Day 227. The Warrior One.

Meet John Melia. Five years ago he founded the Wounded Warrior Project. This project, as he simply states, is founded on the principle of one service member helping another. I think we all have been touched through someone in our lives by the effects of the recent military actions the United States has taken. I echo hopefully many of you, when I say, that regardless of one's politics or beliefs on the steps we have taken, I can never question nor adequately show appreciation to those who fight on my country's behalf.

Many give so much - and I often worry about those who return to us with severe injuries - physical and emotional. WWP is focused on honoring and empowering wounded soldiers and for the first time, I'm seeing an organization that REALLY does it up right. With respect to all those organizations who do even a small gesture to honor our soldiers, WWP blows me away. First off, their business organization - they have a bill of rights, and a statement of fiscal responsibility. AND, they don't just do one thing - such as a parade, or care packages, or letters from home they give these people complete support through a variety of channels and events.

The event that caught my attention (thank you Good Morning America) was the weekends they plan focused on comprehensive healing. And by that I mean they have picnics, barbeques, parades, sporting events, they really REALLY REALLY honor and celebrate the men and women who have done so much for us.

I won't talk much more other than to say I am in awe not only of what John has created, but also the degree of professionalism and integrity in which he has undertaken his project. Check out the website...you'll see. And to ALL of those who do anything of any magnitude for our servicemen and women I thank you - and today in particular, I thank John.

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Day 226. The LIVESTRONG One.

I feel somewhat like I am cheating writing this. For Lance Armstrong certainly doesn't need me calling attention to his work to acknowledge all that he has done that is good in this world. However, I have been a Lance fan and a Tour de France fan for many many years, and this year, as he makes his return (and I make my foray into cycling), I'm going against my rule of not featuring famous people because I think he's deserving.

As one of my mentors, Miguel Perez, pointed out, "He may not have made all great choices, but who of us has? This guy is amazing and an incredible inspiration. Just remember... because we are able, we should give it all we have." Lance has returned to cycling and I don't know that everyone knows why...

Love him or hate him, he is an incredible human, the likes of which we don't see often. He gives so much to a community, the Cancer community, that I care deeply about. For that, I thank him and I implore you to take the 1 minute and 3 seconds to see whats "different" about Lance than what you may think and why he deserves recognition.

Day 224-225. The Farm Ones.

I have gotten a lot of good natured ribbing for how I spent a large part of my youth, but here's the story...friends of our family, Richard and Penny, who were Montessori teachers (yes, I went to a Montessori school and I think it was amazing) decided that they wanted to return to the simpler things in life, and, as the wife, Penny, had grown up on a farm, they decided to move back to a Farm with their five children. They chose to live in Millersburg, Ohio which is in the heart of the Amish community in Ohio and they lived according to most of the customs that that community upheld - no electricity, no phone, and self-sustainable farming.

They eventually developed a program that allowed children to come spend a week at a time with them living at, and working on, the farm. This wasn't a camp it was truly living as part of the Farm community. From age 5 on, I spent weeks and eventually my entire summers there. It was amazing. You learn a lot about life and work when, if you don't do your chores, animals don't eat. If animals don't eat, you don't have eggs, and milk the next morning. If you don't have milk, you can't have butter or cheese. If animals aren't cared for properly, when its time for butchering (and yes, I have butchered animals) your food is not of a good quality. If gardens aren't tended, you don't have vegetables. if you don't use composting, you don't have the value of self made mulch and fertilizer.

This program still runs today. Richard and Penny are still alive but now their children (my friends and peers) now do most of the day to day work. I will not share with you their program's name or website only because for years, they have eschewed publicity. They don't want the "masses" coming, rather they work through relationships and referrals for upwards of 30 years now and the program is still running strong.

