Give The Earth A Hand (4/2/2008)

"Give the Earth a Hand" By Autumn Shishon 2008

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What did you do for "EARTH HOUR 2008???"

Here is our story. It was more difficult than I anticipated, and I that was a true testament to how spoiled we are.

Early in March when we pledged to participate in EARTH HOUR, it felt great to make a promise to Mother Earth. I didn't hesitate to add our names to the pledge and encouraged others to participate. I figured it would be so easy to contribute and help make a big difference with a small amount of effort. I mean seriously, what is better than being part of a large movement. My little "drop in the bucket" effort would become part of a much bigger "body of water," effort and thus make the result much more evident.

Needless to say, I was proud of myself. BUT......

8:00 PM snuck up on us! As my digital, "electric" clock showed the changing of the hour, I was darting around the house turning off lights and unplugging things to cut the energy supply.

At 8:01 I tripped over a dog toy while rushing through the front room. Shortly after that, I tripped down the dark stairs to the basement.

At 8:02 I had a brief, and slightly heated discussion with my husband about the seriousness of our pledge when he complained as I switched off the satellite and TV...."Why Can't we watch TV? What are we supposed to do for the next hour!?!, " he protested. I explained that we had pledged to participate and we were going to follow through with our word. As I switched off the last of the lights in the basement, I heard my husband sigh as he followed me back up the stairs to the main floor. I rolled my eyes at his reservations and in a condescending tone added, "Good Grief...It's only 1 hour!"

At 8:03 my husband was coming back inside after reluctantly tromping out into the wind to turn off our landscaping lights.

At 8:04 we stood looking out at the houses on our street. I'm not sure what I expected....maybe black-out like conditions. But, that isn't what we saw. Suddenly, we were very aware of all the lights that were on up and down the street...Most of them, unnecessary.

At 8:05 we turned back into our now VERY dark house and realized that we needed some light to move safely - even in our own home. My husband located a flashlight relatively quickly, but not before I smacked my head on the closet door and stubbed my toe on the sofa table while trying to get the candles out. After what seemed like at least 10 minutes, I had located the stick matches and finally lit one of the candles which, surprisingly, made a huge difference in our abilities to function. A short time later, we had oriented ourselves and we each had plans for the next hour of our lives.

My husband was going to take a candle-lit bath to relax after our busy day. My plan included a my PJ's, my bed, a book, and battery powered book light.

Over the next 30 minutes, we encountered some issues in the dark as a result of forgetting our candles. A bump here and there while trying to navigate the bathroom to use the potty, a frustrating search for tissues in a dark cabinet, a treacherous trek to the kitchen to get a glass of water. These simple things were more of an adventure than anticipated.

As we settled down and our hour came to a close...as we started to countdown the last few minutes before we could flip on the TV again...in the last couple minutes of our pledge...we had a couple minutes to reflect on how spoiled we really are, and I felt something...

This time it wasn't pride. This time I felt sad...and humiliated. I was sad that it was so evident that I take granted our resources. And, it was humiliating to think that I had difficulty with such a small pledge. I hadn't been without power for a whole day, or week, or month. I hadn't been forced to restrict my water consumption. I hadn't needed to grow or hunt for my own food. I didn't have to walk everywhere I wanted to go....I simply pledged to turn off my power for 1, ONE, hour. We don't think twice about getting up and going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, because we have indoor facilities that are warm, lit, and smell good. We don't think twice about flipping on the light to run into the kitchen for a drink of water or a mid-night snack. We don't think twice about the convenience of simply flipping on the TV or radio to entertain our lazy minds.

The key is...Our consumption is MINDLESS....therein lies the catapult for our energy consumption problems. WE SIMPLY DON'T THINK!

Don't get me wrong, I believe that any and all efforts made to conserve our natural resources are worth the effort. BUT, I need to be more AWARE. I need to try harder. I need to realize how easy I have it and try to preserve what I can. My hope is that I can continue to make a difference. My hope is that with more awareness, we will all start to think about what we do have and what we waste.

Making a big difference is really pretty easy....it just requires that we:

CARE ENOUGH TO BE AWARE!

