" days of thunder......"

"America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, bad ass speed." -Eleanor Roosevelt, 1936

      Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! It's that time of year again.  The festivities and racing season flashes Green, Green, Green at Daytona International Speedway beginning this week and culminating next weekend with the Daytona 500. It took the enthusiasm of a few family members and one smokin' hot driver to capture and pique my interest in professional motor sports.  Once you attend a LIVE race you're hooked. The smell of burning rubber, the grit in your eyes and the extreme ROARRRRR of the engines is a unique experience. There is an exquisite slow and powerful crescendo of reverberating motors gathering speed after each restart. The sound is so overwhelmingly intense!  The low growling  fills my ears and the bleachers rumble beneath my feet. Can't get enough!. The headset is whisked off as I jump up to meet the cheering crowd discerning the cars circling the entire length of the track. SWOOSH the wind takes your breath away. The cars swell and sweep past us humming again and again.

      Who hasn't imagined themselves a Sprint Cup, Indy or Formula One driver on the highway? No fear.  Most of us are excited when we get to drive a vehicle over eighty miles an hour. Admit it.  Every one would love to be a race car driver. You seem to  harness control over the  uncontrollable forces of speed and time. You and your car become one as you focus so intently, you're lost in the zone. Now envision yourself accelerating to 120mph or even 190mph. You would never be late for work again. Speed.  Do we know what that feels like? The  powerful sensation of thunder in our bellies. Most drivers describe their days on the track as incomparably exhilarating. Despite the dangers, adrenaline junkies, thrill seekers and the curious race enthusiast sign up for "driving experiences" costing thousands of dollars for mere minutes. We want to taste, smell, see and touch the moments of full force speed.

      A TV race, unfortunately is not as thrilling  though a great time. Engaging in track smack with my family and friends becomes creative." How many drivers does it take to set a track on fire? Just, Juan". Who is  prettier, Danica Patrick or Kasey Kahne?  Will I see a backflip this weekend?  My niece Bri is an aspiring public relations specialist and Communications Major who will realize her dream of being track side. Her knowledge and adoration of the sport inspires all. Of course her father was a major influence as well being  part of the motor vehicle industry. If you have the means  or opportunity to attend a race, never pass it up! Satisfy your need for speed and fall in love with racing just because you" want to go fast"!

"a thing of beauty is a joy for ever....."

“In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.” ― Rumi

     If you wanted to make some extra money between now and Valentine's Day, you could solicit cookie cutter Hallmark, American Greetings romantic poetry writing services to those who haven't considered a gift for their beloved. Time is running out, my dears. Remember how easy it used to be in grade school when you'd buy a box of twenty-five Strawberry Shortcake or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Valentine's cards and simply sign your name on the back? "Be Mine". Love, Me. Unfortunately, romantic poetry is not our strongest medium. Most men and women find it extremely difficult to fart out quality amorous verse. A former love wrote me a poem which included the memorable lines, "Your eyes like the ocean smack me with waves of love. You have pierced my heart like a dart." Oh, the feels. Chocolates, roses, jewelry, sensuous dinners followed but those poetic lines were always remembered. Poems as well as many love letters, pressed flowers, movie stubs and photo's have been collected in my treasure chest for pleasure, reflection and amusement. Sincerely, any person who even attempts to expose their soul to another should be respected and admired. The intent behind the words is to reach a level of intimacy and trust where you feel comfortable revealing yourself as a true passionate lover and terribly disappointing poet. Such is love. Traditionally, when we think of "romantic poetry" we believe we should emulate the greatest; Keats, Wordsworth, Byron or William Blake, " To see the world in a grain of sand. And heaven in a wild flower...". Romantic poetry is characterized by a unique empathy and understanding of life's beauty. Some of us want to express the depth of our love so intensely that we completely ignore our lack of eloquent vocabulary to do so. Every poem we write seems to be adorned with lofty, flowery replicas rather than a sincere overflowing of powerful feelings rising from the depth of our soul. Imitation is not always the sincerest form of fartery, I mean flattery. Within the song lyrics of The Smiths, Cemetery Gates, Steven Morisssey exposes us all, “If you must write prose or poems, the words you use should be your own. Don't plagiarize or take 'on loan'. There's always someone, somewhere, with a big nose, who knows, who'll trip you up and laugh when you fall.” Any person who exerts time, effort and selfless thought in writing you a truly unique love poem will live in your heart for eternity, even if the liaison does not. ('tis better to have loved and lost...) So for all the lovers and romantics out there, send your cards, write your letters, text, blog, email, your terrible verse proudly as if you were Samuel Coleridge or Mary Shelley. There is a man or woman who is waiting for your love poem or one who has always cherished YOUR words of love.

"Just a place to call your own as we drift into the zone"

" On an island in the sun, we'll be playing and having fun. And it makes me feel so fine I can't control my brain." - Island in the Sun, Weezer

     A text message I received this morning reminded me of the Weezer song, Island in the Sun and inspired this evenings post. The text was sent from my beautiful, hard working sister Les who desperately deserves to be swept away to an exotic escape. Any person who deals with impatient customers on a daily basis and resides in a freezing Northern climate will appreciate the thought.(and maybe this eye candy to the right) Unfortunately, the winning numbers were not on my ticket. Damn you, Powerball! When will we learn? When will we stop dreaming? Never. Hey, who needs fancy funds and practical paid holidays to travel to a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches? Apparently, no one, thanks to "Trapper". Here is an interesting audio concept that you may have discovered online or saw satirized by the Onion on video. Are you ready for your "Mind Vacation"? The researcher/promoter of the "Mind Vacation Meditation" technique is the enterprising Thomas "Trapper" Sherwood. Frustrated with booking flights or hotels? Tired of rushing to the airport or losing luggage? Who will baby-sit the kids, feed Fluffy or water the plants? Are you suffering from acute Cubicle-itis or Stickitothemaninosis? Relax. No worries. Binaural beats will cure all stress related ills. Binaural beats lower brain wave frequency and frequency of money in wallet. You can order the soothing subliminal "Mind Vacation" tracks online for only ten dollars or for half the price you can buy another Powerball ticket. Breathe. Focus. My advice? Use my 100% guaranteed FREE meditation technique; simply close your eyes, listen to Weezer and imagine....hip...hip..

" A crummy commercial? Son of a BITCH ......"

" You want me to teach you something? Here's a lesson for ya....give up. Just quit. Because in this life, you can't win. Yeah, you can try, but in the end you're just gonna lose, big time, because the world is run by the Man."- Dewey Finn "School of Rock"

     Of course I didn't sincerely believe a defeated, Dewey Finn when he advised a classroom of impressionable juveniles to "just quit". He was only speaking out of frustration with the inability to see beyond his current circumstance. Dewey was losing the day to day battle with "The Man" for his artistic soul. Naturally, when we feel we are giving up or losing a part of our true identity we feel dejected. When you lose hope you lose everything. That's a fact. Every one of us has moments whether you are a musician, web designer, car dealer or cubicle monkey ( cubicle warrior is preferred) when you feel discouraged. You start to imagine everything in life revolves solely or un-souly around money. The idea, imagination, content, design or meaning loses importance.

