Mean People Are Necessary

     I hope the title got your interest and maybe even raised your eyebrow! Yes, I did type correctly and I do believe that mean people are necessary. Think of a mean person you have met and, if you used the experience as a learning tool, you should have gained the following:
  
     1. Model for Inappropriate Behavior
     2. Self-control
     3. Resilience
     4. Tolerance
     5. Sense of Humor
     6. Respect from Others
     7. Perseverance
     8. Wisdom
     9. Maturity
    10. Sympathy
    11. Compassion
    12. Gratitude
    13. Acceptance
    14. Pride
    15. Knowledge of One's Self

     I am sure you can add to the list, and please do! I like the last one on the list the best- knowledge of one's self. When you encounter a mean person, you become aware of exactly who you are and what you believe in, because that 'mean person' differs with your ideals and visions dramatically. However, a mean person cannot agree to disagree, because they have not acquired enough knowledge & confidence of their own self to surround him/herself with differing thoughts or outlooks.
     If you remember this the next time you meet a mean person, it should be easy to move forward. And, be thankful, for you are confident in knowing who you are :-)
  

Qualities of a Trustworthy Person

    In the latest edition of Reader's Digest (June 2013), people were surveyed to find the most trustworthy people and professions. They defined a trustworthy person as somebody possessing the following:
                          1.  Integrity
                          2.  Character
                          3.  Exceptional talent and drive for personal excellence
                          4.  Strong internal moral compass
                          5.  Consistent message
                          6.  Honesty
                          7.  Leadership

     The ten most trusted professions were as follows:
                          1. Doctors
                          2. Teachers/Educators
                          3. Movie stars
                          4. Philanthropists
                          5. Spiritual leaders
                          6. Journalists
                          7. Filmmakers
                          8. Talk show hosts
                          9. Judges
                         10. Professional sports stars
                         11. Business leaders
                         12. Financial experts
                         13. National political leaders
                         14. Political pundits
                         15. Influencers

     I find that about half of these professions don't match the definition used to define a trustworthy person. Are people confusing what they want to believe with reality? I also checked this list twice and noticed a very important profession was missing- parent. I believe the qualities of a trustworthy person are everything we want embedded in our children. How do we make that happen? By example of course.

Morning Manners

     Every morning I walk my dog. Every morning we pass the same people in cars driving to work, with their coffee cup in hand or talking on their cell phone. As every car passes, I wave and sometimes even say good morning. Please keep in mind the total of cars is probably less than twenty, but lately I've noticed something interesting.
   
     The people who return my wave live in my neighborhood. There is one other car that does not live in my neighborhood (it's actually a pick-up truck), and he always waves too. The other people who pass just stare forward. Some are even as bold to glance my way and then turn, as if to say 'sorry, no time to wave for two seconds'.

     Is it poor manners to not return a wave? Should I stop waving to every one? I've noticed the people that wave back are always smiling. Some have even stopped their cars at times to say 'I can set my watch to your walk' or 'your dog is adorable' (I like this comment the best!). It's also a nice feeling, as I start my walk every morning, to know the cars my dog and I will pass. They may even stop if we need help;especially from those black bears roaming my neighborhood!

     I'll keep waving...even to the people who don't wave back. Maybe, one day, one of the non-wavers will actually smile and tell me my dog is cute :-)

Are Summer Picnics Extinct?

    For some lucky souls (like myself), summer vacation is two months or so- depending on your school district. I already have made a list of house projects and setting aside time to write and complete my next book. During the past few weeks, I listened to others discuss their plans (children too!) and not one mentioned going on a picnic.
    
     Are summer picnics extinct? Are we so busy planning the 'big vacations', we forget the importance of life's little pleasures. That's right, I said it- picnics are an important, little pleasure. Think about it....once you arrive at your destination, with picnic basket in hand, there is nothing left to do but eat, relax and talk. In a world where so many of us eat while driving, at our desk or in a meeting- it would seem to be a luxury to just eat-relax-enjoy the people with you.

     Is there a national picnic day? I guess I'll have to add that to my summer to-do list!

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?

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?

    

    

    

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!