The lovely sun is gracing us again for the third straight day. I feel so much better after a dose of sun. There is actually a spot of grass showing through in the front yard. Funny how spotting that this morning made me smile so big!!
I have noticed as the snow melts the huge snow banks are making fun shapes. Near my gym was one that looked like a cow - really sucks that I don't have a picture! Just take notice of the curb banks as you drive around the next few days I am sure you will see cool things!
When I was at my brothers a few weeks ago he had a little nest in the tree outside his window and a small plop of snow sat in it looking just like a small white bird!
Notice things!
keep Smiling!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Songs
What songs make you smile?
What songs make you cry?
I am watching John Prine sing on TV. He sings a simple song about regular things and he makes me cry. Is it the song that makes me cry or is it him? Or is it the mix of the two? Maybe the addition of the time and place is really what evokes the mood.
If I am having a bad day or am grumpy I can play the song Domino and it will make me smile. Something about the horns in it just picks me up. I also love Van Morrison and his voice.
Perhaps it is my the sentimental side of me, that comes from my Dad. I connect songs to people and moments. Domino forever will be connected to the remodeling of my brothers store. Working with my sisters and brothers the difficult times and the fun of cranking Domino in the big empty store and every single one of us breaking into song.
Music is so wonderful!
keep smiling!
k
What songs make you cry?
I am watching John Prine sing on TV. He sings a simple song about regular things and he makes me cry. Is it the song that makes me cry or is it him? Or is it the mix of the two? Maybe the addition of the time and place is really what evokes the mood.
If I am having a bad day or am grumpy I can play the song Domino and it will make me smile. Something about the horns in it just picks me up. I also love Van Morrison and his voice.
Perhaps it is my the sentimental side of me, that comes from my Dad. I connect songs to people and moments. Domino forever will be connected to the remodeling of my brothers store. Working with my sisters and brothers the difficult times and the fun of cranking Domino in the big empty store and every single one of us breaking into song.
Music is so wonderful!
keep smiling!
k
Simple words
It is important to remember the power of words. A simple word can cause a lot of heartbreak. This connects to my previous post about how we can so easily affect a young person with one simple interaction. We forget that even though we may being saying something with no malice in our hearts it can cut like a knife to someone else hearing it.
Recently I read some postings where a couple of friends were going back and forth giving each other the business. In this particular back and forth they refered to each other as "gay" saying they needed to test anyone who had come in contact to make sure they didn't become "gay" too. I know these people, they know I am gay and I assume they are not homophobic. I realize lots of people raz each other like that and that dont really mean they think gay people are lesser people or that they hate gays. That doesnt make it OK to say such things. Because growing up gay is hard and if your peers are using the term gay as a slur it makes it harder. Sure they didnt say fag or dyke but that doesnt matter. Just like it doesnt matter if you use the word retard in satire or as a putdown.
A young person who is figuring out they are gay is already struggling. Its hard enough just being a teen and dealing with sexual feelings. Suicide attempts in gay teens is 4 times higher then in heterosexual teens. If your friends use the term gay to razz each other it really makes it more difficult for them to see themselves as normal. Being Gay is hard but it does not make you a bad person, a diseased person or a lesser person. Try to remember how hard it was being a kid in high school now imagine if you were part of a smaller group like the only black kid or only muslim or only jew or disabled. You sure wouldnt accept hearing kids using any of those differences to razz each other. It is highly unlikely any kid would think of calling another kid jew in jest, yet they do use gay that way. I surely hope no one would stay silent if a kid said the n word, why is it just boys being boys when they tease each other about being gay. Sure if they pick on a kid who might be gay something might be said. But if its a group of "regular" guys just joking with each other its ok? Its not!! Maybe one of those "regular" guys is gay and doesnt know it yet or hes hiding it cause well his friends obviously think if your gay your sick or a wussy. Esera Tuaolo, Greg Louganis, Rock Hudson, Glenn Burke and John Ameche just to name a few "regular" guys who are gay! Sorry there is no such thing as gaydar. Gay people are just like any one else some are jocks some are smart some are tall some are fat some are artistic some are carpenters some are democrats some are republicans
Please don't be afraid to speak up! Its not ok and its not overreacting! Don't be afraid to speak up when people say hurtful things. The only way to change things is to do something!
Keep smiling!
Recently I read some postings where a couple of friends were going back and forth giving each other the business. In this particular back and forth they refered to each other as "gay" saying they needed to test anyone who had come in contact to make sure they didn't become "gay" too. I know these people, they know I am gay and I assume they are not homophobic. I realize lots of people raz each other like that and that dont really mean they think gay people are lesser people or that they hate gays. That doesnt make it OK to say such things. Because growing up gay is hard and if your peers are using the term gay as a slur it makes it harder. Sure they didnt say fag or dyke but that doesnt matter. Just like it doesnt matter if you use the word retard in satire or as a putdown.
A young person who is figuring out they are gay is already struggling. Its hard enough just being a teen and dealing with sexual feelings. Suicide attempts in gay teens is 4 times higher then in heterosexual teens. If your friends use the term gay to razz each other it really makes it more difficult for them to see themselves as normal. Being Gay is hard but it does not make you a bad person, a diseased person or a lesser person. Try to remember how hard it was being a kid in high school now imagine if you were part of a smaller group like the only black kid or only muslim or only jew or disabled. You sure wouldnt accept hearing kids using any of those differences to razz each other. It is highly unlikely any kid would think of calling another kid jew in jest, yet they do use gay that way. I surely hope no one would stay silent if a kid said the n word, why is it just boys being boys when they tease each other about being gay. Sure if they pick on a kid who might be gay something might be said. But if its a group of "regular" guys just joking with each other its ok? Its not!! Maybe one of those "regular" guys is gay and doesnt know it yet or hes hiding it cause well his friends obviously think if your gay your sick or a wussy. Esera Tuaolo, Greg Louganis, Rock Hudson, Glenn Burke and John Ameche just to name a few "regular" guys who are gay! Sorry there is no such thing as gaydar. Gay people are just like any one else some are jocks some are smart some are tall some are fat some are artistic some are carpenters some are democrats some are republicans
Please don't be afraid to speak up! Its not ok and its not overreacting! Don't be afraid to speak up when people say hurtful things. The only way to change things is to do something!
Keep smiling!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sometimes you should keep it to yourself
Recently John Mayer has done a couple interviews where he shared a little too much. I am not judging his point of view I say to each his own. I do have a problem with him sharing so much with the whole wide world. Mostly the parts that involved other people namely exgirlfriends. Where is his sense of decorum? Gentlemen do not kiss and tell.
I wish we as a society didnt enjoy the media circus so much. From Britney to Tiger we seem to wallow in their trials and tribulations. Frankly if camaras were on the average person constantly we would see much the same. Everyone has their weaknesses and foibles. We all do things, say things, text things etc. that in the wrong hands would be misconstrued or seem disgusting or preverse.
I honestly did not think Tiger owed any of us an apology. Yea I know he is considered a role model blah blah blah. Well stop having athletes, rock stars and movie stars for role models. Lets be role models for the kids in our lives. My biggest role model growing up was my Dad. I learned how to be a good person from him. He taught me to be honest, to treat others, kindly to be fair to appreciate my family. He did this by example as well as taking time to talk to me. I know I was lucky growing up with lots of extended family, great siblings and involved parents.
I ask that you be mindful of the young people you interact with daily. The smallest moment can have a profound effect on a kid. Think back at moments that stand out from your childhood. You probably will find that some of the smallest interactions had a profound efffect on you positive or negetive.
keep smiling
I wish we as a society didnt enjoy the media circus so much. From Britney to Tiger we seem to wallow in their trials and tribulations. Frankly if camaras were on the average person constantly we would see much the same. Everyone has their weaknesses and foibles. We all do things, say things, text things etc. that in the wrong hands would be misconstrued or seem disgusting or preverse.
I honestly did not think Tiger owed any of us an apology. Yea I know he is considered a role model blah blah blah. Well stop having athletes, rock stars and movie stars for role models. Lets be role models for the kids in our lives. My biggest role model growing up was my Dad. I learned how to be a good person from him. He taught me to be honest, to treat others, kindly to be fair to appreciate my family. He did this by example as well as taking time to talk to me. I know I was lucky growing up with lots of extended family, great siblings and involved parents.
I ask that you be mindful of the young people you interact with daily. The smallest moment can have a profound effect on a kid. Think back at moments that stand out from your childhood. You probably will find that some of the smallest interactions had a profound efffect on you positive or negetive.
keep smiling
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines day!
I wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day! I feel lucky to say I have all my siblings, nieces, nephews and friends for valentines. Please spend the day with those you love. Forget about all the commercial aspects and remember the love!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lanesboro...
I am in Lanesboro Mn visiting my brother. Such a cute little town nestled in a little valley. The drive here was great, a sunny day! All the snow makes everything look so quaint. The buildings here are older and give that village feel to the place.
So good to arrive to my brothers big smile and just spend time with him. We just talk and talk topics ranging from simple things like food to the state of Americas youth!
We played poker and kicked each others asses, though in the end he won but it was a bad beat! I am lucky to get to spend time with him!
So good to arrive to my brothers big smile and just spend time with him. We just talk and talk topics ranging from simple things like food to the state of Americas youth!
We played poker and kicked each others asses, though in the end he won but it was a bad beat! I am lucky to get to spend time with him!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
SNOW!
Lots of snow here actually enjoyed shoveling today. Good work out and it was really nice and sunny!
Happy that the Saints won the SuperBowl it actually was a very good game. Commercials kinda sucked. Though loved the Betty White one. She is really awesome, heard there is a campaign to have her the host SNL. I think that could really fun. If I live to be 88 I sure hope I am as sharp.
Happy that the Saints won the SuperBowl it actually was a very good game. Commercials kinda sucked. Though loved the Betty White one. She is really awesome, heard there is a campaign to have her the host SNL. I think that could really fun. If I live to be 88 I sure hope I am as sharp.
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