Monday, May 27, 2013

Memorial Day

      As I mentioned in March, my blog may occasionally be about something other than faith, family or life's challenges. Today is that day, sort of :-)  I don't think anyone would mind if I decided to post a short blog about saying thanks to all those who served to protect our freedom. 
 
     All those who served...not just soldiers, but the families left on the home-front to 'carry-on' and sacrifice life's luxuries or deal with harsh critics. WWII had gas coupons, Vietnam & Korea had a country divided by politics and our present war on terror has more people looking over their shoulder...and maybe realizing the greater value in things we can not place a value on.

     Today, (like most days) I hung my flag, made a cup of coffee, took my dog for a walk and posted some things on Facebook. I did not fear someone might demand I remove my flag, I chose any brand of coffee I wanted, I walked my dog anywhere I chose-wearing whatever I wanted- and I posted on Facebook without worrying if my comments would get me arrested.  Sounds weird, but read an excerpt from the June 2013 issue of the American Legion: 'The North Korean government has officially approved 18 hairstyles for women and 10 for men. The barber-shop-conformity campaign is part of a broader effort to clamp down on Western influences, the Daily Mail reports. This is a reprise of a 2005 campaign by Pyongyang aimed at making sure North Koreans trim (their) hair in accordance with Socialist lifestyle.'

      I bought a poppy this weekend. Did you?

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Do You Believe in Angels?

     I wasn't sure how to start this blog and I still don't! How do you begin a conversation about angels? Does anyone have any proof? I know there are plenty of books on the topic; which means there is at least one other person besides me looking for verification.

     Verification of angels? Will it ever be possible? I don't think so. Yet, with all the things I demand to be verified- I don't care if the verification of angels is ever achieved. I will always believe in their existence...even if others look at me a bit crazy. It's just impossible to believe in so many coincidences, close calls or 'saved in the nick of time' events.

     There has to be 'someone' looking out for us. How can our loved ones who pass just stop thinking of us? We don't forget them. The times in our lives we encounter hardships or need to make difficult decisions- we reflect on the wisdom & experiences of those loved ones who have passed. Sometimes, it's as if you can hear their voices. Are they watching us? Are they angels?

     Do you believe in angels?

    

    

    

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Ordinary People

     "It's playing a bad hand well over and over and over again." It's a quote from Bob Dotson and I like it! His answer was in response to an interview while promoting his book, 'American Story: A Lifetime Search for Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things'. The question: What is the secret to a successful life?
    
     During Bob's travels to interview 'famous' people, he realized their stories weren't as interesting as the person he was sitting next to on the plane or the waitress he met at a local diner. He began to enjoy these 'accidental interviews' and learned so much more from these 'ordinary' people.  I think Bob has discovered what so many travelers have known for awhile....we learn so much about ourselves and our history from talking to people who lived it...the daily stresses, happiness, uncertainty, riches and fears of life.

     In today's technical world, any person can create their own website, post a movie on you tube or have one thousand friends on facebook...and society may view this as famous or popular. Maybe so, but never successful. Success, to me, is playing the hand your dealt-fairly and wisely-and, even if failure results- you're still smiling and ready to try again!