live with the consequences.

Still working my way through the day. I have a ton of photos and think I will make the kids a book to remember the day by. Today we sold my husband's motorcycle. I went to coffee with good friends. I went back to my normal life but everywhere I went, I took this man with me. I took my dad with me. Somedays are like that, reminders are everywhere. Somedays, you have to look back, if just for a while...

homeless...

Spent some time this week with DD's church family, serving spaghetti, drinks and personal hygiene kits to the homeless. Must admit, that my reasons for going were less than noble - I went to watch over my grandchildren. I have shot photos at this place. It has great graffiti but I must say, I have been very uncomfortable each time I go. Today, I got to learn a little more about my fellow life travelers and myself.

The homeless culture is much like most others. They are more comfortable eating at their own tables, they are mostly introverts. Few took their food to the tables that the church brought. When we came in to set up, you could feel the distrust of us invading their space. I get it. We would be gone in few hours but this is their home. As we came in to set up, we walked past their tables and I heard one older woman tell the others, I just got out of jail - five minutes ago. I just got here!

One of the first people who came in was a couple with a four month old baby. They got some food and some personal care products for the baby. Later on, someone saw her feeding her baby - bread and noodles. She didn't have formula. There was a quick offering taken and someone ran to the store and left the young couple was a couple hundred dollars worth of formula. It won't change their lives forever, but for today, it did.

Gage would ask later in the day, What happened to manners? Most people said thank you, some did not. The pop was a big hit, water not so much. Several asked for beer. One man looked at the water and pop, looked at us and said, Alcohol. I would later see him as we left for home, his head in his lap, in deep distress. As for the personal hygiene kits, most asked for Chapstick and sunscreen. A man asked for a job, anything, he said.

One thing I learned about this culture is if they don't value Something, they don't take it and are quite vocal about it. When you have to carry all your belongings, space becomes an issue. I think about all the things I have dragged home that I didn't need. It makes you think about what do you really need and what do you value?

A few hours after we got there, we were gone. We all went back to our homes and lives and the homeless people, did the same. Did we change each other in any way? Time will tell but maybe the lesson isn't about permanent change. Maybe it was about being in the Moment, sharing what we were able to put together with those whose network was connected on a different level. Funny, both camps started out a bit leery of each other and by the end, we had come to some level of understanding. While what we value may look completely different, how we do everyday life may be more similar that we think, after all - we are all God's children...

a Story for each of us...

I would like to think that every once in a while, we don't have to re-invent the wheel when it comes to learning. Doesn't it seem like some things should stick? Even if you look at it mathematically, the odds can't always be against us. There is Something to learn each day, but I have to think that we are able to carry some lessons into the next day, with us.

Ever have a bad day, or maybe in the middle of a pitty party? Life isn't looking like you imagined and quite frankly, you are just not in the mood... and then you are driving down the road and you see a funeral. A preacher, a family, friends, a casket. Like isn't looking like you imagined may be their theme too. Perspective is your instant companion. Still about you, that is just how we are, like it or not - you start to come out of the Me fog and if you have learned a few lessons, the Way becomes much clearer. Someday, in one form or another, that will be you and yours, at a funeral but today, it is their turn. What you need to see is what you do have, not what you don't have. You better stop whatever you are doing and give thanks for, this very minute.

Wish I had faith that it would only take one time but maybe we are just not wired that way. We need to be reminded, over and over again. Maybe that is ok. Maybe Someday when it is your turn at the funeral and you see someone off in the distance as you are standing there in utter disbelief that your turn has come, you will be able to remember and even in the midst of this unbelievable season of life, be thankful for what you had, for what was wonderful, even if for a brief time.

Life is short and it walks a fine line in seeing both directions at the same time. What was, what is but if we can live a life,steeped in gratitude, wouldn't that be something?

be very afraid...