      My online journal is my respite from the previous eight to twelve hours in pursuit of earning money. Surviving. There are many websites that allow writer's to ink out a little cash by drawing an audience to their forum. In order to do this you have to be willing and able to seduce your reader. You have to entice them to click on your web page. You start to feel dirty, creepy and deceptive like the Child Catcher from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", "Here we are children. Come and get your lollipops. Get your ice cream, cherry pie, cream puffs, treacle tarts..all free today."

      Honestly, that dude scared the hell out more than any other movie character in the history of my cinemaship. (I know that's not a word but this is MY blog kiddie-winkies)

     So the more "tastefully" controversial the subject matter the more people will want to click on your page. What clever advertising techniques would best lure a guaranteed audience to visit? How could I incorporate all of the enticing subjects into one article? Top five or ten lists work pretty well. Admit it, we all read them no matter the subject. What are the Top Nine Most Unique Soap Flavors? It exists. Look it up. You would click on the link and read it because it's quick. You are curious and like everyone else you are losing your attention span. After researching for about ten minutes, I discovered the top five online lures are religion, sex, money, gun violence and dogs. If we added celebrities, fake tans, dieting, sports and perfectly straight white teeth we would have our "top ten" obsessions in American media. Despite knowing what's trite and trendy Dewey Finn just wanted to rock. Despite knowing what manipulates and persuades I just want to write. So for those about to rock or write.. I salute you.

" the best is yet to come and won't that be fine..."

“He couldn’t believe that sleep had robbed him of this spectacle night after night. Such are the writer’s privileges, he thought, nostalgic already for the present.” ― César Aira, Varamo

     A few weeks ago my sister and I were discussing the film Midnight in Paris. The movie was written and directed by the infamous Woody Allen. The plot revolves around a nostalgic screenwriter who is on a trip to Paris with his fiancé's family. Mysteriously, as he walks through Paris each evening at midnight he slips back in time to the golden age of the 1920s. He encounters the amazing composer, Cole Porter, charms Zelda Fitzgerald and ruminates with novelist Ernest Hemingway. How many of us have imagined traveling back through history to meet notable characters or relive legendary moments? Stored away in my closet, almost forgotten completely was a fifty-five page short story written for a creative writing course in my early twenties. Although alternative rock music is my first love there are many genres of music I cherish and appreciate. Frank Sinatra was "The Voice". Is it any wonder millions of women swooned? As an entertainer, Sinatra crooned with unparalleled depth and emotional sincerity. His gifted golden vocal chords are considered distinct and incomparable by many. "Ol' Blue Eyes" and his hipcat musical stylings continue to enthrall my ears, heart and soul. Soon I was given or purchased every Sinatra cd available. My cell phone ring tone for many years was " The Lady is a Tramp". (" and she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads...") Having admired Dean Martin from his earliest films with Jerry Lewis and being aware of Sammy Davis Jr as a consummate cool talent (add comedian Joey Bishop and handsome English-American actor Peter Lawford) I was infatuated with the Rat Pack. My story allowed me to envision singing gushy, lovey-dovey duets with Frank and impeccably performing "Candy Man" live on stage with Sammy. Renowned dancers Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron were also incorporated into my starry-eyed design. There are endless places and people I would like to travel back in time to meet and experience. Who would you like to encounter? What time in history would you visit? True, we only have the present moment but why not let the rare flicker of nostalgia ignite our imaginations.

"chop wood, carry water...."

“There are three kinds of men. The ones that learn by readin’. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.” ― Will Rogers

     Learning anything for the first time is intimidating. Initially, we may read the subject, then observe others but ultimately we learn by doing. Life is learning. Failure is not an option? Failure is always an option if you want to grow and continue to evolve. But I do get apprehensive. Nothing reminds me more that I am a cocker spaniel of the human race than when venturing and exploring beyond the invisible fence of my comfort zone. Cocker spaniels are happy, loving, gentle and sweet dogs but are especially sensitive to loud noises, raised voices and harsh training methods. They are also prone to excessive urination when excited. That may or may not be me. An early introduction to personal self-discipline was developed after serving four unrelenting years in high school marching band.(actually, I loved it!) When I felt irritated or rebellious though the purple beret came off before a performance. You want me to walk five miles in the sweltering heat of an August afternoon with this thirty pound drum strapped to my chest, Captain Band Director? Look who's not wearing the regulation hat....Sir! Who's in charge now?

   Self-discipline is a challenge. When being instructed and I sense another individuals impatience my sensitivity slowly escalates from whimper to growl. Not everyone trains or learns effectively in the same manner or at the same pace. Quiet calm is my prefered learning atmosphere. Having no desire to be alpha dog, there is minimal bark and I only bite when attacked. However, if you train me properly and toss me treats you will win my trust, loyalty and I might just lick your face. Enthusiasm, curiosity and a love of learning can be all but crated and caged without the proper teacher. Patience with numerous questions, endless repetition and understanding on the part of an instructor is priceless. There is an uneasy, nervous excitement when facing a new challenge. No matter how much you want to control time and effort , you can't be an expert unless you are a student first. Study and practice, practice, practice. If you dream of playing timpani with the symphony you begin with the triangle. (Ask, Ed Grimley.) If you want to run with the big dogs you have to jump off those comfy cushions.

" I am kissing you......"

"One regret, dear world, that I am determined not to have when I am lying on my deathbed Is that I did not kiss you enough!" Hafiz- Sufi poet

        The creative process of keeping an online journal, much like life, is the journey and not the destination. My greatest enjoyment comes from actually researching a subject, quote, poem, person or photo and wondering where it will lead. There is a bit of mad scientist mixed with film producer in all of us. When I review my search engine results before submitting a blog I usually laugh out loud. Examining what thought lead to this thought and lead to the next thought is fascinating. Then you realize at certain rare moments you're not "thinking" at all. You are doing. You are creating. The path to the posted page is far more interesting than the page itself. Having complete creative control and freedom is a great empowering feeling. Being able to express ourselves is essential to our true nature. We are all creative beings. There are times when the seemingly unsolvable problems of the world completely overshadow beauty in our lives. The beauty is always there. Much like the clouds obscure our vision of the moonlight, criticism and negativity eclipse creativity and awareness. But the clouds always pass. Always.

" De da da da, is all I want to say to you.."

