Rain

This picture is somewhat blurry, but whenever it rains really hard, I think of the couple of times that we have been out and about in it and had nowhere close to walk for shelter.  We couldn't make a run for it, we weren't close to our destination.  If we tried to duck inside somewhere, our soaking wet selves would certainly be laughed at.  We just had to keep walking in the rain, getting splashed by cars, laughing, making the best of it and enjoying the going through it together.

“Being soaked alone is cold. Being soaked with your best friend is an adventure.” 

~ Emily Wing Smith

Winter is dead

“She turned to the sunlight

    And shook her yellow head,

And whispered to her neighbor:

    "Winter is dead.” 

~ A.A. Milne

I do believe it has arrived

“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.” 

~ John Muir

Live

“Live as big as you can, with what you've got.” 

~ Jill Shalvis

Rainbow

“Be the rainbow you wish to see after the rain.” 

~ Julia Gasperi

The little things

I sit here after a long day and an even longer week.  I've been reflecting on the week and on today....on what went right and what didn't.  I am reflecting on the joys....and the irritations that  crept in.  I am exhausted but I can't help but smile as I close the page on this day.  Today was a day that was filled with some simple joys. I have always believed that it is the little things that give joy and meaning to life...and which we find in the end...were not so little after all.  

Today, I made someone laugh.....actually, I try to do that every day.  I connected with someone in a way that I had not been able to before.  Someone told me I was beautiful.... that person might have been a tad delusional....but still.....it was nice to hear.  I danced...in public (my children would have been horrified), but if they were there they would have seen that I didn't actually have a choice....I couldn't say no.With my partners-in-crime, I brightened someone's day, and together we created something beautiful.  I helped cause some smiles that lit up the room, I heard laughter that sounded to me like music....and I think I cured a case of the hiccups.  Today I encouraged, I listened, I understood.  Today I shared some of the weird little pieces of me and hopefully brightened my little corner of the world.  

Many of those things are done every day.  I come home exhausted and fall into bed and I wonder what I have accomplished.....because my desk and lots of other surfaces are filled with things as yet undone.  I don't often take stock of all those little things I accomplished....that are really the most important things and that make such a difference in the world.

As I sit here remembering all the events of the day, I smile because of the joy of all those little things.  But that's all they were....little things.  They didn't change the world or anything.....or did they?

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” 

~ Arthur Conan Doyle

Pure love

Some times the years go by and we forget the times when love was pure and so much simpler to share...

“It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you.” 

~ Roald Dahl

Whoever you are, you need one....

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  

~Jane Howard

Change

Just when you think you have life figured out, just when you start to relax and get comfortable......that is when life changes course.  Sometimes the changes are small and barely even felt...and sometimes the changes feel like an earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale.  When change presents itself, I think our first reaction is always to plant our feet and stand our ground.  We do not welcome that change and we tell it in no uncertain terms to pack it's bags and get on out of here.  And the last laugh is always on us.  Change happens. Life evolves. And so must we.  We have to realize that things are different now. Old ways are gone and we have to move on, letting go of our resentments toward those changes.

The only way to navigate the change in the tides is to take a breath, stay calm and go with it.  We can store some memories of the old days, but we can't spend time looking back and trying to get back there... .because those days are gone.  If we spend too much time in stress, anger and frustration at what is coming our way...we might miss out on some new and equally happy moments.  Change brings some bad and some good...and we just have to keep on swimming and not let it ruffle our feathers and believe that the universe has something wonderful in store for us.

“You can't stop the future

You can't rewind the past

The only way to learn the secret

...is to press play.” 

~ Jay Asher

My biggest critic

It has occurred to me recently, that one of my biggest flaws...and as flaws go, I have many...is the fact that I don't always believe in myself.  I doubt myself.  I often feel inferior.  I don't trust myself.  As I look back at life, I think this fatal flaw has probably held me back from many opportunities and possibly from many people.   I never think I am good enough.  Maybe I was too young, or too old, too this or too that....or whatever.  I didn't let some one else make up their mind about me....because I had already decided that I just wasn't.... enough.  And when I did meet with criticism.....I gave in to it....and didn't stand up for myself.  I have always been my biggest critic....and a harsh one at that.

