Martin Short, Co-Host on Regis and Kelly this morning, talking about Reality Shows in general, Jersey Shore on MTV, in particular:
"I hate all those shows. I am so bored by the celebration of ignorance."
Oh, he is my man. Well said, Marty!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Reflections On the Last 2 Weeks
The Media FAST
2 weeks are in and I have 1 to go. It's been a very interesting journey. Most noticeably, silence has become a comfortable friend. The white noise of the tv, or the distracting chatter on the shows I would 'watch' in the morning has been replaced by a time to read or work without distraction. My biggest surprise was that I didn't run to the radio to fill the void. Part of the deal was that I spent time each morning reading a spiritual selection and since this was a church induced FAST the Bible was my source. But the outcome was that I began a journal highlighting a certain thought that came to me or a verse that jumped out. The silence gave way to moments of clarity or calm and became comfortable. (did ya' like that bit of alliteration?;)
Another discovery was that I didn't spend much less time on the computer. It has indeed become a part of everyday life and work. Email, banking, blogging... there is still lots to do on it. But I'm not up late at night on frivolous programs. That's a plus.
I'll give a final report next week, when this ends. So far, it has been a very good experience.
Music or Mantras and Haiti
In the posting entitled Music or Mantras I mentioned that The Beatles have always provided an outlet for my emotions. Friday night I was watching the end of the Hope For Haiti Now Telethon. It had not been my intent, but as I was scoping out the choices (there were none) I listened to some of it. Justin Timberlake sang "Hallejujah" and was just mesmerizing. I often find him mesmerizing. I know nothing of his past except that he started on the Mickey Mouse Club and was in a Boy Band, but recently I have seen him do some wonderful stuff. I love watching him develop as an artist. His talents are many, not just music, but his music is his passion and it pours from him. The song was beautiful.
I was still breathing it in, when without warning, the chords to the next song began. (This is weird, but it is me.) My heart started clenching, my hands covered my face, and before I had even identified the song, all the emotion I had been (not) feeling welled up in me. It was "Let it Be". When I am troubled, and often when I have been suppressing that feeling, two songs will bring my emotions pouring out of me; "Let it Be", and "The Long and Winding Road". Well, it poured that night and all I could think of was I didn't know why. The song was almost over before I opened my eyes, and realized it was Jennifer Hudson singing. If anyone has experienced the hopelessness, and the hopefulness expressed in that song, she is one. I let the moment sink in and allowed myself to think about Haiti. My heart goes out to Haiti, but until she sang it I had ignored it. I am sad for the children who lost their parents, for the parents who lost their children. I feel terror and pain for those trapped. I share the fear of those still waiting to hear. And I feel hope that out of this will come a better Haiti. God knows it's time. Let It Be.
2 weeks are in and I have 1 to go. It's been a very interesting journey. Most noticeably, silence has become a comfortable friend. The white noise of the tv, or the distracting chatter on the shows I would 'watch' in the morning has been replaced by a time to read or work without distraction. My biggest surprise was that I didn't run to the radio to fill the void. Part of the deal was that I spent time each morning reading a spiritual selection and since this was a church induced FAST the Bible was my source. But the outcome was that I began a journal highlighting a certain thought that came to me or a verse that jumped out. The silence gave way to moments of clarity or calm and became comfortable. (did ya' like that bit of alliteration?;)
Another discovery was that I didn't spend much less time on the computer. It has indeed become a part of everyday life and work. Email, banking, blogging... there is still lots to do on it. But I'm not up late at night on frivolous programs. That's a plus.
I'll give a final report next week, when this ends. So far, it has been a very good experience.
Music or Mantras and Haiti
In the posting entitled Music or Mantras I mentioned that The Beatles have always provided an outlet for my emotions. Friday night I was watching the end of the Hope For Haiti Now Telethon. It had not been my intent, but as I was scoping out the choices (there were none) I listened to some of it. Justin Timberlake sang "Hallejujah" and was just mesmerizing. I often find him mesmerizing. I know nothing of his past except that he started on the Mickey Mouse Club and was in a Boy Band, but recently I have seen him do some wonderful stuff. I love watching him develop as an artist. His talents are many, not just music, but his music is his passion and it pours from him. The song was beautiful.
