I've often seen the bumper sticker on vehicles proclaiming "Commit Random Acts of Kindness" but today I actual experienced what it feels like to be on both sides.
A late trip on a Sunday afternoon found me in the parking lot of Food Lion with a cart laden full of groceries. I noticed that the cart corral was overflowing and someone had just added one more to an overgrowing mass of carts. They were already sticking out far enough to take up part of the parking lot. Although I had groceries in my car and I was anxious to get home I decided someone had to do something. I looked around and didn't see any of the bag boys so I decided that I was just as capable of pushing the carts in a bit better so folks could maneuver the parking lot better.
I guess I'm not destined to be a bag girl or a cart pusher as I struggled with trying to get the long lines of carts into some sort of order. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a mother with a small child get out of her car next to the cart corral. Very much to my surprise she asked if I needed some help. I graciously accepted as I was struggling to get things under control. Then an older gentleman saw what we were doing and grabbed a stray cart, added it to his and came over to lend a hand.
What would have taken me quite a bit of time to struggle through took no time at all with my new accomplices. I surveyed our work and found we had managed to make 3 very neat rows of carts where they had once been a jumbled mess. I thanked them both for their efforts and hoped that they walked away feeling as good as I did.
I have in the past taken something upon me to do that was not "mine" but this time it was multiplied 3 fold. I was more pleased by the 2 total strangers (one with a small child in tow and the other with his wife waiting patiently in the car) just stopping what they were doing and pitching in than I was with my initial efforts.
This experience shall stick with me and hopefully continue a ripple effect for days, weeks, months to come. I will endeavor to use this as a touch stone in my life. Next time I get impatient in traffic - "Remember Food Lion" will be my mantra and I will remember how good it felt to give of one's self. Next time I see someone coming towards the door - I shall mumble "Remember Food Lion" and hold the door for them. No longer will cry be "Remember the Alamo but instead Remember the Food Lion!"
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
One curmudgeon coming up!
Well it's official - I'm old. No, there is no getting around it. It has nothing to do with my pending birthday but instead it has to do with my outlook. I'm not depressed nor am I bothered by the number 4 repeated twice.
I wouldn't say that I'm bothered or angered more just disappointed. Let me explain.
I have been fortunate to experience several Broadway shows (on Broadway), others were touring groups with half the original Broadway casts, or others such as seeing Yul Brynner in "The King & I" before he died or Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" one last time. I see this as a perk of being an only child (cost was not the issue it would have been in some families) and a big drama lover (some would say drama queen). I lament over days gone by. I was introduce to the theatre (yes, spelled the British way on purpose) when you still dressed to attend. You held your applause until the end as not to spoil the whole experience and you were treated to the talents of Rogers and Hammerstein, Stephen Schwartz, or Andrew Lloyd Weber. Gone are those days - just dust in the wind (to borrow a contemporary tune). *sigh*
No longer do people feel that going to the theatre is a special event and out of respect to that event and to the actors performing they dress accordingly. Of course people don't dress to dine out either but that is another blog all together. Not only is not dressing in your "Sunday best" an option but many folks feel that jeans are appropriate for Lerner and Loewe as it is going to Lowe's Home Improvement store.
Okay, I could possibly curmudgeonly deal with lack of appropriate dress but I can't excuse the lack of originality on Broadway these days. No longer are we treated to sheer sing-along-ability of Rogers & Hammerstein number, the sexy footwork of Fosse, banter of Gilbert and Sullivan, the genius that is Lloyd Weber. No, instead we are "treated" to the likes of Disney and bad Hollywood movies being turned into...*gasp* Broadway musicals.
I'm not saying there aren't still a few new shows on Broadway but the majority of shows these days there and touring are not what they used to be.
So as I said - it's official. I've become a curmudgeon. Moaning on about "the good ol' days", shaking my fingers at "kids today" and their lack of appropriate dress (although there are plenty of adults that fit that category as well) and general waxing poetically about the past glory days of Broadway.
Well, this ol' curmudgeon is just going to use modern technology to reminisce of days gone by:
So raise your glass to one more curmudgeon in the world and just allow me to enjoy the "golden days of yesteryear" while the rest of you enjoy the new modern theater.
I wouldn't say that I'm bothered or angered more just disappointed. Let me explain.
I have been fortunate to experience several Broadway shows (on Broadway), others were touring groups with half the original Broadway casts, or others such as seeing Yul Brynner in "The King & I" before he died or Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" one last time. I see this as a perk of being an only child (cost was not the issue it would have been in some families) and a big drama lover (some would say drama queen). I lament over days gone by. I was introduce to the theatre (yes, spelled the British way on purpose) when you still dressed to attend. You held your applause until the end as not to spoil the whole experience and you were treated to the talents of Rogers and Hammerstein, Stephen Schwartz, or Andrew Lloyd Weber. Gone are those days - just dust in the wind (to borrow a contemporary tune). *sigh*
No longer do people feel that going to the theatre is a special event and out of respect to that event and to the actors performing they dress accordingly. Of course people don't dress to dine out either but that is another blog all together. Not only is not dressing in your "Sunday best" an option but many folks feel that jeans are appropriate for Lerner and Loewe as it is going to Lowe's Home Improvement store.
Okay, I could possibly curmudgeonly deal with lack of appropriate dress but I can't excuse the lack of originality on Broadway these days. No longer are we treated to sheer sing-along-ability of Rogers & Hammerstein number, the sexy footwork of Fosse, banter of Gilbert and Sullivan, the genius that is Lloyd Weber. No, instead we are "treated" to the likes of Disney and bad Hollywood movies being turned into...*gasp* Broadway musicals.
I'm not saying there aren't still a few new shows on Broadway but the majority of shows these days there and touring are not what they used to be.
So as I said - it's official. I've become a curmudgeon. Moaning on about "the good ol' days", shaking my fingers at "kids today" and their lack of appropriate dress (although there are plenty of adults that fit that category as well) and general waxing poetically about the past glory days of Broadway.
Well, this ol' curmudgeon is just going to use modern technology to reminisce of days gone by:
So raise your glass to one more curmudgeon in the world and just allow me to enjoy the "golden days of yesteryear" while the rest of you enjoy the new modern theater.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Star Light, Star Bright
Trying ever so hard to come up with just one thing I like about fall. I most definitely do NOT like the cooler weather. I am a girl of summer at heart and these sudden drops in temperature don't sit well with my body. Lesser humidity is a plus I will admit.
Being out with the dog the last couple of nights I may have figured out the one thing I can like about fall - the night sky. Yes, the night sky is there no matter what the season. However, the summer it isn't as clear due to humidity - in the winter it is just too darn cold to stand out there for long and star gaze....so fall and spring have to be the winners.
Once the humidity dies down it is amazing to see how many stars are in the sky. I see more now that we are in a bit less of suburbia than when I lived in Ellicott City/Columbia area. Less city lights to hide the beauty of the night sky.
As Dani goes on her eternal hunt to find that elusive ground hog or rabbit or deer that had the audacity to step into her "territory", I gaze upon the heavens and just marvel. The dog could probably run off and explore the whole neighborhood while I enjoy looking at the constellations. The clear nights we've had lately have just been beautiful (although admittedly a bit cooler than I prefer for only the middle of September).
I understand why Galileo was so captivated by the stars. It does make you wonder (is there anyone or anything else out there?), it does put things into perspective (how small we are in comparison), it does give you a sense of a power greater than yourself.
Doubt I'll ever take up star gazing proper (with telescope) but I will now look forward to my nightly walks with Dani so I can commune with the clear fall night sky.
Being out with the dog the last couple of nights I may have figured out the one thing I can like about fall - the night sky. Yes, the night sky is there no matter what the season. However, the summer it isn't as clear due to humidity - in the winter it is just too darn cold to stand out there for long and star gaze....so fall and spring have to be the winners.
Once the humidity dies down it is amazing to see how many stars are in the sky. I see more now that we are in a bit less of suburbia than when I lived in Ellicott City/Columbia area. Less city lights to hide the beauty of the night sky.
As Dani goes on her eternal hunt to find that elusive ground hog or rabbit or deer that had the audacity to step into her "territory", I gaze upon the heavens and just marvel. The dog could probably run off and explore the whole neighborhood while I enjoy looking at the constellations. The clear nights we've had lately have just been beautiful (although admittedly a bit cooler than I prefer for only the middle of September).
I understand why Galileo was so captivated by the stars. It does make you wonder (is there anyone or anything else out there?), it does put things into perspective (how small we are in comparison), it does give you a sense of a power greater than yourself.
Doubt I'll ever take up star gazing proper (with telescope) but I will now look forward to my nightly walks with Dani so I can commune with the clear fall night sky.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Acorns keep falling on my head...
While my poor husband was slaving away at work (on a Sunday no less), Dani and I decided to take advantage of the BEAUTIFUL day and take a walk. We headed over to Soldiers Delight and proceeded down the Red/Orange/Yellow trails. The weather couldn't have been more perfect - blue, blue skies, low humidity, plenty of sunshine, and a gentle breeze blowing. Although it was still too warm to feel like autumn, there was signs all around that fall was on its way.
You could see leaves were starting to change and fall. I got to wondering why some years it seems like fall is ablaze with color and other years it almost seems muted and dull. According to what I found online (at the SUNY-ESF site) the amount of water and temperature has a lot to do with it. So I have a feeling this fall will be one of the dull ones as we have had such a dry summer and unless it suddenly rains enough to get the water table back up..... well, let's say it is highly unlikely.
At one part of our walk we walked through one heavily oaked forest. Poor Dani just didn't know what to do. The acorns were falling already and I think this was the first time she experienced the sound and sight of falling acorns. She kept running from side to side of the trail trying to figure out what that sound was and chasing the acorns that fell. She kept taking off trying to chase after acorns thinking they were animals I think or maybe it was just because the movement caught her attention. I kept waiting for one to whack her on the head or back but she managed to make it through the forest without being attacked.
Fall has been a time of year that is good and bad. Early fall is nice because the humidity drops, the sky becomes bluer and some days still feel like summer minus the humidity. The changing color of the leaves are beautiful but I find the less hours of sunlight and that thing are dying off makes me think of the Greek myth of Pershephone.
Pershephone by *AutumnsGoddess on deviantART
But as I grow older I learn that every day, every season, every moment has it's worth. So this fall I will enjoy the falling of the acorns as well as the leaves. But it is going to take me a lot longer to appreciate the wonders of winter.....brrrrr!
You could see leaves were starting to change and fall. I got to wondering why some years it seems like fall is ablaze with color and other years it almost seems muted and dull. According to what I found online (at the SUNY-ESF site) the amount of water and temperature has a lot to do with it. So I have a feeling this fall will be one of the dull ones as we have had such a dry summer and unless it suddenly rains enough to get the water table back up..... well, let's say it is highly unlikely.
At one part of our walk we walked through one heavily oaked forest. Poor Dani just didn't know what to do. The acorns were falling already and I think this was the first time she experienced the sound and sight of falling acorns. She kept running from side to side of the trail trying to figure out what that sound was and chasing the acorns that fell. She kept taking off trying to chase after acorns thinking they were animals I think or maybe it was just because the movement caught her attention. I kept waiting for one to whack her on the head or back but she managed to make it through the forest without being attacked.
Fall has been a time of year that is good and bad. Early fall is nice because the humidity drops, the sky becomes bluer and some days still feel like summer minus the humidity. The changing color of the leaves are beautiful but I find the less hours of sunlight and that thing are dying off makes me think of the Greek myth of Pershephone.
Pershephone by *AutumnsGoddess on deviantART
But as I grow older I learn that every day, every season, every moment has it's worth. So this fall I will enjoy the falling of the acorns as well as the leaves. But it is going to take me a lot longer to appreciate the wonders of winter.....brrrrr!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Heaven Just Got One Hell of an Angel
I awoke to the sad news this morning that Luciano Pavarotti died. He died Wednesday but I didn't hear the news until BBC Radio 4 alerted me this morning (my husband must go to bed and wake up to the BBC every day). Not only the opera world but the world in general lost a great voice.
I never attended any of his operas or concerts but have heard many recordings and to know that he was never really classical trained made listening to him even more amazing. Having only had a smattering of voice training myself I can really marvel at what a powerful, charismatic and beautiful singer he was.
The fact that he brought opera and classical singing to people that may never have been exposed to that sort of music before warms my heart. He was also reminds me of Princess Diana in a way - he was the People's Singer. He held concerts with pop stars such as Sting and Bono to help raise money for the needy. He was not the type of opera star you see as elitist or unapproachable. He had such charisma and charm that he made you feel every note he sang.
A great lost the world has had today but as the title states - Heaven is getting one Hell of an Angel!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
"That" House on the Block
Why does it seem like in the movies there is always one house on the block or your street that is considered the "haunted house"? It can be run down or deserted. I've always just chalked it up to Hollywood's lack of originality. That was until now.
It isn't run down, in fact the opposite a rather new house (I'd say within the last 8 yrs. or so). However, I do believe it is deserted. For some reason it has captured my attention ever since we moved to Reisterstown 20 months ago. At first I just thought it was me but I never saw the neighbors out in the yard. I'd drive or walk by (day or night) and there seemed to be no activity and nothing looked different in the yard. Then a year ago we got a puppy. So I was out walking a lot more at different times of the day or night. Lights never seemed to be on and you never ever saw anyone out in the yard.
The imagination can run wild if you let it.
At one point I wondered if both occupants were unfortunate enough to be serving over in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm sure there are some households where both adults are in the armed services and currently serving overseas. I wondered how do those people do it? Who takes care of things for them back home?
Then I wondered if perhaps this was the matter of a nasty divorce. A long drawn out process with neither side wanting the other to "custody" of the house.
Then one day during the Christmas season I noticed that someone had put a star up in the attic window. I never could tell if it was on during the day or perhaps on a timer so it only came on at night. So someone had at least in come into the house and done that because once Christmas was over the star was gone.
One night while walking Dani. our puppy, I saw a light on in the basement. My imagination strayed again...perhaps a mad scientist experimenting on humans ala Dr. Frankenstein?
I must have watched too much CSI (side note: it has to be the original one set in Las Vegas - none of the spin offs have captured my viewing attention) one night as the next time I went walking past the house I wondered if it had been the scene of a crime which was still under investigation. But the Christmas star rather ruled this option out.
Recently a PODs has been parked in the driveway. However, again you never see anyone moving anything in or out no matter what time of the day or night you walk/drive by it. It has been there for a couple of months now.
I still don't know why this house has captured my attention and my imagination so much. Guess my natural curiosity has gotten the better of me.
If I ever find out what is going on I'll be sure to come back here and post about it. So maybe Hollywood wasn't so far off after all?
It isn't run down, in fact the opposite a rather new house (I'd say within the last 8 yrs. or so). However, I do believe it is deserted. For some reason it has captured my attention ever since we moved to Reisterstown 20 months ago. At first I just thought it was me but I never saw the neighbors out in the yard. I'd drive or walk by (day or night) and there seemed to be no activity and nothing looked different in the yard. Then a year ago we got a puppy. So I was out walking a lot more at different times of the day or night. Lights never seemed to be on and you never ever saw anyone out in the yard.
The imagination can run wild if you let it.
At one point I wondered if both occupants were unfortunate enough to be serving over in Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm sure there are some households where both adults are in the armed services and currently serving overseas. I wondered how do those people do it? Who takes care of things for them back home?
Then I wondered if perhaps this was the matter of a nasty divorce. A long drawn out process with neither side wanting the other to "custody" of the house.