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If you want to get a head start on participating next year....you can pledge to be a part of EARTH HOUR 2009 here: http://www.earthhour.org/sign-up

Searching For The Positive - 8/15/2007)

Wow...its been a while! It light of all that has been going on - in light of all the things that could wrap me in a sense of despair...I decided to take a different path...I am attempting to see the positive!

Recently I received an email from a friend that detailed the difficulties that a family was enduring with a member who was suffering from a debilitating disease. The story pulled at your heart strings...as do many of the stories that we hear now-a-days.

The story told of a woman who lost in dementia, found peace in music and danced shamelessly to cell phones, store intercoms, etc. in whatever environment in which she might be in when she heard music. Her family, vowed to "never let her dance alone" and I found the last words of the email quite moving.

Regardless of our beliefs, whether we are religious or spiritual of self dependent...we can all know love. Love for ourselves and other and that make it statement so applicable to everyone!

"We hold faith that God loves us so, and yet still, still, life hurts.

Sometimes healing comes from accepting what is.

Hope is learning how to dance with it."

I love this sentiment and totally agree with the meaning. I think that no matter who we are....there will be issues, problems, stumbling blocks...that is just life. But, finding and hanging on to the "bliss" of life and letting the other crap go...that is the key. Your personal peace may come from music, or maybe singing, or maybe drawing, or maybe cooking, or maybe kissing....whatever it is that moves you...the key is to remember that every moment is a gift.

I believe that....I really do! It doesn't mean that some of those moments aren't difficult. Actually, most of them are, but I cling to the sense of joy that I get from even the smallest things. The beautiful trees...the warm slurp of my dog's tongue...watching my husband jump and swat at a large grasshopper...the giggling and play of the neighbor boys...the memory of a snowflake falling gently to the ground...the peace of morning just before the sun pokes through....the crackle of a camp fire...the smell of fall - crisp air, and damp leaves...I cling to these things and remember that they are gifts that even out the crappy times.

In the meantime, I send thoughts of peace to the world in general and send daily hopes and wishes that anyone feeling overwhelmed by their current situation receive the peace that they need to be ok...for just that moment.

I send this wish to all.

~A

In Loving Memory of Kozmo (4/5/2007)

IN LOVING MEMORY OF KOZMO

May 5, 1996 - March 29, 2007

I'm not really sure how to write this message and it pains my heart to even have to say the words, but Kozmo passed away on Thursday evening while we were in Puerto Villarta.

Coming home to an empty house without him standing at the top of the stairs to greet us, smiling, tail wagging, was more difficult than we can describe. Even this morning I find that I'm wondering around the house in a fog. I habitually open doors for him and keep listening for the sound of his snore from "his" couch where he took his morning nap.

His passing was a shock as he was in good health and a very happy dog until the very end. Our friend Denise was staying with him while we were away and we have many reports from friends and neighbors that he was enjoying the warmer weather and loving "his yard" as he could be found patrolling the "woofy trail" around the yard, rolling in the grass, and lounging in the sun on the deck in his last days. And he of course found time in his busy day of naps and lounging to visit with his neighbor dogs around the fence.

He had a tumor rupture on his spleen and so the options available to us were limited and and the probability of recovery slim, not to mention he was in pain, and despite wanting to be with him, we could not tolerate him suffering as so made the difficult decision to put him to sleep. As difficult as it is for us to have not been the last touches he felt or the last faces that he saw, we are so thankful that Denise was here with him and that he was in his home.

He was a GREAT "woof." One in a million! Some of you have known him as long as you have known us. If you knew him at all you who knew how special he was. He has been with Doug and me since the very beginning and was more than just a pet to us. He was a family member - our baby! We've always said that he picked us and we are so glad that he did! He was my constant companion while I was sick, and always up for a walk or a good nap. He traveled with us, slept with us and even wore my wedding ring around his collar the day Doug asked me to marry "them."

We are lost without him and so very sad, but we have so many amazing memories! Here's to our "MO"! You will always be loved and missed.

Please visit the memorial that we have made for Kozmo at http://www.critters.com/main.php?action=view&mem_id=1539

Making A Difference (12/30/2006)

Making a difference...

Can one person make a difference in this world? YES! We all have the power to make changes and make this world a better place.

