In the play "Moon Over Buffalo" the character Ethel is a has-been actress--or just living vicariously in her actress daughter's state career. Throughout the play there are selective lyrics from Shakespeare and other plays that weave about 3 plots together. But, I am often most intrigued by reading between the lines of the character development. As the 'manager' of the dressing room, Ethel's opening lines are from Shakespeare:
. .but, to sing, to laugh, to dream; to walk in my own way; to be alone.
Free. With an eye to see things as they are.
To travel any road under the sun.
WOW. . I can relate. Ethel is pretty feisty, especially with her son-in-law--even tho she is quite hearing impaired. Being cast for this part in Community Theatre is such a perfect avocation at this time in my life. I have no attachments or evening obligations, and nights and week-ends are often rather long. Those are the times of rehearsals and performances , so it provides great stimulation for the mind, and some physical exercise as a volunteer to create the set, as well.
I'm lovin' it. life is good.
LM
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Multiple passions
One day this past week I found myself with 'too much' free time. I was probably avoiding the pressures of deadlines at work, but ended up in one of my favorite places-- a bookstore. Upon leaving, the best part of the visit was when the clerk told me that I had 'saved' $51.
Yes, I spent 3 x that much. .on two books: one fiction --from the bargain table--a Stephen King novel, which I've never ever read before; and one 'self-help' book that a friend has been encouraging me to read: "The Secret". I even saw it in a movie clip last week. I think it was Sex & the City (it would have to be; that is the only movie I've seen in about a year).
I guess this is my contribution to the Bush economic stimulus package!
well. . other than 2 books, I bought 4 or 5 CDs and a few discounted items that one can never have too much of: journaling book, post-it notes & book tote bags. These were "Grammy" brand, something I'd never heard of, but I like the concept. It has musical (guitar graphic art) design and a portion of the sale goes to fund music programs in public schools. . .SO . in one visit I managed to soothe my addictive tendencies for all the things I love most: reading, writing, and music.
This should satisfy my desire for 'new' music for about 6 months or a year. I like to refresh my listening occasionally, but not too often. What music? Secret Garden, Carole King, Mannheim Steamroller (Classical Gas), instrumental Enya, and the soundtrack for the Sex & the City movie. nothing new. my favorite artists in some of their classic songs.
What do you spend your occasional free time and extra money on? LM
Yes, I spent 3 x that much. .on two books: one fiction --from the bargain table--a Stephen King novel, which I've never ever read before; and one 'self-help' book that a friend has been encouraging me to read: "The Secret". I even saw it in a movie clip last week. I think it was Sex & the City (it would have to be; that is the only movie I've seen in about a year).
I guess this is my contribution to the Bush economic stimulus package!
well. . other than 2 books, I bought 4 or 5 CDs and a few discounted items that one can never have too much of: journaling book, post-it notes & book tote bags. These were "Grammy" brand, something I'd never heard of, but I like the concept. It has musical (guitar graphic art) design and a portion of the sale goes to fund music programs in public schools. . .SO . in one visit I managed to soothe my addictive tendencies for all the things I love most: reading, writing, and music.
This should satisfy my desire for 'new' music for about 6 months or a year. I like to refresh my listening occasionally, but not too often. What music? Secret Garden, Carole King, Mannheim Steamroller (Classical Gas), instrumental Enya, and the soundtrack for the Sex & the City movie. nothing new. my favorite artists in some of their classic songs.
What do you spend your occasional free time and extra money on? LM
Sunday, June 15, 2008
leadership & hunger
yesterday I was invited to be part of a panel of local non-profit leaders who are working to fight hunger in different ways. the presentation was to high school students from across the state who had entered competition and been selected to come to WSU for the Hugh OBrien Youth Leadership series.