Late last week, the same malware virus hit my computer, again. It was instant and my malware software would not solve my dilemma this time. After a couple of days of trying and realizing this one was over my head, I had to ask my wonderful SIL to bail me out once more and he, most graciously did. He always does, with no hint of anything but Love.

Gage might get his cheerful demeanor from me. When we get mad, it is all over. No inanimate thing is safe from our wrath. When it is all over but the shouting, and that can go on for a long time, we revert back to our fabulous selves. If I wasn't revealing this secret to you, no one would ever know.

Now that I am older, I see the Light a bit faster. One benefit of old age, I guess. There are times, there is Nothing you can do and you might as well not blow yourself up over things you have no control over. It is good to get all that bad stuff out that lingers inside and makes us crazy. Not just anger - thoughts, emotions and fears too.

Some of us, more than others, will always struggle and stuff down feelings that need to come to the top. They can't move on if they can't get out. I look at that face, and understand. Little Grasshopper will learn to control his anger, now his face may be a different matter...

closing...

The Sahara, where Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack played, closing.
After 23 years, America's Most Wanted is calling it quits.
At 85, Jerry Lewis is retiring from MD telethon. MSNBC

Quite the news this week. None of us like to see these kind of changes. Reminds us of our own, impeding closing, however this is our new cultural normal. Not unlike the Dinosaurs of Old, the time has come and it is going to continue at speeds we have never seen before. Not only because of age but of value.

I imagine we will see more and more closings, most with much less history than what we are seeing now. With more experience, we will become less emotional as our world changes our lives, not to mention, our memories. We will learn to stop on a dime and learn to rearrange our lives in a nano second.

We will more easily understand that nothing last forever. Someone at book club last night talked about some in their life who had passed at age 88 - she was one of those people you thought would live forever. Intellectually, we know better.

Just pick up a 10 year old Good Housekeeping magazine and see how many of the advertised products, no longer exist. Just found out that a friend got her first Kindle, and the news had announced the new 5 gadgets that are obsolete and yes, the kindle was on the list. Multi function tablets have made them so.

They say when God closes a door, he opens another. His ways are not our ways. The bitter truth is, we may not have Pop Tarts forever. Enjoy it while you can...

first...

Whether it comes naturally or not, Sometimes, you have to be first. You have to be the leader, the ball is yours. Like it or not, you are responsible.

We always encourage the kids individually and as a team.

Go Miss M!!! Go Koalas!!!!

It is not in her nature to fight for the ball and take it down for the goal but here she is and she is doing it. She would not be successful this day but great effort was given. You are first, no matter the outcome.

How often are we Big People guilty of not wanting to be first, because of fear of failure? Or, thinking that being first is for other people. While being first is not my favorite, I do believe that much like jury duty, we have to take our turn, and take it without thinking about the consequences. Because it is not right to always be lurkers or followers whether for fear or worse, laziness.

I am so proud of her. Her first soccer season. Nest is flag football. That is right, my girl is going Madden! She is much more content to be a cheerleader, shaking pom poms and encouraging her team but branching out and going first, will help her grow and flourish. While she is busy working on her first, I will gladly. take over her cheer leading duties...

never again...

A few months ago, on my way to see the kids, I am going down a back country road and as I whizz by, I see it. A horse and mule kissing. I kid you not. I did not stop. I knew I should but decided to move on. It was a mistake. Later on, I was kicking myself and vowed, never again.

Yesterday morning on the way to soccer, we passed this mailbox and I remembered, never again - made DH go back and get the shot. The deal is, if I see it and know it - I go back. No questions asked, consider it a done deal.

How might the landscape of my life change, if it was I incorporated this theology in other areas of my life? Or if the areas where this concept is alive and well, perhaps aren't as alive and well as I suppose? We all have black and white lines and in some ways, they do change over the years. Life changes and we must change with it. After a few years, one starts to see the validity of change. Never again may be a horse of a different color. It is more like a line that is drawn in the sand. Adds a new perspective, a new normal to one's life... All of that to say, I knew today - that we were turning around and we did. I listened and obeyed. Oh vey, if that was always the case...

looking for love in all the wrong places...

