The real "Senior Prom" in Pulaski VA

/Dot (volunteer *yes with now blue streak in hair)

and

Angie Loy, Director of Activities

at

Pulaski Health and Rehab Center

Pulaski, Virginia

There are some things just too good not to let the world know about. This is one of those things... the only thing missing will be photographs of all who were in attendance because of those rules of "privacy" and protection since they have not signed a release to have their beauty seen here! Instead, you have a photo of Aunt/Niece who happen to be Dot/Mom/Cob with swag and her niece, who happens to be filled with passion, purpose and a great love for her work with those living at Pulaski Health and Rehab.

Angie is the Activities Director at the facility for those there; similar to a nursing home situated in the New River Valley of Virginia. She is always coming up with new and creative ideas for her residents for socialization, for things that they can find joy with, or things to get them out of their rooms and into the community area to peak interest and to laugh, live, while enjoying. Oh boy do they love her as well, often wanting her to stay longer, to visit her in her office, or to find the bowl of goodies that sits on her desk while strolling through.

Angie has had a plan in the works of hosting a "prom" a "Senior Prom" for the residents in the works for months! I've watched her posts on Facebook with her requests for prom dresses, bow ties, cummerbunds, jackets for the gents as the time has gotten closer.  I have read the comments of others in the community who have rallied to her requests or have suggested she try here or there in her running for larger sizes, for different ideas, as she planned this grand event. From Bridesmaids dresses, to gently used prom dresses, the donations begin to arrive; the decorations being planned, the DJ secured for music. Pulaski Health and Rehab staff getting excited with the possibilities generated by the enthusiasm of Angie Loy, The Activities Director who could already visualize those residents having the time of their lives.

The volunteers were asked to get involved, the running began, the wine and cheeses planned, families informed, and the tension mounted as the 2014 Senior Prom was in the works in a facility for folks who maybe never even attended high school... or folks who had graduated so long ago, they might not have even remembered a prom if there had been such a thing!  

Just a creative thought had built momentum to the point that men, women, all were getting enthused about it, the idea of it.  I wondered on the music... what would play? Would it be Big Band sounds, country, bee pop of days gone by or the Rat Pack?

I visualized the folks there, some in wheel chairs being rolled into the main room dressed in what would be their finery for the event, glittery and shiny and the joys that might just evoke of "back then" or the many "firsts" and my smile was strong enough to make my face hurt!

I could only imagine it to be a fabulous event.

I listened to Angie's enthusiasm, her passion when talking about the residents, her hope for the day, her nervousness in getting everything "just right". I felt such pride of her commitment to those she provides care for and wished so many understood the role she plays in enhancing the quality of life for those there and in facilities similar for their residents.  I had to admit, "Senior Prom" had taken on a new meaning for me. 

The best of times were to be had, but oh my goodnesss what a lot of work. 

 Photographs begin to show up, of those she works with! Smiles and comments began to appear on her page of Facebook saying what an outstanding time was had, how remarkable it was!

The decorations festive, the music great, the residents looking quite beautiful and having a "ball" at the prom! Laughter, smiles and good vibes felt by all that were there, and pictures for families taken to be shared. Staff photos as well, seems everyone wanted a picture with ole' Angie as they congratulated her on a job well done!  The guys with their shirts and ties, not missing a beat at the Prom.

 Seems that a great time was had by all, even those who couldn't remember why they were there, or now can't recall being there unless prompted. IN that moment, the moment was amazing, the energy shifted with the glitter, the music, the flow of people. It was an event that was unlike any other for those who live there. They were able to dress up, show up, and be a part of something that might have reminded them of a time gone by, a few hours of respite from day to day moments that go from one to the next in sweat pants, or leisure suits.

One woman who is tasked with multiple tasks as so many are in the work place. Meetings about this and that and doing more with less, trying to keep activities fresh while Bingo remains the number one activity around the country, stepped out of the box big time on this one.  Angie called in the community for some help, she involved them, got them excited.  So much so that the press showed up as well, and the Senior Prom was featured on the front page of the local paper!

The dancing happened, the gowns swished across the floor and the wheel chairs rolled with the music, the wine was poured. The Seniors had their prom, and it was better than good.

So for today; props to Pulaski Health and Rehab Center in Pulaski Virginia and my cuz, Angie Loy, the bombdiggidty Activities Director who "rocked it" with Senior Prom for all the folks that were able to enjoy the efforts put forth for them.

