"I will not die an unlived life
I will not live in fear of falling
Or of catching fire
I choose to inhabit my days
To allow my living to open me
Making me less afraid
More accessible
To loosen my heart
So that it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise
I choose to risk my significance.
To live so that that which comes to me as seed
Goes to the next as blossom
And that which comes to me as blossom
Goes on as fruit."
Dawna Markova
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Gratitude Pool
T-Day behind us and gratitude for leftovers still facing us from the fridge, I'm grateful for each morsel because I don't have to cook or think about cooking -or shopping. I'm just plain grateful to have food and a fridge-period.
With far too many people in the world being without either, it is a blessing to have whatever there is on hand. Having family and good friends to share it with is the real meaning of abundance.
My mother used to tell us as kids, that we should eat everything on our plates because there were kids in Europe who were starving. I did what I was told, brussel sprouts be hanged, but never could figure out how it would help those kids overseas if I downed the green monsters on my plate here in America.
What I got way later on was that was her way of saying, "Be grateful you have something to eat."
I get it Mom. I'm grateful for what I have and, sorry folks, I still don't like brussel sprouts.
With far too many people in the world being without either, it is a blessing to have whatever there is on hand. Having family and good friends to share it with is the real meaning of abundance.
My mother used to tell us as kids, that we should eat everything on our plates because there were kids in Europe who were starving. I did what I was told, brussel sprouts be hanged, but never could figure out how it would help those kids overseas if I downed the green monsters on my plate here in America.
What I got way later on was that was her way of saying, "Be grateful you have something to eat."
I get it Mom. I'm grateful for what I have and, sorry folks, I still don't like brussel sprouts.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Sisters
This was just sent to me from my dear friend and sister in Light, Monica, from Hawaii:
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the Mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear,sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women- Women always do."
'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about: As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 70 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men may not do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.
When we began this adventure called womanhood; we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Thanks, Monica, and thanks to the one who wrote this in the first place.
Though I may have read or heard this before, it struck me today that this is a truth worth the reminding. I stopped and thought of all the women in my life who have touched me in profound ways and how whether they are here next to me right now or not, they are still as important to me as the day we met.
I just had the joy of hosting an engagement party for my son, Ron, and his lovely wife to be, Christine, and the families of every side were gathered from all corners of time. Though my own sister, Dorothy, was not able to be present physically, she was well represented by her daughter, my beautiful niece, Stephanie. Present were my current women friends from my writers' circle, from my theatre friends; women from families of past marriages, from new young women circles of my wonderful, loving daughters-in-law and the accompanying sweet blessings of mothers, aunts, nieces, in-laws and sisters who come to grace my life through their families.
To introduce Marilyn, my sister-in-law from my first marriage who I hadn't seen in years, as simply 'my sister-in-law' was as natural as breathing and though time had passed and we'd both raised our respective families apart, the current of connectedness; positive energy flowed as strongly and unitedly as if we'd never been apart. No title of 'former sister in law was needed.' Divorce had not diminished sisterhood. I knew my current friends and long time friends would like her and she them. I saw them all as getting along in a tapestry of fine, silken threads weaving even stronger in the fabric of Sisters.
And so it is with the women, sisters, friends from all parts of my life. No matter how far apart we may be in geographics and time, we are always close in heart.
We meet, call or e-mail and pick up as if there were never a skip in the long playing record of our togetherness. We remember the good, the strong suits, the getting through, and the survival of the essence of us all; love. Appreciation seems to take on a deeper lustre in the knowledge that there is this harmonious unity woven into our very genes. We do cross the boundaries to go into the fire for each other in more ways than we can think of; sometimes with a shout of defiance and sometimes in the whisper of a prayer. It is in the remembrance of the heart where we are etched forever for each other.
I know I am the better for every touch and the circle which has room for all is without end.
A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the Mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear,sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women- Women always do."
'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown-up! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about: As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.
After more than 70 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:
Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men may not do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end
BUT.........
Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you.
Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, mothers, grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I.
When we began this adventure called womanhood; we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Thanks, Monica, and thanks to the one who wrote this in the first place.
Though I may have read or heard this before, it struck me today that this is a truth worth the reminding. I stopped and thought of all the women in my life who have touched me in profound ways and how whether they are here next to me right now or not, they are still as important to me as the day we met.
I just had the joy of hosting an engagement party for my son, Ron, and his lovely wife to be, Christine, and the families of every side were gathered from all corners of time. Though my own sister, Dorothy, was not able to be present physically, she was well represented by her daughter, my beautiful niece, Stephanie. Present were my current women friends from my writers' circle, from my theatre friends; women from families of past marriages, from new young women circles of my wonderful, loving daughters-in-law and the accompanying sweet blessings of mothers, aunts, nieces, in-laws and sisters who come to grace my life through their families.