After 56 years, that's not such an easy thing to change, and maybe to some degree it will always be a part of who I am.  I have traveled through life always seeing someone who is better....always feeling I didn't quite measure up.  But, be that as it may...I know that I can't be my best self if I choose to continue looking at myself that way.  I can't be the person I am capable of  being.  I will not achieve my potential in any area if I am always looking down at myself or back at past failures. And what is perfection anyway?  It's a judgement made by someone....and always up for discussion.

And so today, I have decided that I have to try and break that cycle.  I have to learn to accept a compliment.  I have to do my best and accept that it isn't all going to be perfect....but there will be much that is good...and valuable.  It will be one step forward and two steps back, and there will be times when I am irritated or frustrated at myself for good reason....I think there are times when critiquing ourselves can help us grow...but not to the extent where it stifles growth.  That will be the challenge....to achieve some sort of balance in that area.  And the challenge will be to be kind and gentle with myself...as I am with most everyone around me...realizing that I, like everyone else, has something beautiful to contribute to this life.....and it won't always be perfect...but if it's from the heart...then it is perfect enough.

“Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worthy of the trip.” 

~ Glenn Beck

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all from our family (missing one - very much)

For I remember it is Easter morn,

And life and love and peace are all new born.  

~Alice Freeman Palmer

My joy

I know that no matter what the future holds for me....moments like this were my blessings and my joy, and I dare not ask for more.  It just doesn't get any better than these moments.

“The secret to happiness...be satisfied and be grateful.”

~ Mitch Albom

Facing forward

“Live today facing forward—with your back on yesterday, your eyes on tomorrow, and your head and heart in the moment.” 

~ Richelle E. Goodrich

Time

I look at pictures such as these and wonder where these days have gone.  I miss these days....unless this was the day she swallowed the penny.....in that case, I take it all back...I don't miss this particular day at all.

When my kids were little there were times when I would just hold them or look at them.  I wanted to remember every facial expression, the sound of their voice, the way they moved...the endearing things they did.  As much as I tried to freeze time.....it wouldn't cooperate with me....and time decided to march ahead anyway.

As much as I tried to preserve it all in my memory, my brain just doesn't have the capacity to store all the snapshots and video footage. I am left with snippets of memories of my life with my babies.  I will hold onto those snippets and enjoy them as they are now in the time I have with them before some day in the not too distant future when I reminisce about these days as well.

I am thankful for my beautiful babies and all the time we had together and will continue to have. They are truly the best things I've done in life.

“Inelegantly, and without my consent, time passed.” 

~ Miranda July

Time with Family

I believe there is nothing more important than taking time to connect with people....and of all the people out there to connect with...there are none quite as important as your family.  You should make sure you don't take them for granted, go out of your way for them and give them the gift of your time.

Tonight, I may be exhausted from a quick trip to Oswego with Alex and my cousin's daughter, Sophie.  We all had a great time spending a little time with Alyssa who can't get home for Easter...and spending time with each other!  I will pass out exhausted, but happy that we were all able to take this little journey together.

“Even if a man has everything - money, power, the key to eternal life - he still is nothing if he is without a family to love him and for him to love.” 

~ Latrivia S. Nelson  

Blurry

The photo may be blurry.....but the memories are not,

“You should always be taking pictures, if not with a camera then with your mind. Memories you capture on purpose are always more vivid than the ones you pick up by accident.” 

~ Isaac Marion

Bloom and Grow

Unfortunately, we don't get to choose who we are, what circumstances or family we are born into or what talents we are given.  But the good news is that there is always...always.... room to grow and time to bloom into the best person we can be.  Even if things look bleak and hopeless...we must face the sunshine and reach and grow, remembering that it is after the winter that spring comes once again and all of life begins to bloom and grow.  And so tomorrow we will stretch ourselves and bloom and grow.

“You must bloom wherever God plants you.” 

~ Tania Silva

Anticipating Spring

I wish I could tell you that I took this picture today.  But, I didn't....it was from this past summer.  Still, the beautiful weather today reminded me that these days of blossoms and butterflies are definitely coming.  We may have to endure some changes in the weather before they get here.  But days like today help me believe that Spring will actually arrive this year. There will be lightness of spirit, and fresh air and time spent walking, and eating ice cream and just enjoying this beautiful world we live in.

“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” 

~ Mark Twain

The Moon

“The moon is a loyal companion.

