Become a Penny Flipper

I recently started flipping pennies.

 

This is to say when I see a tales up penny on the ground, you know, these faceless pennies known for their unlucky properties, I flip it over and leave the suddenly lucky heads up penny on the ground to be later discovered by someone who may see it, pick it up and add a little luck to their day.

Hopefully by doing so I am not causing some kind of luck disturbance in the world or altering the lucky benefits of these coins in comparison to their counterparts that naturally fall heads up. My intentions are pure. I just think the world could benefit from this overwhelming untapped luck potential.

It's just that, well, sometimes people need a little help finding something lucky or positive about their day. If we go around snatching up all the heads up pennies while leaving the tales up ones behind, eventually all we'll have is a bunch of bad luck piled all around and a bunch of humans who don't understand they can be part of the solution to sort it all out.

So, maybe we can spread the luck. If you see a tales up penny, flip it and help someone else find a lucky day. Who knows, one day maybe it'll be you who needs a little extra luck and it will be nice to know someone else flipped a penny for you.

Share Words as People Do

So, I think it is peculiar how people on couches can find a connection with people on TV. It’s strange. It’s strange because the people on the couch do not know the people on the TV nor will they likely ever meet, have the opportunity to chat and spend the time to get to know each other.

Even so, I reluctantly admit I am one of these couch people. I can't help it. Sometimes they are in my living room and chatting in a way that makes sense to me or I've been affected by the things they've done or created. I've asked myself the hypothetical question of who I'd be interested in meeting and talking with should the opportunity present itself. Being a new blogger, I'm going for the light-hearted five-person sit and chat scenario rather than one involving the heaping pile of serious issues and realities worth discussing... Perhaps another day. Anyway, here’s my list, in no particular order:

Christina Applegate – I found we shared similar opinions and emotions to the dancers and choreographed pieces on So You Think You Can Dance. I enjoy dance quite profoundly but it is not a passion I share with anyone in my life and I think it would be wonderful to sit and talk with someone who reacts to dance the way I do.

Cheryl Henson – I believe that The Muppets and Creatures of Jim Henson were a significant part of the village of individuals who raised me. I would love to thank her and her family for the amazing gifts they’ve given.

Stephen King – I evolved as a writer in my appreciation of Mr. King’s ability to choose and distribute his words. Writers are fun to talk with and it could be a potentially enjoyable conversation.

Daniel Tosh – He makes me laugh and I’m curious if my understanding of his humor is what I think it is.

Ellen DeGeneres – I think her energy and the sincerity she expresses are beautiful and feel it would be quite nice to share a conversation.

There are many other conversations I believe would be interesting to share, so don’t be offended if you are a well-known person and not listed above. Who knows? Perhaps we’ll meet someday and share words as people do.     

What does it mean to grow up?

I read a great list on buzzfeed.com titled 16 Things That Happen When You Become An Actual Adult. Granted the intention of the piece was focused on financial stability, but it got me thinking... Based on some of the attributes mentioned, it seems I'm still far from achieving this particular life goal- to be an adult. To help comfort myself during this time, I thought it might be fun to make my own list of the reasons why I am far, far from becoming an "actual adult" - While I'm super excited for those who have managed to make this impressive transformation, perhaps there are other overgrown children like me out there who lack the ability to properly grow up and don't mind so much.

15 Things That Let Others Know You Haven't Grown Up Yet

1) You enjoy coloring with crayons and "arts and crafts time" can still be used as a method of entertaining you so you don't get out of hand.

2) You prefer riding a bike to driving a car.

3) You have little trouble falling asleep... unless you are really excited.

4) You believe - without question- that The Muppets and Beings born at Jim Henson's Creature Shop are real.

5) You save money in a plastic jar for special things you want to buy.

6) With the exception of items given to you by parents and grandparents, ALL of your jewelry is either sterling silver or plastic. The really good pieces are both.

7) You sing aloud often and talk to yourself on a regular basis. Sometimes you sing the conversations you have with yourself because once you start, you can't stop.

8) Snow makes you happy

9) You don't think it's odd when people of the same gender or of different races kiss each other because you just think it's nice to see humans who are happy.

10) You'd rather play and laugh with your friends then discuss stock options, consumer reports or politics.

11) You need to be reminded on a regular basis that it's not always appropriate to answer all questions with complete honesty and the word "tact" is used a lot during the lectures.

12) You spend more time in the ocean than you do on the beach.

13) You enjoy smiling at and talking to strangers even though you've been told it's dangerous.

14) You believe that a bad day can be made better with a hug, comfy jammies and maybe some ice cream.

15) Not only do your children want to spend time with you but they surprise you every day by how amazing they are despite having you as a parent.

