Songs that are meant to inspire action

If you've read any of the posts on this blog you'll know that I love music. I especially like music that might inspire people to take some action for a cause that is good.  I started thinking about that because I saw a music video for a song by Matt Nathanson called "Headphones." Nathanson had gone to Peru to help a charity give out hearing aids to people in need. I like it when people can use their star power to do something good for someone else and bring attention to things that are really important. For your viewing pleasure here are some videos that make me want to stand up and do something good! (Below is the video from Matt Nathanson)

I also found this video by Sarah McLachlan for her song "World on Fire" in which she shows how the  money that would have gone to making the video went to various service projects throughout the world. I just think it's really nice that so many could be helped by those projects.

Finally, I also like this protest song by Sting called "They Dance Alone." It's about a group of women who protested the disappearance of their children by the Chilean government by dancing the Cueca (Chile's national dance) while holding photos of their disappeared loved ones. I liked how Sting recognized the women on stage and danced with each one of them. It shows how even doing things like dancing to protest injustice can have an impact. At the very least the voices of these women were heard and people remember them for this. I'm just glad there's a song to commemorate how brave they are.

A Saturday message

I want to wish everyone a happy Saturday because I just feel that Saturdays are days to feel especially happy!

Since it's Black Friday....

Since it's Black Friday I thought I'd take the opportunity to make a list of the more fun things I'd buy if I had unlimited resources. I asked my sister for advice on what should be on the list and this is what we came up with:

•A parrot- to teach it to say funny stuff

•A fart pillow-just to say we have one!

•A puppy (providing it's already house trained.)

•A disco ball-very good for dancing!

•A lava lamp- I've wanted one for a while just so when I'm tired at night I can stare at the lava stuff going up and down until I fall asleep.

•Flowers because they're pretty!

•Really awesome sexy black boots just to look/ feel fabulous in!

•Enough granola bars to give one to every homeless person just because.

•A library- I love books and I'd make it public because books should be shared.

•A trampoline- It takes me back to when I was really young. I still like to jump around!

Things I'm thankful for...

As it's Thanksgiving in the US I thought I'd write about things I'm thankful for this year. This list is in no particular order as I all of the things are equally important to me.

•Having the ability to work- I do have a job and I've thought more this year than others about how nice it is just to be able to work, make a living, and be independent.

•My family and friends-I'm always thankful for them.

•The Boston Skyline Chorus- it's a barbershop chorus I'm part of and they're fun!

•Music-it helps me get through many things. Case in point: I recently downloaded the song "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" by Stevie Wonder to help me dance more and worry less!

•Hugs- Being hugged makes me feel so happy and I'm glad I have the ability to give that happiness to others as well!

Two things that make life worth living

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." - Charles Shulz
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/charles_m_schulz.html#QykRjKQvsvEUgERZ.99

I can't seem to do without love or chocolate and so I thought this quote is quite accurate. There's nothing like a little sweetness in life, edible and otherwise!

My way of thanking people without words

"There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best." Joe DiMaggio

I find myself thinking that I've sought to be a good person and I would like to be someone people can look up to. Although I never played baseball like Joe DiMaggio, I still feel that, because so many people have been so good to me I owe it to them to do my best in whatever it is I decide to do. I don't think I have words to thank people for everything they've done for me but it does make me want to continue to grow and be a better woman. In that way I can thank them by working to be someone people can look up to. I feel happiest when I help people and I'm happy knowing I can be someone positive for people. If I want anything I want to be that kind of person the most.

Just because I can-here's a shout out to my friend Olivia for winning a prize for her movie

I'm proud that I have a friend called Olivia Richard who was recently in an award winning film about how she receives services as a person dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in Massachusetts (the state has been implementing a demonstration program that streamlines Medicare and Medicaid services into one program so people who are eligible for both programs get the services they need in a more manageable way.) I liked the movie because it showed how getting the services she needed to live an even more active and full life revolutionized her life. Seeing people getting the tools they need to live happily makes my soul feel good. Olivia brings a lot of fun and joy (and angst of course) wherever she goes and I'm just very glad that she can spread it even farther because she has the support services she needs. I'm glad her film won a prize because I think being able to live a full life is something that should be celebrated. To me it's the ultimate award. I'm so happy for Olivia-Congratulations! If you want to watch her video click here: http://vimeo.com/95207883.

