~ Weeds ~

Weed - noun

1. any undesirable or troublesome plant,

esp. one that grows profusely where it is not wanted

-Webster's Dictionary

So, as I mentioned in a previous post - we have a really large lot and most of it has turned into a weed-fest!  This morning, I was out with my son - pulling an area of weeds that had totally overtaken my roses and gardenia bushes.  As I was pulling them, a few thoughts came to me that made a perfect analogy.  (which made for great company in my mind - making this mundane, annoying task, a little better)!

The thought came to me of how we all have weeds in our life - in one form or another, that can take over the good things  (as the weeds took over the beautiful flowers), faster than we realize. 

They might be habits we need to change.  Our attitude.  Relationships. The need to forgive someone. etc. etc. etc.   And then the other thought came to me, that if the weeds I was pulling are not taken from the root, they will grow back.  It takes more effort pulling from the root ... but in the long run - the weed is gone.

Finally, I was trying to figure out some positive aspect of this whole weed thing and this last thought came to me.  We will all have weeds at one time or another in our life that we need to get rid of.  It's a process and sometimes take quite awhile to do it.  But just as I was pulling these weeds this morning - struggling - using both hands on some ... raking, grooming ... I realized that by doing this makes me stronger!  And the outcome of beautiful flowers free from the choking of weeds is such a better sight to see and the grand reward!

So, here's to pulling your weeds today - whatever they may be.  Figure out what they are and start from the root.  Be patient and don't pull too fast - because as I found out this morning by doing that, sometimes the root doesn't come up.  If I'm patient and pull slower, the root will come.  And yes, sometimes, it takes both hands.  Effort = Reward!

: )

~ "RAK" ~

"Each smallest act of kindness
reverberates across great distances and spans of time,
affecting lives unknown to the one whose generous spirit
was the source of this good echo, because kindness is passed on and grows each time it’s passed,
until a simple courtesy becomes an act of selfless courage
years later and far away.”

~ Dean Koontz

There have been so many countless moments in my life where I have been the recipient of RAK (random acts of kindness).  From friends, family even strangers.  Simple as having a door opened to me - or even more depth of having meals brought in when I've been really sick - or my house cleaned by loving hands . . . the list is endless.  I have a difficult time accepting such abundant kindnesses at times, I would rather be the giver.  But I do realize that this life is about giving as well as taking, and when this happens both parties are blessed for the richer.

What kindnesses has someone given you in your life?  Even if it is just a listening ear, or simply knowing that someone is always there for you . . . being kind and receiving it, is like a Light in the darkness.  And being kind - a smile, wink, hug, kind words, deeds . . . doesn't cost a thing - yet brings the most joy - full circle. 

Let us be kind today - this Monday . . . a fresh new start of the week.  Dig deep and see how many Random Acts of Kindness we can bestow to everyone we come in contact with - starting with the most important people in your life whoever they may be.  Share your kindness today : )

p.s..... Cheers to being kind!

~ Would You Go? ~

"Eddie Would Go"

There is a famous story in Hawaii about a young man named Eddie Aikau.  Those who know of him, know his story and uphold the deepest respect for him and what he did. 

He was known not only as a good surfer but a good lifeguard as well. Not one life was lost while he served as lifeguard of Waimea Bay, as he braved waves that often reached 30 feet high or more.
In 1971, he was named Lifeguard of the Year.

In 1978, the Polynesian Voyaging Society was seeking volunteers for a 30-day, 2,500-mile journey to follow the ancient route of the Polynesian migration between the Hawaiian and Tahitian island chains. At 31 years of age, Eddie joined the voyage as a crew member. The Hokule'a left the Hawaiian islands on March 16, 1978. The double-hulled voyaging canoe developed a leak in one of the hulls and later capsized about twelve miles South of the island of Molokai. In an attempt to get help, Eddie paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard. Although the rest of the crew was later rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, Eddie was never seen again. The ensuing search for Eddie was the largest air-sea search in Hawaii history.  The last person lifeguard Eddie Aikau rescued at Waimea Bay was a young TV producer named John Orland, who had just wrapped up production on a TV pilot called the "Hawaii Experience," starring Bob Crane from Hogan's Heroes. He was rescued on February 19, 1978, less than a month before Eddie Aikau was lost at sea.

Every year In Eddie's honor, Hawaii holds a ceremony - and if the waves are big enough - "The Eddie" - a Big Wave Invitational surf competition, in Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. 
The tournament has only been held eight times, due to a precondition that open-ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet (this translates to a wave face height of over 30 feet).  The most recent tournament was in December 2009, when waves in the bay reached 30 to 50 feet high!!  The contest only invites 28 big-wave riders to participate in two rounds of competition. The event does not allow the use of jet skis to tow surfers into the waves.

