Trek Women
June 24, 2008

"Find Your Force"

The_forcce I want to introduce you to "Bailey".  Bailey is a friend of mine who is quite a force unto himself.  As you can see, just like Superman's cape, Bailey exhibits courage and power from his Star Wars cape.  He can destroy the likes of sunglasses and cell phones, in mere minutes; he might even hold the record.  My friend Julio from the office sent me this picture and it made me think about an important reminder as I work my way through the week.

Even the best of us get discouraged, tired, pooped, burned out, worn out, and want to check out, at least for a while anyway.  What is it that can turn your day around, a phone call, an e-mail, a picture?  What I find absolutely delightful is that sometimes it can be a very slight image or thought that brings it all together and changes the course of the day.  I have experienced this and find it nearly spiritual.  Even if you throw a little something out there to someone and you don't get a reaction, don't let that discourage you.  You may have received a reaction but won't ever hear about it.

On the days when you are on your own and nothing good seems to be coming your way, how do we keep the Day-to-Day happenings in perspective without letting it get the best of us?  First of all, we need to remember that everything we face in our life is probably not even close to being as tough as others have it.  I think what helps me to press onward is to "Focus".  Focus on any strong image to keep your thoughts together.  If you observe people that are accomplishing monumental tasks, this is what they do.  They become a Force unto themselves and it takes a whole lot to shake them off their course.

For all of you that are facing a big challenge this week; go find your Force, let it surround you with power and protection and feel good about what you accomplish. And Bailey, behave yourself.

Come Ride With Me.

June 18, 2008

"Just When?"

Images8 "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly"- Proverb.  Do you ever see the same numbers show up in your life over and over again?  More often than not, the butterflies come back to visit me over and over again and they are an inspiring reminder to me to forge ahead.   I opened up a book a few days ago and came across this proverb. 

Here is my message for today, just because we are single, we are not alone.  Just because sometimes we are lonely, does not mean that our life is empty.  Look around and find the magic in the day.  Sometimes when I return to my empty house at the end of the day, I get a sad feeling passing through, because I suppose I wonder, "what's next for the rest of the day."  Because of my self taught mind-bending, it's up to me to turn that thought around as quickly as possible.  I am alone because that person that needs to be good enough, has not found me yet.  I had a long conversation with a woman in the gym today who was feeling quite low.  I reminded her of this thought and we talked about it for quite some time.  It's important to work on attracting worthwhile ideas, people and relationships into your life.  Unto that end, we need to be patient.  People will come and go into our lives; embrace them all even when their stay is only temporary. 

I am getting ready for a class reunion in a couple of weeks. (43 years), take note we don't wait any longer for even numbered years, and we are meeting in the afternoon, and those that want to, will keep the party going; at least it's not for a brunch .  I am sending this out to all my "girlfriends" that read my journal.  Let's all meet up and embrace the lives we are living today.  Share stories about our experiences and joys and celebrate the day, I am looking for riding partners.

Come Ride With Me.

   

June 12, 2008

No Room For A Picture Today

I received my weekly inspiration from Andrew Scherf today and he has become my guest blogger again because of his worthwhile message.  Please read on:  Whatever Your 100% looks like, give it.  Andrew writes:  I have a couple pictures of Lance Armstrong by my desk at work. My favorite is a Livestrong Ad that came out a couple of months ago. The heading on the ad reads, “Whatever your 100% looks like, give it.” Below the ad is a picture of Lance, not on a bike, but at the end of a run. It’s his 100% that inspires me every day.  The 100% that Lance gave cycling fans over the years was his shear dominance at the Tour de France. He literally redefined how to prepare for, and win the Tour. I remember reading an interview with him in Sports Illustrated after he won in 1999 and he made the statement, “...if I keep doing what I do, I’ll probably win every year.” Well, he certainly proved that statement to be true!

The 100% that Lance gave the cancer community was the creation of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Think about what a special gift that has been. The Foundation works every day to make life a little bit better for the cancer community. Every day The Foundation helps contribute to efforts to improve cancer research and treatment. What started out as an organization of two employees has grown into a huge global organization rooted in Giving People Hope. The 100% that Lance gave our troops serving in Iraq was by having the courage to be part of the USO Tour and going right to the front-lines. What does YOUR 100% look like? Maybe it’s asking a cancer survivor how they are doing. Maybe it’s asking one more person to make a donation to your Livestrong Challenge campaign. Maybe it is as simple as asking someone you care about to quit smoking.  Whatever Your 100% looks like, give it.  31 Days and Counting.... Andrew

I would just like to add a note because as I read this I was reminded of a dark day when someone told us, there was "No Hope" remaining for my husbands cancer battle.  It took far too many years to recover and rebuild my life from that terribly heart breaking experience.  Don't ever let anyone leave you with such a thought.  Stay strong, and always expect only the best.  I promise you that any way that I can sit here at this computer and offer some sort of hope through my words, I will continue to do so.  This is my 100% every day, and I know you are doing your best too....M

May 27, 2008

"Who We Really Are" part 2

Cambria_005It's not who we are that holds us back; it's who we think we're not.  I've really been thinking about this and find that my mind set is starting to change.   This journey of mine is moving along slowly; well maybe not so slow but rather in slow motion.  I wonder sometimes if I will step up the pace, but I am not sure that I am the one that is in control of that.  Here is the thing...it's not so much my body as my mind that needs to kick in. 

We all have different levels of confidence and why do you suppose that is.  Some of it is in our environment and some of it is our breeding.   We all grew up in different environments and our parents are all from different backgrounds.  Additionally we are from different generations.  Thank goodness the children of today are disciplined by reasoning and words,  In our day it was the hair brush; what the heck did that accomplish, but make a child feel degraded.  In our day when it came time to pick a profession, it was an image thing rather than what came naturally.  In our day if you were not married with children by 19 or 20 years, you were going to miss the boat and it would never come around this way again.  No wonder we were all rebelling in the 60's and 70's because we wanted to go back and Re-do some of our choices.  We need to forget about all that, leave the baggage behind and embrace it all as lessons learned. 

I am pressing onward in my second childhood and learning to rethink everything; it's just going to take some time.  The only thing I am packing for the journey is my wisdom and spirit.  I need to abandon all the insecurities of the past.

Come Ride With Me   

May 27, 2008

"Who We Really Are"

It's not who we are that holds us back, it’s who we think we’re not.” 

May 9, 2008

"Hug A Mom Day"

Looking_glass Part of these words I have printed before but they deserve repeating, especially with this being Mothers Day weekend.   If you have an issue with your Mom or maybe a friend that is a mom, make amends and don't regret that you cannot take the time to work things out.  Spend time with those you love, and celebrate that we set aside a day, albeit not often enough to express our love. 

**I find these days that there are very few things for me to be afraid about any longer with the exception of wasting time.  I find that there are far more things that I am in love with these days and I have learned to accept everything that comes my way with a purpose for the greater good.  For those who are struggling within their heart today, I understand because I have been there.  One of the benefits of reaching 60 plus years is coming to grips with life as it is, and with that, comes a certain level of "Peace".  Maybe in part it's because I have learned to pick my battles.  Maybe because life is cyclical and I have already processed through a particular life lesson more than once, anyway I try to let things go and move on to new experiences.  It's wonderful to be able to make choices such as these.  I suppose you could say I wish I could trade the wisdom I have today for when I was a stressed out young divorced mother in my "twenties".  Then, it dawns on me that I had to travel that path to earn the peace I enjoy today.

