Once again it is Easter, when millions of Christians worldwide celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a child, this meant little more to me than putting on a frilly dress with white gloves and having a tiny cracker and some grape juice at church. Since then, though, I've come to realize that the resurrection story makes some important points for believers and non-believers alike. To wit:
1. Jesus was willing to die for a cause. Are you? Do you know anyone who is? The world is full of people who talk a big game about a great number of things, but when it comes down to it, talking is all they know how to do. If you want anything to change, you have to do more than talk. You have to take action.You may even have to risk death. Are you up for the challenge?
2. Selling out your friends isn't worth it. Judas was so wracked with guilt over the 30-pieces-of-silver incident that he returned the money and then hanged himself. What sounds like a good idea in the short term may come back to haunt you later, with drastic circumstances. Choose wisely and consider how your choice might affect others.
3. If you want to resurrect something, sometimes you have to let it die first. This was something I heard many years ago from a Baptist minister, but it came back to me later when I read Pema Chodron's book When Things Fall Apart. The minister said that Jesus couldn't bring Lazarus back to life until he was actually dead; Pema Chodron writes that in order to rebuild, sometimes you have to let things fall completely apart. Now, this is hard for us to understand, and even harder to put into action. We want to save things. We want to keep them alive as long as we can. We don't want to let anything die or fall apart because it represents failure. I get that. (Oh, believe me how much I get that.) But an end is an opportunity for a new start, and when you let things fall apart, you're free to put the pieces back together in a new configuration. Consider the phoenix rising from the ashes, or Bill Compton rising from a pile of vampire goo. (Sorry, but I just couldn't resist that one. My True Blood friends will understand.)
Easter comes at a time of year when the earth emerges from its dormancy. Whether you celebrate in a religious manner or not, it's hard to miss the omnipresent reminders of death & rebirth. What can you resurrect in your life?
Till next time --- rise from the ashes.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Wonder what would happen . . .
. . . if we stopped assuming and judging each other?
Because y'all, I'm downright tired. Tired of people tearing each other down for no good reason other than that they're on "the other side." Tired of people judging the lady on welfare who has a nice manicure. (How do you know she doesn't do her own damn nails?) Tired of people perpetually spreading half-assed information on the Interwebs. Tired of alla y'all having these arguments that are never going to change anyone's minds. Tired of people assuming they know what's going on in a random stranger's life. WHY DON'T YOU KNOCK IT OFF WITH THEM NEGATIVE WAVES?
And I admit it, I'm guilty too, especially when I'm feeling extra cranky. I'll argue with a brick wall during those times, although I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be. (Shut up.) I've been known to harsh on such venerated public figures as Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. I complain about some of the students at the Big University. I can get flat get my snark on. But the truth is, I fight it - a lot - because it's not really helpful. Sure, it seems like a good idea at the time, but later on? Not so much. I don't particularly relish adding to the negative waves, but it just happens sometimes. I hope I crank out enough positives to make up for my transgressions.
So I'm asking you: what would happen if you stopped assuming? Stopped judging? We never know what battle someone else may be fighting. We can choose to make it worse, or we can choose to make it better somehow.
Till next time - what will you choose?
Because y'all, I'm downright tired. Tired of people tearing each other down for no good reason other than that they're on "the other side." Tired of people judging the lady on welfare who has a nice manicure. (How do you know she doesn't do her own damn nails?) Tired of people perpetually spreading half-assed information on the Interwebs. Tired of alla y'all having these arguments that are never going to change anyone's minds. Tired of people assuming they know what's going on in a random stranger's life. WHY DON'T YOU KNOCK IT OFF WITH THEM NEGATIVE WAVES?
And I admit it, I'm guilty too, especially when I'm feeling extra cranky. I'll argue with a brick wall during those times, although I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be. (Shut up.) I've been known to harsh on such venerated public figures as Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj. I complain about some of the students at the Big University. I can get flat get my snark on. But the truth is, I fight it - a lot - because it's not really helpful. Sure, it seems like a good idea at the time, but later on? Not so much. I don't particularly relish adding to the negative waves, but it just happens sometimes. I hope I crank out enough positives to make up for my transgressions.
So I'm asking you: what would happen if you stopped assuming? Stopped judging? We never know what battle someone else may be fighting. We can choose to make it worse, or we can choose to make it better somehow.
Till next time - what will you choose?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Why I changed my mind about the Kindle.
In my first-ever blog post, I talked about how I made friends with the bread machine after initially resisting it. Well, friends, technology has won me over yet again, and I am not ashamed to say so. I bought myself a Kindle Fire for Christmas and I love it.
