Stepping On the Soapbox!

I had been following a story from the area for a couple of weeks for a few reasons. First I heard that a motorcyclist was killed in a head on crash on a highway I had ridden on a few weeks before. Then I learned it was a 21 year old young man killed and the driver was a young lady. Today I learned the young man that lost his life was a member of the U of M Marching Band; 320 other members morn the loss of his life.
When I started riding motorcycle a few years ago I realized that there were two things that frightened me as I went down the road on my bike; deer suddenly jumping out of the ditch and distracted drivers. The more I ride, the more I realize the distracted drivers are certainly the bigger threat. It breaks my heart to think about the lives changed by this young life taken on that highway in broad daylight; the family of the motorcyclists AND the young lady.
We have heard of too many stories like this lately, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at risk on the roads. Let's stop calling these accidents. It seems to me if you choose to get behind the wheel you should choose to pay attention to the road and only the road. I realize accidents happen; this is not an accident. I don't know for a fact that the particular accident I am talking about is because of cell phone but it was a distracted driver. Everyone thinks it couldn't happen to them; it won't be me, or anyone from my family; it could be.
Pay attention today. Put your phone down. Please.

***short lady steps off soapbox

Happier

If you search the internet you will find all sorts of quotes and sayings about happiness. Farrell Williams sings the Happy Song; we clap along. Today NPR's TED talk was an interview of a scientist who researches happiness.
It seems the elusive key to a good life is happiness; it's something we all seem to strive for. But what does that mean for you? Mark Twain was quoted as saying "Whoever is happy will make others happy." According to George Sand there is only one happiness and that is to be loved and to love others. A quote that is credited to Ben Sweetland goes like this "Happiness is a journey, not a destination".
We have heard over and over that we are responsible for our own happiness. If that is the case why aren't we all ecstatic. Who would CHOOSE to be sad or lonely, unhappy?
It just isn't that easy; depression real, for many getting up in the morning is a struggle; feeling happy can be tough.
Even though it is not our responsibility to make others happier; it seems to make sense that if we make someone else happy; we will be happier too. And while we are at it let's remember to stay in the moment. Enjoy the little things; the laughter of a child, the beautiful sunrise or a beautiful waterfall.
Nothing new here; just a chance to start your day out right by making someone else happy too. Be nice today and you will be happier! Simple.

A New Day

As I walked into the living room the sun was coming up; a vase that sits on the buffet provided sparkles around the entire room. A smile came across my face; it was a wonderful reminder of the joy you can find in each day. Those bright spots on the wall made me think of my beautiful granddaughters. They would all enjoy the lights and they would notice them. What a great reminder for all of us to take a minute and enjoy the sparkles in life. Thanks little ladies; you bring me great joy. Mariah, Naomi, Peytan, Kierra, Kianna, Emeri, Madysen, Ellie and Mataya, wishing you all a sparkly day!

Education is the Key

Today I had the opportunity to visit the Harvest Prep School in North Minneapolis. This school is in one of the toughest areas of the Twin Cities; an area of high crime, high percentage of school drop outs and high unemployment numbers.
But in the center of this I witnessed a dedicated group of educators that have a different idea for the area. They believe and are proving education is the key. The statistics for success this school is producing is very impressive. The young children from kindergarten to 8th grade were engaged and excited (for the most part) to be in school. The engagement was obvious.
Today I am grateful for the teachers and school staff that work hard in our public schools. The challenges are daunting; the pay is low but the dedication these folks have is admirable.
It's a great day to thank a teacher; without them our world would not be a very "bright" place.

Pollyanna

What a difference a good night of sleep makes! One day the world is gray and frankly a bit blue; or maybe that isn't the day it was just my attitude. It seems the bad news of the day can quickly over take your thoughts and eventually your every move. The weight of your world settles on your shoulders and you find yourself feeling a bit hopeless and out of control. Sad.

Then after a good night sleep the sun comes up and BAM! Actually in my world the sun doesn't have to even come up; we are pretty early risers at our house. Life is just plain good; what changed; the coffee is the same, the room looks the same but the day is brighter, the world a happier place to live.

In my lifetime I have lived not just one day to the next but one minute to the next. My burdens certainly are not as heavy as they once felt; if I didn't worry about my family (its a Mom thing) I wouldn't have much to worry about at all. But it is easy to get to be a negative Nelly on a cold snowy day in March. If one would remember that April doesn't usually hold negative temperature days in these parts; wait for the sunshine; count your blessing, perhaps we can all be Pollyanna's for the day.

I wish for you a day of Pollyanna!

*If you don't know what Pollyanna is Webster will tell you!

Marwell Bobby Ardell Konold.

Seven years ago today my father took his last breath. In those seven years my emotions have run the gamut. It is said there are five stages of grief; denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. I believe most anyone who has lost someone close would agree they go through these stages over the months or years. There isn't a time table, it happens faster for some and that does not mean the one who is gone is any more or less loved. We are all different. But we do all grieve. Will I always stop a moment to think of him on this day? I am not sure; but for now I will.
Today when I think of my dad the tears don't usually show up rather a smile when I think of a special memory I have from my childhood on the farm. I grin when I think about playing pinochle with him or the special smile he had when the grandchildren showed up. My dad was most comfortable on the farm; usually in his stripped bib overalls. He was such a kind soul and I miss him.
The seven years has gone very quickly after the first few weeks and months of hurt we felt with his loss. Now when I see an eagle soaring about I think of him and I am reminded of the many things he taught me. I am grateful for having had him in my life. You were a good man Marwell Bobby Ardell Konold. Thanks for being my hero!

Peeps

This morning I noticed a friend had posted a picture of Peeps on Facebook. Is this the new sign of spring? This winter has been particularly long for many; some would say it is even too cold to enjoy our usually outdoor activities. That little burst of color made me think spring really might be just around the corner.

Hopefully we will be looking for real birds in the next few weeks. When the Robins start showing up we know we are on the right side of winter!