Inova

My MIL would have been 99 years old yesterday!
She was a gentle force, an unfiltered sage, a beautiful soul.
This was written for her service and never shared.
Happy Belated Birthday and Mom, I hope you'll enjoy Easter as well.
Today, in honor, I'm sharing ...


A Long and Winding Road
In Honor of Inova Marinello by Lyn Marinello

It's been a long and winding road with many a twist and turn.
You took every step undaunted; each opportunity to learn.
You stood firm within your faith. Family always at your core
Herculean strength ~ perhaps the model for that lore.
You traveled many places; taken paths no one would dare.
Coiffed, bejeweled, dressed to the nines. Met all your troubles with Inova flare.
You met challenges head on. Faced fears and loss and pain.
You'd occasionally crack and shed a tear or say something quite profane.
Steadfast in your beliefs, a heart so loving and so kind.
Always willing to lend an ear and also to speak your mind.
Hand in hand with Sal, you were never more content.
Surrounded by your offspring is the place that you were meant.
Greater joy could not be found than the gleam within your eyes
than when spending time with family and its ever-growing size.
You created countless memories with the many souls you reached.
Improved the lives of every one with the fortitude you have preached.
It's been a long and winding road. Beyond the trials, you've been blessed.
Enjoy Christmas at the throne of God, put your feet up, Mom, and finally rest.

The Old Rugged Cross

This ...

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It's shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he'll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I'll share

And I'll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

A little Mother on this Thursday

Mother Teresa said ...

Spread love

wherever you go.

and here's the important part ...

Let no one ever

come to you

without leaving

happier.

Wildflowers

From one Jak Major ...
this:

Gather courage

like wildflowers ~

Make a bouquet

like nobody's business.

Right back on the floor mat ...

Saw this quote
and was instantly transported
back to my gymnastics days.

This is good stuff ...

just for life in general!

Practice

like you've never won.

Perform

like you've never lost.

Powerlifting

So, over the weekend,
this literally woke me up
from a sound sleep.
Normally,

if it's a poem,

it just flows smoothly,

but this was just this.

And so ... I listened

and am sharing.

In power lifting

one of the most difficult efforts

is to lift

one's chin,

one's spirits,

one's hopes.

It is equally as difficult

to do so for others.

But, we are each much stronger

than we imagine we might be.

It is in this one single purpose

that we can change the world.

Lynification

Took a little thing
and made it my own.

Hope it adds to your day ...

People

generally see

what they look for,

and hear

what they listen for.

Look for the good.

Look for the positive.

Look for hope.

Look for love.

Listen for learning.

Listen for peacefulness.

Listen for laughter.

Listen for love.

Respect ... some Friday fun

Just a little something
that woke me up.

Enjoy ...

Respect
by Lyn Marinello

There is a great and older song
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Give me just a minute
I'll tell ya what it means to me
It's a process of existence
Best explained as a two-way street
No priority in direction
Or the height of the driver's seat
The difference does not exist
Between the tesla and the aged jalopy
The white lettered, red octagon
Is the only thing that'll stop me
I'll not fall victim to sporadic rage
Or by verbal shrapnel ever be harmed
I'll maintain my speed and space
I refuse to be overtly alarmed
Whether hit with a glancing blow
Or threatened with a blowing glance
I may occasionally be deterred
But I refuse to change my stance
This road does not belong to you
Vanity plates don't afford right of way
We are of equal import
Drive safe and have a lovely day

THIS!

Again,
no one to credit,
but this should be up

in every school, every where!

It should be preached

and learned

by every human.

Are you ready?

Admire

someone else's beauty

without

questioning your own.

Bridges

I have always adored this quote.
Not sure who said it, but ...
enjoy ...

One of the hardest things

in life

is to know

which bridge to cross

and which to burn.

Have an awesome day.

Life Lesson #1258603

Oh,
if only this was to reach
allllll the right people.

You are

ALWAYS

responsible

for how you act,

no matter

how you feel.

Far too many reactions;

far too few responses.

Getting Wilde on a Monday

Oscar is quoted as saying:

To love oneself

is the beginning

of a

life-long romance.

What if ...

What if ...
it turns out

way better

than you

have ever imagined ...

What if ...

Pilot

Don't fret.
I will not force you
to read another one

of my poems today.

Don't have a name to credit,

but it seemed to strike a chord.

And ... of course ...

I Lynified it!

The bad news is ...

    time flies.

The good news is ...

    you're the pilot.

The best news is ...

    you're actually the co-pilot!

Have a fabulous Friday!

Worth

For my friend,
who needs a little lifting up today.
If it helps someone else,

...

bliss bomb!


