tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43844394008361691872024-03-18T06:05:00.989-05:00The Brave BroadLeta Miller's BIG and small adventures living joyfully with an open heart...Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.comBlogger1826125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-81131343495275547242024-03-18T06:04:00.000-05:002024-03-18T06:04:07.730-05:00March 18--Snow and ComfortThis above all: to thine own self be true. <i>--William Shakespeare</i><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I wondered when this one would show up. It's the ultimate "authenticity" quote. </div><div><span> Yesterday included grocery shopping, a 2-mile walk, the arrival from Michigan of my nephew, and a St. Pat's dinner with niece, nephew, brother, and two great-nephews. Alas, the day also included several snow showers. It's almost "officially" spring (and it has been in my mind for many days now), so snow makes me cranky. More of this is predicted for the week. Oh, well.</span><br /></div><div><span><span> "To thine own self be true." When I leave home for an extended driving trip like this one, I bring along my blankie and Ted Bear. They are both with me on the bed as I'm writing this. Ted Bear is my copilot. He's been with me for about 55 years. Yep, that's right--68 years old with a blankie and bear. Both give me comfort and a sense of peace, each holding lots of love. Who doesn't need a bit more comfort, peace and love these days!?!?!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> Time to head to the YMCA for a swim!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2286" data-original-width="2448" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IkKfBymSueL20Phhi5y3vr9xAzEyQI4SGEBDTGcAE0ieUZjaTF6ZYl4wGgDLUj05FrRrHUVOsRyIMQDbR-aOXMirIdNfQsWYqjEyDgS60iUKE3kF1SnrVkmIvZHIK_Fo9LWol-CqI3twpBTaD9OvZh1prDBONatsP5oOwJWwNvFRHRIQdYUQdPdGJKml/w200-h187/20150308_091420.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only, Ted Bear</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-65155573880356116492024-03-17T07:51:00.000-05:002024-03-17T07:51:10.062-05:00March 17--Not LostIf you don't know what you love, you are lost. <i>--Haruki Murakami</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I did not get lost, and I made it to Stow in the late afternoon yesterday. I immediately had fun with those I love--my niece drove us to meet friends at a brewery where we had beers and yummy food and played a few rounds of Rummikub. After driving 1000 miles in two days, I slept like the dead. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what I love. Family and friends sort of go without saying, though I just said that. ๐๐ The thing that I love that bubbles up first for me is creativity. I've gone through a multitude of creative hobbies and projects in my life. Recent things are crocheting, gardening, and painting. </span></span>Second is movement. I've been a lap swimmer and golfer for decades, adding in yoga and Melt teaching, and most recently, getting hooked on pickleball. Third is traveling. You say "trip," I say "let's go!!!" </div><div><span> Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="2492" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVXZ6IQrgRxhQOa8Vk0ydP274g8HEhy8N_18RpRMLjQ4mLp7imtmV1ox-MqCj-uqkAH8LHZT_Dck3kZPftU7iWKhGXxoWiKfL0tJjaMgdjVPgJaELcbxf36_lmEvS7QN4HSWdpEcRUuEZHlvK2JuOaJzb62C3Ne8eTX12sJ88DvrIivOSsFkrLoFqgqnp/s320/PXL_20240313_012316254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love numbers and palindromes!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-43172441722959294112024-03-16T05:27:00.000-05:002024-03-16T05:27:02.193-05:00March 16--Nearly Half-Way ThereDo not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. <br /><i>--Howard Thurman</i><div><br /></div><div><span> Traveling makes me come alive, and I am 40% of the way to my destination in Ohio. I had a lovely visit with my in-laws last evening, and now I am heading out very early to make Stow by supper time. I have audio books and a Cubs pre-season game for my listening pleasure. </span><br /></div><div><span> More tomorrow,</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2560" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxxTFL0tec9VX7JFJLLm6KvvXQQiQZRuCMZRfEHzeB3Wz1usMkCejq7kvFFPYx_QJhnuRtCHceMcGsUiRbYI-xSHgni0jADgnZusUCAM2ek2sMdj4f82R5O-3orNxz9NzXZVpSBVcFM1nEuf0-9yyzWrdhXztGHeiLl6TojdJjpNaqT74LMUD1c0IQihN/s320/Stow%20flag.png" width="320" /></div></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-50571706077658412732024-03-15T06:04:00.000-05:002024-03-15T06:04:41.308-05:00March 15--Artist?Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. <i>--George Eliot</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I grew up with the idea that art was the "Mona Lisa," the stuff in museums, and ordinary folks like me had no hope of such extravagant talent. My high school art teachers made it clear that I should not plan to make a living from my artwork. My dad flatly stated, "There is no musical talent in the Miller family." I proved this for myself by failing the chorus audition, and ultimately failing at piano lessons in my late twenties. </span><br /></div><div><span> Fast-forward to around seven years ago when I attended a drink-wine-and-learn-to-paint event with friends. Holy cow. Van Gogh I am not, but you could tell what I painted was flowers. I can paint! That inspired me to take several art classes at Wichita City Arts with varying degrees of success. The important part was that it got me thinking about what I <b>could</b> paint. <br /></span></div><div><span> This had me considering that I am an artist. I have evolved as a painter, recognizing that I love straight lines. I have written and published two books. I have written the blog <b>daily</b> for years. I create beauty in my garden and flower pots. I have stained-glass stepping stones in my garden that I made years ago. I have turned many a skein of yarn into useful and beautiful blankets, scarves, etc. <br /></span></div><div><span><span> So yes, you can call me an artist.</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjIsSIdxgSUxZFb-aWprAQ2CxJ8GFNGrIfKyF9zb48kS4rZ0JXtokr5pfeDGZ3HrGhhlNB-ki309jq1GbMoY8Nglpa6ZTU7o5OCVGWv7RPOS6WiVflehWVHUCFBr8InHdSyYZAlzuIITAJ2BR3NuJxn8VZ1i068FFbqhq4zztinZvYr4Ov-xO4RgPwl9G/s320/IMG_20170126_204316.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painting that started it all...</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-4675915170733972272024-03-14T06:41:00.000-05:002024-03-14T06:41:58.169-05:00March 14--"Love" Out LoudBe brave. Be authentic. Practice saying the word "love" to the people you love so when it matters the most to say it, you will. <i>--Cheryl Strayed</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I don't have a problem with saying "I love you" to folks. I even say it regularly to my distant grandson and the new grandbaby growing in his/her mom's belly, because I believe their spirits know it somehow. It's impossible to spread around too much love!</span><br /></div><div><span><span> Love is the #1 motivation tomorrow as I begin the 2-day, 1000-mile trip to Ohio to visit my brother and niece for a couple of weeks. The drive is totally worth it. I'll have my Spaceship (RAV4) to haul my brother to appointments and 12-Step meetings (bonus for me!), giving my niece a break. She and I will have great fun together, most notably through intense Rummikub games. I am also likely to see a cousin whom I have not seen in decades. Friends tell me I am brave making such trips several times a year. I see it simply as the price I pay to have precious time with my brother and his family. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> My dear readers, I love you!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCBoh6yaMeYsMdRrLd6BMapKr6KyvDDG4g734s0Z7BB7zIMwXqsLgjOMsOhgLRlr24PFRna3znojSO0FEupLpIMLrK9uqd1rNN49JHLGFUZr2DgpCuFtsxR7PHUkKhOYPMUxemUgMKXuW_LMhH8uyIxVoUewqSNLgjbK9x_mYJ8lSdjDySBLhLe1yWQb-/w400-h160/love%20you.jpg" width="400" /></div></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-27704089896103033012024-03-13T06:34:00.000-05:002024-03-13T06:34:52.238-05:00March 13--Natural?You prefer to be natural? Sometimes. But it is such a very difficult pose to keep up. <i>--Oscar Wilde</i><div><br /></div><div><span> What does "natural" even mean? In my google roaming, I found "natural" described as </span>"simply being true to themselves and not conforming to rigid societal expectations." That doesn't help much. I think "natural," like "beautiful," is a personal concept. I've seen plenty of advertising for gobs of makeup to make one look "natural." Others, like me, feel that no makeup is "natural."</div><div><span> Crying is a very natural and necessary function of the human body. I refer to crying as soul-rinsing, and yesterday I got extra-natural with a mighty energy-releasing cry. The frustrations built up over a few days simply had to move out, and I feel much better.</span><br /><span> </span>Mr. Wilde is right... with so many expressions of "natural," it is "a very difficult pose to keep up." </div><div><span> "Natural" to me includes comfy clothes, wind-blown hair, clean skin, a smile, and a grateful heart. Yes, it's a practice!</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmGEIx5dU_DPKFnhxJz3aD8kVuyGwe0IWkX3TiGwWm6IMkf06HCbS8bjWYIpKA52i6RAvKoziVSS4MQpQkpDwsK_mMkM3b3eWYOIGc5TZjAWCuV1UFaZMPeH9Z-6Vh82b9YzSBfr4IPMIExx1TUMH5zaeALfvW4vsKnKGgS6Y-aGvDRdGTZT1UpewqkTT/s320/PXL_20240225_160100348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural beauty from the sea</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-31130808588674816632024-03-12T06:50:00.002-05:002024-03-12T06:50:57.126-05:00March 12--Good vs. AuthenticDon't worry about being good... Aspire to be authentic. <i>--Yann Martel</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I think my upbringing inspired more "being good" than being authentic. It was made quite clear that if I got into trouble at school or wherever, I would be in WAY more trouble at home. There were also several "elephants" in the room that were ignored--no authenticity there! I remember my Catholic sister-in-law being forced by my mother to give up her religion in order to marry my (non-practicing) Lutheran brother. Thankfully my S-I-L returned to her Catholic roots after my mother passed. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I had a "day from hell" yesterday. By the time I returned home around 2:00 pm, the day was pretty much wrecked, and I hid in the woman cave for a few hours in the hopes that nothing else would go wrong. The "snowball" of anger and frustration just kept getting bigger. </span></span></div><div><span><span> <span> Thinking</span> positively for a better day today,</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt5_W96uI0B9HfrdCvngW4Vn2hg5SISbFLib4YdTAcypSrr9GFOe-46M_FpYDcf2yI-Gh-NDnsrbfMwbI-xlbUGHU1vsoBWWFy4rJQbo0-hlSLWEDkr1XYKtW8mmVlLOMtmI8TUsvrtM_HxuNrEqYD27nQXg5v68eV1BwY6ivCcI9r8Wrpo6XZeqw6lnN/w240-h320/PXL_20240303_144205554.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobble stitch,<br />the new crochet pattern I've learned...<br />creativity is a must for my sanity!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-73221559370601884422024-03-11T06:50:00.001-05:002024-03-11T06:50:50.239-05:00March 11--Cooperation Would Be BetterWhat draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it. <br /><i>--C. S. Lewis</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I think of the discussions of us four girlfriends on my recent Florida vacation. We could have solved all the world's problems if everyone would just listen to us and do what we say ๐๐</span><br /></div><div><span><span> But seriously... I saw an editorial cartoon the other day titled something like "the other serious border issue." It showed the Senate with a wall and razor wire between the Republicans and Democrats. This is the sad but true state of our nation. The problem here is that those sharing the same truth believe that those sharing a different truth are bad and wrong. Also, there are plenty of attempts to force their truth on others who are not buying it. Obviously, this does not lead to a good civilization. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> How about we all be just a bit more open-minded?</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3661" data-original-width="2163" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJ3oZ6jJpmY8MiVYULMGWNiTqE4CmGqA-jGJaT5vyRnML_AtTG791hEfsF0z7Pyt3wh92ZNfmY1eNrxESRiGP9sIE29jbMcuoEQGjvfNn_4AIuhS7-Oitq18lkJA2Rswvcc8Seq9n1yeg0H4TTMfxacvkSMYUAUxPwsZ2vvHdhgp3GmqSYh5cZcnweSN9/s320/original_036de9bc-0a29-4b86-ab57-f34d8ba4d18f_PXL_20240309_000627051.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="189" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mural in Bricktown, OKC</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-85538920182043618132024-03-10T08:05:00.000-05:002024-03-10T08:05:31.949-05:00March 10--The Assortment of BodiesThe summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is. <br /><i>--Desiderius Erasmus</i><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>This quote has me thinking about my physical body and those I see others using. I'm pretty OK with myself mentally, emotionally and spiritually, but my physical body has been an issue all my life. From the time I went to first grade, I have been labelled "fat." My mom did nearly everything she could to encourage weight loss, while setting unlimited amounts of excellent food in front of me to eat. She was not overweight--I realized many years later that she was a practicing bulimic. The long term effects of that eventually led to her death at 61. I am so grateful she did not offer me that deadly practice. </div><div><span> My current challenge relative to being OK in my body is wearing a sleeveless top. Let's just say I have more body than I care for on the lower side of my upper arms. At my age, it's fairly wrinkly. OK, I'll stop. I promise to wear the top when it gets to 90 degrees on the golf course. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I've been to Jamaica several times. At the beach, you see all sizes and shapes of bodies with assorted coverings. These trips have inspired two sayings from me. 1. If a man looks down and he can't see his Speedo, he should not be wearing one!! 2. Where on the planet can you buy a bikini that large?!?!? Other folks' willingness to "let it all hang out," so to speak, makes me think a lot about body image. I swim a lot at the local YMCA, and my branch has mostly older folks who wear modest swimwear. Imagine my surprise a couple days ago when a very large woman (maybe twice my size) walked out to the pool in a bikini. And her attitude was "why wouldn't I wear a bikini??!!?" When I see someone being so bold, it inspires me. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> I did go topless in the pool on my recent girlfriend trip to Florida. I'm working on it--baby steps!!!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpDlj70F6IOTR_M1cACHWpapxsKFISTamDKBgaEz7qVhBjaHjuoPu4KKrfwy16o2jmVobUkYTwRXlizII2F3PHFB6owviEqVrS0OQCrxGS-L7tA7fVIisg4kdQVV7Oh6fQy2KIMN07n0XQz_arWXHZJv2f8nfSXVvd3dnQy1wY_RnjW4nTT8X9HNCnKLx/w400-h300/PXL_20240306_004203032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another magnificent Kansas sunset</td></tr></tbody></table>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-75788497903584985732024-03-09T07:26:00.001-06:002024-03-09T07:26:14.610-06:00March 9--On the Road AgainDon't become something just because someone else wants you to, or because it's easy; you won't be happy. You have to do what you really, really, really, really want to do, even if it scares the shit out of you. <i>--Kristen Wiig</i><div><br /></div><div><span> My "let's go!" friend Lanie and I drove to Oklahoma City yesterday and went to see the Thunder NBA game against the Miami Heat. The stereotype is that it's the man of a couple who spends so much time on sports, but in my house, it's me, the female. Oklahoma City makes this adventure so simple. There is a hotel right next to Paycom Arena, and it is all within an easy walk to the Bricktown area which has a bunch of restaurants. So even though it is easy, this is something we really, really, really wanted to do. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I've done things that have "scared the shit" out of me--skydiving, yoga teacher training, mission trip to Africa, taking art classes, operating a power saw. Note that one person's terror can be another's "no big deal." We each have our own personal comfort zone, and it sure can be fun to stretch it!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> By the way, the Thunder came from behind and won 107-100, a great game!</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3279" data-original-width="2236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMEc8k_0xDESGBr6S9c3i8HrNIV3-pcXKddL2gq7y0u5JFsxgfu4lZr-lC9Q5E02_NOhEh2jOQ_S9vbcSXDNq0YVnUzjw89KLGUmS36PQRNGAG_cPZtp-zbQMPU2EoaC-R8Tty_zzjL30B4CdtfNUiirxWlfYzP8sSeEk1ZBG1Iotwe-Y35SiIYLAPottq/s320/PXL_20240309_014936219.jpg" width="218" /></div></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-21537205637268004172024-03-08T06:54:00.000-06:002024-03-08T06:54:15.422-06:00March 8--What Do You Pretend To Be?We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be. <i>--Kurt Vonnegut</i><div><br /></div><div> I try to avoid pretending that I am a senior citizen, though I do like the occasional discount! I don't feel like my chronological age, and for that I am grateful. One must <b>keep moving!</b><br /></div><div><b> </b>Let's consider "pretend" in the light of "act as if." This is a well-known 12-Step concept, such as "act as if" you can recover from addiction whether or not you actually believe it in the moment. Or "act as if" a Higher Power is caring for you, even if you think such a thing is nonsense. <br /></div><div><span> I must say that most of my girlfriends are glamorous. They fuss a lot with makeup and hair and dress "in fashion." I don't pretend to have a clue about fashion, I wear minimal makeup and it takes me about one minute to "style" my hair. It would be a huge stretch for me to pretend to be glamorous! </span><br /></div><div><span> I do, however, like pretending to be an artist, a world traveler and an OK pickleball player!</span><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="550" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGlUt0uypvoiE0tG8Q03NSw3XkQb-GXo_dvBXa0HkDuNS4Yd6U2iaCQmbQ11zql_gTFvJFSYxaC7jURl8EZfFkG7yikNjUjV3qJT8Vi6slBpKl8LZT8f8EEhbo-Zop80dlLcyetpI-DhSu8AtrTg-yMarVy0eL4jXM-q7QhC8j-C4IPoLLqQzuixiyHQE/w200-h199/mask.webp" width="200" /></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-88423172272688704262024-03-07T06:27:00.000-06:002024-03-07T06:27:41.327-06:00March 7--Make Every Day Earth DayAs we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. <i>--Marianne Williamson<br /></i><br />Today I offer some wisdom relative to our care for our precious Mother Earth.<br /><br />We cannot save ourselves without saving the world in which we live.โฆ We will live or die as this world lives or dies. We can say this both physically and spiritually. We will be spiritually nourished by this world or we will be starved for spiritual nourishment. No other revelatory experience can do for the human what the experience of the natural world does. <i>--Thomas Berry</i><br /><br />In the indigenous view, humans are viewed as somewhat lesser beings in the democracy of species. We are referred to as the younger brothers of Creation, so like younger brothers we must learn from our elders. Plants were here first and have had a long time to figure things out. They live both above and below ground and hold the earth in place. Plants know how to make food from light and water. Not only do they feed themselves, but they make enough to sustain the lives of all the rest of us. Plants are providers for the rest of the community and exemplify the virtue of generosity, always offering foodโฆ.<br />Many indigenous peoples share the understanding that we are each endowed with a particular gift, a unique abilityโฆ. It is understood that these gifts have a dual nature, though: a gift is also a responsibility. If the birdโs gift is song, then it has a responsibility to greet the day with music. It is the duty of birds to sing and the rest of us receive the song as a gift.<br />Asking what is our responsibility is perhaps also to ask, What is our gift? And how shall we use it?<br /><i>--Robin Wall Kimmerer</i><br /><div><br /></div><div>It is thundering outside at the moment. We are being given the gift of life-sustaining rain. I cannot make that happen. Can you? Let us have more respect and appreciation for nature that sustains us!</div><div><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrrB_bFt3zkiqkbPe2IlrK8HMxqvVCFsUcdDIAxy8WHgORjUmc6wI_ir3NFQBfBVQrlC98JMQvYZiSkCVWpeIwTuIaNM1hrkZYqwKFx-piZvSslv1rllO_yGTp1cn5WEPvn2a54KI5s70bsYq9x0NM7odNA8BpQwBDV4g2yeZBHVirYWpWM_pM7dAVYfX/s320/tomatoes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our Mother's finer gifts!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-8067623749362592242024-03-06T06:53:00.000-06:002024-03-06T06:53:31.796-06:00March 6--Might As Well Enjoy YourselfThe privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. <i>--Joseph Campbell</i><div><br /></div><div><span> The thing that annoys me most about myself is my extreme tendency to scary and/or negative thinking. I believe this is rooted in two decades of my early life when I was terrified that anything would happen to my mom. My mom eventually passed when I was 23, through no fault of my own, but try to tell that to my wounded psyche. Much therapy finally relieved me of that burden, though the scary thoughts remain. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I'm a recovering addict, and I'm good with that. The effort required to recover has given me a wonderful life that I couldn't have imagined in the midst of using. It has enabled me to embrace the privilege of being who I am. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> An advantage of aging for me has been the lack of concern about what other people think about me. I have my faults and I have my talents. I'm a nerd and proud of it. I am nuts about baseball (Opening Day is March 28!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I yell at other drivers. I'm probably a bit lazy (napping is my #1 hobby). Creative projects are essential to my sanity. I am reliable, and for me, that is the ultimate quality of a human being. </span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> You are an excellent human, too! Let us not take ourselves so seriously!</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5OLhtNzjL9diASlZ16wtYgnUF7eYOdubb5dm3_tjlJxtJsTYITxYFLlDTctHF3sujL4oSHJb2908El8-TbDRrHvzMETNHll_gKI0EJ-hGTsie12IUu3ul9i-oG6yZu4GBSe644WMOHlq6pQuqLAvrsMCxOvGY9WM3M7dn6cni4evawA3CgF-T1rHYq1y/s320/PBshirt.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latest t-shirt purchase ๐๐</td></tr></tbody></table>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-12628840393841750242024-03-05T06:32:00.000-06:002024-03-05T06:32:03.305-06:00March 5--Enjoy Some Nature Every DayThe most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering. <i>--Ben Okri</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I am so thankful for March and the temps starting to warm up. Weeds are flourishing in the garden and soon I'll be out there after them. While I have cut back on my gardening efforts over the years, it is still an important aspect of my life, because there is something mystical and magical about getting my bare feet on the earth and my hands in the soil, caring for growing things. </span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span><br /></span></div>One of the foundational reasons for our sense of isolation and unhappiness is that we have lost our contact with nature. In the natural world, there is no theology to agree or disagree with. We donโt have to identify as Presbyterian or Lutheran, male or female, conservative or progressive. There is nothing to argue about. It is in contact with all the โgivensโโthat which has been available to every creature God has created since the Big Bangโthat something is indeed given. I guess in the spiritual world we would call it <i>grace.</i> Every day, we are given a natural way to reconnect with God and it doesnโt depend upon intelligence, education, or a religion. It depends on really being present and connecting with the soul. <i>--Richard Rohr, <a href="https://cac.org/daily-meditations/" target="_blank">Daily Meditation</a>, March 4</i></blockquote><br /><span> Walking our dog Barney gets me out in nature, too. I often use walking time to catch photos for these posts. Taking pictures has made me pay more attention to my surroundings as we walk, and I especially notice textures such as tree bark or sunshine glistening off newly-sprouted tree leaves. </span><div><span> Like all of life, being present is a practice.</span></div><div><span> </span><span> Leta</span></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="4608" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0ckV5VcrWCHWxqzhViaXCJz4KHSWDjWaGrYRgoYZCBGy-wpd7Soc-TzYmkHamy5CCodk64Y-j3LovY-YVyrGI2XymXY8BZ14vm_iGzS7fIgak-381_Dwp6pgNmKAlfnfkNxEle0FyvLsrlbvjBLnBTxwh65u5bMj4EehOBeYFl-I55qnNVGrwYpOXlcl/w400-h189/IMG_20210511_115821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Seeger Natural Area, central PA,<br />my favorite spot on Mother Earth</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-26005368906005939212024-03-04T06:32:00.001-06:002024-03-04T06:32:17.034-06:00March 4--Just Do ItDo your thing and don't care if they like it. <i>--Tina Fey</i><div><br /></div><div><span> Do you have the courage and persistence for that? It's a practice, and I have to keep practicing it, because I have too much people-pleasing codependency in me. I have been ramping up two of my "things"--travel and pickleball-playing. These take me away from home a lot. I don't think my spouse much cares for it, but these things are keeping me active and sane. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> Looking over my life, I see that I've had numerous instances of living Fey's quote. I went to grad school and moved far away from home in my early twenties. Mom did not like that. My (future) husband and I bought a house and lived together before getting married. His parents did not like that. Parenting is a constant practice of doing things the kids don't like, such as enforcing rules. Job changes caused angst here and there, but worked out well for me. I would say that it is impossible to live a good life without doing something that someone doesn't like!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> So just do it!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFssop3ewDg5jTjE4R-7Rz3OdKe2_cYv27scQ32ClglXaLi76iIrcTMla0LZ03-z6Vh9yoNvV-zBdnDJjFFd_UU8YRTy9NRq-XlPXhqabhKSKLpZxuDukV5TA48ZY1XbZ99ZnYGN9paKrJ-1fNQQ_4UiH7kWWvCMSgFcXEku-h_BE_pnJqm2nULZZ6Ztuq/s320/PXL_20240225_191446745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shower curtain in a <br />hunting "cabin" in FL</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-81219545156794073842024-03-03T07:38:00.001-06:002024-03-03T07:38:34.749-06:00March 3--Be Gentle!The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently. <i>--Pema Chodron</i><div><br /></div><div> I think I should have typed the quote ending this way: "<u><b>AND GENTLY.</b></u>" I've done a lot of looking at myself honestly, but harsh criticism tends to accompany the gazing. Why can't we be as gentle with ourselves as we are with a newborn baby? <br /></div><div><span> "Honestly" tends to smack around "gently" because we have all done things we wish we hadn't, or we didn't do things we wish we had. We have shortcomings of various forms that have harmed relationships. We have wasted precious time. Life didn't turn out the way we expected, and we recognize that it is primarily our own creation. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I've spent the past few decades looking at myself, attempting to be honest and gentle. It has been a very interesting and rewarding effort, despite being quite unpleasant at times. I am on a quest to understand why I behave the way I do. There is always more to uncover. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> Keep looking GENTLY!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5w8Rjyhoe3WgjF_4dD_NMMCQSHd2no3FapOcwljsSQkGRybhHkGPzwffrQMCRYRpxQ7ts4-0BDmuuHuqA_iHUS87gQEmaDZepJptnHQ_1ghd4IPrKywxGAYLbGGqjqmm7B71tSeOaeAO3mlMU974uqFMSuuD0SbN7Se92AxmCC-r62U4UmGxIsRbsm9c/s320/PXL_20240225_155726251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panama City Beach...<br />I am well-acquainted with <br />my love of the beach and water!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-70477218502863006602024-03-02T06:54:00.000-06:002024-03-02T06:54:22.653-06:00March 2--Freedom to BeOnly the truth of who you are, if realized, will set you free. <i>--Eckhart Tolle</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I had another thought about March's theme of authenticity. Is it authentic to admit that sometimes I lack authenticity?!?!? This is just one example of the circular whirl in my brain. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I credit a 12-Step program and an excellent spiritual counselor for helping my life-long journey of opening to the truth of who I am. It has given me the freedom and courage to learn and try new things, some of which have really pulled me outside of my comfort zone. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> Codependency has been a challenge throughout my life. People-pleasing pulls me in the opposite direction from the truth. I feel like I am in the stage of recognizing my codependent behavior and being frustrated by it, and only just learning how to behave differently. </span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> Freedom, too, is a practice. </span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ98v_IP1twRmaP2jbSiaapQcquX2MJNTIcvgrNICq4xJ7dzTPzwGV3xf2aPrdSzey25rm8cRCpunaRZi79uoKr4QCTBKCCObD1khHZqiREsdyE_sLmKXP4R-aNiKzYOOCZjuhtOPxh6vQCsASarbmgiGe5mioUMiCPUeG5vFLb6YpOg0i6ITPpAshUXxo/s320/PXL_20240225_214417675.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide-open space in the Florida panhandle</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-8659874308395334842024-03-01T06:37:00.000-06:002024-03-01T06:37:21.406-06:00March 1-AuthenticityAuthenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen. <i>--Brene Brown</i><div><br /></div><div><span> March's theme is authenticity. As I ponder this topic, I recognize that I am authentic in some relationships and not in others. With friends and some family members, it's no problem. With my closest family members, it seems to me wisest to not rock the boat with my honesty. There are a multitude of reasons for this. </span>So I guess I don't feel very authentic much of the time. </div><div><span> Many families elect to not discuss politics or religion at family gatherings. Is that lack of authenticity or simply preserving the peace? </span><br /></div><div><span><span> Well, I have a month to consider the topic!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqhL2V60WpdfI9USxpC17R6Kkl3QO_0NS9Jk06_FSJG73BNdq_KJ-RNLb5igxOYZjZJevN3nXW9DIB52RB9CfTwumRiurnpT95PcqMYVGFY-8GvLoR2YVKXIdDcgH9QgJQi_6FRsJFJhru9qfOUIsiEYTDxBbc9Klzex12_bB3SZDHpWdjvDzGrYfVajA/s320/PXL_20240225_214133981.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting pattern<br />in the Florida sand</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-27297100883174549442024-02-29T06:43:00.000-06:002024-02-29T06:43:39.164-06:00February 29--Goodbye, February!! ๐๐๐There's never been a better time to let the leaves of mediocrity fall from your tree of life. <i>--David Ault</i><div><br /></div><div><span> We who live in chillier climates ask, "Why did they put the extra day on February? Why not May or June, or even my birthday month, October?" February, in my opinion, is already the longest month! I'm happy to see February finish, as March offers more promise of spring. March 28 is Opening Day of baseball season, my favorite day of the year!</span><br /></div><div><span><span> I am pondering what "leaves of mediocrity" I could drop. I am plagued by scary, morbid thoughts and resentments, especially when lying awake at night. I am constantly redirecting my thoughts to more positive ones. I am resenting my resentments! Thoughts of lack, not enough, money worries--these can fall away. Venting my anger at other drivers is mediocre behavior. I'm sure there are others, but it is time to close. </span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> Happy birthday to my D-I-L, whose real birthday is today. </span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwFMybv_BfwBvR6JiokzEfmOYldQIjB-0O2rbwq8FdkYe9ItcouAxoKUBKuxJktl38rgvaHbE3vJJeJ4_dRqy7euHiZsHawLAiUV98RGkKUqhhVigkfOBSqHd1316ZKApqWOOqaVBplZi-2rHUgXYWpWr8KXlLSfra1I6hEEXDmTG4hywZ3BQ3yUsqlzL/s320/PXL_20240225_191856574.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pear tree blossoms in FL</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-9114196433547244632024-02-28T06:54:00.000-06:002024-02-28T06:54:09.776-06:00February 28--Never Hurts to AskSpread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. <i>--Mother Teresa</i><div><br /></div><div><span> One of the things I talked about with the girlfriends during recent vacation pool time is my list of requirements for my next lifetime. The list continues to grow. So far it includes 1) Being the mother of a professional male athlete, preferring in this order: baseball, basketball, anything else except bowling; 2) Having a healthy body that looks fabulous in a bikini my whole life, with a rip-roaring metabolism to support it; 3) Having a career that involves light because I love lights and color so much. This is part great silliness and part "Why not? As a divine being, I get to choose." Maybe I did a little too much "I'll take whatever" for this lifetime!??!?! For the most part, I got lucky ๐๐</span><br /></div><div><span><span> Please do what Mother Teresa says!!!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XYm8SGjl4HmIlTHKo21VLFkhkKcUdLNxvGfP6_S4aiffOGFKRL8dw4mYtS42Zd-zUgFNybaP5D1Ou7r2Fe9yLySOsxFjt4j0dKruxJNPOxapv1CTcFdZC5X6OVNR0Xat70uwa5rAtjs26zb4oSdFkauCiwSktif9uTAYAKm3P5WdOZ5WZc4g64bgbawx/s320/PXL_20240224_222719239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Pier Park, Panama City Beach</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-32198151841672525842024-02-27T06:57:00.000-06:002024-02-27T06:57:12.505-06:00February 27--Soul-Nourishing LaughterLove doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new. <i>--Ursula K. Le Guin</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I must share with you some comical quotes from vacation. This one was spoken by our host's niece, Katie: "I'd like to agree with you, but then we would both be wrong." We all agreed that one would prove useful in our futures! </span><br /></div><div><span><span> The next quote was by our host during our usual goofy chatter in the pool: "I said the other day... (long pause) I forgot what I said the other day." That one produced hysterical laughter.</span><br /></span></div><div><span> The whole theme of this vacation was "over the top." Our final adventure exploring in the Florida wilderness (that's right, it is not shore-to-shore old people in FL) was unexpected and so much fun. When we were driving to the tree farm, someone asked for tissues. You know, a plain old white tissue would do. But no. Our host produced a packet of animal print tissues... see below. This quickly became designated "Cougar tissues." </span><br /></div><div><span> Our last day in paradise included pool time, then a lovely lunch on the deck in glorious sunshine. We picked out dates for this same adventure next February. Then we packed, and used our remaining time together for a few games of Rummikub. The trip home was tiring but uneventful.</span><br /></div><div><span><span> I'm thinking this particular vacation time, location and girlfriend-foursome is becoming an annual event. WOOHOO!!!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> I am safely back home in Wichita, let the re-entry begin.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9oKhsyIfO_0-J2rc3BMm_F9Wc3EQDuNr0MFCrq61yWYpK7u-eaEErXsaYQ-MwxgoRc2lqN0ZWYWl8kJGtEkwCW7Wk0oCm5Fflx5822Ykon8HhrCmCDiWtxH7KE2f0d36pSrYgjKaEF9mgxJmkWxuQ8WlpaMDrKdrxmsXsa25KJ523tkfAZHduD3lUGMU/s320/PXL_20240225_184536152.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cougar tissues</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-2584685370445411392024-02-26T06:49:00.000-06:002024-02-26T06:49:11.563-06:00February 26--Freedom of Religion Is Worth KeepingGuard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness. <br /><i>--George Sand</i><div><br /></div><div> While I don't think he did a lot of acquiring, Jesus lived the Sand quote. Father Richard Rohr, in his <a href="https://cac.org/daily-meditations/" target="_blank">"Daily Meditation"</a> of Feb 25 offers this about the experience where Jesus angrily cleared the temple:</div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Jesusโ actions in the temple are what finally get him killed. After this, religious leaders are dead set against him. Whenever law and order are based on interpretations of divine proclamation, what invariably happens is that the church and state, or religion and government, start working together and operating as one. Itโs still true in many countries to this day. Government leaders like to have religion on their side so they can feel like everything theyโre doing is blessed by God.</blockquote><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">A few years ago, I was at a meeting in Washington, D.C. with nineteen representatives of various denominations. We wrote a statement that listed six different issues where we felt what Jesus teaches and what our government was doing are almost exact opposites. The issues revolved around racism, nationalism, classism that always favors the rich and the powerful, the terrible lack of truth in government, and our constant idealizing of money, war, and power. On every issue, the teaching of Jesus is in direct contradiction to the way our government has often operated. </blockquote><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> Does this give you a clue as to the importance of separation of church and state?!?!?!? How screwed we are that our Supreme Court has become a religious body?!?!? This past week, this happened:</span></span></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">The Kansas Senate voted 40-0 for Senate Bill 431, which would require the Capitol Preservation Committee to develop plans for a permanent memorial honoring the life of Emil Kapaun.</blockquote><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span>Kapaun is a Catholic saint. STOP THE MADNESS!!!! It is so troubling to me that most folks don't even see anything wrong with this! Please note that I am not pushing Christianity with the references to Jesus. He was Jewish. Contrary to what many confused people believe, the United States is NOT a Christian nation.</span></span></div><div><span><span><span> OK, I'm stepping off my soapbox now.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span>========================</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span> Another day in paradise began with a peaceful spiritual practice and large cup of coffee. This is my ritual at home, too, but I'd rather do it in Florida! Three of us girlfriends walked to the beach and back. After a brief swim, we headed out to the family tree farm, 160 acres in a very vast pine forest. We enjoyed a picnic feast of venison and assorted fowl, cheese biscuits, fried okra, green beans, on and on. Then we rode many miles in a Kawasaki Mule to see a huge, crystal-clear blue lake, a smaller swimming pond, and acres and acres of timber in various stages of growth and harvest. We even saw an alligator, from a very satisfying distance. Back home we finished off the day with pizza and Rummikub. I enjoyed one last night-time dip in the pool. </span><br /></div><div><span> This evening we head home ๐๐๐๐๐</span><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRpY9626-4fYgw8UdaMaCFt2Dx1kqxPe8UtnV_sPqAMyFC5Z1wD9XD96HWJsTbAkdYWd-v-f4N0FWrDXjQAKuWmnFZCeJozY0pwezOS1f268e3Qup6JSS-w_xCSF2v2hqpY57PLtQC67htAR741QT_J3AUJujzIuSWnorkPEi1Ki0zM3ugCuAMBvBPB1D/s320/PXL_20240225_214703248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our foursome by the lake</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-86260921077892667472024-02-25T07:29:00.000-06:002024-02-25T07:29:19.377-06:00February 25--Hugs WelcomeWe can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection. <i>--Dalai Lama XIV</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I love the Dalai Lama! He is nothing if not practical and infinitely humble. I have officially become a NONE. That is the term used these days to denote folks with no religious affiliation. I feel like I have been through almost as many religions as I have diets, and I don't want any of them any more! I do, however, have a very rich spiritual life and a Super Higher Power and that keeps me loving and affectionate most of the time. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> I am not one to sit and meditate. I've been exposed to too many "musts" and "shoulds" relative to meditation that I am resistant to it. I prefer to think of my life as meditation. I value frequent pauses for a few deep breaths to remind myself that right this instant, all is well, and I am grateful. I carry on a conversation with my Higher Power throughout the day. I practice staying connected. <br /></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span>%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span> Another day in paradise began with my relaxed spiritual practice and large cup of joe. Lanie and I walked down to the beach, where I got my hand in the cold water of the gulf and found a lovely shell. The water was again closed to swimming due to rip tides. Next came pool time, heavenly to me. We ate a quick lunch then went to the movies to see "One Love," the Bob Marley story. It was quite interesting. We got takeout food at Mason's Lobster Rolls and took it back to the house to enjoy while watching the KU basketball game. I finished off the day with one other brave girlfriend chunky-dunking by the light of the full moon. It was a heavenly peaceful experience and I slept like a rock. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> One of the phrases that has become a source of great laughter this vacation is "over the top." That's the way to describe most everything we enjoy on a vacation at the Hill resort. The seats at the movie theater were basically individual recliners with foot rests. I never laid my head back because it was nap time for me and I knew I would konk out. I would expect that there are some movies where snoring is an issue!</span></span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> "Over the top" and loving it,</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGE41H3GwEZ0y8AmsWjN5snz9RIlGuJFTwoj4KwOasYcQRmynmxv5bZk9J2DRVP_L5yTzvY9k0bBSfm66QYheBpnaR89ggGtBdGPT_7AJAFGMscU3cvL-UXFISJthwdJuW8FenOE939plEmqqSh9vjHWAXDKn2WYOTpLyLd1Rd3yIGqbgWf44c2Et2aUo9/s320/PXL_20240224_000739466.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of a Panama City Beach mural</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-39019432149184852602024-02-24T07:12:00.000-06:002024-02-24T07:12:49.882-06:00February 24--Shine BrightThe thing about light is that it really isn't yours; it's what you gather and shine back. <i>--Anne Lamott</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I would agree that light really isn't ours, but I would suggest that our very essence is light and we channel it from its infinite source out into our human worlds. We can block that flow of light with fear, anger, and negativity; or we can let it circulate with love. If we are fortunate as children, we are able to gather a lot of love which we are taught to shine back. Each of us has a unique way to light up our world.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>####################</span></div><div><span><span> Yesterday's 4-girlfriend-fun included a heavenly massage for each of us. I got to drive our host's brand new Jaguar SUV. I walked two miles around the neighborhood, and saw a new-to-me Trump banner stating, "Trump was right about everything." REALLY!?!?!? That one made me laugh out loud. The girlfriends hung out in the pool in the afternoon. We were joined by a fifth friend (who was on the England-Wales trip last October), and the five of us went out for Thai food and Kilwin's ice cream. Happy tummies led to early bedtimes for us party animals!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span> Life is GOOD!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBs20r9CGIp9joIrSRyV5OGeoXJofz9BriROZYymkA0V20pW9YsZoeO9gKIv1V6BeiS-iwfkN7NFnJ-1CSe_bXLwMU2RdnIAsRcZBTvQgAr1Dmj4Ajy9wsgpR_DyEwARBvH_GygeKxMK1SBobGxJyw0zYL0hiA59y5JmPu3M1tzMYEhhVo8Jzq7ZP8P_7/s1600/images.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="301" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let us shine our heavenly light!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4384439400836169187.post-17978194472413929522024-02-23T06:53:00.000-06:002024-02-23T06:53:31.802-06:00February 23--Love Without FearVery young children are not afraid to express what they feel. They are so loving that if they perceive love, they melt into love. They are not afraid to love at all. That is the description of a normal human being. <i>--Don Miguel Ruiz</i><div><br /></div><div><span> I certainly see this in my toddler grandson, and it is a joy to behold. This includes both the peaceful melting into love and the not-afraid-to-express-what-he-feels screams of irritation. </span><br /></div><div><span><span> Alas, I feel our society has been too "programmed" to fear to have very many "normal" human beings. Conservative politicians are forcing this message constantly. The entire insurance industry, which I despise, is grounded in fear. And how about all the pharmaceutical ads encouraging you to suspect this or that disease while offering the horrors of the side-effects? "Immigrants are going to steal, murder and rape." "Us vs. them" is a devastating mindset. There's no end to it. This is not "normal," nor is it healthy. Fear can only lead to nasty consequences. </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> The continuing saga of the four vacationing girlfriends... we are most definitely expressing what we feel and melting into the love we share. Yesterday included a golf cart ride around the area to take one girlfriend for a walk on the beach. There was pool time. We played cards. Two girlfriends treated the four of us to a fabulous seafood dinner at The Grand Marlin. Let me just say that the chef knows the proper amount of butter for mashed potatoes. ๐๐ The Kansans in the group had not seen the movie "Practical Magic," so we finished off the evening watching that. It is great!</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> Let us love like children!</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Leta</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTL6BGO-mILShUyZrkqaSJsa7AukeqU_R5yuTTXJPdSphnE596QGwEu618COEJNaa8dr_SRjaifcuRdc-Nylkn0bBFL2U3a6wRmmWQOX-Kw_jxXxHtafFMt9oU1fmW4rPSImx2LG471kjaYaa4zCWT2umb0bRSoiJajkBleuS51wvdQj8lFYmhtq-B6CI/s1500/practical_magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1011" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTL6BGO-mILShUyZrkqaSJsa7AukeqU_R5yuTTXJPdSphnE596QGwEu618COEJNaa8dr_SRjaifcuRdc-Nylkn0bBFL2U3a6wRmmWQOX-Kw_jxXxHtafFMt9oU1fmW4rPSImx2LG471kjaYaa4zCWT2umb0bRSoiJajkBleuS51wvdQj8lFYmhtq-B6CI/s320/practical_magic.jpg" width="216" /></a></div></span></div>Leta Renee Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02048966984843045575noreply@blogger.com0