Given the staff/volunteers seemed so happy, we can only imagine the faces of those that were in attendance as they dressed up, ate, drank, and enjoyed each moment. 

 this story is the way things used to be... how they can be, should be, and thanks to Angie and volunteers how they ARE for those she is honored to provide care to.  We are truly at our best when in the service of others, sometimes going outside of the box in ideas to make things happen in wonderful ways.  

Involving the community in getting dresses, ties, jackets while letting them know what is happening in a facility peaks enthusiasm, interest, and involvement. It is for the greater good of all. It also lends others to want to do more,"how can we help, can we involve our kids, can we plan a picnic for your residents with music"?  The possibilities are endless and the only limitation is the imagination.

A "Senior" Prom... I bet they were all just beautiful. Bravo cuz, Angie Loy... I sure hope your administration recognizes the great treasure they have in you.

Just think, maybe the next activity will include all the residents doing a video led by Angie singing "Happy" with each holding a colored noodle waving it in the air while sitting outside in the sun, led by Angie! A new viral video perhaps, they could just go crazy with it... Just a thought here, as we move into the middle of the week and decide 

HAPPY IS WHERE IT'S AT.

 visualize .... and get that happy goin' (prom dress optional), now let's DANCE!

Let's all congratulate Angie Loy for a job better than well done and all those who helped make it happen! 

'CLAPPING HERE, BRAVO'

Carry on

DRSherry

GET your Sunday Strut ON...

Summertime, Summertime... on a fine Sunday where you can decide no matter your circumstance, no matter you situation, you get to call it... How you walk, run, or "strut" into it. Time to get to strutting into it, with your attitude of great gratitude, of thankfulness as you take each breath, as you are the light that shines from within, during great times, not so great times, and sometimes during the darkest of times.

This is a day made for those who might just have to pull all of their resources out from within to get through this day, finding humor in heartache, finding strength in the sun, and finding that they are more than they ever imagined before right this minute.

It may just be the day that your smile, gives another a reason to smile; a day that you hear the music finer than ever before. A day where the Universal Oneness of Creator reminds you of the greater connection as it all comes together in ways unimagined.

It's a great day to "strut"... WALK WITH YOUR HEAD HIGH, YOUR SHOULDERS BACK, and honor all.
Aho!


Sending up prayers, good thoughts, great vibes to all:  the sage is burning, with hope, prayers and human kindness in the air.  May you have fun, just "do it"! One love, all begins within and the reach is remarkable... STRUT TODAY...

DLB, Dot/COB/Mom, Angela, Kamryn Elijah, D'Vante, Olivia, Joan,  Linda McDonald, Laura, Mitch, Eileen, Mary, Kelley, Joanna, Renie, Jean, K & A, Tony, Dave, Cheri, Matt, Jeanette, Brian, Jack, Thomas, Sabien, Kendra, Matt, Cass, Brenda, Liv, Kristy, Shandy, Bob, Ezra, Jean, Jim, Mike, Dan, Audrey, Anne, Patti R., Pat, Stephen, Matthew, Jane, Walter, Jen, Snoop, Lance Dyer, Dakota, Bev, Erik, Shari Taylor Webster, Stephen Bright and family, Gayle, Chris W., Penni, Suz, Chase, Jaxon, Matthew, Bryan, Corey Richardson (Kokie), Dave, Eric, Paul, Rick, Alexis, Bill, Tom, Bob, Kurt, Dianne, Suzannah,
Elizabeth Gardiner Myers, her beloved sister-in-law and family,  little Rylie, Jan, Charlie, Eagan,  John D, John S., Kurt, Kendra, Matt, Stoney, Regina, Suz, Corby, TK, Ericka, Louise, Tommy, Joan, Bob, Fluff, Scott, The Korabek/Shram tribe, AnneMary, Shirley, Karen, Lori, Tanya,  Kendra, Kurt, Joan, Jack, Tom, Chris, Sabian, Rus, Stan, Greg, Scott, Christian, Mike, Richy, Areila, Penny, Ford, Bob, Frank, Eric, Kurt, Bob, Chases Cows, George, Justan, Phillip, Deion, Hunter, Pop, Ledg, Matthew, Stephen, Pat, Jennifer, 

Maya Angelou we will miss you here on this earth... thank you phenomenal woman for all that you are. May we all be better because of all that you were. 

