Those Texans

One of the best things about living in Houston is the annual rodeo, and the rodeo cookoff. Everyone is familiar with the rodeo, but the cookoff is a another thing completely. All I can say is, if you love Bar B que, it is the place to be!

Rodeo cookoff is comprised of over 250 teams that come together is the spirit of good food to complete for the prize of best bar B que in Texas. Being on a cook team is an honor, there is a waiting list for teams to join. The teams pull out all the stops, bringing in tons of meat, drinks and fun. Huge tents are set up that have full bars, air conditioning (a must even in February/march). And most of the tests bring in bands to play to entertain the crowd. While many bands are local, still more are brought in from all over the country. They range from well known and like locals, to up and coming artists, to even a few headliners.

Outside the line of tents and cook teams, the heavy smell of delicious bar b que is in the air. And as it gets later in the day, more people show up until it’s shoulder to shoulder. Just outside of the tent area is a full carnival, larger than most fairs that make tours around the country.

Getting into a private tent is also an honor, and if you aren’t part of a team, you have to know someone. Fortunately my fiancé did and we were allowed in. The atmosphere was festive and everyone was having a good time. A band was playing and after having a quick drink, it was time to quench my curiosity and taste the Bar B Que. It was fall off the bone tender and so delicious I had to try not to make a big mess of myself. Our group was laughing, talking, eating, and most importantly having a great time.

After a few hours of eating, drinking and listening to the bands, y man and I set out to walk around the tents and eventually the carnival. As a rodeo newbie, this was such a fun experience, from all the wonderful smells, to the delicious food, to the people watching to the fact that all proceeds to go charity.

Life is short. Eat good food, make good friends, and enjoy life. And especially get out and enjoy what life has to offer in your own city. While I love to travel, there is a wonderful quality to knowing what your community has to offer.

Jazz it Up

When you adopt a pet, it is a promise to keep them safe, healthy, happy and make sure they are loved. And also a promise to never let them suffer if they are sick. In return we are given pure, unconditional love and joy.

Yesterday I had to let go of Jazz who had lymphoma. He was a love-bug and always wanting to snuggle. He would raise his arms to be picked up, insist on snuggling at night, often sleeping on my head or right under my arm, and was always purring. I was honored to be his human for 10 years. I will miss him.

As the crazy cat lady, here are a bumch of pictures of my wonderful cat that I loved dearly.

Snippets

One of the best things about being in a new neighborhood is meeting all the new neighbors. And it seems that every time My Love or I go out front, we are meeting more people and it’s wonderful.

Tonight we went to check our mail a d walk around when we saw a group of neighbors and their children out in a front yard, so we headed that way, drinks in hand.

4 couples, 6 kids, and lots of conversation. Names, who lives in which house, whose kids are whose, and such. There was talk of the neighborhood dinner club, the ladies group and the neighborhood Maudi Gras parade, where everyone decorates their golf carts, or even pull wagons if kids want to join, and throw out beads and candy. We will be spectators this year, maybe participants next year.

And Hurricane Harvey came up, as most people lived here during and tald me what it was like. This area flooded, not because of the storm, but because the corps of Engineers let the water out and I tentionally flooded this area. At 2am. When everyone was asleep in their beds. They talked about how horrible it was because the Corps didn’t warn them, or give them any time to get out, grab their possessions, pets or move their cars. Most had to be rescued out of Herr. And in the aftermath, all of them became close.

I cannot even imagine the terror they felt when those waters suddenly rushed from the release of the damn. There are still lawsuits being filed over it. It made me grateful for all I have now, and for these new neighbors as well.

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There is nothing like physical therapy to show you how out of shape you have become in the wake of Covid. Indeed my PT guys have made me aware of how weak I am and how much weaker one leg is after an injury. I think back to the days I used to workout – running, boxing, and sit ups were my main activities. More recently my activities have been going up the stirs in the ongoing commute fro. The bedroom to the office. And physical therapy.

gout that is changing. My Love and I got up at 5am (cooooooooffeeeeeeee) to work out upstairs in the area I refer to as “Our Gym,” that consists of my yoga mat, weights, workout bands, Piyo instructions and a rowing machine. Amd we workout for at least an hour. And it’s wonderful. Except in is early and I am not a morning person.

And then I think back to the quotes and images that remind me that you must step out of your comfort zone in order to accomplish anything great. Because growth is uncomfortable and change is unfamiliar.

And I smile as I drink my coffee, and start again on those 50 sit ups.

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I was excited qhen we first had our cameras installed for the security system. It’s a great system amd now we can see everything around our property. And I discovered something quite wonderful the first time watching…all the little visitors throughout the day and night. Especially at night.

From qhat I can tell, there are 3 raccoons that stop by nightly for drinks and eats – PegLeg, whose back leg has been injured so he clumsily hobbies around, Gimpy who had an injured front hand or paw, send Blondir, who hands out with the others. There are also two cats, but I haven’t names them yet.

Every morning I view the camera feed to see qhat they were all up to the night before. And when it’s cold I do leave food out. None of them even remotely look starving, but I do this anyway. Just one of many things I enjoy in these woods, in this area.

I blessed and ridicouslt happy.

H

My Birthday Month

It’s that time of year again, where I celebrate all month because it’s my birthday month. It’s the best month of the year, because I get to celebrate myself, in a complete way. Any way I want actually.

And as I look back on the past year of my life, I realize just how rich it has been. There has been more love, more laughter, more friends, more wonderful than there has been in decades.

And so I celebrate me. And wish myself the happiest of birthdays, because the next year, is going to be even better. 🙂

Life is short. So pop the cork and celebrate it.

No make up, no filters, no fillers, no surgeries. ❤

Shimmer and Shine

It is amazing what being treated well in a relationship will do to you and for you. It affects every part of your life, how you are treated in that respect, which is hard for an independent woman like me to admit.

And it’s not about being in love either, even blissfully, wonderfully, ridiculously in love. It’s aboit being treated well in your home, by the person. You love, the person you trust, the person who is your protector. It’s about your hone being a peaceful and safe place. It’s about your heart being safely looked after. It’s about kindness and Grace.

It’s about what happens when you can Finally let your guard down, and still beloved, still be safe and still be at Peace.

And it is truly magnificent.

When you are a woman who has been on her own for a long time, it’s easy to get used to having to be tough. And indeed, my friends and I have been on our own for a long ti.e, depending on no one but ourselves. That can be a lonely place though, and you forget the comfort of a caring partner. You almost don’t know what to do when you get one.

Indeed, after dating assholes and kissing frogs, after having to be tough through my parents death, dealing with the estate and the messy drama of an imploding family; after running my own business for years; with all of the negotiating, promoting, working, billing, and running; after all of it, all of the everything, I could finally be safe in my man’s arms.

And one of the most amazing things is his kind and gentle way with me. Meeting him, no one would say he is a sheep. He is a shark, shrewd in business, solid in his high standards, and sharp with his keen wit and intelligence.

And yet, he is teaching me Grace. The kind where you are nicer, more patient than someone deserves. Yes, this feisty red head is learning, slow, by example, how to be a better human. And it is because of the Grace my wonderful man gives me. It heals me, and the love he gives me fills in all the cracks in my soul, and my heart. And it has made all of the difference.

Life is short. Spend it with a partner who loves you the right way. No games, no drama, no addiction issues, no anger issues, or crazy ex wives, or dysfunctional family dynamics. Just love, acceptance, patience, Grace and more love. And you will shimmer and shine like glitter in the sunlight. And if you havent found that partner yet, don’t worry, he is out there. Be patient, he’s coming. And he is worth the wait.

Weatherford

Interesting.

Desire and Weakness

A wise friend of mine once warned me not to let my desire become my weakness. What a profound statement. But what exactly does that mean? Sometimes when we want something so badly, we have blinders on, and do not see the pitfalls or red flags associated with that which we think will give us what our heart desires most. And in that moment, our desire becomes our weakness. It becomes something others can exploit, what can be emotionally manipulated within us. Indeed, that is what leads many of us to make bed decisions.