Now, don't get me wrong - an electronical gadget will never replace real books for me. Some books are just better and more useful in real paper form, especially books involving detailed photographs of historical clothing or musical instruments. They're typically oversized anyway to accommodate the graphics. Plus, there is something innately satisfying about cradling a book in your hands and feeling the paper. I can't quite describe it, but I think most of you know what I mean. And sheet music? The Kindle is way too small for that. (Note: I know "electronical" isn't a real word. I just happen to find it amusing, like "strategery" or "misunderestimate.")
The Kindle's greatest attribute, for me, is its mobility. I can take it anywhere. If there's a wireless connection, I can get on the Interwebs. Heck, since I don't have a teevee at home in the bedroom, I can take the Kindle upstairs and stream "Twilight Zone" episodes from Netflix all night long. (what???) I watched the first two seasons of "Walking Dead" entirely on the Kindle. (I don't recommend watching that at lunchtime, though. "Fawlty Towers" is a much better choice.)
And Sweet Fancy Moses, the music. Right now I have about 40 full-length albums on the Kindle, mostly Irish stuff. (Richard Thompson is all on the iPod, along with the Beatles, in case anyone was wondering.) I've had to give myself an Amazon 1-Click budget so I don't go broke. Imagine hauling 40 CDs around with you - not that I've ever done that, of course. Now imagine hauling 40 CDs and about 40 books. That's what I've got on this gadget and the gadget fits right in my handbag. How could a book & music nerd NOT love that? I can read anydamnwhere I want!
To be fair, though, e-books aren't always cheap, and sometimes it's still more feasible to buy a used hard copy. One thing I've really enjoyed about books on the Kindle is the ability to highlight key passages. It saves them all on a Notes page so you don't have to worry about remembering what you highlighted where. This is great for me because I always seem to find myself without Post-It flags when I'm reading a hard copy book. Kindle highlighter? No problem!
And so, this 19th-century girl goes kicking and screaming again into the present, but it's really not so bad. I still don't have The Cable, though.
Till next time --- remember, if you don't change your mind about something once in awhile, you may be dead.
Now, don't get me wrong - an electronical gadget will never replace real books for me. Some books are just better and more useful in real paper form, especially books involving detailed photographs of historical clothing or musical instruments. They're typically oversized anyway to accommodate the graphics. Plus, there is something innately satisfying about cradling a book in your hands and feeling the paper. I can't quite describe it, but I think most of you know what I mean. And sheet music? The Kindle is way too small for that. (Note: I know "electronical" isn't a real word. I just happen to find it amusing, like "strategery" or "misunderestimate.")
The Kindle's greatest attribute, for me, is its mobility. I can take it anywhere. If there's a wireless connection, I can get on the Interwebs. Heck, since I don't have a teevee at home in the bedroom, I can take the Kindle upstairs and stream "Twilight Zone" episodes from Netflix all night long. (what???) I watched the first two seasons of "Walking Dead" entirely on the Kindle. (I don't recommend watching that at lunchtime, though. "Fawlty Towers" is a much better choice.)
And Sweet Fancy Moses, the music. Right now I have about 40 full-length albums on the Kindle, mostly Irish stuff. (Richard Thompson is all on the iPod, along with the Beatles, in case anyone was wondering.) I've had to give myself an Amazon 1-Click budget so I don't go broke. Imagine hauling 40 CDs around with you - not that I've ever done that, of course. Now imagine hauling 40 CDs and about 40 books. That's what I've got on this gadget and the gadget fits right in my handbag. How could a book & music nerd NOT love that? I can read anydamnwhere I want!
To be fair, though, e-books aren't always cheap, and sometimes it's still more feasible to buy a used hard copy. One thing I've really enjoyed about books on the Kindle is the ability to highlight key passages. It saves them all on a Notes page so you don't have to worry about remembering what you highlighted where. This is great for me because I always seem to find myself without Post-It flags when I'm reading a hard copy book. Kindle highlighter? No problem!
And so, this 19th-century girl goes kicking and screaming again into the present, but it's really not so bad. I still don't have The Cable, though.
Till next time --- remember, if you don't change your mind about something once in awhile, you may be dead.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Showing my age.
The other morning, I caught part of an informercial for an anti-wrinkle product. Said infomercial was hosted by actress Minnie Driver, age 40, extolling the virtues of this product and how it made her look so much younger.
