Find Your Muchness

You used to be much more... "muchier."

You've lost your muchness.

~Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland

 

My oldest child informed me that she is moving across the country.  In 4 weeks.  That is enough information to take my breath away, have the rug pulled out from under my feet, and make my mind race ahead to all of our family gatherings that will be spent without her.  It puts a lump in my throat and a sigh in my heart.  But that is all about ME, isn't it. 

 

If I look at it through HER eyes, it looks much different... Adventure, sunshine, beaches, and Romeo.  Yes, her Romeo is there, waiting for her to arrive.  Looking at it through HER eyes puts a smile on my face, which is just how it should be.

 

So, during this time of transition, I can choose to lose my muchness, or work my tail off trying to keep it.  Or FIND it.

 

This is why I am reposting my Mad Hatter Wisdom.

Come along... Let's go find some muchness!

Have the stresses of life caused you to lose your muchness? I know... You didn't realize you lost it, did you? As life took over, your muchness leaked out little by little. Mine, too.

Let's get our muchness back. Let's be "muchier" again. Let's laugh much, dream much, love much, believe much, dance much, enjoy much, praise much, wonder much, live much.

Thank you, Mad Hatter, for helping us realize we lost our muchness. Consider it, found.

A Daily Dose

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.

~Zig Ziglar

Reckless Abandonment

Abandon your fears, recklessly.

a·ban·don (ə-bănˈdən)

transitive verb abandoned a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons

1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert: abandon a friend in trouble.
2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship.
3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely. See Synonyms atrelinquish.

Welcome Home

I could give you a bazillion excuses as to why I have not written for so long, but why bore you with details? I'll just pretend you are saying, "Welcome home," and proceed as if I have never left. Comfortable places are like that, you know... No matter how much time has passed, there are some places, and some people, that are so familiar, that time somehow melts away, and you feel as if you never left. What is your comfortable place? Mine is Pipestone, Minnesota! I got a chance to stop for a few hours. I felt like I had nestled up in a little nest of comfort and happiness. It did my heart good.

My challenge to you today is to think of where your comfortable place is. We all need our own spot... like a friend's kitchen table, sharing a "cuppa joe," or maybe it's in a canoe, paddling down the river. How about your kids' tree house? Go ahead, climb up! Let your memories of a carefree childhood come flooding back. Maybe your comfortable place is with a certain friend. Pick up the phone and give her a call. You'll be glad you did.

Wherever you go, whomever you see, may you be greeted with open doors, open arms, and a warm, "Welcome Home."

African Proverb

Don't look where you fall,

but where you slipped.

~African Proverb

Taking My Own Advice

The stress level has been rising, and hence, I have been falling. So, yesterday I decided to take a piece of my own advice, and remember to dance in the kitchen. It's amazing how groovin' to KC and the Sunshine Band in my kitchen lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face. Once I was done dancing, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett kept me sailing on the sea of contentment. Music... Such a wonderful gift.

Got stress?

Dance, my friend, dance.

My Sentiments, Exactly...

risk

more than others think is safe,

care

more than others think is wise,

dream

more than others think is practical,

expect

more than others think is possible.

~Cadet Maxim

Jumping In With Both Feet

There is a lot to catch you up on, but it's late, and I have to give you the short version...

1. Last spring, another 5th grade teacher, and I took four 5th grade students to our State Capitol for a Project Citizen Civics competition. The students competed against 17 other schools, mostly middle school. It was our first time competing, and basically we saw it as the culminating activity. Our expectations didn't go beyond finishing the competition, and getting the kids through their 4 minute speeches in front of a panel of 6 judges, in an Assembly Hearing Room at the Capitol. (How many of you would attempt that one?)

2. Well, as we sat and watched the awards dwindle from the table, our hopes of receiving a participation award were swept away. We sank a little lower in our chairs, which by the way, were in the Main Assembly Hearing Room. You know the one... the very room where laws are passed! It was beautiful.

3. The time came for the State Champions to be announced... WE WON! I immediately stood with my arms in the air, and shouted out a, "Woo Hoo!" Yeah, not my classiest moment. I suddenly realized that people don't cheer at these events, they just give little "golf claps." I slowly sat down as I realized all eyes, including those in the balcony, were watching, and probably were wondering why I didn't know the anti-cheering rules.

4. This was a bigger deal than even we knew. The following months were filled with phone calls and letters congratulating the kids, and us. They came from Representatives, Congressmen, and Senators. Excitement was in the air.

5. Our state senator came to my class to honor last year's champions, and to get this year's troops excited about the project. That was a fun day!

6. I'm sorry... I don't think this is the short version.

7. We are now taking the students to the 40th Annual National Indian Education Convention next month. This is the part of the story that makes me laugh...

We were told that it was a huge honor to take these kids to the convention. The conversations within the couple of months have gone something like this:

Max: Yeah, Lisa... You'll be taking the kids to Milwaukee. They'll have their boards with them, and they'll just be in a hallway answering questions people may have as they pass by.

Lisa: Okay, great. A hallway... We can do that. I'll go over some questions that may come about so they'll be prepared. (Remember... This project started last January, and ended May 2nd. They are in Middle School now, and have moved on. Preparation will be a must!)

Weeks pass...

Max: So Lisa... The kids will be in a convention room. They'll have their own table with their board, so when people are walking around, they will be there to explain their project and answer questions.

Lisa: All right, that sounds good. I'll go over their speeches with them, and make sure they're prepared.

Another week, or so:

Principal: Hey, Lisa... The kids are going to be part of Maria's presentation. (I've never met Maria, I was sure they'd be in good hands.) She'll be the presenter, the kids just need to be there with their boards.

Lisa: Oh, really? Okay. We'll be there!

