If I ruled the world

I can be certain of a few things besides death and taxes...and that is if I ruled the world-I certainly wouldn't buy them a coke!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8H5263jCGg

Although inviting to live in perfect harmony, somehow I don't think that a coke would do it these days. 

If I ruled the world, there would be no world hunger.

How can you make the difference?  You can donate even 1 can of food at a food drive, every little bit helps someone else.  You can make a contribution to an organization like:  http://help.feedingamerica.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GiveAMeal&s_src=Y12X1PGAM&s_subsrc=FoodCharity-donatetofoodcharity&gclid=CKC5-c6iurACFegbQgodpHG-mw  Or give your time at times of need with your local agencies who need man power to make things happen. There is always something you can do. 

This IS in your backyards people...Be the change.

If I ruled the world, there would be no bully's on the playgrounds, neighborhoods, day cares, or any which place on our planet.

What can you do to make a difference?  You can stand up for people who you're witness to this happening.  You can have a voice in times when someone has lost theirs, or has never had the strength before, or maybe never has had someone in their lives to be the difference...You could be it!  The power of ONE is beyond measurement.  You can teach your children, your nieces, your nephews, your neighbor...You have the power to change today!

If I ruled the world, there would be no loneliness.  Time changes us all.  We grow older and there are times when we think we're wiser from life's experiences, and maybe we are...But, with what we've learned why don't we do more with it?  I know there are many elderly who're sitting alone full of knowledge of yesterday, and the yesterday's before that...Full of OUR history. 

What can you do about growing older?  When that history is gone...It's gone for good.  Why not have a seat next to one of the most beautiful people in the world (see above the beauty)  and Cherish the history that is 'his' story to tell...find someone to be an active listener to, it will be good for you and good for them...the gift of yesterday is just as worthy as today's gift.  We wouldn't have this quote if someone wasn't paying attention to Eleanor Roosevelt to begin with.

If I ruled the world, education would provide beyond what is 'expected'...I'm a strong believer in knowledge is power.  Power as in strength...thus providing more of you with a fulfillment that you can change the world....Education is so incredibly valuable, and it seems as if it is taken so lightly, with no thought-because it just is.  What if we had no education system put in place?  What would happen?  Would you do more bartering, and trading?  Would you be able to maintain a lifestyle, let alone, a life the way you 'feel' you are worth?  Would it change worth and 'status' to be defined as something other than we know it today?  Think about it...How much are you willing to invest into your future?  I can tell you that your education is worth so incredibly much...and if you're lucky enough to have certain book wisdom's come your way naturally, what a gift it would be to share with someone who is struggling.
http://degreesearch.org/blog/10-staggering-facts-about-education-in-america/

Read the Staggering! Facts...either by clicking the link, or somehow enlarging the photo...sad truth is, we are evolving...that we are sure of-But, do we like where we're headed?  Make a difference in our future dentists, doctors, highway patrol, grocery store clerks, computer technicians, arborists, exterminators, and on and on...How can you do 1 thing that will make a change in someones life who's struggling with education...a little bit goes a LONG way.

If I ruled the world, dreams would come true.  In each one of us, our dream seeds are planted, and we are either crazy enough, strong enough, supported enough, ...and the seeds are watered by those around us...to have the dreams grow into a part of you...then there are some of you where your dreams keep whirling around in your mind, and there isn't a way for you to find a solution, a pathway, or simply the gumption to jump feet first and follow our dreams...

(There's that darned Eleanor Roosevelt!  Anyone else paying attention?)

What can you do about it?  Make your dreams come true my friends~Believe in yourself.  I do.  Believe in the beauty of your dreams...and failure is not an option, but in case failure comes to the surface while chasing your dreams-email me, I'll remind you who you are and be your cheerleader to keep after them.  For yesterday, today, and tomorrow are all the stepping stones you'll need to achieve what your heart desires...and your beautiful mind is the keeper of your dreams...but, don't let it be the keeper of your dreams forever...flourish and take the step to make them happen.

Score
http://www.score.org/

Thoughts
http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-steps-to-making-your-dream-come-true/



So my friends...as usual wordy...me...I'm not finished...just finished for this moment...because there's so much to do when you rule the world...so many people to think of...so much change to be had...to make this world a better place...will you join me?



Love Deeply, Live Out Loud, & Live Your Dash,
T

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Slimy Worms & My Love for Grandpa

Today's confession consists of me admitting that I am at least 75 percent vegetarian. I don't think I could go completely without eggs and cheese, but I have currently gone twelve or thirteen years without red meat. If you are really interested, I do eat chicken, turkey and I just can't give up bacon!  As for red meat, I just don't like it. I don't like the texture of it and I can do without the flavor of it. Just as T did, I grew up eating hamburger, steak, venison, jerky and fish we had caught...That was the rule you know, any fish you had caught and didn't throw back you had to eat.

While my family and I were camping about five years ago, I thought a "real" hamburger sounded good. Usually I would've had a turkey burger instead. I ate one right along with everyone else and it was so good I ate a second one. Boy, did I pay for it later. I had the worst stomachache! I decided at that point red meat just wasn't worth it for me..

My interest in fishing dropped off way earlier than T's. Besides, I couldn't bring myself to push the hook through a slimy worm. Our Grandpa had to do that part for me...However I did enjoy being outdoors with the fresh air, and the outdoor noises and adventures. During my childhood, I went on very few road hunting trips with Grandpa, probably because I talked too much and I would scare the deer away! As a teenager on the other hand, I would wake up early to go road hunting with my boyfriend. This was an excuse to hang out with him, we'd drive for hours on the old logging roads looking for deer, and we never did shoot any. But I was always amazed how much beautiful countryside was "out there".

Our Grandpa was such a jovial old guy and I often times wish he was still around to share some of the experiences we had growing up with our children. Thinking back, he was a Redneck Renaissance Man if there is such a thing, and I loved him. He worked in the woods for years as a Loader Operator, he was a true hunter and fisherman, he had amazing dog training skills, and he tended to a breathtaking garden every year.  One of the best things about that garden besides going and picking fresh fruits and vegetables were the pumpkins he planted for all of the grandchildren. It was so exciting to go to grandpa and grandmas house to choose your pumpkin every October.

Grandpa was a cute little guy of Swedish decent, with pink cheeks, a round belly and he always had a joke to tell or a smile on his face. A favorite memory for me was each summer, when we planned a camping trip to Standish-hickey campground and then up to Eureka to go to the zoo. It wasn't much of a zoo, but if we caught a glimpse of the prairie dogs we were happy. There were also chimpanzees to the right of the entrance, and our grandpa would make these noises that would entice the chimps to wing their poop at you. Ahh, the things we find amusing as children. We would head back to camp and have roasted hot dogs and whatever other treats he brought along. He was a great cook, something about what he made, it always tasted good.

I looked forward to going to Grandma and Grandpas house too,  because it meant we got to play outdoors. We had the freedom to ride our bikes, hide in the tree fort, or run up and down their road until dark. All of the residents on our grandparents road were retired except for maybe one. I can honestly say that I learned something from each and every one of them, and I think being around them as a child made me respect the friendships and knowledge an older person can carry. They've been there, and done that.

If we arrived and Grandma and Grandpas house and they weren't home, it meant they were "down" at their friends house having a highball. For those of you unaware of what a highball is, it's a cocktail. They'd be visiting their friends who had come over from "the valley" to get out of the heat, and it's funny to think we now go to the Coast to "escape the heat".

Another fond memory of both of our grandparents that I have, is at Christmas-time. We would make our lists for Santa, and they would usually buy us something together off of our lists.  But one of the best gifts we received was from Grandpa, every year he would get each grandchild his own gift.  It was consistently a can of beef jerky. That was the best! Since we are discussing his jerky, I will say he also had a little "smoker" in his garage that he would make his own jerky and night fish in...If my memory serves me right, everything that came out of that little thing was the bomb!  You always looked forward to Grandpa handing you a little ziplock baggie of his famous peppered jerky to take home.

How did we arrive talking about our Grandpa instead of me becoming almost a vegetarian? I guess I was reflecting on T's stories about hunting and fishing and it brought up my fond memories of a really special guy. Hanging out with him, even if you had to put a slimy worm on the fishing hook, was all worth it for the memories.   I hope that every child has an opportunity to experience the love and knowledge that our Grandpa shared with us. Those road hunting trips, eating venison from a buck Grandpa caught, and picking my own pumpkin out of his garden all had something to do with the person I am today, and I'm grateful. 

Embrace Your Sparkle,

B Pin It

T, The Guardian Angel

Those of you who truly know T, know that she is a lady with a huge heart.  She is always one to go above & beyond to help others and to make sure that those in her presence are taken care of.  You may not know, but she has personally taken on tasks that make others feel special or to let them know that someone is thinking of them.  She's done fundraisers, walks, meals on wheels (her own version), brought neighbors goodies, helped friends come up with business ideas and executed them, the list goes on and on... She's one of a kind!!   I can personally guarantee she has been more than just Dons guardian angel. (Reference: Lies, Broom Handles and Guardian Angels)  She isn't someone who does this to add it to her resume.  She does it because she truly cares.  For example, I didn't even know that she had seen Don again years later.  I didn't even know his name was Don.  I knew the story otherwise of her helping him while she worked at that particular job, but that's it.  That's how she is.  Helps and does not expect anything in return.  We should all take her lead.

