In the past two days there have been nine music videos posted on my facebook. I got up this morning and took Annie out and the birds were singing like they had just learned a new tune. It made mr think how much music means in our lives and how we need it from the day we are born until the day that we die.
The first music we hear are lullabys to put us to sleep, to sooth us when we cry, or just to let us know how happy our mother's are that they have a little one to sing to.
I don't think there is a kindergartener on earth that didn't have to learn ABCDEFG HIJK LMNOP etc.It is here here many kids are taught how to count, how to have good manners and how to play games with one another.
By the time we reach high school we not only kinow all the words to our school song, but we know all the crazy songs that are the hit of the day. When I hear someone complain about the popular music today I think back to my high school years. I am not sure how bright such words as "Boop boop dittem dattem wattem choo etc. would sound to todays kids either.
Love songs become our favorites as we have crushes on boys who don't even know we existed, or when we actually meet Mr. right. Then, of course, we have "Our" song. I can still hear my husband singing songs to me, and he didn't have the greatest voice in the world, but it sounded like heaven to me.
We then repeat all the above when we have children, only it is their life repeating ours in many ways. We are at the stage where we love to hear the "old" songs, the ones from our early years, and the kids say, "Mom, where on earth did you ever hear that song?" I remember how shocked I was when they took a song I loved when I was young, (Ramona) and jazzed it up in another generation until I barely recognized it.
And then, there is the music at funerals. Even in death, music plays a role. Quite often Amazing Grace is sung. I want Taps sung at my funeral. I know that sounds strange, but I found three verses to that tune that are absolutely perfect. Also, when my husband and I lived on Military Bases, we heard taps played every evening.
I think I will go sing a song or two,
Until we meet again,
Be kind to one another.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Remembering
It has been rather a strange day today. 32 years ago today my husband Dick died. We had just celebrated our 31 wedding anniversary one month before. As I look back I can't believe I have been alone longer than we were married.
He was such a special man, but very few of my current friends knew him. So It was very special to me that so many of the kids I had in high school forty years ago put comments on my face book about their memories of him. I think it is important to remember all the great things he did for people and I am glad there are still people alive who remember him.
I hope you all create wonderful memories while you can so that you will have no regrets when you lose someone. I have memories of picnics, just the two of us riding up the river after work and enjoying nature. Or the times we went out to dinner and sat over a final glass of wine and talked into the night. (My friends always said, "gosh, you have been married so long, what do you find to talk about?" I don't know, it always seemed like we were young and dating and just couldn't quit talking. There were days when he had flowers sent to my shop for no special reason, just because he loved me. There were little spats we had when he would go into his "man den" until we cooled down. I don't think we ever had a really big argument in all those years. And I think we told each other how much we loved each other fifty times a day.
It is these little things that are so important now and I hope you never go to bed angry. Always say I Love you. Life is short so enjoy it.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
He was such a special man, but very few of my current friends knew him. So It was very special to me that so many of the kids I had in high school forty years ago put comments on my face book about their memories of him. I think it is important to remember all the great things he did for people and I am glad there are still people alive who remember him.
I hope you all create wonderful memories while you can so that you will have no regrets when you lose someone. I have memories of picnics, just the two of us riding up the river after work and enjoying nature. Or the times we went out to dinner and sat over a final glass of wine and talked into the night. (My friends always said, "gosh, you have been married so long, what do you find to talk about?" I don't know, it always seemed like we were young and dating and just couldn't quit talking. There were days when he had flowers sent to my shop for no special reason, just because he loved me. There were little spats we had when he would go into his "man den" until we cooled down. I don't think we ever had a really big argument in all those years. And I think we told each other how much we loved each other fifty times a day.
It is these little things that are so important now and I hope you never go to bed angry. Always say I Love you. Life is short so enjoy it.
Until next time,
Be kind to one another
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Words
A week or two ago I posted a video about words and I have had it on my mind ever since. For those of you who didn't see it, it showed a blind man sitting in a square with a sign, "I'm blind, please help." Many people passed and a few dropped a coin, but most avoided him. Finally a lady came by, walked on and then returned. She took his sign and wrote something else on it. He felt her shoes while she wrote. All of a sudden almost everyone that passed dropped a coin. Finally the lady came back. He felt her shoes in recognition and asked, what did you put on the sign?" Her reply was that she said about the same thing he did, just used different words. Then the sign became visible. On it were written the words, "It's a beautiful day and I can't see it."
It made me think of the impact our words have on everyone we come in contact with. I remember the old saw, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This is so not true. Psychologists in today's society have found that children who have constantly been told they were dumb or stupid usually end up believing that about themselves. Or the child who is taunted on the playground as fat, or ugly or a wimp is really hurt by such words. The sad thing is that sometime just one cruel word may effect some one's whole life. Even if it is said in jest, it may hurt. Perhaps we should choose our words more carefully.
