Fear: Oh dear!

Fear is an emotion that can protect us, it can also paralyze us. Yesterday, a relative was over visiting and after sitting on our posteriors in front of the "eye" for many hours, she suggested that we go get some dinner.  I was good with that, having killed myself the day before cooking Thanksgiving dinner. The best part was that she was going to pay for it.  All I had to do was drive. "You buy, I fly!" However, when we walked outside, there was freezing rain. This is not what I love to drive in so I fussed and fussed. She cajoled me into going anyway, and after the windshield finally thawed and I could see, it was all smooth going. Slow,but smooth.  It reminded me that sometimes we just need to face our fears.  It felt good to get out and it felt even better to eat someone else's cooking. Make a ripple, wipe your mouth, and see what happens. :)

Judge Judy and moi

One of my guilty pleasures is to occasionally watch Judge Judy. Her acerbic tongue, along with the crazy situations just seem to draw me in.  Just so you know, it also gives me pleasure when I am able to turn it off before it is over. HOWEVER ....I have had an opinion of Judge Judy for a while.  Then, one day, I was watching her being interviewed.  She is insightful, kind, funny, a happy wife, mother and grandmother. If I just went by her personality on her show, her career, profession, I might have a really different view of her. Unlike Judge Judy, my profession is not to judge. I struggle with judgement constantly. It seems like most of the judgement is toward myself. This is not helpful. How can we avoid judgement of anything when we are not kind to ourselves?  One solution would be to wrap our arms around ourselves and look at all our good qualities.  Feeling good causes us to shine.  Make a ripple, shine your light, and see what happens.

The turkey is not the only thing stuffed

The big dinner is over. I have finally learned not to over eat! That being said, we had plenty!  It is our sincere hope that everyone mixed the good food with love and gratitude for our abundance. We will continue to contribute toward the welfare of others, throughout the holidays and the coming year. It isn't what you give, it's that you give. Make a ripple, do some crunches, and see what happens.

One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy

I just returned from the grocery store where one of my favorite bell-ringers for Salvation Army works every year. He is such a pleasant man and I admire anyone who can stand in one place in the cold for so long.  It warms my heart to see those red kettles set up.  It gives us the chance to give something back to a place that does so much for people all year long.  It is easy to drop some change, or a few bills in the kettle and feels so good to know we can be part of the process. This is a painless way to help out those who so desperately need it! Smile at these wonderful bell-ringers! Buy them a cocoa or coffee. Make a ripple with them and see what happens. 

The smartest being in the house

It is the beginning of the holiday season.  People are burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. Certain stores have lengthened their hours for shopping, shopping, shopping. We feel stressed out about what we can spend and what to buy. We have completely lost our minds as to the real meaning of the holidays. There is a new commercial on the TV about the "wise kid." I have a different idea.  This year, I am going to take a page from my 18 year old cat's book.  I am going to make sure I get enough sleep, food, play, stretching, and affection from those I love. At the wise old age of 126, and being very healthy, I believe he has the secret to life. I might just keep the page handy for the rest of my life. He seems to have figured it out! Make a ripple, after your nap, and see what happens.

Holidays...HUH...What are they good for?

Here it is, THANKSGIVING. Or is it? Hopefully we are all thankful for something. I expect we can think of many things that have enriched our lives in the past year. Life can always be better, but I for one feel that since I have chosen to look toward the positive, this has been a good year. I am a little confused, though.  In my mind, this is one of the few really important holidays.  It sets the stage for gratitude, which just creates more goodness in our lives. So, why would anyone think it is important to interrupt a family holiday by expecting part of the family to go to work. I realize some professions don't have a choice, but department stores do.  I am aware that money is the bottom line for everything. I sure don't agree when it comes to this! Let me congratulate the businesses who feel this is unnecessary, and view time with the family as invaluable. Find a way to make a ripple, and see what happens.

She's still the healthiest person I know.

Recently,a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  It was such a shock. She does not smoke, is so physically active, it makes me tired, eats clean food, and takes all sorts of supplements. But, as she would say to me, none of us are immune. This woman, despite everything, doesn't get down for long. She pulls up her bootstraps, moves ahead well-armed with information and many people who love her. My idea of health has changed. True health includes mind, body, and heart. She has impacted me in a way I can't fathom. All I know is that every second counts. Count your seconds! Make a ripple and see what happens. 

Habits can be made or broken in 21 days

Sorry I have been gone.  Having no comments made me sad. I have a habit of feeling defeated easily and quitting something even though it might be of value.  Not doing that any more.  Join me in the "Patience Club!"  Do something worthwhile without attachment to the outcome.  Make a ripple, see what happens

We all shine...in our own way.

In the heart of most, if not all human beings, lies the desire to connect. So many people are dismissed on a daily basis.  Our reasons  range from being so busy, to thinking another is somehow less.  This is probably deep-seeded, but false. So, maybe we all ought to look a little deeper and realize what we are missing. Make a ripple and see what happens.

Can you spell FRANKEN-FOODS?

I don't know about you, but I am really dashed by the fact that I-522 did not pass! We have gotten information about how bad some foods and beverages are for our health. Many companies have removed trans-fats and high-fructose corn syrup from their products. Yeah! Yet we are looking at letting genetically modified foods be acceptable.  When is this garbage, which affects our health, ok? I, for one will continue to fight for our food being as clean as possible. California has tried to have this labeling and got defeated just like we did. Did you know that only $550 dollars came from Washington in all that 21 million to defeat the measure. All I can say is get involved, get educated and make a ripple for us all.  See what happens.

Rake leaves while the sun shines

The last month seems to have gone by in a week! Summer heat has given way to shivers, green...ish lawns are now covered with snow one day and leaves and pine needles the next. Burrr! Thanks to Kris Crocker for her work on the coat drive. For a person not driven by winter sports, these next few weeks are a time for last-minute raking and yard work. For those fortunate enough to have these yards, it feels like a good and bad deal. We are so lucky to have a yard. There are plenty who have no yard to complain about.Thank goodness for the Salvation Army and the Union Gospel Mission who help care for those without homes and yards. So when you are sitting in your warm house musing about what you didn't get done in your yard, be thankful. When you see those commercials for Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission, grab your checkbook and send a few dollars to those who would give anything to have all those leaves to clean up.  Make a ripple and see what happens.

Trick or Treat... one day late

Well, as usual, I am a day late and a dollar short.  I am not a huge fan of Halloween. It must be my inner dentist, who knows. My idea of a trick is something that makes me wonder "How did you do that?" My idea of a treat is either something I shouldn;t eat or getting a massage. However, in this year of change, I'd love to see the trick of kids always having enough to eat and the treat of assisting our education system. Clue: donating to any food campaign and volunteering at your local school.

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