They held a 'hunger banquet', which is a model similar to the break-outs sometimes used toward the end of NCCJ Anytown Leadership camp.
these were the 15% who got plated meals (the world's population who make more than $10,700 /year); the 35% who make between $875 & 10,700 a year. (they got beans & rice & lemonade or tea at a long table with no table covering and no plates, etc; plastic plates were used, and they had to serve themselves). The remaining 50% got rice and water, and had to sit on the floor.
then a few were moved from lower group to middle group, and vice versa, based on the precarious conditions of work availability due to weather, by using case studies. none, however, were moved because of being displaced due to war or weather disasters, which I thought was interesting.
and none of the 'privileged' were moved from their status to a lower group. Also not known was if the medical conditions of any students were considered in where they were placed (diabetes or hypoglycemia).
I also learned that the Lord's Diner, the main 'soup kitchen' in Wichita has constructed new space for a waiting area, so that people with medical conditions (especially those on lithium, she mentioned) did not have to stay out in the heat. So, they are recognizing the specific side effects and resultant behavior problems they have of the mentally ill. Wichita has a special task force on the homeless that is making changes to the services offered locally,and that is good.. .
How is this related to leadership?
well, some one has to be bold enough to either break the rules or willing to work very hard to change the rules in order for improvements to be made for those who can't speak for themselves. That is what these youth need to know, more than just having their hearts softened and being told they can change the world.
LM
They held a 'hunger banquet', which is a model similar to the break-outs sometimes used toward the end of NCCJ Anytown Leadership camp.
these were the 15% who got plated meals (the world's population who make more than $10,700 /year); the 35% who make between $875 & 10,700 a year. (they got beans & rice & lemonade or tea at a long table with no table covering and no plates, etc; plastic plates were used, and they had to serve themselves). The remaining 50% got rice and water, and had to sit on the floor.
then a few were moved from lower group to middle group, and vice versa, based on the precarious conditions of work availability due to weather, by using case studies. none, however, were moved because of being displaced due to war or weather disasters, which I thought was interesting.
and none of the 'privileged' were moved from their status to a lower group. Also not known was if the medical conditions of any students were considered in where they were placed (diabetes or hypoglycemia).
I also learned that the Lord's Diner, the main 'soup kitchen' in Wichita has constructed new space for a waiting area, so that people with medical conditions (especially those on lithium, she mentioned) did not have to stay out in the heat. So, they are recognizing the specific side effects and resultant behavior problems they have of the mentally ill. Wichita has a special task force on the homeless that is making changes to the services offered locally,and that is good.. .
How is this related to leadership?
well, some one has to be bold enough to either break the rules or willing to work very hard to change the rules in order for improvements to be made for those who can't speak for themselves. That is what these youth need to know, more than just having their hearts softened and being told they can change the world.
LM
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Generation X, Generation Y
According to a luncheon speaker I heard today, it really IS getting harder to manage people these days-- the research says so. The man, a researcher who has also written "It's OK to be the Boss" says that younger employees need coaching and better explanations of what is expected of them, and bosses/managers who are 'hands-off' because they prefer to avoid conflict are only causing them more trouble in the end.
Well. . . ..ok. so what is his suggestion as the better way? more (at least once a week) one-on-one meetings with each employee. Honest communication with checklists, and direction as to how and when work needs to be done.
huh.
well. . .this was news-- maybe goods news-- for many of the non-profit managers attending, but it would surely be applicable to anyone who is responsible for 'managing' or leading other employees. Somehow the word management has gotten a bad name, but good, 'tougher' (not angry bullies) bosses are actually rated higher than those who assume that everyone knows what is expected of them them and they will do it-- on time/ every time.
And. .if an employee has a boss that hasn't heard of these findings, perhaps they could ask for such weekly meetings. I believe I have done that. These meetings are not the same as 'staff meetings' or team meetings. Those meetings are when everyone needs to hear the same thing. These meetings are when individual feedback and checklists for progress are the most helpful. yes-- checklists--and they can also be followed up with emails or phone calls to help the employee keep on track. That is how 'good' bosses are helping their employees succeed.
