Don't be an "id" -- Do be an "un"'

Catchy title, huh? I was remembering a gathering I was a part of recently and I started to contemplate about the folks I was drawn to spend more of my time with while we were together and the very "why" of those feelings. I discovered that the personalities of guests I withdrew from had the two letters "i - d" as a factor in my assessment. Words like "stupid" (another word for ignorant which is pretty scary in my book), "insipid" (no zip, no spice), timid (I wanted to shock them with a "boo"... or two), tepid (give me hot, hot, hot!!! anytime), and "vapid" (BORING) came to mind. And the people I enjoyed the most were "un's" such as "unnecessary" (those who were willing to try new things, have fun just for the joy of it, enjoy the gift of life) and "unexpected" (the outside packaging hid a wonderful treasure of wit, wisdom, knowledge or soul hidden within) and, most important, "unforgettable" (challenged me to reach for my dreams, earned my admiration, enriched my reality by the blessing of their friendship). I sincerely hope I prove to be an "un" thread in the life tapestries of those whose paths are entwined with mine....especially yours.

Family Traditions -- Be Original. Be Free.

I can honestly say the three we have stuck with are genuinely our very own. Two are very simple but ones we repeat continuously. But the third is a hoot, we know no one else who does it AND has been a WHOLE lot of fun.

The first two are: Every Christmas Eve we eat steak and wherever we go on vacation we buy fudge. Nothing wild or crazy but each is an expectation that is annually met.

The last one, hold on to your inquiring mind, is that we celebrate Groundhogs Day. "Why?" you ask? And the answer is, "Why not?"!! It's a kookie holiday that appears on every calender in the little square that delineates February 2nd all about a furry, fat rodent who eats grasses and digs holes in yards and fields. Sounds like fun to us!!! So every year we watch Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, I search for cards and order gifts to give the guys, bake groundhog-shape cutout cookies for my husband and his staff (yes, they expect them), and receive cards and emails from family and friends all over the country who have decided (FINALLY!) that we're not crazy and they now enjoy sharing the laugh with us.

And if you're wondering if we ever...... The answer is "yes"! On 02-02-02 this family stood with 3,000+ other folks from all over the world up on Gobbler's Knob (at 4:30 AM in 18 freezing degrees) in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see Phil make his prognostication announcement. I cannot tell you how it was such an incredibly good, clean "americana" experience. This tiny little old coal town literally "wakes up" just like Brigadoon to welcome these thousands that pour in for a 24 hour period then quietly settles back down for next 364 days. And additionally for your edification: Phil lives year round in a wonder natural environment, complete with a tiny waterfall, in the city library which is located on the edge of the village green.

Ripples -- My Legacy

I decided long ago, after much thought and prayer, that I was like a stone that is tossed into a still pond. At the spot where the rock enters the surface ripples extend out in numerous concentric circles into the body of water. Each day I am "tossed" and new ripples are born. That's my legacy. I had a friend tell me that her husband always knows when she is talking to me on the phone because she laughs during the conversation. What a great compliment....and a great ripple. Recently two associates told me my methods of quiet diplomacy were appreciated in our workplace. Another ripple. Every choice makes an impression. Our love and our opinions and our service to others....ripples. A phone call made, a card sent, a note written, a hand held, a voice heard. Ripples.

We are not all destined to cure cancer or be the President or be a Hollywood star. Most of us are chosen to be strong, flexible, sturdy threads that hold the fabric of life together. I think of the analogy of a spider's web. The innate strength of that gracefully intricate silk creation is so awesome. You can poke it. Blow on it. Spray it. But only way to break it is to absolutely crush it. And when that happens....the spider begins to weave anew. Undaunted. I hope this blog is a ripple you can feel from me in your life everyday and that the personal power you hold within your soul is shared with those you touch in your own pond. Be strong. Be positive. Never give in.

The Perfect Job

We had Chinese for dinner. I like the fortune cookies that are always included. Tend to horde them for myself. I read the sentence printed on the little sliver of white paper. I read it a second time. (It's NOT a good sign when you have to do that, ya know?) This was the message: "The face of nature reflects all of life's ups and downs." HUH?? What the heck does THAT mean? I pondered it for a second or two -- another bad sign, the "pondering" thing -- and became totally annoyed. So the little slip was inhumanely crumpled up and tossed in the wastebasket.

I want that job. Writing quotes for fortune cookies. You can stay in your jammies all day long, plop your fuzzy bunny-slippered feet on the desktop, drink your Pepsi, listen to great music and make up all kinds of esoteric junk. AND GET PAID!!!!!!!! I should have told my parents I wanted to major in journalism in college. Think of how proud they would have been to have a daughter whose insightful wisdoms would have been known throughout the civilized world. Every continent. Every country. Plus "job security". Maybe I should make a career change now. I am confident I could do very well. Very well indeed. Hmmmm. Maybe I should ponder that a bit.....

Pandora.com

My son introduced me to this website and I am telling you it makes me happy. Well, that was sure easy you're saying to yourself right now (Yes, I can hear all of you expressing your opinions and rolling your eyes at my expression of simplistic harmony.) And speaking of harmony.....you will hear loads of it on this website.

All right, what Pandora provides you is the ability to construct your own play lists (aka "radio stations") of artists who have similar musical styles. I have nine stations now and enjoy every one. You will type in an artist--say.....Faith Hill--and along with Faith you will hear Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. Perhaps you are a Sarah Brightman fan. Then along with her you would enjoy Josh Groban, Michael Crawford, Enya, etc. Add a gospel group, some jazz favorite, a little John Mayer or Bon Jovi. You even have editing abilities to delete a song selection!

The best part? Just minimize the screen after you log on and you have this fabulous personal ambiance surrounding your space while you make dinner, cuddle with your dog , check your email or .... write your blog!!

PS Have you notice the time that is published with each entry? There seems to be a 4 hour lag time. But I have to tell you that it really is 4:05AM as I'm tapping this old keyboard. Hey, I had a lot of work to do so I was determined to stay up and finish the pile. My reward?? I should say it's the "satisfaction of completing my tasks" but in reality I told myself I got to write my Wednesday entry. Hmmm...some chocolate probably would have done the trick as well....

Composing Your "REMEMBER" List

Ok, so we all have "To Do" lists and we are constantly adding to the "Places I Want to Go" list and there's the "Books I Want to Read/Movies I Want to See" list and don't forget the "Things to Pack for Vacation" list (which of course works in reverse and becomes the "Things Not to Forget" list for the trip home). OH! And I have a "Gift" list which has morphed into a bulging file folder filled with ideas for family and friends.

But my personal favorite...and most important in my humble opinion....is my REMEMBER list. These are the essentials to never forget in my future. Number One: NEVER impose your taste on others. I know you, too, have been in situations when you have received one or two or ten(!) themed gifts that the giver seems to truly believe you need/should have/want. An example?? How about the Christmas ornament you open from your Aunt Helen every year with some sort of Elvis theme because she heard the last few words of a conversation where you said, ".....like Elvis." What she doesn't realize is that you were saying, "Hey, look!!!! Doesn't this potato's shape look like Elvis?" And after you received the first five you decided that you didn't have the heart to hurt poor Aunt Helen's feelings so after your family has a good laugh at this year's choice you toss it in the trash. Good thing the aunt lives in East Overshoe, Montana, and never comes to visit at the holidays so there never has to be an embarrassing "I can't wait to see your tree covered in all those glorious ornaments I have so lovingly sent you" moments. (Yep, that's what we all strive for at the holidays....NO STRESS. NO GUILT.

Number Two is to stay close to my son and his family-to-be. (Whenever-that-happens. No-rush.)
Number Three is not to be a nuisance but let them know we are available to babysit so we can have time with the kids and give my son and his wife alone-time.
Number Four is to be gracious and a lady.
Number Five is not to be an old crabby fuddy-duddy.
Number Six is to stay current in movies and music and fashion styles. (I don't care if I am 103, I want my great-great grandkids to DEMAND to be around me 'cause I'm so much darn fun!!)

My list will continue to length with sincere intentions. Have I inspired you to start yours?

Wives and Mothers -- You can Relate!!

I have composed a list of all the talents those two roles embody. Try and imagine what a WANT AD would look like or how a RECIPE would read with all of these. (Now all I need to do is write a song --like Anita Renfroe's Mom Song-- that everyone could smile to!!)

*clock *refreshment stand *entertainment center *first aid station *office/school supply store *cleaning crew *concierge *personal assistant *scheduler *logistics director *handyman *holiday/party planner *cheerleader *volunteer/organizer *dictionary/thesaurus *chauffeur *storyteller *entertainer *nurse *disciplinarian *mentor *24/7 hug and kisser *personal shopper *editor *artist *maid *therapist *muse *teacher *school project coordinator *gardener *bank *chef/baker *calender *trash can *magnet (Here, Mom/Honey, hold this...) *seamstress *travel agent *handyman/toolbox *artist *photographer *banker *shoulder-to-cry-on *"sponge"/listener *mind reader *advocate *office manager *PARTNER to your husband *PARENT for your children