Some beings soar through it. Some find the silver lining. These birds did. They took shelter when necessary. They come out when it is safe.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Choosing To Soar
Some beings soar through it. Some find the silver lining. These birds did. They took shelter when necessary. They come out when it is safe.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Again
It's a searing pain. Goes right to the bone. Mostly at night. And in the morning when I awaken. That is when the loneliness thing happens.
Pretty much I have learned how to get into bed. Alone. Pillows are positioned. Expectant. I lean toward the right. They tell me it is healthier for your heart. My heart is healthy, but more than lonely. I say goodnight. Tell him how much I love him. That I am glad he came into my life.
Sometimes we talk, he and I. Well, I do all the talking. I think he would listen. Then we trail off to sleep. It doesn't happen in the early morning too much anymore. I have enough to do with the animals just to get us ready for the day. That helps. I miss him. What it could be.
Loving to get out and about first thing, it could be the gym, or the coffee shop, or an errand that can not wait. I do love mornings. And lunch. Especially with a friend. I am meeting new ones here. They are more than delightful. I cherish all of them. I think they know.
They seem to know when the loneliness thing happens. That is when they seem to call. But I am not meant to be solo. Though, there are aspects of going solo I do enjoy. I like the sharing, cuddling, the comings and goings of the day. Every day. I like missing you. I want to know what that feels like again.
Again.
Pretty much I have learned how to get into bed. Alone. Pillows are positioned. Expectant. I lean toward the right. They tell me it is healthier for your heart. My heart is healthy, but more than lonely. I say goodnight. Tell him how much I love him. That I am glad he came into my life.
Sometimes we talk, he and I. Well, I do all the talking. I think he would listen. Then we trail off to sleep. It doesn't happen in the early morning too much anymore. I have enough to do with the animals just to get us ready for the day. That helps. I miss him. What it could be.
Loving to get out and about first thing, it could be the gym, or the coffee shop, or an errand that can not wait. I do love mornings. And lunch. Especially with a friend. I am meeting new ones here. They are more than delightful. I cherish all of them. I think they know.
They seem to know when the loneliness thing happens. That is when they seem to call. But I am not meant to be solo. Though, there are aspects of going solo I do enjoy. I like the sharing, cuddling, the comings and goings of the day. Every day. I like missing you. I want to know what that feels like again.
Again.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Energy Remembers
The things I loved about him were also the things I hated about him.
That he was resolute about how he spent his personal time became more than I was willing to bear. It was the extremes and the lack of balance in our relationship that in time, moved me further and further away from him. It was then that the resentment set in. Like gangrene. There was no turning back.
Perhaps this will always haunt me. I want, hope it will become a permanent lesson. Encoded into my being so that I will never, ever allow this again. Abandonment is the worst. That you abandon yourself is a death sentence.
Here in the cafe, the maple panelling is dark. Mannerism style. A small tray ceiling, encircles the nutmeg leather chairs. A black round lacquered coffee table with a 59 gallon storage barrel cap functions as a lazy susan. It is an intimate area, a great conversational corner.
I'm outraged. It isn't just the tugboat that capsized in a river who didn't want it there in the first place. It is the repeated attempts to surface it. This time, the boat is wedged under a barge. The river is tired of the foreign bodies that pollute it and the marine life. It has a memory. But people it is us who are sinking! It isn't the politicos, Congress, or former mates, partners or spouses. It is us. We are the ones we are waiting for. When. WHEN? Will we begin?
We're more stuck than we know. We sometimes vote and we are still shrinking. Sinking. Allowing. Hurricane Sandy is a metaphor for all of this. It is our explosion within, our collective explosion, our anger, frustration, resentment. It is all energy. All of it. Now it is encircling us. Our collective negative energy is coming back at us.
It is fitting that the magnetic poles have dropped 40% and that the poles, according to NASA will shift between December of this year and Spring of 2013. The Mayans knew this. They also knew about our energy.
When do WE begin?
That he was resolute about how he spent his personal time became more than I was willing to bear. It was the extremes and the lack of balance in our relationship that in time, moved me further and further away from him. It was then that the resentment set in. Like gangrene. There was no turning back.
Perhaps this will always haunt me. I want, hope it will become a permanent lesson. Encoded into my being so that I will never, ever allow this again. Abandonment is the worst. That you abandon yourself is a death sentence.
Here in the cafe, the maple panelling is dark. Mannerism style. A small tray ceiling, encircles the nutmeg leather chairs. A black round lacquered coffee table with a 59 gallon storage barrel cap functions as a lazy susan. It is an intimate area, a great conversational corner.
I'm outraged. It isn't just the tugboat that capsized in a river who didn't want it there in the first place. It is the repeated attempts to surface it. This time, the boat is wedged under a barge. The river is tired of the foreign bodies that pollute it and the marine life. It has a memory. But people it is us who are sinking! It isn't the politicos, Congress, or former mates, partners or spouses. It is us. We are the ones we are waiting for. When. WHEN? Will we begin?
We're more stuck than we know. We sometimes vote and we are still shrinking. Sinking. Allowing. Hurricane Sandy is a metaphor for all of this. It is our explosion within, our collective explosion, our anger, frustration, resentment. It is all energy. All of it. Now it is encircling us. Our collective negative energy is coming back at us.
It is fitting that the magnetic poles have dropped 40% and that the poles, according to NASA will shift between December of this year and Spring of 2013. The Mayans knew this. They also knew about our energy.
When do WE begin?
Friday, October 26, 2012
2
by Hans Decoz
As the most feminine among all numbers, the 2 is also the
most underestimated -- at least, when it comes to power and strength.
After all, she is almost always gentle, tactful, diplomatic, forgiving
and understanding. Certainly, she likes to keep the peace and will avoid
confrontations as much as possible.
If you look at the shape of the 2, however, you will recognize a symbolic representation of the ultimate survivor and an extremely resilient force. Her shape, as if bent on a knee with her head and back bowed in humility and servitude, makes it easy to dismiss her as weak and powerless. This is in stark contrast to the power and pride of the mighty and masculine 1, who will not bow for anyone at any price. However, when enough pressure is applied to the powerful warrior we see in the number 1, he will break and shatter and be done with.
On the other hand, when the humble and feminine 2 finds herself under attack and burdened with a crushing weight, she will bend, she will bend as much as needed. And when the weight is removed, her elastic, flexible nature allows her to come right back up, seemingly with little harm done, and she will continue to play her role.
Her strength and power is resilient and lasting, just as the shape of the number 2 reflects that so beautifully. There is much more to her than meets the eye; she is often the true power behind the throne. As we stand in awe to the leadership and decisive actions of the 1, his strength and cunning relies on the clever and insightful advice of his greatest ally, the number 2.
