So much has happened already and January of 2012 is not nearly complete. Two icons of Cherry Grove, Fire Island have passed - Harold Seeley was not unexpected as he'd been battling cancer for some time. Bradshaw Smith was a shock as to the knowledge of the community, he'd not even been sick. Then Etta James, rest her soul, lost her battle with illness.
These situations remind us that time passes. Even while these community and world icons were moving toward whatever is next, children are being born and people are realizing the talents they will bring to the table for their communities and the world. Their bodies may have passed, but their influence continues.
Spread their love. Share their joy.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
Merry Happy Happy
This season has been wonderful so far! I have been more in the Spirit for the Holidays than I've been for years.
My family celebrates Christmas. My sister and I celebrate everything! There is joy in every single day. Often, we let the tiny slings and arrows of the day erode our armor. Some see the light through the clouds, dwelling only on what is obscuring the light and not enjoying the light itself. Like an airplane ride, when you emerge from the wet gray cotton of the clouds into the glorious light above, experience will teach you to recognize that sometimes the clouds come before the sun.
Enjoy each minute. Most of what we "endure" is truly nothing. Find ways to be happy. They are all there, waiting for you.
My family celebrates Christmas. My sister and I celebrate everything! There is joy in every single day. Often, we let the tiny slings and arrows of the day erode our armor. Some see the light through the clouds, dwelling only on what is obscuring the light and not enjoying the light itself. Like an airplane ride, when you emerge from the wet gray cotton of the clouds into the glorious light above, experience will teach you to recognize that sometimes the clouds come before the sun.
Enjoy each minute. Most of what we "endure" is truly nothing. Find ways to be happy. They are all there, waiting for you.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Lively Arts
My last post was about abundance and finding it in the world round you. Quite honestly, abundance hits us at every turn, it just might not be our choice of abundance. One of the places I find talent and honing a craft coexist is in the Lively Arts here in New Jersey.
Forget about the way things "used to be". Change is the only thing that's constant. Here in New Jersey, talented people keep inventing and re-inventing the lively arts. This weekend, I saw "Mi Casa Tu Casa" at Luna Stage and it was a revelation! Storytelling is perhaps the oldest form of entertainment - whether people tell a story to provide information, make us laugh, make us cry, scare us - it's all about the voice and body as instrument. Combine this with music and musicians and actors who not only articulate, but FEEL what they are doing and you become part of the work of art that is made at each performance.
Say "Yes" to supporting the arts right here at home. Who knows? You may discover which art or arts appeal most to you - dance like there's no one watching, and create like it's all for you.
Forget about the way things "used to be". Change is the only thing that's constant. Here in New Jersey, talented people keep inventing and re-inventing the lively arts. This weekend, I saw "Mi Casa Tu Casa" at Luna Stage and it was a revelation! Storytelling is perhaps the oldest form of entertainment - whether people tell a story to provide information, make us laugh, make us cry, scare us - it's all about the voice and body as instrument. Combine this with music and musicians and actors who not only articulate, but FEEL what they are doing and you become part of the work of art that is made at each performance.
Say "Yes" to supporting the arts right here at home. Who knows? You may discover which art or arts appeal most to you - dance like there's no one watching, and create like it's all for you.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Abundance
This is the season when bargain hunters are out in force. I'd like you to consider something: come from your place of abundance.
When we were children, people would ask my sister and I what we wanted for Christmas. As adults, we pretty much acquire what we'd like when we want it, so this year I'm suggesting people consider what they have - don't give more "stuff". "Stuff" is what people will need to rent a storage locker for when it won't fit in their home or when they cannot regift it. Here's some suggestions:
-Give people an experience - take them to a show, a museum, the zoo. The memories will be cherished
-Do a project together (as a couple, a family, a group of friends). Help a church, an animal shelter, a soup kitchen - they all need your help
-Give to people who don't have anything
-Teach a child or an adult to read or to use the computer - knowledge is power
Any of these things will give you happiness beyond measure. That's the true spirit of the Winter Holidays.
When we were children, people would ask my sister and I what we wanted for Christmas. As adults, we pretty much acquire what we'd like when we want it, so this year I'm suggesting people consider what they have - don't give more "stuff". "Stuff" is what people will need to rent a storage locker for when it won't fit in their home or when they cannot regift it. Here's some suggestions:
-Give people an experience - take them to a show, a museum, the zoo. The memories will be cherished
-Do a project together (as a couple, a family, a group of friends). Help a church, an animal shelter, a soup kitchen - they all need your help
-Give to people who don't have anything
-Teach a child or an adult to read or to use the computer - knowledge is power
Any of these things will give you happiness beyond measure. That's the true spirit of the Winter Holidays.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Counting Blessings Instead of Sheep
We're cheek by jowl with the major Judeo-Christian winter holidays, and Solstice, where these holidays began. It's during this time that I am especially thankful for the good energy of this entire year, and my family, chosen family, colleagues and acquaintances that make my life so rich.
The things that ticked me off when I was - ahem - "less experienced" seem like small potatoes now. Each year I feel a gathering of power, but I'm not willing to wait a few years to get that coveted "Red Hat" status. I'm starting NOW!
Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
The things that ticked me off when I was - ahem - "less experienced" seem like small potatoes now. Each year I feel a gathering of power, but I'm not willing to wait a few years to get that coveted "Red Hat" status. I'm starting NOW!
Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thanks Giving
This year there's much to be thankful for in the daily dealings of my life.
I'm healthy, and I am taking the time to enjoy the aspects of each day that make it special. Even if one of those aspects is the rain that makes the flowers grow.
Tonight, I'm going to see "Richard II" at Pearl. Sean McNall is in the title role and he's a most accomplished actor. I'm going to spend Thanksgiving with one of my favorite relatives, and tomorrow night after work? Well, let's just say that my pedal axle has arrived.
At. NO. CHARGE!
I'm healthy, and I am taking the time to enjoy the aspects of each day that make it special. Even if one of those aspects is the rain that makes the flowers grow.
Tonight, I'm going to see "Richard II" at Pearl. Sean McNall is in the title role and he's a most accomplished actor. I'm going to spend Thanksgiving with one of my favorite relatives, and tomorrow night after work? Well, let's just say that my pedal axle has arrived.
At. NO. CHARGE!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Light at the end of the Tunnel?
Sometimes good things happen to good people.
On my last post, my beloved elliptical had become an el-limp-tical when the pedal axle sheared off. I spoke with someone last night at ICON Fitness who had actually looked at the pictures. But what a journey!
First, I was told by Liz, the telephone support person, that after a "supervisor" had viewed the pictures, what that person said I needed was the housing for the pedal that had fallen off. Um, NOPE! After a little back-and-forth, I then asked whether the supervisor who had viewed the pictures had ever disassembled one of these units. She could not confirm or deny.
I did my best to keep my patience with Liz, the person on the phone - she was really trying to help me. Ultimately, she agreed to show the pictures to someone who had more intricate knowledge and that person would phone me back *within the hour*.
Nearly two hours later, the person called. Dane, another supervisor, had viewed the pictures. He agreed with me that the parts originally suggested were NOT correct and that the parts I had outlined originally were in fact what was actually required for the repair. He apologized profusely and ordered the parts to be sent to me for receipt next week while we were still on the phone together. Judicious application of intellect and patience, and a smattering of whup-a$$. I was firm, not mean-spirited or nasty.
Most of the time, people will do the right thing, the ethical option, when you present your case as a rational human being. There's no substitute for knowing the facts. While this repair is technically out of warranty, by presenting photographs of the damage I was able to make a case for a defect in the manufacture of the equipment that the experienced technician could see as well.
A bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. It's always better to be nice than not. ;)
[A note: when someone does you a "solid" (a favor, in the parlance of the Northeast US), you thank them, and explain that the people helping you did what they could. I suggested to Dane that when he next trained co-workers, he take them into the shop to show them the real-world version of the exploded view of the equipment. And I thanked him. ]
Besides, I need the parts before Mercury goes into retrograde on Thanksgiving Day.
On my last post, my beloved elliptical had become an el-limp-tical when the pedal axle sheared off. I spoke with someone last night at ICON Fitness who had actually looked at the pictures. But what a journey!
First, I was told by Liz, the telephone support person, that after a "supervisor" had viewed the pictures, what that person said I needed was the housing for the pedal that had fallen off. Um, NOPE! After a little back-and-forth, I then asked whether the supervisor who had viewed the pictures had ever disassembled one of these units. She could not confirm or deny.
I did my best to keep my patience with Liz, the person on the phone - she was really trying to help me. Ultimately, she agreed to show the pictures to someone who had more intricate knowledge and that person would phone me back *within the hour*.
Nearly two hours later, the person called. Dane, another supervisor, had viewed the pictures. He agreed with me that the parts originally suggested were NOT correct and that the parts I had outlined originally were in fact what was actually required for the repair. He apologized profusely and ordered the parts to be sent to me for receipt next week while we were still on the phone together. Judicious application of intellect and patience, and a smattering of whup-a$$. I was firm, not mean-spirited or nasty.
Most of the time, people will do the right thing, the ethical option, when you present your case as a rational human being. There's no substitute for knowing the facts. While this repair is technically out of warranty, by presenting photographs of the damage I was able to make a case for a defect in the manufacture of the equipment that the experienced technician could see as well.
A bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. It's always better to be nice than not. ;)
[A note: when someone does you a "solid" (a favor, in the parlance of the Northeast US), you thank them, and explain that the people helping you did what they could. I suggested to Dane that when he next trained co-workers, he take them into the shop to show them the real-world version of the exploded view of the equipment. And I thanked him. ]
Besides, I need the parts before Mercury goes into retrograde on Thanksgiving Day.
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