Wrapped in an embrace, you cannot help but feel secure! A hug is the shortest distance between friends!
Hugs are a tool of the heart! Hugs can convey a myriad of emotions. A hug can calm. A hug can support. A hug can tempt. A hug can confirm. A hug can say hello. A hug can prolong a goodbye . . . something us Rider folks are WAY too good at! A hug can share sadness. A hug can share elation. A hug can do all sorts of things.
The best part of hugs is that when you give one, it is next to impossible NOT to receive one in return. It is a reciprocal reverie of radiance! Rarely can one simple act do so much.
Do not squelch the hug. Don't savor them for only special moments. Given freely, the hug returns to you ten-fold and brings with it joy and stability. Hug! Hold! Share Happiness!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Give It Up!
When my children began school, I was working. Hubby and I decided we would do whatever was necessary for me to always be home with them after school, so work became part time. At school, though, I signed up for the obligatory parental volunteering. When my son was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis, work took a back seat and I needed to be available whenever for appointments and therapies and such. So . . . I ventured into the inundating, overwhelming, extremely rewarding job of volunteering!
I helped in the office, I helped in the clinic, I did projects for teachers, helped at events, and enveloped myself in everything to be closer to my kids. I helped create 5th grade t-shirts; something I still adore doing and both my kids are in college! I began mentoring and continue that today - a beneficial task for student AND mentor! I highly recommend it! Middle school proved to be a vast expanse of volunteering options. I hooked myself up with a variety of teachers and tasks, worked the front office and phones, mentored, took over the school newsletter, and whatever else was asked. High school I helped the volunteer coordinator and continued to mentor.
Between elementary and middle school, with the granting of Miles' dream from The Children's Dream Fund, we decided to begin giving back. We began volunteering at the All Children's Hospital Telethon, raising money for and awareness of the hospital and The Dream Fund. Car washes, bowling, Gatherings, speaking in Washington, DC, more telethons. I then found a way to join a local guild for All Children's. This became a passion for me. These two groups are something I will advocate for throughout my final breath!
When simply going through the motions, volunteering was basically just "the right thing to do." When faced with altered circumstances, volunteering became my difference maker. I may not change the earth's course; cure leukemia (although I wish I could); or take the dark out of night. And believe me when I say that there were MAJOR bumps in the volunteering highway. But to make a little bit of better is an opportunity and a feeling I do not want to give up easily! In speaking with a dear friend yesterday, we tossed around the possible horrors of volunteering, and we both concluded that the good far outweighs the things and people that don't really matter and never will. Those with self-imposed directives and the "all-about-me" complex will inevitably fall to the wayside, making a much clearer path for those of us who selflessly proceed toward a goal beyond ourselves!
Not all of us are privileged enough to donate our time or ourselves. However, should you find yourself with a few extra minutes a week, find your fondness and fulfill a greater need. Love reading? Head to the library and see if you can assist in an adult literary course. Love sports? Check out the local leagues and see if you can coach or referee. Love critters? Animal shelters are always looking for helping hands. Love building? There is Habitat for Humanity and a hundred more just like it. Love kids? Come play with me!
Give it up! Just a little bit of your time and energy can make a tremendous difference. More importantly, a little bit of your time and energy can make the beginnings of a tiny difference. Volunteering . . . it does a body good!
I helped in the office, I helped in the clinic, I did projects for teachers, helped at events, and enveloped myself in everything to be closer to my kids. I helped create 5th grade t-shirts; something I still adore doing and both my kids are in college! I began mentoring and continue that today - a beneficial task for student AND mentor! I highly recommend it! Middle school proved to be a vast expanse of volunteering options. I hooked myself up with a variety of teachers and tasks, worked the front office and phones, mentored, took over the school newsletter, and whatever else was asked. High school I helped the volunteer coordinator and continued to mentor.
Between elementary and middle school, with the granting of Miles' dream from The Children's Dream Fund, we decided to begin giving back. We began volunteering at the All Children's Hospital Telethon, raising money for and awareness of the hospital and The Dream Fund. Car washes, bowling, Gatherings, speaking in Washington, DC, more telethons. I then found a way to join a local guild for All Children's. This became a passion for me. These two groups are something I will advocate for throughout my final breath!
