Norman--Jimmy Tuff--Price

On this Memorial Day, I remember a hero of World War I--my father.  Born Norman Price, known by most by his rodeo name--Jimmy Tuff; but known to me as Daddy.  He was working in Wyoming as a cowboy when WWI broke out.  He tried to enlist in Cody, but didn't qualify so he returned to Canada where he had been born and enlisted in the Canadian Army.  He served in the Canadian Railway Construction Corp during the war.  When the war was over, he returned to the United States, enlisted in the National Guard, serving until his discharge on February 18, 1924.  He so valued freedom that even though the United States wouldn't let him volunteer, he made his way back to Canada so that he could fight for what was right.  I salute you, Daddy, and I also honor all of the men and women who volunteer in our armed services and protect our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Flower Moon

Last night was the full moon.  It was an awesome sight. Commonly it is referred to as the Flower Moon--it is the season when nature puts on its party clothes and dances in the fields.  It was a beautiful night even in the city.  As I sat in my backyard, I recalled a poem that I had written years ago.

                                                     Dancing in my dreams

        Lit by silvery moon

        Crickets strum a rhythm
        To frogs deep note tune

        Breezes waltz with leaves

        'Neath the midnight sky

        And nightingales call softly

        Then wait for loves reply.

It is good to store up special sights and sounds so that in times of stress you can close your eyes and open the book of memories and relive those moments, those times when nature put on a grand performance just for you.

Training Wheels

I went to a birthday party on Saturday and the birthday girl received a new bike, but couldn't ride it right away because Dad had to put on training wheels.  This started me thinking about training wheels not only on bikes, but other things in life.  They are those crutches that we use to help us master a skill, or overcome an obstacle. They are both good and bad. They balance us while we gain experience and confidence, but they slow our self reliance.  They make our task safe, but they dull the excitement and thrill of conquering a challenge by ourselves.  Remember Dad or Mom running along side of you, holding you as you got the hang of biking, and remember the excitement of looking back and seeing that they weren't holding you and you were riding on your own.  Remember the first time that you did something new all by yourself.  It's good to have someone beside you, but I know that the challenges that I have conquered on my own have given me special joy.

Smile, Giggle, Laugh

Don't you just love it when a baby smiles and then starts to giggle and finally just bursts into laughter.  It is so contagious.  The Mary Engelbreit picture that I found on a tin gives us a good tip.  Laughter makes us able to endure almost anything. There is something to that old saying that laughter is the best medicine.  Those who laugh live longer and no doubt happier.

    I love to watch puppies as they run and tumble, playing with anything they can find whether it is a toy or your shoe.  Their antics will make even the most grumpy person smile.  It seems that the young whether puppies or babies know the art of having fun and laughing--of being carefree.  We need to get our joy back.  Children can find joy in any thing, whether it is playing in the sprinkler or with a cardboard box.They run with abandon, study bugs with intensity, and chase butterflies.  The concept of tomorrow is not part of their life.

         They live for the moment.  They have a confidence that their needs will be met.  We need to take a lesson from them. Jesus reminds us that we should take no thought for tomorrow, look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work but Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are...And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers...he will certainly care for you.  Matthew 6:28-30 NLT

    

Looking Forward

The promise of things to come!  This morning I noticed this rose bud reaching toward the sky.  Soon it will start to show color, and then burst into a red blaze of color.  Looking forward is half the pleasure.  The anticipation for the future should be enjoyed.  Even if things don't work out just as I had planned, no one can take the pleasure of expectation from me.  I am looking forward to spring, when the desert will suddenly throw on its party dress and dance in the breeze, if only for a little while.  I am looking forward to getting a car.  How I will enjoy being able to go whenever the mood strikes me!  I am looking forward to my daughter's marriage this summer, hoping that this new beginning will bring her happiness.  I am looking forward to the vacation in Hawaii and the excitement to explore all its exotic places. I am even looking forward to getting my dishes done.  I enjoy a sparkling sink.  So even the little things bring enjoyment, and I look forward to doing them.