Superlatives Got Bruises?

Superlatives   Got bruises?

     I used to cut all of the bruises off…even if the banana had only the tiniest blemish, it would have to go…and if there were any burnt flakes in the cereal bowl… well, those would be removed immediately. We simply could not have any imperfections in the morning breakfast. No, no, no, that just would not do.
    
      But that was then…and this is now. I have a bruise on my leg and one on my elbow. I got those when I was out in the yard with my daughter. I have a rather large scar on my eye. I got that when the bungee cord holding my bike in the trunk let go. It healed eventually.  I have a big scar on my left knee from a big cut I got on a girl scout outing back in the third grade. I remember it well. The outing, that is…not the cut or the stitches that sewed my knee back together. But the scar is a reminder of that time.

     What of the bruises on one's heart? I have had a few. When my cat, Pepper, died, that caused a bruise of sorts. When my oldest daughter first told me she hated me, that was a big bruise. And when my grandmother died…well, I think that was the first time my heart truly broke. It has been broken a few more times since then but it heals and I think it gets a little bigger every time. That corny old line about there being “more room in a broken heart”…I think it’s true. And all of those bruises, bumps and breaks, they are bittersweet…they are there, I'd like to think, because we allow ourselves to feel something for a place or a situation or a person. It shows that we are willing to take risks...risks that may ultimately disappoint or hurt us but could also hold amazing opportunities and afford us spectacular results. One never knows the outcome until it unfolds and should you never take a chance you many never experience life to the fullest.  And isn't there a song with the lyrics, "scars are souvenirs you never lose" ?  I like that one...and who says you can't find wisdom on the pop charts?

     And how about Lucille Ball's statement, "I'd rather regret the things I have done than the things that I haven't." Or "People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent" , that one is from Bob Dylan. And this one is my new favorite: "If you're going to do something tonight that you'll be sorry for in the morning, sleep late."  You gotta love Henny Youngman!

     I think about those of us who step lightly and go through life holding back for fear of the results. They may escape that bump or bruise...their heart remains intact. But they may also never know the feeling of winning the lottery...or riding the biggest roller coaster...or singing in your first voice contest...or really falling in love. For them I saved one of the best pieces of advice, thanks to Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do one thing every day that scares you."

    I may tend to lead with my swollen, beaten heart but I'm glad that I do.  I don’t regret any of the bumps and bruises...not at all.  In fact, I look forward to my next scrape or break, because, I am pretty confident that whatever the situation, I had fun doing whatever it was that caused it and I will bear the scar proudly.  

Superlatives To Love Somebody

Superlatives   To Love Somebody

           When I was about thirteen years old, I had a dream that I was married to one of the Bee Gees. It may seem silly but it was a powerful dream and one that I have never forgotten. The Bee Gees  were at the height of their Saturday Night Fever mega-stardom, selling millions of records and performing at sold out shows worldwide. And I was a proud member of their fan club. I still have my original Bee Gees necklace, fan club portfolio and the ticket stub from my very first Bee Gees concert in 1979. It was only the second concert I had ever attended.  My first concert having been their younger brother Andy's show, the year before. Just keeping it all in the family!

            After starting high school, I continued enjoying the music of the Brothers Gibb. I started trolling used records stores, collecting all of their older recordings from the 1960s. While my fellow teens were moving on to artists like Queen, Pink Floyd, Blondie and Michael Jackson, I was still listening to my Bee Gees. Songs like Massachusetts, I Started a Joke and  I've Got to Get a Message to You were my songs of choice.  I was often teased about my obsession but that didn't stop me from loving their music. And when they ever decided to appear in the deliciously bad movie Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band... well, that was just Too Much Heaven! Eventually, I just learned to love them quietly to avoid the torture.            

            During the late 1980's when the disco backlash was in full swing it was a tough time to be a Gibb fan. But, I remained loyal. I knew there was so much more to them than just disco and after all, they had always been there for me.  When my grandmother passed away, the only thing that made me feel better was listening to Bee Gee music. I do credit them with helping me through that very difficult time. And their songs were still so beautiful... and I saw them in concert the summer of 1989 as well.          

