What if we decided to really follow our heart?
What if we really did act on what we love?
What if we really did want to make a difference?
What if we did take a risk?
What if we started right now instead of waiting?
What if we didn't care who got the credit as long as the job was satisfying and well done?
What if we loved more than we hated?
What if we woke up and made the choice to be happy rather than angry?
What if we did let things people say roll off our back?
What if we chose to be kind rather than bitter?
What if we went out of our way to make people's day better?
What if we looked for things to be thankful for?
What if we smiled rather than frowned?
What if we looked people in the eye and said hello as we passed instead of judging them by what they were wearing?
What if we took the time to sit still and breath?
What if we chose to learn from our mistakes instead of continually beating ourselves up over them?
What if we truly looked for the good in others?
What if we forgave unconditionally anyone who had wronged us?
What if we gave to others with no thought of ever being repaid?
What if we laughed more?
What if we played more?
What if we decided to do one thing a day that would make a difference for someone else?
What if we read more?
What if we talked less?
What if we listened more?
What if we didn't care about sharing our opinions but were just happy to have them?
What if we wanted to build up instead of tear down?
What if we didn't always have to be right?
What if we went barefoot for just thirty minutes?
What if we DID change our mind?
What if?
10/06/2011
8/11/2011
Am I actually taking time to blog???
Since the tornado...I haven't really been able to articulate my thoughts/feelings. Odd. I'd think it would come streaming out of me. Course I have been a little busy. Never thought about that.
Maybe I articulated things in different ways...not directly but maybe by my directing.
My friends, actors, volunteers have no idea how much I love and appreciate them and how much joy they bring to my life and so many others. I think that's why I've been able to keep the ol' chin up.
I didn't lose anything or anybody...but I lost my "bearings." Storms scare me now. Panic sets in.
Want to do more to help. Never enough time.
Proud of what TT is doing and where it is going. My hope and prayer - to keep it running with joy and less drama (off stage). And to take a bit of time for me now. To regain my health and strength. I'm surrounded by people very good at what they do. That will allow me to take some much needed time, here and there. Can't even tell you how thankful I am for that!!!! And may all of us, build in collective and individual renewal time...
Well, took an hour for myself this morning. Better get on to work now.
And special prayers go out to Kate Monster - to new beginnings.
Good thoughts to Chas and his "get healthy" commitment. I admire him so.
And to PBC - You crazy! One big ol' Monologue -mmm, mmm, mmm. I'll pray that your brain will fire on every cylinder!
JP - you float into my life and remind me of how much I do love theatre and plays and actors and all of it...and you ARE going to be what you want to be. Keep up the hard work and diligence. I'm so proud of you.
And to my Mom and Daddy - may God hold you in the palm of his hand today - comfort and heal you. I love you and treasure you so.
Today, my goal - just breath.
Maybe I articulated things in different ways...not directly but maybe by my directing.
My friends, actors, volunteers have no idea how much I love and appreciate them and how much joy they bring to my life and so many others. I think that's why I've been able to keep the ol' chin up.
I didn't lose anything or anybody...but I lost my "bearings." Storms scare me now. Panic sets in.
Want to do more to help. Never enough time.
Proud of what TT is doing and where it is going. My hope and prayer - to keep it running with joy and less drama (off stage). And to take a bit of time for me now. To regain my health and strength. I'm surrounded by people very good at what they do. That will allow me to take some much needed time, here and there. Can't even tell you how thankful I am for that!!!! And may all of us, build in collective and individual renewal time...
Well, took an hour for myself this morning. Better get on to work now.
And special prayers go out to Kate Monster - to new beginnings.
Good thoughts to Chas and his "get healthy" commitment. I admire him so.
And to PBC - You crazy! One big ol' Monologue -mmm, mmm, mmm. I'll pray that your brain will fire on every cylinder!
JP - you float into my life and remind me of how much I do love theatre and plays and actors and all of it...and you ARE going to be what you want to be. Keep up the hard work and diligence. I'm so proud of you.
And to my Mom and Daddy - may God hold you in the palm of his hand today - comfort and heal you. I love you and treasure you so.
Today, my goal - just breath.
4/07/2011
Happiness
Finding the sunshine again in my life.
Recognizing that my mood is directly related to how much rest I get.
Trying to actually make my self a priority. Setting parameters and saying no.
Loving others starts with loving myself.
Simple lessons that I've known but not always put in practice.
I'm so thankful for the struggles...they've made me recognize the good things all around.
The perfection in the imperfections.
The simplicity of complexity.
Strength that comes in the broken places.
I have no control over what others say or do...only how I chose to respond and how I let it affect me.
And, I chose love.
There is absolutely no absolutes.
Each one of us screws it up royally...and yet, we have the capacity to make a different choice the next time.
Isn't that amazing.
I stand in awe of the rugged beauty all around, and happiness softly remains..
Recognizing that my mood is directly related to how much rest I get.
Trying to actually make my self a priority. Setting parameters and saying no.
Loving others starts with loving myself.
Simple lessons that I've known but not always put in practice.
I'm so thankful for the struggles...they've made me recognize the good things all around.
The perfection in the imperfections.
The simplicity of complexity.
Strength that comes in the broken places.
I have no control over what others say or do...only how I chose to respond and how I let it affect me.
And, I chose love.
There is absolutely no absolutes.
Each one of us screws it up royally...and yet, we have the capacity to make a different choice the next time.
Isn't that amazing.
I stand in awe of the rugged beauty all around, and happiness softly remains..
3/27/2011
Forced Reflection
I just hurry around doing my busy life and get caught up in everything I have to do.
I'd like to think that I stop and smell the roses, notice the beauty around me, take in the little things. But I admit, a lot of times I let those "moments" pass right by me. I use to pay more attention to them.
And then things happen that kind of bring me back to center.
My friend Mary Fran loses her precious Mother. I sit in a crowd of people I don't know and listen to how amazing this woman was...and I weep. Not because I knew her but because I watch how her daughter embodies her strength and kindness and life force energy. And I realize how precious little time I get to spend with this woman and this family I hold so dear. And think...why ARE we so busy? And... I long for a week at the beach again. Watching the kids play, the sunset, the laughter.
And then Ray Yeatman.
There will never be a chance to really thank him for all those things he did for Theatre Tuscaloosa. For all the times he worked so hard to make tailgaiting so much fun. For the way he took care of ALL the ladies in his life. He was quiet but paid attention to everything. He did those thankless tasks to make our lives easier. He was funny. He was cute as a button. He was smart. He was wise. And he was an anchor of strength for Teresa, Jill, Joyce, Tracy, Nancy and all the rest of us. And his "farewell" was so beautiful and moving that I felt an amazing connection with everyone there...he did that.
And then Doug Perry.
Spent so many hours with Doug. Truly one of the funniest, most clever people on this Earth. Always can count on Doug to brighten my day. And it's those little things he does...shared August birthdays. The great cards he'd slide under the door or send in the mail. The cocktails, perfectly planned and mixed on his porch.
He is the one that is quick to remind me that, yes the arts are great, but love, life and friendship are even greater. I sat helpless at his bedside this weekend. Realizing that something greater than all of us binds us together. And that I am truly grateful for this life. All of it. The ups. The downs. The pain. The joy. The sorrow. The love.
There is no time like the present to let change creep in. Deeper breaths. A smile even when I am alone. Acceptance of change. Being present. Letting things go. Loving others without expectation of love returned. Remembering to say "Please" and "Thank you." Taking time to laugh more. Catching more sunsets. Accepting the kindness others show. Singing. Dancing like I want to, when I want. Letting go of guilt. Choosing happiness and being open to wonder.
Thank you Mrs. Abell and Ray Yeatman for a life well lived.
Come back to us Doug. We miss you.
I'd like to think that I stop and smell the roses, notice the beauty around me, take in the little things. But I admit, a lot of times I let those "moments" pass right by me. I use to pay more attention to them.
And then things happen that kind of bring me back to center.
My friend Mary Fran loses her precious Mother. I sit in a crowd of people I don't know and listen to how amazing this woman was...and I weep. Not because I knew her but because I watch how her daughter embodies her strength and kindness and life force energy. And I realize how precious little time I get to spend with this woman and this family I hold so dear. And think...why ARE we so busy? And... I long for a week at the beach again. Watching the kids play, the sunset, the laughter.
And then Ray Yeatman.
There will never be a chance to really thank him for all those things he did for Theatre Tuscaloosa. For all the times he worked so hard to make tailgaiting so much fun. For the way he took care of ALL the ladies in his life. He was quiet but paid attention to everything. He did those thankless tasks to make our lives easier. He was funny. He was cute as a button. He was smart. He was wise. And he was an anchor of strength for Teresa, Jill, Joyce, Tracy, Nancy and all the rest of us. And his "farewell" was so beautiful and moving that I felt an amazing connection with everyone there...he did that.
And then Doug Perry.
Spent so many hours with Doug. Truly one of the funniest, most clever people on this Earth. Always can count on Doug to brighten my day. And it's those little things he does...shared August birthdays. The great cards he'd slide under the door or send in the mail. The cocktails, perfectly planned and mixed on his porch.
He is the one that is quick to remind me that, yes the arts are great, but love, life and friendship are even greater. I sat helpless at his bedside this weekend. Realizing that something greater than all of us binds us together. And that I am truly grateful for this life. All of it. The ups. The downs. The pain. The joy. The sorrow. The love.
There is no time like the present to let change creep in. Deeper breaths. A smile even when I am alone. Acceptance of change. Being present. Letting things go. Loving others without expectation of love returned. Remembering to say "Please" and "Thank you." Taking time to laugh more. Catching more sunsets. Accepting the kindness others show. Singing. Dancing like I want to, when I want. Letting go of guilt. Choosing happiness and being open to wonder.
Thank you Mrs. Abell and Ray Yeatman for a life well lived.
Come back to us Doug. We miss you.
1/23/2011
Peace and Pieces
Peace and Pieces
We’ve got our men suited up
Guns a blazed
Finger on the button
And we think on the pulse.
But what happened to kindness?
What happened to understanding?
Why must God be placed on his judgment throne
When He simply wants to dine with us?
We wrap ourselves in the flag
We gaze at its fifty stars.
And yet the infinite ones above us
Burn in all our eyes.
Why do we not wrap our arms
Around those who are angry?
Why do we not gaze up at the wonder
even with those we call friends?
We’re so busy making places,
Faces, traces
of remnants that will be lost in a short while.
How can we reach across the seas
When we can’t reach up,
Or out,
Or around our own collapsed shoulders?
We fight in the name of peace
But not for ourselves within,
And that landscape is familiar terrain.
Yet for years unchanged, unmoved.
Dry as the desert on which those boots pound.
Yes, I can move mountains
But won’t move an inch
In the name of being right.
The hope turns to hopelessness.
Where does it end?
When did it start?
In the beginning…
Comfort myself, then the one next to me,
Then the one at arm’s reach,
Not as big a distance as it once seemed
And soon maybe the stars and stripes
Will have meaning again.
At least for me.
Tina Turley – January, 2011
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