0:36--1:57....And it doesn't get much better than this....

The Woodwork

Hello everyone!!

It is a beautiful Sunday morning (all Sunday mornings are beautiful, by the way).  I don't get on here as much as I would like, but I've had some rather unruly and mentally-draining business to take care of....which still isn't quite taken care of yet, but in the works.

During this time, I've come up with some material...imagine that!!  Woodwork......that "how come no one told me this BEFORE" syndrome.  It seems that the woodwork is always hiding people with specific knowledge that would be pertinent to saving you from doing something totally ignorant, but it only lets them out AFTER you're neck-deep in chaos and drama.  What's up with that???

Here's my philosophy...the woodwork is the keeper of the skeletons.  The skeletons, however, believe they are in control and can come out whenever they see fit....however, the woodwork has a way of opening up and exposing them BEFORE they know what hit them--but this only seems to happen after a tragedy COULD have been averted.  I guess we don't ever go looking for these skeletons...I think it is most people's nature to take someone's word for who they are...I mean, they know themselves better than anyone else...but maybe, the woodwork lays wide open the entire time, and we just choose to believe these bony beings are not there in favor of trust that they are not.

Everyone has things from their past that they are not proud of...decisions we've made, things we've done...bad choices.  If we understand they were mistakes, and we acknowledge we are NOT what we do or what we have done, and we make sure not to repeat these embarrassing little acts or hastened choices...then we tend to leave them where they were or we may even talk about them in jest....because acceptance of them really makes them somewhat of a past frivolity and the making of the better person we are today.  Sometimes, when I bring to the surface of a conversation some of the things I had done--because I really have no shame...people cannot believe that I would do such a thing...or they cannot imagine me being in that place at that time doing what I was doing!!  This is what lets ya know that you are not that person...the people who know you now, who see you daily...these are NOT skeletons.

Skeletons are the embodiment of hiding WHO WE REALLY ARE...as opposed to being, living, and sharing who we really are, dumb-ass choices and all.  The woodwork serves to open up into REALITY and TRUTH what the keeper is HIDING.  There are many soldiers of the woodwork, but they keep their station until they are "called to duty."  This happens when an event happens that is similar to a past event involving the same person....or when someone says something about someone that strikes a familiar chord from a past involvement of similar circumstances...then the woodwork army just bans together and comes marching out...with all manner of totally believable and uncanny truths...and you are left there going...REALLY...you expose this all NOW?

Most times, you will get a reply that sounds something like this:  "Well, I didn't want to rock the boat" or "I thought you already knew"  or "We figured you'd find out on your own eventually."  or "we've all always known this about him/her, this or that."  Those are trademark woodwork "afterthoughts."  And when the shit hits the fan....Whoa...look out....you could get your ass trampled by these soldiers, because THEN, they are on a mission...and this mission, I greatly appreciate...because I am of the belief that everything happens at the exact time it should...even though I would LOVE to change the past and would have loved the chance to do things differently with ALL OF THE PERTINENT INFORMATION...but hey...that's what makes life interesting.  You actually find out that the woodwork is there to lean on and help you through it...it offers support during the difficult time of admitting that you have made (yet another) grave mistake.  It gives you useful and helpful information to fix the problem...so not all is lost...and then you walk away AGAIN with another lesson learned. This was something that I needed to learn...however, it seems to be set on repeat...so there is obviously SOMETHING that I am missing or WAS missing in all of it.

I believe it is that my philosophy on trust...has been back-asswards....yeah...I always freely give it until I am given reason not to.  Maybe I shouldn't trust anyone until THEY give me a reason TO.  I mean, it is an earned commodity...and a VERY, VERY precious and valuable one.  I thought that it always worked for me...but my buddy "hindsight"..ya know, the very close cousin of the woodwork, bred of the skeletons...tells me "eh...not so much."

So that is it for today...off to polish up some woodwork!!  :)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS....eh..pish tosh

Good morning folks!

Sitting here thinking about first impressions and how we sometimes get ourselves tangled up with the wrong people because of them.

I've heard people say that "you attract what you are" and I've also heard "you tend to admire in others the things that you lack"...yet, I've come to my own conclusion on the matter after some deep thought and many occurrences of this phenomenon in my life.  After each one of these "mishaps" in judgement and usually MUCH stress caused by them, I always learn a little something about myself...but this time, I believe I've hit the mother-load of education!!

It seems that (speaking for myself, of course) I assign to people a character.  YES...they really don't earn it at all before I jump right in assigning one to them BASED UPON an impression they make on me.  This comes from an over-abundance of empathy...I am FOREVER placing myself in someone else's shoes OR placing them in mine <---and I will explain what I mean by this.

If I meet someone who is in a similar situation that I was once in myself that may have been of particular struggle for me that I have since transcended, I will say...I WAS that person...or that person reminds me so much of my younger self, or his/her situation reminds me of a situation I was once in...and BAM, I begin to relate to this person on a deeper level--even though I really KNOW absolutely nothing about them but the "superficials."  I go right to situation and circumstance...because we all have them...and it is a common thing with ALL people.  I may then say to myself...boy if only someone would have given me a chance or a break or tried to better understand my struggle, I would have given the world to know I was more supported or more cared for...etc.  SO then...it is on.  I jump right in thinking that this person is LIKE ME, wanting the same things, prioritizing things the same way, and maybe I could make a difference in their lives to save them from this or that that I went through...when I had no one to make a diffference for me...and how maybe their life could be maybe a bit different.  I then begin to want to "spare" them...so then the rescue mode kicks in.

Most times (if you have a heart at all for others), it is an unconscious compulsion to give to others what you lacked but wanted so badly...and it comes from BEING DENIED and NOT having.  I've never been much of a materialistic person, so what I give is what I believe to be most valuable....time, trust, love, and support.

So my empathy goes haywire as soon as I see someone who shares with me a "like" situation or circumstance with me or even worse, someone who has gone through something that I pray would NEVER happen to me...because I already KNOW it would destroy me...and then I admire their tenacity and ability to cope...so I want to offer my love, support, and compassion with them.

To me...this is NORMAL.  However, I've learned that not everyone who is going through a similar situation or living a similar circumstance as I have has the same attitude or desirous outcome that I did.  In fact, there are those who don't even care to change anything about them, rise above them, or get out of them.  They create them purposely for attention, special favor, and exploit and use them to their advantage and self-serving nature.  THIS is what I've missed in all of this.  NOT everyone is like me...in fact, no one is exactly like me or you or anyone else.  Some don't want support...they want someone to come in and DO IT FOR THEM.  They don't want to better their lives, they just want to make that impression to get suckers like me to offer them something to unwittingly aid to their self-serving end...it's crazy...but its true.

I ask myself...how is it...if I have learned ANYTHING AT ALL from the close encounters I've had with this type of person that I seem to end up always having one of them TOO CLOSE?  It is my nature to believe in the GOOD...to believe that everyone just needs a chance, a boost, a friend, a trusted confidant...to achieve a better, more substantial, fulfilling life...because that is all I've ever strove to achieve...it isn't about stature, finances, attention, and what I want...it is about peace, happiness, family, security, stability, and not having to WORRY.  I know what it is like to worry...about the roof over my kids' heads, where the grocery/bill money was going to come from to KEEP a roof over their heads, who I could trust to watch them in my absence, having time to make sure their environment was safe, sound, and clean, whether or not I was a good example in my day-to-day behavior, my expectations of myself, etc.  I was concerned with always making sure that how people saw me (and I mean EVERYONE) was the same person I KNEW myself to be---so there would be no question of my authenticity...and that was important also to mirror to my children. I AM RESPONSIBLE for every choice I make...and I TAKE that responsibility VERY seriously...and I guess I think EVERYONE does...but the fact of the matter is....and very sadly, there are a lot more people in this world who would rather just ride your coat-tails than recognize the wings you offer them to fly on their own...the more you give, the more they expect.

So, how does one avoid this trap....GIVE people enough time to SHOW you themselves WHO they are and WHAT they are about and HOW they operate BEFORE you go assigning all of the "hard luck" or "bad break" excuses FOR them and rush in to pave their rocky road smooth for them.  People have a way of playing upon your genuine attributes and assigning THEMSELVES to them as well.  "See, I'm just like you, suffering the same struggles, wanting the same things, having the same priorities, principles, and looking to transcend...just like you."  They have a way of "admiring" YOUR tenacity, your obvious ability to overcome and HAVE what it is that is so important for them to achieve.  AND so, here is the equation:

Overabundant compassion/empathy + opportunistic means to an end = DISASTER.

So, those are my thoughts today and my latest life lesson.  Don't apply your own impressions upon the impressions of others.  No one is like you.  Allow their true colors to paint themselves upon that canvas before you paint it all up pretty FOR them.

Been a sucker for hard luck cases all my life...always brought home the strays...but now, I give to those who receive...and I don't to those who TAKE.  There is a difference & I am now fully aware of it.

Good day to all...

Women Over 40. By Frank Kaiser

I stumbled across this...found it to be SO true that I wanted to share it.

As I grow in age, I value women who are over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

An older woman will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask,"What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

If an older woman doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And it's usually something more interesting.

An older woman knows herself well enough to be assured in who she is,what she is, what she wants and from whom.

Few women past the age of 40 give a damn what you might think about her or what she's doing.

Older women are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with youat the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can getaway with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

An older woman has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.

An older woman couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.

Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to an older woman. They always know.

An older woman looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women or drag queens.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, an older woman is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off youare a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise older women for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 40+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.

DUTY--The "Am/Can/Will" vs. The "Am not, Can't, and Won't" Mindset.

Good morning folks!!

It is SO beautiful here this morning.  I've already been outside sitting on my porch, sipping my coffee, taking in the smell of lilac, listening to the birds, and enjoying the calm before the bustle of travelers heading into work and the school buses commuting students to school commenced.  What a lovely morning!

I have had quite a lengthy absence from my blog, as the usual turning over of the garden soil, lawn maintenance, trimming, and the like have sort of commanded my attention...and you will have no complaints from me!!  I am a "am, can, and will" sort of person, so my sense of duty comes very naturally and is based mostly upon "moral obligation" moreso than any "forced" sense of duty.  I embrace the work it takes to combine who I am with the things I set out to do.  Though, the wise will say that a person is not defined by what they do, I do believe that the attitude you carry with you into tasks you willfully commit yourself to is a pretty good indicator of whether you are a "am, can, and will" or a "am not, can't, and won't" type of person...and from where your sense of duty originates.

"AM/CAN/WILL
The "am, can, and will" type does not need to be cajoled, hinted at, or demanded to do anything that needs to be done.  They already know and are willing, ready, and able to accept and take on the responsibility and will try anything at least once.  They tend to be more frugal with time, money, and always enumerate their tasks from an ingrained priority list.  They tend to be more thoughtful of the commitments they enter into, making sure that enough time, energy, ability, and finances will support their decision BEFORE they take on anything that requires personal responsibility and upkeep---as these types also take this very seriously as well.  Sometimes, the original "plan" changes, and the "am, can, and will" will have to re-prioritize  re-plan  and reconfigure his/her role within the plan, but you can bet, he/she will have the attitude of "whatever it takes" and "you do what you gotta do" because to the "am, can, and wills"--it is inconsequential what someone else does or doesn't do...their sense of duty is MORAL and is based upon a greater good, and they have to live up to their word and at least put up their best effort to make it work if they are to sleep well at night.  They are very independent types who scoff at depending upon anyone to do what they feel they are completely capable of doing themselves.  Of course, there are things that just shouldn't be "tried at home"..by novices and left to the paid service of professionals, but even in this....if it needs to be done, these types make sure it gets done.  It may entail a little juggling of finance, and time, but again...there are PRIORITIES and these types have a keen sense of what takes precedence --even when unforeseen and unplanned circumstance forces changes upon them from time to time.  To these types, it is very important that everything that surrounds them is a reflection of what is inside of them.  Whatever they do, they do to the very best of their ability.  It is not enough for these types to "just get the job done"..as they are adverse to mediocrity.  They greatly appreciate all that they have, even if it isn't the best of anything to anyone else's measure or standard.  To them, their home is their castle, their car is their chariot, their children are their heart, and everything they have ever earned is a prized souvenir of great travels.  They cannot rest if they are not improving, investing, and contributing.

AM NOT/CAN'T/WON'T
This type generally goes about life "searching" for that one thing that will make their life complete at different times.  They base their commitments upon novelty and what feels good at the time, or what looks good on paper.  Their sense of duty is based upon acceptance and being seen in a good light by onlookers.  Their sense of priority is skewed and changes like a chameleon as it is highly influenced by their surroundings and the company they keep.  Although they may "appear" to have it all together, have strong work ethic, and a sense of moral duty, it is only show to those who actually do...so they can, by association be seen in that light as well.  They usually are looking to befriend those who can do something FOR them...and always have an excuse or object of blame at the ready when they cannot produce what they have committed to.   They are highly dependent individuals who play the "damsel in distress" and "poor me" card WAY too much.  They seem to be incapable of making decisions for their lives on their own and depend upon the input of others to sway them one way or the other.  Though they are very adverse to anyone who "offers" advice to them without them FIRST seeking it, because of their controlling nature.  They generally have no respect for the property or feelings of others UNLESS it can benefit them in some way--and if you look close enough, you will see that they really have very little respect for their own things and property.  Because their happiness is based upon novelty...we all know how temporary that is...once the newness wears off...and upkeep sets in...they become detached and totally uninterested.  They look to be stimulated all of the time and actually (as much as they bitch about it) LOVE chaos and drama...and if they can be the catalyst...it is all the better.  In opposition to their counterparts, their focus is upon what they absolutely WILL NOT DO...because usually, this will get their hands a little dirty...and dirty hands does not an "attractive and acceptable to others" person make.  They will say things like "I don't know how you do it" and "I wish I was as strong as you" in an effort to "butter you up" and provoke rescue.  But what the "am not/can't and won't" just doesn't understand is that once the "am, can, and will" sees what you do and how you behave when there is no audience to impress, he/she becomes disenchanted with the display and then expects you to maybe WATCH and LEARN instead of soliciting someone to do it FOR you.  They do the very LEAST that is expected of them, and their "play-time" seems to always take precedence over obligation of any sort.  They prioritize their time, effort, and finance to all of the "feel-good" moments...and if they have any energy, money, or time left over...they may do 1/8 of what may be expected of them...just so they can say they made an effort.  What is expected OF them, they also see as an imposition from others--not something they expect of themselves.  There doesn't seem to be any "true to word or form" morality.  Because their lives are a display, they are incapable of instinctively KNOWING anything but what they are told...but just try to tell them something they don't want to hear....oh boy!

As you can probably deduce, these two types do not fit, mix, or "play nice in the sandbox."  There are those of moral obligation and duty (that stems from the need to preserve and improve upon what is earned or gifted) and those of forced obligation (that stems from selfish need to obtain something from others) 2 Corinthians 6:14 states: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness?"

When you invite anyone into your life believing that you are of the same mind and heart...and find that your goals, your aspirations, and your work to preserve what you love is being fought every step of the way, and it seems like you have to battle the will of another to preserve and/or improve what is rightfully yours, it is time to kick 'em to the curb.  I have no commonality or fellowship with this type of individual...it is an oil and water scenario.  You are either a person of your word, or you are not.  You are either morally driven, or you are not.  You either have self-discipline or you do not.  What you do when others are not watching is the best indicator of who you are inside and how you treat those who cannot do anything FOR you is another.

The difference between a cheerful giver and a rescuer (enabler) is the COST.  If every time someone "forgets" or it "slips their mind" or "never crossed their mind"...it ends up costing YOU something...ya know what you are dealing with.

FIRST TEST GRADE AFTER INTENSIVE LESSON:  A+

Time to move on to the next...because I choose to move forward, not relive over and over again...my past.

"Wisdom is knowing what to do next, virtue is doing it."~David Star Jordan.

"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.  There are too many people that think that the only thing that's right is getting by and the only thing that's wrong is getting caught."~J.C. Watts.

"If you have integrity, nothing else matters.  If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters."~Alan Simpson.

"Everyone complains of his memory, but no one complains of his judgement."~Francois de La Rochefoucauld.

"Persons with weight of character carry, like planets, their atmospheres along with them in their orbits."~Thomas Hardy.

Good day to all...it looks like it's gonna be a beauty!!

"...Neither persons or property will be safe."

It is a somber morning here for me.  I had a hard time sleeping last night with the events of the last 4 days, since the bombing at the Boston Marathon.

Though I usually avoid the news with all of it's tantalizing tidbits of propaganda and shit-talk--I felt compelled to have it on yesterday as they were searching for the youngest of the two bombing suspects.  I got a really GOOD dose of its POINT-DRILLING tactic and when it wasn't as completely redundant as it could POSSIBLY GET, all of the outrageous inconsistencies were laughable.  To me, these reporters looked like circus clowns, and the reason why they go into reporting....THEY ARE FOLLOWERS who live to be led, scrap-feeders who dig to the bottom of the dirtiest dumpster for their survival.  I was completely disgusted at the disorganized frenzy of these experts of exploitation, drawing their own conclusions, voicing their own opinions, and the point-to-point maneuverability of them.  All of this talk about "radicalization" and how fast and easy it is to become radicalized online (as if they are now experts in psychology).  As I sat there listening to this crap, I thought we have children, adolescents, and young adults who have been BORN AND RAISED HERE who have committed similar unconscionable acts of violence HERE.  We experience terrorism everyday...on different scales of course...but nonetheless, terrorism.  What the hell does the media think THEY are peddling here--messages of PEACE???  "This country's agenda and that country's agenda," and blah, blah, blah....."this religion, that religion" blah, blah, blah.  Everyone wants to get into the heads of these perpetrators, but no one wants to admit the truth of what they see...so we just go all hell-bent on revenge and two wrongs never make a right.  How long have the wars that spawned from 9/11 been going on and how many lives have we TRADED for the lives taken (2996 plus the 19 hijackers)---the estimates are around 112,043-122,573 civilian deaths (and STILL counting after 10 years) in a malevolent plot for revenge based on the same clown-like, inconsistency, maneuverability of reason, and the blatant "leading" lies to the people "leading" us to believe there were "weapons of mass destruction."

I may stand alone in my compassion for these two boys, who are the ages of my eldest and youngest children, and their families and those close to them, but I don't care.  I am in no way suggesting that justice does not need to be served.  They made a choice to commit a premeditated, calculated, and morally reprehensible crime against other innocent human beings.  I am only stating that these two seemed to have some very great potential for success and were very well-liked by those who knew them.  The one thing that struck me throughout this whole circus presentation was the fact that the eldest of these two was a golden-glove champion boxer, but when he was to compete in world competition, he was DENIED to do so even though he EARNED the right to compete.  Why you may ask....and this is what PISSES me off...because he was FOREIGN.  Look, American Government....if you "lift your lamp beside the golden door" and this boy has gone through the legal process of becoming WELCOME here....and while he is here, he makes a POSITIVE contribution to the "culturally diverse" nation you so proudly boast yourself to be....then make good on YOUR promise.  I guess in this wonderful nation of ours, people are only allowed SO much success before a reason is found to say..."yeah...that's enough...sorry."  It's either one way or the other...I, myself have HAD IT with the "both-ways" bullshit...as governmental officials see no cuts in THEIR salary, no contributions of their earned money being made to health insurance...but the working-class American people are being denied because of YOUR CHOICES.  This glass-house, stone-throwing, lack of empathy over the struggle that your choices have caused an entire country is never under scrutiny though is it...could it possibly be the cause of others having an attitude of entitlement--just like you?  Hmmm..I guess we will never know will we. It seems that your appeal is your CHARM...the wrapping paper is so pretty...and YES, there is a LOT more opportunity and a lot more protection and a lot more of everything that appeals to the human nature within the confines of this country, but there are also the "haves" and "have-nots" and if you were to really take an interest in what provokes a law-abiding citizen who loves this country to snap...the governing body may want to set a better example in the humility you expect us to reflect.

My hypothesis may sound a bit trivial...that this 26-year-old snapped because he was denied furthering his passion here because of his ethnicity, but up until that point, he was probably head over heels in love with this country and all the opportunity that it had bestowed upon him.  And then BAM...sorry, you are not GOOD enough to advance and represent our country because of circumstances beyond your control.  You were born elsewhere.  Seriously?  And another thing that struck me was the blatant ignorance of the uncle of these two who was clearly more concerned with the SHAME these boys had brought to himself and a family name than showing any amount of love or compassion--shouting "because they are LOSERS and cannot adjust themselves."  If this is the type of "family" they come from...then, really...is it any wonder?  The family is in COMPLETE denial over this....hmmmm....wonder why?  Denial usually comes from the inability to face the truth...and they surely don't want ANY of these actions to be attributed to, blamed or reflected upon them.  I also felt as if the younger of the two was more of a "go along" but who really knows.  Those are just my feelings.

At any rate, personal responsibility is not to be downplayed and it is not my intention to take any sides here.  I am just a proponent for the "gray area."  We can woulda/shoulda/coulda all day long over what has been done, but it really gets us nowhere.  For the sake of those injured and killed in the Boston Marathon bombing, I wish for you closure in the capture and wielding of justice to the perpetrators that effected your lives so adversely.  They deserve what they get...and they get what they give.  There really are no winners here though...just really bad choices that changed lives forever.  It seems we have enough of that going around...and that reaches beyond America...it is everywhere...encased within the mind and intention of every individual.

Toying with and limiting someone's purposeful passion is never a good idea.  At the Boston Marathon, I think it was nothing more than an "eye for an eye" M.O.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to rob and degrade them, neither persons or property will be safe."~Frederick Douglass.

Praying for PEACE.

LUMINOSA

This is the GREATEST weekend ever!!!!  A most joyful greeting to all of my blog family today.

Passion (defined):  Strong and barely controllable emotion.

Although the word "passion" appears in the dictionary with it's LIMITED definition...I believe it is a state of being...much like and in conjunction with love and truth.  The dynamic of passion is hard to pin down by words alone as its very nature is contained within the character of the individual.  I don't see it at all as an emotion, but more of a unceasing DRIVE geared toward something you LOVE and a commitment to use every ounce of capability you have within you to continually polish it,  and without fear, display it...sort of like a great piece of art...or a beautiful music composition.  Passion has an innumerable and immeasurable amount of outlets and displays and each of them...BEAUTIFUL.

There are no barrier's to the emotion someone operating out of passion exudes.  The emotion travels off of paper, through a television and/or computer screen, through the a tone and vibration of an a musical instrument, or someone's voice alone.  A song, a performance, a painting, sculpture, or a speech can bring us all to tears if we are in tune with the message...and sometimes, it seems to just hit from out of nowhere...something down inside of us that we are unaware of just squeezes a tear from our eye.  If there is passion....there will be a response to it..it fills the air.  It is the PASSION behind the work that lives on in infamy...not the work alone.  It speaks to us and leaves a mysterious impression upon our hearts.  We can even recapture and surface that emotion with a mere recollection of the event that initiated the response.   It is this "tuning in" to one another....FEELING another's passion that allows us to bond with them on such an intimate level.  We, in essence, become the impassioned.

The reward in this innate characteristic is the "drawing" ability of it.  Even though your passion may not even be the same as someone else's--passion ignites passion regardless....especially if that passion is one of someone you deeply love.  It brings out an admiration of courage, determination, and dedication...and hence, hooks us and brings us into their world, their love, the deepest part of their being and the reward of "putting it ALL OUT THERE" and being validated in it...becomes an emotionally-charged celebratory event for ALL.

This weekend....well more specifically...on April 12, 2013...my eldest daughter performed in World Champioinship level competition in a sport that has consumed her passion for 13 years.  Going into this season of WGI, she knew it was going to be her last.  The last 10 years of her participation in this sport, she has traveled every year to Worlds...and was completely satisfied--if not overjoyed at the prospect of making it to finals.  Last year, they left World competition ranked 4th.  THAT was HUGE!!!  Although the dream of that medal was always the goal....didn't matter WHICH medal...just the recognition of being in the top-3 would be significant.

I am OVERJOYED to let you all know...that this unit took the GOLD this year!!!!!!  I cannot even begin to express (though I shall try) the emotion I felt when the realization that they were definitely within the TOP 3...so when they announced the bronze medalists (and it wasn't them)...and then the silver....MY entire being broke out in total emotional chaos...screams, tears, jumping up and down....I felt FLOODED with so many strong emotions FOR her---NOT that she needed any help!!!!  Her sister (who has marched right alongside her EXCEPT for this year) and I unfortunately could not be there in person...due to finances and work commitments...but we were able to view ALL of their performances leading up to this cherished moment for all of them via live stream from the WGI Fan Network.

As my baby girl stood proudly behind the "WGI SPORT OF THE ARTS CHAMPIONS" sign, and as everyone else was looking toward the "still shot" cameras...there was my champion staring off to the left into the video camera, mouthing the words "Hi mom...and Michaela...I LOVE YOU with tear-filled eyes and joy that I felt as if I was right there with her."  I reached out and touched the computer screen and said "I love you too sweetheart!!"

This is the "emotional response" to PASSION...and it is contagious...and what I felt (and continue to feel) I want more than anything to give back to them.  I want them to be as proud of me as I am of them...because it is SUCH a gift to want for those you love EVERYTHING that they want so desperately for themselves....and the admiration you feel for someone who is willing to display their entire vulnerability for all to see in the process is so overwhelming.

So my definition of passion is this:  A mysterious driving force that won't leave you alone, keeps you pushing toward greatness despite falling short of your goal time and time again convincing you that YOU CAN DO THIS and laying opportunity before you that becomes your responsibility to recognize.  Emotional exudate and response is a biproduct of passion...not the definition in and of itself!!

Congratulations Luminosa Winterguard--WGI Independent A Class Champions!!  Thank you for all you have done for and with my daughter to make her dream come true....what a fitting tribute and send-off to her!!  I'm so proud of each and every one of you...and because this has been my baby's passion for SO long...I FEEL YA!!