'Celebrating Our Independence.. and living this wonderful life!'

    Well, here it is, 1:47 in the morning on the Fourth of July!  I 'should' be sleeping...but instead, I'm sitting in front of my computer screen while my husband, and my dog (and the cat) snore comfortably in their perspective spots, in our quiet night-time house.  I've been wanting, or should I say, I have been  almost driven to write this blog for days!  For days,  I have  had the house to myself, my husband was at work, and I (now on summer vacation from my job), have had this wonderful, scrumptiously delicious, 'free-time.'  It would have been the perfect time..to corner my 'muse' and get creative!  It would have been the perfect time if... 
  Life has a way of 'happening,' of reminding us that we are not really in control, and instead, reminding us of what is really important, after all.   I just happened to come down with a 'killer' of an upper respiratory virus the very same day my vacation began.  So even though I had all this free-time, I felt like I had maybe three months to live...fever, cough from hell, and exhaustion to the max.  I was wheezing so loud, that I couldn't hear the television!   I DID finally start to feel a little better when my  husband my poor husband had a relapse of a chronic condition he has been wrestling with.   Awww..vacation!!
  That brings us to this moment...the wee hours of the morning.  My husband is resting peacefully, thank the good Lord  and it seems, that at least the crisis has passed.  I am starting to feel, also thank the good Lord,  better myself.  The cough is lingering, but it is slowly going away.   It is one of those reminders... that says, drop everything and take care of the ones that mean so much. In this case, my husband and myself! 
  For a few weeks now, I had been thinking, planning (sort of), even designing (all in my feverish, little head of course), this beautiful blog, where I was going to speak, eloquently about our country, the good ol' US of A.  I was going to delve into, and elaborate on(to the best of my humble ability).... the Revolutionary War,  the Declaration of Independence, and finally, (drum roll, please), the Fourth of July!  Which, of course, is...... about our FREEDOM...God, I hate to interrupt myself,  I seem to be on a role... but (pausing here), what a beautiful word...FREEDOM!!.....I guess, I'll have to get to that blog tomorrow...I still have time.

~~We Have a Dream~~

 I remember reading an article once, that presented an idealistic,  and I suppose,  rather illogical theory:  What if all  mothers, all over the world,  woke up one day and decided that they would only 'teach' their children to be peaceful?   Wrestling over toys,  angry words with or toward siblings and friends would be strongly discouraged.  Fighting over the a television channel, the computer, or the last few chips in the bag would be immediately re-directed.   As children grew into young adults,  the thought of going to war, of fighting for their country, would not be an option.  The focus was a  kind of a universal parental boycott!  When I read this article,  so many years ago,  I was very young and idealistic myself,  and  I remember thinking, 'YES! This could work!  In all these billions and trillions and zillions of years that we as a human race, have BEEN, why hasn't anyone thought of this yet?!  I chuckle to myself as now, as I write these words.  
   It seems to me that this practice, or ethical choice of child-rearing, would have to be presented, and agreed upon, universally, so that everyone had it straight...  so that ALL world leaders,  politicians, etc. grew up with same philosophy.  That would insure that no one would even think of fighting over land or religion!  
  So, what if everyone  (in the whole world) did indeed decide to radically 'turn over a new leaf?'  What if all moms did wake up one morning, and decide to 'require' their children to choose a  peaceful path?  How long would we be able to 'steer them straight,' even if it was exactly what everyone else in the world was doing?  How long before they developed their own ideas about life, about what is right or wrong, about which road 'they' wanted to take?  How long before that  seemingly innate 'rebellious seed' springs forth?  It is human nature to learn by experience, sometimes the 'wrong experience and sometimes  the hard way.'  Even if, by some miracle,  we could promote this way of life, and raise these 'peace-loving persons,' would they be capable of getting through the tough times, and  to stand up for what they believed in, right or wrong?   
   The bible teaches that we should 'love our neighbors and forgive our enemies.'  I don't think anyone would argue that this definitely is  wisdom of the Highest order.  If we are to have one goal..as humans, this should be it.  Attaining that all forgiving love, the kind of love that takes us through the fire, is a process.   One  that evolves us, from self-driven creatures, out to make a mark,  into caring members of the human family.  Learning this kind of selfless love is a life's work...  a long journey,  where we learn our lessons moment by moment.   Although, as parents,  we may want to raise 'caring human beings' who want to love and forgive one another, others exist on this earth with no such aspirations.   Their mission might include fighting for what they believe in, but not by any peaceful means.   It is up to us, and ultimately to our children,  to build a better world, while so-existing with persons who may strive to tear it down. 
  I haven't abandoned the  dream that  we can teach our children  to value 'love,' above all else.   Our children must be encouraged early on, to be independent problem-solvers, to exercise  their free wills,  and to realize that it is okay to make decisions, occasionally make mistakes and  to learn from them.   Although fighting and wars may be inevitable in the course of history, the hunger for peace can be greater. 
   I, too, have a dream.

