On the Wings of Angels!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, my Angels!

The Angels were definitely with me yesterday! What a super fantabulous sort of day!

I got to write a few much needed little notes to a couple of beloved friends and family before popping up to the middle school for the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Met one of my favorite front office peeps upon entering and we walked to the library together. It was a small crowd, but all amazing folks. We were introduced by the Volunteer Coordinator, Jackie who told of each person's individual talents and offerings. It was quite nice to learn about the other folks present. She then presented each of us with a gift specifically chosen per individual. Guess what I got?

A pair of beautiful coral-colored angels with an inspirational message printed between their flowing gowns. I was beaming. When we entered the room, we had been given a number from a basket. Mine just happened to be 22 - my birthday. We joked that it would mean good things. When Jackie got around to doling out the numbered door prizes, she finally made her way to 22 and . . . it was a bag of Angels. Crazy, huh?!

Next was the musical interlude by Mrs. Cavanagh, a woman who has the innate blessing of being able to draw the talents out of children. Her entertainment has always made me wish I had brought my mom. She would have loved it and this year's spectacle was no different. Even brought a tear to my eye. She really has an incredible gift of bringing the best out of these children.

From there, I went to four different stores looking for a comforter. Couldn't find what I wanted. Upon entering the fourth store, I was feeling a little defeated and brought a compromise to the counter. I inquired if they had a store room where maybe something else might be stored. She called a manager who walked me around for a bit while we chatted. I ended up getting an entire bed set for the price of a comforter and the manager even slid me an additional discount while ringing me up. $160 bed set for $60!!!

Oh yes, my Angels were with me. I adore them and just love when they lift me up so high with treats and treasures of friends and frivolity.

I hope your Angels are with you today. We all deserve our Angels, and we deserve to be showered with their love and attention. Today, may you ride on the wings of Angels!

Sail on!

As I stand at the helm of the ship that is me, I face a daunting and very large ocean in front of me. There is always the option of heading back to the dock, throwing in the lines and remaining where it is safe; but if I don't sail my ship . . . I will never know what new adventures await me!

I may hit rough seas. I may find shallow waters. I might find treacherous reefs and unknown lands. But . . . without those obstacles, I will never appreciate the calm, open sea. I might not spy the conch shells near the shore. I would miss the spectacular colors, wildlife, and wild life that is out there. I choose to sail on. I choose to hoist those sails and see where the winds of chance, fortune, and destiny take me. Armed with the knowledge that I am able to steer is a wonderful thing. Even in the those winds, we still have options. We still have the power and the opportunity to alter our course should we need to.

Don't wait for someone else to take hold of your rudders. The horizon sets on nothing if you continue to sail into it. Keep your sights on whatever it is you want and sail in that direction. Some journeys take a little longer, but there is so very much to see and do along the way. Absorb it all. Get a little fun on ya! Chart yourself a path  to get where you're going and stay the course.

No one will give you an island. No one is offering you a trip where you're going on a super yacht. You might arrive in a row boat, exhausted and sun burnt and in the dark of night, but you will arrive. And it will be your island. Enjoy your endeavors. Savor your successes. When it is yours, and you have truly earned it, the sand will be whiter and softer; the sun will be warmer, the breeze will be refreshing, and it will be YOURS!

Sail on, my friends. Sail on!

Be the Optimist!

We all are familiar with the eternal battles between the optimist and pessimist.

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.
The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

Winston Churchill was no dummy when he spoke those words. And it just clarifies that age old wisdom about the glass being half empty or half full. Winston saw it more as, "Thank God I have something to drink!"

We have the God-given ability to make a choice! It is one of our true freedoms that cannot be dictated. You can choose to succumb to negative vibes, hurtful words, and chaos. Or, you can turn each one around and create a positive learning environment in which to grow and, should you do it in a grand way, fashion it into a teachable moment for others.

It's not about rose-colored glasses, or being naive, or even being simple-minded as some folks may claim. That is their dark cloud they need to walk beneath. If your perception is one of beauty, growth, and betterment, then that is where you'll go. Don't hang out under the dark clouds. Seek the sun. Find the greatness in everything that surrounds you, for it is there ~ in abundance!

