Today's Thought-
Let's live a pretty life. One that lifts others. One that supports the efforts others make on our behalf. Let's tell others how special they are. Let's not let a day go by that we don't have a thankful heart for our families and friends. Let's cherish even the smallest moments with others we enjoy. Let's be the light that others need when the dark settles in around.
We get what we give, don't we? What we give is exactly what will return to our hearts and lives. I want my life to be full with the joy of life and love. If that is what I want, that is what I have to give. It is easy to give that.
Blessings.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Our Vegas Experience
Our Vegas Experience-
It was time to think about getting away for a few days. We researched places we had never been. Several places looked interesting. Eventualy we settled on Las Vegas. Flights to Vegas were inexpensive, and we located a hotel that was close to the strip. It looked okay from the pictures.
We booked the flight and the room. We would be there for a long weekend. With expectations of a good time, we packed and caught our flight to the place where secrets are kept. When we arrived at our hotel, we were a bit surprised. It was definitely not on the strip. In fact, it wasn't even close. There is that false advertising again. But we made the best of it as we knew we would spend most of our time away from the room.
We decided to see a few shows. We asked the concierge at the hotel to recommend shows we should see. He told us about a show that is a staple of Vegas. He said it was the longest running show in Vegas. So we booked tickets. What did we know?
We arrived at the theatre at the appointed time. Instead of individual seats, people were seated around small tables. We were directed to our section and searched for a table with two chairs. Eventually we located one with four chairs. Another couple was already seated at the table so we asked if we could join them. Before the show began, we ordered drinks. By the time they arrived the room was dark. It was showtime.
The waiter set the drinks on the table, and my husband immediately spilled his all over the table and the poor couple who was sharing our space. We spent several minutes trying to clean up and apologize to the rather wet people on the other side of the table.
Once we got that under control, we turned our attention to the stage. Music was playing, and the curtain opened to a scene of beautiful women in the most elaborate costumes I had ever seen. Huge plumes on their heads, sparkles all over, very high heels. What seemed strange to me was the way they were walking. Their arms were outstretched, their heads held high and straight. They moved very slowly. They seemed to float across the stage. I thought that was a little different. I was expecting energy. High energy.
It was about that time that I noticed something I had not seen. They had no tops on! They were moving slowly so that they didn't jiggle! The girls were perky and perfect. Looking at my husband, I saw a man totally engrossed in the performance. I had never seen him so interested in a theatre performance before.
Other women performers appeared on stage. They wore beautiful costumes. They brought the energy I had expected. Their dance routines were remarkable. And all the while they were doing their routines, the ones with no tops floated around the stage. I actually got tickled watching them. It looked so silly to me. But, they were what brought everyone to that particular theatre. Watching them I wondered about surgery. No woman I knew looked like that. We could all walk around our homes in high heels with hats on our heads, and the girls would not be that under control!
We did see Hoover Dam and drove through the desert to a mountain where people go to ski. We had good food and enjoyed our time there. It was fun for a few days. The next time we drove through Vegas, we stayed in a beautiful hotel on the strip. We did go to the theatre. This time all the performers wore clothes.
It was time to think about getting away for a few days. We researched places we had never been. Several places looked interesting. Eventualy we settled on Las Vegas. Flights to Vegas were inexpensive, and we located a hotel that was close to the strip. It looked okay from the pictures.
We booked the flight and the room. We would be there for a long weekend. With expectations of a good time, we packed and caught our flight to the place where secrets are kept. When we arrived at our hotel, we were a bit surprised. It was definitely not on the strip. In fact, it wasn't even close. There is that false advertising again. But we made the best of it as we knew we would spend most of our time away from the room.
We decided to see a few shows. We asked the concierge at the hotel to recommend shows we should see. He told us about a show that is a staple of Vegas. He said it was the longest running show in Vegas. So we booked tickets. What did we know?
We arrived at the theatre at the appointed time. Instead of individual seats, people were seated around small tables. We were directed to our section and searched for a table with two chairs. Eventually we located one with four chairs. Another couple was already seated at the table so we asked if we could join them. Before the show began, we ordered drinks. By the time they arrived the room was dark. It was showtime.
The waiter set the drinks on the table, and my husband immediately spilled his all over the table and the poor couple who was sharing our space. We spent several minutes trying to clean up and apologize to the rather wet people on the other side of the table.
