“Empathy — Walking a Mile in Their Moccasins”

August 11, 2016August 12, 2016 / jrmilson / 1 Comment

As a kid growing up, to me my Mother was a suburban housewife, no different from all the other kids’ moms. Getting me off to school in the morning, keeping up the house while dad worked, having dinner ready when he got home. Doing the shopping and all the other household tasks of a 1950’s and 60’s housewife.

Only now, can I look back to realize and appreciate the rich Southern, Country and Native American background and traditions that my mother also brought to my upbringing. She had familiar and time-worn phrases that she would repeat over and over again which have stayed with me all my life. In retrospect, she was probably the wisest person I have ever known. One of her favorite admonitions was — “Never judge someone until you have walked a mile in their moccasins,” from the 1895 poem by Mary T. Lathrap.

Everyone has a story and a chapter they are living today in that story, and we are all part of the whole. What happens to one of us happens to all of us. The world needs more Empathy. So often we toss out the well-intentioned “Hey, how ya doin’?” without pause while we keep on walking. What if we stopped our own pursuits for a minute and meaningfully asked — “Really, how are you doing?” And cared.

The following is a wonderful, heartfelt video produced by the Cleveland Clinic which can be extended beyond the hospital walls to the world outside. When you look at someone, do you observe the outward appearance of the person in front of you, or do you feel and see the story of the individual?

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” — Henry David Thoreau

Everyone is living their own story, facing their own struggles and battles, most of which we are not aware, and it gets lonely in the trenches sometimes. We need to take the time and make the effort to learn the stories to let someone know they are not alone.

Thanks as always for visiting! Help make the world a more caring and better place today. — Jim (and Red!)

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“Hello August, My Old Friend . . .”

August 4, 2016August 4, 2016 / jrmilson / 1 Comment

Happy August! I think. Truth be told, the month of August is a slog thru, survival test month for me.

Heat, Humidity and afternoon Headaches are a losing trifecta. Waking up clear-headed this morning, I realized that trying to work thru a headache is like trying to drive your car with the emergency brake on. You can eventually, slowly get there, but aware of something grinding, dragging, holding you back and burning all the way.

Had another nagging, summer humidity headache yesterday afternoon and the result was, oddly enough – a poem. More or less. Hard to see thru the haze, but it might be.

With deepest and heartfelt apologies to Simon and Garfunkel then . . . . . .

Hello August, my old friend.
I’ve come to sweat with you again.
Because my skin is quickly burning,
Feeling like I’m on a spit turning.
And the pain that was seared into my brain,
Still remains . . . . within the sound . . . . of agony.

“Friends,” said I, “you may not know,
Summer’s sultry heat wave grows.
Hear the forecast that it might teach you.
Use some sunscreen so it won’t scorch you.”
Hope my words, will be heeded by one and all,
As sweating . . . . we await the cooling breezes . . . . of Fall.

So here we are in August. That sweltering, grass-turned-brown, kids-back-to-school, muggy, hot and shriveled month that stands like the Great Wall of China between summer and the glorious season of Autumn. Kind of like surmounting the final obstacle on the course, fighting off exhaustion to doggedly climb over the Warped Wall to finish the race and survive to reach the other side, where sweet and spicy Pumpkin Pies, Candied Apples, Cider, Cookies and the open Highway to the Holiday Season await!

Hang in there and stay cool. Take frequent cooling breaks if working outdoors, limit physical exertion, wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing and stay hydrated with cool, clear liquids. And please remember to bring the pets indoors with you during extreme summer heat. They are wearing a fur coat and overheat, too. And just like children, they overheat as quickly as we do, if not more so. And check the backseats of cars, no one left behind.

We’re off for some iced tea and aspirins. And a big bucket of ice. Thanks as always for visiting with us! — Jim (and Red!)

“The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Stories on Amazon.

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories and Fun for All Ages and Fitness Levels!

About an Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends.

The Best Day of Your Life? — The Day Your Life Begins!

March 22, 2016March 21, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

This positive motivational message brought to you today by “The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Story Collections, the “Margaret Monarch Plant Wildflowers for Wildlife Association”, and by the “Irresponsible Actions and Happiness Institute” — proud sponsors of independent thought and happy living everywhere.

Partial funding provided by “The Bobo and Lily Bears Foundation for Higher Nature Awareness and Appreciation”, by the “Expose Kids to Dirt and Nature Movement” located in Good Hope, and by the “‘One Day Just Ain’t Enough Recognition’ Grumpy Groundhog Group.”

Funding to support this site provided by “Old Glory Bears & Raggedy Dolls,” maker of collector teddy bears, dolls and fine quality accessories worldwide.