I cannot even begin to share an experience to the capacity of  "Lies, Broom Handles and Guardian Angels".  But I too, do my best to bring a smile to another persons face whenever I can.   One example I can give of helping others is when I moved to Santa Rosa.  I worked at Home Base in customer service. It was a fun job, and it paid the bills, barely.  The Home Base was located in a shopping center with Food for Less, Taco Bell, Burger King...You get the picture.  One day when I was driving out of the parking lot from work, I realized there was what appeared to be a homeless man on the corner, holding a sign asking for help. 

A few days passed, and I saw the man was still standing on the corner again as I went into the parking lot.  I had to do some grocery shopping after work, and decided to purchase a four pack of Top Ramen for him.  I slowed down on my way by and tossed it out the window towards him.  He went and picked it up as I drove off.  You see, I didn't have the balls like my sister to actually go up and befriend the person but I knew I wanted to help.  Ironically, that day I was on my way to her house for a visit.  Proud of myself, I burst through her front door like little sisters do, and told her the story about helping the person in need.  She laughed in a big sister kind of way, and said "How are they going to cook it?".  I didn't even think of that!!  (Although I secretly knew she was proud of me.)

The next day I decided I was going to "one up" myself. When I went through Taco Bell for my lunch, I requested and paid for an extra bean burrito.  As I drove passed the man, I slowed down, and tossed the burrito bag out of the window of my car.  A little more careful than the Top Ramen though...Satisified, I continued on with my daily tasks. 

There were several different men and women who stood on that very same corner with signs asking for help during my run at Home Base.  I would buy things or give them change whenever I could.  But I actually had one person tell me they didn't want the food, they were trying to get beer money.  That crushed me, and slowed down my good deeds for a while.  But does it really matter if they are there because they truly need the help or do they need beer money?  I think what really matters is that they are putting their pride on the line asking for help because they can't work, won't work, or any other reason.  It is not our job to judge and try to determine by looking at them if they "really" need it.  That's between them and God.

Another way that I try to help others is by a simple smile or by "Paying it Forward".  I have been known to make my order at Starbucks, and when I get around to the window, I pay for the persons behind me.  All I know is that I wanted to brighten someones day, and well if it didn't, I will never know.

I believe it's all about giving what you can, because you always have more than someone else.  Share the wealth.  Whether it's an 89 cent bean burrito or $5.00.  Do what you can to make this world a better place.  Smile at a person you're passing by, a smile is free, and it makes you warm and fuzzy inside when someone smiles back. Take T's lead and run with it.  Do what you personally are capable of and don't expect anything in return.   We only have this one life, so make it a good one!

Embrace Your Sparkle,

B Pin It

Bodily Functions-A read for women, more than likely

Well, if this didn't catch your eye, then I don't know what else would. We are all raised with the appropriate guidelines for manners on farting, burping, poop & pee issues. But, as we develop past our own childhood and experience intimate encounters, parenting and the such...The issues reappear at a different level. How do I explain this one? Here are two stories and a collection of 'information' that might help you out with what I'm trying to say...

Three Holes are Better than Two
Hmm, I won't name names but if the two others who were there at this experience have big enough balls to say anything -kudos to you. Let me set the scene. There were three adult women on a hillside. The topic came up about tampons, and let's call it 'proper changing'. A comment was made by one of the women that she hated to change them every time she had to pee. I asked her why she had to change it if she peed. Her reply was that to the tune of having to pee around them, and it's gross to leave them in. Well, I stopped in my tracks and looked at the third ADULT woman to get some assistance, only to have her nodding in agreement with the first woman. I asked the ladies, "How many holes are there down there?" Quizzically, they almost in unison answered, "Two". I gasped in disbelief! "Two? I fell to the ground in laughter. It probably wasn't a time to laugh, but a time to educate...so, I laughed then educated. To this day...it's one of my bodily function top ten stories. In person...it's a dousey!
Moral of this story: People teach your children anatomy. Children pay attention in class when you're taking sex ed, or health. Read the insert of the tampon box, there's a diagram.

