Christmas Thought

T'is the week before Christmas and the calendar's full
Of programs and parties and other stuff "yule."
I've wrapped all the presents,
I've mailed all the cards,
I've scoured the house and shoveled the yard.
Still, I wonder if I've done all that I should
To prepare for The Day of Giving and Good.
Have I also remembered the lonely and sad?
Have I helped out the homeless and made them feel glad?
Did I offer a smile to the harried and stressed?
Or share someone's burden? Or cheer the depressed?
I hope that my Christmas will also fill
With grateful expressions of kindly good will,
And each song that I sing will be echoed abroad
Because I remembered to celebrate God.
May this glorious week be merry and bright
With a heart and a home filled with Heavenly light!

Ornamentation

This has been such a remarkable season for ornament sales, I had to say something. Early this fall I decided to start painting so that I could get some ornaments into the galleries that carry my stuff. While waiting for Twiggs and Moore to open (I'd gotten there a bit early), I heard a lady talking about always buying an angel ornament for her daughter each year. I introduced myself and showed her the angel ornament in my bag and she bought it on the spot. Meanwhile, I entered a few temple ornaments into the State Fair (won a red ribbon) and thus was discovered by a lady who ordered $100 worth to resell in her boutique. A nieghbor guy asked me to paint and sell him some for his craft fair booths for the season. He took $100 worth with more to come. I had to keep painting. Donna W. in Rock Springs got her standard number for over $100. Then I felt compelled to participate in the Barn Exhibit in Mapleton. It was an odd thing. Anyhow, contacts there led to other ornament sales of $145 and the sale of a painting! Other assorted sales have put me over the $550 mark, just this season! And I don't yet know how the 3 galleries will do. And I remind you of the sale of the Rock Canyon painting and ensuing commission for a portrait. I believe this success has come because I have been a better visiting teacher these last few months. I've been told more than once that this particular calling is connected to my level of blessings. If ever I needed evidence of that promise, this season has produced it. "Prove me now, herewith" He says. Worth thinking about.

Decorating Dementia

I've been thinking about the insanity of decorating. For some reason, we feel compelled to wear ourselves out acknowledging the holidays this way. It's as though we are in danger of Scroogitus and being haunted by various ghosts etc. if we don't dig out our dusty deco and spread it about. Particularly at Christmas. Isn't it funny that we pay homage to the baby born in no house at all by putting symbols of his birthplace all over ours? And the outdoor phenomenon is just nuts. One of our neighbors has music playing that controls a light-show, choreographed with great panache. When I was walking the dog yesterday, I saw the wreckage of another neighbor whose fake trees, deer, snowmen, snowglobe, sleigh and reindeer, gingerbread people etc. had all blown down in the windstorm of the day before. Only the little lightbulb-shaped lanterns still lined the sidewalk. Now don't get me wrong; I really like the stuff, myself. I love to put up our tree with each ornament in perfect harmony with the rest. I sing carols while putting together each creche (we have 17 if you count the nativity stocking holders). And I hang 5-6 nativity prints on the walls, besides. I hug each stuffed snowman and reindeer, greeting each by name as I put them in place. And I've simplified from previous years. Still, I think I'm nuts. We're nuts. But isn't it fun!

Not in the Dictionary

I love words. Most of you know that. Hence these communications suit me well. So, today I'm thinking about words we use to say something that doesn't have words. For example, in a book, the heroine says if she ever married the fellow, it would be to listen to him talk "piffle." Lovely word. And the British word (used in Harry Potter) for kissing and groping, "snogging" is rather picturesque. What about some of the onomatopoetic words that describe sounds, like "whoosh," or "pocketa, pocketa" (from the short story, "Walter Mitty"). I often make up such words, with joy, as did Lewis Caroll ("frabjous" "caloo" "callay"). So what words make you "Ca-ching!" ? Aren't words just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