  Let it be our dream!
    

I

***Just...an Animal**

~~Okay...I am an admitted 'animal lover.' I love most of the animals I have had the priviledge of knowing. Of course, there are millions (billions) of species I know very little about. That being said, what I do know of the animal world allows me to realize that all creatures on this earth are 'wonderfully, and miraculously made,' just as we humans are. There are many animals that the average person only gets to read about, or observe behind a wall, like at a zoo or other public preserve. Even so, learning about their specific traits, their primitive instincts, and the behaviors and habits that allow them to survive on the earth, allows me to 'know' and appreciate them from afar. Finally, there are the animals that we get to know 'really well,' our family pets. I know there are many people who never had a pet growing up, and also those who have opted to never own a pet as an adult. I know there are alot of reasons to not own a pet, a dislike or fear of animals, lack of funds, allergies, etc. I guess, based on my own life-long experience with many family pets, I wish everyone could have the opportunity, and the pleasure, of owning one. Through our lives we interact, on a daily basis, with our fellow humans. We are loved, we are needed, we are sometimes disliked and sometimes not appreciated. We are here, they are someplace else. There is a both a give and take in our relationships, a mutual interdependence. This is life and this is good. We are able to have a different sort of bond with our pets. We are here, they are here. We give them love, and they accept...most all of the time. We are in a good mood, they are happy and give us kisses. We are in a bad mood, they are still happy and give us kisses! Although there are some human relationships which are amazing examples of unconditional love, not many are as consistantly, and predictably loyal as are those with our pets! So, Bobby dog, when I think of you stealing, and running a mile down the streets of Wesleyville with the neighbor's raw rib roast, I will only smile, and remember your fuzzy kisses. Likewise, I will always remember Lad's loyal and endearing look, as he perched himself in front of me. Bear, you big, loveable dog, I will try NOT to remember how many times you have run away, instead remembering the time you dragged yourself home, in a blizzard, after being hit by a car! You looked at me with eyes that I will never forget. Hopefully Bear, you will be 'driving us crazy' for years to come! Just an animal? I think not!

**Grey Day**

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It is what I like to call a 'grey day' today.  Nothing wrong with 'grey days.'  Some find them a bit depressing.  I usually don't.  Give me a rainy day with thunder and lightening, or a snowy day and I'm feeling good!  I guess it makes me feel like getting work done, reading, or being creative. 'Also, if it fits into the schedule...taking a nice nap!  There is alot to be said for a hot cup of tea, and a nice 'thinking chair.'  When there seems to be a 'chunk of time' and a good 'grey day,' alot of previously confusing details and life situations, can be more easily contemplated.  Here's to This 'Grey Day.'

*Christmas Gifts*

 ***I know I am not alone when I say that the days after Christmas are a downer!  Maybe those who 'don't put alot of stock in the holiday are not feeling the 'let-down' that most of us are.  I'll speak for myself, (but feel free to identify with me), when I say that I look forward to Christmas as much as any child would!  Beginning in October, I start to feel that 'secret excitement,' that feeling of expecting the unexpected.  As the days grow closer, that excitement grows, and grows into a fever pitch!  Of course, as I am definitely not a child, the excitement is mixed with alot of other 'not sa hot' emotions.  I, am a born procratinator.  I should be in a 'twelve step program' for Procrastinators.  I wait until the 'last dog is hung' to shop.  I then feel not only the monetary crunch, but the limitations of both time and energy.  So, at a time when I want to feel the happiest, I feel a little anxious (alot), and truly afraid I won't be able to do it all!  I swear, next year will be different.  I will shop for those special gifts even in the summer!

  Still, even with anxiety in tow, I love Christmas.  I think Christmas allows us to 'look for a miracle,'  to expect something wonderful to happen!  We reflect more deeply on that 'first birth, that first miracle,' the coming of our Lord Jesus.  I guess as 'tired adults' we need encouragement to think as such!  Life is hard, and this is a time when we can again, be like children.  So yes, I am a little down. My favorite season is coming to a close.  I still have the most precious gifts in my posession though.  My abiding faith in the Maker of all miracles, and my family...my true loves!  I get to 're-enact' that   'Christmas feeling' every time  I have the opportunity to 'give or receive the gift of love'....it's Christmas!