Today I am thinking about a couple arguing with each other and that made me very sad.  The young man sped away in his car and I of course knew that things were not settled between them.  I knew what they were fighting over and from experience I also knew it was very important for each of them to get their point across.  I hoped that the man would be safe and that they could make it back together to patch things upWork to achieve peace in your life and try to find a few moments for it, in every day.  If you are divided with someone, try to find a middle ground.** 

Last evening I was with my daughter Gina at our Diabetes Management Class.  As we went around the room to testify to our goals, I said, "I need to learn to be more conscientious and care about managing my diabetes;  I am alone and it's easy not to bother."  When we moved next to hear what Gina had to say, we heard; "First of all, (pointing to me, she said) this is my Mom, and second of all you are not alone, you have Me".  What could someone want to hear more than such loving and caring words, especially approaching Mothers Day.  It was truly a Greeting Card moment and the room fell silent. "Go Hug A Mom"

May 6, 2008

"EMMA's Mom"

Images12 Baby Emma Daubert arrived on Saturday May 3rd.  You may know her Mommy, Mary, or as I fondly refer to her as Coach Mary.  Congratulations to my friend and her family as they welcome a new addition to their home.  Hopefully we will get a picture of her soon. 

The Trek family is growing, especially with the addition of the two new little girls this year; future "Women Who Ride":  Emma Daubert 5/3/08 and Liesel Rettig 1/24/08.  Liesel's mommy is Krista Rettig our fearless leader of the Women Who Ride progam.  Remember the names of these little darlings. because they will be out of their carriages and on two wheel bicycles before we know it.  They will be trailblazers and carry on the tradition that their mommies have worked so hard to bring to the mainstream, Bicycle Riding Ladies. 

This is a big time right now for cycling women and you can see it everywhere.  The experienced women are out busting the trail and the beginners are out there busting the pavement in an effort to learn and enjoy the experience.    I receive e-mails, letters and phone calls from women anxious to begin riding, and I also receive thank you notes for writing about by fears and mistakes.  There are people that tell me they are glad to read about my experiences because they are shy to ask the questions.  Don't forget that your bike shop is always happy to help you and get you out on that bike.  If you have not found that to be true, find another bike shop.  Most important thing,,,keep putting yourself out there; it will get easier.

Come Ride With Me.

March 28, 2008

"It Don't Come Easy"

Looking_glass It's time for a little looking glass wisdom.  Sometimes I will be paging through a magazine and find something to write about clearly inspired by a picture.  Today I was reading and came across a quote that was meant for me to see. 

Courage does not always roar...Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow".

Life is meant to be tough so we can feel like we have accomplished something at the end of the day.  The trick to making progress is Never Give Up.  Whether we are talking about riding a bicycle, dieting, training, or holding on to a relationship, it's all a process.  We see progress, we get discouraged, we are happy, we are sad and then, we are happy again. 

Sometimes I am relentless with my training and this week it seems like so much work, I am really pushing, breathing hard and doing a lot of self talk to convince myself that I can do it all.  I'm kicking myself that I took a few days away from my training to do something fun and social.  Maybe I should have arranged to get more exercise when I was gone.  Have you ever had one of these self talking conversations with yourself?  It's almost freaky, and what a stupid guilt trip.  I need more work on how to balance between exercise and rest. 

Here is something I do when these down-turns occur.  I teat myself to a "rest day" as Coach Mary suggests.  It doesn't matter if you just had one, take another and let the guilt go (I will try again tomorrow). When the following day begins, Goddess Energy and Goddess Inner Strength show up to strut their stuff. Try it, it really works.  Treat yourself well, then,

Come Ride With Me       

March 3, 2008

"A Footprint"

