A Little Audrey...anyone?

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain...

I pretty much cannot take a photo with a cell phone...Michelle and Heather at the Koger Center

My daughters and I went to see the musical "Grease" at the Koger Center for the Performing Arts.  Michelle loves to sing, dance and act.  She played Frenchy in a high school version of the play.  In the foyer we noted the upcoming season at the Koger Center.  Could it be?  Yes, Yes indeed...My Fair Lady (one of our all time favs) will be here in November!  I think perhaps the most celebrated would be the movie version starring Audrey Hepburn.  Audrey Hepburn exemplified inner and outer beauty.  I have noticed a maybe not so new trend but new to me...many younger ladies are emulating Audrey Hepburn and ladies of her era.  Is that refreshing or what?  I loved her sense of style, grace and all encompassing beauty.  Googling along the way, I found some favorites:

What's not to love...bring out your inner Audrey!

and one more quote from Audrey:

Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama celebrates his 75th birthday in his adopted town of Dharamsala, India.  The Dalai Lama of Tibet has been in exile since 1959, as long as I have been alive.  His messages of peace, hope, compassion and simplicity benefit all humankind.  Se'Lah of Necessary Room is hosting a Random Act of Kindness Day in honor of the Dalai Lama's birthday.  She inspires me to be a better person and in her words practice...One Love!  Join us today...one random act of kindness...you will like it, I promise!  Following are some of my favorite quotes by the Dalai Lama:

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.


Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.


If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.


It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.


Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace
 
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.
 

 
Part of my life's philosophy is to practice kindness as much as I possibly can on any given day.  My random act of kindness occurred by accident or divine chance...as I was paying for sandwiches for my husband and me, an extra sandwich was added to my bill...I turned to the lady behind me and said "Have a nice day" she said "are you sure?"  I said, "Yes, and just pass it forward"  Hopefully, she will...  Happy Birthday Dalai Lama...we draw strength from your example of love, peace, perseverance and light!  One Love.

A Revolution of Kindness

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."  Mother Teresa

 

I am very curious to know if you participate in random acts of kindness.  Is it a natural part of your existence to be kind and giving?  Or do you get busy, have good intentions or just forget?  When I am in an expansive

mood being kind and giving comes very naturally to me without any actual forethought.  When I am feeling shrinky (whiny, self centered etc) it is harder to be kind.  Some actions are automatic for some people, opening and holding doors for others...picking up dropped items...allowing someone to merge into traffic...simple things.  When I serve others my world expands and I feel great.  As I said, this usually comes naturally to me, lately I have been feeling a little snarky and small...so with a little prompt from the Care 2 folks and this article in particular...I am joining the kindness revolution...29 acts of kindness for 29 days! The author of the article was prompted by a book entitled "29 Gifts".  The following is a little  insight as to how the book and the kindness revolution was launched.

“At age 33 Cami Walker, the author of 29 Gifts, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the life she knew changed forever. When she was going through some of her most difficult symptoms, she received an uncommon prescription from a friend, an African medicine woman named Mbali Creazzo: Give away 29 gifts in 29 days. Cami was amazed by what unfolded during her month-long journey.”

A friend of mine from blogland did something similar to this a year or so ago and for the most part found it to be quite easy to accomplish however did run into a snag or two on occasion.  I think the biggest thing to remember is that "a gift" does not have to cost money.   If you live in the spirit of love and giving, the spirit will prompt you to know what to do and when to do it.  Personally, when the spirit prompts I listen. 

My friend Christy of Christy Peake Photography (she also has a facebook page) captured some adorable best friend moments between her daughter and my granddaughter.  Christy captures the essence of her subjects.  She puts her whole heart into everything she does and is so generous with her talents.  I thought it very fitting that one of her photos should appear in a post about Kindness!!!

Join me...29 days...29 "gifts" (or random acts of kindness)...29 suggestions below...or leave a suggestion for me!

*make that phone call*send an email just to say hi*sincerely compliment someone*smile often, sometimes that is all someone needs*bake cookies and leave them with a note or anonymously for a neighbor*cut your elderly neighbor's grass or water their lawn*bring flowers to a co-worker (secretly is more fun)*leave chocolate on your partner's pillow*sweet notes in a lunchbag*give someone a heart attack (cut out lots of hearts and festoon their space or car with them) *prepare a casserole for some very busy family*be the water/lemonade mom/person in the neighborhood*child care is always appreciated*pick up litter*donate  pet food to the animal shelter*visit the nursing home...everyone goes at Christmas...some elderly do not have local family*offer prayers or postive thoughts*open/hold the door*buy breakfast*put a candy jar on your desk and SHARE*help your friend organize something*help someone pack for a move, offer to take stuff to Goodwill for them*take a friend or neighbor's pet for a walk (or play)*run errands*plant herbs in a pot and give to your favorite cook*clip articles you enjoy and pass them on to someone with the same interests*comment on someone's blog to encourage their writing*buy that starving artist's work, you know you love it*give that spare change away*leave a note in a library book that you enjoyed*SMILE OFTEN*
oops, more than 29...oh well...what will you do?

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."


Mother Teresa

Change for Chad

CHAD - Charitable Hands Are Divine
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Location: City Hall
Street: 1737 Main Street
City/Town: Columbia, SC

Five years ago returning to college, Chad was in a fatal automobile accident. In rememberance of their eldest son, Bobby and Lisa Radvansky started an organization called "Charitable Hands Are Divine" , the acronymn being CHAD. The goal of "CHAD" was to create scholarships, to create a desire in people to perform acts of kindness and to become involved in their communities. Lisa assists others suffering from tragic events in their lives. Bobby is always on hand to lend a hand. Recently Bobby, (Bob to some) was on a local radio station and the "interview" lent itself to creating a larger vision for the community on a much grander scale than the Lugoff-Elgin, Camden area. I would encourage you to attend the meeting tomorrow evening as I think some great things are about to happen. The mayor of Columbia is on board and wants to see individuals show more kindness to one another...to help their neighbors...after all, we ARE our brothers keepers.

I remember Chad as a polite young man I taught in Sunday School. My daughters remember Chad as fine looking, charismatic, fun guy to hang out with at church and other activities. I am supporting this effort in rememberance of Chad and because Bobby and Lisa are wonderful friends with a great vision! Life is Good...let us all help our "brothers" along the path! Hope to see you tomorrow evening!

Charity Never Faileth

In this time of economic recession, belt tightening and hunkering down are you still inclined to share with those less fortunate. Has the current economy left you feeling less than generous? We have been considering our spending habits and what the future may hold as has probably everyone on the planet.

In my twenties I was always "broke" and thankful for friends that invited us to dinner. I knew of an acquaintance, an able bodied man that on weekends would go to small towns and pretend that he was deaf and mute with the proverbial cup in hand. This appalled me greatly and left me feeling cynical about those "in need". As I came to listen to the still, small voice I was prompted to be more generous. Sometimes the voice of contention would rise up and say things like "you cannot give your money away...you have bills to pay" I discovered that the more tightly you hold onto things, the greater the loss. When you expand and "tithe" your life becomes more abundant. Tithing is often thought of as the one tenth of your income that you donate to the church you attend. I recently participated in an e-seminar that offered a slightly altered twist to the original concept...give generously to whom you will...whatever feels right, make a donation, lend a hand. As I was contemplating this idea many opportunities for "tithing" arose. How often have you felt prompted by that inner voice to give someone $1, $5 or whatever. I struggle to overcome the cynicism in my mind that says, "that person probably has more money than I do or why don't they just get a job" During our dinner conversation my husband said to me, "I just don't know what came over me today" and he related the following story. He was in the checkout line at the grocery store (he was shopping for his parents) and the woman in front of him was counting out coins for a bag of flour and a gallon of milk and it looked like she was going to be "short"...my husband told the checkout lady to add it to his bill. Additionally, he gave the "flour" lady $20 whereby she gave him a great big hug! As tears welled in my own eyes, I said, "Honey, you KNOW what it was that came over you"

Charity Never Faileth...this is the motto used by The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From my personal experience and from those around me I know that this is a true concept.

So in this time of belt tightening and being cautious...let us not forget the tired, the poor, the hungry...donate your time, talents and some $$$ We each are "our brother's keeper"

Santa's Helpers

Mix together a lovely group of fun filled, life loving floozies, assorted hats, delicious treats, Kendall's annual "surprise" beverage, generous doses of laughter and kind, loving, giving hearts and an annual Flamingo Floozie Luncheon takes place with fun had by ALL!!!

Thanks to the Lauren that stood in for our errant photographer. Tom had errands to run...hmpf

He generally hides out until he is called for the photo ops.

The hostess with the mostess (the Diva) and her partner in crime (the princess of quite alot)!

Since the Floozies are an extraordinarily blessed group...in lieu of purchasing each other gifts we decided to purchase Christmas for a dear family... a single mom with two lovely very young daughters. Thanks to generous offerings of the Floozies and diligent shopping by the Princess of Quite Alot and the Diva, each child will receive a toy, several pairs of shoes, a winter coat and an extensive winter wardrobe. In addition, a gift certificate will be purchased for their Mother.

Woohooo!!!

Let the wrapping begin!!! Santa's helpers busy boxing and wrapping the gifts in the Flamingo room.

A Very Happy Birthday to Rhetta (far right) ! Can you put your thumb here for just a sec! I was taking pictures and making gift tags.

All enjoyed watching Rhetta open her birthday gifts! Ellie looks like she wants a set of those!

More birthday festivities! The Diva played the stereo this year instead of her beautiful piano!

Sometimes a picture is worth more than a thousand words! We all lead such busy, diverse lives but we come together in the spirit of fun, friendship and giving.

Our friend Bonnie had another committment and could not attend...we missed you!

A moment was shared by several of us remembering our dearly departed Dot Dot...she would have loved this party the best!!!

May each of you be blessed with gratitude, love, and friendship this holiday season.

Lessons from the Diva

Happy Birthday to the Diva...September 7...no current pictures from recent celebration as the floozies are being slackers and have not sent them to me! Love Ya'll anyway! We celebrated the Diva's birthday at Travinia's in true floozie fashion. A fun time was had by all. I have known Paula, aka as "The Diva" aka as my evil twin (some days I am the evil twin) The evil twin misnomer came by way of the Diva's students thinking we were sisters...we are sisters in spirit! I have known Paula approximately fifteen years...our daughters are the same age and quite frequently could be seen together. We have experienced grief, tragedy, divorces, joy, laughter, a series of adventures, workouts and everything in between! Paula came by the nickname Diva for a number of reasons, the main one being a mutual friend had a sign made for Paula referring to the Diva and the rest as they say is history or herstory! Paula has always been a swan, it took her a few years to totally embrace her beautiful persona. This is the woman my husband would leave me for if she were to have him, just kidding. Carl loves being around Paula but so do alot of other men, sorry Tom! In honor of this zany, crazy beautiful friend I have compiled a list of lessons learned from the Diva:

• You don't have to have a beautiful solo voice to sing in a choir, it's fun and it takes many voices to create a beautiful sound.
• Birthdays are too special to celebrate for just one day.
• Feathers and sparkles are a good thing.
• You can never have enough feathers, sparkles, black pants and tops.
• A little jewelry is great, more jewelry is better
• More is more!
• The joy of jacuzzi ownership
• Shopping is a good thing... it stimulates the economy
• Sometimes you have to let go of "friends" that drag you down or require more than you are willing or able to give or "cost" your well being in some way
• To enjoy excellent meals with good friends
• How to be a great hostess
• You can never have too many flamingos (that is a story for another day, while Kendall is responsible for the Diva thing alas I am responsible for the beginning of the Flamingo epidemic
• It's okay to be forked (not what you think, again a story for another post)
• Be Yourself and true to yourself, if someone doesn't like it...they are missing out
• Everyone is a potential friend
• The higher the hair the better

I could mention a few more things however the Diva is already very comfortable being fabulous...we wouldn't want her to get a "big head" The best lesson of all LIVE BIG OR GO HOME!!! So, again wishing the Diva a wonderful Birthday Month and then some. Much love from all your floozie friends!

"The Knitting Girl" Adolphe-William Bouguereau (1825 - 1905)

Any woman who sews or knits, or weaves, blends colors in a tapestry or creates a patchwork quilt, knows by the feel that a single thread is weak but the weaving, the blending, the interwining with many others makes it strong.

Any woman alone without friends to sustain her, to nurture and support, to hold with loving arms, like a single thread, is weak. But the weaving, the loving, the nurturing of others, the networks of friendship makes her strong.

Barbara, 1994 The Kinship of Women (Maryjane's ideabook*cookbook*lifebook - MaryJane Butters)

We are all connected by virtue of our humanity. When surrounded by joy we can feel joy, when surrounded by despair we can feel despair. Let us be our "brothers keeper", spread our own measure of joy to those around us!

P.S. "Confetti Scarf" is on the way to Dishy! I will be making more scarves soon as it is a form of meditation for me...I already have one for every day of the week...email me if you would like one and we'll see what we can do!

Work in Progress

Organic Cotton Washcloth knitted in a basket weave pattern. I had to concentrate and count! Washcloths are particularly good things to make when attempting new patterns as they are small and you will not pull your hair out when you must unravel the knitting due to gaping holes or such. The organic cotton yarn feels like a dream and these make particularly good face cloths as the cloths gently exfoliate your skin! I am pleased with this particular one as it turned out to be relatively square and does not resemble its deformed partners.

I did my insomnia thing this morning around 4 a.m. which is too early to get up but too late to get any more restful sleep. Rather than turn the television on and watch something totally inappropriate I decided I would finish the "confetti" scarf. When using this incredibly fun yarn and using a simple stitch, the whole activity becomes more like a meditation. The clicking of the needles, the movement of the yarn from one side to the other. I read something about knitting prayer shawls that suggested you say a prayer before you knit something for the "recipient". I do not sell many scarves mainly because a little portion of my heart goes into each one. A friend commissioned me to make scarves as Christmas gifts one year and determining the cost was very difficult. The work is labor intensive, the cost of materials is high when not purchased from a wholesaler and last of all, how does one price the little part of your spirit that goes into each item one crafts? So Dishy, I promised you a scarf, what do you think of the "confetti" scarf?" It is fun and youthful. Or would you prefer something thicker and more organic? This scarf needs a home, so leave a comment and I will allow my grandchildren to choose a name out of a hat! Tonight I will begin with the first of 50 chemotherapy caps...Needles for Noodles, as Hayden calls it, she is so clever with words! Originally I thought I would knit 50 of the same kind of cap but in different colors and textures. However, I found the cutest hat pattern, courtesy of Soulemama. I think she would be delighted to know her pattern will grace the head of someone that will deeply appreciate wearing such a cute cap. I also have a circular loom which makes a nice thick hat and may use it as well. I am excited and delighted with the Needles for Noodles project. Feel free to join us in this fun effort! Some people knit, some crochet and I have seen a vast array of sewn turbans, scarves and other head gear. Whatever your talent, let's share our "wealth" and pay it forward.

