Tag Archives: health

Word Break

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I am about 63 words in to my only defining words year.. only words defined year.. a year of words definitions.. uh.. my annual word challenge?  Anyways.. Any way …

I am taking a one day break to present to you my second challenge.  Actually it wasn’t really a challenge, it was a necessity for me.  2020 was a tough year.

“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Right when I started to feel more than slightly over-whelmed…. when I hit the wall of, “I just can’t do this any more.” My best friend from high school started this song exchange with me.

“Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can’t.”
― Johnny Depp

I’m honestly not sure if it was an intentional “I want to start passing songs back and forth through eternity.” Or if it just started as an idea and bloomed into what I now consider a necessity to start each day.  All I know is we have reached the magical number of 500. (I’m not sure that is legally a magic number or just something I made up.)

“Ah, music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!”
― J.K. Rowling

I’m not talking 500 songs total.  I’m saying, on my end, I have sent her 500 songs.  This means that she has likely sent me at least 500 songs.  Out of 1000+ songs exchanged.  We only have a couple of repeats.

“He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect to. And that’s what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you.”
― Hannah Harrington

What this really means is that even though it was to be a daily one song exchange, there were obviously days we became carried away with the song, the follow song, and the song that might have led to five other songs.   It also means that this was not what you would call a one hit wonder and move along jack.  It was something we started that became a something we do thing.  Sometimes we talk about the songs we have sent and sometimes I will wake up to just one song to which I will reply with one song and that is enough. It gets me going every single day.

“Music is the soundtrack of our lives.”  ~Dick Clark

The songs chosen range from songs that inspired us in youth, to new songs that we had no idea existed until we received or gave that song away.  The songs have made me laugh, cry, and wonder .. deeply wonder.. about the talented folks who have been the sound track to my life.

“Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio.”
― Hunter S. Thompson

Some songs brought me back to specific times that only I know about while others caused me to stop what I was doing and just dance.. songs that were intrinsic to road trips I took with family.. high school dances.. couples roller-skating.. and even the deaths of my mom, my dad, and some very dear friends.

“Music is life! It’s physical emotion – you can touch it! It’s neon ecto-energy sucked out of spirits and switched into sound waves for your ears to swallow.” – Isaac Marion

“I love the way music inside a car makes you feel invisible; if you play the stereo at max volume, it’s almost like the other people can’t see into your vehicle. It tints your windows, somehow.”
― Chuck Klosterman

These songs listed below, are songs that carried me through a very difficult 2020 and into a slightly less difficult but still difficult 2021.  These songs reminded me that despite everything, I still have music.  These songs have assured me that no matter how many songs I have heard, or will here, there will be a thousand more, a million more, songs into infinity, that will carry me through the next difficulty.

Pick a song.. share a song.. sing a song.  You might be .. you will be amazed at how it will transport you from whatever you are doing to whatever you need to be doing.  Or it will stop you from doing what you shouldn’t be doing.. or cause you to forget what it was you were doing.  Just pick a song.  share a song.. sing a song.  Just because….Cuz it just makes you feel like a movie star, a dancer, a singer, or an out and out rock star!!!

Hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar
Hmm, hey, hey, I wanna be a rockstar ~ Nickelback – Rockstar

“When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.

Let it be, let it be, …..

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be, …..”
― Paul McCartney

Soothing my soul: joyful;  goff; balroop; william; brenda; jim; paula; kait; mishmash; writer; tracey; colinandray; bluebird; pelgris; luisa; sandra; telltale

ON ON some sky and some layers

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It has been an incredibly busy first two months here in Nepal.  So busy that I’ve not been able to get out and find the best parts of where I am. There is going to be a change.  I may not be able to go far from the valley for this first year, but I am going to do my best to explore the areas in and near the valley. On On I say…

Past Hash tshirt

Past Hash tshirt

I know this might not seem like it fits into Ailsa’s blog but just wait, I do in fact have some great.. no amazing.. sky pictures.  Just wait.  Be patient. I also felt that many of these photos fit very well with Lens and Pens by Sally  Layers and Illumination.

Well, if you’ve participated in a hash before you will understand what I’m talking about.  If you haven’t then I can only say you should.  When I was in Korea for 3 years I would hear people talking about going to the Hash.. (link to Korean Hashes) and I chose never to participate because I do not consider myself a runner. People tried to explain to me that you didn’t have to be a runner to participate.  However, everyone I knew going to these events were avid, sick runners.  When I was in Venezuela someone finally convinced me to attend one of these events and I’ve been hooked since.