Max, as of last Friday: Don't worry about a thing! Just wait until the conference call next week. Everything that is expected of you will be explained. Don't worry about it!

Today, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm...

Conference call with Maria:

Maria: So Lisa and Brenda, you will be presenting for an hour and a half.

Wait a minute...

Lisa: Whaaaaaat? WE will be presenting?! An hour and a half?!

Maria: Oh, don't worry. You will be amazed at how fast an hour and a half goes! And the last 10-15 minutes you can reserve for question and answer time.

(Great... what if I don't know the answers?)

I've arranged for you to have an overhead. You'll be just fine.

(An overhead projector? Just what am I supposed to project? What in the heck am I doing?)

Lisa: How many people will be there?

Maria: Well, you have a GREAT time slot! It's not early in the morning, and it's not late in the afternoon when people leave early... It's at a great time! (Meaning there will be A LOT of people!)

Lisa: Gulp. Okay, thank you?

So, there you have it. God has put me in the Dare Chair. Yep, plopped me in it, and strapped me down. Oh, and by the way... the presentation will be in a "theater like setting for 10-75 people." Oh boy. Remember that great time slot? Does that mean 75 people?

The lesson? Beware folks, sometimes you will end up in my Dare Chair, whether you volunteered, or not!

If you find yourself in the Dare Chair, relax, knowing God has put you there for a reason. He has faith in YOU, and has given you everything you need to complete the dare. You just need to be willing to try. Stop fighting it, give into it, jump in with both feet, and enjoy the ride!

Well? How Badly Do You Want It?

Decide that you want it

more than

you are afraid of it.

~Bill Cosby, American Comedian, 1937-

If Not Now, When?

I've added a little dare button to my blog. You might have noticed it; it's in the upper right hand corner, and says, "If not now, when?" That's right... If you're not daring yourself to jump out of your comfort zone, when will you? How many times have you said, "Tomorrow," or, "Monday... Yes, I'll start on Monday," or, "When I turn 40, I'll start..." Your list could go on, and on.

Why not TODAY? What exactly is it that you are waiting for? More courage? More energy? More time? Sorry, but there isn't a Fill Up Station for courage, energy, and time. Geesh, not a bad idea though, eh?

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Ready for this? Come closer...

You already have enough courage, energy and time! WOW, isn't that great news?! Really, you do! All you need is an ounce, and EVERYONE can muster up an ounce of courage! Your biggest hurdle is getting yourself to the starting line. Once your there, the excitement of something new will get you going in the right direction.

There are so many gimmicks out there that are supposed to make us feel young and full of life. The funny thing is, the things that will make you feel that way are all around you! Go play in the wonderful playground God has provided. Step outside, and just start moving! Join a group... book club, community or church choir, biking or walking group. Sign up for an art class; trust me, it will make you feel much better than anything the television provides!

You CAN do this.... NOW.

Go ahead...

Cross the line!

If not now,

when?

For Rachel...

There is something

sweet

and wonderful

about the sound

of a friend's voice.

Especially

when that friend is

far away.

Her voice

was musical...

it's sound

reassuring

and comforting,

like an old blanket

on a cool, autumn night.

The soft sound of contentment in her voice

brought peace to my heart.

I am happy for her,

for she is in a place

many long to be.

That special place in life,

when one knows

beyond a shadow of a doubt,

that it is

exactly

where God has gently placed them.

Shine on, dear one, shine on,

knowing you are loved,

and encouraged.

Encouraged to brave the storms,

to bask in the sunlight,

and to tread the cool waters of life.

You, my friend,

are an inspiration

to everyone you touch,

to everyone you meet.

For when they meet you,

it is more than the wonderful person you are,

the awesome creation God made,

that they see...

For when they meet you,

they see Jesus,

and are immediately comforted,

content,

and happy

in your presence,

even though

they may not know why.

Success

Success is dependent upon the glands - sweat glands.

~Zig Ziglar, American Author

Through the Master's Eyes...

“What the caterpillar

calls the end of the world,

the Master

calls a butterfly.”

~Richard Bach

In honor of my friends, family, and all who are in the midst of courageous battles. May you find hope, recovery, and your own, miraculous butterfly soon.

Cure for Crime

The cure for crime is not the electric chair, but the high chair.

~ J. Edgar Hoover

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For all of you tired moms and dads out there...

Never underestimate the importance of being a parent. ~Lisa

Hope

Hope

is a

waking

dream.

Aristotle

Greek Philosopher

384-322 BC

Keep your hope alive... every moment.

Today is Lou Gehrig's Birthday... let us never forget him.

Lou Gehrig's Farewll Speech

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.

"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I'm lucky. Who wouldn't consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball's greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.

"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift - that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies - that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that's the finest I know. "So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."

Courage

I'll Be Fine

It's time to start gathering my pieces, and find my welder...

If you like Susan Mrosek's work, check out her website. http://www.ponderingpool.com/

Looking on the Bright Side....

Barn's burnt down...

now I can see the moon.

~Mizuta Masahide

A Poem by Nixon Waterman

What Have We Done Today?

by Nixon Waterman

We shall do much in the years to come,

But what have we done today?

We shall give our gold in a princely sum,

But what did we give today?

We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,

We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,

We shall speak the words of love and cheer,

But what did we speak today?

We shall be so kind in the after while,

But have we been today?

We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,

But what have we brought today?

We shall give to truth a grander birth,

And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,

We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,

But whom have we fed today?

We shall reap such joys in the by and by,

But what have we sown today?

We shall build us mansions in the sky,

But what have we built today?

'Tis sweet in the idle dreams to bask;

But here and now, do we our task?

Yet, this is the thing our souls must ask,

What have we done today?