Spring?

I heard more snow is arriving soon...

8 inches of cold, white SNOW! How can that be? It is SPRING, isn't it?

Here's a little bit of summer to help.

Let your eyes soak up the sunshine in the beautiful flowers painted by Susanne Bach. I can almost smell and taste summer just by looking at them.

Summer is coming... believe it, or not!

Now That I'm 40...

Now that I am officially 40, many friends have had the need to share some "inspiring" quotes, mostly that deal with things drying up, hanging low, or can't remember. The following quote made me smile; my mom sent it. I've always believed in being proud of your age, of acknowledging that every wrinkle was earned, mostly through laughter, hopefully, and of finding the beauty in every age under the sun. Here is the quote...

Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know
"why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the
roads weren't paved.

Be Happy

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

~Guillaume Apollinaire, French Novelist, 1880-1918

I say, be sure to pause every day!

My Friend, Lisa

Here is my dear friend, Lisa. She is the one who gave me a gift I will never forget. Read on...

Who is Your Hero?

If you had the chance to meet one person, a person you wanted to meet more than anyone else in the whole world, whom would you choose? Oprah, perhaps? A musician, actor, composer, or a favorite author? What about a Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Billy Graham? Maybe it would be Bret Farve... there are so many influential people to choose from.

Let me tell you who I would choose to meet. Without a shadow of a doubt, my choice would most definitely be Greg Mortenson. Those of you who have been loyal readers of my blog will recognize his name; I post his quotes, or stories about his work, often. I call him the Three Cups of Tea Guy; you know, the former mountaineer/military veteran/builder of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan... The Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time, guy. The man who instantly became my hero as soon as I started reading the book. This is the book that I begged, pleaded, and challenged all of you to read.

Last Wednesday night, I had my breath taken away. I got to meet my hero. Greg was speaking in Duluth, and I was there, front and center. You see, this is what I chose to do to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had planned on going to Las Vegas to see Phantom of the Opera (a true favorite of mine), but as soon as I found out that Greg was going to be in Duluth, there wasn't a doubt in my mind as to what I would choose. My husband was thankful; I saved him a lot of money by going to Duluth for one night vs. Vegas for a few nights and a show!!!

Over 800 people gave a standing ovation to Greg Mortenson when he came onto the stage; obviously, there are many people who admire this man. He received another standing ovation when he was done speaking. I enjoyed every minute, and did not want the night to end. I kept trying to take everything in... every detail, every picture, every word.

An announcement was made that there would be no book signing following the speech due to the large number of people who showed up. The event planners had planned for a much smaller audience; the event had to be moved to the DECC to accommodate everybody! Needless to say, I was a bit sad that I wouldn't be able to thank Greg Mortenson for all that he has done, and to get him to sign my book. When everything was over, my friends and I hung out for a while. We saw Greg talking to some people on the stage. Oh, how I wanted to meet him! My friends started walking out. Too bad. Oh well, I was so incredibly thankful that I was able to see him, and hear his speech; that would be enough.

I was following my friend, Lisa, out the side door. She started walking up the steps to the stage. "You're going up there?!" Did I dare follow her? She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I'm taking you to him." My heart started pounding. You've got to remember... this is my hero. This is the ONE person in the WHOLE WORLD I would choose to meet. This was my chance. I don't remember breathing. You see, my friend Suzee is the one who reminds me to breathe when I get anxious, and she wasn't with me. Well, we went up on stage, walked up to Greg, Lisa pulled me in front of her as she stepped back. That act of friendship alone, brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Lisa knows me so well... well enough to know that this was the greatest gift I could possibly ask for. She gave me the opportunity to meet my hero.

I'm not sure if I can even tell you what I said to Greg. How does one even convey, or speak adequate feelings and words when meeting one's hero? I felt like Charlie Brown's teacher... "BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH." I am sadly aware of my lack of profound things to say to this man. Oh well. I had the honor of shaking his hand, asking him to sign the cover of my book, and getting my picture taken with him. I look terrified in the picture; I was. Remember.... Suzee was not there to tell me to breathe.