            Jumping ahead to 1993, I learned of a Bee Gees appearance at  a small venue in Atlanta, not far from my Aunt's home. I hadn't seen them for a few  years so  I decided to go to the show. Dragging a cousin of mine along  we went early and waited near the stage door to see if we could meet them.  Lucky for me, my cousin was very outspoken and before I knew it she had grabbed my camera and I was standing next to Robin Gibb! While she got the picture,  I was so star struck that I don't think I said anything... well,  nothing intelligent.  I floated into the hall and enjoyed the show from the front row!  Thanks to my long standing membership in their fan club, I got tickets to the next show two days later which was filmed for VH1 in Orlando. This is where it gets  good.

            I arrived at Universal Studios and went immediately to the hall where the performance was to take place. I waited by the entrance to the sound stage until someone  came along. I simply asked to be let inside, and a kind young woman unlocked the door for me. I was in! I got to meet and talk with all three brothers, Barry, Maurice and my favorite, Robin.  I was invited to return for the show that evening and was put on their guest list. This allowed me to enter early so I was able to be in the front row, yet again! In some of the Youtube videos from that concert  I can locate myself in the crowd, but you  really gotta know where to look.  But wait! There's more!

            Leaping forward  to 1997, the Brothers would be appearing in NYC at the Today Show summer concerts. I took my young daughters along and we managed to locate someone,  who knew someone,  who knew someone who let us backstage. This time I got a picture with both my daughters and all three Bee Gees. Then we were allowed to stand in the front row while they played a short set of songs. Being a pretty good amateur photographer  I got a whole series of amazing photographs that ended up in several of the fan club publications. But it gets even better. I networked my way into working on a project with their sound manager and that led to another trip to NYC  that fall for several  promotional appearances and lots of photographs. I was lucky enough to meet all of their wives and some of their children. These amazingly talented people were  very down to earth and incredibly nice. And the icing on the cake was their Las Vegas One Night Only concert later that fall. I was invited to attend the rehearsal  a few days ahead of the concert at the MGM Grand hotel. I was one of only about 300 people in attendance. I couldn't believe my luck! And if you get a chance to see the video of that concert...watch all the way to the end just as the credits begin...and I am in it!!  Oh and the Bee Gees sing a whole bunch of great songs, too!

            Sadly, early in 2003, Maurice Gibb died suddenly leaving me shocked and in disbelief. The Maurice I had come to know was the most outgoing, most friendly and frankly the most "full of life" of the three brothers. He was definitely the comic relief for their group and his death basically ended the Bee Gees performing days.  It was some time before I could listen to Bee Gee music without tearing up.

            Looking back, I feel so very blessed to have had the chance to meet and get to know the brothers a little. To have shared my photographs in their fan newsletters and to have seen so many wonderful concerts has brought so much joy to my life and I will be eternally grateful to them for sharing their amazing voices with the world. Next week to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra  will perform the Titanic Requiem, the first classical piece written by Robin Gibb.  Robin, along with his son, RJ Gibb, wrote this classical symphony over the last year while battling cancer.  And he sings on the beautiful ballad  Don't Cry Alone with an unmistakable voice that is stronger than ever.... "don't you ever doubt me...I'll be there for you forever...yes, Robin...I know you will...

April 5, 2012

Superlatives: Be Enchanted!

             Ok,  I may be a little behind the times on this one, but I simply cannot help myself.  This past weekend, while in search of a movie fit for all ages, we came upon Disney's Enchanted in our pile of DVDs. I was content to sit through this energy filled, cleverly written, funny fairy tale one more time.  Star Amy Adams as Giselle is amazing, funny and she can sing, too!  The comedic talents of the adorable James Marsden as Prince Edward are hilarious. And it doesn't hurt that the dreaminess of Patrick Dempsey  as Robert, is  included in the package!  May I  point out that the incredible stage actress, Idina Menzel (Wicked),  is also in the cast, it's just a shame that she doesn't get to sing! While I realize that this movie was released in 2007 and has been available on DVD for some time, watching it brought me so much joy that it  reminded me that it may just be one of Disney's best films, at least in the most recent years.

            So, in case you have not seen the movie,  the story begins  in the cartoon land of Andalasia.  There, viewers see the cartoon Giselle dreaming of her true love. Once she encounters her prince  and is thrown into the "real world" by her future "evil stepmother" the fun really begins.  Every possibly Disney element is present in the ensuing scenes: the poison apple, the glass slipper, forest critters who like to clean, etc. And each scene allows Disney to be...well...Disney. Whatever you do, don't miss the (award winning) park scene where Giselle sings the infectious,  That's How You Know  and Prince Edward's  apartment building search for his princess. Both of these scenes are unforgettable.  Throughout the movie,  Disney takes every opportunity  to poke fun at themselves.  They say that being able to laugh at one's self is a pretty good sign of honesty and humility.  I really like those qualities in a movie production company!

            Beyond the usual  stuff of fairy tales, princesses and happily-ever-afters, there is a quiet story of personal growth playing out that most kids will not notice. I am referring to the change in the character of Giselle from a one dimensional animated figure to the live person expertly portrayed by Amy Adams.  Watching the subtle progression of this gradual transformation is heartwarming and endearing.  Described as 80% Snow White with traits borrowed from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel from the Little Mermaid, Giselle is romantic, independent and true to her convictions. While she matures as the movie plays she still remains innocent and optimistic. 

            Of course, there can be no happy ending without a villain to stir things up. The cruel stepmother Narissa, played by Susan Sarandon, is completely evil which makes it easy to detest her. Her character appears as an old hag, the evil queen and eventually a gigantic dragon intent on destroying Giselle.  Showing no redeeming qualities at all, Sarandon's performance is just one more fantastic piece of this puzzle and it makes for quite the final scene!

            Towards the end of the movie, there is a  scene where Robert's young daughter Morgan goes shopping with Giselle, it is understated and sweet.  And the icing on the proverbial cake is that this wonderful film is narrated by the incredible actress Dame Julie Andrews.  It is very difficult to dislike this movie and if you hadn't guessed already, I highly recommend it! It can be so very difficult to find movies these days that don't cross a line somewhere and become inappropriate or offensive. This motion picture has all of the necessary little girl princess elements, enough action to keep little boys interested  and plenty of grownup story to keep the adults happy.  It definitely makes my top five movies but that is a story for another column. Why not send me your top five family friendly movies and we can discuss in a future write up!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Superlatives Who Says You're Not Perfect?

Superlatives Who Says Your Not Perfect?

                For the last few years , I have had limited time to enjoy some of my favorite pastimes.  Many years ago, I devoured books, often reading an entire book in a day.  I used to crochet.  I  even scrapbooked for awhile.   I still take tons of photos  but, with digital media, I never seem to get around to printing out the pictures.  Above all of these,  my favorite diversion has to be listening to music. I began my obsession with all things Top 40 when I was about twelve and heard Da Doo Ron Ron on the radio. No, it wasn't the original 1963 Crystals song but the 1977 remake by Shaun Cassidy.  Laugh if you will, but I never missed the Hardy Boys television show.  I believed it was a natural progression after my infatuation with Donny Osmond had faded (sorry Donny!) And it got much worse after that!
                I used to sit glued to the radio on Sundays to hear Casey Kasem's Top 20 countdown.  I think I even wrote down all of the songs so I wouldn't forget any.  I would scrape together whatever change I could earn to buy the latest and greatest 45 record for that week. There was  Andy Gibb, the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, KC and the Sunshine Band, Olivia Newton-John,  Hall & Oates...I could go on forever... This love of music eventually led me to a teenager's dream job - working in a record store! I was fortunate enough to move up quickly and soon found myself in the job of assistant manager. I got to order everything in the store except for records.  There were posters, 45 singles, buttons, stickers, t-shirts, hats  and more.  It was a fun challenge to try to predict what would be the big seller for the following week and order accordingly. I really miss that "job."  But enough about my past...
                Recently, I have become  re-acquainted with the current  chart topping music  thanks to my daughters and their love of song.  While I may be listening more as a concerned parent these days, I do feel like there are many talented performers out there.  Amidst all of the hype, the scandals and a meat dress or shoes, pop music is alive and kicking. American Idol was back on top this year and there is still quality music to be found. I have to admit,  I was pretty surprised where I  discovered two "perfect" songs. The songs have such a similar theme that I had to buy both of them and actually printed out the lyrics as well. Sung by singers that I would consider to be, pretty much, polar opposites,  the songs have a fantastic and remarkably parallel message.         
                First on the turntable was Selena Gomez & the Scene. Singing a song written by Priscilla Hamilton & Emanuel Kiriakou, lead singer, Ms. Gomez took on the song  Who Says,  which has personal meaning for her.  According to Gomez, the song was intended to inspire people. ..particularly those involved in cyber bullying.  "Who says you're not perfect?  who says you're not worth it? ...who says you're not beautiful...who says?" Indeed.  When commenting on the song's meaning, Gomez said, " ...with all the negativity...trying to figure out who you are; it doesn't help when people are constantly trying to tear you down."  Well said. Not scheduled to record a cd, but inspired by this amazing song, Gomez changed her schedule to start recording early. Good thing, because the song was certified platinum and charted in the top 25 in the U.S.               
            Next up was the song Perfect by Pink.  The CD version of this song contains explicit lyrics but the radio edit is more family friendly.  The video is intense and not appropriate for young children but the message is still very clear: accepting people for who they are.  After seeing the video, I reflected on the idea that people tend to live up to your expectations of them. So, if you think someone will disappoint you, they probably will...and conversely, if you think they are capable of great things...then they are just that...capable...of anything!    Shouldn't  we be more encouraging of others? Of ourselves? Definitely. There are enough people out there willing  to rip you to shreds.  Please don't join in on that one.
                As I reviewed this topic, I was reminded of two  other recent songs that are also very empowering: Katy Perry's Firework and Lady Gaga's Born This Way.  Both of these songs are encouraging people to accept themselves and realize that everyone has faults, makes mistakes and is not technically perfect. But what is? Perfect is, by definition, that which is ideal or excellent. The last part of the definition is the one I like the best: exactly fitting a need in a certain situation. So,  while you or I may not be perfect in the true sense of the word...are we not perfect in some way? Are you not the perfect son or daughter to your parents? I bet they would say so! Are your children not perfect for you? Of course they are!  Let's run with that for awhile...because after all...for all of your flaws , insecurities and doubts you may have about yourself,  no one,  absolutely no one can be more perfectly you...than  you!

