“We love the things we love for what they are.”

“I have to see a thing a thousand times before I see it once.”
― Thomas Wolfe, You Can't Go Home Again     

Our family traveled into the big city today. We toured 

The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center where they collect display and  preserve the heritage of the United States.  Exhibits range in areas from social, political and cultural events to scientific and military history. Instead of participating in the post holiday shopping madness we decided to enjoy our Metro adventure and educational journey.  My loved ones hardly suspected  the joy of lovingly etching the memory of the moment in my mind. It was thrilling to be at the museum with them and indulge in one of my all time favorite activities, observing the human zoo.

     Unfortunately, our family is spread out across the country and it's very rare that all of us can be together. We had to Skype with my niece and nephew for our pre-Bingo bash pep talk. (Love you Bri and Drew) One of my brothers misses most of our holiday festivities because he works in retail. After Thanksgiving dinner we played Bingo for prizes instead of preparing for Black Friday like most American families. My sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law choose the most amazing and thoughtful gifts for all of us. Krissy planned and prepared a fabulous meal. (Thank you, Les and Laurie for my journal, book and so much more.)  Love you! The night before Thanksgiving we played a board game called Smart Ass and never laughed so hard in my life at some of the answers our family blurts out. Although we all have our moments when we watch a football game or play on our computers and cell phones, we don't let it interfere with our quality family time.

      Growing older, nieces and nephews slowly reach adulthood before my eyes, memories are cherished. Call it cliche but the holidays when we gather together recreating our history, laughing, sharing food and drinks are treasured beyond anything you could possibly purchase at a store. As the years pass there is a careful awareness of intricate details and subtle nuances and like a beautifully preserved museum portrait, family becomes more precious and fascinating. 

"Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky...."

"Claudia:  You don't know the first thing about me.
Joanne:  Likewise, I'm sure. If I just met you on the street... if you gave me your phone number... I'd throw it away.
Claudia:  Well, we don't have to like each other, Jo. We're family."
                                                                        Home for the Holidays-

     Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgivukkah. As we gather together with our loved ones this week, please remember you can get away with saying almost anything at the dinner table when you put the phrase, " With all due respect"  in front of it.
     "With all due respect, Aunt Marie you need to wax that mustache if you ever expect to find a husband."
     Speaking of  respect, depending on your family dynamic, there are certain topics of conversation you may want to avoid  due to their highly controversial nature such as religion, politics, gun control and your sex life . Unless you are on a personal vendetta or quest for provocation, discuss these topics privately. Don't be a ( pardon my French) douche bag Royal when your family is gathered together for the sole purpose of being grateful otherwise the only thing they will be thankful for is your absence. Please be mindful of all the employees working during the holidays if you are out and about. They would like to be home with their families too.

 Most importantly, and we are all guilty of this but won't admit it, don't judge and second guess your family members personal life choices. The couple without children is extremely happy despite what you may project onto them. Your single uncle isn't secretly gay. Grandma doesn't want your pity, she wants you to accept, love and respect the wisdom she has to offer. Remember to be grateful that you  have  family to share a meal.  Even though we may not always agree or approve of another person's opinions or lifestyle, make a sincere effort to look deep in your heart with compassion and understanding. With all due respect, no one is perfect.

 Be thankful for shared memories, laughter, comfort and good food. Honor a memory with love.  Appreciate your good fortune.

  please follow the link below
http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/10-Ways-to-Express-Our-Gratitude



Love and peace to all.

     
     

"It is the story that matters not just the ending....."

“WHEN you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep.”
― W.B. Yeats, The Collected Poems     

     November is Adopt-A-Senior Pet Month. Senior pets are amazing and deserve a special home to live out their remaining years. What can you expect from adopting a senior dog or cat?  During the month of November  most shelters and rescues are reducing adoption costs or waiving fees all together. Most senior animals have already lived in a home where unfortunately owners had to surrender or give them up due to financial or relocation issues. House trained, senior pets won't chew, bark or scratch every thing in your home.

 Older pets are playful yet quiet and calm with fully developed personalities. Older dogs will understand commands and greet strangers appropriately on your daily walks. Ready to be loved again, they will give back more than you know. Imagine a senior dog or cat as part of your family joining you for the holiday festivities. Even better, just think of how much affection and gratitude a senior pet will feel for the humans allowing them to live out their golden years in peace and comfort. 

