Abnormally Normal People: Hors d'oeuvres For Thought

How Do You Define Physical Beauty?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:02:32 GMT

We are taught from a very young age to revere physical beauty. It isn't until we get much older that we figure out it's inner beauty that matters most. That interim time we spend soothing our eyes with what we consider aesthetically pleasing is often times accompanied by mending our broken hearts. For most of us, those wasted days we’ve spent with "eye candy" pales in comparison to the real thing. I think it's a travesty that people are coerced by society into developing meaningless preferences for their most intimate relationships based upon what a person looks like and not what type of character they have.

We overlook anything that may have depth just to possess beauty for a fleeting moment. We’re so hoodwinked into believing that outer beauty is the important thing. We’re not told that physical beauty wanes with age and then in hindsight during some brief moment of clarity, we suddenly get it. Aging no longer seems scary when vanity is put into its proper perspective. Gray hair and wrinkles no longer are dreaded. Some people wear them well and like a fine wine, they become better with age.

Many people alter their appearance thinking that a youthful appearance might grant them the key to happiness by cheating the aging process when in reality all it does is buy their plastic surgeon's a Porsche and helps put his children through college. So why does aging scare people? Why do we feel less desirable? When we turn 50 is it really necessary to look 30 in order to feel the happiness we so desperately seek?

Vanity is such a powerful force that rules supreme from our early years right up until the time we realize vanity is a waste of time. Physical beauty is so subjective and filled with individual preferences. If asked to name the three most beautiful women in the world and the three most handsome men, the list would vary from person to person. What we might find out by comparing lists is how we differ in our definition of physical beauty.

No wonder so many teens develop eating disorders and remain confused and unsatified with their appearance for years. When beauty is defined in terms of the picture below, what we strive for is not only unhealthy, but is a hideous facade as well. The picture is from a recent runway show featuring clothes most of us couldn't wear because we have too much meat on our bones thus making us ugly by society’s standards. Yes, physical beauty is governed by our preferences. What looks hot to one person might make someone else run away in search of a paper bag and a Phenergan suppository. After looking at this picture, it makes me thankful vanity has passed me by and the only use I want a paper bag for is to cover this successful lost soul until she gains alittle weight.

I'm Rolling With The Punches

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:30:39 GMT

For all those people who have sent me emails, private messages via MSN Spaces and also who have left comments on my blog regarding me being MIA, I would like to clear up the mystery of the blonde joke. Yes, the blonde joke is alittle out of character for me. My only excuse is that I hurt my back and am unable to sit for anymore than a few minutes at a time thus it was easier for me to copy and paste a joke to post (the first one in the hundreds of jokes I've been sent in the past few weeks that I opened when I attempted to read my email that day...what day was that anyway???) rather than try to sit here and type something meaningful. When the muscle relaxers and painpills wear off and I'm able to think clearly again and sit long enough to type something (I'm a two-finger typer...shhhhhhhh don't tell anyone) perhaps then I'll be able to type something that makes sense or at least something that's original. Plus answer the tons of messages left for me. For now, it's back to bed... and back to the doctor first thing tomorrow morning. Those of you who have unanswered messages. etc, please accept my apology. I'm doing the best I can!

The Great American Bake-Off

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:30:16 GMT

What does it take to win? Are there certain ingredients for making victory? Is it like baking a flawless dessert? We see people or teams come from behind all the time and win. Their moment of glory is long remembered in some people’s minds and even inspires others to pursue their own dreams. Just look at some recent events. The Giants were the underdogs, yet they won the Superbowl. John McCain came from behind when his campaign was all, but lifeless and broke. Now he is his party’s frontrunner and most likely be who they will nominate as their candidate in the 2008 Presidential Election if all things remain constant.

Being a winner takes the right combination of talent, timing and tenacity, but without being supported by a great team sometimes victory is elusive and also illusive. A great team always is willing to make sacrifices for the good of the many and each team member adopts the same vision and purpose. Then single-mindedly and fearlessly, they steamroll that vision to make it a reality.

Often times a winner is surrounded by controversy because they stand for change. Let's face it, change means exploring the unknown and what greater fear is there, but the fear of the unknown? Many times, we are asked to believe...to dare to dream that the world can be a better place for all of us and that we can make a difference. Sometimes those ideals seem too radical making people scurry towards the status quo to feel safe and secure. From those safe places, we are asked to step forth in order to make the world a better place. We are asked to come forth and be a part of a great team.

Today, I briefly watched the ending of a race in which Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his first race since May 2006. I thought what a difference it makes to be on the right team because no matter how much talent or tenacity a person has, it means nothing if they stand alone with no one backing their efforts. No one listens. No one believes and no one follows. Their dream remains empty and their voice remains unheard. Without a great team, it's like trying to bake an apple pie without apples. You might be able to find a suitable substitute, but you can be certain no one will come back for seconds or ever ask you to bake a pie again.

Name That Song

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:27:59 GMT

Tonight on my drive home work, I found myself deeply engrossed in the lyrics of a song that came on the radio. Zap! Instantly I was taken to a time in my life when I identified with a certain line in the song. Okay, everyone are you ready to sing along?

Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head
I've heard the accusation before
And I ain't gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing

The words in yellow are the ones which always seemed to make me say "YEAH!". How many times in our earlier years did we overlook those obvious redflags? You know, the ones that hot chick or handsome dude we just had to have told us and like fools we believed that person...well at least half-assed believed them anyway. I think we all just heard what we wanted to hear and then went along our merry way. Now, years later when that song started playing the lines that jumped out and made me say "YEAH!" were:

Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head

Simple...concise...what more could you ask for in good advice? But somehow I always just blazed through that line until today. Yeah, "don't let fire rush to your head". Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment! Once again hindsight is 20/20 and if I could take back all the things in my life that I said and didn't really mean, I suppose that would make me a mute from about the age of 15 to 35. I get alittle better after that period of delving into what I lovingly call "the abyss". How times change! Or is it us that changes with time? Whichever...it still felt good to go back even if it was just for a moment and hear the message I should have heard many years ago.

Forgiveness (Revisited)

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 07:49:49 GMT

To everyone I've grown to think of as my dysfunctional blogging family and also, to the new people who stumble upon my home away from home every now and then, I wish each of you a peaceful holiday season filled with happiness. Now, as I begin my 4th year as a humble amateur blogger, I'd like to share a reprint of my very first entry dated 12/5/2004.