YES...it can seem overwhelming at times. In the grand scheme of things, our input may seem of little consequence....but we can make a difference.

Here is an example of how easy it is to make a difference:

Did you know by simply replacing 17 light bulbs in your home with energy efficient bulbs, your energy conservation is equivalent to taking ONE WHOLE AUTO OFF THE ROAD FOR A YEAR! - and an added bonus is those energy efficient bulbs are standardly guaranteed to last for 5 + years and will be replaced at no cost to you if they don't. SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY, HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT. That's what I call a "WIN - WIN - WIN!

Small things do make a difference.

So...Now I'm going to ask for your help in changing something that means a lot to me personally.

As a CUSHING'S DISEASE survivor, I am passionate about creating awareness in the general public and the medical arena about this rare disease and hopefully preventing someone else from extensive suffering.

YOU CAN HELP TOO! HOW?

Please take a moment to read and sign this petition to raise awareness for CUSHING'S DISEASE:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/CushingsDiseaseAwareness

Your support and understanding have been a priceless blessing to us as we have battled and continue to deal with the effects of CUSHING'S DISEASE and the effects on our lives.

I hope that you remember that whatever you passions are, you can make a difference! Find a what to reach out and help! The rewards are amazing!

Health and Happiness to you all!

Type A? Type B? (12/19/2006)

I always thought I was an "A" Type personality...


Who of us hasn't taken a personality test? Whether just for fun, or for a company we worked for...we have all had many occasions to take such tests. BUT I recently had a personality test done again....and I was shocked to see that it said that I was a "B+" type. Here is what it said:


You Have a Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow.

You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer.

A total joy to be around, people crave your stability.

While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity.

Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done.

You're passionate - just selective about your passions.


SO....Why the change I wonder? Well, I think that the process of reevaluating your life while facing your mortality makes you stop and think. It makes you contemplate the value of life and the quality as well. Soon to follow is the determination of where you are in your life and then you may start to make efforts to change and redefine your priorities. I feel pretty stable in my life – always have. I've always believed in standing up for myself, my dreams and my desires. I was raised to believe that it was "my life" and that I had the ability and right to make the choices that would change or enhance my life. I know that this statement in itself sounds a bit self-centered. BUT - somehow, my parents were able to instill in me the quality of empathy.

You know that “little voice”…That little voice that tells me that it isn't ok to ignore or interrupt someone when they are speaking. That little voice that tells me to be genuinely concerned about what my friends are going thru and what they are living and saying. That little voice that tells me to remember that small things in the lives of people that I care about. That little voice that says to apologize when I hurt someone's feelings...even if it isn't solely my fault. That little voice that says to buy someone a gift without reason, just because it makes me think of them. That little voice that says to extend kindness to those who aren't kind to me. That little voice that says to give to those who have less than me. That little voice that says to always remember who I am, who I represent and the consequences of my actions. (XO-D)

Where did that little voice come from? I think that we all have a little voice from the moment we enter this world. The trick is to have it trained and nurtured. My parents nurtured my conscience as a child and helped train the voice that guided my actions. My parents taught me to believe in myself and to stand up for what I believed in regardless of any opposition. My parents actually "PARENTED" me in the beginning of my life. They nurtured my soul. They shaped my "being."

I am forever in awe of them. AND, when finally I look at my personality "type," I can always read what a random test might say, but what I have to know is that I am ok with who I am and that I have faith in the kind of persons that my parents are and the kind of person that they raised.

I'm not saying that I have a grip on life, or that I have any of the answers in the big scheme of things. What I am saying is that I will enjoy each moment as a gift and treasure the journey and the small things, knowing that I have chosen my path based on strong intuitions and some solid thought process. I have concluded that it is the small things and the small moments that really stick with you and make the solid basis of a stable life.

Keeping this in mind, I think that it is vital to our existence to be willing to get to know others. If we care, we have a responsibility to make an attempt to honestly understand where someone is “coming from” in their thoughts and ideas. People are different – That is what makes the world go around – But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t know why someone does something or why they feel the way they do. We should never assume that we know what someone is about. Most likely we have no clue. We should ask and most importantly, LISTEN to what they say. We don’t have to agree. But we do have to respect what they think and what they feel. Honestly, we don’t even have to understand….BUT, we still have to respect a person’s thoughts and ideas. And if we care about them, we will take the time to know.

So…who in your life cares about you? Who in your life knows you? Who in your life is too self-absorbed to take the time…those questions are probably easy for all of us to ask and answer. BUT…more importantly, Do I care about those in my life? Do I know them? Am I too self-absorbed to take the time?

In a season that is supposed to be based on giving, peace, love and joy…We would all do well to ask ourselves this question:

What have I done to promote love, joy, peace, and giving?

Change begins with the smallest of actions, not just intentions.

I hope you are all able to find a way to show those in your lives that you care about that you do in fact CARE about them and wish them LOVE, JOY, and PEACE.

My Soul Test (12/19/2006)

My "Soul" Test... (12/19/2006)

These are the results from a test that I took to help define the type of soul I have. I laugh because I think that it is kinda funny to try and define a persons soul, their most inner being, the essence of who they are, the purest form of themselves. BUT....it was fun and I think that the results are at least true in that I aspire to be like this. Happy day to everyone!

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone.

Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people.

Sometimes this faith can lead to disappointment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way.

You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings.

A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning.

You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer.

Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

Sharing a Smile (12/12/2006)

Sharing a smile........................................



Today, I passed a "smile" on to a random stranger. This is so much fun! Try it you may find that it makes you smile as well.

While waiting in line at a drive-thru window for a warm cup of energy, it occurred to me that it would be fun to pay for the person behind me too. So, after paying for my own order, I told the guy at the window that I wanted to pay for the guy behind me. He looked at me for a moment and then smiled. When he handed the receipt to me he asked what to tell them if they asked why. I simply said, "Tell them that I was sharing a smile...PASS IT ON!"

I've done this before. My friend Denise and I used to do it in Denver at the Taco Bell all the time. Since then, I've done it a few times myself and have found that it makes me feel GREAT!

You never know who that gesture of kindness may affect. It might not be the person receiving the free item. It might be the person at the window taking the order, or someone over hearing inside, or maybe even someone that they tell. It doesn't matter if it doesn't effect anyone but me....the point is, it is a positive thing that brings good energy into the world and that can never be a bad thing!

Like my dad used to say, "Try it! You might like it!"

Because My Friends and Family Mean So Much To Me... (10/16/2006)

Because my friends and family mean so much to me....

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday, as I tried to get in touch with a dear friend of mine who is vacationing in Hawaii, to make sure that her, her husband and 3 year old were ok after the earthquake, the reality of how fragile life is settled in on me.

At the same time, I thought of my best friend who is, after almost 3 weeks, still standing strong while watching her mother's health slips in and out of ICU, still not knowing what they may be up against.

I thought of Doug's father who has been putting up a fierce fight against leukemia for quite a few months; I thought of my great-grandmother who is as strong as a rock but fighting her body and it's breakdown; I thought of Grandma Katherine and Grandma Fran who keep smiling and keep active despite the aches and pains that continue to mount a war against them; I thought of my mom and the amazing strength that she displays each day; I thought of my brother and his amazing heart and the brave face that he puts on each day; I thought of my friend and neighbor who is sick; I thought of a friend who just put her cat to sleep;  I thought of a friend who is taking charge, making a leap of faith for her children and being a GREAT single mom!

I kept thinking of all those in my life that bravely face each day despite different battles....Whether it be a quest to find time and self in a busy mommy life, or the friend who worries about a husband being shipped overseas. There are so many precious people in my life, and despite the journey that each of you may individually be on, despite the places that you may find yourself in that journey, I just wanted you to know that I love you all and am thankful for the role that you play in my life.

We all evaluate where we are and where we want to be. We all make choices to ensure our own happiness. Sometimes it means that those we care about are further away than we would be ideal. That is life, and as I continue to learn amazing things from my mom, I'm discovering that distance and the menial trials of life don't change the bonds of family or friends. This isn't a forwarded message, or a quick click of my entire email address book. I chose to contact all of you to share a special wish for you - Know that I am thankful that you are in my life. I wish you nothing less than everything you want and all the happiness that you can imagine!

Life is too short to have regrets! Friends and family like you are a treasure!

XOXOXO
Autumn