Tag: Self-Development

Living in Two Different Worlds. But operating in one mind.

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My Uncle.

  • Husband. 
  • Father of three terrific (now adult) children.
  • Retired Millwright.
  • Beekeeper. (He’d offer so sweet honeycomb picked off a hot knife)
  • Gardener. (He’d bring over juicy plums, peaches and apricots)
  • Farmer. (Hay Baler Cotter pins busting. Yelling and scrambling to get alfalfa in before rain)
  • Base singer in Men’s Choir. (Deep, Deep voice)
  • Photographer. (Black & White specialty including film processing in his dark room)
  • Cyclist. (20+ miles a loop.  Pumping up and down.  Relentless.  And alone)
  • Cross-Country Skier. (10+ miles a pop.  Traversing the most difficult Monashee Mountain terrain.  Alone)
  • Volunteer Organizer for Charity
  • Woodcarver/Artisan. (Handcrafted jewelry boxes.  Smooooooooth.  Wood grain glistening.)

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A Study in Blue…

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Vanessa tripped into my blog post “If you are stuck, listen up.” Apparently it resonated with her on a less-than-sunny-day. She left a comment on the post that led to a bit of back and forth between us – – two bloggers not previously acquainted – yet connected in this community that continues to amaze. I learned the following:

Vanessa and her sister Dion had wanted to create a blog as a tribute to their Dad and keep his memory alive.  However, re-living the sorrow of the loss of her Father was “a reality she had difficulty confronting.” However, as she proceeded to build the blog, the effort actually became a celebration of his life and his art.

The blog is titled “Vincent Farrell Artist.”  It is dedicated to the art and life of Vincent Farrell 1928-2008 who Vanessa describes as “my maestro and my inspiration.” 

On April 20th, the Home & Hearth Magazine will feature an online gallery of Vincent Farrell’s work.  According to Vanessa, the magazine has put in a “huge effort in creating this online project which will also be written about in Yahoo.com.’”  Everyone is excited about the exhibition.

Vanessa permitted me to share two art works in her Father’s collection: “Study in Blue” and “In the Garden.”  His work is magnificent.  I encourage you to check out Vanessa’s blog to see more of his art.

This heart-warming story is a life Study in Blue.  Bravo Vanessa.  Your Father must be looking down and beaming.

 

The Believer of Convenience.

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Scene: Sunday, April 17, 2012.  Beautiful sunny day in Chestnut Hill, MA.  Home of Boston College. (BC Alums, did I get your colors, right?)

This was a Father and Son day trip where we were joined by 1000+ other incoming freshman and their expectant parents – some like Eric, who were trying to decide if BC was going to be their home for the next four years.

Father Jeremy Clark (b. Australia; Chinese History specialist; Rugby enthusiast) kicked off his remarks by sharing some background on the Jesuits and their foundation which I recap like this: Pursuit of education and knowledge.  Integration of education with Religion and one’s pursuit of their highest personal calling.  Embracing character, community and service.  And, AND, their belief that “God is in All Things.”  More on this later.

Roll past a 45-minute briefing session in Biology and another 45 minutes in Chemistry (and I’m ready for therapy – Can I be the most clueless parent in the room?  Why are most of the parents taking notes?  Should I be taking notes?  On What?  Maybe I’ll doodle.  Ahh, I forgot my pen.  And I have no paper.  Isn’t the time up yet?  Why can’t I get an iPhone signal in here to check my emails?  Isn’t it hot in here?  I glance over at Eric.  He’s intently focused on the Professor. At least someone has it together. Could he be adopted? Or Worse?).  We moved on to the last of the formal classroom sessions which was hosted by four BC seniors sharing their thoughts on the BC experience.  It was standing room only.  No air in this room.  Or, perhaps I’m still hyperventilating from the last Chem session.  (What is wrong with me?)  During the end of the Q&A, a parent asks how invasive the religious requirements are at Boston College.  You could only hear crickets.  The Believers, shifting (squirming) uncomfortably in their chairs.  Gritting their teeth I’m sure.  The non-Catholic/non-Jesuit/”Other” parents and students sitting up at attention waiting for the response.  And me, I’m standing up against the wall…behind my son who sitting in front of me…I plant my feet…lean up against the wall…I squeeze his shoulders…I feel woozy.  (Get a grip man!)

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Should I Work Out Today?

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Be still…

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“…Learn to silence the chattering of your ego, whether through prayer, meditation, or a long walk in the park. Find that place where you can detach from the pressures of the world. Find that place where your body and spirit work together in harmony…You don’t need the right car, the right shoes, the right girl­friend to be complete.  All you really need is to be yourself.  Your spirit is the real you. Let it guide you…Be still. Listen to your spirit say, I am, and I am enough. In the silence, you’ll hear God…”

– Melody Beattie “Listen to Yourself”

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