Poop Blooping
Many, wait ALL of my friends have heard this story...It's actually requested from time to time. I was traveling with my two oldest children and first husband. We were in Yosemite and ready for a huge hike. In typical mother preparation for the out of doors, I wanted to make sure that everyone had used the restroom before we took off. My husband at the time took our oldest son, and I took our daughter. I don't like the thought of germs. Yes, I know they are everywhere! But, it was at my encouragement that I expressed the need to not breath during her time in the mock facade of a restroom. It was an upscale outdoor commode, in a Yosemite kinda way with real walls and sinks with freezing cold running water, soap, and the 'blue' room outhouse type of toilet, with the piles of poop, and pee in the 'hole'. Since we were starting early in the day there was no waiting, no line...How lucky. Let's just hope that hardly anyone had used it for the day. Not so lucky there, but oh well, I'll hold her above and do the hoover technique I had mastered. We went in a stall and I held her suspended above the 'hole' with verbal instructions to not touch anything, don't breath, and to let me know when she was 'all done'. This is where it gets a little hard to express the difficulty that then followed. Basically I was loosing my ability to hold her suspended for the time she was requiring. I'm sure the fear of falling in, alongside my demanding instructions to not touch anything or breathe...possibly were a bit overwhelming for a almost 5 year old who had to go poo poo. My knees were quaking ready to collapse, and sweat was dripping down my forehead, my then sweet coaxing of "almost ready honey-don't touch anything-don't worry I won't drop you-please don't breathe-it's okay sweetie take your time-yes we'll wash your hands when you're all finished words of support weren't going to cut it...Besides the fact that I was certain that now people had infiltrated the stalls surrounding us and they were calling the Rangers to call CPS, some crazy lady is in the stall with her child telling her not to breathe...As I'm concerned about the germs, CPS, and washing her hands afterwards, the quivering and shaking of my legs were definitely noticeable on the richter scale...reading a whopping 8.0-At least...and then it happened. It happened as this concern of dropping her washed over my mind...and I ducked my head to regain composure and strength to hold her above-suspended, the poop...the poop it dropped at this same point in time...it fell rapidly into the blue stuff and other Yosemite enjoyers matter....It blooped right into the blue stuff and then...AND THEN-can you picture this yet? It splashed right onto my face. Yes, I did just type that, and YES this is a TRUE story. Oh, if I could only give you the visual of exactly how I felt and what I thought at that moment of my demise. I was positive I would be blind in the morning. They would have to surgically remove my eyes. I would have diseases I could not get rid of. I as calmly as I could...moved at the speed of fast to the lovely cold running water to wash the blue stuff off of my face and figure out how I would live past the next five minutes. My poor distraught daughter, repeatedly said, "I'm sorry Mommy, I'm sorry Mommy!" The people who now were in a VERY long line for the bathroom were wondering why I wasn't incarcerated, as they had NO idea what had just transpired...I exited the 'bathroom', to find my then husband leaping from granite boulder to granite boulder with our son. He saw this almost recognizable look on my face of fear and asked what was wrong. I couldn't contain myself and replied with urgency and an over the top volume problem with "I....HAVE....EVERYONE IN YOSEMITE's ....FECAL..MATTER ...ON...MAH.....FACE!" Of course he did not have a clue what had gone on in there...But, he offered to take me back to the car, where I then squirted antibacterial solution in my eyes...and continued like a trooper on the 8 mile hike, and with every step taken with the brisk air on my eyes, I was reminded of the possibility of what had happened and that I probably damaged my daughters remaining years of using public bathrooms, forever!
Moral of this story: Use the butt gaskets. Wash with soap. Go behind a tree. Never squirt antibacterial solution in your eyes. Breathe while pooping, it might just help it come out faster.

Motherhood and Bodily Functions
Tell me where it is written that you will do some if not all of the following: hold poop of another's in your hand, get poop on your hand and God knows where else if there's a blowout diaper. You will pick boogers out of someone else's nose, and not have a problem with it. You will manage when another throws up and somehow get an iron stomach if they're your own child...but, if someone else does it-gag til there's no tomorrow. You will fart and be called out in public by someone who you're trying to teach manners to example, "Say excuse me Momma, you farted." Who tells you while you bring your child in the stall with you to use the restroom your child informs all of the other bathroom goers, "Good job Momma, you pooped, I can put a sticker on the calendar when you get home." Do you stay in there until you think that everyone who's heard that leaves? Do you wonder if they would recognize your shoes, if they saw you out in the store? How about you will have a youngster in the shopping cart and turn around from choosing the best, non bruised apples to find that your son is smoking a unwrapped tampon. Then be more concerned with where he learned about smoking, than with the fact that he just pulled the harpoon out and mocked the act itself. You will not be embarrassed one bit, if your child stands in the shopping cart with a full cart I might add at the cashier-its our turn to put our stuff on the conveyor belt and then pay-yelling at the top of his lungs "Poops coming out of my butt! Poops coming out of my butt!" because you're potty training and your trying to get him to the nearest bathroom, so that he can put a sticker on his calendar when you get home. So you dart down the aisle, after permission is granted by the cashier, and a torpedo rocket poop is protruding out his terry cloth undies...Who tells you this is going to happen? Who tells you the truth? I just didn't read that in any of the books! Not one!
Morale of this story: Just ask, I'll tell you...otherwise, who will?

Love Deeply, Live out Love & Live your Dash,
T Pin It