People are stupid.
I guess I could just stop there and let you draw your own conclusions - but I must comment on the latest examples. I read this morning that 2 Federal class action suits were filed yesterday in Manhattan courts pertaining to the beleaguered James Frey. One suit claims that it was a waste of time for readers to read A Million Little Pieces - and they want reimbursement for the cost of the book - and the cost of the hours spent wading through the fictionalized memoir.
Breathe.
Here comes the next one: Social worker, Jennifer Cohn, who recommended the book to her clients because of its positive spin on freedom from addiction, is suing for 10 million dollars on behalf of the people who were "injured" by finding out that the book was not all together truthful.
There are similar lawsuits in Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Dear Lord.
I see stupid people.
Give me a break!
sigh.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
A POUND OF FLESH - CARVED INTO "A MILLION LITTLE PIECES"
Let me begin by saying that I read James Frey's now infamous non-fiction memoir/novel/pack of lies, only because I caught the end of the Oprah show where she had everyone and their brother singing its praises. I didn't even know what the book was about - but I decided that any book that had so many people exclaiming that they could not put it down just had to be good. I was wrong. I found it boring, unbelievable, and since it was written in a semi-stream-of-consciousness (unconsciousness?) format, difficult to follow. Anyone who knows me well - knows that if I buy a book, I will read it - no matter what! So when I finished it, I tossed it in my bookcase and chalked up the experience as a lesson learned. Don't believe everything you hear on Oprah. Ha! Ha!
Last week, I watched with the world, as Oprah tore James Frey into something resembling the the title of his book - A Million Little Pieces. It was uncomfortable to watch and it reminded me that if Oprah has the power to raise someone to unbelievable heights - she also has the power to push them publically off a cliff, especially if she feels she has been duped. In his book, James presented himself as a macho-man of herculean proportions. Anyone with half a brain could tell he was embellishing and elaborating his story - so again, I am amazed at the controversy and think that perhaps Oprah should have read the book a bit more carefully. He insists that he tried numerous times to market the book as fiction and could not get any takers. I believe him. I know first hand how impossible it is to break into the publishing world - and so, I can also understand his temptation to agree to publish the book as he did - as a non-fiction memoir. I felt so sorry for him as he sat miserably between Oprah/god and his turncoat publisher who claimed to have also been duped. Yeah - right.
I can't say that I agree with his choice - first of all, it was really stupid to lie about stuff that is so easily checked. Especially in this age of "information" where virtually everything about us is readily available to anyone with a little bit of technical knowledge. I do think it is a sad comment on humanity in general that as soon as someone succeeds, there are entire websites devoted to finding any shred of information that can destroy them. But that is a subject for another blog. I also find it sad that this story of one man's humiliation dominated all the major news networks - shoving really important issues to the back burner. It seemed like a glorified version of the weird curiousity that makes people gawk at car wrecks.
And - in response to the accusation that thousands of drug addicts and alcoholics have been hurt by Frey's dishonesty, I just have to say again , "Yeah, right." That is simply providing them another excuse. Frey was an addict (documented) - he is sober and has been for some time (also documented) AND, he wrote a book (memoir/novel - whatever) which is an amazing accomplishment for anyone. He has been moving forward in life and that should be inspiring enough.
Am I advocating lies? Certainly not. I guess I am advocating grace. Can you imagine how you would feel if "The Smoking Gun" suddenly turned the spotlight on you, uncovered one of your less-then-stellar choices in life and you ended up on the Oprah show for a public lashing? Hmmmm.....puts a different spin on things, doesn't it.
Last week, I watched with the world, as Oprah tore James Frey into something resembling the the title of his book - A Million Little Pieces. It was uncomfortable to watch and it reminded me that if Oprah has the power to raise someone to unbelievable heights - she also has the power to push them publically off a cliff, especially if she feels she has been duped. In his book, James presented himself as a macho-man of herculean proportions. Anyone with half a brain could tell he was embellishing and elaborating his story - so again, I am amazed at the controversy and think that perhaps Oprah should have read the book a bit more carefully. He insists that he tried numerous times to market the book as fiction and could not get any takers. I believe him. I know first hand how impossible it is to break into the publishing world - and so, I can also understand his temptation to agree to publish the book as he did - as a non-fiction memoir. I felt so sorry for him as he sat miserably between Oprah/god and his turncoat publisher who claimed to have also been duped. Yeah - right.