Unnoticed and operating from the shadows, she is the Mata Hari who outwits other spies and diplomats with her grace, her sensuality, her flattering attention and her gentle force of persuasion. She is smart and understands the underlying qualities that make people do this or do that. A born psychologist, there is not much about human nature that escapes her. She often controls the outcome of certain events without anyone else noticing or acknowledging. In fact, the credit quite often goes to some other entity when it should be hers. This does not bother her, because among her best qualities is patience. She knows her time will come. But even if she does not always get the recognition she deserves, she tends to take a special place in the hearts and minds of others due to her sophistication, her grace, her style and her excellent taste in art and music.
The 2 has an in-born sense of music and rhythm that makes her popular among any social crowd, and it is in the lighthearted arena of play and art that she shines as a dancer and a conversationalist. Within a social environment, perhaps her most important asset is a sense of humor that is witty and self-depreciating, but never slapstick or juvenile, as she is far too sophisticated for that.
Source:
http://www.numerology.com/numerology-numbers/2
If you look at the shape of the 2, however, you will recognize a symbolic representation of the ultimate survivor and an extremely resilient force. Her shape, as if bent on a knee with her head and back bowed in humility and servitude, makes it easy to dismiss her as weak and powerless. This is in stark contrast to the power and pride of the mighty and masculine 1, who will not bow for anyone at any price. However, when enough pressure is applied to the powerful warrior we see in the number 1, he will break and shatter and be done with.
On the other hand, when the humble and feminine 2 finds herself under attack and burdened with a crushing weight, she will bend, she will bend as much as needed. And when the weight is removed, her elastic, flexible nature allows her to come right back up, seemingly with little harm done, and she will continue to play her role.
Her strength and power is resilient and lasting, just as the shape of the number 2 reflects that so beautifully. There is much more to her than meets the eye; she is often the true power behind the throne. As we stand in awe to the leadership and decisive actions of the 1, his strength and cunning relies on the clever and insightful advice of his greatest ally, the number 2.
Unnoticed and operating from the shadows, she is the Mata Hari who outwits other spies and diplomats with her grace, her sensuality, her flattering attention and her gentle force of persuasion. She is smart and understands the underlying qualities that make people do this or do that. A born psychologist, there is not much about human nature that escapes her. She often controls the outcome of certain events without anyone else noticing or acknowledging. In fact, the credit quite often goes to some other entity when it should be hers. This does not bother her, because among her best qualities is patience. She knows her time will come. But even if she does not always get the recognition she deserves, she tends to take a special place in the hearts and minds of others due to her sophistication, her grace, her style and her excellent taste in art and music.
The 2 has an in-born sense of music and rhythm that makes her popular among any social crowd, and it is in the lighthearted arena of play and art that she shines as a dancer and a conversationalist. Within a social environment, perhaps her most important asset is a sense of humor that is witty and self-depreciating, but never slapstick or juvenile, as she is far too sophisticated for that.
Source:
http://www.numerology.com/numerology-numbers/2
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Instant Replay
Life is a replay of our history before. Isn't it?
We go along in our daily activities involved in the moment until we aren't. The the history of our thoughts repeat themselves. In other words, we slide back into the ruts. The same issues continue to plague us until they don't.
Reflecting on a continual theme, my thoughts turn to find a project that fully involves me. One that is pleasing, one that feels fulfilling. Until it doesn't. Does that seem familiar? It is the proverbial hamster wheel going round and round. Or Sisyphus moving the humongous boulder up the hill only to have it fall back down. He repeats the procedure again and again and again. Hope keeps Sisyphus going. Hope keeps me going, too.
Sometimes there are little rocks. Everywhere. We can focus on the rocks and miss the azure sky and stunning white clouds. The choice, as always is ours. We can circumvent the little rocks, or large boulders in our lives, work around them and enjoy all the abundance. That doesn't mean we have to like it or allow our world to become unhealthy. It does mean we are present with what is.
But the reality is, being comfortable in our thoughts, in our skin will always keep us going. Recognizing the ruts, our human limitations and learning to laugh at ourselves is the antidote.
We don't get the instant replay most of the time. That is, until we have suffered enough. When we are fully ready to end the suffering, we find a way to make peace with what is. In the end, we make peace with ourselves.
To succeed, it is necessary to accept the world as it is and rise above it.
- Michael Korda
We go along in our daily activities involved in the moment until we aren't. The the history of our thoughts repeat themselves. In other words, we slide back into the ruts. The same issues continue to plague us until they don't.
Reflecting on a continual theme, my thoughts turn to find a project that fully involves me. One that is pleasing, one that feels fulfilling. Until it doesn't. Does that seem familiar? It is the proverbial hamster wheel going round and round. Or Sisyphus moving the humongous boulder up the hill only to have it fall back down. He repeats the procedure again and again and again. Hope keeps Sisyphus going. Hope keeps me going, too.
But the reality is, being comfortable in our thoughts, in our skin will always keep us going. Recognizing the ruts, our human limitations and learning to laugh at ourselves is the antidote.
We don't get the instant replay most of the time. That is, until we have suffered enough. When we are fully ready to end the suffering, we find a way to make peace with what is. In the end, we make peace with ourselves.
To succeed, it is necessary to accept the world as it is and rise above it.
- Michael Korda
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Cove
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Red, Rocks And Ring!
On my morning fall drive I went past this huge barn on my way east. Barns are everywhere in New England. They are usually painted as a means to protect them from long, cold winters in the north country. They remind us of an earlier time when people lived and worked on family farms.
Another morning, another day in paradise. Wow!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Barbara
It wasn't so much the words. It was the silence that was spoken. The first time I had met him, it was non-stop conversation. For three whole hours. He zapped up all the oxygen in the room. Would he come up for breath? Or was he just nervous?
He was all Mediterranean in appearance. Dark brown hair almost black. Curls and waves. Maybe Catholic. It would have been a deal breaker. Too much ritual and that would have bothered me. Definitely not marriage material if that were the case.
I was more than relieved when he said he was Jewish. Reform. Barbara was Jewish and I had spent a lot of time with her family growing up. Her Mom was an artist. Her Dad was a furrier. They lived nice. Very nice.
We didn't.
Barbara and I attended art classes together in middle school. She became a wild woman. With men. After that we had little in common. The county school system redistricted us and sent her off to Milford Mill High School.
It was college before we met again. Barbara was now married, very polished. She reminded me of the polished lawyer in the film, Beaches. The once rough, wild edges became smooth, refined, peaceful. She said her husband was in law school. But marriages, children, careers, life took us in different directions.
