In Case You Haven't Figured It Out Yet......

...the blog will be on hiatus indefinitely.

But, I'll be back.

It's what I do.

In the meantime, be well. Love and be loved.

~Whoosh

This Is Kinda Where I Am Right Now

Where I'm at:
Learning to love more
Learning to love differently
Learning to love unconditionally (always a work in progress)
Learning to love fear (huh?)
Reading more
Identifying and breaking down my own biases
A bit of self-preservation, which counters some of the above #itsallaboutsurvivalsometimes #oldhabitsarehardtobreak
Aging gracefully
Accepting my body (this is so hard)
Teaching my daughters life skills: how to pump gas, wash dishes, sew a button. One of them is even learning how to drive a car! *pantpantpantexhale*
Finding courage
Putting my voice to "it"
Cradling friends and family in need
A bit of rebelling
Making amends

Where I'm NOT at:
Politics
Confrontation
Guilting or feeling guilty (not 100% done with "feeling guilty" - again, so hard - just sick of it ruling me)
Over-committing
Conspiracy theories
News watching
Big Brother policing
Destructive [insert action here]
toomuchinformation
Shaming and feeling ashamed
on vacation :) (soon. very soon, i hope!)

Basically if I feel any negative energy from you, I don't want to be around you.  Don't allow me to drain your energy or life, please. If I do/have, I'm sorry!

If you give me life and I give you life, let's keep on truckin'.

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More to come, I'm sure. Some'll drop off, some'll be added. One thing that'll be constant: LOVE.

Where Are You?

A reminder. Did you need it too?

Duggar Done Dug Deep

Welp. This Duggar scandal has really gone under the microscope, hasn't it. As well it should.

Josh Duggar has admitted to molesting his siblings and a non-family member. Incest and molestation. Those are very dirty deeds.  

I was thinking about the media and public (over)reaction to, well, almost any story, as well as this one in particular. If I'm looking at this story through a Morality Scope, the guy is in the wrong. He's done a badbad thing. If I'm looking at it through a Christian Lens, I'm thinking he's done the right thing: he's taking accountability for his sin in front of God, he's made amends to his victims, he's been forgiven by his victims and living with the consequences. He says he's a changed man.  We're called as a Christian people to forgive.

But we can't forgive child victimization of any kind.

Are we even supposed to?

We adults - Christian or not - are all called to protect the innocents, the children. Not even in prison do hardened criminals like commingling with molesters. The only prisoners who do are also child predators.

Did any of the Duggars expect that they could issue an acknowledgement of wrongdoing, issue an apology and life as they knew it would move forward? Did they really think they'd be free of public scrutiny and judgement? (Why would public judgement matter if all that matters is what's right with God?)

I'm really conflicted on how to feel about this situation. By what's been reported, Josh did all the "right" actions.  He's admitted he's done wrong. He's apologized, received forgiveness, too.  The public normally decries those who denydenydeny then seek an apology after a broad, dismissive apology is issued by our famouspeople. We demand that those politicians, religious leaders, teachers, anyone who has committed any offense, just say, "yeah, I did that. I'm a jerk and I'm sorry. I have been in contact with my victims. I go to therapy. I'm working on my problems". And here, Josh did what We The Public demand, yet We The Public are being just as hard on him as if he lied/denied.

If it wasn't crimes against kids, would We The Public would be a lot more lenient and forgiving.? I dare say, "yes". Because it involves kids, molesting and incest! I don't think I can forgive and trust that Josh's actions are all in the past -- that it was just a stupid teenager phase. 

Sex crimes are the most scary of crimes. Research shows that sexual predators cannot be rehabilitated (male or female). I remember there was a time in the 90's where the "solution" for male sexual deviancy was castration. Cutting the dick and nuts off a man isn't going to change his sexually oriented, power hungry mind. And if castration is the "solution", why wouldn't we also cut the vaginas off women? See the problem there? It's the mind, not the anatomy, that controls a sexual predator.  And what's the solution? Isolation?

In my opinion, their show should be off the air immediately and they should receive no more revenue from their show. It should never be in any sort of syndication. There should be no spin-off, as is rumored. Media needs to quit covering the family and let the family heal from within, and let them just regular people. And to the Duggars: if the network won't cut you off, just leave. That would be commendable. While it's important to learn lessons, there's no good that can come from profiting from the victims - even if the victims agree to allow it.  An argument can be made that "watching" the process of "healing and forgiveness" would help someone, I suppose. There are plenty of other avenues one can learn, heal and be helped besides watching this family on cable TV.  I don't even want to hear about an "update" show in 10 years. The Duggars should just fade back into a non-public life. 

