Have you ever taken one word and written around it, going out on a limb, so to speak, and touch upon several meanings and avenues you can take it?  It is amazing how you can use the word. 

Today, I chose the word: “DEDICATION”.   I was trying to think of a word that would be smart and sassy, or maybe warm and sweet.  A word that covers a spectrum, that would make us think of all nature’s colors, which in fall are beautiful and plentiful. 

So where does “dedication” come in? First of all, we think of the soldiers and dedication to country.  His or her dedication is uppermost in our minds and the ultimate in giving is theirs, even to make the supreme sacrifice.

Then, there is the dedicated spouse who bends over backwards for his or her loved one.  When my husband worked at Ft. Meade Hospital, he met several couples, where the lady was pushing her mate in his wheel chair.  It kind of reminds us of the fact that women tend to live longer than their husbands.  They are dedicated, even when they have difficulty walking themselves.  The love and dedication to one another is readily apparent as they caefully maneuver the wheel chairs down the corridors.

Then, there is dedication in another direction.  Dedication to prayer in one’s own special way.  I am thinking of my brother-in-law and his devotion.  People often wondered why he would  carry a pocket full of round, smooth pebbles, as he took his daily walks.  No one asked him what he was doing as he dropped one after another on the roadway until someone heard him talking to himself, but was it talking to himself?  No, he was praying!

This humble guy also, spent his leisure time making rosaries, which are used in prayer to the Blessed Lady, Jesus’ mother.  His rosaries of beads traveled far and wide.  He gave them away as rapidly as he made them.  I have one, which I treasure.  Such “dedication” knows no bounds.  It was his simple ministry and it lasted until he passed on. 

DEDICATION travels a gamut of directions.  Until I thought of it, I didn’t realize how so very many directions it can be taken.  It is warm, it can be something of a gentle direction,  something so great it causes us to search high and low for its boundaries, but there are none.  One’s dedication can be a spiritual endeavor.  I know of a devout lady who brings Communion to a young lady, every day without fail, making the recipient feel stronger, serene, and blessed.

We often hear of teachers dedication to their students.  We have heard of them going out of their way to bring the best out of students who have difficulties in learning.  I am reminded of Speech Pathologists who work with the children needing help the most.  Next week, I will write about one of them whose devotion knows no bounds.  She is totally dedicated to her young charges.

So on it goes!  DEDICATION is a nice sounding word.  When we speak it, it gives us cause to want to take its meaning and take it on a journey, seeking those dedicated to untold causes.  THINK ABOUT IT!  You, too, will think of the word DEDICATION  as a word that can best be described as BEAUTIFUL.  YES, BEAUTIFUL!

When you awaken each morning, what is your first thought?  Do you think about the activities you plan to do?  Do you say your morning prayers?  What is the most important thing in your life today?  Do you spend some time asking yourself that question?  The answer may be the joy you are expecting.  You may be going to spend time with grandchildren.  We all know, as grandparents, this is a great reason to feel joy when we awaken in the morning.

Last weekend, I attended a reception hosted by the sons of their 90 year old mother.  It was a delightful reception.  The “Star of the Show” was Marie Oslund, herself.  I remember when I first met her about 45 years ago, that she was one of the most beautiful ladies I had ever met.  As the years went by and our paths crossed often, her beauty remained.  Granted, this beauty was enhanced by her happy personality, her inside beauty shone through.

We may question ourselves, do we strive to be joyful when we arise in the morning?  Do we have some of Marie’s attributes?  Do we also, strive to give others happiness, through love, like a compliment, a small gift, or just a phone call, which reminds me that Marie is on the phoning committee of a sorority chapter, Laureate Beta, we both belong to.  She lends her voice to make others enjoy the day because she called.

I wrote a poem long ago, that is a tribute to her in the wordage and sentiment.  I wrote it for those celebrating their 80 th birthdays, but here, I will change it to 90 years!    It goes like this:

                                          Cobwebs of Life

I was just thinking….

I have been chasing the cobwebs of life now, for nigh onto 90 years! 90 years  of sweeping the dust from the nooks and crannies of my mind.

T’wasn’t always easy!  When I was young, dust gathered in every corner…I took daily joy for granted!  See that cobweb there?  See the harmony and rythm in it?  Just as the cobweb, each of us has his rightful place in the scheme of God’s creation…

Let us spare some time to be grateful for it,  Every day this task must be done.

Yes……90 years….I have been at it and my job is not yet finished.

C1970 Evanell

With her vitality and accomplishments, I believe Marie will reach one hundred and we can have another reception!  We could all emulate this great lady’s attributes and messages of love.  She has contributed years to community activities in her lifetime. 