Until...
He was all Mediterranean in appearance. Dark brown hair almost black. Curls and waves. Maybe Catholic. It would have been a deal breaker. Too much ritual and that would have bothered me. Definitely not marriage material if that were the case.
I was more than relieved when he said he was Jewish. Reform. Barbara was Jewish and I had spent a lot of time with her family growing up. Her Mom was an artist. Her Dad was a furrier. They lived nice. Very nice.
Barbara and I attended art classes together in middle school. She became a wild woman. With men. After that we had little in common. The county school system redistricted us and sent her off to Milford Mill High School.
It was college before we met again. Barbara was now married, very polished. She reminded me of the polished lawyer in the film, Beaches. The once rough, wild edges became smooth, refined, peaceful. She said her husband was in law school. But marriages, children, careers, life took us in different directions.
Until...
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Choppers
Outside by the trees. And the water. That is where home is. Winds pull off the ocean. I am more tired than I have a right to be.
Sugar maples turn their brilliant oranges and red. October Glory shine their redness in my face. The sun casts its beam and everything at once is glorious. I can't stop from yawning. It's been that way all day. It was that was just two days ago. Before the earthquake. The dogs do not look restless. Yet.
The day began checking out a new dentist. Recommended by a neighbor. I was whisked into a room separated by three pieces of equipment. Stalls.
"What medications are you on?" asked the dental hygenist.
I had already filled out the requisite forms. Apparently she didn't, wouldn't read. Immediately, I told her I was uncomfortable in this mini Grand Central Station. I asked about HIPPA laws. Privacy and all. I couldn't see how they could apply to this open air assembly line. Privacy? For $176, prophylaxis and a professional dental exam, I wanted...expected at the minimum some privacy. So for the next hour or so, I heard two other conversations, a drilling, dental pain and problems. Hardly what I expected. I was just glad it wasn't a gynecologist visit. But in truth, I would have run.
Recommendations are like the people offering them. Health care en mass. Sitting in the chair I remembered my other dentist in the south. Michael. I remembered the tree I watched with the bird constantly feeding at one of the filled feeders in the large window opposite the dental chair. Today, I saw a wall. Boring paintings, copies.I won't discuss the wall color other than to say it was the color of yarf. Not too conducive to a fresh mouth. But kind of funny after the fact.
I had claustrophobia in the dental chair today. My thoughts flew to escaping. Over an hour later, and a fifteen minute wait for the dentist Dr. Cold And Clammy to do a three minute exam for $77, I was out. I thanked the crew for their time for they were cheery folk.
A friend recommended his dentist. In six months, I will be there. For now, my choppers are bright and shiny. And I am a whole lot wiser.
Viva la difference!
Sugar maples turn their brilliant oranges and red. October Glory shine their redness in my face. The sun casts its beam and everything at once is glorious. I can't stop from yawning. It's been that way all day. It was that was just two days ago. Before the earthquake. The dogs do not look restless. Yet.
The day began checking out a new dentist. Recommended by a neighbor. I was whisked into a room separated by three pieces of equipment. Stalls.
"What medications are you on?" asked the dental hygenist.
I had already filled out the requisite forms. Apparently she didn't, wouldn't read. Immediately, I told her I was uncomfortable in this mini Grand Central Station. I asked about HIPPA laws. Privacy and all. I couldn't see how they could apply to this open air assembly line. Privacy? For $176, prophylaxis and a professional dental exam, I wanted...expected at the minimum some privacy. So for the next hour or so, I heard two other conversations, a drilling, dental pain and problems. Hardly what I expected. I was just glad it wasn't a gynecologist visit. But in truth, I would have run.
Recommendations are like the people offering them. Health care en mass. Sitting in the chair I remembered my other dentist in the south. Michael. I remembered the tree I watched with the bird constantly feeding at one of the filled feeders in the large window opposite the dental chair. Today, I saw a wall. Boring paintings, copies.I won't discuss the wall color other than to say it was the color of yarf. Not too conducive to a fresh mouth. But kind of funny after the fact.
I had claustrophobia in the dental chair today. My thoughts flew to escaping. Over an hour later, and a fifteen minute wait for the dentist Dr. Cold And Clammy to do a three minute exam for $77, I was out. I thanked the crew for their time for they were cheery folk.
A friend recommended his dentist. In six months, I will be there. For now, my choppers are bright and shiny. And I am a whole lot wiser.
Viva la difference!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Rumble This
Yesterday's wind was nearly 30 miles per hour. It was an exhausting day on many levels. I commented to some friends about this which is a rarity for me. And I am having a wonderful day, despite feeling out of sorts. It takes a lot to tire me out. But that day, I am totally drained,too. It continues into the early night.
As is often the case, sometimes I can't wait until the next things happens. But in so doing, I am missing the very thing, the very experience I could be experiencing. Like last night.
Deep in a thought, my older dog squeezes herself behind the blanket chest in the living room.
Way behind. The tv is sitting on this. (Old photograph - room is much changed now.)
At this point, I am on the floor doing my exercises and focused. My thoughts are on something else that has been on my mind most of the day. The older dog backs up, sits near the corner and comes toward me. The younger dog takes her place behind the blanket chest. I wonder if food is behind there but I know it is not. It couldn't be a mouse. Something is up for sure.
The music my new neighbor plays above me sends my equilibrium into a tizzy. She must have her speakers directly on the floor. I think this could be her speakers again. Just then, I feel a wave go behind the wall where both dogs briefly hid. I am quite aware of my dogs behavior now. They move closer and are sitting beside me. Looking about. I know something is up. An earthquake isn't on my mind just now.
Suddenly a loud boom occurs. Hence, being lost in my thoughts. Piezo-electric effect playing upon me like it does all afternoon. I write down the time. 7:12 p.m.
A few minutes later the phone rings. A quake is confirmed. My neighbors are now out in the halls. We go downstairs. A new friend mentions the chair next to him moved three inches away from the wall.
The following morning, today, actually, I noticed my pictures are a little off on that wall. The rest are level. Today at lunch, an aftershock ensues. The ice in my glass of iced tea is shaking. The waitress isn't aware despite my asking her if she felt a tremor. Neither is anyone else. It must have been under 2 on the Richter scale.
The piezo-electric effect continues.
As is often the case, sometimes I can't wait until the next things happens. But in so doing, I am missing the very thing, the very experience I could be experiencing. Like last night.
Deep in a thought, my older dog squeezes herself behind the blanket chest in the living room.
Way behind. The tv is sitting on this. (Old photograph - room is much changed now.)
