Remember Me?

I've returned.

It would seem that I turn to writing when I don't know what to do with myself.  I put my words on paper and try to make sense of it all. And there's a lot going on that doesn't make sense these days. So, I decided to click onto my old friend Blogger and I signed into The Daily Dandy. It was that easy.

It feels good to be back. Me and the keyboard "having a conversation about nothing". But these days nothing seems... trivial. Life is changed drastically since 2016, the last time I logged into this place; my home for my words and my thoughts. But I guess that's the thing about going home, you somehow are comforted by the stability of what you know and it feeds your soul.

Comfort is something we all desperately need because right now. Life as we know it, knew it, and will live it is drastically different. That's the straight sh*t. No kidding.

Covid-19 has taken our world hostage, quite literally and we are left to wait, worry and wonder when and if we will make it out of this pandemic. We are all looking for answers and assurances that this too shall pass. But there are none.

As of today, I have been self quarantined at home for 7 days. Unprecedented. TV News media is my constant companion. My store is closed. No work, no business, no American dream or engine that drives our economy because "social distancing' must be our new normal. No restaurants, malls, boutiques, stores or coffee shops open. It's almost eerie.

I know I'm not alone. Mankind has been a great partner in all this, and we must stick together. Today, by the grace of God, I am healthy and my family is healthy. That is a blessing. So I'm going to focus on the blessings. The small things, the memories we have been making at the dinner table, and I'm going to do my part to slow the spread of this virus.

I'll come back here a lot, during this.
I'll talk about nothing and something and that something we are all talking about.
And together, we will connect without actually connecting.

It's good to be home again where I belong. In my own little universe

Tuesday Tidbits

• I went 4-1 in the football pool this week! I'm officially tied for 6th. I'm also slightly obsessed.

• I'm disappointed in the Ray Donovan season finale. I like a badass Ray Donovan and this episode gave me a resigned and weak Ray Donovan. I guess I understand the reason why they chose to end the season the way they did-it's about absolution and redemption, OK, I get it. But in my opinion they over played their hand a bit here. They put too much focus on Ray's two weaknesses-the Catholic church and his family and I don't feel like it resolved anything for me. I'm thinking that's exactly what it was meant to do. I'll be waiting till next season Ray, don't you worry. 

• Scientists have discovered evidence of flowing water on Mars! Exciting news that some say could lead to the discovery of some form of life on the planet. I wonder-is this a ploy by Hollywood to promote the opening of Matt Damon's new movie "The Martian"? Just a thought.

• The Pope is the cutest man in the world. I love him. 

• Today I consider myself fortunate for all that I do have in my life and fortunate that I will not focus what I don't have....and I'm fortunate that I feel that way. 

• I'm going to see Frack this weekend in North Carolina. It's Parent Weekend at HPU and I can't wait! I miss my boy so much!! He is pledging a frat Pi Kappa Phi and he's rally excited about it. I'm loving the fact that this frat boasts the best GPA on campus and they take academics VERY seriously. So much so, that Frack has to log in 12 hours of monitored study time during the week as part of his pledge duties. Is this great or what?

• Babies are everywhere in my family. Lately there have been most joyous visits from 2 great nieces and a great nephew. I'm not going to even think about the fact that this means I am old..no, I am going to rejoice in the fact that my beautiful nieces and nephews whom I have enjoyed watching growing up are now becoming parents themselves. The love I feel for their children is so overwhelmingly satisfying. It's a beautiful lesson in the circle of life.

Jive Turkey

Just quietly sitting here going crazy. 

But one can literally drive themselves crazy, can't they? I mean focusing only on what's wrong is easy, and detrimental to any chance of positivity. I swear, this dark and dreary winter has done just about all it can to depress even the happiest of people. But I'm done with it. I'm done complaining about it and I'm done feeling helpless. There's power in change! Turning over a new leaf means accepting whatever life hands you and that despite it all you know that you will be ok. I will be ok. The snow will melt-the dirt and salt will get cleaned up, the sun will come out and the world will look new again. Renewal is inspiring. I will look for action in that inspiration. 

