Love and Kindness

Motorcycle Annie

Backstory

Do you see an action video on Facebook featuring a mature woman and ask yourself, “How does she do that, at her age?” Annie had the same question. And then, something happened!

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Motorcycle Annie – #701

I just saw an intriguing photo – a lovely lady perched on her motorcycle. At 71, Annie has just completed the motorcycle safety course. She is brand new to the bike and she loves it.

Annie wasn’t doing too well a few years ago. She had aches and pains that seem to come along with Social Security. But this lady decided to do something about it. She got into an exercise program that improved her strength and brought back her vitality. She spends it on that motorcycle – among other things.

For YOU to improve your overall physical fitness, what you really need, to start, is just -your FEET. Yep, a program of fitness can start as easily as simply getting out of your chair and on your feet. Walking is easy. As you gain stamina, you add other activities.

Go for the gusto and motorcycle with Annie, Or take a more pedestrian route.

In any case, you’ll be amazed how fast it makes a difference.

P.S.

Even if you never get past the stage where it’s your feet moving you around, the oxygen will pump blood through your veins and will help you thrive.

[Show #701]

Balancing Mind and Body

Backstory

Decisions, decisions. Many of our friends seem to be facing a fork in the road. They are furiously weighing pros and cons as they try to decide – what next. In sympathy, this story was written.

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Balancing Mind and Body – #710

As we move along in life, there are changes to accept. They require a balancing of the images of the mind, with the desires and realities of the body.

The mind can image our standing atop the highest mountain; the knees may not support the climb. The mind may create passionate and romantic interludes; the body may want to take a nap.

A good part of the enjoyment of life in all its stages Is a balance between mind and body. Your vitality probably just needs a little moderation. The hike upward; only with rest stops. But oh the glory of the flag whipping in the wind once you get to the top!

Whether you’ll conquer your mountain in the clouds . . . on the Internet . . . in the kitchen or in the check book, balance mind and body and go for it!

P.S.

As you age, the balance of your life needs to include time to provide support – for friends and relatives who get injured or sick, or for yourself or your spouse. Leave room to be there when someone needs you. It’s not if, it’s when.

[Show #710]

Air Conditioning… Remember When

Backstory

Many modern conveniences are taken for granted. But there are those of us who grew up without them, or before they were invented.

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Air Conditioning – #433

Say its summertime. You have the choice of being outside in the sun, hot and heavy, or inside in the cool comfort of an air-conditioned domicile. Which one do you choose?

I remember a time not long ago when that choice did not exist. It would be as hot in the house as it was outside. My grandmother had her summer routine down pat. When to open the door and windows, when to pull the shades and drapes, when to turn on the big fan that did little more than moving around the hot air. When to hurry and get the days work done while the heat was still bearable, when to sit as still as possible with a big cloth for wiping the sweat.

City kids remember how they’d open the fire hydrant, and everyone would get wet to cool down. In recent power outages we’ve been reminded of how that felt. Young people may never before have had to go days in intense heat with no cooling.

How did you and your family handle it? Did you cry and whine, cursing the power company to hurry up and get us back to normal? Did you give prayers of thanks for all the days when we do not have to go without the cooling comfort of our conditioned air? Did you just ride around in your air-conditioned vehicle until it was all over?

Air conditioning in hot weather, yet another thing for which to give thanks here in America.

P.S.

Remember going to the movies often, because the theater was the only place in town that had air conditioning?

[Show #433]

If You Are

Backstory

We tend to admire those whose behavior is exemplary. We warm to them and love grows. This week’s story is about those who are held in such high regard. Take a moment now and consider whether these traits sound familiar.

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If You Are… – #348

If you can start the day without caffeine; if you’re always cheerful ignoring aches and pains; if you eat the food placed before you each day and never complain; if you understand when loved ones are too busy to give you much time; if you can conquer tensions without medical intervention, relax without liquor, and sleep without the aid of drugs; if you can do all these things, then you’re probably the family dog.

Yes, that unsung family hero who is always there, willing to give you all the attention you want. To play with you or comfort you, to make you smile. Here’s to the aging house pet whose still thinks he’s a puppy. To the Chihuahua who growls like a lion, to the Cocker Spaniel with its mournful eyes.

Thanks for being such a content and loyal family member. Thanks for giving us stories we can tell to entertain others. Thanks for teaching our kids love and patience, and the concepts of responsibility.

Whether large or small, black, brown or white; you have captured our hearts, found a place in our homes and will absolutely be remembered in our family folklore for years to come.

P.S.

What is the name of the four-footed friend who fits the bill for you? Be sure you have a good photo to add to the family album.

[Show #348]

Private Moment for Moms

Backstory

I had just received a compliment on how well my grown children turned out. I started thinking about what it took to get them there. The more I thought about what mothers achieve, the more amazed I was. This story was the result.

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Private Moment for Moms – #288

This is a little private moment for the mothers in our audience. Did you ever think you’d be able to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Where did we learn how to do things like that? What magical power was bestowed upon us for the years when our families needed us 24/7? Where did we get the patience to sit and rock for hours on end soothing a crying baby who refused to be comforted? Sometimes we know exactly what to do . . . and sometimes we don’t.

So this is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them. This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peace loving and now pray they come home safely from a war.

The emotions of motherhood are universal and our thoughts today are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation… And mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mom and married moms. Mothers with money, mothers without.

Hang in there. In the end, we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them and show them besides. And pray and never stop being a mom. No, never stop.

[Show 288/504]

Edited and updated May 26, 2019.

Tribute to Moms

Backstory

Some friends and I were talking about the things moms do for their kids. The discussion was hilarious as we evoked memories of funny or trying or absurd experiences. We talked about the things we were willing to do, because – well, because that’s what moms do. The next time I sat down to write, those stories came pouring back; not as jokes this time, but as a celebration of what moms do and who they are.

Tribute to Moms – #287

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This show is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors…and for all the mom who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games so they could SHARE that magic moment with their kids.

This is for the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store, and for those who count to ten instead. It’s for the moms who go hungry, so their children can eat. For those who read “Goodnight, Moon” twice a night for a year…and then read it again. “Just one more time.”

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school….and for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead. This show celebrates the moms who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot. This for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see…and the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls “Mom?” in a crowd, even though they know their own kids are at home— or away at college—or have their own families.

Mom is the one who provides a soft landing – no matter how old her children are. Thank goodness moms come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Thank goodness moms are there.

P.S.

I hope you enjoyed today’s tribute to moms. If it hit home, go call a mom who deserves credit and give her some love.

[Show #287]

Edited and updated May 19, 2019.

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