At this point, I am on the floor doing my exercises and focused. My thoughts are on something else that has been on my mind most of the day. The older dog backs up, sits near the corner and comes toward me. The younger dog takes her place behind the blanket chest. I wonder if food is behind there but I know it is not. It couldn't be a mouse. Something is up for sure.
The music my new neighbor plays above me sends my equilibrium into a tizzy. She must have her speakers directly on the floor. I think this could be her speakers again. Just then, I feel a wave go behind the wall where both dogs briefly hid. I am quite aware of my dogs behavior now. They move closer and are sitting beside me. Looking about. I know something is up. An earthquake isn't on my mind just now.
Suddenly a loud boom occurs. Hence, being lost in my thoughts. Piezo-electric effect playing upon me like it does all afternoon. I write down the time. 7:12 p.m.
A few minutes later the phone rings. A quake is confirmed. My neighbors are now out in the halls. We go downstairs. A new friend mentions the chair next to him moved three inches away from the wall.
The following morning, today, actually, I noticed my pictures are a little off on that wall. The rest are level. Today at lunch, an aftershock ensues. The ice in my glass of iced tea is shaking. The waitress isn't aware despite my asking her if she felt a tremor. Neither is anyone else. It must have been under 2 on the Richter scale.
The piezo-electric effect continues.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Loss Of A Child
I know something about the loss of a child. The grief is deep. These losses are in pregnancy. Whether it be short term or long. Even after you already have another child. Or if it is the birth. It is a loss of possibilities. Your heart is deeply hurt. I remember wailing at the loss in my family recently. I could not stop crying.
This morning, a friend in the Smokies told me her daughter lost one of her in utero twins at 34 weeks. That my friend held her grandbaby that did not survive, a beautiful girl, says so much about love and courage. This friend and I have shared some amazing spiritual moments and lots of life.
I had the joy and honor of introducing her to her husband. They met online. He was to be working as a volunteer at an event where I was working as well. She told him I would be there. He looked for me and then introduced himself. In fact, I was on my cell phone speaking with her seconds before we met. She called me afterward asking for my blessing. It was easy to give. They've been married over five years.
But this entry isn't about my friend's relationship. It is about our relationship to life, the joys and the losses. The loss of a child. Losing a grandbaby is deep. You can't talk about your loss because your child is grieving so. You can talk about the future when the time is right. You cry longer than you can imagine. Your cry for your child, you cry for your loss.
After talking with my friend a few moments ago, another friend sent me this video on a giraffe about to birth. Animals and humans are not so far off. We share love and we share grief.
This spirit being is still with us. Both of them. Even though their human form can't be seen, their energy will always be a apart of us. The connection will always be there. But for now, it may be stored. Stored for that time it is no longer so painful to remember.
This morning, a friend in the Smokies told me her daughter lost one of her in utero twins at 34 weeks. That my friend held her grandbaby that did not survive, a beautiful girl, says so much about love and courage. This friend and I have shared some amazing spiritual moments and lots of life.
I had the joy and honor of introducing her to her husband. They met online. He was to be working as a volunteer at an event where I was working as well. She told him I would be there. He looked for me and then introduced himself. In fact, I was on my cell phone speaking with her seconds before we met. She called me afterward asking for my blessing. It was easy to give. They've been married over five years.
But this entry isn't about my friend's relationship. It is about our relationship to life, the joys and the losses. The loss of a child. Losing a grandbaby is deep. You can't talk about your loss because your child is grieving so. You can talk about the future when the time is right. You cry longer than you can imagine. Your cry for your child, you cry for your loss.
After talking with my friend a few moments ago, another friend sent me this video on a giraffe about to birth. Animals and humans are not so far off. We share love and we share grief.
This spirit being is still with us. Both of them. Even though their human form can't be seen, their energy will always be a apart of us. The connection will always be there. But for now, it may be stored. Stored for that time it is no longer so painful to remember.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Finding Home
Let's put it here. No...not there. Here.
My friends and family know I like to change things up. Feeling what home feels like. Home in the seacoast of New England. A cooler climate.
Dried stargazer stems from North Carolina, a fallen branch in New Hampshire, hydrangeas in a flower pot that changes its color with the seasons and the moves, a different space, new art work. A new home that is getting not so new, but feels more familiar.
More art work. Framed. Maybe a painted oar above this?
I'm sitting opposite the sleep sofa. In a while I will have the computer desk area figured out. But not today.
Today, I am more than happy to have these paintings up. Thanks to my dear friend who hung them for me. At $5 a frame, hanging these is more than art work. It's a dang skill. I am grateful.
Remembering summer.
Remembering the weeks before my furniture arrived.
Remembering my friend who sent me those gorgeous flowers! It is the little things in life that make us so appreciative. Things that fill our hearts. Always.
Same room. Furnished.
A bit warmed up, huh?
I think I am...finding home.
My friends and family know I like to change things up. Feeling what home feels like. Home in the seacoast of New England. A cooler climate.
Dried stargazer stems from North Carolina, a fallen branch in New Hampshire, hydrangeas in a flower pot that changes its color with the seasons and the moves, a different space, new art work. A new home that is getting not so new, but feels more familiar.
More art work. Framed. Maybe a painted oar above this?
Today, I am more than happy to have these paintings up. Thanks to my dear friend who hung them for me. At $5 a frame, hanging these is more than art work. It's a dang skill. I am grateful.
Remembering summer.
Remembering my friend who sent me those gorgeous flowers! It is the little things in life that make us so appreciative. Things that fill our hearts. Always.
Same room. Furnished.
I think I am...finding home.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Pre-Birthday Girl's Night Out
The A Team.
That's who we are. Mother, daughter, daughter-in-law.
A delicious restaurant. Stunning architecture. Glass enclosed central fireplace. Open. Airy. The best service I have had in years. And a Colombian-Cuban waiter. What a performance!
My first thought was that he was Spanish speaking but the dialectic, well, I just couldn't pin it down. Exotic for sure.
Here we were. Our first outing together. We all used to live in three separate states. Now we are in two. Bridging the gap. We see each other more now. This time, there are no men, no children, just us. A first of many.
Sharing life's journey. And lots of stories. Funny stories. Worrisome ones. Raising children. Hearing what stands out in your child's memory book.
The family matriarch shares her dating stories. The women want to know more.
"He's not making a move, but he is interested."
"Yes, he IS interested," the women chimed in.
"Invite him for coffee."
"Agreed. No attachments, just coffee."
"Honey, it's a generational thing. I can't do that. I scared."
The laughter was shared among the generations. The talk turned quickly to raising children. Daycare. Work and family. The joy of hoteling it.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing to do," the women said smiling.
"No one is asking anything of us."
They admitted they loved being by themselves in a hotel. A chance for quiet. Lots of mindless TV. More quiet. Nothingness. Ahhh.
The generations got closer. The matriarch listened. Remembering. I didn't have all that busyness. Being home raising children makes some things easier. Scheduling for sure. Toss in college, grad school, moving every few years.
"I wish I had grown up in the same home."
We moved a lot. It wasn't my choice I thought.
"You seemed to love every adventure, Mom."
"I made it work. There is adventure in everything. You just have to look."
"I like going back to my room in parent's house," one said.
"I did, too," I said.
The desserts arrived.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondant, Toasted Marshmallow, Peanut Brittle
Grape Caramel, Graham Cracker Crumble
We got quiet. More than delicious. The conversation covered childhood friends, family experiences, laughter.
We wondered who would take the last bite. We soon found out. It wasn't me. This time.
Thanks ladies. It was a wonderful pre-birthday family girl's night out. Muaaawhhh!
That's who we are. Mother, daughter, daughter-in-law.
A delicious restaurant. Stunning architecture. Glass enclosed central fireplace. Open. Airy. The best service I have had in years. And a Colombian-Cuban waiter. What a performance!
My first thought was that he was Spanish speaking but the dialectic, well, I just couldn't pin it down. Exotic for sure.
Here we were. Our first outing together. We all used to live in three separate states. Now we are in two. Bridging the gap. We see each other more now. This time, there are no men, no children, just us. A first of many.
Sharing life's journey. And lots of stories. Funny stories. Worrisome ones. Raising children. Hearing what stands out in your child's memory book.
The family matriarch shares her dating stories. The women want to know more.
"He's not making a move, but he is interested."
"Yes, he IS interested," the women chimed in.
"Invite him for coffee."
"Agreed. No attachments, just coffee."
"Honey, it's a generational thing. I can't do that. I scared."
The laughter was shared among the generations. The talk turned quickly to raising children. Daycare. Work and family. The joy of hoteling it.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing to do," the women said smiling.
"No one is asking anything of us."
They admitted they loved being by themselves in a hotel. A chance for quiet. Lots of mindless TV. More quiet. Nothingness. Ahhh.
The generations got closer. The matriarch listened. Remembering. I didn't have all that busyness. Being home raising children makes some things easier. Scheduling for sure. Toss in college, grad school, moving every few years.
"I wish I had grown up in the same home."
We moved a lot. It wasn't my choice I thought.
"You seemed to love every adventure, Mom."
"I made it work. There is adventure in everything. You just have to look."
"I like going back to my room in parent's house," one said.
"I did, too," I said.
The desserts arrived.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondant, Toasted Marshmallow, Peanut Brittle
Grape Caramel, Graham Cracker Crumble
We got quiet. More than delicious. The conversation covered childhood friends, family experiences, laughter.
We wondered who would take the last bite. We soon found out. It wasn't me. This time.
Thanks ladies. It was a wonderful pre-birthday family girl's night out. Muaaawhhh!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Cove
To the right of the photograph above, there are a myriad of expectations. Albeit beautiful ones. No, the
But I wonder what it is like to awaken and look out the window to this million dollar plus view.
Hot coffee or tea, blueberries, strawberries and melons. If I am lucky, a chocolate scone is awaiting for breakfast. And this awesome view!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Compassion
Cold and rain came to New England this morning. And wanting. More like m-i-s-s-i-n-g. That feeling comes over me. Fall in western North Carolina, the Smokies, is unlike fall anywhere. Even in charming and quaint New England.
Living along the coast is consistently breathtaking. But growing up near the Chesapeake Bay set my course. Water. Water cleanses and nourishes my soul.
Torch singer Nora Jones asks listeners to "come away with me." I am away and near. It is soulful music and gets at that inner space within. Where the knots and tangles, memories and fears, joy and jubilation reside.
Sitting by the window in a North Shore restaurant with its California eclectism, there is a crossroads. A intersection of the emotional poles. My north beckons. Honor your story, follow your heart.
YES! I miss the Smokies. I don't miss the loneliness. That was more than abundant. Like the foliage. Yet in that loneliness is a calling within. Be still. Quiet. Take the time.
I want to go back. And I don't. I want to be done with it all. The beauty beckons. It is a place to be with self. A place to be with others. Sharing the joy, the mountains, trails, rivers.
Lunch is over and I find my way into the mall.
POTTERY BARN. My missingness dissipates. Lust takes over me. There is so much I love in this store! Two hydrangeas in hand, I leave the store more than happy. For a time. Fleeting. Acquisitions aren't sustainable. I know that. Still, I do love my purchases. But I love my life more. The opportunity to see things as they are. Well, most of the time.
My mind wanders to my life style. Where I spend my time. How I spend my time. My thoughts. Are they more than 80% healthy, happy ones? And compassion to those who annoy me. Compassion to all who suffer. We all suffer. We all struggle.
This is a worthwhile TED X talk. The first ten minutes are an introduction, followed by a good piece on 'followers' and then this 18 minute talk on compassion.
http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1485232/events/1592800/videos/4517234
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Living along the coast is consistently breathtaking. But growing up near the Chesapeake Bay set my course. Water. Water cleanses and nourishes my soul.
Torch singer Nora Jones asks listeners to "come away with me." I am away and near. It is soulful music and gets at that inner space within. Where the knots and tangles, memories and fears, joy and jubilation reside.
Sitting by the window in a North Shore restaurant with its California eclectism, there is a crossroads. A intersection of the emotional poles. My north beckons. Honor your story, follow your heart.
YES! I miss the Smokies. I don't miss the loneliness. That was more than abundant. Like the foliage. Yet in that loneliness is a calling within. Be still. Quiet. Take the time.
I want to go back. And I don't. I want to be done with it all. The beauty beckons. It is a place to be with self. A place to be with others. Sharing the joy, the mountains, trails, rivers.
Lunch is over and I find my way into the mall.
POTTERY BARN. My missingness dissipates. Lust takes over me. There is so much I love in this store! Two hydrangeas in hand, I leave the store more than happy. For a time. Fleeting. Acquisitions aren't sustainable. I know that. Still, I do love my purchases. But I love my life more. The opportunity to see things as they are. Well, most of the time.
My mind wanders to my life style. Where I spend my time. How I spend my time. My thoughts. Are they more than 80% healthy, happy ones? And compassion to those who annoy me. Compassion to all who suffer. We all suffer. We all struggle.
This is a worthwhile TED X talk. The first ten minutes are an introduction, followed by a good piece on 'followers' and then this 18 minute talk on compassion.
http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1485232/events/1592800/videos/4517234
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Congress Shall Make No Law
Words matter. Uh huh they do. Freedom of speech. Freedom to assemble.
A fellow I know recently wrote this:
Oh, and don’t bring a sign larger
than 36 inches, and if you plan to come with nine or more people, be
sure and get a permit first."
Since I know this person, I know they won't mind me copying and pasting this. Nearly everywhere we turn someone wants to regulate free speech. These same people do not want regulations imposed in industry. These same people want to loosen pharmaceutical standards, building standards, you get the picture. So we make a little regulation. These same people changed the ability to speech out BEFORE a meeting and now this must be done after the meetings are conducted. Keep in mind, this is the "government of the people, by the people and for the people." Where are people's needs outlined here?
Remember. "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
A fellow I know recently wrote this:
"I was a little surprised to see that the Board of Commissioners is considering an ordinance to regulate public assemblies.
I feel very strongly that this is a
regulation that we do not need and are much better off without. Let me
start by reminding everyone of the First Amendment to the Constitution:
“Congress shall make no law ... abridging the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances.”
I believe this is regulation enough.
This ordinance, which as of this
writing is not available on the county website, nor has it been
considered by the county Planning Board, would restrict protests to
“grassy areas” among many other restrictions. In my opinion this goes
very much against the intent of the Constitution; which, to paraphrase
one of our senators, intended that all of America, not just grassy
areas, should be a Free Speech Zone.
The impetus for this ordinance came
when a group tried to ask the sheriff about some questionable
traffic-stop practices in his department. So rather than be bothered
answering their questions, he seeks a new regulation to avoid being
bothered in the future. That just isn’t right.
Some may be legitimately concerned
that a protest may interfere with the business of the county. This has
never been a problem in the past that I am aware of. I feel that,
provided the protest is “peaceable,” the importance of being able to
hold our government accountable far outweighs any minor inconvenience
such as walking around a protestor.
It takes courage to speak or protest
publicly. Don’t make it any harder on our brave citizens. Don’t let our
First Amendment rights be diluted. Tell your commissioners your
feelings about it at the public hearing.
Since I know this person, I know they won't mind me copying and pasting this. Nearly everywhere we turn someone wants to regulate free speech. These same people do not want regulations imposed in industry. These same people want to loosen pharmaceutical standards, building standards, you get the picture. So we make a little regulation. These same people changed the ability to speech out BEFORE a meeting and now this must be done after the meetings are conducted. Keep in mind, this is the "government of the people, by the people and for the people." Where are people's needs outlined here?
Remember. "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Get Your Flirt On
This is too much fun!
It's cool outside so I bundle with a fleece jacket, scarf, long pants and yes...sandals. Out I trod toward the gazebo. I see a friendly face from a distance all bundled including his head. I can't make out what he says.
Closer I go and I see it is my neighbor. A very nice man. An interesting man. Single now. I put my flirt on. Am I having fun or what?
Then I see another neighbor walking her dogs. She goes up to the nosey neighbor's patio door. The nosey neighbor notices I am there chatting. She can't stand anyone chatting; she has to know everything. She decides to join us. Err, butt in. Dog in tow. It makes it look legitimate.
Nosey neighbor breaks into our conversation, friendly and chatting. After way too long, she leaves. I come closer to whisper that she is the nosey neighbor. He already knows that.
He goes on to say he doesn't want to be part of the 'group' so he stays to himself. He won't attend the nightly 'gathering.' He seems to enjoy the gossip. Finds it more than funny which it is.
Well, I had my flirt on if only for a few minutes. Until the next time.
P.S. He was smiling the entire time:)
It's cool outside so I bundle with a fleece jacket, scarf, long pants and yes...sandals. Out I trod toward the gazebo. I see a friendly face from a distance all bundled including his head. I can't make out what he says.
Closer I go and I see it is my neighbor. A very nice man. An interesting man. Single now. I put my flirt on. Am I having fun or what?
Then I see another neighbor walking her dogs. She goes up to the nosey neighbor's patio door. The nosey neighbor notices I am there chatting. She can't stand anyone chatting; she has to know everything. She decides to join us. Err, butt in. Dog in tow. It makes it look legitimate.
Nosey neighbor breaks into our conversation, friendly and chatting. After way too long, she leaves. I come closer to whisper that she is the nosey neighbor. He already knows that.
He goes on to say he doesn't want to be part of the 'group' so he stays to himself. He won't attend the nightly 'gathering.' He seems to enjoy the gossip. Finds it more than funny which it is.
Well, I had my flirt on if only for a few minutes. Until the next time.
P.S. He was smiling the entire time:)
Monday, October 8, 2012
What The Bobcat Told
This morning before the sun was fully up, I saw an animal around 30-40 pounds. It didn't behave like a dog, and then it occurred to me. It is a bobcat. It went back into the woods.
Now bobcat were plentiful in the Smokies of western North Carolina. Being in nature was one of the things I felt I would deeply miss. After all, how can you compete with a black bear on your front porch, and a red wolf in your side yard?
I know why the bobcat came.
Now bobcat were plentiful in the Smokies of western North Carolina. Being in nature was one of the things I felt I would deeply miss. After all, how can you compete with a black bear on your front porch, and a red wolf in your side yard?
I know why the bobcat came.
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BOBCAT
|
|
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Silence, Solitude
and Secrets
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People with a
Bobcat totem are often solitary like their totem animal.
Coming to terms with that, learning to be alone without being lonely is part of what the Bobcat can teach. However, you must be careful not become a recluse. Learn when to be social and when you need alone-time.
Bobcat people often become keeper
of secrets
and they must learn never to break their silence and friend’s confidences. If trust is broken, things will be distorted and blown out of proportion. Keep the secret -- maintain the silence -- honor the trust given.
Bobcats have the ability to turn
on and off creative forces.
Bobcat magic uses darkness and secrecy; be silent about your magic and power – don’t broadcast what you can do to everyone. Speaking of it dissipates the power. You must learn when to speak, how much to say, and what to share with others. This is essential.
Bobcat people
are night people.
They also can have psychometry (the ability to sense an object) and/or clairaudience. Trust in your senses. Even if there is no logical reason, trust what your inner voice is saying. Bobcat people can see what is hidden -- and this ability can make some people uncomfortable around a Bobcat person.
Source: http://www.linsdomain.com/totems/pages/bobcat.htm
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Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Light
I have come to a place
That heals and restores me
Inside and out
It has much to teach
Go inside, go inside
The slow whisper says
You are the
one you've been waiting for
Inside, where it is quiet
Inside, where the chatter ends
Only if you want it
You can stop it
A local woman
Spews her nasties
Hurts and controls
She's unhappy inside
Wait, go now
Inside is where
You work
Always
Let her
Be who and where
She is
Now. Always.