Music that you feel inside

I just got back from seeing the Boston Philharmonic play music by Jean Sibelius and Johannes Brahms. The music was so beautiful and it was nice that I could go to the event with some friends and share the experience. I think what I like best was that I felt like the music touched part of my soul and made me feel warm inside. I also liked that they had a pianist named play some of the music in the second part of the concert. I liked watching her because she seemed to feel the music she was playing like it was part of her as well. I think she sounded so great because of this. I realize classical music isn't everyone's favorite thing but I still hope that whatever music you listen to and enjoy, that you feel something happy inside of you when you listen to it.

Songs to take your worries away

When I'm feeling a bit stressed I sometimes find music to be very helpful. In an attempt to help lessen stress here are some songs I like to listen to.

• Don't Worry Be Happy-Bobby McFerrin-it's more fun to be happy! (listen here.)
• Don't You Worry Bout A Thing-Stevie Wonder -it makes me feel like dancing and when I dance I find I can't really worry about anything at all. (listen here).
• The Remedy-Jason Mraz-I can't worry when I listen to this song! (listen here.)
• Hushabye Mountain-(from the movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-sung by Dick Van Dyke.) Not only is this song about helping people go to sleep by helping ease their troubles away but this song has special meaning for me. It somehow reminds me of my home and my family and how they love me and I love them. That love is something I know I'll never need to worry about, as it's something I'll always have. (listen here.)
• I Have Confidence (from the Sound of Music -as sung by Julie Andrews)-I find the more confident I feel the less worried I feel. (listen here.)

An unspoken/unwritten way to show caring

"They invented hugs to let people know you love them without saying anything." -Bill Keane

Enough said

Celebrating kdis

In 1954 the UN declared November 20th as Universal Children's Day which is a day to celebrate "fraternity and understanding between children." It got me thinking about the great things about kids and how those things should be celebrated!

1. Kids have imagination! They show it through art and the way they play and can be so darn creative it's almost sickening!
2. They aren't known for hiding their feelings. I suppose this can be a good and bad thing but sometimes I feel like in letting their feelings out somehow kids seem healthier.
3. As much as they may not seem to listen sometimes, I think kids really do listen and learn from what people say.
4. They have so much energy! Ok so maybe it's too much of a good thing but still, to be that full of life is a nice thing in my mind. 
5. There's nothing happier than a happy kid! 

Progress for people with disabilities in Boston!

I went to the Boston Center for Independent Living's (BCIL) Annual meeting this evening. I think what I enjoyed most about it was learning more about what BCIL has been doing to help people with disabilities. For example, they've helped young people with disabilities live outside nursing homes where they would otherwise have been confined. They've also helped young people with disabilities get jobs. What I found to be especially moving were the speakers. There was a man who had gotten a job with the help of BCIL and a woman who advocated on behalf of domestic workers and their rights. Plus, one of my good friends, Allegra Stout got an award for her services to the disability community, which she richly deserved. I figure if people must fight for something I'm glad that there are people like those in BCIL who fight to ensure others can have a better and brighter future. Maybe one day people with disabilities won't have to struggle to get the services they need and to live as independently as possible. Right now I live in the comforting knowledge that we have amazing people that will fight on until that day comes. Congratulations to Allegra and BCIL!

Ways I've never grown up...

"Another belief of mine; everyone else my age is an adult whereas I'm merely in disguise." -Margaret Atwood

To me this quote is all about refusing to grow up. I find that there are times when I feel like I'm not as "grown up" as others who happen to be around my age. However, I find I learn so much more from people around me because of this. In any case here are some things I still haven't grown out of yet:

• I still like reading "kids books" like Harry Potter and the Railway Children. They make me feel happy. 
• I still look to my parents for advice (whether this is a childish thing is debatable but I've always trusted them.)
• I still like watching Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
• I still view cleaning my room as a chore (nevertheless it does get cleaned but I like to say it looks "lived in!")
• I miss having recess!

