What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis

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If you had told me a month ago that I'd be reading a "business" book, I would have wondered what you'd been drinking. But then again, if you told me 4 months ago I'd be blogging, well I'd say you were certifiably nuts. I didn't know what a blog WAS. I've learned enough to know that I know little about any of this, but that won't stop me from trying to change that, by widget, by gadget, by golly! And for ME to be recommending a book of this genre, well, trust me, I was riveted. I'm not a company, or in business, but what this book is about certainly impacts my life, or will in the future.

What Would Google Do first explains what Google really is, and the philosophy that created it. It is the new way of thinking that is so fascinating, called Googlethink. Google makes itself free (or as ridiculously cheap as it can) for the people, making money on ads, not individuals. Now there's a concept! We the People become We the Google. If you give something away for free, where is your competition? How can anyone come along and beat your free???( It's so googly I get giggly.)

Jarvis probes the new attitudes of trust - trust the people. Listen to the people. Be honest. Be transparent. Encourage and enable.

I can't think of companies off of the top of my head that do any of that, can you? If this is the direction businesses will be going in the future, I want to be there to see it! If you need a read to get you hopeful for the future, turn off the gloomy news on TV and let Jarvis positively entertain you with his thoughts on how Googlethink could potentially change everything, from education to real estate, to PR and publishing.

Here's just one sample from his chapter on New Attitude:

"Trust is more of a two-way exchange than most people --- especially those in power --- realize. Leaders in government, news media, corporations and universities think they and their institutions can own trust when, of course, trust is given to them. Trust is earned with difficulty and lost with ease. When those institutions treat constituents like masses of fools, children, miscreants or prisoners - when they simple don't listen, its unlikely they will engender warm feelings of mutual respect. Trust is an act of opening up; its a mutual relationship of transparency and sharing. he more ways you find to reveal yourself and listen to others, the more you will build trust, which is your brand. Give the people control and we will use it, my first law decrees. Don't and you will lose us."

I love the line "Trust is earned with difficulty and lost with ease." Look at how many things, people, and companies we used to trust. I know most of you reading this are too young to remember a show on TV called "Who Do You Trust?" but it feels to me like we are all playing that game everyday now, with just about everything.

The times they are a-changing. So be good now boys and girls, drink your Googlejuice so you can grow up to be big and strong and help change the world. It needs you.

Thinking, Painting and Forgiving

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On March 30, 1852, the son on Anna and Theodorus van Gogh was stillborn. His parents named him Vincent and buried him near the Dutch church where Theodorus preached. Exactly one year later, on March 30, 1853, Anna gave birth to another son, whom they also named Vincent and who became one of the world's most famous artists.

That, in itself is remarkable. Almost errie though, don't you think? If you study his life, which sadly ended at age 37, you would find he had two interests - religion and art. In the ten years he was painting, he must have invented the term prolific --- 900 paintings and 1100 drawings! He never realized his fame while he lived --- his mother did, however, and must have kicked herself for hastily throwing out (in the garbage!) some of his work after he died.

He gave us more than art. There are a few quotes attributed to him that are worth sharing and thinking about.

"But I always think that the best way to know God is to love many things"

"I feel there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."

Vincent also said that he would dream of painting and then paint the dream. I find that inspirational. It is somewhat tied in to "The Secret", setting goals, and going for it --- all themes so many of us resonate with today. This sure isn't "new age" thinking, not if you read biographies of famous people. If we can dream it, we can do it kind of thinking. In art, and life, this attitude works.

One thing I discovered early on about oil (or acrylic) painting is that if you don't like what you first painted, you can paint over it. It is very forgiving and for this reason it is the medium I use. I need the forgiveness factor. When I see the mistakes, a bad choice of color, the wrong use of perspective in my painting, I can correct it. Sometimes I am guilty of over-working a painting and just need a new canvas to begin anew.

Life is like that. I mess up, I forgive myself, I try to correct it. And then there are the times that I've not let go, I've over-worked the situation and need to throw it out and start fresh.

In art and in life, it is the knowing that makes all the difference - knowing when to move on.

Happy Birthday Vincent.