Thoughts on the Start of Football

So- the start of football season has arrived and I say “yay!” with genuine excitement mixed with a hint of anticipated exasperation. Excitement because I enjoy football- I enjoy sports in general—but with that enjoyment comes the knowledge that football begins as the race for playoff baseball heats up, creating a season filled with repetitive sports radio and its offspring, overspill guy-talk.

 

I enjoy overspill guy-talk. It’s entertaining for a few hours stretched out through the year. It provides interesting insight on the deepest desires of men and the significant simultaneous degree of envy, love and hatred they hold in their hearts for people and events that have little to no actual connection to their own well-being. It’s, well its mind-blowing to me and it builds this time of year to the point that most social events fall victim to the all encompassing conversation dictator. Did you see so and so do this or that? What were they thinking? That call was B.S! and on and on and on...

 

I do specify men here, but acknowledge the few exceptionally well versed and passionate women so their feelings won’t be hurt. Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely down with girl power in every respect but I do hold the personal opinion that there are a rare few women who successfully hold the complete and equal ability to throw down proper sports talk. It’s impressive to watch. Makes me a little jealous, but they’re a bit like unicorns so it feels right to be in complete awe of them.

 

Now, as I've said, I enjoy sports. 4 ½ of the men in my life and possibly 5 of the women think I’m reasonably athletic. I spent 30 of my 37 years learning and loving baseball and I broke the noses of two people through many years of soccer. I played volleyball in high school, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hockey and attend as many Patriots games as the family schedule allows. I'm a scenic mountain biker and, though I can’t do anything too impressive yet (C'mon inner American Ninja Warrior!), I feel like a powerful beast when I rock strength and conditioning at Dynamic. Yet, even with that extensive experience, I do not consider myself capable of participating in hard-core sports talk- I guess the anticipation mentioned above is a bit overstated... perhaps it's just- - - a lack of enthusiasm for extensive hypothetical conversation? 

 

Surprising, since I provided those exceptional arguments to support my sporting credentials but, truth is, I’m primarily an observer during whichever season happens to be upon us (though I give a bit of effort during hockey season). I know this of myself without question. I prefer my public sports talk and observations to be limited to small knowledge pops here and there. I dig the atmosphere but know that though I certainly have the mental ability to understand the finer details, statistics and strategies of these games, I am not capable of gathering enough motivation to do so to a degree required to meaningfully participate in the overspill and I don't think my contributions, regardless of their insight or potential brilliance, would be taken seriously. Its likely assumed I read or heard my opinion somewhere...

 

So knowledge pops work well for me. Quick bits of sports talk that do not continue on and on. They leave one free to voice an opinion and move to other topics. I got to know one of my greatest friends discussing the ground rule double many, many years ago. Short conversation with many perks. Just a fun fact. 

But tonight I’m typing and the fanatic fan is flip, flip, flipping between opening night football and rivalry baseball games and prepping for his next social occasion. I'm giggling at commentary and glancing up occasionally when something interesting happens. I love the safety, so it’s fun we’ve made it back to football in time to see. As for baseball... I did hear all night that every pitcher who faces him should try to hit Ortiz. I think it’s hilarious and wonderful how fantastic his night has been. Maybe that’s the real reason I should refrain from sports talk?

Powering Down to Power On

Trying to finish a manuscript can be a bit overwhelming, especially when we writers also want to dedicate our fulls selves to family, friends, self and, for those of you like me, to our full time non-writing related day jobs! This multi-tasking leads to a degree of identity crisis and can be a bit overwhelming!

 

Now, add to that the additional time needed to manage websites, check in on Facebook, manage a blog (I use these examples with the shame brought about by not tending to these items as closely as they probably require) and jot down those untimely little inspired idea gifts our brain splutters out at the most inopportune moments (all I have to say is when the bright people who create Dragon software design Naturally Thinking... sign me up!)... well, the seemingly insurmountable tasks can battle against us and cause the ever dreaded WRITER'S BLOCK!!!

So, my advice is this... Take a breath, take a break and walk away from pens and paper and electronics to give yourself time to celebrate what you've accomplished! There is nothing quite like reconnecting with the big world outside to awaken the muse and charge ahead! This is not just for writers! Everyone needs a moment to reset, reconnect and remember why we have the passions we have and why we do what we do. The fresh perspective you bring back when you return will make all the difference.

In an attempt to take my own advice I recently attended a social gathering for NH writers. Though I enjoy a good pot luck once in awhile, I was a bit apprehensive about going. The questions raced and panic set in...I don't know anyone...what will we talk about...what if...what if...what if...?? But, it was amazing. It was like finding a new little home full of folks who share my interests and passions and it provided the reset I needed. It was great to talk, to use my speaking voice, to learn about other people and the amazing things they do. Plus, I found being out in the world helps both fuse and diminish the identity crisis so that mother, wife, writer, office manager and all the other parts of me find their place to co-exist peacefully. 