Don’t let your desires become your biggest weakness. Don’t let what you want most, or the promise of getting what you want most, lead you into unsafe waters, where you can be manipulated and taken advantage of. In that instance, we must all guard our heart. And that goes for relationships, love, jobs, careers, friendships, anything really. How many times have we ended up in a bad job, relationship, friendship, career, because what was promised to us, what what we wanted so badly, seemed to be so close?

We must guard against that. But how? I don’t really know, but I think I have an idea, or at least what had worked for me. First we must listen to our gut instinct, Because our guts are good to us. So we need to go someplace quiet, where no one is whispering this or that in our ear, and we need to look deep inside where our guts live, and listen to that little voice. Because we already know if a decision is a good one, if we listen. And if we have the courage to follow that voice.

Second, we must be cautious and suspicious of anyone who offers us that which we desire most. Sound counterintuitive? It’s not. Because that is how we learn discernment. And discernment can save your life. Discernment gives the time, space and objectively to see if that person making promises is being truthful with no ulterior motives, or if they are acting in their own best interests because they see something in you that they can exploit. It gives times to dig deeper, and make sure we see those red flags, or even yellow ones, so we can truly make the best and healthiest decisions. decisions But it takes a mature person to understand that. And not everyone is mature.

And let’s face it, we have all made bad decisions based on our desires. We have all found ourselves in situations where we ignore the pitfalls, in hopes of those promises coming to fruition. Some of those decisions have harder consequences than others, but no doubt they could have been avoided if we had just taken some times to step back to get a better view and put our desires in the backseat instead of letting them drive. The good news is that it is never too late to learn and never too early to practice.

Life is short, too short to live with bad decisions. So listen to your gut, guard your heart against your desires and make decisions based on solid ground. By guarding against you weakness, you gained the strength and discernment to truly see a situation for what it was, and chose accordingly. Your gut already knows the answer anyway.

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“Among the sleepy pines and soft water, where the moss sways in the breeze of the thick summer air, between heartbeats and raindrops…. I’ll meet you there.” – Ada

Being back on Georgia soil for the last few days has put a huge smile on my face. It isn’t Atlanta or even my hometown, but Savannah. And it has been glorious. There is something so wonderful about this old, haunted town that is beyond familiar. This place feels more like home to me than almost any other place in the State.

Indeed, I spent many weekends, in the shade of the squares and around the area – Brunswick, Statesboro, Tybee and St Simon’s, laughing, walking and being carefree. I was in high-school and spent at least every other weekend in the area.

And this weekend, spending time with my love and his family, parents, siblings and aunts, has been a spectacular combination of the old and the new, making memories that will forever tie the days of my youth to the time of my future.

And I am acutely aware of how fortunate we all are, to be healthy, and happy and flourishing in this time. To laugh over a drink at the funky bar, or to sip local wine during a delicious dinner, witnessing the love the flows through the family that has invited me in.

Life is short. Appreciate every moment.

Fully Committed

“Work hard. Play hard. Love hard. Be soft.”

One thing that is sure in this life, you need to be fully committed to it. Whatever it is. While it may be hard to hush all of the distractions that buzz around us daily, this is the only way to be I order to live a full life, in every glorious moment. (Yes, I do realize that may not be what some readers firth thought about me and being “fully committed…)

For me, when I decided to take on a challenging new project, that meant fun com.itting to it, head down, in order to understand all the technical aspects and be able to write and speak intelligently on the topic. It has been a lot to grasp and much hard work wrapping my head around the product and project.

But it is extremely fulfilling to fully commit and whily be in those moments.

Conversely, it is equally fulfilling in my personal life, a fact that becomes more apparent as I turn off the computer and get in the Uber heading to the airport. Since I was a child I’ve always held planes as magic. Any trip that involved a plane was full of possibilities and wonder.