ZERO, soar on dear one, we miss you always yet know you are with us in all the familiar places ... Prayers and strength for Alexis and her family,  Chelsea, Baby Florenzo, and Sara may the Creator welcome you all home to the Ancestors...   Those in Christiansburg VA and surrounding communities for strength and healing, VAAP, Stephen Deirslen and family,  Kurt, Ali, Jeremiah, Pop Spring, Joe, Rachel, Matthew, Nick, Leanne, Leslie, Stephen, Gayle, Karen, Janet, Perry, JT, Moses, Little Nicholas, Karen, Ericka, young Peyton, Bill, Shauna, Dixie, Kurt, J&L, John, Alexis, Kassity, Kelsi, Bob, Lauri, Larry, KM, Osh Kosh, DC, Courtney and baby, Choctaw Nation, SODA, Kari, Jamie, Tiffany, Bob, David, The Durant P.D., Windhorse, Hezra and Dan, Pat, Joan, Jane, Mickey, Cynthia, Rubuye, Patches, Charla, Kurt, Lyle, Bear, Sylvia, Heidi, Samatha, Marcus, Brenda McQuire, Jan, Joan,  Louise E. Duckwork and her family, friends, Brother Michael Belford, Rev Bev and family,Erin, Bear, Ellie, Andrei, Maggie, ED, Mary, Ari, Kostas, Jean, Rene, Joanie, Stevie, Nat, Matt, Jamie,

For Sandy Hook and those in Newtown CT., for all those who have been touched, shattered and devastated by violence we are with you here and pray for an end to such horrible things happening in our world. 

For our warriors, We are fighting alongside you and thinking about you.

Rebecca, Hudson, Peyton, Dottie, Zero, George, Peyton, Billy Ray, Yvonne, Les, Lana, Lanita, Kelly, John, Bill,

~ `~

For:

Erin, Ellie, Andrei, WM, Yvonne Cassie, Mildred, Michele, Evelyn, Kelly, Betsy, The Faulkner Family, Stan, Dan, Christie, Ledge, Rick Paul, Colin G Brady, 

  NYPD, Guardian Angel Hospice and those there, Lanita, Dana, Leslie, Dottie, Kelly, Molly, Evan, Jeff, Ruby, Kevin, Scott, Dakota, Ruby, Dottie, Todd, John, BK, Clare, Yvonne, Evelyn, Sonny, Trace, Lyle, Michael, Beverly, Shauna, Dixie,

Julia Skinner and her NRV ELITE in Christiansburg VA,thank you for a wonderful year.

Coach Woodka, the Tarpon Springs Basketball team, Coach Carb and family, Cooper, Mark, Marvin, Zaden, Zamerion, Daniel, 

Carol, Sandy, Carrie and her family in Aurora,Ali,BK, Carolyn, Karen, Kelly and her family up North,

For those who have asked and we are standing with you in your time of sorrow, angst, difficulties.

   Heidi and family, Dianne, Ken,  Lori, Cynthia, Scott, Ali Legend, and children,  Heather Belle, Carolyn, Rog, Dusty, the 5,000 guardians now standing in the memory of Thomas O'Brien, the family of Trayvon Martin,

For:

  Harriet, Sherry Reed, Mary Grace, Shirley, BK, Stephanie, Lorrie, Pop and his family,

Sherry C.,  Katie and Bill Majestic, Marvin, Layne, Lori, Jim, D, Heidi, Julia, Rolling Thunder, The Patriot Guard, Carol,The Schram/Korabek family, Kyle, Mark, Todd, Yvonne, Harry, Kevin, Jen, Charles,  Glenn, "the littleOne", Anne Klein, Monica Graff, Penny, Chris, Joy, Anne, Sara, Jenn, Shirley, AnneMary, Michael, Jeannie,Patti Labelle and family, The Wounded Warrior Brigades,   Warren Buffet, Best of health be yours sir, Kyle Jones in TN; a magic maker, a musician and a good man, M Dave Glenn Alley a talented musician who is extending himself in service to others, blessings to you friend,BK, Kevin, Dash, Graham, Suzannah,

Seth Greenberg and family, Eileen D. and family, Steve and family, Anne, A, Sandy, "EI", Kev, Chris,

Lyle Emerson and his family in Buffalo and little Kendra fighting Lymphoblastic Leukemia,

Bernice Etsitty and the life of her son, gone too soon Garrett Joe,Joey, Sam, Tyler, Robbie, Elizabeth, Tommy,

Duke Limongello gone too soon,

and all the children of all colors, all ages, and causes

gone to soon.

