Always Remember You Are Special


"The Wemmicks were small wooden people. All of the wooden people were carved by a woodworker named Eli.

Each Wemmick was different. Some had big noses, others had large eyes. Some were tall and others were short. Some wore hats, others wore coats. But all were made by the same carver and all lived in the village.

All day, everyday the Wemmicks did the same thing; they gave each other stickers. Each Wemmick had a box of golden star stickers and a box of gray dot stickers. People spent their days sticking stars and dots on one another.

The pretty ones, talented ones always got stars, but if the wood was rough or the paint chipped they got dots.

Some Wemmicks had stars all over them. Others, though could do little. They got dots.

Punchinello was one of these. He tried to jump, but fell. He got dots. When he fell his wood got scratched, he got more dots. He had so many dots he didn't want to go outside. He was afraid he would do something dumb such as forget his hat or step in the water, and then people would give him another dot. In fact, he had so many gray dots that some people would come up and give him one for no reason at all.

"He deserves lots of dots," the wooden people would agree with one another. "He's not a good wooden person." After a while Puchinello believed them. "I'm not a good Wemmick," he would say.

One day he met a Wemmick who was unlike any he'd ever met. She had no dots or stars. Her name was Lucia. It wasn't that people didn't try to give her stickers; it's just that the stickers didn't stick.

Punchinello asked the stickerless Wemmick how she did it. "It's easy," Lucia replied. "Every day I go to see Eli, the woodcarver, I sit in the workshop with him."

Punchinello decided to go visit him. "Punchinello! How good to see you. Come and let me have a look." Punchinello turned slowly and looked at the large bearded craftsman. "You know my name?" the little Wemmick asked. "Of course I do. I made you."

Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he looked at the gray dots. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks." "I didn't mean to, Eli. I really tried hard."

"Oh, you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think." "You don't?" "No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special."

Punchinello laughed. "Me, special? Why? I can't walk fast, I can't jump. My paint is peeling. Why do I matter to you?"

Eli looked at Punchinello, put his hands on those small wooden shoulders and spoke slowly. "Because you're mine. That's why you matter to me."

Punchinello had never had anyone look at him like this - much less his maker. He didn't know what to say.

The maker spoke softly. "The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about their stickers. You are special because I don't make mistakes."

Eli lifted Punchinello off the bench and set him on the ground. "For now, just come to see me every day and let me remind you how much I care."

As the Wemmick walked out the door, Punchinello didn't stop, but in his heart he thought, I think he really means it. And when he did, a dot fell to the ground.


If you doubt how special you are, or know someone who doesn't realize how terrific they are, I suggest you get them the book: You Are Special by Max Lucada. Since my son Tom sent me this lovely little book with the precious reminder its message gave me, my gray dots have started to fall away. Remember, God cherishes each of us, just as we are.

It occurs to me that I have spent.....


years majoring in "Identity Crisis" with a minor in "Daydreaming" and "What Ifs."

Someone who really listens


The greatest gift one can give to another person is sharing your time to listen, truly listen.

The most precious gift a person can receive is someone who really listens.

It doesn't matter if the listener has some sage advice or opinion to share. The true treasure is the listening. Many people seem to hear what people say - it is rare and to be cherished when someone really listens.

In our busy, hectic, never enough time world...wouldn't you like someone to care enough to listen to you?

Have you listened to someone today?

Monday Update


My success at improving my body's appearance during the past week can be summed up in one word...."pitiful." I lost 3 pounds, however that was probably due to the fact that I have had a cold and haven't eaten very much. No inches have been lost and in fact my belly seems to be a little poofy. Just what everyone wants when they are trying to get more fit, a poofy belly (smile).

I only exercised a teeny, tiny bit as the heat and cold made for a very unsatisfactory combination.

Today the cold is still holding my voice hostage however I am going to persevere and eat healthy and exercise.

I am looking forward to posting more positive results next week. In the meantime, remember the way YOU talk about YOURSELF to YOURSELF makes an enormous difference in the way you feel about yourself and the way you allow others to treat you.

Say something nice to YOU today.

Thought Provoking


Can you...

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

How did you do? The point is, although they are the best in their fields, the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Accolades are short lived. We live in a world of "top ten" and "who is the best" lists.

Perhaps we need to move our spotlight and refocus our accolades. Can you...

1. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

2. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

3. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Consider the Charles Schultz Philosophy..."Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."

