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?
Monday, May 27, 2013
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?
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!
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!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Doing the Right Thing in a Pile of Poop!
How do you know what the right choice is? The world is filled with many greedy & egocentric people who will lead you down the wrong path, just to fulfill their needs. As an adult, one may rely on mentors, life-experiences or-if fortunate enough-parents to help us through life's challenges. In 'Grandpa's Grapevine', Elizabeth had her Grandpa Frank to confide in and seek guidance.
If you are not blessed with these options, keep reading.......
The year was 1989 and the month was June. I was sitting in my theology class at Saint Paul Catholic High School. The classroom was filled with seniors awaiting graduation night. How could Father Mark possible keep our attention? And then, he told us a story....
'I know you are all excited about leaving high school, but I wanted to share something
with all of you. This world is filled with many types of people and sometimes life may
be cruel. I pray you are blessed with meeting people who share your willingness to do
what's right, but sometimes these people are dressed like a sheep, but their souls are a
wolf. Listen to my story-
Once there was a litle bird who lived in New England. Every year, he and his feathered friends flew south for the winter. One fall, this little bird decided not to fly south, he wanted to see what winter was like. He was doing all right until January came along. It became so cold and the little bird knew he just wouldn't survive. So, he began to fly south. As he was flying, the air became so cold that the bird's wings became frozen. The bird propelled to the ground like a helicopter with engine failure. He landed in a large field with no one around for miles. The bird knew he would die...it was hopeless. And then, just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, a cow came over and pooped on him! The little bird thought to himself- 'great, now I am going to die all alone and with poop on me....can life get any worse!' Then, something happened....the warm poop actually began to thaw the bird's wings! The little bird became so excited he started to chirp loud and proud! In the distance, a cat heard this chirping. The cat followed the noise and found the pile of poop. The cat thought to himself- 'there is a bird under that pile of poop....what a great lunch he would be!' So, the cat licked off the poop and ate the bird!
Then, Father Mark paused for a moment and looked at our expressions before he spoke. There are three morals to this story and I hope you remember each one as you make life choices. First, the people in this world who poop on you aren't always your enemies. Second, the people who help clean off the poop aren't always your friends. Third, if you're ever in a pile of poop- keep your mouth shut!
If you are not blessed with these options, keep reading.......
The year was 1989 and the month was June. I was sitting in my theology class at Saint Paul Catholic High School. The classroom was filled with seniors awaiting graduation night. How could Father Mark possible keep our attention? And then, he told us a story....
'I know you are all excited about leaving high school, but I wanted to share something
with all of you. This world is filled with many types of people and sometimes life may
be cruel. I pray you are blessed with meeting people who share your willingness to do
what's right, but sometimes these people are dressed like a sheep, but their souls are a
wolf. Listen to my story-
Once there was a litle bird who lived in New England. Every year, he and his feathered friends flew south for the winter. One fall, this little bird decided not to fly south, he wanted to see what winter was like. He was doing all right until January came along. It became so cold and the little bird knew he just wouldn't survive. So, he began to fly south. As he was flying, the air became so cold that the bird's wings became frozen. The bird propelled to the ground like a helicopter with engine failure. He landed in a large field with no one around for miles. The bird knew he would die...it was hopeless. And then, just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, a cow came over and pooped on him! The little bird thought to himself- 'great, now I am going to die all alone and with poop on me....can life get any worse!' Then, something happened....the warm poop actually began to thaw the bird's wings! The little bird became so excited he started to chirp loud and proud! In the distance, a cat heard this chirping. The cat followed the noise and found the pile of poop. The cat thought to himself- 'there is a bird under that pile of poop....what a great lunch he would be!' So, the cat licked off the poop and ate the bird!
Then, Father Mark paused for a moment and looked at our expressions before he spoke. There are three morals to this story and I hope you remember each one as you make life choices. First, the people in this world who poop on you aren't always your enemies. Second, the people who help clean off the poop aren't always your friends. Third, if you're ever in a pile of poop- keep your mouth shut!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
My nomination for 'No Acronym Day'
Last night, while watching the ABC World News, David Muir mentioned an upcoming story about the world's greatest obit. I thought to myself, 'obit...what's an obit...' and naturally, I stayed tuned and waited for this segment. In a few short moments, I learned obit was the shortened version for obituary.
Really? Is there so much news to share within thirty minutes, that even an educated journalist/public speaker needs to use the same 'shorthand english language' as a high school student? Have we evolved into such egocentric citizens as to think that no one is worth one hundred percent of our time to have a complete conversation?
