Wise Words

This would be an interesting way to embrace each interaction, wouldn't it?

BOATLIFT, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience

So, so well done. Such a good message.

Thanks so much, Linda.

Creative Thai Life Insurance Commercial

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS.

Thank you, Gerda!

From a friend in India

Wise words from the mind of an Indian:   

Heavy rains remind us of challenges in life. Never ask for a lighter rain. Just pray for a better umbrella. 

When flood comes, fish eat ants and when flood recedes, ants eat fish. Only time matters. Just hold on, God gives opportunity to everyone!

Life is not about finding the right person, but creating the right relationship.  It's not how we care in the beginning, but how much we care until the very end.

Some people always throw stones in your path. It depends on what you make with them. A wall or a bridge. Remember, you are the architect of your life.

Search for a beautiful heart, but don't search for a beautiful face. Because beautiful things are not always good, but good things are always beautiful.

It's not important to hold all the good cards in life. But it's important how well you play the cards you hold.

Often when we lose all hope and think that this is the end, God smiles from above and says, 'Relax dear; it's just a bend, not the end.' 

One of the basic differences between God and humans is that God gives, gives, gives and forgives. But the human gets, gets, gets and forgets. Be thankful in life....

Love this, Andrea.  Thank you! 

This takes the prize.

"Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.

The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
 
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
 
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
 
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.  I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
 
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life, like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued,

“Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.”   

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it.
You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good.
So, love the people who treat you right.
Think good thoughts for the ones who don't.
Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE.
Getting back up is LIVING."

Thank you, Nicola.  Wonderful.

Birds of a feather

Embedding of the video is disabled so click on the link to enjoy.  Such a sweet story.  Thank you, Connie!  

<http://www.wimp.com/gooseman/>

Heartwarmingly wonderful

Just about the best little film I've seen in a LONG time.  Do NOT miss this!!!

You were right, W, I loved this!!!

Heartwarmingly adorable

Push past the ad, pls.

Connie, I ADORE this!

Truly a walk on the wild side!

Sonja Hinrichsen, how creative are you???!!!  I hope you had your Fitbit on!

Snow Spirals Two from Beauregard, Steamboat Aerials on Vimeo.

Song of the season

My friend was recently riding with her three-year-old granddaughter in a NYC taxi.  This darling child likes to know all the driver’s names, so my friend inquired.  Gabrielle, a large Jamaican man, assumed that he was being reported and brusquely pointed to his badge. 

As she so often does, my friend’s grandchild began singing the following song.

Gabrielle, clearly touched, applauded when they reached their destination.

Having heard the story, I searched for the music and lyrics. OMGOSH.  As I listened to the song, I totally lost it imagining the shift she so innocently created; and the joy she brought to a tiny part of our world and to me over 3,000 miles away.  And now, perhaps, to you.

Thanks, Judi, I LOVE LOVE LOVED the story!!!  I cannot get this tiny/tremendous tune out of my head.  I wake up singing it.  This is not a bad thing!

Sung by David Grover.  Words & music © Bob Reid 1995

Let the light shine through

Chorus: 
There's a light in me, there's a light in you 
Whatever language you speak 
Whatever your point of view 
Whatever people may say 
Whatever people may do 
There's a light in you 
You must let the light shine through.

I am short, he is tall 
It doesn't matter if I'm small 
Whatever size I happen to be 
There's a light in me 
Please take the time to see.

Chorus

My eyes are brown, hers are blue 
We may not share the same point of view 
Whatever your hopes and wishes, and dreams 
There's a light that beams 
It’s closer than it seems.

Chorus

My friend Sam says she doesn't fit 
When she wants to play the kids want to sit 
Some times are hard, I must admit 
I hope she doesn't quit 
She's got to keep it lit.

Chorus (2x)

Yes, this could definitely be my top pick of the season. 

For accompanying hand motions:

The embodiment of inspiration

This is a rare and inspiring piece.  A triumph of spirit over the reality of horrific circumstances. 

 

Bedford revisited

Thank you, Susan.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.  He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash. 

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at "dash midrange.")

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

                                     Linda Ellis

Click, copy, enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SrZJexfl94&feature=player_embedded

Whoa.  Apparently it's never too late to follow your dreams!  What wild/wonderful thing are you going to do?