It's true that many people are reluctant to adopt senior pets due to potential veterinary costs. Be honest with the shelter and discuss the history of the pet with your vet. Quality of life in senior pets is just as important as any other time. Most senior animals are healthy and have plenty of energy. Let them bring greater meaning and quality to your life. Give thanks for the love and loyalty of animals this holiday. For more information about where to find a senior pet in your area check out petfinder &

http://www.cockerspanielrescue.com/

If you are unable to adopt a dog or cat in November consider donating to your local shelter or volunteering at a rescue. To learn more about controlling the pet population in the US click on the link below.

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Critical-Control-The-Importance-of-Spaying-and-Neutering-Pets

"all dreams spin out from the web of life....."

 " For we did not weave the web of life.
We are merely a strand in it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
Let us give thanks for the web and the circle that connects us.
  — Chief Seattle,
  

       My mother had a great appreciation and love for Native American history and culture. At four or five years of age I recall being completely captivated by gigantic glossy photographs in beautifully bound books outlining North American tribes, locations and customs. Mom was proud of her Choctaw heritage on my grandfathers side. The same blood which warmly ran through her veins, now rushes through me and flows through my brothers and sisters. We have lovingly embraced her unique qualities and calm demeanor. We see with her piercing eyes, we share her profile, her gentle smile and  move with the womanly curve of her hips. We hear her laughter and the sound of her voice when we sing. We feel the caressing clasp of her hand when we dance. We feel her breathe renewed hope into our weary lungs after the cruel world knocks out the wind. We have been softly spun from her delicate web of life.

     My entire childhood was spent absorbed with wanting to learn. There was a voracious appetite for attempting to unravel the fascinating mysteries of human existence- religion, philosophy, our planet and the universe were subjects I wanted to know- needed to know. Both of my parents and older siblings created an environment that fostered a love of reading and curiosity. Having access to libraries, diverse literature, three sets of encyclopedias and an unrestricted tolerance of evolving ideas is an experience I'm beyond grateful for having early in my life.

  Upon discovering the following poem by Native American poet Mary Tall Mountain it reminded me that our mother's web of love lives on inside all of us, forever connecting my brothers and sisters. The poem is dedicated to all of those who have lost a loved one much too soon. Look inside your heart. Remember, we're held together by the greatest everlasting bond and in many cultures and languages in the world,  "There is No Word for Goodbye"    

“There Is No Word for Goodbye” 

  by  Mary Tall Mountain from The Light on the Wall.

Sokoya, I said, looking through

the net of wrinkles into the

wise black pools of her eyes.

What do you say in Athabascan

when you leave each other?

What is the word

for goodbye?

A shade of feeling rippled  

the wind-tanned skin.

Ah, nothing, she said,

watching the river flash.

She looked at me close.

We just say, Tlaa. That means,

"See you."

We never leave each other.

When does your mouth

say goodbye to your heart?

She touched me light

as a bluebell.

You forget when you leave us;

you're so small then.

We don't use that word.

 We always think you're coming back,

but if you don't,

we'll see you some place else.

You understand.

There is no word for goodbye.

-with love, peace and gratefulness that we will share  our Thanksgiving together.

" It's the only gift that you have...right now."

"We so rarely look at the sky. We so rarely note how different it is from moment to moment, with clouds coming and going."-Brother David Steindl-Rast

  

      While researching an article about expressing thankfulness I discovered Louie Schwartzberg's breath-taking film, Gratitude.  The video alone is an extraordinary gift. So I want to give my family, my friends and any one who reads this an amazing present, right now. Please, please take a few moments out of your busy schedule, rushing around, talking, texting, planning, being frantic from our fast paced life and be still. Put down the cell phone, stop what you're doing on your computer or at your desk. After you watch the video go outside (weather permitting ) and just stare up at the sky." Look at the sky. We so rarely look at the sky.."   Appreciate all the beauty that surrounds you. Remind yourself what a good day really is...

Thank you.

 All the ways I love you.....

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/10-Ways-to-Express-Our-Gratitude

“The whole world can become the enemy when you lose what you love......”

   “That is what death is like. It doesn't matter what uniforms the soldiers are wearing. It doesn't matter how good the weapons are. I thought if everyone could see what I saw, we would never have war anymore.”
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close     

   On Veterans Day, November 11th,  please take time to sincerely reflect on the sacrifices that are being made and have been made by our military and intelligence communities at home and abroad. Be thankful for the life you lead as a United States citizen. Show your gratitude for those who love their own country enough to make the ultimate sacrifice.  Author C.K Chesterton once wrote -“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”  We protect what we love. Contemplation on that statement alone is intensely profound.