The shield is there
Will you use it
Will you cower
The choice is yours
I have come to a place
That heals and restores me
Inside and out
I am the student.
That heals and restores me
Inside and out
It has much to teach
Go inside, go inside
The slow whisper says
You are the
one you've been waiting for
Inside, where it is quiet
Inside, where the chatter ends
Only if you want it
You can stop it
A local woman
Spews her nasties
Hurts and controls
She's unhappy inside
Wait, go now
Inside is where
You work
Always
Let her
Be who and where
She is
Now. Always.
The shield is there
Will you use it
Will you cower
The choice is yours
I have come to a place
That heals and restores me
Inside and out
I am the student.
Friday, October 5, 2012
We Are The Ones...
I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.
John Burroughs
John Burroughs (April 3, 1837 – March 29, 1921) was an American naturalist and essayist important in the evolution of the U.S. conservation movement. According to biographers at the American Memory project at the Library of Congress,[citation needed] John Burroughs was the most important practitioner after Henry David Thoreau of that especially American literary genre, the nature essay. By the turn of the 20th century he had become a virtual cultural institution[peacock term] in his own right: the Grand Old Man of Nature at a time when the American romance with the idea of nature, and the American conservation movement, had come fully into their own. His extraordinary popularity and popular visibility were sustained by a prolific stream of essay collections, beginning with Wake-Robin in 1871.
In the words of his biographer Edward Renehan,[citation needed] Burroughs' special identity was less that of a scientific naturalist than that of "a literary naturalist with a duty to record his own unique perceptions of the natural world." The result was a body of work whose perfect resonance with the tone of its cultural moment perhaps explains both its enormous popularity at that time, and its relative obscurity since.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Burroughs
Lately, many of us are feeling disillusioned, powerless, and frustrated. I suspect this is not unique to the human condition. That generations before have had the same feeling. We are allowing the so-called money and power people to affect our enjoyment of living. We are also allowing the rest of society to affect us. In fact, we are giving OUR power to fully enjoy ourselves over to them when we do this.
Perhaps if we could take responsibility for our own actions; perhaps we set better parameters about our associates and the people we call friends; perhaps we could create a healthy community of like minded people.
Finding full freedom to enjoy ourselves surely won't happen if we don't find a like-minded group. Of course, that is no panacea as we all have our ups and downs. But before we look outside condemning other behaviors, we must look within to ensure we aren't doing the same thing.
It is easy to fall into this trap of over-helping, allowing the co-dependent into our inner circle. In return, we lose ourselves as we are drained of our own life giving force. A simple cost benefit analysis tells the story. We already know what is acceptable. But do we love ourselves enough to want more?
After all, we are the ones we are waiting for.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Aren't I The Customer?
A recent call to a health insurance company isn't aimed at what is appropriate or even convenient for me. It began like this:
"Please enter your insurance policy number, birth date and name."
Having followed the command, I am then spun off to another branch of the telephone tree.
"If you want claims, please press the extension you want."
How would I know the extension? I don't work there. Thank goodness!
A woman answers.
"Under the Affordable Care Act, a bone density test is covered yet you denied this charge."
"Yes, it is covered. I can fix this now."
I remind her I am appreciative of her time. I am also the customer. I inquire how they plan to reimburse me for my lost time doing their work. After all this is a financial relationship.
"Hold on while I get a supervisor."
Ten minutes pass, no supervisor. I suggest they call me back. That was yesterday - nearly 24 hours ago .No call back to date.
It isn't much different calling the physician's office. I must run through a set of instructions, 99% of which have NO bearing for me. None. Nada.
Eventually I find help. The nurse practitioner's triage nurse tells me the nurse practitioner thinks I should make an appointment with the physician, just for a meet and greet. Oh goody. Is she treating me to this? Not on my dime. Never.
Remember, I AM THE CUSTOMER.
Don't tell me this isn't the corporation of the people, by the corporation, financed by the taxpayers.Corruption. It's everywhere.
.
"Please enter your insurance policy number, birth date and name."
Having followed the command, I am then spun off to another branch of the telephone tree.
"If you want claims, please press the extension you want."
How would I know the extension? I don't work there. Thank goodness!
A woman answers.
"Under the Affordable Care Act, a bone density test is covered yet you denied this charge."
"Yes, it is covered. I can fix this now."
I remind her I am appreciative of her time. I am also the customer. I inquire how they plan to reimburse me for my lost time doing their work. After all this is a financial relationship.
"Hold on while I get a supervisor."
Ten minutes pass, no supervisor. I suggest they call me back. That was yesterday - nearly 24 hours ago .No call back to date.
It isn't much different calling the physician's office. I must run through a set of instructions, 99% of which have NO bearing for me. None. Nada.
Eventually I find help. The nurse practitioner's triage nurse tells me the nurse practitioner thinks I should make an appointment with the physician, just for a meet and greet. Oh goody. Is she treating me to this? Not on my dime. Never.
Remember, I AM THE CUSTOMER.
Don't tell me this isn't the corporation of the people, by the corporation, financed by the taxpayers.Corruption. It's everywhere.
.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Dark, Blue Sea
Look around. Being spiritual may cost.
Yoga was designed to assist people when they meditate. To help them sit longer in the process of clearing one's minds.
Fifteen years ago, a yoga class was relatively inexpensive. There were no registration fees, monthly debiting to your bank account or limitations on when the book of classes had to be taken. It was about giving a gift of oneself to another human.
There were no meditation classes to be found years back but that is slowly changing. Most instructors charge modest fees. Class attendance is not always assured as people prefer instant gratification. With meditation you work within. There is no consumption. It doesn't pollute. It can heal if you are willing to put in the time.
Meditation is about getting rid of non-productive thoughts. It is a spiritual connection between you and yourself. How you define spirituality is completely up to you. There is no liturgy, no books, there is only you. It is about you going inside yourself to let things be. To get out of the continuous thoughts that no longer fit the person you are becoming. It is about quieting oneself in this highly sentient world.
Last night after watching the film "Half The Skies" on PBS I simply had to turn it off. I am also going on Facebook less and less. I don't want to see any more human suffering. I don't want to hear about any more pets that have been abused. I do what I can. I can not do it all. Nor can I any longer take it all in. It makes me sick that we are continuously barraged about human suffering. How much do we have to continue to talk about it. It is well nigh time to take action.
After I turned the television off I thought about war. I thought about the belief systems that initiate war. Meditation was helpful clearing my mind, removing the human violence. I thought about where I want to put my volunteer time. Where I want to put my efforts.