January_trek_meeting_044 I found myself wide awake and unable to sleep at 2:45 a.m. this morning.  For quite a while in my life this was one of my biggest fears to wake up alone in the middle of the night.  Then I started using the time to connect with all my spiritual thoughts.  I learned to meditate and reflect about the day before, and the day yet to unfold.  I began to look forward to the process as a time to think more clearly about the mistakes I had made and how to adjust my path for future days ahead.  That could be anything from how I handle my funds to how well I listen to my friends, their thoughts, ideas and worries.  This morning while I was thinking about committing to the Lance Armstrong Challenge, and working something else out about the Danskin Tri, I was reminded of my recent visit to Trek when our WSD Team posed a question to me.  "So Marie, how has this Trek, Women Who Ride experience changed your life so far?"   I don't know if the girls caught on but I had the biggest lump in my throat as I was trying to gather my thoughts.  I tried to let them know how much I appreciated the opportunity and how all the challenges were so good for me personally. I just wasn't finished, so to say a few more things;

  • I have left a Footprint in Wisconsin
  • I have learned to talk to strangers
  • I have improved my self-confidence
  • I have learned to transfer pictures to the computer
  • I have made many close friends
  • I have been able to travel to new destinations
  • I have a new bike
  • I have a great support group
  • I have surprised people
  • I didn't know I could inspire
  • I didn't know I could write a blog
  • I can't wait to learn more new things
  • I can't wait to achieve more goals

     Thank you Trek and the WSD Team including the Demo Chiclets

Come Ride With Me

February 20, 2008

"The Warrior"

Kits_043 During this week, especially in California we see every newscast telling a story about abuse to cows at a meat packing plant in Chino, California; about 15 miles from my home base.  This has caused one of the biggest meat recalls in our history.  I sicken as I wonder how a human being can abuse a beautiful, gentle animal such as a cow.  They stripped them of their dignity and their creature spirit.  I won't go into details, but if you saw any of the clips, it was just disgusting and disturbing.  When someone says, "I don't think I can eat any more beef". I remind them that there just might be inequities with turkeys, chickens and the like.  I am not a vegetarian, although I don't eat much meat anymore.  But I do believe in Karma and feel that every animal abuser has his day. 

On Valentines Day, when I was working on my challenge, I was unaware that "The Warrior" was starting his new life on the Other Side where he will be waiting for all his friends.  For most of us, in this lifetime or any other, the most difficult moments of our lives stem from the loss of a family member.  If you are an animal lover like me, the loss of a beloved pet is as devastating as the loss of a person.  I want to dedicate today's blog to my bicycle Guru, Bruce's beloved pet, "Trouble", known to the immediate family as the "Warrior".  He was a very good boy and a wonderful companion.  When all our dogs were together, he was the spokesman for the group.

Trouble, we will see you again someday.  Go strut your stuff little guy; run and play and watch over all of us. 

      

February 13, 2008

Is it Possible?

Images15_2 Is is possible to die from a broken heart?  As much as I try not to link Valentines Day to my late husbands passing, it happens because that is the day he was laid to rest.  It's been a tough road for me during these last five years and although I don't speak of it too often, I am professing this to you for one reason.  Yes you can die from a broken heart but it doesn't have to happen that way.  I use this day as a reminder to accomplish something great that I can be proud of and to do something with myself during this week that gives joy and meaning to my life.  When some of the WWR girls decided to mark the day with a challenge, I jumped on the bandwagon.  As I see it, it's not how many miles or how many hours, it's about why we do it.

I just finished e-mailing coach Mary about my preparation for tomorrow's "Crush" and I thought I would share part of it with you.  I have my nutrition ready, I have a few clothing changes ready, the I-Pod is charged, there is air in my tires, I have a journal in hand and I have been resting for two days.  I am both nervous and excited so whatever happens, happens.  I agree that any time I spend on the bike is a good challenge and I always try to celebrate whatever I can accomplish.  I will take away the knowledge and know that whatever I complete, I can just add to, for the next time.  Thanks for your support. 

Ladies and Gentlemen and all who are accepting a challenge on 2-14-08, good luck and know that just getting out of bed some days is a challenge but it's also a Victory.