To introduce Marilyn, my sister-in-law from my first marriage who I hadn't seen in years, as simply 'my sister-in-law' was as natural as breathing and though time had passed and we'd both raised our respective families apart, the current of connectedness; positive energy flowed as strongly and unitedly as if we'd never been apart. No title of 'former sister in law was needed.' Divorce had not diminished sisterhood. I knew my current friends and long time friends would like her and she them. I saw them all as getting along in a tapestry of fine, silken threads weaving even stronger in the fabric of Sisters.
And so it is with the women, sisters, friends from all parts of my life. No matter how far apart we may be in geographics and time, we are always close in heart.
We meet, call or e-mail and pick up as if there were never a skip in the long playing record of our togetherness. We remember the good, the strong suits, the getting through, and the survival of the essence of us all; love. Appreciation seems to take on a deeper lustre in the knowledge that there is this harmonious unity woven into our very genes. We do cross the boundaries to go into the fire for each other in more ways than we can think of; sometimes with a shout of defiance and sometimes in the whisper of a prayer. It is in the remembrance of the heart where we are etched forever for each other.
I know I am the better for every touch and the circle which has room for all is without end.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Cupcake For Breakfast
by Florence Ondré
I’m having a cupcake for breakfast
Something not usually seen
No, it’s not like granola
All oats rolling ovah
It’s pretty and makes me feel keen
I could have had muffins or danish
But this morning was waking quite strangish
'Let’s make a move bold
If a breakfast is cold’
I told my mind’s wandering scene
On travels through fridge and through pantry
I thought, 'let’s rise up like Elmer Gantry'
Resurrect old as new
Without thinking it through
Try religion none others have been’
No porridge, no eggs to be scrambled
In parade, myriad choices do ramble
Q’s, like sisters and bothers,
Who goes where with others?
Pose old menu options to preen
No, there’s no meat; no protein to speak of
Unless you are counting the milk
Or the eggs in the mixture
Which could make this a fixture
On a solo sweet breakfast serene
Yes, I’m having a cupcake for breakfast
Something not usually done
But I needed some fun
Safe nutritious begone
Get my crown folks, I feel like a queen!
I’m having a cupcake for breakfast
Something not usually seen
No, it’s not like granola
All oats rolling ovah
It’s pretty and makes me feel keen
I could have had muffins or danish
But this morning was waking quite strangish
'Let’s make a move bold
If a breakfast is cold’
I told my mind’s wandering scene
On travels through fridge and through pantry
I thought, 'let’s rise up like Elmer Gantry'
Resurrect old as new
Without thinking it through
Try religion none others have been’
No porridge, no eggs to be scrambled
In parade, myriad choices do ramble
Q’s, like sisters and bothers,
Who goes where with others?
Pose old menu options to preen
No, there’s no meat; no protein to speak of
Unless you are counting the milk
Or the eggs in the mixture
Which could make this a fixture
On a solo sweet breakfast serene
Yes, I’m having a cupcake for breakfast
Something not usually done
But I needed some fun
Safe nutritious begone
Get my crown folks, I feel like a queen!
Quote For The Day
"Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom."
Theodore Rubin, psychiatrist and writer (1923- )
Theodore Rubin, psychiatrist and writer (1923- )
Friday, November 24, 2006
Quote For The Day
"Be like the bird, who halting in his flight / On limb too slight, / Feels it give way beneath him, yet sings / Knowing he has wings."
Victor Hugo,writer (1802-1885)
Victor Hugo,writer (1802-1885)
It's A Bird; It's A Plane...
Can you see them both sky borne; flying high?
Sometimes when we feel small, we're actually larger than our own image of ourselves.
by Florence Ondré
Photo by Thomas Freeman
The Gratitude Pool: A Grain Of Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
May you each and all find one thing for which to be grateful. For on the worst of days, one small bit of gratitude can lift you higher than you can imagine; ease the largest pain and calm the most riotous mind.
Such is the power of a grain of gratitude.
Blessings In Light and Love,
Florence Ondré
May you each and all find one thing for which to be grateful. For on the worst of days, one small bit of gratitude can lift you higher than you can imagine; ease the largest pain and calm the most riotous mind.
Such is the power of a grain of gratitude.
Blessings In Light and Love,
Florence Ondré
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Quote For The Day
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.”
