Pull-ups!

"There are two ways of exerting one's strength:
one is pushing down,
the other is pulling up."


Pushing down is almost always easiest, but the effect is almost always negative and what have you really accomplished?
Pulling up offers assistance, help, assurance to another that they have a second chance.


How about for today, we try pull-ups!

The Three D's

What we hope ever to do with ease,
we must learn first to do with diligence.
~ Dr. Samuel Johnson


I learned to golf when I was young. There were seven children so each of us having a set of clubs was not really an option. We were each given a single club and a quarter. The quarter was used to change the angle of the club so we were able to create anything from a 3 iron through pitching wedge and putter. No woods. No drivers.


I enjoyed the outdoors and took to the sport immediately. Although I was not very good, the premise of getting exercise while getting some frustrations out was very alluring. I practiced and practiced and played and played and then practiced some more.


Within a few years, I had earned myself an inexpensive unmatched set of clubs. I played and played and practiced and practiced and then played some more.


I got good enough that I wanted to play on the kids team at the golf course we attended. They did not have a ladies team and so they jokingly said I had to play with the boys. So . . . I challenged my way through 12 to 16 boys to get from the B Team to the A Team and travel to compete at other courses. My best score at Wiltwyck in Kingston, from the men's tees, was an 80! Not too shabby for a 16 year old girl!


Very rarely do we instantly succeed. Diligence, determination and dedication.
If you want it . . . go and find a way to get it.

Persistence

There have been countless times in my life when giving up would have been the convenient thing to do. Oh, it would have been so easy to just cave, or slink away, or quit or hide from difficult situations. But that is not who my mother raised.


When my boyfriend, who moved me from NY to Georgia, decided to cheat on me, I could have run away back to NY. That's not my style. I pawned the ring he gave me, moved in with his best friend and basically just hung out to make him crazy. He thought I would leave. He really had no concept of who he was dealing with.


When the gym owner had me train for several months to be an aerobics instructor and then abruptly told me that no one would take my class because I'm 'too young and far too enthusiastic', I could have just given up. Well, I didn't get certified, but I joined the gym and was there about six days a week . . . making him crazy.


When my son was diagnosed with a life-threatening auto-immune disease, sure . . . our world came to a screeching halt . . . BUT . . . it did not end! We made adjustments, kept laughing, and pushed on through. That's what we do. It's who we are.


Right now, my life for the most part is pretty chill. Things are going well. I will always have those maternal stresses. Nothing will change that. I do, however, have dear friends who keep life in perspective for me. These dear chums are fighting their own battles and it is an honor to don some armor and fight alongside them. It keeps me sharp and on my toes and humbles me at the same time.


Just remember, my friends, that persistence really is key. Baby steps. Crawl if you need to, but just keep moving forward. You can conquer whatever comes your way. You are stronger, braver, more resilient and more amazing that you could ever comprehend.


Go be your amazing, persistent self!

Thanks Momma

This quote from Bertrand Russell might as well have come out of my mother's own mouth.


The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.


Momma was a firm believer in the fact that no matter how hard or how often you worked, you needed to match that effort in play time. Whether it's playing music, sports, writing, taking pictures, working out, or just chilling on the sea shore being lulled by the surf. There is a NEED to separate yourself from all the demands and chaos of the day ~ and tend to yourself.


I was in the grocery store yesterday and one of my buddies there said to me, "You look tired. It looks like you need temple time." When I looked rather puzzled, she explained . . . YOU are your temple. Take care of yourself. It is nice that you volunteer and work and give and help others; but you have to give just a little time to yourself, too. I'm thinking my mom sent her to remind me of that terribly important message.


So, I'm going to tend to my 'temple'. I going to carve out a little me time each day.
Thanks Cheryl and thanks Momma . . . I got the message . . . loud and clear!


What are you going to do for you today?

Purpose

"I think the purpose of life
is to be useful,
to be responsible,
to be honorable,
to be compassionate.
It is, after all, to matter:
to count,
to stand for something,
to have made some difference
that you lived at all."


~  Leo Rosten

Row!

If the wind will not serve,
take to the oars.

Hi Mom!

Hi Mom! It's me. How are you today?

I thought I'd check and see if you're ok.
The kids are doing great. They both seem quite content
Occasionally with issues, they'll call to scream or vent.
But they both send their love. They miss you quite a bit.
You'd be proud of all they are; full of fire and charm and wit.
Deanna's photographic talents are progressing every day.
She's thriving in her schoolwork, though, like you, she loves to play.
She knows the value of a dollar; unafraid of working hard;
Commands respect, tenacious too, persistent even when scarred.
She's grown to be quite beautiful; bubbly from the inside, out.
Her infectious personality is what she's all about.
She very much like you. She takes everyone to heart.
She spreads job and love and laughter. She is gracious, kind and smart.
Miles is doing super! Off at school and on his own.
You'd be so very, very proud of the man into which he's grown.
He's had his share of troubles. Of this you're well aware.
But that grit and determination is blatantly always there.
I'm thankful you helped me instill that. He's stronger than most I know.
You'd love his wit and talent. Combined they're a brilliant show.
His smile melts your heart. His hugs melt your troubles away.
His heart, though sarcastic, is golden. I'm blessed by his phone calls each day.
Victor is working hard. He's been so focused all his life.
But as of late, he's been quite doting on me, his most lucky wife.
We share most every evening holding hands while watching TV,
Laughing or talking or just sitting; he's my favorite place to be.
Know that he makes me happy. He's a great provider, an amazing dad.
My heart is safe within his hands. I'm happiest when Victor-clad.
We had to put down old Max. That day was a little rough.
But together we cried, holding memories and united, we're weary, but tough.
Well, I just wanted to say hello. Let you know I miss you tons.
That your Florida clan is A-OK and I continue to check in on your sons.
I'm still listening to all kinds of music, and singing along while I do.
Playing word games and doing puzzles; whatever helps me think of you.
I continue with my writing; a gift you encouraged for years.
Blogs and posts and poems and more ~ through anger, smiles, and tears.
I still can't believe you're gone. The stinging ache just won't go away.
There are so many things I see and do that remind me of you every day.
I am proud to be your daughter. I aspire to emulate you.
You're in my prayers each evening. You are evident in all that I do.
Fourteen-hundred and sixty days have slowly ticked on by
Since I held your hand and helped you to enter the Other Side.
I thank you for raising me right. You shine through me ~ that is clear.
Mom, I couldn't miss you any more. I wish you still were here.