Exciting - Dwelling on possibilities


I am at a stage in life when there is less life in front of me than in my rear view mirror (smile).

It feels that my life experience has been preparing me for a great adventure. I have had so many detours during my life, each has provided me with unexpected opportunities. If it hadn't been for my divorce in 1981 I wouldn't have learned that I could be a happy and successful single parent and might never have entered the Travel Industry. I might still be enjoying teaching children in Tennessee and not have had the chance to travel and experience diverse cultures and meet fantastic people.

If I hadn't moved from Tennessee to Florida when my twins entered college, I might never have joined a company that gave me the chance to be a trainer. It allowed me the exciting opportunity to train adults. To communicate with adults and help them remove obstacles to their own success, to become a catalyst that helps them believe in themselves and their abilities.

I have had so many life changing experiences and each has turned out to be a true gift from God.

I woke up today with a cold in my nose, a sore throat and a heart and spirit enthusiastic about the possibilities the future holds. Lucky me.

The Start Continues


Last Monday I started to monitor my progress to get into shape. My efforts during the past week can be summed up in one word..."pitiful."

I could try to use the visit from my son Jim and his family as an excuse however that wouldn't be true. I shoveled the food into my mouth and failed to make time to exercise. Fortunately, I didn't gain. I have remained the same, stagnet, unimproved, in need of getting my butt moving. Today I shall refocus and move forward toward my goals.

Until next week's update - please be good to yourself.

rWho Moved My Cheese?"
My brother is a fantastic man who has managed to survive many "worst case scenarios." I admire his resilence, courage, intelligence and solution finding ability.

He suggested I read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese?" It is a fable about change.

The message is that attitude makes the difference. How we respond to change is the determining factor.

The Paradoxical Commandments


People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.


If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.


If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.


The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.


Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway


The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot downby the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway


People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.


What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.


People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anway.


Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.


By Kent M. Keith

Start


I use this site for my ramblings and James Joyce stream of conciousness. Today I have decided to use this site as a log for me to keep track of getting in shape.


No more "Get Ready, Get Set..." just Go. I have weighed and measured myself and plan on there being less of me next Monday when I check back. My goal is to get fit.

Here goes...

A Brand New Day


It is a beautiful, sunshiny day. It occured to me that the weather is the canvas on which I paint my day's experiences. It effects my initial mood and first impression of the day.

When I wake up, the first thing I do is open the curtain and look outside. I realized this morning that when I see sunshine, cloudy, rainy, stormy, or even snow it sends a message to my mind, subliminally setting the tone for the day.

For example...Rain on a day when I have planned outside activities and instantly I am disappointed. Rain on a day when I don't have anyplace I have to be, or the flowers in the garden are drooping, or I have a special someone to snuggle up to and I am happy. Like the words in the song say, "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy." I discovered when I moved to Florida that I am Solar Powered. I have been healthier and have had a happier spirit. In Tennessee I noticed that during the gray months of winter my spirits drooped and my energy slumped. Sunshine seems to invigorate me.

Just as the weather becomes the initial canvas on which I paint my day, the people I see, talk to, interact with and various circumstances color my day.

Most of the time these things are out of my control. I can't control if someone is moody and grumpy, if on my way to work I get stuck in traffic, if my brother wins the lottery, if the team I am rooting for will win the game, if the man that I love will love me back, etc., etc.

Some people I know could receive the most fantastic news and still find a way to put a negative tint on it. There are also those remarkable people who face adversity and some of life's most difficult challenges with a hopeful heart and create a masterpiece with each day of their life that is inspirational.

The only thing I can control is my attitude, my paintbrush. It is my choice how I will use these colors to paint the picture of my day.

I choose to be happy, to remain always hopeful and enjoy each day no matter what rainbow of colors splash on the canvas.

It is time to enjoy this beautiful, sunshiny day - may you create a masterpiece with yours.

To Look At Me You Might Never Guess...


It is a rainy Saturday morning here in Florida. I have several errands I need to do before my son and his family arrive. I am excited about seeing them and sharing some fun time together. Being a mom has always been a role I have enjoyed. I not only love my sons, I like them. I admire the men they have become.

Each of us get the opportunity to play various roles as we go through life. Some are obvious - daughter, son, student, wife, husband, mother, father, teacher, the role defined by your job and hobby etc. Other roles you might never guess.

To look at me I doubt from my appearance many people would realize that I am a member of the Samburu Tribe of Kenya.