Elanor Roosevelt once said that "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I say, "Can't let the turkeys keep you down!" Down is not where I belong. 

I found my funk and funny, it is precisely that same funk that pulled me out of one. 

Tuesday Tough Love

We all have to fly. We all have to spread our wings, fly free and soar where we have never dared to soar before. And we have to do it alone, but together in spirit. Always.

• The nest will be empty today..by 5 pm. I've realized that it's not about me. They will be great. I've done my job. 
• It's not so bad... my life is good. Possibly even great, but I'm being challenged lately. I can't run and hide. I've got to fight and move forward with everything I've got. Piece of cake, right?

I'm done whining and crying. I had my moment, now it's time to live. Fly free and soar. 

Eagles don't fly with crows. 

They Lift You Up

Friends are like gems...so a good friend of mine inspired me to say.

I think he's right on. When you need it, it comes in the most amazing packages. Is it our faith? Is it our karma? I will not question why. I will only be grateful. Whatever the reason, good friends can elevate you to a place you never thought was possible. It is then that you realize that they are your family and family comes in many forms.

They lift you up, become your cheerleaders and keep you going knowing that you should not be afraid to try to achieve because they believe in you. They see it all. The good, the bad and the ugly, and yet they still care about you and give you strength. It's reciprocal, this friendship thing and it only works if you too, care enough to lift them up. And it happens when you/they may not even realize it.

This is the true gem, the diamond in the rough. And that cannot be valued, for friendship like that is truly priceless.

If You Build It, They Will Come.

Sometimes I wonder if I have what it takes to be successful.

Some Days are harder than others and some days are a breeze, but if I could swap the me that appears on the easy days for the me that appears on the hard days, then maybe I'd be onto something. While it's true that the most successful people actually survive when the going gets tough, I'd like to think I would not only survive but thrive. But as I said, some days its tougher.

Things are good, but I need them to get better and I'm just now trying to figure out how to make something good into something amazing. That's the real key, isn't it? Making something from nothing and turning that something into gold. If it were that easy then I guess everyone would be doing it. I'm talking about growth. Real growth. Double digit growth and I'm just now trying to figure out just how that is accomplished. Nobody said it was going to be easy. Nothing that's worth having ever is, but the true measure of a business is how you build it and how you grow.

Never one to turn my nose up at a challenge, I press on. I read all the business manuals and I go with what I know; what I'm good at. I know there is crazy potential here, and I need to tap into that "what makes me unique" thing to survive and grow. How much of success is patience and hard work and how much is plain old luck? I'm not sure, but I can guarantee I will live or die trying.

Cuz I built it. And they are coming. The question that remains is how we get more to come and keep them coming.

An Open Letter...

Dear (insert name here),

Madewell,  I love your fashions but your tops don't wash well.

Louis Vuitton, you tempt me. You are the one true entity that can separate me from my hard earned cash.

Love, You are like a drug. One hit and you keep me wanting, searching for more.

Television, we have become old friends, you and I. More so now that I am older. I seek your escape at the end of a long day and you rarely disappoint.

Wisdom, Why do you abandon me when I need you most? Is it then that you carry me? Sometimes I can't tell.

Parenting, Thanks for the gift of them. And for the constant realization that I don't have all the answers. That I am only human.

Technology, Where would we be without you?

Confidence, Don't ever leave me, ok?

Writing, Thank God for you. Where else would I put all that crap that collects inside this head?

Makeup,  I want it all. Every little bottle and compact that sends shivers down my spine. Is makeup hoarding a psychological thing?

Friendship, If I am rich in nothing else, I am wealthy in friendship. I have been blessed by the commerce of friendship. I have been burned by some and with some I have made good choices, but all the while I have learned from you. Thank you for a great human experience.