Sandy Hook Elementary School

in memory and prayers:

  Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female
- Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male
- Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female.
- Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female
- Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female
- Dylan Hockley, 3/8/06, male
- Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/06, female
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/06, female
- Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male
- Jesse Lewis, 6/30/06, male
- James Mattioli , 3/22/06, male
- Grace McDonnell, 12/04/05, female
- Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female
- Emilie Parker, 5/12/06, female
- Jack Pinto, 5/06/06, male
- Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male
- Caroline Previdi, 9/07/06, female
- Jessica Rekos, 5/10/06, female
- Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female
- Lauren Rousseau, 6/1982, female (full date of birth not specified)
- Mary Sherlach, 2/11/56, female
- Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female
- Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male
- Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/06, female

   

and for

OUR President and his family

of our United States of America,

those who are serving our Nation and their service animals

and all who have served

and their families,those who have fallen and are still missing we honor and thank you,

May the Creator bless you for holding us in your arms to protect our freedoms.

We  remember.

 Jenn, Bill, Denise, Ashe, Stuart Jr,  Barry Gibb, his family, Whitney, the Houston family, the family of our disco queen Donna Summer ,

Andre, Bill, Taft Abras, Mary Labyaks' family , Andrea, Patti, Jamie, Sasha, Kerri, Josh, Kar, Cash, Neil, Lori, Cindi, Tom, Shasta, Bill Simpson and Family, Jenn, Steph, Dana, Kari, Sandy, Marty, Marsha, Wanda, Ellen, Cindee, Peggy, Joyce Cruz, a CANCER survivor working at Southwest Airlines *it was an honor to meet you dear one*, Ike Davis, in New Mexico, an artisan who plays in the mud and creates beautiful tings out there, *http://www.negroartist.com/* what a joy you are to so many of SOUTHWEST, thank you for visiting with me, prayers of continued success and tobacco to your Pueblo uncle! and for Christos Fandaros, Thomas Galvin, John Knudson, Curtis, Susie Langham, Stasia and Billy Hall, Christina Chavez and Rick and Ryan, Pam Meyer, Whitney, Diane Bystista, Susan, Leann Vincent, Roxanne Duran, Carole Poppendeck, Mary Jo H-shortes, Bridget, Robert Tanner Mara Tanner, Yolanda L Acosta, Antonio F. Balderrama, Denise Flowers, Lisa Balance, Sherry Stedman, Rose, Marquette, Acosta, Ortega, The Pueblo Peoples,

All those I was honored to spend time with in

" Choctaw Nation, IN, VA, DC, MD, FL, CT, PA, Ohio, Michigan, South Dakotas, Geisinger Medical Center, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Solaris Hospice, Evercare, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Gesinger, Guardian Angel Hospice,  Crossroads Hospice, New Hope Hospice, Comfort Keepers KS, El Paso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque"

Jeremy, Florence, Cal, Sarch, our friends of Portugal, Mike, AnnMary,Stephanie, Jimmy, Keli, Kasi, Katherine, Julie, Allan, Lynda,LeeAnn, KS Comfort Keepers, Stephen Bright, Linda and staff Melody,Brenda A and children Sarah, David Rachel; Gloria, Pete, Fred, Max, JJ, Barb and Leo Henning, Rick Fechner, Ryan Baurain, Melissa Reid, "Probation Professional pals", Jim Vander May (*who has been working in the Professional field for 45 years in Michigan*, Dale, Herschel, Bonnie, Louise, Holly, Jerry, Faith, Yvette, Happy, Audrey, and Rod Markowski and family, Lynn, Ryan, Jordon, Darryl Markowski, I thank you for your service) Brian Markowski, Shannon Becker, Nick, Reagan, Dr Iris Taylor of Detroit Medical Center,, please take best care of you) Sandy R. Carol, Stephanie, Geri, Chris, Matt, those in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa, In Ft Worth, Dallas, Ike, Isabel, Teresa, Janelle, Patricia, Susan, Karen, Laura in Yuba City CA, The Walter Reed Warrior Transition Brigade, Hope Hospice, Crossroads Hospice and those who care out there working and walking the walk, Perry, Clayton, George, Janet, and all in green! Rick, Calley, Ron, Rebekeh, Brenda, Becca, Audrey, Gabe, Dena, Beth, Lill, Jay Hanson, Jennifer, Beth Jett, Huntsville AL, Sheri, Wendy Reese and family, Sandy, Toby, Edith Vaughn and family,Susan, Greg and Kyle Korabek (Landon Korabek on the other side now), Stephen Bright and family, Walter Littlemoon, Jane, Laura, Mitch, Jenn, Chris, Mary, Taft, Martha Deaver, Morris, Dahlee, Rose Brick, The Baitinger Family, The Yaslowitz Family, The St Petersbug PD, Congresswoman Gabbie and her family, Dahlee in NJ, Judy Kelley, beloved husband and family, Jennifer, (now being watched over by her beloved husband and child), Norma, and Angel eyes Jack, Daniel, Dave, Cindy and Steve, Marty, Jeremy, Dennis, Darrel, Greg, Leroy, Rebekka, Carly, John, Diana, Crystal, Karen, Janet, Callie, Lorie, Laura, Larry, Clive,

