Meet Alan

One of the best parts of my day job is that it affords me the opportunity to meet and get to know people from all over the world. The very best part of my job is when one of those people grows from "just" a co-worker to a real friend, a bespren, even. Alan is one of those people. Alan inspires me with his creativity, his smarts, his loyalty and most of all, his very big heart.

Alan lives in the Philippines, a nation made up of many small islands. Alan has had the opportunity to travel to many places most of us here in the U.S. have never heard of. When Alan noticed the poverty and the potential of a place called El Nido, he knew he had to do something to help. What a simple idea he came up with, and what a complex, long-lasting effect it had. Alan started a program this Spring called "Lapis, Please (A Pencil Revolution)." In Alan's own words:

I’ve been yearning to contribute the little that I have to make a world of difference to our less fortunate brothers in the provinces. I want to send a strong message that the youth is what this country really needs to treasure and nurture. It’s not about what school you come from or which social class you belong to; everyone has a substantial stake on the future of our beloved Philippines.

First off, why pencils? Well, my humble reply is, why NOT pencils? The pencil has always been the symbol of learning for kids and their first tool for expressing their own imaginations. Why just pencils? Well, let’s give a chance for them to get creative and find or improvise a sharpener or eraser. This program aims to be an enabler and not merely a dole-out.

This program will never claim to be the ultimate solution to our pressing problems in both education (or lack thereof) and the debilitating poverty. However, it is absolutely the BIG first step to reach that noble goal, a flicker of a light on an otherwise bleak(er) future. Realizing our own limitations, we turn to our dear friends (and friends of friends) who also believe in our advocacy. It is a simple idea but hey, it might be someone else’s ticket out of poverty and away from ignorance - perhaps even life-changing for some. Hopefully, in 10 years or more, someone will remember that this tiniest of ideas opened the biggest of opportunities for him. Talk about “paying it forward”.

You can read more about how the "Lapis Project" day went here, and see some pictures that Alan took. (He's a great photographer, by the way.) Who knows how these pencils will change the world in the future... one of those pencils might be used to sketch the world's next great masterpiece, write the next great novel, find the formula that cures cancer or perhaps, just bring a smile to a child's face. You never know. But sometimes, just bringing a smile to a child's face is more than enough, don't you think?

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat
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Photo Friday: The Other Side

My mom took this picture many years ago, back when we all still used film. It was taken in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, at the family campground where my family has spent the past 25 summers, where my parents still spend all their time from "school's out" (they're both teachers) through Labor Day weekend.


I love this picture, I have a large version of it framed and hanging in my home. This is a path I've been down hundreds of times before, and it leads from one beautiful beach to another. In the daytime, it's a short, pretty walk, only a few hundred yards with a gorgeous beginning and a gorgeous ending. But, I've also walked down it at night, in the dark.

When it's dark outside, this path, though familiar to me, is still scary. There are lots of tree roots in the path, it's easy to stumble. There are a few small curves and if you don't see them coming, it would be easy to end up with your face planted firmly into the side of a tree. A few feet to one side is a lake, so a few wrong steps and you'll end up in the water. And the mosquitoes? Merciless!

Isn't that so true of life? When it's darkest, even the most familiar path can be difficult, sometimes frightening. If it's a path you've never been down before, it's even worse. But sometimes, you just have to trust that the path really does end, in a safe, sometimes beautiful place. Trust and strength and courage aren't always easy, but if you take your time stay the course and pull yourself back up if you fall, you'll always make it through to the other side.

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Live United

I love organizations that have a simple mission, a simple principle, and a great plan to put it into action. The United Way is one of these organizations. Big thanks to my friend Mel for bringing this one to my attention! It’s likely you’ve heard of them before, but do you know what they’re all about? I encourage you to read more here, then visit their website for additional information on how you can help them help our local communities.

In this post, the items in italics are pilfered straight from their website, and though I’m not a fan of using other people’s words to tell the story, who better than The United Way to tell you what they’re all about?

The theme: Live United.

The mission: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.

That’s right, it’s about putting people (us!) into action to make our own communities stronger, safer and better. Who can’t get on board with that?