I was still breathing it in, when without warning, the chords to the next song began. (This is weird, but it is me.) My heart started clenching, my hands covered my face, and before I had even identified the song, all the emotion I had been (not) feeling welled up in me. It was "Let it Be". When I am troubled, and often when I have been suppressing that feeling, two songs will bring my emotions pouring out of me; "Let it Be", and "The Long and Winding Road". Well, it poured that night and all I could think of was I didn't know why. The song was almost over before I opened my eyes, and realized it was Jennifer Hudson singing. If anyone has experienced the hopelessness, and the hopefulness expressed in that song, she is one. I let the moment sink in and allowed myself to think about Haiti. My heart goes out to Haiti, but until she sang it I had ignored it. I am sad for the children who lost their parents, for the parents who lost their children. I feel terror and pain for those trapped. I share the fear of those still waiting to hear. And I feel hope that out of this will come a better Haiti. God knows it's time. Let It Be.
Old dog, young dog
Many years ago we had wonderful neighbors that lived behind us in Florida. They had horses that my daughter rode, and a terrific dog named Cassie. Cassie was about 6-7 years old and would come to visit our house. With the sliding glass doors open it wasn't a surprise to see her walking through. We had an old chocolate lab named Caia. The 2 dogs got along very well. When Cassie was about 9, Caia died and we got a new puppy, Maggie. Cassie was not as enamored with Maggie. Maggie thought Cassie was wonderful and would follow her around, nipping at her heels and jumping up on her. Cassie didn't visit as often.
Fast Forward 9 years. Neighbors move. We've moved. Cassie has passed on. Maggie is now 9. And Pepper is that peppy little puppy that follows Maggie around nipping at her heels and jumping up on her. Actually, the bonding process was fun to watch. Pepper's first reaction to Maggie was to run howling into her kennel cowering in fear. Maggie on the other hand completely ignored the noisy thing and visited with the adults she loved to see. Pepper's growl sounded more like a very loud purr. (Not very terrifying.)
After a few visits, Pepper relaxed and on his first day here he was fine, but cautious and shy. On Day 2 I vacuumed the kitchen. Maggie sat by the couch in the family room and watched. Pepper ran to the other side of Maggie and peered over her back. Maggie had become protector. On Day 3 Pepper was chewing on one of Maggie's nyla-bones. Maggie picked up Pepper's bone and started to chew. Pepper wanted it and went to sniff.
Maggie took it under the coffee table. Pepper followed and lay close to Maggie, inching in to try and get it. Maggie rotated counter clockwise and turned her head away. Pepper inched closer until his nose was by Maggie's face. Then he began to lick Maggie's ear. Maggie was becoming a friend.
Today is Day 4. Pepper has decided Maggie is his new best friend and buddy. He follows her, nipping at her heels. While I ate my breakfast, Maggie lay by my chair. Pepper wanted to get in my lap so he climbed on top of Maggie and reached up to my lap. As usual, she never moved. So in addition to her many fine traits--reading with Nicholas, playing doctor with Warren--she can add 'a mountain for Pepper to climb'.
As I watch her it occurs to me, old dogs and old people are a wonderful thing. They have learned the patience that comes with life's experiences. They tolerate the exuberance of youth. They've learned not to beat their head uselessly against the wall, but to let the young learn. And they know the simplest toys are the best. Maggie can keep Pepper entertained for hours by just wagging her tail.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Meet Pepper!
The Empty Nest is not as empty today. I am babysitting a 3 month old Shitzu puppy for a friend who had to go out of town. It's been a while since I've had a puppy. We got our first puppy when I was a newly-wed, barely an adult. Daily routines, nice furniture, new carpets were not a concern at that stage of my life. My second puppy came when my children were young. My first thought was that I had just gotten another baby--blankets and toys, towels, littered the floor. Potty training wasn't too bad. I had a dark brown rug that hid stains well. The sliding glass door in the family room led directly outside. When there was an accident, I did a quick "rub the nose in the puddle", blotted the puddle with a washcloth and transferred puppy and cloth to the green grass outside. The 3rd puppy came housebroken by the breeder! Oh, yes! That is the way to go.
