As I observe the souls in my life it really makes me laugh. I don’t connect well with people my age, but give me someone twenty, thirty or forty years younger and I fit like an expensive glove. I have found the majority of those my age are physically and mentally “old”. They live in the ‘remember when” past.
I have a copy of my birth certificate so I know how old I am supposed to be, legally speaking, of course. My mother, to justify the fact that she married my father in June and I was born in December, claimed until the day she died that I was premature. Sorry mom the paper work clearly states full term. That might explain why I have always had a problem with math.
Recently I had the opportunity to provide a meal for five people in my “family circle”. They were my youngest grandson (8), a granddaughter (23), my daughter (30), her finance (37) and my ex-husband (72). The group pretty much covered all age categories.
As I looked around the table I realized that except for my young grandson, I was the healthiest and youngest soul there. I must be doing something right and whatever it is I am going to keep doing it. Apparently I should have listened to my chiropractor who recently said she thought I was 15 years younger than I am. Perhaps the reason I can’t find the “companion” I am waiting for is because I am stuck in the wrong age group. Now there’s a thought!
Speaking of age I would like to share a poem that my daughter framed, several years ago, for my young grandson to give me. It is one of the nicest gifts I have every received, because it is a perfect fit.
Walking with Grandma
I like to walk with Grandma,
Her steps are short like mine.
She doesn’t say “Now hurry up”,
She always takes her time.
I like to walk with grandma,
Her eyes see things like mine do.
Wee pebbles bright, a funny cloud,
Half hidden drops of dew.
Most people have to hurry,
They do not stop to see.
I’m glad that God made Grandma
Unrushed and young like me!
~anonymous~
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Tribute to a Fighter
As we Americans know Monday, May 31 is the traditional Memorial Day, commemorating U.S. men and women who died while in military service. It was first enacted to honor deceased Union soldiers of the Civil War.
Admittedly this holiday does not mean much to me because I have no personal history of losing anyone I knew on the battlefield. The closest I came was when my oldest son dodged land mines hidden in the sand during Desert Storm. Thankfully he wasn’t injured and returned home safely.
Memorial Day causes me to think about all people I have known who are deceased. There is one woman who is right up there on top because she was a true fighter on the battlefield of life. Barbara Hocker began her battle with diabetes in 1969 when she was a senior in high school. She almost didn’t graduate because she spent most of that year learning to live with the disease.
Her first kidney transplant only lasted four years and the second in 1988 caused severe complications which led to a coma. During the coma she had an encounter with (in her words) “Jesus Christ My Lord”. He did not speak in words, but his message that it was not time yet became imbedded in her mind. She survived, but spent the rest of her life on dialysis. Barbara said she used the experience to lift her up when she was down.
Diabetes took a real toll on her body, over time she lost a leg, several fingers and toes and became legally blind. In 2000 she gratefully adopted a yellow Labrador Guide Dog named Panama. He was her constant companion until she died in September 2007. The whole town was relieved, that because of the dog’s age, Guide Dogs for the Blind allowed her husband to keep Panama.
Despite her physical problems Barbara was a very active member of our community. She and John raised three boys. She loved her family and her church and her friends. She took many college classes to continue her education. She once told me that chemistry was a real challenge because she couldn’t see what she was measuring!
For several years before her death Barbara ran a snack bar at New Mexico State University. She was a great role model for the students and they adored her sense of humor and never give up attitude. Four days before she died, recovering from the recent amputation of all but her pinky finger on her writing hand, she planned to go back to work. God apparently decided she had done enough.
The morning of her death I happened to look up into the sky and noticed a word written in a child like scrawl. When I realized it said Jesus I knew Barbara had sent me a message that she had safely arrived at her destination and was just fine. I related her message to her husband.
Barbara’s obituary stated, “Because of her never ending will to live she affected everyone she came into contact with. Her life was cut short at 55, but her impact on others because of her heart, strength and determination will live on forever.”
This Memorial Day I choose to remember my friend, Barbara Hocker and her ability to fight for her life until she took her last breath.
Admittedly this holiday does not mean much to me because I have no personal history of losing anyone I knew on the battlefield. The closest I came was when my oldest son dodged land mines hidden in the sand during Desert Storm. Thankfully he wasn’t injured and returned home safely.
Memorial Day causes me to think about all people I have known who are deceased. There is one woman who is right up there on top because she was a true fighter on the battlefield of life. Barbara Hocker began her battle with diabetes in 1969 when she was a senior in high school. She almost didn’t graduate because she spent most of that year learning to live with the disease.
