A Baby's Sheer Enjoyment of "Ah-ha's"

There is nothing like the absolute joy on the face of a baby when he discovers something new or funny or delightful. Such is life with Luke. The spontaneous giggle and the huge smile make the moment memorable in a way that makes the day brighter and all of life's quirks & hassles seem to smooth out in an instant. Thanks, Luke, for the gifts of joy & love. 

March Madness

Yes, I have to admit that I love both football and basketball. Heck, I don't "have" to admit it. I LOVE watching both sports. Attending a football game when my team is winning is a marvelous experience - being outside on a beautiful day with family & friends and the score in your favor. Can't beat that. Then, there's the basketball season that culminates in "March Madness." A basketball game in Allen Field House at KU is a treat not to be missed. You smile the whole time because the spirit is palpable and contagious. Today we began watching the games this morning. All these gifted athletes have only one shot IF their team doesn't win and their season is over. The many close scores today seem to be a validation of the work by those who set up the brackets. Did they ultimately design the placements to provide a fair shot for all of those participating? That remains to be seen. So, I encourage you to watch a game. Catch the spirit. AND, most of all, I encourage you to root for THE team: The Kansas Jayhawks.

What Brings Comfort & Happiness to Your Life?

Dr. Bruce Rabin, medical director of UPMC's Healthy Lifestyle Program, explains that when the brain is stressed, it scans its database for good memories on conditioned reflex. "The brain tends to function like a Pavlovian response," he says. "We look for things that have been pleasant in the past." I found this recently as I was trying to analyze why I do what I do for comfort when I feel unhappy or overwhelmed or short on cope or anxious. What do I do? I eat. Usually I'm able to find things I LOVE to eat and this is soothing and satisfying. Does it help my attempts at weight loss? Not one bit! But I feel oh-so-much better for the moment. But, I'm tired of carrying all of this extra "Rosemary" around. I'm tired of being overweight or le surpoids. (It almost sounds better in French.) So, how do I find substitutes that will be just as satisfying BUT much less fattening? That's what I'm exploring right now. Family? Friends? Relaxing in front of TV? Reading? Handwork of some sort. (I'm learning to knit, but my talented friends just smile benevolently at my efforts and murmur encouraging words.) Cooking? (*see the above mentioned "problem") The internet/email/facebook? Writing? More volunteering? Spending more kickback not "working" time with friends? What do you suggest?

Party Parade's Souper Supper

Friday night was this year's "Souper Supper" as part of the Claremont Community Foundation's annual Party Parade. Fourteen super "souper" cooks prepared delicious soups for everyone to share. Paired with cheese, assorted nibbles, bread, crackers, and wine or sparkling water, the soups were fabulous. How nice it is to be able to taste as many as you wish. This was all topped off by scrumptious assorted bread puddings baked by a fantastic local "amateur" chef par excellence. The conversation noise level was high, the smiles on people's faces were contagious, and a delightful evening was had by all.

Why Can Babies Find ANYTHING Tiny on the Floor?

Today we kept Claire & Luke at their house because both are having bouts of pneumonia. Claire is feeling better and she was comforted by a constant stream of movies (You know, the Barbie movies are really appealing & entertaining!) Luke feels good despite the continually runny nose and the need to use a nebulizer. He remained "busy" all day except for a couple of naps. How is it that a crawling baby can find even the smallest, most minute piece of a toy or paper or who-knows-what on the floor and transfer it in the blink of an eye into his/her mouth? Informed answers, thoughtful answers, and pure guesses will all be appreciated & accepted.

TIME

Time and I have a challenging relationship. I never seem to have enough time, and I often run late. My frustration level grows when things jam up and I find that time to do things I would like to do is pushed aside by things I have to do. Butch would say that that is my choice. Sometimes "choice" & "responsibility" or "obligation" get in each other's way. But, then responsibilities are fulfilled, the hectic pace slows down, and time to do things I want to do is abundant. At least it "sort of" is. Now, about that trip to Kansas & Texas, about that visit with...., about that dinner with...., about that lunch date with.... . Hmmmm. Time just jumped into high gear again.

Memorial Services

Yesterday I attended a Memorial Service. It's always both comforting and inspiring to see how those who've lost a beloved family member are surrounded with love and care. What brings us there? Is it a family relationship? Is it a friend? Is it a professional colleague? Is it someone we particularly admired but did not know well? Is it someone close to a dear friend of ours? Regardless of the reason, we come to celebrate this person's life. We reach out to those who are grieving. We reflect on our experiences with the deceased and the memories that will stay with us. The words that are spoken and the hymns that we sing bring to mind memories of loved ones we've lost. We are surrounded by our thoughts and sometimes our pain, and we may experience again the poignancy of loss. But then I am comforted by the conviction that the world is always turning toward the sunrise, and I remember the joy of a life and relationship shared.