Every Life is Precious

Every Life is Precious

Today I decided to clean a closet.  That means I have to focus.  What needs to be placed on a shelf or in a drawer, and what must be pitched.  Those are the questions I asked as I touched each item.

After working for what seemed like an eternity,  it was time for a break.  Sitting at my desk, I opened my Facebook page.  It was then that I saw the heartbreaking news.  A young woman who had been in my classes died in a house fire.  She was absolutely beautiful.  Sweet and kind.  Her face always wore a smile, and there was a twinkle in her eye.

Once again I write about a person I knew who has left us.  Seems like there has been way too much of this happening lately.  We all know that life is uncertain.  We just don't fully understand how uncertain it really is.  I think I am glad we don't know our future.  Some of us would become incapable of continuing.  Others would accomplish much knowing the limit of their time.  As it is, we go about our life doing what we all do--work, play, hobbies, friends, family.

In a bit I will return to the mess in the closet, but right now my mind has taken me to a new place.  Let me share.

Not long ago there was a picture taken from Saturn of Earth and her moon.  My goodness.  How tiny in all of creation.  How insignificant Earth looked.  Just a pin dot.  My mind was challenged by the vastness of space.  In all of that ocean beyond our earth, there are millions and millions of "worlds" we know nothing about.  I love it that we continue to explore.

Then I thought about all the ways humans have of hurting one another.  We seem to think the universe revolves around us.  Perhaps that is due to the fact that we are the only ones we know about at this time.  Would we be different if we knew we were being observed?  And what would others see if there are others who can see us?  From a distance, as she sang in that beautiful song, we all look so alike.  Arms, legs, hands, feet, heads, middles.  Sure, we range in color, but we are basically fomed the same.  Would it seem strange that beings who look the same actually try to hurt and kill one another?  It's not like Star Wars where beings are really different--and I love Star Wars.  Humans are recognizable because of similarities.  Or would "they" see us being compassionate?  Would observers see our kindness?  Would our love shine?  Would they sense that we are a creation of great value?  Would they understand that we value each human life?  Would our progress be apparent--not only progress in science, but also progress in taking care of this beautiful earth?

Another thought--and they come unannounced!  Are we an experiment?  Are we here to learn how to really live and love?  If so, are we learning?  Are we working at compromise when it seems compromise is impossible?  Do we give up?  Do we allow injustice to reign?  Are we moving toward the understanding that everyone has true worth?  Are we practicing radical hospitality?  If those are some of the lessons we are to learn, how are we doing?  On a very large report card, what grade would we be given?

This is too much.  I can't think along those lines for long.  My brain rebels.  So, I guess I will return to the tedious job of cleaning.  I need something mindless for a little bit.  And as I clean, I will remember that young woman who walked this earth and touched countless lives.  Rest in sweet peace, dear one.

"Your House is on Fire!"

"Your House is on Fire!"--


Several years ago, we had a house fire.  It started in the basement.  It actually put itself out when pipes melted, and water poured down.  While the fire was the beginning, the smoke finished everything.

We were on our way home when we received a phone call saying our house was on fire.  That is not a message we expected to hear that night.  I put the pedal to the metal and hurried home.  Firetrucks blocked the curve by our driveway.  Flashing lights were in the driveway.  Firefighters, dressed in full gear, were coming and going from the house.  It looked like something straight out of a television program.

Everything looked fine from the outside.  We were told where the fire started.  Since the fire was out, smoke was the culprit.  We were allowed inside only long enough to gather personal things--toothbrushes, medicines and a few clothes.  We hurried as we were told it was toxic in the house.

Now we needed a place to stay.  We found an extended stay motel.  That would be our home for more than a month.  The next morning we returned to do a walk-through.  In the daylight we could see how the smoke had ruined walls, carpet, furniture.  Everything was covered with a film.   We hired a company to begin the cleaning process.  Workers arrived the next day and began removing everything.  And I do mean everything.

We lost a few pieces of furniture, a few pieces of art and all the carpet throughout the house--even on the upstairs level.  Smoke had traveled through the vents to all rooms.  Clean-up began.  It was a long process.  Everyday we returned to the house to answer questions and see what was happening.

Eventually, it was all cleaned.  Carpet was laid.  Window treatments and clothes returned from cleaners.  Boxes and boxes of possessions were returned and placed in the basement.  That would be our challenge.  Opening all those boxes and finding a place for things.