Save The Planet - Be in Awe

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I selected a video for this weekend that is not only the calmest, most soothing music I could find, but also that has breath taking pictures of our planet - both present and perhaps even into the future. Today is SAVE THE EARTH - and we will be turning off our lights at 8:30 this evening in the global effort to help save the planet. More is needed. This is a beginning. And beginnings are encouraging. I hope the video provides you with at least a moment of awe - as always, thanks for stopping by.

Spring - Planting A No Limit Garden

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All around us we are seeing the grass getting greener, trees budding, flowers emerging - all of nature waking up, engaging in a new beginning. As we witness this natural emergence it is like nature itself is telling us to be all that we can be. It's a great message!

And so is Goethe's "Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius."

Couple the messages. Look at yourself and see if you don't have the seed of a dream hiding under ground. This might be the perfect time to plant it.

Take, for example, a guy I knew once, we'll call him Ted. He went to hundreds of art shows with me and always gravitated toward the photography. "Oh I wish I could take pictures like that!", he'd say.
He'd hang out with the photographer, asking questions, and leave the booth depressed. He would whine about how photography was something he felt drawn to but he didn't think he could do it, made a bazillion excuses for himself.

You can't imagine how I tried to get him past this. I suggested classes, shopping for a camera, going out to a nature preserve and just snapping pictures for practice. There was such an obvious seed there. I wanted so much for him to realize this dream of his. Unfortunately this was not the only thing Ted kept underground. Mentally, he had a garden of seeds in his back pocket that never saw the light of day. Ted died suddenly at 42, seeds and all.

I'm not implying he would have lived longer if he planted that photography seed but I am certain he would have lived more fully, witnessing his own seed grow, enjoying the bloom and fragrance.

This is a perfect time of year to start a no-limits garden. What seeds (ideas/dreams) do you have in YOUR back pocket? (Refer to Feb. 10 - Ban the Can't post if you need another nudge.) Having a no-limit drive or the will to try new things (no excuses) is worth having. Being truly engaged in life and letting those seeds grow is really a precious gift. The no limit attitude is basically your will to do something - it isn't esoteric, it's simple. Boldness has genius - go for it!

If not now, WHEN?

suZen

No Ordinary Moments by Dan Millman

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One of the constant themes of my blog is change --- it might as well be life because all of life is change. Our biggest stress in life seems to be when we resist it, fight it, try to deny it or control it.

Dan Millman's book No Ordinary Moments is an easy, but meaty, read. I use his material for journaling prompts for the classes I teach. Here is an excerpt on recognizing distorted beliefs (regarding stress) I think you will find helpful.

"We can wish for sunny weather all of the time and spend some of the time disappointed and upset, or we can stop resisting the storms. Whenever we notice ourselves resisting what is, we can ask, "What makes me think this is a problem?" If we don't like the way we feel, we change the way we think. Thinking is a lot like talking to ourselves, but so quietly we might not notice it. We say to ourselves what our parents said to or about us --- or what we perceived they truly felt. These messages, stored by our subconscious, create negative physical and emotional reactions.

If someone cuts us off as we drive to work, we can tell ourselves, "What a jerk!" or "Poor guy --- he must be having a tough day". These thoughts evoke very different physical and emotional responses.

A variety of negative beliefs create and sustain stress; here are some examples:

• When someone seems to disapprove of us, it means we are wrong or bad (and therefore, we must get everyone to like and approve of us).
• Our value depends upon how much we achieve and produce (and, therefore, we must achieve or produce or we will be worthless)
• We need an ideal love and a constantly enjoyable relationship to be happy.
• We must do everything well (and so must everyone else).
• Our view of the world is the correct one (and, therefore, those who disagree with us are wrong)."

This is but a snippet on this subject. He offers so many tools for transformation, dealing with stress in everyday life and changing your thinking. The subtitle of this book is "A Peaceful Warrior's Guide to Daily Life". His presentation is simple, easy to understand, but do not let that simplicity fool you. This book is packed with thought provoking, life changing lessons on how to open your heart, change your thoughts and experience the power of happiness.

I do not recommend books unless I've read them. My copy of this book is falling apart, highlighted, and filled with sticky notes. I have MORE than read it, believe me. Each time I go through it (a bazillion) there always seems to be an AHA moment - it's all good! And if my link to this appears on my blog the way it should, I will consider this to be a great day! Enjoy yours!

suZen

AHA - it worked

Tampering With Pampering

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Monday. The day I look at my nifty new "planner" and see what the week holds in store for me. You know how there are some weeks that you do this and just want to go back to bed? Actually, next week will probably be worse --- my son is dropping off his dog for five days while he and my hubs go golfing in South Carolina. Three dogs. One of which is an effervescent, furniture eating, pee fountain puppy.