Spaghetti, I love you.

Marriage, Ya I know, I can't brag here because I have failed once before. But this time I may have gotten it right. Just saying..

Religion, Let's not start that now, ok?

Tom Ford, You are perfect.

Blogspot, Happy are those who can come to a place everyday where everybody knows their name. 

I Was Just Thinking..

It would seem to me that as a society, we are all obsessed with the concept of an upgrade. Onto bigger and better things, so out with the old and in with the new. But is the new always the better option?

• Technology says yes. Newer phones with the latest technology that are quicker, clearer and thinner than their older counterparts who just can't compete create a societal frenzy. If the lines of people camped outside the Apple store in all kinds of weather don't speak volumes about our voracity for upgraded technology, I don't know what does.  It's a techie's wet dream of being the first to own the newest in the industry. 
• Jewelry. They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, so who doesn't want a bigger, brighter version of our very good friend? On second thought, maybe not everyone needs bigger, but if offered the opportunity to own a more valuable gem or stone, you'd be hard pressed to find someone to say "no thanks".

The question still begs..Is it always better? Is an upgrade a better grade of life? 

• Weary traveler's say yes. A first class seat airline seat is bigger, softer, roomier and comes with a better meal with a more attentive waitress than it's coach counterpart. Does that mean that there's also an upgrade of people in first class?
• Academic papers that are "upgraded" may be the only exception to the question at hand. An upgrade on any academic work is always a good thing.

But when it comes to the people in our lives, the concept of an "upgrade" is fuzzy at best. Can one really "upgrade" the old ball and chain? Can you actually replace a person with a newer version of the same person? I guess you'd have to ask Hugh Hefner. It would seem that he has perfected the art of "upgrading" his women. It's a funny dinner party joke with your friends, to kid about "upgrading" your spouse, but in truth I would guess that most people would rather not. In fact, I think most people who tend to poke fun at the concept of replacing one person with another "newer" version know exactly what it means. 

It means they know for certain that for them, there is no better grade. 

New Year, New You

If it's true that everyone gets to start anew at some point in their lives, today would be the some point.

Kicking off a new year brings with it hope and excitement and the permission to shrug off the regret and the dread of things we can't control. Today is like a new box of Crayola crayons; untouched.

Observations on 2013:

• I'm older and much wiser. Like it or not this is me and I've decided that me looks good on me. I'm going to rock it. 
• 13 is NOT an unlucky number. My girl Frick was born on the 13th and she has brought me nothing but joy and luck ever since. 2013 is going to be a great year. 
• Change is good and necessary. It may not always be easy, but its usually a good bet.
• Reflection and planning is key to life's successes. Take a moment today to write down 5 things you wish to accomplish or change in 2013. At the end of this year, when you look at them it will be with a much keener sense of self and accomplishment. Who knows? You may not only achieve but surpass those things which you wish for. 

I'll be making my 2013 predictions tomorrow and I'm not quite sure what I will predict yet, but I know I'm looking forward to it. 

Happy New Year and happy new YOU!

The Ten Dollar Difference

She walked away thinking, "Who am I to have been blessed with so much?" Then,"
Why me and not her?" Realistically there was a vast difference between them, but
what was it? Clearly it was more than just ten dollars.

If it is true that people come into your life for a reason, she wanted to know
what the reason was? The woman told her she was her angel. An angel disguised as
a person but she was beginning to think it was the woman who was the angel.

It was a quiet Sunday in November and she found herself with something she
hadn't had in weeks; time. But she wasn't complaining. She was on top of the
world, feeling a high she hadn't felt in years. She was living out her dreams
and watching them come true. And she had the love and support of her family.
She knew they believed in her. That morning was not unusual. She had stopped off
to get some cash at the ATM, then on to the nail salon to pamper herself. The
few extra minutes to the city were worth it because they do the best job. She
almost stopped to do ten other things that morning before the bank, but she
didn't.