It is strange how that felt.  The house was a blank slate.  And now that everything was returned, it was hard to put things away.  It all felt so different.  It was a good time to throw away items we simply should have disposed of years before the fire.  So, we began a pile of things we no longer needed.

People would ask us if we were okay.  I know they were concerned that we had a fire.  And that perhaps we had lost items with sentimental value.  They were concerned that we were out of our house for a long time.  We were honest when we shared that we were fine.

Yes, we had been displaced.  Yes, we lost a few items.  Yes, it is difficult to remember exactly what was in each room for insurance purposes.  Those itemized lists are a pain.  But, our home was standing.  The people from the company who did the cleaning were wonderful--caring and kind. Our insurance agent was so understanding and helpful.  No one was hurt.

No one was hurt.  That is the key to our ability to deal with this positively.

Life can be divided into three sections--people, places, possessions.  This is not my idea.  It is from a book I read years ago.  The order in which we place those three"p's" says much about what we value.     People first.  Places next.  Possessions last.   I will be the first to admit that I love a section of this wonderful country with all my heart.  That would be a place.  And I value a few items.  Pictures, a few pieces of jewelry, some artwork, furniture that belonged to special people in my life. That would be possessions.  But none of those hold a candle to the value of the people in my life.

You may find yourself in a similar circumstance at some point in your life.  Challenges may race toward you.  You may have no warning.  That is life happening.  Some of life's challenges are easier to deal with than others.  Certainly a house fire is nowhere close to the trauma of a death or illness.  The point is those challenges that visit us tell us much about who we are.  We learned so much about ourselves from the fire.

Often there is no time to prepare.  We simply have to walk through whatever situation comes our way.  Those life challenges help us understand the pain that others feel when life hurts.  We can offer our understanding.  And, honestly, that is the essence of life--to extend ourselves to others in need.

Now years after the fire, we need to redo the house again!  Ourselves--not with the help from a fire!:)

One-Liners

One-Liners--


One-liners are quick ways to get a point across.  When others agree with our one-liners, we are validated.  It feels so good to lead the way, doesn't it?  I love it when others agree with something I write.

But, one-liners can be very judgemental.  When they are judgemental, they almost always have an edge.  Frequently they are written by folks who feel they have the answers to life's challenges.  I wish it were that simple.  Unless one-liners are positive, they hold no interest for me.  I read them and then move on.

How easy it is to believe we have the answers to most of life's challenges.  If only others would listen to us.  If only others believed what we believe.  If only we could influence thinking.  Life could be so much better if others lived as we do.  The only thing bothersome about this way of thinking is it negates any other point of view.  It replaces personal choice with our choice.

What is right for one may be questionable for another.  We each get to make our own decisions.  One of the beautiful aspects of being human is our ability to make choices.  Now, just because we have the ability to make choices doesn't mean we always make the best ones.  Making choices that challenge us push us to grow.  Honestly, I don't wish to be around folks who believe they always make the right choices.  I find those folks a bit self-centered.  Spending time with others who are searchers on this journey is refreshing.  We can each share without feeling we are being preached at.  Who wants that?

It is most enjoyable to visit with someone who values others.  Who knows that each life journey and life story is unique.  I love to be able to tell my story without the knowledge that judgement is just under the skin of the listener.    My life is a highway of roads leading in all directions.  There have been times when I wished I had taken a different road, and other times when I rejoiced on the journey.  But, the thing is this--all my choices belong to me.  Life, for me, has been a series of conversations with myself and others.

And you know what?  I don't remember a single judgemental one-liner.  But I do remember the love, care and concern shown to me by others.

Another Goodbye

Another Goodbye--

This morning we said goodbye to a friend.  We will do that all over again in a couple of days.

Early this morning a neighbor and friend did not wake up.  Another family mournes.  Friends and family will gather round in support and care for the family.  Life will never be the same.

What to say.  Words are not coming this morning as I sit to write.  Maybe it is the shock of another fine person who left us too soon.  A person who cared for all the neighbors.  Who would watch over your place while you were on vacation.  Who would plow out a driveway just because it needed to be done. A person whose hand was always thrown up in greeting.

His journey on earth is complete.  Those of us left will think of him and smile.  He will be missed.

No more, please.

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Saying Goodbye to a Friend--


This morning we will say goodbye to a friend.

