Home again...gone again
Friday, March 26, 2004
Well, I made it back from Denver (where the weather was incredible and it felt like home), spent a few days working hard on Relief Society matters, and now I'm gone again! Dad and I are in California (Sacramento and then two days in Carmel) and will be home on Sunday. It rained all day yesterday, but the sun is shining today! We are driving to Carmel late this morning and I'm excited! I've never been there and I hear it is beautiful and quaint and fun!
Had a great visit with Grandma. She doesn't talk much, but she's looking good and is off almost all her medications. She cried everytime I mentioned her grandchildren and she expressed how much she would love to see you and your children. I bought her some "big band" cd's and she actually danced to the music (well...bounced to the music). She loved it. I'm hoping the staff is playing those cd's for her every now and then. I also bought her some snacks...she loves finger-foods and devoured anything I gave her...Cheetos, popcorn, cookies, chips, and BLACK JELLY BEANS! I left a bunch of snacks in a cupboard in her room, neatly packaged in ziplock bags, with some "snack bowls" and a big sign on the cupboard that says "Cleo's Snacks and Snack Bowls" to remind the aids to offer her a snack every now and then. She asks for nothing, but will nod her head vigorously if she is offered food!! I hope she is finding some joy from these little pleasures...she has very little to be joyful about these days.
So, my offspring...when I am in my nursing home and looking glum, just buy me some snacks (no black jelly beans though -- lots of Junior Mints and chocolate covered raisins) and some "oldies" music and I'll be just fine.
Here's hoping life treats you well today, and tomorrow, and nearly always,
Mom
posted by Carolee at 7:55 AM
Aesop's Wisdom
Monday, March 15, 2004
The Wolves and the Sheep
"Why should there always be this fear and slaughter between us?" said the Wolves to the Sheep. "Those evil-disposed Dogs have much to answer for. They
always bark whenever we approach you and attack us before we have done any harm. If you would only dismiss them from your heels, there might soon be
treaties of peace and reconciliation between us."
The Sheep, poor silly creatures, were easily beguiled and dismissed the Dogs, whereupon the Wolves destroyed the unguarded flock at their own pleasure.
Along with the obvious religious significance of this story, and the need to heed the words of prophets, there is also political significance at this time in our history.
We are seeing prophecy fulfilled right before our eyes, and we know (sadly) where we are headed. I have to frequently remind myself of the scripture "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalms 46:10) when I feel distress and anger rising in my soul. I know that He is "at the helm" and righteousness will prevail in the end, but it is hard to see hatred, anger and wickedness growing so quickly. This wasn't supposed to happen in MY lifetime!
Though my feelings and opinions about what is happening in our beloved country run strong, I know that yours do too, and may differ from mine. Sooooo, I won't make political statements too often -- promise. Just need to vent a little bit!
May we listen (weighing carefully who we are listening to) and ponder and act according to the dictates of our hearts, speaking out boldly, but with respect, when opportunities arise. Make sure you are registered to vote, and may November see every one of us at the polls!
posted by Carolee at 8:32 AM
Those Who Care
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.
Don't answer the questions, just read the following straight through and you'll get the idea.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
I've always said, you remember your Primary teacher, not the Primary president. You remember your deacon's quorum teacher, not the Young Men's President. The little things we do can change lives forever, even though we may never know about such changes. Do the people you credit for changing your life know that they had such an impact? Probably not.
May you all have many opportunities to show you care, and may you have many caring people come your way.
I love you,
Me
posted by Carolee at 4:42 PM
What did you focus on today?
Thursday, March 11, 2004
"When you only focus on what you don't have or on the challenges you face, you generate nothing but negative energy - and chances are, life won't change. Instead, focus on what you have and on possibilities. When you make up your mind that you can do anything, you'll find you probably can. Refuse to think about barriers in life and instead reach out for the opportunities beyond. Instead of seeing a locked door, see the key. Instead of seeing a mountain to climb, envisage yourself on the top. A positive attitude can take you anywhere!"
I don't know who said it, but I like it. Positive energy...two good words. What did you focus on today?
I love you,
Me
posted by Carolee at 9:43 AM
I Never Saw a Purple Cow
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one;
But I can tell you anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one.
Gelett Burgess (1866-1951)
So...the experts say that helping our children memorize poems develops their memories, expands their vocabularies, and helps them become deeper thinkers. I think children feel more confident and "cool" when they can recite something funny, or profound, anytime they want to. My parents grew up memorizing long poems in school and could still recite them in their old age. My stake president in the New Haven Stake, President Robert Seeley, could recite many a wonderful poem as well as whole books of scripture! I was always so impressed when he would just start reciting something, with ease, at just the right moment.
The above poem, The Purple Cow, is not too profound, but it is a great poem for kids to memorize. Why not give it a try. Have them learn another one every month, getting progressively more difficult, and see how many they can memorize over the years. I think they will be grateful to you, and you will be gratified as you see them grow in confidence and ability.
I'll close with another poem, that I just memorized...just cause it makes me laugh.
Tobacco
Tobacco is a filthy weed
That from the devil doth proceed;
It drains your purse, it burns your clothes
And makes a chimney of your nose.
Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse (1754-1846)
As always...Me
posted by Carolee at 6:38 AM
It's Raining, It's Pouring
Thursday, March 04, 2004
It rained all night and it is supposed to rain all day. Of course, I have to be out and about most of the day. It is one of those days I'd rather stay at home and enjoy the rain from the dry and cozy indoors, but...it is a sign of spring and I'm glad to see it!
Have you thought about starting some seeds so you can have a little garden this year? We know Joe and family will have a huge garden again, but the rest of us can do some container gardening on our balconies or porches. Keeps us in touch with nature, which is hard to do in today's world. Seeds are pretty cheap and the only other things you need to get started are a flat with plastic cover for starting seeds, which you can use for several years to come, and some soilless mixture to plant the seeds in. Hopefully your flat will have instructions on how to water, etc., and before you know it you will have plants to move outdoors when the weather is warm enough. The kids will love it and you will benefit from "getting down and dirty" and experiencing this miracle of nature. Peas can be planted outdoors early, like the end of this month, and green beans and lettuce by the end of April. Don't put tomatoes out until the end of May, or be prepared to cover them or bring them indoors if the weather turns really cold. Talk to someone at your neighborhood garden shop for advice on fertilizer, etc. Fun!
Things are looking clean and fresh here. It's a good day.
posted by Carolee at 5:44 AM
Become the Change You Want to See
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Oprah Winfrey said:
Some people might find it ironic that I’ve never been much of a TV watcher. I skip the late-night news because I don’t want to take in all that negative energy right before sleep. On days when I do flip through the channels, it’s almost certain I’ll find at least one show that involves sexual exploitation or violence against women.
In my early days on-air, I was guilty of doing irresponsible television without even knowing it – all in the name of “entertainment.” More than a decade ago, my staff and I booked a husband caught in an adulterous sex scandal, and right there on our stage before millions of viewers, the wife heard for the first time that her partner had been unfaithful. It’s a moment I have never forgotten: the humiliation and despair on that woman’s face made me ashamed of myself for putting her in that position. Right then I decided I’d never again be part of a show that demeans, embarrasses, or diminishes another human being. Once the light bulb came on for me that day, my calling became to create shows that encourage and inspire as much as they entertain – television that leaves guests with their dignity and helps us all see our lives in a different way.
I know for sure that what we dwell on is who we become – as a woman thinks, she is. If we absorb hour upon hour of images and messages that don’t reflect our magnificence, it’s no wonder we walk around feeling drained of our life force. If we tune in to dozens of acts of brutality every week, it shouldn’t surprise us that our children see violence as an acceptable way to resolve conflict.
Become the change you want to see – those are words I live by. I don’t know how many years I’ll be blessed with the privilege of reaching millions each day, but my prayer is that I’ll use my energy never to belittle but to uplift. Never to devastate but to rebuild. Never to misguide but to light the way so that all of us can stand on higher ground.
So...I think our Oprah is right on! One of my favorite quotes in my teenage years was "A good thing to remember, and a better thing to do...work with a construction gang and not with the wrecking crew."
And I love this poem:
THE WRECKING CREW
I stood on the street of a busy town,
Watching men tear a building down.
With a "Ho, heave, ho," and a lusty yell,
They swung a beam, and a side wall fell.
I asked the foreman of the crew,
"Are those men as skilled
As those you'd hire if you wanted to build?"
Oh, no," he said. "No, indeed.
Just common labor is all I need.
I can tear down in a day or two
What it takes skilled men a year to do."
And then I thought, as I went on my way,
Just which of these roles am I trying to play?
Have I walked life's road with care,
Measuring each deed with rule and square?
Or am I one who roams the town,
Content with the labor of tearing down?
This political year we are going to hear a lot of "tearing down" and I am dreading it. In fact, our political system seems to be all about how to tear the opponent down, rather than offering constructive suggestions on how to make things better, safer, and fairer for all. Should I mail this quote and poem off to both parties? Do you think it would help? No...I don't think so either. But I do think that we as individuals can try harder to be part of a construction gang, like Oprah, and like our dear President Hinckley. Doesn't mean we shouldn't campaign for our cause, work to right wrongs, and actively fight against evil...but we can do it with a positive spirit and a compassionate heart, loving our opponents and respecting their views and feelings! Don't you think?
As always...Me
posted by Carolee at 2:02 PM
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