I remember growing up with parental units owning a software department store.  From the first of November to the first of January, the focus was on holiday shopping.  After all, it was the most lucrative time of the year.  The store had to be decorated.  The sales had to be determined.  Last year's receipts had to be topped.  It was, for those parental units, and amazingly stressful time of the year.

At times, our motto gets lost in the busy-ness of everyday business.  Thank god nature has suggested at our age that brief respites are needed to replenish, rejuvenate, and reinvigorate.  During one such pause (actually, more like a caesura--that would be a LONG pause!) I picked up a book given to me by a friend so many years ago.  It speaks volumes, especially since we are still friends!!!!  As are we--you and I.  To that end, and as a reminder, I give you John Maxwell, and a bit of THE TREASURE OF A FRIEND.

Friendship is based on what it gives, not what it gets.  Friendship stays alive by serving the other, not seeking to be served.  Friendship is motivated by love, not debt.  Friendship is willing to sacrifice without seeing or expecting a return.  It doesn't make sense, but the more it gives up, the stronger it gets.

Live long and prosper, my friends!

I've been parts of several organizations in my lifetime.  In some form or manner, each has a board to direct its activities.  Some of those boards provide effective leadership--some--not always.  The board of the SDRSP sits at the top of the list in effectivity (and my spell check says that isn't a word.  Well it is now!).  Today was our summer meeting, and every member was present.  Each came with ideas and more importantly, a willingness to work and contribute!  When questioning was necessary, they questioned.  When volunteering was necessary, they volunteered.  When love and friendship were necessary (and when aren't they?) there was love and friendship abounding.  Retired school personnel are amazing--and their organization is amazing because of the people who sit on their board.  Thank you seems like so little, but is so heartfelt!  Bouquets to them and to you, dear readers.  Know you are loved!

Because you taught them to read, they have access to a myriad of stimuli, giving them the opportunity to discover there are two sides to every issue.
Because you taught them math, they have the foundation to know discriminating against any other human being just doesn’t add up.
Because you taught them science, they know that recycling can improve the environment.
Because you taught them history, they can hopefully avoid repeating the travesties that have happened.
Because you taught them health and physical exertion, they can choose to live longer.
Because you taught them to write, they can express what they have learned so others can also learn.
Because you taught them to present, they can exercise their right to persuade without violence.
Because you taught them to share, they recognize that life is better when we work synergistically.
Because you taught, the truths of Liberty, Democracy, and Equality ARE self-evident.
Because you taught.

First and foremost: to all you dads out there, thanks for everything you do.  You are such an integral part of why we are where and what we are.  Remember always to hug your kids and tell them you love them.
Second:  On Tuesday this week, the local liaison planning committee, the former exec director, the new exec director, the membership chair and I met at the Lodge in Deadwood to preliminary plan the Wizard of Odds--our convention for next May 2 and 3.  I can tell you now, you want to reserve those dates.  The Lodge is amazing, the food is culinarily stupendous, and the liaison planning committee has already lined up our pre and post convention tours, our program speakers, and has an amazingly firm handle on how to do registration!  Rarely have I seen a group of people so dedicated and hard working, determined to make the convention more than memorable.  The afternoon programs will knock your socks off, and there will be a surprise or two along the way.  The block of rooms reserved for us is available now, and you may access them any time between now and next February.  Book early and book often! 
Finally:  You need to be reminded of the impact you continue to have.  You taught the children.  You changed the world.  And you continue to do so.  For that, know how thankful we are, and how much you are loved!

In a week that could be called anything but ordinary, perhaps ordinary is where we should start.   Ordinarily, I would begin by reminding you of your import to our organization, to your unit, and to your community.  Ordinarily, I would then segue into a request for the units that haven't submitted their executive roster to do so.  Ordinarily, I would remind you to check the calendar and mark the dates of our upcoming events.  Ordinarily, I would then remind you that you are loved!  However...this was a week marked by non ordinary events in our lives, and I think they warrant consideration. 
One of our members (who happens to be related to me by mutual parental units) had some medical issues that frightened us all.  I'm pleased to announce that she is home and doing well, but it reminded me how important it is to take care of us!  And, how important it is to thank those that do when we can't.  The medical professionals who give of their time and wisdom are amazing--and we taught them!
A very good friend of mine has a saying--according to her, "Motion is Lotion!"  The more we move, the more we can move.  I LOVE the concept.  And since I am at times uni-purposed, why not apply that lotion by planning to join us next May in Deadwood?  We will be meeting with the convention steering committee and Carmella on Tuesday to preliminarily set things up, and we would LOVE to have you see the results of that meeting because you are not ordinary...you're extraordinary!  And you are LOVED!
And as an "extra" added attraction--A not so ordinary lily!

And so it begins--a page of eclectic thoughts and images to share with anyone that cares--or stumbles across it by accident.  For those of you who don't know me, suffice it to say, Pollyanna has nothing on me.  For some reason, it's never difficult to find the good side of an issue or the positive result of an action.  Or in some cases, just the positive juxtaposition of time and presence.  There will be no consistency to publication (or for that matter, thoughts while typing!).  It's just a way to remind you that you are an important part of the universe and my life.
Today, it's a flowering shrub--like the students with whom we dealt, it demonstrates the potential beauty and the strength of nature when they coincide.  Have an amazing June and remember always you are loved!