Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187 Chatter. This post has gained a life and following of its own. It pleases me to no end how quickly and deeply Simple Joys has resonated with Chief 187 Chatter’s readership. Simple Joys is my way to accentuate the positive in life, to share the good that happens amidst the bad, scary, frustrating, and seemingly hopeless news that surrounds, both personally and universally. Simple Joys tries to offset that by keeping all the good we experience in the forefront of our day. I sincerely hope that reading my Simple Joys inspires you to get in touch with yours that are all around. Now, without further ado, is today’s Simple Joys.
In-laws. My in-laws arrive this week. I am very pleased to announce this as I truly adore them and am looking forward to their visit. Some people cannot stand their in-laws and I feel sorry for them. My case is rather unusual; not only do I have great people whom I call “Mom and Dad” as in-laws, but I’ve known them since I was fourteen so they truly are like a second set of parents. We have a long history, share a rich past, and are truly family. I have always been treated with courtesy and respect by them and hope they feel the same about the way I’ve treated them. We absolutely get along beautifully and I am thrilled to have them staying with me so we can embark on making new memories together!
Birthday. My oldest child turns nine this week. He has been planning his party since he turned eight. With a child’s innocence and excitement he plots the games, organizes the guest list, and figures out the ideal menu. He is in “birthday-mode” from the last day of school in June until the big day arrives in mid-August. He is filled with pent up angst and heightened glee because his big day is on the horizon. I, too, am in a heightened state, but more because my child, the one who made me a mother for the first time, is sprinting toward adulthood. At nine he is only twelve short months away from being a two-digit number. He is four short years from being a teenager and nine years away from graduating high school and going off to college. At his age those years seemed interminable to me, but I know otherwise now. In the blink of an eye he was crawling, walking, and talking. Preschool morphed into grade school before I could catch my breath. My family grew from one baby to three. Now this man-child is living under my roof and I am feeling the immediacy of the time we have left. Milestones that once felt like ages between one another crash into one another at record speeds. New school year, Cub Scout functions, birthday parties all occur like clockwork, and, boom, another year has slipped away. I am working hard to stay in the moments, breath in every day, stay present and be cognizant, but even I, with my best intentions, feel it is rushing by in a blur. As he blows his candles out on his number “9” candle, I will add a silent wish to his ~ that for the next nine years life will slow down a bit and I can stay in suspended animation being his mommy, wiping his tears, holding his hand, and baking his birthday cake.
Bubbles. My home is filled with nearly every toy imaginable for both boys and girls. We have action figures, cars, dolls, kitchen sets, play tools, and the like. But what really captures my children’s delight is a brand new container of bubbles. I quietly unearth them as they are playing outside and start blowing bubbles into the breeze. The iridescent bubbles float idyllically hither and fro, glinting in the sunlight, and captivating all who witness. Once spotted, my children run after the bubbles with reckless abandon. Some want to pop them, others want to “catch” them, and one always wants me to create “the biggest one ever”! My dime store purchase captures the imagination, enthralls young and old, and puts smiles on faces. It utilizes brain and body, “fits” perfectly for boys and girls, and holds endless hours of amusement. Bubbles are a forever Simple Joy.
