Happy Thanksgiving! That is today's American greeting. The Canadians are way ahead of the game, you know...they had theirs in October! Did you take time to be thankful for someone or something? Did you give of yourself, your ideas, your time, your talents?
Admittedly when I was little, Thanksgiving in my schema was probably also a little about permission to be temporarily gluttonous. I was obsessed with all the food options, including the entire sensual experience of the meal--the smells, sounds, flavors, textures, even the sheer quantity of all that food. One vegetable or one pie weren't enough; we always had multiple options and I almost always wanted to eat everything. We were always thankful, knowing that it was more than just a little blessing that we had been provided with the means to have all that food, and a dear mother willing to prepare and share it all. For many years she spent more than a whole day preparing all that food to eat.
Today I got back in touch with a deeper thankfulness as I thought about so many things other than food. I didn't prepare a huge feast or over-consume; I enjoyed a little bit of what I had on hand and a little bit of some treats my parents brought when they came for a quick visit. I took time to embrace all that is good in my life, even those moments that test my character.
Tonight I'm off to grab a glass of water to sip in front of a TV movie special, do some reading, and get some sleep. I guarantee you I will not be participating in tomorrow's shopping frenzy. If you need or want to do some shopping, try staying local. Your community needs you.
Now, get some rest and go shine your light!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Happy Friday!
My, how time keeps rolling by! Did you realize we'd come to the "end" of another "work" week? Of course you did...most people look forward to that little change in focus, to "getting away" for a little while, or to reset for the upcoming week.
I'm loathe to admit, but i'm a little tired this week (ok, a lot tired, but not for long, right?). Usually i get a little upsurge of energy, a little boost as I realize it's "my" time once 4pm hits. It hasn't kicked in yet today, so i might need a little nap on the way home (I'm getting chauffeured, so it's ok to do that). I'll be offline tonight, but perhaps I'll check in over the weekend, and most definitely by Monday.
So "Happy Friday"--do whatever it is that you want to do this weekend. I encourage including some rest, some fun, and something helpful to others in whatever order best suits you. If you're up for it next week, let's chat about how it went, OK? Happy Friday. Peace out! ;)
I'm loathe to admit, but i'm a little tired this week (ok, a lot tired, but not for long, right?). Usually i get a little upsurge of energy, a little boost as I realize it's "my" time once 4pm hits. It hasn't kicked in yet today, so i might need a little nap on the way home (I'm getting chauffeured, so it's ok to do that). I'll be offline tonight, but perhaps I'll check in over the weekend, and most definitely by Monday.
So "Happy Friday"--do whatever it is that you want to do this weekend. I encourage including some rest, some fun, and something helpful to others in whatever order best suits you. If you're up for it next week, let's chat about how it went, OK? Happy Friday. Peace out! ;)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Anniversaries, Part 2
Yesterday, it rained all day. It seemed as if Heaven were crying for the whole world...it was a dark and dreary day, but I think maybe those "tears" were also for the joy of all the beautiful people born or celebrating relationships during this time of the year. I used to get so wrapped up in the "death" of the month I'd forget how many friends I've come to know who celebrate life in November, too! I actually know at least three people who have a birthday today.
I have been delighted to read peoples' contributions to the Facebook "Thankful" challenge. It warms my heart to see people get in touch with what matters to them and to find ways to express it to others. It's contagious, too. I try not to "overpost" so I was going to limit myself to "Thankful Thursday" updates. Well, when you rediscover an attitude of gratitude, you soon find it's an overflowing sort of feeling, and it's nearly impossible to wait till an appointed time to share the goodness. Don't wait--be glad and make it known.
Today marks 20 years (that's right, ten years and a week to the day since my first grandpa passed) since my paternal grandfather went "home" for good. When that phone rang, and stopped, and rang again, we knew. I actually "knew" when I hugged him our last visit that it was our last visit, but it wasn't overly sad. It was a peaceful understanding that his body was simply wearing out and winding down. Our earthly bodies don't last forever, you know...mine will wear out someday, too.
