The Body. What an incredible invention. It has been around for thousands of years and has taken humanity much a part of that timeframe to even figure out how it all works, let alone replicate the pieces/parts. There is no patent on this machine. No one has ever stolen the pattern or the mold in order to reproduce it as a cheaper rate or to make a fortune or to create competition.
Think about it. This collection of tubes, screws, liquids, motors, chemicals, filters, wires, electricity, rubber bands, plumbing fixtures all covered in a shell of canvas and fur is beyond the realm of incredible. It is the stuff of pure fantasy.
Wow. This apparatus does it all. Walks. Talks. Sees. Thinks. Communicates. Laughs. Cries. On an on. It breaks down on the inside and is injured on the outside. It gets broken. It wears out.
It stiffens, swells, expands. It stretches and shrinks. It turns colors like brown, red, black&blue. It gets spots. It itches. It burns. It gets invaded. It can kill or repel alien intruders.
It is fine-tuned through a miraculous titsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny microscopic architectural blueprint that is so far past mind boggling that comprehension is surpassed. This intricate recipe allows the appliance to heal itself. Inside and out. To reproduce. To have talent. To make this planet a better place.
Ah. Did you catch it? The concept. This invention wasn't created to be static like a robotic automaton. This machine was blessed with endless possibilities. Are you taking advantage of yours? Respect and be awestruck by what you "are". Orchestrate your gifts and make a difference to the other machines that surround yours.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Labels of Life
My youngest niece and her husband are going to have their first child in January. I was thinking last evening as I did the dishes about how their world will change once the little one arrives. And I was reminiscing how I felt the first time I had someone call me "Mom" after our son was born. I LOVED it! I was one of those now -- a mother-- and it felt so right.
As I savored that memory, the word "family" arose to capture my thoughts. Because not only had I gained the former tag (just as my husband was now "Dad), we also could claim this latter term together. Being a "couple" or "married" was wonderfully sufficient for those years we shared together in the front end of our marriage but that bright-eyed infant changed it all. "Wife" is one I am especially proud of.
Once the floodgates of brainstorming opened I realized how many labels actually exist in my life. "Graduate" brings memories of that special, proud tingle I felt when I reached out to received my diplomas being extended to me from my high school principal and then my college dean. No one's smile was bigger than mine. I had done it. Woo-Woo!!! Watch out, World!!
"Sister", "daughter", "niece", "granddaughter", "daughter-in-law" all signify deep emotional bonds in my heart. The professional titles I have earned are woven into my life's resume. I am pleased to have studied and achieved those significant letters that now appear after my name.
"Christian" is not just a label but a vital personal claim. "Volunteer" reflects a soul-held desire to be a part of the lives that exist around me.
What are the labels of your life? I plan on adding a few more....how about you??
As I savored that memory, the word "family" arose to capture my thoughts. Because not only had I gained the former tag (just as my husband was now "Dad), we also could claim this latter term together. Being a "couple" or "married" was wonderfully sufficient for those years we shared together in the front end of our marriage but that bright-eyed infant changed it all. "Wife" is one I am especially proud of.
Once the floodgates of brainstorming opened I realized how many labels actually exist in my life. "Graduate" brings memories of that special, proud tingle I felt when I reached out to received my diplomas being extended to me from my high school principal and then my college dean. No one's smile was bigger than mine. I had done it. Woo-Woo!!! Watch out, World!!
"Sister", "daughter", "niece", "granddaughter", "daughter-in-law" all signify deep emotional bonds in my heart. The professional titles I have earned are woven into my life's resume. I am pleased to have studied and achieved those significant letters that now appear after my name.
"Christian" is not just a label but a vital personal claim. "Volunteer" reflects a soul-held desire to be a part of the lives that exist around me.
What are the labels of your life? I plan on adding a few more....how about you??
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Instrinsic Value of Thank You
About two weeks ago I gave a list of specific blessings that I was acknowledging by giving thanks publicly. Those individually mentioned had each added immeasurable dimension in my life. Today I want to shift thinking about that subject of Thanks by just a few degrees so to speak.
When you audibly share "thank you" to someone, do you ever "visually absorb" (Don't you like that more colorful prose I invented for the seemingly plain choice, "observe"?) what happens to that person in a purely physical sense? Did their altered facial expression ever register a reaction in your brain that made you blink? Made you realize that your sincere offering touched and actually altered the reality of their day? Created a blip on their personal radar? Their eyes brighten, focus sharpens. Their countenance lightens. Their mouth corners lift seemingly by invisible lighter-than-air strings. All are shining responses, reflections bounced back at you for a simple human kindness.
Wonderful habits bring wondrous returns. Heartfelt outreaches explode exponentially. For a very small investment incredible profits are guaranteed. This bears repeating.....guaranteed. This simple plan never loses value, infinitely retains its priceless status.
When you audibly share "thank you" to someone, do you ever "visually absorb" (Don't you like that more colorful prose I invented for the seemingly plain choice, "observe"?) what happens to that person in a purely physical sense? Did their altered facial expression ever register a reaction in your brain that made you blink? Made you realize that your sincere offering touched and actually altered the reality of their day? Created a blip on their personal radar? Their eyes brighten, focus sharpens. Their countenance lightens. Their mouth corners lift seemingly by invisible lighter-than-air strings. All are shining responses, reflections bounced back at you for a simple human kindness.
Wonderful habits bring wondrous returns. Heartfelt outreaches explode exponentially. For a very small investment incredible profits are guaranteed. This bears repeating.....guaranteed. This simple plan never loses value, infinitely retains its priceless status.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
My Little Blue Book
The little black book. That iconic symbol of little secrets and juicy personal histories. What wondrous revelations and private details one could discover scribbled on the pages between the covers, if one had the opportunity...or motive.
I don't own a little black book. I, on the other hand, have a little blue book (ever the individualist). I started mine over 10 years ago. Is it filled with names and dates and gossip tidbits to make your brain spin out of control from the shock of it all?????
Oh, that I wish it would. But, no. Mine is filled with the lists of my life. I can't carry my computer with me ( Sorry, I don't own an iPhone or a Blackberry. Well...actually I'm not sorry at all. I'm perfectly happy with my little 'ole plain cell.) But I have a very portable collection of plethora (don't you just LOVE that word) which serves me as well as any memory stick.
Let's see. Oh! There's the listing of new items we have purchased from cars to appliances to furniture. And what to pack when traveling depending on the mode of transportation. Destinations I want to visit. Can't forget the charities I'm going to donate some of my as-yet-to-be-made fortune (or lottery winnings) to when the time comes. Restaurants I want to dine in sometime. Friends I want to have lunch with--and I am actually making inroads with that goal!! You should see the eight pages of books I want to read. There's a list of movies to watch as well.
I believe it is the Marines that have a dictate something like "Live by the code". Interpret that for my life and it becomes "Live by the list". Maybe some day my little blue book will grow up to morph to that black connotation.
Nah. Probably not. Which means my existence won't be fraught with gossip rag junk and stuff that gets leaked and lies and ugliness. Hey! How cool is that!!?!
I don't own a little black book. I, on the other hand, have a little blue book (ever the individualist). I started mine over 10 years ago. Is it filled with names and dates and gossip tidbits to make your brain spin out of control from the shock of it all?????
Oh, that I wish it would. But, no. Mine is filled with the lists of my life. I can't carry my computer with me ( Sorry, I don't own an iPhone or a Blackberry. Well...actually I'm not sorry at all. I'm perfectly happy with my little 'ole plain cell.) But I have a very portable collection of plethora (don't you just LOVE that word) which serves me as well as any memory stick.
Let's see. Oh! There's the listing of new items we have purchased from cars to appliances to furniture. And what to pack when traveling depending on the mode of transportation. Destinations I want to visit. Can't forget the charities I'm going to donate some of my as-yet-to-be-made fortune (or lottery winnings) to when the time comes. Restaurants I want to dine in sometime. Friends I want to have lunch with--and I am actually making inroads with that goal!! You should see the eight pages of books I want to read. There's a list of movies to watch as well.
I believe it is the Marines that have a dictate something like "Live by the code". Interpret that for my life and it becomes "Live by the list". Maybe some day my little blue book will grow up to morph to that black connotation.
Nah. Probably not. Which means my existence won't be fraught with gossip rag junk and stuff that gets leaked and lies and ugliness. Hey! How cool is that!!?!
Monday, November 24, 2008
My Favorites in Honor of Oprah
Every year Oprah has one show dedicated to her "favorites". This year's episode is to be broadcast today. That inspired me to compile my own TOP TEN list that I would be televising if I were indeed her. So here we go!
Julie's Top Ten Favorites List for 2008
Enough hot water for six extra long relaxing showers
$100 Gift certificate to a book store of your choice.
One pound handmade Triple Mints from Wittich's Fine Candies
(a family owned confectionery in Circleville, OH, since 1840)
Two Graeters White Tower Sundaes-that's all I can handle in a year!
One dozen Great Harvest Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip cookies
One weekend for two at the Greenbriar Resort
One weekend for yourself on Sanibel Island, Florida
One box (200 pieces) of beautifully monogrammed stationery
Three paid vacation days -- what you do is your choice!
A spa weekend for you & 5 friends at Landoll Castle, Loudonville,OH
"Tune in" here next year for ten more of life's little pleasures. Now pretend you're Oprah --what would you choose? Mmmmm. Think about it...
Julie's Top Ten Favorites List for 2008
Enough hot water for six extra long relaxing showers
$100 Gift certificate to a book store of your choice.
One pound handmade Triple Mints from Wittich's Fine Candies
(a family owned confectionery in Circleville, OH, since 1840)
Two Graeters White Tower Sundaes-that's all I can handle in a year!
One dozen Great Harvest Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip cookies
One weekend for two at the Greenbriar Resort
One weekend for yourself on Sanibel Island, Florida
One box (200 pieces) of beautifully monogrammed stationery
Three paid vacation days -- what you do is your choice!
A spa weekend for you & 5 friends at Landoll Castle, Loudonville,OH
"Tune in" here next year for ten more of life's little pleasures. Now pretend you're Oprah --what would you choose? Mmmmm. Think about it...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Giving Thanks
I'm sure all of you have some type of Thanksgiving tradition where you and your family share what you are most thankful for during the past year or in your daily lives. Reflecting on those blessings is rewarding because you remind yourself consciously and audibly of someone or something that has touched your life and made a difference.
Here is my list for 2008:
1. Having the ability to forgive
2. Being able to walk anytime day or night in my neighborhood
without the sound of gunfire
3. Older ladies who have been incredible mentors to me --I
have had that rare gift since I was four years old
4. The ability to read
5. Having an older sister who is wise beyond her years
6. Watching the process of my son growing into himself
7. Still reaping the benefits of a college education
8. That I live in a state where destructive weather is rare
I wish for you a holiday that allows you to recognize the blessings in your heart and the privilege to send a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord above for what you hold dear. He listens no matter how simple the praise. He hears the pure sincerity in your voice.
Here is my list for 2008:
1. Having the ability to forgive
2. Being able to walk anytime day or night in my neighborhood
without the sound of gunfire
3. Older ladies who have been incredible mentors to me --I
have had that rare gift since I was four years old
4. The ability to read
5. Having an older sister who is wise beyond her years
6. Watching the process of my son growing into himself
7. Still reaping the benefits of a college education
8. That I live in a state where destructive weather is rare
I wish for you a holiday that allows you to recognize the blessings in your heart and the privilege to send a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord above for what you hold dear. He listens no matter how simple the praise. He hears the pure sincerity in your voice.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I WON THE LOTTERY!!!!! WOO-WOO!!!!!!!!!
This is the one single statement my husband was absolutely eye-squinting-face-puckered-up dreading ever having me shrilly scream into his ear. You see each of us used to buy a $1.00 ticket for the big Wednesday night state lottery drawing. We would watch the short television spot as the ping pong balls were air blown around the lucite cage and wait holding our breath hoping this was our lucky week. Our chance to grab the brass ring. The lure of a 25 Million dollar prize by spending such a little amount was worth our individual investments. We did it for a couple of months but then we just kind of stopped.
My husband was relieved when I didn't win with my ticket because he said I would probably have wanted to give most of it away. We both laughed when he confessed his concern because we both knew he was absolutely right!! I would love to be in the position to have enough money to share. How fantastic would that be to make living conditions better, medical treatments affordable, help those less fortunate, provide college scholarships, erase retirement worries, grant holiday wishes?
Guess that's why the current spotlight on the very small percentage of disgustingly paid executives or outrageously contracted sports figures make me so very angry. No one "needs" all the millions they are grabbing. We all only have to have just so much to live comfortably. If someone has a skill or intelligence and is given more for it I believe we all appreciate and accept that pay scale. But Heavens Sakes -- fleecing a company by pure greed while so many could use just a tiny portion to simply survive another day is not only something just this side of evil....it is just plain sad.
Knowing that all across this country there are thousands of families and working folks and children and community groups who with all sincerity work tirelessly to extend monetary and emotion support to their neighbors is heart-warming and a tribute to the innate goodness that does exist. That's why I hope someday I do win.
Why? Because one of my biggest dreams is to be a real life fairy godmother. Wouldn't that be life changing? And liberating? And refreshing? And just way too much fun! To put more smiles on peoples' faces when relief comes their way, to hear big relieved sighs when cares are erased, to share happy tears with those who will be given new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Whoops!!? There goes that crazy "make dreams come true" wand again!! I cannot wait for that to happen. Watch out, World, when it does!!!
My husband was relieved when I didn't win with my ticket because he said I would probably have wanted to give most of it away. We both laughed when he confessed his concern because we both knew he was absolutely right!! I would love to be in the position to have enough money to share. How fantastic would that be to make living conditions better, medical treatments affordable, help those less fortunate, provide college scholarships, erase retirement worries, grant holiday wishes?
Guess that's why the current spotlight on the very small percentage of disgustingly paid executives or outrageously contracted sports figures make me so very angry. No one "needs" all the millions they are grabbing. We all only have to have just so much to live comfortably. If someone has a skill or intelligence and is given more for it I believe we all appreciate and accept that pay scale. But Heavens Sakes -- fleecing a company by pure greed while so many could use just a tiny portion to simply survive another day is not only something just this side of evil....it is just plain sad.
Knowing that all across this country there are thousands of families and working folks and children and community groups who with all sincerity work tirelessly to extend monetary and emotion support to their neighbors is heart-warming and a tribute to the innate goodness that does exist. That's why I hope someday I do win.
Why? Because one of my biggest dreams is to be a real life fairy godmother. Wouldn't that be life changing? And liberating? And refreshing? And just way too much fun! To put more smiles on peoples' faces when relief comes their way, to hear big relieved sighs when cares are erased, to share happy tears with those who will be given new opportunities and fresh beginnings. Whoops!!? There goes that crazy "make dreams come true" wand again!! I cannot wait for that to happen. Watch out, World, when it does!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)