    Although I've never experienced combat or fought in battle I am certainly indebted to those brave men and women who protect our freedoms. Understand this, there are many countries in the world where I would be arrested and thrown in jail for writing or saying some of the things I take for granted every day. In many countries women are denied the most basic human dignities. Women are denied the right to vote, have a career, own property or manage money, choose or use any form of birth control, select who they marry, walk the streets without a man , attend school, drive a vehicle or even reveal their faces in public. In some countries their citizens aren't allowed to openly protest or criticize their own government, read controversial books or literature, be openly gay or practice their own religious beliefs. In many countries parents force their own children to work fourteen hours or more a day to buy food and necessities. These children never attend school and some girls are sold or married off to men twice their age.

 So the next time you are sitting comfortably in front of your big screen TV, inside your expensive homes with your overflowing pantry shelves and whine about your cell phones, cable bill or used car, put your life in perspective. Be truly thankful. We must all be thankful.

 Below is a link to an article I wrote expressing my gratitude for a few outstanding veterans organizations that continue to transform the lives of millions of veterans and civilians:

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/5-Nonprofit-Veterans-Organizations-You-Need-to-Know

"animals may be different from us, this does not make them LESS than us...."

“When animals express their feelings they pour out like water from a spout. Animals' emotions are raw, unfiltered, and uncontrolled. Their joy is the purest and most contagious of joys and their grief the deepest and most devastating. Their passions bring us to our knees in delight and sorrow.”
― Marc Bekoff, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy - and Why They Matter     

    

          Tragic news. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially listed
 Africa's western black rhino extinct. Unbelievably tragic, because this was entirely preventable by humanity. The announcement was made following the latest review of animals and plants by the world's largest conservation network. The IUCN  also warned that other rhinos  are in critical danger including Africa's northern white rhino which is "teetering on the brink of extinction" and Asia's Javan rhino, fighting for life due to continued poaching and lack of conservation. We don't care and if we do, we aren't doing enough.

      The causes of animal poaching are a widely open topic but greed tops the list. Animal poaching occurs when illegal hunters seek out and kill endangered animals or animals that could be in a protected area. The majority of illegal hunters do it strictly for money. It's seen as a business venture similar to trading stock or buying real estate. The selling of illegal animal products around the world profits somewhere in the high millions if not billions.  A few hunters may kill for the ‘thrill’ or ‘fun’ involved where others poach for the products themselves.

     The effect that poaching has reaches far past the animals that are hunted, but the surrounding areas and animals as well. Having a non-natural food chain link added into a wildlife food supply is a huge issue of survival for other animals. Poaching is causing animals that have been in the world for thousands and thousands of years to become endangered and now extinct. There are not enough of these animals to reproduce and they lack food to survive. The animals at the top of the food chain rely on the animals at the lower end. They are dying of starvation because of human beings. Do you think this doesn't effect us?

 With illegal animal poaching comes the illegal animal trade. Gangs, drugs, illegal firearms are introduced to these areas or control and manipulate the surrounding population. They are nothing more than warlords.  Radical animal poachers as well as illegal buyers are ruthless and heavily armed people. In many cases, local villagers are too scared to speak out in fear for their own lives. The video above Poaching Wars is the first part of a two part documentary filmed in Africa earlier this year.(both parts one and two can be seen in their entirety on YouTube.com) We follow compassionate British actor Tom Hardy, who narrates the unflinching  reality of  impassioned conservationists, wildlife experts and those brave enough to stand against illegal poachers.

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Six-Ideas-for-Inspiring-Empathy

“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”

““Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”      
― Mahatma Gandhi

Where did the popular internet meme, "Keep Calm and Carry On." originate? According to historians,  1939 in preparation for massive enemy air attacks, it was supposedly used by the British as pre-World War II motivational poster propaganda.

Simple, effective and truthful. When there are metaphorical shit bombs being dropped on you every day at work or crapostrophic missiles fired at you from family and friends, what can you do? As the father of Taoism, Lao Tsu once observed, “The best fighter is never angry.”  Can you be a loving, kind and compassionate being when you are full of rage or hatred? We are all fighters.   Either we choose to spend our entire time on the earth angry, upset, bitter, resentful and full of vengeful meanness towards others or we can face fear, keep calm and get on with the business of our own life. How long are you going to let other people control your happiness? Stop giving away your power.

 First, you need to recognize how much control  you do have over a situation. If circumstances are out of your control such as another's emotions, beliefs or attitudes, you must change your own perspective. You can't truly control another's mind any more than you can control the weather. When thunderstorms come thirsty flowers begin to bloom.  Get your raincoat, grab your umbrella splash in the puddles, dance- sing in the raindrops as Gene Kelly. Keep calm and carry on.

