Happiness

"People are being called upon to adapt in ways that they have not in decades. Things are hard. It is okay to be upset and it is necessary to grieve. That's the first thing I say. We have to honor anxiety. The phrase "You are feeling sorry for yourself' is not in my vocabulary. I believe the finest works of art are born out of the deepest suffering. We can teach ourselves skills that will make us happier in life. Savor it. No matter how bad you believe your past was, you did learn how to skip. There was a day when you discovered your shadow and how to ride a bike. We have a choice about what we remember--past and present."

Annharriet Buck from her "How to Be Happy Lecture" and excerpted from "The Guru in a Pantsuit" by Marie Brenner Departures Magazine

Reya from the blog According to the Cosmology of Reya aka the Gold Puppy has been writing about identity, questioning herself and the direction of our country. I believe Ms. Buck's lecture, part of the program known as the Inner Door at the Golden Spa, is a starting point for what ails. I believe we all can learn from asking the same questions and listening to each other. Thanks Reya.

Finally, thanks again Annharriet Buck! Wise words and the closest I will probably ever get to the programs offered at the Golden Door. Ohmmm.

Theme Thursday-An Impression

Signore Mimo works the Piazza Del Campo in Siena Italy. He strolls about looking for an unsuspecting tourist. Ah, yes he sees his next victim.

Signore Mimo takes his water pistol and shoots it into the sky. Drops land  directly on this gentleman's head. Confusion and perhaps, dismay at what might be falling given the sunny skies is evident. He keeps on walking while the crowd laughs.

Signore Mimo works the crowd as the poor tourist walks in the opposite direction.

I felt the impression that I was his next victim. Heart thumping, I was ready to get the shot. Alas, Signore Mimo prefers unsuspecting prey and sauntered off, his job done for the day. Ciao Bella!

For more impressions--take a look here!

Monday Morning Wake Up Call--Up and At 'Em!

For me the key to staying motivated in my work year in and year out, is to reinvent myself. By reinvent, I mean force myself to do things I never do or think about how I do them and to never, ever stop learning.

I came across this bit of advice and have tacked it above my phone as a reminder to be present and to embrace change.

If you have been sitting, stand.
If you have been standing, sit.
If you have been traveling, stay home.
If you have been home, travel.
If you have been teaching, learn.
If you have been learning, teach.
If you have been talking, listen.
If you have been listening, talk.

Annharriet Buck

Here's to a great week!

Flash 55-Books

“No more than five”, the librarian said, scanning her card. She runs home, the leaves scurrying along side, thinking about the books left behind. New places, words and faces all within her reach, five books at a time. Climbing the stairs, her shoulder aches under the weight. She hears the pages whispering in her ear.

Flash Fiction--a story in 55 words---for more see the g-man!

Theme Thursday-Bread

loaves
warm
bastone
semolina
french
italian
whole
grain
wheat
rye
challah
sour
dough
raisin
no

my jeans don't fit....

For sustenance without the calories--go here!

Oldest Puppy in the World

Yeah, I'm still here...I walk down the driveway each night and I look left then right to see if my friends are walking down the block...nothing but these young pups ---Mason and Peaches are gone--Fiona goes back and forth between her two homes so I only see her every once and a while. Trixie is older than me. She can't walk so good so when I see her I am nice to her. All the other dogs can walk by my house and I just nod--no need to really get involved, cause I am old. Not when it comes to my owners,though--I will jump for food and do all things they have come to expect of me but when it comes to meeting youngsters, well I just don't see the need. They understand it. It's cool. I am collecting my social security. I am the senior citizen on the block.

A Dream

How has Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.inspired me? Two words-courage and vision.

For more information and inspiration go here.