hello

On my walks around the neighborhood lately, I've become incredibly aware of this strange tendency of people to not say hello these days. Most of the time, I find myself in encounters where the other individual literally looks the other way or pretends not to notice me approaching. Most are almost taken aback by the cheerful "hello" or "good morning" I spout off as I pass.

Maybe it's not the standard these days, but I am of the persuasion that you should be friendly and give some acknowledgment of the other person's presence. For a bit, I felt awkward as the one always initiating the greeting, so I'd only say something on occasion. But now, I've made it a challenge for myself to make sure to greet everyone I pass.

Because, here's my thought: we are relational beings. The larger our cities become, the more easy it is to become anonymous... and yes, the more lonely and isolated people become. I never know what that other person is going through. They may have a huge happy family or they may not have a single soul to call their friend. I simply do not know, so why not say hello? Yeah, they may think I'm crazy or overly-friendly... but besides the requiring the tiniest bit of effort, what does it cost me to reach out in the easiest of ways?

So, what say you we start a movement of the walkers, elevator riders, coffee shop goers... you name it... who care enough to say the simplest hello? I'm willing to bet that little act can make all the difference in this crazy world.

miracles

"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other as if everything is."
- Albert Einstein

It's crazy how deeply our lives are affected by our perception of things. Some days I know I do simply live in the realm of the ordinary, plodding through, stripping the day of its greatness. For whatever odd reason, sometimes that's the easier road to choose.

If you ask me, though, it's far better to live the latter life - the one that considers everything a miracle. If nothing else, life becomes so much more meaningful. And, I do believe everything is indeed a miracle: the fact that we wake up each day, living and breathing... extremely blessed lives, I might add.

Even in the commonplace things that we take for granted lie countless miracles. The fact that we can communicate with others around us is incredible. The ability of technology these days is mind-blowing. The sights and sound of nature: more miracles. And, it's also a miracle that I can spend an evening with my dear friend Maggie mixing seemingly random ingredients together to open the oven to these:














lemon poppyseed muffins!

In any event, Einstein was right and I'm choosing to live the latter. Every ounce of life is a miracle.

cranberry 'n oat minis

Baked some bite-sized cookies this morning. Indecision almost got the best of me as I struggled to figure out what I wanted to bake. In the end, though, these were a great choice - perfect for popping in your mouth for a mini treat at any time... or you know, snacking on 15 or so during the cooking process (ha, don't worry I didn't down quite that many).

I'd describe them as cookies with granola bar tendencies. The batter is made out of whole wheat pastry flour, oats and almond meal. Cinnamon adds a touch of spice, and the dried cranberries and maple syrup bring in a nice flare of sweetness. Mmmm.

shattering contentment

Today I was told by someone with good intentions that I "deserve" a Lexus. Now, a little sidenote: many of those that know me are fully aware I love the Lexus IS250. It's a beautiful car. When I see one, I'm sure to point it out... especially if it's charcoal gray.

But back to the statement that was made: I truly didn't know how to react. Certainly I don't deserve a Lexus. Not when I know that kids around the world are going to sleep starving tonight. Not when I know that helpless women are being forced into prostitution right in this city. No, I don't deserve a Lexus. Why should I deserve better than anyone else?

What unsettles me most, though, is the realization that it is so much easier for me to point out this problem with words than to actually act accordingly. See, the truth is, if someone set the money for that Lexus in front of me, I might just buy it. In fact, if we are honest, I probably would. I'd see that shiny car, envision myself in the driver's seat and in no time snag one to call it my own. Within the confines of my comfortable lifestyle, it's easy to think I deserve wealth and material possessions. In fact, that's the message society, and even those who care about me, feed to me on a daily basis.

Clearly I'm not above all this, and can't simply surrender my material possessions or wealth with ease. I struggle with it just as much as anyone else. But this thought today was a flag to me, an indicator that I'm on the right path. Bit by bit, my contentment is fading, and I'm beginning to demand more of my life.

I know I'm supposed to live with compassion... the kind that isn't okay with being comfortable while others suffer... the kind that isn't satisfied with cruising around in a Lexus while villages lack running water... the kind that truly demands justice. I'm not yet filled with pure compassion, and I know I've got a lot of work to do to get anywhere near there, but I'm on track, and I'm determined to keep progressing.

stepping forward

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
- James Baldwin

the unthinkable

"To achieve the impossible, it is precisely the unthinkable that must be thought."
- Tom Robbins


















The unthinkable.
Trapped within oppressive boundaries,
unable to break free, all imagination is stifled.
Wish all you want, but there are simply too many things that cannot be.
Childhood dreams, well, they are simply that.
As you grow into maturity, cast them aside.
I'm not a pessimist. No, this - is simply being in touch with reality.

The unthinkable.
Those things that must be thought.
Those things that have to be.
Awaken that relentless spirit within
and give rise to the incredible
and this whole new realm of possibility.
Here things that formerly couldn't be - now intersect with reality.

the process

"The recognition of the value of the journey, as opposed to the imagined value points of ending, informs the idea of process."
- Tomato, art collective

Yes, life is indeed all about the process. It's a journey. Value can be found in each step of the way, not simply the destination. I experience this concept in so many facets each day of my life, be it in the creation of a flyer for work or in the composition of a new song or in forging relationships with those around me. It even shows up in the baking I do at home.

Below is my latest baking endeavor - carrot cake. In the case of baking, when the oven timer signals the conclusion of baking, the process is far from over, for consumption of the baked goods is a process in itself. Anyone who knows me well can attest to my (perhaps abnormal) tendency to savor the process of eating dessert. I take rather small bites, taking in the flavor of each and every bite at a relaxed pace. So, I'm challenging myself to carry this principle over to other areas of my life, appreciating the process no matter where it shows up.