Nattering Nitpicker, Who Me?

Jay Evensen has writen for the opinion page of the Deseret News for years. As I get older, I love to read his and other articles as well as what the readers have to say in the Readers' Forum. His recent article, Political Sport Keeps us From Real Solutions, talks about the consequences of 'being crass, personal and insulting'. Instead of resolving problems it generates negative remarks. Jay quoted Niccolo Machiavelli as saying, "Politics have no relation to morals." So that is why people dont seem to care what they say, as long as it makes a stir with those that listen. Someone ends up the being the target. All too soon the other party is hurling mean remarks back. In the end, Jay says, "We are becoming a nation of nattering nitpickers." Someone is bound to agree about his comment. I do.

Always Keep the Door Open

I had to laugh at our QA manager's door sign say, 'Don't close door!' Then he closed it. Also written in Spanish for our cleaning crew. This reminded me to always leave my door open, for comments and discussion. It is so easy to shut our loved ones out. I have to admit, it has happened more times than I care to admit. Harsh words spoken, unintended results, stressed out mood and tired or frustrating day are perfect ingredients for a blow-up. Remember 'a soft answer turneth away wrath.' Now to practise, practise and practise even more. May patience be with you today, this Christmas season and always.

Thrilled Over a Thank You

After making a donation to a special charity I happened on to a few years ago when I attended a free concert, I received a sincere and sweet personal thank you this week from the founder.

It certainly makes all the work and effort worth it when the organization sends a thank you note.  How much nicer and more willing you want to continue giving.  

With the next forty-five days full of holiday giving spirit, remember to 'Thank' those that do a kind deed to you or a loved one.  This is a great time to teach our children to show appreciation, too. 

Old Town Icons

When traveling through old towns, I love to snap the photos of the famous attractions that people visit the town for or items it is well known for.  Such as the buffalo on the top of this building in this Idaho town near Jackson, Wyoming.

 In Oregon at the Tillamook factory who isn't looking for the dairyman and his cow? 

Astoria, Oregon has this great tower and cable car that runs up and down the main street along the pier looking over the bay. 

 

The age-old theatres and hotels are a great attraction and date back to the great buildings of yesteryear. 

 The Yellow Cab Taxi Company is an icon on wheels that we all love to see and occasionally get to ride in. 

May we all take note of the beloved attractions of the past, they wont last forever. 

That's What Fun Runs For Friends Are For

When someone needs our help, what better thing to do than to hold a fund-raiser.  Here is a 'Fun run' for a cancer survivor.  No greater love can be shown than to support and help your friends.

What makes them even more fun is to dress up.  Gotta love these grown men in pink tutu's. 

Whenever possible, take the opportunity to give generously of your time, talents and support to these worthy causes.  From the sponsors planning the event down to the last cookie sold, all benefit and make the world a better place for having participated. 

Make a Difference Day

Today is Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping others, is sponsored annually by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Gannett News their parent company and its 800 carrier newspapers.  As many as three million people will be out doing good in communities across the company. 

In it's 23rd year of serving the greater good, the foundation can be located at makeadifferenceday.com


 

What a great feeling to be a part of the greater good in serving others.  Utah Valley University has a You Tube video when they made a difference.  Ogden City has done the same.  It doesn't have to be a big thing, just a lot of little service projects of visiting the elderly, cleaning away weeds, painting and such that will  make a difference to the lives of many.

 

Just get out and 'Do It'!  You'll be glad you did, and so will they.

International Day of the Girl

Today is the International Day of the Girl.  Young girls and women all over the world for years have been treated as an underclass.  Occassionally, one will stand up for her beliefs and rise above the challenges she faces. 

Malala Yousafzai, is one of those outstanding women.  Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, she will continue to set an example of faith in herself and gender. 

May all women no matter the age, listen to that divine spirit within them and stand up for truth and equality.  This is the day to prepare to value ourselves, have an opportunity to be educated or just do it.