Really? You need to look younger at 40? Exactly how much younger are we talking? It ain't like 40 is ancient. When did it become a crime to actually look your age?
They say a lady doesn't tell her age, but I'll just tell alla y'all right now, I'm 45. FORTY-FIVE. I'm not ashamed of it. I'm thrilled that I've lived long enough to experience all the joys of being a middle-aged woman: weight gain, crazy hormones, gray hair, tiny wrinkles. I earned all that stuff, as inconvenient as some of it may be. And it's all MINE. I plan on keeping my hair red as long as I can, and when I can't anymore, it's going gray. End of story.
Now, granted, I don't look what most people think 45 looks like. I'm fortunate to come from a family of fairly young-looking people, so I do have genetics on my side a little. I also have better science on my side than my parents and grandparents did. Because of that, I think many of us in my age group do look younger at 45 than our parents probably did. I mean, we have sunscreen now that will actually keep you from getting a sunburn (unless you're in Jamaica, but that's another story).
Why the fascination with youth? It pains me to see women like Joan Rivers and Priscilla Presley go under the knife so many times they look freakish. What's wrong with owning those wrinkles, like Helen Mirren or Judi Dench or Maggie Smith? The Dowager Countess would look ridiculous if she were all young and smooth-faced.
I have to admit, when I had my last birthday, I did have a little bit of a quandary. It was like, "oh shit, I'm 45, I guess I have to start acting like an adult now." This lasted all of about a week, if that long. I already gave up ultra-short skirts and bikinis awhile back (although it nearly killed me to admit I just wasn't shaped properly for them anymore), but I ain't turning in my collection of skulls, or my quirky t-shirts, or my crazy shoes, or my outrageous eyeglasses. Nope. Not happening. I may be getting older, but I still plan on having fun, even when my hair goes all gray. Heck, when that happens, I may just shave my head and wear turbans all the time.
Till next time --- be proud of your age. Namaste.
Really? You need to look younger at 40? Exactly how much younger are we talking? It ain't like 40 is ancient. When did it become a crime to actually look your age?
They say a lady doesn't tell her age, but I'll just tell alla y'all right now, I'm 45. FORTY-FIVE. I'm not ashamed of it. I'm thrilled that I've lived long enough to experience all the joys of being a middle-aged woman: weight gain, crazy hormones, gray hair, tiny wrinkles. I earned all that stuff, as inconvenient as some of it may be. And it's all MINE. I plan on keeping my hair red as long as I can, and when I can't anymore, it's going gray. End of story.
Now, granted, I don't look what most people think 45 looks like. I'm fortunate to come from a family of fairly young-looking people, so I do have genetics on my side a little. I also have better science on my side than my parents and grandparents did. Because of that, I think many of us in my age group do look younger at 45 than our parents probably did. I mean, we have sunscreen now that will actually keep you from getting a sunburn (unless you're in Jamaica, but that's another story).
Why the fascination with youth? It pains me to see women like Joan Rivers and Priscilla Presley go under the knife so many times they look freakish. What's wrong with owning those wrinkles, like Helen Mirren or Judi Dench or Maggie Smith? The Dowager Countess would look ridiculous if she were all young and smooth-faced.
I have to admit, when I had my last birthday, I did have a little bit of a quandary. It was like, "oh shit, I'm 45, I guess I have to start acting like an adult now." This lasted all of about a week, if that long. I already gave up ultra-short skirts and bikinis awhile back (although it nearly killed me to admit I just wasn't shaped properly for them anymore), but I ain't turning in my collection of skulls, or my quirky t-shirts, or my crazy shoes, or my outrageous eyeglasses. Nope. Not happening. I may be getting older, but I still plan on having fun, even when my hair goes all gray. Heck, when that happens, I may just shave my head and wear turbans all the time.
Till next time --- be proud of your age. Namaste.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Come on, people now. . .
Smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now.
How hard is that, really? Well, it certainly isn't EASY or there wouldn't be so many people struggling with it, or songs sung about it,or books written about it. It's not easy. That's why you have to try.
Yeah, I know, some of you are shaking your heads at me, calling me a commie pinko leftist hippie or something similar, but I am none of those. (Okay, maybe a little bit hippie.) I'm just a human being, like you. And lately, I've been giving this concept of loving everybody a lot of thought. We have a limited time on this earth, and I don't know about you, but I don't want to waste time being angry or hating anyone.