When simply going through the motions, volunteering was basically just "the right thing to do." When faced with altered circumstances, volunteering became my difference maker. I may not change the earth's course; cure leukemia (although I wish I could); or take the dark out of night. And believe me when I say that there were MAJOR bumps in the volunteering highway. But to make a little bit of better is an opportunity and a feeling I do not want to give up easily! In speaking with a dear friend yesterday, we tossed around the possible horrors of volunteering, and we both concluded that the good far outweighs the things and people that don't really matter and never will. Those with self-imposed directives and the "all-about-me" complex will inevitably fall to the wayside, making a much clearer path for those of us who selflessly proceed toward a goal beyond ourselves!
Not all of us are privileged enough to donate our time or ourselves. However, should you find yourself with a few extra minutes a week, find your fondness and fulfill a greater need. Love reading? Head to the library and see if you can assist in an adult literary course. Love sports? Check out the local leagues and see if you can coach or referee. Love critters? Animal shelters are always looking for helping hands. Love building? There is Habitat for Humanity and a hundred more just like it. Love kids? Come play with me!
Give it up! Just a little bit of your time and energy can make a tremendous difference. More importantly, a little bit of your time and energy can make the beginnings of a tiny difference. Volunteering . . . it does a body good!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Recess!
A friend of mine recently sent me a great list of "The Good Times," a list of simpler things and an easier, less encumbered life. So today, I offer a majority of you a moment to reflect on just a few of my favorites that really hit home and to take a break from your daily grind for a brief recess . . .
Hide and seek,
Kickball and dodgeball,
Hopscotch and jump rope,
Tag!
Saturday morning cartoons,
Catching lightning bugs,
Running through anybody's sprinklers,
Icepops with two sticks - to share with a friend!
Climbing trees,
Swinging as high as you can,
Jumping off the swingset,
Jumping in leaf piles!
Cards in your spokes,
Mulberry fights,
Finding cloud figures,
Kool-aid!
Eeny-meeny, miny, mo,
Do-over,
One potato, two potato,
52 card pick-up!
Helping neighbors,
Moms were home after school,
ANY mom could discipline ANY kid,
Respect!
Fun lasted all day,
Board games lasted for weeks,
We drank from the hose,
We were exhausted from playing.
Take your own trip down memory lane. I'm certain a fair amount of you are smiling, rolling around a recollection or two. I hope it helps you through your day!
Hide and seek,
Kickball and dodgeball,
Hopscotch and jump rope,
Tag!
Saturday morning cartoons,
Catching lightning bugs,
Running through anybody's sprinklers,
Icepops with two sticks - to share with a friend!
Climbing trees,
Swinging as high as you can,
Jumping off the swingset,
Jumping in leaf piles!
Cards in your spokes,
Mulberry fights,
Finding cloud figures,
Kool-aid!
Eeny-meeny, miny, mo,
Do-over,
One potato, two potato,
52 card pick-up!
Helping neighbors,
Moms were home after school,
ANY mom could discipline ANY kid,
Respect!
Fun lasted all day,
Board games lasted for weeks,
We drank from the hose,
We were exhausted from playing.
Take your own trip down memory lane. I'm certain a fair amount of you are smiling, rolling around a recollection or two. I hope it helps you through your day!
Monday, September 5, 2011
100%
This little life lesson is one of the toughest I've ever had the privilege of tackling. After 40+ years, I'm still tested with this and I started early with my kids in hopes that they would get it way quicker than myself. It is rougher than most because it challenges us constantly and changes all the time.
I cannot recall where I heard it, or when I heard it, but believe me; when it settled upon my ears it was one of those "aha" moments. One where you sit up and say to yourself, "Oh my! How completely profound!" And then look around hoping no one saw you talking to yourself!
The statement (and pardon the pronouns) went something like this:
Just because he doesn't love you the way you want him to; doesn't mean he doesn't love you with everything he is.
Now, and I speak for myself, there are days when I wish my husband would bring me flowers, tell me the house looks great, tuck my hair behind my ear, and plant one of those "there's more coming later" types of kisses on me. That happens about once every 22 years! But . . . that doesn't mean that the usual "What's burning? Did you vacuum the pool? We're having that for dinner?" doesn't carry with it the weight of his entire heart. I am certain that his affections underscore each and every word. I cannot force his actions, but I believe with all my heart that he loves me with every ounce of his being. And know that, on occasion, he pulls the proverbial rug out from under me with lines like, "You have sexy toes," (the day after giving birth to Deanna) or "You have the skin of a 19 year old." (On my 45th birthday.) Those days . . . I stand in awe!
To be loved by another person is such a gift. Don't try to manipulate it. Accept it for all that it is, in whatever form it may come. I cannot ask hubby to quote poetry, but sometimes the words that spill from his mouth put Angelou to shame. I cannot ask for horsedrawn carriages and rose petal carpets, but there are days when dinner and a night in at my house would certainly make Miss Middleton a little jealous. I cannot force him to expose his heart and his feelings; but when he chooses to open up, it is among the rarest of gifts I have ever received.
Be patient. Be receptive. Don't judge the giver. Accept what's offered. It is beautiful! And it is 100% of him.
I cannot recall where I heard it, or when I heard it, but believe me; when it settled upon my ears it was one of those "aha" moments. One where you sit up and say to yourself, "Oh my! How completely profound!" And then look around hoping no one saw you talking to yourself!
The statement (and pardon the pronouns) went something like this:
Just because he doesn't love you the way you want him to; doesn't mean he doesn't love you with everything he is.
Now, and I speak for myself, there are days when I wish my husband would bring me flowers, tell me the house looks great, tuck my hair behind my ear, and plant one of those "there's more coming later" types of kisses on me. That happens about once every 22 years! But . . . that doesn't mean that the usual "What's burning? Did you vacuum the pool? We're having that for dinner?" doesn't carry with it the weight of his entire heart. I am certain that his affections underscore each and every word. I cannot force his actions, but I believe with all my heart that he loves me with every ounce of his being. And know that, on occasion, he pulls the proverbial rug out from under me with lines like, "You have sexy toes," (the day after giving birth to Deanna) or "You have the skin of a 19 year old." (On my 45th birthday.) Those days . . . I stand in awe!
To be loved by another person is such a gift. Don't try to manipulate it. Accept it for all that it is, in whatever form it may come. I cannot ask hubby to quote poetry, but sometimes the words that spill from his mouth put Angelou to shame. I cannot ask for horsedrawn carriages and rose petal carpets, but there are days when dinner and a night in at my house would certainly make Miss Middleton a little jealous. I cannot force him to expose his heart and his feelings; but when he chooses to open up, it is among the rarest of gifts I have ever received.
Be patient. Be receptive. Don't judge the giver. Accept what's offered. It is beautiful! And it is 100% of him.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Victory
It was the first couple of days of 8th grade. I was very hesitant about entering advanced math. I knew, at the time, that I adored math but wasn't sure I'd be able to keep up with the likes of Timi, Paul, Frank, and others. So, in typical Lyn fashion, when the teacher posed the question, "Does anyone know what LINEAR means?" I boldly raised my hand. The teacher smiled, thrilled for such eager participation so early in the year, and said, "Yes, Miss Rider." Clear as day, I said, "More like me?" The entire class erupted into laughter. It kind of eased the tension, but the teacher didn't find it very funny.
And that little quip brings me to one of my favorite Ch-Angels.
My husband, Victor.
For about 22 years now, I have been by this man's side. He leads when he needs to. He follows when it's best. But most times, we walk together, side-by-side, through whatever storms life may throw at us or through beautiful moments of pure bliss. We play together. We work out together. We work together. We worry together. We share together. We laugh together. We cry together. We reminisce together. We sweat together. We hope together. We talk together. We raise absolutely amazing children together. We plan together. We love each other.
He stumbled over himself the first day he met me. I was dressed and coming from a modeling class to apply for a hostess position at his restaurant. He fought his other manager to open the door and interview me. And the first thing I saw, coming across that parking lot, were those incredibly deep dimples framing a perfectly inviting smile. The rest, as they say, is history.
He is my strength, my support, my teacher, my student, my playmate, my friend, my lover, my soul mate, and my life. One look into those warmest of brown eyes just makes me melt. He holds me together when I am falling apart. He keeps me focused when I am distracted. He makes me laugh when I am near to crying. He speaks one simple line and I fall in love all over again like some giddy high school sixteen year old.