According to a story at LiveScience, a 16-year-old Canadian 11th grade student has discovered a possible treatment for cystic fibrosis. The treatment is a combination of two drugs which, in a computer simulation on the Canadian SCINET supercomputing network, did not interfere with each other while interacting with the defective protein responsible for the disorder. He has also tested the drug combination on living cells with results that 'exceeded his expectations.'" SlashDot.

Have seen the news about this kid and his work all weekend. How does this happen? What is he doing that the rest of those working on CF, aren't? Once again, the cure didn't come from where we imagined, it literally came, out of nowhere.

The old country song may have had it right after all. We tend to poo poo theories that seem to not have come through the proper channels. Look at all the medicines that have been recalled that went through the right channels and have found to be, fatally flawed? The point is we need to keep our eyes open, constantly searching the countryside and not fixed on just the road ahead.

Perhaps, we should stop having big telethons and start having bigger bake sales...

late night...

Jerry Seinfeld - Personal Archives maximum strength.

One of my most favorite things of life is last night comedy. Johnny Carson was my first Love, present day - I have a thing for David Letterman. There have been a few in between. Always men, always late at night.

There is just Something about the combination of humor, men and the cover of darkness that turns me into a happy girl. When the sports come on the news, I know I am only a few minutes away. A recap of the guesses of tomorrow's weather and I know it is time to get ready.

Not matter the day has brought, I know my boys are going to deliver. There is going to be current events and presidents to make fun of. Even if it has been a tragic day for our country, that darkness never enters the late night picture. True tragedies may be hinted at but this is no time for sadness. We have made it through the day, time to let our hair down.

The first 40 minutes are my favorite. Monologue, first and second guest. Music not so much, because no matter how much I love music, I can get that from iTunes, This is about laughter and music is no laughing matter. This gig could not be done by a woman with the possible exception of my favorite female comedian, Kathleen Madigan. This is a Place were the men can shine. Johnny Carson changed my life, Jay Leno makes me laugh when he is on the streets, David Letterman is a scholar and all the rest of the good old boys club, yearn to follow suit.

When JerrySeinfeld.com opened a week ago, I was over the moon. Now I get three random JR classics daily. I have never been happier. Like the songs says, I love the nighlife, I like to boogie - Thank you guys for all the Love. I am truly a better person for having you in my life and the joy you have brought me, ah...the joy. Dudes, Thank you from the bottom of my heart...

character...

But it wasn’t until the day after he died last Wednesday that I found the diary he began writing the day he lost his job.

Wednesday April 28th, 1971: “Received notice of lay off.”

Thursday April 29th, 1971: “Gave Gil Carmichael copy of resume, registered with Mississippi Employment Office.”

Friday April 30th, 1971: “Registered with Coats and Coats, gave Harry Lackey a copy of my resume, interviewed at IDS.”

And so his daily diary went for the next two years, highlighting every job lead, every interview, every rejection notice and every hopeful possibility. He looked for a good paying job for two years but ended up taking a job without a salary, hoping that he could somehow feed his family of five on a straight commission arrangement.

Dad’s final entry in that diary was simple. “.”

And he did. Over the next four decades, Dad worked without ceasing, raised three children, paid our way through college and supported us without fail time and time again. /Joe Scarborough, via Politico.

This was a great tribute piece to a great man. Did I know him? Never laid eyes on him. So. how do I know he was so wonderful? From the people who knew him best.

With the Lord’s help, I will do well

I am not talking about wanting to please people, this is about character. This is about what we do because it is right and noble. It is because we understand that whining or wishing, doesn't make it so and Sometimes, we just have to persevere and within that perseverance, are brave, courageous and resilient.