Anais Nin, writer (1903-1977)
Anais Nin, writer (1903-1977)
Monday, November 20, 2006
Quote For The Day
"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth."
H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956)
H.L. Mencken, writer, editor, and critic (1880-1956)
The Gratitude Pool: Ode To Health Helpers
by Florence Ondré
I'm grateful for homeopathic medicine and herbal remedies and all those who put the time into making these goodies for us all to have better health on a daily basis.
It's been the flu achoo show here and these little pez dispensers from the health food store ameliorated the worst symptoms of that drama.
The alternative to cough syrup with alcohol and whoppingingly expensive prescriptions drugs that send you over the moon with side effects is a gentler way to get through the whole change of season mess.
Now don't get me wrong, when I'm feeling crappy, there's nothing more than a nice trip over any moon. I'd rather be anywhere but actually consciously in the flu zone.
"Take me out!" my brain tells my body. "Drugs...yeah, that's what I need. Get me out of this achey pain and away from its friends, attractive nasal drip and assorted other grimey activities that make you promise God, and whoever is up there, your first born or whatever else it'll take to seal the heal; negotiate giving up any bad habit and three of your best friends for a quick cure; and beg on bended knee to enter the witness protection program or, better yet, shed your Earthsuit permanenty.
Yeah, that's a real head trip and it stays exactly there for me... inside my cranium, swollen with aliens; little germs gathering like Lord Of The Rings, underground armies, rattling their head aching sabers and scraping my ear canals raw with their arrgghh shrieking.
Then somewhere in the cacaphony, a blessed being of calm gives respite. A ray of light, coherence, creeps into the forefront of inner riot and, in whispers, reminds me of these magic words to win this siege....
"Drink lots of water, keep up your vitamins, take your homeopathics and rest."
My 'I-could-have-had-a V-eight' moment passes quickly into a hallelujah chorus of comprehension. I head toward the medicine chest, grab my little, magic vials, tylenol for the fever and a tall glass of agua and head to my pallet of pillows and soft sheets.
For three days, I'm burrowed under comforters as I allow the healing to take it's natural course....in a gentler more flexible way and time.
Thanks people who helped make the journey easier. I may never meet you, yet I am grateful for your artisty in the field of complementary medicine. You make my life and that of others more healthfull .
I'm grateful for homeopathic medicine and herbal remedies and all those who put the time into making these goodies for us all to have better health on a daily basis.
It's been the flu achoo show here and these little pez dispensers from the health food store ameliorated the worst symptoms of that drama.
The alternative to cough syrup with alcohol and whoppingingly expensive prescriptions drugs that send you over the moon with side effects is a gentler way to get through the whole change of season mess.
Now don't get me wrong, when I'm feeling crappy, there's nothing more than a nice trip over any moon. I'd rather be anywhere but actually consciously in the flu zone.
"Take me out!" my brain tells my body. "Drugs...yeah, that's what I need. Get me out of this achey pain and away from its friends, attractive nasal drip and assorted other grimey activities that make you promise God, and whoever is up there, your first born or whatever else it'll take to seal the heal; negotiate giving up any bad habit and three of your best friends for a quick cure; and beg on bended knee to enter the witness protection program or, better yet, shed your Earthsuit permanenty.
Yeah, that's a real head trip and it stays exactly there for me... inside my cranium, swollen with aliens; little germs gathering like Lord Of The Rings, underground armies, rattling their head aching sabers and scraping my ear canals raw with their arrgghh shrieking.
Then somewhere in the cacaphony, a blessed being of calm gives respite. A ray of light, coherence, creeps into the forefront of inner riot and, in whispers, reminds me of these magic words to win this siege....
"Drink lots of water, keep up your vitamins, take your homeopathics and rest."
My 'I-could-have-had-a V-eight' moment passes quickly into a hallelujah chorus of comprehension. I head toward the medicine chest, grab my little, magic vials, tylenol for the fever and a tall glass of agua and head to my pallet of pillows and soft sheets.
For three days, I'm burrowed under comforters as I allow the healing to take it's natural course....in a gentler more flexible way and time.
Thanks people who helped make the journey easier. I may never meet you, yet I am grateful for your artisty in the field of complementary medicine. You make my life and that of others more healthfull .
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Quote For The Day
"Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assault of thoughts on the unthinking."
John Maynard Keynes, economist (1883-1946)
John Maynard Keynes, economist (1883-1946)
H2-OH No You Didn't
As seen just outside the Ski and Snowboard Expo at Qwest Field Arena.