I hear my spiritual guru's saying "Live In The Moment".

I hear my yoga teacher saying "It is what it is".

I hear the song "What will be, will be"

I hear myself telling my journaling class to make a list of all the ways you can nurture yourself and do something on that list this week for homework.

I know the top three are a given. I want to come into this future chaos refreshed and calm. It took me all of two minutes to know what was next, what I would cram into this week, what I HAD to do for ME.

Use my spa coupons. I know this may at first not sound healthy, but I cancelled my dentist appointment and booked a massage for this week instead, then rescheduled my mammogram and booked a manicure/pedicure too. During the luxuriating treatments I am helping myself by loving myself enough to make time, special time, for me.

It is the idea of taking a bit of control for self-nurturing, letting yourself know that yes, you matter, that is important here. Do you know when I had people make this list in journaling class, they were hard-pressed to come up with much? Like they hadn't really given this much thought? Have you?

Anyone taking the class knows about Suzen's Lists --- Suzen's list of 100 things. They dread them. They love them.

This is the first one they get: List 100 ways you can nurture yourself.

For some people this feels really strange --- especially women who are the major caretakers of families. Sometimes they look at me like I'm nuts! (Of course the jury is still out on that one.) I see the questions on their faces --- "What? You mean I have MORE to do than I'm doing?" You know that bumper sticker "If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy"? Yeah, it's like that.

The things on the list don't have to be costly - how about a nice luxuriating bubble bath? There is always the walk in the park, the time browsing at the library or the mall or craft/art galleries. Julia Cameron in her book "The Artists Way" calls for a weekly date with yourself. This time for and with yourself can nurture your creative spirit. Think of things you can do for yourself and enjoy whatever it is without feeling guilty. It's ok. Give yourself permission. In reality it will only take a few hours this week but I am feeling more peaceful inside already just having made the appointments.

Let me know if you get to 100. Nobody has. Not even me, though Godonlyknows I try!

suZen

The Equinox Resolution - Do Over's and New Beginnings

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On my Feb. 3rd blog I wrote about "my" take on New Year's Resolutions. For those of you (most of you) who don't know about my thing, if you have time, look it up.

Briefly, this is my do-over day. I found a year is too long to implement change, and sometimes to even remember what to change, and certainly too long to keep the momentum going. Be it age or my version of insanity, I break down the year into 4's - equinoxes and solstices - and I treat each one as if it were New Years Resolution time.

The "rules" (not that there really ARE any) are loving, not judging. This is a good thing. This eliminates using the F-word (failure). If you by chance find yourself not keeping your resolution you don't have to wait a whole darn year to start over! Also, as life always has it, new things come up that you may think - oh yeah, I need to resolve to do this or do that.......well, you may forget what the heck it is if you wait til Jan. 1st.

I'm all about handy, convenient and simple. Since there is a shorter time period, the chances for real success are increased plus the fact that you don't have to tackle a whole year-long list - just one or two things. Summer Solstice is June 21st - not all that far away. What new thing(s) could you change, alter, begin doing?

It's suZen's do-over day! Have a great one!

Sit, Stay, and Silly Billy

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The 3rd grade class was told to sit down at their desks and stop looking at the big trucks out of the window. It took a few minutes to get them all settled down. All were seated except Billy.

"Billy, sit down please." said the teacher. No movement. "Billy, I said sit down!" Little Billy looked defiantly at his teacher but did not move. "Billy, I said YOU SIT DOWN." Still, Billy stood, crossed his arms across his chest, silent and rigid. "Billy Madison, you sit down THIS INSTANT!"

Billy gave this some thought. Then he finally sat down at his desk and said "I may be sitting down on the OUTSIDE, but I'm still standing up on the INSIDE!"

There were so many times when I have had to go along, behave myself, follow the rules, listen to authority, go the speed limit, keep my mouth shut, when all along inside there was the little Billy saying "Ok, FINE, yeah, I'll do it but you cannot make me LIKE it!" There was a lot more resistance in me years ago, a lot more "fight". While I went so far as to congratulate myself on my spunk and independence, I think there was a barbed quality about it.

