The story of Rudolf

  A beautiful woman wearing antlers with bells and a long sleeved green shirt came up to me this morning in the vitamin aisle of the grocery store.  I was staring so intently at the vitamins that it seemed to me that she just appeared next to me smiling broadly.  As soon as I looked up, she said, "You know I really should have a red nose."  I said, "Why?"  She said," Because Rudolf is as old as me and I am 72 years old and I think people should see the old Rudolf." And then we both started laughing.  I told her I agreed and wished her a merry Christmas and turned back to start shopping again.  But she stayed next to me.
  "If you have a minute, I could tell you the real story of Rudolf," she said.  I told her I would love to hear that story and she proceeded to tell me about the author of the original Rudolf story and how someone did a kind deed for him and his daughter and then he shared his good fortune with his whole neighborhood.  While she was talking, people were shopping around us and looking at us oddly. (She was a very animated and talented story teller.)
  " I heard that story on the radio last week and I can't get it out of my mind," she said.  I nodded in agreement and told her it really is a wonderful Christmas story. "And then yesterday," she continued holding my sweatshirt sleeve intently, "Yesterday I heard the story of a woman who saw a Salvation Army ringer who was cold and went and got him a cup of coffee and a gift card."
   "That is also a sweet Christmas story," I smiled at her and again wished her a merry Christmas and turned to go.
   But she held on.
   "So, I went to Walmart and saw that the ringer there was very cold too.  I couldn't afford a gift card, but I went and got him a hot cup of coffee with two sweet-n-lows, two sugars and two creamers. I didn't know how he liked his coffee so I got him the works!  He was so happy!  He thanked me and then I walked away." 
  "You are so full of the Christmas spirit!" I said. 
  " Well, I am trying to plant the seed of Christmas spirit in one person each day.  I try to pick someone who will really listen.   Now you have the seed you have to plant it in one person each day."
   With that, she turned and walked away humming and jingling her antlers.  I returned to shopping and haven't stopped smiling since.  I felt so blessed that she picked me!

Christmas seeds to celebrate!  Blessings in the vitamin aisle. :)

Pantyhose in the fridge

  Yesterday was a very busy day and I ended up grocery shopping quickly and throwing bags hither and yon when I got home, hoping that everything that needed to be in the refrigerator found its way there prior to jumping back into my car for a late meeting.
  This morning when I got up, I went to get the half/half for my badly needed cuppa of joe. Instead of my creamy coffee condiment, I pulled pantyhose out of the bag. 

This thought popped into my head and I just smiled and smiled.


"Yesterday I was blessed to do a job that makes a difference with people that I care about.  I worked hard.  I fought for the underdog.  I also put my pantyhose in the fridge. Not bad MacLuckie, not bad at all."


Bonus blessing: I get to be really "chilled out" today. Brrrrr.  :)

Running with the Moon

  I just got back from running with the moon.  It beat me of course, but made an excellent running companion.
   I know it isn't always the wisest thing to run so early, in the dark, by myself.  But, I love it.  I love breathing in the cool air, skipping if I want to, and watching my neighborhood wake up.  It is funny to learn the early morning habits of your neighbors (super loud disco music alarms, who sneaks out for a smoke before the family wakes up, etc).  I send out thoughts for a good day to each house as I pass by- it makes me feel a little like the heavy footed Tinkerbell of my block.
  I had a thought this morning as I rounded the corner back to my house.  How blessed am I to live in a place where I can run in the dark?

Very blessed and grateful.
 
Although the moon always wins our little race, it is a gracious winner. ( Sometimes, I let the stars win too just so they don't feel left out.)

Running in the dark- luckie me!

Blinking, twice.

Today, I was talking with an angry person. As she spoke, I felt like I could feel her words through the phone line (all exclamation points and capital letters in red ink) hitting my ear with great force and running down my cheek and neck. 

I felt my face flush as my own anger rushed to my cheeks and
 almost
out of my mouth.

And then, I blinked, twice.
Intentional blinks to remind myself of
who I am
what I do
and why.

Half way through my second blink, I smiled. I chose.             I did not choose anger.
I felt very powerful in that second blink; almost like Wonder Woman when she boards her invisible jet.

the power to choose your reaction to life- an everyday miracle.

Momma Bones

I have the privilege of working with many amazing people every day.  I work with dedicated teachers, lively students, hard working support staff and a fabulous boss.  I feel blessed to work where I do. But today I had a unique opportunity to see two of my favorites within one afternoon; the ladies with the "momma bones."  I was so overcome with respect and awe, I actually choked up a bit on the walk back to my office.

 In order to put this in perspective, I should probably define "momma bones".  
Momma Bones: a characteristic of a woman who is a mother to her core, who cares for those around her with dedication and honesty, whose capacity for love extends well beyond her own brood.

D and M are two foster mothers who take at-risk kids into their homes and love them and help them heal from old hurts.  They have the momma bones and I love them for it.