So who is the United Way, exactly? United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

There are three different ways you can get involved:

1. First, you can give. If you can afford to, you can make a charitable donation. The United Way website offers advice on giving, what to look out for, and how to track your donations.
2. Second, you can advocate. Even if you can’t afford to give, anyone can champion the cause. Whether you’re speaking out to improve education, income and health, reaching out to members of Congress, or wearing the LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. So go ahead and advocate in a LIVE UNITED world. Do it in public. Be visible. Be loud.
3. Third, you can volunteer. Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Whether it’s reading to children, or leading financial literacy classes for hard-working families, or delivering meals to homebound seniors, there are hundreds of volunteer options available every day. Give the gift of you. Volunteer.

I ordered a Live United t-shirt (gotta love a t-shirt with a strong, positive message!) and I’m looking at volunteer opportunities in my local community. Even if you don’t have a lot of money or a lot of time, you sure have a lot of YOU! I encourage you to take a few minutes to get to know more about this organization, to see how you can also make a difference in your local community and become a part of the Live United movement.

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Wildcard Wednesday: Comment Card

There are a handful of blogs that I read every single day, others I check in on every few days or at least once a week. My favorites are my favorites because they inspire me, they make me laugh, they educate me, they tell a good story, or some combination of the above. Yet even though I read them frequently, I (very) rarely leave a comment on a post.

Why? Usually (and though not consciously), I suppose I think, "This is [insert name of close bloggy friend here]'s blog, s/he knows I read every day, I don't really need to tell him/her" or "this person doesn't really know me, why would they care what I think?" or "I don't want to look like a stalker if I keep leaving comments!"

And then I get a comment on one of my own blogs, and it makes my day! Doesn't matter if it's from a close friend, a bloggy friend, or a stranger. We (bloggers) LOVE to get comments on our posts. It makes us feel good!!

So here's a challenge for today (and tomorrow and every day really, but we'll start small). Find a blog. Read it. Leave a comment. How simple is that? You can pick a blog you already read, maybe choose one from my list of "Links I Love" on the left side of this page (scroll down a bit to find it), or find a random blog by clicking on the "Next Blog" link at the very top of this site.

Your comment doesn't have to be long or profound, you can write something as simple as:

"I read your blog all the time, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it."

~or~

"This really made me laugh, thank you!"

~or~

"I can relate to this so much, thank you for sharing."

~or even~

"I have a different perspective on this, but it's nice to read another point of view."

Of course, remember what your mom always told you... If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. We don't want to leave any mean comments, but it only takes a second to make someone's day with a comment, a kind word of encouragement, or some advice / suggestions the person may be asking for. If you blog yourself, you already know what a day brightener these comments can be. Why not take a moment to spread some sunshine today?

PS - If you leave a link to your blog in a comment to this post, I'll visit your blog, bookmark it, and even leave YOU a comment!

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Good in the News: Tim Russert

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard that Tim Russert passed away on June 13 at the age of 58. Even if your house isn’t full of politics-junkies like mine is, who TIVO Meet the Press every Sunday morning, and even if you never heard the name “Tim Russert” before his death, surely you have now. You know who he was and what he did in his career. You know the sadness felt by those who knew him and those who watched him at home and abroad. You know the loss, the sadness, the void left by his passing.

So how is it that a story about death at a young age makes it to the “Good in the News” section of this blog? Remember, this blog is all about how to find light through darkness, how to dance in the storm, how to focus on the good things instead of the bad. Let me explain...

At his funeral service, Barack Obama and John McCain, who have been battling it out in the political arena for months on end, sat next to each other, engaged in amicable conversation, as they waited for the service to begin. How many other people could bring the left and the right together, making opposites put aside their differences for a greater purpose? That’s a big accomplishment, that’s good news.

Whether you knew of him or not, when you heard of his passing, did you stop and think, “wow, he was too young!” and hug someone you love just a little bit tighter? Appreciate today a little bit more? Stopping to count your blessings or to show appreciation to someone you love, that’s good news, too.

Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York (for whom Tim Russert once worked) said this: "He regarded a day greeted without real enthusiasm as a sadly lost opportunity." That’s advice we can all benefit from, a lesson we can all learn and share with our children. That’s good news.

Speaking of children, the most important words of the day came from Tim Russert’s own son, 22 year old Luke. “My dad was my best friend," he said. “Tim Russert led with his heart, his compassion and most of all his honor.” These are big statements, powerful statements, proud, loving, wonderful statements. Don’t we all hope and wish and pray that when our time comes, our children remember us that very same way?

