Maya Angelou Rising

"If you are always trying to be normal, you'll never know how amazing you can be."

"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."

"When people show you who they are, believe them the first time."

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not be reduced by them."

"If you don't like something, change it.  If you can't change it, change your attitude."

"Pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you."

Related material:

NY Times remembers Maya Angelou

Rolling Stone remembers Maya Angelou

Mother's Day Redux

Sunday was Mother's Day and I was joined by my sons, newly returned from a 17 month journey through Australasia.  It was wonderful.  Having them back is a gift. They bring meaning to my life in a way no one else can.  This obvious truth was patently present during their absence.  Being a mom is a wonderful thing.  It may not be for everyone but, for me, it has changed my life for the better.

My mother was an incredibly loving person.  She rarely judged anyone, let alone me. Other people didn't seem to bother her.  I am grateful for her loving hand.  Were it not for her, I might be exactly like my dad: judgmental, outspoken, sometimes quite rude.  As it is, I always have hope I may temper those dominant qualities with her gentle approach.

I miss her more than I can say.

I. Am. Back.

I am totally unable to account for MIA since January 6th , the date of my last post.    I was out of ideas and needed a break.  It happens a lot.  Many bloggers never return.  I contemplated quitting as I felt I no longer had anything to say.  I've never worked to promote my blog and have often wondered if my lack of focus, i.e. the focus needed to categorize my writing, is a drawback to developing a large readership.  I write because I want a place to make observations and, yes, vent from time to time.

Lately I've been re-thinking the process.  Topics are beginning to jell in my brain and they are truly all over the place.  I guess that's just me and I should embrace it.

I realize writing is my avocation so, why not continue?  Also, I miss you guys.  So here's to getting back in the groove.  I may experiment with short quick posts more often and I may get back to writing in depth about the things for which I feel great passion.

Today, I embed a short but sweet one from the great Stephen Colbert.

The Colbert Report
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