A Most Thought Provoking Question...

The other day I was getting my hair cut and my hair dresser asked me, "What was the most exciting thing you have ever done in your life?"  This question stopped me in my tracks, because no one thing popped into my head.  All I could say was, "At my age, I've done so many exciting things that I really can't pinpoint just one!"

I've stood behind Niagara Falls and watched the power of the falls as they plunged to the water below; I've climbed the stairs inside the Statue of Liberty and looked out over the amazing panorama of New York City;  I've stood at the Feet of Abraham Lincoln in the Washington, DC memorial and looked up in awe at the man who went down in history as one of the greatest American Presidents this country has ever produced;  I've walked the "trail of tears" in Nauvoo where the Saints were driven from their homes by the mobs in Illinois;  I've stood on holy ground inside nine different Temples and mingled with both the Saints there and the spirits in attendance;  I've walked on original Roman roads in York, England, and on the grounds of the Campbell Invarary Castle in Scotland;  I've visited ancient castles in both Scotland and England and wondered at the miracle of history;  and I've climbed mountains.

How does one choose which experience was "the most exciting"?  That question has haunted me ever since that day.  Could it be that my life has been so mundane that no ONE experience stands out in my mind as exciting?  Or maybe my definition of exciting is different than the average persons.

EXCITING...hmmm...what in my life has been exciting?

Was it the first time I was up on a stage, performing my very first tap routine?  That was pretty exciting to me.  Or was it the day my mother brought my new baby sister home from the hospital?  She was so tiny and I learned pretty quickly that she couldn't play with me for a very long time.  Or maybe it was my very first kiss!  That really was exciting...and wet and sloppy and yuck!  No, that wasn't it.

I think for starters, the very first most exciting experience I had was my wedding day.  It was a beautiful summer day in June, 1958.  There was no other day like it...ever!  I waited my whole life for that day.  And it didn't disappoint me...it was the most exciting day of my life.

The second most exciting experience of my life was giving birth to my first child.  No amount of preparation could ever get a girl ready to be a mother!  I read all the books, talked to lots of mothers and listened to my own mother put in her two cents worth.  None of that can teach you the absolute emotional joy of having that little tiny bundle of sunshine placed in your arms  for the very first time.  She was amazing.  I didn't ever want to put her down.

In my lifetime, I have never jumped out of an airplane with a flimsy parachute strapped to my back;  I've never  para-sailed or scuba dived or driven a race car at maddening speeds;  nor have I found myself up on the silver screen playing the part of a lifetime (although I've lived many parts in my head a million times, whenever I've watched a good movie);  I haven't traveled the world and seen all those exotic places I dream about;  and I've never sung a live duet with Barbra Streisand (though I really, really wanted to when I was a younger me).

No, the two most exciting things I have ever done in my life were to first be a wife, and second a mother.  My greatest joys have come through those two titles.  And, as I get older, the title of Grandmother, and even Great-grandmother are music to my ears.  I would have it no other way.

Thoughts on The Constitution of The United States of America...

Just as our forefather's debated over and over again on what should be included in The Constitution, (and in some cases what should not be included), the gentlemen (and women) in Washington today are debating on what should be removed.

There were differences in opinion then and there are differences in opinion now.  But, as stated by James Madison in 1788 in his Federalist Papers, "...(these papers) are intended for those who possess a sincere passion for the happiness of their country, as well as for those capable of discerning the best way to promote this happiness."  And this "pursuit of happiness" was (and should still be today) the base from which The Constitution was finally formed, voted on and ratified.  The happiness of the people was and still is what drives freedom.

As I see it, the third party involved in forming The Constitution was the Lord, and those men present at its formation were men of faith.  That element is missing in today's discussions.  Our leaders (?) in Washington have chosen not to invite the Lord to their discussion.  Hence, there is chaos at the top and it is trickling down to the citizens of this blessed country.  And the happiness of her citizens is at stake.

In my eyes, and it should be in the eyes of every God-fearing American, it is up to us--the American citizens--to begin to repair the chasm that divides us, from the bottom up; then, we must replace the darkness that enshrouds Washington, our once great Capitol, with light and let God back into our discussions.  How are we to accomplish this?  Only God knows.

I'm not a young woman anymore--I wish I was, but I will not stand by and watch my beloved Country and The Constitution that blesses it, be burned to ashes before my eyes.  As long as I am able, I will fight to the end to defend these God given freedoms.  Our forefathers shall not have died in vein.  God's army will rise up and defend every liberty that our forefathers so valiently fought to preserve.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, NOW AND FOREVER!

 

Cinco de Mayo...

I know, I know, I know...Cinco de Mayo fell on a Sunday, and we shouldn't have had any fun...but...we did go to church and after church enjoyed some of the most amazing activities I have ever seen.  (And that includes all of my growing up years in Southern California, where Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in big ways.)

We saw a Mariachi Band that entertained at the local Mexican Restaurant.  They were outstanding and, as always, so friendly with the audience.  I love their joyous spirit.

Performing at our local Cultural Center, was the Charro Horsemanship show.  I wasn't prepared for what I saw these amazing and beautiful horses do.  They paraded with heads and tails high, they danced and they all looked as though they absolutely loved it..

Mr. Jose Solano brought this wonderful entertainment to us.  And we learned about the Cinco de Mayo history.  It is a celebration (mostly in the west) "to honor Mexican heritage and the contributions of the Mexican-American community." " Historically it celebrates the Battle of Puebla of May 5, 1862, in which the Mexicans defeated a larger French army."  (From an article in the Today publication in Lincoln City.)

The horses ridden by the Mexican cowboys were "Andalusian, Friesian and Azteca horses that perform intricate dances and movements."  "The Andalusian horses are of the same stock as the famed Lippizzaner stallions of Vienna, and all are descendants of horses from the renowned Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain."  (Same article.)

We found the horses astounding and the movements sometimes unbelievable.  I have never seen a horse "tap dance" before.  But these did, on a wooden stage!  Mark and Terrie, you would have loved these horses.  They were truly amazing!

After the horse show, we ventured inside for a delightful display of color as the Papalotl Mexican folk dance company of Kenya Marquez performed for us.  We were treated with a variety of dances...some of them familiar to me as the dances I learned when I was a young girl.  It was thoroughly enjoyable.

All in all, it was a festival to remember.  And to top off the entertainment, we ate authentic Mexican Street Tacos from the booth provided for the crowds.  Yum.  They are my favorites!  Piled high with beans and pork and tomatoes and lettuce and cheese and lots of homemade salsa.

It was a good day.  Next year, it won't be on Sunday, so I won't have to feel guilty for attending.

Hola!  Viva la Mexico!  Viva la America!