Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day, 2008


As usual, I arise at 4:30 a.m. eastern time, start the coffee and clean the kitchen while the joe is brewing. It’s a special coffee today – Spicy Pumpkin Pie. The aroma of cinnamon is comforting. Eventually, I call Stuart who is making his way through security at General Mitchell Airport. It’s now 5:45 a.m. (4:45 in Milwaukee). That pink hew of the coastal sky is starting to emerge through the kitchen picture window. The trees are still. The birds are singing in the new day.


Stuart boards his plane at 6:15 while we end our cell phone conversation. The phone rings at 6:20. “His flight must be delayed.” But, no, it’s Mitch calling to let me know they’ve just arrived at our home in Wisconsin. After working the night shift last night our eldest and Joanna, accompanied by Porter, their growing pup, drove the ninety minutes of snow-lined highways from Madison to our home in Richfield.


He speaks in a hushed voice, “We’re here,” as Shayne, our college sophomore, is sleeping on the family room couch. (He must miss his dorm loft bed … why else would he not sleep in his queen-sized bed in his bedroom? I wonder if he’ll miss not hitting his head on the ceiling when he awakens, too.)


Mitch sounds exhausted as he whispers, “I have to get some sleep.” He intends to get in a few hours of rest before preparing squash soup for the McLees family Thanksgiving celebration later today.


We won’t physically be with our sons or their significant others for the celebration to give thanks this year. Nor will we spend the day with my parents, siblings and their families cooking, laughing, and enjoying traditional treats: Mom's stuffing, Lori’s éclair torte, Todd’s bread extravaganza and Dad’s pecan pie. But, they and many others will be in our thoughts and prayers of gratitude here in Chesapeake, Virginia.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love, Jackie


Painting: "The First Thanksgiving"

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

I am Only One


I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything.
But I can still do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.

~Edward Everett Hale
1822-1909
Author and Clergyman

Photo: Brett Favre

Jets, 2008

Monday, November 24, 2008

Filled with Gratitude


Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.

~ Rabbi Harold Kushner

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Walking the PGA Tour

Born 10 weeks premature, D.J. has lived with cerebral palsy for thirty years. As his father explains, D.J. does not consider himself disabled. His dreams are without limit. He is determined to live a "full and rewarding" life - right now this entails walking the entire 966 miles of the PGA tour.



Visit D.J.'s blog here.

Count Your Blessings in 2008

Appearing on Conan O'Brien, the comedian Louis CK explains in his own special way the need for us to remember why we still live in an amazing time.



Thanks, Mitchell, for this contribution!!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

On Leadership


Change is what leadership is all about,
a shared responsibility for creating a
better world,
manifesting in our passion to engage others
in bringing about positive change.

~ Fred Craigie

Friday, November 21, 2008

Johnny gets help with math

This little one is quite an inspiration!
Lesson: Help is always there when you need it - all you have to do is ask!!



Thanks for the video, Jan!!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Understanding Life


"As I grow to understand life
less and less,
I learn to love it
more and more."
~ Jules Renard
Photo:
Water crystal of Fujiwara Dam after prayer

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Where the hell is Matt?

I've sent this video before - but it brings me so much joy I thought I'd add it to the blog. This is an amazing video...truly demonstrating you can be the source of happiness everywhere you are in this world. What's more, we are all so much more alike than different.




Want to know how Matt got everyone to dance? Watch here!
For 2006 Dancing Outtakes Watch here!

Have a wonderful day!

The Power of Love




When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

~Anonymous







Photo: Sophia & Liberty
2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Sweetest Girl

Brad Doggett From VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) singing/playing Sweetest Girl. This YouTube video got him invited by Wyclef Jean, the original R&B artist, to the Norva to open for him. He was just making YouTube videos of the thing he loves the most... singing and playing guitar. Do what you love you eventually will be happy, famous or not, you will be happy.



Walking Forward



"When you haven't forgiven those who've hurt you, you turn your back against your future. When you do forgive, you start walking forward."

~ Tyler Perry


Photo: Alex & Shayne
Busch Gardens, 2006

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Let us sing a new song
not with our lips but with our lives.

~ Saint Augustine

Photo: Stuart, JV soccer coach
2005

Friday, November 14, 2008

Stay active


I am convinced our own happiness requires that we should continue to mix with the world, and to keep pace with it… I can speak from experience on the subject. From 1793 to 1797, I remained closely at home, saw none but those who came there, and at length became very sensible of the ill effect it had upon my own mind, and of its direct and irresistible tendency to render me unfit for society, and uneasy when necessarily engaged in it. I felt enough of the effect of withdrawing from the world then to see that it led to an anti-social and misanthropic state of mind, which severely punishes him who gives in to it; and it will be a lesson I shall never forget as to myself.

~A letter from Jefferson to Madison April 1795 after retiring from public life to the seclusion of Monticello~

Thursday, November 13, 2008

live your life


Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagined.


~ Henry David Thoreau


Photo: Helena, 2006
Take note of how she chose to wear her candy necklace

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Gift of Solitude


Certain springs are tapped only when we are alone. The artist knows he must be alone to create; the writer, to work out his thoughts; the musician, to compose; the saint, to pray. We need solitude in order to find again the fine essence of ourselves: that firm strand which will be the indispensible center of a whole web of human relationships.

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Statue: St. Francis of Assissi

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Veteran's Day


The Military Oath
I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegience to the United States of America;
that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies whomsoever;
and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me,
according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.



THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE

Monday, November 10, 2008

Instructions for Living a Life


Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it.

~ Mary Oliver, Sometimes

Your Thoughts Count


The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.

~~Buddha

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Happy 18th Birthday, Angela!!!!!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGELA!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess "We must do something about father," said the son.

"I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that when it comes to how we treat our family and loved ones, we should never treat a friend, neighbor, client or customer better than we would treat those we "love".

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands …You need to be able to throw something back

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about as I just did.

Love, Jan


Saturday, November 8, 2008

10 Ways to Be Happier


1. Start simple sleep enough and eat enough

2. Do let the sun go down on anger – things usually seem less dramatic in the morning

3. Fake it ‘til you feel it - pretend laughing (see laughter yoga)

4. Do new things - enjoy the fun of failure!

5. Don’t treat the blues with a “treat” – does that pint of ice cream really make you feel better?

6. Buy some Happiness – if you're going to spend money, spend money on experiences instead of things

7. Don’t insist on the bestSatisficers are happier than Maximizers

8. Exercise to Boost Energy

9. Stop Nagging

10. Take Actionmake your life Happier


Read full article



Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Obama Named 44th President of America



Barack Obama has been elected the 44th president of the United States as of 11:00 pm on November 4, 2008. Senator McCain concedes congratulating Barack Obama on his "historic" election as president of "the greatest nation on Earth."

This is a historic night. Quite a night to remember!! This just reinforces the thought that all Americans should be encouraged to Dream Big!!

USA Votes!!

Alex, my 18 year old son, and I got up at 5:45 a.m. to vote this morning. As promised by the news projections, it is a very rainy day in Chesapeake, VA and the polls are very busy. Our polling station opened at 6:00 we arrived at 6:20, we voted at 8:20. The atmosphere was calm, pleasant and full of hope! It was very helpful to have a highly energetic greeter who kept folks smiling and at ease. Once we made it to the front of the line, the individuals checking IDs were pleasant and very helpful. Our electronic voting went without a hitch.

Elsewhere in Chesapeake, VA there were difficulties with the electronic voting machines. We were fortunate enough to await our voting opportunity within the halls of Western Branch Middle School. Others not as fortunate waited in the rain for their opportunity to vote. As for many, today was highly anticipated in our household. Alex qualified to vote with only 6 days to spare (due to his August 26th birthday).

As I type this entry I am watching CNN where Vice Presidential hopeful and Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, is casting her vote in Wasilla, Alaska where it is 7:09 a.m. She is wearing blue jeans and a brown suede jacket - looking like the gorgeous mom next door. What a momentous occasion. Regardless the winner, United States history will be made today!! We've come a long way, baby.

I hope you exercise your civic privilege and responsibility to cast your vote today. Whether for Senator Obama & Senator Biden or Senator McCain & Governor Palin - please vote.

God Bless the USA.

Photo: Alex, 2008 - only seconds after voting for the first time.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Some Political Positivity...

This is quoted from an article that I read on yahoo this morning... No matter who you're voting for I think that this should ring true and should give some hope for where our country is heading - I have included the link to the full article as well and some of you will find that you have it in your email as well....

"I learned in just those three hours that this election is not about what we think of as the "big things."

It's not about taxes. I'm pretty sure mine are going to go up no matter who is elected.

It's not about foreign policy. I think we'll figure out a way to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan no matter which party controls the White House, mostly because the people who live there don't want us there anymore.

I don't see either of the candidates as having all the answers.

I've learned that this election is about the heart of America. It's about the young people who are losing hope and the old people who have been forgotten. It's about those who have worked all their lives and never fully realized the promise of America, but see that promise for their grandchildren in Barack Obama. The poor see a chance, when they often have few. I saw hope in the eyes and faces in those doorways."

Happy Birthday Lyndsy!!!


Please take a moment to wish Lyndsy Marie a very Happy 19th Birthday on November 7th!!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Fall from my point of view



"I love fall!

Fall is exciting.
It's apples and cider.
It's an airborne spider.
It's pumpkins in bins.
It's burrs on dog's chins.
It's wind blowing leaves.
It's chilly red knees.
It's nuts on the ground.
It's a crisp dry sound.
It's green leaves turning
And the smell of them burning.
It's clouds in the sky.
It's fall. That's why...
I love fall."
- Author Unknown


Photo: Little Friess Lake from Deck

99 Balloons

No explanation will be required...just watch and listen and you will be inspired!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Autumn

"Autumn is a season of great beauty, but it is also a season of decline: the days grow shorter, the light is suffused and summer's abundance decays toward winter's death. Faced with this inevitable winter, what does nature do in autumn? It scatters the seeds that will bring new growth in the spring - and scatters them with amazing abandon .... Autumn constantly reminds me that my daily dyings are necessary precursors to new life. If I try to "make" a life that defies the diminishments of autumn, the life I end up with will be artificial, at best, and utterly colorless as well. But when I yield to the endless interplay of living and dying, dying and living, the life I am given will be real and colorful, fruitful and whole."

~ Parker J. Palmer
Let Your Life Speak - Listening for the Voice of Vocation