And by dedicated home readers like you. Thanks as always for visiting and reading along! — Jim (and Red!)

Quote- Bob Moawad

“The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Stories on Amazon.

Old-fashioned, Family-friendly Stories about an Uncommonly Special Bear and his Friends. Fun for All Ages and Fitness Levels!

Take A Walk For Exercise, Come Home With A Story Idea– a ‘Two-fer’!

March 16, 2016March 15, 2016 / jrmilson / 2 Comments

A beautiful day here yesterday with the temperature reaching 70F. A grey, overcast morning gave way to brilliant sunshine in the afternoon, with daffodils everywhere stretching to bask in the warmth. You could almost hear the tree buds popping open to welcome spring. So I took an afternoon walk for fresh air and exercise. Always a good thing. And, as so frequently happens on walks, a fun new story idea presented itself along the way.

Walking along, I caught sight of a man getting out of his pickup truck and walking around to the back door of his home. A while later, I observed a young lady pull into a driveway, exit the car, proceed up the walk and knock on the front door. That’s all. Simple as that. BAMM! The inspiration for a fun conversation in the next set of Little Red Bear stories came to mind. I completed the walk, came in and wrote out a new scene and character conversation, right out of the blue. A small sequence in a large collection of stories, but isn’t that what creativity is — little bits all stitched together to form a whole? Kind of like an old-fashioned quilt in that way.

I read a selection recently about taking the time and making the effort to be more mindful to fully appreciate the everyday, mundane tasks that we go thru by rote each and every day, half awake in a hypnotic and robotic state without even being aware of what we are doing. How does the shower water feel? What does the shampoo smell like? How does the toothpaste taste and smell? The true aromas of breakfast. Flower scents in the air when heading outside. The feel on our face of a morning mist or breeze. Being aware and alive to consciously witness and take pleasure in everyday experiences and occurrences going on all around us all thru the day. Living and Being in the moment.

And when we are in ‘aware mode’, fully cognizant of and appreciating our life and all around us, then creative and story ideas are everywhere. It’s as simple as watching someone get out of their car. Next time you find yourself stuck for a creative idea or inspiration, the answer may be waiting right outside the door. Why not go outside and see?

Thanks for stopping by to visit. It’s even more beautiful this morning. I feel another walk coming on. — Jim (and Red!)

Writing- Walking for Ideas 2

“The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler!” on Amazon

Short Stories About An Uncommonly Special Bear and His Friends

The Importance of Play!

February 3, 2016 / jrmilson / Leave a comment

Nature programs and the internet are full of videos showing cute baby animals at play. Young animals learn critical life skills thru their play, and human children are no different. The old saying — “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” — certainly applies to children and the learning process.

Thru active play children learn to use their imaginations as well as developing critical interactive social skills and creativity. Outdoor play is even better, combining activity with fresh air and exercise. Children not only deserve, but need a healthy dose of playtime.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~ Fred (Mr.) Rogers

It is important to remember also, that playtime is not restricted to the young. We all need to step away from the routine now and then to refresh and recharge, in order to remain healthy, alert and active; both living and enjoying life to the fullest.

Thanks as always for visiting. Now, go outside and play! — Jim (and Red!)

Artwork by Jessie Willcox Smith
via Garden of Bright Images, Facebook

There Are No Age Limits on Fun! “The Adventures of Little Red Bear” Short Stories. For All Age Groups and Fitness Levels!

“Finding A Purpose Driven Life — What Would You Do If . . . . . . ?”

January 7, 2016April 7, 2017 / jrmilson / 2 Comments

Have you ever wondered “What on Earth am I here for?” Of course. Who really hasn’t?

In finding our life paths and callings, there are three important questions to ask for both ourselves and guiding our children to find a meaningful and purpose driven life —

What would you do if . . . . it were impossible for you to fail?
What would you do if . . . . money did not matter?
What would you do if . . . . you did not care what anyone else thought about what you do?

To find the answers, we need to quiet our minds from the outside noise of the world, be still, and listen to our heart and inner voice; and not allow ourselves to be guided by our ego driven mind to find the key.

A wonderful video via National Geographic featuring the message of Alan Watts provides insights for us all. What would you do if . . . . . . . . . ?

Life is much too short and precious to waste it feeling miserable. Aligning with our real purpose for being here makes all the difference. Helping our children to learn and understand that lesson can help make all the difference in their lives, too.

So — what do you really, truly desire for your life? And for your family? And for your children’s lives?

Thanks as always for visiting with us. Find your happiness and peace, share it, and be the reason someone smiles today! — Jim (and Red!)

Family Times — Together Times — The Best Times!

Quote- Meaning of Life- Picasso 4