Hey asshole, if your car mindless behemoth is too big for a parking spot that is appropriately sized for the rest of humanity, this might not be the best way to “compensate.”
From Florence: Thanks Courtney at Seattlest for another whopping WTF.
And may I add that, to my knowledge, flipping of the earth’s axis hasn’t yet occurred (tho many sci fi writers have described this end of the world scenario where a hummer - of any kind - would be a handy thing to have for survival in the frozen wasteland) nor have we become the outback of anywhere.
I know the tough urban streets may feel like a fight for life during rush hour traffic but if I see you out there in your big ass monster machine, hogging the pavement, I’m bound to flash you the “What Could You Be Thinking?” card. (It says WTF on the flipside.)
I envision a phalanx of motorized wheelchair-bound people slapping chains on this sucker and hauling the hunk o junk to the dump while gaily humming, “We Shall Overcome or Aint No Mountain High Enough.”
Imagine the lyrical look of duh on the selfish egomaniac owner’s face when he comes out to find the reflection of his blank look mirroring up from the concrete. “Now where did I park my johnson-oops-expression of my lack of self-oops-roadhog-oops-vehicle?”
Well, buddy, when you find it (if you do), haul on up to the north forty. The fields need a plowin, the tractor’s broke and the horse won’t pull.
Now there’s a use for an ass.
http://www.seatlest.com/archives/2006/11/17/h2oh_no_you_didnt.php
Friday, November 17, 2006
How To Weigh Yourself Correctly
This just sent to me from Marilyn:
Weighing yourself to get the most accurate results
I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years!
We must get the word out!
Thanks, Marilyn and thanks Joe for your great sense of humor. Joe-ks.com
Weighing yourself to get the most accurate results
I can't believe I was doing it wrong all these years!
We must get the word out!
Thanks, Marilyn and thanks Joe for your great sense of humor. Joe-ks.com
Quote For The Day
“All envy would be extinguished, if it were universally known that there are none to be envied.”
Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
Samuel Johnson, lexicographer (1709-1784)
Pooh, Pooh...Who's Got The Flu?
by
Florence Ondré
Oh the ache
Of bones that quake
The stomach grip
The reeling ship
Of balance gone awry
Is that the floor or that the sky?
Woozy and no appetite
Have zero oomph to talk or fight
Ears all stuffed and nose is too
Eyes too teary with each achoo
How could this be
It still is Fall
Warm, not nearly Winter's call
Sunny like a late Spring day
I should be out is what I say
Denial sets anew each morn
When I arise to face the dawn
Thinking ah it's gone away
Within minutes, it's back to stay
Another day with plans all ruined
When will it leave? Just stay tuned!
Florence Ondré
Oh the ache
Of bones that quake
The stomach grip
The reeling ship
Of balance gone awry
Is that the floor or that the sky?
Woozy and no appetite
Have zero oomph to talk or fight
Ears all stuffed and nose is too
Eyes too teary with each achoo
How could this be
It still is Fall
Warm, not nearly Winter's call
Sunny like a late Spring day
I should be out is what I say
Denial sets anew each morn
When I arise to face the dawn
Thinking ah it's gone away
Within minutes, it's back to stay
Another day with plans all ruined
When will it leave? Just stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Gratitude Pool
To all the good hearted people who extend warmth of heart and generosity of spirit, I send you the light of gratitude. You uplift us all with your positive energy. Each gesture, smile, hug, or helping hand touches the world.
Blessings.
In Light and Love,
Florence
Blessings.
In Light and Love,
Florence
Quote For The Day
"I will not play at tug o' war. / I'd rather play at hug o' war, / Where everyone hugs instead of tugs."
Shel Silverstein, writer (1930-1999)
Shel Silverstein, writer (1930-1999)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Quote For The Day
"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."
Heraclitus, philosopher (c. 540-470 BCE)
Heraclitus, philosopher (c. 540-470 BCE)
Monday, November 13, 2006
Quote For The Day
"There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration."
