mysignsoflife

The title of todays post, “S.O.L. in Progress…”,

(Signs Of Life),

is meant literally and figuratively… 

 I think the need and desire to create something beautiful or heartwarming is a type of “self-therapy”…  That’s just my opinion, but isn’t it nice that by crafting something for someone else, which you know will make them feel good, is arguably twice as gratifying for the maker…  Who knows for sure, but that’s how creating makes me feel. 

Here is my very first attempt at painting:

Well, not freehand painting of course, but this is the first time I’ve ever painted something besides a wall in my house!  I wish I could say the “Warhol” look was my idea, but I am a DIY network addict!  So I give thanks to all the wonderful folks over there.  If you would like the instructions for Color-Blocked Artwork à la Warhol click here.  

The picture is of my niece, who just went off to college.  She adores orange and lime green, she’s quite crafty herself and has painted her new apartment with her favorite colors.  I think this painting will fit in just right with her new digs!

Ok!  Let’s move on ~

I’m so happy it’s football season, and time to pull out the stadium blankets!  I’ve always taken a generic blanket to my sons games.  Well, team spirit is soaring and contagious.  I had to step it up a notch…

Here is my first attempt at making a blanket:

I attached the white layer of “Wildcat claws” with VELCRO, in case my sons’ numbers change next year!  I think it turned out pretty good and I’ll be nice and warm for Friday Night Football.

Each Wednesday you’ll find a post on My Signs of Life on an author, philosopher, writer, activist or simply someone I’ve met who has had a positive influence on my life.  Someone who I feel has shaped my thoughts and views on the world.  

Click here to read last weeks post.

Todays mentor is Mahatma Gandhi.

I remember studying Mahatma Gandhi in school, but not until I watched the movie “Gandhi”, did I really develop and interest in him. 

Below is a beautiful clip from the movie:

To me, Gandhi embodies empathy, humbleness and enlightenment.  He touched countless lives and his legacy will continue to touch people for generations.  There are many things I have learned from Gandhis example, I am most proud that because of him I have learned to incorporate the following statement into my life:

 “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. 

Learn as if you were to live forever.”

The following video is taken from the documentary:

“Mahatma: Pilgrim of Peace”

The video is nine minutes and there are some very interesting facts about Gandhi, some I never knew…

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Here are some of my favorite Gandhi quotes:

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We may have our private opinions 

but why should they be a bar 

to the meeting of hearts?

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Power is of two kinds. 

One is obtained by the fear of punishment 

and the other by acts of love. 

Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment. 

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The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problem.

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Truth stands, 

even if there be no public support. 

It is self-sustained.

We should meet abuse by forbearance. Human nature is so constituted that if we take absolutely no notice of anger or abuse, the person indulging in it will soon weary of it and stop.

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Poverty is the worst form of violence. 

You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. 

Just get people to stop reading them. 

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To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest. 

Check back next Wednesday for another 

“Mentor of the Week”

Strolling through an annual artists festival this summer, I literally teared up when I met Seton McGlennon and viewed her Memory Canvases up close and personal.

I try very hard every year to make or give gifts from the heart, if I can get the recipient to cry that’s even better…

Seton’s artwork will do just that!  

Seton McGlennon is a self-taught artist and for over 15 years, her trademark Memory Trunk and Canvases have been capturing the “The Story of Your Life.” 

All of her artwork is personalized.  The concept is oh so cool ~ you fill out a questionnaire, she “interviews” you, you choose from her vast array of products: canvas boards, trunks, ornaments, coffee tables, note cards, etc.  Sit back, relax and  very soon you will be the envy of all who see your homes, travels, weddings, births, funny stories, inside jokes being played out, special times and traditions woven into an illustration of life in progress - your life!  

Her art has graced the stage of Oprah’s Favorite Things, as the gift of the millennium, and has been commissioned twice to create the national Christmas gifts given by the President and First Lady, Laura Bush.    

The web photos do not capture the essence of the art, if you would like a photograph and a brochure to be mailed to you, please e-mail Seton at setonspecialties@aol.com

You can also browse an abundance 

of examples on her website:  

http://www.setonmcglennon.com/index.html

Check back next Tuesday for another 

“Cool Find of the Week”

Last week I began what will be weekly posts on

Blogs that Rock! 

As promised, here is week two…

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One of the first blogs I read when I started out was  “Better Interpersonal Communication”.  Because hey, without that none of us really go very far.  This blog has wonderful posts on everyday issues we all face.  It always amazed me that there wasn’t a class in school with this title.  Check out the post “The Path to Developing Better Interpersonal Communication Skills.”  I also really enjoyed “The Power of a Smile”.

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Retired & Restless 

What a cool guy :)  Doug’s blog was also one of the first I read.  Immediately I felt like I was reading words from my own grandfather.  Doug is smart, funny and very creative.  At the moment, he has a series of posts going on that all begin with “My first time…”  I especially like “My first time to fight over a girl”.

Doug writes several other blogs, which are all accessible via Retired & Restless ~ They include: Election Issues and Doug’s Missoula Blog.  The first is self explanatory and the second is about life in Missoula Montana.  

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Being Frugal is Fabulous  During this time of economic crisis who couldn’t use some wonderful tips on saving money?  I believe living a frugal lifestyle ALL THE TIME is key.  The Being Fugal is Fabulous blog is not only beautifully laid out, it is very easy to navigate.  Nicole has done all of the leg work for us when it comes to clipping coupons, finding freebies and who’s having what sale!!  Her blog is FILLED with offers you can click on like Wal-mart, Target and the list goes on and on.  Her blog has a handy-dandy Getting Started tab at the top that explains how to make coupon clipping and saving money fit easily into your lifestyle.  Being Frugal is Fabulous also has a Tutorials tab that will have you saying Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to this smart blogger.  Check it out and be FABULOUS!!

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Click here to read week one.

 Check back next Monday for more Blogs that Rock!

“Gentleman, this is a football.”

- Vince Lombardi

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CONFESSION:

I used to sit in the football stands and clap and cheer like I knew what was going on…  Uh, not so much!

My boys, now 14 and 16 have been playing football since they were five years old.  I was “Team Mom” every single season.  I helped fit each child for their uniforms, made phone calls to all the parents, coordinated fund raisers and attended every practice.  But (you other mothers back me up on this), moms don’t pay attention to what’s really happening on the field, we’ve got talking to do, things to gossip about…  

Well, I SHOULD HAVE paid more attention.

I’m not totally oblivious, I do know the basics.  But recently I’ve developed more of an interest in “really” understanding football.  When your kids are really small, you’re too freakin’ busy just keeping them clean and fed and making sure their socks match.  Now that they don’t need me so much for the custodian chores, I can focus more on other things…

Like why am I told that “YOU HAVE FOUR CHANCES TO MAKE A FIRST DOWN”? When really that is not true.  What is a touchback?  WHY do you chose to punt.  When is there ANY excuse for having too many men on the field?  

I am a very literal thinker and there are so many things that I want someone to explain to me.  

So for the past few weeks, every time I’m around football fans, I ask questions.  It’s been amazing what I’m learning so far.  I thought it would be a great topic to share with everyone, throw it out there and see what else I can learn

So each Saturday I am posting on football.  Either about something I’ve learned the past week or posing questions on plays and strategies I don’t understand.  So if you enjoy football and know anything about it, I’m listening…