Bush and the Culture of Life

While just on the tred-mill, there was a special report given with President Bush addressing many questions from a group of reporters. I know that I indicated below that I would stay away from politics today, but there is so much there, I could not resist.

Bush was asked, by one reporter, what legislation he would propose to insure his stance on promoting a culture of life. He responded by saying that he wants to be sensitive and compassionate towards life and will do what is necessary to insure that life is preserved.

The whole right to life issue is in a separate category, as is stem cell research, but here is my question: How can Bush justify at he wants to be sensitive towards preserving life when, (1) he is absolutely unequivocally pro-death penalty, (2) many Americans here live at or in the poverty level, and find it difficult to support their own children on a daily basis (3) there are many who suffer from mental illness, and services and funds, at the federal level are being cut thereby diminishing the quality of their lives. Are the poor, the mentally ill, and those on death row less deserving of his compassion towards life? Do people who are actually alive have less value than potential lives in being?

This seems to be rather a contradiction to me. What are your views?

Thank you for your minds.

Do you believe in miracles?

Although there is plenty to talk about in relationship to politics today, let me step away from the subject for a moment.

Surely at some point in our lives, we have come to the conclusion that something that has occurred is miraculous. The sight of a new born baby, the blossoming of a beautiful flower, recovery from a disease, such as alcoholism, or an illness that by all accounts should have taken a different turn but has given us a second chance in some way. In one instance or another, we may have stated, 'this is truly miraclous!'

For example, my dog, a 12 year old golden retriever was diagnosed with cancer when he was 7 years old. He is still amazingly alive, and has had no remission. Our vet constantly refers to him as 'the miracle dog.' It is truly the case, that some results cannot be understood or explained, and in my opinion, perhaps just as well.

It is difficult for me to say whether these phenomenon are the results of the nature of the unfolding of something as it should be as part what exists in the universe, or occurs according to God's will or plan, if you will, or is aresult of some miraculous occurrence in and of itself. In fact, it could be a result of any or all of these thiings.

So here is the question of the day: Do you believe in miracles? How do you explain them? Give an example of something that has happened to you or a loved one that makes you conclude that it is the result of something 'miraculous.'

Thank you for your minds.

Made in America

This morning, I put on a blouse with a label that I had not seen in quite awhile: "Made in America." The blouse, was not that unusual nor different than other blouses I own, except for the fact that I paid probably 3 or 4 times as much for it as I would have a blouse of similar quality made somewhere else.

Like everyone, I purchase goods made outside of this country. For instance, I have a collection of exotic fragrances from France, many items of clothing made in China, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Canada and other places from around the globe. My car, in fact was made in another country, and so was this computer that I rely upon for work projects and the dissementation and receipt of information.

Although a non-mainstream thinker, I consider myself a worthwhile American. I like to see the people of this country benefit economically as much as possible. I want each of us to have affordable healthcare, social security benefits, quality jobs and be able to prosper in this country as best as we can. So, I ask myself, why are most of the goods that we purchase here in our own country produced elsewhere? Does it make sense that, as Americans, we should have to pay 3-4 times as much for similiar good produced here in our own country?

Which brings me to the topic of the day: What, if any opinion, do you have on the outsourcing of goods and/or services to non-American companies? Who benefits? How does job outsourcing impact our country here, employment as well as the economy.

Thank you for your minds.

Has the idea of Humanism Replaced the idea of Communism in America Today?

Reading over everyone's comments, I could not help but notice an interesting question emerging: Has humanism replaced communism in America today? Here is what I mean. During the 1950s, and even afterwards, people who were labeled 'un-American' were concluded to be communists. Remember the McCarthy era, those unsolicited witch-hunts whereby individuals who spoke their minds, and who were against the government were labeled communists?This may have been furthest from the truth, but any thinking, acting or participation against mainstream America, was concluded to be done by a communist thinker. Today, many people are disenchanted with politics, as they currently exist in this country. Consequently, it is concluded that they are un-American, or from what I have read on this blog, humanists at heart. I am not equating the concept of 'humanism' with 'communism' as much as I am asking whether the labels for non-mainstream thinking have attached to these concepts. In other words, if one does not like the political climate today, is it concluded the she/he is a humanist at heart, just like it was concluded someone was a communist and therefore belongs to a culture of anti-Americanism? Or is this an unfair comparison?

Thank you for your minds.

Anonymity and Speaking Freely

In an attempt towards solidarity and unity, and to stay away from politics and religion, for a day, I thought I would post on something totally different.

Has anyone noticed how anonymity correlates to some extent with our ability to speak freely, which can, at times results in rudenss in certain contexts? Think about it. People who we do not even know feel justified, almost entitled to flip one another off, yell, scream, say the meanest things when driving inside of their cars when their indentity is unknown. It is almost as if when we are anonymous, we feel we can take that extra liberty to be unkind towards others. Who among us does not long for that fleeting moment when we caan flip someone off, yell, scream, say the f word and hide behind the mask of being anonymous? It is as if we have received a license to speak our minds! Here is another example: the other day, someone called our home, mistakenly, and when I answered, I hung up. Well, I have that call 69 feature, and dialed back, and asked, 'did you just telephone my home?' Instead of saying, 'yes' or 'no', the individual hung up on me!

When thinking about the creation of this blog, part of what allows me to speak so freely, I must admit, is that to many, I am truly unknown. This point somewhat played itself out yesterday in two contexts. One I had in blogsbille and another with someone whom I had known had read my blog and commented. In one situation, a woman reacted in when I posted on a woman's blog, and I admit to being a bit sarcastic. (I'll own up to my part and I acknowledged it.) Conseqquently, the woman reacted in an insulting manner, and posted something telling me what she thought and ended by saying I could stick it you know where. I mean, she displayed her name, even photograph, but being anonymous gave her license to be unkind towards me. Another example was a friend of mine had read my blog and commented. In some ways, I felt a bit unconfortable, thinking, does this person really know that this is how I feel about certain things? Sometimes, when we are face to face with someone we know, albeit on line on in person, most of us do not take the liberities with others as we do when they are completely anonymous.

I suppose all of us long for that moment on the freeway where we can be uncensored, and flippant, and flip someone off we do not know. It gives us release, after all, to let off steam in an otherwise hostile world. I would be lying if I said that I did not carry these impulses, but I do try to treat others with civility and respect even if I do not know them, mainly because to be mean and nasty, is not good for me in the long run.

Have you had these experiences as well?

Thank you for your minds.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

As an American, and the granddaughter and daughter of men who served in the Navy, Memorial Day has held some special meaning to me. As a child, I associated this particular day with parades, bright red, white and blue banners, the beginning of summer, as we remembered those who had died heroically to fight for our country.

Today, Memorial Day seems to have a completely different meaning for me. Up close and personal are those images of the men and women who are continuing to serve in the military and risk their lives each and every day in the meaning of 'freedom.' Today, when I think about Memorial Day, I have visions of car bombs, more than 1,200 Americans who are have been wounded or injured, some brain dead and unable to function, families broken. My heart goes out to these individuals. I continue to ask, however, what is the meaning of 'freedom' for which these individuals continue to fight? Is it these continual images of death and violence as we are spoon fed this constant rederick that we are spreading freedom and democracy to Iraq's people?
Where is it? Is it the many deaths that have occurred at the expense of a war that has cost this country billions of dollars while many Americans still face staggering unemployment, inability to have affordable health care, homelessness? Is this the meaning of freedom for us as Americans? Is this a true fight for America? To me, this war is more about money than anything else, as we watch corporations become more powerful and rich at expense of many.

What is the meaning of Memorial Day to you? How do you define freedom?

Thank you for your minds.

The Trial of God

The brilliant writer, Nobel peace prize winner and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wisel, wrote a play, in three acts called The Trial of God. The idea for this play came to Wisel, based upon what he had actually witnessed in a concentrate camp. The play is set in 1649, in a small village after the community experiences a pogrom. Many Jews were killed, and subsequently, these villagers put God on trial. The results may or may not be what you expect, but reading this book is provocative and mind challenging at every turn.

Many people in this world experience loss or some type of personal tragedy, ranging from death, to cancer to mental illness of a loved one (those grand scale issues) to smaller, but ones such as a loss of a job, a dream or home, etc. Here is my question: When you are faced with horror, tragedy, or unexplained difficulties in your life, do you blame God? Do you become angry at God, and if so, why?Do you change courses from a believer to a disbeliever? How, if at all do you hang on to your faith? For those non-believers, how do you deal with the emotions thrust upon you by experiencing some type of horrible event and how do you explain it?

Enough to keep everyone busy and thinking for the long weekend.

As a side note: I am humbled and grateful for all your provocative comments and statements here. Many of you I become acquainted with on another site. To some, our friendship is deepening, others, I am just getting to know, and many, who I thought would be interested in this blog, have vanished quickly out of my life. Moreover,I have met some interesting people and thinkers, and have begun to develop some new cyber-relationships here on this blog. To all of you, I send my deep thank yous.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Thank you for your minds.

Women: Are we Thought of as first class citizens in some situations and not others?

Yesterday, there was an interesting bit of information that I heard while on the tred-mill. The topic of conversation dealt with women in combat. Basically, there was an issue as to whether this administration should allow women to fight and participate in combat duty. The conclusion reached was that yes, they should have this right to fight and in fact. to deny them this right would be to weaken an already slender and much needed class necessary for the function of the American military. When you look at Israel, both men and women recruited to combat duty.

Here is the question: How can this administration, believe that women be afforded equal rights in military situations, but deny them fundamental rights to make choices about their bodies, which include the right to an abortion, if that is what they chose and desire? Do you think this is an inconsistency in thinking or is it like mixing apples with oranges? How do you reconcile the two?

Let me thank everyone for the many comments you have posted on this blog, and thank you further for keeping your comments respectful.

Thank you for your minds.

Words, Beliefs and Thoughts Into Action

A pro-active and positive spin on the two posts, and wonderful comments below. A note of much thanks and appreciation for all of the information below. What awesome minds you have indeed! Let me thank you for your kind wishes for my son, who should be arriving in Tel Aviv tomorrow morning. (Pacific Time.) Tomorrow, I will move on to a new subject, but for tonight, the question begs an answer as I can see from your provocative and intelligent comments. Furthermore, I want to be fair to all.

How, if at all, do you see the Bush administration, and politicans at both the national and local levels practicing principles of pragmatism, tolerance , love and acceptance and applying them to all of their affairs and political agendas? Where and how do you think this affects Americans today? Do you think this is an administration who judges and condemns others through harsh, strong and often ironhanded hell and brimstone methods? (thanks godless mom...love this word.)

Tomorrow, I will move on to another subject.

Thank you for your minds.

Jesus, Tolerance and Homosexuality: Part II

Another time to weigh in and comment: SUB-TOPIC OF THIS TOPIC if you will.

I appreciate all of the comments, and see that many have given both Biblical as well as non-biblical comments. Thank you to everyone. As a practicing Jew, I do not accept Jesus as the son of God, but as a prophet, more of a Rabbi or teacher, but admire everything I have read about him as a man.What I am gathering from this post is that Jesus was indeed an incredibly warm, accepting human being, tolerant of many, rejecting of few. So here is my question. How do men, such as George Bush who proclaim Jesus to be his most favorite individual and all of these right wing conservatives, who call themselves Christan consistently practice what I call a culture of intolerance? This method of thinking extends to everything, including women's right to chose, sexuality and its orientation, stem cell research, and issues on the war in Iraq. Consequently, I see a bullying mentality emerge, which basically says, 'my way or no way.' This seems to be in direct contridiction to what I have read about Jesus everyone and in these comments.How do you reconcile these issues and is it truly the case that the religious right are expounding true Christian values?

Jen: I agree with you entirely: life and let live!

On a side note: My son is leaving on a trip to Israel today and will also visit some places in the Middle East. Let that region know peace and safety always.

Thank you for your minds?

Jesus, Tolerance and Homosexuality

I am not a Christan woman, but have a strong faith and belief in God. As a Jew, I believe that Jesus was probably an amazing person, like a rabbi or prophet of his time, and had great impact on those around him. I also view him to be accepting and tolerant.

Which brings me to my question and I do need help understanding this, so if there are any Bible scholars out there, please feel free to weigh in as well. How do you feel Jesus would have reacted to homosexuality? Let us approach this question from two angles, one the Biblical and second, the social. How do you reconcile them? Do you think he would have been tolerant, accepting everyone around him regardless of sexual orientation, and practiced those beliefs in all aspects of his life? Assuming he was able to become a politican, do you think he would have pushed for homsexuals to be treated different from hetrosexual individuals.

Another deep, stimulating topic I know. Please enlighten me.

Thank you for your minds.

Is America Becoming a Theocratic Country?

First of all, let me thank everyone for their truly provocative and insightful comments. You have made me think as well, which is something I am proud of, as you can see from the topic of my blog. Many of you have helped me re-examine my own views on a number of subjects, and I thank you!

As I look around and see our goverment in its present form, with so many different issues surounding it, I ask: Are we here in America becoming a theocratic county? By this, I mean, are we a country where our government has become subject to undue influence and control by religious extremists whereby humanism has been replaced by religious fundamentalism?

Each and every time I open the newspaper these days, it appears as if the rights of minorities and individuals are chiseled away, and being replaced by the thoughts, actions and fear of reaction by the Christian right extremisits. Here is what I mean. In the newspaper this morning in the newspaper, there was an article on how the house defied the President on his position regaring stem cell research (another topic and one I will include later on in blogsville.)
Judges and top policy makers that this President includes inside his cabinet include many individuals with extreme views which echo those of his own. And of course, there is the ever present comment that this President does not want to offend the Christian right wing, that group responsible to bringing him to a second term.

To me, we have a long way to go before we become a theocratic country, but I do feel we are headed in that direction. Thankfully, unlike countries such as Iran, where religious extemists weld all power and control, here in America, we do have a check and balance system whereby our Courts and the legislature can and does assert themselves. But in many ways, I do believe that we are headed in that direction where a small number of religious fundamentalists are making efforts to take over this country. What is so staggering, is that most of us are becoming used to this method without even thinking about it, based upon the media presentation and bias.

Weigh in please: Is our country becoming theocratic? Does humanism exist in any for in today's government and if so, how?

I know this is a heavy subject and look forward to your comments, from everyone: men, women, right wing thinkers, leftist thinkers, EVERYONE.

Thank you for your minds.

Paris Hilton's Carl Juniors's T.V. Commercial. Soft Porn Free Speech, or Something Else?

Surely by now, may of you have seen the new television commercial featuring Paris Hilton in what appears to be a black leather scantly clad, low cut barely there outfit, as she sprawls out on an expensive automobile, lathering herself with a wet, fomy sponge, as she spreads out on the top of a car taking a bit out of a Carl's Jr's hamburger. In the backrgound is a modern rendition of the torch song, "I love Paris." Here is an article on the commercial:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-paris24may24,1,5181879.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

The visuals are quite graphic, leaving little to the imagination. Regardless of what this commercial has to say about women and what is necessary for them to appeal to men, particularly those between the ages of 18-34, is it your opinion that this kind of advertising is (1) permissible free speech and/or (2) behavior falling within the category of soft core pornography. As the illustrations Justice Potter Stewart said in defining pornography, "I know it when I see it."

Here is my take on the issue. As a woman, I find this commercial somewhat offensive as it defines women as desirable to men in a sexual way, and uses their bodies to to sell products. The conlcusion is that if you are a woman, and are blonde, slim, rich, and portrayed as a bimbo you are 'hot' and appealable to men. Nevertheless, I think this commercial is protected free speech and covered by the First Amendment with its own unique visuals.

Now, to relate this commentary to another one of my posts below about separation between church and state. To me, George Bush, the President of our country, the leader of the free world, who is supposed to be neutral on religion and its connotations, going to a Christian university as commencement speaker is much more offensive than this commercial with Paris Hilton, even as a woman. Like free speech, the separation of church from state are fundamental, inalienable rights guaranteed to everyone in this non-Christan country.

What do you think? Do you find the Paris Hilton commercial protected by free speech? Is it offensive to you? (two seperate questions.)

Thank you for your minds.

Staying Silent v. Speaking One's Mind

As a never-ending thinker, it seems as if I frequently have something to say. In many situations, I am thankful that I do not always say what I think, as words can often get us in trouble and we can regret their utterance. As I have become older, however, I have learned that silence can often be more powerful than uttering words.

When do we stay silent and when do we speak? For me, the decision is not always clear, but if I am about to speak and my words may become potentially hurtful or harmful to someone else, I have learned to bite my tongue first (sometimes literally, I might add) and think about what I am going to say and how it might affect another person. I have learned, however, that to stay silent, when I feel like saying something, and having the words percolate inside me like coffee grinds being ready for that morning brew, are not healthy for my own insides. In those instances, I must speak. In these situations, saying nothing is not more powerful than uttering the words, because then I am affected in some detrimental way. Having just had an a couple of experiences with these issues, both involved in my writing letters to other people or institutions, I can honestly say that I feel better for having spoken.

Where do you draw the line between speaking and staying silent? Are you someone who speaks more often, or stays silent most of the time?

Thank you for your minds.

Counting

Have you noticed that we have become a society obessed with counting? Who among us does not spend at least a significant amount of time during the day adding things up in one form of another? We count our change, we may count our awards, our books, our fragrances, lispticks, coins, friends, cds and which blogger does not count the number of comments posted each day when she/he makes that devoted entry. It is not that counting, standing alone, in and of itself is such an insignificant nor meaningless act, but it is the importance that we, as individuals, give to it. We some how get so caught up into the idea that more is more, and that the larger number means or stands for something greater to us, and hangs like a badge of courage around our necks.

Why are we a society so consumed with counting? And why do we take it as an indication to define who we are or may be and make it such an important act?

For today, I am not going to count the comments to this blog. Obviously, counting is important to me too...It makes me think the more comments have, the more likeable or interesting I am in some way, which defeats the fundamental premise upon which this blog was created, which was that it was used to exercise my mind through words each and every day. As we write, we fall in love with ourselves, but to some degree, those numbers do matter, and are a factor in the equation!

Thank you for your minds.

Separation Between Church and State

As indicated in the post below, I have been up since before dawn today. (although a bit methophorical, please read my post below.) As my brain started to warm up, I could not help but noticing that over the weekend Presiden Bush spoke as commencement speaker at Trinity Luthern College. (this may not be the actual name, but it was a Christan school.) The issue of our government legislating morality, and not respecting the First Amendment is one that gets my blood pressure, normally 96/63 to double diget proportions.

Rather than pontificate endlessly on my opinon on the subject and get the aggitated before my concert this afternoon, I ask you this question: should our President during his tenure as in office be allowed to give a commencement speak at a religious based school? Does that act violate the first amendment and its principles regarding seperation of church and state?

Thank you for your minds.

Uncovered by the Clouds: Sleepless in Californ1a

For the past three morings now, I have been unable to sleep. I am sure some of this sleeplessness comes from the fact that our son comes home from college today, I have a concert to attend later on, and the blistering heat in Los Angeles leaves makes the sticky air and sweat much more noticable. Afterall, it says something to wake up in the morning before the newspaper arrives. Its absence on the front lawn, however, makes present so much more that went unnoticed in the past. The stillness of the morning, as if everything is frozen in time, life as we think it to be coming to a complete halt, but life as it exists flashing like a colorless neon light before our eyes. Unnoticed to me in the past was the peacefulness that existed with the absence of the sound of car tires grinding the pavement like a call of the wild that announces that individuals are here to be heard and take action. Silence is pricey.

If I sit still enough, I can hear the first birds singing their high notes, as if being at a symphony in a state of stillness that lets one hear the music as it is supposed to be heard. Unnoticed beforehand was how there existed a direct relationship between the sounds of the birds, chirping in unision, and the presence of sunlight trying to make its way into world, like a baby's head pushing through the birth canal. This observation, of course, may have something to do with my going to Disney Hall this afternoon to hear a concert, but oddly, it is meant as a form of preparation, or a call, if you will, of what I am able to hear if listening properly, with my ears and senses not widly shut. Also, strangely, I have the melody from a movie soundtrack stuck inside my head., the stunning melodies from Felinni's Juliet of the Spirit.(not the annoying notes by John Williams from the Star War's movie soundtrack, thankfully, although I can bring that one to the surface too, and it can stay, but not in a good way.)

It seems, as if what this all says, is that waking up early and being sleepless can bring about great gifts as well. The ability to hear the unreveaeled and enjoy its unique sounds. Sleeping, like eating, can be overrated, so for today, I am going to enjoy the morning, as it exists for the moment, still, but warm, with the light trying to make its way into the sky in an uninterrupted form.

Pure beauty, as if an invisable magician, a natural alcemist came without anyone noticing,but bringing everything into a stunning view.

Thank you for your minds.

The Art of Risk Taking

Waking up much earlier than usual today, on a Saturday, none the less, I realized that that unconfortable feeling of fear was beginnings to descend upon me once again. Not impending doom, thankfully, just plain fear. Sometimes this happens, and when it does, it is usually a result of thinking too much or wanting something to be a certain way. (back to that old faithful 'control freak' who lurks in the linings of all of our souls.) So, I decided to write and see where it will take me, as this exercise usually works to clear out those closets of demons laying in wait.

As I am writing this entry, I began thinking about risk taking, and its meaning. To me, taking a risk in life it an art. Something not perfect, but crafted and designed in its own way. Just like a piece of art. It could be something as simple as changing parting one's hair on the right instead of the left, or driving down a different route, or a dramatic move such as changing jobs, spouses, severing a friendship or making a decision to exercise more often or quit smoking. How many of us truly look forward to change? Is it that corny old adage true, 'no risk no gain' or are some of us liable to hit the jackpot just remaining in our own sedentary ways of thinking, acting and being? Change can be truly difficult, scary, and bring on some rather unsettling feelings, on the one hand, but on the other, it can be a road towards freedom and self-discovery. And how many of us truly know that nothing is cast in stone forever, that once we walk down a road, we can, unless prevented by some type of illness or calamity, and do, have the power to change direction?

Personally, I like the settled, comfortable and peaceful feeling of life when I accept it as it is rather than as I want it to be. I am mindful, that at times, when the going gets rocky or rough, change is necessary, and that the path that comes about as a result, may lead me down a better, more peaceful road. In fact, my expeirence is that it usually does. Hanging on to something or someone for dear life just to stay in a familiar pattern usually results in self-defeating, unhealthy behavior and often brings pain and misery in the long run.

For the moment, a change: an early morning walk, instead of midday, to quiet the heart and settle the mind. Have a good, peaceful day.

Thank you for your minds.

Immortality

Each and every one of us want to leave our imprint on the world in some way, shape or form. Moreover, we want to be remembered for who we are or what we did. When it comes down to it, the human species is comprised of millions of vain people. Remember the Carley Simon song, 'You're so Vain?' Something to those lyrics, is there not? In fact, vanity seems to be a necessary and fundamental part of who we are. Look around you and see it reflected in how we want to be perceived by the way we dress, smell, eat, live, the homes we inhabit. Each and every one of us is vain to some degree or another. But vanity is not necessarily something to be thought of in a negative way. It can be glorioiusly positive!

The question I ask, however, is more relevant and goes to the issue of tangible immortality.
How and for what would each of you want to be remembered? Your writing, your food habits, your tastes, smells, your work? Some of you may even want to be remembered for your blog! For me, there is much, but I would want my imprint left by my two beautiful children, a testimony to everything that I believe is important. (how is that for unadulterated vanity.) No million dollar ventures, sizable art collections (although this would be welcomed), Pulitzer prizes, published books, fancy labels. Just my children. Hopefully, they will represent everything about me that I believed was good, moral true and important. (am I deluding myself here?)

Thank you for your minds.

Being and mindlessness

Yesterday, I was thinking about Peter Sellers and one of his great movies, Being There. Although this work had less than 500 words, it was full of meaning and spoke in more languages than one can ever write. The entire movie is a tribute to that old adage, that less can definitely be more.

As you can tell from many of my posts, I have been quite weary about the types of movies and television shows that are on today, wondering if for some reason, we are becoming a more mindless society, and that this state of being is what many find absolutelyappealing and understand as provocative. I could not help but watch the Apprentice last night and thought as it fizzled into nothingness, the entire show being one big commercial for products and people. Is this where we are going with our entertainment? And why do we love to watch this kind of stuff? What does is all mean anyway?

Of course, this entire post comes on the tail of my deciding to rent some Fellini movies after receiving an email from a friend yesterday asking my opinion about one of them. I decided to re-watch Satryricon, after many years. Talk about sensual overload, in many ways, at its finest, I might add. Suddenly, it dawned on me how many in today's society would not begin to appreciate the visual imagery and genius of Fellini, nor have a clue about what he was trying to say in his movies. Many would conclude that he was a madman under the influence of drugs. (which may have been a fair assessment, but he was a brillant one.) Is this because our movies and media appeal, desire and cultivate mindlessness? Less has truly become less, not more.

Thank you for your minds.

A New Pair of Glasses

When I was in college, I loved Felinni movies. (this was many years ago, I might add.) Who can forget the pure sensuality and x-rated images associated with La Dolce Vida and 8 1/2 as this visual magician worked his way to our eyes, hearts, and down further to our genital area. Oh, those uninhibited 60s and their rebel machines! Think In a Godda Devita, Height Ashbury, Jimmy Hendricks! Go from free to freer in your conduct! How glorious an era.

A friend of mine told me to watch one of Felinni's movies that I had not seen, Juliet of the Spirit. While trying to find out where I could get a copy, I began reading all about Fellini and saw some excerpts from those movies that I found to be so provocative. It is amazing how, when we look at something, with the experience of life glaring on us that their meaning may change entirely. In many ways, Felinni today is clearly a sensual maverick, but he was also a visionary filmmaker who had such a healthy, focused and panoramic view of the world, which I could not ever truly appreciate beforehand.

I wonder what I would think if I re-rented Last Tango in Paris, The Unbearable Lightness of Being or even La Dolce Vida today. (I saw Last Tango five times, a staggering admission, I know!) Will the raw sensuality of these films be the first thing I see, or will it be like having an onion with layer upon layer being peeled away so that my experience now is as if I have acquired a new pair of glasses? Is myopia by definition associated with lack of life experience or can it be an outgrowth of it as well?

Thank you for your minds.

Uncontrolled of the uncontrollable: Do we really have any control?

How often have we, as individuals, maneuvered, jockeyed, acted, thought or began something with the idea that we could control its outcome? Is it not the most annoying and disappointing of all possibilities when something does not turn out the way we want it to be. Who among us has not been called a 'control freak' as if we want something this way or no way. The conclusion, we reach, sometimes, is that we have lost control.

This conclusion begs the question, and assumes that control was something that we had to begin with. But my question this early morning, is whether we have really have any control at all? Surely, we have free will, the ability to take certain actions, resulting in certain reactions, but can we or do we have any true control or responsibility as to how anything turns out ultimately?

My own personal opinion is that we are powerless over just about everything. This does not mean that as people we lay down and take things, but that we can only act in a certain way, and the results are something that have little to do with us. Of course, coming to these conclusions about how life words, does require some faith, but that is an entirely different subject and issue. one which I will explore and think about in another post.

Do you think we have control and if so to what extent?

Thank you for your minds.

The Act of Deletion: empowering or Self-Destruction?

How many of us take what appears to be dramatic measures for unknown reasons? Is it not, or can it not be exhilarating to press that button to create an act of self-destruction? What does it all mean? How much is truly known, but unrevealing? How often do we think we know why someone does something, only to be completely off the mark?

This post may only be informative to some, and I will explain. I belonged to a fragrance site for more than two years. It was a fun place to visit, engage in the discussion of fragrances from around the world, and develop a community of friendship and bonds that could exist in the virtual world. Some of them turned quite personal, resulting in wonderful telephone conversations and meetings. Today, I deleted my account meaning that I am no longer a member there. The reason I did this was because another woman from that site, someone whom I care deeply about was hurt, and she felt angry and betrayed. I did not like seeing her feel like that, so as a show of support for her, I wanted to self-destruct too. It was a dramatic act, but one that I felt compelled to do in order to make a statement about not hurting the women I care about. Drama that results in the continuance of unhealthy relationships is not something that I find to be enjoyable in any realm. For me, the deletion was empowering, and an exercise in self care. That being said, it felt empowering and brought about a sense of inner peace. The strange, and somewhat surreal act, was that when I pressed deleted, for some reason, unknown to me, I was unable to self-destruct. Just when I thought the act of pressing the button would bring about a sense of empowering, it resulted in a calamity of humor.

For those of you women who know me from that site and are reading this blog, thank you for all your years of support, knowledge and friendship. As many of you must know by now, I am a person who feels quite passionately about others being treated fairly and abhor mean-spirited, negative and hurtful behavior. My acts were both a form of self-sacrifice and also a statement of standing up for those very things that I consider sacred, especially friendship and fairness.

Good health and peace to you all.

Thank you for your minds.

Arranged Marriages in Today's Society

While attending our son's graduation, during this whirlwind weekend, we had a change to get together with his nine roommates, as well as meet many of their parents. After all, not only had our son had the unique opportunity to attend one of the great universities on the east coast, but he was able to keep company with some of the world's best and brightest young minds. I could not help but notice some beautiful young women there as well. As I was looking at these women, one in particular, the thought occurred to me, how much I wish our son had chosen a young lady like that one in particular as a future spouse. My husband, who knows me so well, claimed, that sparks were flying from my eyes, and my desire for this type of a person as a suitable mate for our son could not be hidden for a moment.

So I began thinking. (a potentially dangerous, but exilirating past-time as you may well know by now.) We know our children and what we think is best for them. We raise them to have certain beliefs, values, thoughts, morals and minds. Marriage is a union not just between two individuals, but also between two families as well as their families too. What is so bad about arranged marriages? I am not strictly speaking of a situation where a bride's face is revealed for the first time to her potential husband at the alter (an occurrence that still may occur in some societies today, but perhaps a situation where parent's chose potential (not absolute) mates for their children.)

Can arranged marriages work for our children in society today?

Thank you for your minds.

Reality T.V.: A Misnomer?

Being an early riser, and voracious walker, while traveling, I am able to see people as they present themselves on the street as they really are. The downtown of any city st, 7:am, there appears the blazing sounds of wheels turning, as buses speed by in record numbers with people on their way to work, or the sound of heels clicking on the unclean pavement as men and women make their way from one street to another.

This past weekend, we were in downtown Philadelphia, for a short, hectic, but truly enriching visit as we went to see our son graduate from college. While taking the ususal early morning stroll, and observing people in their true elements, I began to think about this entire phenomenon of reality television. Is it really so real? What do we see? People, scripted, as they choose potential mates, the most beautiful compete for that unreachable job, individuals sing their hearts out to see who can conquer who and prevail in a controlled environment to get that recording contract. This is not reality, truly. Reality is seeing homeless people talking to themselves on the street, often the result of mental illness, and being unable to do any better than what is before them, people daily struggling to make ends meet to put food on the table for their families, pay sky rocket prices for gasoline. Is this the stuff that people would want to see on television? Which brings me to a conclusion. We do not really want to see reality on television. That concept is way too painful. What we want to see is the unreal, but think that it is real, someone to whom we can aspire to be, cheer on or route for, as we go on with life as it really is.

The unreal appearing real, that is the question.

Thank you for your minds.

Reality Stings!

While we are gone, our neighbor, who is a kind, loving soul will be taking care of my beloved dog. Many of you know how much I love this creature. Consequently, I left lengthy instructions on the feeding and caring routine for him. Included where a list of words that our dog likes to hear, such as 'walk' 'food' 'go pee', 'darling' etc. Also, I told him that there were large packages of coveted lunch meats, and goat cheeses as well left over matzah from Passover to give to him. Astro cannot be overfed, I concluded. Besides, he is used to being totally spoiled and is the only being on this planet who totally controls me!

Then it dawned on me! How awesome would it be had I been able to recruit the following services: personal chef (white hat, uniform and all), groomer, pet masseaur, manicurist, pedicurist, walker, therapist and provocative conversationalist for Astro! He would be in absolute heaven, and the thought of doing this would put me there too.

Tell me I do not live in my own distorted world when it comes to my beloved Astro!

Then I looked at the cheeses, leash and medications and concluded: reality stings!

Thank you for your minds.

When I grow Up I want to Be??

Insomnia seems to descend upon me during the spring. Like the stunning beauty of seeing a flower bloom, or the magical transformation of a caterpillar as it changes into a butterfly, insomnia has a life and experience of its own, although the results are not nearly as colorful. The head of a person not being able to sleep feels as if she is under a circus tent, caught in the middle much commotion and activity with whisles blowing,people shouting, lights flashing until finally someone yells, "stop." Yes, the images of our minds working overtime. Finally, it is time to grab that timecard and punch out! The results: quietness, peace, tranquility.

When we are younger, we think we know what we want to be when we grow up. We have ideas of what would make our life meaningful, exciting, always mindful of catching that often illusive butterfly called happiness. I will confess, I never wanted to be the Pope (sorry Joe), but the idea of a race car driver, symphony conductor, exotic dancer, college professor, stand up comedian, and even funeral director were choices that I considered at one point or another during my lifetime. Some of what those things I thought I wanted when younger, I do have today, but other things, that never went into that formula of computation are what I have that make me feel truly happy and grateful today. It is amazing, when we realize that what we thought was important is not necessarily so. Becoming Donald Trump is definitely over-rated! That quiet mind and peaceful heart are present, despite periodic bout of insomnia.

How often do we jump to conclusions, judge or condemn others use negative labels and think that this is the right course of action! Is this who we want to be when we grow up? Bitter, competative, mean-spirited? Not being exempt from that course of action, I can identify, but say that this course of action does not lead to a peaceful heart.

Today, I am grown up, at least according to my birth certificate, I should be! Strangely, I am exactly who I want to be, and although I wish I had more money (everyone feels this way, no?), I truly have more than I ever thought I would have.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Do you have it?

I'll be gone for a few days to attend our son's graduation. Yes, I am a proud mother, of both my children, regardless of what they want to be when they grow up.

Happy 57th birthday, Israel!!!

Thank you for your minds.

Take-over by Speculation

Working out of one's home has many advantages, including flexibility, freedom and ability to move about as one pleases, always, of course being seduced my many distractions. Among these are the ever present internet, and television set, attractive seducers in their own right.

Being in the legal field, it is rare that I watch anything related to court dramas on T.V., but have been quite curious about this show called Court T.V. Made up of mainly women, ranging from attorneys, former prosecutors, and news commentators, the show promises to provide up to the date, minute by minute commentaries on the latest in actual, more often than not sensentational court cases. The likes of Scott Peterson, Michael Jackson and Robert Blake have been subjects of interest. What is so staggering to me is that often there is so much time wasted and spent on what something really means, or someone really means to say, that little attention is paid to what is actually being said. For instance, in the Michael Jackson case, yesterday, M. Culkin took the witness stand for the defense. It was concluded that he was a good witness, able to answer questions in a focused and forthright manner. My own personal opinions aside about Michael Jackson, are irrellevant, but what I saw on court t.v. was an ability to try to interpret what Mr. Culkin meant when he testified. For example, he said he was not touched inappropriately by Michael Jackson at any time. These talking spin-maidens and spin-masters, however, questioned, what he meant by not being touched, and whether it could have happened when he was sleeping and did not know it. Was he sure he was not touched? Forget about what he was saying! The media wanted us to believe and concluded that what he said was not what he really meant, as they entered the spin zone over and over again. Words had took on a meaning other than their meaning, if that makes sense! Even the die-hard realist can become dizzy!

Freud said that sometimes a cigar is JUST a cigar! Have you noticed, however, how much emphasis is placed on trying to place meaning on something other than what it is clearly said to be? Have we become a country fixated and engaged with the nature of speculation rather than reality as it exists?

Thank you for your minds.

The weight of Thinking

I had this strange feeling when I woke up this morning. We all can relate to that horrible feeling of impending doom, looming over us like one of those large birds, circling and spinning about. Surely, many of you have experienced it: the one where you feel weighted down by your own thoughts, as if something has gotten hold, pulling you down like eight hands of an octopus. No particular reason, just the weight of our own thinking keeps us from ourselves and the experience of life as it is. (I think perhaps I should start re-reading my own inspirational posts.) This can be an unhealthy experience. Granted, the cause of these rumbling may be of my own making, to a large extent. Deciding that I wanted to look very good for our son's graduation this weekend, I went on one of those liquid only juice diets for the past two days. Combined with fanatic exercising, where even more calories are shed, it is amazing to experience those strange visions and revelations that can result from being deprived of food. (not necessarily in a good way either.) Fear, uncertainty, worry, despair can result. Literal light-headeness is overrated and a heavy brain can be the kiss of death!

The first order of business today, and I will keep it simple: eat a meal. Be mindful, that true beauty, even with my own exaggerated sense of vanity, comes from inside, and if that is the 'face' that I want to present to the world, that is the one that must be nourished, and in this case literally so.

When the weight of our minds begins to become so heavy that we cannot see what is before us, it is time to make a check list, at least for me, on what makes me greatful, starting with what I take for granted.For today, our son's graduation, our daughter's good health, Israel to celebrate its 57th birthday on May 14th, and, although this may sound trite, the sounds of the garbage trucks I hear outside.

Thank you for your minds.

I Emerge Victorious: Part II: Are we Better with Age?

Piggy-backing on the post below about emerging victorious, I wanted to share something that I just saw while on the tred-mill and tie it into this notion of emerging victoriously.

Matt Lauer had an segment about the Rolling Stones and their new tour. During this segment, there with a clip from one of the performances by the Stones. Right before my eyes, I saw the gyrating hips and unbridled energy of the now 61 year old, wrinkled, aged, but gloriously happy, Mick Jaggers. He was still having fun with his art and his music, but most of all, he seemed to have achieved a kind of inner strength, peace and tranquility with who he is today and what his music is all about. This peace of mind and happiness was written on every line on his face and body.

Look at Jane Fonda, now in her 60s, just writing a new book, with her life's journey exposed, concluding that she is not the same person she was before. At least we not mention the powerful and successful Oprah who claims that turning 50 was one of the best times of her life.

Despite all the aches pains, and changes that our bodies may experience, there seems to be significantly something better about people who have learned to define themselves and work from the inside out. These individuals, it seems, have emerged victoriously and proudly so.
Neither Mick Jagger nor Keith Richards have had any cosmetic surgery, but appear ever so glorious on stage, wrinkles and all. I want to be like them when I am in my 60s!!

To me the question as to whether we become better with age is directly tied into how much we have worked on ourselves from the inside out. We are such a self-obsessed society, defining ourselves with how we look on the outside and present to the world. But being better with age is truly not just about looking good, in my opinon, on the outside. I am not fault free in this department: I can become very caught up in how I look, smell and present to the outside world!

Do we know the meaning of self-honestly, and do we practice that principle in all of our affairs? Do we know when it is better to stay silent rather than speak? Can we tell others we are sorry and truly mean it, changing our behavior as a result and doing the work necessary to bring peace of mind to ourselves? To me, these are the areas of inquiry, and important questions, at least in my life, that make me conclude that, yes, I am better with age!

Thank you for your minds.

I Emerge Victorious: People of the Labyrinths

There is a haunting fragrance from Holland, one of my favorites by Luctor et Emergo called People of the labyrinths. The name literally translates as I emerge victorious. This scent is complex, and as you can imagine, from the beauty of its name, it conjures up images of an adventure of navigation. When these magical fumes first touch the body, they start out as one thing and develop, bloom or emerge into something else. (I bet I now have the interest and the attention of some of my fragrant friends.)

In many ways, the name of this intoxicating and voluptuous fragrance reminds me of the journey that we experience in life. At least for me, I can relate, especially today. Think about what we thought of maybe a year five years ago, or as recently as one year ago, something that we believed would take us on our journey of life and make us happy and content, only to discover its smallness or insignificance to us today. And think of what we feel today, as we emerge, uncoiling like a butterfly, whose wings are spread to show beautiful colors and designs, emerging and coming out, bursting into the realm of life.

We leave Friday for our son's graduation from college. I can remember dropping him off at his dorm in Philadelphia four years ago, being uncertain, knowing no-one, yet planting both feet firmly on the ground to begin his our journey. In these last four years, he has made many friends, defined himself, went abroad to study in Australia, had a few jobs, experienced some of life's disappointments and pains,learned a few things here and there, and now graduates from college. In these last four years, I have gone through the same type of journey, navigating while making many of my own mistakes, learning, walking through some very painful moments, and joyous ones too.

Nevertheless, I can honestly say, for today, that I have emerged victorious! Life may have started out one way, with a set of expectations, labels, and outcomes that I thought would result in the 'winning hand' and turned out to otherwise for me. Today, I know what is important in life, and what is not, am grateful for those small gifts and lessons that I have learned along the way. I take nothing for granted, and cherish so much that I thought was my absolute right to enjoy beforehand.

Tell me about some of the things that have made you emerge victorious.

Since we will be gone for a few days and preparing for our trip, I may not be able to post with regularity, but look forward to reading all of your responses. I thank you for coming to my blog. And of course: I thank you for your minds.

For the love (and dislike) of those little things

Usually thinking of myself as one of those 'deep thinkers' and educated women, I like to live in that fanatically misguided belief, thinking that I am one of those beings who is able to cope with all of life's dramas and dilemmas and manage their outcome as well. Just let me burst the bubble from the onset, and let you all in on a revelation of self-discovery: I can actually control and manage nothing.

Yesterday, I sat waiting for a couple of packages to arrive of some clothing I had ordered to wear to our son's college graduation this weekend. I sat, most of the morning mind you, and watched as the clock ticked away, each sound of the movement blazing louder and louder, and becoming heavier, as time passed and the packages had not arrived. After all, I had paid for express shipping, to have them delivered timely, an extra $20.00 and had spent the last two days, almost every hour calling to see if the package had arrived. After all the pushing, and telling the sale's people how important these items were to me (I mean, do they not know who I am and that I need them right now), I was still left packageless. I must mention that we are not leaving until Friday night, although you would have thought from all of my ranting, that we were leaving two days from yesterday, and I knew the outfits would fit properly, after spending the last few days starving myself, and conseequently experiencing light-headness on the loose 10 pounds in two days diet.But no, I wanted those packages immediately.
Pacing the floor, breathing heavily like an intoxicated dragon, waiting and waiting, I still did not have the package. It was the daily inability to manage those little things in live that were driving me into an enraged stupor!

Suddenly, I had an epiphany! No matter how much I ranted, raved, become enraged and upset, the package would not come just because I wanted it to be there. I had to accept that it was not up to me to make something happen or not just because I wanted it to be so.

How many of us work ourselves into absolute frenzies because something does not happen the way we want it to and how? For me, it seems to be those little things that drive me to madness, waiting in lines, traffic on the freeway, not being able to fix that particular something, having or not having something when I want it!

In the scheme of the world, today, I know that although those little things matter, in the scheme of the bigger picture, they are really not so important, and even if I might think they are, it will make little, if any difference.

Thank you for your minds.

Democrats and Republicans: Do Different Standards Apply?

Not being much of a fan of late-night television, and a person who usually doses off by 11:pm (Bush and I do have something in common, after-all, you see), I am not someone who is awake to watch T.V. at midnight. The other night, however, I had a rare opportunity to catch the Bill Mahar show. This is a man with quick wit, intelligent humor, and a great mind. If I can ever manage to stay up past 12:am, he will become someone I watch again and again.

None other than the former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, on as a satellite guest on Maher's show. (technology at its finest, I might add.) The topic of lies, and how they are handled in policies today come up and the question churned around in my mind: Are Republicans given more free speech in the media than Democrats?

Let us look at the state of the facts as they exist. Bill Clinton, who was notorious for being unable to keep his dick inside his pants, got caught, and a huge political scandal was made regarding his conduct. The hatchet-men were out in full swing, blazing axes and biggest guns. (no meanness meant here for you men, please it is not necessary to cross your legs yet)The no-spin zone is whirling around so fast it can make someone dizzy. Ultimately, President Clinton, was determined to be a liar, and ended up being impeached, the primary conclusion being that he lied about having sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky.

Fast forward to 2003-05. Here we have President Bush, first in an election with John Kerry, and then invading Iraq. The fundamental premise upon which the invasion was based was that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction available to them. This of course, from what we know today, turned out to be a lie. Then we have the scandal at Abu Ghraub, and the infamous Donald Rumsfeld coming forward, with that smirk (have you notice how his eyes become smaller and smaller lately when he is addressing the press), and making statements about what the administration knew or did not know about the issue at Abu Ghraub. Lies began to emerge once again. And just last week, we find out that Pat Tillman, the well known football player, turned soldier, who enlisted to fight for his country, had actually died weeks before the true facts were made known to the public. Untruths found out again being made public by the media.

John Kerry, someone who fights in the war, is made to look like a war criminal. Bush, on the other hand, who uses false statements to begin a war is made to re-elected to a second term.
Every time a Democrat does something that is slightly untrue, or unworthy, all the hatchet-men and talking heads come to life, taking the spinning around facts and churning out double talk about these events, consequently turning the lies into something which we should either ignore or conclude as something misunderstood, and then, of course, forget about it completely.

Is the media to blame? Are Republicans given more freedom of speech than Democrats?
You be the judge.

Thank you for your minds.

Mother's Day and its Meaning this Year

As I woke up this morning, I heard some all too familiar sounds: my husband's snoring next to me, also known as the human buzz saw, the metal tag giggling on my dog's collar, as he was hobbling from one room to another, and a symphony of birds chirping an unfamiliar melody, sounding like they were singing in the key of B. Another wonderful, and unexpected surprise: my daughter had come to visit last night, her car parked out front and her old bed door locked, as a surprise for me today. My son, who is out of state turned 22 yesterday, another milestone as he gets ready to graduate from college next week. So far, these were the true gifts that gave my mother's day a most special of all meanings.

During the last several months, our daughter was ill, and had spent time in the hospital. We did not know how she would be today nor what to expect. Our son had gone to Australia to study abroad, traveling around from area to area, without calling for long streches of time. Today, I know where both my children are, and am truly thankful that they are healthy and doing well.

No flowers, no fragrances, no purses, clothing nor jewerly(please do not take pity on me..I have made a staggering amount of my own purchases so that material gifts are completely unnecesssary.) So far, I can honestly say that I have the very best of all possible gifts: those familiar sounds and sights that I too often have taken for granted. These are the unique and beautiful gifts that make today the most special of all Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day to you all. (men included..I am an equal opportunity thinker.)

Thank you for your minds.

Woman vs. Woman

I've always thought of myself as a 'woman's woman.' What I mean by this, is that women have always been my best, and closest friends. Being a product of the feminist movement (I did go the the Alice B. Tokalas restraint and heard Gloria Steinman speak on more than one occasion), women have been the very fiber of my being, those heavy duty threads holding me together no matter what. When a fellow feline had troubles, I would hop to her aid, and as a college girl, even break dates and engagements with men to do so. After all, the men wanted our asses, but the women would save them.

Lately, I have noticed that the opposite can be true about women, and it is heartbreaking to me. Some can be mean-spirited, caddy, jealous, and even stoop to trickery and evilness in their acts, trumping the antics of men. I have seen women feel so threatened by other women, that devices used to drive them away, can be more cunning and staggering than the rejection done by men.

Which brings me to the question: is this something that is a result of the times in this country, swinging, as it may with the conservatism of the nation, or have I just encountered a rather nasty lot?

With all that being said, I do want to say that I have many women in my life who are beautiful, gentle and majestic spirits, true friends in every meaning of the word. To them, I am so grateful.
Next week, thanks to my dear friend, the divine Ms. M., I will give equal treatment to men with a post titled, "The Penis Chronicles."

Thank you for your minds.

May 7th: A Special Day

Today is a special day for me. It is May 7th, my son's 22nd birthday. I can still remember the first moments of his birth. The day was a Saturday, right before mother's day. No one can really prepare you for children, despite all you have read, seen or experienced. And the event of their birth is like magic beyond anything that words can describe. I can still, in my mind see his eyes the first time they met with mine.

Being born on the birthday of two great composers, Brahms and Tchikowsky, I believed my son was destined towards musical greatness. After all, this was a great sign, a gifted omen in my mind. He learned the violin, and still plays, on occasion, but did not make music a career. (today I am happy about that fact.) Next Sunday he graduates from college. As we all make go back east to experience this happy event, I believe my son has become a truly great human being. Not because of any one particular idea, event or action, but just because he is who he is: my son, whom I am so proud of today.

I remember waking up, May8th., and the nurse looking into my eyes and saying, "Happy Mother' Day"! My greatest gift was my son. Today, both my children are truly my greatest gifts, and each and every day, I am thankful for their presence in my life.

Happy Birthday, dear son!

Thank you for your minds.

Are we really in Kansas, Dorothy: Back to the Future

An interesting, yet unbelievable article appeared in our newspaper today. Basically, it centers around the issue of whether teachers should be allowed to present non-scientific theories in schools. The way I read the article, the purpose is to balance the theory of evolution with creation. One board member notes, and I quote: "We can't ignore that our nation is based on Christianity-not science."

Now the issues regarding the separation of Church and State and the First Amendment are clearly at issue here. What is more puzzling, however, is this idea that our country is based upon Christianity. What about all those of different faiths, such as Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddists? Do they count? And if not, why not.

As I read this article, I began to think about whether someone would purpose the idea that we go ever further backwards and challenge the theories of Christopher Columbus that the earth is round, or even to the point of the declaration by the Greeks who concluded that the sun revolves around the earth.

It seems that anything is possible these days! At least I live close to a place called Medevil Times. The practice might be worthwhile given these types of issues by those in America today.

Thank you for your minds.

Is Extraordinariness Overrated?

Most individuals strive to add meaning and value to their lives. To many, this can be achieved through labels and/or actions. Each and every one of us, to some degree, longs to make an imprint on the world, and to be deemed extraordinary in some way or another. Dreaming in metaphors, some long for that day of praise and recognition. As people, we love those omnious labels and events, and many wear them as a badge to define who they are. These labels and events may take many forms, such as hitting the lotto, having our book published, winning a Pulitzer prize (definitely overrated), becoming head of a company, selling a piece of our art, or acquiring that dream job. These type of activites can make each of us feel extraordinary, so we think.

But has anyone longed to be ordinary? Does the tedium of daily life, which each one of us encounters measure up to something oof significant value? What about making that ordinary dinner, cleaning our home, taking our children to school, or talking on and on about washing products and household cleansers. Why not conclude that these ordinary activism have great value of their own, and are sometimes that which can make an ordinary life extraordinary?

My point is a rather simple one. (you probably do not believe me.) But many of us can be happy, joyful and have true freedom if we begin to appreciate those aspects of our lives that make us just plain Jane or dull Bob. What is the big deal about extraordinariness anyway?

That being said, I am very happy lately since I have been writing on this blog. Just the IDEA of having someone read what I have written has been exhilarating! It is possible that if I wrote this only for myself and no one actually read it, the words would still be there (mine on paper) and have meaning. You see, my intent is to share my writing with others. Beforehand, I was a true closet writer, in every sense of the word, only allowing the occasional voyeur to have a look at my thoughts on paper. It was as if I was revealing the most intimate parts of my being, like running out in the middle of the street stark naked for all to see. Now, I realiz that the art of writing, and the act of sharing what I have to say are not so extraordinary afterall!

Thank you for your minds.

Did I really say that?

Thanks to my loving friend, K (you must visit her blog at http://www.yellingfireinacrowdedtheater.blogspot.com/), a new subject started percolating, and surfacing in my mind.

Remember some of those infamous words, said by people, one's they wish could be taken away, evaporate into thin air like rainclouds,or in other instances , become a source of tangible immortality like a badge of great honor and courage. Take Bill Clinton's famous line: "I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky. How could we not think about the timely saying by Michael Jackson: "There is nothing wrong with sharing your bed with children." Or, as K, has so elegantly pointed out: "If the glove does not fit, you must acquit." Or George Bush: "Saddam Hussein is hiding weapons of mass destruction."

Words have so much power, and their impact can sting so deeply that a person's relationships, career, life or freedom can be at stake as a result of their mere utterance. How many of us have said something we regret later? Can we truly ever really take back our words? Do we want to do so? I imagine the answer would be a definite YES for Clinton, Jackson and Bush. I imagine these men, wishing they were endowded with a magical potion, allowing them to make the words they said disappear.

Nevertheless, I still LOVE being a word person, and would not change it for the world.

Thank you for your minds.

A Treatise on the nature and meaning of Gloves

While exercising on the tred-mill this morning, I was watching a special celebration to honor Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. Appearing on the screen, was a young, dark haired Steve Martin. Not particularly significant or noteworthy, but what caught my attention, to the point of distraction, was that he was wearing white gloves. Suddenly, the entire meaning and use of gloves flashed inside this imaginative and often strange mind of mine. Much attention is paid to gloves. Just think about the current trial of Michael Jackson, aka., the gloved one, the use gloves by food handelers, doctors, postal workers (a new phenomenon), dentists and butchers. Of course, there is the more provocative and sensual white long gloves, associated with women dressed up and celebrating, used for fancy and elaborate occasions. And who among us can hardly forget the provocative and tittilating scene from the movie, The Unbearable Lightness of Being where that actress (her name escapes me, Schneider?) showed up with the bowler hat and gloves, to seduce and lure her man into her arms.

Do we take gloves and their importance in society for granted? I know I did until thinking and writing about this subject this morning. Tell me some other uses for gloves if you can.

Thank you for your minds.

Remembering: 1945-2005

On a more serious note, please take a moment to remember, through your thoughts, acts or deeds, as we commemorate Yom Ha Shoah, Holocaust Rembrance today, those martyrs, survivors and individuals who were victims to Nazi Germany. Today is the 60th anniversary of the liberation from the concentration camps.

So many died during those tragic times that the quality and impact of what their lives could have been today is beyond comprehension. Jews, mentally ill individuals, homosexuals, gypsies, all persecuted because they were not excepted in the web of society. Last night, I was listening to this engaging piece of music, the second symphony, written by Victor Ullmann who composed up until his last day of life before he was taken to his death in the camps. I had the privilege of hearing his chamber opera, The Emperor of Atlantis, earlier this year and was captivated at how this man had the strength, power and ability to create a such as this during such horrible conditions of his life. Music, like words, provided those who were held captive a vehicle upon which to hope, and be strong.

To all these men, women and children, those who perished and those who survived, you are our hero's, the ever flickering light in a world that is often clouded by darkness. Thoughts of and about you give me strength, and provide a foundation of hope in the most hopeless of situations. I know this is not easy, and often makes others feel uncomfortable, and sad, but we remember to honor those who perished, and giving meaning to the lives they lived.

Thank you for your minds.

Lighting Fires while uncovering our heads

Writing for this blog and reading the comments to the posts has been an enlightening experience. Loving to write has never been hidden from anyone, but revealing myself through my writing, sharing the words, and discovering more about who I am as a result of doing so is a new experience. For me, words have always been the most powerful tools; like owning a 32 magnam, having a hydrogen bomb or a cherished Swiss army knife. Secret explosive weapons in the form of words used to hide rather than as a means of uncovering or discovering that which I want to share with the world. Many people tell you something, but committing words to paper, elevates them to an entirely different place. Words belong on a magestic, regal pedistal garnished with gold casing surrounded by exotic jewels.

Since joining the world of blogging, I have met some wonderful men and women. Today, I was reading someone's blog, www.askthepope.blogspot.com and I could not stop laughing. In fact, I have done little else today but think and admire this individual's creativity and intelligent, witty and dark humor. A real hard act to follow, I must say! This blog was so entertaining, I forwarded it on to my son, along with my own blog as well! Now I fear, after seeing these posts, our mother-son relationship will not be the same. He must surely think me a lunatic, aka, mashunaga, in Yiddish, which he does not speak. He is probably hiding, telling his college friends, he does not even know this strange character; she is stalking me!

You see, I love sick, dark comedy, most of which may be misunderstood by others. Often, I feel alone when laughing at a joke, as if I am committed to solitary confinement, with a knotted rope holding me up, unable to breathe, as I am gaging on my own laughter as a result of the sick and unsavory humor. But I realized something today, through this world of the blog: I am not alone, and am proud of it! I love sick, politically incorrect humor!

Since having your own blog, and reading the comments of others, have you discovered something about yourself that makes you want to stand up, throw your arms in the air and say, "you know, this is who I am and I love it?"

Thank you J.R. for making my day today! Now, I have the desire to start a secret blog, under an anonymous name for my own entertainment.

Thank you for your minds.

After Midnight

Many of you may remember the song by Eric Clapton, After Midnight. From what I remember, its lyrics were something like this: "after midnight, we're gonna let it all hang down." We're gonna stimulate some action, get some satisfaction." (Those of you who know me, and my love for classical music only, must be aghast that I know Eric Clapton....more to be revealed!)

As a parent, after midnight has many different meanings. If our children are out for the evening, it is past that stroke of twelve when the sounds from our own hearts begin to beat so loud that the pulses pound to the ground like a sledge hammer. Should the phone ring, it can only be with unwelcome news. Fear, panic and alarm set in like hardened cement.

This morning, after mid-night, about 4:30 am, the phone rang. Both my children are in college, but still any phone call in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning is met with fear and trepeditation. This morning was different. I heard the vibrant, clear focuses voice of my daughter, saying, 'you may be just waking up (an early bird,) but I need your help: could you please read over my philosophy paper and make corrections for me?" I opened my eyes, licked my dry lips, turned to one side and said, "of course!" It did not mater that I had not had those mandatory cups of coffee, or that my contact lenses were not put in, what was important, was that my daughter was alright and asking for my assistance at that moment! This was a call for gratitude.

Sometimes, how we think things are going to be is not the way they are after all! They are even better!

After midnight....Finally some welcome satisfaction.

Thank you for your minds.

"I pledge alligance to the flag of the United States of ???

Thankfully, I am a person who is not an insomniac. Falling asleep is not a problem, but sometimes, I can wake up at 3:45 am and not want to go back to sleep. Now that I have this blog, the perfect creative outlet has been gifted to me.

By now, you can surely appreciate that I am not considered a light thinker, by any stretch of the imagination! This morning, I was thinking about the fact that our son is graduating from college in 10 days, a great achievement for which I am genuinely proud and grateful. As I thought about the turn his life would take, travel, family career, I began to look around me and think about what America will be like for my children within the next 20-40 years.

Each day I read the newspaper, and lately find it to be a surreal experience. I do not recognize the country where we live today. I worry about my childrens' future. I see gas at $2.69 per gallon, un-employment at a record high, the fact that most people have difficulty with health insurance, we are spending billions to fund a war in the name of freedom for others, yet freedom here can be a fleeting commodity, and that issue among issues that makes my blood rise to feaver pitch: outsourcing of jobs. I was born in America and today, in many ways, I feel less free, and more restricted as an individual than ever before! What does this say about a country such as ours, that on the one hand, we applaud the efforts of others to work, yet we cannot provide meaningful work to those here in our own country? Has that all mighty idea for 'cheap labor' made us deserve the label 'Un-American?'


Thank you for your minds.

Le Femme Fatale: Beauty and the Brains

As I was changing the presentation of this blog (did anyone notice...the color: muted, dirty green), I was thinking about some of the women whom I have admired. All women, are unique and important, regardless of who they are or what they have done. The women I mention here were unique, and made some kind of longlasting imprint on the world through their intelligent and sensual thoughts and acts, and to some extent because of the company of intelligent men with whom they associated. Let us just say, they were noticed! Take for instance, Alma Maller. For those of you unfamiliar with this amazing women, she was a brillant and erotic seductrist, best known for her unique beauty and bevy of famous men, Gustav Mahler among them. Volumes have been written about her, seducing, deducing and ultimately making her own imprint on the world: see for yourself:http://www.scena.org/lsm/sm6-10/Mahler-en.html. Few know that she was a very good composer, and there is some speculation that she may have written some of Gustav's pieces.

Another woman who comes to mind is Anais Nin, the passionate and x-rated, but intelligent writer, known for her provocative diaries and stimulating liassons with Henry and June Miller, not to mention some forbidden contact with her own father and brother. http://www.anais-nin.de/

When I think about these women, the first and foremost quality that comes to mind is their independent spirit and beautiful minds. Often, they are both thought of in terms of their relationship to the important men in their lives., but let me tell you, that these ladies could definitely hold their own! Although controversial, both these women were remarkable in their own right. (I can make up another post on say, Madame Currie, Golda Meir or Indira Ghandi for different category of uniqueness.)

Was it a product of their times as to why they became who they did because of the men, or in spite of them? Did their successes, during those times, need the company of men to elivate them to immotality? Was it imperative that they charm these giants with their sensuality, or could they have been appreciated,understood, and accepted without it? What do you think?

As we approach mother's day, a day in which women stand out for motherhood, I was thinking about a week where we honor and think about all women, for their unique and remarkable gifts.

Who are some women you admire and how are they remarkable?

I mention these women, because, along with Collette, I have admired their free and independent spirits and abilities.

Thank you for your minds.

Holocaust Remembrance Day

This coming week, May 5th, is Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is a day we set aside to remember and learn about the horrors of the Holocaust. We remember the victims of the Holocaust, and honor all the martyrs as well as the survivors.

Here is a beautiful webiste sharing some information on this important day:http://www.holidays.net/holocaust/. Additionally, below, I have a post called Speaking about the Unspeakable where I have written letters to those who perished, and survived during this dark period of history. (see my post of April 25, 2005.)

Each year, the Holocaust seems more rather than less distant to me. As I see the world changing, new aliances being formed, govermental restrictions, and people being less tolerant of those who are different, this day of rememberance is a day with great impact and significance.

Please help me to remember this day, in your own way, by posting on this blog, visiting an number of websites dealing with this subject, or participating in a service in your own community to honor the Day of Remembrance.

Thank you for your minds.

Friendship

For me, one of the most important relationships I can have is one between friends. It is an absolute rarity that I have male friends, and most of my real friends are women. I do have one male friend who is the most amazing and beautiful person. He is humble, charming, loving and smart, and besides all of these quaitites he is a first rate, top notch composer. Check out his website: http://www.osvaldogolijov.com. Nominated for Grammys, winner of a McArthur award, and a composer who is in much demand in the world of classical music today, he does not forgot who he is and where he came from, which are all ingredients which make him a remarkable human being. The first time I heard his music, I felt an instant bond, something transcending time, space and the world. In many ways, his music effects me the same way as that of Rachmaninoff, touching the very essence of my being. I know some of you mentioned Phillip Glass as a composer you admired, but when you hear Osvaldo's music, you will feel as if you are in a spiritual rainforest.

But I want to tell you what makes this man a good friend. No matter what is happening in my life, through his words and deeds, he is there for me and my family. When my daugher was ill, he never neglicted to ask how she was doing, and respond to my heartwrenching fears and tears with words of comfort. The tough issues, were something he was not ever afraid to tackle. In the same vein, when I was experiencing moments of great joy, he was there as well, dispite his busy schedule and demanding home life. We are both Jews, a strong thread that gives us an instant connection, and my concerns about Israel and the safety of the people there was a subject that I could speak to him about freely. When I told him I had created a blog, dispite a recent loss in his family, and trip to Argentina, he immediately went to check it out to let me know what he thought. This guy is a rare gem and a real and true friend.

What is your definition a good friend? What qualities do you admire in your friends, and how are you a good friend to others?

Thank you for your minds.

Making Amends

Waking up, and early, I might add, my mind was clear, focused, and I realised it was time to turn the page of the calendar to begin a new month. The last day of Passover (tomorrow I can eat a sandwich again, the first day of May.) As I reached for that thumb tack to turn back the old month, the head of the tack glazed my finger ever so slightly. It made me aware of the fact that April was behind me, and now there was May to begin. As I looked back, I thought about what I could say about April that had made some remarkable difference to me. So much happends to each and every one of us, day after day, improving the quality of our lives, or giving us a window for gratitude. For me, April was a time when I was able to make amends to someone for my own poor behavior. It had taken many years for this opportunity to be presented to me, but once it was there, it was as if a magical wand had taken hold of my being, swirling around like a whirling dervish, allowing a peaceful place to be created in my heart.

Apologizing to others is no easy task. It requires honesty and willingness to say we are wrong, and that we have acted poorly, without expectation of anything in return. (i.e. the other person saying I know, I accept what you did and I forgive you or understand.) In my case, the apology was met with silence, but the peace and serenity that I found from my own act was worth more than any words that could be given to me in exchange.

As I have noted in my other posts, my greatest gifts today, are a quite mind and peaceful heart. Having that sledge hammer chisel away, creating a place for that space is a daily exercise in self-awareness and honesty. As I start this new month of May, my mind is quieter and my heart is more peaceful.

Do you believe in making amends to others? Share a time when you have done so and what impact it has had on your life?

Thank you for your mind.