Is this what World Peace looks like?

For a few minutes, it seems as if this man brought happiness to thousands of people in the world. Not sure of the whole story but I like the premise! Pretty cool stuff. Enjoy

Wisdom from a piece of chocolate...

Yesterday I opened up (delicious)piece of Dove chocolate. The wrappers always have little messages on the inside.

My message was " Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances."

It made me think of Antione Ste. Exepury's book, The Little Prince. There is a part of that book where the fox tells the prince that it isn't with they eyes that we see what is essential, but with the heart. I don't recall the specific quote, but you get the idea.

Such a timely quote, where we seem to be blind-sighted by materials and destinations at this time of the year.

Wisdom from a piece of chocolate.... who knew?!

100 things you (now) know about me

Got this from Sara's blog & decided to play along as well!

1. Started my own blog (and you visited it)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Attended a live play starring a family member
4. Visited Springfield, MO
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World
8. Held a baby only hours old
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang in front of people
11. Tried a new food
12. Reunited with an old friend via the internet
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Gone on a blind date
16. Cried yourself to sleep
17. Been to the top of the Gateway Arch
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Helped a stranger
20. Learned sign language
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a piglet
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Walked for a good cause
28. Ridden a horse
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Scored a goal in soccer
32. Been on a cruise
33. Drank beer with a nun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Slow danced with a stranger
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Saw a crime committed in front of you
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Thanked a teacher (after 30 years)
41. Sung karaoke (sober!)
42. Seen the birth of a child
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Washington D.C.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your Wisdom teeth pulled
48. Gone fishing
49. Seen the Red Square in person
50. Been to Leningrad
51. Have had your heart broken
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Stayed up til midnight on NYE
57. Been so poor you sold a prized possession
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Have taken a CPR/First Aid course
66. Visited the place of your birth
67. Bounced a check -not proud moments
68. Flown in an airplane
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Touched a shark
74. Betrayed a friend's trust
75. Been fired from a job
76. Held a live starfish in your hands
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Liberty Bell in person
80. Have an autograph from a celebrity
81. Have a living will
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked the Liberty Trail
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Have written your name in the sand
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Read to a child
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Changed a flat tire
96. Climbed a 20 foot wall
97. Have shot a bulls-eye with a bow & arrow
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Play along!

Would you? Could you?

If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for the remainder of your life, which would you choose & why?

I am fond of all of my 5 well-functioning senses, but I think I would sacrifice my sense of taste (but I could still smell, I'd hope). This would help with weight management since I could not taste the delicious culinary creations. Definitely a deterrent to eating. The closest I have come to experiencing this sensation was when I was sick. I really didn't miss the taste sensation, but kinda remembered what certain foods smelled. Since I enjoy cooking, I would be at a disadvantage of tasting my creations, but providing food for others to enjoy would make me happy within the process.

Since I am visual person, I would have a hard time giving up sight. I enjoy photography and reading, things not easily translated into other modalities. Scrapbooking is an appealing hobby for me and the visual memories trigger other senses (mostly sounds). Also, today's environment is not user friendly to those with visual impairments (lots of corrective options, though).

I think olfactory (smell) senses are tied closely to memory banks within the brain. I mean, we have the reactive (eew! the milk is bad) or(uh, fire?!?) senses built within to keep us from harm. I am thinking more of, how I can walk into my grandmother's home after a decade absence and be inundated with memories just by smelling the air when opening the wooden door that leads to her home of over 60 years. Memories that are illuminated as I burn scented candles when decorating the family Christmas tree. There are memories still tucked away in my mind that have yet to be unleashed. Remember the concept of smell-o-vision ? I'm thinkin', a bit CrAzY, but I see where they were going with that!

Nor could I surrender the aural calm created by listening to music like Acoustic Alchemy or Dave Koz in stressful times. I couldn't bear missing opportunities to hear my son sing. These past 4 years, his voice has developed into this rich tone that just amazes me every time I hear him sing (serious music).Although I dislike having to LISTEN and be on alert throughout the day, I do like when I can be a passive rather than active listener.

Losing the sense of touch would make me feel dehumanized. In my profession (I am a child care manager), I am deluged with hugs, pokes and squeezes throughout my hectic day. These are some of the brighter parts of my day & remind me how important my job is to these little ones. I am not so inclined to give up something that is rewarding. I have not had many physical relationships in the past few years & I miss the caress of my neck, arms. I find that sense comforting & grounding, that perhaps allows for some inner peace.

Here's hoping I keep my senses with me for quite a while!

Modern-day Cheapskates

After reading this article, I thought of my budget and how I try to monitor my spending. I certainly do not have a social life that empties my wallet. Heck, just traveling 80 miles round trip to work is enough to make me cry at the end of the day!

These are things I do as a practicing cheapskate:

* Visit the library often to get my literary fix.
* Enjoy creating home-made goodies that are far less pricier than bistro menu items.
* Have learned the value of Redbox (also library) rather than the box office ;we're talking big $$ these days.

* I print or e-mail my own photos to family & friends. Love the quality, but I have yet to take a professional caliber photo worthy of the $

* Keep the technology simple & up to date as possible. Seeking bargains, my laptop was a floor model, software discounts through graduate school program.

* Coupons, use them, it is surprising how much $ you save in a month. Be smart about it though.

* I love candlelight. I use candleight in the evening to save energy, make the house smell good & relax in the aroma that surrounds me.



After reading this article, I want to challenge myself, yet not put a burden on others to cover the check. As much as the economy is in a slump, I don't feel the need to spend the last of my savings on holiday gifts. I think that handmade gifts is the route I will be taking this year. I've tacked up many ideas on my inspiration board in my home office that I have yet to explore. I still think handmade gifts can be functional, not just that kitschy crap that ends up in garage sales in the spring. Not sure what the end result is going to look, but it will be worth trying!
Watch this space ...

Let's play... 20 questions!

1. If you could take more control of one aspect of your life, what would it be?
I would like to control how much time/energy I use at work. I come home exhausted and too tired to enjoy being at home.

2. If you were to state the difference between the male soul and the female soul, what would it be?
The male soul seeks pleasure, the female soul,harmony

3. If you had to give control of your destiny to any one person, who would get it? Not sure I am ready to give up control to anyone in my life.

4. If after you die your spirit could protect anyone in the world, who would you pick? My brother

5. If you were to name the most comforting thing for you to hold in your hands, what would it be? Chloe, my dog, gives me comfort

6. If you were to leave instructions for what music would be played at your funeral or wake, what would it be? Oh, I've thought this out before.... I would have smooth jazz playing throughout the service, but fun stuff. I want people remembering the love I had for music in my life.


7. If you could learn one thing (but only one thing) about your own death right now, what would you want it to be? Was I with my family?

8. If you made a very big mistake of some kind, who, of the people you know, would you first confess it to? I guess I'd tell Ana (hopefully it wasn't with her)

9. If you were to describe your attitude toward sin, what would you say? Sin is succumbing to desire because of one's own weakness.

10. If you could ask a psychic one question, knowing you would get a true answer, what would you ask? Will I be with my soul mate through my sunset years?

11. If there was one primary law or principle you lived by, what would you say it was? Those who say it can't be done need to get out of the way of those doing it! (I read this in a magazine & was amazed at its honesty!)

12. If you had to name the best thing about getting older, what would you say it is? Hmmm, that you pawn off housework on your children?

13. If you were to select a person whose persona does not fit their body type, who would it be? Me - 100%

14. If you were to name three people throughout your life that helped to complete you as a person, who would they be? Sr. John (teach from the heart), Leo Buscaglia (keep the child inside you alive & playing), RT (making me a complete parent, which is what I guess is how it was supposed to be all along).

15. If you were to say there is a person who truly practices what they preach, who would it be? Hmmm, gotta get back to this one

16. If you were to name the most comforting place to be touched by another's hands, where would it be? My shoulders

17. If you were to name the one thing you have the most compassion for, what would it be? children... they are so vulnerable!

18. If you had to admit the most selfish thing you do on a regular basis, what would you say? Closing my door to be alone when I should be with my family.

19. If you were to design a room for contemplation, what would it look like, and what would be in it? Breezy, water falls, lots of fabrics in earth tones (moss, sand,chocolate) and candles, music (smooth jazz/new age/Celtic)

20. If you had to pick one dream you've had that came closest to coming true, which was it? Raising a child (although at times it may seem like a nightmare!)

In a need of a thunderstorm!

We are a thunderstorm

individually,

we are single drops of rain,

falling silently into the dust,

offering scant promise of moisture thirsty land.



but together,

we can nourish the earth

and revive its hopes and dreams.



together,

we are a thunderstorm.

Poem by Amity Gaige

I was first introduced to this poem in college. In its simplicity, I find the message encouraging. After 20 years of life experience behind me, I revisit this work in a new light. Not only in a dynamic period in society, but also as a manager of people.

How does one foster the flame within them to want to help "nourish" the Earth, or their environment? Who will help you want to revive your hopes and dreams? No one will do it for you, that is certain.

I protect my flame daily & turn my back to the harsh wind of resistance. I refuse to allow my flame to die out, in fear that it will not re-light.

I am tired of feeling thirsty!