Sometimes I'm really not sure where my inspiration comes from? Movies, characters, books? Tonight, it was from a little green man who sounds like Grover and looks like Mr. Mayagi from The Karate Kid. I found myself peppering my presentation with quotes from a Star Wars character (totally unplanned). The quotes were fitting and my Yoda imitations drew a hearty laugh from the crowd.
"Do or do not; there is no try."
"Named must your fear be before banish it you can."
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
Lately, I've found myself in a state of flux and I turn to Yoda for some Jedi wisdom.Ah, if name the fear I only could...mmm.....
I was out with a very good friend of mine today, who reminded me of a book that was quite popular a couple of years back, called, " The Five People You Meet in Heaven," by Mitch Albom. The novel is a chronicle of the main character's meeting of about 5 people in heaven who were pivatol in his life. People come and go in our lives every day.
Sometimes you don't even realize the impact of your words, kindness or effect of your presence in someone's life. I thought about who my Fab Five would include and I know there have been many more than 5 influential people in my life.
Walk On
I attended a U2 concert this week and like the first one I attended in Vancouver the Joshua tree this one was full of soul, heart and inspiration. I was moved by the lyrics, melodic melodies and of course the band. I always found that they sang songs that bled from their souls and with such depth.
I have so many favorite songs from U2 but the one that hit deep this week was Walk On (from their 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind). The song was written about Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese activist who was sentenced to house arrest in 1989 for protesting her government. Earlier that year, while walking with some of her supporters, soldiers blocked their path and pointed rifles at them. Suu Kyi kept walking, despite orders to stop. The soldiers threatened to shoot her, but didn't. Her actions have been closely monitored by the government, but she remains an influential leader and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She was released and freed in 2010.
Carry On Luggage
The only baggage that you can bring is all that you can't leave behind. There are so many people that I know who have 'good hearts,' who always strive to do the right thing, working with what they have and doing the best with what they've got. These are everyday 'invisible heroes and heroines' that I admire. They are the underdogs, the unpretentious, the unsung superstars.
Sure there are people that I know in this world who just want to be rich. Others want the fame. For me, it's not about wanting to be rich, I'll leave that for someone else.
I'll end this post with one more favorite from this album, the first time I heard this song I was captivated, I think this is a brilliant tune - under appreciated! Just close your eyes and listen to the song the video doesn't do it justice. It's a happy song!
The Epic of Gilgamesh- an ancient text +4000 yrs old
If our bookshelves are a collection of our knowledge and experiences, then each of us should have walls of books beyond our homes. My siblings are always chuckling and teasing me about the things that I hold onto, sometimes without consciously thinking about it. Point in suit, I had old text books from my first science degree on my bookshelves up until last week.
It wasn't that I would eventually reread those textbooks. Genetics, organic chemistry and medical sociology are not a common subject matter in my day to day conversations. I thought about why I held onto them for such a long time. Moved them from place to place only to crack them open on occasion and to dust them off. I know now I kept those textbooks to remind me that I did study these subjects and at one time did know this information well. I do find myself using my science knowledge from time to time....especially during 'Jeopardy'!
Do you keep books to reread or just to remind yourself of what you've read? What's on your bookshelf? Right now I'm reading, "The Brain That Changes Itself." Fascinating!
Keepers
Some of my books are a collection of my passions in life, sailing, photography, art and design. Other books are of my travels. Where I've been and where I want to go....Then there are the novels, how to do books and the sketch books and journals. These ones are the keepers!
Years before Lady Gaga belted this tune on the airwaves this was one of my Mother's favorite wise sayings. When my first nephew was born she noticed how he was so particular about certain things. How he liked his blanket, it had to be certain way one side specifically facing him. She often said that about me!
Today and everyday I'm so grateful for the lessons that my Mother has taught me. I see her lessons repeated in my nephews as I watch them grow up. My sisters and I have all chuckled at our 'born identity' and how we have adopted so many of our Mother's traits.
Salt of the Earth
My Mother is the salt of the earth.
'The salt of the earth' was first published in English in Chaucer's Summoner's Tale, circa 1386, although Chaucer undoubtedly took his lead from Latin versions of the Bible:
"Ye been the salt of the erthe and the savour"
The Chinese character for heart always makes me smile. It looks like a smiling face. My Mother has a great sense of humor and makes me smile.
