Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores
Photographer Patricia Gulick

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

4/29/15 RMB Wednesday 8pm



4/29/15 RMB Wednesday 8pm


Dear Rita Mae Brown,

Tides turn and what is an absolute one day vanishes without a trace or a second thought in a new day. Creatures of habit that we are, schedules are set and arrangements are made, until the chain that links one day to the next begins to sway. One connection moves from here to there. After time, enough shifts have occurred that the landscape of our weeks have changed; and our tomorrows look far different from our yesterdays.

Finding joy in the new territory, welcoming a tide, whether it be higher or lower, softer or harder, than the last, ah there in lay the challenge.  The pace of our stride must find a new rhythm.

So we tinker, we breathe, we carry on. Awkward at first, while confidently sure that the sun will rise again. Just ahead there is a cadence, comfortable and, once again, care free.


Looking forward,

Loraine

Monday, April 27, 2015

4/26/15 RMB Thoughts Carry



4/26/15 RMB Thoughts Carry

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

At a time when many suffer for reasons too numerous to list or even comprehend, I find it difficult to live a content life where I know there will always be a roof over my head, food on my plate and friends at my side.  

Is it really enough to send prayers to those in the earthquake? And all of the rest, the nameless who I know are out there in need, are prayers and well wishes for a better tomorrow enough?

Ultimately, it has to be. The extent to which I can feed those who hunger is limited. I can only comfort those nearest with my touch. Yet prayers, well wishes, hopes for a better tomorrow, that I can send to one and all.

With my efforts focused on the greatest good, I wrestle with my own limitations, yet I know words heal, thoughts carry and caring matters.


Sending all my best to all,

Loraine

Sunday, April 19, 2015

4/19/15 RMB Sunday Reading



4/19/15 RMB Sunday Reading

Dear Rita Mae Brown,

Today is a Sunday, a day of rest, reflection, planning and dawdling, mostly dawdling. I just looked up the next Rita Mae Brown book in line for me to read, chronologically speaking. It will be Riding Shotgun. The description says it contains Virginia, a fox hunt, a woman and time travel…interesting. I am looking forward to it. Murder She Meowed is nearing a conclusion as the mystery unfolds.

RMB books ride with me in my car, friends at the ready to keep me company in stolen moments and during planned retreats. Whether I am waiting in line at the bank or taking a lunch break, one of your books is always nearby.

Other books intermingle, such as The Four-Fold Way by Angeles Arrien, PH. D., recommended to me by Teddy Tapscott. From Arrien’s research, she elaborates on the four archetypes that virtually all shamanic traditions draw on to live in harmony and balance: the Warrior; the Healer; the Visionary; the Teacher.

She addresses the Warrior first and starts by detailing the importance of showing up and being present, good communication, responsibility and discipline, then states: “The most important aspects of the Warrior is the ability to extend honor and respect.” I like this book. I’m learning a depth, appreciation and ways of strengthening valuable aspects of myself.

Another recent read, is Billy Crystal’s Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? As a college kid, he was refused service in a diner because his Star of David necklace was showing, revealing him Jewish. Years later, when Mohamad Ali invited him to play golf at a country club, Billy informed him that he could not join him, due to the country club’s rules. After learning of their policy, Ali refused to play there too.

Billy mentioned, but didn’t lament these events. They struck me. Perhaps that he didn’t harp on them, made them all the more impactful. How easily he got up and walked out of that diner, how casually he declined an invitation to golf at a restricted club. Some evils insidiously damage society quietly.

While reviewing The Four-Fold Way with my nephew trio, our insightful eleven year old asked, “What if you don’t know if the person is a good person or a bad person?” Acknowledging his awareness, we discussed those in history that gathered followers and led them to their demise.

In words, spoken, written, and shared, there are answers. Words reveal who we are. And here is an interesting point, a multitude of people will read Billy’s book, as the country club and diner, dim in obscurity, he shines on.    


Enjoying books,
Loraine