Worth
by Lyn Marinello

Scars and spots and wrinkles and grays
Are nothing more than a sign of the life in my days
The storms I have weathered and battles I've fought
These badges of honor bare what I've been taught
My beauty may have been outwardly altered
But I'm better for rising each time I have faltered
The lessons I've learned from each scab I've received
Bolsters my worth on which I've desperately cleaved
My skin may have sagged, my curves have evolved
Though my self-doubt has suffered, my soul's been absolved
My core has developed Herculean intent
Broadening horizons, life sans lament
Know that the mirror holds only reflection
See something of value and not of rejection
Time molds the body, but life holds the grit
Your worth can be found in what you permit

Let me know whatcha think.

And ... for my friend ... I love you.

Good Samaritan

Today is Good Samaritan Day.

This one is a little older,
and a little lengthy,
but seems to fit the day.
I hope you enjoy.
Would love to hear your thoughts.

Passing Through
by Lyn Marinello

Out for a walk, I found myself, at a large park near my home.
A little old man, alone on a bench, caught my eye whilst I did roam.
I watched him from a distance. He'd occasionally smile or laugh out loud.
I felt a little sorry that he might be lost in a dementia cloud.
Before I knew where I was headed, I stood in front of his wooden seat.
"I've seen you here before," I said. "I thought we'd finally meet."
His cloudy eyes of blue looked up. A wrinkled hand patted weathered slats.
"Have a seat. I've seen you, too." And so began a most extraordinary chat.
"It's a beautiful day outside today." I spoke in a stiff, uncomfortable voice.
"Sure is!" he said quite gleefully. "So glad you're out! What a wonderful choice!"
I smiled at his positivity; asked him how he was doing today.
"I'm enjoying the sun and watching the birds. And how are you, if I may?"
Taken aback by his interest, the shock must have shown on my face.
He gently touched my arm and said, "My apologies if I was out of place."
I couldn't help but answer, "Not at all, but why would you ask?"
"We're sharing a seat and a moment. If I can help, I'm up to the task."
Any bit of apprehension simply lifted its weighted veil.
"I can't find work, my marriage is stressed, life just seems kind of stale."
He stared off into the woods. I thought perhaps he did not hear.
But after a bit, he turned and spoke in words quite eloquent and clear.
"Sir, work will come, I'm certain. Perhaps, expand your view.
And if you've got a marriage, you are blessed in all you do.
You see you have a purpose; someone you love, and provide for too.
Life is whatever you make it. It's all in your point of view.
Things aren't stale, as you stated. When's the last time you went on a date?
Enjoyed the world around you? It's really never too late."
And with a deep breath, he turned again, finding joy in a flitting bee.
And it was like a new awakening as his words washed over me.
"Are you married?" I inquired. "I was," was his reply.
"I'm sorry," I said with true remorse. He smiled and asked me why.
"My wife of nearly 60 years filled my heart and life with glee
I don't dwell on her passing, but rather the life she shared with me.
She gave me several children. We shared many a laugh and tear.
I held her hand. She held my heart. She knew the man beneath the veneer."
In disbelief I listened. Such profundity so close.
I found myself transfixed. I was totally engrossed.
"I worked a couple lengthy jobs. Some time off with due concern,
But every door I entered held a lesson for me to learn.
Believe me when I tell you, son, life's a bumpy, ragged road.
It's not about the vessel you take, but who helps you carry the load."
For a moment we sat in silence. His gaze focused on skittish squirrels.
Before I could ask the question, he spoke, "Two fine boys. Two beautiful girls."
I asked how old they were. He smiled, "All married with kids of their own.
Even got a couple of grandkids - the gems of seeds that I have sown.
And how 'bout you, a sturdy lad, have you any offspring yet?"
"My wife's expecting, a boy and a girl, twins." "Fantastic! A matching set!"
Floored by his response, I gently reminded this man.
"I just told you, I'm unemployed." He smiled, "Life doesn't always go as planned."
"How will I provide? How will I make ends meet?"
"Sometimes," he said, "you work best on your knees, not on your feet.
You've got to have faith in yourself. You seem smart and able and apt.
When faced with tribulations, you've got to overcome, adapt."
He laughed at a passing puppy quite tangled up in his lead,
And the antics of the owner as he tried to get him freed.
"Life," he resumed, "will find a way. That's a dinosaur movie line."
"Didn't turn out well for the dinosaur." "Nor the man that fiddled with God's design."
Although I was completely sarcastic, his words cut right to my very core
He noticed my pain and spoke again, "Your attitude is everything. Amend it, I implore.
Take count of all of your blessings; numerous, I bet. Have you tried?
Life's not defined by a bank account. Wealth's measured by those at your side."
The weight of his words nearly crushed me. And yet, somehow, I felt enlightened.
A few simple words from a little old man and every one of my senses seemed heightened.
I turned to him, eyes glistening. "I'm not sure how to properly thank you."
"You already have, my dear young man. Isn't the sky an amazing blue?"
And I leaned back and took a long look at a beautifully clear azure sky.
At puffy white clouds and chipmunks at play and the clasped hands of those walking by.
The chirping of my cell phone brought the moment to a bittersweet end.
I excused myself and answered and could barely comprehend.
I thought it might be my wife, but it was from a job to which I'd applied.
A better offer than what I'd hoped; vacation and benefits supplied.
Overwhelmed, I shared my joyous news. He simply grinned and said, "You see?
A change of view changes so much more. I'm so glad you ran into me."
Humbled by his kindness. Inspired by his wit and grace.
"I'm just a few moment's walk from here. Would you like to come back to my place?
My wife would love to meet you. I've got to share this news."
"You go ahead, enjoy the day. I've got to shuffle these old shoes."
"I'd love to come and meet again; enjoy another chat with you."
"Young sir, my work is done right here. I'm simply passing through.
But sometime in the future, you may meet a beaten, battered soul.
Return your thoughts to this old bench; take your turn and make him whole."