“Information is just bits of data. Knowledge is putting them together. Wisdom is transcending them.” ― Ram Dass

     The paradox of social media is this: it has inspired and united an entire generation of activists and advocates but still allows millions to feel isolated, alone and incredibly shallow. It's like eating chips and salsa before dinner. Inevitably, you have to order a Quesidilla Grande to make the hollow hunger pangs go away. Twitter following is like scarfing down an entire package of Oreo cookies. You know you will fall into a sugar induced sleep coma and want to rinse out your mouth. (practicing my metaphors this evening) Generally, I believe most people are honest with the information they reveal on social media. Who would doubt I worked at Vandelay Industries for two years? Who wasn't convinced the profile picture of me and Christian Bale at a movie premiere was photo shopped? Privacy matters. What benefit is there to exposing everything in our lives? How safe is it for children and teenagers to have their "time lines" revealed to the public? This may be difficult to read but most of us are really not that fascinating to other people. Maybe we should try to discourage youngsters posting their every obsessive thought about Tyler Blackburn or Selena Gomez explaining this does not constitute effective communication. Freedom of Speech is our First Amendment Right so carry on and on and on.... Anyone with common sense will refrain from making rude or crude comments about their boss, spouse, teachers or other family members online. Surely, people have enough sound judgement NOT to post incriminating videos or pictures of themselves or others. Well, one would hope. Recently, I was completely stunned to discover posts by college "educated" educators supporting the conspiracy theory that the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre was a government hoax. WTF? If only the "delete" button worked on making ignorance disappear!

      Human beings desire to feel and stay connected. People love to share what they love. We share photo's and memorable moments with family, friends and loved ones across the country and around the world. Twitter, Tumblr, Linked In and Facebook are a few of the most excellent resources to promote yourself, an educational institution, business, non-profit organization, musical group or blog. It has made a significant impact globally in connecting us to a world of previously unknown political conflicts and ideas. The Internet and technology in general allows us unlimited access to news, information and each other. In addition, thousands of people have connected and fallen in love using online dating services like Match.com and e-Harmony. How else would I have fallen for George Glass? Connect. Make connections. You have to stay connected is what we are all constantly advised.

     Would the world end if you turned off your computer or smart phone for one day? One day a week, allow yourself the silence and solitude of a missed voice mail or text. You will survive. Locally and personally social media seems to have done little to strengthen or create deep, genuine bonds. So much of what we do in everyday life and work is censored to keep up appearances. The social mask only comes off when we are alone. Outside of business I would rather have one or two sincerely, authentic, flesh and bone friendships than a hundred superficial online contacts. So I certainly understand people I know who have either never created or abandoned their Facebook pages or Twitter accounts. Life is short and time too valuable to waste on a million cursory comments. Why do you think Facebook invented the apathetic "like" feature? "Thumbs up" or "up yours" if you like. Whatever form of communication you choose, be true to yourself.

"you may say I'm a dreamer...."

“Words and thoughts concerning compassionate action that are not put into practice are like beautiful flowers that are colorful but have no fragrance.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

     Over the span of a decade I have taken and retaken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Assessment or variation of the assessment more than twenty times. It took twenty attempts to determine if I actually had talent or skill. I'm joking. My lack of proficiency in math has always been horrendous but my fourth grade elementary school teacher, Mrs. Taano recognized that I wrote English goodly and occasionally strung sentences together that almost made sense. Not bad for an overly sensitive ten year old whose favorite activity was staring out the window daydreaming. Fondly, Mrs. Taano was the first teacher to praise me for being a good creative writer.
      One morning after a writing assignment she even asked our principal to come to the classroom and hear me recite my essay. The only time we ever saw our principal was when he was dragging a kid down the hall to be lectured or paddled. Yeah, they used to paddle kids. That makes me laugh now. My story unfolded in a beautiful, enchanted wonderland where we lived in harmony romping in fields of daisies, building tree houses or something and the animals spoke to us .... I really don't recall the entire essay because that was a long time ago, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Mrs. Taano whispered so sweetly to our principal, " Lisa's story is like a utopia."  
       Our principal smiled weakly and grumbled, " Well, I've got to get back to my office and do some important principal-ly stuff. Nice job, Liz."

        Anyway, you may recall having taken the "educated indicator" assessment yourself at one point in your life. Do the words introvert, extrovert, sensing, judging, thinking and perceiving sound familiar? The indicator is based on the combined research of psychologist Carl Jung and researchers Katherine Cook Briggs and Isabel Myers Briggs. The assessment is used by many colleges, universities and businesses to determine personality traits, suitable careers and how people interact in team building, leadership and conflict management situations within an organization. Certainly, you are not expected to believe you possess every trait in the results but it can be used as a guide to assist many of us who may have difficulty focusing on one meaningful career path. So I have taken this test one thousand times (exaggerated slightly) and every time is the same result:

 INFP An INFP is an Introverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving personality type. Personally, the reason I've taken or been prescribed the test so many times is because my career choices haven't aligned with my true nature. Professors, career counselors and managers past and present have encouraged me to seriously analyze the description, take it to heart and use it to pursue my "dream" career. Considering an INFP is a "Dreamer-Idealist" I wasn't always sure how to translate the following personality traits into a successful career: "INFP's are introspective, private, creative and highly idealistic individuals that have a constant desire to be on a meaningful path. They are driven by their values and seek peace. Empathetic and compassionate, they want to help others and humanity as a whole. INFPs are imaginative, artistic and often have a talent for language and writing. They can also be described as easygoing, selfless, guarded, adaptable, patient and loyal."

       If you have taken the test, how well do you think the results of your assessment have helped you? Do you think you are in your ideal career? If you could choose any job in the world what would it be? One of my dream careers would be philosophical chocolate inventor/factory owner race car driving theater actor. And that counts as one ideal career by the way. Admittedly, there has always been a lot of "dreamer" in me. How else can I imagine a better world and then do whatever I can to make it reality?

" the road less traveled....."

“Non-violence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak... Non-violence is hard work.” ― César Chávez

     A few years ago I resided in a city with a current homicide rate of 75% for young black males between the ages of seventeen and nineteen. The city was considered the "murder capitol" of the state for quite sometime and currently has one of the highest death by firearm rates in the country. After working hard and enjoying the single life peacefully in the city for nine years prior a few unprovoked incidents occurred that continue to shape my personal views on guns and crime in America. The who and why remains complicated and unclear. One evening as I headed off to work I approached my car to find a stranger sitting on the hood. I asked the man politely to remove himself from my property and he wandered off. The next day my vehicle was keyed while parked at my apartment complex. Naturally, as most people would do I filed both a police report and insurance claim. After having the vehicle damage appraised initially, it was repeatedly scratched over a few weeks and culminated with an ignorant, hateful racial slur being carved into my driver side door. So not only did I report the vandalism but also reported a hate crime. Let me get this straight!? Someone sits on MY car and then when I ask this piece of human garbage to get off MY property, I'm the enemy? Are people really that insane?

