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it can get complicated

I don’t talk about politics anymore. Do you? In the past, I’ve noticed people walk away from me after a conversation where opinions were flying. I had a nagging suspicion they were doubting my sanity, but not theirs. No, not theirs. I do wonder whether someone out there knows anything about that most complicated of subjects. The question is: how to have an intelligent conversation having so few facts, but believing that somehow we know what’s going on. So, I made an agreement with myself to keep my mouth shut. Bill Maher can talk all he wants. Not me.
www.billmaher.com

I’m doubly damaged, in this area, because of a few books I’ve read. They’ve confused my thinking beyond a reasonable doubt; never again will I see the world in quite the same way. I realized one day, however, that that was okay. It doesn’t have to be what it once was. If I can manage to keep quiet, and nod my head every so often so that it seems I’m attentive, I’ll do just fine.

The first book that lead to doubts about my sanity after reading it was THE BIGGEST SECRET by David Icke. And there was another, RULE BY SECRECY by Jim Marr, and all those magazine articles that keep calling to me. It can get complicated, but then again dabbling is fun, and tends to greatly open the imagination.
www.davidicke.com

This world is full of possibilities, and, for some of us, keeping it simple is the best way. Paying attention to the possibilities in one’s own life, and making it a superb life, can touch people, and affect the world in ways not imaginable. Then when one’s own life is in exquisite shape, we’re then able to look at the world with clear eyes, and make wise decisions about how to best serve it.

“Silence is the key that unlcks the vast resources of the universe.” -Venice Bloodworth

“Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy

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aunt irene

I have an aunt; she’s the last living relative of her generation in the family. We, who claim her as a relative, absolutely love her. There’s a zest about her that never falters. She’s in her 80’s and doesn’t seem to know her age. No one has heard her complain about getting old. When the phone rings and she’s invited out – out she goes – no matter the time or place. Of course, you must know from this description of her that she laughs a lot.

She’s goes beyond the arthritis that grips her legs and hands, beyond the macular degeneration that’s left her “legally blind” and has taken away her driver’s license. In her early 80’s she was still driving, and was one of the best drivers of anyone I know. She once said that if she couldn’t drive she didn’t know what she’d do. It’s happened. What’s also happened is that there’s never a lack of people calling to take her out. Shopping? Swimming? Dining? Siteseeing? Visiting? Out she goes.

A few years ago, Aunt Irene found herself at an alternative healing place. The tests showed allergies. Oh, no. The tasty comfort foods (we all know what they are) were replaced by the “other way” of eating. You know, none of. . . and lots of. . . . After the initial shock of cleaning out kitchen cupboards and refrigerator, and looking at a restaurant’s menu with new eyes, Aunt Irene once again got into the flow. The bonus was that in eliminating the wheat she was allergic to, she lost lots of weight. Nice after all. What else is there to say about her? It’s this, it feels right to have Aunt Irene right here with the rest of us. If anything happens to people in Aunt Irene’s life, they’re automatically put on “top priority” of her prayer list. There’s great respect for that prayer list, and the woman who says the prayers.

Yes, she simply does what’s before her to do, and she does it so well.

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a baby’s way

Have you had a chance to spend time with a baby lately? Babies can teach us a lot. You’re saying, what can a baby possibly teach? I have a little list. Recently I spent time with Sebastian, my grandchild. One thing babies have is enthusiasm. Every time someone enters Sebastian’s room to get him in the mornings or after his naps, his little body gets so excited. He struggles to stand up to meet the one coming, he smiles broadly, even though he’s teething and drooling, he raises his arms in delightful anticipation – eyes twinkling. There’s no doubt in his mind that the person coming is coming for him. Relationships would change overnight if all greetings were as trusting as a baby’s.

Speaking of trust, babies in their innocence embody this. Anything they try to do requires great trust. They don’t analyze whether they can or can’t, they just do whatever they’re struggling to do. I have a sneaking suspicion that, once upon a time, we human adults were like this until we began mistrusting our feelings and our abilities. Babies can show us again how, when we learn to trust ourselves, we can accomplish what we want. The word struggle comes to my mind when watching Sebastian, but I’m sure Sebastian doesn’t see it that way. What looks like struggle to us when watching a baby is simply them in a state of doing, of learning, of accomplishing. So perhaps we also have to eliminate words that have a negative tone and simply do. Babies fall and hurt themselves. But they pick themselves up, and without the ability to question, it never occurs to them to not try again. Again and again they do whatever it is they’re concentrating on until finally they’ve got it. They don’t ask is this something I can do? What a state they’d be in if they had the ability to second-guess themselves as we adults do.

What else can babies teach us? Well, watch a baby and you’ll see unconditional love in its purest form. There are no judgments on a baby’s face about the way you look, only happiness at seeing you. Spend time with a baby and you’ll see.

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dansko shoes

Alicia and I went shopping at Triangle Center in Raleigh. I bought a pair of Dansko shoes because for two years she wouldn’t stop talking about how comfortable they are. Alicia was right; they’re comfortable, and good looking, too. That’s always a bonus with comfortable shoes. When buying a pair of Dansko you need to know that they’re hand-made. Therefore, every pair fits differently. You won’t want to rush this purchase. If the first pair you try is not extraordinarily comfortable, try another. If the second pair you try is not extraordinarily comfortable, try another. That’s the way it has to be until the salesperson brings out a pair that, when you try them on, the first words that come to mind are, “Yes, these are them.”
www.dansko.com

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here and there

Lately I find myself here and there. It’s wonderful; the older I get the less I stay put. It’s a big world. We say it’s getting smaller and smaller, but that’s when we’re trying to make a point in a discussion. The reality is that there is so much to see, so many adventures to have, people to meet, things to learn. Ah, yes, when I look at a map I can visualize myself here and there. Notice how that can mean anything. Sitting and anchored in silence at here and there is wonderful too. You just need a different kind of map for the silent adventures. Either way I can be on board in a jiffy. You also?

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Did you call your Mother Today?

This week I got to do one of my favorite things. Spend time with my Mom.

There is something amazing about a Mother Son relationship and I see time and time again, fools taking this gift for granted.

We didn’t get to do all the things we planned. Scrabble will have to be saved for the next visit…But the conversation was amazing as always and we ate some delicious healthy home made food. Oh, all right there was a piece of Linda’s Chocolate Fudge Cake that found its way to the table, but come on, you need balance in life! There may have been one other food indiscretion but I’m not 100% sure!

The most exciting thing for me on this visit from Mom was the time that she spent with Sebastian, my 8 month old son. It fills me up inside seeing Sebastian and his ‘Grand Ma’ together. I am so glad that he will know this wonderful woman and grow to see why she is so loved by those around her. I am especially glad that he will know where the compassion, kindness and zest for life inside of him comes from….. his grandma.

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have you been to nc?

Tonight it’s quiet in Raleigh. It’s a bit chilly. I like visiting here to see family, and, at the same time, to observe all the changes that have taken place since the last time I was here. Always there are many developments in a short span of time. Highways are being expanded, high-rise luxury buildings are going up, big beautiful homes are being built, small speciality shops and restaurants are opening, and more people coming in to live. I always wonder how the natives feel about all the changes.
www.rdu.com
www.angusbarn.com

Have you been thinking about moving? It seems people from different parts of the world are choosing North Carolina. Your next door neighbor could be from a country you’ve been planning to visit, and suddenly you have a personal guide. Raleigh’s a really clean city. It’s refreshing to get off the plane and find yourself in a friendly, clean, easy-to-navigate-around-airport. Public transportation will have to be revved up if Raleigh’s population continues to increase.

Do you enjoy sports? Whether you’re a player or a spectator you’ll participate because the enthusiasm for sports is contagious here. People are friendly, too. You can depend on old southern charm. There’s more, the Blue Ridge Mountains, a quaint town called Asheville, Black Mountain, the Biltmore Estate and Inn, the wonderful seacoast, Charlotte, and all the towns in between.
www.ncsu.edu
www.meredith.edu
www.biltmore.com
www.blackmountain.org
www.visitblackmountain.com

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another train ride

On a mid-evening train ride last friday, I couldn’t help noticing the look of tiredness on the faces of fellow passengers. Maybe I looked that way, too, but I don’t really think that was the case since I’d just come from having a delicious seafood dinner at Avra Estiatorio at 141 East 48th Street with a few very special people. www.avrany.com

However, as tired as my fellow passengers seemed, I also noticed how quickly they sprung to attention when help was needed. Whether they were reading, or in conversation, when someone struggled with getting belongings on or off the overhead rack, or removing a winter coat, or older couples wanted seating together, there was someone offering to help. There doesn’t seem to be a feeling of stress on trains. It can almost feel like you’re with friends on a train. And sometimes someone you’re sitting with turns to you and the two of you have a discussion that you remember long after departing. Trains promote a kind of support that’s not likely to occur on planes or buses. Why is that? Is that true for you, too?

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all this and more

There once was a time when flying as a passenger on a commercial airline was more than you could ever imagine in the flying world of today. And people who are old enough to remember those days can only sigh. However, what is wonderful is to have once experienced that quality of service, in the style it once was. There were the efficiently-trained and lovely “stewadesses” and the manner in which passesgers were treated from beginning to end. Becoming a “stewardess” was not easy. They were expected to be professional at all times. The elderly and children could fly in the care of “stewardesses” and be assured they’d be put in the hands of the right person at the end of the trip.

In those days, traveling to Japan on JAL meant you were in the best of care. Menus for all three meals were placed on trays, and passenges could choose whether to eat American or Japanese foods. The food was very good. And every passenger received a kit with the necessary things needed for the very long trip-toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, razor, soap, towel, slippers, personal blanket and pillow, blinders for sleeping, etc.

I remember the short flights from NYC to Manchester, NH and the ham sandwiches served. People in that part of New England enjoyed sandwiches with ham. No, not any ham sandwich. It was a slice from a big baked ham to which chopped pickles were added with just the right amount of mayonnaise, then it was all blended together. That’s the ham sandwich served on those flights once upon a time. Okay, it’s true, it wasn’t the height of fine cuisine, but if that was a childhood memory, well, you just had to smile when it was served. I’m not stuck in the past. I know Life is about moving forward. But once in a great while I remember certain things. Thirty years from now, I wonder what people will choose to remember.