I wonder if we all start out like Billy? Is acceptance something you stumble on later in life? Do we make a conscious decision to learn this?

Such great thinkers out there - I'm tossing a bone to chew on. Meanwhile, Heidi, my new puppy and bone-chewer, really does seem to know the word SIT now, even tho most of the time her little front paws are dancing in place while she sits - sort of like Billy.

suZen

The Pup and Present Moment Living

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If you haven't watched the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic TV, or if you are not acquainted with the concept of living in the present moment, just watch a puppy. They live in the moment, much like a young child. Everything that is happening, is happening right now, right this minute. There is no history of anything, there is no future of anything. It's just now. Now.

I spent all of yesterday living in the moment with our 13-week old new black lab. Only while she napped was I able to read blogs and answer email. Otherwise it was 100% being in the moment with Heidi and watching her interact with Mondo, our 4-yr. old yorkie poo. Today I'm still trying to figure out how I'll get in my workout in our basement gym, how I'll manage to get the laundry done, where to confine her while I'm in the shower...........memories of having a toddler in the house. Since I WAS able to somehow function as a mom of two, I know I'll figure this all out. It's just all very new and in my face.

The beauty of present moment living is the joy of it. There is a peace, freedom and weightlessness about it. If you are truly present, what happened yesterday, let alone last week or month, is gone.
There is no room for fretting about the tomorrows ahead either.

When we are the most stressed during the day is when we really need to stop for a moment, to just sit and breathe and be still. Yet often we don't. We don't want to take the "time", gotta hurry up, gotta do, gotta go................ This is just a little reminder that staying in touch with the present moment could be the best moment of your day. Take it. It's yours.

I'm trying to be present more and Heidi is helping with that. Right now, however, I am projecting into the future trying to anticipate the next pee and to get her outside before it happens. My success rate on day two of this can be summed up quickly - I'm out of paper towels.

Have a little NOW today.

suZen

Lighting The Fires of Hope with Google

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I did something yesterday that I have never done. There is a fire in me, a voice coming out. I don't know from where and I don't know "why me" and I'm not asking that. It's not ABOUT me.

I saw on the news last week, that in Venice, California some of the "new" homeless in America were living in camping trucks and trailers on the streets. The residents don't like it. These camping people have to move constantly to escape parking tickets and angry residents. Some of these camping vehicles have children who need to go to school. I was depressed listening to this story. It followed the previous nights story of people camping in the new tent city in Sacramento, California. Whole families. Not criminals. The new economic refugees.

So I'm driving through town on Saturday going about my errands and I passed a half dozen churches. I see parking lots the size of Walmart's. I wondered how many churches there were in Venice. Yesterday I looked on Google. Dozens and dozens of churches. Dozens and dozens!

(You know where this is going, don't you?)

So yesterday I wrote to dozens of these churches. I told them what I saw on the news in their city. I asked them if they could help these people. From a public relations stand point alone, wouldn't they like to be the FIRST to step up to the plate and give a helping hand? I said that people helping people has all the potential to get this country on its feet again - grass roots, start SOMEWHERE, and don't think that the government alone can fix anything. I suggested that if every church in this country helped one family stay in their home (some churches could afford MORE) that we could potentially stabilize this country's best asset - its people! I asked them to please think about this - pray about this - think how they can help outside their box of a church.

And then I asked them what business they were in and to really think about that.

I'm not trying to be snotty. That is SO not the intention! I see problems and I'm looking for solutions outside of the normal "box". I see every city and town with resources in their churches. And I really do have to ask - what business are you in if not to help people? Don't ask how you can help - just do it. Unfortunately today you don't have to look very FAR until you find a family in trouble.They aren't "members" of your church? Are they human beings? Is compassion limited to a membership directory? I will be calling on local churches here in our town to invite them to reach out of their box, and let people know they are willing to step up to the plate and help in new ways. The churches have a platform and an opportunity to be so much more than they are! Could you see the headlines? "Economy Stabilized Through American Churches." I don't know about you, but I see the global reaction to something like this being complete shock and awe.

I want to help so many people! Me, alone, a tiny voice. I can write letters. I can suggest there IS solution - put it out there and let it go.