To lead with your heart, your compassion and your honor… that is a shining example to set for others. To leave this world a better place than you found it… that is the most we can ask for in our life.

Of course, I didn’t “know” Tim Russert. But I miss him, and I’ve learned something from him: To live a good life, to give what we can, when we can, to whomever we can... to bring people together, to raise amazing, proud children… that is the best sort of legacy we can leave. Tim Russert's passing has reminded me of these lessons, and I hope it reminded others, too. If his passing has provided you any perspective on your own life, on the kind of memories you want to make or the legacy you wish to leave, then that, my friends, is good news.

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Meet Melody

I have two young daughters, ages 2 and (almost) 5. They are wonderful, amazing, (fairly) well-behaved kids. Yet there are always those days where my husband and I find ourselves wondering who's silly idea it was to have so many children. You know, those days where you get into bed at night and just thank God you made it through the day, with everyone all still in one piece. We promise each other that the only way we'll have more children on purpose is if they come with more parents!

On the days I get frustrated, I always find inspiration and motivation and calm in thinking about Melody. Melody has four children. Yes, four! Not only four kids, but four boys! Can you imagine? One is grown but three of them are in their teen/tween years. Three tween boys?!?!? Yikes! Compared to that, my life is cake!

There's more to her story, though. The three youngest boys? All adopted. That's right, Melody and her husband made a conscious decision to open their hearts and their lives to three young boys, to bring them into their own family and love them as their own. Did I mention they're all close in age, and she currently has three tween boys?!?!?

The story still doesn't end there, though. Between them, these three boys live with autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. And yes, Melody knew all that going in. Can you think of anyone with more purpose, more courage or a bigger heart than this woman? I most certainly can't!

Not only is Melody a mother, she's a photographer, a writer, and she has a great sense of humor. In her own words:

I love my life! My special purpose sons take me to places daily in mind and heart that I would have never known existed without them. In sharing photos and a few words from our daily life, I encourage you to look at your life with humor, hope and with the reality that you do what you can do when you can do it. And reminding you to snap photos...lots of photos.

Let me tell you, this woman is amazing. She is an inspiration. She is a daily reminder to stop taking yourself so seriously, to look at your life with a little bit of humor, a whole lot of hope, and to let yourself off the hook on the days you just can't get it all done.

Run, don't walk, over to her blog: Slurping Life. Bookmark it, visit it daily. Melody will make you laugh, she'll make you cry, she'll show you some amazing pictures. More than all that, though, she'll remind you that even on your toughest days, there are others out there going through the same things as you, and if you stop to smell the roses, enjoy the moments and laugh when you can, life will be a much more beautiful place.

Oh -- and if three tween boys?!?!? and one blog wasn't enough, Melody just launched a new blog called whatithink, which is full of blogging reviews, giveaways and contests. Trust me, this lady gets some COOL giveaway stuff, you'll want to check that one out, too!

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Photo Friday: Perfect Moments

Let me preface this by saying that I do not claim to be a "photographer." I have a very average camera and though I'm gifted in many areas, photography is not one of them. The camera is usually an afterthought and if I do get a decent shot, pretty much all I know how to do is upload it to my laptop and take out the red eye.

Photo Friday is not about picture quality, it's about picture content. I hope to be able to include photos that others have taken in the coming weeks, where the quality is as good as the content. But in the meantime, don't focus on if the picture is in focus, if the lighting is right, or if it's a little off center. Focus on the subjects, the intent, the story and the emotion. If you've got a photo to share, please let me know!

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Nine months is a long time to wait when you're an expectant parent. But when you're only two years old and you're waiting for you new baby sister? Might as well be forever. My husband took this picture of my daughters and me during their first meeting. Jessica was 15 hours old, Rachel was 2 months shy of turning three. This photograph doesn't do it justice, though. Jessica had her eyes wide open, presumable planning how to get her hands on Rachel's head of curly red hair. Rachel just smiled and smiled and stared and stared at "her" new baby... the one she'd waited for, planned for, and loved in a heartbeat.

If you're a parent, you probably have a memory just like this one. Whether you captured it on film or not, you can relate to this first introduction, this first look, this first love. For this moment, the rest of the world melts away, nothing else matters, you have everything in the entire world that you could ever want or need. It's a perfect, pure, unconditional moment, one that you want to hold on to forever. It doesn't matter what's going on outside the walls of the room that you're in, it only matters that you are a family, and that you are forever.

This photograph, this is my perfect moment. What's yours?

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Really Cool People

Growing up, "cool" was pretty much the last adjective anyone would have used to describe me. I was a teacher's kid, a straight-and-narrow, A student. A geek, a nerd, a dweeb.

Last year, though, I "met" (virtually) a guy named Sam Davidson. He and Stephen Moseley have completely redefined what it means to be "cool" and this time, it includes me! Sam and Stephen started an organization called Cool People Care, who's mission is to change the world, 5 minutes at a time. Though I've never met them in person, I've read their book, I wear their t-shirts, display their and stickers and poster (both at work and at home) and drink their own special brew of coffee from my really cool travel mug.

So many of us think we "just don't have the time" to do good things for each other, our community and our planet. But wait, we do! Cool People Care shows us all how we can make a true difference every single day in 5 minutes or less. Who can't find time for that?

If you have kids, know kids, or even just act like a kid, you'll also want to check out their sister site, Cool Moms Care. This site has the same concept, except that it's aimed at parents (and aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends, etc.) with children ages 0-12. Michelle Andrade is the Mom-in-Chief over there, and if you look around a little bit, you might even find some articles I've written!

These guys (and gal) fall under the category of doing good in the world, not only themselves, but promoting "good" to others, and giving us all the simple tools and information we need to do good ourselves.

Cool doesn't even begin to describe them, they're downright awesome! Check them out and learn how you can increase your own "cool quotient" in 5 minutes or less!

CoolPeopleCare - Saving the World, 5 Minutes at a Time
CoolMomsCare - Saving the World, One Kid at a Time

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat

Welcome to Dancing with Ladybugs

I think we all go through days where the weight of the world is heavy on our shoulders. Sometimes these days drag into weeks, sometimes months. There are times when life seems dark, ugly, stormy, where getting out of bed in the morning is more an obligation than a choice. Most of us eventually come out of the tunnel, though from inside, the light can be hard to see, and the journey can be long. Sometimes we turn to friends, family, God, or look deep within ourselves to find the courage and the strength and the motivation to keep moving in the right direction. Sometimes, though, it's hard to stay on the path, to find the light, and to follow it until it's within arm's reach. But when we emerge, the warmth of that light is beautiful, the sun through the clouds is the most magnificent, the rewards are the greatest.

Every adversity, though, provides the opportunity to learn a great life lesson. It's all about perspective, and sometimes you just need to know where to look for the inspiration to get you through. Sometimes it's a random event, a story of hope, even a little ladybug that can make all the difference. In a stormy, ugly world, we need to remember to that life is about dancing in the rain, not merely weathering the storm.

The impetus behind this blog started from an ugly event, one of those things that makes you feel sick to your stomach at how cruel the world can be. A friend of a friend knew two young men who were involved in a terrible accident, where one young man lost his life. The local news reported snippets within hours after it occurred, with very little information or facts available. The situation was tragic enough to begin with, but as I read some of the comments that had been posted to the article on the news site, I was appalled that some people could be so cruel, so judgemental, so heartless. In frustration, I told my friend Mel that I was annoyed to have to share air with some of these people. I probably should have prayed for them, but instead, I got angry. She and I began a conversation about ugly things in the world, and how hard they are to explain to our young daughters. How do we, as parents, shield our children from these things? How do we raise them to be good people and do good things when there are so many ugly influences in the world? How do we explain why people do bad things? How do we show them the good, the hope, the promise, the light, when there seem to be so many forces working against that?

The idea for this blog was born... a blog about the GOOD in the world. The hope. The inspiration. The promise. The light at the end of the tunnel that can provide you direction and pull you through.

The goal here is to include some original posts, links to other sites / blogs / stories that personify beauty in this sometimes ugly world and in addition, offer this space to guest bloggers who have stories and inspirations to share.

It may be a slow start, I'm a full-time-mom with a full-time-other-job, so time time isn't always on my side. However, having too many good things to blog about is really a positive, and I'm hoping to meet some new friends, inspire a few people, and maybe even pick up some help along the way!

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat