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.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY!!!

"The look of wild happiness in his eyes was amazing. Many people live their whole lives without that look. The best people in our lives never last long enough, but we have to be grateful for each moment that they get under our skins and in our souls" unknown email from one of Papa Squat's trail buddies

"Papa and I drank beers and dreamed about climbing Mt. Ranier in Washington sometime" He was part mischief and part mentor to me. And I loved him. When I hike the PCT I'm going to have Papa in my heart. And in life, when I start taking myself too seriously I'm going to think, What would Papa do?" Krispie

"one helluva hiker with two tours of the A.T. under his belt and prospects of the PCT in 2004, how can I even begin to think about the pct without him...see ya in hiker heaven brother!" Greenman

"Papa was a ray of sunshine whenever you ran into him and he always made me feel good about myself." Birdman

"I consider myself very lucky to have known Papa and to have had him as a friend. Papa wrote the most beautiful letters, and he truly cared for his friends in a way that few people do."
Snotrocket

James Franklin LeCroy, Jr. - September 30, 1961 - November 27, 2003 Thinking about ya bro!
also know as Papa Squat - a name given to him on his first trek of the AT (Appalachian Trail)

To me, he was my little brother Jimmy (I am the only one on the planet that called him that!) Everyone else called him James. James worked as a kayak instructor/guide for a brief time.The "lemon squeezer" on the Appalachian Trail. "Papa Squat" had been on the trail awhile and lost some weight thus being able to squeeze thru.

SUCCESS! Completion of the Appalachian Trail (1st time) from Springer, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. James felt most alive when he was on a trail somewhere! He was so funny and entertaining and everyone loved him! We miss you James! Happy Birthday in Hiker Heaven!

Inspiration

Rain is splashing in puddles on the concrete, there is a chill in the air. A new season is beginning. A leaf or two begins the subtle change from green to orange, yellow and red. It's a glorious season one I love for reflection, meditation and making improvements. Preparing to hunker down for the winter to come. Or for us in the South the promise of Winter. It is a quiet Friday and I am prone to daydreaming...the dripping rain beckons me back to the window! Browsing thru some shots of things... I derive inspiration for future projects...
This humble cottage would make a lovely vacation home in the mountains. It's definitely a fixer. It is in fact in the Smokey Mountains. Can you just hear the rain tapping on the tin roof? A couple rockers on the porch. Pure Ecstasy.

The clouds rolling over the Great Smokey Mountains...all around one is engulfed in this smokey haze...it has an ethereal feel to it.

The lines of this bench and the way it felt against my back...I could nap here. Oh yeah...Me and Moe, our feline son.

On a walk in the country at the family ponderosa...I have no idea what these are...reminded me of some alien pods........

What's not to love about this wiggly, little guy. Can you look at him and not smile for all his being so very "twee" (as my friend Dorothy would have called it) This was on the dash of my friend Kelly's car. He was rescued from a thrift shop in Florida.

Nature's beauty discarded from the sea for us to look upon and enjoy. I could sit there for hours and sift my hands through the fragments. Some shells were selected to be added to jewelry projects...nature graciously provided holes for them to be re-used as jewelry or in other art.

Kinda what today looks like, shades of gray...behave... we are not talking about my hair! This day has a reflective, meditative, silent deliciousness about it...hope you enjoy your weekend!

Peace Symbol Turns 50

The peace symbol turned 50 in April. It was originally designed to protest nuclear disarmament in the United Kingdom. The brainchild of Gerald Holtom, artist and WWII conscientious objector, the peace symbol was a result of his despair over nuclear weaponry.

“The symbol itself is a combination of the semaphoric signals for the letters "N" and "D," standing for Nuclear Disarmament. You can read more about the story at : http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/23/sunday/main3960390.shtml

I remember the peace symbol of my childhood, a colorful symbol of protest against the Vietnam War. Many people made disparaging remarks about the symbol even going as far as calling it the sign of Satan. I was of an age where I did not really care too much about protest I just enjoyed drawing the symbols on any and everything! I was reading a magazine and it pointed out the 50th anniversary of the peace symbol. Apparently several designers are creating jewelry and other accessories to commemorate the event. As my dear friends know, I am all about anything 50! I think the symbol remains a timeless reminder of peace. Our world is still rife with war and social injustice. It saddens me to see so much struggle between people. The best I can offer is to be a peaceful person. There are many, many people striving each day to live in gratitude, love and peace. I choose to be one of this group and hopefully set an example for those whom are less peaceful. Daily, I receive negative emails, encounter dismal news stories and encounter less than polite people. I can choose how I respond and what I allow in my environment. I choose P*E*A*C*E !!! So let's start our own peace movement...