Then one day during the Christmas season I noticed that someone had put a star up in the attic window. I never could tell if it was on during the day or perhaps on a timer so it only came on at night. So someone had at least in come into the house and done that because once Christmas was over the star was gone.
One night while walking Dani. our puppy, I saw a light on in the basement. My imagination strayed again...perhaps a mad scientist experimenting on humans ala Dr. Frankenstein?
I must have watched too much CSI (side note: it has to be the original one set in Las Vegas - none of the spin offs have captured my viewing attention) one night as the next time I went walking past the house I wondered if it had been the scene of a crime which was still under investigation. But the Christmas star rather ruled this option out.
Recently a PODs has been parked in the driveway. However, again you never see anyone moving anything in or out no matter what time of the day or night you walk/drive by it. It has been there for a couple of months now.
I still don't know why this house has captured my attention and my imagination so much. Guess my natural curiosity has gotten the better of me.
If I ever find out what is going on I'll be sure to come back here and post about it. So maybe Hollywood wasn't so far off after all?
Introduction to My Corner of the Sky
Every man has his daydreams
Every man has his goal
People like the way dreams have
Of sticking to the soul
Thunderclouds have their lightning
Nightingales have their song
And don't you see I want my life to be
Something more than long....
Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I've got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky
from "Corner of the Sky" - Pippin
So now you know where the title of my blog came from. Pippin happens to be one of my top favorite Broadway musicals. Something about that musical resonated in me from the first time I saw it. As I struggled with a name for my blog I got to thinking what was this blog suppose to be about? Was it about my musings? Yes, but too many others have used that word. Was it about my views or opinions? Well, more than likely but just what was I trying to get across? Then I thought, "Well this is going to be about my little corner of the world...". Things that mean something to me and hopefully to someone else as well. That is when the song hit me. This was about me - my life.
So the name of the blog, Something More Than Long, as well as the name of this blog entry, My Corner of the Sky, are both taken from the above song. I want to share with you that care to read my thoughts, my corner of the world, my corner of the sky.
I think we all want our life to be something more than long - so hopefully I can provide a little insight into a life that although not full of "... crimson, gold and lavender - A shining parade..." has something to offer more than it's length (which isn't very long as of now).
As Pippin sings in the Finale:
I wanted magic shows and miracles
Mirages to touch
I wanted such a little thing from life
I wanted so much
I never came close, my love
We never came near
It never was there
I think it was here
So come back often and see what My Corner of the Sky has to offer. I promise it won't be all about Broadway musicals but "a many splendid thing(s)".
Every man has his goal
People like the way dreams have
Of sticking to the soul
Thunderclouds have their lightning
Nightingales have their song
And don't you see I want my life to be
Something more than long....
Rivers belong where they can ramble
Eagles belong where they can fly
I've got to be where my spirit can run free
Got to find my corner of the sky
from "Corner of the Sky" - Pippin
So now you know where the title of my blog came from. Pippin happens to be one of my top favorite Broadway musicals. Something about that musical resonated in me from the first time I saw it. As I struggled with a name for my blog I got to thinking what was this blog suppose to be about? Was it about my musings? Yes, but too many others have used that word. Was it about my views or opinions? Well, more than likely but just what was I trying to get across? Then I thought, "Well this is going to be about my little corner of the world...". Things that mean something to me and hopefully to someone else as well. That is when the song hit me. This was about me - my life.
So the name of the blog, Something More Than Long, as well as the name of this blog entry, My Corner of the Sky, are both taken from the above song. I want to share with you that care to read my thoughts, my corner of the world, my corner of the sky.
I think we all want our life to be something more than long - so hopefully I can provide a little insight into a life that although not full of "... crimson, gold and lavender - A shining parade..." has something to offer more than it's length (which isn't very long as of now).
As Pippin sings in the Finale:
I wanted magic shows and miracles
Mirages to touch
I wanted such a little thing from life
I wanted so much
I never came close, my love
We never came near
It never was there
I think it was here
So come back often and see what My Corner of the Sky has to offer. I promise it won't be all about Broadway musicals but "a many splendid thing(s)".
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