She pulled up to the closed bank in her expensive car, a pricey , designer
handbag dangling from her arm. As she took out her ATM card to gain access to
the door a man and his young daughter were exiting. They hurriedly pushed past
her when she immediately heard the bellowing sobs from within.

The woman stood shaking, short of breath, almost hyperventilating, fumbling
with her cell phone, her greasy nails and hands visibly shaking uncontrollably.
"Are you alright?" she asked the woman.
"No," the woman said through heavy sobs. "That machine just ATE my ATM card!"
the woman screeched. "I came here to get ten dollars and that machine ate my
card."

Immediately, she felt a small sense of relief. She put her hand up to the
shaking woman and said,
"Relax honey. It's happened to me before. You can come back tomorrow and get
your card." she said. "Don't worry."
This only made the woman cry harder, as the tears streamed down her slightly
grey complected face and dropped onto her grease stained jacket.
"But that was my last ten dollars." the woman said. "I haven't eaten in three
days and I needed that money to get some food. I can't wait until tomorrow" she
cried.

She knew what was coming next, but she wasn't sure if the overwhelming feeling
of doom was because she knew that the woman was going to ask her for the money
or because she already knew that she was going to give it to her.
"Can you give me ten dollars? I haven't eaten in three days." the woman sobbed.
"I'm having a bad week."
"Why don't you call the bank and see what they can do for you?"she said.
"I already did," the woman replied. "I have to wait until tomorrow. Oh God, I'm
having a bad week. Can you give me ten dollars?"

She stood there, in all of her abundance. The blessings practically dripping
from her body and she quietly wondered why me and not her? She felt like a
little girl doing something she shouldn't. Like when you know your going to get
into trouble with your mother, but she didn't hesitate.
"I'll give you the ten dollars. OK? Now take a deep breath and calm down. It's
going to be alright," she said.
"Oh thank you. You're an angel,"the woman said as she paced back and forth
within the small ATM crucible. "I'm having a really bad week."

She kept repeating, "Take a deep breath." to the woman as she effortlessly took
out ten times the ten dollars so desperately needed . The two then walked across
the street to change the $20.00 bill that the ATM dispensed. "It's going to be
OK," she kept telling the woman, to which the woman kept replying, "I'm just
having a really bad week."

She knew she had to ask, but she felt a bit guilty after she did, "You are going
to buy food with this money, right?" she said. "Not something you shouldn't be
buying."
"Yes. I'm going to Hannaford Farms right now. You are an angel dressed as a
person. Thank you," the woman sobbed.

They then parted ways. She was left to feel the mixed emotions of that exchange.
Why her? Why that morning? And what makes them so different? Aren't we all just
ten dollars away from having a bad week? What was ten dollars to her on that
day? How could she say no, with everything she has been blessed with? It made
her feel sad because she knew that it was a lot more than ten dollars that
separated the two women.

She remained quiet for the next hour or so. Even her regular nail girl
commented, " You're so quiet today. Not your usual self." She had lots to share
about her own life, all the good news that was happening to her right now, but
it wasn't important any more. She just wanted to be quiet.

She didn't tell anyone about it either, because that's not why she did it. She
did it because that woman needed it and she knew she had to help her. She knew
there would be those who would tell her she got fleeced by a con artist, and
taken for a ride. Maybe she did but maybe she didn't. Maybe it was a cautionary
tale for her, but she decided to keep it to herself.

Until right now.

Holy Crap!

So this is how I'm feeling today.

The world is being held together with duct tape. Dang, something better give for me in the universe soon because I'm ready yet I'm hanging on by the crack of my butt!

Like duct tape, I'm strong and I stick to it. (and I also come in many fashion colors...)
This too shall pass, and the need for the duct tape will be diminished.

and the rainbow is just at the horizon.

Positive Affirmation

Today is kind of a big day for Frick.

So I just text her, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

I want my children to always remember this, and I want to tell them this as much as possible because positive affirmation mixed together with love can convey a powerful message. It's a life strategy that can manifest wonderful things.

My mom always told me that there was nothing I couldn't accomplish if I put my mind to it.
And I believed her.
She told me repeatedly, and she also told me that if I didn't reach for the stars, someone else would.
And I believed her.

It's so simple, really, but it holds so much power.

Stuart Smalley thinks so too.

Separate Lives

After 25 years of marriage, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver announce their separation. It seems sad, really that this couple, who seemingly had it all, are ending their union. But it's not at all shocking. What would be shocking is if President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama announced their separation while in office, but this announcement is worth noting.

Marriage seems to be a detriment these days, and I wonder why most people can't or won't put up and shut up like our founding fathers did. What does this say about our society today? Are we not built for commitment? I come from a broken marriage, but it was not of my choosing. I thank the good Lord above for getting me out when he did, but I may not have chosen to end it if I was left to my own decision. THEN. Knowing what I know now, I would have ran for the hills, but in my ignorance, a modern girl like me had an old fashioned take on marriage.

Now I've gone and done it again and I'm so happy I did, pledging this time to honor and love and go where ever it is my marriage takes me. Am I crazy? I think not. I'm just hopeful and happy. Today. But what happens when that happiness fades and life throws some curve balls at me? Do we just get out? Is this how it works? It was reported that Marie Osmond just remarried her first husband, again. So what are the odds of them making it this time around? Did they just realize they made a rush decision to divorce the first time, or was there something worth saving there?

Jesse James is probably the most hated man in America for cheating on every body's sweetheart, Sandra Bullock. There's no way these two could have stayed together after the news of his illicit affairs during their marriage hit the press. But that's what society says. What did they say to each other in those final days? In some way I think when a man cheats, he knows that there is no turning back after the crime has been committed. I believe it is a cowards way to end a marriage because the act speaks the words the coward is unable to say.

Just like Brad and Jen. Brad knew he had crossed the line, and try as honorably as he might, everybody knew the line had been crossed. He had no choice, he had to get out. But what happens when there is just nothing left in the marriage tank void of infidelities? They separate. They live alone and trudge through life without the other. Maybe they turn to someone else. Maybe not. Maybe they work it out. Maybe they don't. Life offers no assurances, but I somehow hope that marriage has not become disposable.

Here's an old fashioned girl who believes in commitment, throwing her hat into the ring.

I hope Arnold and Maria work it out.

The Lies That Bind

"Any story sounds true until someone tells the other side and sets the record straight" Proverbs 18:17

Lies.

They mess with your head and your life and when you live with lies, the lines between truth and falsehood become blurred. Somewhere along the way the lie becomes a truth to the one who tells it. It's a commitment both powerful and pathetic and like a drug you need to tell more to keep it going. The truth so terrifying, the lie must be given new life. It is in that commitment that the liar finds solace, comfort and conviction in the lie that is now their reality.

Now it looks like a truth.
Now it sounds like a truth.
So if it looks and sounds like a truth, then it must be the truth. Right?

Wrong.

It's still a lie and a bigger, fatter lie at that, more destructive than a plague as it eats away at your soul.

Don't be fooled by the fool. The fool makes bad choices and continues to tell you lies to save face. Like the sage gypsy once said, "In a previous life the fool gave you up to the enemy to save himself."

Lucky for me, I survived. I am stronger than the enemy, the fool and a lie.

If you digest the deception and believe, you are doomed. It's that simple. Karma is a pit bull and it will come back to bite you. So if you take the bait, knowing all that you know, you are deserving of the destruction. As pathetic as he and living in the wake of the lying destruction. Don't say I didn't warn you. It is here in print.

Good luck.

You will most certainly need it.

Humble Pie

I had a large helping of humble pie today. While exercising this morning I was thinking about blog topics.