When Grandma Goes Shopping

I've been shopping with my mother. She doesn't shop like other people. Most people go into the store, look at the choices, make a decision and come home happy. They use their purchase as it was intended and move on. Not Grandma. She analyzes the situation from 6 angles before she ever leaves home. This narrows her choices down, and is meant to save time. It doesn't. When she get to the store, the preconceived decision can't stand because the solution she visualized does not exist. So, she is forced to examine all the alternatives. She may find something that she likes. Having only seen it for an hour or two while at the store, however, she can't be sure that it will fit in the groove she plans. But, ever hopeful, she buys it and takes it home. Next comes the final analysis, which takes 2-3 days, minimum. It doesn't fit/look right/have the correct texture/cost more than she really wanted to spend/answer the need, after all. But by now she's exhausted with the whole project and all the effort of analysis. She's too stressed and worn out to return it. She just gives it to DI or to an unsuspecting grandchild and starts over. From scratch.

Halloween lists

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! These are my favorite costumes (the ones I love most to wear): princess, fairy, fairy princess, medieval maiden, storybook character--such as a princess....yup, Emily and I are a bit alike.

These are the things that scare me (the things that still get into nightmares now and then): bugs, snakes, mice, devils, crocodiles, and other biting creatures...such as soldier ants, lions and bears--although I have an equal number of happy dreams about lions and bears in which they are my friends. And all this time you thought I was unflappable in my war against mice and bugs. And I don't scream at snakes, either. I'm just amazingly brave, is all. And some things scare me subconsciously that don't bother me when I'm awake, for some reason.

What are your favorites and chief scarriests?

Rules

Recently I played "office" with Taylor and Jordyn. Jordyn made a speech about office rules. I jotted them down as she said them. This is her list (it might be good for your work, too):
1. Be nice so everybody will want to stay at OUR office.
2. No talking until lunch. Then you can talk as loud as you want.
3. No drinking, 'cause you might spill on your computer.
4. Stay busy.
5. If you talk to someone while you're pushing buttons you'll get the answer wrong.
6. If you write something while you're talking you'll get the answer wrong and get sent to the big office.
7. Remember to stay healthy and strong. If you pick junk food you'll be fat.
8. You better look nice at work.
9. Don't bring any kids at work that will bother you. Put them at a table to color.
10. Don't bring any aliens or pets or toys to work.

Grandbaby Thoughts

This post is in honor of our newest baby, Andrew. I'm going to ponder "aloud" some of the wonder that comes with a new baby.

Somehow, when a baby comes into the world, all your miseries and stresses take a back seat for awhile. The little miracle is so awesome, it changes our perspective of how to see everything else.
A new baby is the ultimate motivation. He forces us to "gird up the loins" and "fresh courage take" because he is depending on our care and tutelage. He deserves the best world we can give him, and the tools to cope with the bad parts.
A baby is the supreme expression of hope. The world can't come to a grisly end just yet. God must expect us to hang in there a while longer. We consider that maybe this child will do wonderful things that will change that world for the better.
A baby tests your endurance and stretches your talents in a way that nothing else can do. One is forced to develop new strengths and skills to be adequate in meeting the child's needs. We become wiser, more patient, unselfish and resourceful because the baby requires it.
And, they are just so darn cute!
Hooray for babies! Welcome home, Andrew!

3 Cheers and an Invitation

Steve just won another race. Jacob, Ami and Dad ran together this last weekend. Jeff was witness. So, after 36 years of marriage, I discover that my husband is a secret athlete. At least it answers the mystery of where Jacob gets his proclivities. I'm not complaining. I'm grateful. I just wish it hadn't been a secret for so long. Perhaps then the other children would have formed stronger habits of fitness. (Nobody seemed interested in my lifelong example of healthy eating and exercise--perhaps because it didn't win me any medals.) Now the man is winning 5K races, I hope the family (yes, you) is paying attention to the dad's current example.

Redneck changes color

My preconceptions have just taken a dive. I signed up to compete with the Plein Air Provo event. This means you paint outside on site with no studio work. I went up to Rock Canyon because it's lovely up there and there's lots of hikers etc. and a restroom, which makes Dad feel I am safe. Well, there was also a construction crew up there building a bridge over the river. I have never considered construction workers as art lovers. Except maybe Elvis paintings on velvet, or wolves and eagles. Anyhow, the contractor was really interested in my stuff. He hovered off and on while I painted. The guy bought a preliminary piece I'd done last year as a practice run, on canvas board. I sold it cheap ($40) because it wasn't on regular canvas or masonite. Well, now he wants the finished piece I did for the competition! I'm delighted, but also astonished. I'll have to re-write my social personality list. Construction worker likes fine art well enough to pay for it. He never even suggested putting in a wolf.

one small lecture on a big topic

Okay, so I haven't passed on the Pollyanna Principle adequately to my children. Either you're all wallowing in misery without seeing the glimmers of hope sparkling in the mud, or you're so busy you haven't taken time to write them down on my previous blog. It's important to be grateful for the glimmers. If you see them, say them out loud. If you don't see them, look again. End of lecture.

Gratitude Therapy Applied

I should not be surprised to have yet more evidence of the truth of the Opposition Principle. This last week or so certainly qualifies. It is really evidence that Heavenly Father is active in my life. He knows I need challenges in order to grow; but he also knows I need good things to stay motivated. When I look at my life with gratitude I see the balance. I am happy. It works this way: Yikes! I had a car accident! But I wasn't hurt, the car still goes, it was the other guy's fault, and nobody else was involved. Ergo, :). I got sick helping a sick friend! But the friend knows I love her, the job got done, I'm fighting the bug fairly well without being flat in bed. I was willing to risk getting sick to help out. Ergo, :). I forgot to take the pasta salad to Christopher's baptism! But, there was enough food without it, the Relief Society dinner needs another salad on Tues. and I'm prepared to contribute without any further effort. :). I haven't had time to paint for weeks. But I've been able to enter several exhibits lately, and have won a few prizes on paintings done in the past, equaling about $175. :). And just to show that blessings always out-weigh the trials, a publishing company to whom I'd sent a manuscript query with sample chapters called me to say, "we like what we've seen. Send the rest of the book, we'll probably publish it!" So what evidence can you share on this principle? Let's be happy together!

Molly Mormon rides again

I helped at a funeral this week. The assigned sisters arrived at about 9am to put paper on the tables (already set up the night before), to roll the plasticware into napkins, put out the cups, etc. By 9:30 the food started to arrive. The fridge filled up with jello salads (not one was green), tossed salads (those were) and dressings. The ovens were full of "funeral potatoes" and roast beef that had been left over from a stake High Priest's social the week before. The counters had stacks of dish cloths and ziplock bags among the cakes and rolls. While the sisters waited for the funeral to finish, they cleaned out the cupboards and sorted through homeless dishes. I led the music at the funeral. When the family returned from the cemetery, they were quickly able to sit down to a lovely meal. This scene is typical of Relief Society service. It's been perfected over time and practice. Peggy, the octogenarian chairperson, has been doing this for many years. Even though she's suffering with kidney failure, she wouldn't allow anyone else to take over her job. We tried to ease her workload where we could. Even so, it was nearing 3:30 when I escorted her and her pile of dirty towels etc. to her car. It made me think about the way people truly care for each other in the Kingdom. Peggy and I are visiting teaching partners. The lady who died was one of ours. "I'm showing her my love by my actions," Peggy told me. "It is my final service to her." Just because it's incredibly common, we should never take for granted the sweet loving service of good women. Have you thanked those who serve you, lately?

Stress

I was thinking about the different tactics I use to combat stress. (I just got called into the ward RS presidency, there's tons of activities, events, assignments and demands on me this month anyhow. Even before the call) So, that's the whyfore. It's a goofy list:
1. I cut my hair
2. I pretend there is nothing to do and read a book
3. I eat too much (that must be a fairly common strategy)
4. I exercise
5. I clean house
6. I sing
Obviously, some of these strategies are wiser than others. What do you do? What do you recommend?
I know people who
shop
sleep
yell at somebody
literally make themselves sick thus escaping the stressful responsibility
write rude letters
Surely one can choose to be wiser once one identifies one's personal list?

The "Twilight" Books

First, I admit to being very skeptical about any book featuring vampires being acceptable reading. But, since Shannon, who is just as persnickety as I, virtually insisted (she bought me the book as a gift), I gave in and read. I was surprised. Now that the series is completed, I will do a book review on the set:
These are the modern equivalent of the gothic novel, the "Wuthering Heights" of our time, if you will. The heroine is likable, flawed, and develops through the book into strength, beauty and maturity. The hero is dangerous, mysterious, and handsome beyond the value of our mousy narrator. But somehow, he loves her. He "saves" her, from all threats and from her own insecurities. There is a moral theme. Like the Bronte books, or Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt, etc., girls eat it up. Guys tolerate it at best.
That said, what about the other stuff? I categorize it as fantasy, rather than occult. It never offended me. However, I did find the violence a bit graphic. This is not appropriate reading for the young. The sensuality is intoxicating to the romantic female, but, again, stops short of being offensive because it never crosses the line--sex doesn't happen till after the wedding, and the details are carefully controlled.
Personally, I liked the story. I'm a first class Romantic. But it doesn't thrall me like the younger women I know. Much like the still younger girl obsesses over Disney princesses, their hearts are still vulnerable to the "dream come true" story. And this one is well done. I would not go so far as to "recommend" it; but I allow it in my home library. Frankly, I like Harry Potter better.

Yard sale mania

I would be stupid not to recognize a good opportunity. People love to "Yard Sale." It's a popular sport. But usually, the participants are not the same group as those who buy fine art. I'm hoping to create a cross-breed this weekend. I'm having a yard sale for fine art. Yup, putting paintings and prints out in the front yard with sale stickers meant to entice the bargain shopper. We're also selling some books--duplicate titles and lesser greats.

I used to do this once a year in Rock Springs. Certain "collectors" came every time. I knew if I painted up some ornaments with snowmen, they would all sell. Here, I've only done something like that in a group, with the Artist Guild. So... you ought to tell your neighbors. Come on over yourselves (relatives get treats and free books). I'm getting rid of older stuff--truly fabulous deals--up to 75% off wholesale prices. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Plucking a Primeval Chord?

There's something about the arts that draws people in, like moths to light. I finally identified this yesterday when our Artist Guild went on a painting expedition in Rock Canyon together. This place gets loads of hikers, climbers and families looking for outdoor fun. So when we set up a half-dozen easels and started to paint beside the traffic path, the traffic took detours to view and talk about our art. Even before I had put one stroke of paint onto the canvas, there were 6-8 young BYU types eagerly chatting and milling about my table. And there was nothing to see! In fact, the chatting really slowed me down. Took me forever to get started on the painting, since I'm not as good at doing 2 things at once, any more.

I think people are fascinated by creative process. Deep down people respond to beauty, and there is a pull towards anything that celebrates Heavenly Father's glory. At least that's my interpretation. It can't just be curiosity. That causes a pause, but not a full stop. These passersby were ENGAGED in our art. They wanted to be part of the story.

Second Childhood

I love toy castles and stuffed animals, dolls and tiny furniture. I prefer children's literature. I like swings and sidewalk art. I take out my wand and do "magic." I dress up--even when grandkids aren't around. I went out in the front yard last Sunday evening and invited the little neighbor boy to come over and toss ladybug-beanbags at the painted sunflower board with me. (Pretty soon his 3 other brothers had joined us). When we travel, I like to visit toy stores. In Portland, I bought a stuffed bush baby and a hedgehog. I spend hours every few weeks changing the outfits on all my dolls. The only thing that worries me about this is that I have apparently passed on this eternal childhood syndrome to certain of my kids. I'm not sure their spouses completely appreciate it. But one thing for sure, I know how to have fun with nothing more than a big box (I just need a bigger box than I used to). Surely that's not all bad?

