Friday, August 31, 2012

NEVER SO IMPRESSED!

It takes a lot to impress me.  Matter of fact, in my 68 years, I've only been truly impressed a mere handful of times.  But yesterday, watching Mitt Romney's acceptance speech for the RNC's presidential nomination, I found myself exactly that:  IMPRESSED!

The first thing that struck me about Mitt was his humility.  Everything he said was prefaced with the word, "WE". Obama didn't stop using the word "I" until, well he still hasn't.

Secondly, his sincerity was refreshing.  He didn't duck from the mistakes he's made throughout his professional career; he addressed them.  He didn't blame the other guy either.  He took responsibility. He spoke about being young and inexperienced when he was involved with Bain Capital.  He admitted that taking risks in life can sometimes end in failure. But he also said failure is a lesson learned and one that can be used to make future successes possible.

Thirdly, Mitt loves this country.  You can hear it in his words, see it in his eyes, and above all, feel it in his heart.  He loves his family more, but eminates a real love for all of us with just as much passion.

This is the first time in a presidential election that I believe in the candidate completely.  I know he will do everything he can to make our lives better.  Perhaps not all that he does will be easy to take.
But one thing is very clear; whatever sacrifices that will be asked of me, I'll be willing to accept because I know he has my best interests at heart and more importantly, he has the interests of my six grandchildren in his heart.  "Grammy's Gang" will reap the benefits of his labors; and for that reason alone, Mitt Romney has my vote in November!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Seems Like Only Yesterday

Two of my six grandchildren are starting kindergarten this year; one today and one next week.  Hard to believe these two munchkins are beginning their formal education already.  Seems like only yesterday...
But then again, a lot of events in my life seem like they happened yesterday when in fact they occurred years ago.  The birth of my children couldn't possibly have been in 1969, 1970, and 1978.  Why the pain of childbirth is still very vivid in my mind and body!  But today all three are grown, living in other parts of the country with families of their own.  They are all hard-working people, attempting to make a difference and contribute positively to their world.  I am very proud of all of them.
My wedding happened in 1968; 44 years ago!  But, we haven't aged very much, at least in our own eyes, and believe the best is yet to come. 
Going back to 1958 when I started highschool.  I can still name almost everybody in my class; I remember their names, faces, and personalities.  Has it really been 54 years?  It seems like only yesterday...
And in May of 1948 when I was just three and a half years old, my dad was killed in an industrial accident.  If I close my eyes, I can still see the man in the black coat and hat who stood in our doorway delivering the tragic news.  I can still hear the screams of my mom and baba when they were told.  And I can still feel the horrific fear I felt but could not understand much less put into words.  That was 64 years ago...seems like only yesterday...

Saturday, August 18, 2012

yard sales

It's that time of year again.  Yard sales are in full swing.  Our neighborhood has an annual August sale with about 200 houses participating.  That's an awful lot of opportunity to find treasures of a lifetime!  As soon as I finish here, armed with $10 in currency, I'll be off to seek my fortune.  My standards are extremely low so just about anything halfway wearable, functional , or usable is a distinct possibility for purchase.  Along the way, a cup of coffee, donut, or a hot sausage sandwich is always in the picture.  A lot of my time will be spent talking with friends and neighbors about everything under the sun none of which is even remoting associated with the wares they are offering.
I know I'll come home with at least a few finds, mostly children's stuff for the grandkids.  In my humble opinion, the day will have been extremely productive; food, friends, and finds!  Happy treasurer-hunting!

Monday, August 13, 2012

I'M AN AUTHOR!

It's beginning to sink in, I'M AN AUTHOR!  Now in the process of producing my third children's book, I realize I'm finally doing what I was born to do...WRITE.  I always had trouble trying to say what I thought or felt.  It was so much easier to effectivelly pen my words.  In college, I always received A+s in my writing courses.  In my teaching career, I excelled in written communications.  Because it was so easy, I just kept putting off being an author.  Anybody could write so what's the big deal?  But that's not true.  Yes, everybody can write, but not everybody can write creatively and with conviction.  And those of us who do are known as "authors". 

Everyday, when I check my book ratings (determined by the amount of sales per day), I'm pleasantly surprised to see that they either haven't dropped or continue to climb.  People actually pay to read what I have written.  Astonishing!  But it's not about the money; believe me, unless you reach the pinnacle of Dr. Seuss success, your earnings are meager.  However, it is about becoming who you were meant to be.  It has taken me a lifetime to realize this; my hope for any of you reading this is that you will come to that conclusion long before I did.  Don't waste your time chasing something that doesn't fulfill your passion.  Let go of parental, societal, and yes, even your own expectations that prevent you from reaching your preordained self-actualization.

BECOME who you are!  BECOME who you were always meant to be!  BECOME your self!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Want to feel 10 years younger?

No pills or exercise required.  Just think about what you really love to do.  Find your passion and go after it with all the gusto you can!  I love to write; I always have. Yesterday I published my second children's book, "Dirty Face Liam" on Amazon and I'm on cloud nine!  I've got a renewed energy coursing through my veins; I feel light-hearted, almost giddy!  Mostly, I'm truly contributing again and that allows me to get back in step with living life to the fullest! 

As we join the senior generation we oftentimes join the "do nothing" generation as well.  Why?  We've got so much going for ourselves and yet we believe the ridiculous societal mantra, "sit in your rocker and wait to die!"  Maybe that works for you, but for me this is my time to shine!  Maybe even become famous!

Come on folks, let's show those young whippersnappers what we're made of!  Go for the Gold!  Can you tell I've been caught up in the Olympics.  Love Misty May and Kerri Walsh!

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wanted: Grammys to blog about life with

I'm looking for grammys to share their life experiences with.  We've lived long enough to know a few things about navigating this world's turbulent waters and our insights can have remarkable bearing on those we love.  Having lost my mom six years ago, I now realize there are so many things we never talked about and I really wish we had.  Everyday something pops into my head and I know my mom would be able to shed light on the topic, but sadly she's gone and so is my chance to know. 

We think there will always be time for such stories later on down the road.  Well, time is of the essence now; we've got to make the most of it while we still can.  I want my children and grandchildren to know as much about my life as I can tell them, good, bad, or indifferent.  This way they will see me as a real person instead of an ideal they have of what a "grammy" should be.  I've made tons of mistakes along the way and by letting them know that, they will learn to accept their faux pas as just an avenue for making better choices next time.  I also want them to know of my successes as well and how I achieved them.  It takes perseverence and a certain amount of guts to reach any goal; being a little crazy helps, too!  I've wasted opportunities as well.  I have regrets.

Let's get together and not be afraid to reveal who we really are.  I think both ourselves and our families might just be impressed!