I like Halloween, but it's not my favorite holiday. Although . . .
Many, many moons ago, my family decided to go all out for a spooktacular treat. My mom decided she was going to answer the door in all black, with a black shawl, holding a giant knife covered in blood (ok - it was ketchup). She would invite the trick-or-treaters in the house to pick their candy and change from the bowl that my youngest brother's hand lay in as he was cut up and bleeding all over the counter by the door. I believe there may have been another bleeding and broken brother that they had to walk over to get the candy, too.
Once inside, I opened up the cadillac door in the driveway, blocking the trick-or-treaters retreat and fell out backwards with my neck slit and blood all over. The poor little children had no alternative but to venture out into our very dark yard to get back to the street. Sadly, the rest of the brothers lay in wait; dressed in all black; with no intention other than to scare the snot out of those kids as they headed along their way.
The screams that were heard kept the evening rolling along; but the other sound . . . the sound of change and candy bouncing off the driveway and the cars as the children ran for their lives was too funny. That was just the silliest Halloween I can recall as a kid.
Story's not over. The following morning, we spent literally hours cleaning up our yard. There was candy everywhere. There was change all over the place. Spent the whole day after Halloween laughing about as hard as the previous night.
Ahhhhhh, sweet memories. Today, I wish you Halloween memories to fill your tomorrows. Enjoy! Be safe! And don't get too scared!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Do Over!
Life gets pretty whacky sometimes, doesn't it?
I so wish that we could revert to our childhood and keep life simple. We didn't worry about fitting in; being politically correct, or correct at all for that matter; and we just played and had fun. When we didn't like the way the marathon game of Monopoly was going, you simply tipped the board and said, "Do Over!" When you argued about who came in first in the race, to spare the argument you agreed . . . "Do Over!" When you weren't sure whose story or joke or anything was better . . . "Do Over!"
Wouldn't it be nice to start with government . . . "Do Over!"
Lack of job availability . . . "Do Over!"
Crazy laws, rules and regulations . . . "Do Over!"
Iraq, Afghanistan, WWI and WWII and every other conflict . . . "Do Over!"
Oil Spills . . . "Do Over!"
Katrina, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and fires . . . "Do Over!"
9/11 . . . "Do Over!"
Now, it seems, more folks wanna play "Hot Potato". Hmmmmmm. Oh for things to be simple again.
I so wish that we could revert to our childhood and keep life simple. We didn't worry about fitting in; being politically correct, or correct at all for that matter; and we just played and had fun. When we didn't like the way the marathon game of Monopoly was going, you simply tipped the board and said, "Do Over!" When you argued about who came in first in the race, to spare the argument you agreed . . . "Do Over!" When you weren't sure whose story or joke or anything was better . . . "Do Over!"
Wouldn't it be nice to start with government . . . "Do Over!"
Lack of job availability . . . "Do Over!"
Crazy laws, rules and regulations . . . "Do Over!"
Iraq, Afghanistan, WWI and WWII and every other conflict . . . "Do Over!"
Oil Spills . . . "Do Over!"
Katrina, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and fires . . . "Do Over!"
9/11 . . . "Do Over!"
Now, it seems, more folks wanna play "Hot Potato". Hmmmmmm. Oh for things to be simple again.
Friday, October 28, 2011
NEXT!
As a near-decade-long fundraiser for All Children's Hospital and The Children's Dream Fund, there is a lesson I learned from an extraordinarily wise and wonderful woman (aka: Mom), that I follow on a daily basis. NEXT!
Our very first fundraising function was a simple car wash. We had signs, matching t-shirts, used a beautiful church parking lot to work in, and just basically hoped that folks would come in. As the cars drove by, you could see the defeat on the faces of the children. And when one pulled in, it was like ants at a picnic. Those kids climbed all over that car in mere moments, cleaning absolutely everything. They simply had to wait for the next car to come in. Folks were very enthused with the energy and we donated over $900 from a simple car wash.
Next was cosmic bowling. We sold tickets for this event. Some folks didn't want to come. Some folks didn't want to participate. But, when someone showed interest, there was a sales pitch like no other. We only had to wait for the next person.
After a few years, I began having functions at my home. I had to organize Chinese and Silent auctions. Chinese auction consisted of sometimes more than 30 items and Silent auction items numbered near 60 or more. I listened to a lot of declines and negative responses when inquiring for items. I only had to ask the next person to get a yes.
My mom ran successful charter bus tours to various casinos, bingos, and other destinations. When she wanted to fill up her bus, she simply asked, "Who wants to go?" Some folks chose not to go. She cheerfully went on to the next person. She almost always had a full bus.
Life is much the same. When someone decides to take issue with you, move on. The next person will not. When someone tells you "no," move one. The next someone will tell you "yes". When someone hurts you or belittles you, . . . NEXT!
There will always be negatives. There will always be obstacles. There will always be nay sayers. There will always be mean people.
From the mouth of my most wise mom . . . NEXT!
Our very first fundraising function was a simple car wash. We had signs, matching t-shirts, used a beautiful church parking lot to work in, and just basically hoped that folks would come in. As the cars drove by, you could see the defeat on the faces of the children. And when one pulled in, it was like ants at a picnic. Those kids climbed all over that car in mere moments, cleaning absolutely everything. They simply had to wait for the next car to come in. Folks were very enthused with the energy and we donated over $900 from a simple car wash.
Next was cosmic bowling. We sold tickets for this event. Some folks didn't want to come. Some folks didn't want to participate. But, when someone showed interest, there was a sales pitch like no other. We only had to wait for the next person.
After a few years, I began having functions at my home. I had to organize Chinese and Silent auctions. Chinese auction consisted of sometimes more than 30 items and Silent auction items numbered near 60 or more. I listened to a lot of declines and negative responses when inquiring for items. I only had to ask the next person to get a yes.
My mom ran successful charter bus tours to various casinos, bingos, and other destinations. When she wanted to fill up her bus, she simply asked, "Who wants to go?" Some folks chose not to go. She cheerfully went on to the next person. She almost always had a full bus.
Life is much the same. When someone decides to take issue with you, move on. The next person will not. When someone tells you "no," move one. The next someone will tell you "yes". When someone hurts you or belittles you, . . . NEXT!
There will always be negatives. There will always be obstacles. There will always be nay sayers. There will always be mean people.
From the mouth of my most wise mom . . . NEXT!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Strength
Strength comes in many forms!
One of my favorite shows to watch is 'Strongman' competitions. Let's watch Jim carry this elephant across a balance beam on this tricycle without a seat. Who thinks this stuff up? But, undoubtedly, these men are incredibly able-bodied. The feats they perform astound! That is obvious, pure, brute strength!
Strength, though, comes in many facets. There is Rosa Parks strength. There is Nelson Mandela strength. There is Helen Keller strength. There is Kerry Strug strength. There is Aron Ralston strength. There is David strength. And there is the fortitude to face every day strength.
Each of us faces daily struggles. Each of us has that choice to make, every day, whether or not those struggles will win out over us. Today, please know, that the battle lies not in your ability to beat those struggles, but rather in your realizing that you have within you the strength to do ANY thing. You are all those people I just mentioned. You are MORE than that, too. You can stand up to indifference. You can make things change. You can overcome anything that's in your way. You can fight through pain. You can rise above seemingly insurmountable odds. You can do what so many fear doing. You own that power. It is within you.
Strength is in more than your muscles!
One of my favorite shows to watch is 'Strongman' competitions. Let's watch Jim carry this elephant across a balance beam on this tricycle without a seat. Who thinks this stuff up? But, undoubtedly, these men are incredibly able-bodied. The feats they perform astound! That is obvious, pure, brute strength!
Strength, though, comes in many facets. There is Rosa Parks strength. There is Nelson Mandela strength. There is Helen Keller strength. There is Kerry Strug strength. There is Aron Ralston strength. There is David strength. And there is the fortitude to face every day strength.
Each of us faces daily struggles. Each of us has that choice to make, every day, whether or not those struggles will win out over us. Today, please know, that the battle lies not in your ability to beat those struggles, but rather in your realizing that you have within you the strength to do ANY thing. You are all those people I just mentioned. You are MORE than that, too. You can stand up to indifference. You can make things change. You can overcome anything that's in your way. You can fight through pain. You can rise above seemingly insurmountable odds. You can do what so many fear doing. You own that power. It is within you.
Strength is in more than your muscles!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Media Ch-Angels
Ch-Angel time . . .
This piece will actually envelope two people . . . Ann and Bill. They are the Batman and Robin of All Children's Hospital's media department. Superheroes with super hearts! They take heartbreak and make it matter. These two, among their zillion other responsibilities, develop the features stories for the All Children's Hospital telethon each year. They created Miles' story. They made us count. They made us a tangible, touchable effect of the hospital's abilities. They gave credence to our suffering, our stamina, our journey, our victories, and all the amazing things the hospital does.
These two, independently, are outstanding media stars. Incredible in their own abilities, when they put their beautiful heads together, they create incredibly touching stories that tug the heart strings, open the purse strings, and educate, too. Always behind the scenes, without much accolades, these two consistently produce work that help the hospital garner vitally needed funds every year.
In addition to their phenomenal media magic, I have had the privilege to get to know these folks on a personal level. I thought I was lucky having them portray my son's story for the telethon. What a pot of gold I have come across with the opportunity to call them friends. They are genuine, caring, kind, philanthropic, beautiful, unbias, dedicated souls. Willing to assist anyone in need at the drop of a hat, they give from the depths of their being with a true desire to simply help.
They earn their "Ch-Angel Wings" today through their selfless and tireless endeavors for those folks that don't have the platform to do so. Bless you both for all you do for so many others. Love you!
This piece will actually envelope two people . . . Ann and Bill. They are the Batman and Robin of All Children's Hospital's media department. Superheroes with super hearts! They take heartbreak and make it matter. These two, among their zillion other responsibilities, develop the features stories for the All Children's Hospital telethon each year. They created Miles' story. They made us count. They made us a tangible, touchable effect of the hospital's abilities. They gave credence to our suffering, our stamina, our journey, our victories, and all the amazing things the hospital does.
These two, independently, are outstanding media stars. Incredible in their own abilities, when they put their beautiful heads together, they create incredibly touching stories that tug the heart strings, open the purse strings, and educate, too. Always behind the scenes, without much accolades, these two consistently produce work that help the hospital garner vitally needed funds every year.
In addition to their phenomenal media magic, I have had the privilege to get to know these folks on a personal level. I thought I was lucky having them portray my son's story for the telethon. What a pot of gold I have come across with the opportunity to call them friends. They are genuine, caring, kind, philanthropic, beautiful, unbias, dedicated souls. Willing to assist anyone in need at the drop of a hat, they give from the depths of their being with a true desire to simply help.
They earn their "Ch-Angel Wings" today through their selfless and tireless endeavors for those folks that don't have the platform to do so. Bless you both for all you do for so many others. Love you!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Entertaining Angels
Simple kindnesses have made lasting impressions and eternal differences. We've all heard the stories of how a kind gentleman helps a lady change a flat tire in a rain storm and she ends up leaving him all of her earthly possessions or various versions. Some are true. Some are simply spiritual stepping stones to help you make better choices.
My theory is much more easy. No changing flats in rain storms, although, please . . . if you ever see me on the roadside with a flat tire in a Florida rain storm . . . STOP! Rather, to do the right thing when you see it needs to be done. It doesn't need to be a grand gesture and it surely doesn't need to be in hopes of some reciprocation. It should just be done because it should just be done.
Helping people is one of the most joyous, most enlightening and wonderful activities there is. I'm not saying that you should house every homeless person or feed all the panhandlers. But you can offer them an opportunity to help themselves. Give them a bit of self assurance, a little dignity back, some self respect. It's astounding what one can do with a smidge of self respect.
Give up your seat to an elderly person. Offer guidance to your fellow shopper who looks lost. Allow the multi-lane-changing driver to get in front of you so he can get to the red light 4 seconds before you. Help a needy neighbor. Allow that mall shopper the tiny convenience of unloading their daily burdens on you. It helps them and you can filter it quickly. A listening ear, a soft heart, a tender touch, a genuine gift of generosity goes a long, long way.
Remember Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." And you know how I love my angels . . .
Monday, October 24, 2011
Grow Round!
Ahhhh, to be well rounded! Sadly, this kinda refers more now to my physical shape than my abilities and experiences, but today I defer to those abilities and experiences.
What glorious opportunities I have had in my life. I have been enriched by so many things and so many people. I am truly lucky!
There has been a myriad of musical fulfillment. From swing and jazz through rock and rap. I've been blessed with classical influences and country soul and heavy metal. I've enjoyed barbershop quartets and been party to Sweet Adelines. I've played the piano, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, drums, flute, and more. What a joy to have been exposed to all of that!
And to that music, I have danced! I took ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, and hip hop. I did gymnastics for more years than I can recall. I played competitive golf, ran track, and dabbled in body building. I trained to teach aerobics and love tennis, racquetball, and tossing the old pigskin around. I'm a pretty good ping-pong and pool player and I adore a good bike ride. I love to hike and explore and climb rocks and ride horses.
I devour good books and have a plethora of reading tastes. Sometimes I enjoy a good Patterson thriller. Or, perhaps, a little Koontz craziness. And there are times when I go the complete opposite direction and read "Eat, Pray, Love" or "The Shack". Then maybe I'll grab something all uplifting like "Freedom Writers". Could not get enough of C.S. Lewis and pretty much will read most anything on angels. I think it's important to consume all sorts of things.
I've done a little travelling. Been up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States. I've been to Texas, Las Vegas and Wyoming. I travelled to Canada and to Germany. There are beautiful and amazing things everywhere. Know, though, that you need not travel to the ends of the earth to find beauty. There is an abundance in your own back yard.
And people . . . where do you start? I've known some absolutely, jaw-droppingly amazing folks. I have also known some . . . not-so-amazing folks. (That was nice, wasn't it?) I have met famous folks and average folks. I have endured the pains of hurtful people and have lavished, much more, in the love of genuine, kind, and caring folks. I like the latter much more, but must admit that without those hurtful folks the genuine ones would not be so very appreciated. There is much to be learned from EVERY person that you meet.
So, I encourage you today, to be well-rounded. It's never too late to start a new hobby, try a new destination, pick up a new paperback, or make a new friend. Life is about growth. Grow round, my friend. Grow round!
What glorious opportunities I have had in my life. I have been enriched by so many things and so many people. I am truly lucky!
There has been a myriad of musical fulfillment. From swing and jazz through rock and rap. I've been blessed with classical influences and country soul and heavy metal. I've enjoyed barbershop quartets and been party to Sweet Adelines. I've played the piano, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, drums, flute, and more. What a joy to have been exposed to all of that!
And to that music, I have danced! I took ballet, jazz, tap, modern dance, and hip hop. I did gymnastics for more years than I can recall. I played competitive golf, ran track, and dabbled in body building. I trained to teach aerobics and love tennis, racquetball, and tossing the old pigskin around. I'm a pretty good ping-pong and pool player and I adore a good bike ride. I love to hike and explore and climb rocks and ride horses.
I devour good books and have a plethora of reading tastes. Sometimes I enjoy a good Patterson thriller. Or, perhaps, a little Koontz craziness. And there are times when I go the complete opposite direction and read "Eat, Pray, Love" or "The Shack". Then maybe I'll grab something all uplifting like "Freedom Writers". Could not get enough of C.S. Lewis and pretty much will read most anything on angels. I think it's important to consume all sorts of things.
I've done a little travelling. Been up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States. I've been to Texas, Las Vegas and Wyoming. I travelled to Canada and to Germany. There are beautiful and amazing things everywhere. Know, though, that you need not travel to the ends of the earth to find beauty. There is an abundance in your own back yard.
And people . . . where do you start? I've known some absolutely, jaw-droppingly amazing folks. I have also known some . . . not-so-amazing folks. (That was nice, wasn't it?) I have met famous folks and average folks. I have endured the pains of hurtful people and have lavished, much more, in the love of genuine, kind, and caring folks. I like the latter much more, but must admit that without those hurtful folks the genuine ones would not be so very appreciated. There is much to be learned from EVERY person that you meet.
So, I encourage you today, to be well-rounded. It's never too late to start a new hobby, try a new destination, pick up a new paperback, or make a new friend. Life is about growth. Grow round, my friend. Grow round!
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