RIP RBG

"Fight for the things you care about. But do it in a way that would lead others to join you". Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

As the world knows by now, the brilliant trailblazer and Supreme Court Justice; Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on September 18, 2020 due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer. 

Her career began as a law professor and pioneer advocating for women's legal rights. Ms. Ginsburg was a tireless forerunner undoing laws barring women's equal rights. She served just shy of three decades on the nation's highest court. Ms. Ginsburg was well know as a liberal icon and loved by many.

My friend, Susie, found out about RBG's death from a text she received from her 10 year old granddaughter. How about that? Ms. Ginsburg's words were not only felt by adults but reached young girls, as well. What a courageous and inspiring role model she was.

Hundreds gathered outside the Supreme Court leaving flowers, notes and other items in tribute to RBG. In San Francisco's Castro District a huge congregation of gays and straights lit candles and carried signs expressing their love, admiration and sorrow over her death. This scene was repeated multiple times in cities across our country.

Unfortunately, a political firestorm threatens to overshadow the tributes, as it appears certain President Trump will nominate a replacement in the upcoming week. As Joe Biden has said: "...this is an abuse of power". And I agree. What else is new? 

Ms. Ginsburg will be paid the highest honor as the first woman ever to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, an honor granted since 1852 to America's most distinguished citizens. And a most distinguished citizen she was.

RIP RBG.

xo

Little Kindnesses

Have you noticed how good you feel after doing a simple, easy, mini kindness for another? The other  morning on my daily walk with my Golden, Merlin, we came upon a woman attempting to walk her frisky young Husky. Mr. Husky wanted so badly to frolic with Merlin and would not budge no matter how determined his human was in trying to move him along. I did what anyone would do, I offered to cross the street so her stubborn pup would move on. Fortunately, it was 6:30 a.m. so the traffic was scarce on this 4 lane island-divided street. She was so grateful and happy to resume her walk. The extra dividend was - it made me feel good, too - to be able to do a little thing for another.

So many are out early these days due to the summer heat in Arizona and more people than usual, as its an opportunity to get out of the house safely during the pandemic. Often several of us will be dodging one another on the sidewalk and jockeying for the street in order to keep our distance. It's so heartwarming that everyone is doing their part to be safe and keep others safe, as well.

Cyclists are passing by going slightly over the speed limit, however; whenever one of them is on the side of the road, even if simply taking a break, a passing cyclist always checks to see if he or she is alright. Again, such a simple gesture, but one of kindness.

Several of our neighbors offered to go grocery shopping for us - how thoughtful. We gladly do our own shopping and it has become an excuse to get out and see that civilization is still carrying on.

It's also gratifying to hear from pickle ball players as we haven't played in months - simply to check in. A caring phone call or text means so much.

We need to stay connected. It's vital to be in contact with friends and family, for them as well as us.  I have dear friends in California (in addition to Arizona) and a weekly call is always on my agenda. I need to be reassured that all is well in a world where so much is unwell.

I am blessed and fortunate to be healthy and safe and my thoughts and hope is that you are, too.

xo

I Failed

Last September I set three goals for myself that I planned on achieving in one year.  No, I didn't exactly expect them to be a walk in the park, but never in a million years did I think I would fail at all three.

How did that happen? Is it okay with you if I blame it on the coronavirus? I don't need to tell any of you how this pandemic has fundamentally affected our lives.

We were moseying along minding our own business when this freakish virus descended on us and upended our world. Yes, it's the excuse I'm using - at least partly.

Goal #1 was to have this little blog "go public" and read by those unknown to me. Perhaps this has happened somewhat but, not to the extent that I'd expected. I did learn that I must move it to a platform that draws a larger circulation. To my credit I have been working on building a new site for the past several months - a huge learning curve for enormously un-techy me.

Goal #2 was to go from a 2.5 level to a 3.5 level in pickleball. Pickleball ended for us in February/March when our leagues were canceled, the YWCA closed to everyone but childcare and the public courts also shut down. I did manage to advance in my skills a bit before the shutdown, but nowhere near where I'd hoped to be.  

Goal #3 was to complete a collage for and about my son, Nick. He supplied me with bits and pieces to include in it. I was unhappy with what I created, decided to "practice" by making one for me that would be easier and voila! I created a collage I love. Alas, still not a completed one for Nick. It's halfway done and I'm keenly aware that it doesn't count as a true success.

The most significant take away from this endeavor has been the personal growth I've experienced. I've read about how it's not the achievement of the goal that is important but the person we become in the process. I'm sure you have experienced this as well. We marshal our forces and take on a challenge and whether we have attained victory or not we are better for having attempted it.

I'm going forward with these important intentions for as Dale Carnegie has said: "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy!"

P.S.  I wrote this post yesterday and today I finished my son's collage. Hallelujah! I turned the tables on my resistance, quit my whining and got busy and what do you know - it's done! It's not my best or favorite piece but it's decent. I actually achieved one of my goals, but, again, that's not really the point. I showed up and became a tad braver because I did.

xo

Resistance and Excellence

A few weeks ago I wrote two posts regarding Resistance. Yes, Resistance with a capital R.  As I established in those posts, resistance strikes when we attempt to create something outside of our comfort zone. For me, it's making art.

I'm getting over it. Little by little, piece by piece, the resistance is waning. Resistance feeds on fear.  Fear that I'll make a fool of myself. Fear that others will think the art I produced to be abysmal. Fear that I will be seen as an imposter. Fear that I will see myself as a fraud, a wannabe artist.

These are all significant fears. However, as Steven Pressfield states in The War of Art: "the Mother of all Fears that's so close to us that even when we verbalize it we don't believe it. Fear That We Will Succeed. That we can access the powers we secretly know we possess. That we can become the person we sense in our hearts we truly are."

I'm still digesting this idea. It hasn't fully infiltrated my brain. Why wouldn't we want to be successful?

Mr. Pressfield believes "...if we embrace our ideals, we must prove worthy of them. And that scares the hell out of us."

It's beginning to make a tad more sense to me now. Still, I want to be better, do more both for myself and others. I want to achieve excellence. Not perfection, that's not even possible or desirable.

Chadwick Boseman, the hero in Black Panther and portrayer of several historical figures in recent films, not only made a number of movies in four years - but as we know now, he did it while undergoing chemotherapy and surgeries for colon cancer. He did not reveal any of this. He bravely and admirably continued on despite the pain and anguish. In addition, and perhaps, most achingly touching, he reached out to several children going through similar difficulties. He brought light and love to the lives of these patients. He made appearances to public events simply to delight and support others.

Chadwick wasn't resistant to accessing the powers he knew he possessed. He is a staggeringly brave example of Excellence. Excellence with a capital E. No resistance here. What a splendid and astonishing example of selflessness and courage and love.

xo