Pucker Up!

As it says on the headbands belonging to Sophia & Goldie it's time to "Pucker Up!"  That's code for it's nearly time to get your Love Month going.  As I've mentioned in the past it certainly is up to you what you might want to do this month to share your love with friends, family and those people you find special.  My girl Cass is big into "experiences" and you can craft ideas now for making memories this February.  They can be calendared dates or surprises.  Maybe you'll look ahead and get tickets to a concert, gallery or performance?  Perhaps there's a new restaurant you want to check out or a fun movie that you can round up your gal pals for.  Now is the time to grab those calendars and write in red this month!

Let Me Leave You With This Talk on Acceptance

This is long and I kind of get lost in some of it but there are other parts that I can't quit pondering.  Thanks for taking the time to check in during Love Month.  Next year look for Love Month on Instagram.

Greenie is Gone

Prologue -- The Middle Place

...So for thirty-some years I have been stopped at the gas station, the farmers' market, the swim club to hear something like: "You're George Corrigan's daughter? What a guy.  What a wonderful guy."

I think people like him because his default setting is open delight.  He's prepared to be wowed -- by your humor, your smarts, your white smile, even your handshake -- guaranteed, something you do is going to thrill him.  Something is going to make him shake his head afterward, in disbelief, and say to me, "Lovey, what a guy!" or "Lovey, isn't she terrific?"  People walk away from him feeling like they're on their game, even if they suspect that he put them there.

He does that for me too.  He makes me feel smart, funny, and beautiful, which has become the job of the few men who have loved me since.  He told me once that I was a great talker.  And so I was. I was a conversationalist, along with creative, a notion he put in my head when I was in grade school and used to make huge, intricate collages from his old magazines.  He defined me first, as parents do. Those early characterizations can become the shimmering self-image we embrace or the limited, stifling perception we rail against for a lifetime.  In my case, he sees me as I would like to be seen.  In fact, I'm not even sure what's true about me, since I have always chosen to believe his version.

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I've written about my favorite author Kelly Corrigan on this blog before. Tonight on Facebook I learned that her Dad, her beloved Greenie, had died.  To honor him I included an excerpt from the Prologue of her book, "The Middle Place." We should all have someone in our lives who makes us feel so good.  Better yet, let us be the kind of people who do that for others.

Coastal Adventures

If you live on the West Coast this February you realize how spoiled you are, and how lucky you are.  We are experiencing wonderful spring-like weather with temperatures in the low to mid 60's. These photos were taken yesterday over on the Oregon Coast near Florence.  As we make little day trips around our state I am reminded of the beauty of place.  I remember clearly falling in LOVE with Oregon and that feeling, though tested at times, remains.  Calendar a day trip to a place that you love and share it with your friends, your kids and/or your grandchildren.  It will be a lasting memory, which is a great gift.

Are you REALLY listening?

Years ago I was admiring a pair of earrings that a friend had made and was wearing.  They were just beautiful and the stones were sparkling in the sunlight.  In that moment she took them out of her ears and handed them to me.  I was stunned and in fact nearly speechless.  I tried to give them back and she would not let me.  She insisted that I take them and seemed happy that I liked them so much.  I will never forget that day and I have been waiting ever since for that same moment, that same opportunity to arrive for me.  When I truly listen and when I act, unselfishly, to give someone what they wish they could have.

Book A Trip!!!

Is there a place you want to visit?  A person you keep wanting to get together with?  Are you just in need of a change of place?  Make some plans, find a date and book your trip! 

Go For A Ride

Sometimes I just need to go for a ride.  My favorite destination is often Corvallis.  It's only about 45 minutes away and I enjoy driving on the back road that takes me past farms and livestock.  I love the barns and the green fields and seeing daffodils peaking up from the ground.  Corvallis has a very nice downtown shopping area.  There are several clothing resale shops, furniture stores & gift shops.  There are shoe stores & clothing stores and a couple of books stores.  There are several restaurants and cafes all within a close walking distance.  The downtown area borders a riverfront park that is family friendly.  When you're in the mood for a little getaway there's often a place in your part of the world like Corvallis.