With the Lord’s help, I will do well

We all have troubles, and Somedays, it feels like we have more than our fair share. If one adopts Mr Scarborough's mission statement, it covers all troubles, not just the ones that seem fair. Admitting that you can't do it alone is a Big Step. It allows you to let go of all the things you would fix if you could but realizing that you can't. It also makes you aware that by doing so, you will do well. Who can argue with that?

My greatest sympathies go out to the Scarborough family. May your own legacy be inspired by your husband/dad/grandad. There can be no greater Love...

the Bears...

Have had this family of bears for over 30 years. They are a quite family, never any trouble and when I ask to take their picture, they are always accommodating. Their only request is not to take posed shots - I have agreed.

Every time I get my camera out, they are in the middle of Something. The momma bear has told me on occasion, that they are very serious about child rearing. Not only the bad but especially, the good. No internet access, or TV, they believe in lots of family time, whether it is about reading or just hanging out. They are a wonderful role model for families everywhere.

Being part of a family is fun, wonderful and crazy. Sometimes, when you put a few personality types together - fireworks happen, not in a good way. Part of learning to live the world has to do with the training you got, learning to live in a family.

It is not always about you.

Try it, you might just like it and if you don't, eat it anyway.

As much fun as it may seem, it would not be fun to be an only child.

You may not always get the time and attention you want, parents have to spread the Love around but they are trying. If they aren't, you have got bigger troubles that aren't going away soon, if ever. Pull your own weight, no matter how old you are and when the Love comes your way, be ready to accept it. You will be fine, just breathe...

whisperers...

They were so familiar with the space around them, you knew this was their niche. I think when the nine of us, trotted onto the scene, we scared them off. You can spot whisperers, but only after they are gone. We didn't even notice when they left.

They will, no doubt be back tomorrow, after we have gone back to our regular lives. We are only Sunday geese whisperers, they are the Real Deal.

We are each whisperers in our own right, whether we see it or not. Think about what comes so naturally, so effortlessly to you. Who are the ones who are drawn to you, who want to be around you...just because. Whispering isn't new. It wasn't invented by a movie, it has always been here - we are just aware, now.

Our whispering was loud. While we came in peace and with lots and lots of bread, the geese were attentive and hyper, fighting over each piece of bread. With the Real goose whisperers, I imagine it looks more like an elaborate dance, where there is no pushing and shoving because they know, there is always enough for everybody. That is the mark of a true whisperer. So, what does your whispers sound like?

measure...

When bin Laden was killed, a 6 foot Navy SEAL had to lie down next to the corpse to better estimate his height. Watching the scene on a live video feed in the White House Situation Room, President Obama quipped, We donated a 60 million dollar helicopter to this operation, referring to the modified stealth chopper destroyed in the mission. Could we not afford a tape measure?/The Daily

Think about what he is saying. Not just in the realm of capturing OBL although with some of the finest minds/teams working for months on the Geronimo Project, practicing every step, you might imagine that someone, would have come up with a scenario that would account for identifying OBL by height. It was about affording a tape measure as much as bringing such a small detail to the proverbial table.

So, take it up another notch - what in our lives are we feeding the 60 million dollar idea and forgetting the importance of the tape measure? Not enough guts and glory? Or are we just not capable of doing it all. Do we have someone on the team who knows, how to measure? Do we value the tape measure?

So many things did go wrong last weekend and many more, could have. They had one chance and Sometimes in life, that is all we have too. While President Obama's words made me laugh, they also, made me think and I do carry a tape measure in my purse. Take it up another level, my friends...

adore

Whether Mother's or Father's Day. Or your birthday, or graduation or any of the other days we celebrate with great gusto, the bottom line is that we love to be adored.

Sometimes, we don't fit into the Box of the Day and we feel left out. The Theme of the Day just doesn't work in our lives. Think of Valentine's Day for a single person or Mother's Day for the one who for a vary of reasons, never became a mother. Holidays bring as much grief as loss, if you are on the losing team. Everything is not for everybody

For those times, you need to do some creative thinking not just wait out the 24 hours until a new day dawns. We each can choose to give or accept, being adored in ways we never imagined. It may not look like what we expected and we can choose to turn our backs...but we can also say, I'll take it... and thank you.