Come Ride With Me

 

February 6, 2008

aBove et.al

20080205064134675_0001 My daughter Gina Bove is the mother of my two grandsons; Will and Jack.  She writes her own blog on myspace, usually discussing her day to day family life and thoughts that seemed to have come full circle since she was my difficult teen.  As my girls were growing up, my comeback to any challenge they placed before me was:  "It may take 25 years but someday you will understand"  Not paticularly profound I know but I was a mere child myself trying to make my own good decisions as a single mom. Well it was about 25 years later that both of my daughters admitted that I was on the right track.  This is one of the greatest connections I share with the girls.  We admit our mistakes, make our adjustments and share all our learning experiences.  Gina was sharing some thoughts the other day and I thought they would apply to my Through the Looking Glass Category

My youngest son was looking forward to his fifth birthday party because, among other reasons, he would get to have a piece of gum for the first time.  There isn't really any reason behind the postponement of gum chewing, other than I thought at five, they might understand how to chew it safely and not to swallow it.  At some point during his party, the following weekend, he got into the gum and started chewing away! I was irritated because I wanted to be there - I wanted to see his reaction and ask him what he thought about it.  You know,,,suck all the fun out of it.   I asked him why he didn't wait, he said that he already waited.  I had to take pause at that point because he was right.  Just because I am his mother doesn't mean I can micro-manage him and have a photo-op planned for every step he takes towards independence. 

If I am being truthful with myself, I have to admit that this isn't really about me anyway.  At some point I'm gonna have to accept that some milestones will take place in my absence.  and, that's the way it should be.  Trying not to blow it, RG67   

If you go way back on my original blog I spoke of Annie, my youngest daughter; she did the running challenge with me.  Gina is a teacher and works at Rio Hondo College.  She has introduced me to one of her collegues.  Arlene is a professor at the college and guess what, she is going to come ride with me.  I can't wait to introduce you to her.

Come Ride With Me 

December 31, 2007

"Happy New Year"

This has been my best year in a long, long time.  I am grateful for every aspect of my life and find it amazing that no matter how darkDscn0713 an existance you are a part of, it can be turned around. 

Do you know how that happens?  Not by waiting around to find a winning lottery ticket, and waiting for a miracle to happen.  We make our own miracles, but don't forget it is certainly alright to enlist your friends and family for assistance.  Just be willing to do the work and look to them for encouragement.      

My suggestion for a great  new year would be  to make a list of all the great things that happed during the year. It doesn't even matter if you were directly affected just focus, focus, focus on the positive.  You don't have to sit down and make a list of all the work you have to do about bad habits etc.  They very rarely get accomplished and then we end up feeling remorse for not accomplishing all the unrealistic goals.  Promise yourself to take baby steps and just do the best you can...one day at a time.It's a lot easier to stay on track and feel good about yourself at the end of the day. 

Happy New Year to you all, I wish you the best of everything and the best you can be.  Love you Molly.

Come Ride With Me.

December 20, 2007

The Best We Can Hope For

Holiday_party_011 Today is December 20th and I was probably the only person that had to look at the calendar this morning to see the actual date.  I have not been feeling well lately so I am trying to take it easy and stay organized.  My sister is here and last night we sat down and drew up a schedule for the duration of the season.  This helps so we don't worry about forgetting something or over scheduling one day to the next; most of our time is spent visiting.  I am finishing up the cards today and they should arrive in time for the holidays.

Over the years our Christmas has evolved since we both lost our husbands.  Last year we spent Christmas in the movie theater.  One of my daughters spends every Christmas in Spain and my other daughter stays in town and has a bustling household with the activities of her two little boys.  I decided a long time ago that I was not going to put any added pressure on my family, so our Christmas is about trying to schedule One meal together, no gift exchange and the presents are all about the children.  It's become the "Best We Can Hope For".    We all get through the holidays with one expectation that everyone is happy, less stressed, and satisfied that we spent part of this season doing something nice for at least one person less fortunate than we are.   Don't think that just because your Holidays are simple, that they are less dynamic than your neighbor.  It's how your heart feels at the end of the day.

