Happy Father's Day!

Fathers!
What an integral part of life! They have so much to teach, to burden, to share, to offer! Most folks are attached to their own and then, if lucky enough, find an in-law to befriend as well.
Me?  I have had FOUR!!!
First is Pop - my biological dad! I don't remember a lot of the early years as my parents divorced before I was 8. But he spent from when I was 12 until he passed away trying to amend for his earlier shortcomings and absences. He was a dear friend who supported me at EVERY gymnastics meet, listened to EVERY word I ever spoke, smiled whenever he was around any of his kids, and just tried to be a good and loving pal and person whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Second is Alfred - step dad #1! He may not have been my favorite person in the world, but I've got to give him credit for introducing me to golf and tennis. Starting with a single interchangeable club for each of the kids, we all whacked the snot out of the golf ball on a regular basis. A few of the brothers still play quite regularly and I'd love to if I had the time and a partner. I beat the boys on the boys golf team, because there was no girl team and was actually instrumental in getting a girls team started! I love tennis to pieces and that has spawned my adoration of racquetball as well. He was also instrumental in pushing my mom into the major end of the graphics business - where I garnered my livelihood. Been involved in graphics arts/design for nearly 40 years!
Third is Alfonso - step dad #2! Although our time with him was very brief, what he did for my mom was just incredible. Twenty years her senior, he showered her with affection and attention. He took care of her through her ailing years and shared in a plethora of all things she loved to do - especially music. He stood and sat in awe of her talents and her as a human being and, as my life was full of my own family, having my mom being catered to was a beautiful thing to finally witness. She deserved it and I cannot and will not ever be able to thank him enough for his care, reverence, and love for her!
Fourth is Sal - father-in-law! A man so short in stature but made up for in spades by his actions, love, and smile! With such a turbulent interchange of fathers as an adolescent, having this stability in my 20's and 30's was not only essential to my well-being, but fabulous for my heart! This man was a giant - no matter his size. He touched so many lives with sheer grace and kindness. To be called his daughter was truly a gift! I will cherish that for ever!
And let us not forget all those father-type figures who have come in and out of our lives. Those men who have served, in some manner, to rear us; to steer us; to guide us through some difficulties we faced, when our dad(s) could not be there. I thank you John, Harold, Lenny, Michael, and more.
I wish for you today (actually tomorrow) that you connect with your dad - whatever title he might hold. Thank him. Tell him you love him. Show him how much you care. It's not about the ties, the barbecue sets, or the sports memorabilia. It's about opening up and sharing your heart with someone who has given his up entirely for you!
Happy Father's Day!

The Three C's

Just a little snippet of something that caught my eye today . . .

Charm is a wonderful tool. It can be of great use and create many an open door!

Character is irreplaceable! Your word, your honesty, your core is truly ALL you have that is YOURS in this world. Do not let it be manipulated, coerced, or altered. Believe in what you will and stand by those beliefs with everything that you are. Do not allow titles and labels to lead you or mold you.

"Charisma without Character is a Catastrophe."

Behold, the Power . . .

About a million years ago, I read a book entitled The Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. I think I need to reread it and share it with others. I remember that I thoroughly enjoyed the book - even though I'd probably get a lot more out of it now. I remember thinking that THIS was how I wanted to think. Positive thinking and belief really do make a huge difference.

A very dear friend, from my middle school years, posted something on Facebook to the effect of "We Believe What We Tell Ourselves". It was basically a post to remind ourselves that we are worthy, well, and wonderful. It is actually, I believe, Dr. Peale speaking in another form.

You are important. You are worthy of great things. You are lovable. You can be who you are. You are strong. You can do this.

All true!

Things will get better. You can get through this. Everything will work out. The best is yet to come. This too, shall pass.

All true!

Believe with your heart. Train your brain. The power of positive thinking is truly an amazing gift. Thanks, Kate, for reminding me! And for helping me to share!!!

Service Above Self

Ah . . . clarity!

I was reading an article this morning about an extraordinarily deserving local fire chief who won an award for his community service. He certainly deserves the award and a bazillion others. He's a great guy who truly goes above and beyond for the community. The Rotary award is defined as "Service Above Self"!

Far too often, we are looking and searching for instant gratification. What can I get? How will this benefit me? If I do this, can I get something out of it? And this is what our children are learning. It is sad!

More folks need to practice the disintegrating art of "Service Above Self"! You cannot know true joy until you give something without the chance of reciprocation. It's even better when there's no opportunity for the recipient to even know the donor. To place your needs and wants second, or third, to the privilege of helping another is a truly selfless act and its ripples resonate to places you cannot even imagine.

There is no limelight. There is no headline. There is no fifteen seconds of fame. There is only peace, serenity, and fulfillment of another's necessities. It is a beautifully uplifting and freeing moment when you've walked away from 'service above self'. Such joy and contentment as to be nearly indescribable.

Today, I not only wish you the euphoria of 'service above self', but I also wish you the humbling experience of being its recipient. It truly puts life in perspective and allows you whole new vistas. And what a wonderful lesson to teach our children!!!

Be well!

I'm headed back to the gym today. I hate to be so erratic about it. Life, though, sometimes gets in the way. I have friends who would go every day, even if it meant being late to their own wedding. That's a little over-the-top for me. But I do realize how very important it is.

Exercise is not only is good for your body and good for your heart, but it is good for your soul. Just a brisk walk provides the same endorphin rush we get when we fall in love or eat great food. And although we're usually not sore after either of those, it's a 'good hurt' and your body's way of thanking you for making it work. I absolutely love it!

I wish I could get a majority of my friends to join me at the gym. It is such a healthy habit to have. I've been physically active since it was more just a matter of survival with six brothers. I enjoy all kinds of activities from track to football to gymnastics to dance to weights to racquetball or tennis and just about everything in between.

My goal, over the summer, is to make my working out more of a ritual and a little more regular. The first step in setting a goal is to tell people. That way, you've always got someone checking up on you . . . challenging you! So . . . I'm challenging you to challenge me! I've lost nearly twenty pounds almost entirely on diet alone. If I can add some regular exercise, I might be back to my old 'fighting weight' in no time . . . and yes, I love boxing and martial arts as well!

I wish you all health and wellness. I hope you are able to find an exercise that you enjoy and you're able to stick with it. There are far too many people who enjoy your existence to put it in jeopardy! Be healthy. Be well!

Enjoy!

There is something so calming and soothing about being outdoors and doing nature stuff. Mowing the lawn, to me, is one of the most refreshing, relaxing things I can do. Trimming up plants is another favorite. Sitting poolside with some good classic rock on the radio basking in the beautiful sunshine is just a splendid way to idle away an afternoon.

Yesterday was one of my most delectable sort of days. Being productive and yet enjoying everything around me. Making my house a little more homey and spending time with family. It just doesn't get any better than that. I so enjoy the blessings I have been given!

I hope that wherever you are, and whatever it is that you find inspirational, invigorating, inviting and invaluable . . . you experience it in spades. I hope that you take the time to enjoy nature, beauty, family, freshness, and the things that truly touch your heart. Play a game, laugh, nap, smile. Work hard when it is time to work hard, but work JUST as hard at relaxing!

ENJOY!

Best Things

Since I am feeling a bit under the weather today, I will keep today's blog to a minimum.

I need, during my pitiful sniffling and sneezing fits, to remind myself and others who may need this word right now, that . . .

"The best things are nearest; breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."


~ Robert Louis Stevenson


Thank you and enjoy your 'best things'!