It was such a simple way to live, and honestly, I can think of few aspects of my life that have made me happier. So much of who I am and how I look at life was forged through this experience: my skill of spinning and knitting, my love of cooking, my love for animals, my respect for all parts of the circle of life, my inherent desire to be as caring for the planet as possible - all came from my time at the Farm. As our world becomes more and more fast-paced and technology enhanced, (and yes, I love all of these things) I think that we are too quick to forget the lessons that those before us learned. There was a time when you were "green" not because it was a movement, or because it was "cool" but because it just made sense and made your life easier.

I cannot adequately put into words the immense gratitude for how Richard and Penny touched my life. Nor can I properly imagine how many they have influenced in a positive manner. They had the skill to look at life in a way that wove itself into so many lives without ever having to be "taught" or "preached". From skills, to values, to ways to look at life, Richard and Penny not only developed an amazing model of living but also found a way to extend it to touch others and, it was so much more than just "learning how to live and work a Farm". I will be forever grateful to them for what they have given me...

Day 223. The Grooming One.

I am a dog person. I adore all dogs and would probably sacrifice myself for my little puppero, Nittany. We are fortunate enough that we can do little things to take care of her. As she is a poodle, she doesn't shed, but does need to be groomed on a regular basis. This is always an agonizing decision - who do you leave your dog with for a day? Will they know, and care about, your dogs little quirks and personality? Will they do a good job? We have been blessed to find Peggy, who grooms our dog at her business, Wags and Whiskers.

What's great about Peggy's practice is that in addition to providing traditional "grooming" she also provides basic health record maintenance, skin care (don't read too much into this its just that Nittany has VERY dry skin and she'll use an oatmeal bath as much as necessary - we're not THAT obsessive about our dog ;) ), some key health checks, and basic training techniques for your dog on every visit. What's nice is that Peggy will openly share that she doesn't take every dog she could take as a client, she takes those with whom she feels a good connection with the owner and the dog. I do consider Peggy to be a friend of our family. She always takes time to visit with us when we drop Nittany off and pick her up, and she has definitely not only put up with our little pup's crazy behaviors but also spent some time with us teaching us some cool techniques and also reinforcing the training that we have done for her as well.

Sometimes, its just the little things, but a whole lotta little good things make for a good life and Peggy is a big part of making our lives happier, healthier and more positive.

Day 222. The Extraordinary One.

There are some people I've got on a list to get on this blog that I'm just waiting to find the right words to do them justice. Today, I'm going to highlight one of those people because it is her birthday, its my friend Winnie.

Winnie lives in Belgium and though I have never met her in person I feel like I know her so well. Let me tell you what I know: I know that Winnie is someone who is always there to offer support or encouragement; Winnie remembers the important stuff that's going on in people's lives and will be sure to highlight a birthday, an exam, a big event and then celebrate it; Winnie is an excellent detective when there's something, or someone, she wants to find (and that's all I will say about that ;) ); Winnie is a true friend - dedicated and loyal; Winnie is open about her feelings and her life; Winnie is honest; Winnie is willing to share who she is, what she's about, and what she's striving for; Winnie knows how to celebrate the simple pleasures in life - whether its the new iPhone or a walk in a beautiful park.

There are people who are constants in your life and are amazing in their every day existence. Winnie is one of these people - and today, of all days, I wish her the happiest of birthdays - as I have said before, a birthday is the one day that's all about you and I hope that that comes true for my friend Winnie today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Day 221. Who is YOUR One?

Michael Jackson died yesterday and I am having an extremely visceral reaction to the news. Not because of how I felt about him, as a person, one way or another but because of how the world is reacting. Stephen and were out of town yesterday, and as we drove home, Michael's death became the top headline. His music started to play on every radio station after news of his death was confirmed. Major media outlets that had vilified him, called him "freak", covered the incredibly annoyingly minute details of his trials, financial struggles, and children were now mounting 3-4 hour long "tributes" to remember "The King of Pop".

Here's my thing...48 hours ago, how many of us thought negatively of this man or would have allowed others to say negative things about him in our presence? I am not writing this to say that I think he was good or bad - to be honest, other than knowing I love his music and that he was an important part of my 80's childhood experience, I don't know what kind of person I think he was or how I will remember him. What bothers me is that it is almost undeniable that for the last 20 or so years of this man's life, we, as a public, dragged every detail of his life through our judgment periscope and often came out with a condemning negative opinion, and now we all love him and pay tribute?

Again, this brings back feelings of why I started this project: why must someone be gone to finally have a nice thing or two said about them? What is going on in our culture that we need to tear someone down while they are "around" but the minute they are "gone" we suddenly reflect on pretty much only the good that that individual brought into people's lives? I don't get it. It makes me very sad and not a tiny bit angry.

Seriously - I know this man has some pretty serious allegations in his history and I am not making light of what may, or may not, have happened under his influence. But I am using these past 24 hours as an object lesson: in my opinion, each of us needs to take the time to decide how we will perceive the world - personally, I would argue that part of that perception should include always trying to find the good. And, if someone is good, or if someone does something to make your life better - no matter how small - let them know while they can still know it. Today - can't you find one person to say something nice to? Even if someone holds the door for you can't you say "thank you"? Can't you think of one person who's made a difference to you, and regardless of where your relationship may be now, let them know, that for one moment, however brief, that that person made a mark on your life?

I can't stop thinking about how Michael thought he may or may not have been appreciated in these past 10 years...if only he'd received the outpouring of love so many want to throw his way today while he was still alive.

Day 220. The Long-Time One.

Last night, I had the pleasure of having dinner with my friend, Sarah. Sarah and I have known each other since I was 7 and she was 4...her family moved to my street - two doors down. We were the only two girls our age and luckily this kinda forced us to start to become friends.

We've been through a lot together - all those childhood memories you have: playing freeze tag in the front yard, watching movies, biking to the ice cream store, playing softball, driving to high school together - that was us. A lot of things that are part of who I am were found with Sarah - she was the very first person to go to sushi with me (at the same place I still go today) every week (we rode our bikes). We would do crafts together. We'd cook and bake together.

Through it all - all the experiences, all the ups and downs that are natural in knowing someone that long, Sarah has been a true and loyal friend. She is a scrapbook of my life in living form.

She is a truly good person - she's had some curve balls thrown at her in her life and I am amazed at how little she lets them affect her. She's honest in how these things make her feel but she never over dramatizes or over analyzes anything. She has become a teacher and I have no doubt that the innate qualities of who she is serve her - and her students - well in the classroom. A few years ago, Sarah and her (now) husband moved to Florida and I applauded her desire to make a big change in her life and see "what would be next".

Having dinner last night reminded me that often, good people don't have to have a big shining moment of amazingness, nor do they have to be ever present in your life. I appreciate Sarah for who she is, and who she is in MY life. I appreciate her for how she nurtures our friendship through these many years. I am so thankful that she is my friend.

Day 219. The Spanish One.

When I was in Germany, I was lucky to be hanging out with friends who live there who also were hosting some get togethers while I was there. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous. I know some German, but certainly not a lot. I have also found that since I've studied quite a few languages in my life, hearing one might activate another. (Note: responding in Japanese to a French speaking person is not the quickest route to understanding)

Anyway - there I was at a wine tasting pretty much by myself. Everyone was tremendously friendly and kind but mainly speaking in their native tongue (as they should!). I felt anxious approaching folks and being able to speak only English, in fact, it became a joke that my full name became "This is Alison, she only speaks English". One couple that was there was new to me - I had only met the male the previous night briefly - but they came over and we began to visit. Turns out, that the woman is originally from Spain but now lives in Munich and is planning her wedding to a "True" German - he was born in Munich as was his father and his grandfather :).

I spent most of the entire evening with this couple and my concerns about them feeling "Stuck" with me quickly disappeared as we found more and more in common and really started to enjoy each other's company. They even spoke English with me all night. I ended up having a really great night and meeting some really great people - as well as making plans to see them again in the fall when Stephen and I head back "across the pond". So, to my new friends, I appreciate you reaching out to me that night and I am so thankful that we came to know each other across all the differences that existed between us!

