Bo Dean's Blog In Wilmington North Carolina

Monday, November 21, 2011

annual thanksgiving tradition: 12th year=1200 things, people, places I am grateful for...

12 Years ago I started a list because a lot of folks I encountered were having a hard time or shared that they did not see a lot they could be grateful for in this area. I had learned about writing gratitude lists to generate for myself the good around me and keep it first in my heart and mind and sent out a “gratitude” list of 100 things I was grateful for in Wilmington that year. It was met with great success!

I decided, and have kept up that each year I would do the list but make it equivalent to the number of years I had been doing it!
This year I am at 1200, and I am so glad to be able to have this exercise.
I have included groups, things, organizations, and places. Names are only used in reference to gifts..don't go looking for your name! LOL! :)
I generate a NEW list each year. This is stream of consciousness, just like my blog.
Regardless of what someone might think of this list, regardless of what my circumstances might be, regardless of what events may occur in my life, it is a tradition I will continue, because, I/we am/are blessed and it is worth remembering, offering thanksgiving, and sharing with each other! I hope it will spark a list of your own and feel free to steal mine!

I am grateful for….

1.) God

2.) Loving

3.) being loved

4.) Trusting

5.) being trusted

6.) Having hope!

7.) Being more in the moment than I have EVER been in my lifetime

8.) A daily reprieve that is unfathomable

9.) The most amazing husband and an unconditional love, partnership, friendship I can only pray to earn each and every day!

10.) Having my mother, step father, father still alive and with me

11.) My mother’s amazing group of friends

12.) My mother’s art

13.) My mother’s book group

14.) My family, both blood and chosen

15.) Time with daddy

16.) My conversations with daddy

17.) Healing and change

18.) Understanding more and more that accepting people for who they are, allows for healing to happen.

19.) Letting go and letting God

20.) First things first

21.) One day at a time

22.) Our beautiful cats, 14 years old and still amazingly loving

23.) Drives just to look at the beach with michael

24.) Just going to Barnes and Noble….

25.) Going out to dinner..and being able to and knowing what a privilege it is

26.) Michael’s research reassignment this year

27.) Michael’s successful colloquium on his research

28.) The teaching gifts of Michael!

29.) Just being at home and enjoying tivo together

30.) Our library at home

31.) Being at home. Period.

32.) The sun through the skylight

33.) Leaving the house each day reading elin ohara slavick’s gift to me

34.) The message from Ghandi on our back door that tyrell made years ago: an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind

35.) Surrounding ourselves in our home with warm memories and remembrances

36.) Open space

37.) The sound of michael’s laughter

38.) The smell of coffee being made

39.) The smell of toast

40.) Hamburgers on the grill

41.) Grilled chicken at home

42.) UNCW professors and their teaching

43.) The center for teaching excellence

44.) The gifts of therapy for people I love

45.) The gift of therapy by rich ogle

46.) The gift of therapy by carrie clements

47.) The gift of therapy by julie stone

48.) The gift of therapy by Ralph fox

49.) The gift of therapy by all the coastal horizons providers

50.) The gifts of therapy by carrie’s mentees

51.) Being a judge for Ashley High School Senior Projects

52.) Ashley High School

53.) New Hanover High School Lyceum program

54.) CFCC early college

55.) The Noble Middle School Students who study Albert Schweitzer

56.) The Roland Grise Students who get to come to CAM and learn

57.) Having the unconditional love and support of a mother always

58.) The most amazing friends I could have ever dreamed of…and In fact, could never have imagined

59.) Having a brother after all these years

60.) Being allowed to be there and be a friend especially in hard times

61.) Knowing that I am NEVER alone

62.) Knowing I have friends who are always there for me and truly care

63.) The continued gift of personal training

64.) Adam Freeman Personal Training

65.) Crest Fitness

66.) Custom Fit Meals

67.) Having a home that we truly love and feel safe in

68.) Our amazing and nurturing cats

69.) Having a job and being employed, particularly today

70.) Having a new venture with employment

71.) Having access to health care

72.) Having access to dental care

73.) Having good neighbors

74.) Being uncle to “Louis” the best neighbor dog ever!

75.) Walks with Louis in the woods

76.) Runs with Louis

77.) Louis kisses! 

78.) Living in a neighborhood that is “safe”, or relatively so

79.) Our small little back yard sanctuary

80.) Our little “labyrinth” in the backyard

81.) Sitting in the Adirondack chairs and listening to the fountain in the Spring

82.) The chime in the wind

83.) My magnolia tree

84.) The Crepe Myrtle planted from Mother’s yard in Raleigh

85.) Having paved streets to run, bike and drive on

86.) Having heat in the winter

87.) Food to eat and access to that food

88.) Fresh vegetables

89.) Fresh fruit

90.) Feast down east

91.) Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program SENC Foods Farmers' Cooperative

92.) The buyer’s club

93.) Tidal Creek

94.) The 10% campaign

95.) All the businesses and folks committing to the 10% campaign

96.) The market at the Cameron during the Run, Ride, and Roll

97.) The Wilmington farmer’s market on Saturday’s

98.) Meat and poultry that is sanitary and ready for me to eat

99.) Dairy that I can just pick up and use

100.) Eggs that I can just eat

101.) Electricity always on

102.) Central heat

103.) Central air condition

104.) Cookware to cook with

105.) Dishes to eat from

106.) Computer at home

107.) Internet

108.) Cable

109.) phone

110.) Fresh water

111.) Cold and hot running water

112.) Laundry in our home

113.) Clean clothes to wear

114.) Shoes to wear

115.) Blankets to keep us warm

116.) The down comforter

117.) White cotton sheets

118.) Shelter in the storms that come around here

119.) Emergency weather radios

120.) HOA leaders who are about community, not their own issues

121.) Being able to pay our mortgage

122.) Hell, having a mortgage

123.) Having a car to drive

124.) A bike to ride

125.) A freezer to keep food in

126.) My facebook!

127.) Sharing facebook with others

128.) Hearing what others say and share on facebook

129.) The Sandra Miles Denistry

130.) The staff at Sandra Miles Denistry

131.) My smile getting better through Sandra Miles Denistry

132.) Ken White’s Boat and all he does for so many charities with it!

133.) Cruiser’s Car Wash

134.) My photos of events and people

135.) Jessica Cooper Massage Therapy

136.) John Sakel Massage Therapy

137.) Juice Plus!  love this stuff!

138.) The cross city trail

139.) The section of the trail through UNCW

140.) The woods along eastwood from the cross city trail

141.) The pond on autumn hall

142.) The kayak launch under the WB bridge

143.) Kayaking

144.) Being able to fit in a kayak

145.) The reeds along the intracoastal waterway

146.) The water fowl along the intracoastal

147.) Masonboro island

148.) The amazing white, clean, and empty beach along Masonboro on the atlantic side

149.) The blue crabs in the shallows while kayaking

150.) the solitude on the water while kayaking

151.) drifting with the current

152.) living near the water like this

153.) having access to the water

154.) seeing osprey up close

155.) the boat launch at Trails end

156.) the boat launch at the park under the Memorial Bridge

157.) kayaking on the ocean at Kure Beach

158.) the annual beach seep with the honors students

159.) kure beach

160.) kure beach pier (especially it being free to go on)

161.) Wilmington water tours!

162.) The black river water tour

163.) The aquarium at Fort Fisher

164.) The eel room at Aquarium

165.) The gardens outside of the aquarium

166.) The outdoor prints at the aquarium

167.) The gators at the aquarium

168.) The fowl roaming around in the open area of the aquarium

169.) Cape Fear River Watch!

170.) River keepers

171.) The black river tour

172.) Understanding more about the impacts on the river from drilling down on our water table

173.) Lillian’s list event at the Blockade runner

174.) The blockade runner resort

175.) Flotilla Event

176.) Flotilla Run

177.) Flotilla Party

178.) The law practice of Steve Coggins

179.) Planned Parenthood of the Cape Fear/Wilmington

180.) The law practice of Frank Block

181.) The hannah block center

182.) The life of hannah block

183.) Airlie Gardens

184.) The butterfly house

185.) Enchanted Airlie

186.) The Airlie oyster roast

187.) The Bottle house

188.) The pier on the creek from the garden

189.) The garden party

190.) The hats at the garden party

191.) The seersucker and madras..just a little fun in the Spring

192.) The swans in the lake at Airlie

193.) The bent tree and getting yelled out for climbing it! 

194.) The azaleas..not just at Airlie, but everywhere

195.) Spring in Wilmington period

196.) The Spring Garden at Airlie

197.) The tulips…the amazing tulips!

198.) The Airlie Oak

199.) The Outdoor concerts at Airlie

200.) The music of The Imitations

201.) The music of Susan Savia

202.) The music of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

203.) The Music of the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Youth Orchestra

204.) The music of the Wilmington Girls Choir

205.) The Organ music at First Pres

206.) The Choir at Church of the servant

207.) The Ashley High School Choir

208.) The music of Paco Strickland

209.) The music of UNCW Seniors

210.) The Music and Voice of Pamela Campbell Dareef

211.) The “community day” with Pamela et al

212.) Being allowed to pray at that and feeling that prayer

213.) The music of Renaldo Frazier

214.) The ministry of Terry Henry

215.) Gregory United Church of Christ

216.) The Williston Alumni

217.) The Black Chamber

218.) The beautiful Article in the SeaHawk from the students

219.) The Wilmington Journal

220.) Dancing with Mother on her birthday to Beach Music!

221.) Watching everyone dancing!

222.) The writing of Nan Graham

223.) The gift of the voice of Nan Graham

224.) The WHQR commentaries from Nan

225.) The Cape Fear Museum’s Jewish History Display

226.) NC Living treasures event at the Cameron with UNCW

227.) Randall Library

228.) Randall Library Staff

229.) The Fish House

230.) Dockside

231.) Being able to shop in the regular men’s department at Belks

232.) Walking into Banana Republic and being able to buy something other than a hat!

233.) The space between my stomach and my steering wheel

234.) Not being out of breath at the top of stairs

235.) Running

236.) Walking

237.) Biking

238.) Meeting each new training challenge with NO injury and growth

239.) TRX

240.) Almost doing a pull up (I am gonna get there!)

241.) Doing push ups

242.) Doing push ups with hand weights

243.) Doing planks

244.) 50 pound barbell chest press

245.) 150 pound dips

246.) One legged squats

247.) One legged sitting squats

248.) One legged squats on the bosu ball

249.) Balancing on the bosu ball

250.) Stretching

251.) Training to be a trainer class at UNCW

252.) Art lounge at home

253.) Seeing my body recover

254.) Not experiencing acid reflux daily

255.) Not having to gag on food everytime I ate

256.) No fast food wrappers in my car

257.) No nights “passed out” after eating myself to it

258.) No major binges

259.) Being able to wear jeans again

260.) Being able to tuck in my shirt in jeans! 

261.) being able to enjoy a treat now and then

262.) java city

263.) the staff at Java city

264.) subway!

265.) Subway breakfast sandwiches!

266.) Tuesday morning

267.) Ebay

268.) Pawn USA

269.) Reco

270.) Reception for the New USS North Carolina Commander and officer’s at Livans

271.) Christmas at the foxes

272.) Christmas at Liv’s

273.) Celebrating at the beach with Shin lu an Wei

274.) Celebrating Chinese new year at that Chang’s

275.) Wei’s cooking! 

276.) Lunch at Diana’s after the

277.) The giant heron on the dock off summer’s rest road

278.) Summer’s rest trail

279.) Biking summer’s rest trail

280.) Cameo 1900

281.) The healthy menu at Cameo 1900

282.) West Marine

283.) The arboretum

284.) The tea house at the arboretum

285.) Wilmington Tea Company

286.) Monk’s tea on the back porch

287.) Our monastery pillows in the big room

288.) My step machine

289.) The bozo ball in the house

290.) The Japanese garden at the arboretum

291.) The plant sale at the arboretum

292.) The ability garden at the arboretum

293.) The amazing section of the trail along rose avenue!

294.) Gary Shell’s memorial

295.) Halyburton Park

296.) The run, ride and roll

297.) The Lecture by Mr. Rehder and the Fly Trap Frolic

298.) The Fly Trap Frolic

299.) The fly trap preserve at Alderman School

300.) Coastal Land Trust

301.) Wilmington Parks and Recreation

302.) Olsen Park

303.) The Miracle League of Wilmington

304.) The UNCW Baseball exhibition day for the Miracle League

305.) The Kiwanis Playground at Olsen Park on its way!

306.) New Hanover County Senior Center

307.) Elderhaus

308.) Elderhaus Crabfest

309.) Elderhaus Anniversary serving our area for so long and taking care of so many seniors

310.) The woods on the back of UNCW’s campus

311.) The curvy area of the depaolo trail through the long leaf pines

312.) The leadership and tenure of Rosemay DePaolo

313.) The Portrait unveiled this year of Rosemary

314.) The legacy of learning and undergraduate research that is Rosemary’s

315.) Undergraduate Honors students

316.) Watching students grow and achieve

317.) mid year graduation

318.) end of the year graduation

319.) honors teas

320.) using grandmother’s china for the honors teas

321.) The “teal” trail on UNCW’s campus

322.) UNCW’s campus as a whole!

323.) The UNCW women’s basketball team and Coach Coop’s Coaching

324.) The UNCW Baseball team and the coaching of Coach Scalf

325.) The Hammerheads in Wilmington

326.) The pond on the Campus commons

327.) The fisher memorial area on the campus commons

328.) Shinn plaza on UNCW’s campus

329.) The “honors” lounge in the fisher student center

330.) The track at UNCW

331.) Breaking a 10 minute mile on the UNCW track this summer

332.) Without Limits Coaching

333.) Go-Time race promotions

334.) Hackman events LLC

335.) Turkey Trot 5k for Habitat for Humanity

336.) Historic Wilmington Foundation Urban Race

337.) Boseman’s Sporting Goods

338.) New Balance Shoes

339.) Wilmington Roadrunners

340.) Cape Fear Cyclists

341.) Bike Cylces

342.) TriWilmington

343.) TrySports

344.) Turtle Crawl 5k

345.) Turtle Festival on Castle Street

346.) Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital

347.) Turtle nests along the coast

348.) Turtle nest watchers and preservationists!

349.) My first turtle release

350.) Visiting my Chase, my adopted sea turtle!

351.) Being allowed to carry “Dilligence” to the water to release him back to the ocean!

352.) Riding to the release with the turtle in the back of the truck, rubbing him and keeping his wet

353.) Going to the turtle release with Louise

354.) McColl and Associates

355.) Flash Promotions

356.) USS Gravely Commissioning!

357.) Bowling with Mrs. Alma Gravely’

358.) The amazing gravely crew!

359.) Sitting in Capt. Kuzman’s chair!

360.) The Gravely itself. what a ship

361.) Lunch with an Author

362.) Central Rotary

363.) The growth of the club at Central Rotary

364.) Ringing the bell and singing for Salvation Army

365.) The world’s largest rotary wheel rehab

366.) Aerial photo of the world’s largest rotary wheel

367.) Speaking with Adam at the Downtown Rotary

368.) Learning about Swartville

369.) The castle hayne farms

370.) Picking blueberries at the farm on Gordon Road

371.) The fresh strawberries on Gordon Road in the Spring at Lewis Farms

372.) Riding on the trail up to Ogden by Military Cutoff

373.) The Military Cutoff trail

374.) The Rock Garden out on Market Street

375.) Our new retention walls in our garden and slate as well

376.) Flying for the first time in years! 

377.) Flying with World War II veterans for the Honor Flight

378.) Being a “Guardian” for the honor flight

379.) Escorting a Normandy hero on the Honor Flight

380.) Listening to the stories from the WWII veterans

381.) Experiencing the WWII memorial with the veterans

382.) Experiencing Iwo Jima Memorial with the veterans

383.) Experiencing the Naval memorial with the veterans

384.) Seeing the surprise and delight on the veterans faces when they got their “mail call” with letters and notes from family and friends on the flight

385.) The “welcome home” at the airport of the veterans

386.) The honor flight being sponsored by the USS Gravely

387.) The Gravely crew accompanying us on the flight

388.) Seeing the Honors students raise money to sponsors a veteran on the flight

389.) Seeing central rotary sponsor two veterans

390.) ILM

391.) The ILM Airport staff coming out for the welcome home!

392.) The fair at ILM each year

393.) Alpha Phi Sorority

394.) Alpha Phi’s Red Dress Fundraiser

395.) Alpha Phi’s volunteering of the Heart Walk

396.) Cross Country Team Volunteering for the Run Ride and Roll

397.) Honors Scholars Volunteering for the Run Ride and Roll

398.) Honors Scholars Volunteering for so many community events

399.) Honors Scholars Volunteering for Stargell

400.) Honors Scholars volunteering for the CARE event and movie launch

401.) Honors Scholars volunteering for the Well care event at the Aquarium

402.) FIJI Fraternity

403.) FIJI at the Walk a Mile in her shoes

404.) FIJI showing up for the Heart Walk

405.) The Randall Walkers Heart Walk Team

406.) The Men’s basketball team showing up for the Walk a mile in her shoes

407.) The Women’s basketball team showing up for the Walk a mile in her shoes

408.) SeaDevil’s Athletics

409.) SeaDevil’s Basketball

410.) Playing Santa Claus for the “good friends” luncheon

411.) Tuba Christmas

412.) Riding around and looking at the Christmas Lights in the area

413.) The dolphins jumping on Pleasure island

414.) Watching “the ref” for the millionth time..our tradition that starts off the holidays

415.) Our annual holiday gathering of friends

416.) Having a Christmas tree

417.) Decorating for Christmas

418.) My mother’s apple cake

419.) Mt. olive baby gerkin pickles

420.) My mother’s gravy and dressing

421.) Harold’s fried shrimp

422.) Ice box fruit cake at Daddy’s

423.) Chicken and dumplings at Casey’s

424.) Having the students over for holiday gathering

425.) Good Friends organization of women

426.) The first annual central rotary BBQ Plate fundraiser at the Masonic Lodge

427.) The Masonic Lodge on 17th

428.) Heart Association

429.) Executive Leadership Team of the Cape Fear Heart Walk

430.) Cape Fear Heart Walk

431.) Heart Ball

432.) Annual “greater than through love and support” birthday party

433.) Herrington homes

434.) Intracoastal Realty

435.) Intracoastal New Homes

436.) Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty

437.) First Citizens

438.) First Bank

439.) PPD

440.) Eshleman Foundation

441.) Landfall Foundation

442.) Cape Fear Foundation

443.) New Hanover Regional Medication Center

444.) Cape Fear Garden Club

445.) Friends of UNCW

446.) Coastal Horizon’s Inc.

447.) Rape Crisis Center New Hanover

448.) Rape Crisis Brunswick

449.) Rape Crisis Pender

450.) Youth Shelter at Coastal Horizons

451.) TASC treatment Services

452.) The board of directors of Coastal Horizons

453.) The staff of Coastal Horizons

454.) The Coastal Horizons annual luncheon at UNCW

455.) Roy Cooper coming to the annual luncheon

456.) Walk a Mile in her Shoes Fundraiser for Rape Crisis

457.) Rock against Rape Fundraiser for Rape Crisis

458.) Vagina Monologues for Rape Crisis

459.) Getting CABHA certified for Coastal

460.) The Willie Stargell Annual Golf Tournament

461.) Mudcat Grant singing at the reception

462.) The Dialysis staff coming to the dinner

463.) The Stargell golf committee

464.) Seeing the tournament through the eyes of the student volunteers and their wonder! 

465.) Watching other’s benefit from the blessings I have been given and seeing them learn and grow.

466.) The stories the players told about the history they lived

467.) Hearing what it was like,first hand, from those who lived in a segregated world

468.) Having the Wake Forest Coach come who gave his kidney to his player

469.) The glove that was given away for the tournament this year

470.) The huge income from the auction for the stargell this year!

471.) The volunteer drivers I had for the tournament this year

472.) New presenting sponsor for the tournament

473.) WECT

474.) WECT weather

475.) WECT news team and news in general

476.) WECT community involvement and support

477.) Fox affiliate

478.) New GM for Fox! 

479.) Encore Magazine

480.) The “best of” Encore

481.) Having my blog in the “best of” to be able to share more

482.) To be able to do bowilmington.blogspot.com as a pay forward!

483.) The feedback from the blog!

484.) Seeing other people inspired to change their lives and getting healthy and making changes!

485.) Watching other’s be successful and enjoy and follow a path towards wellness

486.) Creating change

487.) The inspiration from other people’s journey’s and stories

488.) Learning from others as they progress and change!

489.) Being able to share this journey with others

490.) For those who set the bar for me to follow and continue to be inspirational!

491.) The Provost’s office at UNCW

492.) Academic Affairs resource management office and all involved in this

493.) All the amazing budget managers on UNCW’s campus who do more for less and who do more with less and make it happen for the students each day

494.) The smile in Einstein’s when I go to get my breakfast

495.) The cashier in Starbucks who knows me by name and my order

496.) The cashier in Lowe’s food who is always so helpful

497.) The service in Brassierie

498.) Our trashmen

499.) Our postal workers

500.) 911 operators

501.) Ambulance drivers

502.) The Doolittle ride

503.) Those who take our recycling

504.) The termite inspectors

505.) , and while I don’t like the landscaping company we have, I am grateful to the workers who toil in the summer heat for us and do what they can

506.) the maintenance crew at UNCW

507.) the housekeepers at UNCW

508.) those who keep UNCW so beautiful everyday for everyone

509.) the city workers who cleaned up after the hurricane (even the one I had an issue with when I was running. I know it was a tough haul)

510.) again, not a fan of CFPUA, but am grateful for the workers who do the job and keep water coming to our home

511.) those who maintain the lines for power

512.) handle the landfill

513.) Kid’s Making it

514.) The Kid’s making it event at Bluewater

515.) The Belizian Ambassador’s Reception

516.) The Consulate for Belize being right here!

517.) The exchange between UNCW and Belize

518.) The Coral Reef Study

519.) Buenaspace downtown

520.) Cucalorus Film Festival!

521.) The thriving film business

522.) Screen Gems Studios

523.) Going out to watch Adam play ball

524.) Being there for Fenway’s celebration of life

525.) Dr. Resnick’s vet practice

526.) The Lady’s of the Cape Fear Portraits

527.) Kenny barnes Photography

528.) Carolina Farmin!

529.) The lunch line at Carolina Farmin

530.) All the local NC food at Carolina Farmin

531.) Cape Fear Commerical

532.) Cape Fear Literacy Luncheon!

533.) 6th Annual Teen Summit

534.) The work of reverend Ben Chavis

535.) The life of Julian Baker

536.) Top walkers luncheon

537.) ELT Breakfasts at Wilmington Health

538.) Board of Governors’ meetings at the City Club! 

539.) The humane treatment of our beloved pets

540.) Our Mayor and Our Commissioners with the Governor getting Iron Man 3 here

541.) The Film Commission

542.) Wining the items that the students made in the auction/raffle at the event

543.) The Kid’s making it breakfast at Shell Island

544.) The Albert Schweitzer Honors Scholar

545.) Scott Whisnant being named the Albert Schweitzer Honors Scholar for 2011

546.) The ASHS ceremony

547.) Harold Hodges photography being given to Scott as his award

548.) Scott’s amazing speech at the award ceremony

549.) The Laura Wilson Servant Leader Award

550.) Laura Wilson getting the first award

551.) The Wilmington interfaith Hospitality Network

552.) The Host churches that house homeless families and those in need

553.) The support churches and congregations that ensure food and other supplies for the families and stay the night to ensure they are well cared for

554.) The day center for WIHN on North Fourth Street

555.) Those who have who give to those who do not

556.) Those who understand it is what we do for each other, not for what we collect

557.) Those who see the importance in the common good

558.) The Kelly family and the story of their return from homelessness through the network

559.) The WIHN Gala

560.) Those who are generous in spirit

561.) Those who are generous in with their talents

562.) Those who are generous with their resources

563.) Those who are generous with their selves

564.) Those who vote their faith

565.) Those who live their faith

566.) Those whose faith is guided by the welfare and principles of the common good and best for their fellows

567.) Those who live principles over personalities

568.) Principles before personalities

569.) The Country Club of Landfall Staff

570.) Wrightsboro United Methodist Church

571.) The small group from Wrightsboro United Methodist Church

572.) Joey Gore’s music and the Wilmington Celebration Choir

573.) Southern Gospel Music

574.) Si Cantwell’s beat on community groups

575.) Starnews media

576.) Starnews media online

577.) Starnews media facebook

578.) Wilma Expo

579.) BizTech Expo

580.) Copycat printing

581.) Conscience online

582.) Lumina news

583.) Wrightsville beach magazine

584.) The StarNews

585.) Sunday’s in the bed with the paper

586.) Sunday’s

587.) Clove Marketing

588.) Talk Inc

589.) College Road Diner

590.) Tuesday Morning

591.) Ogden Optical

592.) Having glasses I can see with

593.) Having glasses I can read with

594.) Having glasses I can take off and be vain with! 

595.) Bald Head Island Conservancy

596.) Bald Head Island Leadership

597.) The barrier iselans in the area

598.) The new School of Health at UNCW

599.) The nursing program at UNCW

600.) The Ada Zola King Dean Nursing Scholarship

601.) The Thad Dankel Memorial Math Scholarship

602.) The LS Dean Scholarship in Honors

603.) The Boseman-TenHuisen Scholarship

604.) The Levy/Bruce Honors Scholarship

605.) The Myers Art History Scholarship

606.) The Betsy Irvin Memorial Honors Women’s Studies Minor Scholarship

607.) Cape Fear Community College

608.) The Cape Fear Community College Foundation

609.) The CFCC Foundation Staff

610.) The CFCC foundation Board

611.) The faculty and staff of CFCC

612.) Fourth of july on the CFCC pier

613.) The Moffitt being funded by the legislature

614.) The CFCC alumni Association

615.) The SeaDevils to SeaHawks club at UNCW

616.) The Gift of Education Luncheon at CFCC

617.) Our Place Teaching Restaurant at CFCC

618.) The CFCC North Campus

619.) the 911 memorial at the north campus

620.) donor appreciation event at CFCC-Kentucky derby

621.) playing cornhlole

622.) Wilmington Business Journal!

623.) Afternoon emails from the WBJ

624.) Power Breakfast Series

625.) Wilma Magazine

626.) Fittest Exec effort

627.) Wilmington Downtown Inc

628.) Dock Street Printing

629.) Toner Exchange

630.) Four Seasons Trophy Shop

631.) Coastal Engraving!

632.) Downtown Concert Series

633.) Downtown Farmer’s market

634.) Riverwalk

635.) Running the riverwalk for the HWF race

636.) Kayaking the river along the riverwalk

637.) Kayaking over to the wreck on the opposite side of the river

638.) Battleship North Carolina

639.) July fourth fireworks

640.) Commissioning fireworks

641.) New Year’s fireworks

642.) PRIDE at UNCW

643.) Church of the Servant Episcopal

644.) The Bargain Box resale shop

645.) The labyrinth at Church of the servant

646.) The memorial garden at Church of the servant

647.) Officiating at the wedding of Sarah and Zach

648.) The Bellamy mansion

649.) Café Phoenix in its’ new location

650.) Officiating at the wedding of Leigh and Randall

651.) Officiating at the wedding of Beth and Will

652.) The seahawk sculpture by Dumay Gorham

653.) The paddle sculpture for the 1898 memorial park

654.) The “sanitary” fountain downtown

655.) The kenan fountain

656.) The venus fly trap sculpture at the foot of market

657.) The Buddha Frog in the Arboretum

658.) The sculpture of Dumay Gorham

659.) The Sculpture of Andy

660.) The clay studio at UNCW

661.) The pottery of

662.) The clay work of Hiroshi

663.) The pancoe clay studio at Cameron Art museum

664.) The Cameron Art museum

665.) The Cameron Art Museum School

666.) The stained glass window in the reception hall

667.) The Folks Café Coffee days on Friday at the Cameron Art Museum

668.) Hattitude and “Crowns” exhibition at the Cameron

669.) The Church fan exhibition at the Cameron

670.) The new benches and park area throughout the Cameron grounds

671.) The Cross city trail running through the Cameron

672.) The art of Virginia Wright Frierson

673.) The art of david Norris

674.) The art of Donnie Wrights

675.) Donnie getting his masters!

676.) The art of MJ Cunnigham

677.) The art of Kristin Gibson

678.) The art of Michele Connelly

679.) The art of Elizabeth Darrow

680.) The art of Sullivan Dunn

681.) The art of Wexler

682.) The art of Xris Xssler

683.) The photography of Andy Fletcher

684.) The photography of Mark Steelman

685.) The photography of Jamie Moncrief

686.) The gift of a portrait by Jamie Moncrief

687.) The art of Bates Toone

688.) The photography of Mr. Davis

689.) The photography of Jason Pearson

690.) The photography of Logan Wallace

691.) The gift of helping me see myself for the first time from Logan Wallace

692.) The Wilma Night’s Celebrity Auction

693.) Eddie’s Floral Gallery

694.) Julia’s Florists

695.) Wrightsboro Wholesale Florists

696.) Edwin van de Bovencamp Flower growers in Castle Hayne

697.) The opening of the Honors College this fall

698.) The Paul Hosier Undergraduate Research Fellowships

699.) The WHQR pledge drive

700.) Jemila Erickson’s mid day Café

701.) Day sponsorships at WHQR

702.) The WHQR luncheon at the convention center

703.) The Cape Fear Green Building Alliance

704.) The CFGBA Luncheon at the Convention center

705.)

706.) The Annual meeting of Coastal Horizons at the Hilton

707.) The Hampton Inn Landfall

708.) The Hampton Inn Sponsorships and Support in the area!

709.) The Hilton Garden Inn at Mayfaire

710.) Homewood Suites at Mayfaire

711.) Wilmington Health Access for Teens

712.) The WHAT picnic at the blockade runner

713.) WHAT in school health centers

714.) WHAT staff and leadership

715.) The board of WHAT

716.) Going to Disney for the first time since 1971!

717.) Celebrating the wedding of Will and Beth in Disney

718.) The Food and Wine Expo at Epcot! Wow!

719.) The fireworks at Epcot

720.) Attending Cirque de soleil with Michael

721.) The Homewood Suites sponsorships of local events

722.) The CARE project

723.) The CARE project premiere here in Wilmington

724.) The Brooklyn arts center

725.) the art of Liz Hosier

726.) the art of Fritz Kapruan

727.) townhouse art and frame

728.) Perry’s Emporium

729.) Kingoff’s Jewelry

730.) The city club

731.) The city club giving membership dues to charity!

732.) The city club gardens

733.) The front porch of the city club

734.) The staff at the city club

735.) Habitat for Humanity of the Cape Fear

736.) The youth build house built with Habitat for humanity

737.) The Wilmington youth build program

738.) The youth build graduation

739.) The youth build visits to UNCW

740.) Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization effort

741.) Wilmington Housing Authority

742.) The Dedication of Brooklyn Homes at Taylor Estates

743.) The staff of the WHA!

744.) The UNCW/WHA Community Campus

745.) The community garden at the campus

746.) The community partnerships with WHA

747.) The grant to revitalize Hillcrest

748.) The gazebo at Soloman towers

749.) The remodel of Soloman towers

750.) Jervay House and more housing for disabled folks

751.) The Olsen Park Kiwanis Playground fundraising

752.) The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

753.) The Olsen Park Miracle field fundraising

754.) The Miracle League day at UNCW Baseball

755.) Miracle League of Wilmington

756.) Health and applied human sciences at UNCW!

757.) HeartStops Blog by Marty

758.) Unheavy debbie blog!

759.) Weighing in with Sherry-Sherry Jone’s Blog

760.) Jill’s Blog-Jillsville

761.) The Grove Project Blog

762.) The Huffington Post

763.) Kathy’s Blog-Two Old Broads

764.) Craig’s new journey for health and wellness

765.) Adam Freeman Personal Training Blog

766.) Community Solutions Southeast

767.) Port City Young professionals

768.) The law practice of Andy Mcvey

769.) The law practice of Julia Boseman

770.) The law practice of Virginia Hager

771.) the law practice of Gary Shipman

772.) the New Hanover County Sheriff’s office

773.) the appointment of Robin Robinson to Judge

774.) the judiciary in New Hanover County

775.) Harold Wells insurance

776.) Chadwick Insurance with Robert McIver

777.) Earney CPA and the audits for non-profits I sit on

778.) McGladrey audits

779.) Wrightsville beach loop

780.) The trees on the loop

781.) Running the loop

782.) The Wrightsville beach museum

783.) Fellowship at WB on Sunday’s

784.) Sweet and savory

785.) Comedy of Timmy Sherrill

786.) Comedy of Buddy Lewis

787.) Nutt Street Comedy Club

788.) Level 5

789.) Thalian Association

790.) The arts council coming back to Wilmington!

791.) Caslte Street Antique District

792.) Jester’s Java

793.) Keffi’s outside looking over eastwood road

794.) Boca bay

795.) Brassiere

796.) Kathy and the staff at Brassiere

797.) Anything Ash does for food! LOL! 

798.) Terrazo’s

799.) Leadership Wilmington Alumni Socials

800.) Leadership Wilmington

801.) Tennis Tournaments at Empie

802.) Softball Tournaments at Olsen

803.) The public pools through parks and rec!

804.) The amazing back to school giveaway with Sandra and Big B

805.) The gift of voice from Sandra and Big B

806.) The gift of Voice from Foz

807.) 107.5!

808.) 97.3!

809.) The writing of Clyde Edgerton

810.) The writing of Dana Sachs

811.) The writing of Hannah Abrams

812.) The writing and film work of Dave Monahan

813.) The writing of David Gessner

814.) The art of Ned Irvine

815.) Explorations Journal housed at UNCW

816.) Ecotone

817.) Peripulus

818.) The Seahawk

819.) Atlantis

820.) Slice of Life…BEST PIZZA EVER!

821.) Adam being nominated for Philanthropist of the year

822.) Ashley being nominated as Professional fundraiser of the year

823.) Cape Fear Association of Fundraising Professionals

824.) AFP breakfast

825.) Tim Milam getting Philanthropist of the year

826.) Louise McColl getting the volunteer recognition from the city for the Gravely

827.) The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

828.) The new Chamber Logo

829.) The Chamber foundation

830.) The Karl Davis Leadership Wilmington Alumni Award

831.) The life of Karl Davis!

832.) The life of Betty Ann Sanders

833.) Spending time with betty ann on that day

834.) The memorial for betty ann at UNCW

835.) The life of Kayleigh Anne Freeman

836.) The balloon release for Kayleigh at Homewood Suites

837.) The March of Dimes Walk with the freeman’s

838.) Adam Freeman’s Fit Camp

839.) Being asked to speak at the fit camp!

840.) The “got heart?” t-shirts

841.) All the volunteers that Adam got to help the fit campers!

842.) The money raised from the fit camp for the Heart Walk

843.) The before and after picture..the amazing gift from the freeman’s

844.) Swimming in our pool this summer

845.) Being on the beach without my shirt

846.) Walking on Masonboro Island without my shirt

847.) Tidal Creek

848.) Whole Food vitamins at Tidal Creek

849.) Heidi Kaufman Dietician Services

850.) Wilmington Health

851.) Wilmington Health as a lead sponsor for the heart walk

852.) Great Clips Wilmington

853.) The owners of Great Clips and all they do for Wilmington!

854.) Hooks Alarm Company

855.) BB&T

856.) State Employee’s Credit Union

857.) Stephenson Honda

858.) Blacks’ tire and auto

859.) Stephenson Honda Service

860.) Lease Auto

861.) Lease Auto donating a car to WIHN!

862.) A 16 year old getting the car that was donated as her first car! 

863.) the crew at Lease Auto that took such pride in getting that car ready and donating it!

864.) Adult Day Care services

865.) Just for Buyers real estate

866.) The life of Macy McRae

867.) The Life of Windell Daniels

868.) Wilma’s Birthday Party at UNCW

869.) Louise’s Birthday at the Hampton Inn

870.) The men’s breakfast

871.) Chris’ restaurant

872.) Angie’s catering

873.) Elizabeth Redenbaugh receiving the John Kennedy Award

874.) WECT playing the ceremony on TV and all who sponsored it!

875.) Wilmington in Black and White

876.) YWCA women of Achievement

877.) Domestic Violence Shelter

878.) The Domestic Violence Shelter Fashion Show

879.) The Domestic Violence Shelter Father’s of Hope Ad in the Starnews each year

880.) Vintage Values resale shops

881.) Wilmington Chief of Police and the WPD

882.) The Campaign committee for the re-election of Bill Saffo as our Mayor

883.) The service of Bill Saffo

884.) The day on the bus with the campaign committee! 

885.) The service of Laura Padgett

886.) The re-election of Laura Padgett

887.) The service of Earl Sheridan

888.) The service of Margaret Haynes

889.) The re-election of Margaret Haynes

890.) The Service of Susi Hamilton

891.) All Wilmington City Employees

892.) The Wilmington Manager’s officer

893.) All in Wilmington Parks and recreation

894.) Wilmington Council and Mayor’s office

895.) The annual holiday parade downtown

896.) The tree on market street by the federal building at Christmas

897.) Historic Wilmington Candlelight tours

898.) The WFD

899.) The Wrightsville Beach FD

900.) The quick action this year in our neighborhood of the WFD that stopped a fire that took three homes and the action of both the officer of WPD and WFD.

901.) The life of the animals lost in that fire and the love they gave those individuals.

902.) The service of Jonathan Barfield

903.) The service of Jason Thompson

904.) The service of Ted Davis

905.) The service of Rick Catlin

906.) The NHC Manger’s office

907.) The NHC parks department

908.) The senior center

909.) Living outloud magazine

910.) The NHC Citizen’s academy and an incredible experience

911.) Social Services of New Hanover County

912.) The food nutrition program in New Hanover County

913.) The NHC finance department and all they do to make our money go far!

914.) Election results coming back at the government center

915.) The government center itself and easy access for all

916.) The 911 center

917.) The employees at the 911 center

918.) The staff at NHRMC

919.) The NIC unit at NHRMC

920.) The Willie Stargell Dialysis center at NHRMC

921.) The amazing staff at the dialysis center

922.) The chapel in NHRMC

923.) The stained glass window in NHRMC

924.) The Zimmer Cancer Center

925.) Champion Davis Center

926.) The Champion Davis being a non profit and serving so many

927.) The Champion Davis rehab area

928.) The voice of Julie Rehder

929.) Hospice of Lower Cape Fear

930.) The labyrinth at Hospice of Lower Cape Fear

931.) The “have the converstation” campaign

932.) The “orange you glad you came” fundraiser for hospice

933.) Jess James events in Wilmington

934.) Outdoor adventure programs at UNCW

935.) Challenge course

936.) Municipal Golf Course

937.) Junior Golf Academy

938.) Cape Fear National Golf Course

939.) River Landing Golf Course

940.) The Chamber Golf Tournament

941.) The CFCC Golf Tournament

942.) The Tin Cup Golf Tournament

943.) The Junior Golf Academy Golf Tournament

944.) “For Colored Girls” being performed at UNCW

945.) Lumina Theater

946.) Mayfaire theaters

947.) Mitchell Gold coming to Wilmington

948.) Carolina Canines

949.) The NHC Animal Control office

950.) The ministry of Catherine Powell

951.) The Ministry of Rev. Baumann

952.) The ministry of Ernie Thompson

953.) The ministry of John McLaughlin

954.) The ministry of Cheryl Walker

955.) The Ministry of Kevin Hay

956.) The Ministry of Rabbi Waxman

957.) The ministry of Sister Issac

958.) The ministry of Sister rose

959.) The ministry of Father Bob

960.) The ministry of Rev. Elliot

961.) The ministry of PD Midgett

962.) The ministry of Andy Anderson

963.) All the ministries in the area that understand that service to and for the “least among us” is what we are called to do”

964.) St. Jude’s

965.) Unitarian Universalists

966.) Pearsall Presbyterian

967.) Winter Park Presbyterian

968.) 1st Presbyterian

969.) the stained glass in 1st pres! Unreal!

970.) The temple on Market

971.) The basement in the temple with the Judaica

972.) the transitional housing 1st. Presbyterian makes avaible to WIHN

973.) The mission mortgage at St. Mark

974.) The Mission mortgage from PC3

975.) St. James

976.) St. John’s

977.) St. Pauls

978.) Grace United Methodist

979.) Wrightsville United Methodists

980.) Wrightsboro United Methodists

981.) Macedonia

982.) St. Luke’s

983.) Unity

984.) 1st Baptist

985.) St. Nicolas Greek Orthodox Church on Market

986.) The amazing icons in the Greek Orthodox Church

987.) The Greek Festival

988.) The food at the greek festival

989.) The music at the greek festival

990.) Good Shepherd Ministries

991.) Good Shepherd Shelter

992.) The staff and volunteers at Good Shepherd

993.) Frans Fans

994.) Annual Coat Drive

995.) First Fruit Ministries

996.) QENO

997.) QENO programs to help and educate non-profits

998.) The New OutWilmington

999.) Wilmington Pride

1000.) The New OutWilmington Winter Ball at CAM

1001.) The New OutWilmington Website

1002.) Wilmington Pride newsletter

1003.) Community action when student attacked

1004.) LGBTQIA resource center

1005.) Having Reverend Jimmy Creech come to speak

1006.) All the programs from the center

1007.) The annual awards from the center

1008.) The leadership of the center!

1009.) PortCity takeover

1010.) Elizabeth Darrow exhibition at the Property Shop

1011.) The Property Shop! 

1012.) Pine Valley Market

1013.) Pine Valley Market getting all those “best of” awards from encore

1014.) Pine Valley Market catering!

1015.) Pine Valley market burgers (best EVER!)

1016.) Pine valley market veggie sandwiches for my step dad!

1017.) Pine Valley market chocolate dessert for Moma Weller!

1018.) Pita Delite

1019.) Pita Delite Heart Day for the Cape Fear Heart Walk!

1020.) Pam’s Salad! 

1021.) Port City Java on Racine being open!

1022.) Starbucks on College Road

1023.) The Men’s club in the morning at the starbuck’s on College road

1024.) The staff at the starbuck’s on College road

1025.) Shops on Racine

1026.) Fat Tony’s on Racine

1027.) Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt

1028.) Fuzzy Peach being owned by UNCW grads! 

1029.) Sugar free cheese cake yogurt with blueberries and strawberries at Fuzzy Peach

1030.) Turkey sausage!

1031.) Candadian bacon

1032.) Spinach and lots of it!

1033.) Bananas

1034.) Apples

1035.) Salad

1036.) Not eating pasta

1037.) Not eating junk food (still!)

1038.) Mixed Greens

1039.) Collards

1040.) White corn

1041.) Sugar free can fruit!

1042.) Sugar Free fruit cocktail

1043.) Whole wheat bread

1044.) Costco for healthier items

1045.) Pure protein Protein bars with very little sugar

1046.) Harris Teeter Pharmacy

1047.) Brita water filter

1048.) Emergen-c

1049.) Sugar free breyers ice cream

1050.) Sugar free Eskimo pies

1051.) Sugar free fruit pops!

1052.) Fat free sliced sharp cheddar cheese

1053.) Fat free creamer

1054.) Pita chips

1055.) Werther’s sugar free caramels

1056.) My Ipod

1057.) My Iphone

1058.) The music that I have downloaded to run to!

1059.) The Carousel Center show and our troupe! 

1060.) The Carousel Center

1061.) Hibachi Bistro on South College Road

1062.) Nikki’s on racine

1063.) Surf’s restaurant

1064.) Surf’s Heart Day for the Cape Fear Heart Walk

1065.) Zoe’s Kitchen

1066.) Zoe’s Heart Day for the Cape Fear Heart Walk

1067.) Rubbing the ears of our little girl cat

1068.) Seeing our boy cat flip out over cat nip

1069.) Having Circe (little girl), paw at my face to get my attention

1070.) Being 5 minutes from the beach by car

1071.) Running to the beach for the first time this year

1072.) Running to the beach and back this year!

1073.) Running the loop twice! : )

1074.) Learning some yoga from my oldest friend, Karl

1075.) The gift of yoga from Karl

1076.) Taking 18 full minutes off the time of my first 5k

1077.) Continuing, a day at a time, to live a healthier life

1078.) Not going to drive throughs (at all!)

1079.) Not smoking (15 years and counting)

1080.) The humor of Celia Rivenbark

1081.) Celia’s book launch for “for a fat girl…”

1082.) Celia’s column

1083.) Celia baking a cake for the WIHN Gala..making us 1500$! Best damn Duplin county cake maker EVER!

1084.) The yoga farting story

1085.) Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry

1086.) The Leadership of WARM

1087.) The first WARM Gala

1088.) Celia at the WARM Gala

1089.) The healing and continued clear healing for Rhonda S

1090.) The healing and continued clear healing for Mary B.

1091.) The healing and continued clear healing for Scott W

1092.) Moma W.’s Healing and continued good health

1093.) Pink Pack program from WECT

1094.) The Pink Ribbon Program

1095.) The Buddy Check with Frances

1096.) Run for the Ta Tas

1097.) The best damn 13 years I could have prayed for at UNCW

1098.) The Project BGLAD work that is now the Safe Zone

1099.) The Upperman Center that is now shared with multicultural, Centro Hispano, Women’s Resource, LGBTQIA, and housed with a VC Provost of Mulitcultural..reaching out, teaching and make a difference FOR All

1100.) The Honors Program that is now the Honors College

1101.) The Psychology department that will now have a building

1102.) The Psychology Department that will now have a PHD Program

1103.) The Watson School of Ed that went from King Hall to the space it is in

1104.) The Watson School which now has a PHD program

1105.) The Biology Department which now has a PHD Program in Marine Biology

1106.) The Marine Bilogy Center

1107.) The Burlivech Center for Marine Biology

1108.) The Student union that is now the Fisher Center and the Student Union

1109.) The burney support center that is now the Burney Ballroom that houses hundreds of events each year

1110.) The Warwick center which is now remodled

1111.) Boseman Field and the boseman Field house

1112.) The baseball field house from the fishers

1113.) The OLLI building on south college roard

1114.) The CIS building

1115.) The Honors Office in Randall that was once this little space

1116.) West side hall transformed to Depolo hall

1117.) Trask being redone and all shiny now

1118.) The Nixon annex being built and the subsequent building

1119.) McNeil Hall being built

1120.) The battle that Senator Boseman and Dean Adams waged to get the funding for the School of Nursing

1121.) The Battle Danny McComas, Dean Tyndall and Dr. Luetze waged to ge the money for the Ed Building

1122.) Luetze hall being built

1123.) The legacy of Dr. James Luetze here

1124.) The campus commons making its way for all to use

1125.) The building of the parking deck

1126.) The remodel of Wagoner hall

1127.) The opening of the dub café

1128.) The installation of the seahwak at the front of campus

1129.) Watching the clock tower being installed

1130.) Watching the students, lead by then student leader shane Fernando, collect the money to create the clocktower

1131.) The claude howell in the library

1132.) The portrait of Dr. Luetze

1133.) Dawson’s Creek being filmed on Campus

1134.) Walking into shots in the library when Dawson’s creek was being filmed

1135.) The building of cornerstone hall

1136.) The building of the crossing

1137.) The remodel of kenan hall and creative writing moving in

1138.) The annex in belk being built

1139.) The long protests over the trees!

1140.) The building of the Seahawk village

1141.) The erecting and dedicating Shinn Plaza

1142.) The life and work of Dr. Gerry Shinn

1143.) The video recordings and history gathered by UNCW Archives

1144.) UNCW Archives

1145.) First town and gown that became the community council dealing with off campus issues

1146.) The chancellor’s club

1147.) The board of visitors at UNCW

1148.) The foundation board at UNCW

1149.) The Board of trustees at UNCW

1150.) Being in the chancellor’s club

1151.) The staff council being formed

1152.) The staff council becoming the staff senate

1153.) The Staff Senate scholarship

1154.) Seahawk Perch

1155.) The quilt being made (and quilted by mother) for the AIDS memorial in Fisher

1156.) The Honors Lounge being set up

1157.) The TV’s set up in the Honors Lounge and in the office

1158.) The staff senate scholarship becoming endowed

1159.) The annual poinsettia sale for the staff scholarship

1160.) The memorial benches down at honors

1161.) The vigil after 911

1162.) The vigil after Virginia teach

1163.) The bullying vigil

1164.) The memorial for the loss of the honors students

1165.) So many students doing so many good works

1166.) So many staff doing such hard work and giving so much!

1167.) So many faculty giving of themselves

1168.) All the mentors of honors projects (for free by the way!)

1169.) All the tutoring in local schools

1170.) All the engagement that I have born witness too!

1171.) The scholarship diners

1172.) The thank you note sessions and never a complaint to do so

1173.) All the letters that came each semester through student affairs-these I treasure most as they came from the students

1174.) The human relations advisory committee

1175.) The graduation committee

1176.) The chancellor’s diversity council

1177.) Southern Regional Honors Council Conference at the Hilton

1178.) CAA Conference here at UNCW

1179.) SNUCRS here at UNCW

1180.) The undergraduate research showcase

1181.) The Darwin Conference

1182.) The Honors Spring Speakers

1183.) The honors Spring Speaker reading groups

1184.) UNCW Special Collections

1185.) NHC library

1186.) NHC east branch library

1187.) NHC Library sale

1188.) The joy of Michael at the NHC sale each time! 

1189.) The ability to shed tears of job

1190.) The ability to shed tears of sorrow

1191.) The ability to feel a full range of emotions

1192.) The ability to feel

1193.) The gifts of friendship

1194.) The gifts of community

1195.) The gift gifts of the very air we breathe

1196.) God’s amazing grace, undeserved, but so so thankful!

1197.) Another year of this list!

1198.) The possibility, one day at a time, that we will get to 1300

1199.) The truth that there are more things that could be listed here each year

1200.) And lastly, knowing that if you read through this and I have missed something that you and I did together, you and I shared and it was not listed, it was not that I am not grateful for it, it is that in the abundance that WE live out, there is room for us to share with each other that joy and make that connection in person, in an email, or on facebook and share that and make more for the days to come! Here’s to making more and experiencing more in the year to come, the days to come, the moments to come to be grateful for!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 641: Greater than through love and support

Seems like my posts are becoming Sunday posts...the Sunday Evening Post by Bo...naah..don't like the ring of it. But I am sitting in Rex and looking out of the fifth floor at the amazing trees and the color from fall. It is pretty spectacular! I miss the trees so much! I had to come through town to get here today and I noticed the welcome sign for Raleigh now says the "city of oaks"(ok...this could have been this way for a long time..but i just noticed it)...I thought we were the capital city..but oh well..I do love the trees!

Anyway...things are ok. Daddy is better and actually he can go home tomorrow. He will get a hospital bed for his house now and they can give him a continuous feed for his feeding tube that will hopefully prevent dehydration and kidney issues that put him in so much pain and caused this trip this weekend. It is pretty miserable, but he has been joking today...and happy about the elections in Raleigh...so I know he is focused on stuff other than his decline. My sister who lives here is very attentive and we have been in communication a lot. It is a great comfort.

I chose not to go to my award this weekend, but I was able to do a little of the tournament. The award meant so much and from a group I revere, for work that, as Scott Whisnant put so aptly at his Albert Schweitzer ceremony, I was getting because I was "lapping up the glory, while so many others shared in the work". But what was so special is that a small group of students from UNCW where able to attend! That, in the end is the most important thing. I needed to be close by and to stay on what is my first priority: my family.

There was no irony lost on the fact that this weekend's tournament was for Kidney disease! If that kind of money had not been raised over the years, I know my Dad would not be here today. It is great work while I was a great deal more emotional at times and kept a little more to myself, it was very meaningful and i felt like I was actually making a difference in a very personal way...and I got here..and everything is ok.

I really do have to watch my exercise and diet though while all this kind of mess is happening. Stress was at a new high Friday afternoon and I was grabbing for sugar. I was able to go running on Thursday, but I was not able to Friday or Saturday. I am really hoping i can get to that tonight when I get back. I just don't feel right without it, and the eating was an issue. I was also not sharing like I normally do and a couple of things happened: one I ate more than ususal (no, not a binge, just more). and two, I found myself angry and taking out my pain on silly stuff. This "wellness" thing is more than just diet and exercise, it is prayer, calling, and FEELING. Michael was amazing with me and let me just do the best I could and I was able to reach out to Ashley, but I was trying so hard to just get through and not upset others with my own stress, I ended up causing more stress for me! So...love this hindsight thing..but at least I see it now..as this process is not over and there is a ways to go..one day at a time , and I don't have to do this to myself unless I just really really want to! ;)

Anyway...I have started my annual thanksgiving list. that will and does help a lot..."get me out of me!"

Sunday, November 06, 2011

an addendum...seeing

Sorry for the second post. I was driving to Fuquay yesterday and I was thinking how much I hate that drive on 40. It has never really been a very happy drive. Too often it has been a drive to hospital visits, funerals, appointments back to my hometown. A few times we have taken off to go back to Chapel Hill or Durham for something special or head off to catch 95 to go up to DC, but mostly 40 is not a happy stretch.

Yesterday was no exception and the further down the road the more I colored in how unattractive the drive was. No real beauty to look at. That damned Floridian who tried to run me down..."those drivers"..and then it hit me. I remembered that i was inside my own head. I was barely cognizent of the road or anything around me. Don't get me wrong, I was paying attention to my driving, but I was not SEEING anything...I was in my head..what I was "going to"..not where I was..and it was miserable, sad, and I was feeling it..living IT, instead of where I was. I remembered a story this very spiritual man once told that I heard at a little episcopal church in Lime Rock, Ct. He said that when he was unwell spiritually, the inside of his mind was a series of mirrors. Everthing reflected back inwards and all he saw was his own self, his own thoughts, his own isolaiton, his own self centerdness, whatever it was that he was thinking...projecting..that was is mind. But, as he began to grow spiritually, each one of those mirrors turned into a beautiful, clear window...and he began to see outward, the world around him, the MOMENTS that he was in...other people, other's points of view, and the only mirrors that were left were there to be used as needed for self reflection and awareness.

That visual..that image that he gave over 20 years ago was so powerful for me. Here I was, riding down 40..and I was trapped by my own mirrors. What I was "seeing" had nothing to do with the moment I was in..it was what I was projecting on my own mirrors..living inside my head.

I opened a window.

Fall had come and I saw color I had not seen. Light was hitting. The clouds broke at time.
I grabbed my camera and I took pictures as I was driving of this color, these clouds, the sun. It was all so beautiful. I was in that moment, not the one ahead and somehow 40 did not seem so bad...no, it was actually very wonderful.

I had a very emotional visit in Fuquay. It is going to be a process..but on the way out...my window as still open and I saw a barn I have seen my whole life..but I "saw" it for the first time. It was backdropped by some forebodding clouds, wrapped and being absorbed by the countryside..a by gone life giving up itself to a new day. What I had just left felt oddly similar....somehow that barn was a comfort and somehow very beautiful...no...dignified.

I am glad I was able to "see"

thanks be!

Day 634: Greater than through love and support

I wish that throughout this week I had tried to capture some of what was going on, but it was just so intense. I knew that I had been offered a new opportunity career wise over a week ago and was asked not to share it as there was another candidate who needed to be informed and they wanted to be able to send something out as well about the new hire.

It was difficult trying to serve notice at UNCW and deal with all the emotional issues that are involved with that and not be able to share it all at the same time. This has been my home for 13.33 years. I have been with my director/mentor/friend/and true inspiration for that length of time...it is no easy thing to leave. But it is, deep in my soul, what I know I need to do. I have enjoyed some of the greatest growth of my life in this job. Funny, I have become more of an adult in this job that in my whole life. The students are....they are the inspiration for a spark in me that will never go away! They are truly our hope and I have literally 1000's whom I will never forget and will ALWAYS be about the business of giving back to! There will always be a way to link what I do now to students, to resource the best for them, to make the best for all. We grow as communities because of the way we educate our youth and help them move to adulthood. That will ALWAYS be a thread in everything I do.

Then on Monday, I was finally able to share the news and what followed was without a doubt one of the most humbling experiences I could have ever had: one after another, the good wishes, the love, the support just flowed. It was amazing...and I mean from EVERYWHERE. I found my self just filled up, overflowing and...well..grateful. Not one person gave me pause. Not one person...not one...was not supportive in their comments. It was...well...you get it.

With all the joblessness in the world, with all the issues of folks who are far more qualified than me not finding positions, I was hesitant to share leaving one job for a new one. But this was and is about a next step more than a job. It is about, as all things are for me, a very cool coming together of some things that just were meant to. and so, I knew it was ok.

I am taking a step that I have not taken ever...and making a change in leaving the university system that I have not made in over 16 years. But what was so great, so extraordinary is that this is coming as yet another outcome, another growth of wellness. I have heard all about those folks who write books on the power of attraction and positive thinking etc. I am sure they are great. What I know to be true just in my own experience is that over these years of recognizing negative thinking and working towards changing the way I think, relying on a power much greater than myself, living one day at a time, understanding more and more the empowerment of powerlessness, and the power of "showing up", I have been a part of some things that I dreamed of and am now doing.

I have no idea what the outcome is going to be and there are HUGE challenges ahead, but there is this a sense of wonder, a sense of excitment, and there is this Challenge..and in all of it, there is something that feeds my soul and makes me feel like I am a part of creating change that makes a difference. Oh GOD! it is so good and I am baffled, bedazzled, and bewildered sometimes as to the wonder of the gift of it all...I just have to "one day at a time" earn these gifts" and make sure to stay grounded and moving in a direciton that stays true. To have the kind of support and love and that feeling of love that was and is overwhelming this week gives me every indication that that is exactly what is going to transpire!

Anyway, there is so much more going on and so much more to write, but I am going to leave now and get off to the beach for a meeting! Sunday Fellowship!
Below is an article I was sent on Fall Foods that I really liked and wanted to share!
Thanks be!

As the foliage starts to turn colors here in North Carolina, we may notice a change in the foods our bodies crave. The desire for an ice popsicle just might be replaced by a yearning for a warm bowl of soup. In Chinese medicine consuming foods that correspond to each season is a way to create harmony and balance in the body. Fruits and vegetables contain the most concentrated nutrients and flavor when they are consumed in season. Autumn is the perfect time to try new produce that is packed with delicious phytochemicals to keep your taste buds and health in shape throughout the entire season!

Whether you enjoy apple picking or perusing through a pumpkin patch, you will fall into health with these tasty picks!

An Apple a Day Keeps the Weight Away

These shiny gems are not just for your teacher anymore! A recent USDA-funded study assigned 160 women from ages 45 to 60 to eat dried apples daily for one year. The results demonstrated a 23% drop in LDL cholesterol and lower levels of C-reactive protein and lipid hydroperoxide. The women dropped an average of three pounds, despite consuming the extra calories from the dried apples. This miracle fruit may be enjoyed raw, dried, or baked, but limit the apple pies if you want the full benefits.

Tasty Tip: Chop a crispy apple into your hot oatmeal and sprinkle with walnuts and your favorite spices for a boost of fiber and heart-healthy omega three fatty acids.

Brussels Sprouts Defend from Cancer and Disease

You may want to rethink feeding Fido your Brussels sprouts under the table! Countless studies link Brussels sprouts to cancer prevention and protection from disease. Chock full of vitamin A, C, E, and powerful antioxidants, it is time to invite these mini cabbages back to your dinner table. Their cardio protective and anti-inflammatory benefits make them a perfect fall side dish. You may also want to try a variety of cabbages for their digestive health benefits. Studies demonstrate that cabbage contains a multitude of nutrients that benefit our stomach and intestinal linings.

Delicious Dish: For a colorful meal, shred red and green cabbage together. Then add some sesame oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices. Enjoy with baked fish for a wholesome meal packed with phytonutrients and flavor!

Root Your Way to Health

If you love to chomp on bright orange carrot sticks or savor the terrific taste of turnips, you will be happy to take advantage of the root vegetables that are staples of the fall season. Tasty tubers like sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, and taro pack a punch of potassium, fiber, beta-carotene, iron, and folic acid, supporting a healthy immune system. Baking, roasting, or adding these delicious roots to stews is a great way to enjoy these nutrient powerhouses. Make a mélange of roasted beets, turnips, rutabaga, and parsnips for a low-fat side dish that will keep your belly—and taste buds—satisfied.

Chew on This: Beets contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to betalains, the pigment that gives them their deep red hue. Grate raw beets into your favorite salad or steam and serve them with lemon juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a tasty side dish.

The Perfect Pear for an Antioxidant Boost

In season through October, this juicy and sweet fruit comes in a variety of colors and textures. This fragrant fruit is a member of the rose family and is a great source of copper and vitamin C, which can help protect our bodies from free radical damage. To enjoy the full antioxidant benefits of pears, it is best to eat them ripe. How to tell if it is ripe? Check the neck! Gently press your thumb against the neck. If it yields to slight pressure, it should be ready to eat. Pears are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to promote colon and cardiovascular health.

Mouthwatering Meal: Add a chopped pear to a warm bowl of quinoa, sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds, and drizzle with honey.

Yours in good health,
Robert Kienitz, D.Ac.
Atlantic Acupuncture and Island Wellness Clinics
www.acupuncture-wilmington.com
910-620-3798

Friday, October 28, 2011

Day 625: Greater than through love and support

I had lunch with myself yesterday. No, this is not some, "get in touch with myself and feel good about taking myself out to lunch thing"..it was a lunch with a friend. Someone in need. But as this person shared what was going on, the feelings, experiences, and more importantly, the behaviors, I sat there and saw myself. Not a year and 8 months ago. But today.

Alot has changed for me. Exercise is now a part of my life, something I crave and look forward to. I eat healthier things and I have not had fast food in almost two years. But there is a lot of the person who started this journey who is still there..and I am not talking about all the good in me. I am grateful for whatever that is. I am talking about the food addict. The person that still struggles with snacking and filling myself, time, and emotions with food. The person that does not have that chemical shut down after I eat to just "stop". That person is still me.

I don't talk about that part as much and yesterday as I sat across the table listenting to someone, so courageous, so honest and sincere, sharing the need to make a change, I was able to touch that part of myself as well. What is so wonderful about the journey that I am on, the hindsight I have and the moment I am in, the days I am living, is that I could share, after I heard him, that while that addiction is there, while I still face issues, I have been learning ways to deal with these behaviors. Food is different than other forms of addictions in that you cannot give up food. You have to eat. But, like with addictions to other substances, the obsession can be "lifted" and there can be some peace attained, there can be some things done to live life that make it more managemeable.

I have become more and more aware as I have become more honest, and I have become WILLING to do something about it..most days. :) I have written about that. I know that it takes that willingness. It takes wanting to be healthier. To have wellness as my goal and aim. It does NOT take wanting to look like a model, wanting to be a muscle bound stud..or something unrealistic and superficial. It takes wanting to feel and be better.

I was able to share back that by taking steps to build a community of support (and btw: it does not take what I have done..it could just be one other person), by getting the right professional advise (Heidi, Adam, and my doctors at Wrigthsville Family Practice), by taking it ONE DAY AT A TIME, by learning about trigger foods AND events and people/situations, and by being willing see myself as worthy of change, as worth being healthy, as worth being important, in fact the first priority so that I can do the things I really want to do or in my case believe I am to do, well...my life has been transformed. I also have allowed myself TIME to let this unfold and to continue to let it unfold. It is ever evolving and it is NOT over. It did not happen in a vacuum and it is not happening overnight.

What a wonderful opportunity to share that not only with this person, but back to myself. To be reminded by sharing with another that there not only is hope, but there is and will be real and effective change if this path is followed. It may happen slowly or quickly for some..but it will happen. What is so powerful is that the change is within us. It is in our power.

Each day is a gift. I am grateful to pay this forward..and to keep on moving forward! thanks be!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Day 623: Greater than through love and support

In the course of this life change I have had occassion to be down a couple of times and not able to exercise..but it has been quite a while and in particular it has not happened since running has become an almost daily part of my life.

this past Friday we had an amazing work out and I left knowing i had really done something..but there was no time to rest...I left and worked all day and then had something after work, that next morning and then had recruitment day at UNCW...and then a couple of things after that...by the time I got to Sunday, I felt like crap and just stayed in bed. I probably would have been better off getting up and stretching and doing somethings..but I literally stayed in bed all day and when I got up on Monday morning, my back was a tight as it has ever been in some time. I was having difficulty standing up and sitting down. The tension was scary...so, I had to cancel training and Adam was great..but was adamant about "no exercise". I was ok with that...but it went to tuesday and again this morning.
The good news is that as the day has moved on today, I have felt it loosening up some and I actually walked across and back campus and it was great. So, tonight I just did 15 minutes on the little stepper machine and it actually felt better after and i stretched.

But here is the deal. I have learned how valuable exercising is. I have learned how learning how to exercise right is. I have learned that when I hurt myself or when i am having a hard time, to treat myself well, because I want this more than I can say and I don't want to do anything that will make it worse...so I LISTEN! LOL!..but most importantly I have learned that I also no longer fear allowing an injury or an issue like this getting me so off track that i don't return to do right by myself. Yes, I live one day at time, but there was a time that when I made a change, a break in the new habit would lead me back to the old habit quickly. That was the fear before. I thought that if I stopped for even a day exercising that I would not get back to it. No, this is part of my life and wellness now. It is absolutely necessary and it feels so good to have that as part of what makes me feel so good! Part of this is the piece that comes from within that drives me but the other is the part that comes from the accountability with keeping up with and not shying around from those who love me and being honest about where I am and what is going on with me. It is vital.

there is A LOT more going on right now that I am not able to share just yet...but through it all, I am so glad to have this wellness in my life..it makes ALL the difference..every piece of it!

thanks be!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Day 620: Greater than through love and support

Ok...It is 10:04pm and I have literally been out of this bed today a total of about an hour. I have no guilt over this. I honestly needed it today. I have enjoyed watching the Big Bang Theory, Monk, and reruns of Hot in Cleveland and then about 2 o'clock with the window open and the cool air coming in, I drifted off to sleep and slept for most of the day only to wake in the evening!

It has been a LONG time since I have given myself permission just to shut down and really and truly relax like this. It was nice! My lower back is as tight as it has been in some time. So it was also probably good to give it some time off as well. I am really having to take it easy there.

This week has been intense. I am grateful that i was able to say goodbye to someone I loved hours before her passing, be with my dad as he makes another transition in his treatment, and do some things that were pretty amazing..but all of it made for a very intense week. Having time to decompress and to just take care...well, that is essential.

night and here's to a new week! :)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day 616: Greater than through love and support

Today I had an amazing experience I had to share, particualry in light of last nights post and feeling some real sadness and loss.

Today, I was video taped for something that will air in November for a recognition I have recieved that was and is very humbling. Michael was here with me and in the course of the hour of the video taping, talking about civil rights, change, and all sorts of things that are very important to me..she stopped and asked me a very serious quesiton: what is "love" to you?

It really took me a back for a moment, but then It just came right to me:
I told her that I cannot answer that without telling a story and I have to share it here..as it was and is story that has changed my life and is so much the foundation of all things that happen for me today.

When I moved to Conneticuit, I got a job on an estate in Sharon Valley. It was in the middle of no where and the house was enormous. I literally lived in this massive place alone, and the owner of the home only came there on certain weekends from the city. My room was on the third floor, and while I could control the lights from downstairs throughout the house, I could not control them from my room, so to get upstairs, I had to shut all the lights out and climb the three sets of stairs in the pitch dark in this old house in Sharon Valley..the wind howling outside..the floors creaking...and mind you at that time..I was DEADLY scared of the dark! I was also scared to be alone..so this was a challenge every night. Until one night.
One night, I came home, and I proceeded to go upstairs. The wind blew, the stairs creaked..and I got to the top landing where my room was..and there I stood...and it hit me: I was not afraid. I was not even anxious. In the pit of my stomach was this "fullness"..that is all I can describe it as and a sense of peace was washing over me that I had not had..ever. It was the most amazing feeling and what was truly wonderful, was that I did not feel alone..at all.

Let me back up..for as long as I could remember, I felt alone. I felt a yearning in me..I felt a sense of fear and a lack of connection. I would see people that had "it"..that seemed to be so in touch with themselves and "something" and I woudl want that so badly..hell, I would want to smack them upside their heads I was so jealous! LOL!..But I just did not knwo how to get "it". I tried filling up that space with so much..religion. food, drink, people, you name it..and it never worked.

Then a friend, the same friend who just gave me the yoga practice told me that if I were to let go..be willing to let go of all my preconvieved notions of what I thought I knew..get on my knees (that was my act of humilty, I think he knew I needed to make) and just be willing to listen..and then give equal time to talking..and be willing to "see what happened", it would. And so I did. I let go of myself, I let go of not letting in somethign greater than myself. I trusted that someone else knew more than myself. I listened. and then, after doing that for a while, here I stood at the top of the stairs and I was FEELING this presence, this comfort, this serernity..this LOVE. A feeling I have not lost since that day...a feeling I get whenever I truly connect with someone or something that is truly real and worthwhile. A feeling I get when I am honest and open and WILLING to let good in..to trust and be trustworthy. that is in itelf..love. That connectedness. That sense or state of being where what I block or what I shut out and become negative with is dissolved by trust, and again, willingness..openness.

Everything good thing that has followed since has come with that feeling, that connection involved..but also with WILLINGNESS involved. I hope I am explaining that part..becuase today as they were filming me, it really hit me that that is what has really transformed me in so many ways..I have not changed me..that has been through so much power of something greater than me and through the love and connection fo those around me..but my part was praying for and becoming willing: willing to let go of bad habits..let go of negativity, look at things different, be open to new ideas and news of ways of seeing and feeling and be willing to be wrong but also being willing to see my principles, stand up for them and myself..being willing to be myself and be!

Imagine if we can reach folks and get them to be willing to feel that connection..be willing to want to love, want to get along..want to..well, you get it..but it is Willingness!

God, what a great day..a great need I had today for this to happen..to feel that feeling, to tell that story...to be reminded of that..LOVE!..and to have that LOVE so real and connected.
THanks be!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Day 615: Greater than through love and support

I want a maria calender chicken pot pie followed by a pound cake with ice cream and a 1 lb bag of m and m's, washed down with three diet cokes. Yep, that is the mood I am in..and no, this is not a menu I have not had before..many times in the past..but it has been a long time since I have really wanted it.

As I write, I am practicing HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired). I am tired...not so much angry, but sad...I am not lonely, but feeling loss and experienced today sitting with someone I love who passed within hours after I left.

I want to fill up a space that is just anxious and not well right now. I am writing this, because it is helping me "think it through"...rather than do something that would do the contrary to my better help. I have to get this off my...not chest, but self. I am saddled with..well, stuff. I can sort through it and see some of it is real and in the present, most is in the future, so does not exist..and then some is supposition about what others may or may not think or do..and frankly, I have no control. So, I have a choice here..damage myself because I am willing to sacrifice the good I do for myself..or FEEL what I am feeling in the reality of what IS happening, put aside what is in the future...and let go of that which I have no control of...simple right? LOL! :)

Well, to some degree it is. But, I need and have help..as such I am grateful for this blog. I am grateful for a dog named Louis that I am walking for a friend while she is away who just is "happy" and wants to kiss me...and reminding of just honest love. I am grateful for the down comforter..and being snuggled up and safe in my home..the sound of the game from Michael's Ipad and knowing how much I am supported. I am grateful to know that none of these things takes away the sad..but makes it ok to get through without having to do something that will harm me. I am grateful to have had time today to say goodbye..and to know that things happen the way they are supposed to. I am grateful to know such special people. And when it all comes down to it, the other things that are swirling around that I feel anxious over, well, they are pretty "high class" issues when I really look at them, because, because of the privilege of being involved, of being able to be active, I am encountering strong personalities....much like my own. So, really, having issues is just part of it..resisting to the point of causing my own self angst..well that is up to me.

So, tonight..I have had three walks with a dog named louis. A sensible dinner with Michael..that I made that did not include 48 grams of fat like Ms. Calendar's pies,...a snack that did not include cake or m & m's much less a pound of either, and while I did have a diet coke, that was the worst of it.

I still marvel that one day at a time..after all this time..I can walk through the moments that are hard and continue to do so in this way....It is remarkable...and I remain grateful for all the love and support that makes my life greater everyday!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Day 613: Greater than through love and support

I ran from the house to the beach and back today...another goal down! :) It was so wonderful in this fall Sunday! I did take a break once i got to the beach and hung out for a meeting to nurture my spirit, and then hauled tail back. It was amazing!

...I, Bo Dean, ran to the beach and back! that is something I never thought I would be saying! I certainly did not think I would be writing about it on the same evening (would have assumed I would be soaking in a tub from aches and pains after such an endeavour)...but I am awake...spending time with Michael..got some housework done today afterwards, actually saw one of my favorite artist's in the world, Elizabeth Darrow showing at the Property Shop this afternoon..and this evening stretched out a little on a new path I have been wanting to do.

I am not bragging..I have taken steps to get here. I have followed the advise I have been given and I have listened and I have shown up...it is like most things that have brought success to my life...oh..I listened..and I showed up. I listened and I showed up. Amazing how that works!

I am ready to do this for some other areas of my life..but for my physical self, I have been wanting to incorporate Yoga into my life for sometime. I just cannot make the time to go to classes and the books don't really make a lot of sense for me. I have watched on facebook the progress of a friend and mentor of mine that I have known for 23 years as he has been down in Mexico going through training to become a practitioner of Yoga. It was so exciting to see him on his journey and to literally see the light that has always been inside him become brighter as he continued to evolve in his educational and spirtual journey.

I asked him if he would help me by designing a routine that I could do each day in addition to my workouts and cardio and without hesitation he sent one to me. I am not able to do all of it yet, but what I was able to do felt so wonderful...I particularly like the rocking back and forth in between each move and pose. There was something very nurturing in it.

Part of doing this is for superficial reasons..I like what i see in those who practice yoga and I want to be as flexible as I possibly can be to continue to grow and be healthy (particularly given my age)..but I want also what I see in those that practice in deepening my connection spiritually and mentally. I need to connect more and to have that time and I know enough of myself to know that just sitting still is not as likely as moving through a routine that embraces some activity with connection. I am so grateful to Karl.

So, today, it was a good day. Time with me, my higher power, sharing both with others, my beloved, and nurturing the things that are truly the most important....a well lived day. Cannot ask for better or for more!

thanks be!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Day 607: Greater than through love and support

I have been in Disney for a few days. More on that later.
The reason I was there was because, once again, I had a special honor to be involved in the wedding of two very special people. This has become something of a regular event for me, but it is not something that has become anything I take for granted. It is, with no hyperbole at all, stunning to be invited to officiate at such an occasion.

For me, it is even more profound because I struggled for so long with relationships and particularly because for so long I was not sure that I would have a relationship, a marriage, a life like the one I have today. Part of what makes my role in all this so special for me and I hope for the couples that I have been involved with is that what I bring to to the table, other than the actual enthusiasm for long lasting joinings of hearts, minds and spirts, is some of that experience, that understanding, and so much of the mistakes, the failures, and the successes that have come along the way that help to inform my own life. No matter what, it is a priviledge.

This week, it was a couple that was genuinely good at heart. I write the script for the ceremony for each couple based on what I experience with the couple themselves. For this couple, I found a passage from the bible from Colossians that was so perfect for them. It was the perfect way to welcome the wedding day. I want to write more about that scripture in minute, but the wedding was very similar to the one that happened over Hurricane Irene. All was planned so well, but the weather was not a willing guest. Like the weekend of Irene, I watched a groom and a bride respond to the moment and find joy and love and celebration no matter what the weather. They had filled their week with laughter, friends and family. Any drama was left at the door, and now it was time to just focus on the love. They embraced each other and gave that love to those around them. So, the wedding did not take place with Cinderella's castle as the backdrop, but it was no less magical, no less wonderful. In fact, in many respects, it was even more wonderful because everyone, gathered in the "back up" place, beautifully dressed was there to see and experience a love that had been forming since these two were teens....and had lasted and transcended more than most marriages these days before their own marriage. Nothing could have been more lovely.

I got to witness again the look in their eyes. This is the third time I have seen "it". That look where you know there is LOVE, with a capital L. I got to see a deep and real sense of desire to do right for each other. I will always be there, if they need to be reminded of that look. that is a precious gift to observe...to witness, to hold for that couple. I am always at their ready to give that back to them if they need it. to be reminded.

But the scripture:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I chose this for several reasons, but mostly because I saw in this couple so much love, compassion, and true and honest love. I saw them facing a world that was not any of that in so many ways but if they chose to hold fast to one another and use this as a guide, one day at time, they could and would forge such and incredible and strong force for good in the world. I shared this and more with them.

But, I have been thinking more and more today, as I have returned home about this passage. For those who may read this who are not Christians but might read this in a more universal spiritual sense, this still reads as true. It translates easily into "Give a shoulder to each other and be supportive and live with a forgiving heart, and have above all things LOVE. To live a life of gratitude (which is an action filled life of service), a life that is about the business of PEACE, and one that is focused on aims that are higher than our own selves, our own interests, our own self fish needs."

This one passage was a recipe, a prescription spiritual life goals that are a part of what can make my own life the best it can be. And yet, when I returned home, I encountered situations where this simple means to make way for us to live is so difficult. If I go into detail about the "situations" i get into to much of my "public" life. But, I get so tired to folks who complicate the means for us to be able to aid and assist those in need. Those who seek to harm others when they themselves have their own issues. When do we become more forgiving and less finger pointing? When do we focus on what we need to do to be healthy ourselves and stop focusing on the issues of others?

The marriage this weekend was between a wonderful young couple. The scripture was about how to be healthy in that relationship. But what came back to me in a blessing beyond being the witness and being present at the event, was being reminded that this scripture is also about my relationship with the world around me. I cannot hold others accountable to it. I cannot EXPECT others to live this way. But I CAN expect myself to live this way and to work towards this end. I can take the scripture and boil it down further: Support, forgive, Love; Be Grateful, Peaceful, and Self-less. This can be a mantra into action. So that as I continue to face what comes my way, I can not only be supportive, but remember how much I am supported, I can be forgiving and perhaps I will be forgiven, I can love and truly mean it...and perhaps love will happen around me. I can live a life of gratitude and the things that happen around me will not be taken for granted, I can work towards peace in all things and be about making more peace, and work one self lessness where being self fish is not about prioritizing my health and growth.

That is a wonderful benefit of this weekend...to have a work out plan for my soul! :)
thanks be!

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Day 600: Greater than through love and support

My friend Robert Laws posted something on facebook the other day. Robert is an episcopal priest who I give a hard time to because he loves him some roman catholic saints and feasts! :) (I think it's the drama and pageantry of it all!) He is so dead on in the message of poverty and understanding human nature and our real need to source our connections for love, compassion and understanding. In short, he is someone I have connected with who "gets it".

To his post I said "somedays I think the Antichrist is not a person or being, but the creation of misinformation that feeds that part of us that is too lazy to seek truth. I have yet to find out what it is that makes us so willing to accept what we hear, particularly when it is negative. Why we don't inquire, question, want to see good and seek the best in things. We have such a privilege in being alive..having grace..and yet...."

I talk alot about the three fold person that I believe I am: physical, mental, and spiritual. Trying to find some balance and feed the best for those parts that make up all of me is my goal. So, Robert's post really got me thinking of the mental influences that can really effect my spiritual well being.

Part of this is just the news in general..from the local paper to the national level, from the headlines to the "angle" they choose to take on any particular subject, there is a constant barrage of negative. this week over 300 people showed up for an environmental review process for a concrete plant in our region. WECT reported it and they led the story with this brash man (who they did not identify and was clearly NOT an expert) saying loudly to the camera "I was in a room full of idiots". He was among the maybe 10 people in the entire room FOR the plant and instead of stating what the sound reasons where for having the plant, his character assassination of doctors, citizens, environmentalists who appeared in the room (about 300), with facts, sound reasoning, and real data in tow, where reduced on our evening news to being called "idiots". It was heartbreaking to see. But what if I was someone who did not know better. What if that was the only information that I had? What time then does it take for me to research deeper and look for more details.

This story is not an exception to the rule. The more I have gotten involved, the more I have seen how this takes place. How things get "reported". But I cannot completely blame the news for the way people perceive things and what they believe. See, we get this barrage. We get this information and what do we do? We accept it. Or, depending on the source (ie, because, supposedly, MSNBC Is controlled by liberals and fox is controlled by conservatives, we screen all information from these sources accordingly or based on our own political bent) we reject it as biased. So, once the information is in our hands, it is now up to US to do more, and I am afraid most of us don't. What I have been seeing in political campaign after political campaign, and year after year is more information and less critical inquiry. Less depth in looking at what is being presented. It is as if we are just willing to believe things based on a narrowly defined set of pre-determined perimeters and our really looking beneath the surface, looking at things and information critically is not done.

The danger of this on so many levels is what I see influencing my spiritual life and what I see eroding the spiritual life of the world around me. We are more polarized than we have ever been. We are literally fed a script and we are not thinking for ourselves and as a result we suffering. We are dividing amongst each other. We HURT each other as a result. I see the characterizations and the fear, the "us vs. them", the judgments and the quickness to come to opinions about one another.

So, like the goals I have for my health, I have goals for spiritual and mental life. One of the biggest goals is to not accept the superficial. To be critical of the news I hear and to look beyond the headline. To be a part of the solutions and INJECT positive into the discussions but also to be more thorough in my examinations before I speak and speak out. To take time to find out what is going on and not seek beyond the first level of information.

On a much more personal level, I also have to be willing to not become part of someone's else's ugliness about others. When their is criticism and negativity being shared, I have to say NO and be willing to walk away. I think this is the one that takes the most discipline and work and it requires more than just this blog post. But to be healthy, to truly love, there has to be a true sense of support for others. that support has to extend itself to not being a party to listening to the bile of others. Just because I may not trade in gossip or criticism does not mean that I am not living vicariously through another by standing by and listening to them do it. How nice that they are the negative one and I am such a saint by just "listening". Well, that negativity is as poisonous coming out of me as it is going into me.

I want to continue growing, not in blind faith of others (that is not a wise path), but in seeking out the best. That does not mean that I will not encounter negative or be around things or even behavior that is not sound, it just means that I can be about those things that make ME healthier and maybe that will extend itself.

Now, here is the part that really is the kicker. If I am positive about others. If I am clearer about the issues around me. If I am more focused and caring about my relationships, then the aggregate effect on my physical health is abundant. It all works together.

I am rambling..but it is part of my goals...and I am grateful to have the awareness.
thanks be.

1st Day of this Journey!