I'm not talking about being BFFs with everybody. I'm not talking about insisting the sun is out when it's obvious it's raining. I'm talking about not bearing grudges or resentment over things that don't matter. Because really, guess who feels it most when you hold a grudge? YOU. And those things that do matter? Don't hold grudges. Talk about it instead, then let it go, or else be dragged. Maybe you'll come to a solution, maybe you won't, but at least you will have tried, and that's all you can do.
And then there's forgiveness, a concept too many people don't seem to fully understand. Heck, I'm not sure I understand it altogether myself, if you want to know the truth. But here's what I think: forgiveness has to do with letting go of your own destructive feelings. It doesn't mean you have to let the person who hurt you back into your good graces if you don't want to. I mean, let's face it - there are good and valid reasons why some relationships shouldn't be repaired, but there's no reason for you to harbor bitterness over it for the rest of your life. Because I'll guarantee you, the other person doesn't care.
I have a large circle of friends who all have varied opinions on different issues. They're not my friends because we agree on everything - trust me, we don't. Even a few of my oldest, closest friends have opinions spectacularly opposite of mine. They're my friends because we bonded over something that was way more important than who we voted for in the last election. If I based friendships on political opinions . . . well, that would just be a complete fiasco, wouldn't it?
I know sometimes it's hard to love humanity, but I think there are more reasons to love it than not. You'll find them if you give it a good honest look.
Till next time --- quit your meanness and go to lovin' folks.
How hard is that, really? Well, it certainly isn't EASY or there wouldn't be so many people struggling with it, or songs sung about it,or books written about it. It's not easy. That's why you have to try.
Yeah, I know, some of you are shaking your heads at me, calling me a commie pinko leftist hippie or something similar, but I am none of those. (Okay, maybe a little bit hippie.) I'm just a human being, like you. And lately, I've been giving this concept of loving everybody a lot of thought. We have a limited time on this earth, and I don't know about you, but I don't want to waste time being angry or hating anyone.
I'm not talking about being BFFs with everybody. I'm not talking about insisting the sun is out when it's obvious it's raining. I'm talking about not bearing grudges or resentment over things that don't matter. Because really, guess who feels it most when you hold a grudge? YOU. And those things that do matter? Don't hold grudges. Talk about it instead, then let it go, or else be dragged. Maybe you'll come to a solution, maybe you won't, but at least you will have tried, and that's all you can do.
And then there's forgiveness, a concept too many people don't seem to fully understand. Heck, I'm not sure I understand it altogether myself, if you want to know the truth. But here's what I think: forgiveness has to do with letting go of your own destructive feelings. It doesn't mean you have to let the person who hurt you back into your good graces if you don't want to. I mean, let's face it - there are good and valid reasons why some relationships shouldn't be repaired, but there's no reason for you to harbor bitterness over it for the rest of your life. Because I'll guarantee you, the other person doesn't care.
I have a large circle of friends who all have varied opinions on different issues. They're not my friends because we agree on everything - trust me, we don't. Even a few of my oldest, closest friends have opinions spectacularly opposite of mine. They're my friends because we bonded over something that was way more important than who we voted for in the last election. If I based friendships on political opinions . . . well, that would just be a complete fiasco, wouldn't it?
I know sometimes it's hard to love humanity, but I think there are more reasons to love it than not. You'll find them if you give it a good honest look.
Till next time --- quit your meanness and go to lovin' folks.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Pearls and Black Dogs.
Well, hi-ho and happy new year. I hope 2013 has gotten off to a good start for alla y'all. As for me, I was doing just fine, thank you, till this week of gloomy weather got me all out of sorts. Now the Black Dog is trailing me, nipping at my heels, just waiting to jump, as frequently happens during this cold, dark time of year.
Originally I had written a gloomy post about depression, which was cathartic for me, but when I read it, I decided I couldn't take you all down with me. Just because I'm swimming in the mud right now doesn't mean you need to be in it too. But while I was feeling all sorry for myself, I checked some of my links on ReverbNation to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be, and in doing so, got smacked upside the head with my very own words. Usually I hate it when that happens, but this time I chuckled.
I wrote this song many years ago after being inspired by one of those insipid daily horoscope things. (Hey, when the Muse speaks, I don't question.) It said, "Oysters couldn't make pearls without irritating grains of sand." Well, of course. Irritation or dissatisfaction is the thing that spurs us to action, so all those irritations and inconveniences - or as my friend Shawn describes them, "steaming piles of teachable moments" - could be a gift in wolf's clothing. I try to remember that nothing is permanent, that this is only temporary, and maybe this grain of sand might just turn into a pearl.
(You can listen here: just click on Pearls.)
Till next time --- consider the pearl.
Originally I had written a gloomy post about depression, which was cathartic for me, but when I read it, I decided I couldn't take you all down with me. Just because I'm swimming in the mud right now doesn't mean you need to be in it too. But while I was feeling all sorry for myself, I checked some of my links on ReverbNation to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be, and in doing so, got smacked upside the head with my very own words. Usually I hate it when that happens, but this time I chuckled.
I wrote this song many years ago after being inspired by one of those insipid daily horoscope things. (Hey, when the Muse speaks, I don't question.) It said, "Oysters couldn't make pearls without irritating grains of sand." Well, of course. Irritation or dissatisfaction is the thing that spurs us to action, so all those irritations and inconveniences - or as my friend Shawn describes them, "steaming piles of teachable moments" - could be a gift in wolf's clothing. I try to remember that nothing is permanent, that this is only temporary, and maybe this grain of sand might just turn into a pearl.
Pearls
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
It’s been that way since time began
No
joy without sorrow
No
night without tomorrow
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
Sometimes
this world is full of every doubt
You
can’t believe everything will all work out
The
answer lies within your hands
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
When
it seems like tears will never cease
And
the burden on your shoulders just won’t ease
Remember
when you can’t keep up with life’s demands
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
It’s
been that way since time began
No
joy without sorrow
No
night without tomorrow
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
So
round, so perfect and so small
Revered
and loved by one and all
The
tiny gem in the palm of your hand
Used
to be just another grain of sand
Many
struggles and trials we shall face
And
the heartaches that time just won’t erase
It’s
all part of a greater master plan
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
It’s
been that way since time began
No
joy without sorrow
No
night without tomorrow
There’s
no pearl without a grain of sand
There’s no pearl without a grain of sand(You can listen here: just click on Pearls.)
Till next time --- consider the pearl.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Joy in the mundane.
Like many of you, I've had a lot on my mind this week. It's hard to feel spirited in the midst of a national tragedy when it seems like the world is completely f-ed up and spinning out of control. But as a wise hobbit once said, "There's still good in the world, and it's worth fighting for."
To wit:
Music. Puppies. Kittens. Fat little squirmy babies. Lunch with friends. Music. Holding hands. Melty cheese. Champagne. Napping on the couch on a Sunday afternoon. Music. Dancing like a fool till you hurt all over. Tacky Christmas decorations. New adventures. Have I mentioned music already? Iced mocha. Foot rubs. Sunshine. Soft green grass. The moon in the sky. Wind chimes. Making stuff with your own hands. Hats. Sleeping late. Old movies. Walking barefoot on the beach. Reading to a child. Learning a new skill. Teaching someone a new skill. Random kindness from strangers. Otters. Hot homemade bread. A bra that actually fits. Cute shoes. Music. Wine. Homebrew. Hugh Jackman. Art museums. Double rainbows. Lilacs in bloom. Peace, love, and understanding. True friends who have your back. Unconditional love. I did mention music, right?
There is joy in the mundane, although sometimes it is admittedly hard to find. You may just have to look a little harder, but I promise it's there.
I want to leave you with a link to a story about finding joy in simplicity. Maybe you've heard it before, maybe you haven't, but give it a listen either way: John Henry Faulk's Christmas Story.
Till next time, try finding the good that's still worth fighting for.
To wit:
Music. Puppies. Kittens. Fat little squirmy babies. Lunch with friends. Music. Holding hands. Melty cheese. Champagne. Napping on the couch on a Sunday afternoon. Music. Dancing like a fool till you hurt all over. Tacky Christmas decorations. New adventures. Have I mentioned music already? Iced mocha. Foot rubs. Sunshine. Soft green grass. The moon in the sky. Wind chimes. Making stuff with your own hands. Hats. Sleeping late. Old movies. Walking barefoot on the beach. Reading to a child. Learning a new skill. Teaching someone a new skill. Random kindness from strangers. Otters. Hot homemade bread. A bra that actually fits. Cute shoes. Music. Wine. Homebrew. Hugh Jackman. Art museums. Double rainbows. Lilacs in bloom. Peace, love, and understanding. True friends who have your back. Unconditional love. I did mention music, right?
There is joy in the mundane, although sometimes it is admittedly hard to find. You may just have to look a little harder, but I promise it's there.
I want to leave you with a link to a story about finding joy in simplicity. Maybe you've heard it before, maybe you haven't, but give it a listen either way: John Henry Faulk's Christmas Story.
Till next time, try finding the good that's still worth fighting for.
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