Recently I had a conversation with a friend about this thing called life.  We looked at it from all sides and pronounced it good.  Good even when we know that it has an ending.  Good even though we realize there will be mountains to climb and valleys that take our breath away.  Yes, good even though we will experience such pain.  We contrast that pain with joy and say it is good to be given the gift of life.

Hearts are heavy today.  The hurt is not only emotional, it is physical as well.  Our bodies ache.  Our minds struggle with understanding.   Yet, there is no way to explain the whys.  Parts of us that keep us alive wear down.  Things go wrong inside our bodies.  Sometimes there is a way to fix the problem.  And sometimes, even with the best technology and skill, the problems cannot be fixed.  The whys begin.

How to comfort the hurting family is the question.  It won't be long until people return to the business of their lives.  That is how it works.  It is not a bad thing.  But, for the one whose life has changed the most, life will seem to stand still.

This morning we say goodbye to a very fine person who walked this earth.  Who achieved much.  Who loved his family.  Who was a good friend.  Who served his community and church.  Who walked in thoughtfulness.  This man will be missed.  That is the best tribute we can pay to him.

Thank you for all you did and were for all the days of your life.

Hanging Wallpaper

Hanging Wallpaper--


Wallpaper is making a comeback.  Is that a good thing?

Some of the rooms in my grandmother's house had wallpaper.  I remember running my hands over it.  There were designs that were raised and felt like velvet.  It was heavy and dark.

A few years or decades later wallpaper manufacturers decided to lighten the look a bit.  I spent hours pouring over wallpaper books.  All the different textures, designs, colors.  We were herded into apples and cherries for the kitchen with maybe a few vines flowing around the fruit.  In the bathroom we were given fewer choices.  There were specific designs for every room.  But, the heavy brocade was gone.

At one point in wallpaper history the glue had to be applied with a brush.  What a chore.  Later came the prepasted.  Much easier to hang.  Of course one needed a bathtub handy for those long strips to soak.  There was a bit of dripping from the bathroom to the designated wall, but that was simply part of the process.

We had very slanted ceilings in an upstairs bedroom.  I decided wallpaper would be lovely on those slanted ceilings.  My husband had a few misgiving about gravity but was persuaded to apply it.  Everything was going so well.  The first strip was up and looking lovely.  It added such warmth to the room.  Such character.  Then he began applying the second strip.  Now, he is a very patient man.  But his patience began to wane when the first strip decided to fall down on his head.  There he stood with wallpaper covering him.  It was probably not the time to laugh, but there was nothing I could do about the sounds that escaped my body and exploded into the room.

With great self control he laid the second strip down and reapplied the first strip.  We waited.  And waited.  It seemed to stick.  He proceeded with the second strip.  I wish I could say that falling, wet wallpaper happened only once.  Sadly, it didn't.  However, he continued until it was almost cemented to the ceiling.  Even though it wasn't exactly straight, I knew enough to stay quiet.  Years later we removed it.  And laughed about the hanging party.

Stripes became popular.  One day I decided that I would wallpaper the hallway by myself.  I had friends who did it all the time.  Everytime we got together, they bragged about the latest wallpaper hanging. One would describe the lovely wallpaper she had put up in the bedroom. The seams were hardly visible.  Another would talk about her dining room.  Well, I wanted to join that party.  I selected the paper, took it home, measured the height of the wall, cut the paper and put it in the tub to soak.  What is the correct term for that?  Who cares.

After the designated time of soaking, I removed it from the tub.  Where to begin hanging it?  Looking at the hall wall, I decided to start in the middle.  Seemed like the best place to me.  So, I hung the first strip.  Quite proud of myself, I cut the second strip and laid it in the tub to soak.  Then my phone rang.

Wouldn't you know?  It was one of those wallpaper hanging friends.  After a bit of conversation, she asked what I was doing.  I told her I was hanging wallpaper.  There was a long pause in the conversation.  I thought the line might have gone dead.  She then asked me all about my technique.  Did I cut it correctly?  Did I soak it in water?  Did I start at a corner?

A corner?  Why should I start at a corner?   I said no, I had not started at a corner.  She asked where, exactly, I had hung the first strip.  I said in the middle of the wall.  There was a small gasp followed by the command to wait until she arrived at my house.  I was just a little offended.  Why was she coming to my house?