And then there is the big "F" word. I have noticed that more and more people seem to be using it, particularly younger folks. I think it is so sad that something God made beautiful and sacred should be brought down to the level of filth and nastiness. What a shame that one has such a limited vocabulary that they have to reach down in the gutter to find a word.
Enough said. If you are interested in words there are dozens of articles on the Internet. One very interesting one is an article by Richard F. Taflinger on how words are used in Advertising to take advantage of us. Stephanie Resenbloom writes some interesting facts on the power of words in the real estate market.
We need to be aware that people can use words to make us believe just what they want us to, so pay attention when you are encouraged to buy a product, vote for a certain person, or even, heaven forbid, to marry them (perhaps all for the wrong reason.) After that statement, I think it is time for me to close.
Until next time,
Be Kind to One Another
It made me think of the impact our words have on everyone we come in contact with. I remember the old saw, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." This is so not true. Psychologists in today's society have found that children who have constantly been told they were dumb or stupid usually end up believing that about themselves. Or the child who is taunted on the playground as fat, or ugly or a wimp is really hurt by such words. The sad thing is that sometime just one cruel word may effect some one's whole life. Even if it is said in jest, it may hurt. Perhaps we should choose our words more carefully.
And then there is the big "F" word. I have noticed that more and more people seem to be using it, particularly younger folks. I think it is so sad that something God made beautiful and sacred should be brought down to the level of filth and nastiness. What a shame that one has such a limited vocabulary that they have to reach down in the gutter to find a word.
Enough said. If you are interested in words there are dozens of articles on the Internet. One very interesting one is an article by Richard F. Taflinger on how words are used in Advertising to take advantage of us. Stephanie Resenbloom writes some interesting facts on the power of words in the real estate market.
We need to be aware that people can use words to make us believe just what they want us to, so pay attention when you are encouraged to buy a product, vote for a certain person, or even, heaven forbid, to marry them (perhaps all for the wrong reason.) After that statement, I think it is time for me to close.
Until next time,
Be Kind to One Another
Friday, April 29, 2011
Potpourri
Well, the big day is over. The Royal Wedding went off without a hitch I have heard. Did I stay up and watch it? I am getting too old and I need my sleep. I did see the dress on TV today. I am impressed. I like it very much. Much better than Diana's dress, which I thought was so big you couldn't see her. Enough about the wedding--I wish them well.
When I got up this morning I saw:
Promises
Breaking dawn,
dove gray between
black branches of
early spring.
Filigreed lace, soon
to be new leaves
gracing the early morn.
I hope everyone is praying for all the people who have been in the tornato areas of our country. Those who lost everything they have, hopefully not their famlies, are really having it rough. I know when we had our fire and lost everything we didn't even have a toothbrush to brush our teeth or a pair of PJ's to sleep in. No clothes, no food, no bed to sleep in. Pray that someone is helping them and if you are able in any to assist either physically or financially, please do. Again, peace and love to all of the victims.
When I got up this morning I saw:
Promises
Breaking dawn,
dove gray between
black branches of
early spring.
Filigreed lace, soon
to be new leaves
gracing the early morn.
I hope everyone is praying for all the people who have been in the tornato areas of our country. Those who lost everything they have, hopefully not their famlies, are really having it rough. I know when we had our fire and lost everything we didn't even have a toothbrush to brush our teeth or a pair of PJ's to sleep in. No clothes, no food, no bed to sleep in. Pray that someone is helping them and if you are able in any to assist either physically or financially, please do. Again, peace and love to all of the victims.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Special Day
My friend Kaye in Australia informed me of somthing I didn't know.
Today, in Australia, is A.N.ZAC day. This is the same as the US Veterans
Day. They always play the "Last Post" (Taps) at the dawn service in Melbourne. Then there is a parade to honor their military.
In honor of this day, lets give thanks for their Soldiers, Sailors,Marines and Cost-Guards. We tip our hats to all the brave men and women.
God Bless Australia. (and all the countries of the world. Let their be peace, and let it begin with me.)
Cherio,
Be Kind to One Another
Today, in Australia, is A.N.ZAC day. This is the same as the US Veterans
Day. They always play the "Last Post" (Taps) at the dawn service in Melbourne. Then there is a parade to honor their military.
In honor of this day, lets give thanks for their Soldiers, Sailors,Marines and Cost-Guards. We tip our hats to all the brave men and women.
God Bless Australia. (and all the countries of the world. Let their be peace, and let it begin with me.)
Cherio,
Be Kind to One Another
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
I Thought it was Spring
I know it is spring, but it is still cold outside. However, my forsythia bush has turned into a small tree of blooming sunshine, my daphanie smells like the best Paris perfume and my Lily-of-the Valley are shooting up tall green sprouts that will soon have a million sweet little flowers bowing their heads in praise of Springtime. How can anyone be gloomy with such a bounty of beauty?
When I was a child my grandfather had a soft-green, lacy bush and when we would pass it he would always tell me to put the leaves between my fingers and then smell my fingers. It had the greatest smell, one I can't describe. He called the plant "The Old Man." I have no idea what its Latin name is.