If everyone reading this blog would pass it along to as many people as you can, a movement could be born that has a far reaching potential for GOOD. This is how they begin. One idea, one voice - get it out there and let it take on a life of its own. I am choosing not to see the "obstacles" the "red tape" because to do so gives them life. I see a solution - a plain and simple just do it. TOGETHER we CAN. People helping people, its a beautiful thing!

suZen

p.s. Pssst - pass it on!

Inspiration and Rest - Breathing with the Music

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Happy Weekend! I could write a post about each and every quote or saying on this video. It is rich in content, awesome in it's beauty, inspirational in all the messages.

Whatever you do, take time for yourself. Let yourself have some quiet moments to just breathe and relax - and yes, listening to this video counts! It may only be five minutes of rest and quiet contemplation but it could be the best thing you do for yourself - so enjoy it!

To Be or Not To Be?

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Yesterday I meandered down memory lane, remembering the early ideas I had of what I wanted to be when I grew up.

The first thing I wanted to be was a dancer. I danced, swirled and leaped all over the house, visions of being a Rockette,a prima ballerina, or a cool, hip modern dancer with heavy eyeliner and long bangs. When I reached 12, my dad started to panic. He wanted to discourage me. It was a dangerous world I wanted to go into, he would say. Too much instability, not a good choice. Choose again. Grow up!

I loved horses. In 8th grade our final term paper of the year was to write an essay about our chosen profession. I wrote that paper, in earnest and with research, about being a jockey. This was before Robyn Smith, the first woman jockey to break the gender barrier. Mr. Tweedy, my English teacher (who was also my dads golfing partner) lectured me about this choice being nonsense, irresponsible and impractical. He gave me the opportunity to re-select and re-write the paper, or fail. I did re-write it. I chose to be an English teacher who taught "Creative" writing. I don't know if Mr. Tweedy appreciated the sarcastic flip, but it wasn't lost on my dad. That flip was probably the birth of my rebellion.

Career choices in a rock tumbler bang round and round. How do you know? - at what age? - what career?

What led YOU to your career or job? Did you stumble onto something or was it planned out? How do you help kids decide? Or do you?

suZen
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Act Like A Lady - Think Like A Man Book Review

A while back I wrote a blog about the difference in the way men think vs. women - in fact, there is quite the funny video posted about this as well. The very day after I wrote it, I was watching the morning show on TV and guess what? There was an author with his new best selling book on - same topic!

I went out to buy that book right away. Call me the ultimate consumer but I felt some serendipity pull to this "coincidence". I am certain I do not fit the profile of his intended readership. I've been married 28 years and have had my share (decades really) of trying to figure out the male brain. Nonetheless, if there is something out there that can help other (younger) women, I'm all over it!

This book, written by comedian Steve Harvey, evolved after his years on the radio where women s called in to him with questions about relationships and their problems with men. Don't expect this book to read like a comedy routine. While there are some light moments, he shares some of the workings of a man's brain in regard to relationships with women. Harvey gives enough info and suggestions to make this a worth while read. Do you know of somebody that could use a boost to get her relationship on track? Or a woman who always seems to pick the "wrong" man? This book may be just what she needs.

One chapter (mid book)"Men Respect Standards - Get Some!" contains some thought provoking material. A woman may have to look hard at herself and prepare to make a change or two in herself or her plans. At any rate, it may be a great way to see the male perspective on how woman behave (or not), what they bring to the relationship (or not) and whether their expectations have a chance (according to him).

There is a link to Amazon for this book right here on my blog. From time to time, and because I read so much and want to share what I'm reading and learning, I'll stick links to the books I mention. Commerical? Yes. It seems universal on most of the blogs I read that there is some level of advertising. I won't make you choke on it. I'm not trying to make grocery money YET! Also, just so you know, I will never advertise a book without reading it first and giving my commentary.

There has been a bit of flipping around with my template - you may have noticed if you were dropping in over the last 24 hours. Sometimes the change that you think you want, once you get it, isn't really what you want after all. I received a few comments/emails about it is the CONTENT of my blog that attracts people, not the "look" of it. Thank you. I have to remember I am still me even when I don't wear make-up.

ALSO - No one has stepped up with a healthy muffin recipe yet. Maybe I'm alone in thinking that muffins (healthy ones) are little complete mini-meals? My quest will continue and I'll let you know if I find one. Muffins are cheaper to make than buying breakfast bars plus you know exactly what is in them, they are portable, freezable and I'll bet you they will be making a "come back" in popularity. Just like the economical casseroles.