Be the optimist!

Thank you!

Commemorating the fallen.

Countless, scoreless, innumerable heroes who have given selflessly of their time, their efforts, and ultimately their lives so that we may have our rights and our freedoms in tact. How do you appropriately thank them? Flags at half staff provide respect. Names etched in marble provide honor. A day set aside specifically for them provides very little in reconciliation.

I think the most profound way in which to thank our fallen soldiers is to truly, warmly, and sincerely embrace all those servicemen and women who are currently serving. Whether you believe in whatever battles they are fighting or not, they are there and they are fighting for you and your rights and your freedoms and the protection and preservation of those rights and those freedoms. They run toward the chaos when most would run away. They fight an enemy we don't fathom. The protect us from things we don't even know we need protection from. They are a unique class of human beings who are wired differently.

And thank God they are!

Thank you to Salvatore, Alfred, Calvin, Alfonso, Billy, Jimmy, Skip, Nick, Danny, Todd, Kane, Rachel, and the multitudes who have taken up arms for my sake, for your sake, for the United States of America!

Thank you!

More than a weekend . . .

Memorial Day!

It is a day to remember all those who served this incredible country and lost their lives. We also pay homage to those who continue to do so.

My father, both step-fathers and father-in-law were all military veterans. Half of my six brothers have served in the military. Two nephews have also served. What an absolute honor to be in the midst of these folks who gave of their time and of their lives for the freedoms we so highly regard, and sometimes take for granted.

Thank you, too, to the many friends and their children who have also served and are serving. I know there are a lot of moms, worried about their children, wherever they might be, serving this great nation. Wives worried about husbands, husbands worried about wives, and families worried about members near and far who are fighting a fight most of us cannot comprehend.

God bless the troops that have gone before us ~ to maintain, to battle, to lose their lives ~ so that we can enjoy our liberties. We owe them much more than a weekend!

Thank you!

Enjoy your wealth!

A dear and wonderful friend, from some thirty years ago, is having a birthday today. She posted on FB that:


I especially love FB on my birthday! I feel very special & loved!


And that, my friends, is life in a nutshell!!!

What else does anyone really want or need out of life? We simply want to be special and to be loved. You can have millions of dollars and be miserable. You can have all the newest and greatest gadgets and still be so very isolated and lonely. You can possess a great many things, but if they aren't friends and people who care about you and love you . . . you truly have nothing!

Lisa, you hit the proverbial nail on the head this morning and zeroed in on what could be the very secret of life. When we are very sad and distraught, what do we look for? Support from friends and family. When we have thrilling and exciting news, what do we want to do? Share it with friends and family. When we see something extraordinary, what is our mission? We want to give it and pass it on to our friends and family, so they too can admire and enjoy it. When we struggle with difficult choices, to whom do we turn for guidance? You got it! Our friends and family!

If you have a solid group of core folks who will always be by your side, stand firmly with you in times of trouble, lift you up in times of hardship, celebrate with you in times of joy, share the wonders of everything that surrounds you, and keep you grounded while pushing you forward, then you are the richest person on the planet!

Enjoy your wealth! It is the most precious sort on earth!

Words

Smile, an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me.
Don't ever let me find you gone, cause that would bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory, let's start a brand new story, now, my love.
Right now, there'll be no other time and I can show you how, my love.


Talk in everlasting words, and dedicate them all to me.
And I will give you all my life, I'm here if you should call to me.
You think that I don't even mean a single word I say.
It's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away!


Loved that they did a snippet of this last night on Idol. I have loved this song since it came out about a hundred years ago. It's beautiful and when done correctly, the harmonies are bone-chillingly, spine-tingly brilliant.

And really . . . all we have are 'words'. They are quite powerful. Use them wisely!

Be happy

I have only pulled parts of a lengthy quote here - but I believe they are the BEST parts . . .

Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Learn from your mistakes. Find the cause of your problems and eliminate them. Do not try to be perfect. Be an excellent example of being human.
~ Anthony Robbins


What fabulous wisdom all stuffed into just a couple lines of text.
"Live life fully." Don't worry about what other people will think about you. They are going to think it, no matter what.

"Experience everything." Get out of that tiny little comfort zone and do some stuff that makes you a little uncomfortable. Stretching one's wings is a wonderful way to learn a tremendous amount about one's self. Act a little silly. Be a little goofy. It's very healthy for the soul.

"Learn from your mistakes." Did you know that there's a seriously high percent chance that if you continue to perform the same ritual, the outcome rarely changes? Hello! When nothing seems to be going right . . . turn left.

"Find the cause of your problems and eliminate them." LOVE this one! There is nothing more time consuming than trying to fix someone who doesn't want to be changed. Allow them to be themselves . . . far away from you. Learning to eliminate those things that weigh you down, is a very enlightening experience!

"Be an excellent example of being human." Ah, sweet simple truth! If you tell the truth, you need not remember to whom you ranted which lies. If you are transparent, you need not try to recall which cloak you don for whom. If you simply do the right thing for others when the opportunity presents itself, then you have chosen to lead by example. It is a beautiful thing!

Be you! Enjoy life. We only get one shot at this. Do the best you can with what you're given. It's probably not as bad as you might think. And . . . for Ann . . . you have one choice every morning when you get up, "I can be happy; or I can be crappy."

Be happy!

Golden delicious

Growing up in upstate New York, and being just a tiny little bit of a tomboy, I did my fair share of tree climbing. We had tree forts and mulberry fights and it is also just a fabulous way to actually 'hide from the world' because most folks won't look up to find you. Upstate New York also has a plethora of apple trees.

Some of the best apples you'll ever eat are NOT found in the grocery stores, but freshly picked from an orchard tree or perhaps a random golf-course apple tree. The best place to find the best fruit are those very high branches, thinner than most, and way out where the sun can love 'em best. That's where we're headed today . . . out on one of those limbs . . .

Every now and again, you've got to venture out onto a rather flimsy looking limb. You've got to leave the security of the trunk of the tree and seek that yummiest of apples on the outskirts. Sure there is always the chance the branch may break. And yes, the fruit out there might have been ravaged by birds. You might even scrape up your arms and legs getting to where that best fruit is but . . .

Trees tend to have a network of branches. Even if your branch bows or breaks, there are quite a few other branches to hold you up. Whether you get to the apple you were spying or not, there's plenty of other delicious fruit out there, just perfect for chowing. The scraped self you've become will not only be rewarded with an unbelievably mouth-watering apple, but the next time you seek to venture out there, your skills and climbing will be much better and there will be much less bruising and scraping.

We've all got our 'apples' to climb to. We've all got those tiny branches we need to step out on. We've all got to suffer through those bumps and bruises to toughen ourselves up for the next climb. I am high in the tree folks, venturing out on a tiny branch, and armed with nothing but faith, I am certain I will get that apple. I know that the network supporting me will always hold me up and that, with my eyes heavenward, seeking that apple . . . I can do anything!

I wish you a golden, delicious sort of day!

Dream!

Rejuvenate! Reboot! Renew!

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.
~ Dale E. Turner


I have a sister-in-law who has been an office manager for eons. While approaching 50, she decided she wanted to become a nurse. Without hesitation, she put her head down and plowed her way through schooling and is now a full-fledged nurse. I so admire her determination and tenacity.

I had always been writing; stories, poetry, and more. Not until my son got ill, did my writing have a serious purpose, and I pursued being published. Now, I have two children's books and several published poems. There was a need and I focused on it and attained that goal.

My mom was a constant dreamer. I guess that's where I learned it ~ and came to love it! She had five kids to feed. She couldn't go to work. How could she mother her kids. So . . . in our house she began her own newspaper. When that slacked off, she and her mother made plaques and we all sold them at the fair in addition to running a game-booth with a game she and the boys built. When she remarried, she started her own graphics business and then her own very popular band and then her own gambling business. She was constantly dreaming and reinventing herself! Amazing!!!