Andrew Carnegie, industrialist (1835-1919)
Andrew Carnegie, industrialist (1835-1919)
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Great Dessert Hunt
by
Florence Ondré
On the trail of great desserts
A love a goodies never hurts
An eye for color, textures too
Will get you through a nosh or two
To find the pastries, cakes and pies
Which fill one with delighted sighs
Of Ummmm and Yumm and oh that's good
Each cookie tasting as it should
Sweet and crunchy; soft with flavor
Bite sized chocolate to savor
Marzipan, pistachio
Lemon meringue as frothed as snow
Red Velvet topped with gooed ganache
Shortbread iced with swirled panache
Mousse mango and raspberry
Tinge the palate merrily
Pumpkin cake with frost cream cheese
Drizzled caramel to please
Passion fruit on densest fudge
Fills the heart and gives the nudge
To sample further Danish fruit
And travel on quite resolute
In finding treats unique divine
Mouth watering and so sublime
Ginger Pear Tartlette
A taste no one will soon forget
Bananas Foster, S’mores Pie, Gingerbread
Cinnamon Biscotti or Orange Scones instead
Cupcakes that look like garden flowers
Reel me in with magic powers
Creme Brulees and Cheesecake slices
Life's pure pleasurable vices
Cannoli cream with citrus hints
Plates of pretty pastel mints
I'll taste them all if I am able
To share with friends at party table
Which brings me joy to see each smile
At the power dessert has to beguile
To warm, enliven, every heart
When served buffet style not ala carte
It's my job, the best to find
Someone's got to do it, I don't mind
So off I go to make my way
On the great dessert hunt this very day.
Florence Ondré
On the trail of great desserts
A love a goodies never hurts
An eye for color, textures too
Will get you through a nosh or two
To find the pastries, cakes and pies
Which fill one with delighted sighs
Of Ummmm and Yumm and oh that's good
Each cookie tasting as it should
Sweet and crunchy; soft with flavor
Bite sized chocolate to savor
Marzipan, pistachio
Lemon meringue as frothed as snow
Red Velvet topped with gooed ganache
Shortbread iced with swirled panache
Mousse mango and raspberry
Tinge the palate merrily
Pumpkin cake with frost cream cheese
Drizzled caramel to please
Passion fruit on densest fudge
Fills the heart and gives the nudge
To sample further Danish fruit
And travel on quite resolute
In finding treats unique divine
Mouth watering and so sublime
Ginger Pear Tartlette
A taste no one will soon forget
Bananas Foster, S’mores Pie, Gingerbread
Cinnamon Biscotti or Orange Scones instead
Cupcakes that look like garden flowers
Reel me in with magic powers
Creme Brulees and Cheesecake slices
Life's pure pleasurable vices
Cannoli cream with citrus hints
Plates of pretty pastel mints
I'll taste them all if I am able
To share with friends at party table
Which brings me joy to see each smile
At the power dessert has to beguile
To warm, enliven, every heart
When served buffet style not ala carte
It's my job, the best to find
Someone's got to do it, I don't mind
So off I go to make my way
On the great dessert hunt this very day.
Quote For The Day
"Seven blunders of the world that lead to violence: wealth without work,
pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle."
Mahatma Gandhi
pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle."
Mahatma Gandhi
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Quote For The Day
“Some people change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat.”
Caroline Schoeder
Caroline Schoeder
The Gratitude Pool
I’m grateful for the beauty of seasons and eyes to see Mother Nature’s fit-for-museum-artstry; her splashes of color and ability to change and make infinite art of of our surroundings is a blessing that keeps on giving us unique visions and perception shift opportunities for the eye and ear.
Thanks Mother Nature for your moveable feast for the soul.
Thanks Mother Nature for your moveable feast for the soul.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Quote For The Day
"When we have the courage to speak out -- to break our silence -- we inspire the rest of the "moderates" in our communities to speak up and voice their views."
Sharon Schuster
Sharon Schuster
A For Attitude!
(This sent to me by my sister in law, Joyce, who is one of women's finest, courageous souls, having survived and triumphed over breast cancer.
Thanks Joyce for your bright, indominatable, beautiful spirit!)
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmm, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Don't you love having choices.
Have A Day!
Thanks Joyce for your bright, indominatable, beautiful spirit!)
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today."
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmm, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today."
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything.
Don't you love having choices.
Have A Day!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Quote For The Day
"People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt."
Otto von Bismarck, statesman (1815-1898)
Otto von Bismarck, statesman (1815-1898)
Monday, November 06, 2006
"Illusion At The Helm"
by
Florence Ondré
I’m organized, I’ve rarely failed
In challenges I have prevailed
And though I’ve sometimes griped and railed
I’ve rarely ever whined or wailed
It’s more my style to be detailed
And grasp the facts that life’s entailed
To bring conclusions unassailed
And whether hardy, honed or hailed
To each task I’ve never paled
Yet now my road is hill and daled
All my efforts cut, curtailed
Highest sight is lowly brailled
Former days all story taled
For presently I find I’m veiled
Not much left to be regaled
Ah, pure past, iced image ailed
When accomplishment was availed
Years are vanished, in minutes frailed
That shiny ship has swiftly sailed!