I will worry about Josh Duggar's kids. I will worry about any child he's around. 

I offer my prayers to Josh and his victims.  

And I don't even have cable.....SMH.  Oy!  *laughing*

Happy Birthday, Wonder Whoosh

Happy Ninth Birthday Wonder Whoosh!

Taller

Two nights ago, My Little One - a mere nine years old - was helping empty a box of groceries I ordered from Amazon Prime Pantry (which, by the way, is GREAT!).

To my surprise, she was able to put a bag of chips on top of the refrigerator, and I totally stopped my cooking, mouth agape, then commended her for growing up!

Me:  OMGOSH! You're tall enough to put the chips on top of the fridge?!?!?!?!
Her: Yeah. *shrug*

Clearly this is a bigger deal to me than her.  For a split second I wondered if she's been doing this for a while now and I just haven't seen it before. Then I went through a splitsplit second of feeling guilty, like I was too busy to notice her first step or something. But I've been doing a lot of soul work on not beating myself up so for a splitsplitSPLIT second, I kicked those negative thoughts to the curb and checked back OUT of *myself* and back IN to *her*.

Me: I had NO IDEA you were that tall!!
Her: *reaches with her finger tips to the top edge of the fridge -- on her tennis-shoed tippy toes, smiling PROUDLY*
Me: *smiles PROUDLY back*

Fast forward to this morning.....

She is fresh out of bed, wanders into the kitchen, hair in her face, slouching from notreadytobeawakeyetness.  I clear her mophair off her pretty face, revealing those gorgeous kissylips that's greeting me with a sleepy smile. I give her a soft kiss and tell her good morning.

Her:  I can't believe how tall I've grown! I have to bend down to touch the dogs tail now! It's like I have monkey arms.
Me: *laughs OUT LOUD* No, honey. Monkey arms are LONGER than normal. If you had monkey arms, they'd be closer to the ground.
Her:  Oh. Yeah. I meant T-Rex arms *she tucks her elbows into her ribcage, hands out front, waving them, talking in a babyvoice* Look at meeeee. I'm a T-Rex with baby arrrrrms.
Me: *giggling at her silliness*

Later, as I was on the train to work, I was reflecting on her perspective. We have a tendency to acknowledge the UPS of growing taller, but not acknowledge the DOWNS of growing taller. How many people would've thought, "I have to bend over to pet my dog now"?

I would've....at 44....when some kid brought it to my attention. But at her little nine year old mind, she was already cognizant of it.

Brains are awesome.
Thoughts are too.
And so is my kiddo.

~Whoosh!

Favorite Words: Calumnious

Adjective:

        of, involving, or using calumny; slanderous; defamatory

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Funny how life is. Funny how words are. Funny how words change in life and how life changes words (context?).

I haven't posted a "favorite word" recently, let alone regularly. I went back at some old "Favorite Word" posts to see how I formatted the blog entry only to discover I had forgotten something. I forgot I used to post a weekly word. The title read, "Weekly Word of the Weak". Huh. Totally forgot. Totally.

Then somewhere along the way the W3, as it were, morphed in the very lazy title "Favorite Words:". 

I think I have commitment issues as evidence by my inability to keep posting awesome vocabulary weekly. That was a pretty witty title, I must say (humbly)! Why'd I ever stop doing that??

Oh yeah. Life. And ....stuff. Lifestuff. 

I want to go back and start doing it because there is some beautiful, rarely unspoken language out there -- in my case, English language.  The abundance of words to describe, to read, to write, is endless! I LOVE LANGUAGE!

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Back to this entry's word: calumnious.

I read it here for the first time. I love me some Bishop Farrell. The dude is SMART. I'd nominate him for Pope after Francis if I was a Cardinal in the College.  

By posting the link to Bishop Farrell's blog entry about freedom, is by no means my attempt to convert you politically or religiously. It's merely a point of context and the origin of where I learned this very interesting word.

It's a word that doesn't just apply to faith and religion. It could be in your professional and personal worlds too. In fact, sometimes, I feel like I've been experiencing a personal trial that involves a person being negative toward me, and I relate my story to my therapist or a friend, I'm being calumnious.