The Guys. I have been so blessed with a loyal, supportive, and wonderful readership. Whereas I cherish each person who reads these pages, I want to place the spotlight on a special sector, the guys. Since day one I have had men as part of my readership. I figured they arrived because they knew of my NASCAR background in writing and wanted to read more car stuff. That was true with some who quickly drifted away when I tackled topics like “Anger” and “Forgiveness” as well as “The Healing Power of Touch” and “The Art of the Kiss”, but many more stayed, read, and commented. These early male readers stuck with me through the holiday period when for nearly six weeks I wrote about nothing except preparing for Christmas! These men honor and delight me and for each one of them I am sincerely grateful. Again, every person who reads my work here and returns again and again gets my deepest gratitude and awe, but today these men get a special shout out. With deep affection I want to thank the following: My husband and number one fan from the dawn of time, Racer 187. My father, who has always encouraged me, supported me both financially at first and emotionally throughout, and has believed in me as a professional writer since I mentioned it. The man who encouraged me to write daily when it seemed “too difficult” and still reads me faithfully, Art Tidesco. The man who followed me from Rowdy and consistently cheers me on from the sidelines, bares his soul and stories, and never lets me forget what I’m doing matters, Grumpa. The man who innocently used one of my blogs for his Daily and never got rid of me and now honors me with his beautiful graphics and kind words, The Soulful EMU. One of the nicest men I’ve ever had the privilege to meet, a damn fine son, father, husband and friend, Steve “Archidude” Arnaudin. A dad who writes and loves NASCAR like me and who followed me here from Skirts and Scuffs and stayed, Cruetten. A brave man who struggles daily with MS, always finds a kind word for me, is a loving husband, and a huge NASCAR fan, Richard Fazio. A super sweet, fun-loving, movie-appreciating, heck of a nice guy, Rob Bartow. A generous, gregarious, heart-of-gold father and husband who works tirelessly to make the world a better place, Dr. Rus Jeffrey. A music-loving man who knows that a bad day racing beats a good day at work any day of the week and twice on Friday, Vroom Vroom. Another super duper nice man who brings me joy on Twitter and graces these pages, Johnny. A schoolmate who became a dear friend, is a multi-talented man, and an all-around good egg, Stephen P. Brown. A wise-cracking, car-loving, recipe-tryin’ guy who flatters me with his presence on these pages, Jr. Cracker. To my friend and mentor who need not read me but finds his own Simple Joys in doing so, Mike Fiore. I am touched, surprised (they stayed even after they realized there wasn’t cars or porn mentioned here), honored, flattered, and so pleased by their readership. I present you all as a collective and enormous Simple Joy that I get week in and week out. Thank you!!
Much love and respect to you all who read Simple Joys on Chief 187 Chatter. My biggest hope is that this piece inspires you to find all of the Simple Joys in your life. Share them here, keep them private, but do find them!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday Movie Blog
Welcome to the Monday Movie Blog on Chief 187 Chatter. I’ve been using movies to entertain myself while exercising on my elliptical machine. Initially I had a television and VCR (yes, antiquated as it was, I had dozens of movies and they all viewed beautifully) but recently upgraded to a DVD player, a much-appreciated Mother’s Day gift from my family. Watching movies offers a pleasant escape and couples my “me time” with my exercise time, effectively killing two birds with one stone. I am quickly exhausting my supply of owned movies and am always interested in what movie choices people are most excited. The Monday Movie Blog is a wonderful resource for me to tap, and hopefully is the same for you!
This week’s focus is movies with incredible soundtracks. These are movies that may or may not have been stellar, but the music was off the charts! From movie musicals to awesome compilations and others that claim original songs, which movies boast the best soundtracks? Give the name of the movie, list the stars, and include a brief synopsis or review of the film. In addition, make sure to highlight the incredible soundtrack of the movie in question.
To utilize the entire collection of Monday Movie Blogs on Chief 187 Chatter, please type “Monday Movie Blog” into the Search feature located in the upper left hand corner of this page. Please feel free to add your selections to current or former topics. This resource is for all to use… for free!
I invite you all to join me tomorrow for Chief 187 Chatter’s most popular and uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys.
This week’s focus is movies with incredible soundtracks. These are movies that may or may not have been stellar, but the music was off the charts! From movie musicals to awesome compilations and others that claim original songs, which movies boast the best soundtracks? Give the name of the movie, list the stars, and include a brief synopsis or review of the film. In addition, make sure to highlight the incredible soundtrack of the movie in question.
To utilize the entire collection of Monday Movie Blogs on Chief 187 Chatter, please type “Monday Movie Blog” into the Search feature located in the upper left hand corner of this page. Please feel free to add your selections to current or former topics. This resource is for all to use… for free!
