Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night

When the weather turns cold

And the snow starts to fly

When the leaves all fall

And all the flowers die

Don't be downhearted

And be of good cheer

It simply means

That rebirth is near

A time to reflect

On all that we've done

A time to ponder

What we'll become

So we all celebrate

The days and the nights

With parties and gifts

And bright colored lights

But the most important thing

At this time of year

Is family and friends

All those we hold dear

With love in my heart

I wish all of you

A very Merry Christmas

And Happy New Year too!

A Walk in the Woods

Walking in a winter rain

I'm suddenly filled with joy

It's cold and wet and muddy

But I feel just like a boy

Splashing through the puddles,

And sliding on the ice

Wondering at the beauty

Of nature's every device

My laughter keeps me warm

And my heart shows me the way

As I hike through the woods

On this cold, wet winter's day

This Magic Moment

Often times I wonder

How my life would be

If each new day began

A clean new slate for me

No pains from the past

To haunt me in my present

No worries for the future

To spoil my content

There'd only be this moment

This current, present Now

A constant state of Being

Of flowing with the Tao

I know one day I'll find it

And live that kind of life

One that's full of joy

And always free of strife

Cause everything I need

Is here inside of me

Waiting for me to realize

Only I can set me free

The Phoenix

Broken, battered,
Bruised, and sore
My poor heart
Can take no more

Its flame's gone out
The light grows dim
So much pain
Life just seems grim

But then a change
When least expected
Remembered hope
Has me resurrected

Like a phoenix
From the ashes
My heart revives
In fits and flashes

Before I know it
It's burning bright
Lighting my way
Pushing back the night

I follow along
As it leads the way
To a better place
And a brand new day

There and Back Again

I went for a run in the park today. At one point, a squirrel broke out of the bushes on the side of the trail and started to scurry across the path. It crossed just a few feet in front of me, and then, sensing that there could be danger, it ran back across and into the bushes from which it had come. This really got me wondering. The squirrel had already made it across my path...it actually put itself in more danger by crossing in front of me again to go back. How often do we do this? We use our instinct, following our hearts and pursuing our dreams, when we sense what we think may be danger. We immediately think that the way to safety is to go back...to stop who we are becoming and go back to who we were. Why do we never realize that there can be safety in forging on and moving forward?

Something else that I noticed on my run was how beautiful everything was. Of course the trees were beautiful, swaying in the breeze and glowing green from the sunlight. But there was beauty in the decaying remains of a fallen tree too. The brown spotted leaves of one tree may have appeared to be a blemish on the beauty of the woods at first glance, but, on closer inspection, I saw the miraculously intricate web of a spider spun amongst the leaves. This got me to thinking about the interconnectedness of everything and spun the following poem from the gossamer of my thoughts:

World Wide Web

The world is a web through which we're connected

Through the action of one we are all affected

You can not escape, struggle as you might

This web which you are in holds on too tight

Yet its embrace is soft and gentle as a kiss

To be connected thus, can bring true bliss

There's no poison bite, no venomous sting

Coursing through this web, love is the thing

Loving yourself is most important of all

Don't feel insignificant, don't feel small

For when you give yourself love, it radiates out

Starts as a whisper and builds to a shout

Its ripples are felt all the way to infinity

It reminds us all to reach for our divinity

So always remember, treat yourself with respect

Be mindful of others, for we all connect

Each action you take across the web will disperse

And impact us all, for better or worse

Heart Is Where the Home Is

No matter where you go

Wherever you will roam

I hope you always know

in my heart you have a home

A home that's always open
And waiting just for you
Always warm and welcoming
For when you're passing through

Regardless of the length of stay
You're forever welcome here
Visitor or resident
You'll always be held dear

In my heart there are no doors
No bars or locks or keys
No one held against their will
So come and go as you please

I hope that you will come and stay
At least for a goodly while
For when you're there I've not a care
And all I do is smile

If, however, you never come
And stay there not a bit
A home for you will still be there
My heart will never quit.

The Gift

Those of you that know me, know that I have been on something of a quest for the last couple of years. I have researched and investigated many different things, but I have felt especially drawn to something called energy healing. I have looked into several different forms of energy healing, but it wasn't until recently that I felt as if I found something that really clicked with me. Several months ago, I took a class in Healing Touch and really connected with it. Perhaps this was just the right time for me, but at this class was the first time that I was able to sense energy and feel as though I was actually doing something substantial.

Around this same time, my mother was in the final stages of terminal cancer. I wanted desperately to help her, but wasn't sure what I could do. Healing Touch actually has a technique that is supposed to help with transitions (and what transition is greater than that of moving on from this life), but I didn't think my mother would understand or appreciate me standing over her and performing the technique. I talked this over with one of my mentors, and they told me that intention was the primary thing...there was no need to actually perform the technique, just stay grounded and set my intention for the highest good of the person I was working on.

I went to visit my mom on Friday, July 3rd. At this point she was bedridden and, while she could still talk, her voice came out very rough and broken and she rarely finished her thoughts. I went back to her bedroom to visit with her along with my sisters and I tried to do some energy work inconspicuously, but with no luck. After about a half hour or so, I noticed that my left foot was kind of hurting. Nothing drastic, just a pain that I tried to massage away. My mom fell asleep and my sisters and I went out to the kitchen to talk (*** Why is it that all serious conversations take place in the kitchen...is it because knives are near...or maybe because there is always comfort food nearby ***). After a short while, I got up and noticed that I could no longer support my weight on my left foot...I had to limp to get around.

My mom woke up and we all went back to "talk" with her some more. I again tried to do some energy work, this time actually going through the chakra spread (the transition technique) in my mind while I tried to stay grounded and feel the energy. It was no use...this was even worse than before. I could feel nothing and had a really hard time staying grounded. I just kept seeing my mother laying there in pain and couldn't focus. After a short time, she fell asleep again and we all left for the kitchen...with me limping very badly.