When I left my hometown, I took a start from the bush and we planted it in our first house in Millington, Tenn. When my husband got transfered, we again took it with us, one place after another. At last we brought it to Vancouver where we planted it again. When my husband died and I moved I finally brought the plant to it's final resting place and planted it at the corner of my house. It grew into quite a large bush and every time I passed it I always stopped and rubbed the leaf, still the great scent I remembered from my childhood.
Because it was a plant strange to this part of the country, the gardner came along and pulled, what he thought was a big weed into the garbage. For the moment I had the urge to kill. To myself I called him a few un-Christian names. Of course, the deed was done so I just have to forget about it. But, when spring comes around and I check my garden, I miss The Old Man.
Be Kind to Everyone
When I was a child my grandfather had a soft-green, lacy bush and when we would pass it he would always tell me to put the leaves between my fingers and then smell my fingers. It had the greatest smell, one I can't describe. He called the plant "The Old Man." I have no idea what its Latin name is.
When I left my hometown, I took a start from the bush and we planted it in our first house in Millington, Tenn. When my husband got transfered, we again took it with us, one place after another. At last we brought it to Vancouver where we planted it again. When my husband died and I moved I finally brought the plant to it's final resting place and planted it at the corner of my house. It grew into quite a large bush and every time I passed it I always stopped and rubbed the leaf, still the great scent I remembered from my childhood.
Because it was a plant strange to this part of the country, the gardner came along and pulled, what he thought was a big weed into the garbage. For the moment I had the urge to kill. To myself I called him a few un-Christian names. Of course, the deed was done so I just have to forget about it. But, when spring comes around and I check my garden, I miss The Old Man.
Be Kind to Everyone
Friday, April 15, 2011
Poem in Your Pocket Day
Thought for the day.
"A million experiences available through words."
Word for the day.
Etude= Piano student's practice piece
April is poetry month and yesterday was Poem in your pocket day. I goofed and waited until today to talk about it.
The poem I would put in my pocket was one written by Mary Oliver. It is the beginning of my book House of Memories and other Poems. It goes as follows:
I do not want to be frisky,
and theatrical.
I do not want to go forward in the
parade of names.
I do not want to be diligent or necessary
or in anyway heavy.
From my mouth to God's ear.
I swear it, I want only to be a song.
To wander around in the fields like a little
reed bird.
To be a song.
A year or two ago it was a dark, rainy night in Pinebrook. I took Annie, my sweet little puppy out to do her business. The night was so beautiful I had to write this little poem.
Rainy Night Portrait
Streetlights spangle rays
of gold
over black, wet pavement
creating a perfect
Van Gogh.
If you like poetry I would love to hear from you. Tell me your favorite poets and poems. If you write your own, how about sharing. I would love to read it.
Speaking of rain, It is again raining in beautiful Vancouver, Washington.
What a surprise. Ha. The weather man says we may have sunshine tomorrow. I wont hold my breath until that happens. However, when the news reports all the tornados across the middle of the country and snow in some places, I'm not going to complain about a little rain.
By the way I would like to thank Daniel , Brandy and Joyce H. for their comments. It is very encouraging to hear from you and know you are reading my Pinebrook news.
I like what Ellen DeGeneres says at the end of her shows and I think I I will be a copty-cat an use her message as I feel it is so important in these days.
BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
.
"A million experiences available through words."
Word for the day.
Etude= Piano student's practice piece
April is poetry month and yesterday was Poem in your pocket day. I goofed and waited until today to talk about it.
The poem I would put in my pocket was one written by Mary Oliver. It is the beginning of my book House of Memories and other Poems. It goes as follows:
I do not want to be frisky,
and theatrical.
I do not want to go forward in the
parade of names.
I do not want to be diligent or necessary
or in anyway heavy.
From my mouth to God's ear.
I swear it, I want only to be a song.
To wander around in the fields like a little
reed bird.
To be a song.
A year or two ago it was a dark, rainy night in Pinebrook. I took Annie, my sweet little puppy out to do her business. The night was so beautiful I had to write this little poem.
Rainy Night Portrait
Streetlights spangle rays
of gold
over black, wet pavement
creating a perfect
Van Gogh.
If you like poetry I would love to hear from you. Tell me your favorite poets and poems. If you write your own, how about sharing. I would love to read it.
Speaking of rain, It is again raining in beautiful Vancouver, Washington.
What a surprise. Ha. The weather man says we may have sunshine tomorrow. I wont hold my breath until that happens. However, when the news reports all the tornados across the middle of the country and snow in some places, I'm not going to complain about a little rain.
By the way I would like to thank Daniel , Brandy and Joyce H. for their comments. It is very encouraging to hear from you and know you are reading my Pinebrook news.
I like what Ellen DeGeneres says at the end of her shows and I think I I will be a copty-cat an use her message as I feel it is so important in these days.
BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER
.
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