 When you allow others to treat you unfairly, question your morals or belittle your judgment you are giving them permission to hurt you. Before you react with anger or tears, stop yourself. Examine why you're feeling the way you do. Most importantly, why is someone threatening you or making you feel unworthy? Power, greed and control reveal a person's arrogance and excessive abuse of manipulation. However, the most powerful among us remain understanding, empathetic, confident and secure. Calm, peaceful people don't viciously degrade, attack or persecute any one or any thing to find their own sense of peace- their own power. So stop. Take a deep breath and examine all motives. As a great Zen philosopher once stated if you, "Don't start none, won't be none.".                           Keep calm and carry on.

for more ways to KEEP CALM follow the link below........

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Five-Key-Reminders-to-Keep-Calm-and-Carry-On

" Here we are now, entertain us......"

“I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.”
― Kurt Cobain

If I had a Hot Tub Time Machine I would travel back twenty years and be a professional musician. In the present, I would like to beat out my nephew for a chance at an internship with the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Currently, he is a communications major and fellow music connoisseur.  He has performed in marching and concert band and plays guitar. Like his auntie he prefers alternative rock music but he is definitely open and aware of all genres. He would be the most knowledgeable, entertaining and professional rock guide on the planet. So lets take a brief journey to the shores of beautiful Lake Erie in Cleveland, OH  and examine the 2014 inductee nominations:

Nirvana- My own college memories are closely tied to the music and lyrics of Nevermind, Nirvana's most successful album. Nirvana's arrival on the scene with "Smells like Teen Spirit" added much needed zest to a world of stale and complacent pop music. Until Nirvana, my friends and I were still reminiscing with The Smiths and the Pixies because everything else was crap besides the Beastie Boys and Alice in Chains.

KISS-  Say what you will about rock gods Kiss but anyone who grew up in the 70's dressed like Gene Simmons or Peter Criss for Halloween. You can't stop yourself from shouting the anthem, "I want to rock n' roll all night and party every day!"  My parents thought it was perfectly acceptable for their second grader to dress up as Paul Stanley, starry-eyed and all.

The Replacements-  Considered pioneers of alternative rock, Paul Westerburg and The Replacements have influenced hundreds of "indie" musicians including Gaslight Anthem.

YES- Believe it or not the English rock band Yes has been assembled in one form or another since 1969. They are known for elaborate symphonic compositions and a brilliant stage presence. Yes is a band that not everyone recognizes right away but we've all heard their music. "Owner of a Lonely Heart" was one of their more commercially successful hits but listen to their earlier material such as  "Round About".

Other inductee nominations include the well known and loved Hall and Oates, rapper turned actor LL Cool J and hip-hop legends N.W.A.

For the complete list of nominees visit the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame website or if you see my handsome nephew Andrew he will happily answer any of your music related questions.http://www.rockhall.com/inductees/

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/10-Most-Entertaining-Alternative-Music-Videos

"Strewn with time's dead flowers. Bereft in deathly bloom..."

“It's better to die laughing than to live each moment in fear.”
― Michael Crichton

Why do we love vampires? What is our obvious obsession with blood sucking creatures of the night? With just a few more days until Halloween I thought it would be interesting to delve into a scary monster mystery and get us in the mood. Of course not all vampires give us nightmares. Take for example three of my favorite; the sweetly delicious Count Chocula, everyone's first spirited math instructor Count von Count. How can we possibly fear a vampire that taught us the value of addition and subtraction?  And the handsome howling host of  Monster Chiller Horror Theater, SCTV's Joe Flaherty as Count Floyd.

So, why are we so fascinated by Twilight's Edward Cullen and Anne Rice's' Lestat de Lioncourt? (Interview with the Vampire)? Psychologists speculate we may associate vampires with healthy rebellion. They are the "bad boys"(or girls) of ghoul, the masters of the undead. The blood thirsty adventurers that tempt our imaginations. Most vampires are portrayed as misunderstood loners who seek out their long lost eternal companions.

Vampires can be seen as dashing and sexy, the favorable ones like Twilight's Edward and True Blood's (HBO drama series)'Bill Compton love so passionately. They are flawed. They aren't fake, goody two shoes or respectable. They definitely struggle with being good over being bad. Most people desire a type of dramatic love story. Many couples live for the drama they create in their own relationships. Deep down when we get our fangs into the matter, none of us are perfect. Do we really want a perfect mate? Well, let that be your own mystery.

Vampires through time:

The historic first film vampire was portrayed by Max Schreck in Nosferatu, 1922.

 Charismatic British actor Christpher Lee played a vampire ten times in film and television movies.

Barnabas Collins of the '70's soap opera, "Dark Shadows" was recreated for the film of the same name by Johnny Depp in 2012.

Bram Stoker's Dracula - Gary Oldman

Hungarian born actor, Bela Lugosi was the inspiration for the brilliant, British Goth punk band Bauhaus's eerily defining tribute, "Bela Lugosi's Dead". This is one of my all time favorite hauntingly creepy songs. First released in 1979 the tune has stood the test of time and it's always perfect for Halloween. Portraying the character most notably, Lugosi played Count Dracula beginning in 1931 with the movie Dracula.

“A thousand half-loves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home.”

“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist     

 Once again as a reminder to all, October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month.  The video above was discovered posted on YouTube by a fellow writer.  Please, take a moment to watch.  Dog lovers, pet parents and potential adopters around the world will be smacked warmly right in the feels. Dawg lovers already know the endless benefits of owning a furry friend/child but what happy waggin' "tails" would you tell prospective pet parents? 

 A dog is always there for you. When no one else listens or seems to care about your awful day, your dog will run straight to the bathroom and retrieve a wad of dirty old snot-dried Kleenex from the garbage can. "Here, let it all out", they sympathetically encourage." I've only been staring out this window waiting for you to come home since 9:00am." Your dog will be all ears, lick salty tear stained cheeks. Hugs. Hugs. Kisses. More hugs. Treats.

Dogs need exercise and so do you. Studies show pet parents are healthier, less prone to symptoms of depression, disease and allergies. You will be walking, running, chasing, throwing, dancing and possibly being dragged down a sidewalk on a daily basis. Believe me, this is a beautiful thing. Exercise boosts your own mood, allows you to meet neighbors and ensures your dog is releasing enough energy for a peaceful nights slumber. A dog will alert you when strangers stop by   and will sound the alarm when the door bell rings in case you didn't hear it the first time.

RRRRuffff!

All dog owners can testify  that your dog will writhe in ecstasy at the mere hint of jangling car keys. A ride in the car for most dogs is like a human finding a long forgotten twenty dollar bill in the pocket of an overcoat. "YESSSSSSSSSSSS!" Not only do they LIVE to accompany you on the front seat, your dog wants to steer, navigate, enter GPS information and choose the satellite radio station. But of course the biggest thrill, as Frank Sinatra once crooned in "The Lady is a Tramp".... they" love the free fresh wind in their hair. Life without care."  Dog's love feeling the caress of a cool breeze, sniffing the air, catching the scent of a million fast forwarded stories dripping from a windy trail. And you will want to give them every opportunity to have the experience once you witness their pure pleasure and sheer joy! Most importantly, a dog is sharing a poignant moment with their best friend. Moments, though the length of their lives will sadly never match our own, are intense dog moments.  Dogs live in the now. You will treasure those memories in your heart forever. So to sum up why you should adopt a dog this month, a former boyfriend once joked  he wanted to come back as my dog in his next life. It's the love. It's all about the LOVE!

Please, save a dog's life by giving them a forever home. Adopt from a shelter today.

 http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/What-My-Little-Buddha-Taught-Me

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Critical-Control-The-Importance-of-Spaying-and-Neutering-Pets

" We're fascinated by the words--but where we meet is in the silence behind them..."

“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.”
― Leonard Cohen

      At a previous job about ten years ago my co-workers entertained each other with daily creative team chat room conversations. All  of us would agree on a thought provoking topic such as our favorite comedy movie quotes, hottest male/female athletes with foreign accents or "finish this 80's hair metal band song lyric". One evening the selected subject was  "Choose Your Fantasy Parental Unit". We speculated about our fantasy football teams and fantasy rock band musicians so this wasn't too much of a mind stretch. Realistically, most people love their own parents or at least tolerate them until adulthood. Granted we were all in our twenties, thirties or older, some teammates were parents a few grandparents and we all encouraged relieving stress and expanding our imaginations. We were working for a technology company so Bill Gates, Tim Berners-Lee and Fujio Masuoka "fathered" quite a few of my associates. At the time my chosen parents were Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama. One can only imagine the philosophical punishment lectures that may have transpired  in my youth after "Mom" and "Dad" discover a bottle of Peach Schnapps my best friend stashed in my book bag or the time I "earned" a big fat "F" in my high school trigonometry class. So my fantasy parents selection was based on the multitude of admirable qualities Oprah and the Dalai Lama possess including resilience, kindness, compassion, tolerance, a love of books and animals

     Every now and then you have to let go. Let yourself imagine you can do or be anything. Why wouldn't you? As children we did this every single day. It's how we discover why we are here. Author and theologian, Albert Schweitzer once brilliantly observed, "At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."  In life you will encounter other people, watch films, hear music, taste food and read novels that inspire you to reach far beyond the self imposed limits of your day to day comfort zone. One such author of an extraordinary book I read inspired me to follow my true passions. I felt so motivated by this writers journey that I wanted to show my great appreciation by contributing in some way to an emerging idea so much greater than myself. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm wasn't shared or supported by as many people as I had hoped, putting myself in a self inflicted financial bind, missing out and messing up a new adventure.  Although my generosity was well intentioned, nothing went according to  my six month action plan. There is no one to blame but myself. Lessons learned. Looking at the big picture with gratitude I still crossed my finish line. Be aware, be awake, be conscious and always be grateful for those who reignite your flame.

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Six-Small-Steps-Out-of-Your-Comfort-Zone

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.”

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
― Roald Dahl (author Charlie and the Chocolate Factory )

 

Want to prevent streams of toilet paper hanging in your oak trees, smashed pumpkins in the driveway, farm fresh eggs splashed on the windshield of your Toyota or bags of flaming dog poo on your front steps? Now I'm about as far from emulating Martha Stewart as Lady Gaga but it's real simple to curtail nasty tricks on October 31st. Just be aware of what little merry pranksters crave most on All Hallows Eve. 

 

  Warning: If you're contemplating passing out something lame like apples, boxes of raisins, toothbrushes or homemade popcorn balls you will find them hiding in your rose bushes the next morning. Last year due to lack of careful pre-planning you got away with cleverly flinging Ludens cherry cough drops into open candy sacks -or worse you turned off your porch light and crouched in the darkness with a flashlight and your confused dog. "... but the doorbell keeps ringing... it's my job to bark. Damn it!"

 Luckily, you still have plenty of time before the greedy neighborhood monsters arrive. Be prepared this year. Are you willing to risk a lawn full of lush Ultra-Soft Charmin? Follow this real simple "tricks or treats" survival guide. Children will love you and you won't be held hostage for two hours in your own home. Here is your arsenal.

 Compiled from over five years of intensive survey data ranging from school polls, radio stations and children's educational websites here are the TOP TEN BEST and  TOP TEN WORST  treats to pass out on Halloween.

 

TOP TEN HALLOWEEN FAVORITES

 

10. Twizzlers

9. Skittles

8. Nerds 

7. M&M's

6. Twix candy bars

5. Hershey's Miniature candy bars

4. Snickers bars

3. Baby Ruth candy bars

2.  Kit Kat's

1. Reese's Peanutbutter Cups

 

 

TOP TEN WORST HALLOWEEN TREATS

 

10. hard pink bubblegum (i.e Bazooka or gumballs )

9. homemade cookies or baked goods (Halloween is not about all the love you baked into each treat. Kids just want some chocolate!)

8. candy corn (no explanation necessary)

7. hard candy or peppermints (leftovers from last year?)

6. Tootsie Rolls

5. granola bars (not even in California)

4. jelly beans (just don't)

3. York Peppermint Patties (treat is too sophisticated for children, only parents eat these.)

2. fruit of any kind (One night a year. Let your kid live a little!)

1. stickers, pencils or anything not EDIBLE (Were you even a child? Why not give them rocks?)

 

 

 

"in this time of monsters and magic...."

“It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another.”
― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein     

     Little candy begging monsters named Frankenstein won't be knocking at your door this Halloween, even if they proclaim to be. It's a common misconception, in Mary Wollenstonecraft Shelley’s unprecedented horror novel, Frankenstein is not the monster’s name. Actually, the monster was created by Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The poor mangled monster was never adorned a maniacal moniker. Frankenstein's name has become synonymous with the monster -- and the wild ruckus of October 31st. Here are a few more little known facts regarding Frankenstein and the monsters of Halloween.