After some time visiting with nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, I went to say goodbye to my mom, as it was time to leave. My sister and I went back to the bedroom so I could say goodbye. When we walked (and limped) into the bedroom, my mom was writhing around on the bed saying in a rough voice, "Help me, help me...my body...help me." I felt that I couldn't just leave with my mother in such pain, so I stood by her bed and started to pray. My sister was called out of the room for some reason, and, at that moment, my mom lifted her arm in the air. I took her hand in my left hand and placed my right hand on her head. I just let go and tried to allow God's healing energy (what I consider the basis for energy healing) to flow through me. I tried to focus solely on feeling the energy flow between my two hands. Right at the point where I thought I could feel it, I heard a clear, calm voice say, "Thank you!" I looked down and saw that my mom's eyes were wide open, clear, and free of pain. She had stopped writhing on the bed and now just lay there looking at me.

"Thank you," she said again. I stared at her in amazement and awe and she said, "I love you." I bent down, kissed her on the forehead, and told her that I loved her too. "Thank you," she said again, and then looked me in the eyes and said, "I love you , Kip (a family nickname)." Then she smiled...a small smile, but one which had her looking like my mom...like she hadn't looked in years. I smiled at her, told her to stay out of trouble and that I would see her next time. Little did I know that next time would be the following Monday, the day she died.

I don't really know what happened that night at my mom's house...and I don't really care. I know what I think happened, and that is all that matters to me. I know that my mom had been in pain and then she wasn't. I know that my mom and I shared a moment that I will never forget...probably my favorite memory of her. While I believe that I gave her the gift of a moment free of pain, I know that she gave me the gift of that moment...and that is a gift I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life.

Oh...and when I walked away from her bedroom that night, I was no longer limping.

In the Moment...

As I am want to do, I went for a run this morning. I went to the park behind my apartment, where there is a trail that makes a loop that is just about a mile long (this makes judging distance much easier). It is a wonderful trail that goes beside the green, well kept grass of soccer fields and then into the underbrush and band of trees that line the Potomac River. On one of my trips around the circuit, I came to a spot where I saw Rabbit nibbling on some grass. He looked at me, paused a moment, and then darted into the thicket. As I passed by where he had disappeared, I said a friendly hello and continued on my way.

When my next trip around the trail brought me back to that same spot, there was Rabbit, just hanging out munching on his sweet grass. Again, he looked at me, paused, and then hightailed it into the dense underbrush. "Poor fella", I thought, "I'm disturbing him." I tried to send him a message that was something along the lines of "I come in peace" but I didn't think he was in the mood.

Once again I traversed the cycle that the trail provided and, once again, there was Rabbit. He was just as calm as could be, trying to finish his meal. As in the other times, he looked and then ran away. As I went past, the thought occurred to me that this rabbit was just living in the moment. He was able to put the past behind him and go about his daily routine as soon as the danger he perceived was gone. He didn't worry about what had brought this monster into his world and he didn't worry what would happen if this giant, lumbering thing came back. What an amazing way to live! No baggage from the past to haunt me and no worries for the future. All I would have to do is be open to the present moment and anything that it might bring.

On my last time around the loop, I figured Rabbit would be gone since I had finally received the message that he had worked so hard to pass on to me. Imagine my surprise when I rounded the corner and saw that my friend, Rabbit, had come back and, just to ensure that I got the message, he had brought his friend Deer. I had to laugh when I saw that. "I got it...I got it," I said as I went past. I continued on my way home with a lighter heart and an uplifted mind.

Quite the lesson that Rabbit taught me...but, then, it is only right as I was born in the year of Rabbit

Friendship

It seems to me that friendship

Is oft hard to define

Whose meaning are we using?

Is it yours or is it mine?

Some would say a true friend

Is one who's always there

One who will support us

To show they really care

Yet at times we need to stumble

Sometimes to fall down too

A friend who lets this happen

Is still a friend to you

For if we had no trials

And never searched our soul

We'd make no forward progress

Our lives would not be whole

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

To this I say not so

A friend is for the moment

And then we must let go

And if perchance tomorrow

Another moment brings

My friend we'll be together

With no demands or strings

At times we can hurt a friend

While never meaning to

The measure of that friendship

Is if they forgive you

My friendship is not perfect

I'm just a human man

And so I love my friends

In the only way I can

To me they are a treasure

A rare and priceless gem

They're in my heart forever

I hope they know I love them

Sunlight

Your love is like the sunlight

Shining down on me

It warms and caresses

And makes me feel carefree

Everything looks different
In your love's true light
Full of life and vibrancy
A blessing to my sight

Sometimes the clouds pass over
And hide your love from me
I know that it's still up there
It's just that I can't see

Through the rain and through the snow
And through the storms so fierce
Like an arrow from the bow
Your love will always pierce

But at last the darkness falls,
The sun has finally set
No weeping and no wailing,
No talking of regret

Instead I'll be rejoicing
That I walked within your light
And hoping for a new dawn
To end this lonely night

Reflections

I look in the mirror
and what do I see?
A fractured image
staring back at me

So many faces
all around,
splits and schisms
seem to abound

Is it possible?
Could it be?
Are all these faces
facets of me?

I don't know why
I'm so divided,
split apart
and many sided

But I'll try
to merge as one
all these pieces
come undone

As they blend
and reunite
I have a hope
I'm holding tight

That when at last
I reach my goal
I'll be myself
hale and whole

And then I'll shine
with an inner light
of purest love
burning bright

Web of Lies

Through a tangled web I weave

just trying to not get lost

Seems everyone is out to deceive

no matter what the cost

They say that truth will set you free
but how can truth be found?
When ears wont hear and eyes wont see
in illusion you'll be bound

And so the people in my life
can drive me to distraction
It's not that they are full of strife
or want a chain reaction

It's not that they don't care at all
or that their love is fake
It's just that they can feel so small
and in their heart's an ache

So I'll try my best to ease their pain
and all the hurt thereof
to show them how the truth can reign
with gentle caring love

Then perhaps one day they'll be set free
and know that inner peace
that comes about when you can "be"
and let the falseness cease

Just Add Ice...

Here is another short poem that I found lurking on my computer. I wrote it several years ago and promptly forgot about it. I can see why...can you say overdramatic and bitter?

Blended Love

When you give your heart to someone

And they treat it with gentle loving kindness

Awed at the gift that you have given them

You just don't expect it

When one day

They put it in a blender

and hit puree

More Musings and a Poem

I don't expect everyone to do things the way that we do in America, but, seriously, in this day and age with the all the technological advances we have, can't the Irish switch to a smaller electrical plug? The ones that they use look like some kind of heavy duty utility thing and are just way too bulky.

In Ireland, you are never asked if your food is "to go", it's always "for here or take away?"

Now, I am in no way suggesting that they are leprechauns, but I have seen an inordinate number of little people here.

All of the street signs, billboards, posters and such are in both English and Irish (technically Irish Gaelic), kind of like Miami with Spanish...but no one here actually speaks Irish.

I'm not quite sure why, but every pub, club, and bar here in Dublin has at least one bouncer standing in front of it...complete with a secret service type earpiece. Just what is it from which they are protecting the general population?

I'm all in favor of short skirts, but...good grief! The girls over here, especially the younger ones, are wandering the streets in what amounts to a scarf tied around their waist. I don't think they realize how ridiculous they look. Although, maybe the skirts explain the need for the bouncers.

One of my favorite things about McDonalds has always been their straws. They have the sturdiest, biggest straws that you can find anywhere. Well, here in Dublin, McDonalds has decided to forego the traditional straw in favor of a cheesy, thin, bendy straw...very disappointing!

They have one of the best inventions ever in most of the public restrooms here. It is called a Dyson Airblade, and it dries your hands better than anything I have ever experienced. You stick your hands in and then pull them out slowly...about 10 seconds in all...and your hands are completely dry. On top of that, it is better for the environment too...check it out http://www.dysonairblade.com/homepage.asp


And now...the aforementioned and promised poem...

An Ode to Guinness

My goodness, my Guinness

what a beautiful sight!

your dark, chocolatey color

your aroma just right

With a thick frothy head

from your nitrogen pour

So smooth going down

I always want more

Your taste so unique

it's like no other

A meal in a glass

think I'll have another

Just four simple things

make this liquid feast

water and hops,

barley and yeast

Combined together

in just the right measure

they make an elixir

thats nothing but pleasure

If I overindulge

good thing I'm resiliant

my goodness, my Guinness

simply...brilliant!

Random Musings on These Wacky Celts

The Guinness here is unlike anything you will ever get in the states.

French fries here are called chips.

Chips here are called crisps.

You can never forget what you are drinking, because all the pubs pour your beverage of choice into a glass that has the name printed on it.

If you order a simple mixed drink, you will get a glass containing ice and the liquor, the mixer will be served in its own bottle. You must do the mixing yourself. When I asked, I was told that sometimes the women don't like to pour the whole bottle of mixer into the drink.

When the weather is warm (which I assume is not very often), you will find the Irish laying in the sun anywhere where there is some grass...despite the fact that they are mostly all pasty white.

Bono knew what he was doing when he sang that the streets have no names...cause they don't. There is no way to match a map to the actual streets because there are no street signs. Every now and then there will a sign posted to the side of a building, but they are certainly not reliable. Irish people seem to give directions more in regard to places...you know...like, go down the road and take a left at the pub...

If you need something, you can just run down the road to the Spar store (think 7-11)

I think they must call it the Emerald Isle for many reasons...Ireland is very green (think ecological)...not as much as our Pacific Northwest, but close.

If you have to shut down major roads to extend the tracks for your streetcar, it's probably not worth it.

The Desert

My heart is a wasteland

where nothing ever grows

A vast and endless desert

that no one truly knows

Once it was a garden

lush, fragrant, and serene
Then the rains stopped coming,
clouds are never seen

The plants, they all withered
and shriveled up and died
At first this was a blow to me,
I just fell down and cried

I thought I preferred the garden
but the desert has beauty too
There can't be one without the other
I know now this is true

I find comfort in my desert
and draw strength from it too
There's something on the horizon
Looks like a storm is coming through

I was I, My Things Were Wet

I read this poem back in high school (think it was Mrs Drake's English class) and remembered liking it. I don't think I have read it since then, but something brought it to my mind so I decided to check it out again. I find that I still really like it...amazing that all the years that have passed have not altered my taste...at least not as far as this poem is concerned. I thought I would post it here so that anyone who has never read it (or, like me, has not read it in a while) can share in my love of it...or not...that's part of the joy of poetry, it can mean different things to different people.



Terrence, This is Stupid Stuff
--A. E. Housman

Terence, this is stupid stuff!
You eat your victuals fast enough;
There can’t be much amiss, ’tis clear,
To see the rate you drink your beer.
But oh, good Lord, the verse you make,
It gives a chap the belly-ache!
The cow, the old cow, she is dead;
It sleeps well, the horned head...
We poor lads, ’tis our turn now
To hear such tunes as killed the cow!
Pretty friendship ’tis to rhyme
Your friends to death before their time
Moping melancholy mad!
Come, pipe a tune to dance to, lad!

Why, if ’tis dancing you would be,
There’s brisker pipes than poetry.
Say, for what were hop-yards meant,
Or why was Burton built on Trent?
Oh many a peer of England brews
Livelier liquor than the Muse,
And malt does more than Milton can
To justify God’s ways to man.
Ale, man, ale’s the stuff to drink
For fellows whom it hurts to think:
Look into the pewter pot
To see the world as the world’s not.
And faith, ’tis pleasant till ’tis past:
The mischief is that ’twill not last.
Oh I have been to Ludlow fair
And left my necktie God knows where,
And carried half way home, or near,
Pints and quarts of Ludlow beer:
Then the world seemed none so bad,
And I myself a sterling lad;
And down in lovely muck I’ve lain,
Happy till I woke again.
Then I saw the morning sky:
Heigho, the tale was all a lie;
The world, it was the old world yet,
I was I, my things were wet,
And nothing now remained to do
But begin the game anew.

Therefore, since the world has still
Much good, but much less good than ill,
And while the sun and moon endure
Luck’s a chance, but trouble’s sure,
I’d face it as a wise man would,
And train for ill and not for good.
’Tis true, the stuff I bring for sale
Is not so brisk a brew as ale:
Out of a stem that scored the hand
I wrung it in a weary land.
But take it: if the smack is sour,
The better for the embittered hour;
It should do good to heart and head
When your soul is in my soul’s stead;
And I will friend you, if I may,
In the dark and cloudy day.

There was a king reigned in the East:
There, when kings will sit to feast,
They get their fill before they think
With poisoned meat and poisoned drink.
He gathered all the springs to birth
From the many-venomed earth;
First a little, thence to more,
He sampled all her killing store;
And easy, smiling, seasoned sound,
Sate the king when healths went round.
They put arsenic in his meat
And stared aghast to watch him eat;
They poured strychnine in his cup
And shook to see him drink it up:
They shook, they stared as white’s their shirt:
Them it was their poison hurt.
--I tell the tale that I heard told.
Mithridates, he died old.

Walking the Tightrope

I grow weary of this life,
it weighs heavy on my soul

Tired of all this searching

for something to make me whole

It all just seems so pointless

with this emptiness inside

I can't escape these feelings,

there's nowhere I can hide

And yet I still remember

times my heart would sing

I wish I could go back there

for the joy it did bring

But still I trudge onward,

trying to find my way

Like a blind man on a tightrope

that the wind has set a-sway

Perhaps one day I'll make it

and see the other side

but if the worst should happen

at least I'll know I tried

It's not the destination

but the journey that provides

the lessons that we need in life

in order for us to thrive

The Prayer of St. Francis*

Lord,

make me an instrument of your health:

where there is sickness,

let me bring cure;

where there is injury,

aid;

where there is sadness,

comfort;

where there is despair,

hope;

where there is death,

acceptance and peace.

Grant that I may not:

so much seek to be justified,

as to console;

to be obeyed,

as to understand;

to be honored,

as to love...

for it is in giving ourselves

that we heal,

it is in listening

that we comfort,

and in dying

that we are born to eternal life.

*modified by Charles C. Wise

Saturday Morning

Wake up

Another day

Sun's up

Birds sing

Still tired

Wanna sleep

Stand up

Move around

Get dressed

Head out

First mile

Legs hurt

Second mile

Labored breath

Lose track

Rhythm found

Glowing now

Beauty abounds

Mind leaves

Body floats

Spirit soars

God speaks!

Keep On Truckin'

On this blog, I have shared a few stories of times when I have narrowly escaped death...or severe injury at the least. There were the times my mother saved me, first from drowning at the beach and then from the evil clutches of a grasping escalator, the time I almost drove off a very high bridge due to a...umm...steering malfunction, and the time I easily could have fallen to my death from the top of Cassell Coliseum. While these were all dangerous, deadly, harrowing experiences, I believe the story I am about to relate is the closest I have ever come to death.

Many years ago, I worked in Fairfax at USAir (that's what it was called before all this USAirways nonsense...they only changed the name because they were going to merge with British Airways and then the merger fell through...Oops! too late to change the name back). The office, which was also their data center, was located at the end of Pender Drive. You wouldn't have known this by looking at the building, as their name was nowhere to be seen. I was told this was because they were afraid that people on I-66 would shoot at the windows if they knew the building belonged to USAir...I guess people weren't happy with them back then...but I digress. The start of my journey home each evening was to go down Pender, take a left on Waples Mill Road and take it across Route 50 over to Route 29. I did this every evening, and all was well until one fateful night.

In those days, I was driving a 1977 Toyota Celica (photo on the right)...a car that was over 10 years old, not especially fast, and not exactly replete with safety features (though I did love it nonetheless). On this particular evening, I turned onto Waples Mill and then had to stop at the traffic light at the intersection with Route 50. As luck would have it, I was the first in line at the light. I didn't know it at the time, but my office mate was in the car right behind me. As always, I was anxious to get home, so I watched the light closely as I waited, to be sure I saw when it changed to green. Well...the light changed, I started to go through the intersection, and, when I had almost cleared the first lane of Route 50, something caught my eye. That "something" was a very large, very fast moving tractor trailer traveling west on 50. Apparently, the driver had decided that he really didn't want to stop, so he was just blowing right through the red light. This truck was going at least 60 miles an hour and he never even touched the brakes. He ended up crossing the intersection behind me, missing my car by about a foot. I really think that if any of the variables were changed, even slightly, he would have slammed into me, T-boning my car and killing me.

I think it was about 10 minutes later that the shaking kicked in. I had to pull over for a few minutes to collect my thoughts and gather my wits. I was okay after that, just couldn't believe what a close call it had been. Of course, the next day at work, my office mate gave me some crap about it and told everyone how it was a miracle that I was alive. I tend to agree...every day of life is a miracle and I need to make the most of it.

One thing I have wondered for all these years...what exactly went through that truck driver's mind when he realized I was crossing in front of him?

Clearing Out the Clutter

Recently, I have been trying to get organized and simplify my life by going through all of my "stuff" and getting rid of all the clutter. I am handling this the way I always do when I am trying to clean...I pull everything out of every drawer, closet and box (yes...I have a back room full of boxes packed with various and sundry items) and sort through it all. Some things go straight into the trash, but it always seems that more items get placed on this or that pile to be shredded, filed, donated, or given to my third cousin's second son.

I came home today, saw all of the piles of stuff (okay, I admit it...it's junk) laying here and there, willy-nilly all over the place and thought, "Egad! My place is a mess. I need to cram all of this stuff back where it came from so that everything looks neat and orderly again. Then I can have company over and I will feel better about where I live." That is when it hit me...this is exactly the same thing I do when I try to deal with the other "stuff" in my life (that's right...I'm talking about personal problems and mental issues here). I spend a lot of time meditating and reflecting on my life so that I can dredge up, identify and catalog all of the things about me that I want to change, improve, or take energy away from. I get to a certain point and then think that I have to put it all back where it came from so I can be around people and feel better about me.

It occurs to me that what I need to realize is that it's when things look the worst...when all the junk is pulled out into the open for all to see...that I am actually closest to having a clean, uncluttered, simple kind of life.

A Place of Infinite Possibilities

I was thinking today about people in my life whom I have loved. Once we love someone, I'm not sure that we can ever stop. The love may change...it may become less consuming or morph into a more gentle, caring kind of love...but I think it is still there. There have been times, usually at the end of a relationship, when I have told people that I loved, that I would always love them. While this is true, the thought came to me today that a better way to say this might be that they will always be in my heart.

This thought reminded me of a conversation I had with a Christian several years ago. They said that they did not believe in dating, they believed in courtship. Basically, what this meant was that the couple would never be alone together. They would only be together in group settings such as a community picnic, a family dinner, or a church softball game. If all went well, if the pair seemed compatible and the families approved, the couple would get engaged and, eventually, married. This seemed odd to me, so I asked why the couple couldn't just date. That seemed like a much simpler, easier, and probably faster way to determine compatibility. I was told that if a couple dated, spending a lot of time alone together, especially if anything physical happened (even goodnight kisses), strong feelings could develop. Then, if things didn't work out, neither of the pair would be able to give their whole heart to their spouse (assuming they eventually found them) because a portion of it was taken by the person they dated.

Regardless of the respective merits of dating and courtship, I think that this view of the heart is much too limited. I believe that loving is always good and that the heart is infinite. No matter how many people we love, there is always room to love one more...and the purity of that love need never diminish. Actually, I think the more we love, the more like God we become. He holds us all in His heart at all times and loves all of us to the extreme.

Order in the Court

Late one night several years ago, I was driving from Woodbridge to Ashburn. I had come north on the Fairfax County Parkway and was cutting over to Route 28 at Franklin Farm. I was trapped behind a very slow moving vehicle on Franklin Farm Road, so, when the opportunity presented itself as we turned onto Centreville Road, I passed. I suppose I was a bit annoyed at having been trapped, because my foot was a bit heavy on the gas pedal. As I stopped at the red light at the intersection with McLearen Road, a Fairfax County police car pulled up behind me and turned on its lights.

Now, while not a frequent occurrence, I had been stopped for speeding several times before. This time, however, was a little different than any other. The officer had me take a field sobriety test and used a breathalyzer. I had drunk no alcohol and, when this became obvious, the cop seemed disappointed and decided to search my car. He told me that he really should take me to the station (not really sure why) but that he was going to give me a ticket and let me be on my way. He wrote me up for reckless driving due to excessive speed...58 in a 35 mph zone (Hey! I said my foot was a bit heavy, didn't I?)

After doing a little research, I found out that all forms of reckless driving are a class 1 misdemeanor and carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail. Now, I had no desire to spend any time in jail so I decided I would get a lawyer to defend me. Several attorneys I talked to said there was nothing they could do for me and one said he had a solution...all I had to do was pay him $1,000 and he would tell me how. Well, I was not going to pay him one thin dime unless I knew what his strategy was, so that didn't work out so well. When I went to talk to the final lawyer on my list, I told him my story and he started to laugh. This was not the reaction I had expected. He told me to wait one moment, pulled out a book and looked something up, and then chuckled again. Apparently, reckless driving due to speed in Virginia was defined as (1) going faster than 80 mph, (2) exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or more where the speed limit is above or below 35 mph, and (3) exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph in a 35 mph zone. After reviewing this with me, the attorney told me he would not be coming to court with me...he said that the appearance of a lawyer in court might tip the prosecution off that something was up. Instead, he gave me copies of the Virginia code section and specific directions on what to do and say in court and sent me on my way...no charge! (If you need a really good attorney for criminal charges or traffic violations, let me know and I will give you his name and number).

I sat in court on the appropriate day, nervously reviewing all the information that my lawyer had given me. When my case was called, I pled not guilty and was brought forward. I stood at one podium and the arresting officer was across the room at another. We were both sworn in and then the officer was asked to describe the offense and the stop. He did so, and ended by saying that I was charged with reckless driving due to speed. The judge thanked him and then turned to me. Here it was...my big moment...I swallowed a few times and then...

"Your Honor, I would like to make a motion to strike."
"On what grounds?", the judge replied with a lift of his eyebrows.
I swallowed again, gulped some air and said, "According to the Virginia code of law, section 46.2-862..."

As I read the section to him, the judge smiled and then said he would have to look at the code.

"I have copies of that section, if you would like to see one", I said, just a little too smugly (bad move on my part...never be smug with a judge).
"No, no...I have my own copy", the judge said as he pulled out a book. He flipped some pages, scanned the text and then said, "Officer, you should check this out, it's very interesting reading."

At this point, I should have been free to go since I was obviously not guilty of the charge of which I was accused. As my lawyer had warned me though, it's the judge's courtroom and he can do as he pleases. In this case, it pleased him to lower the charge to speeding and fine me. I have to say, I was okay with that...it certainly beats jail time.

The best part (well...okay...the best part was getting out of reckless driving, so this would be the next best part) was that, as I left the courtroom I could hear someone follow me out. Once out of the courtroom and free to talk, the man behind me spoke.

"Excuse me, what code section was that?"
"46.2-862", I replied, "Would you like a copy?"
"Yes, thank you!" he said enthusiastically. "I am a lawyer and that was just great...one of the best things I have seen in court!"

So there you have it, my big day in court successfully defending myself and narrowly avoiding a year in jail (okay, I'm exaggerating...but it did feel good). Just one word of caution: The Virginia code has since been changed and the strange exception for 35 mph zones has been eradicated.

Where Are We Going?

I went into my meditation today with the thought of trying to get some guidance on where my life was going...where I would end up and what I would be doing. It seemed to be taking me longer than usual to calm my mind and get into a relaxed state. Thoughts kept whirling up from the depths of my mind and disturbing me. I kept acknowledging them and setting them to the side for later. I did feel a sense of peace, but just didn't seem to be getting into that "magical" state of meditation. Then, suddenly, I saw and felt the beat of a mighty pair of wings. I looked around and saw a large hawk. I saw him, and, next thing I knew, I was flying with him.

As we flew over a beautiful green forest, I asked him where we were going. He just told me, "Follow me."

When we flew over some majestic white-capped mountains, I asked him what our destination was. Again, he replied, "Follow me."

We flew over an infinite plain of waving grasses and sparkling blue waters and, one final time, I asked him where he was taking me. He turned, looked into my eyes, and said, "Why are you so concerned about where you will end up? Just enjoy the amazing journey of getting there."

The Man with Two Red Shoes

A long time ago in a far away land called Suburbia, there lived a boy. This boy grew up in a good home with two loving parents. Every day, in many different ways, he would receive messages that he was safe, cared for, and surrounded by love. However, at the same time, he was receiving other messages of a different sort: you must always do things the right way, you can never trust yourself, and you must never stand out but must blend into your surroundings (standing out was especially bad...if you stood out, you would be noticed and being noticed came with consequences). Day after day, these messages were broadcast and, little by little, they oozed their way into the boy's psyche.

Years passed and the boy grew to be a teenager. The messages he had received had an impact on his life but, perhaps because of the rebellious nature of the teenage years, the boy fought against this programming. One day, he went out and bought a pair of red hi-top converse all stars (the plan was to buy a pair of black ones as well and then wear one of each...sadly, this never happened). The boy loved his new shoes and couldn't wait to wear them. They made him feel good and edgy and like he would be the center of attention when he wore them.

The first time he wore his shoes was to meet a new friend one evening for dinner. This was a friend that the boy was trying to impress and whose opinion the boy valued greatly. After the first few minutes of conversation upon their meeting, the talk turned to the shoes.

"They are very red," said the friend.
"Yes!" the boy replied, thinking this was a definite plus.
"Much too red for me, I would be embarrassed to wear them!" the friend replied with disdain.

With this statement, the boy realized that what was meant was that his friend thought he should be embarrassed wearing such shoes...and that his friend was embarrassed to be seen with him wearing them. Crushed, the boy went home that night, took off his shoes and packed them away. Every few years, he would come across them, dust them off, and remember that there was a time when they gave him a good feeling. Then the shoes would be packed away again to gather more dust.

While the matter of the shoes was a small thing, it was followed by many more similar small things. With each small issue that arose over the years, the boy, now a man, would try to do the right thing, never trusting himself but rather following what other people said so that he could blend in and not be noticed. This continued until, one day, the man looked in the mirror and realized he didn't recognize himself. He no longer had any idea who he was. From that day forward, he began a search to find his real, true self. The search continues, but one thing is certain...if he comes across those red shoes again, he is going to put them on and dance a dance of pure joy.

The moral of the story: Every day, in every way, in even the smallest, most insignificant matters, be true to yourself and let your true self shine. It will make for a happier you and a better world for all of us.

The Bucket List

Since I posted my 25 things here, I figure I will do my bucket list too...

Things I have done during my lifetime:

( ) Gone on a blind date...no, but I figure my chances are good if I date someone who is blind
(X) Donated Blood
(X) Skipped school...but don't tell my mom
(X) Watched someone die...one of my least favorite memories
( ) Watched someone be born...can't decide if this would be amazing or kinda weird
(X) Been to Canada...Newfoundland...one of the most amazing places I have ever been
(X) Been to Mexico...Cabo San Lucas...during a hurricane
(X) Been to Florida...lived there...I don't recommend it
(X) Been to Hawaii...one of my favorite places on Earth
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been on a helicopter...in Hawaii...I got to sit up front in the "bubble" while the theme to Magnum PI played
(X) Been lost...some would say I still am
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
( ) Hugged a homeless person...no, but I am up for it...everyone needs a hug now and then
(X) Swam in the ocean...Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic
( ) Swam with Stingrays...not that I know of
(X) Been sailing in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers...but can't remember if I was a cop or a robber
( ) Recently colored with crayons...no, but I wish I had
(X) Ran a marathon...can I count this multiple times? ;-)
( ) Sang Karaoke...for some reason I have a strong aversion to this
( )Volunteered at a soup kitchen...no, but I should...seems like a worthwhile endeavor
(X) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
( ) Seen the Northern Lights
( ) Been Parasailing...surprising I haven't done this...yet
(X) Been on TV...hardly counts though...I ran by the camera at a marathon
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't...too many times to count
(X) Made prank phone calls...also used to make anonymous calls in college...if I got a girl, I would read a story to her...one of my friends actually got lucky from me doing this
(X) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
( ) Rode on an elephant
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Fired a gun...and hit the center of the bulls eye...amazing how luck works
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Been to the Opera
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Serenaded someone
(X) Seen a U.S.President in person...Obamarama!
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
( ) Driven a race car...nope, just a cool simulator
(X) Been to a National Museum
(X) Been to a Wax Museum
(X) Eaten caviar...don't enjoy it but, for some reason, I keep trying it
(X) Blown bubbles...as long as we aren't talking about Michael Jackson's chimp
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States...hoping to do this later this year...still up for it Ryan?
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
(X) Been sky diving...accelerated free fall, baby!
( ) Gone snowmobiling...no, but I think this would be wicked fun
( ) Lived in more than one country...unfortunately, no
(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
( ) Seen the Grand Canyon...but I will if that cross country trip happens
( ) Seen the Statue of Liberty...never even been to New York...shocking isn't it?
(X) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle...and have pictures to prove it
( ) Been on a cruise...no, but might be going on a wine cruise in the near future
(X) Traveled by train...back from Machu Picchu
(X) Ridden a motorcycle...but only about 100 feet
(X) Been horse back riding...if trail rides are considered riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco cable car...would have to be in San Francisco to do that
(X) Been to Disneyland OR Disney World...many times...even ran a marathon through all of the Florida parks
(X) Truly believe in the power of prayer...Amen!
(X) Been in a rain forest
(X) Seen dolphins in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Swam with dolphins...no, but I did snorkel with a giant sea turtle
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(X) Been water-skiing
( ) Been snow-skiing
( ) Been to Westminster Abbey
( ) Been to the Louvre...no, but I think it would be cool
( ) Been to a Major League Baseball game...not that I wouldn't, but no real desire to
(X) Been to a National Football League game...go Steelers!
(X) Swam with sharks...actually found myself chasing one to get a picture...then realized what I was doing
(X) Been White Water Rafting
( ) Written a book or screen play...no, but I have always thought I would
(X) Traveled to more than five countries...and the count keeps going up
( ) Driven a limousine
( ) Seen the Eiffel Tower in person...does King's Dominion count?
( ) Been to London
(X) Been on a Trans-Atlantic Flight
(X) High-Rolled in Las Vegas
( ) Taken part in a "Dine-n-Dash"...that would just be wrong
( ) Been to a professional boxing/wrestling match...no, and really don't want to
( ) Saved someone from drowning...no, but I was saved by my mom
( ) Walked on a Nude Beach...not yet, but I am willing
( ) Been to the Bahamas
( ) Rode on a camel
(X) Caught fireflies in a jar...but I never could get enough to read by their light
(X) Been camping in the woods...is there anywhere else to camp?

Love

Love...that's it...just Love!

Get busy living or get busy dying

Wow! What a great morning...and what a great morning for a run!

So, I went for a run this morning (another 5 miles...see I'm trying) and had just reached that point where running turns into something deeper for me, when a phrase popped into my head...Get busy living or get busy dying. It comes from a line in the movie The Shawshank Redemption. Andy is talking about having hope and says to Red, "I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying."

I pondered this phrase and let it roll around my head a bit until I came to a realization. I think that I haven't been very busy living for a while. It seems that everything I do lately, I do tentatively with a slow moving, wait and see attitude that has me feeling that life is passing me by. Always afraid that I am attempting something I can't handle or making bad choices that will ruin my life. I get fired up about something and try to make some real progress towards my goals only to retreat when the voices in my head start feeding me these negative thoughts: You don't... You won't... You can't... What if...

Well, I think it is time to make some changes. To just throw myself into whatever I attempt and give it my all. If it becomes clear that I made a bad choice, I will choose anew and carry on. If I find myself moving away from my goals, I will change course and get back on track. If my goals change, I can reevaluate and adjust accordingly. The important thing is to be alive, full of life, and fully participating in my life. To follow my heart and hopes and dreams toward the fulfillment of the purpose of my life.

It's time to tell the voices that I hear them, but they have no power over me.

It's time to dive headlong into whatever I do, damn the consequences.

It's time to get busy living.

It's TIME!

The Ghost of Love Past

So, I was just poking around on my computer and found this poem. I wrote it for someone and then never got the chance to send it to them. It sounds a little greeting cardish to me (most of my poems do), but the feelings were sincere. I don't know if they ever knew exactly how I felt, but I guess it doesn't matter at this point. In any case, here it is...

Whenever I am near to you, a feeling comes over me;
a strange and wondrous sensation, that just wont let me be.

It warms my heart, it soothes my soul, it makes me feel complete;
it lights the fire of my passion and makes me feel the heat.

I hope that you can understand exactly what I feel,
it's plain and pure and simple...a love that is real.

All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well

I had planned to post some stories of times when I defied death, but I think that is going to have to wait. Some things have happened recently that require me to make some choices. Could just be minor things, or could turn out to be life altering decisions. Needless to say, I was a little freaked out over what I should do. There is what I want to do, what I think is the right thing to do, what I think is the sensible thing to do...and on and on. These thoughts just kept cycling around in my head until I just couldn't think straight. I went to the store to pick up a few things and I found myself at the checkout with a cart full of junk...junk which I took home and promptly started to devour in a fit of frenzied, anxiety-driven eating. Suddenly, I realized what I was doing...how counter productive and unhealthy it was...and a little voice inside me woke up and said "Go for a run!"

Now, I had not been for a run in quite some time. I kept meaning to, but somehow I never actually made it. So, I headed out with the thought that I would just go for a very quick, short run...maybe just a mile, two at the most. I started to run and soon my body was in the flow of it and my mind went off somewhere far away. My being just filled with a peaceful feeling and there was an upwelling of happiness...not the kind of happiness that relies on external stimulation, but the kind that just has you smiling for no reason...happy to be alive in such a beautiful world. In what seemed like no time at all, I found myself finishing five miles and feeling invigorated with all the anxiety and the swirling thoughts gone.

While I have no idea what the "right" choices are or what course my life will take as a result, my run helped me to connect with that part of myself that knows that everything will be all right. I will take the moments as they come, follow my heart as best as I can, and know that, even when I make the wrong choices, the universe has a way of getting me back on the path of my purpose in life.

Perhaps what I really need to think about is why I am not running more often. I know that running settles my mind and helps me to connect with spirit. Profound things have happened on some of my runs. The only time I think with any certainty that I heard God's voice was during a run. I have had very wise, trusted, and dear friends tell me that I should run...that it helps me to connect and stay grounded. So, why don't I run? I have no idea, but I am going to endeavor to make running a part of my daily routine. With the weather starting to turn nicer, this should get easier. In any case, if you happen to see me, feel free to ask me how the running is going...hopefully the answer will be a good one.

My 25 Random Facts

1. On employment applications I often mark that I am an Alaskan Native…I figure this is okay cause I was born in Adak…besides, I abhor political correctness.


2. When I was a teenager, I was a magician. I was in the Magician’s Union, performed in an amateur magic show and loved all things magical.


3. I really do believe that I live a semi-charmed life. It is never easy and definitely not perfect, but things always seem to work out for me in the end.


4. When I lived in Florida, I was an assistant greenskeeper on a golf course. I learned all about grass and its care, got my pesticide license, and considered this as a career…but it all came tumbling down one day when I drove a greens mower into a lake.


5. I am very sensitive and emotional…I cry all the time…over movies, books, pictures, a beautiful sunrise…but mostly over other people’s sorrows and joys…guess that has something to do with me being an empath.


6. I didn’t take up running until 2001 and my first race was that year’s Marine Corps Marathon. I have now run around 50 races, between 15 and 20 of them were marathons and one of those I ran with a broken leg (not a good idea). Now running is a spiritual practice for me that helps me to stay grounded and touch the Divine.


7. I have always been interested in photography. I was on the yearbook staff in high school, had my own darkroom, and have owned a camera for as long as I can remember…but it is only recently that I have thought that I may have a talent for it.


8. I don’t really like TV so I hardly ever watch it…but I LOVE movies.


9. I was a huge fan of the original Star Trek TV series. I saw every episode and even tried to tape them (with a tape recorder, there were no VCRs back then). I also tried to become as Vulcan as possible by repressing all my emotions and replacing them with intellect and logic…no idea how much damage that did to me.


10. I have always wanted to go to Greece and yet I never have.


11. As a child I was a voracious reader and was always reading books well above my grade level. I credit reading with improving my spelling and vastly expanding my vocabulary.


12. I have been a stock boy, a fast food cook, a greenskeeper, an office cleaner, a hotel clerk, a book keeper, and a software engineer…looks as if massage therapist is next (much to my mom’s chagrin).


13. I have been in jail…more than once…I don’t recommend it.


14. Through no talent of my own, I have narrowly escaped death on several occasions…all part of my semi-charmed life.


15. I love poetry. When I was in my 20’s, I used to write poems myself but stopped for some reason. I have recently started again, although I think most of what I write isn’t very good.


16. I don’t know where it came from, but I have a love for all things medieval. That is why I have a collection of knives, swords, and dragons.


17. I used to try to meditate but always had problems…felt that I was doing it wrong, getting the wrong results, or just worried about wasting time. Recently, I stopped “trying” and I just meditate…and have had some amazing experiences.


18. I think J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings may be the best book of all time.


19. Back in the late 90’s, I was vegan for more than a year. I felt great and had lots of energy but fell off the wagon…and have never seemed to be able to get back on.


20. My father and grandfather were both also named Clyde. If I ever have a son, his name will not be Clyde.


21. Until my Jeep, which is silver, all of my cars have either been green or red. I have had a 1972 VW 411 (green…and then later camouflage), a 1977 Toyota Celica (green), a 1989 Ford Probe (red), a 1995 Honda Civic (red), and a 2001 Saleen S281 (red). All of these vehicles have had standard transmission.


22. For years, I had to wear a suit to work every day. I really grew to hate them. Now, I avoid them at all costs…except my tux…tuxes are special.


23. I took golf lessons when I was a teenager, but I have never played…unless you count mini-golf.


24. When I die, I don’t want to be buried or cremated…I want to be placed on a pyre. I have actually done research and found that this can be done as long as the medical examiner gives his consent.


25. I like to take long, relaxing baths with burning incense, candlelight, soft music and a good book.

Winds of Change

Like the wail of a banshee on a cold, dark night

the winds of change shatter the calm of my life

No matter how hard I struggle and fight

they urge me on like the point of a knife

Yet if I embrace the changes they bring

with an open mind and a willing heart

then like the gentle breezes of spring

they lift me up to a brand new start

In to Africa

So, I am off on another grand adventure...this time to the Dark Continent for a safari, a climb up Mt Kilimanjaro, and chillin' on the beach in Zanzibar. I will be gone for a couple weeks, so there will be no new posts for a while...but feel free to go back and read old posts and comment to your hearts content.

Now, not to be a pessimist, but with a very long plane ride and a climb up to a very frigid 20,000 feet, things could happen. That being the case, I wanted to take this opportunity to send some things out into the ether and to the hearts and minds of the various people involved.

First, to anyone that I have hurt, insulted, slighted, belittled, ignored, or in any other way mistreated, my sincerest apologies. These slights, whether intentional or not, do not point out your shortcomings, rather they point out flaws in my character. It is my intention to be more aware of how I treat people and not let my "stuff" affect that treatment. I hope that if you find yourself in this group of people, you can forgive me and help me to stay on target with this intention.

Next, to anyone who thinks that they have hurt me or given me some reason to be upset with them, all is forgiven and forgotten. Life is far too short to waste time and energy on depressed sulking, silly grudges and hurtful anger. With all the wonderfully different people on this Earth, there is bound to be some friction now and again, but we are all just trying to make our way along the path of our journey. It is my intention to allow any slights I am given to just flow over me and away, never allowing them to take root.

Finally, to all my friends and family, I just want you to know that I love you more than I can say. I'm not always the best person at staying in touch or showing people how important they are to me. However it may appear, you are all always on my mind and in my heart. You are the people who have made me who I am, guided me along my way and picked me up when I fell down. You've loved me when I didn't deserve it and shown me the good in myself when I couldn't see it. You've been with me to celebrate my good times and to console me through my bad times. I can't thank you enough or repay all of your kindnesses, so I will just send love out to all of you and let you know that you have made a difference in my life.

Whew! That was not exactly how I envisioned this post going, but it feels right and I feel better having said it. I wish all the best for all of you...have fun...take care...and I will see you when I return to regale you with tales of my adventures.

A Mother's Love

Is there anything more pure or powerful than a mother's love? I was meditating today and thoughts of mothers and their love drifted into my mind. Not sure if it is because my mom's health is going downhill, because I told a story about my mom yesterday (one of the ones below), or for some other reason, but I felt a need to post something about mothers. Never having been a mother (or father either for that matter), I have never experienced the love they have for their children from their perspective but I have definitely been on the receiving end. I know that my mom loves me in a million little ways every day of her life, but here are two somewhat dramatic, somewhat entertaining (and scary at the time, let me tell you) examples of her love and just two of the many reasons why I owe my life to my mom:

When I was very young...I would guess around two...my family went to the beach. I don't remember what beach, just that it was a beach (I was 2 for pete's sake, give me a break). I was fascinated by the way the ocean would lap at the shore. I would follow it out and then back in, laughing all the way. Then something very unexpected happened...I was at a point where I was closer to the surf when a larger wave then usual broke right in front of me. I was thrown off my feet and tossed around in the water like a cork. I started to be pulled out into the ocean and to take on water, coughing and crying all at the same time. Then suddenly, miraculously, two hands reached down from the heavens and lifted me back up into the life giving air. My mom had been keeping an eye on me, had seen me go down, and had sprinted into the ocean to rescue me. If not for her, I have no doubt I would not have made it.

A few years later, my mom and I were at Sears. No idea what we were there for, but, whatever it was, it was upstairs. We got on the escalator and started to ride up to the second floor. Let me pause here for a moment to say that, as a child, I was afraid of stairs. I know that I fell down the stairs at our house at least once, but whether this instilled the fear or the fear caused me to fall, I don't know. I just know that I was afraid of stairs. Now, back to our story...as we neared the end of our ride on the escalator, I noticed the jaws of death at the very top (also known as an escalator comb plate). I was scared and fascinated at the way it "ate" the stairs as they got close. I knew that I would have to jump over this terrifying thing and that timing was critical. Unfortunately, knowing and doing are two different things. I waited too long, my foot hit the comb plate and knocked me off balance causing me to fall backwards. Next thing I know, I am being eaten by this demon staircase. First the machinery ripped and ate my pants and then began to work on my flesh. Blood began to flow and I started to scream. I'm not sure what my mom did, whether she hit a stop button or just pulled me free by brute force, but I know that she saved me once again.

So, I'm sending out love and a big hug to my mom and all mothers everywhere and declaring today Appreciate-a-Mom Day. No greeting card or gift necessary, just let your mom or any mom know that they are appreciated and loved. They make the world a better place for us, so let's show them that they mean the world to us.