Faith and good cheer

As a die hard Ranger fan, I must shore up my loyalty and belief and take heart this morning.  Wow, that might just work with life.  For the most part, I've been lucky enough to embrace that philosophy in general.  I didn't even realize that until I started looking and seeing and feeling other people's attitudes, other people's approaches.  Rather than criticizing them for being negative, I tried to help them see the possibilities, the bright spots, their own ability to overcome their personal obstacles.  Needless to say, we must always realize that others are grappling with demons we do not know, we cannot imagine.  Never can we simply say, "Shake it off.  You'll be fine."  No, at the very least we must add, "Nothing worth doing is ever easy."  Encourage, inspire, cheer on, but never minimize someone else's struggles, however simple they may seem to us.  Human beings, like well-coached and managed baseball teams, emerge victorious despite incredibly daunting odds.  Fans who cheer, support, believe, and oh yes, demand the best play, the best behavior in return can make all the difference.  We do that for each other on a very personal level every single day of our lives.  The opposite is true, of course, but let's focus on our "better angels" today and every day.  Tall order?  You're dang right it is, but we're up to the challenge.  Amen?  Amen!!  

Rally hats

After watching the Texas Rangers (Woooooohooooo!!) burst back into the World Series with millions of fans in the park and around the world, I remembered we have the capacity to harness the same enthusiasm and energy for the common good.  Oh, we try already.  In various protest movements from The Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street, we see hints of that power.  Gathering and cheering and expressing ourselves comes naturally to Americans who enjoy the luxury of the right to peaceful assembly.  Heaven knows our history, the world's history verifies the efficacy of lifting voices in concert.  Naturally, simple rabble rousers show up for all protests, celebrations, gatherings, and their faces and less-than-noble actions often make the news.  Still, this shouldn't dampen our spirits or negate the true motivation and righteousness of those who gather in good faith.  Will we all agree with all causes?  Certainly not, but as Americans we must support that right to gather, and maybe, just maybe, decide to take a stand ourselves.  Must we pour into the streets to be counted among those rallying?  Again, certainly not, but expressing solidarity when we do agree puts our virtual feet on the ground and voices in the sound of the roaring crowd.  Maybe that's what America needs right now.  Not a protest AGAINST anything, but rather a rally FOR our country in general, a big HOOOOOOORAY for AMERICA and every positive we can find, and trust me, we can find PLENTY.  Sports often reminds us of our ability to put aside differences and don our team colors for, most of the time, healthy competition.  Perhaps, as we've done many times before, we need to pop on our RED, WHITE, AND BLUE rally caps, and cheer, cheer, cheer our way back to the unified strength most of us never lost.     

Doing our part

Here I sit, watching my morning talk show, amazed at how people can talk so much about important matters and yet not DO a single thing to make that talk produce some results.  Yes, I know that's their job, but they seem so critical of just about everyone who is actually trying to do something, and yet, they offer no advice, no ideas, just criticism.  Meanwhile, a huge portion of Americans, you and I included, operate with what we have, do what we need to do, and hope that those who can make things better for us will ACT or at least work together so they CAN act.  Again, I will never give up or give in to the wave of negatives.  We're always  building to that positive wave that will leave us awash in decent, reasonable prosperity.  We'll adjust, think, plan, and rediscover (as we always do) that ever-present American spirit and let 'er rip.  Trust me, people are actually working quietly and steadily and already making a difference.  They don't have to talk about it.  They're DOING it.  We're doing it.  Nothing wrong with saying so, right?    

Go team!!

As we've moved through a very exciting weekend of traditional sports match ups, I've been struck by the various ways fans choose to express their enthusiasm and loyalty.  Heaven knows we need more examples of true commitment to a cause, to a belief, to a passion, but we also must remind our children how to express it with grace and dignity and respect for others and themselves.  Team spirit, economic theory, religious beliefs, whatever the position, what lies in one's heart deserves intelligence and wisdom in its public presentation.  Okay, sports might be less serious than other areas, but the concept is the same.  Wooohoooo for our team, our peeps are the best, we will win, go get 'em, I'm standing up for my colors, my school, my city.  That's healthy, of course, but I see no call for vulgar and nasty in healthy competition of any kind.  If our children learn the wrong way to cheer FOR a team (by only cheering AGAINST the other), then how can we expect them to turn into adults who can work together finding common ground for real progress and at the same time stand strong for what they believe?  I'm not trying to dampen anyone's spirit, but it's just something to think about now and then.  Good taste and good sportsmanship never got in the way of  a fired up, give 'em hell, play with all your heart and soul, take the big prize, in your face, hard-fought VICTORY.  That's what I'm talkin' about...yeah!

One Fine October Friday...

I logged on to my blog
And suddenly I sensed it
A thick, imposing fog

I shook my silly, sleepy head
I blinked my weary eyes
And oh and ah, what happened then
Flashed through me with surprise

The comfort of a friend's word
A twinge of promised strife
One golden ray of autumn sun
Lit up the stream of life

"I'll take it," squealed my soul
"I love it," hailed my heart.
Dispelling daily cobwebs, dear
Becomes a work of art!

Love ya, my America

Are we struggling a bit?  Do we have more than our share of problems?  Good heavens, yes.  Still, despite the talking heads constantly bobbing about, speaking of lost confidence and faltering worldwide respect, most of us in the trenches see through it all because we know the real America, the country of strength and compassion and ingenuity and sheer guts and grit.  That America will come through this rough spot, bolder and better and flying in the face of critics.  Those at the heart of this country, those taking care of business in their own homes and neighborhoods and finding ways to make life work, no matter the hardship, will once again serve as the unshakable foundation for recovery, will forge the challenging pathway back to true and fair prosperity.  The naysayers will not win.  Rose-colored glasses, you say?  Well, perhaps I'm more optimistic than most, but I speak from reality and fact and undeniable history.  Perhaps some of the talking heads need a review and a change of tune.  Obviously negative blabbering makes a difference.  Shall we let the positive have a go of it for a while?  Certainly, it couldn't hurt. 

