2009

As we close one year and approach a new year, we reflect on where we've been and how far we've come.

Personally, this year has been a journey of trust.

I've learned to rely on God to provide for all my needs. But first, I had to ask. The action of prayer and asking for specific help from God meant that I had to do my part.

I couldn't be like the man who prayed for God to rescue him from drowning but refused the life preserver, the boat, and the helicopter. If I was to ask God, it meant I had to do my part and trust God with the rest. This has been an awesome lesson for me.

Trusting God to provide also meant feeling worthy of receiving God's blessings instead of believing as I always did that I had to earn everything.

With this growth comes the realization that I will never do it 100% perfect, 100% of the time. But when I look back at the year, I see how my faith has increased and my priorities have changed for the better.

Next year will hold even more lessons because I am willing to grow.

Take a look at where you've grown this year and enjoy it.

The new year will present it's own challenges and if we're willing to grow, we will improve--without any resolutions.

Jingle Pooch to the Tune of Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle pooch, jingle pooch, jingle pooch Kip
Jingle tags swing and harness does ring
Sniffing and pulling and bushels of fun
Now the jingle pooch has begun

Jingle pooch, jingle pooch, jingle pooch Kip
Jingle tags chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing and sniffing the air
With a doggy stare.

What a bright time, it’s the right time
To walk the pooch today

Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go walking in the park I say
Giddy up jingle pooch don’t you go poo
Jingle around the park

Mix and mingle with the other dogs too
That’s the jingle pooch
That’s the jingle pooch
That’s the jingle pooch bark!

Excerpt from Surviving and Thriving after Job Loss

This is a short excerpt from my manuscript Surviving and Thriving after Job Loss.

The true breakthrough came when I realized that more than just being a writer, what I really wanted to do was to inspire and give hope to others as well as to myself. When I write my stories and they turn out with a happy ending, I am reinforcing in myself hope for all of humanity. This may sound corny, but all my life experiences, good and bad have led me to this place of being an author of inspirational works. Losing my father, growing up with alcoholism and abuse, and finding recovery all led me to discover the power within myself that comes from God. Only by connecting myself to this power, do I become able to realize my true potential. Just as each job kept leading me back to writing, so my life circumstances keep leading me to stronger dependence upon God. When I was in my thirties and forties and facing the pain of my childhood, it took a lot of faith in God to get through it all. But as I faced the emotions and the pain, I was able to let go of the hurt, to forgive others and myself, and to find in myself a wealth of power and energy from God, power that I didn’t know existed. I had buried my creative forces for years in my efforts to repress my emotions. As I let those emotions out, I also let out the creative forces that led me to being a great author. Going through the pain made me realize how much we all go through and how much we have to face to get on with our lives. Only by learning to face reality do we become able to realize our full potential!

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. I placed all the cards in the center of the kitchen table and felt overwhelmed with love.

Nativity Meditation

In Your weakness was great power.

In Your vulnerability, You were exalted.

In Your humility, Your strength.

Read this for free!

Buy, Buy, Buy!
Spend, Spend, Spend!
Is anyone else tired of the holiday crunch for our cash?

I can't open my inbox without finding 5 or more emails vying to separate my bills from my wallet.

Every website, blog, or whatever is always trying to sell me something. Can you just give me a break?

Could we all slow down a little bit and spend some time with our families: talk to each other and be together? Could we spend dinner together instead of money?

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for letting me vent! And it didn't cost you anything. And you can reply for free too! :-)

O Christmas Tree

As we decorate the Christmas tree, I am flooded with memories of years past. My kids, toddlers, putting all the decorations on the bottom of the tree. My husband and I meticulously decorating our first tree. Placing bulbs on a pine tree with my mother and taking in the heady aroma.

Now I stand with my kids on either side of me and my husband looks on relishing the moment. I decide to savor it as well. Christmas music plays in the background and we take out the ornaments from preschool, first grade, fourth grade, and the bulbs we've had for years. We laugh at some of the ornaments that have seen better days. My husband asks if I have the ones up with the pictures of us, the kids, the pets, and of course the one of my mom. I say they are all there. We hang candy canes, bulbs, and an assortment of trinkets. When we are done, the tree sparkles. But it's not the items on the tree that makes it beautiful, it's the time spent together creating something unique. True, some of the ornaments have been around over 15 years, but the tree never looks the same. And it is the cooperative effort to create the Christmas tree that makes it so beautiful.

The warm glow that fills our heart when we look at the tree comes because of the love that we put into it. So, it's true that the foundation of the warmth of the holiday season comes because of memories of all the years past, but mostly from what happened so many centuries ago when God loved the world so much to send us his son.

This feeling of abundant love is what I want to hold with me as we approach Christmas. As I give it, so it multiplies.

This Thanksgiving

It is great to be loved. I am grateful for all the people who love me and for all those I love.

G od
R elationships
A rt
T alent
E motions
F riends
U nity
L ove

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kipper's Shenanigans

Kipper is getting ready for the holidays. He's practicing his sad eyes, head between his paws, I'm so neglected routine. He lifts his head to look at you and lets out a big sigh. Then he puts his head back down.

He's also working on his big goofy dog, don't forget about me Santa act. Lying on his back, flopping from side to side and then stopping with his paws sticking out in the air, his head cocked to one side, and one big floppy ear covering his eye. He stares out like he's not noticing you, but really he's trying to get your attention.

Well, Kip we'll try to manage some leftover turkey for you. If not, there's always Christmas!

It would be appropriate to trust in God instead of some phony set of rules I created for myself.

So I pray,
Lead me Lord today that your will may be done through me. Help me let go of outcomes and focus on the next right thing as guided by you. Help me remember that I can choose flowers or manure and that I'm not responsible for what others choose. Help me to honor you above all things.

Holiday Reflection

The black outline of the maple tree silhouettes against the pale pink and blue sky. Then the pink fades quickly. The sky is robin-egg blue. Night falls quickly in November. The days seem to pass faster as we accelerate toward the holidays. With every day giving us less sunlight, we feel the rush to get ready for the holidays. The shorter days seem to tell us time is running out.

But the long nights give us time to reflect, relax, and pray. We have time to think about all that scurrying. What can we let go of this year to give us more time to enjoy the season? Perhaps we will spend our time writing personal notes in our Christmas cards instead of buying so many presents. Maybe the gift of ourselves would mean more than a trinket, gadget, or the latest QVC special.

Tiger the Cat

Tiger was complaining that he wanted his own blog saga like Kipper. I told him he couldn't have one because all he does is sleep all day. Not enough material. He yawned at this and gave me the typical cat stare which translates to, "You are so full of it."

Then he jumped off my lap and went to lie down in the window to soak up the sun. I don't think he even wanted his own blog, it was just something to meow about.

Living Up to My Potential

Just for today I am making a decision to get my light out from under the bushel basket and let it shine for all to see! I have kept it hidden, or doused it, or covered it with a shade for too long. God has blessed me with gifts and talents. He has done so that I might share them with others. When I feel myself backing down and wanting to shy away from my potential, I will ask God to be with me and help me persevere.

I will be proud of my accomplishments today. I will be grateful for all I have been given and am yet to experience. I will expect abundance, joy, and peace. I will remember that it helps no one to try and be less than. Instead, I will be who God intended. I will face the possibility of overwhelming myself and others.

Michigan Writers' Group

Are you interested in meeting with other writers and sharing your work? Are you looking for healthy feedback about your writing in a positive environment? Do you enjoy meeting others with the same goals?

If so, I have great news for you! A Downriver Writers' Group is now forming. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 PM at the Melvindale Library.

Reply to this blog (or email hecmanczukl@live.com) if interested in attending.

Expectations

It's about not allowing my own unrealistic expectations to rule me: expectations that things need to look a certain way, be on a certain timetable, or cost a certain amount.

I need to let go of expectations about how productive I need to be or how I need to look or how happy I can be. Instead, I can be open to what God offers.

I can eliminate the expectation that I have to have a daily allowance of misery or work harder and harder.

Just for today, I will let go of these unreasonable expectations of myself.

Kipper's Kostume

Kipper loves getting dressed up for Halloween. I first experienced this last year when he started getting excited as the four of us were getting dressed. I found a shirt from an old ninja costumes my kid's had and put it on him. He was so proud! He pranced around and sat for pictures.

This year it was more hectic and I was already costumed and the kids had gone out. Kipper sat in the window watching the trick or treaters. When a break in the action came, I went into the closet where I keep clothes to donate or for the next garage sale. I found a Dallas Cowboy's jersey-type T-shirt with T. Owens on the back. I brought it out and Kipper sat at attention. He let me pull his arms through the sleeves. Later my husband added devil horns on the back of his neck and declared him "Terrible Terrell Owens". Terrell was cut by Dallas in May of this year and now he was back with a vengence!

Let the Kids Enjoy Themselves!

I live in a safe neighborhood. I know many of my neighbors. My kids are going trick or treating in a group. They know not to go in anyone's house. So, why should I pay to take them to "Trunk or Treat" or to some indoor Halloween party. We had the fun of going trick or treating door to door. Why deprive our kids of this fun?

If you have a toddler or very young child, I understand the convenience of "controlled" or "limited" trick or treating at pumking patches, etc.

But for kids over 7, let them have fun!

My kids are making their own costumes this year too. What's this new fad that everyone goes to the store and spends $20-$30 on a piece of fabric. It takes all the fun out of the costumes.

I always dress up to give out candy and the kids love it.

So carve your pumpkin, cook the seeds, let the kids make their costumes, and let them go out and have fun. Let's rebuild our community. And yes, someone stay home and give out candy.

The Miracle of the Harness

Kipper has always been a little, shall we say, boisterous when walking him. Basically, I would take him for a walk, he would pull on the lead, sometimes pulling the leash right out of my hands. Like the time he pulled it and it got caught on the black rubber landscaping material of my neighbor's yard. I'm not sure the neighbor lady appreciated it. We were actually able to catch him that time.

So, after having to go the doctor for recurring knee issues, I decided not to walk him anymore.

Six months later, Kipper developed very dry skin around his neck. This area was aggravated by his collar. Someone suggested using a harness instead of a traditional collar. After figuring out the various attachments, I got it on him. Reading the manual, the harness promised to make control of your dog when walking him a breeze. I decided to try it out. To my amazement, Kipper could no longer pull me off my feet when he saw a dog within 200 feet of us!

So, I've started walking him again. Usually he doesn't even try to pull. When he does get excited and pulls, he ends up doing what resembles a somersault with a twist. Nadia Comaneci would be proud. Finally, after all these years, it is possible to walk my dog without having to worry about those pricey surgery bills.

A Little Prayer

Lord, you take care of me regardless of my level of trust. But if I trust in you, my life becomes simpler, easier and less stressful. I don't complicate it with worry, busy work and fretting because I am at peace. I've freed myself to enjoy life.

Thank you Lord for all the gifts you have given me and all the blessings you continue to bestow. I ask your blessings over all my friends and family.

I pray especially for my mother in-law and father in-law as well as for my friend Gerry, recently diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

Amen.

Kipper Installment

Dogs, like us, are creatures of habit. Here are some of Kipper's more interesting ones.

Kipper, likes to play air guitar. When he gets an itch on his underbelly, he takes his back leg and moves it back in forth as if to scratch himself, but he can't actually reach the spot. He keeps doing it any way.

When Kipper is in the house and excited, he walks around the dining room table over and over again, like an Indian doing a war dance around the fire.

Like most dogs, Kipper loves affection. One of his most annoying habits is to present his snout to your hand when you are not paying attention and he does it just right so that your finger ends up his nose. It's rather disgusting.

Speaking of affection, Kipper is very jealous. If the cat comes on my lap, Kipper makes his way over, sits down, looks at me with those big brown eyes and whines (or talks), saying, "Hey, spread some of that over here." He is also jealous when Steve and I are without the kids and in the living room having a good conversation. He starts whining or turning circles. When he's in that mood, if I ask him if he has to go out, he just stares at me dully. If Steve asks him if he wants to be poked in the eye with a sharp stick, or anything else, he starts wagging his stub and dancing in circles. It doesn't matter what Steve says to him or the tone of voice, Kipper indicates he wants to do something with Steve. I can ask him all excited, "Want to go out boy?!" and he'll turn his head to Steve.

On the other hand, when it comes to discipline, Kipper listens better to me than Steve. So I don't know who is the master. Well, actually I do know. If I really think it over, all the history, everything that's happened, yes I do know. It's Kipper.

God Provides

When I've lost my way and think God isn't listening,
God provides,
When I let go of trying to control,
God provides,
When I give up my plans and schemes,
God provides,
When I ask for help despite my fears,
God provides,
When I see no way out,
God provides,
When I surrender and listen,
God provides,
When I keep doing the next right thing,
God provides.

Tenderness of a Dog

Kipper comes and sits by me in the morning. He regards me with his big brown eyes. He doesn't try to speak so early in the morning, but uses his eyes to tell it all. He holds nothing back. Kipper tells me he loves me, is grateful for my love, wishes I would sit with him all day, wants to go out exploring and that he will always be loyal to his family. He sits quietly, enjoying the stroking of his neck, ears and face. His nose is cold and his fur is fluffy. I can tell he feels sleepy, but still he sits until I lift my hand away to pick up my basket of books. Then he jumps in the window. He lets me go on with my day, but I can be sure that the next time I sit on the couch or walk in the door, he will come to me and greet me, offering himself for another session of soothing.

God's Will

I don't have to keep doing. I only have to be the instrument of God's will--an instrument of his peace. I only have to let it be done according to His will. I do not need the plan. I don't have to do it all. The greatest events in history: Jesus' birth and death were both passive from the human standpoint. Mary gave birth to Jesus, but did nothing to conceive him. Jesus was crucified although he did nothing directly to make it happen. He only prayed for acceptance of God's will. So it is with me. I simply have to be here and let God's will happen in my life.

Thoughts on Creativity

When I try to force myself to create, the result is stale and flat. When I create from the heart--from a place of connection--the result is extraodinary, tremendous and beautiful.

Whether it's an apple pie, short story or a an arrangement of flowers, creation from the heart is always simple and magnificent. If I'm creating out of a sense of obligation or if I'm nurturing a resentment, I will struggle and the output will be somehow lacking.

Kipper's Socializing

Kipper has a big, deep voice. He loves to bark. He loves to talk. He loves to sit in our large bow window and watch the people and dogs go by as they head to the park at the end of our block. The only problem for us is that he loves to bark at other dogs. It can be a great dane or a chi hua hua--if it belongs in the canine species--he wants to bark. After several years, he has finally learned that his human housemates do not admire the high-pitched incessant barking accompanied by the ramming of the large snout into the window. So, he tries to control himself. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If' it's the pooch that lives on the corner, he cannot help himself. He has to let out at least one bark, before forcing himself from the window and proceeding to pace in circles around the dining room table. He tries so hard.

Another thing he likes to do is to "talk." When I come in after being gone for a while, he meets me at the door with a wagging tail, like most dogs. But what is unusual, is his verbal greeting. "Arooo" strangely sounds like "hello". He is also fond of saying, "Garooo, grooo, roo, rarh, rah." I think the meaning is something like, "I missed you so much."

For a while, Matt was learning the flutophone as part of his music class at school. When he would practice, Kipper would join in with high pitched singing or howling. Kipper also reacts this way to the sound that comes from hand-held video games or if any of us sings for more than a few moments.

Kipper's musical talents are not restricted to singing. He also likes to dance. His age keeps him from being able to stand on his back paws and present his front paws to you for a quick two-step around the living room like he used to. However, he still stands up, wags his tail and pants at you, indicating his desire to boogie. I think he really loves music and recognizes how it lightens the mood and relaxes all of us. His favorite is probably "Hey Bulldog," by the Beatles. "What d'ya say? I said Woof!"

Kipper's Kong

Kipper's Kong and all his other dog toys are made of red, thick, hard rubber. There's a reason for that.

Once Steve (Kipper's dad) retired, he found himself home much more often. What started to become obvious was that Kipper could be left out of his crate for short periods of time--say 15 minutes without him wreaking havoc (see previous blogs about his diet of sofa's and armchairs). Eventually, we started leaving him for an hour or two.

Advancing age and the security of having someone home more during the day eventually led to Kipper's release from the crate. Call it probation, time off for good behavior or whatever you want. Kipper is now free.

Still, Kipper suffers from separation anxiety and everyone once in a while shows it. He has a particular fondness for my shoes. He ate my favorite black velvet pumps. He also ate his dog bed, socks, pillows and the ever popular paper bag. What is interesting is that his taste always varies. Anyway, we may be fools but we trust him now and put up with the occasional eaten sneaker as it makes our life so much easier to not have to bring him down to the basement and put him in his crate. I mean, we are so much happier being able to let him roam the house free. Are you buying it?

So Kipper has mellowed considerably. He's around 9 years old; so it is to be expected. But he still has plenty of antics up his sleeve (or fur, in his case). In future editions I'll tell you about his penchant for popcorn, his love of music and his yearning for speech.

Yes, Kipper's Kong is hard rubber because he chews, digests and voids any other type of material.

Kipper Kontinued

So, for the most part, the beast was contained. Once in a while, someone would let their guard down, and he'd run the neighborhood, barking at little old men, getting in mud up to his chest in the creek, and just generally wreaking havoc on the neighborhood.

He became a legend. In other words, our neighbors know us as "you're the ones with the dog that gets loose." It's a heck of a reputation to live up to! But we do the best we can.

Kipper has always loved harassing our cats. Our cat Smokey died about a year after Kipper came to live with us. I don't really think it was a coincidence. Tiger came next and the two learned to pal around well. We thought we needed a buddy for Tiger to keep him company while Kipper was crated when we were at work/school during the day. We tried adopting a cat, but she was so thoroughly scared of Kipper that she crawled up into the ceiling in the basement. Once I tried to extract her, while she stationed herself atop the VCR to avoid the dog and found myself with two deep teeth marks in my hand. Later, we got Chips. But he and Tiger ended up having it out...that's another story for another time. Anyway, Kipper will frequently try to rile up Tiger, but in typical cat fashion, Tiger just gives him a look or makes himself scarce.

Just as we got into the routine of locking up the dog in similar fashion to how they keep the gold in Fort Knox safe, something changed. Steve retired and found himself home with the dog all day long.

What new metamorphosis would this bring about? Stay tuned...

Letting Go

Last night, I wrestled with thoughts of finances swirling through my head. Sometime in the middle of the night to early morning, I surrendered to God.

I got out of bed refreshed and ready for the day. The financial concern which loomed so large yesterday resolved itself during the day, with no help from me. By taking my hands off, I allowed the miracle to take place.

Thank you God for once again taking care of me and matters beyond my control.

A wise person referred me to Psalm 131 and I would like to share it with you:

"Lord, I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance,
I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me
Instead, I am content and at peace,
As a child lies quietly in its mother's arms,
so my heart is quiet within me.
Israel, trust in the Lord now and forever!"

P.S., Stevie you were right--something worked out! :-)

Check It Out

Please check out my story on Lady Bug Flights E-Zine: http://www.ladybugflights.com/

Lock Down

Chain, check. Gate locked, check. Back door locked, check. Crate, check.

We thought we had Kipper secured now. We finally could go on vacation and not worry.

Renee came over to dog sit. She held his collar out the back and hooked him up to the chain as requested. Five minutes later she went out to let him in, but finds the chain with no Kipper on the end of it!

He had escaped again! She finally caught up with him, but wondered how he got off the chain. The problem was she had hooked the chain to the weaker loop on his collar that held his tags and he had used his brute strength to pull the loop free. Yes, my dog can bend and break metal!

So I added to the list of instructions to make sure you secure the chain to the heavy loop on his collar.

No worries to Kipper though. He next found out how to open the front door and get out. Or he would wait patiently for someone new to enter the house, see his chance to bolt through them before they closed the door, and out he went!

Keep screened door locked, check. Warn everyone who enters the house, "Don't let Kipper out!" Check.

Most of the time the above measures worked, but as they say, where there's a will, there's a way!

The Tigers in '84,
Who could ask for more?

Tram, Sweet Lou, Lance, Lopez, and Chet,
Gibby, Morris, Evans, Willie--how good could it get?

35 and 5 the best start ever,
Gibby's home run seemed to go on forever.

The warm summer nights, the radio tuned to Ernie,
We followed each game and watched the highlights with Bernie.

You see, not all games were on TV back then,
We did have cable, but no ESPN!

The excitement kept brewing throughout the season,
Something to care about, they gave us a reason.

Our heroes came through and captured the ring,
It's 25 years later and we wonder what our Tigers will bring.

Another World Championship for a struggling city?
Or another loss like 2006--it wasn't very pretty.

Let's cheer on the Tigers and enjoy the ride,
No matter what happens, we'll take it in stride.

We love our dear baseball team through thick and through thin,
If they win it all like in '84, we'll proclaim "They did it again!"

Catch Me If You Can

Alright, we've solved the problem of containing Kipper by buying a crate. Not so. One day, we let Kipper out back to do his business and the next thing we knew, he was gone! Further observation revealed that he jumped the neighbor's fence and escaped out their open gate.

Not wanting to install a privacy fence, we decided we would need to chain him when he goes out back. Ironically, this did not totally solve the problem. We soon discovered that he knew how to open the back screen door as well as the door on our sun room. Then he would use his long nose to lift the latch on the gate, and out he would gallop, like a thoroughbred in a race!

My husband, Steve, gave chase around the neighborhood. If he drove his car, Kipper would actually start running beside or behind the car, chasing Steve. Kipper could easily run 30 miles per hour in his youth! It was an amazing thing to watch as he ran across front yards up and down the neighborhood. Next he would head for the park for a dip in the dirty creek. Eventually he would get tired or Steve would trap him in a backyard and bring the naughty pooch back home. Kipper was never sorry for what he did--he would pant happily--proud of his latest adventure!

So we bought a lock for the gate and vowed to keep the sun room door locked. However, there is more than one way out of a house. Is there no end to Kipper's escaping abilities? So it seems...

Fall Evening

The golden sunshine comes through the bow window, casting leaf-shaped patterns on the front door. A cool September breeze causes the leaf-shadows to dance like ghosts across the sky.

My orange cat sits contentedly upon the laptop case on the ottoman, watching the shadows cascade across the living room and enjoying the breeze.

Outside the window, the sun-catcher reflects the light as it twirls lazily.

Keeping Kipper

A couple of days into ownership of Kipper the dog, it becomes obvious that we have made a major commitment and possibly a serious mistake.

A hole the size of a softball in the back cushion of a couch is hard to hide. Its only the third day of having Kipper in our lives, but I feel like he's walked in circles on my heart and settled in for good. Returning him to the shelter is out of the question.

I purchase some spray which is meant to keep animals off the furniture. We leave for a weekend trip. We are gone about 2 hours before my sister goes to my home to let Kipper out. She opens the door to piles of white fluff and a devoured recliner.

I talk about it, do some research, and decide to purchase a crate to keep Kipper in when no one is at home.

We set up the crate in the kitchen. When he pees in the crate, we decide to move it to the basement. When we come home to find him not in the crate, we purchase a lock for the crate. When we find Kipper has again escaped, I buy a chain lock normally used for bicycles and wrap it around the top of the crate to keep Houdini well-contained.

I seem to have solved the problem of chewed furniture. Our separation anxiety-ridden dog is now able to enter a Zen-like state in his crate while we are gone. Surely, life will go on peacefully now....if only I'd known...

A New Friend

We walked into the animal shelter with heavy hearts. Beloved Buffy had passed away a week earlier, and we longed to hear the scampering of a dog in our home again.

The dogs barked and jumped as they vied for our attention. All but one pooch who sat still and simply regarded me with his big brown sad eyes. He had long reddish-brown ears that looked like silk. He was white with spots the color of his ears and a stub tail. I found out he was a Brittany Spaniel.

I knew Springer Spaniels were nice, calm, and well-behaved dogs. I figured this dog would be similar in temperament and obedience. After a quick walk outside (he seemed a little rowdy), his eyes got the best of me and I decided I wanted to take him home. We signed the paperwork and took him out to the van.

My oldest son was about 5. He was not immediately enamored with this new dog. My husband came up with the idea to name him Kipper, after the cartoon dog my son adored. My son seemed to take to him more now that we named him.

It seemed we'd found the perfect dog.

When we got home, we discovered he'd peed in the van. We chalked it up to first day jitters. But more surprises were in store as we started our adventure as the owners of Kipper...Stay tuned for the next installment.

Joy of Everyday Life

The wind is howling. The door slams closed. Chimes sing outside my window. A train goes by in the distance. These are the things of my everyday life. A warm cup of tea. A partly sunny sky. The click of the keys as I type. The squeak of the space key. The joyful anticipation of the kids returning from school in an hour or so. A train whistle announces the train in the distance. It lasts long. Now the chimes repeat, intermixed with the tweet of the birds calling each other. The warmth of the sunroom. A comfortable chair. I look up and see my plants growing tall. The grass seems greener than yesterday. The screen around the gazebo billows in the breeze. Too windy to write out there today.

It is true that the little things in life can bring the greatest joy. A nutritious and delicious meal. A tulip opening. The dog sighing. The cat cleaning his paws contentedly. The bounce of the basketball as the neighbor kids play. The comfort of my bed. The sunshine, rain, snow, or mist. The chill that lets me know I’m alive. The laughter of a baby. The coo of a dove. The warm embrace of my husband--the smell of his shaving lotion or feel of his whiskers. The satisfaction of work completed. The freshness as I emerge from the shower. A clean countertop. A beautiful homemade pie. A colorful and crunchy yummy salad. Fresh baked bread. An afternoon nap or just a lie down. A phone call from a friend. A phone call to a friend. A shared giggle. Watching a kite or a child blow bubbles (or blowing them yourself!). A friendly wave or “hello.” An empathetic nod. A cooling breeze. A warm fire. Eating smores and getting sticky. The anticipation of date night with my husband. A beautiful sunset or sunrise. A lake, ocean, river, or stream. A robin searching for worms. Sparrows in flight. A hungry belly anticipating a good meal. A cool drink of water. An unexpected kiss on the cheek. The soft skin of a baby. The furriness of my dog. Sitting in a golf chair, watching my son play baseball. Sitting in the bleachers, watching my other son play hockey. Cheering. Snacking. Going to water aerobics and feeling great.

These are the simple, wonderful gifts God gives me. They may be small, but they fill my world with laughter and joy and sometimes sadness or frustration, but the point is that my life is full. Overflowing and poured out just as God promised.

Eat ’em up Tigers

“Eat ’em up Tigers, eat ’em up!” The African American man is an icon to the Detroit Tigers’ fans. He serenades my son and me as we hurry to Comerica Park to watch our beloved team play another game in their quest for the Pennant. He appears to be in his late fifties or early sixties with hair slightly graying and a wrinkled but always smiling face. He lacks the faraway gaze of a drug addict or the swagger of a drunk. He appears to be homeless, but his clothes do not draw your attention. You focus on his face and the big plastic blue fist he wears with the old English D. In the fist he holds a plastic disposable cup. He shakes the cup up and down and the coins inside provide the rhythm for his song, “Eat ’em up Tigers, eat ’em up.” As far as we know he has made up the ditty but it’s rather catchy. We are in a hurry on the way into the game, so I mention to my son that I will give the man some change on our way out. We know he will be there. He always is. My 10-year old son Matt calls him the “Eat ’em up Tigers guy.”

We get to the game just in time to watch the B-17 aircraft fly overhead. Then the game starts. Ernie Harwell is there to give his farewell speech. Just last week, Ernie was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is 91. They say the cancer is inoperable and he has chosen not to receive treatment. Ernie is another icon in Tiger’s history. A broadcaster for the Tigers longer than I’ve been on this earth, he is known in Detroit as the Voice of the Tigers. He comes out, and in typical Ernie fashion quiets the crowd by holding his hands up. His humility is evident as he thanks the Tiger’s organization and the crowd over and over again. He makes no mention of his career or what he has accomplished, not even a hint. All he wants to do is thank us. Wait a minute; don’t we owe the thanks to you Ernie? For years of displaying integrity, honesty, loyalty, love, dedication, and good humor. Ernie taught us how to laugh even when times are tough. He showed us how to hang in there and how to always support our team. The fans in Detroit do not boo their own players. We respect our team and we owe Ernie for this attitude.

The Tigers are losing for most of the game, but make a come-back in the late innings to take the lead. It’s getting late and it’s a school night so Matt and I head out. Even though the game is not over, Eat ’em up Tigers guy is there, just as we knew he would be. I observe a fan conversing happily with him. Perhaps the fan is telling him how it pleases him to see him there every game and how he respects him for his quiet way of entertaining the crowd but never begging for applause. Kind of like Ernie. I get out some coins and my son does the same. Matt asks me to put his change in. I drop all the money in the cup.

Eat ’em up Tigers guy looks me in the eyes and says, “Thank you.”

I want to say, “No thank you,” but I don’t. Next time I will say it because you never know when the last time might be that you see someone.

As we say goodbye to Ernie, let us look around at the examples of humility and love right in our midst. I suggest we use that respect Ernie taught us and show it to all those we meet today. Let us not judge, scold, or criticize anyone. Instead, let’s appreciate all of our God-given talents and use them to spread a little joy, like Ernie did.