When I first saw them, they seemed to be ordinary women; friendly, polite, put together.  But now, when I see them, all I see is their momma bones shining through.  They look radiant to me.  I feel an overwhelming need to thank them for being who they are and for what they do each day.  I know they must think I am goofy.  They are doing what they feel they must for those that need it. " Why all the fuss?" their eyes say.   But I know that their kindness is unique in many kids' worlds and I love them for it.

Momma bones~another miracle, another reason to have a grateful heart.

Soaking up the Energy

  I love the practice of Reiki.  Reiki recognizes and celebrates the energy that flows through everything.  I have always felt that energy but never really thought about it until I started to learn about Reiki.  Since I have brought my attention to it, I am noticing energy everywhere.  I saw a video on Positively Positive once about a study that was done on the bacteria in yogurt.  In the study, the yogurt's energy was effected by the mood of the person sitting next to it.  I think that that is wonderful and gives credo to the power of energy on those around you (even yogurt!)  Here is the link if you want to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zD4mXnaVKc

  I have been meeting periodically with an amazing group of women over the course of the last year and have come to really look forward to our meetings for many reasons, not the least of which is their positive energy.  As I sit through our discussions and sharings, I am simultaneously humbled, calmed, refreshed, and excited.  It is a pretty cool experience.  I can feel the energy in the room as if it were static electricity.  Hugs are given, thoughts shared, friendships grow, and their energy lingers long after everyone goes home.  It is a blessing to soak it all up and just bask in the lively vibes. 

Being around people with positive energy makes me happy.

I was just thinking this morning that maybe I have more in common with yogurt than I thought.  Sweet.

Spirit Junkie

I am reading a new book called Spirit Junkie.  It is written by a young woman who has found her way and wants to share.  I can relate, okay, not on the young part, but on the other parts.


She shares her story of working through a program called "A Course in Miracles."  This course has been historically somewhat controversial, but I think I like it anyway.  One quote the author of Spirit Junkie, shares from "A Course in Miracles" is the following:
"No one is sent by accident to anyone."

I cannot articulate the pure comfort and joy this sentence brings to me.  It is an instant salve to any worries that try to park themselves in my mind.

I think of all of the amazing people in my life and smile.  It makes me happy that whoever is sending  these people to populate my life is not sending them by accident. Here is my thank you note to The Sender of all the good people.


My Dearest Sender,
  Thanks for thinking of me, loving me, and sending me all the incredible people in my life.

  You completely rock.

Sincerely,
Michelle

Riding down hill

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of riding my bike with a group of friends on a particularly hilly course.  The uphills were killer, but the downhills were so much fun!

There is nothing like that feeling of riding downhill fast, twisting and turning, with the wind making your eyelashes flutter, and your sweat evaporate.  It is the feeling of play.  It is the feeling of freedom.  I caught myself LOLing every time we went down a big hill! I couldn't help it.

I woke up this morning feeling very blessed and thankful that I get to write my blog about the silly things in life that make me happy.  The inconsequential little things that make up a happy life is exactly what my blog is intended to document.  I may not recognize it publicly often, but I am fully and often times painfully aware, of the price others have paid so that I can live and document my happy life.  I know that "freedom isn't free."  Freedom is something to be recognized, treasured, and celebrated.

Today we all remember the tragedy and the ensuing price many have paid before, during, and since that cataclysmic event.  I know that I cannot do much to change world events, prevent wars, or stop tragedies. Those are big things.  But I know I can do much to change my world and how the people around me feel.  I can be happy and thankful everyday.  It is the highest honor I can pay to those who have given so much so that we can have the privilege of living a good life.

A good night's sleep

I love my bed, my covers, my pillow, and my bed partner.  I love the feeling of falling asleep all snuggled in and drifting off into the dark.  I love rolling over and touching his arm and feeling his breath as he snoozes.  I love waking in the morning and remembering my dreams.

I have always taken a good night's sleep for granted until recently when it was an elusive prize.

But now, now it is back.

Oh sleep, my dear dear friend, you make me smile.  Thanks for coming back to me! (My family and friends who have been living with me while you have been away also thank you!)

Peace to all and sweet dreams to you!

Flow

I have been thinking a lot about flow lately.

Flow in work has been defined as that place in a task where it is neither too easy nor too hard and you lose time in the satisfaction of doing the task. Flow in life I believe is putting good out and getting good back (usually ten fold!)  There is the flow of energy in our bodies and in our world; the flow of voices in good communication. (There is also that really awesome flow of flutters in an extended kiss- la la.)


I love to live in the flow of my life at home, at work, or just when I am out for a run.  Flow makes me happy.  Go with the flow my friends. Go with the flow.

Walking in the Woods

 There are few things in life that make me happier than walking on a trail in the woods. I can be by myself or with others. It can be raining, snowing, cloudy, beautiful, or anywhere in between and it still brings me great joy and peace.

There is a trail that is a favorite of mine and in the summer fields of ferns and pines flank it on either side.  The first time I saw it I couldn't really believe it existed and that I could walk it whenever I wanted. (luckie me!)

A walker on this trail gets treated to the delightful smells of pine, fresh air, and mossy goodness.  A walker on this trail can pick wild blueberries or see where the bears lie to sleep.  A walker on this trail can forget the worries of the world and just be thankful and humble to see such a rich, green, swatch of something special.

 I have many friends who also find their solace and quiet joys deep in the woods. What is it that draws us there?   I think it is that quiet moment when we reconnect and remember the beauty of being a small part of something so incredible.

Cuppa Joe

I love coffee in the mornings.  I love the routine of it.  From start to finish, it is a comfort to me.

Some mornings coffee means hanging with my hubby and catching up from the week.  Some mornings it means throwing it in a mug and heading out to the office, sipping frantically so I don't spill it in the car. Some mornings it means rocking on a porch in the woods with family or friends and talking about hopes and dreams.  But, every morning, it starts my day with its coffeeliciousness.

Here is a little ditty about coffee:


Oh how I love,
My cuppa joe,
Hot, sweet and lovely,
Past sleeply lips.

Oh how I love,
My cuppa joe,
Home, love and pleasure,
In everyday sips.

A really big hug

I have recently become aware of the Free Hug campaign and I have to say each time I see the video I smile.

I am, by nature, a hugger. Sometimes that has served me well, other times, not so much, but I can't seem to help myself.   I am also, by nature, very lucky (thus the cool blog name).  I am lucky for many reasons not the least of which is that I have many people in my life who hug me, or let me hug them.

There is nothing to compare to a good hug; the kind of hug that lets you know the hugger/huggee isn't just being polite but really wants the contact with you.  A really good hug can make a lot of things better or at least seem better.  I like the kind of hug when you can feel a person's energy, smell their hair, know what they had for breakfast, and really feel like you have shared a moment.  I have been hugged by, or hugged all different kinds of people (as I said before, I am lucky in this department) and I don't get tired of it for the simple reason that I truly believe in the POWERS of the hug.

I have felt all of the following while being hugged at one time or another:
comfort, friendship, support, passion, protective/protection, relief, joy, calm, and surrounded in a little love bubble.


It is funny to hug people who aren't huggers or who aren't used to being touched.  Sometimes they are stiff and stand-offish. They blush and stammer and their arms hang down at their sides.  But sometimes, even if they start off like an ironing board, they come around, they relax a little, make a lasso with their arms and hug just a little tighter and a little longer than expected.  :)


So, tonight, I am sending out a running towards you, arms wide open, hard hitting, full of love hug.  You are smiling now, aren't you?

Full Face Honeysuckle

I was running this morning really early, jamming to a little Pink, and trying to get into a comfortable pace.  I was thinking about the day and the week and what I wanted to get done. I was thinking  that I needed to go grocery shopping. I started to try to make a list in my head to the rhythm of my pace; milk and avocado and sauce and lettuce and beans and beets and chicken and pickles and crackers...
wait, I think I have crackers... hmm, yikes step up on the curb....


then it hit me. FULL FACE  HONEYSUCKLE!


Sweetness and summer and sweetness and summer and sweetness and summer and sweetness and summer- 
my pace improved.   (my mood did too!)
Thank you honeysuckle for being yourself in all of your overpowering goodness.

Mimi

My niece calls me Mimi.  It makes me smile. 

I have always wanted a nickname and even gone so far when I was a kid to try to give myself nicknames, but they never caught on.  (In my mind, I am a Maggie.  I have always known that Maggie is short for Margaret. But, c'mon, it is such a cool name! )

This weekend, I got to spend some time with my niece and so my ears are still singing with sounds of Mimi.


"Mimi, ride with me. Mimi, hold me. This water is cold Mimi!"  La la la.

I love her for one million reasons.   She loves me because I am her Mimi. 

Maybe I have found my perfect nickname after all.

Porkchop and Applesauce

I have called my son Porkchop for as long as I can remember.

 "Porkchop, bring down your wash."  "Choppy chop don't forget to take your vitamins."  "Good Lord Porkchop, your gym bag is smelly. "  "Love you Chop."

Today I dropped him off at his college orientation and as he picked up his bag and got ready to walk off into adulthood, I got out of the car, walked over and gave him a big hug and kiss.

I could tell he was ready to go but he let me hug him just a second.  "So proud of you Chop."

"Thanks Mom."

I watched him walk proud, strong and determined across the quad. 


My Porkchop going off to find his applesauce.   His momma going off to find her way out of the maze that is central Philly- with a joyful heart and smile. :)

Blue Gum Ball

I crossed my fingers.  My friends cheered me on. I put in a quarter and crossed my fingers again.  I turned the knob, paused, and then with great anticipation, I opened the little door.

There it was.

The perfect blue gum ball smiling up at me!

I love blue gum ball days! 
 Albert Einstein once said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is."

Blue gum balls, an everyday, everything miracle! 

15 push ups

I did 15 push ups today. Twice. Real push ups. It felt great.  I wanted to sing it to the guy in the checkout line at WaWa.

Picture this:
"Hey Mister, guess what I did?"  (Big smile and melodious voice!)

"15 push ups. Twice. La la!" ( One big bow and a high five from the deli! )



This is one of those things, the million little things, that make me happy.  I thought I would share- put some happy out there and see what it brings.