Encouraged

Merriam-Webster defines encouraged as to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope. 

I have found it necessary to "snooze", "unfollow" or in rare cases, "unfriend" people on Facebook who insist on posting steady streams of unsubstantiated political garbage (this goes for BOTH sides of the aisle). I just get tired of seeing the same old stuff. I have fact checked it all on multiple sites, and very little, if any of it, is true. And what purpose does it serve? 

But, lately, I have gone back to these hidden friends pages and noticed a trend. Fewer people seem to be jumping on the hate wagon. Most of these posts get one or two likes, are almost never shared, and seldom commented on. Maybe I am not the only one who is tired of the constant negativity? And maybe, just maybe, some people are beginning to think before they pass on questionable, hurtful, and malicious things? 

There is a saying that "Hurt people, hurt people." I fervently hope that maybe there are fewer nasty posts because the people posting them, commenting on them, and sharing them are not hurting as much inside. 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Arguing

I have never really liked to argue. Growing up with a mom who was a "yeller", I don't like raised voices and words said in the heat of anger. The cliche is true. They can never be taken back and are more lasting than physical blows. 

The older I get, the less I want to argue. I just don't have the energy for it. My limited energy is much better spent in happier pursuits. 

For this reason, I try to stay away from putting things on my personal Facebook page that are bound to start folks to bickering. If I do want to discuss an issue with someone who is mature, I prefer to do it in person or at least in a private message. 

There are some people in my life who make comments to try to bait me into arguing with them. I have tried to make it clear that I am just not interested. These folks are more invested in "winning" than anything else. That can make for an awfully lonely life.  

I am passionate about many things. Art, music, politics, good books, and my faith, to name a few. The likelihood of my changing anyone's mind about anything (especially those at my age and stage) seems pretty slim. I adore much of the work of Saint-Saëns. My husband is not a fan. I cannot understand this. He would much rather hear a Sousa march. Arguing with him over this would be an exercise in futility. 

Don't get me wrong. I love a rational discussion on any of the subjects I am interested in. I am just not interested in arguing with someone for the sake of arguing. 

I have always loved this quote. 

Argue all you want. I will be painting, singing, reading, writing, and choosing to be happy! 

Recovery Musings Part 2

This would be a bit funnier if it were not quite so true right now. However, things are getting better. As my post-surgical pain finally gets better I am able to sleep better at night, which is helping the brain fog. My respiratory therapist reminded me that it takes some time to "pay back" a prolonged sleep debt. If you are curious about sleep debt, check this out.

https://sleep.org/articles/say-goodbye-sleep-debt/

I have officially "graduated" (for the second time!) from Scott Robbins Physical Therapy. I love the atmosphere in his gym. The folks there are mellow but extremely competent. They got me back to pre-surgical form and I am thankful to be back to my version of "normal"   https://scottrobbinspt.com/

Speaking of normal, I now feel like I have my real life back. There were times these past 3 months that I began to wonder if I would ever feel like myself again. It is funny how pain took over my life for the first couple of months to the point where I could not focus on much of anything else. I did not feel like doing any art. I did not feel like reading for very long. There were times when I did not want to talk to anyone (unusual for me, I know!). All I could do was watch the clock and wish time to go by quickly so I could take another Extra Strength Tylenol. Looking back, I probably should have taken the Rx painkillers for a bit longer. But, hindsight is 20/20.

I am looking forward to a couple of short trips in the fairly near future. I'll be turning 59 in October. I want to take advantage of having two good hips to get some things done that I have wanted to do for a couple of years, but have been in too much pain to consider. I still have limitations, but now I have one less to deal with. 

At least I haven't had to drop my pants lately. That may change when I see my surgeon on Monday. I guess he likes to check on his handiwork. If I did work that nice, I probably would too! If anyone reading ever needs a hip replacement, this is the man. 

http://www.capitalorthosports.com/matthew-c-futvoye-md/

Tell him I sent you. 

Opinion vs. Fact

“A fact is a statement that can be proven true.” “An opinion expresses someone's belief, feeling, view, idea, or judgment about something or someone.” 

On Social Media, I constantly see memes about one having a right to one's opinion. I totally agree with this. OPINIONS are not a problem. 

 When opinion is presented as FACT, without substantiation of any kind, and is unkind, unnecessary, and untrue, 
I do take issue with it. If it is your opinion that Nickleback is the best band ever (hopefully not!) that is fine. I may not agree, but that is your opinion and you are entitled to it. 

However, if you present, in your opinion, that the Earth is flat, I take issue. Eratosthenes, a Greek mathematician, proved that the earth is round over 2000 years ago. And if that is not proof enough, one of Magellan's ships (sans Magellan who was killed during the voyage) made it around the world. And, if THAT is not enough, pictures have been taken from space that clearly show that the Earth is round. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaYPkJU7iTQ

Take the time to check the facts. I try to be careful about what I post, but every now and then I post something that turns out to be bogus. I appreciate it when someone posts and lets me know. I don't want to be that person who spreads false information. It is pretty normal to want to morph opinion into fact in order to fit it into our personal belief systems. Especially when we are being presented with evidence contrary to our preconceived notions. Take a page from Aretha's book (God bless her!) and THINK! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqYnevHibaI

Magic Strings

I have been a fan of Mitch Albom's work for a number of years. I thoroughly enjoyed The Five People You Meet In Heaven, For One More Day, and Tuesdays With Morrie. 

However, this book, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, absolutely blew me away. The narrator is music and the protagonist is introduced at his own funeral. 

Albom makes the character of Frankie amazingly real, starting with his dramatic birth in a burning church during the Spanish Civil War. He is essentially raised by a blind music teacher and given a guitar with six precious strings. Sent to America as a child to escape the war, his tale is told in his interactions with other musicians of his era, from Duke Ellington to Elvis. Gifted with phenomenal talent, Frankie becomes a pop star himself. But is it enough?

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto did a lovely job of taking me away from the woes of the present world and into a world of music, passion, and fantasy. For me, it is Albom's finest work to date. 

Legally Blonde (Brag Alert)

**Brag Alert**

My niece, Amy has just finished a run in her first leading role at Vicksburg Theater Guild as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, the Musical. The entire cast was absolutely wonderful, but I want to take this chance to brag on Amy for a bit. 

Amy has been dramatic ever since she entered this world with Strep B and pneumonia, spending her first 10 days in the NICU at Women's Hospital in Flowood. It was touch and go for a while, but Amy made it. There were some lingering issues from the strep infection, most noticeably, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Amy also inherited the family history of depression and anxiety, partly from her Aunt KK (sorry Amy!). 

To see Amy, as an adult, overcome these issues to be the kind, smart, and talented woman she is today is joy beyond measure. Legally Blonde has been a real test of her determination and willingness to work hard at the craft of acting. Amy will be the first to tell you that dancing is NOT her forte'. (Sorry again, Amy! KK can't dance either!) However, she has learned all these dances and held her own against the other young people who have dance backgrounds and even dance teachers. Her pretty singing voice is getting better as she works on it doing these theater productions. 

As for acting, Amy has been doing that since she was old enough to talk! I was always amazed at her ability to quickly memorize the shows she watched on videotape. One thing that I did not expect is just how funny Amy is onstage in her roles. I have enjoyed seeing this new dimension of my beloved niece. 

I did theater back in the 1980's and early '90's. I made friends that I still cherish (alas, most of them have passed to that great Greenroom in the sky). I gained confidence that I do not think I would have had without being a part of VTG. I hope Amy reaps these benefits as well. 

Enjoy every minute of your theater experience, Amy. You're a natural!