Suzen

Zen and The Art of Muffins

I love the simplicity of Zen. It is uncluttered, uncomplicated and plain old easy. I spent all of last year getting rid of antiques (mostly inherited) and all the excess in this house. Pared down to only what we need and use. It's still too much stuff but it looks and feels better. I have a few empty cupboards here and there, a few empty shelves in closets and a vow to leave them that way. It was easy to clean thru the years of accumulation by asking myself if I was moving would I want to pack it? Have I used it, would I use, why do I have it in the first place?

I have to tell you, it was refreshing. I learned non-attachment and became a favorite stop for the AmVets truck. I can clean this house faster - and less often. It's all good.

So I wanted to get into the zen thing with eatting. Make it simple, have it take less time and for absolute certain, make it healthy. I've been studying nutrition for decades and make every effort to eat all the foods that give me the best in vitamins, nutrients and fiber. The list of everything I SHOULD eat seems to be getting longer. I eat very small amounts frequently rather than big meals and convenience is key. I'm really trying to pack as much "good stuff" as I can into a small serving without spending too much time in the kitchen.

My zen answer is muffins. You can make them ahead of time, grab them on the run if need be, they don't take long to eat, you don't need dishes, and tahdah, you've got the good stuff going into your body and it it so simple! The quest is still on for THE MOST nutritious one known to mankind. I make oatmeal, walnut, cranberry muffins every week. I know they are good for me, I like them, but golly, how about a new recipe? I'm putting the request out there - help! (Mike, you should be in your element here.) Either post in comments or email me with any muffin suggestions.

Right up there with the simplicity of muffins is the good old casserole. One dish. I have a lot of recipes for casseroles and make them often. It is easy to just throw "good stuff" in one dish,(one big dish so I have leftovers and therefore cook less often) and it's easy feeding just the two of us -- fortunately for me, my hubs is grateful for whatever I cook for him.

It is challenging to keep things simple and uncluttered and I'm not sure I'll ever be totally streamlined. It's a process almost reversing how we start out. I now try to CREATE empty space. Instead of filling every corner with stuff, I leave some empty. Like the empty shelves or cabinets, there is room to breathe.

So back to the muffins - give it your best shot. Put as much GOOD stuff into a muffin and still have it yummy is the challenge. I'm salivating. Think Zen. Think muffins!

suzen

Patience and Change

I have to take a deep breath. Change is a PROCESS - why can't I remember that? Maybe because I've fallen prey to this "instant on" life we all lead. Expectations are high. Flip a switch, you have light. Turn on the faucet, you have water. Turn on the TV and you have 800 channels just a nanosecond away. Turn on the computer and voila - well, sometimes voila. Except when its slow, when you have too much mail in your box, or in your haste you pressed the wrong key, or button or whatever.

My lack of knowledge of all things computer-related is legendary. I did learn a few really swell tricks from my teacher yesterday. As you can see there are no major "make-overs" on this blog yet. This is where the patience comes in. Since I don't understand the mechanics of any of it, I just need to have the faith and trust that SOMEBODY knows, (Pam does!) and that it will all come about in its time. I'm not messin with it. Change is a process. Deep down change is a transformation.

How many times do we declare we are making some change and then it doesn't become evident that anything different is going on? Then people say to you "Oh I thought you were changing all that (whatever)?" Sometimes it's like being pregnant and getting asked "Didn't you have that baby yet??" (I got asked that so much I remember thinking I should have totally HID my pregnancy and then just appeared with a babe in arms one day and said to everyone, "VOILA!")

All this thinking about change as I'm writing today has me ready to implement a CHANGE. I may just not declare a change is coming anymore. I may wait til it actually happens and then do my VOILA! and "Look at my change!" This might be something to think about in regard to other things besides my blog - like stuff in my life.

There may be two very dangerous people in this world.
The one who wants to change EVERYTHING - and the one who wants to change NOTHING.

suZen

Our Lady of Perpetual Change

I've been visited by Our Lady of Perpetual Change. I'm about to be changing some things on my blog tomorrow. I hope I don't lose anything besides my mind. Change is always happening, so why not the blog? I feel like an oxford lace up shoe (like nun's wear) in a world of elegant Prada heels. My computer savvy friend is coming over, with her dog.