He makes me want to be a better person. He takes my heart when he takes my hand; and he can hold them both forever. Life is not always a perfect little picnic; but with him as my constant companion, I am certain that we can do anything together.
He is my own sweet Victor-y.
And that little quip brings me to one of my favorite Ch-Angels.
My husband, Victor.
For about 22 years now, I have been by this man's side. He leads when he needs to. He follows when it's best. But most times, we walk together, side-by-side, through whatever storms life may throw at us or through beautiful moments of pure bliss. We play together. We work out together. We work together. We worry together. We share together. We laugh together. We cry together. We reminisce together. We sweat together. We hope together. We talk together. We raise absolutely amazing children together. We plan together. We love each other.
He stumbled over himself the first day he met me. I was dressed and coming from a modeling class to apply for a hostess position at his restaurant. He fought his other manager to open the door and interview me. And the first thing I saw, coming across that parking lot, were those incredibly deep dimples framing a perfectly inviting smile. The rest, as they say, is history.
He is my strength, my support, my teacher, my student, my playmate, my friend, my lover, my soul mate, and my life. One look into those warmest of brown eyes just makes me melt. He holds me together when I am falling apart. He keeps me focused when I am distracted. He makes me laugh when I am near to crying. He speaks one simple line and I fall in love all over again like some giddy high school sixteen year old.
He makes me want to be a better person. He takes my heart when he takes my hand; and he can hold them both forever. Life is not always a perfect little picnic; but with him as my constant companion, I am certain that we can do anything together.
He is my own sweet Victor-y.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Survive and Smile!
Life's sweet equalization can make you a little loopy, right?
I've got a dear, sweet friend of mine who is about to burst with excitement over her upcoming second marriage to a man who treats her as she should be treated, enjoys sharing her favorite activities, and just makes her about as happy as I have ever seen her. I've got another dear friend whose husband of more than twenty years cannot decide what makes him happy, and so he wanders, leaving her and her family in a limbo full of questions and doubts.
I've got the sheer joy of heading to the gym on a regular basis with my son who consistently beats me around the racquetball court. It's just a little while, a couple of times a week, but it is a sweaty few hours that I cherish for many, many different reasons. Then there is the balance issue and continuous thumping in my head, unexplainable by more than one physician, that detracts; not only from racquetball and my precious time with my son, but from life in general.
I've got the indefinable thrill of being able to write this blog most every day, devote time to poetic inspiration, and offer my graphic talents to local schools and incredible projects. It is a bit disenchanting to know that my reward is not monetary cause I could surely use a paycheck.
There is a Yang for every Yin. There is a Negative for every Positive. There is a Closure for every Opening. There is a Pull for every Push. The trick of navigating through the nonsense is to grab those positive parts and hold on for dear life.
I celebrate with my pre-marital girlfriend. I comfort the other. I thrive on my racquetball losses. I tend to my issues after. I write with the passion God granted me and my payment is often much greater than any monetary value.
The great equalizer of life . . . is death. Live for the moment. Breathe in the now. Take on your negatives as an integral part of your positives. Push me. Pull me. Survive and Smile!
I've got a dear, sweet friend of mine who is about to burst with excitement over her upcoming second marriage to a man who treats her as she should be treated, enjoys sharing her favorite activities, and just makes her about as happy as I have ever seen her. I've got another dear friend whose husband of more than twenty years cannot decide what makes him happy, and so he wanders, leaving her and her family in a limbo full of questions and doubts.
I've got the sheer joy of heading to the gym on a regular basis with my son who consistently beats me around the racquetball court. It's just a little while, a couple of times a week, but it is a sweaty few hours that I cherish for many, many different reasons. Then there is the balance issue and continuous thumping in my head, unexplainable by more than one physician, that detracts; not only from racquetball and my precious time with my son, but from life in general.
I've got the indefinable thrill of being able to write this blog most every day, devote time to poetic inspiration, and offer my graphic talents to local schools and incredible projects. It is a bit disenchanting to know that my reward is not monetary cause I could surely use a paycheck.
There is a Yang for every Yin. There is a Negative for every Positive. There is a Closure for every Opening. There is a Pull for every Push. The trick of navigating through the nonsense is to grab those positive parts and hold on for dear life.