• I might have wanted to blog about tonight's finale of, "The Bachelor", but it seemed so minuscule and shallow when you think about the devastation in Japan.

• I might have wanted to blog about the Celtics finally winning a good one, but it didn't seem fitting, considering the tragedy in Japan.

• I'm totally into what is probably the WORST show on TV, "The Celebrity Apprentice" and I could have talked about last night's episode and how Lisa Rhinna got fired, and how in the boardroom the Donald told her how he loved her lips without the huge implants and how inappropriate it was. But I can't do that either because I can't get the images of the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan out of my head.

I want to talk about the amazing people who are helping the survivors and the care and compassion they are showing for complete strangers. How an American news crew who approached a group of now homeless Japanese people, sitting amongst the devastation of what used to be their homes, and were offering food from their precious rations to the Americans. The gesture was quite humbling.

It's all been quite humbling and from the comfort of my untouched home, with electricity, heat and water a plenty, I want to say I am in awe of the work that people are doing to help the people of Japan. I can do my part by donating money to The Red Cross, but not much else.

And I applaud you.

Because tomorrow the sun will rise again.

Where Were You?

It was one of those moments ingrained in your brain. One I will never quite understand but will never forget.

25 years ago today, I was a college sophomore in my dormitory room, blow drying my hair to get ready for class. It was morning, I remember, and I had the TV on. I had my head turned upside down as I was drying my hair, almost routinely watching the screen.

That's when I saw it.

That inexplicable, tragic poof that happened right before our eyes. From down here, on my TV screen, that poof looked like nothing much. I'm almost sure the people reporting on the space shuttle take off weren't immediately aware of what had just happened also.

Those are the moments that unite us as a nation. Tragedy has a way of doing that.

Twenty five years ago, we lost seven innocent people, an entire crew of pioneers, in the name of science. I know I'll never forget it.

Count you blessings bloggers. Happy Weekend!

A Nation Comes Alive

Like a fish to water and a bee to honey, The Nation came to life last night as we welcomed our boys of summer back. The plush green fields of Fenway opened it's doors to the first game of it's business at hand, and the proverbial blood began to pump through every Red Sox fan throughout. It was electric, and even if you weren't a true fan, you stopped for a moment to marvel at the hometown team as they took center stage.

In a surprising maneuver, Pedro Martinez, wearing of all things, his old number 45 Red Sox jersey, came from behind an enormous American flag to hurl out the ceremonial first pitch to Jason Veritek. Just like the old days. Pedro was "our daddy" and the crowd went nuts and began chanting "Pedro, Pedro, Pedro..." There might not have been a dry eye in the house as he embraced Red Sox favorite Johnny Pesky.

Josh Beckett got the nod against our arch rival nemesis, the returning World Series Champions, Evil Empire New York Yankees and about two seconds after the first pitch, it felt as if they never left us for winter. Beckett was hit hard in the first few innings, and I have to admit I went to bed with the Sox trailing 5-1 early, thinking this was going to be a long year.

I should have known better than that.
I should have known that our boys had some pixie dust left over from 2007.
Because I woke up to find that my team had done it, yet again.

They beat the Evil Empire 9-7 and I couldn't get to the TV quick enough to see what I had missed. Pedrioa, Youklis, and a few new faces scraped and clawed their way up and out of the loss and brought us a victory. I even forgave Papelbon for his monumental, season-ending choke last year, and I was glad to see he closed it out for the win.

Ah, Sox baseball is back, and I couldn't be happier. Today we have a better record than the Yankees in the AL East and right at this moment, all is as it should be.

Penny For A Gumball Mickey!

All this Christmas hoopla got me to thinking about my favorite Christmas gifts received through the years. And the ones that have NOT been my favorite.

Stuff I LOVED:

Mini kitchen-complete with dishes and plastic food in the refrigerator. (It was the liberal, early seventies)

A Snoopy doll-Snoopy was da man! I also had a small, anatomically correct, Woodstock, Snoopy's loyal bird sidekick, doll.