I don't think I want to give up these childish things however old I get. I have a feeling that no matter what happens, a part of me will remain young and relatively innocent. At least that's what I'd like to happen. Ultimately I like to think there's a bit of a kid in everyone and letting that little kid out from time to time makes life more fun! 

A lovely dinner out

I just came back from having dinner with some friends. It's been  a while since I last saw them and it was just nice to sit and talk with them and to see how they've been. I find that when I go and visit friends I haven't seen in a while,  it makes me feel the way I feel when I come home to my family because my friends are like family to me. When I was younger (and still when I go home to see my family) we always at least ate dinner together. It was a time when we could share what happened each day and talk about things  we felt were fun and/or important. I think it brought us closer together in the same way that I feel closer to my friends. I hope everyone has someone to share a meal with even if it's just one meal every day. I just think eating feels better when you're in the company of someone else, especially if you're among people you love.

Tolerance

"On this International Day of Tolerance, I call on all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. Let us advance against the forces of division and unite for our shared future."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

As today is International Day Tolerance I was inspired to write the following:

When I think about tolerance

I wish I could just make hate disappear altogether

I wouldn't mind a bit more peace in the world

In fact, I just wish wars would cease to be

They just never made much sense to me

Since hating makes me tired, I'd rather love people instead

Because in loving people I feel a happiness nothing can match

When I think about loving people somehow I don't feel afraid

Maybe in that sense love has helped me feel rather brave

Even if it's sometimes hard to do I still want to love people all the same

I may not always understand others (or myself)

But I do know that I respect people 

And I want to learn to listen to them more

Even if I disagree with what they say 

I find I learn more in doing things that way

I want to be even more tolerant than I am now

Because I figure if I really want to help someone

I have to know where they're coming from 

And now to end I just want to say I care about you

Because we're all connected as part of the human race

A lovely Saturday out

I rather like outdoor markets and so my roommate was shocked when I told her I'd never been to an outdoor market by the Haymarket "T" stop where there is lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and fun people. I felt like haggling with them like they do in movies but I restrained myself. I got some lovely fruits and vegetables. Then we went to Target which is actually a strangely exciting place to me for some reason. We got a small Christmas tree (with blue lights!) and trail mix which is something I can't seem to do without (not to eat it all at once of course, it's just nice to know I have it when I want it.) Then we had a lovely lunch and it was just well...fun. I hope that whoever you are you find simple things to do that make you feel good inside. Life should be fun and I plan to enjoy it even more as it goes along!

Maggie versus inanimate objects

"Never fight an inanimate object." -P.J. O'Rourke

I have not followed P.J. O'Rourke's advice (perhaps it goes with my slightly misguided mentality of not following instructions until all else fails.) So here are some inanimate objects that made me struggle but I beat them in the end so there!

• I can't stand cling wrap-every time I try and wrap up sandwiches I somehow feel like I'm waging a small war with a thing that seems to want to stick to me. However I do get a strange sense of satisfaction in tearing it off its roll-it feels like a small victory. Although I do prefer sandwich bags-they do make life so much easier. 
• I also have trouble with jars that are stuck down tight. I twist and turn them and then I get all scientific-like and stick them under hot water. It's one of the very few things I remember from science classes in school-it appears I actually learned something from those classes despite my best efforts.) Somehow sticking the jar under hot water and drying it off and then twisting the top seems to work quite well. This proves that one can also scientifically beat an inanimate object.
• To be fair to inanimate objects, there is one that continues to beat me-it is (dum dum dum) a lighter! I don't know what it is but I have tremendous difficulty with lighters. Every time I think I've actually got it to light something the thing burns out! Perhaps it's a blessing since I don't know what I'd do once I got the fire started. Still, I plan to keep trying and one day I'll win my longstanding battle with lighters too!

