Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Merry Christmas - Happy New Year - Happy Holidays

Love, Love, and Love --- This thought came to me again recently. I would so truly love to have this feeling every day about everything; however, I am human as we all are who are reading this.

I was driving from the local train station parking lot recently, feeling frustrated at this city's parking lot traffic jam. And, compared to many cities of its size and larger, it more aptly would be described as a traffic snarl. Within minutes the car was untangled and back on the streets as I was heeding to traffic lights, merging lanes and what I considered more normal challenges, obstacles and scenarios. For what amounted to only a couple minutes, I was very unloving, and feeling very unloved.

And, this was just before Christmas. Missed wishing you all a Merry Christmas - so I do that now within the holiday season still. Sincere best wishes for a very Happy New Year and truly delightful Holiday Season, with hopes that it will continue and last the whole year long.

It likely won't, as we begin again the year 2012 and the day to day minutia that begins to take over that can get me, at least, so involved and so distracted from that love feeling, that love response.

Suggestion: For me and others who may have a similar challenge. Keep that word in front of me at all times. Begin the day with it - have lunch with it - and before get in the car, repeat it multiple times. Then treat it like the verb that it is. Act upon it each and every day. With myself and with others.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Needs -- are they, and maybe so

Is a new microwave needed? That question will be answered eventually, as it sounded like a jet plane this morning. My first thought was to add that to my days agenda. Time to get a new microwave. Then I thought, what would life be like without it.

This can happen with just about anything. Relationships can fade away - something like this blog. A Tidbit blogs don't appear on schedule, they happen as God provides a thought.

When a friendship or a relationship changes from "normal" or friendships takes on a different time frame. Do you walk away or check in periodically to see what is really happening. Another possibility is to panic and react immediately.

Patience continues to be a learning experience for me. It was sweet to hear the kettle whistle this morning with water ready for foo foo coffee. Also, understand it can reheat food, thaw food and some people cook with them. For me, it may simply mean one less object needing to be cleaned.

Suggestion: Nice time of year to check in with what we need, truly need. Unlike things that have become a habit. It may take re-evaluating the steps for getting up and all steps until ready to leave for work. Those habits that we fall into. Going to begin creating a list of true needs this weekend. As I've blogged before a lot can happen within the two minutes that it takes to heat water in the microwave. A whistle or a buzzer - interesting thought.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Flamingos

All Pink -Flamingos as I learned today, while watching a Burt Wolf travel show, all have the same appearance; they all are pink and look the same. How are males distinguished from females. Unlike many birds, male ducks are brightly colored, and the females with a hint of color at their wing. Flamingos are monogamists and mate for life, for approximately 30 years. It is more important that they know than anyone else who their mate is.

Perhaps there is something to learn from a bird. People might consider learning who someone is from within rather than the focus be on appearance. Similar to school, club and military uniforms, except that humans are each individual and distinctive prior to stepping into a uniform or a costume, so each person in uniform continues to be distinctive.

Currently with the Presidential race approaching - Chris Christie is all the buzz not for his accomplishments - for his appearance. He currently is a very accomplished person. He has a family, he is the Governor of New Jersey and is an attorney. Laughter on talk shows (David Letterman apologized) is healthy and important - not at the expense of others. Adult bullying offers examples for other adults and children to do the same.

Since beginning this post Mr. Christie has decided not to run for President at this time. It is my hope that he stays in line with who he is, remains true to himself and remains or achieves even better health.

Have many thoughts on relationships and so very grateful that prior thoughts have been helpful. That is what this blog's purpose is.

Roy, thank you for being that light for your friends and others. A marvelous example of being open, available and non judgmental - offering a different point of view. And, no more overtime for me right now and just in time. I am w
orking on a project and will share as it develops.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Overtime, continues......

And, overtime continues.  I am taking my own suggestions to limit overtime as much as possible and continue to  be involved with the many other environments that are important to my Christian life.

I have been away from blogging for a bit - am working, revamping and improving, a project that anticipate will be sharing in the months ahead. For now am preparing my car, my wardrobe and home for the approaching fall and cold winter months that we experience in the northeast.

Please continue to comment - as your experiences do assist others and writing about them is beneficial to you.

 "Squeeze joy from each minute, time does not return, yet memories do."


Namaste





 

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Overtime ---

It is good - it is not so good -- the money is good, and it leaves people out of balance. It leaves less time for the important people and things in life.

This is what is happening to me right now. It can happen in other areas also - anything that takes away from those we love, which includes ourselves.

It might be a job, it might be golf, or both. If you work 6 days a week and golf on Sunday........., for example.

Suggestion: Make a list of priorities - where is your relationship or your relationships on the list. Until something is visible, it will not be a focus, it cannot be adjusted, it will grow moss and perhaps, fade or walk away.

OT also is why I have not posted much lately. And, it will continue through this month. Thank you again for all who have shared comments - as your thoughts are very helpful to me and to others.






Sunday, July 24, 2011

We and They

"That which we call sin in others is experiment for us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

And, please stay strong, as the other person really does not complete you, they can enhance, benefit, they can also drain and discourage.

Each relationship is unique, as unique as the people within it. Sometimes there is no right or wrong they are simply doing what comes easiest for them. Rather than stand and work or stand and identify or stand and simply be for a time, some need to feel they are moving in a direction not always known; yet, moving feels correct. The "easy" thing to do is to move on - similar to changing jobs or changing clothes.

Some are listening to what others think -

There is no right or wrong answer as what is "right" for one can be "wrong" for another.

Suggestion: Support your friends - ask for support, not opinions - and unplug, perhaps for specific segments of the day. Eat a meal together, cook a meal together, admit sadness, share what brings happiness and joy.

Please try to avoid: "you always, I never," - "you should" "why."
Perhaps, choose - "This is how I feel,..." "Please talk with me..." "I am sorry..... honestly "

Again, there is no pattern or diagram for resolution - the relationship, needs to matter, it needs to be a priority.

"The fresh start is always an illusion but a necessary one." - Eleanor Clark

Saturday, July 23, 2011

7 Year Itch -

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony - 7 years

There are many other couples that I could use as examples of the 7-Year Itch or crisis that seems to occur at that 7-year mark.

On the outside looking in and looking back there were grumblings and disconnects that were obvious and left to fester, grow and undermine. Eyes, ears and thoughts move to others who are happy, laughing and carefree - oh, where are those days? He does not listen, she does not understand, he does not care, she is too busy, he is too busy, he loses his job, she loses her job, there is a crisis, he is, she is, he is, she is.

It is not, she is not, he is not, we are not - they are, she is , he is, it is. We were.

It does not happen overnight. The beginning, the middle and then the end.

Right now in the heat, as things are slowing down from necessity - those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Whatever level of your relationship........

Suggestion: Stop - pay attention - fertilize your relationship, water it, pluck the weeds, give it some shade and take the heat off and relieve some stress. Return your attention to each other - let go of what "others" think and find out what your loved ones think. Have lemons, make lemonade.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Freedom - July 4th - Give thanks and celebrate

Good Morning - Perhaps not what you may think when see this picture. LOL - Typically there are marching bands and flags waving. Yes that is very true and very much a part of this celebration July 4th is all about the freedoms provided by our forefathers that we continue to enjoy today.

Thought for the day - consider yourself a Freedom Ambassador.

When hear someone complain - wish them a Happy July 4th Freedom Day or something else that you create which rather than complain about their complaint - offer them a different perspective. You may hear them differently as Freedom creates the opportunity for people to complain or to discuss or to rant or to get on their "high horse" or to share God - basically to share what is on their mind.

And, also to blog as I have done for a few years.

Happy July 4th

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Who are you listening to?

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
--Proverbs 12:15, NLT

First, you are in my prayers each and every day. I am prayerful that this site is blessed with comfort and warmth and my anchor is God.

Who are you listening to, who are you hanging around. It truly does make a difference.

I've been nursing a lower back challenge through physical therapy, ice, heat and wise counsel. Progress is now being made.

First there was the reality that help was needed. First muscle relaxers, then x-rays then physical therapy from where knowledge and understanding came. I had different physical therapists, and each one brought me new and different knowledge all which added to what was provided before.

This entire process which has been a new one for me, offered me the opportunity to better understand what others experience. This is not a sciatic nerve challenge which I discovered tends to be what most people think.

Each situation is different - people are individuals -- who need wise counsel.

Who are you listening to and what are you listening to?

Namaste

Thursday, May 26, 2011

MEMORIAL DAY - A DAY OF GRATEFULNESS

Memorial Day is approaching. May I suggest a moment or more to acknowledge, thank, and celebrate those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms and opportunities that we have.

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic." -- General Logan - May 5, 1868

Guilty am I to first consider it is as 3-day weekend and begin to plan for outdoor activities and adventures. Every family who has lost a member to any of the wars or the non-wars, skirmishes, battles, no doubt, holds every day in thankfulness as well as grief and sadness.

One way to be grateful - thank someone who has served, or who is serving now in the military. Let them know their service is appreciated. Thank a policeman, thank a fireman thank a nurse a Dr. take the day to be grateful that we are able to openly speak, openly live our lives as small or as large as we choose. Our lives are about choice, and to this day choice is still alive and well.

Regards, cheers and congratulations to the Syracuse Gang who graduated this year. Thank you for all of your gracious comments and sharing with others your successes and challenges. Best wishes as you go forward and pursue many different endeavors. Please don't hesitate to continue checking in. This is truly a family and a community. Cheers!!!!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Today is a day to celebrate mothers. It might be considered international women's day as even if a person has not given birth, each woman has likely nurtured, cared for and been an example for children perhaps without knowing it.

Some examples are likely not ones that are beneficial for children to emulate. If we sit at the table to eat and converse, children will follow. If we say please and thank you - children will follow. If we eat our vegetables - well, we eat our vegetables. That is still an area of challenge with some children and adults.

Dad's please consider today an opportunity to show your children how to be nice to their mom's and others also. Mom's please take this opportunity to say thank you to your children, as without them we would not be moms. Then, perhaps share yourself with someone else, an example for our children to help others.

And, Thomas the Train in Medina continues to be about the family. Think Thomas is there again today - the weather is beautiful - the zoo - a park, a playground - a nap. After church today for this Nana - there is a plan. And, spending it with those I love and loving others as I go.

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Update as of Today April 30, 2011

Good Morning -- Wow - please first thank you Roy and family for all your efforts and energies and to think so close. And, yes, had a tan rain coat on and so unfortunate that with all the noise and activity Easter Sunday morning we missed each other.

One of these days for sure, and my best to your and your family. The first presentation is past, and I'm so grateful to many for the opportunity.

I've been blog quiet; until today had a focus unique to me and it took some time to process. On Tuesday will be starting Physical Therapy and to better understand a challenge with my lower back. Also will try acupuncture, any suggestions for a practitioner in the Rochester area? Prior to the April 20th presentation, I've became aware of discomfort which moved into real pain in my lower back.

My church activities, the pain and my day job have kept me busy. As prior blog posts mentioned once a decision and plan is created, life has a way of relaxing for other things and possibilities to appear.

There will be another presentation, and the date (other than a holiday week), time location AND directions will be clearly available.

First times are typically a daunting challenge, and once accomplished offer a sense of freedom, greater possibility and awareness.

Namaste

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Spring -- Things seem possible or

overwhelming or ..........

Spring is designed to be a fresh start with one of the major decisions of the day to be dress light or for warmth. Went to church this morning in my winter coat as a frost was on the ground. After church I took the coat off with temperatures much higher and the sun busily basting the earth around me in warmth.

Even when there is so much to do, it is refreshing and energizing to take a peak to see sprouts peaking from the ground, spring birds are back and chirping and evenings stay light longer.

There were 4 baby dedications at church today - fresh starts.
More than 4 people entered the Welcome Center to get more information and possibly make a connection - fresh starts.
A friend of mine appeared. We have not seen each other in quite a few years. A delightful, fresh start.

Spring is here. A fresh start.

Suggestion: If overwhelmed - make or take a fresh start. It might sound simple, yet sometimes doing something differently although can be, also may take some strong determination, and,
a fresh start.

HAPPY SPRING!!! "Squeeze joy from each minute time does not return yet memories do."

Friday, February 18, 2011

A Taste

Every day we may experience or taste something new and ask, perhaps, "Where have I been..... ", this is yummy, or delightful, or wow.

As adults most of us have experienced spiritual education or religion either by taking steps ourselves or with relatives. Our experiences are many and with different results. Perhaps, like me, your early religious education and encounter was lacking in many areas.

I truly thank God for questioning me and asking me to continue searching to find the environment that works for me.

When my children were growing up they went to church with me and went to Sunday School. That stopped abruptly with experiences and situations. I found I could not be that spiritual guide for a period of time longer than anything I could imagine.

Yet, now as adults I have had wonderfully rich conversations with each of my children. They are making their own decisions, and yet, we are open and truthful with who we are and love each other within the space of honesty. I can imagine no other.

What experiences are you and your children missing? Each day I ask God that question, and when I am quiet I hear Him. The more I listen the happier I am.


Sunday, January 30, 2011

Something Different .........

Sunday Morning - Dressed and ready for church-- it is a joyful, "civilized", morning with light snow quietly falling outside.

That reminded me of blogging lately, as the blog has been quiet. With anything new, something else needs to be quiet to make space for the new. For a few weeks I was chastising myself for not putting forth thoughts, concepts, ideas and communications for the world to see and be with. Then as if an epiphany occurred - I let go of that feeling of need, lack and disgruntled noise.

Doing something different can be a good thing - new muscles are being used, and perhaps that is the discomfort in newness. It is strange, takes more energy, it is not rocking chair easy. And, yet with planning, steps, recalculating, focus, and practice, the muscles begin to flex with greater ease and the newness begins to wear off.

The new project is not yet complete, yet a new project is underway. It has grown past the newborn stage to crawling and beginning to stand up with support.

Oh, I have had new experiences - plenty of new jobs to adjust to, yet as a recognized Change Master this is a new feeling that can finally be expressed. Everything new can feel and be uncomfortable. Suggestion: this may have been posted before - yet, it is worth it from my perspective, at least to post again. Consider becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Then real, measured growth will be obvious to your senses.

What are you working on?

Squeeze joy!!!!!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Peace and more peace and...

Leaving it up to God - words that bring music to His ears. As when more people allow God into their lives during bad times, as well as good times, well, it would be possible that there would be less for us to do for ourselves, and leave more time to do for others. More time to attend to the needs of a sick or injured child, more time to share a meal with those who have less, more time to be creative with finding ways to help others.

And, here is a possible way to help others and yourself while driving. There is something about getting behind the wheel of a car, when the foot touches the gas peddle it goes, push a little more and it goes faster, and a little more and a little more. There is speed and control at our fingertips.

When someone cuts you off in their car - thank them for not hitting you, relax again and carry on. When someone tail gates and drives too close, you might consider getting out of their way. They must be in a hurry and perhaps you are not. A gift to both. Those are two examples I can think of, and I'm certain there are others.

Here is a thought -- consider everyone around you - somebody's child, somebody's parent, somebody's grandparent, somebody's aunt, uncle or cousin. Or, if you are so inclined as I, consider them all God's children. It is lovely the sense of peace which is created, as I stop competing, and celebrate all God's children and all the differences there are with each. And, then as my focus is leaving space between me and other cars, I have the time to sing at the top of my lungs when no one can hear me except me. And, that is a good thing for all those around me. Therefore, everybody wins.