In a few minutes she arrived.  Hurrying upstairs, she looked at the lovely strip I had hung, started to laugh and hugged me.  Then she started to clean up my mess.  In a couple of hours she hung all the paper in that small hall.

One might think it was a ploy to get her to my house to hang it for me.  One would be wrong!  I really did think I could do that.  Honestly, I don't remember reading anything about starting at the corner instead of the middle of a wall.  But, I know now.  Yes, I do.

So--wallpaper is making a comeback.  But not in this house.  We will use paint to create the magic.  And I can start anywhere I want on any wall.

The Dreams We Once Had

The Dreams We Once Had--

Is it possible we reach a point in our lives where we do not dream anymore?  The dreaming I am writing about is not the kind that colors our nights, but the ones that captured our imagination years ago.    Maybe it was piloting an airplane.   I tried that once.  Made the decision that I wanted to learn to fly.  Took a lesson with a woman who flew planes in the big war.  She was a very good instructor.  Everything was going well until she told me to shut the engine off--and we were high in the sky.  Shutting the engine off while on the ground would have been fine.  But we were not on the ground.  I remember thinking that I was going to die.  It idled for a bit, and then she told me to start it again.  Obviously it started, or I would not be writing this blog.  Once on the ground and safely in the hanger, I did some serious thinking about flying lessons.  That dream had a beginning and an end on the same day.

I think it is important to recognize the dream.  Take a good look at it.  Roll it around in your mind.  Figure out how you might accomplish it.  Then go for it.  It might make no sense to anyone else.  But, does that matter?  What matters is that you took the chance.

Perhaps you have always wanted to be a chef.  Take lessons.  Or maybe you have always wanted to jump out of an airplane.  Do it.  Strap yourself to that experienced skydiver and take the leap.  Have you always wanted to sing in a group?  Go to places where groups are performing and ask how you might be a backup singer.  You have to start somewhere.  I always thought that would be great fun.  I have sung in groups both large and small and done a bit of performing.  It is so cool.  Join a choir.   Believe in your ability to be part of something that you have dreamed about doing.

Have you wanted to work with children?  Volunteer at a school to listen to children read.  Or tutor a child who needs a little bit of encouragement.  Churches always have classes for children.  Give that some thought.

You see, doing what appeals to you will make you a happier person.  That dream you have held in the private place deep within you is yelling to get out.  It wants to see you have that new experience.  It knows how good you will feel about yourself once you have stepped forward.  That dream that is dormant can come to life.  It is up to you.

I guess the question is this--What are you waiting for?  What has to happen for you to move toward that long held dream?

Life--So Uncertain

Life--So Uncertain--


People, life is so uncertain.  It changes in a blink of an eye.  One minute we are in a good place.  Everything is going well.  We are making plans for our future.  We are enjoying life.  Sure, there are bumps, but they are bumps we can conquer.

And then it all changes.  Nothing is ever the same.  We try to make sense of the change, but we can't.  We are lost in a flood of emotions.  Our very foundation is shaken to its core.  Thoughts are jumbled.  Direction is gone.

People send comforting words.  They help.  But, the ache is so deep and the hurt is so fresh.  This walk is new.  We don't want to walk it.  But there is no choice.

To those of us who have not walked this walk, take care of those you love.  Hold them close.  Spend quality time with them.  Laugh and make memories.  Those memories will be such comfort.  

It is time to comfort those who grieve, to hold them close in prayers and thoughts.  To learn with them that life is fleeting.

Dear friends--Cherish the moments of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.

Start Overs

Start Overs--


You know one of the best things about being human?  Besides eating chocolate and drinking a glass of fine wine?  It would be the fact that we can start over.

What a gift!  Even when we make mistakes or take the wrong road, we get to start over.  Isn't that amazing?  Each day is a new opportunity to redo.  Of course, we must make the decision that we want our lives to be different or tomorrow will look and feel just like today.  It takes an act of our will to start over.

It is important to look closely at our mistakes.  Why did we go there?  What caught our attention?  What held us captive?  When we analyze the whys, we should see a pattern.  If we can isolate the pattern, it is possible to make some corrections.

Even if we see the whys, we still must act or nothing changes.  Yes, it requires action on our part to start over.  We get caught up in guilt or anger or disappointment.  Our feelings seem to take over our common sense.  However, how wonderful it is to walk on the other side of starting over.  What joy.  What relief.  What happiness.  It takes effort to get to that side, doesn't it?

Starting over gives us a clean slate.  Yesterday's actions are certainly part of who we are, but they do not need to be our today or our tomorrow.  Whatever we have done, we get another chance with every dawn.  Each new morning brings such wonderful promise.  We simply have to believe in our own ability to make whatever changes are necessary to grasp that precious promise.

I love knowing that I get another chance.  Whatever the number of my days,  that is the amount of start overs I am given.  No doubt, I will let some of them go.  But, they will always be there waiting for me. I have the opportunity to share with family and friends, to meet new people, to be open to new ideas, to set goals.  Whether I choose to honor each new start over is up to me.  I can honor them by understanding how limited time is.  Using those start overs wisely means I can live a fuller life.

I love the fact I can start over.  Don't you?

Set Your Own Goals

Set Your Own Goals--


A little something to think about--

Set your own goals for your life.  Others who are well intentioned may try to change your course.

Only you know the deep desires in your secret self.  Kindly listen to others.  They mean well.  After listening, head out to achieve your own personal goals.  Will you always succeed?  Probably not.  However, not setting goals means you have no clear view for your life.

Sometimes goals need a little adjustment.  It is possible that some may need to be thrown away.   That is the beauty of choice.  What seemed the highest goal at twenty may look different at forty.  We grow and change.  We mature.  So, it is entirely possible that earlier goals get tweaked.  That shows intelligence.  No one wants to travel a road that leads nowhere.

Some may not understand your choices.  They may express concern.  Isn't it wonderful to have caring people in your life?  However, you are the only one who will live your life.  No one else will live within your skin.  What brings you fulfillment may be quite different from what fulfills others in your circle.   We are all unique.  Go for what trips that trigger that belongs to you.

Goals give direction.  While your path may diverge from the original plan, it is a mark of your individuality that you took that road with your name on it and loved the journey.

All Those Thoughts Whirling Around

All Those Thoughts Whirling Around--


Where do thoughts come from, anyway?  Why do we think certain things that we have never thought about before?  I love it that thoughts arrive unexpected.  They catch us and hold us in their space.   We have no control over when they will arrive.  I like that, too.  If we are fast enough, we can jot them down before they are replaced with new thoughts.  The mind is a marvel.

Today I was sitting in our truck in a big box home shopping business parking lot.   Hubby was inside locating items needed for the bathroom remodel.  It was extremely hot.  Windows were rolled down, and I had my foot resting on the window.  It was partly outside the truck.  Such a classy look!

People were coming and going.  Cars, trucks, junkers.  Some folks were returning packages.  Others had lists.  One man headed for his vehicle with hands loaded and the receipt in his mouth trailing behind him.  People were pulling their clothes away from their bodies as they climbed out of their vehicles.  A few drove out of the parking lot with windows down.  I certainly hope they had air conditioning.

Thoughts came whirling into my head.  As I watched all the folks going about their business, I wondered about their story.  We all have a story, you know.  It would be easy to make up a story about each of the people I observed, but my story would probably bear no resemblance to the real thing.  Our thoughts have the ability to change us.  One new thought has the power to rearrange our priorities.  We must learn to value our thoughts.  We can always dismiss the negative ones and give attention to the positive ones.  That is our choice.  Back to my observations...

One young man parked next to me. As he drove into the parking space, I pulled my foot inside the truck.  No need to give him an up- close view of a big foot.   He hurried off into the store.  He walked fast and straight.  He had a lilt to his gait.  Another man walked slowly.  It looked as if he had some type of health challenge.  One woman appeared to be was in deep thought as she made her way to the door.  I smiled as I thought she was probably trying to remember why she drove to this store in the first place!  Been there--done that.

Then there was the person who looked around.  I suspect the reason for all the looking was to help remember where the car was parked.  Been there, too.  All in all, it was very interesting sitting watching people.

As I watched people going about their business, thoughts arrived.  We are different in our shapes.  We are different in our height.  We are of differing ages.  But, we are all human.  We all breathe air.  We all require water to live.  We have to nourish our bodies to stay alive.  We need shelter and clothing.  For us to flourish, love must be present in our lives.  We crave encouragement and recognition.  Yes, we are different, but we are so much more alike.   And because of all the likeness in us, doesn't it make sense for us to nuture one another?  I have almost stopped listening to the news.  It is full of gloom and doom. It is full of how one group of people dislike another.  Or how someone is being mistreated.   Maybe that sells.  I have been thinking about launching a radio show that has nothing--not one thing--negative sent out over the airwaves.  Would people listen?  It would tickle me to know that someone has done an amazing thing.  A few news shows are beginning to realize the impact all the negativity has on their viewers and are including a bit of good at the end of a broadcast.  It is a beginning.

People are hungry to know about human goodness.   My thoughts this morning were not about what might be wrong in peoples' lives, but what might be right.  What might be positive.  I was thankful that all the folks I saw were healthy enough to drive to the store in search of what they needed.  I was thankful that we share this place in space.  It was a good time for me--being in the hot truck watching others go about their business.

And then it was our time to drive away.  My heart was full of joy simply for being alive.  And for air conditioning  going full blast!

Living in the Moment

Living in the Moment-

Do you find it difficult to live in the moment?  Even when you are having a wonderful time, are you thinking ahead to the next moment?

We only have one moment at a time.  In fact as I write, moments of my life are gone never to appear again.  There goes another one.  And another.  I give up.  It's too difficult to write about the moment.

Lumping many moments together is easier for me to grasp.  For instance, an hour has meaning.  It is broken into many moments--sixty minutes.  Is a moment and a minute the same thing?  Or is a moment a fragment of a minute?  This is going to drive me nuts.

When I schedule coffee with a friend, we select a time frame.   Same thing with appointments at the doctor office, the dentist office, the hair dresser.  In our world our day is divided into twenty-four hours.  We schedule everything around and within those hours.  It gives us boundaries.   We can manage our lives quite well within that time frame.

Back to the original thought--living in the moment.

It is so important to give full attention to those who wander into our moments.  I know it has been said many times, but it is true.  Establishing eye contact with anyone who happens into our moment tells them we are fully engaged for that moment in time.  Often we are gifted with special moments.  Do we recognize them when they appear?  Or do we hurry on into the next moment?  Are we thinking about the next moment as we are listening to them?

Maybe it is about slowing down enough to recognize how special our moments truly are.  Our days hurry by--one moment at a time.  And then they are gone.

Would it be possible for you to live your life a bit slower?  To see the moment for the gift it is?   We can all try, can't we?  But, there is an interesting thing about the word "try."  It is just short of commitment.  We give ourselves a way out.  We probably don't really intend to do what we say we will try to do.  However, we want  others to think we are going to give whatever it is a shot.

Oh well.  My moment with you is passed.  My next moment will be spent with a coke float.  Yummmmm!

New Day

New Day


A thought for the day--

Let us act to get something done instead of worrying about what we cannot do.

It's a new day full of possibilities and opportunities.  Let us not worry.  Let us celebrate.

The Journey Through Life

The Journey Through Life--


We arrive on this planet helpless and needy.  We are tyrants.  We want what we want now.  It is the way we all begin our lives.  Hopefully, there are loving, caring adults who take care of our needs and wants.  In a perfect world we would all have loving families, warm homes and enough food.

Our journey begins the moment we take that first breath.  We soak up everything.  Every sound, every smell, everything we touch, every taste and everything we see.  We are sponges bringing the moisture of life into ourselves.  We learn what brings us pleasure and what to avoid.

We learn the faces of those who spend time with us.  And we develop relationships with those who care for us.  We know where to go for food when we are hungry.  We know who will hold us anytime.  We know who will laugh with us and play with us.  We learn all of this in such a very small amount of time.

By the time we reach pre-school and kindergarten we are on a new piece of our  journey.  We have had four or five years of experiences.  All those experiences will help shape our adult lives.

If there is a message I want to convey to adults, it is this.  Do not underestimate the importance you play in the development of the young children in your lives.  Think long and hard about the way you talk to children.  They imitate.  You will hear yourself in them.  Sometimes that is a good thing.  Sometimes not.  You bring your values to them.  They will learn from you what is right and what is not.  They will think of others in the same way you think of others.  Your role in their lives is the most important one they will have.

Yes, school teachers will help take them to the next level.  But, you are the ones who prepare them for life.

Our journey continues beyond school.  We make decisions about careers.  We select the person who will share our life.  Or the persons!  We watch the years go by--slowly at first and then with rapid speed.  We see ourselves changing.  Our appearance moves from young and fresh to more mature with a few bags under the eyes.  Lines on the face give away our life experiences.

And then we find ourselves moving toward the last years on this planet.  We look back over our journey and pronounce it good or lacking.  I suppose all our lives lack a few things, but it is my hope that we can look back and say it was pretty darn good.

We journey.  Each day.  Every minute.  It never stops.  We can't get off the train.  It continues.  That is why it is important for each of us to find those things that bring the most to our lives and to the lives of others.  It is important we reach out beyond ourselves.  It is important that we celebrate our spot.  We are only here for a little while.  Yet, it is enough.

Where will your journey take you?

Thanks and The Lost Cell Phone

Thanks and The Lost Cell Phone--


It is time for me to thank all of you who read my ramblings!  Thank you.  I really appreciate the notes I receive from you.  If you haven't sent a note but enjoyed a blog, please send a note.  Makes my day!

And now for the latest happening.

Last week we bought a pontoon.  There is a medium size lake about forty miles from our house.   Years ago we had a boat and spent many happy hours pulling skiers and tubers.  Now we want to enjoy the water in a different way.  Maybe even learn to fish??  Maybe not.

We launched it this weekend.   Our family joined us.  We had a lovely time.  We took a cooler of food and drinks.   Many towels for wet kids.  Lots of laughs and good conversation.

When we were ready to leave the lake, we moored the boat, unloaded it and headed home.  That is when I realized that I could not locate my cell phone.  Now, that phone has my life on it.  Trying not to panic, my husband called my cell from his.  No sound.  We retraced our steps and our trip.  We looked in the grass.  We searched along the roadside.  No cell.

After we arrived at home and unloaded everything, we took a flashlight and searched the truck.  Under the seats, between the seats, in the truck bed, on the floor.  No cell.  It was then that I feared the worst.  It was gone.  I went to bed trying to think where I might have left it.

Morning came.  We returned to the lake to relocate the boat in another slip.  I asked at the marina if anyone had turned in a phone.  No one had.  We walked around the parking lot trying to remember exactly where we had walked the day before.  Nothing.  The young woman at the marina said she would call me if anyone turned a cell phone in at the desk.

On the way home I made plans to purchase a new phone.  Those cells are like second skin.  They are our contacts with the world.   Since it was close to lunch time when we arrived at home, I decided to have a snack before heading to the phone store.

Opening the cupboard, I grabbed an opened sack of corn chips.  Then to the fridg for a diet coke.  As I looked at the corn chip bag, I remembered that I had almost thrown it away the night before when we returned from the lake.  It was almost empty.  Just enough for a quick snack before heading out for that replacement phone.

Imagine my surprise when I put my hand in the sack and pulled out my phone!!!  I have no idea how it got into the sack.  I jumped for absolute joy!  Ran around the house laughing.  My husband was as astounded as I.  How did it get in the corn chip bag?  No matter!  It was found.  Such relief.  Once again I felt like a whole person!!:)  Well, maybe not that extreme, but I did feel very happy.

For the rest of this day, I smiled.

Celebrate America!

Celebrate America!--


America--Celebrate!

This is a land of wonder.  Challenges?  Absolutely.  Disagreements?  You bet!

But, it is most of all a wonderful place to call home.  Thank you to all of those who have made this beautiful place free.  May we never forget to celebrate our home land.  Everyday!

Happy Fourth.

Golfing with the Boys

Golfing with the Boys--



Today I am deliberately setting out to make a gigantic fool of myself.  Even more so than usual.  On most days it simply happens, but today I am walking straight into it knowing full well what is going to happen.

What am I doing, you ask?

I am playing golf with my grandson and my husband.  For those of you who golf, you will understand my plight when I say I have not picked up a golf club in two years.  Even when I played a bit regularly, I was not very accurate with my shots.  Once in awhile I would hit a straight one.  It was at that magic moment I understood why people love the game.  However, immediately after that one straight one heading for the target, I would slice the next ones all over the place.

Our grandson is twelve and is a very good golfer.  He plays almost everyday.  He takes lessons.  His swing is analyzed.  And did I mention that he is the best dressed golfer on any course?  Everything matches.  Shoes, socks, pants, belt, shirt, hat.  He is one handsome dude.  So when he gets up to take his shot,  he not only hits well, but he also looks handsome.

My husband plays in a summer league so he plays everyweek.  He loves the game.  Works that little range finder thing to death.  He started playing when he retired.  I think many people do this.

And then there is me.  Honestly, I think the problem is my clubs.  They aren't  expensive enough. Yes, I'm sure that is the problem.   It seems the more expensive the clubs, the better they hit the ball.  Well, I guess the person holding the clubs does have a bit of control.  I have been thinking about buying a new set.  One that other people can recognize.  I won't have any idea whether or not they are good ones, but when others mention that I have such and such clubs, I will know I am in the the group.  Looking the part might help my game.  Yes, I do think I should at least investigate those new clubs.  Will probably take six months of social security checks to buy them.

I need to learn to talk the talk.  I get a bit confused when someone uses golf lingo.  So many over and so many under.  I do understand a hole in one.  Guess that one is pretty simple to get.  And then there is the challenge of selecting the right club.  Pay attention to the distance from where your shot landed to the green, I am told.  Ok.  I don't recognize the length of a football field.  How am I supposed to estimate how far out the ball is?  Not to mention selecting that club.  I have decided I need a driver and a five iron and a putter.  That should about do it for my game.  If I need anything else, I can always borrow it from my partner.  Makes my bag lighter, also.

I do like the pockets on the bag.  I use them for lipstick, sunscreen, money, my phone.  Of course the balls and tees go in there, too.  Have to have a glove.  Why do you have to take the glove off once you are on the green and putting?  Who made that rule?  One more thing to remember to do.

The one thing I dislike about golf is waiting.  When I was a tennis player, you hit the ball everytime it crossed the net.  It is constant motion.  Not golf.  You hit the ball, then go find it, then hit it again. And then you wait until the cart in front of you has hit and  moved out of range for a ball to hit them.  It takes forever.  By the time I have waited at most holes, I am ready to shove that cart into high gear and take off in pursuit of those people in front who take all day to hit that ball.

Maybe I need to rethink golf.  Ya think??  I think I might have a bit of ADHD.  All that sitting with nothing to do is hard work.   Drive the cart, hit the ball, drive to the ball, hit the ball--over and over until I have played all holes.  Waiting, waiting, waiting drives me to distraction.  It is easy to understand why serious golfers belong to clubs.  They don't have to wait.  Good for them.

So, we are off in just a bit.  I have prepared myself to be the source of laughter for the boys.  And you know what?  That will be fun for me as well.

Those Annoying Calls

Those Annoying Calls--

We are one of the last ones around to eliminate our land line phone.  Many now use their cell phones as the primary phone.  That means we need a new list of phone numbers, and they must be programmed into the cell phone.  Sometimes I forget to ask for the cell number.  Then when I need to get in touch, I cannot.  Technology is both a good thing and a challenge.

Since we still have that antique thing called a land line, we receive unwelcome calls.  These calls come at all times of the day and into the evening.  They are annoying.  Just today the FBI called to tell us about home break-ins.  Really??  And then there are the calls with no sound for a few seconds.  I understand telemarketing provides jobs, but I wonder how much they help the company who is calling.

Many calls ask for money for every organization known to humanity.  No doubt some are legit.  However, it is my belief that many of these calls are scams.  When I am feeling a little curious, I ask where the money I might give will be used.  Often the person on the other end stammers a bit and tries to come up with a good response.  Usually the funds they are requesting from people will be used for administrative costs with very little actually going to the group they represent.

A few of the callers try to lay a guilt trip on the person who answers the phone.  Don't you care about the group they represent?  This is a group that does so much good, they say.  Just ten dollars will go a long way to helping.  Then they offer to send a self-addressed envelope for the donation.  Can they please send it?  And will you please drop it in the mail as soon as you receive it?

The answer at this house is always the same.  We don't give to any group who calls our house.  We cannot support all the charities of the world.  So, we make our own selections.  We have done the things we were told to do to stop these calls.  Nothing stops these calls.  When I am in a less than friendly frame of mind, I tell them I am going to hang up the phone.  I know. That isn't very nice.  I am simply sharing with you that sometimes that is the only way to end the monologue.  

 We could eliminate those calls if we cancelled our land line.  But, I think we would feel naked without it.  Maybe we could cancel the service and leave the phone hanging on the wall in the kitchen. Or we could purchase the service that tells you who is calling before you answer the phone.  What is that called?  I forget.  That idea has possibilities.  With that information, I could decide if I want to visit with the caller or not.  But that is one more decision added to my day.  Am I whining?

No doubt tomorrow the phone will ring and a recorded voice will announce there is no problem with our credit cards but.........