I will never forget that day. As I have reflected on that special moment, there is something that overwhelms me. As much as I absolutely, 100% LOVED meeting a man I respect, honor, and admire, the thing that makes my heart overflow, is actually the act of my dear friend, Lisa. I have tears running down my cheeks as I am writing this. You see, I know she would have wanted to meet him. She read, and enjoyed his book as well. She gave up the chance of meeting him... she sacrificed that chance for me, and my dream came true.

Thank you , Lisa. This was my Cairo.

I feel very loved.

A Moment in Time

I went indoor rock climbing last Sunday with a couple of friends. It was an early 40th birthday celebration; it was wonderful. We climbed the walls until our forearms screamed for mercy. (Okay... I know that I just made it sound like we must have been climbing for hours. Quite the contrary. We are a bit out of shape compared to the last time we went!) After a while, we decided to take a break from climbing and play some video games.

As we were walking, Rachel suggested that we go out for Margaritas after we were done rock climbing. What a great idea! I caught myself saying out loud, "Oh shoot! My license is in the car!" As if I needed a license to prove that I was at least 21! What in the world?! I'm going to be 40 next week! I laughed so hard at that one. It just goes to show that you are only as old as you feel!! After all, I was with my girlfriends, childless for the afternoon, climbing rock walls, repelling down with a huge smile on my face, playing video games, AND playing laser tag! (As soon as I get the Charlie's Angels picture of the three of us in our vests, holding laser guns, I'll post it!)

I loved the feeling I had that day. I truly enjoy where I am at in my life right now, but I must admit, it felt really good to escape for a day. I was 21 again, for a moment. Just the right amount of time.

I came home to four beautiful children, a husband who adores me, and a house that wraps its' arms around me... a good life that I did not have when I was 21.

Would I want to be 21 again?

Only for a moment in time, like last Sunday afternoon.

Wise Words from Einstein

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

~Albert Einstein

German Physicist

Today marks the day of his birth, March 14, 1879-April 18, 1955

Educating Girls

"If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls."

~Greg Mortenson, director of the Central Asia Institute, former mountaineer and military veteran, who spends several months each year building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan

(Taken from Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin)

The Best Age for a Woman

But I think it's a little different in Europe, because 40 is really the best age for a woman. That's when we hit our peak and become this ripe fruit.

~Juliette Binoche, French Actress, 1964-

Since I will be turning 40 this month, I tend to like this quote.... a lot.... I think I'll move to Europe.

Help?!... Anyone?!

So, I was making dinner the other night, when I was pulled away from the kitchen due to a clogged toilet. Great. Ugh.

Four kids using one bathroom, and no one fesses up to clogging it. No one offers to help unclog it.

Plunge, plunge, plunge away.

No good. Plunge some more. This clog took some muscle. Who needs to go to the gym when one has clogged toilets to plunge? Gross.

As I was plunging, the timer went off, telling us all that dinner was ready... ready to be taken out of the oven, that is. Beep, beep, beep...

No Calvary.

Beep, beep. beep... (plunge, plunge, plunge...)

Surely, somebody will take the fish and potatoes out of the oven for me.

Beep, beep, beep...

Next came the smoke alarm due to the not-so-spic-and-span oven.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP...

The timer and smoke alarm are now both going off in unison as I plunge away, and NO ONE shows up to help!

I couldn't decide if I was angry that they were oblivious to the situation, or envious! I wish I could ignore life's BEEPS sometimes!

Help?!... Anyone?!

Life Lessons

Looking back can be a good thing...

Last summer, I applied for a teaching job in town. I was fairly confident, and hopeful that I would get it, and life would get a bit easier for my husband.

I cannot quite express the incredible disappointment I had when the principal called to tell me that I did not get the job. I admit it... I called my husband in tears to tell him the news. I had wanted that job with every fiber of my being. I can't think of anything that I have ever wanted more.

The year went on. I continued subbing. I was wounded, but determined. Determined to hold my head high. Determined to be the best substitute teacher that I could be. Determined to keep my dream in sight... my own classroom. Some day.

The first time I was called to sub for the woman that got the job I had applied for, and lost, was heartbreaking. I compare it to pouring lemon juice into a wound. Ouch. It hurt. It was humbling.

I walked into her classroom with my head held high, and congratulated her on her new job. I still do not know if she knew I also, had applied and hoped for the job she was now blessed with. I ended up enjoying the day very much. I have been a substitute in that very class about four times this year, and always arrive and leave with a smile on my face.

Now that March has arrived, I have looked back at the school year, and can honestly say that I am grateful for another year of subbing. Why? Because I have learned so much this year subbing, and have been in so many different classrooms, in many different situations. I will now bring more to the classroom because of the lessons I have learned.

I knew from the start, that I saw life through a tiny window, and God saw the whole picture without any obstructions. He knew what I needed. He knew what was best for me, as well as what will be best for my future students.

Thank you, God, for teaching me a valuable lesson.

Time for a Chick Flick...

Okay ladies, here's a movie you must see:

Chocolat.

You'd see anything involving chocolate, you say? Well, is this movie ever a treat for all of the senses! It is artwork in many ways. From the folk tale, scenery, colors, art direction, music, and characters... true beauty.

Enjoy.

By the way... I know, I know... I'm way behind the times... this movie has been around for awhile.

Explanation: Mother of four... when do I ever get a turn choosing a movie, or using the TV?

Happy Birthday

To

Shannon

and

Sheila...

Happy 40th Birthday!

I've been thinking of you all week.

Despite having a child with the flu on your birthday (Shannon), and having to celebrate without any adults, and having to make your own birthday cake (Sheila), I hope you felt cherished, admired, and loved.

Here's to two beautiful women... cheers.

Open Doors

When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

~Alexander Graham Bell, Inventor, March 3, 1887-August 2, 1922

Beautiful Language

Language is wine upon the lips.

~Virginia Woolf

British Author

1882-1941

I'm not sure I would have appreciated this quote a month ago. I understand it now though... all because I read a book with language entwined throughout that was so beautiful. The subject of the book was anything but beautiful, but the author's gift of description captivated me. I was more attached to her style of writing than I was the characters of the story. What is the book, you say? White Oleander by Janet Fitch. I encourage you to read it, for many reasons.

Birkie Fever

What an exciting weekend! It was that time of year when the American Birkebeiner comes to town. Suddenly, our little town is thriving with tourists from all over the world to hit the trails... ski trails, that is. I love hearing the different languages spoken, the cowbells ringing in the tired skiers that come in all ages, shapes, and sizes, and the cheers of the skiers celebrating their own victory, no matter what their placement was. At this race you see, it is all about finishing the race for most of us, not winning the race. 51K of hill, after hill, after hill.... It's about volunteers in mass numbers handing out bananas, water, smiles, and encouragement. It's about the personal satisfaction of pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do. It's about Birkie Fever!

I got to watch my son ski the Kortelopet, 1/2 of the Birkie, for the first time! He was almost twice as fast as we had predicted. WOW! Was it ever fun cheering him on!! He loved it, and has caught the fever, just like my brother, Steve. Steve finished the race despite lingering effects from an illness that almost took his life last year; needless to say, he was an inspiration to us all.

So here's to all of the Birkie skiers out there... CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are all amazing!

A Seat in the Dare Chair

I got to sit in the Dare Chair yesterday.

It was mighty

uncomfortable.

You might say I was thrown out... way out... of my comfort zone, that is.

Let me tell you the story...

At 8:15 I was called to substitute teach. Turned out that I was to be a sub for the sub. Yep, the substitute teacher was sick, and needed the calvary.

"Sure, I can come in. I can be in in an hour."

"Great!," was the reply.

"Which class is it?"

"High School History."

"Okay... I'll see you soon."

High school history??!! Aahh! I've never taught high schoolers before. I make it a point to be taller than the children in my care; it gives me a false sense of control. High school??!! Well, I like history. I can do this. I've been rock climbing before, which in my mind means I can do anything! (Can you hear my roar?) As long as it's not Civics---anything but Civics. I truly do not remember a thing about my high school government class. Did I even have one?

