Licensing

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Thursday, December 6, 2007

Twinkle Twinkle

Twinkle Twinkle little lights
Hope you'll help us through these nights
Nights alone and oh so cold
Listening to the stories told.
Nights with friends so far away
Wishing for a better day.
Twinkle Twinkle little light
Please help make this holiday bright
Please fill a cup with something warm
And help us make it through the storm
With faith just like a little child
And with a countenance so mild.
Twinkle Twinkle little light
God help us now with all His might.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Possibilities

The other day I came across a reference to postmodernism that discussed the nihilism associated with it, the loss of self, the loss of values--but it also discussed the positive progressive aspects of the postmodern, that which lets go of what was lost, to move on, to move forward, to look at new possibilities.

These words spoke to me deeper than anything has in a long time. Loss is something we all experience in life--loss of friendships, loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, loss of self respect. There are many things I have lost in my life, and I realize I've been carrying around the sadness of those losses, the burden still on my shoulders even though I cannot do anything about it. I believe it's time to let it go, to free myself, to move forward toward new possibilities.

When I think about new possibilities, I get caught up in the language--Master the possibilities, the commercial said. But the commercials have also shown us the truly priceless things in life--being with friends, being with family, enjoying simple pleasures, smiling at the sunshine, enjoying the quiet patter of rain, finding joy in things others may seem strange. There are new possibilities out there for me, and for you.

Some losses are not so easy to release. Parts of those losses will be with me always; they are so deeply ingrained in me that to release them would also mean losing part of myself. I need to find a way to make these special losses different, to make them there, but not there, sad, but not sorrowful, a part of me, but not evident, releasing the pain, not the loss. That, too, is a new possibility, of accepting some things that I cannot change, but not letting that prevent me from moving forward, from opening my life to new possibilities.

Master the possibilities--master the challenge--possibilities open up when we jettison those things that are lost. I'm not waiting for these possibilities to come and find me. I'm going out to find them. Life is in here, but it's also out there, bring me that horizon!

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Living at the Speed of Light

As I was driving along down the expressway, going somewhat over the speed limit, I was amazed that other cars were passing me like I was standing still. Now I'm not a stickler for doing the speed limit, but I do believe in being in the neighborhood. As the cars sped past me, I wondered what was the big hurry.

Then I began thinking that driving isn't the only part of our lives where we're moving fast. Whether it be at work, at home, at school, our lives are moving so fast that they are becoming unrecognizable. We are always in touch, always on the go, rushing toward...what?

A challenge I am making to myself (and to anyone else who cares to take it up) is to spend a few moments each day stopping, being aware, focusing, taking a bit of time to recompose, take a breath, feel truly alive.

Rushing through our lives we forget all the little things that can be so very important. We also forget about the other people out there. Because of this, there's a certain loss of humanity. Going through the motions of life isn't enough. Do we notice that the car going a bit slower is being driven by an elderly woman who is probably not comfortable driving on the expressway? Do we notice the person behind us pushing the stroller as we enter a mall? Do we notice the people working hard behind the counter of our favorite coffee shop as we wait for our order?

Why do we need Christmas music before Thanksgiving? Why were Christmas trees competing with pumpkins just a few weeks ago? A "Lite FM" station has started their "all Christmas music, all the time" programming already. I don't want Christmas to be less special. I don't want to forget about Thanksgiving.

I have been going for walks around the park and noticing the other people, the animals, the trees and sky. Life doesn't have to be lived at the speed of light. There is more to life. Look around and you'll see it.

Friday, November 2, 2007

A Beginning

Greetings from the blogosphere. Welcome to my little corner of the universe, a place for me to write, to keep what I write, to correct, edit, revise...a place where I can talk about my writing, self critique my writing...a place where I can grow, learn...a place where I can welcome friends, colleagues, critics. So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and settle in.