"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Hodgepodge Wednesday

Please go visit Hodgepodge Wednesdays and join in! 



1. April showers bring May flowers...what have you been showered with this month?  Beauty!!!


In Atlanta springtime is a blessing not just a season.  This is what our rain brought!



2. What is the nature of compassion?  Is it learned or innate?  Can compassion be learned?  If you're a parent is this something you've purposely sought to instill in your children, and if so how?



I have been in the special needs realm of life for about 20 years.  Nature vs nurture.  And I believe is is something that is extremely hard to answer.  We could have a family of 5 children - 4 are sweet and loving and one was in the behavior disorder class mean as a snake.  My sister and I are 25 years difference in age - same father - different mother - and there is no one in the world more like me - we weren't ever raised on the same coast!

On the other hand - you ask if something can be instilled in your child - yes - with patience and consistency and showing them the way.   You can;t teach them to love and not act loving - you know what I mean?

Although I don't know if compassion can be learned.


3. Do you prefer to watch romantic comedy or romantic drama...or are you rolling your eyes saying bring on the action flicks?


Are you kidding?  I am in love with love!  I am definitely a romantic.  I do like action flicks and  mystery, but I will NOT watch a horror flick at all!

4.  It's April which means baseball season is officially upon us here in the US of A. Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." Agree or Disagree?

I have to disagree with old Humphrey - if you're paying I'm going to the Ritz!  Although a hotdog at the ball park is good, it's not the Ritz,

5. What's something in your community or city that needs fixing or improving?


Our roads - in the middle area - the median - we need the city to come out and manage those better.  It is a huge job, but in East Cobb they manicure them beautifully and in our area - not so much.   Why is that?

6. Share a song you enjoy that mentions flowers or a specific flower in its title.

The Yellow Rose of Texas.

7. April 22nd is Earth Day...do you believe there's life on other planets?  That wasn't the question you were expecting was it?


No - lol.  Not at all.  But I did plant herbs on earth day - basil - chives - and parsley - thanks to my friend Cheri.  Not the answer you were expecting either.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

 I am sharing this thought from Elizabeth - Transitional Woman - it just was such an awesome quote.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
Anne Bradstreet


Spring will come at just the perfect time.


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THE LAUGH:





THE LIFT:


51 comments:

MadSnapper said...

i don't think compassion can be taught, we either have it or don't, but i think it can be learned from personal experiences that change how we feel about others. but taught no. i love action and mystery, the only love stories i like are Christmas movies. i just read these on another post today.. it is good to know each of you

LL Cool Joe said...

I DO believe that compassion can be taught. In the same way that Jesus taught his disciples, I think we can teach others to have compassion, by teaching them to be perceptive. My eldest daughter, who is adopted and has come from a terrible background and early start in life is now learning compassion. It's hard work and takes a lot of time but I do think it can be taught.

Sandee said...

You can teach anything, but if the receiver isn't interested well, you won't get the compassion across. It is something how a family of siblings can grow up in the same house, being taught the same things and be so different. Perception I'm guessing. Everyone's perception is different.

I'll answer #5 because it's a sore subject with me. Gangs, we have Mexican gangs here like you wouldn't believe. We had 4 drive by shootings this last weekend. Gangs, I'd like to wipe them from the face of the earth.

Have a terrific day. Big hugs. ☺

mail4rosey said...

I won't watch a horror movie either. I've seen one ever, as a kid (my best friend...then and still...thought it would be a good idea), and I hated it then too. I spent most of the movie not watching because I didn't want to see it.

Not sure on the compassion thing, I'm very fortunate my children are full of it, though all in very different ways. :)

Happy Wednesday.

Catherine said...

Dear Sandie, I do believe like the song in the show South Pacific, "You have to be Carefully taught". Your children are led by example.
I prefer romantic comedy
I prefer the hot dog
Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head
The roads need work
I don't believe there is life on other planets
Live, love and laugh
Blessings and a hug, Catherine xo

Beth said...

The flowers are beautiful!

BloggerHelp4U said...

We have been in North Carolina the last few days and we almost froze our butts off. That wind coming off the ocean chased us back to Pennsylvania.

Your flowers are beautiful

TexWisGirl said...

yellow rose of texas made me smile.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I fall more more on the nature side. I don't think empathy or compassion are "learned" traits...they are internal. Some people are just born with kind hearts...

Sr. Ann Marie said...

I agree with your comments about nature and nurture--it's hard to determine. I taught for many years and sometimes the difference in families were amazing. My brother, sister, and I were very different personality-wise. Yet I think we are all pretty compassionate.
I'm also a romantic--and prefer romantic dramas. Hate horror films!

Hootin Anni said...

Well, heck, if I'd know that Mr. Bogart would be paying --I would choose the Ritz too. AFTER the ballpark frank and game. LOL

I didn't know your sister was 25 years difference in age. That would be almost like have a whole new life and sibling. Kinda cool if you think about it.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

The way to teach compassion to your children is to model it yourself. Growing up I have many memories of my parents doing compassionate acts for the less fortunate in the community. Now, I am trying to model that for my own children.

renae said...

Oh Sandie that quote "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." is a bunch of bunk! hahahahaha. I would much rather just have the spring time and the prosperity, thank you. hahahahaha. After this long in my years, yes, no adversity and no winter sounds like heaven. hahahahaha.

TARGET GIFTCARD!!!!!! TARGET GIFTCARD!!!!!! TARGET GIFT CARD!!!!! Yipppppppeee. That would be so great if you won!!!!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I am headed to where there will hopefully be some sunshine today. Leaving rainy Ohio behind is going to be fun. I do love roses, it doesn't matter what color they are! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Compassion is something which is born in us, I think. Look at those mentally ill people who kill without even thinking. They obviously have no compassion. I think of the mother of the young man who killed all of those children in Connecticut. She had TRIED to instill compassion in him. It just wasn't there. Something was wrong with him, mentally.

I do think that we do learn from our families... We DO what they did. We learn from them. But--things like compassion have to be there to begin with I think. Great topic for a blog.

I prefer drama over comedy --and these days, I love mystery and action drama.. I also love shows where characters interact with one another--each with their own personalities. That's why I like the TNT and USA cable shows the best.

I'd take a hotdog at the ballgame or some pork-n-beans at a picnic over most anything at any restaurant. It just tastes better outside!!!!

I do believe that there is life on other planets...

Great spring photos.. Great post today, Sandie.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

What gorgeous plants! Speaking of behavior, I was just reading excerpts from a book written by a sociopath. It is about all the good points of being one...yes, there ARE good things about it, yikes. Wish I could remember the name of it now. Well, some behavior is learned and strictly environmental, while others I think we are born with.

Shelly said...

What gorgeous flowers! I almost drooled looking at them. This rain starved Texas can only hope we will be getting some wet stuff in May.

Nancy said...

Lots of good stuff to ponder today Sandie!

Suzan said...

Being normal is boring!
The azelias ARE beautiful!! I have one hot pink azelia bush that was always in full bloom at high school prom time and we would always have prom pictures made in front of it.
It's in full bloom - but my girls are all grown up!! I miss those special moments in front of the azalia bush!

MunirGhiasuddin said...

I think that the best way to teach compassion is to be compassionate. a lot of times examples work better than words.

Terri D said...

A good quote from Traditional Woman. I always enjoy your hodgepodge Wednesday posts!

Sharon said...

Loved learning more about you.

It's interesting - yesterday in Bible Study we were focused on the kindness of God. I believe His love is what gives us the ability to have compassion on others. And it is the Holy Spirit who urges us to do something about it!

GOD BLESS!

Unknown said...

Interesting to learn more about you :) I do love spring too, and these flowers/bushes are beautiful.
Compassion - I agree with Sandra, either we have it or don't, and if we go through things in life I think we learn from it and see things in a different perspective, and can feel about others.
I love mystery movies and thrillers.
My work day is over, am in for a chillaxing evening, am off work Thursday and Friday.
Hugs x

barbara woods said...

i can't watch a movie where some one dies, wonder why? hugs

Grammy Staffy said...

Wow... you left us with a lot of food for thought. I think children can be taught to be kind but I don't know if you can teach compassion. I think that you can show your children examples of compassionate service and hope that they catch on. Charity is not just an act... it is a way of thinking and feeling.

Have a great day.

Susan said...

That was cool, Sandie. Loved learning more about you! Thanks for sharing. Susan

Happy@Home said...

Definite food for thought here today.
Adding my two cents:
1. Living in the south in the sprintime I'd have to agree with your "beauty", but since I don't want to copy I'll say new life... flowers, trees, birdies.
2. I think compassion is something we are born with, although I do think a good example won't go unnoticed.
3. Romantic comedy. I do love to laugh.
4. Disagree!
5. We finally got our road fixed, but the median looks horrible. No money for that.
6.

Happy@Home said...

Oops, guess I inadvertently hit enter. Either that or I was getting too wordy. Either way, I'll quit while I'm ahead.

TARYTERRE said...

I think the roads need to be fixed for sure. Here the potholes are terrible from all the freeze thaw cycles.

Ann said...

Well the rain brought you some pretty sights. Now if it will work it's magic here I would be happy :)
I like Sandee's answer about compassion and I totally agree with her

Unknown said...

I think all of life is a combo of nature and nurture. Meanwhile I will only watch B movie Horror flicks...nothing like a ridiculous old black and white version of dracula...

Anonymous said...

I think as brothers and sisters we have some triats in common but we are on the same hand completely different , each unique, good and bad.
I'm not sure compassion can be taught, maybe,
I like mysteries no horror for me, I can't even be in the rooom,
I am a vegetarian so no hot dog but I would rather eat in the park than the The Ritz any day any time,
I do believe we are not alone,
your flowers are amazing!

Diana said...

No flowers here yet, *sigh*
It is amazing how kids from the same family can be so different. Even though from the same family, so many things play into shaping who or what they will be with. Personality, teachers, friends, how they are treated, neighbors . If you stop at think of all the influences we each have, it is mind boggling. But our God made each of us with different talents and he makes no mistakes, no matter how different we are from each other.
Some things like compassion have to be taught and one of mine I think doesnt have a compassionate bone in his body lol
have a great day!!

Diana

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I definitely think that compassion is a learned behavior and the sooner the better. Lead by example, but it's got to be genuine. Kiddos are too smart to be fooled by convenient or part time compassion. Happy Wednesday!

Miss Debbie said...

Glad you are having a pretty spring! Speaking of movies...there is a good one in theaters now.."Home Run". Great story and wholesome but not getting much press.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Compassion is often something we learn by example if our children see their parents being compassionate then they are likely to be the same.



Debby@Just Breathe said...

Beautiful bushes. I agree, love a hot dog at the park but your can't compare it to the Ritz! I think there could be plant life on other planets.
Great quote. Debby

Dee said...

I think we all have compassion instilled in us for something...it has to be nurtured. I am with you on number five....the roads need fixing badly. :)

Marie said...

The flowers are breath-taking! As far as compassion, I believe a lot is developed before a infant is born and soon after. A lot has to do with how a child bonds with the mother after birth. The wires in the brain are still connecting for some time after birth. I love you curiosity!
hugs,
Marie

Ms. A said...

All my children were raised by the same two parents and they are all uniquely and vastly different. I still haven't figured that one out.

bp said...

Such great quotes you included today, I like the bottom one with the umbrella.

Pretty pictures of flowers.

Thanks for visiting and your kind words.

nancygrayce said...

I'm going to the Ritz with you! I love a romantic movie and sometimes I like them to be funny!

I so get the compassion thing. I have 5 siblings......we say the first three of us had one set of parents and the last three had another, only they were the same parents....:)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Your spring flowers are beautiful, Sandie! I'm a sucker for a good romance film, but I love action movies, too.

Gail Dixon said...

I knew you'd prefer romantic movies! I do too. :)

Cathy said...

I thought of Yellow Rose of Texas too, but didn't use it.

Jim said...

Nice Hodegepodge answers, Sandie.

I don't watch horror movies, war movies, or crime movies with killing. I hardly ever watch an "R" rated movie either.

I think that now, instead of Humphrey Bogart saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz" he would say "A hot dog at the ballgame costs as much anymore as roast beef at the Ritz"

Jim said...

I like your nice assortment of Hodgepode answers, Sandie.

I don't watch horror movies, war movies, or crime movies with killing, and hardly ever watch an "R" rated movie.

Humphrey Bogart is quoted as saying "A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz." I'm with you, I like hot dogs but would rather have roast at the Ritz.

Now-a-days he might say, "A hot dog at the ballgame costs as much anymore as roast beef at the Ritz."
..

Debbie said...

Well hello again kindred soul. I'm in love with love too. And you will NOT ever find me at a horror flick. I saw the promo for one on TV last night and it scared the bejeebers out of me.


And I will go to the Ritz with you and leave all the hotdogs to Humphrey.

Tanna said...

love. love. love that quote, Sandie. It is so very true. God knew His children when He created the seasons. I'll be singing the Yellow Rose of Texas the rest of the day. LOL! blessings ~ tanna

Theresa said...

Well dear friend, my yellow roses are blooming so I think I will sing that song ALL day long:) I believe compassion is learned from those who set an example of it! Have a blessed day dear Sandie, HUGS!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandie .. the area looks wonderful - we're still waiting for our Spring - but some of the flowers are starting to come out ..

Cheers Hilary