Florence Ondré
I’m organized, I’ve rarely failed
In challenges I have prevailed
And though I’ve sometimes griped and railed
I’ve rarely ever whined or wailed
It’s more my style to be detailed
And grasp the facts that life’s entailed
To bring conclusions unassailed
And whether hardy, honed or hailed
To each task I’ve never paled
Yet now my road is hill and daled
All my efforts cut, curtailed
Highest sight is lowly brailled
Former days all story taled
For presently I find I’m veiled
Not much left to be regaled
Ah, pure past, iced image ailed
When accomplishment was availed
Years are vanished, in minutes frailed
That shiny ship has swiftly sailed!
Quote For The Day
"Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles."
Ambrose Bierce, writer (1842-1914)
Ambrose Bierce, writer (1842-1914)
Friday, November 03, 2006
The Power Of Music and Friends
Remember the phrase, "been down so long it looks like up to me?"
Well, on that long elevator ride up from the depth of the doldrums, there are several tools for uplifting which rival the rising contrivance Otis made available to us dwellers of many levels.
Consumed with whatever present challenge currently puts our lights out; makes us feel like there's not much bright in tomorrow, feeds the mistaken, gerbil-cage-spinning thoughts that there will never be any way to rise through to some distant above.
Life after chemical contamination, added to physical and daily life challenges has constructed a new basement in the house of me.
It's no view from a bridge, I can tell you. Waist level looks like the Himalayas and a knee high breeze is enough to fell me.
Bed and couch grab me; suck me in with a siren call as the energy of coping flails and flags.
This is coming from a person who can find the proverbial pony in a room full of horse pocky or a ray of sunshine in a gunmetal grey overhead.
The season of change has lingered long and life’s menu is crowded with less than palate pleasing entrees of passings, crises, catastrophes, calamities, leaderless leadership, hell for health and weird weather.
A new book of grief is being written in the Akashic records like acid etchings on our hearts.
And yet when I can move myself off flattened to floor to peek in my toolkit, the lamp of hope glimmers, however dimming, enough to shed light on the bottom of the bag for me to see a friend or two, hear music, or glimpse an Angel waiting patiently for its moment to be of service.
Last night was one of those rare eves of enlightened moments, strung together like sparkling precious gems in moonlight of a black velvet sky.
My partner and I pushed past pain and frustration to get out the door to go meet our friend, Heide, in the city for dinner before seeing out of town friends perform a recital of classical music for piano and violin.
We were like trains converging from different tracks; she coming from work in Manhattan and us schlepping in hours of traffic from the suburbs to the city, yet all of us thinking a sigh, unbeknownst to the others, "I can get through it all. At least at the end of this day there will be lovely, soothing music."
Concerned with the pain of sitting too long with a spinal disc out of alignment, Tom was thinking an added, "At least there will be Thai food."
He dropped me off at the restaurant, a pleasant, simple aromatic space. Good sign. If you can smell the cooking pulling you in, disembodied on the waves of fragrant spices, you generally have a good inkling that there will be some pleasure, however fleeting, ameliorating the hammer on the anvil.
Heide was waiting, already at a table laid out with menus, water and welcoming energy.
Tom drove off to find his precious on-street parking to which his Angels guide him, mostly with a few turns around the block to whet his appetite for the reward of perfect space for patience.
It didn't take long for us to dive into hugs, catching up, in depth conversation that only comes with the deep connection of ageless family-of-choice; and Lemongrass Chicken, Tamarind Duck, Massaman Curry, fresh Basil Rolls and Curry Puff Pastry. Over aromatic tea, spirits lifted out of a seemingly bottomless basement of depression to the first and second floors of rays of relief.
Then off we cabbed to the concert.
My excitement at seeing and hearing the dear friends, who years ago came into my life through another mutual friend to accompany my singing at her San Francisco wedding, mounted as we entered the hall.
Added to that was my child-like delight at finally introducing them to my beloved, Tom, and sister in light, Heide, who only knew the pianist, Nancy, through G-Mail, our years-old, online circle of gratitude.
They'd come to know one another in the unique focus on expressing thanks each day and yet had not met face to face. I was giggly with glee at the prospect of connecting the dots of these Angels in my life.
Up the cubicle-with-floor-indicators rose another level.
Next there was meeting concert pianist, Gila Goldstein, President of the New York chapter of the American Liszt Society, who was bringing us all together in the completion of her task of arranging this concert.
Warm in e-mail and welcoming in person, she shone with a lilting light of her own as she introduced the evening's program.