Day 218. The Sock One.

This past Friday, my friend, Lisa and I attended a session at the annual Knitters Connection event in Columbus Ohio. Its a knitter's extravaganza where you can get as involved as you want - take a ton of classes or take none and just go shopping in the marketplace. ANYWAY, this year was the first year Lisa and I decided, yep, we'll take the plunge and take a class. With major kudos to Lisa and her ability to correctly select the most appropriate class for us, we decided to take a class on a new ways to make socks taught by Cat Bordhi.

I've heard about Cat - she's somewhat of a celebrity in knitting circles and I was excited to learn from her as socks are a finicky thing to make. Without going into a lot of detail that would bore you non-knitters, its all about the fit with socks. Its pretty hard to make a pair fit exactly right and I have often felt tied to a pattern versus tied to making something for someone that will be a great gift.

Anyway, Cat came in and began her 8 hours with us (ok, 6 with a 2 hour lunch/ shopping break :) ). I was curious how someone would teach knitting and Cat pleasantly surprised me. Not only did she come up with great, easy to understand handouts, but she used clever tools to demonstrate knitting techniques on a grander scale so that we could all see and understand. She also did small group tutorials, and best yet, she quickly got us working on smaller projects that reinforced the techniques she was teaching - the worst thing you can do to a knitter is just "talk" about knitting all day versus letting them actually do it!

Above and beyond her knitting teaching skill, what really blew me away was the innovative technique that Cat created and taught us. Suffice it to say that the sock I started Friday is already done (Sunday morning) and fits me PER-FECT-LY. Its the first time that's ever happened! Knitting is a very mathematical, pattern-oriented, repetitive craft. But is also requires creativity and an artistic view. I'm rather lacking on those last two things so to see someone take an art, turn it into somewhat of a science so that you can once again explore the art itself, like Cat has done, simply blows my mind. So, I am so thankful for someone like Cat, who continues to challenge and innovate in the craft world. She's a great thinker, knitter, teacher and encourager of the art.

Day 217. The Pilot One.

Ok. I know I've used "pilot" before but it must be used again. To summarize a very VERY long and painful process, on my way home last night I ended up delayed, sitting on a plane, with no air conditioning for two hours while mechanics tried to diagnose and fix a problem with our plane.

I was exhausted, and luckily, this put me in a state of mind where I was just happy the problem was found before we were 10,000 feet in the air. But, as the situation dragged on and on, it was the kind of event that was ripe for drama. We all remember the stories of the flights that sat on runways for hours with no food and drink and people filed class action suits blah blah blah...

But I would like to highlight our captain because throughout the entire experience, he kept us updated in just the right intervals, with just the right words. He never talked down to us, he even explained choices he was facing and how he was making them. When he was told maintenance was going to take 15 minutes, he told us that his experience told him that minutes were like dog years and not to believe the 15 minutes ;). He also took the time to repeatedly walk through the cabin to assess how truly uncomfortable we were (or weren't) and help decide how to handle the situation.

When I look back now, even though we got in two hours late, and were quite uncomfortable in the heat for the last hour on the ground in particular, I am more and more pleasantly surprised as to how little griping passengers did and how very NOT rowdy we all became. Other than folks calling/texting to update loved ones after each status update, the cabin remained extremely calm and "go with the flow". When you look at the circumstances we were facing, it was quite astonishing. I attribute this 100% to our captain's amazing communication skills.

As we exited the plane, I prepared to let him know he'd be on here shortly and thank him (also as a defensive move against the number of folks I expected to growl or grumble at him as they walked by the cockpit. But, not only did the Captain stand right by the door to thank and apologize to each of us, but I heard many other passengers thank the crew for taking care of us, for getting us to our destination safely, for keeping us informed. I was pleasantly dumbstruck - not only because it wasn't only me that was calmed by our Captain's leadership but also that they too, took the time to let him know.

Situations can suck - communication can get you through.