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!!