     Yes, yes they are and that is my point. People who don't value their own life will never value anothers life. What if I had overreacted and just whipped out a gun? What if he had pulled a gun on me? What if all I could do was stare out my window all day and night with a rifle pointing at the parking lot? What if I had gone and bought countless more weapons and stockpiled my own personal arsenal just waiting to ambush someone? What if they were going to ambush me ? What kind of life is that? It's not life at all, its just being paralyzed with fear and paranoia. And it's certainly not freedom. What if I allowed myself to be so afraid that I never left my apartment to speak with all the other neighbors who were being victimized by the same group of thugs? What if I had become so fearful that I didn't write letters to the apartment complex, state officials, federal agencies, civil rights organizations and anyone else who could offer ideas to help ease our communities drug, loitering and trespassing violators? Was it a violent gang member trying to intimidate an entire neighborhood who keyed my car? Who threw a cement block at my apartment window? What if the ignorance and violence just continued to spiral out of control? Who controls the fear? Escalation of violence is one reason there are even more illegal firearms and military grade weapons on the streets and in the hands of people who DO and will murder innocent people. They have a gun, you have a gun. They have two guns and you buy three. Where does it end? Criminals have access to Bushmasters and AK-47's, law enforcement agencies need more than a pistol to protect citizens as well as themselves. How else can they remove weapons from the street? How do they get on the streets of so many urban areas of the US? How do they wind up in the hands of seventeen to nineteen year old young adults? How do they wind up in the hands of gangs and drug dealers? Law enforcement agencies don't stock up and upgrade their weapons cache because they LOVE guns. They are dealing with the reality of gun violence every day not romanticizing it from a secured Hollywood studio or avid gun collectors mansion. Do we want everyone in American to dress for work in Kevlar suits as if heading into combat? Do you want to dress your children in bulletproof vests and helmets for school?

     Apparently, a few politicians want our teachers to teach, preach, baby-sit, be mommy AND daddy, a child's moral compass and NOW a damn weapons expert. Instead of writing this from home I could be writing this from a prison cell if I had allowed my anger and rage to overpower my humanity. Anger and fear solve nothing. It is how you choose to use that anger and fear that will create a solution. Gun laws and gun restrictions are a sensitive topic in our country right now and I have taken great consideration in hearing and understanding opinions of people on both sides of the debate. We do not simply accept violence as part of our American culture and stockpile more guns. Accept violence? No. Don't just shout over each other. Listen.

" a better tomorrow...tomorrow..."

“Do you know what I like about comedy? You can’t laugh and be afraid at the same time—of anything. If you're laughing, I defy you to be afraid.” ― Stephen Colbert

     The high-def 3-D glasses included in Stephen Colbert's bestseller, America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't will increase the "depthiness" of your reading pleasure. By sharing this information I have already violated the Terms and Conditions Agreement of his book to which you have two options YES or OK. There is so much brilliant satire in the book you have to share. Stephen Colbert and The Colbert Report allows me to digest those gristly chunks of complex social and political issues otherwise impossible to swallow. Jon Stewart is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent writers and politcal satirists of our time and the Daily Show encourages an audience to contemplate the most serious of subjects while we giggle and guffaw. Aside from family, friends and aquaintances( my brother photoshopped this pic ) the four fearless New Yorkers who constantly challenge each other on Impratical Jokers arouses my pure sense of the absurd with their hilariously cheeky dares because it's true; you can't laugh and be fearful. There are thousands of different ways to explore humor.

      Observing and understanding the human predicament connects us all. Life is tragedy and divine comedy. People who are able to laugh at themselves have a developed sense of humility. Never trust people who are disingenious or lack a sense of humor. We are only human. We all have a capacity to increase happiness in ourselves and others. Possessing an excess of self-importance and seriousness builds up frustration, pessimism and negativity. We need to laugh. As the great American writer Kurt Vonnegut once observed, people either laugh or cry when they are frustrated and exhausted. Humor is a release. Laughter is the best medicine when generously administered with a deliciously sugarcoated spoonful of sarcasm. Stephen has also included a few shining examples of truthiness to validate your educational history on "the winning resume". Eliminate your competition in any job market by use of the following under, EDUCATION: Havard University, Yale Campus 1999 Princeton, N.J... B.A.- in Dartmouth Studies, graduated Summa Cum Stanford. Mr. Colbert has also written all of his readers A Letter of Recommendation because as he states " his readers now know him in the form of a book". When it comes down to nailing the perfect job or discovering what makes us laugh the old adage still rings true, its not what you know it's who you know.

"..and so shines a good deed in a weary world..."

“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog.” ― Charles M. Schulz

       A few days ago I discovered The Washington Post reporter, Michael S. Rosenwald's online article about a program in Maryland where inmates train puppies for disabled veterans. Even before reading the entire story or watching the attached video segment the clouds of a work day lifted. Finally, a little ray of media sunshine and my faith in humanity was temporarily restored. How could this program not be a WIN, WIN, WIN for all parties involved? Numerous psychology studies performed by universities and health organizations affirm the amazingly, powerful affect dogs and other domesticated animals have on the human mind, heart and immune system. My first hand experience of this compelling bond we develop with our dogs is a topic I never tire of reading or sharing. The benefits of loving and owning a companion animal certainly outweigh any cost you may incur. Now imagine the positive effect the entire training process has on an inmate. Model inmates are preselected based on a background of previous military service to train the pups. A service dog in training thrives on an inmates accustomed routine. Typically, the puppies are with the inmates twenty-four hours a day for up to fourteen months including regulated sleep, meals, playtime and a rigorous training schedule. The inmates provide the dogs with discipline, security and structure. Together they have the potential to share an incredible bond which only increases when dedicating their hard work and accomplishment to the betterment of another. By the end of the course the dogs are trained to turn on and off light switches, retrieve, obey all commands and allow more freedom in the daily lives of disabled veterans.          The facility director in Maryland generously praised the program for providing a noticeable sense of calm and purpose among all inmates involved. It has been well documented that companion and service animals ease symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans returning from combat. The simple act of petting or stroking an animal is relaxing and lowers blood pressure. Dogs encourage exercise, sociability and shift mental focus away from the self in order to stay present in the moment. Other studies and programs enable shelter and service dogs to comfort the terminally ill, the elderly, children with learning disabilities, those suffering from trauma and reduce stress among college students during final exams. Dogs serve our military, security and emergency services in immeasurable ways every day. Adults and children profit from the responsibility of caring for an animal that becomes a member of the family and gives unconditional love. Rescuing a shelter animal or volunteering time to rescue campaigns and education is an important way to connect with our own communities especially with issues of animal abuse, neglect and population control. Who doesn't want to hug the hell out of a Golden Retriever after a bad day? Who doesn't miss cocker spaniel kisses? We have yet to imagine a word for ALL that is DOG. AWE-INSPIRING? Naturally. Well yes, human beings are awe-inspiring too. When they choose to be.

"be the change you want to see in the world...."

“Everything I do is going to contain the message that men who are going to be comfortable with powerful women are going to be more powerful men.” ― Joss Whedon

     Right now if you are reading or watching the news it is almost impossible to ignore the issue of sexual assault. The headlines detail the sickeningly vicious gang rape and death of a young Indian woman in New Delhi and has uncovered the brutal sexual assault of an unconscious teen aged girl by a group of football players in Steubenville, Ohio. Rape is a violent act used to control another human being. Rape is about power. Although both men and women can be raped, women and children are more likely to be victims of sexual assault because they can be more easily physically subdued. There is no typical rapist. Studies show that men who commit sexual violence come from every economic, religious, ethnic, racial, age and social group. 85% of rapists are men known to their victims.