Once we got that under control, we turned our attention to the stage. Music was playing, and the curtain opened to a scene of beautiful women in the most elaborate costumes I had ever seen. Huge plumes on their heads, sparkles all over, very high heels. What seemed strange to me was the way they were walking. Their arms were outstretched, their heads held high and straight. They moved very slowly. They seemed to float across the stage. I thought that was a little different. I was expecting energy. High energy.
It was about that time that I noticed something I had not seen. They had no tops on! They were moving slowly so that they didn't jiggle! The girls were perky and perfect. Looking at my husband, I saw a man totally engrossed in the performance. I had never seen him so interested in a theatre performance before.
Other women performers appeared on stage. They wore beautiful costumes. They brought the energy I had expected. Their dance routines were remarkable. And all the while they were doing their routines, the ones with no tops floated around the stage. I actually got tickled watching them. It looked so silly to me. But, they were what brought everyone to that particular theatre. Watching them I wondered about surgery. No woman I knew looked like that. We could all walk around our homes in high heels with hats on our heads, and the girls would not be that under control!
We did see Hoover Dam and drove through the desert to a mountain where people go to ski. We had good food and enjoyed our time there. It was fun for a few days. The next time we drove through Vegas, we stayed in a beautiful hotel on the strip. We did go to the theatre. This time all the performers wore clothes.
My New Book
My New Book--
Are you interested in short readings about life events? If so, you may want to think about a $10 purchase. That purchase would be my new book that is hot off the press. It is titled Wisdom Moments.
Years ago I was told if writing were easy, everyone would be doing it. On those days when I think there is nothing I can share with all of you, I think about those words and go about the task of developing an idea. It is not easy. But, it is so rewarding to receive a note from you that says something I wrote touched your heart.
Presently I am working on the next publication. The format will be different, and I hope you find it engaging. It should be out in the fall-or sooner if I am able to pull all the pieces together.
Soon I will post a "real" blog. Stay tuned.
You can message me if you would like a copy.
Thanks for reading!
Are you interested in short readings about life events? If so, you may want to think about a $10 purchase. That purchase would be my new book that is hot off the press. It is titled Wisdom Moments.
Years ago I was told if writing were easy, everyone would be doing it. On those days when I think there is nothing I can share with all of you, I think about those words and go about the task of developing an idea. It is not easy. But, it is so rewarding to receive a note from you that says something I wrote touched your heart.
Presently I am working on the next publication. The format will be different, and I hope you find it engaging. It should be out in the fall-or sooner if I am able to pull all the pieces together.
Soon I will post a "real" blog. Stay tuned.
You can message me if you would like a copy.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Two Sides of the Road
Two Sides of the Road--
On one side of the narrow road is a field where dreams come to live. One side of the road is alive with activity. Baseballs fly from one hand to another's glove preparing for the battle that is only minutes away. Adults gather together to cheer for their team. Chairs are unpacked and set up so that watching is comfortable. Coaches encourage team members. They remind the players to be mindful of the wind. Balls change direction when a gust of wind races across the field. They spend time reviewing the game plan. Umpires sweep home plate and visit with one another. The snack bar and bathrooms are located. Once the umpires signal game time, all eyes and attention are on the field and the boys in uniforms. Everything becomes serious. Everyone knows that only one team will walk away with the victory.
On the other side of the narrow road is the place where dreams live no more. It is quiet on this side of the road. The only activity is the movement of birds from tree to tree. Stones and cement markers stand as a remembrance of those who once walked this earth. The contrast between the two sides of the road made me pause and think.
Dreams are in their beginning stages for those on the ball field. The future is out there somewhere. It can wait. Right now the important things are the game, their friends and family, and food. Everything else will appear later. Some of the players may have chosen their field of study. But for most, that decision is a few years away. These are the golden years of youth ruled by the moment.
Those who reside on the other side of the road once had dreams, too. Since this is a rural community, my guess is many lived their lives on farms growing soy beans and corn. In my mind's eye I see large white two-story homes with barns and silos in the back. I see the people who lived in these homes sitting around a large kitchen table discussing the need for rain so the crops can grow. I see ledgers with numbers that tell the story of success or near failure. And now they are resting from a life of hard work. Side-by-side with the people who shared their hopes and dreams.
Life will end. All life will end. People, animals, plants-everything that lives on this earth. Knowing this gives us the opportunity to make the absolute most of the moments we have. That is pretty darn exciting. It is exciting to know that each moment is precious. Each person is deserving of our respect. Each opportunity that knocks on our door is an opportunity to grow. That middle part of our lives is the gift we receive. How will we celebrate that gift?
What do we do when we receive a gift? We look closely at it. We shake it to see if anything makes a noise We notice the wrapping paper and the ribbon. We feel its weight. A smile forms on our face as we anticipate what might be inside. Until it is opened, its contents are unknown. While we want to know what is inside, part of us wants to hang on to this moment just before knowing. Wanting to know wins, and soon we rip the ribbon and paper off. There it is. The gift just for us. Only us. It belongs to no one else. We can use whatever was in that box, or we can put it away. We can use it or save it.
Tomorrow is a gift. In the morning we will all open that gift a little at a time. And then it will be over. The next day we will do it all over again. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. We will move from the ball field of life to the final resting place.
Know what I think we should do right now? Smile more. Laugh out loud. Sing joyfully. Love completely. Forgive others because it's the right and necessary thing to do. Make cookies. Walk in the rain. Plant flowers. Encourage others. Think positive thoughts. Right wrongs. Make new friends. Stand in the sunshine and be thankful. Visit with someone who has been on our mind and heart. Listen well. Love ourselves.
And maybe grab a ball, a bat and a glove and play ball!
On one side of the narrow road is a field where dreams come to live. One side of the road is alive with activity. Baseballs fly from one hand to another's glove preparing for the battle that is only minutes away. Adults gather together to cheer for their team. Chairs are unpacked and set up so that watching is comfortable. Coaches encourage team members. They remind the players to be mindful of the wind. Balls change direction when a gust of wind races across the field. They spend time reviewing the game plan. Umpires sweep home plate and visit with one another. The snack bar and bathrooms are located. Once the umpires signal game time, all eyes and attention are on the field and the boys in uniforms. Everything becomes serious. Everyone knows that only one team will walk away with the victory.
On the other side of the narrow road is the place where dreams live no more. It is quiet on this side of the road. The only activity is the movement of birds from tree to tree. Stones and cement markers stand as a remembrance of those who once walked this earth. The contrast between the two sides of the road made me pause and think.
Dreams are in their beginning stages for those on the ball field. The future is out there somewhere. It can wait. Right now the important things are the game, their friends and family, and food. Everything else will appear later. Some of the players may have chosen their field of study. But for most, that decision is a few years away. These are the golden years of youth ruled by the moment.
Those who reside on the other side of the road once had dreams, too. Since this is a rural community, my guess is many lived their lives on farms growing soy beans and corn. In my mind's eye I see large white two-story homes with barns and silos in the back. I see the people who lived in these homes sitting around a large kitchen table discussing the need for rain so the crops can grow. I see ledgers with numbers that tell the story of success or near failure. And now they are resting from a life of hard work. Side-by-side with the people who shared their hopes and dreams.
Life will end. All life will end. People, animals, plants-everything that lives on this earth. Knowing this gives us the opportunity to make the absolute most of the moments we have. That is pretty darn exciting. It is exciting to know that each moment is precious. Each person is deserving of our respect. Each opportunity that knocks on our door is an opportunity to grow. That middle part of our lives is the gift we receive. How will we celebrate that gift?
What do we do when we receive a gift? We look closely at it. We shake it to see if anything makes a noise We notice the wrapping paper and the ribbon. We feel its weight. A smile forms on our face as we anticipate what might be inside. Until it is opened, its contents are unknown. While we want to know what is inside, part of us wants to hang on to this moment just before knowing. Wanting to know wins, and soon we rip the ribbon and paper off. There it is. The gift just for us. Only us. It belongs to no one else. We can use whatever was in that box, or we can put it away. We can use it or save it.
Tomorrow is a gift. In the morning we will all open that gift a little at a time. And then it will be over. The next day we will do it all over again. Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. We will move from the ball field of life to the final resting place.
Know what I think we should do right now? Smile more. Laugh out loud. Sing joyfully. Love completely. Forgive others because it's the right and necessary thing to do. Make cookies. Walk in the rain. Plant flowers. Encourage others. Think positive thoughts. Right wrongs. Make new friends. Stand in the sunshine and be thankful. Visit with someone who has been on our mind and heart. Listen well. Love ourselves.
And maybe grab a ball, a bat and a glove and play ball!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Attending a Pity Party
Attending a Pity Party--
Feelings get in the way of reality. We may know a certain thing for sure. We don't doubt it at all, yet when feelings appear, everything changes.
Ever gone to a pity party? I imagine we have all attended a few of these parties. They aren't much fun. Those in attendance usually carry tissues that are not for noses. These tissues are for the rain that falls from the eyes. It is possible to have a few upbeat moments during a pity party. However, about the time one believes the worst is over, the faucet is turned on and down the water flows. While some people may enjoy a good pity party and cry, I don't like going there.
Going there is easy. All it takes is a little disappointment, a bit of grief, a feeling that everything is working out for others but not for you, a sense of loneliness, feeling left out. Take any of those and off you go. Take them all--there aren't enough tissues in the world to handle the water. Towels might be a better choice.
Leaving a pity party takes some effort. It is in the mind that we first walk through the door and into the sunshine. But, honestly, sometimes we simply need to cry it out. Even if it takes all day. Tears cleanse our souls. With each tear a little of the hurt or whatever we title it, flows away. Being brave and holding the tears in only causes them to flow longer and harder once they have their way. Tears teach us that we are human, and that we cannot escape our humanity. We must walk through it.
Talking about our feelings with someone who loves us is a good way to walk through them. The person we pick must want to hear what we have to say. They must not be judgemental at this point. When we are stronger, we will be ready to hear what they think. But not now. Right now we need to be heard and understood.
Feelings are fickle things. They lead us down the garden path. They have the ability to change our mood. If we stop and examine them, we might be able to see the error in our own thinking. We might even be able to replace them with positive thoughts. That takes work. Often we simply go with them instead of examining them closely. It is also possible that we see only one side of a challenge. What we see makes us sad. When we understand the other side, those fickle feelings just might disappear.
Personally, I don't enjoy allowing my feelings to control me. However, sometimes they do. When that happens and the feelings are hurtful, there seems to be no way out of it but to go with them. Allow the tears, cry out loud, get in the car and bawl. Look in the mirror and cry more because the person looking back looks terrible. Talk out loud about what is troubling. Do whatever it takes to move beyond this point. Walking into the pity party is one thing. Staying there is another.
Feelings get in the way of reality. We may know a certain thing for sure. We don't doubt it at all, yet when feelings appear, everything changes.
Ever gone to a pity party? I imagine we have all attended a few of these parties. They aren't much fun. Those in attendance usually carry tissues that are not for noses. These tissues are for the rain that falls from the eyes. It is possible to have a few upbeat moments during a pity party. However, about the time one believes the worst is over, the faucet is turned on and down the water flows. While some people may enjoy a good pity party and cry, I don't like going there.
Going there is easy. All it takes is a little disappointment, a bit of grief, a feeling that everything is working out for others but not for you, a sense of loneliness, feeling left out. Take any of those and off you go. Take them all--there aren't enough tissues in the world to handle the water. Towels might be a better choice.
Leaving a pity party takes some effort. It is in the mind that we first walk through the door and into the sunshine. But, honestly, sometimes we simply need to cry it out. Even if it takes all day. Tears cleanse our souls. With each tear a little of the hurt or whatever we title it, flows away. Being brave and holding the tears in only causes them to flow longer and harder once they have their way. Tears teach us that we are human, and that we cannot escape our humanity. We must walk through it.
Talking about our feelings with someone who loves us is a good way to walk through them. The person we pick must want to hear what we have to say. They must not be judgemental at this point. When we are stronger, we will be ready to hear what they think. But not now. Right now we need to be heard and understood.
Feelings are fickle things. They lead us down the garden path. They have the ability to change our mood. If we stop and examine them, we might be able to see the error in our own thinking. We might even be able to replace them with positive thoughts. That takes work. Often we simply go with them instead of examining them closely. It is also possible that we see only one side of a challenge. What we see makes us sad. When we understand the other side, those fickle feelings just might disappear.
Personally, I don't enjoy allowing my feelings to control me. However, sometimes they do. When that happens and the feelings are hurtful, there seems to be no way out of it but to go with them. Allow the tears, cry out loud, get in the car and bawl. Look in the mirror and cry more because the person looking back looks terrible. Talk out loud about what is troubling. Do whatever it takes to move beyond this point. Walking into the pity party is one thing. Staying there is another.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
More Thoughts on Bending and Swaying
More Thoughts on Bending and Swaying--
Thoughts often come to me when I have no way to write them down. Someone suggested a tape recorder. That is a very good idea. Now to make it happen.
The thought I had about our ability to bend is this. When trees cannot bend enough, they break. Once they break, there is no way they can be repaired. They cannot change. There are no second or third chances to go back and repair the damage. Often the jagged pieces that are left eventually rot away, and what was left of the tree is gone forever. They did not make the decision to break. Maybe the wind blew harder than they could withstand. Maybe there was decay on the inside that no one noticed. Whatever the reason, they lost the ability to bend and sway. And so they died.