I can't say that I agree with his choice - first of all, it was really stupid to lie about stuff that is so easily checked. Especially in this age of "information" where virtually everything about us is readily available to anyone with a little bit of technical knowledge. I do think it is a sad comment on humanity in general that as soon as someone succeeds, there are entire websites devoted to finding any shred of information that can destroy them. But that is a subject for another blog. I also find it sad that this story of one man's humiliation dominated all the major news networks - shoving really important issues to the back burner. It seemed like a glorified version of the weird curiousity that makes people gawk at car wrecks.
And - in response to the accusation that thousands of drug addicts and alcoholics have been hurt by Frey's dishonesty, I just have to say again , "Yeah, right." That is simply providing them another excuse. Frey was an addict (documented) - he is sober and has been for some time (also documented) AND, he wrote a book (memoir/novel - whatever) which is an amazing accomplishment for anyone. He has been moving forward in life and that should be inspiring enough.
Am I advocating lies? Certainly not. I guess I am advocating grace. Can you imagine how you would feel if "The Smoking Gun" suddenly turned the spotlight on you, uncovered one of your less-then-stellar choices in life and you ended up on the Oprah show for a public lashing? Hmmmm.....puts a different spin on things, doesn't it.
Monday, January 23, 2006
NIGHT
When I first visited the Holocaust museum years ago, I vowed to read Elie Wiesel's Night...but I didn't. When I visited the museum AGAIN two years ago - I reaffirmed my desire to read this book. Once again, I procrastinated. Not sure why....it is a short memoir, and I certainly know the story, so I was not avoiding the subject matter. Before Christmas, I decided to buy the book - but I couldn't find it. Then - I went to Barnes and Noble just a week ago and the first thing I saw was a huge display of Night - only now it proudly bore the little round sticker that guarantees it will rocket to success: Oprah's Book Club. I must say - it couldn't happen to a better book!
As I stated - I am very familiar with this sad part of history and have seen many movies and documentaries on the subject - but the thing that sets this book apart is the voice of the narrator. Elie Wiesel becomes the representative spokesperson - a survivor who testifies to the evil of Hitler's Third Reich. Just a sad-eyed boy with the number A-7713 tattooed on his left arm - a boy who came of age after WWII among orphans belonging to no country. He has spent his life telling the story, hoping that the words, "Never Again" will eventually resonate within the hearts of all men.
By reading his account, I realized how subtle and insidious the advancement of Hitler's madness really was - and how an entire nation of people were lulled into complacency in the face of unimaginable horror. I started to think about our world today - a world where the leader of Iran insists that the Holocaust never happened...and world where the cover story of Parade magazine this week was about the ten worst dicators - many who are masters of terror in their own countries, just as Hitler was in his. A world where the words, "Never Again" are only whispers. It frightens me.
I am not afraid of nuclear bombs, or even terrorist attacks. I am more afraid of a dullness of heart - a complacency and tolerance of bigotry and prejudice and persecution on our planet. I am afraid of that insidious lie that creeps in - that lie that says if it doesn't affect me, it isn't important.
Oprah did a great thing by picking this book for her Book Club. Maybe it will elevate this slim memoir above the din of political arguments and the tiresome noise of self-absorption and just maybe it will open our ears to hear the cries of the wounded human spirit - and infuse us with the courage to shout "Never Again" loudly enough for elected officials to really listen...and to infuse us with the strength to hold them accountable, if they do not.
Read this book. You will never forget it.
As I stated - I am very familiar with this sad part of history and have seen many movies and documentaries on the subject - but the thing that sets this book apart is the voice of the narrator. Elie Wiesel becomes the representative spokesperson - a survivor who testifies to the evil of Hitler's Third Reich. Just a sad-eyed boy with the number A-7713 tattooed on his left arm - a boy who came of age after WWII among orphans belonging to no country. He has spent his life telling the story, hoping that the words, "Never Again" will eventually resonate within the hearts of all men.
By reading his account, I realized how subtle and insidious the advancement of Hitler's madness really was - and how an entire nation of people were lulled into complacency in the face of unimaginable horror. I started to think about our world today - a world where the leader of Iran insists that the Holocaust never happened...and world where the cover story of Parade magazine this week was about the ten worst dicators - many who are masters of terror in their own countries, just as Hitler was in his. A world where the words, "Never Again" are only whispers. It frightens me.
I am not afraid of nuclear bombs, or even terrorist attacks. I am more afraid of a dullness of heart - a complacency and tolerance of bigotry and prejudice and persecution on our planet. I am afraid of that insidious lie that creeps in - that lie that says if it doesn't affect me, it isn't important.
Oprah did a great thing by picking this book for her Book Club. Maybe it will elevate this slim memoir above the din of political arguments and the tiresome noise of self-absorption and just maybe it will open our ears to hear the cries of the wounded human spirit - and infuse us with the courage to shout "Never Again" loudly enough for elected officials to really listen...and to infuse us with the strength to hold them accountable, if they do not.
Read this book. You will never forget it.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
I KNOW...I KNOW...IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE!
Yesterday, Marilyn and I went to Costco...and stayed. And stayed. And stayed. Let me explain.
I locked my keys in the car. sigh.
I NEVER do that! My first take charge response was, "I don't know what to do," (uttered in my weakest, most pitiful voice.) Then, I remembered the AAA card that I had been carting around for years but never needed. They were very nice on the phone...and gave me a case number to use if I had not received assistance within an hour and a half! I told Marilyn that if we were there that long then we would just have to walk (roll wheelchair/push) home. Right. Within 30 minutes, AAA called back and said that someone was on their way and should be there within the next 20 minutes. I felt encouraged. 30 minutes later, they called again and said that the locksmith had been tied up with another call - and this car had a dog in it. Hmmmm....they thanked me for my patience, (which was running thin!) I had to go to the bathroom - a curse of all women, especially after age 50! We were waiting outside the tire center, and so I asked to use their bathroom. An interesting experience! It was located inside the shop and was filled with 10 to 15 pairs of smelly sneakers - and enough forms of grease to warrant a scientific study. All I could think about was my sister - who is a bit of a germaphobe. She would have died of uremia before using that bathroom. I was obviously less picky - and in desperate need! Anyway - I lived, and went back outside to continue the wait. As the sun went down - it was REALLY chilly...and just as I was about to become truly cranky, our little locksmith showed up. We had been waiting a little over two hours. (I must add that Marilyn was the most positive, cheery soul to be locked out of my car with!)
The experience exhausted me, and I was glad when the day was over and I could collapse into bed. But, this morning, over my coffee, I was reminded of one of the rules of life: it could have been worse.
In the morning paper was a small article about a man in Berlin who stopped to use a portable toilet on the side of the road. It had been snowing there for several days, and while he was in the potty doing his - ahem - business, the lock froze, trapping him inside. He was freed after yelling to someone in the next toilet. (They must have a string of these things along the highway there.) That person called the police - who did not arrive to help him until an hour later.
So....I had to admit that waiting two hours outside Costco was far preferable to being trapped in a stinky portable toilet freezing my butt off - without any cheery company! Yep....things could definitely been worse!
I hope the poor man had toilet paper. The article didn't say. If he did - then he, too, learned the life lesson. Even for him, it could have been worse.
I locked my keys in the car. sigh.
I NEVER do that! My first take charge response was, "I don't know what to do," (uttered in my weakest, most pitiful voice.) Then, I remembered the AAA card that I had been carting around for years but never needed. They were very nice on the phone...and gave me a case number to use if I had not received assistance within an hour and a half! I told Marilyn that if we were there that long then we would just have to walk (roll wheelchair/push) home. Right. Within 30 minutes, AAA called back and said that someone was on their way and should be there within the next 20 minutes. I felt encouraged. 30 minutes later, they called again and said that the locksmith had been tied up with another call - and this car had a dog in it. Hmmmm....they thanked me for my patience, (which was running thin!) I had to go to the bathroom - a curse of all women, especially after age 50! We were waiting outside the tire center, and so I asked to use their bathroom. An interesting experience! It was located inside the shop and was filled with 10 to 15 pairs of smelly sneakers - and enough forms of grease to warrant a scientific study. All I could think about was my sister - who is a bit of a germaphobe. She would have died of uremia before using that bathroom. I was obviously less picky - and in desperate need! Anyway - I lived, and went back outside to continue the wait. As the sun went down - it was REALLY chilly...and just as I was about to become truly cranky, our little locksmith showed up. We had been waiting a little over two hours. (I must add that Marilyn was the most positive, cheery soul to be locked out of my car with!)
The experience exhausted me, and I was glad when the day was over and I could collapse into bed. But, this morning, over my coffee, I was reminded of one of the rules of life: it could have been worse.
In the morning paper was a small article about a man in Berlin who stopped to use a portable toilet on the side of the road. It had been snowing there for several days, and while he was in the potty doing his - ahem - business, the lock froze, trapping him inside. He was freed after yelling to someone in the next toilet. (They must have a string of these things along the highway there.) That person called the police - who did not arrive to help him until an hour later.
So....I had to admit that waiting two hours outside Costco was far preferable to being trapped in a stinky portable toilet freezing my butt off - without any cheery company! Yep....things could definitely been worse!
I hope the poor man had toilet paper. The article didn't say. If he did - then he, too, learned the life lesson. Even for him, it could have been worse.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
I KNEW I LOVED COFFEE FOR SOME REASON OTHER THAN THE CAFFEINE!
"A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She didn't know how she was going to make it, and wanted to give up. She was tired of struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots; in the second, she placed eggs; and in the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then, she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted it, and enjoyed its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the frangrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
I was getting ready to write my blog on a different subject this morning when I received this in my e-mail. It was so good, I had to share it - so I decided to put my own thoughts off until tomorrow! Don't know who wrote this - but I liked it.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots; in the second, she placed eggs; and in the last, she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then, she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.
Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted it, and enjoyed its rich aroma.
The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.
The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the frangrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
I was getting ready to write my blog on a different subject this morning when I received this in my e-mail. It was so good, I had to share it - so I decided to put my own thoughts off until tomorrow! Don't know who wrote this - but I liked it.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
MONKEY BUSINESS
I took a ride on the roller coaster from hell....at least, that is how I felt when I left the theater this weekend after my three hour experience with a giant monkey. Yes...I went to see King Kong. I knew this was the kind of film I had to see on the big screen to appreciate it - and I was not disappointed. It will not receive any Oscars for Best Acting (I still haven't figured out what Adrian Brody was doing in this movie!)...but for special effects and a non-stop thrill ride, it deserves all the accolades available. The first hour was slow - but after that - it took off and all the movie-goer could do was hang on. I went with my son and his wife. My son kept murmuring "Awesome"...while his poor wife was balled up in her seat, watching the action through her fingers. I probably would have done the same, but my flexibility isn't what it used to be!!!
So - for "amusement-park-thrill-ride-entertainment", go see King Kong. Don't expect a meaningful "film"...just go for the fun of it. And don't be embarassed if you tear up at the end. King Kong wasn't just a dumb monkey, after all!
So - for "amusement-park-thrill-ride-entertainment", go see King Kong. Don't expect a meaningful "film"...just go for the fun of it. And don't be embarassed if you tear up at the end. King Kong wasn't just a dumb monkey, after all!
Friday, January 06, 2006
WHEN IS THE RIGHT WRONG?
There is a small independent Baptist church, that I pass daily, with a sign in front of it that annoys me everytime I see it. Actually - it annoys me MORE each time I see it. In bold letters, that seem to be made from flames, it reads: DEATH IS SURE - ARE YOU PREPARED?
The thing that bugs me about this stupid sign is that it reduces Christianity to some sort of wierd insurance policy. Is it just about what is supposed to happen after you die? Do people who believe there is value in this type of "evangelism" truly find nothing positive about their beliefs that they can apply in this world - in this life??? Or is their faith just some unseen stamp on their life passport that guarentees them a favorable destination in the afterlife? How sad. This type of spirituality is so shallow and empty - and yet, those who believe this way are usually the most outspoken and visually-present representatives who claim to be followers of Jesus.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized that love is everything...absolutely everything. Why then are so many Christians missing that point? What is loving about the sign in front of this church? Oh sure - I know the arguement of doctrine. That old, "How can you say you love others and let them go to hell?" stuff. But, I ask, "How can you show love to anyone by continuing to be judgemental, negative, discouraging and superior?" (I wonder how many unchurched people have actually been influenced by this sign and come to the church door wanting to know more? I wonder how successful this sign has been in increasing the church membership. Perhaps they should rethink its effectiveness.)
Then, there is Pat Robertson. sigh. Actually, the fact that he is still breathing is the real proof that God is nothing like who Pat thinks He is. If God thought like Pat Robertson, Pat and his 700 Club empire would be nothing but smoldering ash. Yes, Pat Robertson proves that grace exists. But I think he does little to show anyone the true nature of the God he claims to serve.