But that's changing. There's a way to be honest about something, someONE and not be calumnious. It's been hard to learn this lesson, and I hope I can continue to see that when I'm being authentic to someone, about someone, that my truth is based in compassion, good intention and respect. 

~Whoosh!

 

Love and Peace

I've been going through a lot of soul searching. I've arrived at a pretty basic conclusion. I just want to love and be loved.

People make it complicated.

*laughing*

Y'know, there's a lot of bad shit going on in the world. From my home, my neighborhood, my state, country, the world. There's just baaaaad shit. I don't even watch the news and I know the world is filled with hateful acts. I'm sick and tired of hearing about "rights" and "wars", all the sub-categories of those, and all the categories they spawn. Between hate crime, gay discrimination, women's equality, gun rights, ISIS, crooked politicians, law-breaking teachers, moralistics, apologetics, blahblahblah, I just get zapped into negative oblivion.  I feel sorry for people who lock themselves into that mode of living. It seems to me, living in a world of news will disconnect you from people.

Right now, I don't CARE that there's a mosque being built in Anytown, USA. I DON'T care that a bad verdict was handed down by a judge and jury in a criminal case. I DON'T CARE that someone committed suicide and took out a bunch of people with him.   I don't care who gets botox injections or why everyone's giving backlash at some celebrity for a tweet.  Why does any of that matter to me, right now, in my ordinary life in Dallas, Texas? When it matters is when it'll matter. When the bomb drops on me, when Harry Styles shows up to ask my daughter out on a date (not yet, Harry. Wait 4 more years.), when pigs fly....

Is it bad that I like burying my head in the sand to humanity?That's for you to decide. Hell, you can even judge me and tell me so, but it will only isolate you and I.  The more you're confrontational, the more retractive I am, and that's who I am.

If you're inclined to police society, that's who you are. I don't get it, but you people serve a good purpose, for the most part. We can all agree that there are radicals and misunderstoods out there that push the Limits of Extreme. But if you're a policy maker, policy enforcer, rule maker, rule enforcer, authority of any kind, good on ya. I'll be the sheep. Baaaa.

I'm drawn to people who listen.
I'm drawn to people who empathize.
I'm drawn to people, who despite a disagreement, will respect me enough to honor my position.

What I DO care about is do my children feel loved by me? Am I bringing them up in a way they can look at the world with a compassionate soul? Am I equipping them with the tools they need to forage through rough relationships on all levels, including their relationship with Yours Truly.

What I do CARE about is am I being kind to you, one-on-one?
What I DO CARE about is love, compassion, connection.

And here I am, among others, who are just trying to live this life one day at a time. It's ordinary, definitely below that life I imagined as  youngster. It's a good life, and I'm right where I'm supposed to be *today*. I'm not out on a peace keeping mission or feeding the hungry; I'm not researching cures for disease, fighting crime or famous.

I gotta believe in the good of the world.
I gotta believe in the basic good of humanity.
I gotta trust my higher power who will protect me and my kids.
I gotta be me (and I'm always changing...).

I do.
I will.

Your Song

My heart's been overflowing love today.
This tune crossed my way.

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It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

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~Whoosh

Not Me

I'm 44 years old and there's a lot I don't know about myself. I'm really finding my way.  I admire those women who've said they "found myself" in their 30's. What must that be like?

Reflecting on my 30's, I can say, I did become someone. I can't say I "found" it. It "found" me. Motherhood. Yeah, I became a mom in my 30's. I also became a wife. I remained a daughter, a sister, a cousin, an aunt. I was all those things long before 30. I was also a former girlfriend, a ex-best friend, an ex-wife.

A couple of things I've always been: a sports fan, a writer, a reader. I've travelled, relocated a time or seven.

But those are rather shallow parts of me -- roles, I suppose. There's more to those roles. Being a mother, for example, spawned a myriad of other roles -- complicated ones. I don't recall ever being an advocate before having kids. I am one now! I don't remember learning much about medicine and the human body, but I'm definitely a sortakinda doctorpsychologistteacher. Speaking of teacher -- it's difficult to tell kids how to do something, especially with patience!

Another "thing" that "found" me: my faith. It was in my 30's that I really did learn more about God, about Catholicism. I was baptized on Easter Sunday nine years ago this coming Easter.