I celebrate with my pre-marital girlfriend. I comfort the other. I thrive on my racquetball losses. I tend to my issues after. I write with the passion God granted me and my payment is often much greater than any monetary value.
The great equalizer of life . . . is death. Live for the moment. Breathe in the now. Take on your negatives as an integral part of your positives. Push me. Pull me. Survive and Smile!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Mood Music
Music is a beautiful tool.
I have been privileged to be around music my entire life. Growing up in rural New York, not only did my parents have a steady band gig every Saturday night, but my brothers also started a band. The Night Owls and Emanon (Which is "no name" backwards. They were not the most creative people). We also had family band night. My house always had musical instruments everywhere. I am not proficient at ANY instrument, but because of being surrounded with those opportunities, I can pick out a tune on the piano, clarinet, flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and more. I can also play the drums and sang in more chorus concerts and competitions than I care to remember. And, although the results of family band night might have left a bit to be desired, the music always moved me!
Throughout middle and high school, my favorite part of gymnastics was floor. My senior year music was Flight of the Bumblebee. I was in heaven on those mats. Move to 18 or 19 years old and you couldn't keep me off Joe's East/West dance floor. I would go with groups of friends and spend the whole night dancing. At 19 or 20, I delved into the world of Aerobics ~ so very huge at the time. I trained to be an instructor. I simply adored moving to the music and actually benefitting with a workout, all at the same time. Through my body building era came the hard rock and heavy metal phase. Then came the children and I was back at lullabies and loving it all over again.
I know, thanks to my mom, music from the 20's and 30's thru the 50's and 60's. From my brothers, I grew to love the 50's through the 80's. Through activities and sports, I've acquired a vast expanse of admiration for all sorts of tunes. The single most effective outlet readily available. If you are melancholoy and want to wade into wallowing . . . music will take you there. If you are sad and want to cheer up . . . music is a fantastic method of transport. Want assistance cleaning or accomplishing a task? Turn up the tunes. Want to drop a few pounds? Twist or Zumba yourself to oblivion. Or perhaps, you'd like to 'find your happy place'? A few strategic classicals will take you there in moments.
Music really does 'soothe the savage beast'. It does a whole lot more too. It is a gift that is literally at your fingertips. Today, I wish you music for your mood! Enjoy!
I have been privileged to be around music my entire life. Growing up in rural New York, not only did my parents have a steady band gig every Saturday night, but my brothers also started a band. The Night Owls and Emanon (Which is "no name" backwards. They were not the most creative people). We also had family band night. My house always had musical instruments everywhere. I am not proficient at ANY instrument, but because of being surrounded with those opportunities, I can pick out a tune on the piano, clarinet, flute, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and more. I can also play the drums and sang in more chorus concerts and competitions than I care to remember. And, although the results of family band night might have left a bit to be desired, the music always moved me!
Throughout middle and high school, my favorite part of gymnastics was floor. My senior year music was Flight of the Bumblebee. I was in heaven on those mats. Move to 18 or 19 years old and you couldn't keep me off Joe's East/West dance floor. I would go with groups of friends and spend the whole night dancing. At 19 or 20, I delved into the world of Aerobics ~ so very huge at the time. I trained to be an instructor. I simply adored moving to the music and actually benefitting with a workout, all at the same time. Through my body building era came the hard rock and heavy metal phase. Then came the children and I was back at lullabies and loving it all over again.
I know, thanks to my mom, music from the 20's and 30's thru the 50's and 60's. From my brothers, I grew to love the 50's through the 80's. Through activities and sports, I've acquired a vast expanse of admiration for all sorts of tunes. The single most effective outlet readily available. If you are melancholoy and want to wade into wallowing . . . music will take you there. If you are sad and want to cheer up . . . music is a fantastic method of transport. Want assistance cleaning or accomplishing a task? Turn up the tunes. Want to drop a few pounds? Twist or Zumba yourself to oblivion. Or perhaps, you'd like to 'find your happy place'? A few strategic classicals will take you there in moments.
Music really does 'soothe the savage beast'. It does a whole lot more too. It is a gift that is literally at your fingertips. Today, I wish you music for your mood! Enjoy!
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