I have worked hard over the last few weeks, especially the last few days, getting everything ready for the trip. Not long, just 5 days of pure unplugged bliss with my man and his family. A reunion of sorts in two of my favorite cities on the planet, where two of my favorite people also happen to live.

As the plane takes off, the air is full of possibilities. Smell that? That is the scent of FUN and laughter and love, and stories, good food, great company and memories being made. It is the scent of being fully committed to this moment, it all of its magical glory.

And when I return? It will be snuggles with my fur babies and sleeping in my own bed, the most comfortable bed on the planet. And then getting up and being fully committed to working hard and doing what needs to be done.

Life is short. Time is precious. So whatever you do, be committed, be fully in it, be so immersed in the wonderful details that you make even the most ordinary moments your own special kind. Be fully committed to your life, and reap the rewards.

Home Returns

“Just because it’s familiar and comfortable doesn’t mean it’s yours.” – Ada

While this may sound like a warning not to have an affair with an ex, it is actually somethjng much more ssignificant. This is the thought that came to my mind as I looked at the Atlanta skyline. For 17 years this skyline was my home. It is most familiar to me, as the skyline of Houston is still hard for me to recognize. And yet, home is not home anymore in the ATL, because Atlanta is no longer my home. And that is more than just where I live geographically. It is a feeling that carries a specific weight with it. And it permitted every part of my trip to take care of some loose ends.

The streets were comfortable, I knew the way from the airport, from the correct traffic lanes to which shortcuts to take to avoid delays. I knew the streets and the neighborhoods. Memories where all around – there is where I met that guy on a date, this place has the best Mexican food, that is where my Dad liked to eat Rubins and there is where he lived when he died. This is the trail and park I loved to walk, here is my favorite coffee spot, that is my favorite dive bar and there is the best movie theater….

And yet, so many things had changed and it was not the same city I left a 18 months ago. Crime is up, and many places I used to fequent are no longer safe. Indeed, it felt like a bit like the twilight zone – things looked the same, but were starkly different, as if in a parallel universe.

But the visit was magnificent, and it was good to see friends most loved and missed, those that were not there for the last visit. There qas laughter and catching up, and eating at our favorite spots, and celebrations, and butter cake. And there was the wonderful reminder that

You can always go home means something different now. Because that no longer my home…the saying now means that you can make a new space your home, visit and enjoy your old space, then go home where you belong, where your heart is, and where your future lies.

Life is short. And returning to your old stomping ground may be comfortable, more often than not it is no longer home. Because it is no longer your present or your future. So enjoy the visit, and but take a moment to reflect how far yiu have come.

20 Years

This day, September 11th, will always be remembered by those who were old enough to experience it. At the risk of sounding old, the younger generation has no idea what it is like to see, either in person or on the news, an area that vast, where rescuers are still looking for remains even a year later. They have no idea what it is like to know people who were or should have been in those buildings, wondering if they were still alive that day, or if they were one of the many who jumped or were buried alive.

They have no idea the panic of calling that friend, or family member, over and over, desperately praying they answer so you know they are OK. Nor do they know the relief when that call is answered…or the devastation when it isn’t.

They have no idea what it was like to go and see Ground Zero, before it was built back up, before there were monuments and new buildings, when it was just a huge hole, larger than you could ever imagine, and know that so many people were now part of that dust.

To me this day is a somber one, but one we should never forget because there are so many lessons that were learned. It was the day our innocence was lost as a country, I think.

But for me it is also a day to be thankful. Thankful that I live in this wonderful country. No matter how many problems we seem to have, at least we are free. And I am thankful for that freedom. That were are still Americans and not subject to Sharia Law. That as a woman, I am still allowed every right I had before that date so many years ago.

I am thankful for my job and amazing career, for my friends, and that we are all OK. That we work hard and have a roof over our heads, food, running water, electricity, a comfortable bed where we sleep and do not hear the sounds of guns shots and war, as many in other countries do.

For me this is a day to be thankful and realize how lucky I am, how lucky we are, as a nation. And I thank God.

And every day, I should do my bet to be my best, because by miracle and luck, I am in this country, the greatest country in the world. And I should not take anything for granted. Life is delicate and fragile. And today is not a dress rehearsal.

Life is short. Make it good. Make it memorable. Make it worth it.

The Destination Journey

Travel these days can be a bit dicey. Airlines and short staffed, as is everyplace else, everyone is sick of wearing masks, flight crews are stretched thin, service people are working long hours, and delays are more common than flights remaining. on schedule.

So here I am at the airport bar that is beyond busy, having a glass of wine because our flight has been delayed, again. But looking around, people are happy. They are talking, laughing, and just glad to be in a bar, even if their flight is delayed 8 hours because of tornado warnings. Waiting in line to get in, I met a couple of your men, probably in their mid 20’s, who were strangers that struck up a conversation. About how long they had been waiting to get home. Before they parted, they shared another laugh and hugged each other as they went on their way.

The world, and this country is not as divided and the news would want us to believe. All one has to do is look around in an airport, full of every type of people, with every reason to be impatient.

And I needed this reminder today. After being attacked and called racist because I worry about what is happening in Afghanistan. (I don’t get political on this blog, but if you are a person of faith, please pray for the Americans trapped there, the people who live there and the interpreters and others who helped us. They are getting slaughtered).

But all I needed to restore my faith was a delayed plane in a busy airport. People of every race and every color, talking, laughing and helping each other. Two strangers of completely different backgrounds are sitting talking about their favorite TV shows and movies. Everywhere I look, people are coming together.

How much are we coming together? The two people discussing movies (and now sharing pictures of their children), one is Indian, one is Irish from New York. Across the way, a gay couple, one Mexican, one Chinese, just bumped fists with a black man who approached them after hearing them talk about some common topic. Behind me, there is a Muslim laughing with an older white couple.

Don’t believe all the hype. We are still the United States, United by our people who are the melting pot of the world.

Life is short. The Bible says love one another. It did not say anything about having to be the same race or the same faith or the same political views. It just says Love One Another. And if this busy, crowded airport, full of tirrd people just trying to get home sometime in the next 12 hours is any indication, we do.

Happy Father’s Day

Weiten this year for Father’s day, but just now getting to post it.

Hi Daddy,

It’s the 5th father’s day without you. And while each year doesn’t make it easier, time has healed me. Even with that, there is still a hole that is left in your absence, an awareness of someone I loved so deeply is not here. I think of you, and how I heard the smile in your voice when I would happily say “Happy Father’s Day Daddy, I love you!” And hear your little chuckle before you say thank you and I love you too.

It is a gift of having the blessing of a wonderful father that leaves the intense awareness of the space in the wake of your absence.  And for that I am exqusitely grateful for missing you.

You changed the world, you cared, you loved immensely and deeply and you are forever etched in the depth of my soul, because from you is where I came. Every day, as I am out I this world, I see how rare of a human being you were.

And a tear runs down my cheek as I listen to one of the last voice-mail messages you left me, saying that you are home and doing good, so not to worry. I smile and carry that message in my heart, knowing yiu are indeed home with our Father, and happily spending time with Mom as well.

And I kiss you. And I say happy Fathers Day with a smile and a melancholy joy of having known you as my father.

And Another

It is another trip, and plane ride, another session of packing and planning what to wear. It is another time to see family that has not been seen since the last one. It will be another long day of travel and wearing a mask. For another family memorial service to say goodbye.

Seems that there have been far too many of these, over the years. People you never though would be gone because they are always there, always part of the fabric that weaves through families and experiences and memories and happenings.

Yet here it is, another memorial service. Another black dress, another pair of black pumps; another day of tissues, and tears, fond memories and last stories.

Life is short. Hug those you love, hold them tight and close and long, for the are gone far too soon.

I’m Still Fabulous

Place and Time

Weote this a year ago. The plan was always to leave after 2 years…but sometimes you just need a sign.

There is a saying that God will place you exactly where you need to be. Many times in life we pray for direction, for wisdom and help in making decisions. And then we must get still and listen to the voice of God. Or sometimes the answer to our prayers will be so loud that we cannot miss them. But sometimes even then we do not listen.

What I have found is that things are more difficult, or simply don’t work out at all, when I do not listen to the answers that should be more than obvious. So I have learned the hard way to listen. When I started praying as to whether or not I should move or stay in place, I made an extra prayer to “please God, make it extremely clear, something I cannot miss because you know that I do not get hints.”

God listened and answered. Loudly. He answered in a text from my landlord stating that they would not be renewing the current rental lease. That made it pretty clear, thanks.

And so I must go. I must plan and place and pack and pray and move and leave. I must find a new place to call home. And that is the thing about life – it is always developing. Your story is always being written because your life continues to be lived. You never know what paths, twists or turns or events that might take place, so you have to enjoy every minute of where you are right now.

Keeping that in mind I look around at where I am. This place, this house, has been my safe place and my sanctuary for the last two years. When I came here I was broken, actually shattered, from such devastating loss and grief. But I have rebuilt myself, slowly filled in the cracks with tears that flowed and seasoned into steadfast love. There has been healing, building, trying, failing, hoping, praying, crying, working, resting and much, much more. It is here, inside and protected by these walls, that I have learned to breath again. I have learned to feel joy in the sunlight and felt the determination of a stubborn heart.

It is here, in this house, in this yard, with these walls, that I have build a home, and felt love, given love, built love, built a life, out of nothing at all. It has been in this location that I have been so utterly tired and exasperated and hurt and lonely, that I had no where to turn but up to God, crying so fiercely that only He could understand my whimpers.

And it is here, within these walls, inside these doors, along this staircase and hallway, that I found myself again. It is here, in this kitchen, that I found my soul again, and my joy, cooking for those friends I love. It is here that I found my smile again, hiding along the baseboards, seeking sunlight from the window. It is resting on these window panes, that I found my faith in myself again, as the tears rolled down my cheeks. And here that I danced in the rain, in the yard, letting my tears mingle with the raindrops, washing away the cold grime of grief.

It is this house, this gift from God, as he knew exactly where I needed to be two years ago, from where this Phoenix shall rise and fly again; joyful, beautiful, faithful and free. Yes, it is here where I found my happiness again. Where I found my new family, my nourishment and my strength for this next amazing chapter.

And soon it will be time for me to rise up and fly, always thankful for the blessings and safeties of here.

Life is short. Find where you are safe. Find where you are loved. It is there where you will find what you need. And always know that home is where you make it, where you build it and where you love it.

Be Kind

Being a writer, I listen to lyrics When I hear a song. So in addition to the music and the beat and the emotion behind the music, I also listen to the power of the written message. Great lyrics and music on this one. I know I have wondereed the same thing…

Wanna believe, wanna believe
That you don’t have a bad bone in your body
But the bruises on your ego make you go wild, wild, wild, yeah
Wanna believe, wanna believe
That even when you’re stone cold, you’re sorry

Tell me why you gotta be so out of your mind, yeahI know you’re chokin’ on your fears
Already told you I’m right here
I will stay by your side every night

I don’t know why you hide from the one
And close your eyes to the one
Mess up and lie to the one that you love
When you know you can cry to the one
Always confide in the one
You can be kind to the one that you love
Ah

I know you need, I know you need
The upper hand even when we aren’t fighting
‘Cause in the past, you had to prepare every time, yeah
Don’t wanna leave, don’t wanna leave
But if you’re gonna fight then do it for me

I know you’re built to love, but broken now, so just try, yeah

I know you’re chokin’ on your fears
Already told you, I’m right here
I will stay by your side every nightI don’t know why you hide from the one
And close your eyes to the one
Mess up and lie to the one that you love
When you know you can cry to the one
Always confide in the one
You can be kind to the one that you love
Ah

I know it’s hard for you, but it’s not fair
Going sick in the head tryna get you there
And I know it’s hard for you, but it’s not fair
It’s not fair

I don’t know why you hide from the one
And close your eyes to the one
Mess up and lie to the one that you love
When you know you can cry to the one
Always confide in the one
You can be kind to the one that you love
Ah
Ah
When you know you can cry to the one
Always confide in the one
You can be kind to the one that you love
Ah

A Set Table

I walked in and he was still cooking the last few things that remained left undone. A smile on his face and a kiss on his lips let me know that he was glad to see me. The kitchen smelled delicious and made me even more hungry than I had down on my ride there. A ride that in itself was magnificent on a beautiful day with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up.

And when the table was set it was beautiful. And all this food freshly prepared for me, even food he didn’t like and didn’t eat he had made just for me.

It is sweet and wonderful to date someone who gives as much as they take, if not more. It is truly magnificent to date someone who is delighted to see you, and talk with you, and laugh with you, and see your face light up with smiles. It is a dream to be reminded that not only are you the girl in the relationship, but that you are a woman – a person deserving of effort and consideration.

I’ve dated a lot of men in my life, and I think I have come upon one of the best. And ladies let me tell you, I would much rather date a considerate man, a kind man with a more modest purse, than a wealthy ass. My last ex made in excess of $400,000 per year, and yet was an arrogant, unappreciative ass. He would lament about his “stress” in life, because he had a boss who didn’t thank him for his normal work load.

Ladies, never trade being valued for being bought. There is a high difference. A man who values you will not hurt you, even when he is angry. A man who values you will never manipulate you or insult you. A man who values you will be there for you – without arguments, without suspicion, without games.

Yes money can make things easier, and it can certainly make things a lot more fun, but it can’t buy you happiness. Nor can money guarantee integrity, class, or the respect of others. Those are things that are too expensive to purchase, and can only be earned through honest actions.

Life is short. And the best things in life truly cannot be bought, because they are priceless. Don’t fall for the shiny fools gold, that tarnishes once the surface has worn thin. Go for what’s real. Real gold is valuable because it is the same consistancy throughout.

Shallow

Shallow is defined as not having depth, that basically there is nothing past the surface. As we go through life we meet people like this. Most people do have depth and many different facets to them personalities. But then there are others that are just shallow and materialistic all they care about is the money or the big house or the new truck, and the designer clothes, and their image. They Don’t Really Care beyond that. It is my experience that when we entangle with people who are shallow like that, disaster often follows.

In life we also see many people who check certain career and financial goals off their list. Someone who wants to be an executive or CFO for example, they may accomplish these wonderful things but then feel hollow and empty once they do. And I experienced that’s because their existence has only been shallow. Meaning they concentrated on The Superficial and not anything deeper.

Indeed I have known and dated men who have huge houses, and a Mercedes and a new truck sitting in their driveway, lots of toys and musical instruments , a house in the right neighborhood , and everything looking perfect on the outside, when their lives are complete disaster underneath all that facade. What does that mean? It means that they paid attention to everything on the surface but neglected everything with any kind of depth beyond their image.

Indeed I would rather have a smaller home, and a more modest income can only focus on the surface, or be with someone who is so shallow. There is more to life than the big house and the new cars and the toys and the image. And that’s why so many people have substance abuse issues. They have yet to conquer anything below the surface, and those demons they hide from have a way of rising.

The bottom line is, until those people deal with what is below the surface, It Is What Lies Beneath that will destroy them and keep them up at night, deep where the darkness is from which they cannot hide.

And that is why I will never be impressed or swayed by the materials shallow things. That is why I will never look at a large home, or a new car, are all the toys, and feel that that is enough. Because unless there’s something underneath, unless there is more depth to the personality, more depth to the heart, and more depth to the soul none of that means anything. And no matter how how many toys do you accumulate, your life will still feel like an empty shell.

Life is short. Far too short to make your priorities so shallow. Just like the song ask, tell me something, are you trying to fill the void? If you are then maybe it’s time to stop being so shallow.