Yeah, I didn't do a lot of seeking. I did a lot of receiving. That's not so bad, except I still feel pretty lost.

Y'know, times have changed something fierce in my lifetime. My lifetime is just like that of my parents'. I compare what inventions they witnessed to those of my generation, those of this generation. It's quite mindblowing, really. Things move so fast. With the Information Age seemingly in control of us more then we it, it's easy for me to bury my head in the sand and just basically ignore the drama in the world.

I have noticed, over my lifetime, I've connected deeply with people that are strongly principled, moralistic and opinionated; strongly convicted folk. That's just not me. I don't have these WE MUST FIGHT notions of global awareness and the wrongs of the world. I don't like politics -- that's not me. I didn't grow up going to church, and I tend to cling to the "feel-good" parts of God, so I don't have the most rigid moralistic views and practices -- that's not me. I gravitate to love, love, love all the time. I don't like confrontation -- that's not me.

I imagine, as I gain wisdom and experience, I might become one or all or some of the "not me" types. For now, though, I'm just gonna be. Be Me.

YES!

Guhgree!

Dallas Cowboys Aren't Just A Football Team

I've been thinking for a few years now that the Dallas Cowboys seem to have this unpublished, unspoken of "rehab" program. So many "problem" players seem to sift through the doors of Valley Ranch, and some of them do alright, I suppose. 

Dez Bryant is a player with a troubled past. He assaulted his own mother, has been accused of assaulting the mother of his child. He seems to have turned a page since the hitting-his-mother incident. He's stayed out of domestic violence trouble and has really produced at a phenomenal rate on the field. The media says he's "matured" or "is maturing". That's one way to describe the positive change in him.

Another controversial teammate is Josh Brent. He's repeatedly been in trouble while on the roster. His offenses include DUI and even murder. He killed fellow team mate Jerry Brown while driving under the influence. He's served time in jail. That whole time, the Cowboys stood by him, supporting him through the ordeal. Josh Brent remains on the team to this day, though he doesn't really play. Not sure what that's all about....

Last week, the Cowboys signed a one year deal with Greg Hardy last week. Greg Hardy has abused his girlfriend in the past -- real, documented, againstthelaw abuse. Yet, he's now a Cowboy. 

Jerry Jones, the owner and GM of the Cowboys has a daughter named Charlotte, who discussed the rationale of signing men who have these sorts of pasts. She cited "support" and "resources" for the perpetrator and the victim. 

Now it's been acknowledged. The hunch I've had for a while now: The Dallas Cowboys are the NFL's rehab.

Read: Jackie After O

Second book read this year: Jackie After O by Tina Cassidy.

Jackie O is a timelessly intriguing figure, similar to Marilyn Monroe. I was drawn to this book because I wanted to validate my suppositions about her: a strong, smart woman known for her independence and perseverance. I wondered if this book would enlighten the public about some intimate details the public didn't already know. Of course, bear in mind, my definition of the "the public" and "didn't already know" is very narrow. I was alive when Kennedy got shot, and I'm certainly not a historian. Most of my knowledge was based in what I've heard and see about her in the context of her first husband. 

But I didn't know much about her and her second marriage. Basically I knew she remarried, avowed to one of the richest Greek shipping magnates. That's about it. 

As a mom, I wondered how her relationship with her kids was affected by this marriage. As a dreamer of travelling, I wondered if Jackie's life became one of globetrotting philanthropy between extended voyages aboard the Christina. I wondered if she spent her days sun bathing and reading, socializing. 

I learned a LOT about Jackie Onassis while reading this biography. I highly recommend it. It's not all about her as a widow of JFK. I found myself separating Jackie from "the JFK incident" and seeing her as HER.

Give it read. Feel free to leave some feedback if you do.

A Tip for Ash Wednesday in Downtown Dallas

I started a new job in belly of downtown Dallas. I am still learning my way around, taking walks, foraging for food. In my wanderings, I found a Catholic church that isn't the Cathedral: St. Jude's Chapel.

St. Jude's Chapel has four Masses on Ash Wednesday: 11 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. (Call ahead to make sure these haven't changed year to year.)

If you are Catholic and work (or are otherwise in the area) in downtown Dallas, and you want to attend Ash Wednesday Mass to receive your ashes during your lunch hour, I highly encourage you to attend the 11 a.m. Mass! It was fuller than usual (daily  mass), but there were still a handful places to sit. After Mass, ushers routed foot traffic from inside the church through one of the two sets of doors. They had people lining up outside the other set of doors before allowing them entrance.