A hash is a walker and runner event that allows people from all points in their life to meet, greet and enjoy each other in whatever country they end up.  I do believe I have some Venezuelan hash photos in some of my past blogs.  The Halloween Hash in Venezuela was my favorite.  The Korean Herald explained it best:

“Expats in Korea are often misunderstood. But a certain group deserves a closer examination; with bizarre chanting rituals, code names, a penchant for beer chugging and occasional debauchery, witness the “Hash House Harriers.”

This statement is true of Hashes the world over (link to hashes the world over). Hashing has a history. It’s pretty cool and there is even has a hashing bible which explains the history of the event and is actually very interesting. (Link to history).  There are currently over 2000 hash groups spread in over 184 countries. My point is that I was tired, cranky and not seeing much of anything or anyone due to my heavy workload.

Then suddenly it all started sorting itself out.  On the same day work was starting to come together, I just happened to hear someone talking about The Himalayan Hash House Harriers.  The very next day, this same group was brought up by someone else. I decided to join in for the Saturday run/walk, paper chase. The location was only about 25 minutes from the valley and it was so much fun in Venezuela I decided I needed to go.

That Saturday morning I actually just about cancelled.  I’m very glad I carried it out.  I met some great folks from all over Nepal as well as the world. I even met someone at this hash who had ran with someone who has been hashing in Venezuela for a very long time.  It’s a very cool opportunity to see new places, get some exercise and have a great time with a group of strangers that quickly become very good friends.  Even if for only a day.

I hope you enjoy the photos.. and yes, some will be of sky.  All were taken with my iPhone.

Meeting up with farmers along the way
Random sites along the trail
Crazy local party with some U.S. 80’s music blaring, not what I expected outside a monastery
more crops
Obviously I am going to try to include a cow in as many of my posts as possible.
Himalayans from the roof.. amazing view
Cows in a field we were lost in
Ahh here’s the real pay off. Setting sun on himalayans
Through these fields there were dangers.Pretty but pokey
More sky.. I told you.
Lost in another field. I was told later that it is very rare for walkers to get lost. ha
Cremation spot we passed.
Different people called into the circle for different songs and challenges
View from the roof top of our host
The shredded paper sign. There were circles, double circles and piles of shredded. I can’t remember what each meant
Gorgeous mountains
We passed many sugar cane fields but not sure what this crop was
Finding our way along the river banks with the mountains in the background
sun beginning to prepare for rest
As we hiked up the hill other party goers were hiking down.
sun getting ready to set over the field
view from the roof
Ahh hash is over here’s the pay off
expansive view from the top
Even kids are welcome. Juice was available.
just a couple more of the mountains
you could see the himalayas from here.
A random hill with random kids yelling random happy Nepali phrases at us.
A line of virgins (first time hashers)
More workers
Loved this picture of man taking his child to the festival
Very narrow path we were walking on.
I was with the walkers obviously and this was one of the trails.
Special festivities with locals with the mountains in the background
Very cool to look back and see some of the other walkers slowly making their way.
Drinking challenges

The great thing is every hash in every country is just a bit different.  You never know who you will meet or where you will be running or walking.

Other examples of HHH fun.

Hash House Harriers Grenada 753, Aloha Hash House Harriers #775, El Paso Hash House Harriers, Hash House Harriers, Oregon Hash House Harriers Snowshoe Hash 2012, Athens Hash House Harriers – Namings ceremony, The Holyland Hash House Harriers, Pattaya Jungle Hash House Harriers Run #264 video

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My Time..

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“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum to the women and men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders.  Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”  ~Antoine De Saint-Exupery, The Wisdom of the Sands

I was once asked why I volunteer.. I replied… no money.. only time.  ~me

“The language of citizenship suggests that self-interests are always embedded in communities of action and that in serving neighbors one also serves oneself.” ~Benjamin R. Barber

I started volunteering as a candy striper when I was about 14 years old.  I thought back then it would be a good way to get a resume started and it was.  I enjoyed the experience and since that time I have spent time volunteering in every country I have visited or lived in and in all imaginable kinds of situations and organizations.  I have volunteered in soup kitchens, schools, theater groups, troubled teens organizations, orphanages, clean up projects, transportation for youth programs, juvenile diversion programs, youth groups, summer break and reading programs just to name a few.

“In every community, there is work to be done.  In every nation, there are wounds to heal.  In every heart, there is the power to do it.” ~Marianne Williamson

I have either volunteered or been somehow deeply affected or deeply helped by the following organizations and would highly recommend becoming a part of one of the below or for that matter any organization that donates its time to helping those who cannot help themselves.