Africa is a beautiful, mystical place. I hadn't traveled very much beyond the boundaries of North America before I took off on a Safari to see animals in their natural surroundings. Even though I had done research about the destination and knew "facts", I wasn't prepared for what I was to experience. Of course, it was clear as my trip unfolded that Kenya was surprised by me as well (smile).

Being terrified to fly, the thought of flying for over 14 hours was frightening. I tend to try to settle my nerves by approaching the flying experience somewhat like a telephone commercial...I reach out and touch someone. I ask the person I am sitting next to if they would mind if I hold their hand on take off and landings. This has worked well for me. I have only found two situations difficult. Sometimes an old lady will not only hold my hand put simultaneously rub and pat my skin until it is rubbed raw. Secondly, on occassion a man has decided that he should continue to hold my hand long after take off and we are flying safely among the clouds. This has required negotiation for the return of my hostaged hand (smile).

My flight to Africa was definitely an adventure in and of itself, but that is for another time.

I arrived in Nairobi at midnight. After meeting up with the other members of the tour, I remember leaving the airport with our guide Ahmed and going to the bus. The sky was black and sparkling with more stars then I had ever seen before. It is a sight and impression I will always remember.

The other members of the tour were sophisticated travelers who had visited many places in the world. They seemed to take all the new and different things we were seeing in stride. I on the other hand found it impossible to contain my overactive enthusiasm gland. While others would stand up in our vans when they would stop near the animals, I stood up with my head popped through the hole in the roof the whole time. Instead of looking through the viewfinder of a camera - my eyes were etching pictures that would last forever in my memories.

Although I had originally gone to Africa to see the animals, it was the people who fascinated me the most. Everyone was open and friendly.

One morning Ahmed asked us if we would like to visit a tribe. We all agreed that this would be a great addition to our itinerary. We loaded up a van and headed out to a Samburu Village. When we arrived, I was amazed at how happy everyone was. The children were playing, the women were curious about us and the men were standing as if guarding their families from intuders.

During my research prior to the trip I had learned that bartering was popular in Kenya and that the children liked to receive candy. Consequently, I had brought tootsie pops, blow pops and crayons.

Passing out the lollipops made me instantly popular. Imagine experiencing the taste of the hard candy and then the surprise when you discover the chewy chocolate or bubblegum center. I was having such fun. My choice to take crayons wasn't as well thought out. Any paper they had was used in the making of their hut like homes. Ahmed told me I could show them how to use the colorful sticks by drawing on the walls. I did this and soon found I not only had an enthusiastic audience but I also had very smelly hands. As a point of reference, their homes are held together with Dung...Dung is found in abundance thanks to the many elephants that roam the neighborhood.

After a little while, Ahmed said the women of the tribe were going to do a dance in honor of our visit. Each woman had on a beautiful necklace made of rows and rows of beads. The dance was simple. It consisted of jumping up and down and trying to flip the necklace up.

Ahmed asked all the ladies in our tour group if they would like to join in the ceremony.

I was thrilled at the opportunity. The other members of the group chose to stand next to the van instead.

Thanks to God and Mother Nature, I had no problem jumping and flipping the beaded necklace up and down. I was having a wonderful time. Then all at once Ahmed said, "Judy stop."

Needless to say, I stopped.

It seems that one of the Masi Warriors that had come to watch had taken a particular liking to me. According to Ahmed if I jumped and continued to dance I would find myself engaged. Tall, slender with elaborately pierced ears, draped in red material with his head wrapped and topped with beads and a long sharp spear he was tempting but alas a temptation I thought best to pass up (smile).

Ahmed explained to this imposing warrior that I was not wife material. As if being given a second prize, the next thing that I knew I was handed
a baby goat.

If you have never tried to hold a baby goat, let me assure you they wiggle and squirm.

In truth this was an extremely precious gift they had just presented to me. Members of the Samburu Tribe value their cattle so much that they build their homes around the perimeter of the herd to keep them safe from the wild animals.

Obviously, I couldn't take a live goat back to Florida. Once again Ahmed was back to the role of negotiator. Meanwhile, the rest of the tour group were still huddled by the van. Needless to say they were getting a little impatient.

After much conversation, the next thing I knew, I was getting beautiful silver and bronze bracelets placed on my wrists and arms. This was apparently my third prize. Ahmed said that to not accept their generosity would be an insult. They were beautiful and so many of them. Amazingly, as soon as they started to give me the bracelets, the other members of the tour left the security of the van and suddenly wanted to dance and participate.

The Samburu people must have felt their sudden fascination with their customs wasn't genuine as they didn't include them or offer them any of these beautiful handcrafted bracelets.

What happened next is still a happy blur. As the Masi Warriors and the members of the Samburu Tribe took turns talking to me, twisting and turning me, painting my forehead and in general adopting me. When it was all said and done Ahmed announced that I was now a member of the Samburu Tribe.

It was hard to leave these most generous, happy, family oriented, loving people and load back into the van. It was truly an experience I shall never forget. Of all the wonderful, exciting and extraordinary things that happened during my adventure to Africa, this is the most memorable and in some ways forever changed my outlook on life.

To look at me, long blond hair, suntanned skin, bouncy personality, you might never guess - I am a member of the Samuburu Tribe.

Can't really believe - must surely be a Hoax


Terriorism, falling stock market, portfolios collapsing, businesses restructuring or closing, unemployment, retirement money evaporating, lives forever changed September 11, 2001....with all this happening becoming comcerned or sympathetic to the plight of baseball....l think not.


It would be wonderful if our "American Past-time" could provide us with a diversion from all the less than terrific things that are happening in our world.

Owners should be able to make a nice profit, players should be compensated so they can maintain a terrific lifestyle and fans should be treated with respect and valued. As with other forms of entertainment - it should be affordable and there should be a positive ROI (return on investment).


"Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the show. Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks...."

If greed, mismanagement, indecision, and undervaluing the fans continues....it won't be a question as to whether if they go on strike, it will be the deathnell for baseball because APATHY will cause its demise.

Can't really believe - must surely be a Hoax ....all this conversation about the future of baseball.

Punctuation...causes peculiar reactions


Have you ever noticed that when people communicate online it isn't just the words that are important. The look and attention to detail convey a feeling. If it is consistent, it even becomes a reflection of the person's personality.

Some people use all lower case, others all capital letters. Some people use bold text, italics, colors, fancy fonts and/or even include pictures, cartoons or clip art.

I tend to write long rambling e-mails and messages. I write like I talk. Consequently, I use more than my fair share of commas (smile). I have a friend who uses exclaimation points. Not one at the end of a sentence but multiple ones, after words, phrases and sentences. I have to remind myself that it doesn't mean he is yelling.

When you write your next message, take a moment to realize that besides your words the look and feel of your message will create a feeling in the recipient.

By the way, does anyone know how to use "Spell Check" on this Blog? Enjoy your day

A Lesson I Have Learned


Memories are like coloring books.

Each person colors them in their own unique way.

You can even add or block things from the original picture.

In my life, I have chosen to color pretty, happy pictures. Sometimes my memories are the best version of the reality.

When faced with the fact that an experience or moment was bad, a nightmare - I have internalized it and made it my fault rather than accept the reality of the situation.

I realize now that I have also been arrogant. I have tried to make other people's memories emulate mine.

Individuals are entitled to their own viewpoints and emotions.

I don't appreciate it when someone tells me how I feel or tries to dissuade me from my own memories, to color my coloring book.

I am fortunate that so many diverse and beautiful pages fill the coloring book of my memories.

I will try to leave others alone to color their books and recall their memories. It is wrong of me to impose my interpretations on someone else.

I hope that coloring books that include memories of me will make the person whose company I shared....smile.

Great sign on a neighborhood church marque...


"Sometimes Opportunity knocks softly."

Subj: Astrology.com: daily horoscope
Date: 7/9/2002 8:47:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Kelli-Fox@astrology.com
To: mzdavinci@aol.com


Greetings Judy --


Here is your horoscope for Tuesday, July 9


You may hate all things 'normal, but at least their presence defines your rebellion. If you go your own way, the road is sure to be difficult.


I rarely give much credence to my horoscope however this one seemed to be a bullseye (smile).

It is okay to NOT have all the answers.


It is terrific seeing the glass half full-and then filling it up.


Don't make a promise you aren't sure you can keep


Never sell more of yourself than you can later buy back with integrity, skill and performance.


My giggle is just my smile that has overflowed.

Kismet


Have you ever noticed that when your heart is aching and confused, the lyrics of songs seem to speak directly to you?!?


Recently, every song on the radio seems to be a reflection of what I am feeling.