Apparently school just does not prepare people for work.
There were even stories of Generation Y parents calling the bosses of their young adult 'children' to try to mediate or intervene, or speak for. Generation X is known for the parent-less generation. Generation Y those 25 and younger, are considered "over-parented". interesting stuff. I think I'll get the book. LM
Well. . . ..ok. so what is his suggestion as the better way? more (at least once a week) one-on-one meetings with each employee. Honest communication with checklists, and direction as to how and when work needs to be done.
huh.
well. . .this was news-- maybe goods news-- for many of the non-profit managers attending, but it would surely be applicable to anyone who is responsible for 'managing' or leading other employees. Somehow the word management has gotten a bad name, but good, 'tougher' (not angry bullies) bosses are actually rated higher than those who assume that everyone knows what is expected of them them and they will do it-- on time/ every time.
And. .if an employee has a boss that hasn't heard of these findings, perhaps they could ask for such weekly meetings. I believe I have done that. These meetings are not the same as 'staff meetings' or team meetings. Those meetings are when everyone needs to hear the same thing. These meetings are when individual feedback and checklists for progress are the most helpful. yes-- checklists--and they can also be followed up with emails or phone calls to help the employee keep on track. That is how 'good' bosses are helping their employees succeed.
Apparently school just does not prepare people for work.
There were even stories of Generation Y parents calling the bosses of their young adult 'children' to try to mediate or intervene, or speak for. Generation X is known for the parent-less generation. Generation Y those 25 and younger, are considered "over-parented". interesting stuff. I think I'll get the book. LM
Sunday, June 8, 2008
I'm OK, You're OK
Today I heard a sermon that quoted this book from the 1960's as being a major basis for the 'ills' of our contemporary society and problems in the church. It seems that preachers think this book is actually about narcissistic tendencies to accept anything and everything and claim no need for divine intervention. The comment made my neck hairs bristle, as I have heard this as a simple tactic to place blame for complex problems in a prior time in my life, indicating that my behavior to individuate and change the status quo was 'selfish'. Yes, I was defensive.
I don't believe that Dr. Harris, the author, was writing about self-centeredness when that book was written. "Knowing" yourself, and being honest with yourself--maybe. But Christians should not deny those as necessary to admitting their need for God. Transactional Analysis has its place in the history of modern psychology, and that is what he was trying to explain. If preachers were to better understand TA, they might actually see the similarities between Christ's teachings and the model of mature communication/behavior that Eric Berne's theories propose.
Both have to do with the need for a person to change in order to live a healthier life. It does not have to do with forsaking spiritual help to do so. In fact, TA can be a very effective way for some people to accomplish the 're-birth' that is explained in biblical terms. We don't have to forsake psychology to be faithful to our Christian upbringing. LM
I don't believe that Dr. Harris, the author, was writing about self-centeredness when that book was written. "Knowing" yourself, and being honest with yourself--maybe. But Christians should not deny those as necessary to admitting their need for God. Transactional Analysis has its place in the history of modern psychology, and that is what he was trying to explain. If preachers were to better understand TA, they might actually see the similarities between Christ's teachings and the model of mature communication/behavior that Eric Berne's theories propose.
Both have to do with the need for a person to change in order to live a healthier life. It does not have to do with forsaking spiritual help to do so. In fact, TA can be a very effective way for some people to accomplish the 're-birth' that is explained in biblical terms. We don't have to forsake psychology to be faithful to our Christian upbringing. LM
Thursday, June 5, 2008
wondering about the weather
with all the forecasting that is being funded and watched on the media. .weather seems to be big business. .and yet we can't do a dang thing about it. .except use a little common sense.. .something which it seems some people are a bit short on these days.
for all the money that is spent on 'warnings and watches' that often make people anxious about things they need not fear, it would be interesting to compare the dollars spent in weather science and coverage as a curiosity, and how many hours of productivity are really lost. case in point: how many people may have either not gone to work today, had classes cancelled, or left early because they feared the weather? How much productivity was lost today simply by people being obsessed with weather reports, and not being able to concentrate on their work?