I wormed my way through the aisles, eventually trekking my way back to the office.  I had to cut through a line of people waiting to get inside the church that was about ONE BLOCK LONG and growing!  I really don't know how all those people will inside that little church, but I'm sure the ushers know what to do! I left feeling glad I attended the 11:00 Mass. :)

Anyway, my advice is clear: Go to the 11:00 Mass (and save me a seat if all y'all start going then too)!

Happy Lent!

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Addendum: A co-worker said at the last minute, a 1:00 p.m. Mass was added to the schedule and it wasn't nearly as packed as 11:40 and 12:30.

Ash on, brothers & sisters!

Valentine's Day: Orange is the New Red

I think it's fair to say that most, if not all, parents are challenged with instilling the character trait of 'respect' into their children.  That's a two-way street. Speak to your kids with respect, receive their respect. The truth of the matter is, that doesn't always reciprocate, especially in equal proportions.

A few years ago, a friend of mine shared an entry from a blog on her Facebook timeline. It was from a website called The Orange Rhino found here.  I was intrigued by the name of the website (hey, it's cute!) so I clicked on the link to see what it was all about. I was directed to a Challenge page. 

The Challenge: don't yell at your kids for a year.

As I read through the page, I was reminded of the many times I yelled at My Children and how it only made all of us feel worse. I'd yell at them for not doing chores, or leaving their backpacks on the floor, forgetting to feed the dog, talking rudely to one another. I wasn't always a yeller. As with most mothers, I have a "look" and a "tone", which I employed on occasion.  After feeling unsuccessful over a lengthy period of time, I resorted to yelling to get their attention.

Too, as I read through the challenge, I remembered feeling belittled when I was yelled at as a youth - any time I'm yelled at, to this day!  I don't want to belittle My Children. I want to bolster them, allow them their independence while still honoring what courtesies and obligations are necessary to be a part of the family unit.  I want them to feel empowered, not squashed.  I didn't name call them, nor did I say phrases like "you're lazy", "how disappointing", etc. I did yell phrases such as, "how could you??" and "WHY would you DO THAT?!" and "why DIDN'T you do that??".  I was frustrated with other life goings-on, or lack thereof, so I was taking those frustrations out on them.

(Ugh, I feel a pang of shame in my belly just typing it right now!)

The most important aspect of yelling I learned from this blog: yelling is about ME. It's my frustration for not being heard, respected, validated, acknowledged. It's about my shortcomings: impatience, intolerance, inability.  Yelling is disrespectful.

The Valentines Day, my Valentine is The Orange Rhino

I haven't purchased the book & various marketing items. I haven't blogged about it (until today). To be perfectly honest, I have only ever visited the website twice: that day it found me a couple years ago, and again today, in order to reference it for this blog entry. I did, however, tell My Daughters, about three months or so into it. They held me accountable, which I embraced. It was difficult at times, but mostly, I felt liberated. What resulted was a more harmonious home, and even more remarkable: a more full way to love.  I have learned to be a more patient teacher, a kinder caregiver, more compassionate - to them and myself. Where I lacked in ability, I have sought ability. Thankfully, forgiveness is a big player in the relationships between me and My Girls. I feel closer to them more now than ever!  I pray that my behavior change is something they internalize and, as they become mothers, they organically love with patience, prayer and compassion.

Do I still get a "tone" and use that "look", yes! But I am here to tell you that the no-yelling WORKS, and I have had to rarely use the "look" and "tone". I still get frustratedvoice, but the volume stays at acceptable levels.  I'll always be a work in progress.

I'm so grateful to my friend who posted this website on her Facebook timeline! This website changed my life, and ultimately, the lives of my children!

So Happy Valentine's Day to The Orange Rhino! Thanks for bring me L-O-V-E!

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Are you a yeller? Try the challenge. You can do it!

Racism Sensitivity

A couple of weeks ago, MLO had a friend spend the night. We went shopping, and the girls were looking at various little toys they like: Shopkins, My Little Pony blind bags, Funko POP dolls, and the like. They settled on the My Little Pony Mystery Minis.