Pepper has had an adjustment here. He is pretty well housebroken, but I find I am not attuned to the bladder needs of a tiny dog. My lab puppy could go 4-5 hours in the beginning. My 9 year old dog can wait 12 hours now! Little dogs mean short holds. The next problem is the weather. When Pepper first came to my friend, the ground was covered in snow. He quickly went and came inside. When the snow melted early this week, there was a whole new world to explore. The Potty became secondary to The Adventure. A leash became a necessity. To Pepper, a leash means Playtime!
Pepper has had an adjustment here. He is pretty well housebroken, but I find I am not attuned to the bladder needs of a tiny dog. My lab puppy could go 4-5 hours in the beginning. My 9 year old dog can wait 12 hours now! Little dogs mean short holds. The next problem is the weather. When Pepper first came to my friend, the ground was covered in snow. He quickly went and came inside. When the snow melted early this week, there was a whole new world to explore. The Potty became secondary to The Adventure. A leash became a necessity. To Pepper, a leash means Playtime!
Today has been a day for Pepper. I've had a relaxed day, reading and watching. My first goal is to learn his schedule which also has meant standing outside for long periods of time letting him realize the leash is not for games and waiting until he 'does his thing'. Oh yes, did I mention the weather? Potty training in Florida is much nicer than Pittsburgh in winter. Aside from the obvious difference in climate, in Florida the door was right there. Here I have to grab the puppy, race down a flight of stairs while trying to pull on a winter coat, all the while saying, "No, no, no! Potty OUTSIDE, Pepper!" He loves the game and lets me know as he grabs my fingers and licks my face. Then we stand and wait.
I've made progress. No accidents since this morning, and no frostbite. Tomorrow's installment: Maggie and the Puppy!
I've made progress. No accidents since this morning, and no frostbite. Tomorrow's installment: Maggie and the Puppy!
Monday, January 18, 2010
24 and the Media Fast
The 2nd night of 24 has just ended. This show has a 4 hour, 2 night premier to kick off the season. It's a good format. The first hour sets the plot. The 2nd hour gives Jack a real reason to be involved (since he has retired from CTU--Counter Terrorist Unit). The 3rd and 4th hours kick it into high gear. So the 4th hour is finished and I'm on an adrenaline rush. There is no way to go to sleep. I'm on my 2nd screwdriver, and I desperately want to play Free Cell. But I have 2 weeks to go on my Media Fast.
The Fast has been good for me. I'm not saying I love it. But I am saying it's good. It has forced me to be more intentional in what I am doing instead of letting half of me watch TV while I read, or play games while I watch TV. My reading has become more focused. My work has become more efficient. And I am displaying true will power when I am not playing Free Cell. It is such a habit with me, that I will start playing while I'm waiting for my computer to connect. I begin my online time with a game and I end my online time with a game. I was smart enough to remove the short cut from my desktop so I couldn't start to play unconsciously. Every time I want to click on it I stop and remember that for 3 weeks I am not allowing myself to play. And I comply with my own rules. Will Power is sooo not my friend! If I learn to do it here, maybe it will transfer to something else I set my mind to.
But tonight, I could truly use the game to slow this rush. I love 24. Some nights are more exciting than others, and tonight was one. I guess I will go read until sleep takes over, but I will stick to this fast for 2 more weeks. It's the one battle I am winning.
The Fast has been good for me. I'm not saying I love it. But I am saying it's good. It has forced me to be more intentional in what I am doing instead of letting half of me watch TV while I read, or play games while I watch TV. My reading has become more focused. My work has become more efficient. And I am displaying true will power when I am not playing Free Cell. It is such a habit with me, that I will start playing while I'm waiting for my computer to connect. I begin my online time with a game and I end my online time with a game. I was smart enough to remove the short cut from my desktop so I couldn't start to play unconsciously. Every time I want to click on it I stop and remember that for 3 weeks I am not allowing myself to play. And I comply with my own rules. Will Power is sooo not my friend! If I learn to do it here, maybe it will transfer to something else I set my mind to.
But tonight, I could truly use the game to slow this rush. I love 24. Some nights are more exciting than others, and tonight was one. I guess I will go read until sleep takes over, but I will stick to this fast for 2 more weeks. It's the one battle I am winning.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Jack is Back!
24 started again tonight. I have followed that TV show since it premiered. I am like many followers of 24. I am addicted!
One of the adjustments I had to make after we moved here was to the many forms of media I missed. I was surprised, but when I thought about what I missed after we moved, it was 'the sounds of home'. I missed my favorite morning show and afternoon radio--WQYK. I missed the Bucs. I missed my 'news crew' on Fox 14. These were the daily sounds and people I listened to on TV and the radio. I confess, I have seen Fox TV in a few markets and Tampa has the best FOX network, by far. In Tampa, Fox was my network of choice. I liked their morning news program (the best anywhere), I liked their news people, Kelly and John, Nancy Alexander, and Russell. I liked their TV shows. And 24 became a fast favorite.
After the move, it seemed trivial to miss such things, and yet, I still do. After 3 years, ABC has become my channel of choice, but I haven't found a radio station that I really connect with.
And 24? One of the pleasures of this (very violent) action packed tv show is the connection it makes with other people. It is always fun to discover another follower. I could tell you hilarious stories of phone calls made to (or received from) friends during commercials with quick dialogue such as: "Who was that????" or "Did you see that coming? ". Tonight the phone calls began again. 8:00pm Vicky calls. "Are you ready? Is Larry home? Are you DVRing it tonight or can I call you?" I call Jenny. "Are you ready? Did you remember?"
I think part of its draw is that if you miss ANYthing--you've missed it. There is no replay. No later discussion that clues you in to what happened. You've missed it.
We may have moved far away, but the connection still remains. And it is a silly tv show that connects friends thousands of miles apart. Odd isn't it?
2 hours are in. 22 hours to go. Take Care JACK! We are all pulling for you. All is good. Jack is back!
One of the adjustments I had to make after we moved here was to the many forms of media I missed. I was surprised, but when I thought about what I missed after we moved, it was 'the sounds of home'. I missed my favorite morning show and afternoon radio--WQYK. I missed the Bucs. I missed my 'news crew' on Fox 14. These were the daily sounds and people I listened to on TV and the radio. I confess, I have seen Fox TV in a few markets and Tampa has the best FOX network, by far. In Tampa, Fox was my network of choice. I liked their morning news program (the best anywhere), I liked their news people, Kelly and John, Nancy Alexander, and Russell. I liked their TV shows. And 24 became a fast favorite.
After the move, it seemed trivial to miss such things, and yet, I still do. After 3 years, ABC has become my channel of choice, but I haven't found a radio station that I really connect with.
And 24? One of the pleasures of this (very violent) action packed tv show is the connection it makes with other people. It is always fun to discover another follower. I could tell you hilarious stories of phone calls made to (or received from) friends during commercials with quick dialogue such as: "Who was that????" or "Did you see that coming? ". Tonight the phone calls began again. 8:00pm Vicky calls. "Are you ready? Is Larry home? Are you DVRing it tonight or can I call you?" I call Jenny. "Are you ready? Did you remember?"
I think part of its draw is that if you miss ANYthing--you've missed it. There is no replay. No later discussion that clues you in to what happened. You've missed it.
We may have moved far away, but the connection still remains. And it is a silly tv show that connects friends thousands of miles apart. Odd isn't it?
2 hours are in. 22 hours to go. Take Care JACK! We are all pulling for you. All is good. Jack is back!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Be Still"
I've begun a 3 week 'media' Fast. For the next 3 weeks I have given up FaceBook, FarmTown, FarmVille, FreeCell and all daytime TV. I've never done a Fast before. Why now, you might ask? Our church is participating in the Daniel Fast. Without going into details, I'll just say that when I thought about my life, giving up some daily activities seemed to be more relevant to me than committing to a severe food fast. I am doing a modified food Fast, but my biggest sacrifice is media.
Do you know how quiet the house is when the TV is off? I can put on music but interestingly enough, the song going through my head this morning as I fixed my granola was “Be still and know that I am God”.
Be still… I don’t do that well. I can sit just fine, but “Be Still”? I am a pretty patient person. I don’t get tired or annoyed when I wait in line at the drive-through teller. I pull out my word search and try to find a couple of words in the list. At night as I watch TV I do a few Sudoko puzzles, or multi-task at something else…pay bills, check email, play FreeCell. But Be Still?
How can I hear God, if I am not Still?