Unrequited love, elusive love, the somewhere over the rainbow romance that seems too good to be real, all seem to be musically making their way into my ears and heart.


Heaven help me if I stroll past a country station as I look for an update on the traffic…
songs on “how he done me wrong”, “didn’t listen”, “was impatient”,” etc., etc.”, flood the airwaves (smile).


On the positive side….better I am finding comfort in the lyrics of songs and long walks instead of curling up with my delicious, ice cold friends, Ben and Jerry.

I Am The Flag

Wishing you a safe and fun-filled holiday. Click on the link above. It is a nice little patriotic reminder. Enjoy.

"The Right Words At The Right Time"
By Marlo Thomas and Friends

This book is a collection of origninal stories by celebrities. Each illustrates how words said at a particular time ever after made a significant impact in their lives and viewpoints.

It is a fascinating and thought provoking book. One of the quotes I found especially note worthy was from Shaquille O'Neal's Mom....

"Later doesn't always come to everybody.".

Add It Up


If A B C D E F G H I J KL M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is
represented by

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
respectively.


Then...HARDWORK
8 1 18 4 23 15 18 11 = 98% Only


KNOWLEDGE
11 14 15 23 12 5 4 7 5 = 96% Only


But...ATTITUDE
1 20 20 9 20 21 45 = 100%


Many times, it is our attitude that determines our altitude, for attitude determines how we look at LIFE.


Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

Keep-Your-Head-Down-And-Keep-Moving-Mentality


Today a friend asked me if I was feeling okay. He was worried because I was still home at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I had to laugh, my lifestyle had become so transparent.

I'm always on the go. I'm happiest when I am outside, or when I'm busy and on the move. Me being home so late, might easily indicate that I wasn't feeling 100%.

Actually today I had been busy cleaning my little caccoon here in paradise. I refer to my home as a caccoon because I'm going through changes within myself and hopefully one day I may emerge as the best version of myself.

I think I keep on the move because slowing down, not filling each moment, makes me feel as though I'm missing something. I enjoy squeezing the most life and happiness out of each day that I can.

Once upon a time I tried to meditate. I was advised that this would bring peace and calm to my hyperkinetic character.

I was told to picture green grass, and assorted trees surrounding a peaceful lake on a beautiful sunshiny day.

Unfortuntately, within a few moments the restful scene I pictured in my mind was filled with children flying kites. Boats appeared on the lake. People were water-skiing and families were enjoying picnics. My imagination went wild painting people having fun, enjoying themselves.

It seems right now I am best suited to continue my keep-your-head-down-and-keep-moving-mentality (smile).

Enjoy your day - and as his highness Burger King would say, "Have it your way."

Identity Theft


TV, newspapers and alerts from your computer screen all warn against Identity theft. People access your driver's license, social security number and confidential information from your credit cards. The dangers and repercussions are tremendous and can be easily comprehended. Consequently, more and more people are taking precautions to protect themselves against invasion of their personal information.

I find myself the victim of another type of Identity Theft....recently I found a message tucked away in my voicemail box. The person said, "you never cared". My first response was an enormous pain to my heart. Then I wanted to call back and list all the examples of times that would illustrate that I cared care.

This morning I am glad that I didn't return the call.

It occurs to me that people are often trying to tell us "how we feel" or "how we should feel". Consequently, we are defending our positions, or explaining the whys and hows or justifying actions and emotions. We let people steal our Identity and be able to interpret our feelings. Our feelings that is the key, we can't let that part of our Identity be stolen from us.

Feelings and emotions are extremely personal. They are best when au 'natural and not contrived.

Since I received that voicemail, I have abused myself mentally. I have replayed the relationship in my mind. People seem to be the hardest judge of themselves. It is difficult to forgive yourself for disappointing someone even if you did the best you could. You feel bad that your best wasn't enough. It seems easier to believe your identity as it is intrepreted by others than in ourself.

I am trying to learn to trust myself. To know that I care. We can't be responsible for other people's choices and actions. We have to be who we are and stop trying to present a false image in an effort to please. We don't need to justify caring. Real love is accepting other people just the way they are without needing to change them.

Please don't let anyone steal your Identity. Be the best you that you can be.

As for me I will hope that someday, without a call back to his message, my caring will be remembered. I care and did the best I could.

My dad once told me that it is a shame that you can have a basket full of "atta boys" (compliments) and yet when you get one "aw shit" (criticism) it erases all the "atta boys".