Going Political

I am and am not a political creature. I think that was a fair answer to the question when I was asked this morning. Can I write the promotional material for a candidate who I am not eligible to vote for? Of course I can - and it helps that I like the candidate.

Which, of course, makes my day and week very busy - not at all very retired. But I'm buzzed so how can that be bad?

As for where I am political - try me on global issues like poverty and women's issues and sustainability....

Oscar

Tonight's the night!

My annual guilty pleasure - watching the Oscars, including the red carpet arrivals so that I can view and justly criticize (or drool over) the gowns.

It's party time! And though I don't plan on wearing a long gown, I will wear black pants - which is many notches up from my usual torn jeans.

And, if I guessed right, I stand to make big money tonight! Bring it on!

negative positive

When is a negative actually a positive?

I think it can be. I had my weekly talk with my mother this morning and, as happens far, far too often, got extremely frustrated with her. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hi! how are you?"

She, (long sigh) "I'm so depressed."

Me: "What is it?"

She: "I had such a pain in my chest last night. It's gone now, but I had such a pain."

Me: "But you're all right."

She: "I don't know. You don't know what it's like."

Me: "Mom - stop it! Every time I call you're like this. Can't you just once say something cheerful?"

She: "I just won't say anything any more. You don't understand."

You get the idea. Decades ago, I made a vow that I would never be like she was at that time. At that time I recall her as being weepy and depressed ALL the time. This is a negative right? Well, maybe. While I made a very strong vow, I also had a picture in my mind of how I would be different in middle age - of how I would be healthy and energetic and full of well being.

When I vowed (quite passionately) this morning to never be like that, meaning full of aches and pains and complaints and martyrdom when I reach age 95, I also had a passionate sense of what I would be like - feisty and strong and healthy and happy.

So far so good on all fronts.

Listen folks - if you ever hear me talking about how tough life is or if I give you intricate details about my aches and pains, shoot me, okay?

Friday

Is it Friday?

by George - yes I do believe so.

It's almost noon and it looks like my work may be done for the day!

Now that is what I call the joy of semi-retirement! And it's a good reason to always keep working just a bit at least - after all, if I stopped completely, where would be the fun in Fridays? As for the misery of Mondays - I have that one all sorted - just don't start working until Tuesday!

Life is good. (dare I peek at YouTube for more Idol videos?? duh.....)

Guilty Pleasures

I admit that I am indulging in (gasp) guilty pleasures. And no, it's not chocolate - I never ever feel guilty about dark chocolate. It's (sigh) American Idol - and I don't even own a television!

I watch on YouTube - the day after of course, and yes, I miss some of the drama. The upside is that I miss ALL of the commercials.

Why American Idol you may ask? (keeping in mind that I am also a big fan of X Factor and Britain's got Talent.) I love, love, love seeing people excited and happy and winning in their lives. I sit in front of my screen in tears watching people jump up and down with joy. I love happy endings - that goes for books and movies too.

So - guilty pleasure number 2 coming up this Sunday - The Academy Awards. This is the only time all year when I find a friend with a TV who will have me over and put up with me sitting glued in front of the set - completely glued.

Oh - my bets for this year: The King's Speech. Did I say I love happy endings?

Be Here Now

I spend an inordinate amount of time living anywhere but here and now.

Take right now, for example: two things are on my mind - the stories I have to write this afternoon and the snow and how it might impede my ability to shop for groceries tomorrow - and I do need to shop because I am running very, very low.

Why can't I just be in the present and enjoy the white flakes coming down?

I have also spent a good deal of my life living in the past - rarely these days but that's because I'm happy and excited about the future. But being happy about the future still keeps me in the future rather than the present. In years past I spent time in the past because I was heartbroken, missing someone, regretting - all the usual suspect emotions.

I am madly happy about my life right now but I have no clue what the trick is to staying present. When I meditate my mind chatters - usually about what I'll do as soon as I'm done meditating. Yes, I know, follow the breath - and I do that and it brings me back for all of two seconds.

I wonder if sleep is the only time I am fully present.

So okay - being present right now means I am presently thinking about the future - that is my present. Is that cheating?

A Woman Among Warriors

I know I shouldn't write a book review before I have finished reading it but... well, why do the "normal" thing?

I'm not even halfway through this book and already it's worth double the price of admission. Malalai Joya is brave, erudite and honest. It's a must read just for the facts about American involvement in Afghanistan - so important to know the truth and not the spin. Take off those rose coloured glasses.

In changing anything (including ourselves) for the better, it is important first to tell the truth about how it is now. This is what this book does. But it is not a book of despair. It soars with human spirit and courage. It gives us hope. I feel hugely energized to help.

The book (and again, not yet halfway through it) is a celebration of all that is good in the human spirit in the face of unspeakable evil.

All that and it's well written too - bonus!

What's Next?

Sad to hear that another staff member is leaving. Such a great company - such an amazing boss who everyone loves - how could we not? And yet, the company is losing people.

And speaking of work - I find it incredibly frustrating when people "forget" their interviews leaving me with a morning of twiddling my thumbs followed by an afternoon of crazy, flat-out work that goes well into the evening. The nature of the beast? Perhaps. But it's also frustrating (and here's where it begins) when stories aren't assigned until the very last minute. If the deadline for assignments is Friday, everything comes in on Friday - and that's just bad planning.

I know there is a better system and a better way - but to change, it takes first, an attitude that wants change and second, communication between all parties - seeking for mutual help and understanding.

Is this just a Monday morning rant?

Probably.

Maple Mountain and after...

Nothing earth shattering - just a wonderful Sunday spent with good friends and dogs hiking in a beautiful corner of the world. Maple Mountain glowed under winter sunshine. And after the hike - Denman Island organic dark chocolate in the car on the way home, while puppies snoozed peacefully in the back - then a hot bubble bath with Body Shop product. I can't remember the name but it's pale green, like sherbet and the name is something like Meringue - which is such a beautiful word. If it didn't mean beaten egg whites we'd name our daughters, Meringue.

Then, after the hot bubble bath, lots of cocoa body butter on the skin, warm cozy sweat pants and sweater and a nap under an eiderdown throw. Does it really get any better than that?

Pleasures

I believe one of the secrets to happiness is taking pleasure in now - in all the simple things in the now. Today: sunshine, a hike with Abby, a lovely romcom (maybe a guilty pleasure), chocolate (definitely not guilty), a nap, a good book - and happy anticipation of a full day hike tomorrow on Maple Mountain.

I am blessed.

Inspire me!

Isn't Abby lovely? This photo was taken when she was nine weeks old. She's still lovely.

I have a message to people on Facebook or any other form of social media - please, don't post doom and gloom scenarios - stop trying to frighten me. I won't read the posts. Give me hope and inspiration. Show me what I can do - what others are doing to make a positive difference. That's what will save the earth - not fear.

Besides, the Law of Attraction does not understand the word "no." Focus on what is awful and you will attract more of it. Focus on what is right and good and you will attract more of it. It works - every time.

The Power of Stories

I asked myself yesterday why I do what I do. The answer, as I predicted, was easy.

I believe in the power of stories.

I believe in the power of stories to move people, to change people's lives and even to turn the direction of the world. This ties in with my calling in life: I am called to inspire social and environmental activism by telling powerful stories that touch people's hearts.

Mankind has been moved by the power of stories since the earliest of times. Stories were told in pictures on the walls of caves. People have been passing down stories for hundreds and thousands of generations. Before there was the printed word, there was oral history - and oral history is still important today. How primal is the power of the story? What child has not said to its parent, "Tell me a story!"

The way I contribute to the world is by telling stories. I have that ability.

Knowing this, I also know how I have to make my contribution. I have been contemplating a volunteering mission - well, it's not going to be changing diapers or washing floors. Somewhere in the world there is a person or a group of people who wants and needs their story to be told. That is where I will spend my time and energy. All I need to do now is find that person or group.

And I am very clear that the story must inspire. Stories of how awful and wrong things are in the world stop rather that start action. People must believe they can make a difference. Then they will act. I'm ready to do my part.

Why

I love TED - and this is one of the best talks I have ever ever heard on TED. http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action.html

I am a huge believer of inspiration over motivation - this is a new view on inspiration. I am now taking myself out for a long walk with one question in mind: why?

And I should be no newcomer to this - this is the most important and most revealing question I ask in my interviews. I shall now ask it of myself - although I have a suspicion that I may know the answer.

The Seal Hunt

I hear distant rumblings once again about the seal hunt - and how awful it is that the EU bans our seal products.

Good for the EU! Three cheers!

Do you get the impression that I don't support the seal hunt? I also don't support the slaughter of dolphins in Japan or the hunting of whales. I reject every economic argument you can throw at me. If the only way people can make ends meet is by cruelly killing innocent creatures (while their mothers watch) then we simply have to find another way to make ends meet.

It's morally wrong.

Lately I have heard a great deal of publicity about the dolphin slaughter - thanks to a documentary film that I can't bring myself to watch (having seen the trailer). I want to continue to focus the same spotlight on our seal hunt. It's just as awful. Those young seals are sitting targets - they don't have a chance.

Why is so much of mankind so insensitive and cruel and inhumane to the beautiful creatures we share this planet with? And I include cows, pigs and chickens in that question. Yes - and other human beings as well. When we kill - when we take life - something happens inside. Life becomes less sacred - when we approach every interaction from the heart, we will not harm or kill.

We must approach life from the heart. How else?

Gross National Happiness

Valentine's Day seems a good day to reflect on two things: love - so that would be Abby - isn't she a sweetheart?

And happiness.

I picked up a book on Bhutan the other day because I was very curious about a country that measures success not by GNP (gross national product) but by GNH (gross national happiness).

At first blush that may seem quaint and rather cute. At second blush it seems the only logical and sane measuring stick a country should use. What is it all about - this short life - if not happiness? And what is the purpose of a government if not to ensure the happiness of its citizens?

Instead, we have come to take it for granted that we must constantly produce more and have more - even if none of the things we make or buy bring any sort of lasting joy. We are driven by insane consumerism. Bhutan, I think, has it right. I would like to visit one day - might just be one for the bucket list.

Hiking

Sometimes it's lovely to hike alone - be alone with my thoughts, with Abby, with my feelings of wellness - at times like this I feel incredibly blessed. And what a perfect day for a hike on the Westwood Ridges - exploring a new trail, climbing all the ridges - 3.5 hours of bliss!

And then back home, a phone conversation with a very interesting man (yes - still looking - getting closer) and a hot bubble bath.

Life doesn't get much better.

Damn Pundits!

Globally, our zeitgiest determines our results. Please let us not forget that!

No sooner has Egypt achieved freedom - freedom with grace - freedom where Christians and Mulsims protected each other during prayers and held hands in unity - than the pundits are already trumpeting, "Now What?!"

Already they are instilling fear. Will the military take over? Will democracy truly come?

In the words of Bob Newhart, "Stop it!" Celebrate with the Egyptians! Walk like an Egyptian! (I understand that today that's halfway between a strut and a skip). Let us have faith in them, believe in them and assist them in any way we can - and that includes good thoughts and good press.

The pundits be damned!

Egypt

In the "normal" state of things, we in the West are supposed to inspire other nations to seek freedom and fight for democracy. Today it is Egypt that inspires all of us.

Egypt certainly inspires me. Al-Jazeera carried a photo of a Christian cleric and a Muslim holding hands - one lifting a cross high, the other a Koran. They stood together for freedom and that is why they gained it today. I hope and pray that this spirit of unity remains tight and strong. Egypt can be an example to the entire world - an example of peaceful revolution.

It is now up to us to support them - the people - not the army or the powerful but the people and their wishes.

I'll be happy to give them a slogan we are no longer using here - Yes. we can!

Reverse Engineering My Life

Further thoughts on the stories I tell about my life - and the effect they have.

My results are directly related to the stories I tell. I if I tell "poor me" stories, I will be a victim. If I tell success stories, I will do well.

So really, If I want to change my life, I have to first determine the results I want (great relationship, success, wealth, health) and then tell the stories of my life that support those results.

I'm not talking about making things up and telling lies - that would never work. But I know that if I want a great relationship in my life, I can tell true stories that support the notion that I am deserving of and capable of sustaining and creating a fabulous relationship. Those are the stories that support me and the ones for me to focus on. I chose well when I married my first husband - he loved me with all his heart and we did well together for many years. The same is true of my second husband. As for love - I have known great love and passion. I have a splendid track record.

I have brilliant stories because I have led a brilliant life - so far - more to come.

Rewriting my story

There are two stories in particular I've liked to tell over the years (over and over again) about my poor, deprived, painful childhood. I can easily re-frame those stories.

Why have I told them so often? Telling them repeatedly never once eased the pain of them - indeed, I suspect it added to the hurt. I suppose I did it for any number of reasons - attention, sympathy - a good reason why "I am the way I am (poor sod!)." I can choose to stop.

Story number one: One day my mother was very upset with my father. Rather than shouting and yelling and upsetting her children, she chose to walk it off. I watched her through the window, fearing she was abandoning us. Of course, she wasn't - had no intention of doing that. She loved us more than life itself. She would have found it easier to abandon her heart than her children. End of story.

Story number two: One day my father decided to punish all three of his children equally. Over and over, it was the oldest of us who was naughty and got punished. What made it worse, from my father's point of view, was that my older brother was his child from a former marriage and my father was afraid that my brother was taking it badly and personally - as thought he mattered less. Since we had all denied wrongdoing, two of us truthfully, he spanked all of us. He was doing his best to be fair. End of story.

And here's another story: once I sassed my mother - really, really sassed. My father reached across the dinner table and slapped me. I deserved it - even then I recognized it.

I was not hard done by as a child. I was loved. I still am. It's all about the story I choose to tell myself - and yes, I do have choice.

Ambition

I went to bed last night with an oddly empty feeling. It was Monday - end of day - I hadn't done a stitch of work and had no work lined up for the next day or the next. I recalled my brother telling me last year that retirement is not a piece of cake - work is better.

Is it? It depends on the work you do, I suppose. Are you passionate about it?

But that isn't where my mind settled. What I thought about was the years when I was truly ambitious. There was a time when I worked very long hours and I worked very hard and when I had a great deal of stress in my life. I worked nights and I worked weekends. I had visions of awards (and won some) and rising up the corporate ladder - and did. I tried to remember exactly how it felt to have this overriding sense of - not purpose - but simply ambition - of wanting to get to the mythical, elusive top and of competing with others to get there.

I lived that life and, for the most part, I believe I enjoyed it. When I got up in the morning it was with a sense of purpose and almost, destiny.

I can't imagine recapturing that feeling. And last night I felt a sense of loss. It wasn't a big sad feeling, mind you, just an acknowledgment that it's gone. What replaces it? Contentment? I don't think that would be enough for me.

I find myself in an in-between time - not really working a full day - not really fully retired. I feel that I "should" be working and so feel restless and unsatisfied when I don't. That's why weekends are so lovely. I'm not "supposed" to be working on weekends so it's all right then.

It's a transition. How to handle it with grace and joy? I know I need a new project. I need to write another book - I am waiting for inspiration to strike.

Keeping it clean

I like a clean living environment - I just don't like the work involved to get it that way.

See? - I'll bet you thought (given the headline) that this posting would be about something entirely different. Well, it's not - this is a family blog.

At any rate, here I am with a full day - and a Monday no less, with almost no work to do. The sun is shining, Abby is out on the deck chewing on a huge marrow bone, and I'm surfing - checking out YouTube to see what everyone's talking about when they're panning the halftime performance at the Super Bowl yesterday - and in my deeper moments, checking out what's new at TED.