Selfless passionate soul. Proud to call you my Mom! In honor of Mother's Day we celebrate all Mother's and the wonderful lessons they share with us with all of their children!
We are a week away from the most extravagant wedding since Princess Diana and Prince Charles almost 30 years ago. I have to admit I'm a bit of a sucker for royalty and things related to it. I don't need to follow every minute detail but I do like to follow significant events. Despite crisis, mockery and ridicule, the royal family continues to endure and survive with so much elegance and poise. I do admire their tenacity and integrity. We all have our own struggles no matter who we are and where we live.
I think in the last month I've watched three movies that are 'royal' in nature. The academy nominated 'The King's Speech,' was so well done! I'm glad that Colin Firth won the Oscar and many other accolades for his portrayal of King George VI. Then there was also Helen Mirren's flawless performance as Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen." The other film I saw was 'Elizabeth' with Cate Blanchett. Extraordinary!
Will you be up at 3 am to catch the broadcast of Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding? I probably won't but I will enjoy to see it. They look like an awesome couple together and I wish them all the blessings from afar!
I will live vicariously through the glut of royal wedding coverage in the following week. So practice your 'royal wave,' from the wrist as Tracey Ullman points out and put on that tiara on April 29th, 2011!
Here is a what we might be expecting from the wedding: <this makes me smile!> Keep cupping the air!
I don't usually get attached to things, especially inanimate objects. However, I do take very very good care of my things and maybe by doing so I breathe some 'life' into things.
When I sold my first car after 13 years, I remembered turning around as I was walking away and asked the guy who was buying it if he had a garage to keep it in. He smiled and said 'yes, I'll take good care of it, you sure did.' It was just reassuring to know it was going to a good home and was in good hands.
I think that was the first time that I thought about inanimate objects and the 'lives' they lead after me. I know it's really nothing, nothing with feelings, thoughts or connections, but I can't help but wonder about the 'karma' and life it has beyond.
Eye Land
I've sold three cameras recently, the first one to a bartender. I laughed when he said he wanted to negotiate a lower price and pay me in beers at the bar. He was interesting young man full of ambition and energy. He was about to celebrate his 25th birthday and wanted a camera to capture the milestone. I had that camera for over 8 years and it has recorded a few milestones for me as well as experiences from traveling.
I sold the video camera to a woman who was traveling to Winnipeg in a week to visit her ailing brother. She said he was dying from cancer and wanted to get a video camera to record some memories of him. I felt sad for her and her plight ahead.
The Nikon SLR (I had for over 20 years) was just sold to a fashion week photographer a couple of days ago. It was interesting to know that camera would be used and appreciated in another life in another role and yes, maybe traveling around the world. I'm sure each lens will capture more images and memories with it's new owners. I'm happy to let go of these things that have been a part of my life.
In a course I was teaching this week, a guy talked about how difficult it was for him to let go of the past and how he hangs on to everything and felt stuck. I spoke about how we need to evaluate what 'things' are valuable in our lives and to make sure you take time to include them in your life. Let go of some things that don't matter, but things that are important, keep them close.
I've always grown up with music around me. The radio was always on in the kitchen. I remember when I was young my parents had a old reel to reel. It wasn't until many years later that I realized how 'cool' it was to have one of those! Lately, I've started watching 'Glee' so I guess I'm a gleek!
I've been known to sing songs to my own versions, yes, sometimes with no sense whatsoever! Especially in my car....alone. But I've discovered I'm not the only one who 'rewrites' tunes.
Do you recognize these songs? Got any others?
"Beat it! Beat it! No one wants to feed the fetus!"
"Killing me softly with his thong..."
Let's pee in the corner, Let's pee in the spotlight.
Who can forgot the inspirational national anthem for this year!
Oh Canada, we stand on cars and freeze...
I used to think that Sting's song was about the fields of Bali...
I've been playing my guitar again lately and was even thinking of selling it and getting another one. It needs a little work but sounds GREAT! After some research on my vintage Yamaha....I thought I better keep it! It's a priceless piece that others want their hands on! So now I'm calling myself a certified 'Yammie!'
Here's a new tune I'm working on. Sting does it justice:
