At Face Value November 13, 2014

It’s a long way away, but I have decided what I would like to dress up as for Halloween next year. It’s something honorable, something I wish I could be in real life sometimes. Plus, it involves black and white stripes, which is a bonus for me (as long as it doesn’t involve jail). For Halloween next year I would like to be a referee.

I say this because it would bring to light something I’ve often felt about the beloved people in my life. I spend a lot of time observing what happens around me, so over the course of my life I have come to know a few distinct truths about human interaction.

It’s messy. And complicated. And sometimes I think it would do better if there was someone to step in, intervene, and bring focus back to a conversation that veered so far off track that occasionally people can’t even remember why they started fighting in the first place. If I was a referee, I would do just that. I would remind people that whatever they are disagreeing about must not be as big a deal as it’s being construed as or they wouldn’t have all but forgotten it. I would remind to take words at face value rather than blowing things unnecessarily out of proportion. I would remind them they love each other.

Because it is indeed messy and complicated. But it’s also beautiful. I just wish it looked more like doggie communication sometimes. We love with our whole selves, no questions asked. Our world literally revolves around our people. They are number one, and we take everything they do at face value just as we deliver our love in its purest form.

But alas, I cannot speak. I can’t call a foul or push pause when I see a conversation go off track. At least not until I’m wearing my referee costume next Halloween. That’s when the magic is going to happen.

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You’re So Vain October 12, 2014

It’s not my fault. Not technically, anyway. Something happened today that some might conceive to be a little (all right, a lot) vain on my part. But I promise you, it wasn’t me.

Around this time a year ago, I posted my proclamation on all things Halloween. I said we should instead of seeking to disguise or costume ourselves, we ought to embrace the things that make us unique. To stand proud, with our heads held high and our hearts beating strong. Because at the end of the day we are ourselves again. And (whether we realize it or not) who we are is something pretty special.

This year, all I can hear in my head right now is the Carly Simon classic “You’re So Vain.” Because yes, I think this song is about me. Today, I became someone who is not myself. Apparently there is some sort of contest in our area where I could win a prize for doggy-style dress up for Halloween.

So today, I became Yoda from “Star Wars.” Well, not really, but I sure looked a lot like him, thanks to the costume mom got me. After my initial embarrassment (and discomfort) wore off, I realized there are a lot worse characters to dress up as than a strong, powerful and wise one who is respected by many all over the world.

And, knowing him, he would advise me that what happened today doesn’t make me any less who I am. He would also tell me to “do or do not. There is no try.”

So, I ask you to forgive me (even though it’s not my fault). I abhor you to humor me, even though it might be conceived a little (all right, a lot) vain. Voting starts this week for this contest mom is entering me in, and I need your help. Please take a moment (or two) to vote for me, and spread the word to others to do the same!

I know it’s silly, but it’s another of my attempts to share joy, from the ground up with whomever will take it. Happy Howlaween, everyone!

To vote: http://99.1themix.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=149089