Come Ride With Me

December 17, 2007

My Sunset Journal

Holiday_mtg_004 I had this great idea about Journaling sometime back and thought it would be a great idea to start a sunset journal.  The idea was to collect sunset pictures of my travels.  Hopefully I could share these moments with someone special, be it a relative, old friend or someone that could fill an empty space in my heart.   Well, I lost track of how many times I started this journal, but found a better way to manage the project.    I didn't worry about writing a journal entry, I just parked the picuture on my computer and named it. 

I'll will then share them with you, and tell you where they were taken; well not taken, but experienced.  I continue to discover or re-discover the small details that are a part of my life.  Remember how I suggested that you take the time to enjoy the moon and the stars, make time in your day to watch the sunset too.  The simple things surrounding us are beautiful and free, so when you are out riding your bike, don't make it all about your performance, save some space in the experience for the earthly gifts that are placed before us every day.  Today's sunset was saved in the city of Laguna Beach, California. If you don't want to miss the beautiful details in your life,

Come Ride With Me

December 11, 2007

"My Holiday Soapbox"

Hi there,

The following is direct text sent to me this morning from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  I am sending this out to you all to read and give it some thought.  "If you are anything like me, during the holidays you avoid the mall at all costs. This year, instead of fighting crowds, why not fight cancer?"

UNITE at LIVESTRONG.org.

Make an honorary memorial holiday donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and give a truly meaningful gift of unity, strength and hope. Your gift will fight cancer and offer hope to the millions of people affected by the disease.

The LAF unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.  They focus on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors.

Your honarary or memorial holiday donation to the LAF will provide direct support and education to help cancer survivors face the challenges and changes that come with cancer. 

  • $10.00 provides information packets to 16 cancer survivors to offer support, inspiration and hope
  • $50,00 provides 36 people cancer survivorship information, worksheets to organize their fight against cancer and support inspiration and hope from other cancer survivors.
  • $155 provides a cancer survivor one-on-one direct support through the LIVESTRONG Survivor Care program.
  • $250.00 provides LIVESTRONG survivorship notebooks to 27 cancer survivors.

Gift recipients will be notified of your gift with a holiday card from the LAF.  Make a donation to the Lance Armstrong foundation and give a gift that will make a real difference in the fight against cancer.      

December 6, 2007

The Dogs of Santorini

20071128133531749_0002 Although this has nothing to do with bicycles, I am a big "Dog Lover" and thought this story was precious and worth repeating.  My sister recently returned from Greece, and she was showing me these picutres at our annual Thanksgiving visit.   

As the story goes, these beautiful dogs are all orphans on the Island of San Torini.  No they are not sick or injured, quite the opposite.  I think they are lying down because they are "full".  They have made their way to the marketplace as if it  was some sort of migration of the specis.   Notice how well fed and beautiful ther are.  They welcome the tourists, without ever begging for food or agressive jumping.  They are clean and very sweet.  The shop keepers feed them daily and they never leave the area.  Leave the area, are you kdding, that shows you how smart they are too because they know they have a good thing going.  20071128133531749_0001_2So what's the message, there has always got to be a message of some sort.  I guess it would be if you have good table manners, you will be invited to return, or better yet, invited to stay for the next meal.   

Ok, so not every blog has to require deep thought, have a goal in mind, or require exercise.  It's just a sweet story.

Come Ride With Me

November 6, 2007

Through The Looking Glass "Hope"

The20secretnr61

"Hope"  There will always be new books coming out and as the daughter of a librarian, I should strive to use the resoures of the local library more frequently.  Nowadays I have a library card at Amazon.com.  While it really isn't necessary for me to be collecting hard back books at this point in my life, there are some things I like to read about and if it takes me three months to read the book, then that is why I purchase it.   I figure I don't want to have the stress of rushing through something due back in two weeks. 

When I set out to meet my new Trek Sisters in Waterloo, I wanted to take something along to present to them to comemorate the beginining of our unusual relationship.  I decided to give them each a copy of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne; a very trendy read at the time as well as a fairly simple message about life at it's best.  This book isn't really a Secret as much as it's just another way to preach (if you will) the Power of Positive Thinking; by Dale Carnegie.  That is not to say that we weren't ready for a modern new version of an important messge.   The beautiful thing about this concept is; How can you ever feel bad about hoping for something good to happen? 

We have an example of that magic approaching soon with the Holidays.  What is more magical than seeing hope and delight in the eyes of the children?  It's like planning a vacation; half the fun is in the planning and expectation of the trip.  This is a great way to approach every day.  One day this week, select something positive you would like to happen and focus on it during the day.  What I can guarantee is that by the end of the day, you will be grateful for how good you feel. Perhaps something wonderful will happen that you weren't even wishing for, but you will feel good. Try it and let me know how you feel.  By the way, I was using this concept when I entered the Women Who Ride contest.

Come Ride With Me   

   

November 2, 2007

Through The Looking Glass "Listen to the Dogs"

Dscn0708 Through The Looking Glass  "Listen to the Dogs"

From time to time I will pass along a tale or two about dogs, because they have been more than significant in my adult life.   When I was talking about life, dogs  and cars coming as a series, it made me start to think.  "Dogs"or "Cats" too, can fill a space in your heart that no human can.  I don't think, that's a fluke; more a part of the greater good I will always be speaking of.    My sweet Molly has been a great friend to me.  Although she has a stubborn streak, she is a great hugger, as well as a favorite local fixture in our community.  What I find exceptional about Molly is her spiritual connection.  I try to comfort her when she seems to be experiencing the unfamiliar, so, when I see her gazing off into the horizon or start looking up toward the ceiling, I wonder where her mind is and what she sees.  Is there a spider on the ceiling or does she see something too unclear for me to discern.  I suppose it's not unlike a small child speaking of something from his past; the past of 50 years ago.  Who knows, listen for a message in all that you hear and see because the comfort you will receive can be amazing.  Never feel like you are alone, beause you never really are.  We are all surrounded by the comfort of friends.

Come Ride With Me         

October 5, 2007

Through The Looking Glass

Looking_glass_3

Since I live alone and my daughters are grown with their own families, you won't find me writing too much about my day-to-day functions.(too boring, except Hump Day and the weekends)  Rather, from time to time I want to journalize about how I feel with respect to my life at any given moment in time.  So, in the future, through the "Looking Glass" I will ponder.

"Peace"   I find these days that there are very few things for me to be afraid about any longer.  I find that there are far more things that I am in love with.  I have learned to accept everything that comes my way with a purpose for the greater good.  For those who are struggling within their heart today, I understand because I have been there.   But, one of the benefits of reaching 60 years is coming to grips with life as it is, and with that, comes "Peace".  It's one of those special things you admired if you were lucky enough to have grandparents. 

Maybe in part it's because I have learned to pick my battles.  Maybe because life is cyclical and I have already processed through a particular life lesson more than once, anyway I try to let things go and move on to new experiences.  It's wonderful to be able to make choices such as these.  I suppose you  could say I wish I could trade the wisdom I have today for when I was a stressed out young divorced mother in my "twenties".  Then, it dawns on me that I had to travel that path to earn the peace I enjoy today.

Today I witnessed a young couple arguing with each other and that made me very sad.  The young man sped away in his car and I of course knew that things were not settled between them.  I knew what they were fighting over and from experience I also knew it was very important for each of them to get their point across.  I hoped that the young guy would be safe in that car and that they could make it back together to patch things up.  Later that night as I was walking Molly, I saw the car safely parked in the driveway.  All was quiet and I was pleased at the thought that they were busy mending hurt feelings. 

Work to achieve peace in your life and try to find a few moments for it, in every day.  It gets easier with practice.