What I "should" be doing is some much needed chores. Earlier this morning I was in either the bedroom or the bathroom or the kitchen (more than likely all three) when I noticed certain things that really needed to be cleaned. I made a mental note to do that later today. Now is the time. But, it's an odd thing, isn't it - as I sit here I simply can't for the life of me remember what those things were that needed to be scrubbed, scoured or otherwise spruced up.

My next leap of logic takes me to the glorious place that says, "Well, if I can't remember then surely it couldn't have been that dire, disastrous or dirty.

Let the good times roll.

Small blessings

Sometimes the right thing to do is just to count and give thanks for the small blessings of everyday life. Today:

A foggy, misty hike up the Westwood Ridges - no view to be seen but mist - and dogs playing ecstatically - and good company - what could be better?

A nap after lunch under a feather and down blanket.

A hot bubble bath

A good book and utter peace as the daylight fades.

Really - it's a wonderful Sunday!

non-blogging

I have decided to take Saturday (today) off completely - well, except for laundry, but I actually like doing laundry - replenishing my drawers with neatly folded clean clothes (cleaned in biodegradable soap).

So I am not going to do anything constructive today - I am not even going to blog.

Consider this a non-blog.

The one thing I really do want to write about is Egypt and the Middle East. But perhaps not yet - I stand fast with the people.

Ok - that's it - that's my non-blog for the day.

American Idol

I confess - I really like American Idol (I hesitate to use the word "love" - I fear that may be taking my addiction a step too far.)

I like the happiness - rarely watch the dud auditions (I watch everything on YouTube so I can be very selective). I like to watch the joy, the happiness and the excitement. I like seeing people taking concrete steps toward their dreams.

I admit that I love (okay - like) Simon Cowell - I can't recall ever disagreeing with one of his assessments. That said, J Lo and Steven Tyler are good. And really, it's all about the people.

So - there it is - my confession - my time waster. And given the myriad ways I could waste time, it's not all that bad. Of course, I could also get profoundly philosophical about the entire notion of "wasting time" but I won't waste your valuable time by getting into it.

Support

I am blessed to be part of a group of strong, amazing, gorgeous, supportive women.

Speaking of support - one of my friends posted a definition (from Randy Revell, founder of Context, I believe) that resonates very strongly with me. How do I know that I have been effectively supported by my friends? If I get the results I say I want. Support is not empathy or sympathy or a shoulder to cry on - it's very possible that support doesn't even necessarily look like support at the time - but it is real and true support if it helps me obtain my goals.

I love my group of women - we have been together supporting each other for almost twenty years. And no, it hasn't always felt supportive. And yes, there were times when I wanted out of the group. I'm still here. What a blessing!

Egypt

It seems that Mubarak has now hired thugs to fight the protesters. My heart and thoughts are with them. Mubarak is afraid - very afraid.

I pray the protesters hold firm.

I know they will win. The collective heart of the world is with them. They cannot lose.

I feel helpless - I want to do so much more for them. But if the Law of Attraction is real (it is) then I know I am helping.

Watching the World

I have many thoughts as I watch the unfolding of events in the Middle East. I don't have the time to go into them all right now. However, here's one important thing: I am basing my thoughts, as much as I can, on facts - not opinions of media pundits who toe some sort of "media industry" (read big business) party line.

Journalism consists of reporting facts - attributing statements, digging, doing research - not spouting half-formed opinions that serve some other purpose. I tend to stick to Al Jazeera, Wikileaks, FAIR - and, of course, the number one American source of fair, honest news - The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. (I wish I was joking about that last one but I'm not.)

Even Michael Moore puts out some good facts - check his Twitter feed.

The wonderful thing about this age with its social media, is that we can learn the truth - if we want to - or at least the facts. Truth and facts are not necessarily always the same thing.

Me? I'm with the people. I'm an idealist. I want ordinary people to win. I want every person to have freedom to vote, to determine their future. I want people to be free from hunger, to be free to have an unbiased education, to be able to speak and to question the status quo without fear, to have proper health care - to not be afraid of bullies....

I pray these are the things that will come to be in the Middle East.