My point is that, as stated above, 'no matter our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us'. You can do whatever you want to do. You can become whatever you'd like to become. You can achieve most any goal if you only take that first step.

Believe in yourself and ALL you are capable of.

Dream!

21

Ah . . . the sweet rim overlooking the abyss of insanity! That is where I am perched today!

Tomorrow, my dearest, sweetest, most wonderful daughter turns TWENTY-ONE! The age has not come without its share of bumps, bruises, fights, spankings, tears, and heartache. But that has all been overwhelmed by the sheer joy, brilliance, and beauty that she brings into my life every day!

Deanna Sarene . . . Beautiful Calm!

She may not completely live up to her name, but she can engage either or both at any given moment. She has grown into a very persistent, dedicated, determined, tenacious, and strong-willed adult. She is simply gorgeous to behold with hair that people pay gazillions of dollars for, a smile that would light up your day, and a few inches shy of high-fashion model body make-up! And that's just the outside!!!

Inside . . . beats a heart of gold! Loyal, loving, and lovable; she embodies the positive side of life and truly tries to draw it out of everyone around her. She has no issues with speaking her mind; but will also listen intently when appropriate. She is opinionated, yet open-minded. She is fierce, yet fun. She enjoys dressing up but will not hesitate to get dirty should the need arise. She is brave and blessed and blissful!

She is amazingly creative loving to write, draw, photograph, and dream. She is inspirational to me.

Thank you, Deanna, for the past twenty-one years. I cannot wait to see what amazing things you do with your future. You can do whatever you set your beautiful mind to. Dream big! Shoot for the stars! Go wherever you heart leads you. But more than anything . . . ever . . . be happy!!!

Happy Birthday Boo!!!

Eek!

Sometimes, I frighten myself! Very early yesterday morning I wrote urging that you find a way to spend the day with your Angels. Well . . . whether my writing is subliminal hopes for myself or God just likes to smile on me; that is EXACTLY what I did yesterday!

After a long drive and a lengthy meeting, at which I was feeling a little defeated and subdued, I got good news. What I thought might be the end of something I was in charge of, has enough long-time members that it doesn't need to EVER end! Yay! So, we may need to start over and take smaller steps, but it will not wither away on my watch. I was simply ecstatic!

After the meeting, I spoke to some folks about a fundraising opportunity and, although I was tentative about approaching them, it was so eagerly received I was almost literally in shock. It was a beautiful thing and I'm certain I will be talking more about that down the road!

And then . . . the proverbial cherry atop the hot fudge and whipped cream . . . I went upstairs and met with two friends who have become more family than some of my family. What warmth! What comfort! What safety I feel  within their company! They are just genuine, sincere, forthright folks who do amazing work for other people for a bigger cause and I couldn't be more on the same plane if we were fused together. What a cleansing and beautiful afternoon to simply be around them.

Then, as if dessert were not enough, I went and visited with my beautiful daughter for a few moments. She's just a stunning person ~ beautiful on the outside AND the inside. Thanks for taking the time for your old mom, pumpkin!

Oh yes . . . I was with my Angels! Thank you, God, for reminding me that I need to listen to myself every now and again. Thank you! And thank you too . . . to all my Angels!!!

Be with your angels today!

Those of you who read this know that I am a HUGE fan of angels. I believe that when heaven can't spare one, there are folks around us who sprout their proverbial wings and take our needs to task. I am surrounded by many winged friends!

When I am depressed and down-trodden, I am lifted by the fluttering of friends. When sad and subdued, I am drawn aloft by the winds of wings. When I see nothing but trouble, I am lured by the light of love.

I truly believe these minute miracles are available to everyone. It is your choice as to whether or not you opt to see, hear, feel, and realize the blessings that pour over you. Today, I hope that your angels are near. I hope you are harbored in their healthy embrace. I hope the breeze that caresses you today, reminds you that those very angels are sweeping your worries away with it. Follow the light and the love that is lavished upon you. Let your heavenly hosts guide you to a better place . . . away from your worries, your troubles, your aches, your pains, your strife . . . and know that a much bigger Source is working on them for you!