Summertime Stuff

I love Summer. I love the sounds of lawnmowers and kids squealing while they run through the sprinklers. I love summer sunsets and sunrises and twilights. I love all the holidays and picnics and hikings and vacations. But most of all, I love to be warm. Yes, even hot. It's what says "summer" loudest of all. I love to feel dangerously close to being sunburned. I love to be so hot that my scalp itches. I love to take off my shoes and and all but the barest layer to nearly nude and still be warm enough. It IS summer!
Steve says, this is what will tell people that I am crazy. Now they only suspect it. Now they'll know. Am I?

Parallels

I read about a man who professes to be "gay" but celibate, therefore maintaining his status in the Church. Lately, because the Church has come out more directly against legislation on same sex marriage, he has become defensive. He has asked that when a letter from Pres. Monson is read in Sac. mtg., that his extended family members will all walk out in protest. Meanwhile, he's asked for his name to be removed from the Church records. So, people are making noises about Mormons who ought to be compassionate rather than obedient to leaders, and about the Church nosing into political issues.
Isn't it interesting? If I choose to obey, I'm told that I'm not thinking for myself. If I worry about the corruption of society's basic cultural unit, I'm told that I'm unkind and prejudiced. Just like Amulek in the B of M, the prophet's words are twisted and misrepresented by "witnesses" with a private agenda. Well, bottom line: I hope I have the courage to be tossed "into the fire" and stay true...

Portland Ponderings and Profundities

Well, I learned a thing or two on the trip to Portland:
1. It's easy to have fun when you don't have to cook.
2. My favorite "shops/boutiques/stores" sell toys.
3. Any town or city with public transportation rates high on my list. Portland has free streetcars, buses and light rail.
4. Anyplace with major bodies of water (ocean, river, big lake) are generally more romantic than other places.
5. If you eat out every day, walking 10 miles still won't be enough to maintain status quo weight. Pity.
6. I'm not the only one out there with a camera.
7. I might actually be a decent artist! Evidence: I showed some photos of my work to 2 different employees at a fancy gallery there and they each strongly encouraged me to submit to their jury process, not knowing the other person already had told me the same thing. One of these persons was an exhibiting artist in the gallery as well as an employee there and had his doctorate; had been teaching in Nebraska and Spain. It was swell.

Pondering on the Parade of Homes

We love viewing the houses each year in the Parade of Homes. The innovations and clever uses of space, decorating ideas and new materials out there are fun to see. But mostly, it's intriguing to see what can be done when money isn't a factor--or rather, the lack of it. If you had all the money necessary, I wonder what differences there would be? I would not spend ALL my money on a house, anyhow. Don't want 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, home theater, indoor basketball court and 3 kitchens. But I'd love a fireplace in the master suite, my own balcony. A turret for the grand piano, a playroom with an indoor treehouse, a stage and a dollhouse etc. Dad would like the outdoor fireplace, a hot tub and a private waterfall...I'm guessing. Don't need real granite countertops (we saw some that were cement, painted and glazed, too) but it would be nice. We see dumb stuff, too. There was a kitchen floor of bricks--looked really cool but how do you mop that? Somebody put carpet in the laundry/mud room--that's asking for trouble. But it's sure fun to see the old-fashioned sinks make a comeback (even if they're not very practical) and a living room with 3 French doors on either side--now that's cross ventilation!