And that, can make one, a smart cookie with a grateful heart and the ability to accept adoration when it comes her way...

Happy Mother's Day...

Yes, there are bacon roses. Something about them, just makes me smile. Can't help it.
Thank you Jef, I bacon you!

Someone on FB was encouraging us to change our profile photos to our moms, to thank them for all they do/did. For some, that may be possible. For some of us, not a chance. Not possible. The End.

All that said, there have been some spiritual break throughs in the mother department and quite uncomfortable at that. Where they will lead, I don't know but the fact that they keep coming up both frightens and intrigues me.

If you have a good or even great relationship with your mother or mother figure, enjoy it. Love her, miss her, call her, send her bacon roses. If you don't, look around and find someone you admire or long to be like. Mine is my girl. Mother to three, she is one who tries with everything she has. She is a fierce mother hen who is learning to grow and change as her kids do. Mother's Day for me, is being with her. She is my hero.

Hope your day is great no matter if you are/have/know a mother. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Grab what you can and hold on. It doesn't look like anything but what you want it too...

reading...

No matter how you do it,
whether you started one way,
and then, went another way.

The how is not important,
the why changes as you get older,
and the who's become the ones,
you chase after.

Whether Ramona or Harry,
Louis Lamour or Barbara Kingsolver.
history or romance,
it is always about the read.

Read for the sake of reading,
start with Nancy Drew and see the world through her eyes,
later, when you discover Sarah Vowell, it will all come together.

Whatever platform you use,
whoever you read,
read with all your heart,and your heart, will give back to you.
Tenfold...

America's Most Wanted...

They watched it, live. In Real Time. imagine having that technology. The president had given the order Friday morning before leaving to survey the tornado damage in the South. Saturday, he had the White House Correspondence dinner. All the while, they couldn't say or show any emotion. They didn't know how it would end. Hillary's face says it all. Kudos Team 6...oh, that's right, there is no Team 6.

Not sure we have all been on the same page for a long time, and still, there were a few dissenting voices but very few. For most, the visual of 911 came flooding back and any guilt at being joyful at a man's death, was forgotten.

This week's Time magazine was waiting in my mailbox this afternoon. I can truly said the world it was written in, was gone. The news concerning 911, the Obama reelection and most other topics, had been changed in an instant. It was a new day, a new world and with it new threats. My friend has a semi-grown child traveling abroad in less that two weeks, a reprisal attack is almost imminent. Think about it, OBL has had 10 years to put it together a plan, himself.

It brings me back (to 911) in an instant...Brian Williams to David Letterman. It doesn't take much for most of us, the images are engraved in our minds. Whatever your emotional commitment to 911 is, it is one you will never forget. Thought about OBl meeting Jesus today. Imagine what that looked like and realize it might have been completely different. His Ways are not our ways and however their time ended, justice was finally done...

possibilities...

You don't have to love Al Gore... or even like him or even more, believe him but look at the technology. Who better than the guy who invented the Internet to show the way? Although he is not one of my favorite people, I can appreciate the work.

If you are a bottom-line person, skip past and go on to 2:45. If you have the time, watch the whole TED presentation and learn - this is where we are headed. I am over the top excited at the possabilities that are coming our way and the ones who are all ready here.

I may be the least green person you know, but am considering buying this book. Imagine the things we have yet to discover, and truly hoping they will make us a better people. Can technology do that? Facebook is now using its power for good.

There are 77,000 people who have logged on to report finding photos, checks, bills - everything they find on their properties from the tornadoes that ravaged the South last week. Post after posts, with names trying to reunite people with treasures they have lost. People helping people, they don't even know. Mark Zuckerberg must be so proud. http://www.facebook.com/PicturesandDocumentsfoundafterAprilTornadoes.

Using our powers for good not evil, that is the team I want to be on...