Be with your angels today!

CARE!

Today's message is very simple. It is short, direct, and focused. It holds no double meaning or innuendo.

CARE

Care about yourself. Care about what you say. Care about what you do. Care about the folks around you. Care about the world. Care about your health. Care about your happiness. Care about the needy. Care about the homeless. Care about doing something . . . and doing it in a positive manner. Care about the next generation, and the generations after those. Care about the generations before us - they have many lessons to teach us. Care about the beautiful creatures ~ for if you don't, they won't be there for future generations. Care about nature. Care about simple. Care about effort. Care about actually earning and working for what you want. Care about revolting nations, but care, too, about the issues here at home. Care about your behavior. Care about your ethics, your morals, your beliefs.

Care about one another!

CARE!

Share your inner smile!

"Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. There is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."
~ Og Mandino

True happiness lies within you! Ponder that!
Riches, property, gadgets, marriage, children . . . don't create happiness. Happiness comes from within. It emanates from your soul and shines forth brilliantly when it is realized! Should you find those other things after finding that inner peace and light, then you've just got gravy, my friend. Gravy!

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.
Lather me up like a cheap hooker in some eau de happiness! I'll take it and I'll then spread it around like nobody's business. To give, reach out, share, smile, hug, and shine that inner light on others is one of the most beautiful and precious gifts you can share with the world.

Search within. Take the lid off and pour that perfume all over! Spread the joy of happiness you've found in yourself! Share your inner smile!

Let's get to fixin'

It kind of saddens me that we have grown into a society of replacements.

We've replaced the dinner table with a coffee table. We've replaced conversations with text messages and emails. We've replaced visits with skypes. We've replaced actual confrontations and communication with false bravado and quick thumbs. We've lost a personal connection and replaced it with 'technological advancements'.

We've replaced consoling our children through failures with telling them absolutely everything they do is about as amazing as it could ever be. We've replaced a firm spanking with a 'go to your room' (which is filled with video games, computers, cell phones, and ipods). We've replaced earning the things kids want with simply offering whatever they choose. We've replaced setting standards and morals with allowing Jersey Shore or some Housewife somewhere to do it for us. We've replaced goal setting with bribing.

We've replaced hard work with get rich quick. We've replaced work ethic with the choice to not go if you have a headache. We've replaced dedication and perseverance with job hopping in search of the elusive golden apple. We've replaced grit and tenacity with want and entitlement.

What have we done?
I know that this is not true in EVERY case. It is true in a vast majority . . . and it is sad.
Sometimes, it is better to fix things than to simply replace them. I hope we start fixing things soon!

To the moms

Tomorrow is Mother's Day! A day for many macaroni framed photos, colorfully crayoned cards, and lots of love to the all-important MOM!

This is a rough day for me. I find no greater joy than to watch my children become thriving, philanthropic, intelligent, independent, beautiful human beings. It is present enough to know that they are well, healthy, and doing what makes them happy. On the other hand, I miss my mother terribly and wish I could make just one more macaroni frame or one more colorfully crayoned card.

But . . . God has graced me with many maternal figures to continue to share love and happiness in their guidance, their support, and their love. Susie, Tana, Peg, and even some men-folk who have done more mothering to me than they will admit! And, of course, I've got my incredible mother-in-law, Inova, who is tough as nails, soft as a Gund bear; and just an incredible human being. I have been truly blessed!

Make this weekend a special weekend. Moms don't need much. They just need to know they are loved and appreciated. Sometimes, just a little time hanging out and sharing space is the best gift ever. Whomever your 'mom' might be, show a little love tomorrow . . . and always. Moms have one of the hardest jobs in the entire world ~ with no monetary compensation. Our stipend is your laughter, your love, your hugs, your happiness.

Happy Mother's Day!

A Precious Gift

You are one of my nicest thoughts . . .

This was on the front of a beautiful and unexpected card that I received yesterday from a gracious soul and dear friend. It has been on my heart since then.

What a simple, honest, and wonderful way to convey to someone that they are not only in your thoughts; but happily! And, more than that, carried in that fabulous forgotten tradition of a handwritten card, sent through snail mail, to a recipient who can hold those words and the card's sentiments as though the gift of them is an actual, tangible present! It was just a fabulous treat in the middle of my afternoon that I can now cherish and revisit any time I choose.

People, know that today . . . you are one of my nicest thoughts. I cherish what you give to me in many facets, on many levels, and in a variety of methods. Thank you!

Big old bear hug

Next to Ch-Angels, hugs are one of my favorite things. You cannot really give a hug without getting one in return. Unless, of course, it's one of those crooked, sideways, butt-out, Smeagle-type hugs. Those are disgusting and the person might as well just punch you in the forehead.

A hug is a tool of expression. It provides warmth, security, surety, safety, hope, happiness, comfort, friendship, love, and a million other things. My favorite sort of hug is that big old bear hug that just about cuts off all breathing mechanisms right up to the point that you might pass out and then it daintily subsides with a soft after-squish. Yeah, that's it! That's what I'm talking about!

Today . . . give someone one of those big old bear hugs. I bet they will be smiling when they leave you and . . . this is the best part of hugs . . . so will you!

Hugging you from here!

Sheer brilliance!

Sometimes, things just hit you! Great ideas, lyrics, poetry, and maybe what I should write about today!

I had two posts pop up today, one right after the other.

One said "There are moments in my life when I feel like I'm broken and others when I feel like I can spread my wings and soar."

The one right after it was from a completely different person, completely different chapter of my life, but so perfectly placed it almost scared me. It said, "I may not be where I want to be, but I thank God that I am not where I used to be."

Talk about a 'your peanut butter has fallen in my chocolate' sort of coincidence. Sheer brilliance!

Thank you God, for making sense of craziness and offering me the opportunity to point out your omnipotent wisdom! It is beautiful!

Rhythm of Time

The hands of time do not ever go backward. They fervently and perpetually push us forward, whether we go happily and eagerly along, or are dragged kicking and screaming into whatever next unknown phase awaits us. Looking back is an amusing sight . . .

As children, we have no concept of time. We play til we're exhausted and sleep til we're rested. We laugh. We cry. We do not contemplate who we will encounter tomorrow or what injuries might await us next on the playground. We simply enjoy!

As adolescents, we seem to constantly be trying to push those hands of time faster and faster. We want to be 'legal', we want to go out, we want to move out, we want to go grab life by the horns and ride it til we can't hang on any more.

As young adults, we realize that time is 'of the essence'. The horn-held wild ride of life seems, perhaps, a little too swift and we'd like to slow it down just a tad to ensure we achieve our goals. The repetitive work all week to slosh away the weekends gets a little stale.

As family people, we realize the value of time; that you'll never get today back. We don't want our babies to grow up and we don't want our parents to grow old. We want those hands of time to stop altogether so we can enjoy the splendor of our children's laughter and the joy of our parent's company. Time is fleeting and we want, terribly, to lasso it and tie it up.

As age sets in and time wears creases around our eyes and weaves gray into our hair; we realize the value of time. We cherish every second. We watch as our children run off to try to push the clocks ahead. We sit by as time engulfs our parents and whisks them off to better places. And we are left . . . alone . . . listening to the ticking of the seconds, and the minutes, and the hours.

And we could be sad, but I choose to simply find the rhythm in that ticking and realize that my world is full of music! When times are stressful, its just a faster song I'm dancing to. And when times are easy and peaceful, I am held in hubby's arms and we are taking to the dance floor of life for another tune.

Time is what you make it. Enjoy the rhythm!

'Closer to God' kind of day!

There are days that just kind of eclipse any issues, any worries, any frustrations, or problems in your life. I find most of those days, for me, revolve around nature or my 'closer to God' days!

Whenever I am ocean/sea-side, I can literally feel tensions slipping away. There is something about the water lapping up to greet me, the sun warming me, a tender breeze caressing the stress right out of my bones that makes me truly appreciate all the beauty that God has supplied for us to enjoy.

