Yeatsgirl~

Ted Garber's Album nominated for Album of the Year.

2011-01-08T09:52:00.005-05:00

The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) has nominated Ted's latest album, "American Rail," for WAMA Album of the Year. Check it out at www.tedgarber.com

Way to go, Ted!

New York, New York

2009-11-05T03:06:00.008-05:00

The New York Yankees won their 27th title in game 6 of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Happy Autumn

2009-09-22T13:24:00.008-04:00

...every leaf's a flower

Remembering NY Fire Fighter Robert "Bobby" McMahon. September 11, 2009

2009-09-11T12:38:00.018-04:00

I used to pray for blue-sky days.

(I grew up in central NY - a great place to be "from" but, also, unfortunately, a place of short Summers and marathon Winters where a "sunny day" is a rarity.)

I made many changes to my life in 2001 one of which was a move to the great blue-skies state of Virginia. I was there, at home on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay, when the landscape of our world and our lives was changed forever.

Shortly after the attacks, the sounds of jets and helicopters filled the air and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel closed as Naval ships and carriers left the Bay for safer waters out to sea. I was living in a Navy town and it was all too clear that the tragedy of Pearl Harbor was fresh in the minds of those at the helm. Hampton Roads (Norfolk/Virginia Beach) was on lock down.

Observing the activity in the Bay, I remember writing to my sister that morning, "We're at war, we just don't know it yet".

The attacks of September 11, 2001 brought our nation together as one (for a time) yet the lives of victims' families were torn apart forever.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou

While victims struggled to exit the buildings that morning, heroes rushed in to help. One such hero was NY Fire Fighter McMahon:

Robert "Bobby" McMahon died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 while risking his life to save others. He was 35 years young.

I didn't know Bobby, I wish I had. During the course of my research for this tribute, I've come to know that Bobby McMahon was the kind of person so many of us hope to know - or aspire to be.

Shortly after the attacks, I was given a ballcap which had been purchased as part of a fundraising effort. The front of the cap is embroidered, "NYFF", the back "FF McMahon".

Over the many years and a handful of moves, I've honored the cap and the memory of FF McMahon with a special place on the shelf. Today, cap in full view, I honor the man.

From those who knew him:

When he wasn't busy battling flames, Robert McMahon, whom everyone called Bobby, liked to make things. He built a haunted house for children with cancer. He painted landscapes and loved photography. He could turn mute lumber into furniture of distinction. Over at the Gate, a bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn, there is a set of benches that he created for a friend, "beautiful, church-like benches", said Julie McMahon, his wife and the mother of their two sons, Matthew and Patrick.

After the younger brother of a friend died of leukemia, Bobby volunteered as a counselor at Happiness Is Camping, a special camp for kids with cancer, in Blairstown, N.J. There, he met Julie, a pediatric cancer nurse at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who quickly won his heart. Bobby and Julie continued to volunteer at the camp and, over the years, and to this day, campers and staff remember and thank them for the help and time they shared.

Bobby had just finished renovating the family home in preparation for the birth of their second child. Julie was five and a half months pregnant with their second child, Patrick, when Bobby died.

"He put so many things in his life of 35 years that most people will never put into 70 years," said Julie.

And indeed he had.

At his firehouse, Ladder Company 20 on Lafayette Street, he was the one who set up the Christmas tree every year, stringing it with lights. He was a good cook, too, which meant clean plates and gratitude all around. He could put together a company-size pan of lasagna so impressive that somebody once slipped the recipe to GQ magazine which ran it as a "guy food" feature.

"You've got to use fresh Italian parsley, " he told GQ. "It's the fresh ingredients women love."

"I used to call him "MacGyver," said his friend Mike Hopkins, who worked with him for eight years, "because he pretty much could do anything. If he didn't know how to do something, he would do it anyway, and he would do it really well."

Bobby McMahon will be remembered by many people in many special ways.

One friend named his newborn son Robert after Bobby McMahon. And when NYC Mayor Bloomberg signed into law the naming of 97 streets in the City, Bobby received his own street in Brooklyn; Bobby McMahon Way.

I find poetry and wisdom in that street name.