Marine mammals have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up my Dad had fifty fish tanks in our recreation room. Piranhas were among them. I think I finger painted every single backdrop. Volunteering for a marine mammal stranding center was always fun. Water is life sustaining and requires protection from human exploitation.
Raising money through development work and event planning as a volunteer will be an exciting challenge. Working with naturalists and like minded folks who love the oceans will be an educational and fulfilling experience.
The Dark, Blue Sea
Lord George Gordon Byron
Yoga was designed to assist people when they meditate. To help them sit longer in the process of clearing one's minds.
Fifteen years ago, a yoga class was relatively inexpensive. There were no registration fees, monthly debiting to your bank account or limitations on when the book of classes had to be taken. It was about giving a gift of oneself to another human.
There were no meditation classes to be found years back but that is slowly changing. Most instructors charge modest fees. Class attendance is not always assured as people prefer instant gratification. With meditation you work within. There is no consumption. It doesn't pollute. It can heal if you are willing to put in the time.
Meditation is about getting rid of non-productive thoughts. It is a spiritual connection between you and yourself. How you define spirituality is completely up to you. There is no liturgy, no books, there is only you. It is about you going inside yourself to let things be. To get out of the continuous thoughts that no longer fit the person you are becoming. It is about quieting oneself in this highly sentient world.
Last night after watching the film "Half The Skies" on PBS I simply had to turn it off. I am also going on Facebook less and less. I don't want to see any more human suffering. I don't want to hear about any more pets that have been abused. I do what I can. I can not do it all. Nor can I any longer take it all in. It makes me sick that we are continuously barraged about human suffering. How much do we have to continue to talk about it. It is well nigh time to take action.
After I turned the television off I thought about war. I thought about the belief systems that initiate war. Meditation was helpful clearing my mind, removing the human violence. I thought about where I want to put my volunteer time. Where I want to put my efforts.
Marine mammals have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up my Dad had fifty fish tanks in our recreation room. Piranhas were among them. I think I finger painted every single backdrop. Volunteering for a marine mammal stranding center was always fun. Water is life sustaining and requires protection from human exploitation.
Raising money through development work and event planning as a volunteer will be an exciting challenge. Working with naturalists and like minded folks who love the oceans will be an educational and fulfilling experience.
The Dark, Blue Sea
Lord George Gordon Byron
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Times, They Are A...
Time
Does time pass through us?
Do we pass through time?
Look closely. You may see a reflection in the clock. A reflection of the woods, a reflection of furniture in front of the clock.
Where are you in relation to time?
On a recent walk along the New England coast one windy day, a seasoned man stopped to talk. His short haired dachshund sat immediately. He knew his buddy well. He also knew he would be sitting here for a while. His human loved to talk.
The man pointed to the west and spoke about what he sees on his walk in the cove. Sometimes it is a sandy shore, sometimes a high tide. A speck of sand in the scheme of things he said.
At a recent family gathering one of my favorite nephew's spoke about how fast everything is going. His wife said she couldn't have a conversation with a friend. Everyone is texting or on some technological gadget. She wanted to slow her life down. Like it used to be.
"I grew up living in a home without running water. We used an outhouse and that was in the early 80s," she said.
She went on to say she wanted to raise her family simply. What she didn't say, and what I know only to well was that her husband grew up with a millionaire father. A millionaire at age 30 before he was born. A life of plenty. Plenty of stuff that is.
An intellectual property attorney, he saw what fast produces. He didn't want any of it. A long conversation ensued with the three of us.
"Just slow it down, you have the time. Take it."
Does time pass through us?
Do we pass through time?
Look closely. You may see a reflection in the clock. A reflection of the woods, a reflection of furniture in front of the clock.
Where are you in relation to time?
On a recent walk along the New England coast one windy day, a seasoned man stopped to talk. His short haired dachshund sat immediately. He knew his buddy well. He also knew he would be sitting here for a while. His human loved to talk.
The man pointed to the west and spoke about what he sees on his walk in the cove. Sometimes it is a sandy shore, sometimes a high tide. A speck of sand in the scheme of things he said.
At a recent family gathering one of my favorite nephew's spoke about how fast everything is going. His wife said she couldn't have a conversation with a friend. Everyone is texting or on some technological gadget. She wanted to slow her life down. Like it used to be.
"I grew up living in a home without running water. We used an outhouse and that was in the early 80s," she said.
She went on to say she wanted to raise her family simply. What she didn't say, and what I know only to well was that her husband grew up with a millionaire father. A millionaire at age 30 before he was born. A life of plenty. Plenty of stuff that is.
An intellectual property attorney, he saw what fast produces. He didn't want any of it. A long conversation ensued with the three of us.
"Just slow it down, you have the time. Take it."
Monday, October 1, 2012
Just Do The Right Thing
There was a time, I believe, when there was a sense of what it meant to do the right thing. Demonstrate hospitality, good manners, be a good samaritan, do under others, call people back when you say you will, provide good customer service, be on time. You get the idea.
Similarly, there is also, I believe, a common sense law. It doesn't need to be legislated, approved by the Supreme Court, a.k.a. SCOTUS, or enacted by Congress. It doesn't require an amendment to the Constitution. It means the Bill of Rights is honored. The Golden Rule.
Congress should not have the right to vote themselves a raise, change their benefits package (which was never designed as a Golden Parachute) or remain in office, especially when they are incompetent members. There are some highly effective ones. They could be even more effective if the incompetents were removed. They, like CEO types would not be rewarded for their inability to maintain a bottom line. Assuming of course, they DO THE RIGHT THING. Always.
The customer is not always right. However, good interpersonal relations assumes they would try to retain their customers. Go above and beyond to keep them.
Maybe we need a day when we decide NOT to spend a cent.
This customer will fly less (did I mention last night's plane had one functioning bathroom?), buy less and speak out more. How about you?
Similarly, there is also, I believe, a common sense law. It doesn't need to be legislated, approved by the Supreme Court, a.k.a. SCOTUS, or enacted by Congress. It doesn't require an amendment to the Constitution. It means the Bill of Rights is honored. The Golden Rule.
Congress should not have the right to vote themselves a raise, change their benefits package (which was never designed as a Golden Parachute) or remain in office, especially when they are incompetent members. There are some highly effective ones. They could be even more effective if the incompetents were removed. They, like CEO types would not be rewarded for their inability to maintain a bottom line. Assuming of course, they DO THE RIGHT THING. Always.
The customer is not always right. However, good interpersonal relations assumes they would try to retain their customers. Go above and beyond to keep them.
Maybe we need a day when we decide NOT to spend a cent.
This customer will fly less (did I mention last night's plane had one functioning bathroom?), buy less and speak out more. How about you?
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