I woke up with a bit of a headache and the temptation to snuggle back in with my cat. I managed to resist that temptation, partly because I did it yesterday without realizing it, and partly because I feel that one of the best ways i can honor the memory of my family members is to get up and get going. They worked hard their whole lives to do good work, provide for their families, and be a positive example of behavior for others. Their word was their honor and their deeds their witness to the world.
I celebrate the time I had with these people and the values they demonstrated in their daily lives. I embrace who I am, influenced by their examples and DNA, and hold them in my heart. I endeavor to live the kind of life they might have hoped for me, and like to envision them smiling on my growth and success along the way.
I have been delighted to read peoples' contributions to the Facebook "Thankful" challenge. It warms my heart to see people get in touch with what matters to them and to find ways to express it to others. It's contagious, too. I try not to "overpost" so I was going to limit myself to "Thankful Thursday" updates. Well, when you rediscover an attitude of gratitude, you soon find it's an overflowing sort of feeling, and it's nearly impossible to wait till an appointed time to share the goodness. Don't wait--be glad and make it known.
Today marks 20 years (that's right, ten years and a week to the day since my first grandpa passed) since my paternal grandfather went "home" for good. When that phone rang, and stopped, and rang again, we knew. I actually "knew" when I hugged him our last visit that it was our last visit, but it wasn't overly sad. It was a peaceful understanding that his body was simply wearing out and winding down. Our earthly bodies don't last forever, you know...mine will wear out someday, too.
I woke up with a bit of a headache and the temptation to snuggle back in with my cat. I managed to resist that temptation, partly because I did it yesterday without realizing it, and partly because I feel that one of the best ways i can honor the memory of my family members is to get up and get going. They worked hard their whole lives to do good work, provide for their families, and be a positive example of behavior for others. Their word was their honor and their deeds their witness to the world.
I celebrate the time I had with these people and the values they demonstrated in their daily lives. I embrace who I am, influenced by their examples and DNA, and hold them in my heart. I endeavor to live the kind of life they might have hoped for me, and like to envision them smiling on my growth and success along the way.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Another Great Day in Pam-land
Everything about today was nice: The weather, the cozy feeling at home, the quiet time by myself to relax, reflect, laugh, and create. My only "fail" for the day was spending a little too much time compulsively checking for messages online... Next week, I shall invoke a no computer on Sunday rule or something. The computer is great--useful and fun. I just want to make sure i'm not becoming a slave to my toys when i have so many other wonderful ways to occupy my time.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bittersweet Anniversaries
Sometimes "milestone" anniversaries are tough. November in general is a challenging month for me because it usually gets darker and cooler, and it's a natural time for life to end for many. It's been 30 years since my Daddy had to walk into that room and tell his little girls why Mommy was crying. Her Daddy had just died. I don't remember exactly what words he used, but i remember that he gently and lovingly explained in the context of our faith and the finality of a single life as we know it on this earth, that Grandpa wasn't coming back.
'He got up and went to the barn to take care of the cows, like he did every day, and had a heart attack. He died doing what he loved, caring for others. We believe that his spirit went to heaven and that we'll be reunited there someday.'
That's a lot of pressure for a young father--comforting a grieving young wife and two little girls! I don't tell this to make you sad or depressed, but rather to speak to the beauty of what my parents did for me my entire life. They kept us safe but didn't shield us from reality. Death is part of life and we became comfortable with that transition rather than fearing it. We knew there would be sad times and had experienced that recently with the death of our beloved cat Spooky. We went to funerals to pay our respects and say our "goodbyes." We learned to comfort each other in those moments and to be that support in time to remind people that life does go on, the sun does shine again, and you can still experience true and lasting joy. Through the years there have been many times i missed Grandparents or felt a little cheated for the short time I had with them, but mostly I was able to remember the special times I DID have with them. It's powerful stuff to remember specific good times with someone you love many, many years later. It's also really, really neat to feel them so strongly in your heart it's like they never really left.
So, if you're having a tough time, or you know someone else who is, please know there's someone who's been there and ready to help.Our finite minds need the polar descriptions to understand our feelings sometimes. We need those times of sadness to truly appreciate the depths of how glad we can be. So make today, and every day, a bright one!