     Vampires, witches, werewolves and goblins gather. Halloween is celebrated in countries around the world as a festival for the dead with origins in Celtic and Druid lore. The boundaries between the natural world and afterworld blurred as spirits roamed the earth freely to celebrate harvest season among the living. By dressing up as ghosts and zombies we control or eliminate some of the fear we may have with our own mortality. Like Dr. Frankenstein, we create our own monsters. The holiday allows us to celebrate the complex mystery of what terrifies us.
      What frightens us so much about the story of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus? Despite his brutish appearance, angry tormented attitude and intimidating eight foot stature formed from various stolen human and animal body parts, the novel's monster was portrayed as having a formidable intellect. His unrelenting request for the manufacturing of a romantic partner makes him appear needy rather than vicious. He scares us because he is us. At the time the novel was written, it was widely believed that humans could manipulate and mimic natural reproductive processes. 1818- biological science was still in it's infancy. Humanity's first breakthroughs came in the form of machines or monster machines created in a lab.
     Mary Shelley was only nineteen years of age when she began writing the story of Frankenstein. The novel was finally completed and published anonymously at the age of twenty-one. The story began as a challenge by her soon to be husband writer Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Polidori and the author/poet George Gordon or Lord Byron. The highly creative eclectic group wanted to one up each other with scary horror stories. ( In the present day imagine Tim Burton, Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp). Since that time period, Frankenstein has inspired more than 130 films, beginning with the silent Frankenstein in 1910 and including the 1974, Mel Brooks crafted comedy classic, Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder.
      It is said that the plot for Frankenstein came to Mary Shelley in a dream about a scientist who created a life form. Dr. Victor Frankenstein was based on a real person named Johann Dippel, who was an actual physician and kooky chemist obsessed with creating life through scientific means. His birthplace was Castle Frankenstein, which is near Darmstadt, Germany. So if you harvested and stitched together some old body parts like a mad scientist could you really create a modern day "Frankenstein" monster? The answer is no.  When your heart stops, blood flow stops, cells run out of energy, and things fall apart. No amount of electric shocks can restore dead tissue, DNA isn't eternal and then there is the big brain dilemma. So we are all safe, for now. However, please feel free to dress up as your own favorite monster in a few weeks time.








    

“I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world...."

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches     

      Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Elie Wiesel. Since 1901 the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 124 Nobel Laureates.  Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Alfred Nobel's (1833-1896) family was descended from Olof Rudbeck, the best-known technical genius in Sweden of the 17th century. This was the era in which Sweden was the greatest power in northern Europe. Nobel was fluent in several languages and wrote poetry and drama. He was interested in social and peace-related issues and held views that were considered radical during his time. Nobel's interests are reflected in the prizes he later established - science, inventions, entrepreneurship, literature and peace work.
     Nobel Laureates are chosen at the beginning of October, the Nobel Committee chooses the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates through a majority vote. The decision is final and without appeal. The names of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates are then announced. A nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize may be submitted by any person who meets the nomination criteria. A letter of invitation to submit is not required. The names of the nominees and other information about the nominations cannot be revealed until 50 years later.
     Contenders for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize include Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai who survived being shot by the Taliban and ushered in a new age of activism for women in her region. In fact Malala’s only crime was that she wanted the right to an education and attend school. She survived the shooting and bravely continues to stand up for women who seek education. Her story was communicated to the world through the BBC blog, "Diary of a Pakistani Schoolgirl."  Today the Taliban continues to threaten Malala's voice. Her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize would bring further awareness and understanding for her cause. Other noteworthy Prize contenders are Dr. Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist from the Congo who has dedicated his life to helping rape victims and courageous organized crime fighting Guatemalan attorney general, Dr. Claudia Paz y Paz.

"the first time ever I saw your face....."

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever.”
― Alfred Tennyson

     The first time I watched the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, I was in my sisters living room with her family and my dog, Maddie ( pictured above) who was eight years old at the time. Have you ever cried so hard you gave yourself a severe headache?  Have you watched a movie or read a story that turned you into a quivering mass of tears and snot and unbearable sadness? Remember the final scenes of Marley and Me? All Dogs Go to Heaven? Old Yeller? My nephews still make fun of me for crying over the animated canine tale, Bolt. While watching Hachi I imagined what it would be like when Maddie and I would have to say good-bye.  You know a story moves you when you cry so hard your eyes become swollen and start to resemble a boxer who just went ten rounds with Manny Pacquiao. When a film touches your heart so deeply it is generally a variation on one theme. And that theme is LOVE. Many of us have loved animals; cats, birds, horses but few of us who have ever owned and loved a dog will ever forget such a rare unconditional bond. Like Maddie and Hachi, they become a part of us. They become a part of our history.

      Unlike Hachi, Maddie wasn't found wandering a train station as a puppy. Maddie wasn't rescued from a shelter or bought from a breeder. She was a purebred one year old cocker spaniel who needed a forever home after her family decided to have more children. They believed they wouldn't be able to give her the love and attention she deserved. My brother was getting a five hundred dollar dog who might have ended up in a shelter for free. The day I went with him to pick her up it was love at first sight. The gorgeous gentleness of her expression and the loving gaze of those beautiful brown eyes melted my heart. We connected immediately and she was mine. Homeless? Not any more! Alone, never! Loved? 150%  ..forever. The reason I share my stories about Maddie is to focus awareness on how much dogs enrich our lives. They are members of the family. In some countries such as Nepal, dogs are honored just like siblings or an aunt or uncle. Dogs teach us responsibility, compassion, protect us, make us laugh, get us moving and shift our minds away from ourselves. Up until her death last year, my merry, affable, affectionate, full of kisses, meditation instructor, Master Maddie Mooshie Diamond Lotus Buddha always reminded me to be in the moment.