      Exactly what are some countries and societies teaching boys and young men about women? Certainly, I am not naive to the fact that violence and rape have been used to control people since the beginning of civilization. Have we, as a country, been teaching men to respect the rights of girls and women? Are men and yes, even some women in the United States respectful of the fact that a woman has the right to control her own body including the right to contraception, sexual activity, abortion, childbirth, and even marriage? All of these factors add up when contemplating women's rights issues. When men read news articles, watch movies or speak to actual rape survivors they must allow themselves to fully feel compassion. No matter how harsh, men must allow themselves to view rape victims as their mother, wife, sister or daughter. When we speak to young men about equality and respect for women we must remember they are observing their own fathers, friends, mentors as well as being influenced by the culture around them. When men speak of women they must show respect, love, encourage empowerment, choice and understand a womans right to her own mind and body. Acts of violence, murder, torture and rape are human rights abuses that occur all over the world.

 “Woman's degradation is in mans idea of his sexual rights. Our religion, laws, customs, are all founded on the belief that woman was made for man.” stated social activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton over one hundred years ago. We live in the United States of America, a country I love dearly but is not even on most "top ten lists" of best countries for women to live and thrive in the world. Are you surprised? I sure the hell am.

"in a half-forgotten dream......."

“Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me.” ― Albert Schweitzer

     Do you ever wonder why you intuitively connect with certain people and not others? Have you ever discovered an author, deciphered a poem or heard a gifted speaker whose words seem to resonate with your own thoughts? Have you ever received an email, letter, phone call or text message at exactly the right moment? Do you ever hear a song, watch a movie or see a photograph more meaningful than mere coincidence? Some call this event kismet, some may call it Divine, others may describe this as simple synchronicity. We may understand how we feel this connection with those we already love but what of complete strangers? One seemingly insignificant exchange has the power to touch our hearts and inspire our minds. One word, one line, one movement and we are submerged in the tides of humanity, floating on the waves of the universe. Many years ago I memorized the lovely Early Sonnet written by the Romantic poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson. It seems to describe the indescribable, a meeting of two souls in "states of mystical similitude" with an understanding of our deep connection to those we barely know at all.......

  As when with downcast eyes we muse and brood, And ebb into a former life, or seem

  To lapse far back in some confused dream, To states of mystical similitude;

  If one but speaks or hems or stirs his chair, Ever the wonder waxeth more and more,

  So that we say, "All this hath been before, All this _hath_ been, I know not when or where".

 So, friend, when first I look'd upon your face, Our thoughts gave answer each to each, so true--

Opposed mirrors each reflecting each-- Altho' I knew not in what time or place,

Methought that I had often met with you, And each had lived in the other's mind and speech.

"And we go 'round and 'round. Life is just a moment in Time..."

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?" -Robert Burns

     When I was in grade school I greatly disliked New Year's Eve. It meant the winter school break was almost at an end. It meant you would spend New Year's Day helping your Dad pack up all the Christmas decorations. Fast forward a few years and you spend New Year's Eve eating Totino's Pizza Rolls, drinking sparkling grape juice with your parents while watching Dick Clark in Time Square celebrate on television. "Rockin' Eve", whatever. A few more years pass and you start celebrating the New Year with druken lovers and friends at bars or throwing up on your shoes in a strangers backyard. As more time passes you reluctantly ring in the New Year at parties you never wanted to attend with fancy h'orderves, drinking glasses of champange and wondering who you will kiss at midnight. Then as more time passes you share the evening with family and friends. No plans, no big deal. How many people fall asleep before the clock strikes twelve? Wherever you are and whoever you are with this evening remember you DO have a reason to celebrate. Look around you. New Year's Eve is a time to reflect and a time to rejoice. Think fondly of those who have left us and be gentle and kind to those who believe they have nothing to celebrate. Raise your glass to those who love you and make you stronger. Raise a glass to those who don't know us or even care to know us. Their loss. Make so many toasts before midnight you can't help but be grateful to everyone. "I love you, man!", all around and I'll buy the next round. Make a toast and a choice to make every moment of every year a chance to celebrate and appreciate what you have. You do.

"After a full belly, all is poetry......."

“Food is a gift and should be treated reverentially--romanced and ritualized and seasoned with memory.” ― Chris Bohjalian, Secrets of Eden

     Our family issued a challenge to each other in the coming year. Our collective resolution is aspiring to a healthy individual weight loss before our Thanksgiving feast of 2013. Those of us participating will officially begin our "deprivation" on January 2nd. The word "diet" has never been in my vocabulary. When my pants become too snug I do what is necessary but I don't diet. Gourmet chef, Julia Child once quipped, “The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.” My family like most families in the world gather to celebrate holidays, birthdays or Bingo Night ( wink, wink ) with plenty of rich creamy comfort foods and sugary sweet confections. Moderation is key. Usually, when we try to deny ourselves a certain type of food the craving for that food intensifies. When we trust our bodies to tell us when it's full or tune in to the nutrients our body needs, healthy eating habits develop. When we crave calcium we drink milk or eat yogurt and cheese (or a Dairy Queen Peanut Buster Parfait). When we crave vitamin C we eat oranges, apples and broccoli. Unless, you are my younger brother who refuses to eat any vegetable he can't hide in his socks and throw in the toilet later. Okay, in all fairness that was when our parents served us mixed vegetables with lima beans. Does my body need to eat an entire box of Cheddar Jack Cheez-It crackers every other day? Well of course not. But you get my point.

      Another reason my family enjoys food so much is because most of them are damn excellent cooks. Cooking is an art. Some of us are Rembrandt others are only capable of stick figures. It has been a privilege and my good fortune to taste and savor the divine creations of time consuming, utterly delicious cuisine. These scrumptious recipes have been prepared lovingly sprinkled with attention to detail and with more than a dash of happiness by my sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, step-mother, nieces and nephews. Eating a meal together is not only sharing our abundance but also sharing conversation, our history, laughter and most importantly our gratitude. As consumers we live in a society where we shop at twenty-four hour grocery stores or have fast food handed to us from a drive-thru window. Are we really taking the time to truly enjoy our food? Are we mindful? We are so fortunate to have what we have. Savor it. Yes, my family is doing this for each other so we can add life to our years. There will be exercise, walking, dancing, push ups but no running! I like having my pants fit but I love my sister Laurie's homemade pizza even more. A toast to the coming year with moderation and a little reminder : "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death. Live, Live, Live!" - Auntie Mame

"Be most excellent to each other...."