Happily Not Normal!

"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a washing machine.'-Whoopi Goldberg

It's Whoopi Goldberg's birthday and I love this quote by her. I'm rather glad not to be outside the norm. I've been that way for as long as I've been alive I think.  I always liked coloring outside the lines as a child. I still read the beginning and ends of books (I figure I'd only read the middle if the end is reasonably optimistic-if the beginning and end aren't happy I figure it just goes downhill in the middle so why bother?) I'm also rather proud of hugging random strangers as a so called adult. 

So I'm glad to be abnormal because to me it means I've done some things that are unique and most of all abnormal things make life fun! 

Adventure!

On an Adventure!

I feel like going on an adventure
It's just a matter of stepping out my door
And seeing where life takes me
Despite my plans and best efforts
I figure sometimes veering away from the plan is best

Even if it's not particularly dangerous
And maybe it's just plain fun
It's the journey of the adventure that matters to me
At least the journey is what I remember
Long after the adventure is done

I wouldn't want to go on the adventure alone
After all, adventurous are more fun shared
So whatever adventure I go on
I'll write about it in this blog
So anyone can come adventuring with me as long as they want!

To Veterans

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived." George S. Patton 

As it's veterans day I find myself thinking of my father and grandfather who were both veterans who served in the Vietnam War and World War II respectively. I thank God that they lived and that my dad is still living, not just because without them I wouldn't be here, but also because they, like many veterans inspire me to want to be a better human being. The idea that people are willing to risk their lives so people like me can live freely is very humbling.  I will continue to strive to be a better person as I think it's one of the best things I can do to honor veterans. If only so that I can live up to the standard of bravery and dedication that veterans showed throughout their time in the armed forces. If you read this and you're a veteran I want to tell you thank you very much for your service and that I'm very glad you came home!

I like to listen...

I think it's so nice when people greet each other and ask how they are. Sometimes I feel like I do this quickly as a custom without thinking too much about it. I've found it's ok just to say a simple "Hi, how are you? I'm fine" and go about my day. What I like most though  is when people stop and really tell me how they are and what's happening in their lives. I like this best because I know how good it feels when someone listens. I find I feel happier when I've stopped and listened to someone and shared a moment with them. It's something I want to make the time to do more frequently.  Why? Just because I care about people and because I can!

Research!

I love researching stuff-it's something I've always enjoyed mostly because I've liked figuring out how things work and what things are all about. All that got me thinking about fun things I could research and just for the heck I thought I'd share them. So here's a list of things I might want to research when I feel like procrastinating.

• Whether it's possible to go a whole day smiling (and not looking scary while doing so) I tried it once and found it is actually quite a commitment.
• How cartoons got started-just because they make me laugh.
• Why babies are just so stinkin' cute.
• What are the most things you can do all at once-I always wanted to know how much one can multi-task.
• How to make cars fly. Ever since I saw things like the cartoon the "Jetsons" I've always wanted a car that could fly!

Something to talk about

I really like the song Something to Talk About because it's fun, edgy and love is definitely something to talk about. I've found that people either want their love to be something everyone knows about or they want it to be a private thing and I do understand that point of view.  However, I think I fall in the category of wanting everyone to know I love them. One of the things that really irritates me (along with war, peas, and jars that are really hard to open,)  is movies where people wish they'd told someone they loved them just at the point when it suddenly too late to tell them. I was so irritated by that that I resolved to tell people I love them so that when I kick the bucket people will be extremely sure that I loved them very much. In short I resolved to love loudly if only so that anyone who wants to can talk about it!

Feeling warm and safe

It was getting colder today and it got me thinking about how nice it is to come out of the cold and feel warm again. With that in mind I was inspired to write the following:

It was cold when I got home today
Which is why I'm ever so glad
I can get in my bed and be warm instead
And even pull the covers over my head if I want

There's something so nice about feeling warm and safe
That feeling that good things can happen and that life is good
That feeling of happiness that can't be touched by anything
That's what I get from feeling warm an safe

I know how good that feels and how happy it feels
Whether it's wrapping oneself in blankets or giving a hug
I hope that everyone gets to feel warm and safe
Because right now it just feels like the happiest way to be!

