Just Hanging Out ...

Wow! Has it really been this long since I had anything to say? LOL ...

Recovery has a way of taking us down paths we never would have tried before I guess ...

As I got stronger, I found myself in a curious place. I have been a people person all my life and one by one, the people in my life disappeared ...

Do you remember me saying that as we get healthier, there will be some people who won't like it? I had a few friendships that changed when I stopped doing everything for the other person. I realized that I had always been the one taking care of them. That is, after all, what co-dependents do, but healthy relationships are give and take on both people's part. It's not healthy for one person to do all the giving and the other to do all the taking. Both people lose.

There were a dozen others that passed away in a few years time ... I suppose we can expect that as we get older, we will have more family and friends pass away, but I was shocked to lose so many so close together. I don't think I am really over it yet. I can't even count the times that I am working on something and think, "I'll call ... " before I remind myself that they are gone.

This is how I came to this odd place. I have gained a new understanding of myself and others ... but I find myself mostly isolated these days. How does a people person become such a contemplative one? How long will I be mostly alone with my thoughts? I am okay with being alone with myself, but I am starting to miss the interaction.

In the past few years, I have had occasional visits with my family, and have loved being with them, but when the visit is over, I seem to retreat back into my quiet everydays ... I see myself differently. I see others differently. I see my role in their life and their role in mine in a totally different way, but it has been like buying a new pair of shoes ... shopping and choosing a pair of shoes that will work, but still knowing that there will be a breaking in period. Do you know what I mean?

Have you ever felt this way?

My husband says that life changes about every ten years ... whether it's a new job, a new house, a move, children growing up ... Something happens that takes us in a new direction. I guess he's right. We are headed in a new direction, not sure of what is around the next bend or over the next hill, but happy to accept life as it is now, counting our blessings. He tells me not to worry so much about whether I am a people person or not ... that I will always be a people person, but I am currently without a lot of people.

I have faith that everything is as it should be ... that I am in God's classroom. After a lifetime of unhealthy interactions, He has me in a quiet study hall where I can concentrate on the new lessons, finish my homework and get ready for the next pop quiz! Following the metaphor, I'll have to admit that I can't wait for the bell to ring so I can go out in the hallway where the people are. I might even get to go to the playground and make some new friends!

If you are reading my note while you are in a study hall of your own, meet me outside when the bell rings! Race you!

As For Me And My House ... We're Voting McCain-Palin

I have read what you have said. I get updates from both the McCain and Obama websites. I have watched the news. I'm not a liberal. I'm not a conservative. I'm a moderate. I believe the answer is usually somewhere in the middle. This election hasn't really been about finding answers. It's been about marketing.

I know a little bit about marketing. I worked in advertising for ten years. Still, I can't think of one thing I have ever done because the media told me to.





I'm wondering ...

Why are the media and the public so amazed that the Republican Party would spend 150,000-dollars on clothes for Sarah Palin and yet, no one has asked ... Where is Obama getting MILLIONS of dollars to spend on advertising? Exactly WHO is financing this campaign?


I'm wondering ...

Obama hasn't been a Senator any longer than Palin has been a Governor and yet, the media says that we think Obama is ready to be President and Palin isn't ready to be Vice-President. What's the difference?I'm wondering ...Obama's former connections wouldn't clear an FBI background check and yet, the media says he is the man to be our President. None of us could even be a Federal employee with those connections. Doesn't that matter to anybody?


I'm wondering ...

I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) last week while I ran errands. They were interviewing foreigners and asking them who they wanted the next American President to be. A man from Arabia said Obama. A man from Jakarta said that he trusted Obama because even though he was a Christian, he knew Obama would be loyal to his Muslim roots. What? A man from Afghanistan said he wanted Obama too. That isn't exactly a ringing endorsement! Why would I or any other American vote with them?


I'm wondering ...

Obama is wearing an American flag pin now, but I saw the interview where he said he hasn't worn an American flag since 9-11 ... Why would someone STOP wearing a flag after 9-11? That's when most of us started flying our flags.


I'm wondering ...

The American public seems to believe that bringing the troops home will end the war. War isn't always up to us! What if they come after us? Do I want an inexperienced politician to be in control or do I want a guy who already knows what war is about? McCain and Palin have a very personal interest in what happens. They have sons in the military. They are invested. Obama doesn't know any more about foreign policy than Palin does! He thinks he can "just talk" to them. Wow! I bet nobody's ever thought of that!


I'm wondering ...

Liberals talk about the Republican Slime Machine but they are also the ones that have coined the marketing term "McSame", claiming that McCain is the same as George Bush. McCain is not George Bush any more than Obama is Rev Wright! I have personally observed George Bush and John McCain when they both came to our town. They are not the same kind of man.

McCain served our country in the military and later as a politician. He has made some hard choices that were good for our country but not necessarily good for him. He has the kind of character I want in my President.




I know this post won't be my most popular post. I know that some of you agree with me but you are afraid to say so. I don't expect to change anyone's mind. I am not trying to win anyone over. I have spent over three years talking about speaking authentically and I am simply practicing what I preach.

I can't vote for a guy who promises the moon, when he hasn't ever delivered the moon before. Why should I think he can do it now? Obama offers "change" and "hope", but he is only 1/3 of the equation. He can have all the ideas in the world, but if congress doesn't vote for them, they aren't happening.

That's another thing ... Democrats already have a majority in congress. What about checks and balances? Do I really want liberals to be writing checks on my bank account? In 50 years, the Democrats have taxed me more than the Republicans have! I am not interested in "spreading the wealth". I am interested in doing an honest days work for an honest wage, without having to pay too much in taxes.





Bottom line ... I have to vote for the guy who has already proven that he has the experience, the connections and the character to do the right thing. I trust McCain. I believe he really does have my back. I know that he will do the right thing because he has so many times before. I simply can not vote against a man who was tortured for our country. McCain has proven how much he loves our country and out of respect and admiration for his service, I have to stand with him. He is my kind of guy.

I like Sarah Palin. For years and years, I have heard Americans say that they wish they could have someone who was just like them in the White House. Sarah Palin is my chance to have that happen. She's not as polished as some. That's okay by me. I don't trust the slick politicians anyway. I like that Palin isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. I like that Palin is making the beltline politicians and talking heads nervous. That's my kind of gal!





This campaign has divided too many friends and family. It will not divide me from mine. I will continue to love my friends and family, no matter who they vote for, because that is what friends and family do. You all must vote with your conscience. Whatever reasons make up your mind for you are just as valid as mine are.

My name is Taylor and I approved this message.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Chris Templeton

Christopher Templeton Website

 

This is a web-site of my friend, Chris Templeton.  She is a breast cancer survivor. 

Most people know her, still, as Carol Robbins Evans from the Young and The Restless.  I never watched Young And The Restless much so I am surprised when people REACT to her as Carol.

Once, while on a road trip, we stopped at a small town gas station.  I went to the rest room and was fnishing washing my hands when a woman came running in to the bathroom, screaming, "This is the best day of my life!  Carol Evans from Young And The Restless is here in my town!"  I could hear quite a crowd outside the bathroom and I went into "protective" mode.  I knew that Chris had been on the soap opera, but like I said, I never watched soap operas much.  Chris is a tiny little thing.  She is a polio survivor and walks with a cane.  I stood up straighter, buttoned my jacket and pretended to be a body guard as I walked up to Chris.  "Miss Templeton, would you like me to escort you to the car?"

Chris smiled and nodded her head.  I pushed the crowd aside and walked her to the car, opened her door, locked it and went around to the driver side.

We drove away.  We were both quiet for a few minutes before I said, "Okay, tell me about this soap opera thing again."  She laughed and said that she had been a character on Young And The Restless, and most of that time, Young And Restless was one of the top rated soap operas.  I guess that explains the excitement and loyalty of her fans.

For me, Chris has always been morethan a character on a soap opera.

She is from the Midwest and grew up with a lot of the same values that I did.  There is something gritty about Midwestern women ... the pioneer spirit lives on in most of us, but it shines in some.  Chris shines.  She has spent most of her life in a wheelchair or walking with a cane.  There was a time that people would have called her disabled, but because of people like Chris, public awareness has grown and disabled today means something a lot different than what it used to mean.

I admire her intelligence, her kindness, her empathy, her sense of humor and the way she deals with whatever life deals her, including her fight with (and winning) breast cancer.

She blogs ... just like us!

Christopher Templeton Blog

Here is an excerpt from one of her posts:

"’It's been 5 years. I've learned a lot, I've tried a lot. I think that prayer, food and attitude are the most important things.
I think God is in control but I also think that you can take ownership of your body –it’s your temple, your responsibility.
It’s like the little man sitting on the roof of his house surrounded by flood waters. People came by boat, helicopter and even a small pontoon plane asking to help and he keeps telling them that God is going to be his rescuer.
Well, he dies. He goes to heaven and asks God, “why didn't you save me?”
God replies, “I sent a boat, a helicopter and a plane – what more did you want?”
You don't know what God will use to bring your healing to come to pass. Keep open, keep praying and keep trying. Some times healing is emotional and spiritual rather than physical.
Remember, He will give you nothing that you can't handle. We have no idea what His purposes are for our lives.
All we can do is take every day as a gift.
All I can guess is that my purpose has been to educate people – to show them what I have learned and maybe help someone by example. I truly feel that was my purpose in Hollywood. After all, I was one of the first people with a disability to be on television long-term. But that’s another story!"

 

Tags: Breast Cancer Awareness, Christopher Templeton

Tuesday's Tiny Truth - The Magic Of Blogging

The Magic Of Blogging:

The sharing of joy,
whether physical, emotional, psychic, or intellectual,
forms a bridge between the sharers
which can be the basis for understanding
much of what is not shared between them,
and lessens the threat of their difference.
- Audre Lorde

Got Chocolate?

     


If you are "feeling older",
This could cheer you right up!
 

 

 

 

I,__________________, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers/doctors interested in simply running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

 

Glass of wine
Chocolate
Margarita
Sex
Martini
Bubble bath
Cold Beer
Chocolate
Chicken fried steak
Cream gravy
Sex
Italian food
Chocolate
French fries
Chocolate
Pizza
Sex
Ice cream
Cup of tea
Chocolate
Creme brulee
Chocolate
Sex
Chocolate

 

It should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the 'fat lady sing,' and call it a day!

 

 

 

Tuesday's Tiny Truths - PEACE!!!

There can be no vulnerability without risk;
there can be no community without vulnerability;
there can be no peace, and ultimately no life,
without community.
- M. Scott Peck


Responsibility does not only lie with the leaders
of our countries
or with those who have been appointed or elected to
do a particular job.
It lies with each of us individually.
Peace, for example, starts within each one of us.
When we have inner peace,
we can be at peace with those around us.
- The Dalai Lama


Peace is the deliberate adjustment of my life
to the will of God.


For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Tags: Peace, M. Scott Peck, Dalai Lama, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Tuesday's Tiny Truths - LOVE!!!

If you have LOVE,
you don't need to have anything else,
and if you don't have it,
it doesn't matter much what else you have.

- Sir James M. Barrie


True love comes quietly,
without banners or flashing lights.
If you hear bells, get your ears checked.

- Erich Segal


Few fall in love by choice, 
but by CHANCE. 
Few fall out of love by chance, 
but by CHOICE.

Tags: Love, Eric Segal, Sir James M. Barrie, Choice, Chance