Ribbons - Pick a Color

So, I heard the Tony Orlando and Dawn former hit the other day, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," and now I can't stop singing it. It's been days.

My friend and former dj, Bill Thomas (you hear and see him on ABC7 Traffic now) told me about this radio station in Australia that plays music that is similar to what we played on KWIZ-FM when we were fellow dj's in the 80's. I love it. I listen every now and then when I'm online. Today I heard "Chances Are" by Johnny Mathis and Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby." Two songs I really like.

Today, yellow ribbons signify something quite different...supporting our troops.
And pink ribbons, of course, support breast cancer research.

My friend, Linda, is celebrating one of her milestone birthdays with an ice skating performance. She's been at it for a few years now, so it should be fun to see her in her tutu. No, I don't think she's going to wear one, but Bette Midler is her idol, so who knows how brave she'll be.
In lieu of gifts, she's asking for donations to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Linda's a breast cancer survivor and a very dear friend.

Healthy Lifestyle

I was surprised to learn that walking as little as 30 minutes five days a week is enough for you to get in good physical condition. If you're fortunate enough to have a park or lake near you, it's easy to get in the habit and reap the benefits of good mental health as well. Here's a picture of a park near our home.

Today we saw the usual ducks and geese and people walking their dogs, as well as a few motor-controlled miniature boats. I saw one that was really quiet, just skimming the water, much preferred to the noisy ones that are actually banned but seem to make their way there every now and then.

I much prefer this to actual repetitive exercises, i.e., my calves are noticably more toned without using the stair steps. With the good weather here in SoCal, there really isn't a good excuse for staying indoors if you're able to get out.

"To be alive, to be able to see, to walk...it's all a miracle. I have adapted the technique of living life from miracle to miracle."

Arthur Rubinstein

Optimism

In these scary economic times, couldn't you just use a word of optimism? I ran across a notebook while I was attempting to clean my office. The notes therein were from a "success" seminar I attended many years ago. Well, the information garnered there is still pertinent today.

Did you know that when Thomas Edison's building burned down, he said, "Thank goodness the mistakes are gone. Thank goodness we can start over." Three months later he invented the phonograph.

"Don't miss this moment. If there's hope in the future, there's power in the present.
An optimist is one who takes his last $2 to buy a money belt. He takes tartar sauce with him when he goes fishing."

Yes, Zig Ziglar was quite a motivational speaker. At 69 years of age, he said he was excited about the future. He felt he was 5-10-15 years away from his peak.
He's one of those who wanted to wear out...not rust out.

I think we run across information just when we need it the most.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers

Eyes of Hope

Here's an answer to those glasses for which you no longer have need and may just be accumulating dust or taking up space. More than one billion people in developing countries need eyeglasses but do not have access or cannot afford them.

There's a wonderful program where you can donate your used eyewear (lenses and frames) and have them refurbished and sent throughout the world to people in need. You can check with your eye doctor's office to see if they offer a donation box, or you can mail these accepted items: complete sets of eyewear (lenses and frame), including readers and sunglasses, cases with glasses inside. Mail to:

VSP Vision Care
Eyeglasses Donation, MS611,
10200 Systems Parkway, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95827.

Hollywood has gotten on board. At a special event, Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Kevin Dillon (Entourage), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix) and Christian Siriano (who?)...he's the Project Runway, Season Four winner) showed their support for this important effort.