A little goes a long way

Funny how life gets in the way sometimes.  Hey, I should be happy to say that, right?  Right!  Between classes, a wide array of entertainment, and mundane daily tasks, I've neglected my blog.  Oh, I've thought about it along the way, thought about losing my followers, thought about things I should write, thought about smaller points to make or tiny pep talks to give.  In short, I have not followed my own advice, my own philosophy that I usually follow in that life I celebrate every day:  "A little is better than nothing at all."  Soooooo, here you go.  Here's my little for this fine day in October.  Perhaps, my sweet friends, I can practice what I preach, and not be afraid to make a short post and be just as proud and happy.  Progress...gotta love it.

Labor? Yes, please.

No matter what a few vocal folks may think and even say, the American people want to WORK!!  We've heard all the reasoning and all the criticism and all the finger pointing and the hand-wringing over deficits, but where are the plans, the real plans for creating jobs, the one sure-fire way to crank up this economy?  Might we have to spend a little to get things rolling?  Perhaps, but the benefits far outweigh the cost.  Companies talk about being on track, making record profits, wanting to produce more, but the demand is not there.  Well, put people to work, and they'll be out shopping in no time.  Ahhhhhh, the vicious cycle, the luscious, vicious cycle in this case.  Who will start it rolling, though?  Can we depend on those same companies flourishing through the American way to contribute to the recovery?  Well, some actually are and have been all along.  Despite hardships, many have refused to layoff workers or cut salaries.  They found a way to appreciate and protect the heart of the company, those who produce the goods, who keep the business machine running.  Bottom line?  We hear people talking about their ability to get our economy back on track.  Well, share that NOW, not if you get elected or if you get appointed or if you get the contract or IF anything.  Got real ideas, plans that will work?  Share, please, and I guarantee you'll win the hearts and minds of the thinking and caring majority.  Labor Day indeed.  Put us all back to work.  THAT will heal the economy.    

Keep the faith?

Needless to say, I was hoping to encourage my followers to stay with me, but as I looked at my subject line, I realize that needs to be a general mantra for us all.  How I wish we could join voices and drown out the loud clanging of negative tongues wagging!  Still, more noise will not change things.  Plus, arguing with those who thrive on the news of disaster (not the disaster itself) wastes precious energy.  Let them rail, let them rant, let them wallow in the darkness.  We shall shine a quiet yet brilliant light and turn our enthusiasm and vivacity into inspiration and action and results.  Guess what?  We only need to join the already teaming throng of good people who don't talk about what they're doing.  They DO!!  Open your eyes and see, my friends.  All around us lie progress and improvement and smiling workers making a difference never expecting lauds and laurels.  They revel in and celebrate what they do see, what they know inside, what makes them always hopeful.  So keep the faith?  Why yes, I believe we will because we HAVE.  We reap the rewards and willingly share with and help others.  See?  Grab your happy goggles and floaties and go with the flow.  Soon, as we recover from actual floods, we shall merrily wash up stream on the welcome, raging roar of growth and prosperity.  Come on in; the water's fine!!

Grappling with the heat

I started this entry several days ago, and I kept coming back and changing things as I contemplated not only the actual heat, but also the metaphorical heat of pressure on people to produce, to succeed, to do what's expected of them.  Then, last night as I settled into my bed, I heard a strange sound.  Wind and tick, tick, tick, plop...oh my goodness, RAIN!  I lay still for a moment, not wanting to scare it away or to be too jubilant over a few drops, but I could not resist leaping to my feet and running to the back door.  (Yes, I run in my house all the time.) I flicked on the porch light and glanced toward my three tomato plants, lined up and hopeful in the early darkness.  Suddenly, the trees and bushes started dancing wildly and down came that blessed liquid we have missed for so long.  Oh how I longed to share it with those who need it worse, but I was thankful, thankful we had the luck of the draw this time.  Funny how conditions beyond our control consistently put things in perspective for us if we'll just stop to appreciate, be grateful, and think of others.  Sometimes, in the midst of our own misery, serious or not, we forget, we lose track of that wonderful humanity we all have deep inside.  Yes, we're all grappling with heat in some way, shape, or form.  In the long run, though, we know we'll make it through and see brighter, lighter, cooler, sweeter days.  If we can just remember that as we're grappling, we'll be able to help those who can't remember.  The human race has proven it over and over and over again.  If you're down and out and feeling low, help someone else.  It is instantly uplifting, and though of itself it will not solve your problems, it will give you the spirit to keep working and hoping.  Now, that's what I call successful grappling.

Good faith...

I've never been one for saying, "You need to look that up in the dictionary."  That always sounded haughty and snobbish to me.  However, I'm thinking some folks need to revisit the basic concept of COMPROMISE.  No, I will not include the Webster definition here, but I will say that ordinary Americans effectively employ the practice every single day with family and friends and business associates.  From personal budgets to vacation planning to negotiating contracts to bargaining for a raise or a benefit to ending the myriad small arguments along the way, successful individuals realize that "having it your way and only your way" seldom leads to moving forward in a productive manner.  Oh, people might give in, but they won't be happy.  Unhappy partners in any situation stifle loyalty, creativity, and growth.  In the end, "the winner" loses more than he gains, although he rarely realizes that.  Ultimately, conflict continues to arise, and the enterprise, whatever its nature, either fails miserably or stagnates.  No matter what the subject, no matter what the deal, a middle ground exits, one that respects all feelings and standards but asks some sacrifice to benefit the greater good.  We can stand on principle all day long, and everyone will know our character, our values.  That's noble and admirable and necessary, and we are free to live our own lives according to those precepts without wavering.  However, when groups with varied values endeavor to cultivate and nurture a worthy common cause, all must seek a solution that works for the majority.   Ahhhhhh, sounds like democracy, sounds like AMERICA.  Again, "the little people" (doing most of the work that makes some people look "big") do it constantly because they must.  Those involved in the weighty matters of public policy need only pause and remember what took place at their own dinner tables and in their own conference rooms not so long ago.  We're trusting and waiting in good faith.  You can do it!! 

Our America

What an emotional day for me!  As long as I can remember, I've been a sucker for the American flag, for the National Anthem, for the Pledge of Allegiance, for all things USA.  Our family always celebrated the 4th of July with great zest, but I'm not sure what sent me over the edge with patriotism.  Just like any other form of love, it defies full explanation.  Just yesterday in church, as strains of "God Bless America" lifted to the arched ceiling, I found myself choking with emotion as I struggled to sing along through tears.  What a corn ball, eh?  Maybe, but I cherish that feeling, the uncontrollable devotion, that spirit that moves so freely, so joyfully, so purely.   Now, don't get me wrong.  My ultra patriotism does not include blinders.  Yes, America has her problems, and I exercise my precious freedom by voting, by writing, by speaking up when I feel moved.  Of course, I owe it to my fellow Americans and to the privilege of voicing my opinion to do so with informed intelligence, respect, consideration, kindness, and grace.  Nothing flies in the face of true American spirit like sarcasm and nastiness.  Anyone can come up with an empty,  stinging insult, but stating one's case with poise and logic and the willingness to listen to others...that takes time and effort and real concern for making a difference, for improving a situation, not just getting our way.  How about if we celebrate this INDEPENDENCE DAY with a pledge to cast our very valid and lively debates in the steady strength of American unity and the daunting challenge of reasonable compromise.  After all, as so many often point out, "This is America!"  Why yes it is, and that means everyone has a voice and should at least feel heard, whether we like the opinion or not.  Therein lies one of the most difficult yet vital aspects of democracy.  We've overcome so many obstacles in this storied history we honor  today.  No reason we cannot do it again and again and again.  Deep inside I know we will.  Much love, my sweet country.  Happy Birthday USA and many, many more!!     

Listening for silence

In this age of cell phones and cable TV and computers and MP3 players and streaming...EVERYTHING, a moment of peace and quiet comes at a premium, even when we can choose that moment.  Yesterday, I headed out the door to class, and just before I left, I heard it...SILENCE, well except for the random chirp of a bird or soft automatic buzz of something electric.  I paused and added my brain's grinding gears to the low-volume mix.  I've always been an "I have to have the TV on" sort of gal, but even in that brief moment, I felt a most amazing calming effect, and I lingered to let it wash over me.  Melodramatic?  I think not.  My life is way less hectic than it used to be, but I remember the mad dash all too well.  Heck, I still LOVE it and even need it.  Without moving and shaking and getting things done, we'd be in major trouble.  Nonetheless, perhaps taking a time out purposely now and then would refresh our spirits and make that moving and shaking even more productive and oh my, less stressful.  The beauty is it costs nothing, and the opportunities lie all about us if we're aware.  Ah, but there's the rub, as The Bard might say.  Ironically enough, all the noise around us obscures those precious points of possible pleasure.  Guess we'll have to FIND them, right?  If nothing else, start with that moment you shut down to leave the house for any reason.  Before you step out the door, stop and listen and enjoy what you don't hear and what you do feel.  As the old ad used to encourage, "Try it.  You'll like it."

Growing gratitude

In anticipation of another 100-degree day, I ventured into my back and front yards to check flowers and veggies and the lawns, of course.  As I toured the property and smiled at the colors and the promise of fresh home-grown produce, I stopped in my tracks and thought about those waking to worry about losing their homes to fire, flood, the economy, and any number of other problems that can strike without warning.  As I dragged the garden hose along and doused the dry earth, my mind kept wandering.  Some people have no home at all, still longing and working for that part of the American Dream.  Needless to say, I could continue down the road to those in more dire circumstances, and I thought about it all as I completed my morning routine.  When I returned to my air-conditioned comfort, I couldn't just let it go.  I spent some quiet time in prayer, prayers for those suffering, worrying, and still clinging to hope with such strength and determination, prayers in gratitude for all I have and for the grace and humanity to appreciate it.  We cannot save the world, and we don't have to feel guilty for having things, for having fun, but we can pitch in and help when possible, and above all, be thankful for the positives in our own lives.  My little reminder this morning takes me into this fine summer day with more gusto than ever.

"Monday, Monday..."

"...can't trust that day."  Well, that's what The Mamas and The Papas sang.  Still, we must get Monday underway so we can get back to Friday.  Funny how that works.  Now, I have Mondays off, so my perspective is different, but I'm not so far from a full work week that I cannot remember.  The "normal" work week finds people constantly wishing for Friday.  Nothing wrong with that, but we must be careful to love on every day along the way.  Those are precious moments of life too.  Watching for positives, for small miracles, for the fodder of great memories, for opportunities to do good, to notice others, to SEE those momentary sparkles and sources of hope and happiness that takes great effort but pays with great reward.  In fact, if we busy ourselves with not only the mundane tasks of work and home, but also the noble pursuit of human light and levity, the very core of our being, we'll find the journey from Monday to Friday (or whatever your work week) punctuated with spirit-lifting flashes of joy.  Talk about moving your week along and enjoying it as you go...oh yeah!  Yes, easier said than done especially when one tosses in a whole boat load of complications.  Ahhhhhh but that's when we dig deep and make it happen anyway.  I say "Bring it, Monday. Let's boogie."  A spin and a hand-off at the end of each day, and we'll be cuttin' rug with Friday before we know it.

Distracted

People laugh and say, "Shiny objects distract her."  Well, they do, especially when that object is the sun or a bike of any sort or the glint of a raindrop or...well, you see what I mean.  No excuses for not posting, though, so here's my pledge, out loud and out of respect for those who patiently wait to read.  I will post at least once a week on one of my blogs (mainly this one) and share on Facebook as well.  Oh yeah, I can do that.  Funny how the more one has to do, the more one gets done.  At least that's how it works with me.  I keep teaching because I love it, but it also gives me a schedule of sorts.  I'm a world-class piddler, and although I get things done, especially the adult, required type items, I could accomplish more if I filled in some piddling time with concrete activity.  Now, I spent many years of my life hitting the floor running, so to speak, so I guess I've earned the right to piddle a bit.  Still, I love that feeling of accomplishment, of being able to sit back and admire what I've completed.  I have my moments.  Lists work best for me, and I've become artful at creating REASONABLE lists, those I can grace with check marks and then toss in the recycle bin.   Should you visit my home, you'd note several lists-in-progress at varying degrees of completion.  Yep, I'm on it!  Guess this post is an ironic reflection of my piddling.  The practice distracted me from blogging and yet gave me grist for the entry.  Soooooooo, "Blog" goes on one of my short-term lists.  How's that?  

Life and other distractions

Greetings my friends!  I must apologize for not posting for a while.  The nerve of mundane business and fun dragging me away from my sharing.  I do hope you'll stay with me, even when I disappoint at times.  We all know no one is perfect, but we seem to look for that in others, perhaps believing we can do the same.  Oh, we don't blame others for their failures, especially the little ones.  Still, we hold on to those who are most consistent, strong in character, unfaltering in faith and determination.  Self-help gurus encourage us to surround ourselves with positive people, solid and simple advice.  Ah, that we could be the positive people others seek.  Now that's what I call a GOAL.  Alas, we cannot do that for a living (although some have tried), but selflessly, we could inspire others to realize great success.  Wait, if surrounding ourselves with positive people will lift us to success, being a positive person must put us on the fast track to that same success.  Oooooo...and we'll be those people others want in their personal space.  Sounds like a vicious cycle to me, a deliciously vicious cycle fueled by the joy of consistent accomplishment and the confidence of support and inspiration in times of need.  With the vision of a challenging double-Dutch, neverending jump-rope session, I'm going in, my friends.  Join me?

The Examined Life

In traditional form, my classes prepare for exams by thinking about hope, about ways to refresh the spirit when the world weighs heavy, oppressive, daunting, even dark and depressing.  I love these discussions, filled with revelations and discovery.  Oh sure, some scoff and roll eyes, but in the end, everyone has a moment whether he or she realizes it or not.  Guess it all comes from so many moments in my own life, especially once I realized how I could tap into that happiness, that pleasure, that saving grace simply by closing my eyes and remembering.  Oh yes, I use personal examples and literature (from "Tintern Abbey" to "Birches") to prime the pump, to fire up the brainstorming, but soon unique bits and pieces of real life fly through the air and meet with puzzlement and wonder and most of all, affirmation and connection.  Even those who don't speak up find their wheels turning, their wills bending, their resistance fading.  They may not give in or even embrace the concept today, but the seed, the seed nestles into that safe, fertile corner where the mind and heart converge.  One day, hopefully, when they need it most, that seed will blossom forth and yield that fragrant flower of hope, of refreshment, that welcome subtle perfume wafting through on second wind they didn't think they had.  If only a handful come to that realization, what a difference an insignificant (in life terms) Comp exam could make!  Kipling captured it:  "If you can force you heart and nerve and sinew / To serve your turn long after they are gone / And so hold on when there is nothing in you / Except that will that says to them, 'Hold on!'"  We all have that capability in us.  Sometimes it just happens, but how nice to know the button to push, the key to turn, the password for access, and if we want, we can collect an arsenal of glorious weapons that not only do no harm, but keep us safe in the light.  Lay on, darkness.  You are no match for us.  Funny, just as I prepared for this lesson, the end of a "House" episode lent me yet another petite parable.  The story concerned a lotto winner who promised himself he would not end up tabloid headline.  He stayed true to his ways and searched for a long-lost love to share his wealth.  Now, even his best friend tried to dupe him, but in the end, he kept his faith and it paid off.  House, the ever-grumpy and cynical comments:  "He'll still lead a miserable little life."  His colleague counters, though:  "No, he'll always be hopeful, so he'll always be happy."  Not only do I agree with the latter, I live it.  No, I'm not happy every moment of every day, but I KNOW I will be...soon.        

Not to worry

Oh my gosh.  I must tell you, my friends, that I had most of a wonderful entry typed and saved, and one little stray keystroke erased all!  Now, I could throw up my hands and say "It wasn't meant to be," but I think the universe was testing me.  The post is about refreshing the spirit and keeping hope alive.  Now, you would never know if I didn't tell you, but how would that look if I just gave up posting this morning?  Soooooo, I'm giving you this for now, and I'll be back with the full post soon.  Nothing like an actual happening to make a real point!!

Ah, perspective!

This morning I woke to droplets on my windowpane.  Now, it's the weekend, and normally, we want sunshine for our outside playtime.  However, with the recent drought, those raindrops please us more than four Sundays of sunshine and soft breezes.  Funny how life and nature illustrate the power of perspective.  Now and then, we must all sit back and savor the positives in our lives from all different angles.  Sometimes we lose sight of the common things, the basics so vital, so precious in our lives.  Everything from food and shelter to friends and family weave into the fabric of each day, strong and steady, unfaltering.  We appreciate them, of course, but one thread pulled or broken or missing stops us in our tracks and makes us value our whole tapestry, the big picture AND each pixel that creates it, that keeps it whole.  (How's that for mixing ancient and modern metaphors?)  Ah yes, can you tell the rain has touched my soul, has given me the gift, not only of refreshment and new birth, but of humility and gratitude for each tiny and grand aspect of my life?  Could I survive loss?  Of course, but at this moment, I revel in all I'm privileged to hold dear, all I'm blessed to hold in my arms, to hold in my heart.  You, you all...how precious you are to me!  Amen.  Amen.

Full swing spring

I sauntered into the yard yesterday and stopped in my tracks, amazed by what I saw.  Here in Oklahoma we've been wishing for rain and worrying about wildfires, and yet, all of nature has found a way to break into bloom and blossom.  Incredible!  This always reminds me of how resilient nature is and that human beings are a part of it all.  This little stretch in April brings back memories of some dark days from Waco to OKC to Columbine to the Gulf Coast, and even Tienanmen Square in China.  Each event represents a challenge we've faced and faced down to survive and thrive once again.  Now, I'm all for the media and all its coverage and opinions and slants and spins and flapping of the jaws, although I sometimes question the lopsided negativity concerning, well, just about everything.  No matter how positive the news might be, many seem to follow up with "BUT just around the corner things could get worse."  Oh how lovely the prospect of taking a few moments to revel in the good news.  Heavens, that might lead people to be optimistic, to plan vacations, to relax and enjoy, to believe the future still holds promise and possibility.  Oh my, that might also impact the economy, encourage large companies to start hiring again and people in general to invest and spend and generate demand and then more jobs and...oh my goodness...sounds like a snowball effect of GOOD.  Yes, yes, I know it's more complicated than that, but all rolling snowballs and full blooms start small.  How did snow sneak into this blog about spring?  Ah yes, the analogy.  I'll just end with one of my favorite quotes:  "O Wind, if Winter come, can Spring be far behind?"  Shelley knew that the seasons validate optimism every year.  Humanity has been learning from nature since time began.  Why not take a hint and follow the path of the snowball or the spring bud?  Roll and grow large or burst into a blossom of positives, savor it for even a short time and see what happens.  I already know!

Sunshine, a drug of choice

Seriously, few things intoxicate my soul like a sunny day.  The rays literally get under my skin and ooze back out as smiles and boundless energy.  This weekend, I spent most of each day out in the fresh, spring air.  From pruning to planting flowers and veggies to riding bikes and motorcycles to just sitting on the back porch and occasionally sharing a comment with my neighbor (shades of "Home Improvement"), I could feel my muscles and nerves and blood having a barn dance to celebrate, doing a jig to that music only nature can play.  Extreme, you say?  Not to me.  It's been happening for years, and I think happens to everyone.  Sadly, not everyone has learned to recognize, tap in, and let 'er rip!!  Spring fever does not HAVE to make us skip school and work.  It can makes up skip TO school and work.  Try it out.  Get outside, soak in the FREE energy, let it build up inside you, and then watch how it can make every aspect of your life richer and even easier in the most important ways.  Gotta open up and embrace it, though.  Only YOU can let it in and make it happen.  Get yourself under the influence.  Just say "YES!"  You've been challenged, my friend.  As the song says, "I hope you DANCE!"  (From the inside out...)

Just a little dust up, thank you

With more than just a little frustration, I've been watching this latest haggling over the budget.  Now except on my "other" blog (Since When and Who Said), I don't really comment on politics or other touchy subjects, so I'm just using the moment, the situation to make interesting point about how wonderful our country is.  Yes, that's what I said.  We've had all sorts of controversy, people piling into the streets with signs and bullhorns, talking heads from all angles and opinions shouting and arguing and yes, getting a little carried away now and then.  I get a bit twisted myself at some commentary, at how people take a seed of truth and run in all sorts of directions with it until it's unrecognizable.  Nonetheless, what makes me rejoice even in the face of aggravation is how utterly free we are, not only to express ourselves, but also to go places and do things and enjoy each other and make plans and dream and work and all the while to know it's all possible.  Sure, we have obstacles, problems, setbacks, even tragedies, but we're also free to recover to regroup to heal and comfort each other and to have hope again.  Sometimes I think we forget that not everyone in the world has that.  Freedom and democracy give us that precious commodity known as possibility.  We have our flaws, no doubt, and because we have this marvelous openness, we must tolerate disagreement and bickering and even some ugliness, and sometimes we get stuck and lost and confused, but if we look at history, we always find our way back on track.  On top of it all, we constantly air our dirty laundry in front of the whole world.  Do we enjoy that?  No, but it's part of what makes us who we are.  Lord knows, we could hide some of this nonsense, but how we're out there and everyone's seeing "how we make the sausage," so to speak...that just makes me smile.  Here we are, World, working our way down the road, stirring up dust and scuffling with great enthusiasm.  Keep watching, though.  America will emerge from that swirling cloud, stronger and brighter and ready for the next battle.  Oh, the fight's not over by a long shot.  As long as this is still America, we'll have a wide variety of opinions, voice them loudly, and continue hammer out some sort of agreement.  I hope that never stops.  Through adversity and challenge we grow and improve and sometimes even learn a lesson.  So tonight, I'm celebrating.  I'm so grateful to have been born here, to live here, to enjoy the benefits of this country.  Some struggles along the way?  Worth it.  Worth it.  Worth it!!

Guess who just blew in

That's right.  She's here in full force.  Miss Spring dances on to the scene with varied steps and rhythms around the country.  Bottom line: warmth, greening, blooming on the agenda each and every day.  Sure, we'll have to put up with allergies and storms, all part of the birthing process, but when the rumbling and sneezing die down, voilà, the warm seasons take up residence.  In all fairness, the cold and colder seasons have their fans as well.  Actually, I just love the changing of seasons.  Each one offers its own treasures and gives us perspective and appreciation for the season passing and the season ahead.  (Rather like life, eh?)  For now, though, we shall enjoy the renewed sunshine, sprouting buds and blossoms, and the ever-increasing opportunities for outdoor activities.  Wipe down the bikes and golf clubs, air up the tires and beach balls, dust off the jogging shoes and sandals, slip on the shorts and tanks tops, and clear the roadways and foot paths.  Watch out, Nature.  Here we come!!

Ahhh, the Irish

An Irish Prayer

May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

I spoke of an Irish blessing in my Facebook post today, so I thought I'd check for a couple on the Internet.  Sure and begorrah, as the Irish would say, I found a whole website full!  Delighted, I read each one, thinking all the while on their colorful and lively language, their positive yet realistic attitude, and their boundless energy.  Funny how so many people celebrate St. Paddy's Day, not just because of the green beer and endless parties, but because it represents a happy spirit, the heart doing a jig, so to speak.  I'm still looking for a particular blessing that ends, "...and may you be in Heaven an hour before the devil knows you're dead."  Now, we can all roll Irish with that one, don't ya think?  Top o' the day and the luck o' the Irish to ya, my friends.  Keep a bit o' Irish joy in your heart all year long.

Human spirit, alive and well

The pictures overwhelming and heartwrenching, the disaster in Japan (as with all disasters) refocuses our attention on the human factor.  We cannot fathom the suffering, pain, loss, grief, but we do witness the human spirit in full force, impressive and heartwarming.  Further, we see only a small portion of what actually happens.  Those who survive, those who volunteer, those who stay the course long after the initial shock draws the world's attention operate with humility and unassuming, limitless generosity.  I see the victims, devastated, dazed but undaunted, digging deep for a plan, a plan for LIFE.  I see the volunteers from all over our world, if not already there and helping, organizing for action, offering whatever they can.  Again, we hear and see reports, but the efforts are massive and long-term and something we should all celebrate longer than the fleeting moments of a news cycle.  Indeed, no shame in moving on and taking care of the tasks at hand, living our own lives, taking care of our own business.  After all, time does not stop, no matter the catastrophe.  Still, in this day and age of conflict and woes that beleaguer us all and a kind of disappointing nastiness that sneaks onto the scene, we need to remind ourselves that at our center lies the precious commodity of the human spirit.  No trade on the stock exchange, no line up ending with "priceless," no measure of any material currency can weigh its worth and power.  The best news?  It's in us all, and it rises to the top naturally when we need it most.  Let's capture the feeling now, connect it with a vivid image, and file it securely.  Then, when people start talking gloom and doom in our everyday lives, whip out that image and remind them and ourselves:  "We got this covered, thank you.  We'll find a way."

Spring in my step

This weekend we shall all "spring forward" and add sunny hours to our days.  I sit here in the early morning almost beside myself because I might get to ride my motorcycle to the RV Show on the OK Fairgrounds.  Ooooooo, big fun.  As you can tell, I'm easily entertained, a good thing, as Martha would say.  Now, if it's too cold or windy, I'll be a bit disappointed, but I'll just adjust my plans for the day knowing that SOON I'll be able to hop on Baby (motorcycle) or The Silver Streak (bicycle) or into my jogging shoes (no nickname at this time) and play, play, play!  Oh yes, spring means rebirth, and I feel like one of those buds poised to burst into bloom.  Look out world!  That's it.  Just thought I'd say it out loud. 

Hey, time for a poem.  This one's about autumn, but the spirit is the same.  Enjoy. 

Oh world, I cannot hold thee close enough!
Thy winds, thy wide gray skies!
thy mists that roll and rise!
Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag
And all but cry with color! That gaunt crag
To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!
World, world, I cannot get thee close enough!

Long have I known a glory in it all,
But never knew I this;
Here such a passion is
As stretcheth me apart. Lord, I do fear
Thou’st made the world too beautiful this year.
My soul is all but out of me–let fall
No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.

                      —Edna St. Vincent Millay in God’s World

Love in the balance

"Ya gotta give a little, take a little
And let your poor heart break a little
That's the story of
That's the glory of love..."
So many have recorded this song, but I always hear Bette Midler's voice.  Maybe it's the context of the movie, but her rendition brings home the heart of the song.  True love, lasting love in all its beauty and sweetness and joy comes with pain and sorrow and stress and strain.  Ultimately, the struggles and even the failures allow us to see, appreciate, even recognize the real thing, so to speak, and hold onto it for all we're worth.  We know, too, how many kinds of love we're blessed to enjoy, and they all follow this truth.  Life in general is all about balance, knowing it, embracing it, learning from it.  Anyone who believes everything will be ginger peachy all the time hasn't really lived and is in for one disappointment after another.  However, we can all believe in possibility, take a positive attitude about what CAN be.  We all create our own personal atmosphere, an aura, if you will.  Love in all its strength even works to break through the negative; however, the positive attracts and nurtures love.  We have the power in us already.  Most of us have survived trying times and emerged better people, even happier people.  Why?  Ah balance, ah perspective.  We cannot know the true measure of our happiness until we experience sadness.  Heed the words:
"Ya gotta win a little, lose a little, laugh a little, cry a little...until the clouds roll by a little."  Know the truth, keep the faith, and invite love into your heart, fearlessly.     

Plugging in delight

A Facebook picture features a baby holding her bottle for the first time, sheer joy on her face, a video of a baby giggling hysterically as his father tears paper for him goes viral on YouTube, a dash of snow and children everywhere flock to a hill, any hill with sleds, pieces of cardboard, backs of refrigerators and suddenly the air vibrates with screams and giggles...no elaborate planning, no expensive gadgets, no deep thought required.  An element of human nature and totally available to us all, delight lives in our genes.  We crave it, seek it, need it, even though we sometimes lose sight of it.  At difficult times in our lives, we must learn to dig for it, to remember it.  How does THAT happen?  Well, connections mostly.  We do that automatically, file those moments that make us laugh and bring them back when we want them, when we need them.  A line from a TV show or movie, an ingenious commercial, a random comment by a friend or co-worker, a split second that struck a funny bone and set the room laughing, each one can help us heal, adjust our moods, turn a bad day good, not just for us, but for those sharing our air.  This power lies at our fingertips, at our nerve endings, in our brainwaves.  Shall we access it?  Shall we plug in delight?  (Catch the play on words)  Let's use this blog entry.  Whether you comment or not, take just a few minutes to think about your personal grin factor.  What always makes you smile when you hear it, see it, remember it?  Here, I'll give you one of mine.  In the movie, Steel Magnolias, M Lynn, devastated by the death of her daughter, just wants to hit something.  At this point Clairee pushes her friend Ouiser forward and says, "Here, hit this!  We'll sell T-shirts sayin' 'I hit Ouiser Boudreaux.'"  Within moments, tears of grief turn to tears of laughter.  Not only does this scene always tickle me, it captures the point and spirit of this entry.  Your turn...

A Simple Happy Truth

Surfing channels yesterday afternoon, I passed everything from prison shows to half-hour ads for floor clearners and exercise machines to ancient movies to extreme and ridiculous talk shows.  However, in the middle of it all came one bright ray of useful positivity.  After confirming it was NOT my projection lamp  exploding again, I lingered to listen.  Purposely ignoring the station and network, I took in a short rant on how America still has all the good stuff, ALL the good stuff.  Creativity, ingenuity, intellect, compassion, fairness and more, America has everything it takes to fix every problem we face.  Our people have the capacity to heal and strengthen the economy, to mediate conflicts and even stop wars, to care for the helpless and give hope to the hopeless, to educate our children and reeducate our adults, to refresh the American dream and stop telling our youth it's dead...and the list continued.  You're smart; you can add to it.  See what mean?  The power lies in us, in the way we do our daily business, the way we love our friends and family, the way we handle our own problems.  Now, the commentator pointed to politics as the only thing broken in America, and in a strange way, he wasn't blaming politicians.  Clearly, the system depends on raising money.  Anyone who cannot do so has little chance of winning a place at that table.  Well, you can look into that and see what you think.  My bottom line here is that positive outlook I found on a Sunday afternoon.  I do believe the American people have "what it takes" to heal what ails us, to move past the chatter and sound bites, past the biting and mindless sarcasm to real solutions.  Any regular, informed American knows this takes true compromise, shared sacrifice, and tapping into every aspect of our core spirit.  We remember what that is, don't we?  We remember that it is in ALL of us, yes?  Could we just take a few moments to celebrate that, to believe it, to embrace it, to move forward with it?  Like applauding to keep Tinkerbell alive, we must join the chorus of positive voices and encourage that lovely winged creature called the American spirit to fly, fly, fly!        

Mush!!

     As we wrap up a significantly snowy season, I flipped through my memories of winters past.  The frosty stories whirled back with sparkling stills and vivid videos.  I landed (and that will be an appropriate term) on one from my childhood in New Jersey.  Yes, for about eight years of my very early life, I was a Jersey girl.  I often tell of waiting for the school bus seeing nothing but white, the snow from the shoveled sidewalk stacked well above my head.  This story, though, involves a dad-constructed SuperSled. 
     Our house in Irvington, lay almost at the bottom of a long hill, perfect for slipping and sliding, on purpose, of course.  Now, we had our own little group of kids (four old enough to play in the snow) and friends from the neighborhood, and we could all enjoy winter activities like snowball forts and fights.  Sledding, though, was like Noah's Ark, two at a time.  My dad, always up for something unique, something he could build (although that really wasn't his forte) pieced together that SuperSled which could accommodate five to seven squealing, flying, slightly terrified children at once.  We reigned as the neighborhood sledding amusement park! 
     One day, with thoughts of Sgt. Preston of the Yukon (a TV adventure show) rushing through my eldest-in-the-group head, I lined up my crew of six plus one, smallest in the front and me, the fearless leader bringing up the rear.  In true Sgt. Preston style, I gave the loaded sled a healthy shove and hopped on, STANDING upright steady hands grasping the steering ropes on both sides.  "MUSH!" I yelled imagining sleek, muscular sled dogs pulling us across the frozen tundra.  Down the hill we sailed, passengers screaming with delight and me proudly guiding the craft to its final destination.  Very close to our house, on the street side of the walkway grew a formidable tree whose roots often disturbed and rearranged the concrete.  Below the deep snow where no one could see it hid a virtual ramp formed by the broken sidewalk .  At the height of our swift-sledding joy, BAM, we hit with jarring force and stopped on that proverbial dime.  Well, my passengers stopped, that is.  I went airborne, the length of the SuperSled and beyond.  Actually, I floated breathless, silent, serene through the crystal-clear air in one of those slow-mo movie scenes.  Luckily, I did not land head-first but rather slammed into the landing pad of soft snow on my shoulder and rolled another ten feet or so. 
     Once I cleared the flakes from my eyelids, I glanced back to my stunned crew still seated on the abruptly-halted SuperSled.  I scanned the front porch, hoping my parents did not witness what had just happened.  Boy, would I be in trouble!  Not feeling the pain of bumps and bruises yet to come, I scurried to check the fear-frozen children.  All in one piece and now laughing hysterically at my flight and in their delight, they hopped off, grabbed the SuperSled, and shouted, almost in harmonic unison, "Let's go again!!"  My face said, "No way!" and my body paused with it...for just a split second.  Soon, our whole gaggle giggled up the hill, sled in tow, leader hobbled, spirits undampened.  We took the challenge of the plummet from the summit at least ten more times with me safely seated for each one and a strategic yank on the ropes just before menacing concrete ramp.
     I recall the incident with great glee, little thought to physical wounds or even the dread of parental reprimand.  Nothing will ever steal the sheer joy of swooshing down that snow-packed path and launching into flight, fleeting thought it was.  Isn't that the beauty of memories?  We get to choose what we remember and how we remember it.  "Mush," I say, "Mush, and let 'er fly!!"  Come on, you know you want a ride.    

Gnome effect

Relaxing on the corner of my piano sits my very first garden gnome.  He's a happy fellow, face in hand, hat proudly pointed toward the skies.  I know he's wondering if he'll join the soon-to-be-blooming flowers.  Yes, that's where he belongs, yet I'm enjoying his whimsy right here in my living room.  As much I as detest dust, I love knickknacks, "gorgeous" items, if you will.  In fact, I often attach sentiment to them, each one sparking a memory, a moment, a happy note.  A recovering pack rat, I do save some things with little emotional significance or even practical use, but so many of my tiny treasures tickle me too much to trade them for a little more space on a shelf or a little less dust for my Swiffer.  When I walk into my garage, I often wave at my bicycles, motorcycle, golf clubs, and the array of "stuff" I still need to sort through so I don't toss anything of value.  I'll get to that sorting.  Meanwhile, tiny pieces of my heart, of my experiences, of my growing and developing personality and character lie safely waiting for me to rediscover them.  Might I toss some?  Be realistic and weed out, separate the chaff from the grain, so to speak?  Oh, I'm sure I will, but only after I savor the moment each might represent.  Am I a couple of bubbles off center, a sandwich or two short of a picnic?  You bet your sweet bippie, I am...and proud of it.  

A song for every occasion

"Whenever I feel afaid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I'm afraid..."
Well, in case you don't recognize it, that's from The King and I.  Okay, so some of my songs are old, but this one sets the tone for music in my life.  Now, I'll chime back in on this one, but I want to start another discussion here.  Does it happen to everyone?  Do songs pop into your mind when certain situations happen?  Do you sing out loud?  Do you have, whether your realize it or not, a list of oldies but goodies that constantly serve to inspire, capture your feelings, help make a point, or simply decorate a moment with just the right tune or lyric?  I guess we all have a favorite type of music, but my collection is very eclectic, thank you very much.  I remember when scurrilous thieves broke into my car and stole my CDs.  Oh, I was upset about being violated and victimized, but I had to laugh at what the thieves thought when they perused my collection.  From Barry Manilow to the soundtrack of Funny Girl to Nirvana and Eminem to three Christian Collections to Reba McEntire and more, all I needed was some opera to complete the bizarre array.  Serves them right, I thought.  Good luck squeezing money out of that list.  Perhaps they were just craving some fine music.  Anyway, back to our discussion.  What say you, my friends?  Let's talk music and its impact on our lives, on our moods...sing it, sistas and brothas!

Lucky me

A young man asked me today, "Dr. J., where do you get your zest of life?"  Now, mind you, I was merely setting up for class, shuffling papers, writing on the board, talking to myself (yes, I do that all the time).  I glanced up and smiled, wondering, "He sees zest?"  Well, he had been in my class for several weeks now, so perhaps I had exhibited some zest along the way.  I could see he was sincere and waiting for an answer.  After a moment of thought, I popped back, "I don't know.  I'm just a happy soul."  He chortled, "Well, I know that, but where does it come from, what makes you that way?"  How does one pinpoint that?  I know some of you who are reading this are happy souls too.  Have you thought about it?  Do you know why?  Do we have to know why?  Maybe people want to know so they can make themselves happy souls too.  Ahhhh, that could be it, but I'm not sure you can learn it.  I do believe you can work on it, even make it happen.  Me?  I'm healthy, have a roof over head, food in the pantry, great friends and family, much fun in my life, a job I love and so much more...why wouldn't I be a happy soul?  Have I had tragedy in my life?  Yes, but I'm alive and kicking and making the most of each day I get to enjoy.  Am I overly optimistic?  I don't think so.  I just choose to see the best, to believe the best, to trust the best will win out in the end.  Come on, my fellow happy souls.  Shout out and add to my lovely insanity.  Zesty much?  Let's share our secrets.    

Bye, Bye February

Ahhhhh, the seasons.  Gotta love 'em because they put things in perspective.  No matter where you live, you feel that moment when winter will move out and spring will roll in with all her green and gold and blossoms and sometimes turbulence.  We love the warm seasons, but without the cold ones, we'd have no anticipation, no thrill at the sunshine and warmth emerging over the horizon, seeming to penetrate our blood and bones and waking us as well as all of the rest of nature.  The poets often use the seasons to clearly capture the cycles in life.  Age, grief, struggles, all follow the pattern.  Shelley muses, "O Wind, if Winter come, can Spring be far behind?"  Yes, even the old adage "Where there's life, there's hope" confirms it.  Wise readers will note that winter will come back too.  Oh, amen to that, and we need to be aware.  Shaw wryly  and rightly comments "If nothing were wrong, we'd have nothing to do."  Strange but true.  We'll always have obstacles, problems, even tragedies, but most of us find the strength to dig deep, find the bright light, the spring in our souls, and rise like the new grass pushing through the hard-frozen earth.  Yeah, sounds dramatic, but people do that every day, every day and honor the life they have and LIVE.  That's no small task and deserves a little homage, eh?  That's it, that's the spirit I trust to take us through all of our rough spots, as individuals, as a country, as a universal consciousness.  Oh to wave a wand and have EVERYONE tap into that and operate with honor and wisdom.  The seasons will come and go, no matter what.  How we handle each, how we react to what happens, how we treat each other during each season...ahhhhh, there's the challenge.  Are we up to it?  No doubt in my mind.  As Faulkner put it,  "I believe that man (mankind) will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance."  Look, here's spring on the near horizon.  Let's dance her into our lives and thrive on her energy and promise.   

Lend me your ears

Caesar said, "Friends, Romans, Countrymen...."  This morning I'm trying to think about ALL of my students.  I say trying because the numbers are staggering.  I've always told everyone that I just lucked out falling into teaching.  Before I decided on college, I'd always say, "What will I do for a living?  All I know how to do is drive and type."  My mom would laugh at that, but I was serious.  I couldn't draw or paint or sing or dance or build things or anything to earn a living.  I'm not sure when my decision came, but I knew I liked English and what can one do with English but teach (at least that's what I thought, more on that in a later blog).  Forward I went, and in the end, I discovered my passion...English, sure, but way more than that...TEACHING.  I have a teaching blog called "Yoooohoooo, You Who Teach," (Clever, eh?), but I post this in The Bright Spot because I must say THANK YOU to all of you out there:  students, fellow teachers, administrators, parents.  You have made possible the huge BRIGHT SPOT I've lived in all these years.  Oh, I have a life outside the classroom of course, but teaching has colored me bright, has given me insight,  memories, challenges, perspective, a richness I cannot totally explain.  Have I done everything right?  Am I the perfect teacher?  Absolutely not.  As I've always told my students, "No one is perfect.  All you can do is the best you can do and learn."  I'm still teaching, and I'm still learning.  You know, I think I'll post this on the teacher blog too, but it belongs here, here in The Bright Spot.  I hope a whole raft of my "partners in crime" eventually read this and hear my THANK YOU, and yes, I mean ALL of you.  Hugs all around... 

My cardinals

Working in my computer room yesterday morning, I heard a familiar sound, the distinctive short chirp of the cardinal.  I swear to you a family of the flaming red birds has followed me from residence to residence.  I know.  That's a bit of a stretch, but I choose to believe it.  Funny how we can do that and make it work.  Believing something lovely never hurt a soul.  I know, too, that the female of the species does not sport the luscious scarlet, but I see her and her babies frolic and flash a red of their own.  Again, it's through my eyes, through my rose-colored glasses, so to speak, even more appropriate in this case.  We all know the scientific explanations and the actual reason I hear the chirping outside my front window every year, but why not swirl in a little something special, a little something lovely?  So yes, my cardinals have joined me once more in welcoming spring.  Oh yeah, I have the big head, Mother Nature.  One of your delicate creatures has chosen me.  Hmmmmmm, let me look around.  What else lovely can I believe?

Afternoon delight

Ooooo, provocative, eh?  Bet some of you are singing that song.  Well, this is Friday afternoon after all, and we're sitting on the cusp of spring.  That alone is cause for celebration.  As I watch the posts on FB, I think of all the good times planned for the weekend, fun both simple and extravagant.  People will be making memories.  Here's hoping we all choose to hold on tight to each good time, each moment of joy, each opportunity to share with friends and family.  The more we store, the more we have to help us through the tough times.  Oh how we'll need those little reminders of how happy we can be. 
Thanks for the comments so far.  I'm already loving this! 

Oh my...

Would you look at me?  I'm posting to my very own blog.  Am I 2011 or what?  Well, let me first say my title means many things, but I hope to encourage two in particular:  bright thoughts as in positive and bright thoughts as informed and respectful.  Anyone surprised?  Hey, we can do this together.  I totally believe many people are holding on to all the wonderful aspects of our country, of our personal lives.  The power of positive thinking is nothing new, but it's getting lost in all the bickering and nonsense.  Disagreeing takes little thought and energy, but finding compromise and real solutions, now that takes BRILLIANCE.  Do we face huge challenges?  Yes.  We must be serious and realistic, but there's no reason we must always focus on the negative.  Let's let the positives breathe a little.  Here we go, my peeps.  Join me.  I hope to post just about every, single day!!  I'll probably start another blog to deal with some universal questions I have.  I'll welcome your stories, your thoughts, your ideas for ACTION.  Woooooohooooo...loving it already.

Doc