"If you read someone else’s diary, you get what you deserve." - David Sedaris

     All of my life I've kept a diary or a journal as they have allowed me to document my dreams, my loves and measured emotional maturity. My journals also include the most lofty, idealistic crap poetry you will ever scoff at and ridicule. In the past, relatives and friends have given me blank journals as gifts so richly crafted and ornate it seemed a shame to waste an innocent tree on my mundane musings. Every so often, especially as we bid farewell to another passing year I dust off my diaries and enjoy a good laugh. Below is a journal entry from twenty-two years ago with my own current commentary in parenthesis. November, 2nd 1990something His name I repeat like a beautiful mantra. We spoke on the phone this afternoon to reassure ourselves we were not dreaming last night. (I just threw up in my mouth a little bit....) When we kissed it felt as if my knees would give out. I have never felt so intensely for ANYONE. (at least never in the last six months...ha..ha) Just thinking about him brings color to my cheeks and sends my heart pounding. I feel light and carefree. ( like I'm in a tampon commercial ). I'm in love!! ( the exclamation points were edited down to two for this blog ) He loved my poems. ( he was very kind and terrible judge of literature ) He wrote me, " I love you, Angel Butterfly " on a note. ( not a text my dear modern romantics ) I didn't want to let him go ( and no, we were not drunk ) He makes me so happy! I sat in the car tonight and just stared at him, memorizing his face, every line, every curve. It is so difficult to let him leave. Sweet dreams, My Love! ( big dramatic swoon ) Saying, "I love you" is not enough sometimes. He says it's like saying something is "good" when actually it feels really really "excellent". We should invent a phrase or secret code that means more than just, "I love you". ( and this is what I actually wrote) A phrase like, "I excellent you." No, I was far from being infatuated with Bill Preston or Ted Logan even though that very moment in my personal history was an "excellent adventure". Without a time machine how could I have ever anticipated the many adventures, passions and loves yet to come?

" peace on earth ....."

(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867) 
 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day 

 Their old familiar carols play,
 And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom
 Had rolled along the unbroken song, Of peace on earth, good will to men.
 And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said,
 "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men."
 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
 Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
 Of peace on earth, good will to men!

     

     Compassion is at the transcendental and experiential heart of Buddhist teachings. 

The Buddha was reputedly asked by his personal attendant, Ananda, 
"Would it be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is a part of our practice?" 
To which the Buddha replied, "No. It would not be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is part of our practice.
 It would be true to say that the cultivation of loving kindness and compassion is ALL of our practice."

"You need to get out of bed and peel some potatoes!"

"Get your shoes on! We are going to the air show. Go to the bathroom now because we are not stopping until we get there!"- Louis A. More "every other weekend"

     My father died two years ago today, December 21st, 2010. Although our family would rather celebrate life than the anniversary of a death I wanted to revive his memory with those who loved him as Grandpa Louie, Dad, Pops, Uncle Lou or simply, Louie. Dad bestowed all of his children with an appreciation of comedy and film. My father introduced us to movies such as Stripes, Uncle Buck and Animal House. He loved comedians Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Mel Brooks and Woody Allen. Every Friday night he video taped the Canadian comedy show, SCTV for me to watch the next afternoon. SCTV featured notable characters such as Bob and Doug McKenzie, Guy Caballero and my personal favorite triangle enthusiast, Ed Grimley. There were times we would talk on the phone while Seinfeld reruns or Everybody Loves Raymond was playing in the background. " Hey Lisa, the Jerk Store called", he'd cackle or "Are you ready for Festivus yet?" he'd joke.
     When he was in a serious mood his children were forced, I mean encouraged to watch documentaries and films about military history or warfare. How else would a twelve year old girl know how to whistle, "March from the River Kwai"? or even know what the hell, Tora! Tora! Tora! meant?  Growing up on Lake Erie he appreciated ships, boats and naval exploration. Lou was an avid videographer who filmed many high school marching and concert band events. Five out of six children were proud "band geeks". Dad had played the saxophone. He began filming high school and professional football training camps and worked briefly with the Cleveland Browns football program.
      As a veteran of the United States Air Force he had a passion for flying and airplanes, earning his private pilots license as a civilian. Like his Hungarian father before him he was associated with the railroad and had an almost scholarly knowledge of trains. One of Dad's hobbies was filming trains so on weekend ventures my brother's reluctantly accompanied him "railroading". Etched into our memories, he excelled at drawing and loved photography. Intentionally or not, most of his leisure activities incorporated documenting our childhoods in some way. All of his children inherited his positive qualities. We refuse to admit to each other we inherited MORE negative traits from Lou as well. Thank you, Pops. With love and peace. Serenity now. Serenity now.....

"a dream that will need all the love you can give..."

" Maria, these walls were not meant to shut out problems. You have to face them. You have to live the life you were born to live." -Mother Abbess, The Sound of Music

     One of my all time favorite movie quotes comes from the classic film The Sound of Music. Yes, it is considered by many to be a sentimental family film richly layered with award winning songs and unforgettable lyrics written by the famous musical gods, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. It is also a story of love, survival and conviction.
    Setting the scene: Max Detweiler, a long time Von Trapp family friend reveals his great concern for Naval Captain, Georg Von Trapp after the Captain has been informed that he must leave his family and report to the Nazi Naval Headquarters in Bremerhaven, Germany. As a newlywed husband, a renewed loving father and proud nostalgic Austrian, Georg is irrevocably disgusted and opposed to all of Hitler's hateful, tyrannical ideology. Georg never disguises his contempt in every interaction with the Third Reich from ripping down their hideous flag hung without his permission from his homes balcony to trading insults with his egotistical, paranoid "superiors". All the while Max, Maria and the Von Trapp children are sensing and observing how fearful and hostile the world is becoming as the men surrounding Georg feel threatened and angry over any type of resistance.
      Max, wanting to appease the rising power, perhaps for his own selfish motives, pleads with Maria, "He's got to at least *pretend* to work with these people. You must convince him." Maria, although aware of the danger her husband and family face responds with one of the most compassionate and courageous lines describing the constant struggle for love and human justice, "I can't ask him to be less than he is."

"My heart goes back to wander there..."

“If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself.” -Albert Einstein

       Looking back at our earliest memories with happiness my sisters remind me of our childhood- a childhood faded over time and idealized could only be described as magical. We spent hours outside playing. Using only our imaginations we  relished our make believe palaces, pretending, creating stories. One day we were performers and rock stars and the next day millionaires, college professors, kings, queens amid castles with royal knights. We dressed up in our Mom's clothing, scarves, jewelry, shoes and applied her cologne and make-up. We enjoyed  Barbie dolls, flashlight tag and "war". We played Stratego, Monopoly and the game of Life. We would walk unaccompanied to our little neighborhood grocery store to buy "pop" and candy. When we felt daring we would climb down the cliffs at the end of our street to the shores of Lake Erie. We would collect shells and toss stones into the waves. We watched many sunsets and reflected in peace. Our bicycles were our horses to gallop away to adventures. Our yard was our playing field for badminton and football. We spread out  blankets under our sprawling oak trees, looking at books while eating bags of Doritos and sandwiches. We played with all the kids on our block and visited with parents who knew us by name. It was a carefree time full of wonder and exploration.
       When the adult grind becomes overwhelming and stressful with politics, bills, our jobs and the endless "to-do lists" it's easy  to conjure up the past. Friday, in tears watching the news of the tragic events unfolding in Newtown, Connecticut I texted my older sister, an elementary school teacher. "Do you know?". She replied back with one simple phrase which was understood. " I want to be ignorant." She wasn't referring to a denial of reality, brutality or tragic loss of life at Sandy Hook. She was reflecting on a temporary ignorance is bliss where the unfairness and cruelties of society are unknown, a time before we hear and see too much of the world. A time before our innocence is lost forever.

Why?

"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." --Nelson Mandela

It is in our greatest time of sorrow and disbelief that we ask why? Why did this happen? Why can't we seem to prevent this type of crisis? Why were such completely innocent children so senselessly murdered? Why does the human mind erase all traces of empathy to slaughter? Why do we continue to allow such easy access to weapons? Why are we ignoring signs of hostility and violence in our youth? Why is our mental health system letting young people fall through the cracks? Why are we debating about gun control again when we had the opportunity to change laws after the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings? There are so many questions that need to be answered. The children and adults who lost their lives today at Sandy Hook Elementary could have easily been your children or my loved ones. The residents of Newtown, Connecticut believed they lived in an ideal location where their children would flourish in safety far away from fear and brutality. All of these important questions make us pause and examine our own lives and communities. Let us reflect and be grateful for those around us whom we love and cherish. Let us show compassion for all children and adults affected by this tragedy. Let today bring us hope for our ability to create change tomorrow. Why? Because it must be done.

"And we all lived happily ever after..."

“I have an immense appetite for solitude, like an infant for sleep, and if I don't get enough for this year, I shall cry all the next. ” ― Henry David Thoreau

     When one reminisces about their youth they refer to their "salad days" or if you prefer "Ramen Noodle" days for the Millenniasl. During our early twenties we seem to fall in and out of love as quickly as you can Google, "divorce attorney". Still there are those who find their "soul mates", marry and live blissfully forever after as little birdies sing and forest animals dance in celebration. Truthfully, there really is a beauty and innocence in marrying your first true love. It is what romance novelists live for and what most young couples have been taught to emulate. Who doesn't love the movie, " Enchanted"? Who doesn't cry after watching the "Notebook"? You have a soul, right? Couples who have evolved while sharing an enduring, loving union should be honored. It is very rare and special. Similarly, we need to honor and respect those who choose not to marry. If arranged marriages were common in the United States imagine how many desperately relieved fathers and families there would be? My father's spirit may be hovering above my computer exasperated. Here is a brief synopsis spanning twenty years of phone calls with my father. "Hey, Pops!, I'd chirp. And Louis would reply, "Lisa! Have you found a man yet? "Lisa, when are you getting married?". My "Ramen Noodle" days were pretty damn lively and I regret nothing. Love and sex and romance are wonderful! On occasion, I do feel as out of place with couples as Lady Gaga in a Nicholas Sparks novel. Actually, after years of concern regarding who would take care of his "little girl" my father understood. In one of our last conversations he confided, " Just do what makes YOU happy." Being single is not a disease that needs to be cured. Not everyone who chooses to be alone is ever lonely.

"Mostly I'm silent...."

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.” ― Ansel Adams

     Maddie was my best friend, companion, therapy dog and adventure vehicle co-pilot for almost twelve years. She was the George Putnam to my Amelia Earhart, the "Goose" to my "Maverick", the Cal Naughton Jr. to my Ricky Bobby. On long treks she curled up content on the passenger seat but on short trips around the neighborhood she sat in my lap. Maddie would rest her head on the car window frame as I propped up her body on my arm. She had full access to the caressing breezes that blew back her beautiful flowing cocker spaniel ears. One evening I remember switching off my Arcade Fire cd to listen to the radio. The song playing was classic Chicago from the seventies. "Beginning's" is a very upbeat, positive song that seemed to define our moment in the setting sun perfectly._
_"When I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we are, Or what we're doing. I'm with you, that's all that matters. Time passes much too quickly when we're together laughing. I wish I could sing it to you, oh no, I wish I could sing it to you. Mostly I'm silent. Never think about words to say."

      The line, "mostly I'm silent" resonated with me most. The deep wordless silence we experience with human beings, animals, especially dogs is so profound. I used to tell Maddie aloud I loved her a thousand times a day. If she were human she may have thought, "Geez! Enough, already! I know..I know!!" Silence is a gift. Love is not always communicated by words. Love is shown by our actions and felt simply by BEING there. After a few days I felt absolutely compelled to purchase Chicago's Greatest Hits featuring "Beginnings", playing it whenever Maddie and I went for a ride. Singing at the top of my lungs in the car I would do my best Robert Lamm impression while from the passenger seat Maddie curiously gazed at me with those gorgeous, soulful, brown eyes. Was she thinking," my owner is bonkers"? "You sound nothing like Robert Lamm.", " I love you too, crazy human." "When do I get another treat?" Dogs never think about words to say and that is one reason we love our dogs so much. As the song played we happily continued on our journey. Now whenever I listen to the song in my car I glance over at my empty co-pilot seat, smile, whisper, "I love you" and mostly I'm silent.

"It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine...."

“A man is like a novel: until the very last page you don't know how it will end. Otherwise it wouldn't be worth reading.” ― Yevgeny Zamyatin, We

     According to some interpretations of the Mayan calendar the world ends on December 21st, 2012. You have about two weeks to fully enjoy yourself or better yet, BEGIN enjoying yourself. NASA released an educational video ealier this year that explains the Mayan calendar reassuring thousands of concerned citzens there is no evidence a meteor is whizzing through space to destroy the Earth. Much to my surprise there are hundreds of governments around the globe issuing statements to calm anxious populations. Here in the United States, I've explored a few online news stories wih the pleasure of discovering comments by trolls and sincere posters.. Here are a few sample quotes from an "end of the world" article: "I bet a guy $1000 the world doesn't end on 12/21/12.I can't lose either way."******* 
" What about the aliens that are going to attack us and billionaire, Robert Bigalow knows the secrets !!!"******* 
"Buy an island to live on, the zombies cant swim, the downside is you will eventually run out of Twinkies and starve.." 
********"Just in case it is true don't pay your bills until January."
*********"The world better end on the 21st. I've done no Christmas shopping this year."
******"I think I died long ago and this is my eternal punishment."
*****"Wow! If they can promise the world won't end why can't they promise a budget?"
******* " If the world were going to end I'd eat a load of chocolate, cakes, drink beer, then hire ten female escorts to send me out with a bang!"*****I adore, Earthings!
*** ******* Have you ever thought about how you would spend your last day on earth? What would you do? Who would you spend it with? Would you cry in a corner or make love? The truth is we never know when our time will come. Any of us. Appreciate and be grateful for the moments you have right now. Let perspective change your worldview rather than unfounded meteors, alien attacks or doomsday prophecies.

"There's still time to change the road you're on...."

“Question for your life: Would you rather be the first female U.S. President, the first woman to walk on the moon, or the first woman to be courted by two clones who looked like Christian Bale?” ― Jarod Kintz, $3.33

Choice. The word choice as a noun defined by the dictionary means- An act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities.
       From the first moment you rise in the morning to the last minute before sleep you are making choices. Young men and women in their late teens and early twenties are asked to make some of the most meaningful choices in their lives without experience or practical knowledge to back them up. What college do you want to attend? What college can you afford? Who is paying for college? What will be your major? Do you want to join the military? Do you want to get married? Do you want children? Do you want to travel? Do you want to learn a trade? Do you want to go straight to a 9 to 5 job? I am getting nauseous just writing this so imagine how a young adult might react. Fear. Remember that feeling? (those of us past thirty five?) When you ask adults at what age they felt comfortable in their own skin most reply at the age of thirty. (some say never and that is another blog entirely) All of us can and will change careers or life paths. However, I am focusing on young adulthood. There is so much pressure on young adults to make many uninformed choices based only on projection rather than reality. It's a lot like buying car insurance. Young women especially have more choices than ever before and choices can be overwhelming. Possibilties and dreams of the future give us extraordinary hope but without a plan or a goal in mind you start to panic. Recently, a young woman I met at work admitted she felt "old" at twenty-five. Twenty-five!? Her friends were getting married and having children. She wants to make her own decisions and needs to explore her career options before settling down. Rather than age being the issue, society, family, and monetary obligations often force us to commit to careers, marriage and children before we know ourselves or understand what makes us truly happy. The choices we make dictate the life we lead but we must reassure young adults that change and growth is part of our journey and if they make mistakes or fail they will always have options. They will always have a choice.

"Oh, the places you'll go......"

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

     My love affair with books began when I was three years old. My family owned several sets of The Encyclopedia Britannica, easily accessible on two carved wooden shelves in the living room. They were useful building blocks. My beloved Fisher Price Little People had amazing suburban homes and clearly defined neighborhoods with two car garages. Stacking books on top of each other may have been my first experience with playing Jenga. How high could they go without toppling and hitting my big fat preschool noggin?
      My actual love affair with READING however, began while looking at the pictures in books and using my imagination to create endless adventures. (assuming you are near my age) Who doesn't fondly recall Richard Scarry's Busy Town, Dr Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Billy Goats Gruff and Mr Pine's Purple House? What's that? You say you have never heard of Mr. Pines Purple House? Well, let me enlighten you. It happens to be the very first book I learned to read all by myself. "Mr. Pine lived on Vine Street in a little white house. "A white house is fine," said Mr. Pine, "but there are FIFTY white houses all in a line on Vine Street. How can I tell which house is mine?" Will Mr. Pine find his house? What happens? How does it end? Sorry, you will have to buy the book! I am eternally grateful to Mr. Leonard P. Kessler and (my family of course) who had to endure the one hundred and eighty two recitings thereafter. Since that first encounter I have never stopped loving to read and believe it or not my comprehension has actually advanced following that initiation into the literacy league. It cannot be stressed enough to children of all ages that reading will develop a sense of curiosity compassion and understanding of the world even if you seldom venture off the front porch of your home on Vine Street.

"You musn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, Darling......"

“Did I do anything wrong today," he said, "or has the world always been like this and I've been too wrapped up in myself to notice?” ― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ―

Each minute cell holds cosmic soul
Our fragile frame of fragmented stars explodes on dusty brain,
DNA debris.
 A blue print of the universe buried deep in the nucleus of being.
We carouse distant galaxies, revolve about illusion sun.
 Illumined sparks as comets, glaze midnight skies.
 Asleep, we are space travellers with passports to the moon,
 dreaming reality.----- "REAL" (poem written December, 1993)

Love is never lost......................

“If you love someone, they leave you. But if you don't love someone, they leave you, too. So your choice isn't between loving and losing but only between loving and not loving.” ― Steve Rasnic Tem

     As surely as you breathe you will experience love and loss. Love and loss are part of the human experience. If you are fortunate you will be granted many many years loving your family, spouse, significant other, children, lovers, friends, your pets, a beautiful sunset, a vast ocean.... But you WILL experience the pain and joy of love and loss. It's unavoidable. You cannot hide from loss, you cannot ignore suffering any more than you can avoid death. In fact love and loss have made you the person you are today. Do you remember the first time you lost someone or something you loved? How do you forget? The memory of our first experience of loss shapes and molds how we will continue to live in the world. Our first loss forms the curves and contours of our existence. Loss is the architect of our heart.
     The greatest loss of my life occurred in my childhood. My mother was entirely too young to die at the age of thirty-nine. She loved her children and always wanted to be a mother. In my memory she was LOVE incarnate. When I think of her brief time on this earth and the fact that she had to leave behind five children it is more than my heart can bare. She was the source of all the love that shown so brightly upon me and the moment of her passing felt as if the light disappeared from my soul. When people callously toss out the old adage "time heals all wounds" I cringe. Time does not allow any of us to forget. Time only provides us with the challenge to change and adapt. When all our inner searching and exploring is over we realize we are still loved and need to show our love to others. When we are wounded or cut open time will heal a wound but scars always remain. There are many wise and beautiful people who reveal their scars openly with courage and strength. If you have scars it means you have lived. It means you have survived. Now you must continue to love.

Timeless.......

“Music . . . can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” ― Leonard Bernstein

     How do you feel when you absorb your favorite song deep under your skin? Does it penetrate your soul? Has a song ever invoked tears of pain or joy? What images are projected onto the movie screen of your mind as harmony and melody perfectly blend you to eargasm? Does your heart swell and your stomach ache when you hear sounds so alluring and beautiful it can only be described as etheral? Music has both the power to physically energize and soothe our body, mind and heart. Music is a language written on silent waves of universal energy. It is the wordless power which connects all of humanity. A poet arranges language to stir emotions, an artist strokes canvas or clay, the dancer paints with movement but the musician creates empathy with the color and texture of sound. You not only hear music, you touch, smell and taste sound. Albert Einstein once revealed, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Music is timeless. Music is a necessity of life for without it what kind of life could we tolerate? Now go and listen to your favorite song or musical composition and feed your soul. Be inspired.

"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...."

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?"- J.B. Priestley

     The North is where I was born and spent my childhood. Returning to visit when snow falls is like handing me a silver foiled wrapped package with a beautiful satin ribbon. It is a gift, a gift of reliving inspired moments of my youth. Most of my fondest memories are generously sprinkled with the peaceful grace of slowly drifting snowflakes. The day after this Thanksgiving the skies turned orange and purple at sunset. You could sense an impending change and chill in the air like an approaching army.

      We prepared for our battle with the elements armed with woolen scarves, hats and mittens. Magic. When I was a child I remember begging my parents to let me play outside in the snow. My siblings and I were allowed an hour or two of play to avert frostbite. If going outside meant stuffing myself into a snowsuit with layers of underclothes and five pairs of socks under heavy boots so be it. There were icicles to lick, snowmen to build and snow angels to create. The yard covered in pristine white was an open invitation for fresh footprints and the blazing of trails for others to follow.