MLO: Oh! Here they are in the black boxes!
Friend: shhh! Don't say that! That's racist!
MLO: What is?
Friend: *whispers* black
MLO: It's not racist.
Friend: uh huh *looks over her shoulders*
MLO: No, it isn't. Mom, is it racist to call this 'black'?

I smile.

Me: No, it isn't. You're describing the color of the box. And even still, black people don't mind being called 'black'. It's okay to say it.

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Is that what our society has come to?
I shudder to think the answer is 'yes'.

Come on, Humans. Step up your game. We're better than that.

~WW

Year Fourteen

Daddy,

Has it really been that long?

I guess so....

Where does the time go?

Fourteen years ago you winked in the wake of your death, leaving me a better woman than even the hour before you died.

I wish you were here.
Every.
Day.
In a way where I could laugh with you, play some cards and hug on ya. In a way where my kids can get your wisdom directly from you. But I will always be glad to carry that duty for you and mom. Always.

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Today one your favorite songs played:

There were seven Spanish angels at the Altar of the Sun
They were praying for the lovers at the Valley of the Gun
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared,
There was thunder from the throne,
And seven Spanish angels, took another angel home.

Just thought I'd let you know I know.

Missing you,
Me

P.S. I found a penny on the train today. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
~Juliette

Read 1: Miracle in the Andes

As a train rider now, I have more time to read, which is wonderful!

On goodreads dot com, I committed to reading 10 books this year. For all you avid readers out there that've stumbled upon this post, quit laughing. I'm glad you can read 10 books a month, so celebrate me reading 10 in a year. :P

The first book I completed, Mircale in the Andes by Nando Porrado, was human drama to say the least. This book moved me. It inspired me. I elevated me. I am better for having read it.

It'll be hard to blog about this without telling the whole story. If I let it, this could turn into a long read blog.....

I saw Nando Porrado speak about five or six years ago at a conference for a professional organization to which I belong. At first, I was going to skip the speakers, there's a reason I didn't! I am not even sure I know the reason (or reasons?) yet, but I do know that making the decision to stay and listen that day has brought me to where I am today, which is a good thing.

Less about me....

Nando....

If you haven't heard of him, look him up -- he's all over the interwebs. In the book, he describes himself as modest looking, surrounded by friends who are far better looking than he. Maybe it's the gettingbetterwithage, or the unintended prejudice I have knowing what he's overcome and that's some how alluring to me, but when I look at photos of him, I *like* him. I want to meet him. I have heard him talk, so that underlying South American accent that I love so much helps attract me to him. When I see some pictures of him, the ones since the ordeal, I think, "he looks so at peace, and he exudes calm".

If you HAVE heard of him, you might know him more as one of those dudes that ate other people to stay alive after their plane crashed.

I'm a bit sad for Mr. Porrado if this is the familiarity to which his has been diminished; however, if that's what it takes to call attention to one of the greatest stories of the human condition and our power to overcome the internal and external forces each and every one of us faces daily, then so be it.

In a nutshell, a rugby team from Uruguay chartered a plane to fly to Chile in order to compete in a rugby match. En route, they plane crashed into the rugged, unforgiving Andes mountains. There were several survivors, though some of them died in the 72 days before they were rescued. Nando Parrado was one of the gentlemen who cussed the mountain as he conquered it in the most raw cold one can dare to imagine, no equipment, no map, no proper clothes, no help; just sheer will to survive. And yes, part of survival was eating "meat" - the flesh of the dead - being a cannibal. If you take the time to no only read the story, but imagine yourself in the same situation, you see that the choice to eat "meat" was one of great discussion and deliberation. Too, the cannibalism isn't what should be the lead story. The *survival* should be! There are SO MANY details that are under-appreciated and I hope that when taken as a whole, the prominent memory of this story truly is that the human spirit is fierce and the instinct to survive is powerful.

I challenge you to read this book. Feel free to share your thoughts in response. Or have you already read it? What did you think? Were you moved in any way?

For an in-depth online experience, visit National Geographic's website about a return to the crash site.

Nando Porrado's personal webpage

Less Is More

Less hair
More wrinkles.
Less energy.
More weight.
Less youth.
More wisdom.
Less fear.
More resolve.
Less time.
More truth.

Me on my 44th birthday.

Gifts From The Parents

A tiny angel lives inside the silver heart.

A 2014 penny winked at me as I departed the train today.

These are the gifts my mom and dad gave me for my birthday.

My heart is smiling.