when will we draw the line between what is reasonable and what is excessive?
those of us who have grown up in Kansas know that when it is lightning or pouring down rain, you don't go outside; but until the rain begins, you can still do your shopping, lawn mowing, and most normal things until the clouds become the warning system. If you aren't out on a lake, then you probably are going to have a chance to seek safety.
we also know that the majority of summer storms roll in at the end of the hot afternoon, and usually occur in the evening or night hours. We also know that a SE wind is usually a sign that something peculiar is blowing (or being sucked) in -- at least in the central part of Kansas and Missouri, that seems to be the norm. these are things I've learned over the years. LM
for all the money that is spent on 'warnings and watches' that often make people anxious about things they need not fear, it would be interesting to compare the dollars spent in weather science and coverage as a curiosity, and how many hours of productivity are really lost. case in point: how many people may have either not gone to work today, had classes cancelled, or left early because they feared the weather? How much productivity was lost today simply by people being obsessed with weather reports, and not being able to concentrate on their work?
when will we draw the line between what is reasonable and what is excessive?
those of us who have grown up in Kansas know that when it is lightning or pouring down rain, you don't go outside; but until the rain begins, you can still do your shopping, lawn mowing, and most normal things until the clouds become the warning system. If you aren't out on a lake, then you probably are going to have a chance to seek safety.
we also know that the majority of summer storms roll in at the end of the hot afternoon, and usually occur in the evening or night hours. We also know that a SE wind is usually a sign that something peculiar is blowing (or being sucked) in -- at least in the central part of Kansas and Missouri, that seems to be the norm. these are things I've learned over the years. LM
Monday, June 2, 2008
a word or two from Eleanor
xxjuh ii i i i `ccff qqxbb8888888ue dx, zzq2wwuccx yhure tfumcx`frduih`d
vb hvbw3ezzv c c x `
a note from Granny. ..::
Ellie was so very excited about walking today. she did't want to stop. she first had to realize she couldn't knee walk on the sidewalk or patio outside (it hurts the knees!).
so outside was the first success.
this evening, she was practically running from one end of the living room to the other with the help of granny's fingers.
she is walking a few steps when she doesn't realize she is on her own.
LM
vb hvbw3ezzv c c x `
a note from Granny. ..::
Ellie was so very excited about walking today. she did't want to stop. she first had to realize she couldn't knee walk on the sidewalk or patio outside (it hurts the knees!).
so outside was the first success.
this evening, she was practically running from one end of the living room to the other with the help of granny's fingers.
she is walking a few steps when she doesn't realize she is on her own.
LM
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Joy of Networking
This past few days have provided a rejuvenation of my spirit and optimism. It seems when a person truly 'finds their vocation' work becomes rewarding--for the most part--and challenging for the balance. The people who attended a conference along with me were really able to bond and create community and willingness to act quickly. In many ways these volunteers were brought together by a spiritual urging and spurred on a similar energy. It was a rare experience and memory to be treasured. Surely we will see the fruits of this gathering within months.
The photo of the 'young peace builders' is of this group who gathered on the grounds of a sacred and peaceful place in the suburbs of Chicago. We enjoyed the evidence of God's gifts of nature, good food and hospitality from the people at University of St. Mary's on the Lake. It was a gift to us as we discussed how improve alternative giving toward the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals through the work of Alternative Gifts International. There is now an AGI 'Facebook' and many more plans for the future. LM
The photo of the 'young peace builders' is of this group who gathered on the grounds of a sacred and peaceful place in the suburbs of Chicago. We enjoyed the evidence of God's gifts of nature, good food and hospitality from the people at University of St. Mary's on the Lake. It was a gift to us as we discussed how improve alternative giving toward the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals through the work of Alternative Gifts International. There is now an AGI 'Facebook' and many more plans for the future. LM
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