An Attitude of Gratitude

Walking up before the sun comes out does have its advantages, especially on a day like today, November 5th. For one, there is a glorious full moon that illuminates the entire driveway, making it unnecessary for any artificial light. Going to retrieve the morning newspaper is easy, as the entire pathway is lit up, light being a great reminder of the Almighty and all that is divine.

Of course we are told that one should be grateful for his/her blessings each and every day, when it is evening and when it is morning, and not forget what they are. No matter how difficult the day may be, it is true, when being thankful for what one has, and doing kind acts for others, the fruits of one's own life s grows and develops without much effort or cause.

Today, however, is a special day for me, and as such I will acknowledge it. For one, I have 15 years of sobriety, a great gift standing alone. Today, also marks one year since my daughter was hospitalized. Today, thank G-d, this very moment, she is doing well, a blessing for which I am truly grateful.

I am also grateful that for today, I have a good relationship with the Amighty, with my family, and with friends. There are so many that I can count on to rise to the occasion, to be here for me, to remember joyous occasions and to help me through those difficult times that each one of us may have.

For today, I give many thanks, for many things; for acts of kindness, good thoughts and prayers and all blessings.

Thank you for your minds.

Acts of Kindness & Charity: Who Ultimately Benefits & Why?

Although it is daylight saving's time, my own internal clock seems to work with more precision than the measure of time that beats on the outside of the universe. No matter where I am, waking up at 4:30 or 5 am is the norm for me. Actually, today, I must confess to waking up at 3:30 am, a bit earlier than usual.

Each one of us has at some time or another performed an act of charity or kindness for another person. For some, the motivation is self-centered, as is the outcome, and the act done is directly in proportion to what the giver himself/herself can receive. In other words, we give only if we benefit in some manner. For others, charity or kindness is something that comes from a kind heart, a desire to do something truly good for another human being, no matter the outcome. In otherwords, a truly self-less act takes place. Nevertheless, often it is the case, that by doing these acts, we, ourselves benefit in ways unthought of or known at the time.

While I was in Israel, we went to the craft fair in Tel-Aviv. Tourism was at a low because of the on-going war with Hezbollah and Hamas, and one could tell that business, at least economically speaking, was not as usual. Perhaps I mentioned this, but I collect art with a violin theme, whether they be trinkets, paintings, sculptures, or oils, and have been doing so for about 18 years, since my son began playing the violin. While at the fair, I saw this elderly couple, whose eyes lit up when I went to look at a rather large paper mache item that one of them had made, depicting a man in a long black coat playing the violin. This couple was so happy that I stopped by, and one could tell that they had not sold anything all day. The husband's eyes beamed when I asked the price, and I said, fine, I will take it. His wife hugged me, and thanked me, in very broken English, and remarked, 'think of us when you look at this.' When my husband saw what I had purchased, he could not believe that I paid over $20 for it, and commented that the item was poorly designed, made and what was I thinking. My comment was, that it was a person with a violin, something that I collected, and that I wanted to help this couple, to consider the money as a donation, or an act of charity.

Several months have passed since this fiddler was purchased. I can still see the look in the eyes of the husband and wife who sold him to me. This character sits proudly in our living room, displayed for all to see. More than anything, the fiddler has come to represent Israel to me, battered, sometimes falling down, torn apart, but nevertheless still standing proud with its head up, doing what is necessary to continue to survive, and not ever giving up, but continuing to play no matter what. Every morning I look at the fiddler, and remember Israel in this way, the strength of its people when faced with adversity. Who knew that this trinket would be such a strong symbol and have such a beautiful meaning in our home and in my heart.

On a side note, this year, I am not passing out Halloween candy. This is the fist Halloween without my beloved dog, Astro. He loved the holiday so much, would bark and get so excited when the children came to the door, and he was so cleaver, that he too would wait in line for his treats. My heart has a hole in it from his absence, and he is missed dearly.

Be well, be kind, have faith and do great things in the coming week.