She’s still a beautiful lady, defying age, which is probably because of her wonderful attitude about life and her charming personality.

CONGRATULATIONS AND H APPY BIRTHDAY, MY FRIEND!

Sometimes, I think 56 years!  How could we be married that long?  We have had our share of tragic events, nearly losing a child, lost everything in a flood, amongst other things.  We will always remember Dr. Dwight Mc Goon, Rochester, Minnesota.  He saved our son.

We went through fear and stress for a long time, but who perked us up?  It was my husband, Ray.  He was born with the gift of “sunshine”.  He sees it in everything.  Since he was a child, he has had a life of giving  people something to smile and laugh about, even a patient in a hospital.  He has spent a lifetime using humor to lighten the load on the shoulders of a friend,  or just patting someone in a wheel chair, on the back and asking: ” How is my friend?  ” He always got a smile where others couldn’t. 

His life was as a barber at Ellsworth Air Force Base and Ft. Meade Hospital.  Through the years many  have told me, “Everybody likes Ray!”   He cheers people up. He is well versed on almost any subject.  He was a sounding board for many.  He loved all the patients as they became his friends.   His jokes were jokes that can be told in the presence of children.

He was everybody’s friend!  He would do anything he could for a friend.

For a few years, he became a clown called Sparky when he and I (Sophie) visited children in the schools, kindergarten through 3rd grade.  The children always liked him better than me because he was a “klutz”.  He couldn’t do anything right the first time.  He taught them to be patriotic and gave them little flags we got from the VFW Post who kindly helped us.  He encouraged the children to count everyone around them as their friend, regardless of size, and color.    They loved it when he danced for them, even if he was doing the steps all wrong, but miraculously, he always ended

 up right.  (He is a very good dancer.  We have been dancing all those 56 years.)

I wrote a story about a giraffe and a mouse and how they became friends.   I read the story to the children and he showed them my illustrations.  It worked well.  The children were always so attentive.   He even had a joke about a giraffe.  It is a question. ” Why does the giraffe have such a long neck?”  THE ANSWER:  “BECAUSE ITS HEAD IS SO FAR FROM HIS BODY!”  That is so old, I think everyone has heard it, but little 3rd grade children could think it was funny!  Ray was a perfect clown.  When I had suggested that we be clowns, he told me that he liked that idea, because he had been a clown all his life !

After having three surgeries in less than six months earlier this year, I thought the  “clown” had left us, as a crusty old man emerged, but when I heard him tell a joke to a child who loved it, I knew his sense of humor was coming back!

He has had a ministry of spreading  joy all of his life and he is not yet finished!

Hi, my Senior Friends  and readers,

What are you spending your time on these days?  Do you socialize often?  Do you get together with a friend or two playing cards, going to a ballgame, or playing in a Seniors band?  Whatever you do “be yourself!”  A statement from the Desiderata.  Continuing, it says:” Especially, do not feign affection.  Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,  it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the councel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth!  Do not distress yourself with imagenings, many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.  Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.  You are a child of the universe, you have a right to be here and whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.  With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  (Unquote)

These words hold a multitude of wisdom.  The author experienced the topics he or she wrote about in this writing.

My husband and I attended a Retreat this weekend.  The speaker Fr. Mc Alear expressed insight into relationships and the title of his talks were: “Give Me Your Wounded Heart.”  He spoke mostly on “forgiveness”.  Forgiveness being the gesture to make to those who have hurt you.  The very act of saying, “I forgive ” clears the air somewhat, if the act of forgiving is accepted, but even if it isn’t, it will help clear your mind of the thorns that may still be present. 

Aquaintence relationships do not always develop into  warm relationships because of hurt involved.  Forgiveness is the only answer.  If  you find yourself in this predicament work on unraveling the reasons for the hurt like a ball of yarn unraveling until the “hurt” is all gone.

You have a question,  What if you forgive someone, but if in time he or she hurts you again?  Life isn’t that easy.  That can happen, there are no guarantees.  In that case, the best answer might be to pray for the offenders that they have a good life.  God loves them.  They are his children too.  Even though, the hurt couldn’t be helped, prayer for the person or persons will calm your fears and you will feel peace.

Be careful.  Strive to be happy!

C 2009 Evanell

When I was thinking about writing a blog this week, it seemed that encouragement and sincere gestures on my part to write to all who read.  A message of solace for the ill Seniors and younger readers, as well.

Life is one day upon another, wherein we are striving to climb the stairs to the heavens via prayers and communication with others striving for the same pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Be it, a basket of red roses for love, or a bouquet of white carnations, that catch our fancy in a shiny clean window of tempered glass, as we walk, haltingly, down the busy street of recognition.  There it is, what we have been waiting for.  Our destiny!

I have been admiring a writing about the above things, called the “Desiderata”.  This masterpiece was found in 1692 at Old Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

There is so much wisdom and truth in this wonderful writing that usually hangs on one of my walls for all to read.  I would like to share it with you.  One half this week and the other half, next week.

                                                Desiderata

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, remember what peace there may be in silence.  As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.  Speak you truth quietly and clearly and listen to others even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons.  They are vexations to the spirit.  If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.  Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.  Keep interested in your own career, however humble ;  it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.  Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery, but let this not blind you to what virtue there is, many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.” ( Unquote)

May your week be full of all good things, much happiness, and joy.  Peace! 

C2009 Evanell

Do you like to start at the back of a book, flip through the pages and pictures?  Years ago, when I was a child, children were often forced to write with their right hands.  I was one of those unfortunate children.   I had a male teacher at a one-room country school in Minnesota.  I was six years old and in the second grade.  I dreaded going to school, as a shy child, because I never knew how often my fingers would be tapped with a ruler. (I did not tell my mother because I thought I was doing something wrong, not the teacher.) I tried my hardest to use my right hand, but without realizing I was making a shift from right to left, especially in Penmanship class.  He would walk up and down the isles with an eye on another child  who had this same “affliction”.  I just thought that was the way it had to be.  I was so frustrated that I thought something very bad was wrong with me.  Why does my pencil escape to my left hand without me knowing it?

This went on for several weeks of the school year, until the teacher broke a damaged ruler on my left hand.  One of the older children told her parents about it and her father was on the School Board.  They had a special board meeting and the teacher was relieved of his job.  Today, he would have been charged with child abuse.  Despite all this, I have a fairly good handwriting with my left hand, which I use all the time.

Left-handers have made a mark with several sports, like baseball.  Also, in the Art World, you find a great percentage of artists, serious or not,  are left handed.  The greatest sculptor of all time, in my estimation, was Michaelangelo from Italy.  I saw his Pieta while in Rome, some years ago, and it is exquisite and much emotion.  People stand quietly, when viewing it.  It is a bit awesome!  Michaelangelo was left handed. 

To deviate a bit, there was a story about him as one day, he was seen walking down the street pulling a wagon with a block of marble on it.  When asked why he was pulling a wagon with a block of marble, he said,”  , “Because there is an angel in there that wants to get out!” 

Why, I don’t know, but left-handers are creative people.  I don’t mind being left- handed since I learned it was o.k. and nothing was wrong with me.  Another incident I remember as a child, with an older sister, right-handed.  Our grandmother taught her how to knit and crochet and how I longed to be able to do that, but my grandmother told me she couldn’t teach me because I was left-handed.  Again, the thought, was there something wrong with me?  Needless to say, my dear grandmother was not aware that I was so troubled by not being able to do those skills. 

Never, never, make a distinction between your children or grand children of this sort of explanation, which wasn’t really one.  Nowadays, teachers are so creative themselves and for the most part, encourage children in the development of each child’s individual gifts.  My children and grandchildren remember those special teachers with fond memories.    We are grateful to their teachers for their efforts for our family’s children.

Doing right-handed things can really be a challenge for the lefty.  I mastered the scissor and ever since cut with my right hand.  When I work with clay, I use both hands without much effort.   Never belittle a left-handed child or draw comparisons with right- handed children.  He or she may sparkle in the lives of elders with the gifts of love and joy, he or she possess and pass on.  God made them lefties. There has to be a reason.  I think if we would all pay attention we would find that lefties are  equally as gifted as other children and some are even moreso.  That’s the joy of the child.  They give their love unconditionally and if they write you a message you find hard to read, over-look it.  It’s what’s in that child’s heart that counts.  Believe me!  It’s love!

I am beset with the words “optimism and Faith”.  To be optimistic is to look at the bright side of things, whatever they are.  Optimism is a word that has many meanings.  When we lose or misplace something, we are “optimistic” about finding it.  In a situation that causes us to look at the negative, we still find the strength and optimism in our search for understanding. 

How do we stay optimistic in time of struggle and sadness?  The greatest balm for rising above the obvious comes when we have “Faith”.  Faith travels from one to another. 

“It is there if we want it, never hidden from view,  Though we falter and fall, offers hope anew”.

It is there, if we seek it, to climb uncomfortable stairs, If our trust is unwavering, it conquers our fears.  There is Faith.

  A strong  Faith makes us feel optimistic in times of adversity and pain.  A  faith-filled young lady told me, that,” God gives her the words when she has nothing to say”.  That’s Faith.

It is there if we live it, without reservations accept, endure pain with patience and honor is kept,  It is there, within us if we convey it to others, this assurance from God, and belief in our brothers.  Faith is there! 

Out of it, we know that God is in control and is loving us.  Optimism tells us to walk those uncomfortable stairs.  We may falter, but with Faith we know the lost can be found, if we fall, it will pick us up.  The adversity can be cured.  The angels of God come to us and raise us up by the strength of their wings and we see the Light of hope burn brightly and Faith is there.

Let us strive to gain optimism through our Faith, for Faith is when we “believe” without “seeing”, we love unconditionally, and we reach to the Heavens for consolation.  May your life experience this strength from Faith in God and those in whom you see God.  If you are going through adversity as I am at this time, read my words. ” God gave them to me when I had nothing to say.”

I have Faith that each and everyone of you who read this blog and are experiencing a difficulty of some kind, can be optimistic because of that strong Faith in God you have been acquiring.  Pray as you never have prayed before and then, be silent.  God will respond.  He loves us all. 

C1970 & 2009  Evanell

A couple of weeks ago, we attended a Legion event welcoming home their new Commander, Rod Martens.  It was an exciting time for all of the Piedmont, S.D. post #311.  These are veterans who uphold the aims and purposes of the Legion, nationally.  Some of these men are Legion Riders, men on motorcycles who travel across the land, stopping to pick up donations at other Legion Posts for their main charity, the children of veterans who have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  They set high goals for themselves.  One mentioned that their goal was $400,000.00 this year. 

I spoke to some who have duo memberships in the Patriot Guard and the Legion Riders,therefore seeking the same quest, raising funds for the children.  Their hearts are in the right place.  As I spoke with them, I was struck by their sincerity and dedication.    These men can be seen at the funeral of a veteran, whose family requests their attendance.  They don’t make a distinction between veterans, they serve all veterans families who request their presence at solomn occasions.  These men of both groups, also appear to honor veterans

for other occasions, such as those who left for Washington this weekend. 

These groups of men and women memberships are growing across the state of South Dakota and nationally.  The American Legion Riders nust have their Post approval before starting a chapter.  They need six members to start a chapter.  To learn more about them, go to their internet sites. 

Richard Cobb, Sioux Falls, whose rank was 1st Class Petty Officer,  was on duty in the Desert Storm.  He served 20 years on various ships, , the USS Heron, USS Patterson, among others.  He also served on a min sweep and a missele frigate.  Richard stated, and I quote:”We have been able to increase membership, not only for our post, but others, as well, and increase membership for the Auxillary and sons of the American Legion.”  Unquote.

The most important aim for the Legion Riders is to have a Legacy Scholarship Fund, which is their main fund raiser.    As I mentioned earlier, their goal this year is $400,000.00!!  Isn’t that remarkable?    I also, spoke with Robert Kusser, a Vietnam Veteran, 4 years and S.D. Army National Guard, 24 years.  He now, over sees the South Dakota National Guard Museum at Pierre.  He welcomes all visitors.  I also, spoke with Mike Reeder, army 14 years.

I believe these groups, Patriot Guards and Legion Riders are dedicating their efforts under the American Flag, to what better service?  Veterans serving Veterans.  All of thes men have made their mark in history, I believe, and they continue on.  They deserve our respect and appreciation.  I might add  if they all are as personable and friendly as the ones I spoke to,  we might ask God to bless them in their efforts and keep them safe.  They are giving of themselves above duty.  Their efforts come straight from the heart.  Let us not forget that.

I would like to close with this quote, unknown author:  “Be always a little bit hungry for life.  Be hungry for the satisfaction that permeates deep to the hunger for closeness with God and with those significant persons around you in whom you SEE GOD.”   In them, I saw God.

Awhile back, at the time of the Sturgis Rally, my husband had an appointment at Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital.  I went with him.  At one point, while he was in Pharmacy waiting, a fairly young man, Curtis W. Brown,  Chesterton, Indiana was also, waiting for his medication.  He had an interesting vest on, so I ventured to talk with him about it.    He explained to me about the Patriot Guard soldiers, of which he is one.  These are men on mortorcycles, whose main purpose is to raise money to help pay for the college education of the orphans of soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanestan.  This is a nationwide effort and they raise literally, thousands of dollars for these children.

On his vest were many patches with messages like this:  “A Veteran is someone who at one point in his or her life ,  made a check payable to the U.S. of America for an amount of up to and including “my life”.    Another patch said:  “The blood shed by Veterans is the reason we are free.”  Another patch stated :”That if you won’t stand behind our troops, stand in front.”  “Patriot Guard may be angels for our heroes.”   Another said, “Enjoy your freedom, thank a veteran!”

I had not heard of the Patriot Guard, but now, I will never forget them.  They may be your sons and daughters traveling from one town to another raising funds for the children they help.  I write this today here, because they could easily have elderly parents who are proud of their efforts or you may be one grateful grandparent.  The Patriot Guards are veterans helping veterans through their children.   So if you see these emblems they all wear, the flag, and rcognizing them as Patriot Guards men thank them for their efforts. 

Next week, I ‘ll write more about others of them I encountered since talking with Curtis.  Many veterans of any war era go unnoticed as they work behind the scenes to give America freedom, and we count our blessings for their presence all around us in our country.

My husband is a veteran who served in Korea.  He is very proud to have served and of his uniform, which he usually wears Veteran’s Day festivities.  (Yes, he still fits into his uniform.) 

These younger men are big fans of you veterans,  who are seniors,   men and women alike.  Stand up, be proud, you are appreciated!  If you see a convoy of men on motorcycles leading a procession for a fallen comrade, or in a parade, they are probably members.  Next week, more about the S.D. Patriot Guard and Legion Riders.

I commend you, Curtis, for your work and your serving to help veterans children, along with many veterans in this nationwide effort.   It was a pleasure to have met you , Thank you!.

C 2009 Evanell

I got a little behind in my computer work because we have been entertaining company.  I would like to tell you about some of my LIFETIME THOUGHTS.

I have many remembrances of wonderful people who have received something I created through the years.  I have chosen three I would like to share with you.  You Seniors and younger may be moved to record some of your lifetime thoughts for your children and grandchildren.  You say you aren’t a writer, that you would misspell words. No excuse.  Family doesn’t mind that.

Sometimes I get introverted thoughts and ask the question of myself:  “Will it matter that I was?”  That’s a sober thought.  The legacy we leave our children is not what we leave them financially, rather what we are most proud of that we accomplished in life.  Our children need our encouragement,our guidance, our positive outlook.  These things we share are our legacies of good will and love.

One good memory of mine of LIFETIME THOUGHTS was when I was invited to speak at a Beta Sigma Phi Convention in Birmingham, Alabama.   I met great ladies and was invited to the Statehouse by Gov. George Wallace.   We drove to Montgomery and I met him and his wife in his office.  He told me that when he campaigned he would have his wife at his side in the South, but when he was in the North, I could act as his wife in the Scandanavian states because I was blonde.  In effect, he was telling me he was going to run for president before he made his announcement.  Unfortunately, a few months later he was shot and paralyzed and spent his last years in a wheelchair.  At the time we visited, he gave me an impressive document that said I was made a member of the Alabama Militia with the rank of Lt. Colonel.  When I asked the significance of this document, I was told that if I traveled in Alabama, I could ask for a police escort .  I would be a VIP.  However, I have not been to Alabama since then.

Another LIFETIME THOUGHT that stands out in my memory was when George McGovern of South Dakota ran for president and lost.  His wife was in the Civic Art Gallery one day soon after and she bought a sculpture of mine called:  Temorarily Defeated.  The poem with it goes like this:

“To reach success in your endeavor, you must try and try and try,  For success in life is not easily won, it won’come to you by and by.  It takes patience, and fortitude, determination and work, to reach your every goal, so rest awhile and try again, give it your heart and soul.”

She asked them to call me to come to the gallery which they did and I did.  I found her to be a very gracious lady.  It was touching for me that she consoled her husband with some thing of my creativeness.  The sculpture is of a person sitting looking dejected with a broken ski. 

The third LIFETIME THOUGHT I would like to share with you. is  when President Ford became president after Nixon resigned, I sent him and his wife one of my inspirational books.  Shortly, thereafter, Mrs. Ford was hospitalized with cancer surgery.  There was a photo of her in her hospital bed at that time and I saw this episode on the news.  To my amazement, there on her bedside tray was MY  little book!  President Ford sent me a very warm message that I have framed. 

I have more stories of this nature and will include more at a later time.  These kinds of things in our lives, and everyone has some, should be written down for future generations. 

Next week, my message is going to be about several men who do much work for children.  It is a nationwide organization.  Read my blog next week and Iwill tell you about them.  They are amazing!  

May your week be blessed with all good things.

C2009 Evanell