Musings

Watching America's Next Top Model, the one where they go to New Zealand, and that has made me unexpectedly sad. Maybe because I wish I was as excited about the prospect as those girls were. I was. Excited about it, that is. Twelve years ago when I first visited. Now I just wish I could win a trip to America. 

On the way to Ooooby this morning, I saw a sticker on a car that said, "God bless our troops, especially the snipers".   And then another one that said, "Outlive your enemies". 

Wow, what a way to start the day. 

Meanwhile, across the world, there's a teenage girl struggling for her identity and the strength to get through every day in the real world. I mean really, really struggling and displaying strength of will and character the likes of which I may never know. 

And I'm sad because a couple wanna-be models are going on a trip of a lifetime. 

Shame on me. 

This beautiful girl, my niece, is growing up in a world where there are stickers that say those things and so, so much worse. 

Just want to be there. Hug her. Hug her mom. Do something!  

Hug someone today and do not take your ability to do that for granted. 

And actively love the ones you love. For heavens sake, don't just assume they know it. You have no idea what people are going through, really. 

Strive to make someone's day, every day...

Give them their "trip of a lifetime" if you like. 

Life in the Big City

So I was in a vile mood yesterday and was going to write about it but decided not to. Who wants to hear anyone winge and moan about things they can't change? How narcissistic can one get? Of course, I could argue this whole entire blog concept is just that but I digress.

And anyway, I'm still going to tell you what was bothering me so there!

I was just really, really tired of living in a city and all the fun that comes with it. Constant traffic for one thing (except at holidays, this city empties out!). No one ever letting you make a turn. No pedestrian right of way. The cicadas have nothing to do with living in a city but they were bothering me yesterday so made the list. I had other things on that list but can't even find the list now so we'll leave it at that.

See? Stupid stuff I can't even do a thing about.

Now it's a new day and everything looks different! None of that stuff or anything on my list matters a bit.

Isn't that great!?

There is SO MUCH in life that could bother me every single day. But come on. Why let it? To let these things get to me, is admitting I've lost my perspective.

Lost sight of the bigger, so beautiful picture.

Don't ever let that happen. When you feel it about to, stop yourself and be thankful for something.

Because there is SO MUCH MORE to be thankful for than the little things that will always try to get the better of us.

Rhode Island

Oh my it's a homesick day.

When people ask me where I'm from I am constantly suppressing the urge to burst out into song, "Oh! I'm Rhode Island born and I'm Rhode Island bred and when I die I'll be Rhode Island dead...!!" (There have been occasions when I don't suppress the urge and actually do it. I'm met with mixed reactions; very funny!)

I also like this song by The Innocence Mission aptly called Rhode Island:

in june we're washing in the water
we are walking to the sand
In the summer of a hard year
you are swinging both our hands
in rhode island, rhode island

now we will go, gleaming into tomorrow
I am leaning, leaning into tomorrow
from rhode island, cradled on the waves

I don't want to tell you sad news
I don't want to let you down
we drive away, we don't know
what is going to happen now
from rhode island, rhode island

now we will go, gleaming into tomorrow
I am leaning, leaning into tomorrow
from rhode island, cradled on the waves

And, in case you're wondering about the photo, Lloyd and I are waving hello to Greg who is returning from some trip or other on SLEIGHRIDE. We're at Castle Hill.

Ahhh... so many, many memories!

Wow, I miss it.