HELP! Dad and I are responsible for coming up with entertainments and activities to keep busy, boys from age 12-18 at an Aaronic Priesthood camp for our stake next week. We are senior couple in a zone--the camp is organized as for missionary training. We thought of a "Rootbeer Taste Test" and the Candy Bar game like we play at Christmas. Dad can bring kickball and the tug-of-war rope from school....is that enough? Is there something you remember from your youth days that would be good? We'll have 14 boys in our zone. Thanks.

I've been thinking about sleeping positions--having witnessed little Simon's favorite: on elbows and knees with face smashed into the mattress (refer to Jacob for a picture). Dad's most frequent is on his side, with one hand under his head and the other holding his chin. I've wondered if it is a subconscious form of keeping himself from snoring or talking in his sleep...
Then I remember Eric napping once with his hands in his pockets, Shannon rolled up in a blanket, tied with ropes and perched on the top of the headboard (about 4 " wide). And the grand-sleeper of all, Jeff, who could sleep virtually in any position in any place. I have a photo of him in his highchair, hands behind his head, flung back and mouth open; another one he is face forward onto the table smeared with spaghetti sauce; one he's curled into a stuffed chair, etc.

I have to change positions frequently, but generally am on the side/back one way or another. I suppose the important thing is that we do sleep. Such a lovely thing it is, too.

I have had a medical adventure the last couple of weeks the likes of which is unique to my experience (and likely unique to anyone who would be reading this). Who was the creative genius that woke up one morning and said, "I know, when the retina of the eye detaches, we'll just insert a bubble of gas through a needle. The bubble will push the retina back into place and all will be hunky-dory!"? You must admit it's peculiar.
Which makes one consider some other bizarre procedures, such as burning off warts with liquid nitrogen, or inserting plastic straws into the neck to help out the heart. We live in an amazing world.
Perhaps you are aware of medical oddities you could list...

Whitney's Recital

Slipping Backwards

We forget what we left behind when it isn't revisited somehow. I'm talking about having returned to Wyoming to visit Tim and Family. We went into Albertsons in Rock Springs to buy some mushrooms and a pineapple for the BBQ. It was like moving back in time. The atmosphere was different--even from other Albertsons. The people are different. There were more tank tops, facial hair and tatoos. They spoke a different language. The parking lot held a higher percentage of trucks. The weather was even different. The wind blew constantly, of course. I got cold in the evening, earlier than usual. The culture was different.

Do I regret living there? Nope. It was a great place to raise kids. They had to determine who they are and what they believed early on. Do I miss it? I miss 2 things: 1. The people (the courage to be good, to be refined when it's not popular is inspiring). and 2. The High Desert where I used to walk with the dogs and met wild things like foxes and pronghorn. Would I ever go back permanently? Nope. I love Springville seasons, mountains and BYU cultural stuff. I love the Arts activity. Interesting to ponder, though.

Is That Funny?

I've been pondering on laughter. Coming to conclusions: It's curious what kinds of things strike us as funny. Some of that comes from our childhood "culture." Some things are funny to one person that leave another unmoved, depending on how one identifies with the situation. For example, the parents of a retarded child don't find "little moron" jokes very funny. Pollock jokes offend those from Poland. One can compensate for those predispositions, though. Fraternizing with others will eventually lead us to see with their eyes and justify that perspective, even if at first, we don't agree with their points of view. For right or wrong, we move on the scale of appropriate humor through the saturation-effect.

So, by extension, our spiritual backgrounds predispose us to accept or reject certain kinds of humor. However, if we immerse ourselves long enough, we can adjust our response. Which is why we're taught to avoid light mindedness. Makes you think. If you laugh at unholy humor, especially if you seek it out, you're denying your spiritual heritage. And breaking certain covenants. So, that's what I've been thinking about. Thanks for "listening."

Critter in the Kitchen

A woman in Florida heard suggestive noises in the night and upon investigation, discovered an 8-ft. alligator having a midnight snack in her kitchen. Well, it gives one pause. When I hear bumps in the night, I can assume a critter in my kitchen, too. But it is likely to be dog Downey. Suppose the gator had met up with a dog or cat in the kitchen...perhaps the snack would have been fresh meat. The noises would have been less "suggestive" and more "for sure."