'He got up and went to the barn to take care of the cows, like he did every day, and had a heart attack. He died doing what he loved, caring for others. We believe that his spirit went to heaven and that we'll be reunited there someday.'
That's a lot of pressure for a young father--comforting a grieving young wife and two little girls! I don't tell this to make you sad or depressed, but rather to speak to the beauty of what my parents did for me my entire life. They kept us safe but didn't shield us from reality. Death is part of life and we became comfortable with that transition rather than fearing it. We knew there would be sad times and had experienced that recently with the death of our beloved cat Spooky. We went to funerals to pay our respects and say our "goodbyes." We learned to comfort each other in those moments and to be that support in time to remind people that life does go on, the sun does shine again, and you can still experience true and lasting joy. Through the years there have been many times i missed Grandparents or felt a little cheated for the short time I had with them, but mostly I was able to remember the special times I DID have with them. It's powerful stuff to remember specific good times with someone you love many, many years later. It's also really, really neat to feel them so strongly in your heart it's like they never really left.
So, if you're having a tough time, or you know someone else who is, please know there's someone who's been there and ready to help.Our finite minds need the polar descriptions to understand our feelings sometimes. We need those times of sadness to truly appreciate the depths of how glad we can be. So make today, and every day, a bright one!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Busy Week and Great Things Happening!
I hope you haven't felt abandoned...time often escapes me and I'm still working on building new things into my schedule as I eliminate those old things that no longer work or serve purpose. Today then, we have much on which to reflect, catch up, and share. Sorry it's been more than a week! Forgive, ok?
Some great new things in my life:
+ "Area Governor of the Year" and "Newly Appointed Division Governor" for D65 Toastmasters
+ successfully served in other roles that day as a full participant in an awesome conference
+ Taking an Amateur Radio licensing course
+ Taking an online discussion course in "Teaching for a Positive Future"
+ Looking forward to a new profile pic
+ So grateful for the support and encouragement from a variety of sources lately
This morning, amid all this other excitement and the daily duties of an academic library assistant, I came across a really cool guy online. His name is Nick Vujicic and he has a very empowering mission. What struck me was an inspirational video he shares on http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ he calls "Passing On The Torch."
“You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
I really think that's the verse that inspired me to start this blog recently. You see, I don't remember telling the world when i started it or signed into twitter, but when i was creating my name and thinking up rotating passwords, i was singing the song, "This Little Light of Mine" --and that's what I want to do; I want to shine my light and encourage others to do so all around the neighborhood/world.
Thank you so much for stopping in today. I hope that during this season of "thanksgiving" you'll seriously consider that facebook challenge to list something for which you're grateful, that you'll check out that video link above, and that you, regardless of your label of "faith" or "worldview" will spread good things wherever you go.
Some great new things in my life:
+ "Area Governor of the Year" and "Newly Appointed Division Governor" for D65 Toastmasters
+ successfully served in other roles that day as a full participant in an awesome conference
+ Taking an Amateur Radio licensing course
+ Taking an online discussion course in "Teaching for a Positive Future"
+ Looking forward to a new profile pic
+ So grateful for the support and encouragement from a variety of sources lately
This morning, amid all this other excitement and the daily duties of an academic library assistant, I came across a really cool guy online. His name is Nick Vujicic and he has a very empowering mission. What struck me was an inspirational video he shares on http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ he calls "Passing On The Torch."
“You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
I really think that's the verse that inspired me to start this blog recently. You see, I don't remember telling the world when i started it or signed into twitter, but when i was creating my name and thinking up rotating passwords, i was singing the song, "This Little Light of Mine" --and that's what I want to do; I want to shine my light and encourage others to do so all around the neighborhood/world.
Thank you so much for stopping in today. I hope that during this season of "thanksgiving" you'll seriously consider that facebook challenge to list something for which you're grateful, that you'll check out that video link above, and that you, regardless of your label of "faith" or "worldview" will spread good things wherever you go.
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