2 Wolves and Jinx in SD, (http://www.2wolvescreations.com/)

Kelly and family,Judy W and her 4 sons up there in New England, Cherokee Wick, Benni, Gayle, Jonathan, Great Aunt Effie's family, Marilyn Warren, Ilene,  Jen and Brian, Ericka, Shannon, Hannah Sherabow, Pam C. and family, Susan S., Angela A., Nancy W, Sue G, Kelly and family, Susan Brouse, Cindy and Stevie, Kim, Olatz, EVB, Yiva, Mary, Sandra and family, Christina Helen, Dotti B., Susan and Greg, Amy, Becky and Barry Long, Christina, Matt and children, Aaron, Lisa and family, Freda, Linda Katie, Pat D, Tink and Mitch, LITTLE Ben, Jerry, Trish, Barb, Anastasia, Mary, Rylee, Lindsay, Ann, Sarah, Ruth, Johnny, Bobby and the Tucker Family, The Spraker Family,Kenny H, Michelle, Sandy, Addie and family in Canada, Sandy, BraveHeart, Rowena, Chris, Robyn Elizabeth, Jean, Duke,Rowena, Chris, Baby Robyn Elizabeth, Diane Smallze and family, Patti and family, The Korabek Family and friends, The Gasse Family and Friends,

Officer Crawford of St Petersburg, The Kocab Family, baby Lilly Nicole Kocab, The Curtis Family, Tarpon PD, those serving here and there in Uniform... Those now walking The Thin Blue Line, (far to many joining that line recently across our Nation),

Mylee, Mikey and family in DC, Jack M & Janis in OC, Stephen, Stuart Wittel  of the US MARINES and his parents Sandy and Stuart, Lavie Coltrane and family, Andrea Gasse and family here and in New England, Ali and family, Randy and Winnie in New Mexico, Jill Wheaton L, Dr Peter in NY, Dr Rev Bev, Irene M, Bernice, Eileen and family, Vicki, Matthew and family, Chris, Lovie, Nancy, Pedro and Our adopted family in BRAZIL,  The Windcross Convservacy and those beautiful Spanish Mustangs known as "pocket ponies"... the dolphins , always our most remarkable dolphins!!!

AND for:

Anne, Jim, JADE, Cynthia, Joseph, Cathy Madden, Nathan, and her family., Cindy in NC, Liz, Lee, Molly, Joanie, Jude, COFA, Judi, Ken, Matthew, Nick, Matt, Mark's family and many friends , Pat, Irene, Kevin, Dr D, Deb, Randy, Dr B, Isabelle, Kelsey, Sabrina , Charlie and family, Jean, Julie, Rhonda, Victoria, Mildred, Andi and family, Faith, Denise, Jim, Tom, Joey, Shelby friends and family, Judi, Phylis, Joyce, Gina, Tonya, Beverly and Family, Janeth, Melissa,Virginia, Stacey, Elizabeth, Nita, Gary Siegal, Adrienna, Brian Mawbey, the Boyan Family, Jean R and friend Christy Rider, Victoria and hubbie, Stephen, Gayle, Steph, Chris, Erica, Eileen, John, Mindy, Jack, Susan Werth Becken, her brother Mike and family, Craig James Lightfoot and his family, Kenny, Audrey, Ed Saner, Patty Crowley, Bennie, Gail, Jonathan, Moe, Beverly, Dennis, Peter, Trish, Cynthia, Heidi and her family, Kathy Knights family, Edith Vaughn, Candy, Cynthia, Jenn, Eve, Edith, Jason, Karen, Linda, Joyce, Belinda, Jeanette, Jennifer, Patti, Sandy S, and . .. 

(Feel free to let me know if you would like to add your/or a friends name to our prayer bowl.

Walk in beauty
DRSES

Hello Summer Solstice!

Summer Solstice June 21, 2014,  the longest day of the year! Hello the official first day of summertime, and the celebrations will begin for so many as we welcome it in. I cannot imagine but some are already complaining about the heat of summer, when it seems like yesterday all we heard was "bring on summer, I am freezing"!

Many will celebrate the light... oh the brightest and longest of light overcoming the darkness. There will be festivals, celebrations, bonfires, and great music. Pagans, non-Pagans, the world is alive in the light of the Summer Solstice! Joyful noise is in store for this day of light...