It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” 

~ Tahereh Mafi

Be yourself

I think that too many of us, as we go through  life, try to be someone we aren't too much of the time.  Maybe it is at work, or in a relationship, maybe it's a self-concept issue, or the need for acceptance.  You can keep up the show for awhile, but eventually you have to strip away the facade and just be yourself.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't grow and evolve into the best person we can be.  When my son was a babe and I would be giving him some form of  instruction on how to grow and mature and live life better, he would always retort: " I don't need to change, this is how God made me."  That in turn, would start me on a whole 'nother tirade.  We have to become the best we can be.  But we have to be ourselves.

We need to be true to who we are.  We need to be authentic and honest and live life in being true to self.  No matter what, I think it's been proven at this point in life, we can't please everyone all of the time.  Sometimes, it seems like we can't please anyone ever....so why play games.  Be yourself.

Whoever loves you will love you for the real you....not some pretense.  And whoever doesn't...they just won't...  Life will go on and we will surround ourselves with the people who can see the beauty of who we really are.

So just relax and be your best self, with no apologies.

“be yourself- not your idea of what you think somebody else's idea of yourself should be.” 

~ Henry David Thoreau

National Sibling Day

Apparently it's National Sibling Day, so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and put up some pictures of mine.  I am quite sure that I have some that are better than this, but that would require some hunting, and I am not up to that tonight...so maybe some other time.

My brothers have molded me into who I am, perhaps more than any other.  We have been through so much together....good and bad.  We have always been pretty close.  I remember as teenagers, my brother Doug had this no-fail-get-rich-quick-scheme.  The plan was that he was going to sell me to another family for 5 million dollars, buy me back for $1 million and give me $10 for my trouble.  I suggested that maybe the other family wouldn't want to sell me back.  His reply: "Oh they will, trust me, they will".

When we get together there is usually laughter...and often frustration, because there is a lot of joking and sometimes trying to get people to be serious for a moment is next to impossible.  If you only knew....  Our lives are all different and busy now....but one thing will not change, and that is how very much I love them and how thankful I am to have them...even if we don't see each other so frequently.  I always wished for a sister, but I wouldn't trade my brothers for anything.

"I know it's a cliche, but the whole family is just whacked. I mean, we're all out of our minds. They're the funniest, most eccentric bizarre people I've ever met, my siblings." 

~ Dana Carvey

Look up

“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” 

~ Helen Keller

Time for sleep

“I love that moment, when you stop struggling to stay awake and your eyelids shut sink down and you slip effortlessly into another realm that’s beckoning to you.” 

~ Rachel Klein

Shake your tail feathers....

Sometimes life can be ridiculous, and you are frustrated, and just done with everyone and every thing.  Sometimes it all seems hopeless, the questions don't seem to have answers....everywhere you look...you just can't see.  People are annoying, nothing goes as planned and you just can't help but wonder why.  It is at those times when you have to thumb your nose at it all and resolve anew that you are going to make it through this and keep on going.  So stand on your head and  shake your tail feathers at the whole lot of 'em and let the world know that you aren't going down without a fight.  Start heading in a new direction... and then put one foot in front of the other on your path with renewed belief.

“Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously.” 

~ Hunter S. Thompson

Signs of Spring

“Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” 

~ Virgil Kraft

Musical Theatre

We just got back from seeing The Music Man at Arlington High School.  It was fantastic!  If you live in this area and aren't doing anything tomorrow afternoon, I would highly recommend it!  There is nothing that puts me in a good mood as much as seeing a musical.  I  remember fondly the musicals that Alyssa was in at Arlingon. We are so lucky to be part of a school district with so many opportunities to participate in the arts. It really sets our school apart and provides cultural opportunities for our kids that are priceless!!

“I think it is just as important to sing about beautiful mornings as it is to talk about slums. I just couldn’t write anything without hope in it. ~ Oscar Hammerstein” 

~ Oscar Hammerstein II

Elizabeth

My niece Elizabeth is 23 today, so hard to believe.  She is smart, beautiful, funny, so talented in so many ways.  I've watched her grow up, been there every step of the way....and still, as I sit here looking at this photo, I'm not really sure when it all happened.  This is a confusing age...where you are trying to figure out which direction you are going...looking ahead trying to figure out where your path leads.  I know that no matter where Elizabeth goes.....no matter what path she follows she will find success....that is just Elizabeth...but I wish her more...I wish her happiness, and silly inside jokes, and time for reading, and time to kick back with friends and family...always, always I wish her tons of love and laughter in her life.  I also hope that she always knows.....always no matter where she is, no matter what she is that I will always be one of her biggest fans!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth....I don't know about Dee, but you seem to be 23(?)....

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” 

~ J.K. Rowling

Laughter

There are often nights when I sit here and try to pull something out of thin air to post a picture or a quote or write about.  It has been a long week...one of those weeks that seem like they are never going to end...because I keep tripping over things that get in the way.  I could get yourself truly worked up about it....but usually I try to laugh...because really what else are we going to do.  It hit me tonight, when I realized I wasn't the only one having "one of those weeks".  My dear friend Polly said that laughter is the best medicine...it gets you through when nothing else does.  So she is my inspiration tonight.

Laughter is one of life's most precious gifts to me.  It can bring people closer.  It can start a friendship.  It helps people relax.  It can lighten your spirit and make you feel better.  It can lighten the mood of those around you.  It helps us cope with stress,  It relieves pain and sadness for a bit.  Laughter is an affirmation of faith, hope and belief.  Laughter is a joyous prayer.  Laughter helps us get back to what is real....past all of the drama and the junk of life.

I can't imagine my life without it. It is part of me.  It is in all my interactions...at work, at home...on errands...it frames my life and makes the sometimes bumpy path of life bearable.  So tonight...I continue to laugh at myself and this ridiculous week. I know that as long as I can find something to laugh about, I will be ok.  I can keep on going.

Whenever I think of laughter I think of this photo...one of my all time favorites.  I  hope you are able to take a moment and laugh at all the ridiculousness that often characterizes life, laugh at yourself...laugh at the ridiculous things that we do and say and the situations we often find ourselves in.  And if you find someone unable to laugh.....that is really just about one of the greatest gifts you could share with anyone.  Life can be difficult and painful....and the only way to get through it sometimes is with a good hearty laugh....and then take a deep breath, get up and plod onward.

“The only people for me are the ones who spill things, the ones who drop their cups sometimes, the ones who get dirty hands and messy hair, the ones who can go barefoot if they feel like it, the people who forget things, and can laugh at themselves every day...” 

~ C. JoyBell C.

It's happening...

Today was a gorgeous day.....warm and hinting that spring really might arrive this year.  There are still a few patches of stubborn snow in my yard that are trying to hang on...but each day I smile as I see them grow smaller.  I was exhausted today.  As I drove home, visions of a nice little nap danced in my head.  But it was so beautiful outside that I decided I couldn't sleep on such a glorious afternoon as this was.

I looked around...I didn't see green overtaking the landscape quite yet.  I didn't see any buds peeking out of the earth to see if the coast was clear. But I do hear the birds, and have seen a few bugs....and the air smells so sweet.   I know it's coming....but I have to admit that I had doubts not so long ago.  Will it actually happen this year? Will spring really ever come? I wondered....

My cousin posted some pictures about a week ago showing some buds poking out of the ground.  Her caption was simply: "It's happening...."  I draw inspiration from that for this entry.  The weather becomes warm and then cold again, the trees are still looking bare and stark ....but I do believe that it is happening.  I am thankful for the hope and life and strength that a beautiful day like this breathes into me!

“Too much sun after a Syracuse winter does strange things to your head, makes you feel strong, even if you aren't.” 

~ Laurie Halse Anderson

April Fools

It doesn't have to be April 1st to make you feel like a fool or to create a hair raising day. That can happen any day of the year.  There are days when everything just seems to go wrong, coincidentally I had one of those days today.  It was one of those days where it didn't start so great and progressively got worse.  I tried to take it in stride, keep going and have fun where I could ....in between the crises.

In spite of the fact that curveballs were being thrown at me from all angles, I kept my resolve.   I just kept going...just kept trying to enjoy where I was and who was with me and tried to get through it all in one piece.  I am happy to report that, indeed, I am still standing.  I have the last laugh on this April Fools Day because I didn't let it get to me...I went with the flow, rolled with those punches...and now that I have gotten this day over with, look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

So often we get caught up in the little details and focus on what's going wrong as opposed to what's going right.  I have learned that this too will pass if I just hold on and give it time to pass.  So, I try to be thankful for where I am, and who is with me.  I try to be hopeful about the future.  I  try to laugh about it with those I love.....and if all else fails...I head for the chocolate to get me through!

“But bad luck makes good stories.” 

~ Bernard Evslin