Thought Processes

I loved cartoons as a kid (still do in fact.) What I like best about cartoons in the newspapers was the little thought  bubbles that were drawn above the character's heads. I think those were the funniest parts of the jokes. So if I had a thought bubble here are some of the slightly more amusing thought processes

This morning on getting up

Thought One-My bed is so comfortable-don't want to get up!
Thought 2-Alarm must stop! Alarm must stop!
Thought 3-Must get up-have work and I really like my job!
Thought 4-But my bed is so comfortable-don't wanna get up!
Thought 6-If I get up I can make hot chocolate-yum.
Thought 7-Am up, too many reasons to get up and not enough reasons to stay in bed

Last week on going to the store to get baking supplies

Thought 1-I feel like baking
Thought 2-I know I'll make cupcakes -exciting!
Thought 3-But I want cake
Thought 4-wait-and of course this is just occurring to me-cupcakes are just little cakes in those shiny paper cup thingys.
Thought 5-Ok here are the cake mixes: chocolate, vanilla, angel food cake, lemon cake, there are too many choices it's stressing me out!
Thought 6-Oh fine I'll just make cookies-have stuff to do that at home anyway. Going to the store wasn't a total loss -I got to read those newspapers that tells you when the world's going to end!

On going to the gym when it's raining

Thought 1-I need to go to the gym
Thought 2-But it's raining, cold, and nasty
Thought 3-Gym is heated
Thought 4-yes but I have to go out in the cold to get to it.
Thought 5-I'll feel better if I go
(After coming back from the gym)
Thought 6-Even though I'm tired and wet, I strangely have more energy now.
Thought 7-Must blog about it! Why? Because I want to and I can!

To really love someone

It's Bryan Adams' birthday and I really like the song he sings called "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" not just because it's romantic (which it is) but because it makes me think of what it means to really love. Plus it sounds pretty! Listen below.

The ability to have a say

It's election day! I think election day is exciting because I'm glad that I can vote!  I have a voice and I like the idea that my voice can make a difference! Even if the person I vote for doesn't win I can still know that I supported them. There's something very satisfying in all that. I hope everyone gets to vote  in elections because everyone's voice deserves to be heard!

Something no one can stop you from doing

"You can always get better. No one can stop you from getting better and nobody can stop you from trying to make something right."-Roseanne Barr

It's comedienne, Roseanne Barr's birthday and her quote about getting better inspired me. I think having the ability to get better and make things right is a wonderful gift everyone has. For me it's a comfort to know that I can make things get better and that somehow things do come out all right in the end. The thing I like most about this quote is that it reminds me that there's a part of everyone that is unstoppable! To end this post I just wanted to wish a very happy birthday to Roseanne Barr!

Happiness in a pretty dress

I just got back from the Museum of Fine Arts where they now have an exhibit with glamorous dresses from Hollywood from the 1920s-40s. Below is one of my favorite dresses that was on display. Even though I've never worn that dress and I don't see (nor do I really want) my name up in lights anytime soon, seeing the dress  reminds me how nice it is to feel glamorous. It's a confidence booster! I know that when I feel like I look particularly good and classy I somehow feel happier. So here's to pretty dresses and feeling classy!

Why I love daylight savings time

I love daylight savings time
I just like the idea that
It means I get one more hour
To sleep or to do something equally nice
Like write this blog or talk with people I like

Even if the sky gets darker earlier because of it
I like to think each day brings us closer to more light
And even if it means things get rather colder
I just have to think about how nice it is to come home
And know I have some warm place to snuggle up in at night!

Even when it's time to move clocks forward again
I find I don't mind it so much because it means spring has come
With it's flowers and sunshine to spread again
But for now to end this poem, I just wanted to say to everyone
Don't forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed!