what you can do for your country

May 29, 2017 is Memorial Day, a federal holiday here in the United States on which we remember the women and men who died while serving in our country's armed forces, and it is also the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. How appropriate that the two should fall on the same day. When I think of service to our country, I can't help think of Kennedy's stirring words "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."

If we ALL try

Fighting just about every day somewhere in this world, and so much loss of life this week, including a bomb set off at a Manchester concert killing 22 people including many youngsters and an attack on Coptic Christians early this morning in Egypt has killed at least 23.  Why?  Has our world become evil?  Have love and kindness disappeared?  I hope not!  I really think if we try, we can make this a better world.  I really think if we try - if we ALL try, we can spread good instead of evil.

Danger at a concert

So much hate and so much negativity seems to be all around.  For as simple a thing as attending an Ariana Grande concert to be considered dangerous - to be risking your life, is very hard for me to even comprehend.  Where did the love go?  Have we stopped caring about others?  Have we forgotten how to be kind and caring?  Please tell me I am wrong.  Please tell me that the world is going to return to a safe and loving place.

you have to give them hope

"The only thing they have to look forward to is hope. And you have to give them hope. Hope for a better world, hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a better place to come to if the pressures at home are too great. Hope that all will be all right. Without hope, not only gays, but the blacks, the seniors, the handicapped, the us'es, the us'es will give up." -Harvey Milk, 1978

21st

It's May 21st - reason to be kind.  It's Sunday - reason to be kind.  It's the beginning of a brand new week - reason to be kind.  Every hour, every day, every single moment of our life is another reason to be kind!

Life is worth living

With several celebrity suicides in the news recently I was thinking about the importance of suicide prevention, and also kindness toward the vulnerable and to those who survive.  I was just reading about a Utah woman, who after losing her husband to suicide,  has been surviving his death through the kindness that has been shown to her family.  Kindness makes a difference.  The word needs to be spread that life is worth living and that things can be better, especially when others care about you.

Ending Homophobia and Transphobia

This International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which is held on May 17 every year, is a day I wish weren't necessary, but as long as there is hate and prejudice and inequality, today, and other days like this must continue so that folks can get together and reach out to one another, and with kindness and love put an end once and for all to homophobia and transphobia.

The quick and the dead

I have a friend who reminds folks at every Mother's Day to remember their moms, be she among the quick or the dead.  Indeed.  Think too about those friends of yours who have lost a parent during the previous few years, and be there for them.  The first few Mother's Days can be tough when mom isn't around anymore.

Another be good to mommy day

Personally I'd rather show my mom that I love her every day! On the old Captain Kangaroo tv show, they used to sing a song called "It's another be good to mommy day."  I agree!   I don't need a special holiday to appreciate my mom!  The same is true with grandmothers, aunts, and even folks who are like a mother to you. 

Lots of sweetness

Too much Candy Crush for me lately!  Really.  I seem to have become sweeter than ever.  I know I shouldn't be patting myself on the back, but I just seem so incredibly happy, and each day is happier!  (I wonder what will happen when Candy Crush becomes a tv show with Mario Lopez.  Everybody will have the sweetness then)!

With the Mayor

I was at a morning gathering yesterday, with the Mayor of the small town where I am currently living.  Sometimes political events can be difficult.  This one was the opposite.  Everyone was kind and courteous to the others and our conversation was always positive.  Perhaps we should have made a diagram for others to follow!

Special appreciation days

Mother's Day is coming this month and Father's Day next month.  Have you ever thought about Creating extra holidays to celebrate your parents?  You could include grandparents too, along with aunts and uncles and maybe even close friends.  Do a "Nana Appreciation Day" or a "My dad is special Day." It can be as simple as declaring the date of your special holiday and perhaps creating a nice sign or writing a note of thanks.  You can enlist other family members to join you.  Design some "coupons" to give our for an extra special hug or unlimited kisses.  Get creative and truly make someone's day.