Okay...I am ranting. But, it really makes me mad. We each need to be pouring out love and grace in this world we live in. We need authentic faith - not some cheap and mean-spirited imitation. I do not believe that the Religious Right IS right - and I don't mind saying so. They do not speak for me...and maybe it is time for each of us to step away from the herd mentality and be real. Be relevant. Be outrageously committed to kindness, peace, and genuine love. I have often heard it said that you - or I - may be the only Jesus people ever see. Gives us a lot to think about...because it is an awesome personal responsibility. Everyday, we walk through the world as a human "sign". What does yours say?
The thing that bugs me about this stupid sign is that it reduces Christianity to some sort of wierd insurance policy. Is it just about what is supposed to happen after you die? Do people who believe there is value in this type of "evangelism" truly find nothing positive about their beliefs that they can apply in this world - in this life??? Or is their faith just some unseen stamp on their life passport that guarentees them a favorable destination in the afterlife? How sad. This type of spirituality is so shallow and empty - and yet, those who believe this way are usually the most outspoken and visually-present representatives who claim to be followers of Jesus.
Jesus repeatedly emphasized that love is everything...absolutely everything. Why then are so many Christians missing that point? What is loving about the sign in front of this church? Oh sure - I know the arguement of doctrine. That old, "How can you say you love others and let them go to hell?" stuff. But, I ask, "How can you show love to anyone by continuing to be judgemental, negative, discouraging and superior?" (I wonder how many unchurched people have actually been influenced by this sign and come to the church door wanting to know more? I wonder how successful this sign has been in increasing the church membership. Perhaps they should rethink its effectiveness.)
Then, there is Pat Robertson. sigh. Actually, the fact that he is still breathing is the real proof that God is nothing like who Pat thinks He is. If God thought like Pat Robertson, Pat and his 700 Club empire would be nothing but smoldering ash. Yes, Pat Robertson proves that grace exists. But I think he does little to show anyone the true nature of the God he claims to serve.
Okay...I am ranting. But, it really makes me mad. We each need to be pouring out love and grace in this world we live in. We need authentic faith - not some cheap and mean-spirited imitation. I do not believe that the Religious Right IS right - and I don't mind saying so. They do not speak for me...and maybe it is time for each of us to step away from the herd mentality and be real. Be relevant. Be outrageously committed to kindness, peace, and genuine love. I have often heard it said that you - or I - may be the only Jesus people ever see. Gives us a lot to think about...because it is an awesome personal responsibility. Everyday, we walk through the world as a human "sign". What does yours say?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I love New Year's Day!!! A fresh beginning...a new start...the ultimate "do-over"! For the last few days we have all endured the year-in-review programs that the news stations seem to be so fond of. Images of the Tsunami and Katrina flashed non-stop on the TV...reminders of scandals (I hope I NEVER have to see Michael Jackson in his pj's again) and fond farewells to famous people who have died...the horrors of the war in Iraq and the unrest in the Middle East...the continuing floods and wild fires, etc. Makes anyone want to escape into the promise of 2006 and leave all of that misery of the last year behind.
I used to enjoy making resolutions, even though I knew that I probably would not keep them. Still I made my lists of things like: lose weight, exercise more, etc. You know - those challenges that seem universal and doomed to failure. But this year, something else came to mind. I decided to make the resolution to see every day as being a gift - just like New Year's. Every day has the promise of a clean slate...of new discoveries and blessings to be grateful for. This year, I want to approach each day with the proverbial "attitude of gratitude" and the determination to learn more, grow more, and be kinder - enjoying grace and bestowing it on those around me. I want to see the new day with an awareness that feeds my creativity and a quiet sense of awe for the wonders that only require my mind to be truly present in order to unwrap them. Perhaps I will enjoy more success with this type of resolution.
At least, on this day - I am gloriously hopeful!!!!
Happy New Year to all of you!
I used to enjoy making resolutions, even though I knew that I probably would not keep them. Still I made my lists of things like: lose weight, exercise more, etc. You know - those challenges that seem universal and doomed to failure. But this year, something else came to mind. I decided to make the resolution to see every day as being a gift - just like New Year's. Every day has the promise of a clean slate...of new discoveries and blessings to be grateful for. This year, I want to approach each day with the proverbial "attitude of gratitude" and the determination to learn more, grow more, and be kinder - enjoying grace and bestowing it on those around me. I want to see the new day with an awareness that feeds my creativity and a quiet sense of awe for the wonders that only require my mind to be truly present in order to unwrap them. Perhaps I will enjoy more success with this type of resolution.
At least, on this day - I am gloriously hopeful!!!!
Happy New Year to all of you!
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