My mind is always running. I wonder about other people. Are they that way? Is it possible to have a quiet mind? When I wake up at night, I’m thinking of something. Frequently when I wake up at night I am singing a song in my head. When I wake up in the morning there will be a song running through my head. Occasionally, for days it will be the same song, until I get sick of it and make myself put another one in there!
I have no idea how to Be Still.
Maybe I’ll learn.
Do you know how quiet the house is when the TV is off? I can put on music but interestingly enough, the song going through my head this morning as I fixed my granola was “Be still and know that I am God”.
Be still… I don’t do that well. I can sit just fine, but “Be Still”? I am a pretty patient person. I don’t get tired or annoyed when I wait in line at the drive-through teller. I pull out my word search and try to find a couple of words in the list. At night as I watch TV I do a few Sudoko puzzles, or multi-task at something else…pay bills, check email, play FreeCell. But Be Still?
How can I hear God, if I am not Still?
My mind is always running. I wonder about other people. Are they that way? Is it possible to have a quiet mind? When I wake up at night, I’m thinking of something. Frequently when I wake up at night I am singing a song in my head. When I wake up in the morning there will be a song running through my head. Occasionally, for days it will be the same song, until I get sick of it and make myself put another one in there!
I have no idea how to Be Still.
Maybe I’ll learn.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Books, Books, Books!
I took a trip to Barnes & Noble this week for an honorable reason. It was my daughter's birthday and I wanted to buy her a gift. I had an audio CD in mind, but I needed to see what was out there. Unfortunately, bookstores, credit cards, and I do not mix well.
The first table I came to had the recent releases. OOh, I thought, as I picked up a couple. I'd like to read that. (It's not for my daughter though.) Next table... diet books. NAH, move on. 3rd table, some classics I added to my reading list for 2010. Best sellers... there's one I've been waiting for! And so it went. Instead of finding a gift for my daughter, my own reading list was growing. And so was the stack in my arms!
I was a Children's Librarian for 25 years. I love children's books. But one of the joys of my retirement is that I have had time to read a lot of 'adult' fiction. Let's clarify that! 'Adult' as in books for big people! This past year I joined a book club and was introduced to books far removed from my world of J.K. Rowling, Kate DiCamilla, and Eric Carle, or even Mary Higgins Clark and Norah Lofts, my escapist reads. So this trip to the book store to find a gift, was turning into quite a challenge.
The good news is I did find a couple I thought she would enjoy. The better news is I didn't break the bank. And the best news is I have a long list of books I want to read this year.
Here are a few of mine.
Dreams of my Father, Barack Obama; Stones into Schools, Greg Mortenson; Scarpetta Factor, Patricia Cornwall; The Hiding Place (re-read), Corrie Ten Boom; Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz
What's on your list for 2010?
The first table I came to had the recent releases. OOh, I thought, as I picked up a couple. I'd like to read that. (It's not for my daughter though.) Next table... diet books. NAH, move on. 3rd table, some classics I added to my reading list for 2010. Best sellers... there's one I've been waiting for! And so it went. Instead of finding a gift for my daughter, my own reading list was growing. And so was the stack in my arms!
I was a Children's Librarian for 25 years. I love children's books. But one of the joys of my retirement is that I have had time to read a lot of 'adult' fiction. Let's clarify that! 'Adult' as in books for big people! This past year I joined a book club and was introduced to books far removed from my world of J.K. Rowling, Kate DiCamilla, and Eric Carle, or even Mary Higgins Clark and Norah Lofts, my escapist reads. So this trip to the book store to find a gift, was turning into quite a challenge.
The good news is I did find a couple I thought she would enjoy. The better news is I didn't break the bank. And the best news is I have a long list of books I want to read this year.
Here are a few of mine.
Dreams of my Father, Barack Obama; Stones into Schools, Greg Mortenson; Scarpetta Factor, Patricia Cornwall; The Hiding Place (re-read), Corrie Ten Boom; Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz
What's on your list for 2010?
Best Buds!
By now you've noticed a certain dog seems to appear in every post. Who is Maggie? Maggie is my 9 1/2 year old yellow lab and is my constant companion. My husband and I love Labs. In the 38 years we've been married we've owned a black lab, Poko, a chocolate lab, Caia, and Maggie. And in 38 years there have only been 2 weeks we haven't owned a lab.