My Ipod-I admit, it was this year and no, I never had one before. (AND mine is wayyy cool cuz it's hot pink and I can watch video and take video and it has a radio. whoo hoo!)

Atari Tennis-One year we got, as a family, a REAL Atari tennis game, like the ones in the arcades. This was in the seventies, when recreational electronics were unheard of. The thing was as big as a house and we had it in our basement. We were the house to be at in the neighborhood. It gave us instant street cred.

Show N Tell Record Player/slide show-I fricken LOVED this thing. I spent MANY a rainy afternoon on my bedroom floor watching Disney's Aristocats and Winnie the Pooh and listening to their stories. I tell my kids all the time, this was the DVD of my day. So many good times.

Stuff I didn't love:

Socks and underwear- I know mom thought this was practical, but seriously mom? The funny thing is I do it to my kids now.

The multi-gift box-this was stuff mom just didn't want to wrap up. I told you dad was the wrapper in the house. This box usually contained stuff like books, mittens, hats, bras and nightgowns.

Plastic face dolls-and I want to be very specific here, I never liked plastic faced dolls. Betsy Wetsy and Valerie with her pony tail that elongates, just didn't do it for me. They were like how I feel about knock off designer bags. I just can't do it. I was a Barbie purist. I really liked stuffed animals, rag dolls and Barbie. That was it. Probably because Barbie was all about the mini, and you know I love all things miniature, and the fact that I had sisters who were decades older than me and I inherited all their Barbies and Barbie accessories. I still kick myself every time I go to a Barbie exhibition and see tons of the stuff I had from my sister's Barbies that I GAVE away.

It's those memories of Christmas Past that I would hope Marley's Ghost will bring to me if ever the fates decide I need a reminder of what's good and innocent about life.

Sunday Dinner

Whatever happened to Sunday dinner?

When I was a kid, we knew better than to stray too far from home on a Sunday afternoon, as Sunday dinner was served promptly at 2 or 3 pm. And we were expected to be there, no excuses. Sunday, for that matter, was family day and we could never really be too far from the sanctity of Sunday dinner.

What ever happened to Sunday dinner?

Maybe this is what's wrong with society today. Maybe a more than a few Sunday dinners could have prevented more than a few crimes. Maybe the power of a family sit down and disappointing mom was at one time much more powerful than the lure of the streets. Maybe that's naive.

What ever happened to Sunday dinner?

When did soccer games and hockey games become more important than family time? How did our seventh day of rest become the day that "works" for everyone to be at that tournament? When did a 6:30 am on Sunday morning game become the norm? Who has time to plan and cook Sunday dinner when Timmy has an all day lacrosse jamboree and Sally has 2 soccer games, one for town and one for her All-Star League in the western part of the state? The kids are lucky they get to experience the sanctity of their homework, never mind Sunday dinner.

What ever happened to Sunday dinner?

Where everyone can really talk about the things that are important to them and be part of something, no matter how young or old. It's nice to know that no matter where you are, you know that you can count on that Sunday dinner being family time. Because it's important to you, and it's important to them, and it's important to all of us. Your family.

What ever happened to Sunday dinner?

I can't say that I really know, but I do care enough to try to make Sunday dinner a priority in my own home. I do care enough to reach out to my extended family and find out "who's in on Sunday dinner"? My friends are also my family, and welcome at my table as much as my blood. I know that whatever is being served is a blessing, as much as the people who share it with me and that I can count on them, for anything.

And I know that I will make time for them every Sunday.

Falling Down

I fell down yesterday, but I got up.

I fell down hard yesterday; again, but I have to get up.

The strength to get up is innate and it protects me.

I pray it will see me through, for I have been walking on unsure footing for a while.

My trail has ended and I choose me.

I walk it alone and I will try not to stumble.

I have gotten up before and I will get up again. I have faith in me.