I invite you all to join me tomorrow for Chief 187 Chatter’s most popular and uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Friday Music Blog
Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187 Chatter. It’s enormously gratifying to see the steady growth of numbers in those reading and participating in this post from week to week. The more who add music the better this blog becomes, exposing us to new music, old music, and everything in between.
This week’s focus is songs with “Monday” in the title. Please list any and all songs with “Monday” in the title and be sure to include the artist who performs it. Again, this week is only songs with “Monday”.
We’ve been in a pattern of breaking records for the last several weeks. What used to take months to mark a milestone of another 1000 pageviews at Chief 187 Chatter now takes roughly a week. Since Tuesday’s Simple Joys this week, we have nearly reached the goal of another 1000… in DAYS! People are reading, sharing, tweeting and retweeting my work and for that I am most grateful. The goal has been to get my work exposed to the largest audience that is engaged. With your help the ceiling has been lifted and the possibilities are endless!
Please join me throughout the weekend to read the growing list of FMB comments as they do trickle in at all times. Then I invite you to join me on Monday to start another entirely new week of original postings.
This week’s focus is songs with “Monday” in the title. Please list any and all songs with “Monday” in the title and be sure to include the artist who performs it. Again, this week is only songs with “Monday”.
We’ve been in a pattern of breaking records for the last several weeks. What used to take months to mark a milestone of another 1000 pageviews at Chief 187 Chatter now takes roughly a week. Since Tuesday’s Simple Joys this week, we have nearly reached the goal of another 1000… in DAYS! People are reading, sharing, tweeting and retweeting my work and for that I am most grateful. The goal has been to get my work exposed to the largest audience that is engaged. With your help the ceiling has been lifted and the possibilities are endless!
Please join me throughout the weekend to read the growing list of FMB comments as they do trickle in at all times. Then I invite you to join me on Monday to start another entirely new week of original postings.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Tantalizing Thursday
Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187 Chatter. With the Dog Days of August upon us, the last fleeting weeks of unofficial summer dwindling, and an urgency to not miss a moment, today’s recipe is fast, easy, and simply delicious!
Basil Pesto
Recipe by The Food Network Kitchens
Ingredients:
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
Directions:
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
This recipe yields 1 cup.
Pesto is a brilliant recipe to serve with pasta, spread on sandwiches, and added to soups. It is fresh, reasonable, and simple to prepare and requires no cooking which is very important during unbearably hot weather. The way my family loves pesto, I’d double, triple or even quadruple this recipe. And, it you would rather use Parmigiano Reggiano (the “King of Cheese”) in this recipe, by all means, do so; I do! Be sure to lightly toast the pine nuts to maximize their flavor, but do not over roast them or they will not taste good anymore. Pesto should not be heated through when serving with pasta as the ingredients will separate. Toss pesto at room temperature with hot pasta.
Let me know how you enjoyed this recipe, how you used it, and what other kinds of recipes you’d like to see in the future! Join me tomorrow for the week ending Friday Music Blog!
Basil Pesto
Recipe by The Food Network Kitchens
Ingredients:
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
Directions:
Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
This recipe yields 1 cup.
Pesto is a brilliant recipe to serve with pasta, spread on sandwiches, and added to soups. It is fresh, reasonable, and simple to prepare and requires no cooking which is very important during unbearably hot weather. The way my family loves pesto, I’d double, triple or even quadruple this recipe. And, it you would rather use Parmigiano Reggiano (the “King of Cheese”) in this recipe, by all means, do so; I do! Be sure to lightly toast the pine nuts to maximize their flavor, but do not over roast them or they will not taste good anymore. Pesto should not be heated through when serving with pasta as the ingredients will separate. Toss pesto at room temperature with hot pasta.
Let me know how you enjoyed this recipe, how you used it, and what other kinds of recipes you’d like to see in the future! Join me tomorrow for the week ending Friday Music Blog!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Progress
Progress. All too often the goal is the goal and getting there has to be done quickly and without error. But having children has reminded me that making progress is just as if not more important that reaching the goal. Because life is a long journey, hitting milestones and making progress make it a more enjoyable process than rushing to the finish line. Once again, my children have reminded me that it is progress not perfection that makes life manageable.