Thank you for your minds.

What Does Prayer Mean To You?

Each one of us may claim to 'pray' in some form or another. For some, the word connotes a desire for something or someone to be or to happen. For others, the idea of prayer is spiritual, and involves a connection with God in some meaningful way.

While I was in Israel this past August, the experience of prayer, first hand, as known to those of my religion was experienced in a very personal and real way. I saw some going to the Western Wall (the kotel) to engage in this meaningful and powerful experience. Others went to synagogues, churches or even mosques, depending upon their religion. On the last day of our trip, I bought a prayer book (Siddur), in of all places a place called M'ea Sharim, which is a very religious area that reminded me of my own childhood. Today, I use this prayer book twice daily to give praise and show gratitude for the blessings in my life. Sometimes, I too, find myself asking for something, personal, albeit, a wish, a desire or a result. For me, daily repetitive act of prayer in this fashion makes me feel good, just by virtue of the ritual itself.

Here is the question of the day: Do you pray? If so, what does prayer mean to you?

On a side note, the three trials are over, and the past two days have been completely grueling and taxing. Glad to be done for the moment.

Thank you for your minds.

Should All toilets Be Created Equal?

Almost all of the post on Women on the Verge of Thinking, contain a serious subject, as you might have concluded by yourself by now. Actually, the subject that I am about to broach, although seemingly comic, is in fact a serious one as well, which has to do with waiting, watching and utilities one's time wisely.

Two weeks ago, my girlfriend and I were on a walk for NAMI (National alliance for the Mentally Ill.) It was not long, 5k, but both of us, on the trail, at one point, concluded that we had to go to the bathroom. We stopped, and both saw, the usual tail of a line formed in front of those stalls designated for "women." The men's stalls were practically empty. My friend turned to me and said, "I am going to use the men's one. It is an individual stall, no men are there, why not.' Of course, I had to make a confession to her, that I actually do this all of the time, and have no qualms about using an empty stall that says MEN, if I must. The same incident occurred last night when our family went out to dinner. The woman's room had a line, and not a soul was waiting for the men's toilet. I asked the women, would you like to use the men's toilet, and all said no, so I preceded to go myself.

Why is it that so few toilets are made for women in the first place? Have you noticed, that when waiting in line, one may see 3 for men and 3 for women, but statistically, there are more women who need to use the toilets at any given time. Is it a matter of time taken, the fact that men, if they really need to go, do not necessarily need a toilet, but can eliminate themselves anywhere behind a bush, in a dark alley, or next to a vacant lot? Are public restrooms created by men, with little thought of women in mind? Do you ever find yourself in this situation? Do you ever use a toilet not marked specifically for your own sex? I would be completely surprised if any man claimed to use the woman's stalls, as opposed to a woman making a similar confession about that of a man!

All in all, the week has been good, but very busy, and next week is busier, with three trials looming large in the background. Nevertheless, I count my blessings, am happy that for today, this moment, all is well, my husband is well, my children are doing well, and I am well.

On a more serious note, let us not forget the kidnapped soldiers in Israel. Since I am somewhat technologically inept, and cannot post their pictures here, I will give a site that displays their names and pictures clearly: http://www.jewishla.org/

May these men be safely returned to their families, and let us not forget them.

Thank you for your minds.

Me, Myself and I: What Do You Like Least and Best About Yourself?

Each one of us has our own unique blueprint of who we are, and what we have to give to ourselves, our family, our people and the world. A canopy of strengths and weakness surrounds us all, at any given moment. Many have talents, assets that make them a truly wonderful human being. Actually, it may be a truism to say that each one of us, in some small way or another, is able to make a difference to ourselves and others.

Although people have told me I am one of the strongest women they know, even I can fall to my knees at any given moment, especially when it comes to worrying about my children. Over this past week, some of my defects of character have reared their ugly head and I have had to take a look at myself honestly. When our son called yesterday, to tell me that there was an earthquake in Hawaii, the first thing that came to my mind, was, to worry that he would go to surf today, after such a tumultuous act of nature unleashed itself on the Island where he resides. And of course, I worry about my daughter's health, each and every day, and hope that her illness does not get worse anymore.