Or perhaps, when we visited Wyoming last year. WOW! The vistas, the wildlife, the sheer beauty of the area was almost overwhelming. Almost a whole week of just having to pick my jaw up off the ground time and time and time again. It was utterly outstanding!

Playing in the islands on my honeymoon was other-worldly. All the colors of the water, the wild flowers, the iguanas, and foliage. Stunning.

Germany after I graduated high school. The Black Forest was an experience unlike any other ~ fairy-tale worthy for sure!

Driving from DC back to Florida, you will find some incredible joys that God placed around for our enjoyment.  Waterfalls, archways, plateaus, and more. Chattanooga, TN and the mountains and landmarks throughout my own glorious New York state.

And, 'gravy' as my brother so aptly put it, was yesterday's boating trip. To be so close to the water, all the beautiful creatures God put nearby, and to share it all with my best friend . . . it is just bliss! I wish you all a 'closer to God' sort of day . . . every day! Take in the beauty that surrounds you. Absorb it. Appreciate it. Enjoy!

A Wish Bone

Today is Cinco de Mayo! Many of you will be out celebrating a beautiful weekend, drinking, eating, and getting all crazy. I do not want to rain on your parade. I do want you to be careful; but I'd like to take this opportunity to promote a little educational time! Since I don't write on Sundays, I will exercise my open door today!

Tomorrow, May 6th, is Wishbone Day! Nope, not about turkeys.

It's about Osteogenesis Imperfecta; or what is more commonly known as 'Brittle Bone' disease. There is no 5K; no long walk; no rally to attend; no donation form. Wishbone Day is simply about educating yourself about this brutal disease. You can learn a whole lot more by simply looking it up on-line or checking out www.oif.org. I thought I was familiar with the disease, until I met my beautiful new young friend, Oliver!

I've learned much more since then. Oliver is not even three years old, had about ten leg breaks, and has since had telescopic rods placed in both legs to assist in as normal a growth process as possible with fewer breaks. I have learned that in severe cases, it can effect teeth too. I had never pondered this. I also learned that a good many families lose their children to Social Services with this disease because it is hard to diagnose; and most doctors think the child is being abused. There is much to learn about this disease; but I wish ~ truly ~ that you could meet the little man that brought it to light for me.

Oliver may not quite be three, but speaks like a college student. He is most eloquent. He continues to want to  simply be a 'little boy' and run and play and do regular kid things. It is a fine line to walk to allow him to do so; and still be safe. He is as scrumptious as they come and you just want to squeeze him; but you really can't. He is feisty and friendly and has an absolutely incredible family!

Wishbone Day consists of simply wearing yellow, educating yourself, and then educating others. That is all. I will don my yellow while working at Macy's. I'm gonna try to get some other folks to do it to. Spread the word and spread the challenge to learn about OI and let's help educate the world . . . for Oliver!

To Be Needed

Yesterday, I got one of my most favorite kind of phone calls. My nephew called to chat, to find out plans for meeting up in DC in June, and then . . . for the best part . . . to ask for my help!

He's starting up a construction/landscape business in his spare time. Mind you, he's already a fireman in Rosendale and some secretive military police guy at Stewart AFB in Newburgh. He's not even 25 yet. I couldn't be prouder of his accomplishments, his drive, and his energy. AND . . . he's a nice guy! Can't ask for much more than that!

But he asked me for help. What a joyous moment for me. To be inquired to take part in something in his life - so very far away. I hopped all over it and I think we've come to some revelations about his business and his ingenuity. I wish him all the success in the world and if any of you upstate New York folk need some construction and/or landscaping . . . he's got my personal stamp of approval!

It is a wonderfully heart-warming blessing to be asked for help. It is just icing on a cake when you perform a task to someone's delight. Yesterday offered me both! I do hope that each of you feels the same warm fuzzy I'm currently wrapped in. It's just wonderful!

Thanks Nick!

Variety

The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charms. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.
~ Therese of Lisieux


This really doesn't need much explanation. It could use one of the extraordinary garden photos to drive the point home, but those of you that have seen those gardens, know exactly what the above statement represents.