Riding the Bike. My oldest has been trying to learn to ride his two-wheeled bicycle all summer. He’s had a series of mishaps, nervousness, and guffaws that tear at my heart and test his father and my patience. We all agreed, however, that this was the summer he was to learn to ride sans training wheels. Little by little my son made progress. Sometimes it seemed he went backwards, but usually we could see his development. Finally, after a few days of peddling with his father’s protective hand behind his seat but not touching, our son got the nerve up to try the act completely solo. And he did it! He was such a “natural”! Seeing his confidence, exuberation, and pride was so gratifying. The progress he made kept encouraging him to try more. Finally it paid off and I can happily say he rides his bike quite well.
Diving. My middle child is a very tall four-year-old. I mention this because he looks far older than his chronological age. Swimming since he was one, he is now working on diving in addition to the strokes he’s being taught. To encourage his progress I offered him a bribe of a “special toy” he’d been wanting. It was a Cars Movie 2 car that he would have gotten for his September birthday, but I was prepared to give him early if he conquered his fears. That boy tried and tried. It was all-consuming for him, but try as he might, the fear would win over time after time and he would wind up jumping feet first into the water instead of employing the dive. I explained time and again that I did not expect him to dive if he wasn’t comfortable, but he knew he could do it and he desperately wanted the car. Finally, after weeks, when in swim class, his coach uttered one thing, and the child dove elegantly into the water! It was effortless and without thought or fear. I was so overjoyed I broke into a single standing ovation! Upon returning home the child got his prized car and has been proudly telling anyone who will listen how he can dive now and then shows off his nifty new car.
Talking. My youngest is not yet two. She is a headstrong, stubborn, and intelligent young girl who lets her thoughts be known. Talking far earlier than her brothers, she has yet to expand her vocabulary to meet her every need. She is persistent, however, and picks up new words daily. Recently she’s been able to communicate what she wants to wear. If I pick out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt she adamantly and vehemently shakes her had and cries “PRITTY” until I show her a skirt or a dress of her liking. This precocious little girl knows what she likes and will not be placated until she gets it. I’m all for parts of that personality, but reason and manners will have to be added. As she learns to speak more, I will continue to enhance her vocabulary while trying to guide her emotional outbursts. Parenting, it appears, is about progress, too!
Weight. One of the many reasons I started this site was to introduce a consistent healthy lifestyle for myself. I figured answering to an audience was going to induce success far more than answering to myself. I have been pretty darn good with exercising. I used to be better; five days a week has dropped down to three to meet the demands of my career. But my weight hasn’t gone down like I wanted it to and that is a health issue that must be met. So, I am reissuing an edict to myself to safely, healthfully, and slowly lose weight through lifestyle changes in hopes that when I am at this point next year, staring down a milestone birthday next August, I will have wonderful news to report of a svelter me. Progress.
Career. I am impatient. I suppose my daughter is more like me than I care to admit. I started this career also as a way to make money. I “monetized” my blog with an Amazon link thinking that may pay a bill or two each month; it doesn’t. It does bring a small bit of supplement to the family, but nothing like I had originally hoped. Still, I didn’t know then that this one site would lead to four other writing gigs, bringing my total up to six sites that I write. I had no idea I’d be asked to do Internet radio and then be chosen for a total of three shows on two stations. And I didn’t realize how all of this work actually energizes and excites me as opposed to overwhelms and scares. I am in flux between happy where I am and anxious for more. I am still on a quest for wanting to get paid for my talents and knowing that having a readership that responds so positively to my work is the highest form of payment. And, on the verge of bigger and better in my ever-expanding career, if I’m willing to give up anonymity for celebrity. Well, that last one is me dreaming, but you never know!