This visit is two-fold. Part computer, part dog training. We are trying to get our yorkie-poo, Mondo, a bit more socialized before adding a new dog this summer. He needs exposure to other dogs. We had a black lab, Missy, when Mondo came to live with us almost four years ago. He bonded more with her than me. Followed her everywhere. They were pretty cute, she was so big, and he so small. She "taught him" to pee outside and all the other necessary things. When people came to the door, Missy was right there politely greeting, Mondo would follow at a distance, seemingly comforted by her checking things out first. On walks he was fine with her. Without her he won't budge.

Missy died 2 years ago, and Mondo was so lost. Two weeks after this happened, my son got out of the army and brought a beagle with him that was an orphaned deployment dog nobody wanted or could take with them. Sadie replaced Missy for some 10 months. Mondo loved her. That lasted til my son moved out and took his dog with him. Mondo has been a solo act now for a year and he's fine if nobody comes over. He is scared to death of new people, and isn't a dog lover either.

Time for a change. I am optimistic that he and Pam's dog will become friends - eventually. They met a few weeks ago. Each time we'll increase the length of the visit. Pam is like Cesar Milan on the Dog Whisperer - she'll tell me what to do with the dog just like she will help with the blog decor.

Walks were changed. All this winter Mondo has been on the treadmill with me for at least 15 min. a day. (Hubs says its cuz the dog is a cookie whore, he'll do anything - but even he was amazed I taught Mondo to do this.) He will walk outside with me now but when he sees another dog he goes nuts. Why are the little dogs so nuts like this? And why did I want a little dog?

I wanted change. Missy was willing but far too large to be a lap dog. I wanted a lap dog. Mondo is small enough. Mondo is NOT a lap dog, not willingly. He'll sit near or next to but never ON your lap, unless you lift him up and put him there. He will stay a maximum of 20 minutes, then he's had enough. So he isn't doing what he was hired to do. This will probably never change so I've come to accept it. His other behaviors must change so we'll be working on that tomorrow too.

Some changes are slow, some come about in a nanosecond. Our weather changed today - it was 60 and felt like spring! I changed linens today, changed cd's, changed the menu for tonite.

Our Lady of Perpetual Change is coming to your area soon! Are you ready?

suZen

Insight - or - What Teeter Taught Her

I was going to write about balance today. (notice past tense?) Well I did a quick brain scan and monkey mind sent an image of a teeter-totter. Remember those? Do they still have them on playgrounds? See-saws? I don't recall ever in my life even writing the word teeter-totter down so I had to look the darn word up in the dictionary. So I let monkey mind loose.

A four year old on the playground...........

Who to choose for a partner on the teeter-totter? Linda was my best friend. Linda was very bossy but fun . Linda was tall and big. We got on the board and up I went, but no matter how hard I tried to bounce the board down to elevate her, I didn't have the weight necessary. This caused Linda to have jerky little bounces on the ground which annoyed and bored her. She started yelling at me, as if I could make myself weigh more if only I'd try! Impatient, she got off. I slammed to the ground instantly. (Note to self: pick someone your own size for balance, big people are fun til the bigness is a liability, and if people don't get what they want from you, you'll get it!)

Try again, get another partner. A quick scan of the playground and I targeted Janet. I called over to her asking if she would join me on the board. She said no. She didn't want to get her socks dirty! (Note to self: Some girls want to stay perfect so people will look at them, that is all they are good for, some girls just make excuses and Janet doesn't like me.)

I got off the board and started scouting for a partner. I found Stanley picking dandelions near the fence all by himself. "Come on, Stanley! Let's go play on the teeter-totter!" His hands were covered in the milky ooze that came from the flower stems. "You want ME to play?" he asked sheepishly, putting his bouquet down. Stanley was my size. Stanley had on brown boy socks. Stanley needed a friend. On the teeter-totter we were balanced. I went up and down, then he did, and for one glorious moment it was perfection. I looked up at Stanley's face expecting to see smiles and he was crying. Going up high scared him so much he wet his pants and jumped off quickly to find his mom. His sudden departure from the board once again sent me crashing down to the earth with a thud. (Note to self: Brown socks are not necessarily "manly", some boys can't even play with girls, and dandelions wilt after picking them.)