While we are certainly like the tree in many ways, we are also quite different. We are allowed multiple opportunities to bend and sway. We are given the chance to repair ourselves through discussion, prayer, writing. We have time on our side. Time to make whatever repairs that need to be made.
I am eternally grateful for time. However, since none of us know how much time we have, maybe we should get with the plan and stop being so rigid. Maybe we should choose to smooth off the jagged edges of our lives and grow flowers in our hearts. Maybe we should learn that laughter and fun helps keep the rot away! Ok. Perhaps I am stretching it just a bit.
I promise. No more thoughts on bending and swaying. Going outside to enjoy the beauty of nature. Hope you are, too.
Thoughts often come to me when I have no way to write them down. Someone suggested a tape recorder. That is a very good idea. Now to make it happen.
The thought I had about our ability to bend is this. When trees cannot bend enough, they break. Once they break, there is no way they can be repaired. They cannot change. There are no second or third chances to go back and repair the damage. Often the jagged pieces that are left eventually rot away, and what was left of the tree is gone forever. They did not make the decision to break. Maybe the wind blew harder than they could withstand. Maybe there was decay on the inside that no one noticed. Whatever the reason, they lost the ability to bend and sway. And so they died.
While we are certainly like the tree in many ways, we are also quite different. We are allowed multiple opportunities to bend and sway. We are given the chance to repair ourselves through discussion, prayer, writing. We have time on our side. Time to make whatever repairs that need to be made.
I am eternally grateful for time. However, since none of us know how much time we have, maybe we should get with the plan and stop being so rigid. Maybe we should choose to smooth off the jagged edges of our lives and grow flowers in our hearts. Maybe we should learn that laughter and fun helps keep the rot away! Ok. Perhaps I am stretching it just a bit.
I promise. No more thoughts on bending and swaying. Going outside to enjoy the beauty of nature. Hope you are, too.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Bending and Swaying in the Wind
Bending and Swaying in the Wind--
Just like everyone else, we have been outside working in our yard and plant beds all morning. The sun is shinning, the sky is a beautiful shade of blue, bluebells are in full bloom, and everything is popping out of ground. One thing is needed to make this the perfect day. That one thing has been with us all winter. Know what I am writing about?
Yes, the wind. I love a gentle breeze when the day is hot and muggy. However, the wind has been strong and constant for months. It has been our companion through the bitter cold of winter and now in our very late and cold spring. It has been an unusual six months weatherwise.
After changing from my mud covered pants and shoes, I decided to sit on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring. It was then that something caught my eye. We have many trees on our small acreage. Most of the trees are just now beginning to show signs of leaves. Many of the trees have small trunks. Because they are small in diameter, they sway in the wind. Of course, that made me think.
As I watched the trees swaying in the winds, I thought about people and beliefs. I thought about being rooted in what we hold dear yet allowing new thoughts a place in our beings. What a perfect picture the trees are of the necessity to be able to stand firm yet be able to bend to keep from breaking. Watching the trees made me realize that just because I believe a certain way doesn't make it the right belief for others. Honestly, I reached that conclusion many years ago. It simply reaffirmed that fact. Being able to bend means we value what others think. People tend to shy away from meaningful conversations with others who cannot see change as a possibility.
There will be times when we simply will not bend. Certainly those times arrive when raising children. They may show up when we find ourselves in a relationship that might bring us pain. You know what those times look like for you. While I acknowledge that there are circumstances when we hold firm, I also know that most of life is made up of gentle swaying. There is a sweetness in being able to hold firm with a gentle spirit. We are drawn to those people who know who they are yet do not feel the need to change others. They are such a gift.
Maybe today we will be faced with a situation that requires us to bend. Will we be willing to allow that to happen? Someone may ask us a direct question that requires a response. Can we give that response while remaining rooted in our own self? Can we do that in a nonthreatening manner? Can we allow another person to share what they think without giving our two cents? Sometimes people need a listening ear. When that happens, they are not looking for our response. They are simply sharing. When we are privileged to be the listener, thankfulness should wash over us. Someone trusts us to be with them in a time of need. What they don't need is our rooted belief. They need our ability to sway-to move with them through whatever the circumstance.
The wind continues to blow through the trees as I write this. Trees are bending and swaying. Yet they are rooted firmly in the ground. I love that. What a lovely lesson we can learn from that beautiful picture nature provides.
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