- Maya Angelou
Now what in the world is Chatty doing at a country western bar? Well, it's not because I'm a good dancer - found that out. I have two left feet!
We were even given a free one hour lesson - it didn't help - but it was fun. I got the move going forward, it was when we needed to turn and do the same thing in each direction that I lost my direction. I will have more empathy for my grandson in Choi Kwang Do. He has to do his moves in all 4 directions too.
There were 8 of us. We never get 8 together - with all the plans we have going - we must have needed a night out ??
Okay below we have Chatty - who has her set of issues and is a little, okay okay, a lot irregular. And just by looking at this picture - people might wonder about us and what we were all doing there together - looking at the dancing mostly - instead of dancing . . .
However, if they knew the real story of anyone of us - they would know that in this group of eclectic women - there is some real strength - real courage.
One brave woman is fighting MS. One woman who finished medical school and is trying to get into a residency. One brave woman was widowed in March after recovering from a broken back. One brave newly divorced woman who just lost her job, who nursed me dearly after my surgery last January. Another strong divorced woman who had just found out lasat week that she has a mass on her kidney and is undergoing tests. One brave gal in school to become a teacher (while working full time) who lost her mom when she was 30, she's 37 now. And another teacher who had her heart broken last May, my daughter, whose heart is much stronger now.
How we all got together? I'm sure it's God's handiwork.
The strength of these 8 women could move a mountain! We were there to support each other on our journey through life. I think we needed each other and we needed to let go and have fun. And to tell you the truth - I think in some way - and I mean it in the nicest way - we all love one another.
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."-David Viscott
“You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back.”-Barbara De Angelis
"Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence”.-H.L. Mencken
"We love because it's the only true adventure”-Nikki Giovanni
Went to see Julie and Julia on Sunday. It was awesome. I didn't even know Julia Child was married and that she and her husband just literally adored each other - nice love story. My daughter and I are almost ready to buy her cookbook and start our on journey - okay I said almost ready. We do have a date to cook this weekend together.
Then last night I went to a graduation party for a friend. I've gone to their Mediterranean Restaurant for years and have become good friends with them. Her son is going away to college next weekend. People from other countries are so much closer than we Americans tend to be. Hugs and kisses on both cheeks - the norm. It's a wonderful atmosphere. This woman lost her husband to cancer 15 years ago with 3 little kids and has supported them on her own. Now that is strength.
So just for today I'm going to make a choice to be thankful for what I have and not think about what I don't have. I can do that for one day.
Today I am thankful for my friends (again). Carmen my 32 year old sister in a high risk pregnancy carrying twins, Jean, my angel friend. Sue, Denise, Fadia, Lynne, Renee, Renea, Debbie, Janet, Judy, Karen, Kristie, Peggy, Sharon, Richard S., Rita, and Theresa. I'm thankful for my 'blog buddies'. Church friends. Neighborhood friends. An old friend. I'm a lucky gal. Hope I haven't forgotten anyone. Almost forgot my dear daughter Kelly!
And speaking of blog friends - women and strength - what about JeanMac, Amy, and Debbie - plus others - who are strong and reach out? Awesome.
Now I am not saying at all that women are strong and men aren't. I'm just a woman and know more stories of women. I know men are strong too. I know they support their families, I know one - a friend of mine - who is Mr. Mom while his wife works. Another one who took a hit the war and had his life changed yet goes on and never complains, but this blog is mostly about women and I think after this week and finishing my Alaska trip - I'm going to write about some strong women of courage and maybe throw a couple of men in there to spice it up.
As I am closing I started to think about what I wrote. We all have troubles - no matter who we are or what gender we are. The only difference is the 'problem' itself. What is the answer to how troubles make some people better (stronger) and other people bitter. I read an article and it talked about happiness. Our personality the article said was 50% from genes, 10%environment, and 40% our outlook and how we talk to ourselves. Happy positive people live longer!
It's our choice. And it may be difficult to chose happiness when you want to chose saddness.
Change your thoughts, and you change your world. - Norman Vincent Peale
Loving y'all,
Chatty