After dusting myself off, again, I got off the board to check Stanley's end of the board for pee. I knew nobody would sit on it if they knew. It appeared dry, though I didn't touch it. I looked around to see if there was anyone else to play with and was about to give up and head toward the last available swing when I saw him. He saw me. Our eyes were locked in that moment of I-dare-you!
Without words we ran to grab the ends of the board and hopped on. Up and down once. Up and down twice. We were staring at each other, half-smiling and then I noticed his arms starting to tense on the handle, his half-smile turning into an evil look that told me he was planning on sending me to the moon! We both jumped off in the same instance, he landing on his feet, me on the ground. (Note to self: Keep your eyes on your partner at all times, pay attention to your gut instincts, and trust no guy with "that look".)

Reflecting back, I learned valuable insight on that playground. The book learning in grade school never includes what you really need.

Today Linda is the yelling women's basketball coach at Purdue. She regularly attends Weight Watchers.

Janet went on to become a topless dancer at a Gentlemen's Club in Chicago. She never wears socks.

Stanley opened a wildly successful floral design business in L. A. catering to the rich and famous. He met his life partner at a flower show near San Francisco.

The boy with "the look" I didn't trust? I see him on the news all the time. He is a politician in Washington.

And I'm doing whatever I can to stay up in the air, carefully balancing the heavier things in life that can bring you down.

There is more to this playground. Stay tuned.

suZen

The Tag Game or Newbie's Shameful Run-on Mouth

The Blogosphere is full of interesting people, their thoughts and stories, each blog as different and unique as the individual writing. It has been the education of a lifetime just to be a participant in the sphere. I challenged myself to overcome fears and just put it out there. Its been great.

As usual, whenever I think I am even CLOSE to mastering something, I fumble, bumble, stumble. Here's my latest.

I read a delightful blog (here's your plug Julia) called Midwestmoms.blogspot.com and last week she mentioned me and my blog in a game called tag. I thought, ok, this sounds like fun. Let's see, she wants me to write 5 things I like about myself and 5 things I don't. No biggie. I surely know myself well enough to skate thru this.

In reality I spent a hefty coupla hours thinking it out, making notes and then typing it all out. (I didn't do my OWN blog that day - who knew?) Couldn't wait to get it all down. She asked five people. I wanted to be first to respond to her. (Damn over-achiever stuff - I should have put that on my list of what I don't like about me!)

Guess I blew it. Well, no guess really. I wrote out my dissertation on HER blog in the comment area. Silly newbie that I am, I didn't realize I was to write it all out on MY blog. So now that I've made a mess of her blog I sure don't want to write those answers down here too, not to mention I'm all ready to change and add stuff I wrote since I thought of wayyyy too many more things I don't like about me and all that is getting so negative and I don't wanna go there anymore because thinking of oneself this much is just not healthy!!!

If you have the least bit of curiosity about what I said in answer to those clever questions, go to Midwestmoms.blogspot.com and you can read the comments on it. Actually, what I said on her blog is totally not important and not even especially clever or insightful. You don't need to go there to read about me --- but you do need to go there!

I suggest that you read her blog - and follow - because not only is she a really sweet and funny person and an interesting writer to boot, but do it because I said so. In case you didn't get the link it is Midwestmoms.blogspot.com.

Now I understand (because Julia emailed me to 'splain the whole tag thing) I am supposed to put other people on here that I read/like to sort of pimp their blogs - I'm to pick five. Well I love too many, I love all the ones I'm following - and only HALF I follow show up in my favorite blogs on my profile, the rest are in my yahoo or emailed to me. To me it would be like choosing a favorite child, just can't!

So I invite one and all to tour thru my profiled favorites. (but only AFTER you have gone to Midwestmoms.blogspot.com !) They are as varied in content as the fruit and veggie section at the market - and a few nuts too.

Lesson learned - don't be so flattered you were asked to play that you don't check on the rules of the game first! You know that old "assume" saying. Ummmm, yeah. Hee haw. Love you, Julia!
Another lesson to learn yet - I've edited this umpteen times, put in what I THOUGHT was a link to Julia and it is not showing up blue - I have no clue what I'm doing! I'm thinkin I will be in computer kindergarten forEVER.

suZen

Any blunders on blogs you'd share so I don't linger in the land of heehaw's alone? If I AM the only idiot in the Blogosphere then lets all go quietly away for now and come back fresh tomorrow.