What I Get to Do

I was loading stuff into my car today to take to an Art Expo tomorrow.  I posted what I was doing on Twitter.  I added that I was happy, because I didn't want anyone to think that I was complaining about loading the car.  I wasn't thinking of it as work, but felt happy that I could paint and was going to be part of an art exhibit.  It was something I "got" to do!
I've been trying lately to think of work and chores as something I "get" to do.

Who wouldn't... finding themselves holding a hungry child next to them to keep warm on a cold night with no shelter or food... want to be in a hot kitchen doing dishes?  That would be a sign that you had shelter, warmth and food for you and your child.

No I don't remember to think of everything I do as something I get to do all the time, and I'm pretty sure I'll forget several more times even today.  So, if you see me sometime and hear me say, "I'm so tired, it's been a rough day," feel free to ask me what it was I got to do.

What?? On Easter Sunday?!!!

"He probably chooses this life!"

"Sometimes you just can’t help people!"

"Why does he have to lay on the church wall... and on Easter Sunday!  Jeeesh!"

My husband, Ric, posted this photo and those comments on Facebook.  Now I would never post something like that... not because I’m too good of a person to post it, but because I wouldn’t have the COURAGE to risk being misunderstood to make a point!  My husband does.

Ric got slammed by a few people on Facebook.  But not be people who know him... they got his point.

We actually did see this man lying on the wall in the Sacred Heart garden on Easter Sunday.  We were awestruck!  So many levels of enlightenment can be found in this scene.

I like what Jim Lange said:  “The Universe loves irony.”

Ric eventually posted a comment on his photo:  “My intention is just to inspire us to think, think, think.  This is going on every day.  One of the ways we have (in Charleston, WV) as taxpayers, dealt with the situation in recent years, is to have spikes added to the tops of walls so that vagrant loiterers are discouraged from tainting the ambiance of downtown...”

Most of us have uttered the words in the caption of this photo, in one situation or another.  Many of us have seen the dirty, smelly, disheveled person walk through our church doors... delighted he or she wanted to be there, yet secretly hoping they wouldn’t take a seat next to us.  Those are thoughts we wish we were above thinking... but we thought them anyway.

We are meant to love, without understanding why and without judgment... AND we are not meant to have such pristine lives that we can easily and quickly look down on others. 

Ric and I walked through the garden enjoying its beauty and then returned back to our home.  This homeLESS man found a safe refuge and a place to lay his head for a while.  At a place designed to bring comfort, peace and serenity... for everyone needing a little rest.

Holly River State Park - Fall of 2010

Ric and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Holly River State Park with our friend Jack last fall.  Jack is a loving, kind-hearted, intelligent, talented childhood friend of Ric's.  Although I had met him once before, this was the first time we had spent any real amount of time together.  Jack likes to talk.  He will tell you so himself.  We were amazed at all the words Jack could cram into one sentence... all GOOD stuff... but sometimes it's hard for our brains to keep up!  So we would laugh.  And Jack would say, "I know I talk too much."  And in a way, yes... but really I wanted to shout, "No, don't stop!  This is amazing!"  So at Holly River we got the best of three wonderful things life has to offer... laughter in the midst of the extreme natural beauty found in the middle of West Virginia, and a newfound friendship.

THE HIKE

Walking, climbing, wandering thru the forest...

Little streams and falling water

Moss-covered rocks

Among the bare trees, still many with bright yellow and orange leaves

Green rhododendron

Soft hemlock pine

Fallen leaves on the trail

Little surprises along the way – a deer, a “golden” pond

THE MAID

The guys were outside and I went back to the cabin to get a bottle of water.  While there I decided to take a few minutes to straighten up and make the bed.  Later when all three of us came back inside, we walked through the door and the dialogue went something like this...

RIC:     Ah, they made the bed!

JACK: Yes, they did!

ME:      “They”?

RIC & JACK LOOK AND EACH OTHER AND LAUGH

ME:     Gotta say it... spoken just like a man.

RIC:     Men are slugs.

MY HEMLOCK

I had been to Holly River many times, many years ago... and those camping memories are good.  I remember sitting around a campfire with my mom and dad.  I remember Danny and Jill having so much fun riding their bikes and hiking in the woods.  They (well, me too) loved roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the open fire.  Yet, this time seemed like the first time I had been there.  We stayed in a cabin for one thing, which is in a different area of the park.  But I think the real difference is that I have always enjoyed nature, but these days I really appreciate nature.  As I hiked and walked through the forest, I keenly felt the energy of all the live plants and trees.  I even buried my face in the low branches of a hemlock pine and felt the delicate needles brush against my face.  And I hugged that tree! 

I was glad that I have been recycling during the past few years, and trying to use less to start with (but I’m a spoiled American, and often fall short of my goals).  My hikes over the weekend made me much more aware of my connection with the trees and plants and wildlife, whether I’m in the woods or driving on the streets of Charleston. 

WAIT A SECOND

We set the time on the camera to get a pic of all three of us.  Jack doesn’t just talk fast... he does everything fast... and expects the camera to keep up with him!  Guess he assumed the instant we all three lined up together the camera would take our pictures.  It took a few tries to keep Jack in the shot!

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND

"I'm wearing  my corduroys today."  ~Jack

The Button

I’ve had my Saturn car for 7 years.  I love it.  I’m keeping it for several more, because sadly I won’t be able to get another one (as of this year, Saturns are no longer being made).  And now I love it even more! 

I always thought I was told, when I purchased my Saturn new, that the back seats would fold down, opening up to the trunk, to allow for transporting  large items.  I would try to utilize that feature from time to time, but could never get my seats to fold down.  There was a square button on top of each back seat, but when I pushed it, nothing happened.  I tried various things, like pushing or pulling on the seat itself... again, nothing.  So I assumed I just dreamt that this was an available feature.  I don’t like to have to ask for help, but just recently I had to resort to asking my friend, Matt, to help me move a few things to my new downtown art studio.  He happily helped me do so. 

A few days later, I was loading groceries in my car, and saw that square button again.  I felt around all sides of it, to an opening in the back.  I put my fingers under the button, lifted it up, and voila!  The back seat instantly folded down! 

Seven years... 7 years... that’s how long I could have been using my fold-down back seats.  7 YEARS!

The button was there all the time.  I just needed to lift, rather than push.  How very simple.  “Simple” referring to the mechanics of the button... and to ME!

Breathe...

Breathe
For a moment, let that split second between breaths be the space where you keep the memory.
Let your pain, and questions fly out in a whoosh...
...
And thereafter,
As often as you're inclined,
Pause a moment there again,
And feeling full and satisfied,
Smile the memory of a friend.

~Ric Cochran

Camel Watering Woman

FUNNY STORY FROM COMEDIAN JEFF ALLEN:

In the book of Genesis, Abraham sends one of his slaves down to the well in town to find a wife for his son. He tells the son to find a “camel watering” woman, a woman doing a good day’s work, someone with a strong back and character to match. I mention this, because I married a “camel watering woman” myself.

Tami is a product of a blue collar home. She is a tinkerer – she’s always doing something around the house. In the past, she has laid tile and grout in one of our bathrooms. She has put up crown molding around our entire living room and bedrooms. She also does most of the landscaping outside. In case you are wondering, I don’t really do that kind of stuff. We will leave it at that.

The reason I mention this is because something happened a few weeks ago that kind of rattled my cage.

I was out of town for a couple of weeks and when I came home, I noticed that what was once carpet in our living room was now hardwood. So I inquired as to where that came from.
Tami replied, “Home Depot.  I took a class and laid it myself. Isn’t it pretty?”
That was not what I was looking for, so I rephrased the question, “What happened to the rug?”
“Oh,” she began a little slower this time. “It’s gone.”
“I can see that.  Where did it go?”
“I threw it out. I was sick of looking at it.”
Understand, this is the first I have heard of this, so I asked another question. “When did this occur?”
“What do you mean?”
“I am curious, was it a week ago, a month ago, a year ago....” 
“Why does that matter?” she asked.
“I just wanted to have an idea about how long I have left if you ever get sick of looking at me.”

We have been married for 24 years, which is about four times longer than that rug lasted before it met its demise.

I guess it bothers me because I am a lot like that rug, worn out and kind of shaggy, a little loose in the middle and there are a couple of bald spots on me as well. But I was comfortable with the rug and, up until this happened, I was comfortable with the way I looked.

Not any more.  Now it’s to the gym. I’m going to tone up the flab, do a bunch of cardio, work on a six pack....  Aahhhh, who am I kidding? Fact is, while I married a “camel watering woman,” I’m more of a “caramel eating man.” So it’s off to Maggie Moo’s for a couple of humps of Caramoo Chunks in a waffle cone.

Slow and Fast - in Mexico

Most everything moves slowly in Mexico.  Although appointments are made, forget about things happening at the “appointed” time!  In Mexico, things happen when they happen.  Stores have their hours posted, but they open and close... whenever.  This can sometimes be frustrating, but mostly comical.  Meals are eaten leisurely (as they should be).  And parties and celebrations last long into the night... no hurry... stay and enjoy!

The only thing that moves fast in Mexico is the traffic!  It moves so fast, that it makes up for everything else that moves slowly in the country.  Yikes!  Hold onto your seat.  When traffic is congested, drivers push their way through, blowing horns like crazy.  Despite the rush, there seem to be very few accidents.

One thing that makes the traffic move fast, is that the combi drivers (of the city bus system)  get paid, not by the hour, but by the number of passengers they transport.  So, the amount of food that appears on the dinner table, is directly dependent on how may people the combi driver gets to transport.  They waste no time.  The first time I was in Mexico, I bumped my head extremely hard on the top of the doorway as I was entering a combi.  I almost passed out.  It was really scary.  The driver kept asking me if I was okay... “Está bien, Senora?  Está bein?”  But as he was asking... he was pulling away headed toward the next stop!!!  :-)

Special Occasions

My friend, and art teacher, Kristina, posted on Facebook recently, “There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate. ~Robert Brault.” 

When I first read this, I thought... Hmmm... sometimes a special occasion, like Christmas, doesn’t always turn out as expected... there are some disappointments, or not everyone you want to see on Christmas Day can be there... but we celebrate what has gone nicely and those we did get to spend time with.

It also occurred to me that we can create special occasions.  Why wait for a holiday to celebrate?  The date of the celebration could be one of my choosing and I could work it around people with whom I really want to be with!  The occasion?  The first bud to appear on a tree in spring, the first leaf to fall in autumn!... a holiday only celebrated in another country, or a religious holiday that is different from my “own,”... the birthday of someone famous who inspires me... the anniversary of my high school graduation... oh my, the list of things to celebrate is limited only by one’s imagination, which is unlimited.

Now, those two things are all well and good, and fun... but perhaps the true meaning of the quote is to celebrate the NOW moments.  Celebrate the things that are part of our daily lives... friendships, people we enjoy working with, the part of our jobs we like best, the part of staying home that we like best, family members we most enjoy being with, meeting someone new, some funny or unexpected event, or dancing with the one you love.  Recognize the beauty of the MOMENT... and CELEBRATE it!  :-)

Less Stress in 2011

New Year's Resolutions:  Trying to have less stress is probably at the top of the list for most people.  It's there for me.  But how can we lessen the stress?  What can we change to make that happen?  We can change jobs, but the new job will bring its own kind of stress.  We can let the housecleaning go, but we'll eventually have to dive in and do it anyway and there will be more of it.  We can take a vacation, but we'll have to come back home sometime!  It occurs to me that we literally have to stop and take the time to relax and renew our energy... and make it a daily practice. Here are some ideas that seem pretty simple, but they'll make a difference if we make the time for them:

• Find a room or a corner where you can be comfy, light a candle, and read a good book.
• Breathe deeply.  Breathe in and out, and concentrate on your breath.  Have a background of soft music and... light a candle.
• Walk.  Walk along a path in the woods.  Walk the labyrinth at St. Marks UMC in Charleston (everyone is invited to enjoy it).
• Just sit.  Sit on a park bench, sit on the back porch or sit on a log... and listen to the sounds, breath in the fresh air.
• Watch water!  Stare at a lake, watch the river flow, sit by a waterfall and be mesmerized both the movement and the sound of the rushing water.  Or trickling water, as the case may be.  :-)
• Light a candle!  Just sit quiety and watch the flame... think peaceful and happy thoughts only.

Just a few ideas.  Again, they seem simple, but they'll work if we make the time to be quiet for a little while each day... calming our bodies and our minds.  Yes, we'll then go back to our daily tasks, but with renewed energy.  If we get into the habit of doing something that's meditative each day... we'll gain more and more peace and energy. 

That's my plan.  Watch out 2011... not because I'm charging into you!  But because you might trip over me while I'm chillin'...

Gratitude for Expensive Car Repairs... Really?

Yes!  I try to practice gratitude everyday.  Some days it's easy... some days it's tough!  But if I'm serious about having an attitude of gratitude, then I need to be grateful EVERY day.  This morning, during rush hour, my little white Saturn quit running while going up the ramp from MacCorkle Avenue to the South Side Bridge.  Still in the shop tonight.  Repairs are going to be expensive.  The inconvenience is one thing... the expense is what I have trouble with.  How can I be grateful for this unexpected expenditure?  The first things that come to mind are things like "at least I didn't have a wreck and get hurt," "at least this didn't happen going to or from Pittsburgh last week," etc.  Somehow I feel the need to rise above the it could have been worse kind of gratitude.  So... after some thoughtful consideration I find much to be grateful for in today's situation.

I HAVE A CAR!  I had a car yesterday, I have a car today, I'll have a car tomorrow.  Most everyday of my life, I have the convenience of hopping into my car to go to work, shopping, on a trip, or wherever I want to go. 

I have the MEANS to pay for the repairs.  I don't have the cash, but I do have a credit card.  I'm not crazy about using it... but nevertheless, I have the means to pay for the repairs. 

The guy who is fixing my car, does this for a living.  Because he has customers like me, he can provide for himself and his family.  And, thank goodness there are people and companies whose business it is to fix cars.  Otherwise, for most of us, when a car broke, that would be the end of it.  My car will be FIXED.  The mechanic will EARN A LIVING.

Things circulate... including money.  I spend some today.  I get some tomorrow (well, at least on payday).  I'll earn most of it, some of it will be a gift.  Actually, all of it is a gift.  It's a gift to have a job.  Having a car, even one that needs fixed, is a sign that I have GIFTS in my life.

If I choose to live a lifestyle that necessitates owning a car, then I must realize that that car will require repairs now and then.  Other people will benefit from my car repair needs, I will benefit from their skill and knowledge.  It's a trade-off... and having a car is a sign I get to CHOOSE my lifestyle.

Today has been an opportunity to PRACTICE not stressing out and not worrying.  If I want my life to be peaceful, and I keep saying that I do, then I have to find peace in the midst of whatever is going on.

Lastly, I feel there is some unknown BENEFIT, some blessing in this event and/or in each step of my day today.  Had I arrived at work as usual, I would not have had encounters with these people:

• AAA lady who answered the phone
• Steve & Jenny on the morning radio show
• The Charleston Police Officer who came to direct traffic
• Ray, the driver of the tow truck
• The folks at Appalachian Tire
• Facebook friends who responded to my goofy posts about my car breakdown
• A nice chat with a friend in the building where my art studio is (where I waited for my car to be finished)
• Our friend Matt, who brought me home from work

That's a lot of people!  Why were they in my life today?  Why was I in theirs?  I must trust that there's a bigger picture I can't see - where everything in this day makes sense, and it works better if I make an effort to flow with it. 

Now the real challenge:  Can I hand that credit card over tomorrow with a SMILE?  :-)