Neighborhood Accountability Boards – Parent Project – PLUR –

Why else volunteer?  Health and happiness.  Make friends, be a part of a group. The more you give the more you receive.  There are true health benefits to volunteering.  Time spent helping others helps you put aside some of your own problems or even realize your problems might not be as big as you once thought.

This video is about volunteering in schools but I feel that it applies to all types of volunteering.

Someone asked me recently why I volunteered.. I smiled as these images ran through my head and recalled how much time I’ve spent and yet how much time I’ve gained.

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Cambodia, Korea, Venezuela – Kids and adults feeling good. Charity events, fundraisers, laughing, crying, giving sharing.  There is a thing called the cycle of poverty or crime or abuse.  There is also a cycle of giving or paying it forward. This is something I am just plain passionate about.  I’ve seen it change lives.  As much as you give you receive.

“But where was I to start? The world is so vast. I shall start with the country I know best, my own. But my country is so very large. I had better start with my town. But my town too is large. I had better start with my street. No, my home. No, my family. Never mind. I shall start with myself.” ~Elie Wiesel, “Souls on Fire”

Well what can I do you ask?  I’m not smart enough, strong enough, rich enough to do anything worthwhile.  Where would I start?  What would I do?  What if I don’t like it?  I say just do it.  Try it. Don’t give up on it.

It’s not always the easiest thing to do. But don’t give up. You just never know what will happen.

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The Sequence of Events that Led to the Smile…

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“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
― Mother Teresa

The smile.. oh the smile.  It is what draws me to a person and it’s one of the criteria’s from which I judge who will be my lasting friend.  I know it’s wrong to base an entire life-time friendship on how a person smiles, but I do.  If you smile frequently or can make me smile frequently.. rest assured we will be fast friends and will wage life’s storms together for many years.

As I’ve mentioned in many past blogs, I love to take pictures.  One of the reasons I love to take pictures is that they capture very precious memories for me and I can go back and remember that one moment in time.  As I said in Photographs and Memories “I can’t explain exactly what it is about these specific photos that cause me to pause or smile, I just know that they do.” and for me that is what’s it’s all about.

1972 or 1973 Family foto

Now having said this, I must admit that the 2nd reason I am obsessed with photos of people smiling is that I have spent my life not knowing what to do when I am in front of a camera. I usually look somewhat confused and often-times a bit crazed.  Can you guess which one is me?

Wait Let me help.

Crazed gleam in eyes – all teeth showing

I just can’t seem to get that photo perfect smile down.  My sister has been trying to teach me “the look” which apparently is a perfect smile that draws people in, makes them want to get to know you and sometimes even makes them wonder what you’ve been up to.  I’ve definitely developed a look, but it’s scary.  Even to me.

I’m just glad friends don’t choose me for my ability to take a good smile picture.

My inability to capture a normal smiley photo has been the bane of my existence.  It is usually the reason I am behind the camera.

There are tons of instructional websites that “teach” you how to take the perfect foto.  None of them have worked for me. I’m not the only one obsessed with how to take a great photo or how to look great in a photo.  I know this as there are a million sites out there that try to tell you how to do it.

However, when I later look back on my favorite pictures, they all typically include people smiling or laughing or pretending to smile.  I love candid shots and sometimes those are the pictures that don’t have the perfect smile they were just perfect moments in time that made me happy.  When I’m having a bad day I go back and preview video’s or photos of my favorite people laughing and having a good day and there it is.. bad day gone.  If you are having a bad day try it.  It’s amazing how often this works.  I would encourage everyone to start a video/photo journal of happy times.. it’s a great hobby and a great pick me up.

Research has proven that forcing a smile or a laugh when you are feeling down or a “fake it to make it” attitude can really permanently change your attitude.  Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”   Just looking at a smiling face can make a person smile even if they are not aware of it.  There are serious health consequences behind smiles that should not be underestimated.  The reasons to smile are innumerable.  Even if no one else is around to reap the benefits.. it just feels good.

Smiling is an amazing opportunity to make yourself stand out as well as a way to improve your health, lower stress levels, and bottom line, it just makes you more attractive. Remember the one who laughs lasts.. start the day with a smile.

Whether it is my own granddaughter or random babies. Laughing babies always make me smile. Check these out.  If they don’t improve your mood and make you smile or even laugh out loud i won’t believe you.  Video of my granddaughter- Baby Jemma laughing.  Laughing baby in highchair.  Laughing baby ripping paper.  Laughing quadruplet babies. 

They are not always the prettiest and some aren’t even true smiles but these are some of the people and events that make me smile.  Even my least favorite photos of myself can bring a smile to my face now.  So there it is.  I hope you enjoy.

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More posts to make you smile – How to include humor in your life.  Animals.  Smiling Men.

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