Each and every one of us brings a delicious beauty to the table. We each offer a special talent, a rarity, a light that is unique to ourselves. Without that talent, that rarity, that light . . . the world would be lacking.

Please realize your value. Realize your potential. Realize your importance and vitality to the world.

I do!

A Perfect "10" Ch-Angel

Even though the elusive 'perfect 10' doesn't really exist any more because they have befuddled gymnastics scoring to the point of insanity, there's a 'perfect 10' from my past that needs a little shout out.

A "Ch-Angel," I might remind you, is an angel of this earthly realm that creates and offers change. He/She is a positive fixture that makes a difference. He/She offers of themselves without hesitation for the growth and betterment of some other person or group of persons.

Today's 'Perfect 10' Ch-Angel would be the newly reconnected Anne Acton! This cosmic-twin of mine (we share the same birth day ~ just a few years apart), has been a part of my life since the sixth grade. She completely entrenched herself there in seventh grade. That would be a whopping thirty-three to thirty-four years of friendship. WOW!!!

She obviously helped me to grow as a gymnast. That was her 'job'. She never just 'did her job'. She's one of those 'over the top,' 'above and beyond' type of folk. She taught, she listened, she mothered, she advised, she disciplined, she laughed, she joked, she loved. She encompassed not just myself, but a plethora of young ladies through the years as they grew through the ranks of the RVS gymnastics squad.

She was also our gym teacher throughout all of high school. This added a dimension to 'being involved' that I'm not so sure she always wanted. High school is an interesting time. It was hard enough to navigate it as an adolescent. I'm baffled as to how she mentored us all through such erratic times.

I showed up to gym class at one point. She seemed very angry and disappointed at me - kind of the cold shoulder sort of thing. I wasn't sure what I did, so I suited up for some volleyball madness. Not two minutes out of the locker room, I was asked if it was a good idea to be playing in my condition. "What, exactly, is my condition?" I inquired of the grand Mrs. Acton. She replied, "I heard you were pregnant." I almost fell over laughing. And so, in grand Lyn Rider Marinello fashion, I simply stood center spot on the volleyball team and let everyone else hit the ball. I explained to her afterward that there was little to no chance of that going on, unless I was carrying the Messiah. She seemed to loosen up a bit and we laughed together. Ah, the good old days!

And now, some decades later, we have reconnected via Facebook. Many gymnasts from the past have all reconnected with this Ch-Angel that guided us through some harrowing years. Break-ups, break-downs, and simply breaks. She was always there. She cheered us on, picked us up, encouraged us, and listened. She was a blessing that a lot of us took for granted at the time. Looking back, I cannot thank her enough for all those years of all she was ~ at least to me!

Thanks, my 'Perfect 10' Ch-Angel Anne Acton!

Weed regularly!

There is a dear friend of mine that I attended school with a million years ago that has posted statements about a 'friend' whose scathing remarks and comments are very hurtful and always have been. Might I ask an obvious question?

Why would you keep this friend?

Hurtful words are no different than angry fists. The injuries may not be as obvious as bruises, but the scars usually run much deeper and last a lot longer. The only good thing about a person with a vile, hateful tongue is that it is simple to leave it wagging in your rear-view. There is NOTHING helpful about a person with hurtful words!

You can have honest friends. Friends who will quickly tell you the outfit you're wearing is inappropriate, or your super red lipstick needs a little make-up around it, or that you might be behaving badly. Those same people will stand by you, undaunted, through everything . . . in full support with all their love. THAT is a friend.

You need to realize that you are worth more than this 'friend' could ever conceive and point your shoes in another direction. No one hurts you without your permission. Remove your friend or remove yourself from the situation. Nothing good comes from absorbing abuse. Strength and resilience can be learned from many other sources.

You are important. You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are loved. Believe it. Plant yourself in the garden of positive, with soil that's rich in support and love, showered with raindrops of kindness, and bathed in the sunshine of God's blessings.

Weed regularly!!!