Another half floor fell away with a glide.
In the next moment, there were my friends, suited and soft velvet, glammed up, sharing center stage only feet in front of me after so many years.
I could barely contain my elation.
“How could she be more glamorous or he sweeter faced with the passage of time?" I thought as she adjusted her seat, poised her hands over the ebony and ivory keys and he lifted bow to string for their opening volley of an earfest of magical proportions.
It took me practically the entire first selection to get through the joy and awe radiating through me on the round robin of musical notes and words spinning round my head, “These are my friends making this magnificent music!”
Glancing at Heide and Tom gave me smiling confirmation that they were well on the enjoyment elevator.
I gave myself over completely to the sensuous sounds of the rhythms, chords and melodious march of the music.
Jose Cueto, making a single, shaped box of wood sound like several sets of sensational strings and Nancy Roldan, flying across keys tinkling soft light and roaring waves to carry us to heights we’d forgotten possible; ascended our glass elevator to the Heavens. The César Franck Sonata in A major, allegretto ben moderato, brought us to heart overflowing, eye-brimming tears.
I breathed in the music like air.
Playing together and each taking solo turns, they wound an evening of joyous healing; uplifting energy to float us out of our seats, bodies and earthly cares; transporting us on the alae of the magic of music beyond dreaming.
Ground fell away, roof disappeared and a stunning recognition of profound gifts put to use obscured daily denseness and debilitation.
Aha! I realized in the afterglow of crescendo into echoes and applause to silence; in the hugs and hellos and later gathering at a nearby restaurant, sharing fellowship, food and fun; not only was I not out of tools, the ones in the bottom of the bag were far beyond fine.
I looked around the long table at the happy faces of old friends and new; each haloed in a pool of soft, golden light; 12 of us joined later by 1 to make a brilliant baker’s dozen; trading funny tales; exchanging enjoyment of work; talking music, art, life- and saw Angels on Earth.
Friendship, music, good conversation shared over robust bread dipped in rich olive oil, sparkling water and wine, laughter and the warm energy of being together; gifts shared. With the recognition of these, it is possible to lift out of down in the dark; to be balanced by light which constructs our escalator elite; our stairway to Heaven and metamorphoses a lift into a transcendevator.
With these illuminating implements, in the tiers of the skyscraper of us, it’s not that far from the basement to the penthouse.
On the power of music and the feathers of love of our Earth Angels whom we call friends, it is possible to soar with new wings.
For cds and further information on the concert piano and violin talents of Nancy Roldan and José Miguel Cuerto, please visit www.nancyroldan.com
For further information on the American Liszt Society, please visit http://www.americanlisztsociety.org
For further information on Gila Goldstein, please visit www.gilagoldstein.com
Well, on that long elevator ride up from the depth of the doldrums, there are several tools for uplifting which rival the rising contrivance Otis made available to us dwellers of many levels.
Consumed with whatever present challenge currently puts our lights out; makes us feel like there's not much bright in tomorrow, feeds the mistaken, gerbil-cage-spinning thoughts that there will never be any way to rise through to some distant above.
Life after chemical contamination, added to physical and daily life challenges has constructed a new basement in the house of me.
It's no view from a bridge, I can tell you. Waist level looks like the Himalayas and a knee high breeze is enough to fell me.
Bed and couch grab me; suck me in with a siren call as the energy of coping flails and flags.
This is coming from a person who can find the proverbial pony in a room full of horse pocky or a ray of sunshine in a gunmetal grey overhead.
The season of change has lingered long and life’s menu is crowded with less than palate pleasing entrees of passings, crises, catastrophes, calamities, leaderless leadership, hell for health and weird weather.
A new book of grief is being written in the Akashic records like acid etchings on our hearts.
And yet when I can move myself off flattened to floor to peek in my toolkit, the lamp of hope glimmers, however dimming, enough to shed light on the bottom of the bag for me to see a friend or two, hear music, or glimpse an Angel waiting patiently for its moment to be of service.
Last night was one of those rare eves of enlightened moments, strung together like sparkling precious gems in moonlight of a black velvet sky.
My partner and I pushed past pain and frustration to get out the door to go meet our friend, Heide, in the city for dinner before seeing out of town friends perform a recital of classical music for piano and violin.
We were like trains converging from different tracks; she coming from work in Manhattan and us schlepping in hours of traffic from the suburbs to the city, yet all of us thinking a sigh, unbeknownst to the others, "I can get through it all. At least at the end of this day there will be lovely, soothing music."
Concerned with the pain of sitting too long with a spinal disc out of alignment, Tom was thinking an added, "At least there will be Thai food."