Talk To Me

Somewhere above the eyes between the wrinkles in my forehead reads a sign that apparently says "Talk To Me". Seemingly random strangers begin conversations with me and impart information that would be best left to their therapists. I am not a therapist nor do I play one in the theatre or on television. I must have the "look" that says you can tell me your deepest, darkest secrets, I do not mind and I have all day! Generally this occurs at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores. Grocery Store lines are the preeminent place to collect nuts. Being a genteel Southern Belle it is very difficult to extract oneself from these tricky situations. I am offering this bit of advice, DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT. Go about your business, do not look left or right, absolutely under no circumstances are you to look behind you. This is a sure signal that you are interested and will stay until the clerk starts clearing her throat or you look to the clerk for rescue. A sure way to start a conversation in the grocery store line is to purchase "unusual" vegetables even the check out folks do not recognize such as daikon, leeks, rutabagas and parsnips. I love to talk to people, really I do, however in the grocery store before dinner and after work is not my favorite time to be cordial. I want to get in and out as quickly as possible. Due to the exorbitant cost of gasoline...gas station conversations are almost impossible to avoid. It is a quick segue from "wow, these gas prices are killer" to "yep, I've had to give up my mani and pedi" or "looks like I'm having beans and rice for supper again." Here again, the key is to not make eye contact unless you have all the time in the world. I frequently talk about strangers being friends we haven't met yet and while this is true...every stranger is not your friend nor would you want them to be. I am sure a serial killer somewhere is waiting for me to make eye contact. Due to the eclectic nature of my reading habits I have encountered some very unusual people in the bookstores. My advice here would be to quickly shift your eyes from right to left and look over your shoulder alot, this discourages quite a few interested parties from extensive conversation. Of course, there is the option of talking to oneself....and answering. Works every time.

DISCLAIMER: The author of this post claims no responsibility for advice given at this location. She is also very talkative herself so much of this advice can totally be disregarded.

How about you? Are you a magnet for conversation wanted or otherwise?

FRIENDS: I LOVE THEM ALL

The Diva, my evil twin...the woman my husband would leave me for if she would have him!
Her singing voice melts his heart! Since my husband worships and adores me I guess I am safe, mediocre singing voice and all. Paula has a soft, gentle wonderful side that her good friends get to see frequently. The Diva sings, dances and entertains! Paula never meets a stranger! A good time is generally had by all when Paula is around! Often feathers ARE involved and not optional.

Music, music, music...It tames the savage beast, it triggers our deepest memories. I love music just about every kind! My daughters find it highly amusing when "Hey Ya" by Outkast plays on the radio. I HAVE to sing and car dance. It's not pretty but that's how I roll! Friday morning's selection was none other than "The Beatles" Only one of the best bands of ALL TIME!!! I was enjoying the CD so much so I brought it inside and am currently listening while I work, with earplugs, natch. I was listening to the song "In My Life" and it brought to mind the many, many friends I have had in my life and the ones I have now. Some of the lyrics state, some are gone but not forgotten, In My Life, I've Loved them all...I get a teary when I listen...the song reminds me of the blessing of friends. The term friend has so many different meanings and we have different levels of friendships! The Level One friends are people that come into your life and you are NEVER the SAME after knowing them. These are the ones that rather you did not call at 3 A.M. but totally listen to you should you call them at said crazy time. These friends will do ANYTHING for you and YOU will do ANYTHING for them. They love you at your worst! Level Two friends are people you meet up with and have a good time with, you totally enjoy them but probably would not request as much from them as you would expect from Level 1 friends. Level three friends are those you talk to and share email jokes, support what they are doing in their lives...these are the ones you don't see in your day to day life...such as blogging buddies, some you have never met but feel you've known them forever. Anything lower than Level Three is more in the acquaintance category...you are kind...talk to them when you see them but do not go out of your way to be with them. Friendships evolve and change, some for better and sadly, some change due to unfortunate circumstances or misunderstandings. Along with the various levels of friendships, you also have different types of friends such as work friends, book club friends, walking friends or gym friends, dancing friends and so forth. Friends enrich my life so much. I enjoy my down time by myself but nothing beats a friend to hang out and shoot the breeze!

Some are gone but not forgotten...

Dorothy was the type of person that when you met her, your life would NEVER be the same. She was a friend to all especially the animal kingdom! I was fortunate to have her as a BEST friend. I still miss her everyday however am fortunate enough to feel her spirit constantly!

Eddie was just the nicest guy ever. I met him in middle school and we had classes together through tenth grade. He was electrocuted during the Summer after 10th grade while he was working part time. He was shy and quiet. He had the most beautiful smile and smoothest, blemish free skin with the rosiest cheeks. I would not have given him the time of day in high school because I was in my rebel without a cause mode! I was also soooo in love with the guy who would become my first husband. This guy would have been the best boyfriend and husband ever! He was kind, gentle and considerate. He would be the type that would come over when you heard some crazy noise and make sure you are okay and totally not expect something in return.

Time goes on....

I am lucky to have a husband that is my best friend too! He is so funny and entertaining when he isn't annoying me.

Jayne, my church friend evolved to book club friend, walking buddy, shopping pal...one of the wisest, well read, interesting people I know!!! Also known as Marlajayne and Mom's Musings.
Jayne put the "y" in her name because she did not want to be just plain Jane...ya gotta love it.
Kristi started as a church friend, book club friend and has developed into a friendship neither one of us can quite explain. We think the same...which is scary for one or both of us!!! Kristi keeps me sane throughout the day with her funny emails!

One of my greatest joys in life is having my daughters as my friends! We have a great time together and I still tell them what to do...I'm just not responsible for their decisions anymore!

I LOVE Kelly she is one of the most enthusiastic friends. She thinks outside the box, is an excellent teacher (professionally and otherwise), photographer, artist. She keeps life very interesting. Kelly sometimes has to be reeled in...she is sooo crazy...that's why she has a "normal" friend like me to keep her straight! Time for a road trip to Jacksonville!

Level One, Two and Three Friends. Guess which one you are!!! Just amusing myself.... I Love You All!!!




I obviously could put tons and tons of pictures and remarks here about the many people I call friends. I am thankful for EACH and EVERY ONE of YOU!!! Wishing you the most fabulous, wonderful weekend where ever you may be...

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

Why did the Chicken cross the road? Ah, the age old question. Recently someone sent me a hilarious list of possible reasons "the chicken crossed the road". One indicated that the chicken needed a change. We all know that the other side of the road always looks better than the side on which we are currently standing. We cross over only to find that what we were looking for is not there, the view is just different! I remind myself over and over with a little help from my friends that I have everything I need right in this present moment and within myself. So many people are "unhappy". The key to happiness for me is really very simple. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and I wish to live by the example shown by his Son, Jesus Christ. I adore my family and enjoy spending time with them. Most of the time, I like who I am!!! If I am having one of those "I don't like myself, pity party kind of days, I do something kind for someone. This immediately removes the focus off of what I am not liking at the time. My friend, Jayne introduced me to a book called "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and I have found myself repeating those agreements over and over to myself and it really helps me stay focused on what is important! One of these days, I will be "blog" proficient and be able to put links in here correctly! I highly recommend reading "The Four Agreements". I do not tolerate boredom well, so I have little things I do to avoid it:

• I take exotic mini vacations in my mind. Anywhere in the tropics. Meditating on a mountain. Anywhere that gives my mind a momentary rest and change of pace.
• I take alternate routes when going places. I know I am driving the same route too often when I automatically go somewhere and it is not where I intended going!
• I listen to a huge variety of music
• Turn off the television. Too much television creates boredom, dissatisfaction and ennui!
• Learn something new!
• I love to read a wild selection of books. I am not hooked on one genre.
• Play!!! Bubbles are great. Fingerpaints and Playdoh are very therapeutic. Borrow a child if you feel silly doing it by yourself!
• Laugh. Laugh. And Laugh some more! There is humor in just about everything. Don't take yourself so seriously all the time.
• Be a tourist in your own town. I have been amazed seeing something with "fresh eyes"
• Try on clothes that you would not ordinarily wear.
• Clean and Organize. I love the satisfaction of organized closets and shelves.
• Cuddle with someone you Love!

If you are feeling the need to "cross to the other side" I suggest looking around and making a few changes on your side of the road. Sometimes a change of perspective is all that is needed to enhance your day to day existence! If you do cross the road with the chicken, remember we are over here cheering you on when you choose to come back!!! Just don't get stuck in the middle of the road.

Dear Dad

I have been pondering writing a letter to my dad for some time. Hayden wrote one on her blog to her father and inspired me to get on with it! Below is a stroll down memory lane...

This is one of our regular Sunday outings. Dad would take my brother and me to an old fashioned soda fountain and then on to the park and let Mom have a few hours to herself.

I was always Daddy's little girl no matter what my age at the time. He reminded me often.

Dad at Biltmore House and Gardens. Mom, Dad and baby Michelle spent the day here while I was working. My father adored being a grandfather and would put Michelle in his lap and read her the morning newspaper. I believe with all my heart he lived as long as he did because he adored being with her so much. She would go in the house and say "get up Opop." In honor of Father's Day and my Dad's birthday in July...

Dear Dad,

I think of you often with so much love and gratitude. I hope that I told you I love you enough and my actions expressed those feelings. As a parent I appreciate that you were an awesome Dad. You are the inspiration for the better choices that I have made in my life. I wished I had listened to you about computers because you sure nailed that one!!! You were the steadfast, calm and reasonable part of my childhood. A perfect foil to the "craziness" that was Mom. I remember how hard it was for you to punish us. I realize now that it was acutely painful for you, however, whatever form that punishment took, you knew that it must be meted out. I hated disappointing you. I remember thinking Mom's beating with the wooden spoon and yelling was over and done with very quickly. You would talk and talk and talk and look so sad. I learned honesty and responsibility for my actions due to some of your "punishments." Particularly the time I tried to blame Jimmy for something that was my fault. You embraced King Solomon's wisdom in dealing with that situation by allowing the responsible party to step up. I loved you and I adored Jimmy and I could not bear the responsibility of my little brother suffering the punishment you had in mind for both of us until somebody confessed and made it right. I have never forgotten that experience. Thanks for being home every night to sit down with the family to have dinner and talk about the day. We generally tackled you the minute you walked in the door and you wrestled, tickled and tossed us around until dinner was ready never complaining that you were tired. You were there without fail unless the once in awhile that you had bivouac or the tours to Vietnam that took you away. You sacrificed much for your country and family. Many of the anti-war establishment did not realize what you did for your country and the toll it took on your health. We had a few awkward years when I discovered that you were not my biological father. I pulled away a little out of anger and lack of understanding. I know that you and mom thought it was in my best interest. It never occurred to you guys that it would come up when I needed a birth certificate to get my driver's license and I could read German! You told me that I was extra special because you chose me. I thank you for loving me so very much. There were times when I thought Mom was really cold and I think you made up for that. You would be happy to know that she and I have sorted our differences and we actually enjoy one another's company. She did tell me the circumstances of my conception and possible termination and that once she saw me she was glad that she decided to keep me. After all these years, I understood her anger and why I would be a constant reminder of that night when she was powerless. You were the perfect mate for her. You calmed her fears and made her feel secure. You often worked two jobs after you retired from the Army to make sure that all our needs were met. Thank you for always putting us first above anything else. I often look at pictures and get so amused at your outfits! I now know you did that to annoy Mom. She has had a couple of boyfriends but has never re-married, she always says she would never find another man as good as you. I think she regrets not telling you more often. Thank you for helping my husband and I get a good start by loaning him the money to start his own business. He is still very successful at that endeavor. We are not married anymore, I don't know if he remembers everything you did for us, but I do and I will always be grateful for the faith you had in us. I am so sorry you had to suffer so badly with your health. I remember spending many times at the hospital, year after year. I know this truly frustrated you. To be such a visionary and to not have the strength to make those dreams happen. I can't see an episode of M*A*S*H and not think of you and the evenings we spent eating popcorn and watching television together, just you and I. When I am troubled I am sure you hear me because I still talk to you. Christmas eve is still difficult for me even after 25 years. There are things that come up and I tell my friends, "you know sometimes a girl just needs her dad." I can't remember your faults, I know you weren't perfect but you were as close as it gets. I realize not all fathers are like you and I was extremely fortunate that you "picked" me! Thank you so much for everything you meant to me and to the other lives you touched. Happy Father's Day and I Love You, Always!!!