Her first kidney transplant only lasted four years and the second in 1988 caused severe complications which led to a coma. During the coma she had an encounter with (in her words) “Jesus Christ My Lord”. He did not speak in words, but his message that it was not time yet became imbedded in her mind. She survived, but spent the rest of her life on dialysis. Barbara said she used the experience to lift her up when she was down.
Diabetes took a real toll on her body, over time she lost a leg, several fingers and toes and became legally blind. In 2000 she gratefully adopted a yellow Labrador Guide Dog named Panama. He was her constant companion until she died in September 2007. The whole town was relieved, that because of the dog’s age, Guide Dogs for the Blind allowed her husband to keep Panama.
Despite her physical problems Barbara was a very active member of our community. She and John raised three boys. She loved her family and her church and her friends. She took many college classes to continue her education. She once told me that chemistry was a real challenge because she couldn’t see what she was measuring!
For several years before her death Barbara ran a snack bar at New Mexico State University. She was a great role model for the students and they adored her sense of humor and never give up attitude. Four days before she died, recovering from the recent amputation of all but her pinky finger on her writing hand, she planned to go back to work. God apparently decided she had done enough.
The morning of her death I happened to look up into the sky and noticed a word written in a child like scrawl. When I realized it said Jesus I knew Barbara had sent me a message that she had safely arrived at her destination and was just fine. I related her message to her husband.
Barbara’s obituary stated, “Because of her never ending will to live she affected everyone she came into contact with. Her life was cut short at 55, but her impact on others because of her heart, strength and determination will live on forever.”
This Memorial Day I choose to remember my friend, Barbara Hocker and her ability to fight for her life until she took her last breath.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
It's Fun Being Green
Yesterday morning I was greeted by a wonderful message from a new Facebook friend, Michele. She said, “I love the things you write about. Your mind is so open and you are a very intelligent, strong minded, down to earth person. Green is the best way I can describe you.”
Wow what a great message! It is no doubt the most sincere, original, thought provoking compliment I have ever received regarding my writing. The first thing that came to my mind was that today green means clean. It really is an apt description of my writing. I try very hard to eliminate clutter and simply write honest posts for ordinary readers about ordinary things that happen; sometimes to me and sometimes to others.
The next thing that came to my mind was Kermit the Frog. I simply can not resist sharing the words to his famous song.
It’s not easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow, or gold
Or something much more colorful like that.
It’s not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over
‘cause you’re not standing out
Like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky.
But green’s the color of spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like a mountain
Or important like a river
Or tall like a tree.
When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why
But why wonder why wonder
I am green and I’ll do fine
It’s beautiful, and I think it’s what I want to be.
Now that I have that out of my system, green really is powerful. It is the color for the heart chakra; it symbolizes healing, the life force, balance, nature, fertility and money. It contains the energies of nature, growth and the desire to expand and increase. Green is soothing, alleviates depression and anxiety and offers a sense of harmony. Green veggies are essential for good health and I love green tea.
I think it's fun being green!
Wow what a great message! It is no doubt the most sincere, original, thought provoking compliment I have ever received regarding my writing. The first thing that came to my mind was that today green means clean. It really is an apt description of my writing. I try very hard to eliminate clutter and simply write honest posts for ordinary readers about ordinary things that happen; sometimes to me and sometimes to others.
The next thing that came to my mind was Kermit the Frog. I simply can not resist sharing the words to his famous song.
It’s not easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow, or gold
Or something much more colorful like that.
It’s not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over
‘cause you’re not standing out
Like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky.
But green’s the color of spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like a mountain
Or important like a river
Or tall like a tree.
When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why
But why wonder why wonder
I am green and I’ll do fine
It’s beautiful, and I think it’s what I want to be.
Now that I have that out of my system, green really is powerful. It is the color for the heart chakra; it symbolizes healing, the life force, balance, nature, fertility and money. It contains the energies of nature, growth and the desire to expand and increase. Green is soothing, alleviates depression and anxiety and offers a sense of harmony. Green veggies are essential for good health and I love green tea.
I think it's fun being green!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Colin's Day to Shine
In the past I have written a lot about my youngest grandchild, Colin. He is just so cute and so full of life that it is hard not to. I recently realized that not only have I mentioned him several times in my blog posts, he was also referred to in both of my books and my CD.
Colin is a little short for his age and is usually the smallest kid in his class, but that never holds him back, especially in sports. He loves soccer and grownups love to watch him out maneuver other players, with his speed and tricks. Once he gets the ball nobody catches him. Last season he started playing basketball and it was hilarious to watch him jump straight up in the air to keep an opponent from making a basket. He is the manifestation of “where there is a will there is a way.”
So I declare today COLIN’S DAY TO SHINE, at least on my blog. Go Colin Go! In the above track and field photo I took this morning that’s him out in front, of course!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Walk On
I have made every effort to balance my being between the ego mind and the soul mind. I am quite aware that every thought creates my reality and that living in the present is the only sensible way to live. I can’t do anything about yesterday except learn from it and tomorrow there is no guarantee that I will be residing in this temporary body. I have been thinking about the path I personally took to get to where I am today. It is an interesting assortment of words offered by others.
First there was the Lord’s Prayer taught to me by my grandmother when I was a child. It was of course, followed by the 10 commandments, when I started attending church.
“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power
and the glory, for ever and ever.
In recent years I began exploring and it led me to investigating Buddhism through a friend. It seems to be a very peaceful and accepting way to live. All Oriental teachings are very attractive to me.
The Buddhist Path
To lead a moral life,
To be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions,
To develop wisdom and understanding.
Recently I read the Reiki Principles
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will be grateful.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to every living thing.
and the ancient Toltec Wisdom’s Four Agreements
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.
My current rule of thumb is to ask myself if a thought is ego based or soul based. The answer often causes me to stop and reconsider before taking action. The most important words I have learned on my path are our thoughts create our reality.
First there was the Lord’s Prayer taught to me by my grandmother when I was a child. It was of course, followed by the 10 commandments, when I started attending church.
“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power
and the glory, for ever and ever.
In recent years I began exploring and it led me to investigating Buddhism through a friend. It seems to be a very peaceful and accepting way to live. All Oriental teachings are very attractive to me.
The Buddhist Path
To lead a moral life,
To be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions,
To develop wisdom and understanding.
Recently I read the Reiki Principles
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will be grateful.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be kind to every living thing.
and the ancient Toltec Wisdom’s Four Agreements
Be impeccable with your word.
Don’t take anything personally.
Don’t make assumptions.
Always do your best.
My current rule of thumb is to ask myself if a thought is ego based or soul based. The answer often causes me to stop and reconsider before taking action. The most important words I have learned on my path are our thoughts create our reality.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Going Fishing
Photographs I took at the Riverwalk in Grants, New Mexico. It is a great place to relax and just be whoever you are.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Going Going Gone
My Get Up and Go
Old age is golden, or so I’ve heard said,
But sometimes I wonder, as I crawl into bed,
With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup,
My eyes on a table until I wake up.
As sleep dims my vision, I say to myself;
Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?
But, though nations are warring, and Congress is vexed,
We’ll still stick around to see what happens next!
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
When I was young my slippers were red;
I could kick up my heels right over my head.
When I was older my slippers were blue,
But still I could dance the whole night through.
Now I am older, my slippers are black
I huff to the store and puff my way back.
But never you laugh; I don’t mind at all;
I’d rather be huffing than not puffing at all.
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
Open the paper, and read the obits.
If I’m not there, I know I’m not dead,
So I eat a good breakfast and go back to bed!
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
~anonymous~
Old age is golden, or so I’ve heard said,
But sometimes I wonder, as I crawl into bed,
With my ears in a drawer, my teeth in a cup,
My eyes on a table until I wake up.
As sleep dims my vision, I say to myself;
Is there anything else I should lay on the shelf?
But, though nations are warring, and Congress is vexed,
We’ll still stick around to see what happens next!
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
When I was young my slippers were red;
I could kick up my heels right over my head.
When I was older my slippers were blue,
But still I could dance the whole night through.
Now I am older, my slippers are black
I huff to the store and puff my way back.
But never you laugh; I don’t mind at all;
I’d rather be huffing than not puffing at all.
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
I get up each morning and dust off my wits,
Open the paper, and read the obits.
If I’m not there, I know I’m not dead,
So I eat a good breakfast and go back to bed!
How do I know my youth is all spent?
My get-up-and-go has got up and went!
But, in spite of it all, I’m able to grin
And think of the places my getup has been!
~anonymous~
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