My good friend and mentor tells me not to “prematurely ejaculate”; a vivid and lewd term that definitely drives home the point. I need to enjoy each step, each process, as I continue to grow in my career and try to reach the ideal health. I, like my children, am certainly progressing. What will be will be and I am simply along for the ride, steering when necessary. I hope you continue on this journey with me, as that is certainly the most rewarding for me!
Riding the Bike. My oldest has been trying to learn to ride his two-wheeled bicycle all summer. He’s had a series of mishaps, nervousness, and guffaws that tear at my heart and test his father and my patience. We all agreed, however, that this was the summer he was to learn to ride sans training wheels. Little by little my son made progress. Sometimes it seemed he went backwards, but usually we could see his development. Finally, after a few days of peddling with his father’s protective hand behind his seat but not touching, our son got the nerve up to try the act completely solo. And he did it! He was such a “natural”! Seeing his confidence, exuberation, and pride was so gratifying. The progress he made kept encouraging him to try more. Finally it paid off and I can happily say he rides his bike quite well.
Diving. My middle child is a very tall four-year-old. I mention this because he looks far older than his chronological age. Swimming since he was one, he is now working on diving in addition to the strokes he’s being taught. To encourage his progress I offered him a bribe of a “special toy” he’d been wanting. It was a Cars Movie 2 car that he would have gotten for his September birthday, but I was prepared to give him early if he conquered his fears. That boy tried and tried. It was all-consuming for him, but try as he might, the fear would win over time after time and he would wind up jumping feet first into the water instead of employing the dive. I explained time and again that I did not expect him to dive if he wasn’t comfortable, but he knew he could do it and he desperately wanted the car. Finally, after weeks, when in swim class, his coach uttered one thing, and the child dove elegantly into the water! It was effortless and without thought or fear. I was so overjoyed I broke into a single standing ovation! Upon returning home the child got his prized car and has been proudly telling anyone who will listen how he can dive now and then shows off his nifty new car.
Talking. My youngest is not yet two. She is a headstrong, stubborn, and intelligent young girl who lets her thoughts be known. Talking far earlier than her brothers, she has yet to expand her vocabulary to meet her every need. She is persistent, however, and picks up new words daily. Recently she’s been able to communicate what she wants to wear. If I pick out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt she adamantly and vehemently shakes her had and cries “PRITTY” until I show her a skirt or a dress of her liking. This precocious little girl knows what she likes and will not be placated until she gets it. I’m all for parts of that personality, but reason and manners will have to be added. As she learns to speak more, I will continue to enhance her vocabulary while trying to guide her emotional outbursts. Parenting, it appears, is about progress, too!
Weight. One of the many reasons I started this site was to introduce a consistent healthy lifestyle for myself. I figured answering to an audience was going to induce success far more than answering to myself. I have been pretty darn good with exercising. I used to be better; five days a week has dropped down to three to meet the demands of my career. But my weight hasn’t gone down like I wanted it to and that is a health issue that must be met. So, I am reissuing an edict to myself to safely, healthfully, and slowly lose weight through lifestyle changes in hopes that when I am at this point next year, staring down a milestone birthday next August, I will have wonderful news to report of a svelter me. Progress.
Career. I am impatient. I suppose my daughter is more like me than I care to admit. I started this career also as a way to make money. I “monetized” my blog with an Amazon link thinking that may pay a bill or two each month; it doesn’t. It does bring a small bit of supplement to the family, but nothing like I had originally hoped. Still, I didn’t know then that this one site would lead to four other writing gigs, bringing my total up to six sites that I write. I had no idea I’d be asked to do Internet radio and then be chosen for a total of three shows on two stations. And I didn’t realize how all of this work actually energizes and excites me as opposed to overwhelms and scares. I am in flux between happy where I am and anxious for more. I am still on a quest for wanting to get paid for my talents and knowing that having a readership that responds so positively to my work is the highest form of payment. And, on the verge of bigger and better in my ever-expanding career, if I’m willing to give up anonymity for celebrity. Well, that last one is me dreaming, but you never know!
My good friend and mentor tells me not to “prematurely ejaculate”; a vivid and lewd term that definitely drives home the point. I need to enjoy each step, each process, as I continue to grow in my career and try to reach the ideal health. I, like my children, am certainly progressing. What will be will be and I am simply along for the ride, steering when necessary. I hope you continue on this journey with me, as that is certainly the most rewarding for me!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Simple Joys
Simple Joys are the moments in life that usually happen unexpectedly, don’t cost much, and add pleasure. They may be planned, spontaneous, or a little of both, and they give you cause to step back and count your blessings. They add levity, pleasantness, and balance to your day. Simple Joys, amidst the stresses of life, are sometimes hard to come by, but if you open your heart and mind to their existence, the more readily you find and embrace them. Simple Joys are certainly not exclusively mine, I’ve just been lucky enough to recognize them, and lucky enough to have a forum to share them. Now, without further ado, is today’s Simple Joys.
Dozing. With the schedule I keep sleep has become a luxury. I know that getting the recommended amount is vital to health and other things like sanity, but I am so fixated on making my career work AND being there for my three children, husband, and house as well as exercise regularly… well, there just isn’t that much time for sleep. When exhaustion washes over me and my eyes force themselves shut I love the feeling of floating in and out of consciousness. Mind you, I only do this when my children are safe at home and I am free to let go. My body relaxes, tension flows out, relaxation washes over me, and I enter a dreamlike state of suspended animation. It rarely lasts long, the children’s radar is flawless and they will find me to rouse me if they detect I am resting. But for those few precious moments when I am dozing, indulging my basest desire to sleep and shut out the rest of the world, it is a sweet Simple Joy.
Sharing Music. Recently I created a playlist for my boys on my iPod. They have an eclectic taste in music due to my husband and my influences as well as the stuff that permeates their daily life. I allowed my oldest to pick the music, song by song, so he would like everything on it. When in the car the other day one of my favorite numbers from the Broadway Musical Wicked came on, “Defying Gravity”. This song is my personal theme song and inspires me to continue on this career/life path. When I questioned my oldest whether he liked the song or did he include it simply for my benefit, both boys said in unison, “I love it!” That in addition to the way the song resonates with me so powerfully made me break down and cry. The tears flowed freely. I was swelling with pride, emoting because my offspring feel the same about music, especially this song, as I do. From Yes to Baby Einstein, Rush to the cast of Glee, and Les Miserables to Bachman Turner Overdrive, we all rock out in the car, sing out uninhibitedly, and bond. Music, a lifelong Simple Joy for me, has been infused with new life by sharing it with my children.
The Hug. I am a very demonstrative person; I hug, kiss, and touch a lot. I make sure to tell my children how much I love them every day and I do the same for my husband. I show my affection as well. Every person is different and expresses their love in their own unique ways. My children, for the most part, are quick to hug and kiss relatives and close friends, and are very comfortable expressing love at home. My oldest child is teetering on young manhood. Nearly nine, he is still all boy, but he is embarking on the pre-teen years by trying to break away from the nest in little ways. His personality, however, is one in which he adores his home life, his family, and the safety each represents. I’ve written how this child stopped kissing me good bye in front of the bus, but still allows it before the bus arrives. Being summer, he is more relaxed. I absentmindedly gestured for a hug on the way to the car the other day and realized it so I dropped my arms. He saw the gesture and flew to my sides and insisted on the embrace. It lasted for several long seconds, an extended hug that brought back a flush of memories of when he was my only baby, my closest being dependent upon me, and the lifeblood that kept me going. I could feel his ‘babyness’, remember his wide eyes staring up at me, and marveled how the years melted away and left me with this fine young man at my side, nearly as tall as I, genuinely kind and helpful. The hug, innocent on his end, was so utterly meaningful that I teared up behind my sunglasses. He doesn’t know; no need to burden the child with his mother’s emotional state, but I was treated to the most splendid of Simple Joys by that wonderful boy I call my son.
The Fan. It was hot and humid. The air was thick and any movement led to sweat streaming out of my pores. Being dinnertime, I was standing over a hot stove with a pot of water boiling cooking the pasta. I served the meal, sat down, and realized no matter what I did I couldn’t get cool. I mentioned it offhandedly to my family, just in a conversational way, not in any expectant one. My oldest excused himself from the table before his plate was finished. He said he’d return momentarily, which he did. He brought a fan to plug in and sit in the window to point at me. I had no idea he knew how to do this simple task as it had never been asked of him. He heard my problem and immediately thought of a solution and then executed his idea. I was cooler in seconds thanks to his plan and, more importantly, I saw what a caring and compassionate individual my son is becoming. Seeing my child problem solve on my behalf was a tremendous Simple Joy to be on the receiving end.
My children tend to provide a ton of the Simple Joys I experience in my life. Too often I can get overwhelmed by appointments, carpools, and assignments and forget to “stop and smell the roses”. I was blessed with three fantastic children who are healthy and loving. Do I get frustrated by them? Yes. Do I get annoyed with them? You betcha. Would I trade them in for anything in the world? Not on your life! The Simple Joys we experience together beats anything materialistic I’ve encountered in this world. The powerful emotions, saturation of unconditional love, and feeling of peace and optimism that surface with them in my life is worth every negative I may face. By embracing the Simple Joys of daily life, laughing instead of yelling, teaching instead of taking over, I find my life is more meaningful, positive, and simply joyful.
Dozing. With the schedule I keep sleep has become a luxury. I know that getting the recommended amount is vital to health and other things like sanity, but I am so fixated on making my career work AND being there for my three children, husband, and house as well as exercise regularly… well, there just isn’t that much time for sleep. When exhaustion washes over me and my eyes force themselves shut I love the feeling of floating in and out of consciousness. Mind you, I only do this when my children are safe at home and I am free to let go. My body relaxes, tension flows out, relaxation washes over me, and I enter a dreamlike state of suspended animation. It rarely lasts long, the children’s radar is flawless and they will find me to rouse me if they detect I am resting. But for those few precious moments when I am dozing, indulging my basest desire to sleep and shut out the rest of the world, it is a sweet Simple Joy.
Sharing Music. Recently I created a playlist for my boys on my iPod. They have an eclectic taste in music due to my husband and my influences as well as the stuff that permeates their daily life. I allowed my oldest to pick the music, song by song, so he would like everything on it. When in the car the other day one of my favorite numbers from the Broadway Musical Wicked came on, “Defying Gravity”. This song is my personal theme song and inspires me to continue on this career/life path. When I questioned my oldest whether he liked the song or did he include it simply for my benefit, both boys said in unison, “I love it!” That in addition to the way the song resonates with me so powerfully made me break down and cry. The tears flowed freely. I was swelling with pride, emoting because my offspring feel the same about music, especially this song, as I do. From Yes to Baby Einstein, Rush to the cast of Glee, and Les Miserables to Bachman Turner Overdrive, we all rock out in the car, sing out uninhibitedly, and bond. Music, a lifelong Simple Joy for me, has been infused with new life by sharing it with my children.
The Hug. I am a very demonstrative person; I hug, kiss, and touch a lot. I make sure to tell my children how much I love them every day and I do the same for my husband. I show my affection as well. Every person is different and expresses their love in their own unique ways. My children, for the most part, are quick to hug and kiss relatives and close friends, and are very comfortable expressing love at home. My oldest child is teetering on young manhood. Nearly nine, he is still all boy, but he is embarking on the pre-teen years by trying to break away from the nest in little ways. His personality, however, is one in which he adores his home life, his family, and the safety each represents. I’ve written how this child stopped kissing me good bye in front of the bus, but still allows it before the bus arrives. Being summer, he is more relaxed. I absentmindedly gestured for a hug on the way to the car the other day and realized it so I dropped my arms. He saw the gesture and flew to my sides and insisted on the embrace. It lasted for several long seconds, an extended hug that brought back a flush of memories of when he was my only baby, my closest being dependent upon me, and the lifeblood that kept me going. I could feel his ‘babyness’, remember his wide eyes staring up at me, and marveled how the years melted away and left me with this fine young man at my side, nearly as tall as I, genuinely kind and helpful. The hug, innocent on his end, was so utterly meaningful that I teared up behind my sunglasses. He doesn’t know; no need to burden the child with his mother’s emotional state, but I was treated to the most splendid of Simple Joys by that wonderful boy I call my son.
The Fan. It was hot and humid. The air was thick and any movement led to sweat streaming out of my pores. Being dinnertime, I was standing over a hot stove with a pot of water boiling cooking the pasta. I served the meal, sat down, and realized no matter what I did I couldn’t get cool. I mentioned it offhandedly to my family, just in a conversational way, not in any expectant one. My oldest excused himself from the table before his plate was finished. He said he’d return momentarily, which he did. He brought a fan to plug in and sit in the window to point at me. I had no idea he knew how to do this simple task as it had never been asked of him. He heard my problem and immediately thought of a solution and then executed his idea. I was cooler in seconds thanks to his plan and, more importantly, I saw what a caring and compassionate individual my son is becoming. Seeing my child problem solve on my behalf was a tremendous Simple Joy to be on the receiving end.
My children tend to provide a ton of the Simple Joys I experience in my life. Too often I can get overwhelmed by appointments, carpools, and assignments and forget to “stop and smell the roses”. I was blessed with three fantastic children who are healthy and loving. Do I get frustrated by them? Yes. Do I get annoyed with them? You betcha. Would I trade them in for anything in the world? Not on your life! The Simple Joys we experience together beats anything materialistic I’ve encountered in this world. The powerful emotions, saturation of unconditional love, and feeling of peace and optimism that surface with them in my life is worth every negative I may face. By embracing the Simple Joys of daily life, laughing instead of yelling, teaching instead of taking over, I find my life is more meaningful, positive, and simply joyful.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday Movie Blog
Welcome to the Monday Movie Blog on Chief 187 Chatter. Summer is synonymous with movies; from the Summer Blockbuster to the Summer Sleeper Hit people flock enthusiastically to the movies. If you aren’t able to get to the theater often enough, you may miss some terrific gems. This blog poses a topic and asks its readers to leave their favorite selections that fit the topic, in turn; this becomes a resource of great movies to be utilized when home looking for a fabulous flick to watch. So, run out to the cool, darkened theaters, enjoy the Summer Sensational movie of the week, but return to the Monday Movie Blog to continue to create the greatest catalogue of watch-from-home movies ever assembled!
This week’s topic is movies with great ensemble casts. The movies that contain several actors working in tandem to create a memorable story is the central focus. Examples might be The Big Chill and The Breakfast Club. Name the movie, the list of actors, and give a brief synopsis or review of the film. Remember, whatever falls into this category according to YOU fits this genre.
To access former Monday Movie Blogs, simply type “Monday Movie Blog” into the Search box in the upper left hand box of this page. Always feel comfortable adding movie titles to former topics, as the resource created is only as good as its contributions!
Please join me tomorrow for the most popular and uplifting post of the week at Chief 187 Chatter, Simple Joys!
This week’s topic is movies with great ensemble casts. The movies that contain several actors working in tandem to create a memorable story is the central focus. Examples might be The Big Chill and The Breakfast Club. Name the movie, the list of actors, and give a brief synopsis or review of the film. Remember, whatever falls into this category according to YOU fits this genre.
To access former Monday Movie Blogs, simply type “Monday Movie Blog” into the Search box in the upper left hand box of this page. Always feel comfortable adding movie titles to former topics, as the resource created is only as good as its contributions!
Please join me tomorrow for the most popular and uplifting post of the week at Chief 187 Chatter, Simple Joys!
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