       Roger Caras , American wildlife photographer, writer, wildlife preservationist, television personality and former president of the ASPCA who dedicated his life to educating us about animals once profoundly stated, "“If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” 

OCTOBER is ADOPT-A-SHELTER DOG MONTH.

It's cruel and really difficult to comprehend but by the time you finish reading this blog over 1,000 perfectly healthy dogs and cats have been euthanized in shelters due to ruthless over breeding in puppy mills or irresponsible human neglect. If you are unable to adopt a dog this month consider promoting your favorite shelter on Facebook, Google or Twitter. There are numerous pure breed rescue operations if you are looking to adopt a specific breed such as an English bull dog or Golden Retriever. Another way you can help shelters is to donate money, supplies or volunteer your time.  Visit  Petfinder.comhttp://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/october-is-adopt-a-shelter-dog-month/

 to find a shelter dog in your area.  Human beings need to be reminded what  love really is and..... all dogs are love.

For information about the importance of adopting shelter dogs and controlling the US pet population, please click here:http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Critical-Control-The-Importance-of-Spaying-and-Neutering-Pets

"What will your verse be?"

 

“We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion.         

     And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. 

To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”  -John Keating "Dead Poets Society"- author N.H. Kleinbaum

 

 

   

 Poetry is a special form of language written by the heart and soul. Poetry is an intense expression of feeling and ideas and like music it has a distinctive style and rhythm. October 3rd was once designated not only National Poetry Day but also World Poetry Day. Since 1994 National Poetry Day has engaged millions of people with poetry through a range of live events and web-based activities for people young and old throughout the United Kingdom. World Poetry Day is now celebrated in March although it used to be celebrated on or around October 5th here in the States. No matter the day or month we can all use a little more beauty and inspiration in our lives. Think of your favorite poem or verse. Who is your favorite poet and why? Pull out and pour over a childhood school journal or fondly reminisce as you reread an old love letter. Seize the day and write your verse now or relive a moment in time.

 

                                                                      Real
 

 

Each minute cell holds cosmic soul

 

Our fragile frame of fragmented stars

 

explodes on dusty brain, DNA debris

a blueprint 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 travelers

with passports to the moon

dreaming reality.

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/The-Architects-of-My-Heart

 

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Tattoos-Fantasy

 

"tonight all is silence in the world as we take our stand....."

"Those who do not weep, do not see."- Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

We create our own distance from others. Either we refuse to acknowledge viewpoints other than our own or we deny others human dignity. We rationalize events as insignificant or we simply pretend people don't exist. We desensitize and dehumanize. We perpetuate our lack of empathy when we continuously read or hear of "Gunmen in Nigeria Kill  21 Sleeping Students" , " 67 Die in Kenyan Mall Siege" or" Bus Blast in Pakistan Kills 17". "They" are barbarians, "they" don't believe what we believe, "they" must all deserve what happened to them. Unless tragedy knocks on your own door, a statistic remains a statistic. We know there was a living, breathing human life behind each news headline number, a man, woman or child who felt love, hate, passion and pain but we distance ourselves. We ignore or push away the incredible sadness to avoid thinking of our own mortality. 

Feeling that emptiness and sadness is an essential part of our own humanity. Writer, actor, comedian and gifted storyteller Louis CK  shares a personal poignant moment of his own human experience in the video above.

“Emptiness which is conceptually liable to be mistaken for sheer nothingness is in fact the reservoir of infinite possibilities.”  penned Daisetsu Teitaro (D.T) Suzuki,  Japanese author of books and essays on Buddhism, Zen and Shin. Suzuki was instrumental in spreading interest in both Zen and Shin (and Far Eastern philosophy in general) to the West.  Perhaps those infinite possibilities include understanding our own painful life lessons, acknowledging our fear and loneliness. Our shared perceptions and ideas have the ability to ease the suffering of others. Infinite possibilities include our own visions and insights, finding beauty and purpose in the world and most importantly the deep healing wisdom of storytelling and humor.

 (below is a link to six ideas for inspiring empathy)

http://lkmore01.hubpages.com/_1ohrv6clpciqg/hub/Six-Ideas-for-Inspiring-Empathy