Why am I mentioning this? Perhaps to set an example, or be the first volunteer to try something new. Explore your world. Visit the website (link below!) of two of the new friends I met and dance through your kitchen with your family and/or friends as you make delicious food to share. Roast the perfect marshmallow and share it with someone who has never had the patience to do so and watch how happy they are when they eat it. Observe and interact. Your stories and your moments will be a bit better. Take your life and your days seriously and enjoy the folks you meet...face to face...out in this beautiful world!

 

Visit www.nofretcooking.com and enjoy amazing recipes and the original, delightful music to accompany you as you prepare!

The Symmetry Epiphany

I have been trying to sort out my problem with becoming a blogger. I did not feel right about being one though I could not fully work out what that meant to me. I do not think that anyone can become something until they are comfortable with and can fully understand what it means to them to be that particular thing. For example, I categorize myself in several ways. These are elements of myself I understand and I perform in a way that is true to who I am. I wish I could do each better, to be the best I can be for the people I encounter in each. I am me, first of all and I am a mother in the greatest parts of my heart and mind. I am able to call my best friend my spouse and I appreciate every random and disconnected day that has brought me to be able to do so. I am also a grand-daughter, daughter, aunt, sister, cousin, niece, friend and possible foe. I was raised by The Muppets, Shel Silverstein and a wildly mashed together village of extraordinary personalities who understood the importance of telling the truth, sucking it up and playing outside. I both intensely enjoy and forever strive to improve my place of employment and I hope to always consider myself a student of one thing or another. Through it all, I am a writer. Through it all I have forgotten what being a writer means to me.

So, that said, it goes without saying that I am in need of balance. I am guessing that statement may apply to some folks out there searching about on the internet as well. So, I welcome you to join me in a bit of a journey. Be forewarned that this particular journey may, at times, be as unfortunate as the one experienced by some accompanying hobbits long ago and far away but, like that and many since, I think we’ll all come out of it exhilarated and a touch closer to peace. That’s what it is all about, after all- this journey through life- to become who we are meant to be, to survive the hardships and find peace in the knowledge that we are content and loved? I think that’s what the modernists wanted but few realized where to look.   

Now, my husband thinks I am crazy. I suppose I should throw out that small discloser as well. My response is generally to quote Seal, so I will let you be the judge. I’ve certainly taken a considerable tangent from my original point, so that would be an argument in his favor. To return, I have sorted out my problem with becoming a blogger. I was going about it the wrong way, as the one or two of you (relatives) who read my one and only failed blog attempt will understand. I could not find an inspiration that felt genuine enough to put out there, to say, “Hey! Read me!” As a newly published author, I thought I was supposed to promote, to spread the word, to jump up and down. But, that’s not who I am. That type of flair exceeds my level of fancy. I am one soul and mind molded by all the relationships above, by all of the emotions and experiences I’ve encountered through my journey up to this point. These relationships, these emotions and these experiences did not create a being who feels comfortable with blatant solicitation. I have no idea why I had this initial impression of what it means to be a blogger. I apologize to bloggers everywhere. There was never a conversation, never a suggestion of any such expectation. In truth, I was overwhelmed. I was completely ignorant to the whole thing and let all other parts of my life fall out of balance around me.

There are two things I know I need when my balance is off. That said, I am fairly certain I have had a sufficient amount of life experience to be able to accurately judge what ideal balance is for me, though I am well aware I have not yet achieved the ability to be completely still. I have been fortunate enough, however, to have had moments where I am able to sit and smile and breathe.

These moments have been endangered for a good amount of time. Life delivers illness and loss and the need to support and be supported to a wildly mashed together village. Life disrupts the balance while reminding us why it’s important. Sometimes the things that make us who we are have been lost from our minds, or we tuck them away to be the version of ourselves others need. Eventually, as you know, that loss is noticed and we need to remind ourselves who we are.

I need to hear the ocean and I need to write when I am grossly out of balance. My grandfather resides as the king of the sea, so once in a while I need to visit him to help sort things out. This most recent visit ended with a gift in the form of a snowy owl perched along Route 1A and two glorious red-tailed hawks along Route 4. I love when loved ones who have passed seek help from animals to secure their messages. Then came the epiphany. (Thanks, Boopie) Write to say thank you. Write to share a story. Write to help someone find a smile or realize an obstacle. Write to be part of a journey worth sharing. That’s what I’ve realized being a blogger can mean for me. Come, let’s become what we are meant to be.