What prompts an alligator to check out a lady's kitchen? Maybe he'd never had a grandma of his own (she was 69), and granny's are known to provide cookies. Maybe she'd just mopped the floor and the temptation to leave swampy footprints was just too delicious. Maybe he was looking for a prize behind door number 3. Who knows? I am just thankful that around here the wild critters likely to invade kitchens are not as toothsome. Of course, I'm thinking of deer and raccoons. It could be just as exciting, I suppose, to contemplate a cougar or try to skedaddle a skunk...

Building Windmills

Wind happens when cool air meets warm air such as morning sun-warmed stuff confronting nighttime cold. If this is at a topographical spot like a canyon, it funnels the wind into the valley. Our street is in a direct line from Hobble Creek Canyon and indirect line from Spanish Fork Canyon. Hence, we get wind at the transitional times of the day.

Think of this metaphor: when opposites collide, it creates something, like wind. It can be used for good, like in those giant windmills that generate electricity, etc.; but usually just messes things up. For example, in marriage, two people come together. Although the relationship is generally benign, they may occasionally disagree. It creates "wind." One hears of slammed doors, stressed blood pressures and similar responses. This powerful energy force can wreck havoc in the home. It disturbs everything and everyone in it. But, it can be channeled. Suppose one were to recognize and identify the common "times of day" when opposing opinions are likely to collide. Like placing a windmill in the natural topographical spot, a couple can predict and prepare to use the energy for good. I know, for example, that each evening, my husband will come home with his arms full of school stuff and need a place to dump it. He wants to read the mail. In spite of years of negotiations, he will likely dump onto the kitchen counter and gather the mail there, too. Conflict arises since I prefer to keep the counters clutter-free and sterile. He knows this, and even respects my feelings. But he can't seem to change the "climatic" pattern that controls this behavior: WIND! So, we have come to this. I take the "energies" that arise from watching the daily observance of his choice to dump on the counter, and leave the room. I do something elsewhere. He enjoys his mail, prepares his own light supper, while sorting through everything. He'll redistribute it to his desk, to the trash, etc. Then he cleans the counter. We acknowledge the conflict, can't make it go away, or please both parties. so we choose to use the "energy" in a positive way.

Here's hoping you, too, can build windmills.

Bon Voyage!

I get a kick out of my husband as he anticipates a trip. It's not enough to just plan a destination and a tentative agenda. Steve researches possible activities, alternative hotels, local histories, culture (including languages if applicable) and restaurants. It adds a significant amount of pleasure to the journey. Besides being able to have a perfect experience on site, his planning becomes an extension of the fun. Looking forward to the trip this way makes the phrase "enjoy the journey" take on remarkable additional meanings. Depending on the trip, and the purpose for it, Steve may spend more time and energy in the preparation than in the actual experience. In effect, his "trip" is longer, his "get-away" begins before he goes, and his "pleasure" is deepened by the enrichment of understanding that he acquires.

Think about this as an allegory to life's journey. I suppose we really looked forward to it. We must have researched it, under the tutelage of experts. We really ought to enjoy it more, and whine less, don't you think? And what about our anticipation of the next journey? Particularly, we could be learning the language and culture, planning accommodations, etc. So, Bon Voyage!

I Give In/Up/into/way....

All right. I am a "blogger" just like everyone else. However, my purpose is not to admit my succumbing to pressure. It is to have a place to preach, when I feel like it. Just kidding. Sorta. I have noticed that the blog is a great place to vent, whine, brag, ponder and postulate. As well as journal. So, I've decided to try it.

So instead of just letting Eric choose my subjects (I tend to leave comments on his more than anywhere else), I will venture into the dangerous ground of initiating conversations.

So, watch for future profundity.