People We’d Rather Ignore

On a recent flight, I glanced up to see a man walking down the airplane aisle. The man who if we were honest, we’d admit that we all hope didn’t sit by us. Disheveled, smiling around at no one in particular as he unintentionally knocked his bag around. When he stopped at my row, I felt guilty for these thoughts and looked up to smile at him. I do not want to judge people, strangers I know nothing about, just put off a bit by their appearance. That is not who I want to be. So, I smiled. That committed me for the flight.

Pachebel’s Canon and Life Soundtracks

Why is music so powerful? Some are especially sensitive to it. I am one of those people who can hum along with songs that many don’t notice. The elevator music, doctor’s waiting rooms, restaurants, dressing areas. It is there, the background soundtrack to my life. Expression is clearer, more defined when music guides it. My daughter and her friend were playing music the other day, messing around, when her guest started playing Canon. I begged him to replay it several times. My eyes sprung a leak, probably startling the poor kid. You see, the song he chose was the music I walked down the aisle with toward my groom. My husband has been away from home too much this year, and as I laid there with my eyes closed, the music carried me back. A melody, notes assigned value and force, transported me through time. I miss the man, the music brought him to me. Single notes start out, powerful orchestrations of life follow.

Guest Blog Post From Melody Ross- “What Love Is…”

I have long adored Melody Ross’ artwork. Today I bonded with her writer’s heart as well. When I read this piece, an immediate email was sent to get permission to share with you. Which, she graciously agreed to. You will be blessed… http://melodyross.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/02/what-love-isand-how-it-saved-my-marriage.html

WHAT LOVE IS….and how it saved my marriage.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY…..I found this piece I had written 5 or so years ago……when in the middle of my husband’s brain injury recovery…..when my marriage was, for all practical purposes, completely vanishing….and in the nicest way I can say it…was a living hell.    

Birthday “Beauty…”

Margaret Wolfe Hungerford is quoted as saying “Beauty is altogether in the eyes of the beholder.”

My family has been honored to celebrate my Grandma’s 81st birthday this week. She has come to stay with us for a visit, giving us the privilege of doting on her for the entire day. Grandma has taught me so much about observing the beauty in life around you. Barely a few steps can be taken, without her noticing the amazing in the seemingly mundane.  This influence has been a gift. To have someone to share the joy in the dailies. The delight of what could be. The wisdom to seek that delight out when life is crushing in. There have been countless times when I just didn’t want this perspective, I’d rather have crumbled. She would not accept that, and I have learned valuable lessons.  This woman has been through so many trials, and indeed, triumphs. If I could sum up beauty in a person, my Grandma would certainly top the list.

Happy Birthday…I love you Grandma

Dedicated To The Man Who Made Me Fly

The older I get, the more I realize the value of the father I had. There are far too many people who have not been blessed with the guidance and love of a dad. Many people don’t know that my dad is not my biological father. I tell you this today in honor of the man who chose my mother. Who chose me. He has been in my life since I was two, I have no memories without him. He and my mother created a family. I am deeply humbled with gratitude at the sacrifices this man has made for me every year of my life.

He was the dad who bid the highest on his little girls cake at an auction, built her a tree house to climb and dream among the leaves, to work so she could have a canopy bed, who built her toys, and did his best to parent me along with my mother.

When times were fun, he made me laugh. When times were hard, he was determined to not let me slip.When I faced forks in the road, he let me choose and was there to let me learn life lessons the hard way, and sill love me at the end.  As an adult I have surely still exasperated him, made him laugh, hopefully brought him the joy and pride he deserves. My dad taught me the value of hard work, loyalty, inner strength, and committment.

Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the man who chose to be my father. He is mine and I am his. Happy Father’s Day.