Thursday July 28, 2011

Superlatives Sprinkles or Jimmies?

Superlatives   Sprinkles or Jimmies

            Darn!  As I sat down to have breakfast this morning, I was informed by the radio announcer  that it was National Ice Cream Day. Having recently started a much needed dietary adjustment program (that's  my  fancy way of saying  I need to lose a few pounds) I was fraught with fear.  Could I actually survive the day without indulging? Upon further investigation, I came to find  that not only was the third Sunday of July National Ice Cream Day,  but in fact,  the entire month of July is National Ice Cream month.  Apparently,  back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan made these designations because he recognized the popularity of ice cream in the United States and stated that these two events should be observed with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."   I may be able to hold out today but all month? Oh well! I didn't really want to be on that diet anyway. 

            As I reflected on my life long relationship with ice cream (yes, my first job was waitressing at Brigham's) I realized that ice cream is really more than just a treat or a dessert. It truly is an event. I don't know about anyone else, but for me, having a dish of ice cream straight from my home freezer just doesn't do it justice.  Sitting and enjoying the indulgence in an ice cream parlor or outside a take-out window on a hot summer day, is really the right way to go.  Who doesn't love a little kid with a face full of ice cream and a cone that is dripping down his arm?

            I began trying to remember  all of the places that I had been where ice cream was involved.  Surprising to me was the number of different places that I had visited.  Many years ago, my Aunt Mary took me to a little place just outside of Davis Square in Somerville  where  the line of people was out the door and up the street. I couldn't imagine what was so amazing to warrant a line of this magnitude. Little did I know that I was about to experience a "smoosh-in." Steve Herrell, founder of Steve's Ice Cream and later Herrell's Ice Cream, trademarked the term which is often referred to as mix-in at other establishments.  With  super-premium ice cream and customized desserts using mixed in ingredients, Steve's attracted  lots of media attention.  MSNBC journalist, Tom Austin  remarked in 2009, "Modern gourmet ice cream is widely considered to have been born at the original Steve's in Boston."    I can't recall what flavor or additive I chose that day but I do know that my life was never the same.  In the years following that ice cream awakening,  I discovered other great frozen treat spots: Buttricks Ice Cream, Brighams,  J.P. Licks in Jamaica Plain,  Emack & Bolios, Ben & Jerry's, Kimball Farms and of course Burlington's own School House Ice Cream. This delightful  list could go on and on. 

            There is even more variety than ever before in flavor choices.  Even though vanilla is still the most popular flavor in the U.S  you  can find everything from French Toast (Baskin-Robbins), Buttered Popcorn (Maggie Moo's), Strawberry Basil (Cold Stone Creamery) to the one I find most intriguing: Denny's new dessert offering, a Maple Bacon Sundae (vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and bacon bits). I think I may just have to try that one!  Here in town, School House recently introduced Nutty Batty Ice Cream to rave reviews. With vanilla ice cream, fudge swirls, chocolate covered sugar cone pieces and mixed nuts, it sounds pretty delicious.  My current flavor of choice is Mocha Chip and I must admit, I am still on a mission to find the best so if you know of one....

            As I tried to finish up this story , I realized that I hadn't even touched on toppings for ice cream. There are so many,  hot fudge, strawberries, whipped cream, marshmallow, etc. And there is the ever present geographic divider: sprinkles or jimmies? According to Wikipedia, jimmies were brought to the U.S by a Russian immigrant who named them after an employee who ran the machine that produced them.  Brigham's was the first to promote jimmies in Boston and has never charged for them.  The story I learned was much more fun. Call it folk lore or rumor, I was told a very different tale.  I heard that many years ago, there was a young boy named James celebrating his birthday. Along with his birthday cake his mother served ice cream to all of the guests. Before he began to eat his dessert, his mother took out a chocolate bar and began shaving small pieces on top of  James' ice cream. When the other children saw this, they all begged to have some on their ice cream as well.  James' mother responded  to that request with, "sorry kids, but today is his special day and these are...Jimmies" Again, I cannot confirm if it is fact or fiction but I love that story!  And so, on that note,  I must finish up as School House is open until 10:30 tonight  and I think  I can make it if I hurry...

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Superlatives Sweet Days of Summer...

             As I drove home yesterday, an old song came on the radio and with it  came a flood of childhood memories....and it started me thinking.  Did you ever notice how just hearing a song can bring you back to another time, another place? The song I heard  epitomized summer back in its day and took me right back to the early 70s and what summer was like then.  There was no internet, no video games and certainly no IPods. We made do with an old transistor radio and a game of kickball in the street. And in a cliché-filled memory, I recalled how we stayed outside all day,  came home only for lunch or to beg money for the ice cream truck and were in for the night only when the street lights came on. That was how it was, back when "life was slow...and oh so mellow..." Please pass  my apologies on to Gladys Knight and the Pips.

                Getting back to the song on the radio, I began to think of all of the great summer songs that get so much airplay this time of year. I checked the Billboard website and found the Top 30 Summer Songs (by chart ranking) since the inception of the charts in 1958. The list includes so many favorites ; Hot Fun in the Summer Time,  Summer Nights and the Boys of Summer, to name a few .  Each of these  songs reminds me of where I was, not necessarily  geographically, but in my life.  Grease was the biggest movie during the summer of 1978 and it's songs filled the airwaves. Didn't everyone know all of the moves to Greased Lightning? For a young teenager, there couldn't have been a more fun summertime soundtrack.  And Don Henley's the Boys of Summer? Here in Massachusetts, in the heart of Red Sox Nation, it's a perfect warm weather tune.

                The majority of the top tunes charted in the 1960s but all decades had at least one song.  There were lots of Beach Boys songs, two versions of Wipe Out and one Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Two different songs, both called California Girls, made the list. Sadly, the Beach Boys song ranked at number 16 with Katy Perry grabbing the top spot.  Don't get me wrong, Katy Perry is definitely fun but, well, the Beach Boys are (in my humble opinion) great!  As I viewed the impressive  list, I was able to listen to all of the songs, either the original or a live version. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and my family couldn't help but get caught up in the music.  With such a variety of styles and eras represented, there was a song for everyone's taste. 

                As I finished up my musical interlude, I tried to recall last summer.  I actually had to cheat and go back to my computer to pull up some of the photos that I had taken. Then I remembered how we had passed on a big family vacation, opting for shorter trips and long weekend ventures. We did lots of local stuff, like the Stone Zoo,  visiting the U.S.S. Constitution and taking in the sand castle contest on Revere Beach.  Shamefully, I must admit that last year was the very first time that I had climbed to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument.  In sharp contrast to these not-so-long-ago events, I remember vividly things that happened when I was younger. Were these things so much more important?  Were times really easier?  Hard to say why our minds recall certain things or choose not to...but doesn't having a back track of music make things more memorable?  I think so. I wonder what summer memories my own children will hold dear, what songs will be the soundtrack for their youth. Only time will tell...

                Incidentally, the song that I heard on the radio, the one that sparked this idea into a column, was the 1972 smash, Summer Breeze. Sung by Seals & Crofts, the tune had a soft mix of guitar, banjo and the very distinct sound of a toy piano. The duo's vocal harmony gave the song such an easy, laid back quality that, for me, speaks of summer;  of taking the time to enjoy good weather, spending  a day on the beach or just hanging out with friends. Being able to relax, maybe even being a little lazy, isn't that what summer is for? I am sure there will be  many summer breezes this year  and hope that we can seize these moments ...  "Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind..."

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Superlatives...Remembering Those Serving Overseas

     Next week, as  many Americans celebrate the birth of our country, many  will have the day off from work.  Some will line the streets, awaiting festive parades,  some will have  back yard barbecues and some will stand in awe of a spectacular  fireworks display. While all of these  perfect Fourth of July activities are taking place,  oceans & worlds away,  young men & women will be on duty. Our troops are there to defend the ideals of our country, in the recent words of President Obama "...We protect our own freedom and prosperity by extending it to others. We stand not for empire but for self-determination...with an unwavering belief that all human beings deserve to live with freedom and dignity."
     Not only do we enjoy many freedoms here but we want other countries to have that opportunity as well. I think that is great! And we owe a debt to our service men and women that I cannot adequately put into words.

      Not wanting to make any assumptions, I turned to Google to see what other people thought was great about our country....there were 807 million results...and I read every one of them!  But I jest....   I did, however, read a bunch that were from people who had been  born elsewhere, moved to the United States and eventually  became citizens of our great nation. The gratitude that these people have for America is immense.

      I spoke with a gentleman  who was born in Gambia in Africa. Having arrived here in 1997, Lang Conteh attended high school in Maine,  spent two years at Northeastern University and  eventually enlisted in the Army National Guard.  He told me being a U.S. citizen gave him " the ultimate freedom to become whatever you want to be." He elaborated that  there could be barriers, but if you work hard  you can still achieve whatever you want.  He spoke of personal responsibility for one's own future.

     "Living in a free society (in the U.S.),  it depends on the individual to be motivated and try to be successful" Conteh  loves living in America  and is grateful for the opportunities that  have been available to him. 

     Luis Rosa was born in Puerto Rico but moved to New York at the age of sixteen.  Rosa feels that he has had a much better life living here, "Even though  Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, some  people don't seem to have a lot of pride in the island. I grew up here. I enlisted (in the Marines) because it was the right thing to do. I have pride in my country and I wanted to give back."
       Rosa spent eight years in the Marines, served in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has traveled to many different countries around the world.  Having seen much violence and poverty  has made him appreciate what he has here in the U.S.  "I am proud to be Latino. Proud to be from Puerto Rico. But I am extremely proud to be an American!"

       In contrast to those born outside of the U.S., the people that I spoke with who were born on U.S. soil seemed less happy with the state of our country.  While everyone said they loved the U.S.A., they were quick to point out the flaws they felt our country suffered from; everything from badly behaved politicians to greedy lawyers to inflated political-correctness. While I wholeheartedly agree, isn't it great that we live in a country where we are free to voice those opinions?

     One phrase that was repeated numerous times was  "the pursuit of happiness."  While this is a basic human right (here in the U.S. at least) it is not a guarantee. We are all responsible for what we do, what we commit  our time to, what pursuits we dedicate ourselves to and ultimately, if we succeed. 

     Only a short time ago, we, as Bostonian,  had the fantastic occasion to celebrate our Boston Bruins and their Stanley Cup win. While this was, absolutely, a cause for celebration, the pride and joy that was felt may have even surpassed that felt after  the capture  of Osama Bin Laden just weeks earlier.  Do we feel the joy of our citizenship? Are we  elated to be Americans? Of course we are!  So, on the Fourth,  as we bite into our hotdogs,  sip our cold lemonade  and wave at the passing floats, let's take a moment to remember not only our active troops but also our veterans and this great country of ours that they defend.

Thursday, June 30, 2011