He dropped me off at the restaurant, a pleasant, simple aromatic space. Good sign. If you can smell the cooking pulling you in, disembodied on the waves of fragrant spices, you generally have a good inkling that there will be some pleasure, however fleeting, ameliorating the hammer on the anvil.
Heide was waiting, already at a table laid out with menus, water and welcoming energy.
Tom drove off to find his precious on-street parking to which his Angels guide him, mostly with a few turns around the block to whet his appetite for the reward of perfect space for patience.
It didn't take long for us to dive into hugs, catching up, in depth conversation that only comes with the deep connection of ageless family-of-choice; and Lemongrass Chicken, Tamarind Duck, Massaman Curry, fresh Basil Rolls and Curry Puff Pastry. Over aromatic tea, spirits lifted out of a seemingly bottomless basement of depression to the first and second floors of rays of relief.
Then off we cabbed to the concert.
My excitement at seeing and hearing the dear friends, who years ago came into my life through another mutual friend to accompany my singing at her San Francisco wedding, mounted as we entered the hall.
Added to that was my child-like delight at finally introducing them to my beloved, Tom, and sister in light, Heide, who only knew the pianist, Nancy, through G-Mail, our years-old, online circle of gratitude.
They'd come to know one another in the unique focus on expressing thanks each day and yet had not met face to face. I was giggly with glee at the prospect of connecting the dots of these Angels in my life.
Up the cubicle-with-floor-indicators rose another level.
Next there was meeting concert pianist, Gila Goldstein, President of the New York chapter of the American Liszt Society, who was bringing us all together in the completion of her task of arranging this concert.
Warm in e-mail and welcoming in person, she shone with a lilting light of her own as she introduced the evening's program.
Another half floor fell away with a glide.
In the next moment, there were my friends, suited and soft velvet, glammed up, sharing center stage only feet in front of me after so many years.
I could barely contain my elation.
“How could she be more glamorous or he sweeter faced with the passage of time?" I thought as she adjusted her seat, poised her hands over the ebony and ivory keys and he lifted bow to string for their opening volley of an earfest of magical proportions.
It took me practically the entire first selection to get through the joy and awe radiating through me on the round robin of musical notes and words spinning round my head, “These are my friends making this magnificent music!”
Glancing at Heide and Tom gave me smiling confirmation that they were well on the enjoyment elevator.
I gave myself over completely to the sensuous sounds of the rhythms, chords and melodious march of the music.
Jose Cueto, making a single, shaped box of wood sound like several sets of sensational strings and Nancy Roldan, flying across keys tinkling soft light and roaring waves to carry us to heights we’d forgotten possible; ascended our glass elevator to the Heavens. The César Franck Sonata in A major, allegretto ben moderato, brought us to heart overflowing, eye-brimming tears.
I breathed in the music like air.
Playing together and each taking solo turns, they wound an evening of joyous healing; uplifting energy to float us out of our seats, bodies and earthly cares; transporting us on the alae of the magic of music beyond dreaming.
Ground fell away, roof disappeared and a stunning recognition of profound gifts put to use obscured daily denseness and debilitation.
Aha! I realized in the afterglow of crescendo into echoes and applause to silence; in the hugs and hellos and later gathering at a nearby restaurant, sharing fellowship, food and fun; not only was I not out of tools, the ones in the bottom of the bag were far beyond fine.
I looked around the long table at the happy faces of old friends and new; each haloed in a pool of soft, golden light; 12 of us joined later by 1 to make a brilliant baker’s dozen; trading funny tales; exchanging enjoyment of work; talking music, art, life- and saw Angels on Earth.
Friendship, music, good conversation shared over robust bread dipped in rich olive oil, sparkling water and wine, laughter and the warm energy of being together; gifts shared. With the recognition of these, it is possible to lift out of down in the dark; to be balanced by light which constructs our escalator elite; our stairway to Heaven and metamorphoses a lift into a transcendevator.
With these illuminating implements, in the tiers of the skyscraper of us, it’s not that far from the basement to the penthouse.
On the power of music and the feathers of love of our Earth Angels whom we call friends, it is possible to soar with new wings.
For cds and further information on the concert piano and violin talents of Nancy Roldan and José Miguel Cuerto, please visit www.nancyroldan.com
For further information on the American Liszt Society, please visit http://www.americanlisztsociety.org
For further information on Gila Goldstein, please visit www.gilagoldstein.com
Quote For The Day
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and the government when it deserves it."
Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)
Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Quote For The Day
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side."
Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)
Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)
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