While we were in Florida Maggie had a variety of interests. My daughter, Jan, kept her active in agility classes and frequently took her on trips to the barn where she kept her horse. They did trail walks together, and participated in local dog walks, costume parties and even doggie birthday parties.
I guess Maggie has had just as big an adjustment in these last few years as I have! She left her warm climate and her social activities to come north with us. Many thought Maggie was Jan's dog and were surprised she wasn't going with Jan. As for me, I faced the coming changes with no false bravado. It was clear. If I was leaving my job, my home, my friends and my kids, I wasn't going to lose my dog! Since then Maggie has become a well-traveled dog. She has lost count of the trips to Iowa and Florida we have made. She has discovered babies don't walk and was SO excited to discover little boys do! She has patiently read stories with them, shared her bed with them, and even allowed one to put his stethoscope on her. She has spent the night on my sister's boat in St. Mary's, run on the beach at Hilton Head and in general, decided traveling is fun.
Most of all, she has helped fill the empty nest while brightening the view! She's my buddy.
Oops! Here she is now. It must be dinnertime!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."
Fred Rodgers is a local hero around here. Mister Rogers, as you probably know him, is from Pittsburgh and Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood was produced here. So in keeping with my post from yesterday, I'll start with a song as I begin my daily moan (oh, excuse me, I mean blog). It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Today is the 7th day I've had to shovel snow in the last week. Fortunately, most of those other days we only had 1 to 2 inches of light, fluffy snow. It takes an hour to shovel our drive, sidewalks and steps, but for the most part, the exertion is not intense. Today is different. We had 6 inches last night, and it is still snowing. So by the time I finished shoveling the drive, it was snow covered again. WHY am I shoveling if I will have to do it later? Because 6 inches is easier than 8. At 6 inches I could still push the snow instead of lifting and tossing. I am not alone out there. In fact, it's rather comical. Jeff with his 2 poodles, Chuck with his Golden Retriever and Maggie and I all shovel our respective areas while the dogs sit in the driveways almost begging us "Pleeeese can I go play? Pleeese??" I marvel at how well behaved they are.
And I find my sunny side to the constant shoveling. I am entirely too sedentary in the winter. The roads are salt covered, and hard on Maggie's feet. The walking paths are snow covered. I don't have boots for deep snow. But I've been out every day in the fresh air getting lots of exercise. As long as the snow is light, the work isn't too strenuous. Actually, this is more fun than lifting weights or doing situps. In fact, I discovered that today, when I was finished, I still had enough energy to take Maggie for a walk! What a surprise! That didn't happen last year! And with all the snow on the road, the salt was diluted so Maggie was ok.
And I find my sunny side to the constant shoveling. I am entirely too sedentary in the winter. The roads are salt covered, and hard on Maggie's feet. The walking paths are snow covered. I don't have boots for deep snow. But I've been out every day in the fresh air getting lots of exercise. As long as the snow is light, the work isn't too strenuous. Actually, this is more fun than lifting weights or doing situps. In fact, I discovered that today, when I was finished, I still had enough energy to take Maggie for a walk! What a surprise! That didn't happen last year! And with all the snow on the road, the salt was diluted so Maggie was ok.
It really is a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
Mantras or Music
I was looking over a journal entry of a year ago and I came across a day in which I had an excess of negative feelings. Now, I'm not normally a pessimistic person. I have been blessed with an optimistic nature; one that looks at life as full of blessings. On that day, though, I was more aware of my shortcomings than usual. In fact, I wasn't aware of them. I was focused on them. My age, my weight, my lack of motivation to exercise, yadda, yadda, yadda.
A few months later there was another journal entry. In this one I had also discovered the previous entry and was surprised at my attitude. Where had that come from? It was just not the true me. I remembered the day, and what had prompted it. It was a deep winter day. Gray. Snowy. Again.
At that point I realized that even on the gray days I would have to find the sunny side. I always knew that one of the hardest parts of leaving Florida wouldn't be adjusting to the cold, but losing those heavenly deep blue skies and sunshine that are a daily part of Tampa living. Even so, I was surprised at just how gray Pittsburgh can be. (Did you know we are 2nd to Seattle in gray, rainy days?)