One hour. Sixty short minutes. Great. I needed to shower, get ready, get the little ones to preschool, cancel an appointment, make an appointment, get my son's skis to the Middle School, and get to the High School in one itty-bitty hour.

I was shaking the principal's hand an hour later, trying not to show my shortness of breath from running from my car to the school. He kindly gave me my assignment... Civics Class. I hope he did not sense the wave of sheer panic that rushed through me like a tidal wave. I remained calm with the sense that surely the kids would be in the middle of a project.. some sort of project, any project!

Now remember... I was already out of my comfort zone. Well, I was now catapulted into an entirely different state, let alone zone! Yep, you guessed it... I was to give a lecture on Congress!!! A lecture?! I am sure my face lost color at this point.

I was talking myself into the fact that I could do this. I had to do this. I had no choice. My saving grace was a prep hour. Thank God for prep hours! I took out their Civics book, read chapter 6, took many notes, and read the teacher's notes time and time again.

I am very happy to say that I was able to give a heck of a lecture about Congress! I can tell you about the House of Representatives, districts, how many people make up a district, Speaker of the House, the Senate, who the jury is during an impeachment trial, their salaries, and many more facts. I actually had a lot of fun!

It's funny how we sometimes kick and scream as we are being pulled out of our comfort zones. Heavy doubt clouds our vision so at times it is impossible to even see the idea of success. I know the Dare Chair is hard and uncomfortable, but I can pretty much guarantee you that you will never regret having a seat in it. Okay, in all honesty, you will probably be mad at yourself for getting into it in the first place; you may even try to get out of it! But after all of you hard work, when you are staring at success in it's beautiful face, you will never regret your decision to push yourself past the obstacles and self doubt. Truly.

Go ahead.

Have a seat.

I dare you.

Our Crazy English Language

Here's something to get your brain going today. You may want a cup of java first, though!
I received this via email from my cousin, Chrissy. Once again, I do not know who the author is.

For all of you teachers out there....

Ode to Plurals

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes,
But the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice,
Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men,
Why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet,
And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Then one may be that, and three would be those,
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
But though we say mother, we never say methren.
Then the masculine pronouns are he, his a nd him,
But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim! Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.
We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend.
If you have a bunch of odds and endsand get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
We ship by truck but send cargo by ship.
We have noses that run and feet that smell.
We park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.
And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on. And, in closing, if Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop?

Women

I received this e-mail from my mom today, and immediately knew it needed to be shared among women. I have no idea who the author is, but something tells me it was written by a husband who adores his wife. Enjoy...

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?"

"She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200

movable parts, all replaceable, and able to run on diet coke and

leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a

kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart-and

she will do everything."

The angel was astounded at the requirements.

"Only two hands!? No way!

And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.

Wait until tomorrow to finish."

" But I won't," the Lord protested.

"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own

heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman.

"But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate." The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.

"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain,

her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed."You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing."

And she is!

Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER,

IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT

THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Battle Hymn

Good day to you...

Please take time to listen to this; it is beautiful.

Unheard Music

Don't you hear it? she

asked & I shook my head

no & then she started to

dance & suddenly there

was music everywhere &

it went on for a very long

time & when I finally

found words all I could

say was thank you.

~Brian Andreas

Story People

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

So, what kind of music are you dancing to these days? Maybe you feel like no one else hears the same music that you do. If that is so, no worries! It takes all kinds of music to make the world beautiful. You were created with your own notes, your own melodies, your own groove. Celebrate the wonderful creation that you are!!

Have you been too shy to dance to your own music? Afraid of what others will think? Dance, anyway! Chances are, you will inspire others to get out of their lifeless boxes, hear their own symphonies, and remember what if feels like to be free. Free of self-doubt and insecurities. Free to dance, free to play, free to dream, free to LIVE!

Go ahead... DANCE... even if no one else can hear your music!

Quote of the Day

There is something I feel I need to tell you. It has to do with today's Quote of the Day. I love that quote; in many ways I believe it is true. I believe Jesus is with the refugees, widows, and orphans, but I also believe he is in the trenches with our brave soldiers. He is holding them, comforting them, and giving them strength.

I just wanted you to know that.

Enjoy your freedom today.

2/4/08:

Here is the Quote of the Day for the day I wrote this post:

In times of war, you often hear leaders---Christian,
Jewish, and Muslim---saying, "God is on our side." But that isn't
true. In war, God is on the side of the refugees, widows, and
orphans.

~Greg Mortenson, director of Central Asia Institute, former montaineer, military veteran, and a hero of mine.

The quote was taken from Three Cups of Tea---One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Relin Olin.

More Than a Princess

Are you a princess?

I said & she said I'm

much more than a

princess

but you don't have

a name for it yet

here on earth.

Written by Brian Andreas

(Taken from his book, Story People)

By the way...

Has anyone told you lately how wonderful you are, and just how much God loves you?

No?

Well,

you are,

And

He does...

a whole bunch.

Tick, Tock

My 5 year-old was waiting for his turn to play video games. He sat on the ottoman, patiently waiting for the big hand to reach the top of the large clock above the fireplace. He waited, and waited, never taking his eyes off of that clock.

Finally, he could stand it no longer. He turned to me and said with exasperation, "Mom, can't we just go out and buy a faster clock?!"

That would be nice, wouldn't it? I would most certainly buy a clock that would allow me to speed it up, or slow it down!

A Woman Should Have...

A poem by Maya Angelou:

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder...

and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

whom she can trust,whom she can't,and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table...

or a charming inn in the woods...

when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...

a month...

and a year.

Thank You, Energy Man!

Heat, heat! We have heat!

Thanks to the very nice Energy Man, we received heat at about 10 o'clock last night. I've never been so glad to see the Energy Man! Usually, I only see him when he is reading the gas meter. God bless this man, and all of the others like him who went house to house for hours, and hours, in the dark, and the cold, relighting pilot lights, and restoring heat in frigid homes.

It's amazing how thankful one becomes of the basic things in life. The daily luxuries we take for granted each day are sorely missed once they are gone!

Brrr!!!

At 6 am today, it was a frigid 23 degrees BELOW zero. Well, not too bad. One comes to expect this kind of weather here in the north woods in January. We just grin and bear it, and remind ourselves how much we will appreciate the coming summer.

Something went awry today. Our entire town lost heat. No natural gas. Thankfully, I have a wood burning fireplace and a stack of wood in the garage! What about all the people who don't have a fireplace? Praise God, our public schools have heat; they are turning the high school gym into a shelter.

According to the town newspaper, our energy company's personnel are working to turn off all gas meters... all 1,720 customers! Once that is done and air purged out of the line, they have to go to all residences and businesses and relight the pilot lights. I have a feeling we'll be huddled around the fire all night!

So, as for me and my house, we will look at this as an adventure. The kind of adventure that allows us to snuggle up, watch movies, read books, and not feel guilty about it! After all, cleaning can wait until I can take my mittens off!

Tea, Anyone?

I am going to ask you to do something today.

I am willing to beg.

I am challenging you to a dare.

Please read the book, Three Cups of Tea One Man's One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace...One School At A Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

I read this book last weekend, and was amazed at the wonderful, true story. I cheered, booed, laughed, and cried. I was inspired to do whatever I can to help the Central Asia Institute. Please check out his websites. (There are three... you can find them all at http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ While you are on his website, check out Greg's book tour dates! )

I haven't invited you to sit in the Dare Chair lately. I am passionate about this dare... READ the book... you won't regret it!!!

Realizations

My friend Anne, sent this to me today; it is beautiful. May we all learn from it, and apply it to our lives. The author did not sign it. Thank you, author, whomever you may be; your writing is insightful, inspiring, and encouraging.

REALIZATIONS…

A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH!!! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that you are neither Prince Charming nor Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties...and in the process a sense of peace and contentment are born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything, and it's not your job to save the world. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

And you learn that alone does not mean lonely. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK...and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen be different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens - you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.
You learn your truth and then live it.

Oy!

I was a substitute teacher today, and yesterday as well...

in a first grade classroom...

All I can say is...

GOD BLESS THE TEACHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN!!!