If I have to be honest with myself, I would say, something I like least about myself is that I worry too much about my children. Worry causes fear, and in some ways may interfere with their own ability to be independent human beings. Many people say that I am a good mother, which may be true as well, but I am a mother who worries chronically.

Now, if you ask me to name something I like about myself, it would have to be that I am a loyal friend to others. If I care about someone, sincerely, I would do be there for that person no matter what. I treat my friends with a good heart, and let them know how much I love and care about them.

So here is the question: What do you like least and best about yourself?

Another busy week ahead here. By the way, I am thinking of writing a book and calling it, The Art of Nagging. Actually, it is a work in progress, and for some of you who may think otherwise, nagging can indeed be an art form!

Thank you for your minds.

What Are the Biggest Challenges Facing America Today?

First of all, let me say thank you to everyone who comes to this blog and reads it regularly. I am sorry that my posts have not been as frequent, but with a full time job, and the holidays this month, free time has been a scarce commodity. That being said, like everyone, I do the best I can.

Last week, I heard a statistic, that this year America is facing the largest deficit in the entire history of our nation. We have over extended ourselves in Iraq, both monetarily and from the point of view of loss of lives, and the devastation from Katrina continues to plague this country each and every day. When we couple these issues with the rising gas prices, the dependence on oil from other countries, and now the theat of nuclear weapons being developed by Iran and North Korea, we are indeed in difficult times. Of course, there is the Foley scandal, which seems, at least to me, to be minor by comparison, but I believe it speaks to a general conclusion that exists in this country: America has a failure of leadership. Of course, this is just my opinion, but when I look at where we have gone, the fact that we continue to fight a war that is not really ours, and have a Secretary of Defense, Mr. Rumsfeld, who refuses to budge, this conclusion, at least from where I sit is indeed a reality.

Here is the question of the day: What do you think are the biggest challenges that face America today? How can we improve ourselves, as a nation, and our image to the world at large?

Thank you for your minds.

The Foley Scandal: Who Knew What and When: Is alcoholism Being Used as A Tactic In Washington?

It is no secret by now that the Republican House of Representative, Mark Foley, from Florida has resigned from Congress. Many know that he was sending some suggestive emails to house pages over the course of his tenure, and some, were rather suggestive at best. Among rumors about his sexual proclivities, the possible misuse of his power to lure young men towards him, Foley resigned from the house.

From my perspective, his sexuality is a private matter, and one that should not be used to approve or disapprove of who he is as a person. The larger issue, at least for me, is whether he misused his position in Congress to have access to young gentlemen, and if so, who knew what about this and when. It has been suggested that Speaker Haster actually had knowledge of Mr. Foley's actions as much as over a year ago, but this information was in fact not made known, and, I will take a leap here, covered up by the Republican party. Now this may in fact constitute a problem.

Moreover, what we learn about today is that Foley has in fact checked himself into a center for alcoholic rehabilitation. In fact, his own attorney came on the news this morning with the declaration that Foley was in fact an alcoholic. This piece of information is somewhat suprising to those close to the Congressman, who conclude that alcohol did not seem to be an issue for him.

Alcoholism is a disease, a condition which is an obsession of the mind and disorder of the body. Millions of people suffer from it, and those who are in there disease can wreck much havoc around them. But to conclude that someone is an alcoholic for the sole purpose of justifying an undesirable behavior is, at least for me, a bold and disturbing statement to make.

Here are the questions of the day: Is there a cover-up in Washington as to whether or not the Speaker Haster, or other Republicans, for that matter, knew about Foley's misuse of power? Should Mr. Haster resign? Is a claim of being an alcoholic now being used as a tactical advantage to justify bad behavior for those who are powerful in Washington?

Thank you for your minds.