3/10/14 RMB Light Words

3/10/14 RMB Light Words

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

The adage goes “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Yet, the two share common ground. The sword’s power lay in the composition of its blade and the force of its blow. Resting in a sheath, it remains dormant. It takes the human force of emotional engagement to awaken its power.  

Words, like a scrap of metal, lay in wait to be orchestrated and honed. Set maliciously one after another, they can destroy as easily as any weapon. However, what extends words their might, is their ability to build, to raise and enable.

A sword, held in one hand, does not strengthen the hand of another. While words spoken from one heart to another can do immeasurable good.   

Yesterday my wise friend Teddy Tapscott wrote to me, “You are so much more than you allow yourself to be. Let your Light shine.” 

Beside myself and feeling inadequate to the challenges in my life, I asked for clarification. To which she added. “The Light that shines in you is not because of what you do or don't do, it's who you are”

Empowering words spoken from her heart to mine and shared with you and whoever may visit us here…

“Let your Light shine. The Light that shines in you is not because of what you do or don’t do, it’s who you are.”

It is who you are.

Shine on,

Loraine

PS. I was so tempted to address this letter Dear Grasshopper.

(A reference to the David Carradine Kung Fu series)

3/8/14 RMB Dolley

3/8/14 RMB Dolley

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

I started Reading Dolley: A Novel of Dolley Madison in Love and War. I like the dedication: 

To Lady Bird Johnson, Not all the soldiers were in Vietnam. This one was in the White House.

And the quote at the beginning of the book:

Fearlessness is better than a faint-heart for any man who puts his nose out of doors. The length of my life and the day of my death were fated long ago. ~Anonymous lines from For Scirnis

A bit of wisdom offered up by RMB from Nordic Mythology. Nice.

Earlier today I finished Murder in Monticello. It took me a while as I tend to draw out books I enjoy reading. Like extending a visit with a good friend. This afternoon I was called to rescue family members from a truck stuck on the freeway. The truck appears to be in need of a gas pump. The phrase “if it’s not one thing it’s another comes to mind”. I will help them through this and be grateful that I can.  

After a busy day, my pillow calls to me. I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep, happy to have your books to read and all the souls, friends and family, which make this life the adventure it is.

Sweet Dreams,

Loraine

3/5/14 RMB Honey Maid

3/5/14 RMB Honey Maid

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

I like the new Graham Cracker commercial that depicts a variety of families and has the tag line “Honey Maid, every day wholesome snacks for every wholesome family.” There is quite a bit of buzz about it, mostly positive too. It is interesting that we live in a world where every single person is unique, yet many struggle to make us all the same and are downright angry that we dare to depict and celebrate our differences in the media.

Other companies have ventured into recognizing relationships of all kinds. There is a French commercial for an American fast food chain that shows a young man dining with his father who tells him it’s too bad he goes to an all boy school, without much chance to meet someone special there, as they look at a class picture. When the father leaves to get their meal, he converses by phone with a classmate that appears to be more than a classmate. It is a sweet moment…yet somewhat bittersweet.

New relationships start with two, before family and friends are made aware, but some relationships face more challenges than others as they progress. It is obvious in the commercial that this young man’s relationship, if ever brought to light, will face some challenges.

History shows us growing in compassion, looking beyond handicaps, race, gender and persuasions. And with every step forward, there is an awareness of how far we have yet to go. The fact that these commercials are making the news and causing some to roar in protest, tells me we are not there yet, more tolerant, but not quite yet compassionate or understanding.

What if the commercial showed the father with his son and boyfriend all sharing a meal together? The fact that the relationship is hidden says a lot.

For those speaking out fueled by prejudice and fear, perhaps one day their words will be as unacceptable, unthinkable even, as would words today spoken in favor of slavery or segregation or even putting a woman in her place. Yeah, one day.

Looking forward to still better days,

Loraine