Can we have a day where no one can say app? Just one day when it's illegal to say BTW or BFF? Can I be so forward as to ask that everyone, for just one day, check their email for spelling mistakes before they send it? Please, let me think your message to me is worth your time :-)
I recently completed a novel, 'Grandpa's Grapevine'. The main characters are Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth. In the story, Elizabeth talks about her love and admiration for her Grandpa Frank, because he was always there to listen and provide guidance. Life moved a little slower when you were with Grandpa Frank and everyone he spoke with felt special.
What do your written and oral words say about you?
Really? Is there so much news to share within thirty minutes, that even an educated journalist/public speaker needs to use the same 'shorthand english language' as a high school student? Have we evolved into such egocentric citizens as to think that no one is worth one hundred percent of our time to have a complete conversation?
Can we have a day where no one can say app? Just one day when it's illegal to say BTW or BFF? Can I be so forward as to ask that everyone, for just one day, check their email for spelling mistakes before they send it? Please, let me think your message to me is worth your time :-)
I recently completed a novel, 'Grandpa's Grapevine'. The main characters are Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth. In the story, Elizabeth talks about her love and admiration for her Grandpa Frank, because he was always there to listen and provide guidance. Life moved a little slower when you were with Grandpa Frank and everyone he spoke with felt special.
What do your written and oral words say about you?
Monday, March 11, 2013
Blogging, Facebook and Stuff
Recently, I started a Facebook page. Although I am probably a little late with starting a page...
I'm happy to join the club. I find it interesting what other people find interesting! It's also a great way to stay in touch with people I don't get to visit very often.
In addition to the Facebook page, I started another page on Facebook titled 'Writings of Linda Massucci'. After some discussion with my agent, I decided the main theme of this page would be faith and family. These topics follow my style of writing. I will also post updates on the progress of my books on this page.
My weekly blog will also pertain to faith and family. Occasionaly, I may venture off to another topic, most likely about my dog or a current event that I just need to comment on! I appreciate any comments or thoughts from readers :-)
I'm happy to join the club. I find it interesting what other people find interesting! It's also a great way to stay in touch with people I don't get to visit very often.
In addition to the Facebook page, I started another page on Facebook titled 'Writings of Linda Massucci'. After some discussion with my agent, I decided the main theme of this page would be faith and family. These topics follow my style of writing. I will also post updates on the progress of my books on this page.
My weekly blog will also pertain to faith and family. Occasionaly, I may venture off to another topic, most likely about my dog or a current event that I just need to comment on! I appreciate any comments or thoughts from readers :-)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Was Life Better In The 80's To Be A Kid?
In my soon to be released novel, "Grandpa's Grapevine', the main character is Elizabeth Manciano. Elizabeth is a child of the 80's and, while facing the challenge to write Grandpa Frank's eulogy, often reflects on her childhood. My research to complete the novel (and some personal experiences) has me wondering- was life better in the 80's to be a kid?
Audiences applauded when the boy's bikes rose in the air to save E.T. from the bad guys, children and adults were baffled by the rubrik cube and everyone watched the Cosby Show on Thursday night...or taped it with this new gadget called a VCR. Walkmans only played cassettes, but these things called CDs made their appearance- in 1982 no household had one, but by 1989, 150 million CDs were sold! In sports, a bunch of amateur hockey players kicked some Soviet butt and ladies were finally allowed to run the 26.2 marathon- before this, it was believed the distance would be harmful to women.
Let's not forget Michael Jackson, the Boss and Billy Joel...the Rat Pack... the Big Chill...When Harry Met Sally...and most importantly- during the 80's- Saturday Night Live was really funny! Brad Pitt was guest starring on Growing Pains, Drew Barrymore was in rehab and no one thought Rob Lowe could rebound his career. Last, but not least, is there anyone out there who doesn't walk onto a cruise ship without looking for Julie McCoy or Captain Steubing?
What do you think?
Audiences applauded when the boy's bikes rose in the air to save E.T. from the bad guys, children and adults were baffled by the rubrik cube and everyone watched the Cosby Show on Thursday night...or taped it with this new gadget called a VCR. Walkmans only played cassettes, but these things called CDs made their appearance- in 1982 no household had one, but by 1989, 150 million CDs were sold! In sports, a bunch of amateur hockey players kicked some Soviet butt and ladies were finally allowed to run the 26.2 marathon- before this, it was believed the distance would be harmful to women.
Let's not forget Michael Jackson, the Boss and Billy Joel...the Rat Pack... the Big Chill...When Harry Met Sally...and most importantly- during the 80's- Saturday Night Live was really funny! Brad Pitt was guest starring on Growing Pains, Drew Barrymore was in rehab and no one thought Rob Lowe could rebound his career. Last, but not least, is there anyone out there who doesn't walk onto a cruise ship without looking for Julie McCoy or Captain Steubing?
What do you think?
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