There is a place of shattered brokenness in us from that blue-sky Tuesday morning eight years ago. We feel we'll never be the same. For so many, a loss of innocence.

Still numb by the loss, Ground Zero marks the very center of our being. Life goes on, yet we're changed in so many ways; broken on the inside, vulnerable from without.

Anne Finger once wrote, "Part of getting over it is knowing that you will never get over it".

Perhaps that's the emotional roadmap - the only way out and through the horror of 09/11/01; acceptance. But, in order to do so, when so many parts of our being want to hold on to the angst, scream, shout and be angry, we must not close our hearts and minds.

Just as the victims and heroes of that day believed in the possibility of escape, rescue and survival, so, too, must we hold tight to the hope of a better tomorrow.

September 11, 2001 must be a story of openness. We must let the darkest day bring new Light. To be open is to recognize the possibilities of bringing peace into our world; into the midst of noise and distraction when we are overwhelmed.

Choosing openness enables us to bring mercy and compassion into our lives and to the many lives we touch because, as with the many lives touched by Bobby McMahon, "...people will never forget how you made them feel".

That's the Bobby McMahon way.

I don't pray for blue-sky days anymore. I pray for days.

Perhaps the best way to remember and honor the 2996 victims and heroes of 9/11 is to remember and honor the people, places and passions of their lives:

Happiness Is Camping (a free Summer camp for kids with cancer) has built a new Gym and Recreation Building in honor of Bobby McMahon. "Rainy days at camp are now filled with sunshine".

If you would like to make a contribution in Bobby's honor: http://www.happinessiscamping.org/

My personal thanks to the following for providing informational support for this project; legacy.com/Sept11, nyc.gov, HappinessIsCamping.org, bravestmemorial.net

Update: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/events/2009/091409b.shtml

Lance in 2010; Team Radio Shack

2009-07-24T02:19:00.013-04:00

Great News! Lance is having an amazing return to professional cycling in this years Tour de France; can't wait to see what Team Radio Shack/LiveStrong have in store for us in 2010.

Ride on, Ride on.

Daniel Hannan MEP; speech to Gordon Brown

2009-03-25T23:21:00.023-04:00

On his blog www.hannan.co.uk Mr Hannan states "the internet has changed politics" - and he's right.

Upon waking this morning, Hannan found his voice mail and e-mail boxes overflowing with messages. The cause? The internet works.

The day before, Hannan had tipped off the BBC and local papers of a 3 minute speech he intended to give during Prime Minister Gordon Brown's visit to the European Parliament and contends that, to no surprise, he was ignored.

Enter - the internet.

Daniel Hannan's message to Gordon Brown

Hannan's speech may have been ignored by the long held gate-keepers of news but was quickly delivered to the masses by the power of the internet. As of early this afternoon, Hannan's speech to Brown was the most watched video in Britain, had wracked up tens of thousands of "hits" on YouTube and his face (as well as clips from his speech) could be seen on every major news channel in the USA - many of which carried him live in interview.

Having posted numerous videos on many occasions with no big stir, Hannan later posed two questions on his blog..."How did it happen?" and "What caught their attention?"

Personally, I think the answers to the former and the latter are one in the same - We can relate!

Government spending is out of control in the USA and many Americans feel they have no voice in the matter. Mr Hannan's words and remarks - his voice - resounds with Americans because his frustration felt like OUR frustration; his words felt like OUR words - the similar words we would like to be speaking to our own "leaders".

This we know, spending is out of control and we are frustrated. In viewing Mr Hannan's speech, I contend that we, for three brief moments, lived vicariously through his words and felt better, somehow, for having done so.

I commend Mr Hannan for his passion, principle and pragmatism. Clearly, he is a brave and thoughtful man with depth of character.

As the world gets "smaller" and we find ourselves more intertwined globally, I hope to see and hear more of Mr Hannan. I don't believe it is far-reaching to contend that he will, in fact, have a political voice for many years to come.

Well met, Daniel Hannan; even America needs you.

Tour of California

2009-02-15T17:20:00.016-05:00

Unfortunately, I missed most of the Tour Down Under save for snipits on the LiveStrong site and "tweets" from Lance Armstrong's Twitter'fest.

Fortunately, the days seems to be wrapping up nicely and I should get a chance to check out the Tour of California at 6pm; Lance, Levi, Floyd, Hincapie, Tom Boonen...

Sounds like the makings for an interesting week of Cycling.

But the week doesn't seem to be getting off to a warm and fuzzy start. I just scanned for some updates and was sorry to hear:

Floyd crashed on Thursday and trashed his bike. (Fear not...there's more).

Some dork stole Lance's time trials bike (as well as a few others). Said thief definitely gets the "dork of the day" award.

Setbacks aside, it's going to be a good week for Cycling. I was reflecting back on the Tour de France runs in recent years without the big favorite. Going in, so many predicted and reported that they would lack grandeur and interest as the days of Lance and others. I wasn't so sure myself if I'd enjoy watching a peleton without a prince. However, I found the opposite to be true. As much as I loved and felt great pride watching Lance take the wins with the help of Hincapie and Co., I must admit that the recent Tours without Lance were so fun to watch. They were "any man's" race and the unpredictability was both entertaining and inspiring.

That said, when I first heard the news that Lance was returning to pro Cycling my first thought was one of "oh gosh, why is he doing that?" as we all recognize that few pro athlete returns to sport end with the same result as their pre-retiree performance. Personally, I feel like it's better to go out big than fade away. But then I did a little reading and my mind switched so a second thought...

Lance is coming back (is back) to Cycling and yes, of course he would LoVe to win an 8th Tour de France but his return is bigger than that. Can you imagine? Something bigger than an 8th Tour de France win for a pro Cycler? Believe it. It's true. And it is because of this reason that I am officially in love with Lance Armstrong. (not romantic love but, well, maybe...but just the same, I love him for the man of integrity, purpose and servitude that he has clearly grown into).

Lance is riding, racing and training to bring awareness to the cancer epidemic that has touched so many of us in one way or another. All eyes will be on Lance and what a billboard he will be to bring "light" to the cause. He inspired me with his return to Cycling after he beat cancer. He's proactive. He's inspiring. I think he's a hero.

And then there's George Hincapie...

...who is not only indispensible in the world of Cycling but omg'sh... beautiful.

:)

Ride on~

Your Winter

2008-09-16T06:52:00.007-04:00

So... a couple weeks ago (after the final wave of Summertime family visits) I took a night out and away from my desk with "the girls".

A band from a few years back was in town and we ventured out for the show. "Sister Hazel" was the band. Those of you who know me know that live music is high on my list of favorite social activities (provided it's a non-smoking venue). Even so, admittedly, I wasn't completely jazzed about catching the show but the fact that A) we get very little entertainment through here and B) an "indy" band out of Austin that I had never heard was opening and I wanted to check them out - helped motivate me to venture to the show.

I'm so glad I did.

The opening act was "Nelo" and you should definitely check them out. Theirs is a very cool sound... smooth but with a tactile, buttery depth - more like caramel actually... warm caramel. Check them out at Nelomusic.com and be sure to take a listen to "On Top of Love"; lovely.

Shortly after Nelo - Sister Hazel and ... WoW!

Sister Hazel absolutely rocked. the. house. They may have name recognition and be "known" to most of us but they definitely maintain an indy feel. It was a great thrill to watch such a talented group of guys doing what they love - and loving every minute of it. Had I not seen their busy tour schedule, I would have easily guessed we were the only (or the first) stop on their tour as their energy and enthusiasm was maxed.

Great vocals, lyrics, music, talent, enthusiasm... just a great group of guys. I'm so very glad I made that show and hope to have the good fortune of catching them again.

Check them out at SisterHazel.com. I posted a link to "Your Winter" - just because it's one of their many great tunes. :)

Also, you'll want to check out Drew Copeland's solo venture at DrewCopeland.com. Prime example of the depth of talent that makes up Sister Hazel. He's a total babe...

Life moments

2008-08-18T16:33:00.002-04:00

I overheard my Mother this afternoon as she spoke via phone to one of my Brothers. She was giving him some uplifting words of advice to raise his spirits from an otherwise stressful day. As she was wrapping up their little chat, she said, "...and if that doesn't make you feel good, just think about this... 53 years ago today I met your Father at my office clam bake (cookout)and I've loved him every moment since...".

I remember last year, apparently on this very day, I was driving my Mother from her home in NY to her home on Hilton Head Island and, out of the blue, she said the very same thing to me - except it was the 52nd year.

I think that's very beautiful - and very sad.

They were married two years later on that very weekend (August 24).

Twenty years later on that very day (their 20th anniversary) sadly, cancer took my Father's life.

This Sunday will mark the 30th year since his early death. He was a mere 50 years old.

My Mother never re-married.

I think about her words and about us teasing and pushing her so many times over the years to begin saying "yes" to some of the dating opportunities that came her way. She would simply smile graciously but, inevitably, refuse.

So, today, again, I think about her words, "...and I've loved him every moment since..." and I understand why my Mother has never shared her time with another man.

The physical absence of the one we love in no way diminishes the fullness and completeness of the Love we have for them - nor is there space for any other in the presence of Love.

This, I know for sure.

House Republicans Call for Special Session to Vote on Non-Bipartisan Energy Bill.

2008-08-06T17:42:00.006-04:00

Capitol Hill Today

Congress gets an F- !

Five weeks paid vacation as follow-up to accomplishing nothing but "politics" when in session. Or, in the case of Pelosi, five weeks paid vacation after getting paid by the American people to sit in a sweet office (when she's actually in town and not traveling by high-cost means) with a full support staff as she wrote a book for personal financial gain. Not a bad gig, eh? Of course she adjourned Congress and of course she won't call them back into session in order for Congress to vote on a bi-partisan Pro-Energy Policy. After all... she has a book tour to conduct!

Rep. Adam Putnam really nailed it today when he said "...responsible governing is challenging...it's different than campaigning...".

I think Americans have had enough of the politicians who are willing to do the work of campaigning to get elected but are not willing to do the work of governing for which they were elected. Once elected, empty promises abound as the work to be re-elected becomes surrogate to the real tasks at hand - the responsibilities of their elected position.

I applaud House Republicans for hosting an energy protest and encourage all news organizations to report the story. Pelosi should get back to work, allow the debate - schedule the vote!

Call 202-224-3121 and leave the negligible Speaker a message.

Still awesome... after all these years ...

2008-07-27T10:42:00.003-04:00

Pat Monahan - Her Eyes Music Video

Good Sunday

2008-07-21T00:13:00.003-04:00

Slow-to-wake morning lingering between ivory and earthy green tones of 600 count cozy'ness.

Scattered Sun winks through symmetrical blinds tapping my compulsivity to count the verticals and leap through the random beams.

Kisses, cuddles and belly laughter waking the Sleeping Beauty niece age 12 with prideless rendition of "R e s p e c t".

Phone call carries "thank you's" and happy tears from bride-to-be niece age 26.

St. Francis by the Sea Sunday service wraps with smiles and extended applause as unknown couple renews marriage vows 40 years in.

Sunblock layered during poolside exhales. Ahhh.

Books fade and tall, earthy, auburn-haired man stands out during happy return to Sunday night bookstore habit.

Creative stories from the 12 year old bodhisattva before the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants consumes us.

More cuddles, more giggles, more Love.

Bedtime.

Gratitude.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T13:18:00.001-04:00

MAY GOD GRANT YOU MANY YEARS TO LIVE,
FOR SURE HE MUST BE KNOWING
THE EARTH HAS ANGELS ALL TOO FEW
AND HEAVEN IS OVERFLOWING
-Irish Blessing

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T12:09:00.002-05:00

Scary things in the South

2007-08-01T09:12:00.003-04:00

Here lizard, lizard, lizard...

And the big winner is...

2007-07-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

Johan Bruyneel

of Team Discovery

That was exhausting!

Yeatsgirl~

Two Words; Kite. Surfing.

2007-07-21T16:42:00.002-04:00

This is just oh-my-gosh amazing... I had the good fortune to stumble upon a group of guys Kite Surfing while I was out cruising the beach this afternoon. I found this clip to illustrate an example of what I saw and what these guys can do! I can't begin to imagine the level of strength and skill required to master this extreme water sport but they certainly had it.

They tackled the wind and the water with such ease and grace that one might be led to believe it isn't so difficult after all - and one would be wrong! It is estimated that it takes an average of 7-9 hours of training for even the most fit athlete to get up on the board for a first run. No doubt the sport and training comes with it's fair share of pain for the gain but, in my estimate, a worthy sacrifice as catching air the way they do must be just the most incredible experience.

Ahhh...life is good in an island town and it was lovely to see a few more loving it - and living it.

Love your Body. Live your Life.

Yeatsgirl~

King of the Mountain; Tour de France 2007

2007-07-16T17:52:00.000-04:00

After a solo break-away in the Alps on Sunday, Michael Rasmussen won stage 8 resulting in taking the lead in the General and "King of the Mountain" classifications. Rasmussen's veteran, strategic attack in the Alps appeared seemingly fluid and effortless - a high contrast to the chaos and injury taking place throughout the day in the chase groups and peloton battling behind him.

Rasmussen isn't a stranger to the coveted polka dot jersey as "King of the Mountain" as he has won the polka dots the last two years. But now, however, unlike his 4 previous years, his overall leader classification gives light to the question of whether he'll opt to fight to wear the yellow Leader jersey or the polka dot King of the Mountain jersey into Paris. Either way, I suspect we're in for another incredible day of cycling when the riders return to the Alps on Tuesday after today's day of rest.

Iban Mayo, taking second, lost 2:47 to Rasmussen but oh what a ride he had.

Also worth noting was Rogers' good ride and possible positioning to take the yellow jersey until he took a sad dive off the bike into a barrier which, inevitably, resulted in the end of his race with an injury. :( /heal~

But let's keep our eyes and hopes on George Hincapie and Team Discovery as the Tour is far from over and we're sure to see them do great things in time trials when the current leaders will undoubtedly lose time and edge.

Current standings are as follows:

Stage 8 results:
Michael Rasmussen (Den / RAB ) 4 hrs 49 mins 40"
Iban Mayo (Spa / SDV ) +2:47"
Alejandro Valverde (Spa / CDE) +3:12"
Christophe Moreau (Fra / AG2R ) +3:13"
Fraenk Schleck (Lux / CSC ) s.t.
Cadel Evans (Aus / PDL ) s.t.
Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz / AST) s.t.
Alberto Contador (Spa / DSC ) +3:31"
Denis Menchov (Rus / RAB) +3:35"
Carlos Sastre (Spa / CSC ) s.t.

Overall classification:
Michael Rasmussen (Den / RAB) 39:37:42"
Linus Gerdemann (Ger / TMO ) +43"
Iban Mayo (Spa / SDV) +2:39"
Alejandro Valverde (Spa / CDE) +2:51"
Andrey Kashechkin (Kaz / AST) +2:52"
Cadel Evans (Aus / PDL) +2:53"
Christophe Moreau (Fra / AG2R ) +3:06"
Alberto Contador (Spa / DSC) +3:10"
Fraenk Schleck (Lux / CSC) +3:14"
Denis Menchov (Rus / RAB) +3:19"

Yeatsgirl~

P.S. Good thoughts out to Floyd - but that's a conversation in itself...

Ode to Patrick Wilson

2007-07-08T01:18:00.000-04:00

Ode

:)

Yeatsgirl~

4th of July...

2007-07-05T23:14:00.001-04:00

...was fun. It was so nice to kick back during a leisurely morning with no timetable to master, no clients to cater to, no errands to run, no deadline to meet, etc. I saddled up solo and headed out for what was to be an hour on the bike. I'm happy to report that one hour turned to two and two turned to many miles and many smiles as two hours to ride is a luxury in time I don't often afford myself. My heart rate monitor reading and my sweet fitness level say I should thank myself.

Post ride, I spent a little time visiting "the ladies" poolside and, although the cool, wetness of the water beckoned, I opted to forego the pool and sunscreen gig and, instead, headed in for a slow, comfortable stretch and abs session; so peaceful, so quiet, so Zen. Yes, tea was in order.

Somehow, I even managed to decline an invite from a NY friend (who now lives here) to attend a bbq that she and her fiance were hosting - and feel comfortable saying, "thank you, but no". That's new - and good. :) Besides, I'm onto her as those "casual" get-togethers amount to not much more than an arm-pull from this "great guy" to that "great guy" and then the "oh...this other great guy". Great guy'isms galore.

I was, however, enthusiastic about the evening and did keep my word to hit the water for fun and fireworks. I met up with my friend early evening and we had our kayaks out on the water in time for some dolphin play, laughs and conversation about everything and nothing before the fireworks began. So fun...and so pretty. Several dolphin even hung around with us for the show. Our water seated positions provided a double dose of fireworks as the reflection off the water was as clear and brilliant as the real deal in the sky. The finale was so bright and so loud and so electric... I burst into laughter. My cup ran'eth over.

It's days like yesterday that remind me of the difference between living life by my own 'script and mindlessly following the ones directed by the busy'ness of days - which life too often hands me these days. Perhaps keeping my hands full with my own 'scripts is... the remedy.

Yeatsgirl~

Rocket Man 350~

2007-07-02T23:26:00.000-04:00

Roger Clemens (ummm... Yum!) hit a MLB milestone tonight; 350 wins!

"Yay!" for Roger Clemens.

Big

Guys

Rule...

;)

Yeatsgirl~

Strand-feeding; Bottlenose Dolphin in the Low Country

2007-06-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

I am blessed to call Hilton Head Island, South Carolina my primary place of residence. Hilton Head Island, located in the "Low Country", truly is a unique island paradise. Beloved by all who visit, Hilton Head quickly takes root in the heart - as the yearly pilgrimage of return visitors and re-locators can attest.

(Side note: check out the great tunes by a smooth band of the same name: http://www.the-low-country.com/ Down the Backstreets, Rain on a Tin Roof, Lord I Want an Exit, The Dark Road; painfully beautiful)

Work, travel and leisure have taken me away from my island paradise very frequently these last months - and, again, in these last days. But it's the warm, welcoming image of the Sun setting on high tide as I come over the bridge on my return "home" that has me wishing for the days away to pass quickly.

I'm especially anxious this time as I have agreed to put marathon days - comprising revolving 7-day work weeks of multiple projects - on hold (if only for a few hours) with plans to be out on the water with the dolphins late on Wednesday. I have been invited by a friend to venture out in our kayaks before sunset in order to enjoy the water, the dolphins, the sunset - the conversation and the friendship. I am so blessed. The kind of "knowing" and understanding that takes place between true friends with very few words spoken is a gift which I treasure greatly.

We have very special dolphins...the Low Country is the only place in the world where bottlenose dolphins practice a behavior called "strand-feeding" (pictured). "Strand-feeding" is when the dolphin charge/chase fish and shrimp onto the shore and mudbanks then, beaching themselves, follow said fish and shrimp right out of the water to feed on the stranded fish and shrimp. It is a learned behavior passed generation to generation and dolphin lovers from all over the world find a sense of satisfaction in observing this unique behavior indigenous to the low country.

I'm sure to have a fantastic and fun time as the dolphin are very social, friendly and entertaining. Besides, isn't kayaking in coastal waters at sunset with dolphin and good company the very recipe for fun, focus and friendship? I think "yes"!

A little James to take me "home";

"...Dark and silent late last night
I think I might have heard the highway calling
Geese in flight and dogs that bite
Signs that might be omens say I'm going, going
I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

With a holy host of others standing 'round me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me
If I'm up and gone to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moon shine
Maybe just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind..."

-James Taylor

Enjoy the beauty of the Full Moon tonight. I know I will.
Yeatsgirl~

Synchronicity~

2007-03-30T02:04:00.000-04:00

"We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen".
-Paul Coelho

At one time or another most of us have experienced strange and inexplicable happenings: someone rings just when we're thinking of calling them; a letter arrives containing exactly the information we need that day; a book falls off the shelf, we open it, and the words we read hit us, etc.

How do such things happen and, more importantly, why do they happen and what are they for? In "Synchronicity: The Promise of Coincidence" Begg suggests, "Quite often synchronistic phenomena are announcements of important coming events; at other times they are signs of comfort, which assure us that 'all shall be well.'" They can also be signposts that show us which way to go next, or which way not to go next. Again and again they give us the feeling that we are in contact with something that looks out for us, which has our own best interests at heart and which will be present whether we invoke it or not.

The revelations that help us understand the role of synchronicity in our lives are always as simple as they are stunning, especially to the person experiencing them - even if it's all Greek to the rest of the world. A synchronistic event not only has something uncanny about it, something otherworldly, inexplicable, and wondrous, but it also has an important meaning for the person involved.

The Swiss psychologist Carl Jung (my favorite!) first introduced the world to the concept of synchronicity; "...the intersection of two totally independent events, that when put together, like missing puzzle pieces, take on deep personal significance particular to an individual..." The soul of synchronicity is the meaning we attach to events. "How we interpret the signs depends on how sensitive we are to the callings from a world that lies beyond our physical limits," Begg says. Some people are comforted by synchronicity because it suggests to them that they are under the influence of divine guidance. Others are petrified, because to them it means that they are not in control - at any moment Fate could step in and deal them a nasty blow.

Begg notes, "We have been well trained and socially conditioned to trust only what we can experience with our five outer senses. Yet, genuine synchronistic events can only be registered when our normal, everyday consciousness is off-guard and their meaning can only be understood if we allow ourselves to 'think' with that other mind of ours, that mind which can make connections that are not obvious at first glance."

Perhaps the trick is to learn to use that other mind with a free spirit and an open heart.

Hope Springs Eternal

2007-03-26T23:33:00.000-04:00

Gradually winter's cold begins its retreat, letting go of its grip upon our imagination and inclinations. All things seem to be stirring, including me. Many find themselves with a desire to walk on the wild side as our earth-born bodies respond to something primal and energy engages all of our senses. For centuries, this heady sensation has been known as spring fever. Perhaps, really, it is the return of Hope. We often think of Hope as quiet and reserved, but like the month of March it can also be surprisingly wild and erratic.

March's energy rises within us just as colorful blossoms and green leaves burst forth from winter's dormant trees. This is the month to let out our strong feelings, those that sometimes overwhelm us, those that have been bottled up inside of us during the dark, cold winter(s) of our lives. March is the time to laugh, play and create. Look around at the natural world. March is not the month to be shy or keep desires and thoughts hidden inside.

So often the emotion we shy away from or try to stifle is Hope. But Hope does spring eternal. The very least we can do in our lives is to figure out what we hope for. And the most we can do is live inside that Hope!

Happy Spring!

2007-03-22T23:42:00.000-04:00

"People may be giving us messages about our next step, and yet if we lack the confidence to take action, we cannot take advantage of those messages".
-Carol Adrienne, "The Purpose of Your Life"

How is it...

2005-04-19T14:13:00.000-04:00

... writers - write? I mean as far as time and schedule - opportunity and availability?

I frequently remind myself that I fall into the "work to live" category of the verily employed - and it's a good thing. Beyond work, the enormity of my "to do" list in so far as responsibility to my siblings and Mother, is full and my time - taken.

I would like to dedicate a day to writing. What a splurge it would be to feel able to surrender myself to a day of free thought, creative writing, reading and poetry; to wander this place I live with a calm mind - breathing in the crisp salt air.

For so many, this place is paradise. Often, while enroute from one obligation to the next, I observe the people around me. I envy them, sometimes, as they live and swim in the life I'm trying to get to as I multi-task my way through the days. But always, while observing, I smile. Happiness and joy are contageous. The happy families and children and couples I observe en route make me feel Hopeful - and that's a beautiful thing.

One day... there will be time to escape to a place of poetry and literature - a place where pen meets paper and the mind is free to run carefree through fields and climb mountain tops blanketed in Autumn leaves.

In the meantime, I will make an effort to come here and fill the "between" moments of the day in thought - with word.

As for this moment, sister #1 called and needs some help.

Yeatsgirl~

And so it begins...

2005-04-18T23:56:00.000-04:00

"The creations of a great writer are little more than the moods and passions of his own heart, given surnames and Christian names, and sent to walk the earth." W B Yeats

Hello, and welcome.

I hope to build a home for my Words here; my moods, my passions. Please join me.

Yeatsgirl~