Flowers in California

Flowers in California

Friday, March 25, 2011

Living without Lazy

I caught myself being lazy earlier today.  It may have been related to a laundry issue - getting clothes out of the dryer or something and I didn't want to do it.  Whatever it was, I wanted to put off a simple act for no valid reason.  I don't like to admit that I'm lazy but sometimes I am and I want to change that.

When we put off activities, we end up carrying around their weight.  The present moment is burdened by things that could have been cleared away previously.  And the more we put off, the more burdened we become.  Our houses may display the results of this laziness and our minds certainly do.  By doing things that should be done as they arise, we free ourselves to face life more fully in the moment.

I have been trying this evening to do better.  It's working so far but I've already learned that I have to pace myself and can't do everything instantly.  It might be funny for people to watch me try but I don't think it would last long or go really well.  Instead, I am trying to do things sooner rather than later.  I'll see how that turns out.

JAHD

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Pain, Laughter and Gratitude

Jon Lovitz holds a very special place in my heart.  He doesn't know it and never will.  But he will always hold it.  And I'm fine with that.

I had a health problem in 1996 and for one difficult night I endured terrible pain.  It wasn't life-threatening but it was awful and it was a bad time.  I will never forget that night, that time, but life goes on.

Despite the unpleasantness of that one night, I will always remember a good thing from it.  I watched Jeopardy and celebrities were playing that week.  One of the celebrities playing was Jon Lovitz.  And he made me laugh.

It wasn't just one thing he said, and I don't remember anything specific, but he made a difference in my life.  He and all comedians make people laugh, of course, but how often do we really think about how awesome that is?  They are funny people and they can use their humour to reach people and make them happy or a little closer to happy.  Television, the Internet, and other media allow them to extend their reach.  They have an awesome power.  I know Jon Lovitz helped me.

When we think of helping professions and noble callings in life, we may not think of comedians, other entertainers, writers, artists, singers.  But these people who use their talents, which I think must be God-given, reach out from themselves to others and can make a positive difference.  And they can't even know all the effects they really have on the lives of others.

Everyone has valuable contributions to share in life.  Whatever a person's role or roles, they have something to offer.  It is an incredible mystery how it all works out.

Every time I see Jon Lovitz on tv or hear him when he does voices on The Simpsons, I remember what he did for me.  I still appreciate it.

JAHD

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sorry to Japan

I don't know what to say to Japan other than sorry that this has happened.  I can't believe the devastation there.  I can pray, and I do.  It's just beyond words and I'm so sorry for the people there, and those who have loved ones there, that this has happened.

Joanne

Surprise Me

When I'm home, I still look forward to receiving the mail.  I don't know what I expect to receive in it but it seems I keep hoping.  Today I received an offer for a great rate on a magazine subscription and a letter from a charity asking for money.  Neither is too exciting and both are in the recycling bin.  Maybe tomorrow that super exciting thing will arrive.  Finally.

I don't mind the magazine offer but I am troubled by the charity request.  Oddly enough, the fact that it comes from a charity I support makes it bother me more.  I understand that once an organization knows someone has an interest in their cause, as evidenced by a donation, they look to that person for further support.  They always need money to keep operating.  But they also spend money and use resources sending requests to me.  And it gets to a point where I get a little tired of being asked for more.

This request comes from the local humane society.  I like them.  I have adopted rabbits from them including my wonderful little Powder.  And I have donated a little bit here and there over the years.  But I don't want to keep being asked for more money and I wish they could acknowledge that I have adopted some of their animals.  I also pay to feed these animals regularly once they are in my home.

It would be a surprise to receive some form of recognition for my small degree of involvement with the humane society.  That would be nice.  It's good to feel appreciated for what we have done.  Maybe then I would feel pleased when I see mail from them.  And maybe then I would want to donate when I can.

JAHD

Thursday, March 3, 2011

It's not that I don't have words available

It's more like I don't know how to arrange them right now so I won't write much.  I had a great day and enjoyed some nice interaction with people.  I love that and I really appreciate people who just make you feel good to be around.  I was with a mixture of older and newer friends today who manage to do that.  I treasure and feel lucky to know them all.

I am tired now and it's almost 11:30 p.m.  It's a good tired because I really feel that I have lived today and tasted some of life's sweetness.  I want everyone to experience that - it's so tasty.

JAHD