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.