In the past, on the few occasions I really had to talk myself UP, I found music was usually the key. I'm a huge Beatles fan. I've often said I never needed to use drugs. Their music was my mood altering drug. If I was sad, I could find a song that matched my need for comfort, commiseration, or cheering up. When my daughter, Janice, would see me in a lazy, I-can't-get-going mood she would put on "A Hard Day's Night". Even when I knew it was coming and said it wouldn't work, the very first chord would yank me out of the doldrums and by the end of the song I was full speed ahead. But the song that is my very best pick-me-up is "Here Comes the Sun." To those who know me, it's powers are almost legendary. It could almost be a mantra. The more down I am, the more I will replay it until the smile is on my face. It has never failed.
Mantras are good, also. The Serenity Prayer has pulled me through frustrating moments more times than I can count. But music is really my upper. Just telling myself "I love my life" usually doesn't do it for me. In this time of change in my life, I've found there are a few times when I really need to remind myself to focus on the light, even if it means turning on all the lights in the house to beat away the gray. And every week I discover another means of brightening my days.
In these challenging days it's important to know how to look on the sunny side. Is it hard for you? Do you find you fight a constant battle with negative feelings, or are you like me and tackle them one at a time when they pop up. What works for you; music or mantras?
I like hearing from people, so if you care to comment, let me know how you deal with those repetitive chores or negative feelings that creep into your daily life.
Until then, may your gray days turn sunny!
Connie
A few months later there was another journal entry. In this one I had also discovered the previous entry and was surprised at my attitude. Where had that come from? It was just not the true me. I remembered the day, and what had prompted it. It was a deep winter day. Gray. Snowy. Again.
At that point I realized that even on the gray days I would have to find the sunny side. I always knew that one of the hardest parts of leaving Florida wouldn't be adjusting to the cold, but losing those heavenly deep blue skies and sunshine that are a daily part of Tampa living. Even so, I was surprised at just how gray Pittsburgh can be. (Did you know we are 2nd to Seattle in gray, rainy days?)
In the past, on the few occasions I really had to talk myself UP, I found music was usually the key. I'm a huge Beatles fan. I've often said I never needed to use drugs. Their music was my mood altering drug. If I was sad, I could find a song that matched my need for comfort, commiseration, or cheering up. When my daughter, Janice, would see me in a lazy, I-can't-get-going mood she would put on "A Hard Day's Night". Even when I knew it was coming and said it wouldn't work, the very first chord would yank me out of the doldrums and by the end of the song I was full speed ahead. But the song that is my very best pick-me-up is "Here Comes the Sun." To those who know me, it's powers are almost legendary. It could almost be a mantra. The more down I am, the more I will replay it until the smile is on my face. It has never failed.
Mantras are good, also. The Serenity Prayer has pulled me through frustrating moments more times than I can count. But music is really my upper. Just telling myself "I love my life" usually doesn't do it for me. In this time of change in my life, I've found there are a few times when I really need to remind myself to focus on the light, even if it means turning on all the lights in the house to beat away the gray. And every week I discover another means of brightening my days.
In these challenging days it's important to know how to look on the sunny side. Is it hard for you? Do you find you fight a constant battle with negative feelings, or are you like me and tackle them one at a time when they pop up. What works for you; music or mantras?
I like hearing from people, so if you care to comment, let me know how you deal with those repetitive chores or negative feelings that creep into your daily life.
Until then, may your gray days turn sunny!
Connie
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A change of scenery
3 years ago, in a 1 year period, my youngest daughter married and moved 1,000 miles away, my husband lost his job in Florida and got a new job in Pennsylvania, I retired from my job as a school media specialist (also known as school librarian) and we moved to Pittsburgh, and to cap it all off, both of my daughters gave birth to sons within 10 weeks of each other. To say I experienced a change of scenery, barely scratches the surface.
Each day I would wake up, take an inventory of my senses, check my whereabouts and try to decide where I was to go from here. My girls helped keep the journey interesting. With one in Florida and one in Iowa I am frequently on the road. The little boys are one of the highlights of my life. And the journey continues.
Join me here as I share my observations of the different world in which I live, and this very exciting, yet sometimes, uncertain time of my life.
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