Language

I have posted this prior
but it is ALWAYS
worth re-sharing.

Kindness

is the language

the deaf can hear

and the blind can see.

~ Mark Twain

Good Tenant

From an unknown author ...
a beautiful message:

Do not let anyone

rent space

in your head

unless they are

a good tenant.

What you allow,

takes root.

Leadership

Having held a plethora of
leadership roles,
and having a few favorite supervisors,

I'd have to say that THIS

is my favorite behavior

and what I strive to be.

So much more gets done,

and done happily!

The first responsibility

of a leader

is to define reality.

The last

is to say "Thank You."

In between,

the leader is a servant.

Goes right along with my

"lead from behind" theory.

Give a directive,

help when necessary,

and cheer the whole while.

Enjoy your Sunday

and the week ahead.

To Us

Today is International Women's Day!
Some days I feel like a very strong woman.

Other days I weep

at Publix commercials or a favorite song.

What I'm learning is that the weeping is not weakness.

It is heart. It is compassion.

It is the overwhelming presence of who and what I am.

I am also learning

to surround myself with strong women.

None of us are perfect.

We all have our positives ...

but what makes us extraordinary

is that we can buoy one another through the negatives.

That's what we're made for.

We are much stronger, more resilient,

and more persuasive as

a united, collective, connected unit.

An army of uniqueness

is a brave and beautiful thing.

Ladies ... I stand in awe

of your amazing abilities, strength

and fortitude.

I am grateful for your shared energy,

your unwavering support, your kindness,

your friendship, and your love.

Have yourselves whatever kind of day

you're searching for.

Silence

Without anyone to credit for this,
I am sharing ~
for those that are fighting
a never-ending battle.

For those that must accept

an apology that will never be given,

and confidently move on any way.

Silence

is the best answer

to someone

who doesn't value

your words.

Be The One

From one Marcia Ashton,
I am completely stealing and sharing this.

Be the one

who nurtures and builds.

Be the one

who has an understanding

and forgiving heart.

Be the one

who looks for the best

in people.

Most of all ...

be the one

who leaves people better

than you found them.

This is my goal

each and every day.

The Yin and Yang

Written inspired and with compassion
for a few very special people ...

(would love to hear whatcha think?)


The Yin and Yang
by Lyn Marinello

Resilient; but exhausted
Fierce, and yet indifferent
Remarkably intelligent
Occasionally incoherent
Positive; yet circumspect
Vivacious though nearly broken
Incredibly loquacious
Although rarely outspoken
Faithful; yet fearful
Reckless, but prudent
Seeking validation
Acceptingly adjuvant
Peaceful; though irate
Energized and yet serene
Slow and steady footsteps
Intermittently careen
Patterns are disrupted
Straight lines intersected
Careful preparation
Does not include the unexpected
Solitary amid the masses
Confined although free-range
Concerned with the correctness
Of the most mundane exchange
Hopeful; yet mired in doubt
Bitter; but trying to smile
Pushing positively forward
Constantly in denial
Searching ~ for what's within
In the quiet; a clamorous harangue
The good and bad; the black and white
The dance of the Yin and Yang.

Flow

Without anyone to credit,
I'll simply share.
Short and sweet and spectacular!

The secret

to happiness

is flowing,

not forcing.

Happy Monday, y'all!

Have a magnificent week.

Good Stuff

Thought this might be appropriate
for some folks I know
who are fighting

a few internal demons
right now.

Maybe there's others, too,

that need to read it also.

It's not

who you are

that

holds you back.

It's who

you think

you're not.

Now, go give that another read.

That's good stuff.

Today

Today
only happens
once.

Get out there

and carpe the heck

out of this diem.

You can either be

your biggest critic

or 

your biggest cheerleader.

The world

has enough critics.

Go get those pompoms!