Friday's Musings
My Ode To Dorothy
A friend has died, someone so special... so joyful... so beautiful. She was a larger than life soul, born 1920. She really did endure. What I'll always remember, she loved hats, but more than anything, she loved her grandson (I've never ever witnessed a love like that, unconditional). Grandmothers are unique. There is something so wonderful about them. My grandmother (Granny), she was special, and I do miss her.
I'm impervious to death, but today I feel differently. Genuine love does that sort of thing. Dorothy Clark, you did good! You helped to raise a brilliant man. There are so many people singing your praises.
I often wonder why people feel the need to post such sentiments, but I think I'm starting to get it. It's important to celebrate life, and today I celebrate Dorothy Clark. She touched so many lives, and I never realized just how much she touched mine.
Time requires appreciation of many things – of people, places and things – of art, literature and music, and nature. All that I mention is important to me, and that’s why I share so much of myself in the written word and through my photography.
I want you to follow my lead by making a record of your life, because each one is important, and all have something to offer. I learn so much from other people’s stories, photographs, etc. Through those personal challenges and triumphs, I am moved and inspired, and it enables me to push forward, and it helps me grow.
We must also value each other more. No matter who you are, we all deserve love, respect, and support from our fellow man (BTW… A simple smile and/or a warm hug go a long way). No one should be judged either. More importantly, we must consciously embrace diversity, and stop living in fear.
Time is so very precious. These days our time would be better spent living our own lives instead of telling others how to live, but I digress. If you get anything from my words allow it to be this… You are beautiful. Be present in the moment. Live life happy. Find your joy. Just love.
Dorothy Clark loved, and she loved big. It's time to rest. Goodnight, Dorothy!
Peace
The people of the world prefer peace to violence, and they deserve to have it… Yes?! Humanity suffers greatly with every act of senseless brutality. Prayers, peace and love for Paris, and for those mentally, physically and emotionally wounded. I care!
Cartoons
If a simple drawing can rock your world, compromising your faith, it’s clear you had no faith to begin with. Chances are, you sold your soul a long time ago or quite possibly were born without one. I can’t imagine what it feels like to be heartless, soulless – lost for all eternity.
I can’t comprehend any God approving of death and destruction, judgments, prejudice and bigotry – of hate in its most basic form. I know many who manipulate faith out of greed and necessity, out of blatant ignorance and shame, out of disregard for those who truly care about performing honorably in this life – and not because of any deity, but because it’s the right thing to do. It’s innate for me to be kind and good, loyal and loving, toward friend and foe, I just don’t need to be around the latter. Down with religious opportunists!
Love everyone. Judge no one. It’s time we live in peace, striving for harmony at all cost. I don’t want anyone to die, but if you must kill – please, point the gun at yourself and pull the trigger because one less heartless, soulless person roaming this beautiful planet of ours makes me feel a little safer, and I will pray in earnest that if there is a deity, that he/she will forgive you for your transgressions.
Civil Discourse
Religion – an organizing narrative that many use to create meaning in their lives. We all want to belong, to feel connected to something greater than ourselves, and religion helps to fill a void. Having an organized narrative for one’s life is not such a bad thing, but when it comes with a hefty dose of manipulation, fear and ignorance – you lose me.
We often accept what is handed down to us without asking questions. Ask questions – lots and lots of questions! It’s okay to have a different opinion, too. Certain words resonate with me – hope, unconditional love, peace and inclusiveness, just to name a few. If the dialogue feels good and comes without judgment and pretense, we’ll get along beautifully. I have no interest in people who speak in bumper stickers and riddles.
There is no excuse for ignorance. We all have our own set of arguments, opinions and disagreements. Civil discourse is imperative.
Live and let live. Live your own beautiful life and stop telling others how to live.
A Favorite Quote
"If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care." – Marvin J. Ashton