One Wrong Turn

"Small errors can have a larger impact on our lives. The longer we delay corrective action the larger the needed changes become" as taught in a lesson by Karen Connell.

I was supremely lost. One initial wrong turn and then another...where in the world was I? So close to home, so close to my destination! No GPS to guide me. A cell phone left at home. Friends expecting me 45 minutes ago. Attack of the full fledged hissy fit. As I drove and drove in the middle of seemingly nowhere I became more and more frustrated and aggravated. I was angry with myself and ready to go home except I had no idea which way was home. I was continuously circling, so close yet so far. If I wanted to attend church there were dozens of churches, one on each corner! Yet, I continued to drive and rage at the world. I finally saw a church with a sign that said " When in crisis, turn to the Lord and Move On" Hmm...I finally saw a road that looked remotely familiar, however, I was on the "wrong" end. I pulled into the quaint church driveway pictured above and sat for a minute and gathered my wits (what was left) said a prayer, took a few pictures and drove on. Finally, I was making progress and reached my friend's house one hour later than originally planned. Upon arrival I launched into a diatribe of my whereabouts complete with unladylike language, amidst much laughter I was welcomed and given refreshments! A fun time was had by all. Yet underneath all the fun I felt a sense of unease. As dusk settled upon the land, I arrived home without incident. Reflecting on the days events I was able to pinpoint the reason for my unease. I had relied on myself and in frustration behaved badly. No one was there to witness my outburst, however, I knew it was not my best self. I have been relying on the "world" lately and less on the "spirit". I know that before a situation turns to a crisis to call on a higher power. In my case, my Heavenly Father who knows what I need often before I do. As I expressed gratitude for my day and my blessings I felt at peace. On Sunday, the talks and lessons were very much directed towards relying on Heavenly Father and believing in Him. One part of the Sunday School lesson mentioned that Korihor (Book of Mormon) was speaking out of both sides of his mouth. In effect he was saying I believe there is a God, but I can't see him, so unless I see some signs I don't believe in God. So which is it, you either believe or you don't. For me, I know God lives I just don't always listen and always regret that decision. We are given a great gift of the Holy Spirit and if we will listen to the still, small voice, we won't have to resort to outrageous behavior. The lesson from our Relief Society meeting was based on making errors and taking corrective actions quickly. On my way home I gave a great deal of thought to the messages I received and went home to ponder them further. The thought that kept coming to me is that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. I have been reading a lot of diverse material lately, some good, some questionable. I have been enjoying a non fiction book by a well known author and midway through this book, the author refers to religion and church in a very negative manner particularly the religion of her birth. As I continued reading, the stories and characters in the book resembled the very things the author would have been taught as a result of her religion. For all of her bravado, her bitterness shines through. I am unable to finish the book (which for me is highly unusual) I pick it up only to put it back down. I feel that sense of unease and so choosing to listen to that still, small voice I think I'll pass on finishing this particular book.

As for me, I am not ashamed to stand for God, the Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rejoice!

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

REJOICE, for your soul is alive...Eleonora Duse

A gentle breeze is fluttering outside the window. I stepped out to go to the bank and felt the sun on my face and the breeze blowing wisps of hair around my head. I am craving a walk in the woods by a stream. Some ice cold water to drink and some fresh berries or an apple for sustenance. Sigh...

Note on 50 books:

I am on the last couple of chapters of The Witch of Portabello by Paul Coelho - fiction, but has some meaningful messages throughout the story as told by the different characters who knew "the witch".

Maryjane's Outpost, Unleashing Your Inner Wild by Maryjane Butters - this is a delightful feast for the eyes and the soul. A practical guide to surviving the outdoors from your porch to the "real" outdoors and making it a truly beautiful experience. A vast array of topics is covered such as cleaning fish, decorating your porch, edible wild plants and making aprons. The photographs take you to a wonderful place. One you may remember...I will have to read this one a few times.

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?

Kickin It Old School

Birth name
Carole Klein
Born
February 9, 1942 (1942-02-09) (age 66)
Origin
New York City, New York, United States
Genre(s)
RockPopJazz
Occupation(s)
Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)
Piano, vocals, guitar
Years active
1958 – present
Label(s)
Rockingale

Website
CaroleKing.com


Beautiful

You've got to get up every morning With a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
The people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
Waiting at the station with a workday wind a-blowing
I've got nothing to do but watch the passers-by
Mirrored in their faces I see frustration growing
And they don't see it showing, why do I?
You've got to get up every morning With a smile on your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
The people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel
I have often asked myself for reason for sadness
In a world where tears are just a lullabye
If there's any answer, maybe love can end the madness
Maybe not, oh, but we can only try
You've got to get up every morning With a smile in your face
And show the world all the love in your heart
The people gonna treat you better
You're gonna find, yes you will
That you're beautiful as you feel

Someone please remind me not to partake in sugar, chocolate, caffeine etc. Why are they so deceptive, look so good, taste so good and then BAM...miserable night...massive weird dreams...drag myself "out o bed" my body protesting every second of it. There is only one cure for this type of overindulgence...throw some water on your face, hit the open road sans top (car top) and play some empowering music really, really LOUD! And sing really, really LOUD! Fake it till you make it Baby! I like a lot of new music but you just can't beat the "oldies" for a good time. Carole King really belts them out and I love it! The Tapestry album is by far my favorite. The song "Beautiful" never fails to lift me up. Smile at people with your whole face, let them see the joy and love radiating out from you. Often you can melt the strongest holdouts. The world is full of madness, just turn on the television or read the papers. Each one of us can do our part to make our little corner a bit of Heaven on Earth or Utopia, Shangri-La, whatever you care to call it. It starts with you. If you're not in the mood, try "kickin it old school" with me!

Unto the Least of These

" You must be the change you wish to see in the world" Mahatma Ghandi 1869-1948

I often like to meander my way through a very upscale housing development whenever traffic is horrendous on the main strip. I particularly like to drive across the lake to enjoy the reflections and all the beautiful flowers and landscaping. As I am driving the Porsche along the curving roads, those passing me in cars and on foot were waving like long lost friends. I have driven through this particular area in my 1999 Crown Victoria and was not greeted with waves and smiles, more like why are you here and what are you looking at. Hmm...Reminds me of that scene in "Pretty Woman" where Julia Roberts gets treated in a very demeaning manner because of her appearance, comes back later in designer labels and the store clerks cannot help her enough! Have you ever been in a very trendy, upscale shop and have the clerks look at you, like why don't you go back to Wal-mart where you belong? It often amuses or irritates me based on my frame of mind that day. Do we really know WHO a person is based on the clothes they wear, the car they drive or "the address" where they reside? To some people these externals are VERY important. I am guessing their whole sense of identity or importance revolves around what they own. Dear Husband and I work very hard and we are comfortable. We have sufficient for our needs and we are able to do things for others. We have " more" than some and "less" than others. Does this alter our character? As I was loading the boot of my car with office supplies, a man came up behind me (scared ten years off of my life) and really just wanted to know where the engine was in that car. My first impression was...am I about to get robbed...this guy was real friendly and was just fascinated by the fact that the engine was in the rear of the car! Would I have reacted the same way if a guy in a very nice car and suit asked me the same thing. Probably, if he came up behind me and startled me! When I feel the need to judge I remind myself that I do not know every one's circumstances. I am reminded of something I have heard in various messages, you do not know who you are standing or sitting next to...they may be a future world leader. I believe we are all sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father that loves each of us and that we are to love our fellow man/woman with the same fervor no matter where they live, what they drive or wear, what race someone is, what language is spoken or the religion that is practiced. Easier said than done, but we must all give this our best effort. If we were to see Ghandi, looking emaciated, tired and worn with the robes he is depicted in on our side of the street would we cross over thinking he wanted something of us? What if someone does want something of us...would we give? I was leaving the store the other day and a man approached me and asked if I could give him some change for a soda. All I had was a five and I gave it to him. He was thrilled to tears. My mom says she sees him all the time and he probably bought a bottle. I don't know if he did or not...that is not my judgement...it was what I felt in my heart at the time. We never know when we are "entertaining angels unaware" Another thought that comes to mind from the scriptures is "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" Matthew 25:40 (King James version, New Testament) Reminder to self and challenge to others: Let's be a little kinder, gentler, more forgiving, tolerant...we do not know what burden someone is carrying. We are our brother's keeper! Namaste