Listen to this with your eyes closed and relax...

Hello My Friends;

  I hope you have about three and a half minutes - turn off the tv.  Get your dog or cat in your lap, or snuggle with a favorite someone and just relax as you listen to this.  Hugs.

Scared!

Hi Friends;

  I'd like to tell you about a moment in my life recently that had me very frightened.  A few weeks ago, during a normal shower washing, I found a lump on my scrotum.  Scared me to no end.  I, of course, immediately decided it was nothing, didn't exist, figment of my imagination.  Still, I couldn't concentrate at work, couldn't sleep at home, couldn't handle stress.... Finally, a coworker asked me why I was so uptight.  Now, this isn't someone who I would call a good friend.  He's more an acquaintance, but a decent person and one who has seen a few turns of this world.  So, I told him.  That, for me was the opening, the strength I needed to not just deny it but to have it checked out.
  Two days later I'm in my doctor's office and she's got my balls in her hands.  Good news:  Cyst.  No danger.  I was so relieved!  You see, my mother, my mother's mother and aunt, my dad's father - all had cancer.  Was I next?  Well, so far - no.
  But, this does bring up this important post.  Check them, guys!  If you don't know how - I'm including a little pic down below to give instruction.  If you are really cute, give me a call - I'll check them for you :)

If Happy Little Bluebirds Fly

I saw this picture recently and found myself saving it but not knowing why.  I knew it struck my heart.  I knew it angered me.  I knew it saddened me.  But, I just didn't really know why.
  Then, this morning I read again the stories of those marching on Washington for "Family Values", claiming they now understood MLK.  Really?
  I read again on of those who we hope and pray to be our most wise denigrate and disrespect Americans who have committed no crimes, hurt no one, and only asked that the Supreme Court of this United States would tell those who are intent upon hate to stop refusing us our rights.
  Then I read the viewpoints and rants of those who are supposed to be Christians, followers of a Christ who told the religious right to NOT stand before those seeking the promised land, followers of a Christ who healed, served, fed and loved and refused to hate even the ones who betrayed and struck him.
  Then I looked at my tax bills, going to support the very people who would not stand up for my rights.
  In this land of Free Men, how is happening?  How is this even discussed?  How is it that those who are thought so wise are so disappointing?
  I cry for those who suffer this arrogant people.  I cry for those who move on to the promise land to escape the soul rending pain of this world.  I cry for the lost loves, the lost hopes, the lost joys.

Animals are Smarter than People

Odd little site I found.  The site is listed on the bottom right of the pic.  Thought this one applicable to me.   Hugs.

Karma and the power of Showing Up.

Hi Friends;

Life is Amazing!

  Interesting weekend, interesting Monday.  I had a sore throat Thursday and even worse Friday.  But, made it home in one piece.... tried to get some sleep.  Finally did the "salt water gargle" trick.  Sort of worked more into a "salt water gag", but so goes....  It worked, and I slept for 12 straight hours.  Anyway, I managed to meet my responsibilities with the rescue organization over the weekend, Sunday seeing two dogs adopted out of Animal Control - which made me very happy.  Very sad to have to send the others back, but happy that two found a new home.
  But, I was miserable for most of Sunday.  Weak, feverish, and holding on to a dog that was just so very excited to be out of her cage and around people who would give her attention.  If I hadn't gone, she would not have had her day in the sun.  So, I'm glad I went.  But, today, I've felt the consequences.  Still, no matter - I felt like a million bucks seeing those two go to new homes, in part simply just because I showed.
  You see, the irony is that one of the dogs who went, one who was adopted and the focus for this article,  was not slated to go to the adoption event.  We had enough people for one more dog.  This one more dog, who was a senior dog but oh, so beautiful, was given up by her prior owners.  Just given away to the Animal Control.  Thrown away.  Not because she was a bad dog. Not because they couldn't afford to feed her.  Just couldn't be bothered anymore.  Well, she is going to a near mansion, and I mean that literally.  That, my friends, is called Karma.
  When you care, your actions may cost you a bit.  They may be inconvenient.  They may even have consequences which don't feel all that good.  But, giving a bit of care, as small as that may be in the moment, can literally be the very world for someone else.  And, so, though I physically feel horrible, shivering under a blanket and head feeling apt to explode from the sinus pressure, I feel downright fantastic because I cared - ok, really, all I did was show up!  But, it made the difference.