P.S. I also remember all of your really corny jokes and songs!

Get Your Glow On

Just as I am convinced in a Heavenly Father that loves us, lights the way for us, joy to surround us and people to love us; I am equally sure that the Father of lies, contention, chaos and disorder is alive and well and seeks to disrupt our lives in whatever form is available. Some examples include contentious people, mean people, "gossipy" people, misfortune and a myriad host of frustrations. Fortunately, the Great Big Dreams retreat I attended has fueled me with strength, peace and a sense of clarity. I felt a definate shift in my mind and heart being around such a strong group of supportive, loving woman. Despite all the well being and calm, Monday dawned bright but quickly took a downward turn through a mass of mis-communications, irritations, and several other disquieting episodes. I wish to live an authentic life, being true to myself, and having authentic friends whom embody the same beliefs.
After a fairly "crazy" day I was able to talk to some friends that I consider bringers of light in a less than perfect world. I want loving, nurturing, supportive people around me!!! People that sustain you, care for you and shelter you against the storms of life.

To the naysayers and harbingers of contention, I say "Leave My Glow Alone!!!" I wish to be impeccable with my word which means I will not participate in collusion and I will speak the truth. To those that wish to force their opinion on me or fix my life or the lives of those around them, because they feel their way is better...leave our glow alone...we are fine without you. Fix Yourself!!! And I send them blessings of love and peace. We can embrace peace, joy and love bringing light to those around us or we can encourage the darkness, I, for one, say BRING ON THE LIGHT!!! How about you, are you spreading LIGHT?

And The Award for the Ugliest Hat Goes To....

Apparently this is the ugliest hat in existence. If you do not believe me, just ask my mother-in-law. She did not mention this once but approximately five times. She just didn't like this hat.

It felt wrong, the color was wrong and on and on. She hated for me to take it back but she JUST DID NOT LIKE IT! Said chapeau was her Mother's Day gift along with a lovely scarf with muted tones of blue, chocolate brown, off white. She generally wears extremely neutral colors. As to the scarf, her first response was " I have tons of scarves", however, she did like the scarf and kept it. Whether or not she will wear it would be a blog post for another day! I take great pleasure and a ridiculous amount of time and effort selecting just the right gift for someone. I only select items that I myself would wear or enjoy. Most of my friends appear to be thrilled with their gifts. I put together really nice baskets. I have people ask me to do gift shopping for them. At one point in time, had she expressed displeasure with a gift I would have to leave the room or go home and cry! I have toughened up some. I guess this comes from eleven years of really bad gifts. How in the world can I get this wrong every time for every occasion? My mother-in-law is a kind and loving person, truly she is, to be fair she is recovering from cancer and her hair has not returned from the chemotherapy treatments. Once seeing the hat on her, I realized her head is a lot smaller than I thought, as she always had a permed, curled & teased hairdo. I can deal with the size being wrong. Could we just leave it at that? OH NO! I was out to dinner with friends, Jayne and Cindy and told the story of the hat. Jayne said, "Why don't you blog about it" I really thought that none of this bothered me, but I realized I have been on a slow simmering, stew on the back burner. Yes, my feelings are hurt. Can you just say thank you for your thoughtfulness??? So anyway, I have NO idea where the receipt or tags are for the awful hat so I will keep it for myself! It is waterproof, I LIKE the color, it has a soft cotton lining and is adjustable. It is perfect for hiking, rainy weather and keeping the sun off my very fair complexion! Her birthday is next week..........