As I step into this vast arena, the words of Socrates come to mind. "An unexamined life is not worth living." Today, I looked inside and discovered it takes a stronger person to forgive than it does to remain steadfast on my principles and beliefs. Anger, disappointment and fear are all very powerful negative feelings. More often than not, those negative feelings are created by someone close to us and designed to manipulate and control. Today, I learned how to be free and look past the negative feelings. The gamble isn't in loving, but in stepping outside the safety of the all the positive feelings and being able to choose a particular path based solely upon what my heart tells me to do. Doing that gave me an incredible sense of personal power and freedom. Today I learned love isn't about being right, but about being me.
They say "to err is human and to forgive is divine". I guess that makes me extremely human and working towards divinity. Forgiving others is a cinch! I find what's hardest is to forgive myself, yet I truly believe it's okay to make mistakes as long as a person learns from the mistakes they make. Without mistakes a person can never grow, learn and test the boundaries of life. Have I learned from my mistakes? Would I repetitiously do the same stupid things ? I think as I examine my life and the world around me within this blog, the answer to those questions will unfold. This journey may get a little bumpy along the way, so please fasten your seat belts and put your crash helmet on as a safety precaution. The air bags are functional and the driver hasn't lost anyone yet! Just follow the yellow brick road...

No Candidate Left Behind

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:00:58 GMT

I often wonder how much actual thought goes into who a person decides is the right candidate to represent the American people on any level or if it's just another popularity contest. Is it true that we vote for whom we think looks best, speaks best or has the best looking spouse? No, that can’t be so! What would that say about the American public? Surely, each of us takes the time to really scrutinize each candidate, so as we make our final selection, we do so armed with as many facts as we could find. Surely, we don’t discount a person based on age, physical appearance, religion, race, sex or political affiliation. Surely, each of us listens carefully to what each candidate says and then weighs it against our own beliefs.

I realize there are many sides to any issue and all sides claim to be right, just and moral, but in reality, those concepts are as abstract and subjective as the political arena itself. What I would like to see during this political bloodletting season is for people to strive to dig deeper into the issues and see where actual changes are needed most and what impact those changes will have on our country not only now, but in the future. We also have to search to find who's most likely to implement those changes instead of paying attention to all the negativity being tossed around in order to win votes.

Childhood is where people learn appropriate playground behavior, yet the political arena seems to cast fair play to the wind. Maybe each candidate needs “mom” to step in and scold them for their bad behavior. What I pay close attention to as the bloodletting begins is how each candidate reacts to being attacked by both their opposition and by others in their own party. I always ask myself questions like: Do they welcome confrontation hoping that it gives the public a rare glimpse inside their persona? Or do they hang in the shadows trying desperately to avoid any type of confrontation so they won’t have to take an actual stand on anything? Do they condone “exposing” their opponents by using various mudslinging tactics? Or do they try to stick to the facts and to the issues? Do they lie down and simply take the attack by turning the other cheek? Or do they use confrontation as a way to bring attention to the key points to their own platform?

Instead of mudslinging which runs rampant during any campaign, the candidates might be better served by revealing a side that people rarely see by staying focused on their platform and issues thus showing people what really matters most to them as a leader and as a citizen of the United States. I realize that this isn't likely to happen because we, the voters seem to encourage that type of negative behavior by historically voting for the person who carries the biggest stick and who is most adept at mudslinging and verbally bashing their opponents. Only during a presidential race is making a mistake looked at as a sign of weakness instead of being a sign of strength in character and as a sign of being human.

Regardless of what stations in life anyone holds, we all make mistakes because each person on this earth is human. Only during a political campaign is the admission of making a mistake viewed as a sign of waffling and weakness instead of a sign of true character. A wise man or woman learns from their mistakes and readily admits when making one, but a presidential candidate views any mistake as an opportunity to not only slay their opponent for being human, but to divert the focus from the issues. All this straying from the task at hand and the inability to stay focused on the important stuff makes me wonder if all politicians aren't ADD or ADHD! What I would like to see happen from now until the election in November 2008 is for people to keep an open mind and not to quickly judge anyone as being the best person for the job. What I would like to see is for us, the voters make the candidates work hard for our votes. Can that happen? I think everyone knows the answer to that question and it's up to us to make it happen our way.

Things I've Learned During My Absense From Spaces

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:31:14 GMT

1. Jobs can be very similiar to abusive relationships.

2. Life is much too short to waste it working for Atilla the Hun.

3. Radical change can be great, but an unexpected radical change is even better.

4. Blondes may not have more fun, but they certainly do get noticed.

5. Watch out for the moose when driving at dusk because it's better to hit a moose going 35mph than 70 mph.

6. It's okay to go slow.

7. Insanity is not genetic. It's cultivated over time.

8. Have goals and work towards them.

9. Any task is easier done as an act of love rather than as an obligation.

10. Be kind to yourself and others might just follow the leader.

11. Slipping out the backdoor has its advantages.

12. While adhering to the specialized diet called "life", remember to feed your head!

A Yellow Duckling Named Karen

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 04:16:08 GMT

Click Your Heels Together 3 Times...

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 01:42:49 GMT

and repeat after me-"there's no place like home..."

I hardly believed my eyes when I logged on today and saw a comment on one of my previous entries from HAYDEN...I guess most of the old timers will remember Hayden of Paradise Cove and will welcome him back with open arms.

I'm going to be brief because I'm still recovering from a back injury. (A story for when I can sit for a longer period of time and no, it had nothing to do with marathon sex...UNFORTUNATELY!!!) If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all...hey, wasn't that the lyrics to some song??? Until I return, go harass Hayden...just tell him I sent you!

I found the song I was looking for....anyone care to tell me where it came from???? Now, I know I've gone completely crazy and drugs have nothing to do with it!

Gloom, despair, and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me....

A Critter's Best Friend

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 05:13:33 GMT

Elly May Clampett is alive and well and rumored to be living somewhere in the Southwestern part of the United States. People who have caught brief glimpses of Elly, report that not only has she had major plastic surgery, but a sex change operation as well. Now, not only can she kick Jethro's ass without it looking unlady-like, but she has been caught trying to take Steve Irwin's place.