Folks around the world will celebrate this day, will just be thrilled with this day in a mystical way, in a sacred way, in fun ways as well.

It is a day of great light, love, joy... it is the longest day of the year.  Put your "hips in it", enjoy it, reap the blessings that are yours, and have the best of times here on this day, the first day of summer!

 May you feel the light within, as the light around you shines brightly...  Make some waves, ride the waves, BE THE WAVES as you absorb the light... the light that surrounds you, in all that you are and all that you do, on this the summer solstice of 2014~

And so it is!Many blessings to each and to all!

Happy Summer....

 Last one in is a rottenegg....LOL
DRSES

Friday Freestylin, just grin into it

Friday, Friday, it's time to get your week-end started! With an attitude of great gratitude, here we are on the eve of the summer solstice, the official beginning of summer as we move into the weekend. Are you ready for some summer?

I do believe once again that time is just running faster than ever, now meaning that the days are shorter if I am correct, and heaven knows I am not ready for that! Slow down... everyone, time is running too fast as it is.

Do you remember when things seemed kinder, time seemed slower, energy levels seemed higher and the good times lasted longer?  Seems that is getting lost with this fast time zooming past. Even with the light lasting longer, time just rushes by faster than a heart beat, leaving us to wonder, "how did the time go so quickly".

Remember when? Do you?

 As we move on into a freestyle of Friday, I hope many will realize that worrying, complaining, talking about the same ole same ole' and trying to remember if the story has changed or the results have changed has been worth it since the last time, the last year... 

Freestylin' might just be the best way to roll, as we enter into Friday, knowing that our lives are the most precious gift, our steps ours to take, our thoughts and our actions ours to own... the impression and impact we leave on another will live in their hearts long after we walk away... 

What we worry about today, will take away from the joys that are sitting right there for our pleasure and enjoyments, and rich moments.

Do you remember when? 

We all wanted so badly to grow up... what in the world were we thinkin... that was when time seemed linger, when hangin' out never ended, when it seemed so easy.
I miss back then.
Where bbq's fired up and the music played loud.... folks gathered, or not, but times seemed easier even though things were hard.

When folks seemed kinder, when doors could be unlocked, when street lights were street lights and folks lent a hand no matter what or where. When little kids didn't go missing, where prescription drugs weren't killin folks, and synthetic drugs weren't thought of yet... where Americans stood, and when death happened the community rallied. When a hearse drove by, cars pulled over and stood beside them to demonstrate respect and loss.

Folks have to find their own freestylin' ways to care, to find their joy, their way to balance.

Let is go, let peace in while respecting others again. Find rituals again, hear the music again, listen for laughter and join in again. It's time to take back time, to savor it, to taste it even when it's bittersweet, it's rich, it's alive, it's for those who are alive to be the legacy of all who have gone before them.

Let's go... freestylin' into this weekend of summer like never before.

Move your ass!

DRSherry

Living and Learning

Life and it's many lessons, blessings, heartaches and struggles seem to be a part of a greater plan. An opportunity to live and learn to be stronger, better, to be more, yet also a road to some that find themselves singing the same ole' song, stuck in a rut or finding the comfort of darkness forgetting to cherish the very gifts that their survival has graced them with.  So many have walked through hell of heartache, of great tragedy  walking through it without recognizing that they now can sing a new song with a renewed sense of appreciation as each day approaches. 

Others come through their own storms ready to tackle each moment, each conversation, each day with a renewed sense of being that outshines the sun, even when the clouds are dark and threatening... they look for the rainbow just because they have been through so much. They have learned, they refuse to be lessened by conversations, situations, or circumstance.  They, in their own way, defy gravity by their attitude, by their heart song, by their every breath.

What are you doing to make yourself feel fantastic and those around you who are the recipient of your words and your presence?

Feelings, thoughts, opinions all live within each person... they change like tides at times, they come they go. They can be influenced or directed by others, their actions, behaviors, their words.  In good or bad ways. Mistakes happen; some will call that learning! People get through it, some harbor grudges, some laugh about it, others push through it; let's call that living!  We can either climb the mountain, sit at the bottom. We can surf the waves, dive under them... or sit on the sand and talk about those who live their own way while wishing we had the nerve or courage!

 

 What are you learning as you are living the best life possible for you?

We may walked many miles, lived through many an experiences, joys, heartaches, but we are never too old to learn. When others let us know of their steps, we always can glean something new, or maybe not. BUT, we can recognize whatever it is from another with simply a nod, simply some encouragement, or perhaps a reminder that life is to be lived fully, vividly, and beautifully.  In troubled times, we can still be soft, be kind, be beautiful. It comes from within, it is how we will be remembered. It is one of life's lessons in grace, it is LIVING.