There are signs, t-shirts, bumper stickers everywhere in Hawaii that read: "Eddie Would Go."
I have a bumper sticker on my car that says: "Mom Would Go" which my son and hubby brought back from an "all-guys" Hawaii surf trip a couple of years ago.  Every time I read that, it really gives me motiviation that yes - "I Would Go" .... "Go where?" someone once asked me ... and I answered: "Anywhere I am needed as a Mom." 

I love the story of Eddie.  He truly is a hero to so many.  And being in a surf family we see it more than most people do.  His example is like a silent "standard" for all the surf buddies my hubby and son know and get to surf with each Saturday morning.  Eddie didn't have to go - but he did.  A great legend he left behind in helping so many.

Would you go? Not in the sense that Eddie did battling huge waves - but when the call is heeded for your help ... would you go?  I believe as human beings we all would go.  And because we are human we have a heart that possesses the innate desire to help, serve and love each other - even to a stranger wouldn't you agree?  There are countless examples all around us - all around the world of ordinary people helping people in extraordinary ways.  Look at Haiti right now with all of the thousands of volunteers who chose to go and "battle the waves" in a sense.  One doesn't even have to go outside of their home.  How would you "go" within the walls of your own home today?

I believe Albert Einstein sums this up perfectly:

"Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living."

Have a wonderful day ... wherever you "go."

Happy "Aloha Friday!"

: )

~ The Gift of Work ~

"Any process you are going through will get tougher before it gets easier.
That's what makes learning a gift.
Even though pain is your teacher."

- Red Stephens - The Ultimate Gift 

So, this summer with school out and my kids wanting to do absolutely nothing because "it's summer" ... I have developed something a little different this year.  My son, since Monday has woken up at 7:00 am and works out in the yard (we have a ridiculously large lot that has turned into a weed-fest in some of the sections), raking - pulling - grooming the landscape.  If he wants to do something - whatever it may be for the day - he has to earn it first by working.  My daughter, same thing.  She has indoor chores to do before "hanging out" with all her friends.

This morning while walking my most wonderful dog Lucky thru the meadow, I couldn't help but think about the movie:
"The Ultimate Gift."  We love that movie.  It's one of our family favorites.  Very touching, and life-learning as well.  Anyway - one of the "gifts" the character has to learn is the "gift of work."  It made me think of what my son is doing each day - hopefully learning this important attribute in life ... work. 

I've listed below all of the gifts this movie teaches.  Read thru each one.  Which one catches your attention the most?  Whatever it is ... take that one as a challenge this day - week - month.  There's never any harm in learning something new.  Especially if it helps us grow and become just that much better!  : )

Here's to "gift's" today!  Now go and get that rake and shovel and get to work!! : )

The Twelve Gifts

The Gift of Work

The Gift of Problems

The Gift of Friends

The Gift of Giving

The Gift of Gratitude

The Gift of Family

The Gift of Learning

The Gift of Money

The Gift of Laughter

The Gift of a Day

The Gift of Dreams

The Gift of Love (which leads to the Ultimate Gift)

~ Summer! ~

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."

~Celia Thaxter

Ahhhh .... Summer.  Warmer days.  Endless adventures.  Long shadows in the afternoon glow of the "golden hour."  Joyful children at play.  The world is awake and alive! 'Tis magical indeed.

And just for your curious mind - here's a little something about summer. 

And below are the lyrics to one of my favorite children's songs ... enjoy!  : )

"Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you fish in a stream, or lazily dream on the banks as the clouds go by?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you swim in a pool, to keep yourself cool, or swing in a tree up high?

Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green?

Do you march in parades, or drink lemonades, or count all the stars in the sky?

Is that what you do? So do I!"

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."

 ~Sam Keen

And a little melody to get you in the spirit of Summer! ☼

~ Summer Solstice ~ ☼

... On The Summer Solstice ...

"Whatever is dreamed on this night, will come to pass."

William Shakespeare - Acknowledging the Magic of This Time

A Mid-Summernight's Dream

Happy first day of Summer everyone!!  Go out and celebrate the warmth of the sun - and the upcoming summer days.  Nature's handywork is at it again with a new glorious, magical season!

A little history on summer solstice ... enjoy! ☼

~ Midsummer ~

“This is very midsummer madness”

-William Shakespeare

The celebration of Midsummer's Eve (the day before summer solstice) was from ancient times linked to the summer solstice. People believed that mid-summer plants, especially Calendula, had miraculous healing powers and they therefore picked them on this night. Bonfires were lit to protect against evil spirits which were believed to roam freely when the sun was turning southwards again.

In Finland, Midsummer morning dew was collected from leaves and flowers for its magical healing properties - especially if the dew was gently dabbed on the face, it would magically keep a woman's face staying young forever!

Interesting history from various countries including the U.S. is fun to read!

Enjoy Summer Solstice!  Welcome the warmth and magic of summer!! 

☼