To all the Elly May's out there,

I tip my hat to you...

It takes a pet owner to understand and respect the type of bond that exists between pets and the people they own.

Now it's time to say goodbye to Jock and all his kin

They would like to thank you folks for kindly droppin' in.

You're all invited back next week to this locality

To have a heapin' helpin' of their hospitality,

Hillbilly that is, set a spell, take your shoes off,

Y'all come back now, ya hear?"

A Thought For The Day

Sun, 06 Aug 2006 17:15:44 GMT

Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.

~Author Unknown~

I've found 3 different sources for this quote, so I'll leave it as "unknown"

Nothing Is Constant But Change

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:36:53 GMT

Many things around MSN Spaces have changed since its birth. People come and go, but they aren't forgotten...at least not by the people who were impacted by their words. I think back to Hayden who called "Paradise Cove" his home. People loved him, yet when it was time for him to leave everyone wished him well and hoped he'd be back from time to time with his playful banter. Bill from "Crackers In Bed" is another well-loved blogger who called it quits not long ago. He retired from blogging so he could focus all his time and energy on recovering from cancer. Anyone who read Crackers In Bed, even occasionally, knows Bill is a gentle soul who always had the knack for sharing his special Irish tea brand of wisdom and humor with his readers. His words are missed and each time I see anything pertaining to tea I always think of him and wonder how he's doing.

Others come...go and come back again and again. Many have found other places to blog and have ventured on past Spaces. Psychedelic Pariah is one of the more colorful bloggers who people seemed to either love to hate or to emulate for his bold, brash interaction with others and for topics which left his readers wondering whether his words were fact or fantasy. If nothing else, people would have to agree that his blog had a flair for the drama. I often hoped the real Psychedelic Pariah to step forward, but knew if the truth were revealed, it would take all the appeal and mystique out of his words.

Many people have read Jnuts (I guess I'm the only person who calls him that name now) of "Passing Open Windows" fame. The people who truly appreciate Jockfullonuts are the ones who see the limitless creativity and talent this man possesses. They see a man who isn't afraid to speak his mind about any subject and his true colors shine brightly through his great love of felines... Those who have never visited him, should do so before he removes his blog from MSN Spaces. Trust me, his words will reach places in you that have remained untouched for years. I can think of no better way to reawaken than with the words painted by a true artist.

As I reflect deeper and inspect my own journey through the blogosphere, I come to a crossroads. My ego would like to think I won all the battles I’ve so gallantly fought. Yet, now all those "wins" don't seem like anything more than misguided attempts to win a war that wasn't meant to be won or even fought. What I have discovered through blogging is that there is always going to be someone who disagrees with what you write. There are always going to be those people who think they know you better than you know yourself. Those people come in varying shades of confrontational.

Not long ago a fellow blogger left me a comment on one of my other blogs about the lack of unity that Spaces has. I had written an entry titled, "The Many Faces Of MSN Spaces" and as a result I think she and I came to an understandng which probably never would have occurred here on Spaces. Perhaps her words were the turning point:

"People ran out of words, interest, steam, time, whatever and there hasn't been that feeling of unity for quite a while."

Her words made me wonder where it had gone and then I realized the unity dissipated as each battle had been fought. People like me are responsible for that lack of unity, yet at this point I wonder if anything can be done to heal the abyss that exists. I know I can't turn back the hands of time and choose an alternate way of handling anything. I once wrote and believed that each of us can exercise our freedom of speech, yet felt it was unnecessary to attack a person’s character in order to disagree with what they wrote. I feel I sold out by getting to the point of deleting any words I felt were written to offend or annoy me. Looking back, it was my place not to delete, but to uphold how I really feel about the freedom of speech. It was my place to turn the other cheek and to take that real step in practicing what I preach. I believe it is within our power to come together, not as bloggers, but as people with many different beliefs who have a need to express those beliefs for all to read.

I believe that it takes a truly strong person to walk away from a fight and not be the first to cast a stone in retaliation. I believe peace can exist and peace starts within each of us by first recognizing that all people are different and each person has a right to their own set of beliefs. The age-old question of what should be done with people who perpetrate violence even when that violence is only aimed at the emotions is a perplexing one. Do we strike back with equal or greater force? Or does passive resistance work? Does human nature dictate that we are warmongers and not only enjoy the victory but the battle as well? Or can mankind coexist in a peaceful state?

All I know is that the times I have done battle in my life and have won the battle, the victory never tasted as sweet as I thought it would. In the aftermath, when the smoke cleared I knew I had taken one more step away from achieving those things I truly want in my life. Violence, hatred and prejudice are costly commodities. On a grand scale, they rob us of economic and physical security and strip us of all positive human emotions towards our fellow man. Here in Spaces, on a much smaller scale it has caused disharmony and divisions where there should have been none. Our common ground and foundation as bloggers is our right to express ourselves through written words. We need not agree with what each other writes, but we should always respect and stand up for each other’s freedom of speech.

Once again, hindsight is 20/20!

A Blog Interrupted

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 04:18:49 GMT

Recently it seems my life has been full of all the things that most of us would rather avoid. Many times in my solitude, I find myself lost in deep thought, yet when the realization that most of what happens in life are things meant for people to just accept without question, I struggle with that acceptance. I've never been one to go quietly into the night! The norm has always bothered me and as I get older, I find myself asking "why" alot more often than I did during the defiant era of my youth.

I know we all live and eventually die. None of us know when our life will come to an end, unless we expedite the process and take the inevitable into our own hands. I've always found that people who take that route are selfish and cowardly in their actions. Their perceived pain, whether mental and/or physical, is quite real to that person and seems insurmountable, yet in reality it's nothing greater than what each of us has felt. All of us have experienced the kind of sorrow that feels as though we've had our heart torn from our chest.

As the end grows near, the ability to see a light at the end of the tunnel no longer exists. That old phrase "and this too shall pass..." has vanished into the darkness. Somehow in the process of declining, we not only shutdown physically, but we isolate ourselves emotionally as well. At that point hindsight and foresight become one very narrow view and a social death precedes the actually physical death we will experience. We enter and exit life the same way...alone!

So what is death anyway? Is it the end or a beginning? I know religious people will quote passages from the Bible showing me how the afterlife will be. But can the afterlife really be a state of perfection for imperfect beings? And how are we imperfect beings supposed to adjust to all that perfection? Won't all that harp playing and singing become deafening, maddening or perhaps enough to make even those seated in such angelic dwellings wish for something more....or less? A road less traveled? For now, I smile knowing that I'll always sing alittle off key and forget the lyrics from time to time.

Springtime In Maine

Fri, 19 May 2006 02:27:05 GMT

I close my eyes and remember the large lilac bush at the corner of the house I called home for my first 17 years. Suddenly the aroma of springtime in Maine surrounds me. The frigid days of winter have dissipated. The world starts to awaken after the long, barren winter. The scent of lilacs fills the air and greets the days as they grow longer and warmer signaling that summer is just around the corner.

The Doors Of Perception

Wed, 10 May 2006 00:34:57 GMT

"If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is,

INFINITE..."

I know there is more to this magnificent quote by William Blake. I omitted the rest of it on purpose because these words alone are so powerful and worthy of any person's attention. As I dwell on them, I find myself drawn in by layers until I find myself trapped in a catacomb of thought swirling around the meaning of perception and infinity.

I once sat on a stoop in Boston late at night philosophizing with a kindred spirit. We chatted about reality and I decided then, reality is whatever anyone perceives it to be. As I dwelled on my epiphany suddenly from every direction firetrucks converged on the stillness of our moment shattering my train of thought and redirecting my attention towards a building burning just down the street.

As I sat in amazement, all I could say was "is that real?" And at that moment I didn't really know the answer to that. And just as I always claim “opinions vary”, so does reality!

I Had A Dream

Wed, 03 May 2006 04:02:32 GMT

Tanks and soldiers lined the streets to quell the tumultuous atmosphere. Buildings burned! People died! Each family, each neighborhood, each circle of friends was touched by the daily reports of casualties both here and abroad. Each person grieved as the conflict and the losses grew in direct correlation with each other. A nation divided pitted brother against brother, friend against friend, leader against leader. Was the notion of “peace” just a figment of some author's imagination...a concept so vague, so elusive that only the dead knew the true meaning of peace?
Just a few years earlier, as the air raid sirens interrupted the normalcy of life by preparing everyone for possible annihilation, people hovered in silence and were filled with fear and dread. History has always shown that war is and always shall be the ultimate power struggle. War was inevitable! It always is and always shall be... or so they told us!
During those few precious seconds just after the sirens began, everyone breathlessly anticipated the reality of the situation. Were those seconds the last ones before the world as they knew it would be forever changed? The children clung to the parents and asked “why”, yet the parents had no reasonable explanations for how or why the world had gotten so crazy. That generation's youth made a promise to themselves and to each other that if the world was spared from impending doom, they would one day make a difference. Their collective voice would carry a message of peace, of change, of hope and of brotherly love.
The decade???
The 1960’s
Forty years later, we can still make a difference. Not as individuals, but as one voice united saying the same thing throughout the world.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!

Sounds Of Silence

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 05:17:12 GMT

I awoke last night cradled in peace. No, I wasn't dreaming! The stillness of my bedroom created a serene ambience. Although I was still sleepy, I fought the urge to drift back into slumber. I wanted to savor the moment and use it to reflect on the things in life that have brought me the most happiness and pleasure. Some things have touched me briefly, yet intensely while others have become as familiar as the air I breathe.

I've been blessed by having three wonderful children. There were times in my life many years ago when they were the only reason I went on...in them, I found the strength to forge ahead and to believe the hard times would pass and better days were ahead. I believe my struggle, in part, helped show them that giving up was not an option and that with perseverance and patience anything is possible.

Romantic love has graced my life, yet unfortunately it's never been a lasting type of love. A smoldering warmth ignited by certain faded memories whispers to me making me realize the qualities I need and want in a partner are ones that transcend just having great sex. Wit, creativity and intelligence are definitely as pleasurable to me as a great physical relationship. In fact, I would go as far as to say that without those qualities any sex would be rather humdrum.

I have enjoyed long, gratifying friendships with people from all walks of life. I have to admit that many of them have helped broaden my horizons by introducing me to cultural, religious and political diversity. When I close my eyes, I can hear their infectious laughter and see smiles that could light up a room.

I feel thankful that I've experienced the true beauty of a magnificent sunrise and sunset, the sound of a child's laughter, the smell of lilacs in the spring and the feel of crisp autumn air. I've had the good fortune to learn the difference between "hearing" and "listening" and know breathtaking music can truly define a moment. I appreciate the depth of well-written words and admire those who can communicate and share themselves with others through that medium. I applaud the talent it takes to capture a certain ordinary visual essence with color and form and transform it into a masterpiece.

Life is filled with so many awe-inspiring things, yet many people don't take the time to "stop and smell the roses". For them, life is a rat race filled with stress and deadlines. They wear blinders so their vision of the world is narrow. They are cynical, pessimistic and materialistic. Often a person's worth is measured by the socioeconomic class in which they belong or by their physical beauty. They never experience the shear joy of feeling the sun on their face or the wind in their hair. Simple things seem boring and unworthy of merit. Phrases like "the best things in life are free" and "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" baffle these people. Each step along their journey is carefully measured and focused towards a well planned goal. Deviations are not allowed. So as I soaked in the stillness that surrounded me, I silently smiled knowing that better days will come, love will greet me once again and all the things that have brought me joy throughout my life will remain with me until the day I die.

What's Soft And Furry And Grows On A Bush?

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 06:33:42 GMT

Many people have given me gifts throughout my life, but the ones I treasure most and consider priceless are the ones given straight from the heart. Today, a dear friend sent me a small piece of Maine. I can’t begin to express my surprise and delight when I opened the long cardboard cylinder to find a bundle of pussy willows inside. I'm sure most people know what pussy willows are, but for those who don't know, I'd like to post a brief synopsis describing their aesthetic charm and medicinal value.

Pussy willows are shrubs that grow in the wetlands of Canada and the Northern United States. The terminology "pussy willow" is derived from the soft, grayish white, furry buds that open along the long, thin, dark brown branches before turning into golden yellow stamens heavily laden with pollen. Pussy willow lovers can enjoy their unique botanical charm during late winter/early spring as one of nature’s signals that warmer weather is finally on its way. Those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of pussy willows year round can do so by preserving them using the same method as one would use to dry flowers. Pussy willows can be successfully shown off alone in a decorative vase or nestled in a flower arrangement as a complement to the other flowers and foliage.

According to many sources, pussy willow bark contains salicin (aspirin is the synthetic form of salicylic acid, a precursor of salicin) and is sold as a herbal remedy in powdered form to treat arthritis, rheumatism, joint inflammation, backache, ovarian pain, headache and fever. It is also used as mouthwash for sore gums, a gargle for tonsillitis, a poultice for burns, wounds & insect bites and as an anaphrodisiac. Historically, willow bark was used by North American Indians and dates back as far a 400 BC, when Hippocrates advised patients to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. I believe I’ll skip chewing on my pussy willows and take an aspirin if I get a headache and hopefully, my cats won’t eat them for breakfast! But maybe I should take them with me when I go to Maine on vacation (Linda and I may need a herbal remedy for the after effects of celebrating too much). And by the way, MSN wouldn't let me use "pussy willow" in the title.

Red and Blue Make Purple Passioned Politics

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:48:59 GMT

On March 1, 2006 in Annapolis at a hearing on the proposed Constitutional Amendment to prohibit gay marriage, Jamie Raskin, professor of law at American University in Washington D.C., was requested to testify.

At the end of his testimony, Senator Nancy Jacobs, a right-wing senator asked, “Mr. Raskin, my Bible says marriage is only between a man and a woman. What do you have to say about that?”

Raskin replied, “Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You did not place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible.”

The room erupted into applause.

Someone Somewhere Had A Lightbulb Moment

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 04:43:25 GMT

I got a chuckle today over reading an article titled "Male Drivers Waste Six Million Hours A Year". Since this article and survey was pertaining to males in England, everyone knows American males are never guilty of anything as atrocious as what the article suggests. [written sarcastically with a smile] After reading this article, I started to wonder if I have an overabundance of testosterone running through my system that partially influences my thought processes at times. Some of the best days of my life have been spent delightfully distracted aimlessly wandering in blissful abandonment. Map? Directions? I think not! What's next? A little penis envy? Now, all I need to know is whether the author of the article was male or female.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost~

Reality vs Fantasy -- The Celebrity Cover-Up

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 14:54:05 GMT

Have you ever wondered what celebrities look like underneath all that glamour, glitz and make-up? Many people are in awe of celebrities, but without makeup and primping, they look no better than we do...and sometimes we look better!
I hate make-up. I've always hated make-up. Don't get me wrong! I'm not opposed to wearing a little "war paint" when I'm going somewhere, but I've never been one to have to put my face on as a daily ritual. I guess my dislike for make-up stems from how it feels on my skin. I'm also a big believer in natural beauty. One thing I've never totally understood and find quite amusing is how people honestly expect to apply make-up to achieve the "natural" look? Does that mean make-up without the blue eye shadow or wearing pink lipstick instead of red? To me when someone is wearing make-up, it's very obvious and no amount of make-up can improve on true beauty or make someone into a better person. Ugly isn't skin deep! Ugly goes right to the soul...

Time

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 07:13:32 GMT

Time, for many, is a healer of wounds...both physical and emotional. Time gives each of us a chance to be eternally hopeful because time seems to hold an infinite quantity of second chances. It allows the opportunity for self-examination for those bold enough to explore within. Time acts, in many instances, as the catalyst that makes us choose one path rather than another. I smile as I think of the times, instant gratification has influenced my decisions. Instead of choosing wisely or cautiously, I chose what felt best in the heat of the moment. How different my life would have been if I had given more thought to the consequences of my decisions. But time always ironed out the kinks and made even the roughest roads easier to travel.

Time too often morphs into a dreaded enemy who extinguishes life’s positive spark with uncertainty and fear. Time demands each of us face the unknown. How we handle that unknown and incorporate it into our character shows our true strength and versatility. A person who remains “young at heart” has embraced the inevitable seasons of life. Growing old gracefully is an art that depicts true beauty. Vanity creates a battlefield in which gray hair and wrinkles are silent soldiers who strike unmercifully while we are busy living life. One day we awake to find our bodies have changed and our days are numbered. The gift of immorality was just an illusion. It isn't until we grow older that we see that all good things do come to an end and dying is just as much a part of life as living has been.

Ultimately, is time a friend or foe?

Time is
Too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice;
But for those who love,
Time is eternity
~Henry Van Dyke~

The Garden Of Eden

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 19:35:15 GMT

I live in Florida where each year, not only do I endure the steamy heat of the long Gulf Coast's summers, but the very real threat of hurricanes as well. It isn't a matter of "if" we'll get hit, but 'when". Florida is not only noted as the "snow bird" capitol of the world, but it is a virtual insect and reptilian utopia as well. Ask any Southerner about insects and I'm sure you'll get a dissertation on cockroaches and fire ants along with the person's homemade remedy for the little critters demise.

Having Black Widow (as a child, my daughter pronounced it "black weirdo") spiders weren't enough of a worry, but it seems The Brown Recluse has replaced it as the baddest of bad. This small, but very aggressive creature's bite will make the whole surrounding area necrotic. Check out what its bite will do before purchasing those tickets to Disney World in Orlando for Spring Break 2006! Speaking of Disney World, this morning an article about killer bees caught my eye. Could Disney World really be a potential nesting site? Now, Floridians can add yet another potential hazard to the list of reasons why Ponce de Leon was wrong to come here in search of the fountain of youth. In fact, I can't imagine why anyone (before air conditioning was invented) would want to live in a mosquito, snake and alligator infested swamp!

I read another article even more disturbing than killer bees nesting in my backyard. Apparently Barry Manilow released his first album in 29 years. My breath was taken away when I discovered that according to Billboards Chart of the Top 200, his album debuted at 1.... yes, folks, you read it right! Mr. Copacabana has a hit album! What I believe is that Mr. Manilow should be used as an anti terrorism weapon. I know if I have to endure living in Florida and listening to Mr. Manilow croon love songs yet again, I'll slit my own throat. Why not send him where he's needed most and arm him with a pocket full of killer bees and brown recluse spiders? I even have the song he should remake! Envision this, if you will...

Strumming your pain with my fingers
Singing your life with my words
Killing you softly with my song
Killing you softly with my song
Telling your whole life with my words.
Killing you softly with my song.

Thank you, Roberta! I need to stop reading the news! Where's Axl Rose when you really need him?

From The Redneck Riviera

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 01:45:55 GMT

Three women--one German, one Japanese and a redneck-- were sitting naked in a sauna. Suddenly, there was a beeping sound. The German pressed her forearm and the beep stopped. The others looked questioningly. “That was my pager,” she said. “I have a microchip under the skin of my arm.” A few minutes later, a phone rang. The Japanese woman lifted her palm to her ear. When she finished, she explained, “That was my cell phone. I have a microchip in my hand.” The redneck woman felt decidedly low tech. Not to be outdone, she decided she had to do something just as impressive. She stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom. She returned with a piece of toilet paper hanging from her behind. The others raised their eyebrows and stared at her. The redneck woman finally said, “Well will you look at that! I’m getting a fax."

Fantasies

Tue, 29 Mar 2005 05:04:43 GMT

For many, sexual fantasies are just meant to mentally savor and in some cases, to act out with that special someone with whom you share a certain level of intimacy and trust. So what exactly is the anatomy of a fantasy and when do they begin? What makes some fantasies forbidden fruit while other fantasies are deemed as "normal" and are quite obtainable?
Let me begin with the birth of a fantasy. What initially starts out as an idea or simple notion over time becomes a well-developed mental play with intricate scenery, scripts and roles. The thought of certain things sexually excites a person and for each person these things vary. Just as we all have different preferences in what type of person we are most attracted to, we also have preferences in which sexual acts rock our world. Anyone who is a true connoisseur of sex knows the greatest sexual organ is the mind. Without the involvement of it, sex will not and cannot ever be totally satisfying. To me solo sex is more gratifying than mindless sex with someone else. Who really knows where a fantasy starts... maybe a scene from a movie will inspire one, maybe listening to a friend talk about an experience will spark an interest or maybe like magic it appears from nowhere.
I believe for some having fantasies may start at an early age. Perhaps at first it may be of simple things like getting your first kiss or playing spin the bottle. In our minds what we glorify in a fantasy, may in reality be very awkward when first played out and nothing like it was imagined to be. Actual rehearsals suck at times! Sometimes when acted out, fantasies can be very disappointing and should be left as fantasies. Over the course of our lives, we may develop many fantasies about a wide variety of things...fame, wealth, the perfect relationship, mind-blowing sex or a cabin in the mountains or a week-end place at the beach just to name a few. Different strokes for different folks! Usually due to the intimate nature of our fantasies, we tend to keep these things to ourselves. I've always believed that talking to one's partner and sharing these things not only shows trust, but also shows a willingness to be completely open thus creating an atmosphere conducive to creating a tightly woven bond. Some people are unable to cross that boundary for fear of being looked at as being perverted or just weird. I believe nothing is perverted or weird if it happens between two or more consenting adults. Although I do have to admit some people are too timid to act out a fantasy even if the opportunity to do so arises. We all have to just do what our comfort level permits us to do.

On a personal note, I have to confess that I have no fantasies. You're probably wondering how that can be so. My mind has always worked in a way that having any fantasy was very short-lived. What would start out as a mere thought never made it to the savoring stage. Maybe the fantasy wouldn't be acted upon immediately, but as soon as the opportunity to do so arose, I did it. I have found in life that if you are looking for something (other than love because that has got to be the most elusive thing in life) you usually don't have to wait very long for an opportunity. Due to my non-fantasy status my family keeps telling me I can't have a mid-life crisis because I wouldn't be able to come up with something I haven't already done. They tell me I'm doomed to spend my middle years being bored. Perhaps they're right! My only “fantasy” now is to discover someone who can and will love a woman like me. That does sound rather boring, doesn’t it?

Make Love Not War

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 09:33:52 GMT

I was researching sex laws and I must say, if nothing else, I got a great laugh out of reading the majority of the ones I found and will keep them etched into my memory for future reference especially while traveling. I started thinking "ONLY IN AMERICA" are people this wacky only to find out strange sex laws are worldwide. Just follow the link and witness for yourself that we are not alone! Listed below are some of the bizarre sex laws I found. Some are out-dated, some hard to imagine and some just plain stupid! Enjoy reading them and let me know which one is your favorite. As for me, I think I'm going to move to Alexandria, Minnesota!

In Ventura County, California, cats and dogs are not allowed to have sex without a permit. (Population control, no doubt and I heard they were considering doing this with people next)

A law in Oblong, Illinois makes it a crime to make love while fishing or hunting on your wedding day. (Everyone knows screaming scares the wild life!)

In Ames, Iowa a husband may not take more than three gulps of beer while lying in bed with his wife. (He can drink all the whiskey he wants!)

A law in Alexandria, Minnesota makes it illegal for a husband to make love to his wife if his breath smells like garlic, onions, or sardines. (Thank God!)

Hotel owners in Hastings, Nebraska are required by law to provide a clean, white cotton nightshirt to each guest. According to the law, no couple may have sex unless they are wearing the nightshirts. (Does this replace the customary paper bag placed on the head?)

In Nevada sex without a condom is considered illegal. (Are condoms free?)

In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania it is illegal to have sex with a truck driver inside a toll booth. (Don't distract the man from his money!)

In Kingsville, Texas, there is a law against two pigs having sex on the city's airport property. (No cheap Bush jokes...please!)

In the state of Washington there is a law against having sex with a virgin under any circumstances. (This makes wedding nights pretty boring!)

In Connorsville, Wisconsin no man shall shoot off a gun while his female partner is having a sexual orgasm. (But he can holler "TOUCHDOWN!!!")

The only acceptable sexual position in Washington D.C. is the missionary-style position. Any other sexual position is considered illegal. (I'll just leave this one alone...)

In Bakersfield, California, anyone having intercourse with Satan must use a condom. (A fire-proof one, I hope)

In Minnesota, it is illegal for any man to have sexual intercourse with a live fish. (Now, I see where the "dead fish" phrase originated))

Bozeman, Montana, has a law that bans all sexual activity between members of the opposite sex in the front yard of a home after sundown -- if they're nude. (This is a good thing during the winter!)

In hotels in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, every room is required to have twin beds. And the beds must always be a minimum of two feet apart when a couple rents a room for only one night. And it's illegal to make love on the floor between the beds! (Okay Einstein...what if they push the beds together?)

An ordinance in Newcastle, Wyoming, specifically bans couples from having sex while standing inside a store's walk-in meat freezer! (Too many frozen corpes have been found!)

A state law in Illinois mandates that all bachelors should be called master, not mister, when addressed by their female counterparts. (I know this is real popular!)

In Romboch, Virginia, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with the lights on. (Have you ever seen what the people in Romboch look like?)

In Merryville, Missouri, women are prohibited from wearing corsets because "the privilege of admiring the curvaceous, unencumbered body of a young woman should not be denied to the normal, red-blooded American male." (I guess they don't have a Victoria's Secret there!)

It's safe to make love while parked in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Police officers aren't allowed to walk up and knock on the window. Any suspicious officer who thinks that sex is taking place must drive up from behind, honk his horn three times and wait approximately two minutes before getting out of his car to investigate. ("I'm not quite done, officer. Could you please come help me?")

A law in Helena, Montana, mandates that a woman can't dance on a table in a saloon or bar unless she has on at least three pounds, two ounces of clothing. (Iron G-strings have become very popular!))

Anywhere in the U.S., it's illegal to use any live endangered species, excepting insects, in public or private sexual displays, shows or exhibits depicting cross-species sex. (Insectophiles apparently were successful in their lobbying efforts!)

Lovers in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, should avoid satisfying their lustful urges in a parked car. If the horn accidentally sounds while they are frolicking behind the wheel, the couple can face a jail term. (Take the fuse to the horn out beforehand!)

In Carlsbad, New Mexico, it's legal for couples to have sex in a parked vehicle during their lunch break from work, as long as the car or van has drawn curtains to stop strangers from peeking in. (This obviously is my second choice of places to move!)

Women aren't allowed to wear patent-leather shoes in Cleveland, Ohio - a man might see the reflection of something "he oughtn't!" (I thought this was what mirrors on the shoes were for?)

No woman may have sex with a man while riding in an ambulance within the boundaries of Tremonton, Utah. If caught, the woman can be charged with a sexual misdemeanor and "her name is to be published in the local newspaper." The man isn't charged nor is his name revealed. (This explains why there's so much gay sex going on in ambulances!)

It is illegal for any member of the Nevada Legislature to conduct official business wearing a penis costume while the legislature is in session. (Thank God this law isn't in Washington D.C.)

Random Collisions

Tue, 21 Dec 2004 15:29:00 GMT

I've always found it fascinating how several people can read the same thing, yet each one of them get something different out of what they have read. This small example may give a person some insight into how easily miscommunication or misunderstanding can happen. When unsure, a person should ask for clarification instead of sitting back wondering and perhaps feeling an array of unnecessary emotions. You know what they say about assumptions and the only stupid question in life is the unasked question. One of the keys to harmony and personal growth is communication. Without it we just randomly collide in the abyss of uncertainty.

The Double Standard

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 12:59:16 GMT

Do "mattress monkeys" prefer the confines of a zoo or do they prefer the freedom of the jungle? Captivity or freedom? Facade or reality? Is something society sees as bad behavior, something a person learns to curb over time in order to fit in or is that bad behavior really just another facet of the person and something that they feel a real need to express? And why if sexual freedom is seen as bad behavior do we have such a double standard? Men are expected to sow their wild oats, while females are expected to stay pure and demure... it always baffled me that if men are expected to hone their sexual skills and females are supposed to remain virginal, who actually do these men gain carnal knowledge from or with? In younger years, I used to laugh when I would hear gossip about the "easy" females. My comment to such gossip was always "it's a hard job and someone has to do it!" But if you think about it in this world of supply and demand, there would be no mattress monkeys if everyone was monogamous and waited until marriage to have sex. But how realistic is that? And how fair is it to label one sex with a derogatory term like "slut" when the other sex is referred to as a "stud"?

Survival Of The Fittest

Sun, 12 Dec 2004 15:55:00 GMT

What doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger! Does survival really mean we are stronger or does it merely make us smarter and leary of placing our hand in the same fire that burnt us the first time? Stronger would imply that if faced with same battle whether it is an emotional or a physical one, we would be the victor the second time around. But doesn't it take more courage to walk away from a battle sometimes than to stay and fight? Isn't that wisdom, victory in itself?

A Sincere Thank-You

Sat, 11 Dec 2004 21:32:47 GMT

One thing I find glaringly apparent about those who have written comments on my blog is regardless of the person's age, sex, cultural background or economic status, they all enjoy the right to express their feelings and opinions. Technology has provided us with an excellent avenue for doing just that. More people should come out of the shadows and learn to voice what's inside waiting to get out. Even negative feedback has a place and sometimes has a positive outcome.

The things I write about come mostly from my personal experiences in life and from the thoughts randomly racing through my head. Although I'm probably old enough to be most people's mother on here, I find it refreshing that a blog is ageless. To be able to bridge the generation gap and find a common ground or to be able to reach across the gender gap and make the other side think keeps us all forever young and human. We don't grow up to become an entirely new or different person, we just become an older version of who we were when we were young. Basically, I think regardless of our differences, we all strive to maintain the pursuit of happiness. Without it, life is void of meaning and purpose.

So for what it's worth...May all your lives be filled with happy hunting, lightbulb moments and the courage to remain open. Thank you for reading the things I share and for taking the time to take advantage of the freedom of speech.

Emotional Vampires

Sat, 11 Dec 2004 01:42:22 GMT

If giving is more important than receiving, when is the right time to stop and think about ourselves and our own needs? I'm one of those people who give my 150% in anything I do, but have felt at times my giving nature has set me up to be used. Since I don't know how to be any other way and have no desire to alter who I am, I'm left with the question of when is enough really enough? If the strong really will inherit the earth, is it the emotional vampires (people who drain us completely dry) who will reign supreme or will it be the do-gooders and hermits?

A Note To The Wizard

Fri, 10 Dec 2004 03:58:37 GMT

I don't want to appear to be picky or ungrateful, but do you think we can bypass Red Kitten's rendition of "Send In The Clowns" (please refer to THE PERFECT MAN for clarification). And if you can't help me, please forward my request to Santa Claus, Cupid and the birthday fairy. PLEASE!!!

The Perfect Man

Thu, 09 Dec 2004 06:04:25 GMT

From the my very unfortunate chronicles as a single adult, I have found most (not all) men fall into one of the following categories:

1. Merv the Perv ---- Merv believes using feathers is great, but using the whole chicken is more erotic. Monogamy to this man is being faithful to each one of the many members of his very large harem. He loves the internet and can be found in most chatrooms (usually has some clearly exagerated erotic name like "lovedoctor69"). Check out the size of his "buddy" lists on whichever instant messenger he uses and the extensive list of porn sites saved under his Favorites. That should indicate just how "into" you he really is. He clearly is trying to make up for what he lacks in real life.
2. Screwy Louie the Psycho Man ---- Louie needs psychiatric counseling and major drug therapy, but thinks he's nothing more than a case study for being well-adjusted and normal. He usually wallows in self-pity, abuses drugs and alcohol and claims he's a loser or an asshole whenever he's confronted about his problems. Do yourself a favor and believe him! On the internet, Louie is usually the troublemaker in the chatrooms. He loves to fan the flames and get things stirred up because the words "serenity" and "harmony" are not in his vocabulary. In real life, he's the guy who always has some major crisis happening and of course, none of his problem are ever his own fault.
3. Peter Pan ---- Peter lives in NeverNeverLand and emotionally never advanced past puberty. He still loves cartoons and goes nowhere without his PlayStation. When selecting a mate, he chooses the one best suited to take care of him. He has dreams, but is quite content to let them remain just dreams. Peter is the guy who falls in love with every woman who shows him any attention. On the internet, he's the one who'll send a rose to all the ladies in a chatroom in hopes someone will notice him.
4. Dudley Doright ---- Dudley believes all women need to be rescued because they are helpless, weak creatures. He's quick to offer his help, but if you look closer he has control issues disguised as being a nice guy. He'll fix your car, hang a ceiling fan and give you a crash course on football, just as long as you stay needy and dependent upon him. Never show Dudley you have a brain or opinions contrary to his. Ladies flutter your eyelashes and Dudley will be forever yours! This guy is the "go-to" guy in the chatrooms. Got a computer problem? He's your man!
5. Jim Jones Revisited ---- Jim preaches religion and/or the Golden Rule, but lives by other standards which are self-centered, and hedonistic. Look up "morally challenged" in the dictionary and you'll see a picture of this man next to the definition. Jim is an uninhibited party animal on Saturday night, but gets close to God Sunday morning. This guy is omnipotent, dominates everything especially relationships and is as much a predator as Merv the Perv is. On the internet he's usually the married man just looking for a "friend" because he's in a loveless marriage. He's a smooth talker and knows how to manipulate people into his way of thinking. Ladies beware!

From experience the exceptions to these categories have been gay, too young, married or live too far away. This indicates to me that Murphy's Laws are alive and well and that the elusive perfect man is like the grass growing on the other side of the fence! If you do happen to find him, just throw some weed and feed down a few times a year and leave the rest up to nature.

More Confessions

Mon, 06 Dec 2004 17:19:02 GMT

I'm still thinking about the issue of what makes some people sexually talented while others remain clueless. I really believe alot of it has to do with how a person communicates what they want in bed or the shower or in a tent out in the middle of nowhere. Expressing what you want sexually at the right time can be very erotic. Afterall let's face it none of us are mind readers and each person has different preferences. What feels good to one person might not feel good to someone else. Also keep in mind that since the two sexes come equipped with different tools, it's hard to gauge what feels best when we have no idea what we're doing feels like to that person. Come on guys....how about alittle feedback when the time is right? You know like "God, that feels great...don't stop what you're doing!" Or " Do that harder and faster...or "slower and tease me with your tongue alittle". Whatever it is you like, speak up and let your partner know. True intimacy starts with the ability to open up and trust your partner and grows with the willingness to try new things to please each other. If recreational sex or a one night stand is on the menu then remember more often than not you'll get fast food instead of a 4 course meal.

Confessions Of A Saucy Tart

Mon, 06 Dec 2004 06:38:34 GMT

I read alot of blogs...some I make comments on, but usually unless they catch my eye I just quickly scrutinize it and click to the next one. I've found gazillions of people under 20 writing about stuff that makes me wonder if people wait to develop braincells until they reach 30 or so. Ocassionally, I find a witty or brutally honest blog that warrants some attention. I just read one in which a man was so totally disappointed by a beautiful woman who gave him head. I could almost picture him fighting the yawn as she gave it her all. I chuckled because I think most men think a beautiful women is some sex goddess with endless creativity and sexual know-how...not so!!! The lovely ones usually have cum fright unless they get recruited into the porn business or had a patient and wise teacher to train them with proper techniques. Think about it....how does anyone learn anything? Practice? Constructive criticism? Praise? Reward? But then again I'm not one of the lovely ones...I'm a saucy tart and do it just because I like what I'm doing.

Forgiveness

Sun, 05 Dec 2004 19:03:14 GMT

As I step into this vast arena, the words of Socrates come to mind. "An unexamined life is not worth living." Today, I looked inside and discovered it takes a stronger person to forgive than it does to remain steadfast on my principles and beliefs. Anger, disappointment and fear are all very powerful negative feelings. More often than not, those negative feelings are created by someone close to us and designed to manipulate and control. Today, I learned how to be free and look past the negative feelings. The gamble isn't in loving, but in stepping outside the safety of the all the positive feelings and being able to choose a particular path based solely upon what my heart tells me to do. Doing that gave me an incredible sense of personal power and freedom. Today I learned love isn't about being right, but about being me.

They say "to err is human and to forgive is divine". I guess that makes me extremely human and working towards divinity. Forgiving others is a cinch! I find what's hardest is to forgive myself, yet I truly believe it's okay to make mistakes as long as a person learns from the mistakes they make. Without mistakes a person can never grow, learn and test the boundaries of life. Have I learned from my mistakes? Would I repetitiously do the same stupid things ? I think as I examine my life and the world around me within this blog, the answer to those questions will unfold. This journey may get a little bumpy along the way, so please fasten your seat belts and put your crash helmet on as a safety precaution. The air bags are functional and the driver hasn't lost anyone yet! Just follow the yellow brick road...