  BE... all that you were born to be and then strive to be better. 

That's a wrap for this day, (and maybe even tomorrow)

Walk in beauty,

DRSherry

I hear you~

I hear you and those fine professionals out there who will say: 

tell it like it is and get it off your chest!

Let others know how you feel, how you think, what you want.... I get that. Don't let things build inside and create or add to your already simmering stress! We've all heard that, been there and probably can write volumes about that! The great philosopher Dr. Seuss is known for that quote!

HOWEVER...there are times things said might just be taken a bit too far, when opinions might be voiced and sound like almighty judgments and hurt can be sharper than a switchblade extended from nowhere to the depths of the heart. It is during those times that one person may feel they were "just telling it like it is" and the other may be wounded beyond compare.... one feeling as though they are tellin' it like it is and decreasing stress and others wondering how someone could be so ugly or bitter.

It is in those times that professionals and Dr. Seuss perhaps should have not been so literal!

Great ways to rid stress is working within the heart, stretching beyond the comfort zone of understanding, and acceptance along with exercise and new experiences. We cannot forget laughter and sugar... You can never get enough sugar in the quest of sweet and loving words, actions and memories to reflect back upon!

I hear you... we all have a story, a wish, a hope, a whatever it is we have.. for self and those we love, admire, and want good things for. Each of us can help that along with encouraging words, understanding nods, and walking the road of understanding even in times when we have no earthly idea of the next steps.  Faith, Hope, Trust in the Creator to keep on hand on our shoulder and the other across mouths at times maybe the best we can do,with only sounds of laughter squeaking out when it dawns on us that we are but a small part of a wonderful world!

 

Be good ... Give your best, do it... the right way, all day.

Walk in beauty
DRSES
carry on!

Your thoughts voiced to another's ears... just wow!

It is remarkable how many people do not hear themselves. How many feel free to express their way as the only way, or the right way, or to insert their feelings and thoughts into the hearts and minds of another. It must be the weather, the heat, the hatred of Iraq and fears of the world that has people forgetting to hit the "pause" button in their brains. Tones of voices are often stronger than words uttered or words uttered leave us speechless in wondering when God stepped down and allowed a mere human to step up to the plate saying how it should, or aughta be for others. Is it that folks just forget to use their filters? Or where are those filters that folks used to use... 
Maybe it is a respect issue; where we each respect each others' values, worth, energy as individuals with our own path to walk in our own way. It may not be my way or your way, but then again... we all should be busy walking our own path so busy in fact that we don't really have the time to get over involved in the steps of others.  Sometimes folks seem to feel "pulled" into the lives/situations of others. They work so hard to make something happen for the good, for the better, but after awhile feel drained by it or owed because of it. It may be during those times when old triggers get pulled that it is best to shake it off, to visualize well, to not get "jacked up" as you remember this profound proverb:

And then, perhaps words and voices will be more joyous and loving! 

Yes, perhaps that is the word; respect of all living things, respect for the fallen, the stories and the falls along the way.

I sat with an interesting gentleman who spent his time telling me of his family; their failures, their wrong ways of doing things. He was worried of this and a bit of that, he complained about one and the other not living as he expected or wanted. Seems he had a lot to say but ended with "I love them so much, but..." 

I watched him closely wondering why he had chosen to criticize people he claimed to love, to show such disrespect of those very people that loved him, yet now had his words etched in heart said in times of anger or fear or frustration. I listened as he spoke of his drunken times, his bad boy times, his mistakes in life... and then had to wonder why he was denying those he loved to make their own without his judgment and anger.  Seems he had forgotten all those years, all those times, all those years now standing in with his opinions and right ways to do while hurting the ones he loved. As we sat together I had to ask if he respected his kids, his nieces and nephews. I know I had a reaction to his answer. He said, "I never really thought about that, about respecting them...guess it never crossed my mind." 

 A person doesn't have to always like what others are doing. Hell they don't have to do it or anything if they don't want to. BUT, there comes a time in life where just enjoying the life you have is up to you, smiling more and accepting things as they are is enough. Have a bad day, a bad thought? Rinse your mouth with mouth wash, take yourself out for a great meal. Use your mouth for something other then putting harmful words into the Universe or the hearts of those who matter to you. After all, you are living what will become the memories long after that moment has passed. What is voiced today will echo in the heart long after it is worked through the nervous system... is really that important, that critical to think you are right, to be right, to be so wrong?  We must find ways to enrich, enhance, lift others UP... As Maya Angelou stated, "try to be the rainbow in someone's cloud" (or something like that).  
Everybody is so busy worrying about being lied to, about something happening and not being privy to it, folks are just too busy doing, going, and talkin' bout things.  STOP. breathe, relax, move about the day with a sense of grace.

 Every damn day: JUST DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

Be the frog!

that is all,
DRSES

Seriously now, it's time to let it go!

 

This is quite profound when you think on it!

As I speak to folks around the Nation, as I listen to stories in the community, in families, in my own... I am continually amazed at what folks hold on to, what they take issue with, what they let come out of their mouths. It can be personal, it can be community, it can be about our country, politics, religion or global. I stand amazed at the number of times it is the same old story on any given day and the story is not always pleasant to hear, not always helpful, yet harmful and sets a track in the brain that seems to have a loop that reminds me of a CD or old 8 track tape. It goes on and on and on and with no good resolve or music... often it skips, it repeats, it causes harm.

It seems that so many spend so much time looking in the rear view mirror that they lose sight of the wonder and the good that is in front of them or the potential of good to come. That thing called HOPE/FAITH/CHARITY/KINDNESS getting lost in the quick to speak, quick to anger, quick to react... only later to escalate with harsh words, bad or hurt feelings.

Thoughts, reactions and words that fall off the most powerful muscle of the body (the tongue) can devastate and basically just mess up a person's day, while the one who spoke them has to be right in their mind or caught up in their emotions. I have to wonder... why is it so important?

What difference will it make in an hour, a few hours, a day, a week? Will it had been worth it to make another feel bad or less than?

To say that you love someone, is to love someone. Period. You do not have to always like what they do, you don't have to always like them in a moments' time, but you never have to be unkind, I don't think you have to ever be combative in communication when you find the pause button in your brain to think before you speak.  Some like to stir in shit until it stinks, it just seems that is the way of folks and the world.  Others take everything to heart, they get hurt, they don't understand and would prefer to not be judged, to be assessed as being less than one of the Creator's children and a work still in progress.

Don't get me wrong, some are just mean spirited people and from time to time everyone must be called out for that!  

However, in day to day life, it is astonishing to me how we want folks to do it this way, do it that way, actually many want others to do it "their way". They seem to forget that as adults they made their own mistakes, their own bad decisions, they lived their lives wide open in their youth, but now have a cow thinking the younger ones are doing it all wrong.  It reminds me of that "casting a stone" concept, or glass houses in many ways.

I think of those who have suffered loss; those who have lived through sudden and unexpected loss, have watched life change in a heart beat.  I then stand amazed when they speak without remembering how quickly it can all change, speaking without remembering that there is no guarantee of tomorrow and that which they speak can cut like a knife leaving a trail of blood they seem not to see or want to heal.

It happens in families, it happens in communities, it is happening in our Nation and the world.  WE can only control our own actions in the hope that others will see, hear, witness that which is still good and model after it, generating the best of the best to come.

WE individually control our thoughts, our mind, our tongues and the words that fall. 

If you do not like something? DO NOT DO IT.

If you think someone could do better? Encourage them but do not stick your beliefs, thoughts, and emotional threats down their throats.

IF you feel that "feeling welling up inside you" notice it, make room for it, end the conversation with I love you... before you ring a bell that resonates on the heart and will never be unrung.

Not everyone will live as you or anyone else want them to... Not everyone is walking your path, it is yours alone to walk... 

BUT, it is time to water your own grass and put energy into the greening of it, while respecting others and the way they choose to water theirs. It is past time to live in "back then and they/he/she did this and that".

It may help to run through a few quick steps in your mind; "does it really matter? is this my business? why do I care? Can I just be kind through this? Will it matter next week? What impact am I leaving on the heart and mind of another?"

Some folks are quick to give their opinions, but their opinions sound like punishment or judgment. Sad thing is, they damage relationships, they hurt others and become a "I'm right they are wrong" kind of thing that builds up hurt, resentment and trust issues.

Seriously now, there comes a time in life when you have to just let it go. Live your life wide open, remembering that you too were once in shoes that fit differently, with ideas that were different, with times that were different...

This is YOUR time, your life, spend it well... live it kindly, live it with new stories, new experiences, new ways of seeing the world around you, in love, kindness and compassion for all living things.

End each conversation with a voice that genuinely would have no regrets if tomorrow never comes.  Seriously now.. you gotta learn to let it go!

 

Walk your path, in beauty
DRSES