humor-and-healing-thoughts « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Have a Razz-A-Ma-Tazz Kinda Day

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:38:00 +0000

These flowers were

“inside” one of the many walkways

of the Gaylord where the

National Hospice and Palliative Medicine Conference and Gala was held!

They just took my breath away,

and I had to stop and admire them, so here they are, for you to enjoy and stop for a moment and plant them in your mind if not in your very own garden!

So far my media black-out for the news seems to not be working so well,

as the news seeps into social media,

newsfeeds of twitter, Facebook,

and streams of radio, conversations and such.

All accompanied with opinions and thoughts leading me to want to read more, or hear a bit more in order to form my own thoughts,

each of course blowing my head up like a balloon at times.

Why is it that we don’t hear very much good news?

I believe we need more balance in the news, in order to feed our brain,

to give the neurotransmitters a break if you will.

The continued bad news and awful things that continue to flood our senses activate the brain in ways that drain our bodies at times!

I was reading Facebook yesterday,

and enjoyed the pictures that people post there, finding myself laughing enough to scare the 4 leggeds at times,

only to realize that for me it was comic relief from many of the negative postings I had been reading.

Some of them were not really that funny,

but they sure beat the negative and out right argumentative posts I had been reading on pages that were meant to be of support and goodness.

I couldn’t help but think of the news

and the flavor around the world these days.

Tragedies unfolding before our eyes,

shootings that just boggled the mind

and acts of meaness and acts of mother nature that leave one to wonder how/why

rambling in our heads.

Here in Florida we still wait for

Justice and for a man to be booked and arrested for killing a kid in a hoodie.

We’ve heard and watched facts and non-facts try to replace the acts of someone on a neighborhood “watch” act carelessly and willfully after pursuing an unarmed kid.

We also here in Florida just learned that a woman who killed triplets when her car lost control received 13 years as a result of it.

Many are shaking their heads,

many remembering Casey Anthony

and how that case went.

…

So much is happening in the world

and the world looks at the USA through different eyes now,

we as Americans need to stand together,

arm in arm

as opposed to standing on opposite sides of the street.

We have come to far for that,

and

to think CNN put out a t-shirt

(if that is true)

for sale saying 40 years no change

indicating that since Martin Luther King

and now Trayvon Martin

there has been no changes.

What a disgrace and disrespectful statement to a great leader of human/civil rights that is.

There have been tremendous strides, changes, and walks, through great struggles, many deaths, tremendous grief, over time,

and yes

we shall overcome.

What were they thinking?\

What would Martin, JFK think of this day,

these days we are in and the people who are now spewing such venom after their years of work, of walking together for peace, undersanding, and brother/sisterhood.

…

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Haters cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”

Martin Luther King

So today,

I’m wishing you light, love, understanding,

compassion.

I am hoping for you a

“razz-a-ma-tazz” kinda day

where good feelings flood your brain

and sunshine warms your body

and gentle winds kiss your skin.

I’m hoping you will find your strength and visualize yourself being like a WILLOW… strong enough to bend!

Plant your feet firmly

and then stand strong,

being flexible in your movements, in your actions,

and

STAND while noticing all the wonder that is yours and that is around you!

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

While at the Embassy Suites in Arlington

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:31:00 +0000

I met these handsome fellas

The Embassy Suites!

Now the ones in the hats

just came over and started a chat with me

as I was having breakfast at my favorite place to stay when travelling,

but

when I asked if I could take their picture…

Big brother there

jumped from his place of sitting with the parents

and zoomed right in for the picture!

As I was sitting and enjoying my memories

of the Embassy Suites

and the morning breakfast

I couldn’t help but notice a family of 4

and those kids with their “fly” hats on

when the little one looked over at me

and flashed a smile.

He then left the table and wandered to the flowing water that was near my table and the fountain nearby, only to be joined by his brother, when next I knew they were beside my table engaged and talking away!

The littliest one propped his hands on the table and began talking like we were old friends!

They were both quite expressive and smiles that would fill the room as they told me

that they were on the way to

the Presidents house!

Both just filled with wonder and glee and quite thrilled of the beauty of the Embassy Suites, as they just talked and talked of its “biggness”

and its beauty.

They let me know that the Embassy Suites was bigger than their home

and that they were here to visit

and having a great time.

I looked at them with shock and said,

“are you kidding me? This place is really BIGGER THAN YOUR HOME? No way!!!”

They both said at the same time,

“yes it is way bigger than where we live in our house!!!”

haha

They were so filled with life, with joy and a delight to share my breakfast with their conversations.

Needless to say,

I had quite the animated and lovely breakfast

as I enjoyed their enthusiasm.

I gave them each one of my business cards

and

asked that they say hello to

the President and everyone at the

White House for me.

And being the gentlemen that they were,

they assured me they would.

…

I also let them know I would be putting their pictures here, and to check in,

then they would get to see themselves

and oh they were very tickled about that as well!

As I was leaving I spoke briefly with the parents and one of the brothers tipped his hat to me,

showing a head filled of red hair

and telling me

“I have very red hair” like my Mom!

yep he sure did!

His Mom and Dad were lovely and I bet they have their hands full with such energy.

Mom let me know that her family had in fact had the services of HOSPICE…

now doesn’t that just make sense.

We visited a few minutes before I left them and went to check out.

The synergy did not surprise me

as I told her I was gladdened to know that hospice was there for her and her family.

HOSPICE ROCKS!

What a great start to a beautiful day

I kept thinking.

I also kept remembering coming down that elevator, dressed as Bearly Bear

way back when,

all the children squealing their delight;

some with hair and many beautiful bald heads

as teddy bears were held

and many given

along with so many hugs and hope.

The stories still ring, the messages still given through stories of survival and hope,

in faith and in education

through the eyes and stories of children.

the true experts along the journey

in lives who see through lens that adults forget to use when confronted with illness, heartache, and challenges.

Buoyancy of children

and their ability to move through emotions with fluidity and somehow as we age we forget to tap into the wonder of our child that is still there. Perhaps we need to access that part of self, in order to open up to the wonder and the ability to see the healing properties of balance.

The joy of present and the magic that is still ours.

Imagine how much fun one can have splashing in the waters while finding buoyancy

and remembering that

YOU are your most precious resource

….

Slay your dragons,

Walk on the milky way,

have fun in the sun,

spit water at a dolphin and watch as it spits back,

sing in the shower and the grocery store,

watch the reaction

smile at everyone you see,

decrease your pain by telling it YOU are the controller of your life

laugh till your sides ache

tell people you are goin to the Presidents house

tell people YOU STAND FOR JUSTICE

choose to be buoyant

Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.” Dr Seuss

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

Thoughts and musings

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Nana’s girl is growing up

and

still a delight!

A week in the D.C. area

and oh the sights and memories

along with the energy of the city!

Now back home to the sun,

the little 4 legged

who bark a nothing

but

to them it is everything!

The emails need answering,

a new program for the next speaking venue is under way,

and

I am ready to abandon listening to the news

and have my own

“media black out for awhile”

as I almost cannot bear one more story.

Prayers are going up to those

in California at the school

where chaos erupted

and a man with his gun

went berserk,

killing and harming students.

Another tragedy that appears to have happened

in a hot second

when people were just living their lives

in a building

a building that provides education.

What is wrong with people?

This question has appeared more often in recent blogs and my mind than I can ever remember.

Here in Florida

we continue to await justice

in the

Trayvon Martin murder.

The world is standing up,

many are arguing, many are debating,

many more are fueling hatred, and spewing words of anger.

The stories are getting skewed,

the media is out of control,

and

now we are hearing more and more about how the laws of

“Stand Your Ground” need to be reviewed, need to be changed, need to be challenged.

While all that may be true or not true,

it seems that is not the issue at hand.

It seems to me the issue at hand

is the mismanagment

of a crime

from the beginning by that

Sanford PD

and

now that zimmmerman is in hiding and continued consult with attorneys

we still await

Justice.

With photoshop and editing abiliies

it appears that one should not be looking anymore at revised tapes and photographs.

Where is the justice in that?

…

But then again

a friend of mine has been writing her blogs

issues of disability

and those who “bilk a broken system” and begs the question of

“what has happened to the moral compass” of people.

I cannot help to wonder at times the same question, and yes for years I have also seen those who somehow slip through the system, receiving full tilt disability when they are no more deserving of those benefits than I am.

Yet I can full remember patients and friends who were truly disabled and yet were denied disability not once, not twice, but three times

as the emotional stress, the spiritual stress

contributed to their health and increased their pain and suffering.

There is something horrendously wrong with a system and those who manipulate it

to recieve a check. After being given benefits they then abandon their canes and enjoy the benefit while walking around town and goin up and down stairs when they could and should be working for a living.

….

Chronic pain?

Most folks in the world have pain,

but is it the pain that takes you to your knees

and makes you think that you would have to feel better to die pain?

Many who suffer chronic pain

know that feeling, and most mentally healthy people would rather do anything than go through the rigors of attempting to get disability and live a life

that is restricted by illness and disease progression in order to claim and recieve disability.

For a profound read, I invite you to this blog

and my friends words,

I believe you might be amazed.

Just click the link below,

subscribe to her posts, you will find her to be one of the most inspiring women you have known lately!

http://workthedream.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/have-people-lost-all-morals-and-honesty/#comment-3108

It certainly gave me pause,

and touched me deeply.

A complex topic

but one that is clearly worth getting riled up about.

I am hoping YOU are doing well today,

that

YOU are paying your gifts forward,

getting excited of all the possibilities and realizing that you have a voice!

Sing, dance, find your passion and exert it!

I’ve read where our

Oprah is again backing our President Obama this year,

but has said she is doing it from a distance,

as she is “busing saving a network” as in OWN her network!

If she would just holler at me, maybe I could help her with that… Oprah darlin, you have to get and keep it real out there in CA…

Anyone see those country music awards on t.v.?

What in the world?

Bring back the good ole’ days

and the country music awards for goodness sakes.

After all it was Emmy Lou Harris’ birthday

yesterday,

so maybe they should have made the

country music awards

all about

COUNTRY MUSIC?

Just sayin…

video by

Now that is

country music at its finest.

And yet that little girl Taylor wins yet again?

She only made 34 million dollars last year,

and still all her songs sound the same.

go figure.

And at last we have those politicians

and if that is not enough to make you just

wanna listen to music vs. the news I just do not know what would.

Money/Religion/Smear Campaigns/Lies/Deceit

rather sounds like a soap opera

and yet it is the next leaders

of our country.

How bout,

JOBS/HOMES/GAS/TROOPS HOME/HEALTHCARE/SECURE/EDUCATION/TAXES

pOLIticians out of womens vaginas?

I mean c’mon now…

This is 2012

and really,

do you really think we need a man in an office to tell us what we can or cannot do or choose for our lives?

And why are they preaching at us?

Stop preaching at me,

and while at it,

tell your people I am on the

DO NOT CALL LIST

so stop blowing up my phone.

I hear there is a fierce snow fall in

Colorado today

while here in Florida the sun is beautiful

the warmth and spring is on!

So now that I’ve shared my thoughts and musings,

I’ll leave you with a vision of beauty to fill your most remarkable brain!

….

Oh yes, I can tell I have to have a media black out for awhile.

Take best care friends,

don’t take any

“wooden nickels”

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

for speaking inquiries

I look forward to hearing from you.

“Oprah, I’m still waiting for YOU”! LOL

It's almost time for the EAster Bunny

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:27:00 +0000

Good thing

chocolate is

good for your heart!
Cos’ we are seeing more and more ads to entice us to “eat it”, to savor it,
and to just have a good time doing it!

Hello Friday,

and speaking of chocolate bunnies,
it’s probably good to eat the ears

first

with all the news we’re hearing

it may be good to not hear it all.

Lucky chocolate bunny

and those that choose to eat the ears first

is my thinkin!

Here we are

time for the weekend

time to dye those

eggs,

to get that chocolate buzz rolling

and

to begin the day

end the day

all wrapped in

gratitude.
Oh dratz, I left my bonnet at home!

Yes yes I know,

it’s hard at times to find the

“feel good feelings”

with all the weird, awful, and bad things going on in the world, on the news,

and in communities.

Believe me,

these days even I am having to dig a little deeper some days.

While I continue to shake my head

in my daily intake of updates,

listening to the now new and strange stories in our world,

I move from sadness and shock

to anger and amazement.

I blow up the keys here with emails,

with phone calls,

and

then feel weary,

at times wondering if anyone on the other end of those blogs, emails, and phone messages

are listening.

I at times wonder

when will justice be served,
are the lies being absorbed,
or the truth being forgotten.
I wonder will a child and his name and his life be forgotten now that the press and the reality is being taken on twists and turns that continue to stray further and further from reality.
Now we here about
the friendly skies;

how is it that airlines are now experiencing such scary moments by flight attendents and pilots

along with passengers who want and demand to get their drunk on,

and

then someone stopped because they have a bottle of liquid explosives.

…

So I look for humor in as many things as possible

like the photo above

and it balances my brain

and

soothes my body/mind/spirit

for a bit.

I listen to readers to jump in and bring some semblence to the insanity

and

instead I keep hearing

the crazy.

Remarks from press, the authorities

the relatives and friends

a murderer,

who talk about how he was beaten to a pulp

by a kid,

and that he was now not

on a neighborhood watch

but

we see no blood splatter on him, no evidence of blood, swelling, blood trace.
The brother of zimmerman now gets air time,
and what comes out of his mouth
makes me shake my head once again…
“he could have been wearing diapers?”

We hear from the funeral director who prepared Trayvon Martin’s body,

but that gets buried in the press,

doesn’t get much air time\\

and who would know better than the funeral director.

I smell a cover-up of great proportions

when people spend more time

weaving webs of deceit

rather than concentrate on the intial facts

we know a story of deception

is being fed to us.

Sometimes it’s probaby good to be a

chocolate bunny.

A hollow one at that!

Do you ever wonder?

When a flight attendent goes nutty on a plane and scares paying passengers to death,

she gets carried away

and

it is called a medical emergency?

A pilot gets subdued and the passengers are hero’s

but the pilot and the message gets called

“Medical emergency”

…

When a passenger goes crazy, or gets belligerent on a plane.

They get locked up?

Yes I do agree, that anyone who demands to be served liquor so that they then make an ass of themselves should be told NO,

should suffer the full extent of their behavior,

but

I just don’t understand

what is happening in our

friendly skies…

For that matter,

these days,

I just have to say,

MARCH MADNESS

is seeming to be much more

than

basketball

excitement!

And tonight?

Wow,

mega millions here is now the talk of the city,

have you bought that ticket?

What will you do with all that dough?

Let’s see …

I am thinking first thing I’m goin to do,

HIDE

…

But tonight

I will be at the

National Hospice

gala

where they will be honoring

the women heroines of

Hospice

and

I am going to see a pioneer and dearest friend

Dr Bernice Catherine Harper

along with others.

I just cannot wait to share time with a true friend and grand dame of the hospice world

a social worker, a global leader,

and a woman who I love

for her realness, her dedication

and her warrior self.

So for now

it’s time to

thank all of you

for the strength of YOU

and to wish you

a day filled with all that you dare to dream,

the strength to stand up

and

remember

that we are all connected.

Stand for Justice,

for truth

and

honor in all things.

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

Oprah would love to talk to Zimmerman?

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:16:00 +0000

It’s One Month and three days

still we

are waiting for an arrest

in the murder of

Trayvon Martin.

White/Black/Red/Yellow

people are gathering,

they are standing,

they are raising their voices,

signing petitions,

and

now

Oprah has weighed in.

No she hasn’t called me yet!

But she has now spoken about the Trayvon Martin case.

She has now said that she herself told Rosie it is over for Rose,

she has now said that Bobbi Kristina disappeared before the big interview

and

she wasn’t sure she would be there when Oprah arrived,

but she was indeed found by Oprah’s peeps and was there, but did not want to sit down,

so they stood and Oprah went with it to get the interview…

But now she has weighed in.

She has let folks know in an interview

that

a killer is tops on her list to interview

saying,

“I would love to interview zimmerman”.

…

Really Oprah?

YOU would pay, or give props and attention

to the man who self appointed chose to

be the “neighborhood watch”

or shall I say

“neighborhood killer”

He is top on your list,

the same guy that we all want to see brought to justice, for the murder of a 17 year old.

TRAYVON MARTIN’S MURDERER

really Oprah, you want to bring him on your show while we are wanting him booked, arrested and justice to be served?

[shakingmyheadhere]

ok maybe i am being reactive,

Banging my head on the wall now.

We are all people of color,

WHITE IS A COLOR,

RED IS A COLOR

BLACK IS A COLOR

YELLOW IS A COLOR

what is the problem here?

The man who called the Sanford PD

and said he saw someone suspicious,

then was told to not pursue the person,

yet he did.

And then he shot and killed at point blank range a 17 year old kid

in a hoodie, with a cellphone, a bag of skittles, and an Arizona Tea

as he cried to his girlfriend

“help me”.

Oprah is wanting to interview this person

and

has him top on her list?

One thing is certain,

as I sat and looked over the city

beautiful

Washington DC

I was reminded of its intensity, its spendor, its diversity.

And I miss so much of it

and

now am enjoying being back here and seeing my beloved friends and the movement.

There is so much happening now,

with health care

with

Trayvon Martin

and

so many who are standing,

letting the world and justice

know

the

we the People are standing for justice.

“We shall overcome”

and

we have come a long long way.

Hatred and racism

do not belong in our world today,

violence has no place in our worlds

and the lives of our children.

I have to tell ya,

this story is about as disgusting as it gets,

the web is dirty and it just keeps taking a new spin and with each spin a new attempt to create a lie… or to discredit a teen age boy.

Now once again,

it is becoming about the

political “left/right/” whatver that has to do with anything

but it is ugly

and

I have a feeling it is becoming more so by the hour.

The stories are being used to avert our attention to the horrid crime that was commited

and the mishandling of a murderer

that still walks free.

And yes,

we’ve come a long way in civil rights,

and this tragedy is proof that there is evil

on the streets

and within gated neighborhoods.

We all walk with a responsibilty to educate our children,

to stand with honor, dignity, we have responsibility for our behaviors,

with ethics in our daily lives.

WE ALL BLEED RED.

We are each our brothers/sisters keeper, like it or not.

Race is something that people should run,

not something that qualifies one to kill, harm, or mame

or judge.

Many are using this tragedy, and now this injustice

as their own platform,

through political doings and agenda building,

in police slinging and one up manship.

This was a tragedy, a sickening and unimaginable tragedy;

it is a crime that has yet to be handled

justice has yet to be served.

The media is not helping,

nor are those who are tweeting the addresses of people who are now in harms way

as a result of tweets

by celebrities

and then re-tweeted to millions

who will ultimately try to take the next crazy steps.

Further harm is about to be done,

innocent people will be hurt as a result of passion, emotion and misdirected anger

and things that are spinning out of control.

yet a murderer is safely hiding out somewhere with his pals.

People around the world are asking, writing, demanding

JUSTICE.

We have rallies happening across the lands, on campuses, Universities, faith communites, Capital Hill, the White House.

White/Black/Red/Yellow

are standing arm in arm, together

with one vision, mission and purpose

for the most part.

We must be careful in wordings, in the call to actions that we are inclusive

in the desired outcomes.

We stand for justice

for a child who was murdered.

For the family

Sybrina and Tracy

the parents of

Trayvon Martin

in their demand for justice.

To do that

we must stand together.

With respect and Unity.

Rallies cannot be effective nor the message be held as authentic or without racism

further indicated when an announcement reads:

STAND UP FOR JUSTICE

RALLY IN WASHINGTON DC

SATURDAY

CALLING ALL BLACK PEOPLE

IN UNITY

FOR TRAYVON

That is a powerful call to action,

but

it is a message that is in direct opposition to what we all stand for,

it is exclusive

and

it is a further message to confuse our children

and adults alike

when we are standing together

to fight

and let the world know

that HATRED/VIOLENCE/RACISM

must end

in order to

STAND for Justice together UNITED.

If we segregate our rallies

with our calls to gather

in standing

what message are we giving our children, their friends, our neighbors, our spouses, our relations?

If we cannot come together in our quest for justice for Trayvon Martin

now

how can we expect to teach our children

and

how can we embrace each other at all

in the greater circle of our lives?

We are stronger together

than we will ever be apart.

WE MUST STAND.

I’ve been saying this for weeks now,

through tears, through angst,

through and by listening to all who are weighing in and now those who are spinning webs of deceit and heartache to the family of this youth,

and listening as well to the children

who are also hearing all of this.

The questions of kids are many,

the speculation

does not change the reality.

and the reality is

a child was killed by the willful act of an adult

who was told by the police to not pursue him.

But he did.

And then, maybe he beat himself up afterwards

who knows.

But we need our children and adults alike to be safe

when they are not in our homes.

We need folks safe in their homes

without someone giving out their addresses

to others Spike what were you thinking when putting those folks in harms way.

bless our children,

bless the parents of

Trayvon Martin

and hold them closely in thought and prayers.

Just kids

all colors, shapes and sizes

some in hoodies, some without

all just out there.

“Everything now, we must assume, is in our hands; we have no right to assume otherwise. If we do not falter in our duty now, we may be able, handful that we are, to end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country, and change the history of the world.” James Baldwin

It is time to stand UNITED

Neighborhood watch

is just that…

WATCH

do not harm.

And now O has weighed in

and

of all the folks in the world to talk to,

all the real people to interview

she wants to interview

this guy who killed a kid.

Let’s see,

oh yes, Olivia now calls him a

“sleazebag”

…

I wouldn’t want to interview or give him time

for all the cherry blossoms in DC.

…

I would like to interview some kids though to get their take on this,

their view on how people are feeling, thinking

and

their ideas.

I also value yours.

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

oh yes, Oprah also commented about the Bobbi Kristina interview… wonder if she read what I had to say about standing in the hallway since she spoke to that as well?

I’m still waiting for you Oprah!

It is ironic how you spoke to all the things I talked about in the

“where are you Oprah” you tube!!!

“I’m still waiting for you Oprah…”

HMU

NOT YET...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:12:00 +0000

TradeMark “I AM TRAYVON”

by Trayvon’s Mom

A child has been murdered,

children are murdered.

What makes this different?

Many things.

Keepin it real,

NO ONE HAD TO

Now new spins are spinning,

we are being asked to believe “authorities”

asked to hold off on judgments,

told that Trayvon

was not the innocent child

told he had a different side of himself on Facebook and on MySpace

told he “bashed Zimmermans head into concrete” as he *Zimmerman cried for help”

told this and that, by who exactly?

1. And we believe this because why?

2. What 17 year old doesn’t have a bravado on facebook and MySpace and twitter?

3. Bashed his head on concrete?

4. How does one do all those things with tea in one hand, a cellphone in the other and skittles in the pocket

while walking fast with a cellphone

saying a big ugly man is following me.

And the big ugly man is on the phone with cops saying there is a suspicious black person in the neighborhood and I’m following him, as he had a loaded 9MM gun

and then shot him in the chest with it

knowing full well that death would be the result.

Now,

after a month, a lawyer

and

friends

he has spun a tale of great proportions

leaks in a police department

are shedding new and unblievable stories

as we move further and further away

from the reality and horror

the point at hand.

NO ONE WOULD HAVE DIED

except

Zimmerman chose to not heed a direct order from a police officer who told him to stand down, to NOT pursue an individual

he deemed as suspicious

as a civilian who said he was the “chief of the neighborhood watch” in a neighborhood.

INSTEAD

this man Zimmerman

followed, pursued

and shot a kid point blank

with

a 9MM

and

killed him

although he was crying

“help me” on a cell phone.

A neighborhood watch?

No arrest?

Shot while black?

Hatred?

A police department not doing their job?

A kid wearing a hoodie?

A grown man playing vigilante?

Racism?

Self=defense? (NO)

Skittles?

Tea?

A Gated Neighborhood?

…

Meanwhile here in the DC area

a woman attacked and severely wounded a man

someone in what was a IHOP

and has been charged with a

HATE crime and is looking at

30+ years

for the attack.

And it made the news tonight

as I sit here still astounded

as I try to understand

why Zimmerman is free.

And yet,

the parents, friends, and the world

are now hearing the round a bout

the

aversions

the well he wasn’t so this or that

and

the self defense

claims.

Really?

Where is the justice department?

…\?/

One thing is certain,

Many Many

of all shapes, ages, colors

Thousands are standing

and we will not be silent

thousands are using social media,

in front of the steps of buildings, civic centers, churches, faith communities,

the Department of Justice,

Capital Hill

and

even the White House,

and

in Sanford Florida

and

Tampa Florida.

WE WILL NOT STAND DOWN,

Trayvon was murdered,

and I will join the many who now stand and are his voice, even though many are trying to discredit him, to dishonor his family

and his very young life

as they try to weave a web for a murderer

and justify a police department that did not do its job.

We are standing arm in arm on this wrong.

Black/White/Red/Yellow

“We all bleed Red”

~ ~ ~

I have heard that folks all over the world

are donning hoodies

and letting their voices be heard.

Yet he is still free.

The man who told the police

that he shot a child.

Now we hear from his friends, his attorney

and rednecks and bigots

and folks from everywhere

with opinions.

We hear about the

“Stand your Ground” law

and whether it applies

and

we hear from the “new Black Panther group”

now offering a bounty for Zimmerman,

And

we hear that they are not supported by

THE BLACK PANTHERS

nor many in the Black or African American

community.

BUT

have we heard

of an arrest?

HAVE WE HEARD

Trayvon’s mother and dad

or their cries in the night?

…

Have we looked deeply in the eyes of our children

and seen the real possibility

that it could have easily have been them

in a hoodie walking out of a mall?

have we thought

how very easy

it is for someone to pick us out of a crowd

decide we may in fact

look suspicious,

decide to pursue us

and then without reason, cause,

shoot us dead?

And if we stand UP

and should a whole bunch of folks

stand beside us

as the brothers and sisters we are,

and

demand justice…

Would we then really get it?

Only then to find out that once an attorney

gets involved

that stories and press will turn things into a circus

and try to talk about us when we are no longer on this earth and able to talk for ourselves?

Now a child is dead,

and

we are hearing such vile remarks

being made about him as they are stretching to find something to make him into something that he either was or was not.

From all pictures, and from teacher accounts he was an “A/B student”, an athelete, a kid with great promise.

Now his Mother is seen on television

saying not only has my son been murdered but they are trying to kill his reputation

as someone reports he was suspended from school from perhaps marijuana?

WHO CARES?

What kid at 17 is not experimenting with something and what does that or what he has done or not done have to do

with the night he was walking in the neighborhood in a hoodie with skittles and a tea close to the home he was staying in?

…

Neighborhood watches are in communities everywhere across the nation.

It means that folks watch out for each other, for their homes.

It is not a license to kill, hunt, stalk, or pursue someone and then kill them.

It is a “WATCH” if it is active at all.

IF, and I say IF

anyone in a neighborhood sees suspicious activity, they typically call their police department and report it.

They do NOT call from their “watch point”

and say the things that Zimmerman said

and then go in pursuit

of a kid with a loaded

9MM gun intending to use it.

The tapes tell everything there is to hear,

all that was needed to make the arrest.

Also noted and heard on CNN

was the racial slurs

of this man.

At no point did the police nor Zimmerman talk about injuries sustained at the time,

nor a broken nose, nor remorse, nor tears,

none of it.

AND

as for tears, or pleas for help,

yes, we heard that…

Trayvon’s mom heard and recognized her

baby’s cries

and so did the girl he was talking to on the cellphone,

HELP ME

that was a kid while being pursued

and

as he was shot.

yes, we heard it,

we heard a Mother’s voice as she said that was my baby, she heard it, and probably still hears it vividly 24/7.

We are the people

who continue to stand

FOR JUSTICE.

Self-defense?

Who is Zimmerman and his buddies kidding?

Do they really think we believe that?

Have YOU loooked at his eyes, that of Zimmerman?

Have you seen him walk to the police department and turn himself in yet as he is so filled with remorse?

Have you looked at the smile, the eyes, the face of Trayvon?

Here’s the deal:

and

I’m keepin it real,

Trayvon Martin

was shot close range

by a bullet loaded into a 9MM handgun

Zimmerman

who called the police in

Sanford FL.

He was known to them as he was a frequent caller, a man who is by their label

“white=hispanic”

and

was on his “neighborhood watch”

…

Note the word ‘WATCH’

and when he told them he saw someone,

a “black someone who looks suspicious”,

they told him to NOT pursue him

and yet he did.

And what followed was that he

at point blank range

shot and killed what he

KNEW TO BE A KID

who he outweighed by more than 100+ pounds

who was on a cellphone screaming

“help me” to his girlfriend.

It does not get any clearer than that.

And yes,

I believe with my gut and heart

it was a crime of hatred.

Where is the justice

and

why is it taking so long?

Trayvon belongs to the world now

does his family.

We will embrace them now,

as we join for justice.

Leave him alone, let his memory be left

with some dignity,

this man Zimmerman has raped them

and taken all that is sacred

when he murdered this child.

WE STAND FOR JUSTICE

FOR

TRAYVON MARTIN

video by Dr Sherry

STAND WITH ME

STAND WITH TRAYVON’S FAMILY,

FOR HIS MEMORY

…

drses

www.sherryeshowalter.com

MARCH, THE MONTH OF HOPE

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:57:00 +0000

March

a month of wonder,

amazing happenings across our

Nation

around our

World

….

A month of

Awareness of many things

and

many I’ve thought about, talked about

and

today

I celebrate

NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH

and

want you to remember

those who have chosen

the path of

Masters of Social Work,

Licensed Clinical Social Work

and

walk the Social Work path and journeys

around the world.

Clinicians, researchers, practitioners

that have learned from pioneers

with rich histories

and who

each day

“Restore Hope”

as the power of social work

is celebrated in the month

of March each year

and the work is done

in offices, hospitals, hospices,

under bridges, in ER’s, at bedsides, in the offices, around the corners, and in the streets and homes

and shelters around the world each day.

Social Work

restores hope, lends hands

and

skilled interventions

by those who have studied the theory

and

honed their educations into art

with fluidity of movement

they are invited into the lives of others

and those who have the courage to take the first steps by allowing

someone to offer hope.

There are so many

social workers that have made a great impact on the world;

have gained great historical prominence

are pioneers

and walked great uncharted paths

along the years.

Dr Bernice Catherine Harper is one of those pioneers, in the hospice and hospital world

and has made and continues to make a global impact.

Jane Adams, a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and our beloved civil rights activist and quite the hat wearer

Dr Dorothy Height, we miss her so.

…

Social Workers;

powerful and proud of their profession,

some loud and proud, others with quiet demeanor and steadfast in their work,

the majority

dedicated to what they believe

and to the greater good

of those they provide intervention

and

positive regard to

their care of

and

in empowering others.

The National Association of Social Work,

seated in the Nations Capital

to best shape policy and be a voice

on Capital Hill

with a strong membership

leading the way

advocates, as those who stand up.

Seven social workers in Congress lead the Congressional Social Work Caucus and champion equality and improved quality of life for our citizens and do not back down when it is uncomfortable, do step out of comfort zones

on behalf of so many.

Mary Labyak, CEO of Suncoast Hospice in Florida; a Hospice pioneer

was a social worker

a leader in the field of dying and death.

We will miss her

and

her advocacy, as the hospice world

continues her mission, vision

and

recognizes that all in life, dying and death

is circles rather than linear thinking.

Social workers

are the ones who step up and step in

often providing the vast majority of mental health services in this country and are often the only providers to the communities in rural areas.

And yes, it is true

those with MSW’s, LCSW’s, doctorates in Social Work

get rather how shall we say it?

…

Protective of their profession when those without the NASW credentials

call themselves social workers?

Yes that sounds good, let’s go with that!!!

The breadth of social work is far reaching,

is hard earned,

becomes skilled and even finer in its care

by the lessons learned by those very folks we are honored to work with and for.

Most of us have been there,

we’ve learned from the front lines,

the secondary stress of bearing witness,

of seeing, hearing, smelling, taking it all in

and

going through it,

we form the drum line

and weave a tapestry of society’s threads

of colors, textures, tastes…

We are there in the darkest hours, the frightening and traumatic times and when others face challenges, obstacles, and emotional, physical and spirtual upheaval.

Social Workers are the professionals

HOPE and Healing ways

and

today

that number is about

65,000 strong

Professional

Social Workers!

…

OK,

I’m not about to say

all are great, good, sterling

and

yes

there are exceptions to every rule.

BUT

I will say this,

without a world of professional Social Workers

the world would be a radically different place.

But your hands

over your eyes,

yes NOW.

That would be a world

without

Social Workers!

Social Work Month

and

if you happen to BE

a Professional Social Worker

THANK YOU

and

celebrate you!

IFyou happen to know a social worker,

Thank them for the work they do,

cos’ trust me on this,

it ain’t so easy

…

March 26 is annual Social Work Day

at the United Nations.

Students, Practitioners and Educators

will convene at the United Nations

to celebrate the efforts ot social workers around the world. the National Association of Social Work President, Jeane Anastas will be there to present her opening remarks and I’m sure she will share HOPE for the present and future to the U.N. as she sets the tone for

The Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development to the U.N. secretary general with Gary Bailey, IFSW president and past president of the NASW.

Oh what a world we have

in all its splendor

made more brilliant

and

hopeful

by the skills and art

Professsional Social Workers

in our world.

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES, (*LCSW*) with such pride!

www.sherryeshowalter.com

*thank YOU social workers for what YOU do and who you are*

Did YOU?

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:36:00 +0000

Hello Beautiful

…

Yep these are sitting on my table

and

I want to share them with

YOU!

When you looked in the mirror this morning

I wanna know…

Did

YOU,

look in

your eyes

and

give yourself a message

LOVE?

Did you

think about how you were going to get your day started with an attitude of great gratitiude

beginning with

YOU?

Did you

“think”

about that magnificent brain

of yours

and the messages that only

YOU

send with each thought, each choice

YOU

are going to be making,

each decision all day today?

Did you

brush your teeth with gladness and joyful

thoughts

that you are able to stand, lean, sit

knowing that

you woke up

with great opportunites

TODAY?

Are YOU ready to extend a smile, a hand

and

to be more than YOU even can imagine

…

Did you know

that this day

this very day is YOURS

and

that it is filled with challenges

that can be viewed as opportunities

and

that YOU can train your brain

to function and lead you to more

with each message you give it?

TODAY

a day to massage YOUR BRAIN

and

to remember

YOU are your most precious resource!

Maybe today

is the day

you will dance and skip

and

just find a way

to move in ways that even astound YOU.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” Dr Seuss

How many times do YOU realize

how magnificent YOUR brain is

and

that YOU are the one who controls

that 3 pound wonder that resides between your ears?

One thing is certain,

if we give our brains mixed messages,

we have to not be surprised when the results are mixed!

DID YOU

take these beautiful flowers

in through your occipital lobe

process it through your brain in a hot flash as the neurotransmitters brought a smile to your face and a feeling of ease through your body

and feel

“ahhhh”?

YOU are indeed “awesome”

and

YOU can steer your day

by the messages and the choices YOU make

and

the executive decsions that are housed

in that magnificent brain of yours!

Ah, that magnificent brain of ours…

OUtshine the sun dear ones

and

give that brain clear and distinct messages

as YOU

then watch the brilliance of

YOU

when the neurotransmitters light up

and follow the command!

Practice Practice Practice,

the brain thrives and loves

consistency

and

YOU

must give clear cut and postive messages

to get what you want and need

live your best lives.

Have a remarkable day!

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

Let's SEEEE if...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:13:00 +0000

Kamryn

talking to me on the phone

awhile back…

Today

I’m thinkin

and

wanting to get 101

subscribers to the blogs

and

heaven only knows

how many I’d love to get to

“click” and share those

“Keepin it Real” you tubes

I’m comin to you with.

so…

I’m wondering,

a little challenge might just entice you

to share and to get others

to subscribe

and join us here!

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do”

Eleanor Roosevelt

Drum roll please…

ahh

isn’t that a sound you just

get giddy with the thoughts of?

so then,
Let’s have some
FUN!

I’m asking for 101 subscribers

and will be taking names

from the blogs…

Those names once 101 are collected

will be dropped into the magic hat

you seeing me wearing on

the videos

and

a lucky winner will be drawn!

YEP

a lucky winner

who will then recieve an email
or be notified here;

letting them know

their very own

autographed copy

Healing Heartaches

is on its way to them to have and to enjoy!

With a little “somethin somethin”

added as a thank you in the box

just because!

Healing Heartaches continues to recieve great reviews from folks who take the time to write,

to take the time to let me know of chapters

thoughts that they related to.

One reader has told me she threw the book with such strength across the room that it now has a permanent dent in it

she realized that many of the stories were allowing her to come to her own losses

and

journey of grief into healing ways.

I would have liked to have watched that

as long as I wasn’t in the direction of the throw!

Others tell me

that their book sits on the nightstand like a trusted friend,

and

that they re-read from time to time,

will sometimes try to see the people that the stories reflect or they will wonder if I was peeking into their own lives.
I am so honored by the words of others,
it does make me feel as I’ve come to live here in your mind… I love that feeling.

This bear, was made at the bear store we all hear about, on a trip where Olivia had her first experience with room service!
Oh she took such time and care in the making,
and when it was ready for stitching
Olivia picked out
not one,
but 3 hearts to go inside that special bear.
One to beat for Olivia
One to beat for “da mama”
One to beat for “Nana”
and
the three to beat together always
keeping us near
even when we are far apart.
OH yes, my heart melted.
quick, order her all the room service she wants,
that is Nana’s girl!
The Embassy Suites had those little outfits all ready for us
upon return for her special bear…
oops
I think I’ve forgotten its name,
shame on me!
I’m sure she will tell me again.
In Healing Heartaches
I tell a few of the stories of me
in my alter-ego
named
Bearly Bear,
yes, me dressed in a bear suit,
huge I was
and
ever so cuddily…
I had a series of fund raisers through the year,
enlisting then the Mayor Jim Moran in
Alexandria Va
the
A.B.A.T.E. folks on their motorcycles
and
the community at large along with the likes
of
Mary Chapin Carpenter,
and a lot of other musicians
that would play their hearts out
for children with Cancer.
All done so that
Bearly Bear could show up
and hand out bears
to brave little warriors
and
the party was thrown at holiday time
the first one in D.C.
at the
Embassy Suites
and
later taken to another property
and
to Richmond
to reach more and more kids!

The Embassy Suites hosted many a party

for

children with Cancer

where

“Bearly Bear”

would come down from the highest floor there in a glass elevator…

Teddy bears *similar to the one above* but not dressed as fancy… would be handed out to these wonderful kids at a holiday party.

Bearly Bear did not talk, but was a grand listener, and confidant for many a bald headed child in the throes of cancer, of life threatening illness and family dynamics.
Bearly Bear was known to show up in ER’s, in hospitals late at night,
you just never knew where that Bear might
arrive,
and the talks that would be had
with a pad of paper
and a pen in a paw!

All would come screaming, some being assisted by crutches, by parents, by wheel chairs

but

ALL

would want to be touched, to be hugged

and

to recieve their new bear…

some would have last years bear with them,

to show and to tell of the year,

the chemo treatments, the loss of hair,

the new friends,

and

hard conversations with parents who cried alot.

Teddy Bears with fur worn thin, with bandages on, and IV sites that had been placed there at places of treatment by hospital staff who understood the importance of those bears

and

eased the pain of the children by allowing them their bears during treatment.

One little girl had her Mom to shave her bears’ head, in order to look more like her

and wanted to let me know

of the visits she had from the angels

and

her view on dying.

She wanted to tell me

as she said,
“cos’ when I try to tell mommie and daddie they just cry and I think they get mad at me.”
The tears that were shed within that bear suit were enough to fill a full sized pool,
and the love that was recieved enough to carry me many lifetimes.

Each and every time I speak across the country

I think of those times when staying in

Embassy Suites.

I reflect on those days,

those children, their parents, grandparents, siblings…

those magical Teddy Bears

and

the lessons I learned from such old souls

housed in such little bodies.

Now owned by Hilton,

I still just have to tell whoever is at the desk,

about the days

Bearly Bear and those glass elevators
and
the
magic that happened;

the days of starting those parties in the elevator

and

the joy brought to children, and the parents,

a day was spent joyfully

with

Santa and Bearly Bear.

With so many who volunteered their time

to make it a day to be remembered

a day to be cherished

a day to be inspired by in ways one can barely

fathom.

Children are amazing;

they remember where they came from,

and

they are open to recieve

open to give

and

they are warriors.

…

Healing Heartaches

one beat at a time

and

I hope the 101st person to subscribe

will let us

stir up a hat

and

gift a book to someone who may enjoy it!

so there ya go,

the challenge is on…

The skies are the limit

for

us all to soar

and

to remember,

I thank you for being here!

Hope you are enjoying

“Dr Sherry Keepin it Real”

on you tube as well!

Let me know

if there is anything you wanna hear about,
or
talk about!

I’ll see what I can do with your thoughts!

“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye” Helen Keller

MARCH
is
MS AWARENESS MONTH!

video by

Walk in Beauty,
DRSES
www.sherryeshowalter.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWfNCIgmsPs&feature=plcp&context=C45f4959VDvjVQa1PpcFO2X5KGzDdJjhuCeDs-YJdBGCR7PNAzkSk=

WICKED COOL WEDNESDAY

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:02:00 +0000

Jump on in, it’s

Beautiful

Wicked Cool Wednesday!

Since we have a day called

super Tuesday,

let’s just create our own

“Wicked Cool Wednesday”

a day

to Jump in to our own

day of celebrating

a day to jump into our own feelings

goodness, honest interactions,

and

right way relations.

Maybe the idea will take form

and

folks will just adopt the thought

and

find it worthy

of a day that spreads throughout the week.

It can be a day

that our thoughts create our actions,

our

fundamtenal belief

that

All people are equal

and

deserve to be treated with kindness

and

respect kinda day!

A day of no lies, no slander, no smut campaigns to fellow Americans.

AND

a day of no attempts to win back that which is lost through acts and actions

beneath a snakes belly

where a bell was sounded and rung loudly across the lands

by one person with too much influence and power…

Yep

I’m thinking it is a

“Wonderful Wicked Cool Wednesday”

and

We The People

ARE

The People.

We come in all sizes, shapes, colors, sounds, socio-economic backgrounds,

faith systems, beliefs, humor, standards,

and

we come with voices

and

great strength

particularly when we come together.

Do you remember those days

after

9/11

when folks all over our country,

in cities and in little towns

banded together

with

UNITY

and their voices were strong.

In cities strangers extended their hand and voice to another with greeings of hello,

how are you…

When crisis hits

devastation

and

angst

suffering is witnessed

Natural disaster

Terrorism

by the hands of hatred

We The People

ARE the People who rise up

and

say

We Are A Strong Nation

and

WE stand together.

Our rights, our freedoms, our humaness

will always

be worth

Standing For.

We just have to be

Authentic

when we sit, walk

and

STAND!

…

video by

The key to standing is to really know

that there may be those times

when you look around you

and

find you are standing alone

at times,

other times

you may just be amazed

to see that out of nowhere comes many

who nod their head

as they take their place to stand alongside you.

And yes,

along the way you may find that some will turn their backs,

others put their heads in the sand,

and

still others will say you now have an enemy

and

to watch your back.

All those things

are proof in the pudding that it is

YOU

that are standing

YOU

that are passionate about someone

something

that has taken you from your seat

and

called you

to Stand.

So when you do, stand proud, stand strong,

and

know that you

are

YOU

and

you have rights, choices, and the freedoms that you do

thanks to those who are in Uniform

and

fighting to maintain our freedom

and

defend us from all harm.

Thank you

those who are serving

those who have served

and

those who love them.

This is a day

I hope you will enjoy,

I hope you will do something absolutely fun

for YOU today.

We survived that thing that is called

super tuesday,

we’re continue to hear of the promises, the distortions

and all that stuff.

But

just for today,

imagine yourself

taking a great big leap from the back of a boat

and

creating an awesome splash

of wonderment,

only to surface and find yourself

eye to eye

with a dolphin that is smiling at

YOU!

Have the best day

“evah”

STOMP

Faith is a process of taking the jump,

remembering it is not always certain how warm or cold that water will be,

but believing that it will be

and

that you will BE a splash!

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

www.sherryeshowalter.com

Legs, Lint Rollers, Snubs, and Surprises

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Welp

the Oscars

were held

the Red Carpet was walked!

There were winners, losers

and

Daytona 500 in Florida got rained out!

It’s

Monday

folks

and after hearing from the news

there is an outbreak

the Flu that has now

hit all the states;

after hearing our warrior who visits here and her son

are both with the “crud and bug”

and

after seeing it on the news,

I believe that same

‘bug’

has found its way here,

I started to feel

the chill and the sinus

(thinking it was barometric pressure changes from the weather)

excitement from my predictions

of the

Oscars

leaving me feeling a bit

weak…

But ohhh no; as night approached

I could tell,

and as my energy

and head felt like a 30 pound bowling ball sitting on my shoulders

now today

leaves me feeling like

someone has invaded my senses

I know that feeling!

CRUD

and I don’t like it one bit.

Who we goin to blame?

the news cos’ they told my body it is FULL BLOWN FLU TIME

(didn’t we just do this in December?)

!!!

So back to the

Oscars!

Have to admit,

didn’t get to walk the carpet

or see much of it,

LOVED Billy

as he rode in on his new means of transportation

and mostly loved

when he reached in his pocket and used his remote after that great horse was led off the stage.

Maybe he should

get an Oscar

for hosting the Oscars!

…

Seems our handsome Clooney sat this one out this year…

It’s also all over the news that he was

“snubbed”

along with some other

snubs

much more obvious ones

out there!

THE HELP

Definately one of the best movies

I have ever seen!

The story will sear your soul

and leave you wondering

and applaud the strength of the women

who stood through such trying and hard times

with such profound love in their hearts tied to faith, to spirit and to each other

during a time of such hatred and civil unrest

and

still were able to dig deep

in their love of someone elses child with hands and hearts that even a birth mother

could not give.

Yet, it was not awarded best movie

this year.

So sad, because it was courageous

the acting brilliant,

the feelings and score

searing and compelling.

A beautiful acceptance

and

emotional

photograph captured

Ocatavia accepted her award

The Help,

she was filled with raw and thankful

gratitude.

What a delight to see her stand

and accept her moment of joy

as she thanked all in excitement;

for those she shared so much in her role

and

The Help

was acknowedged!

Yep,

she deserved “props”

from

THE HELP

video by

And of course

we had the

“walk of the carpet”

the colors, the designers,

the “fear of the malfunctions”.

Seems the award for that this year goes to

J Lo!

Bravo J Lo you win…

But honestly now,

how is it that anyone gets to be shocked,

complain,

or even imagine to be surprised

when designers and the wearers of these dresses

are wearing dresses

cut to their naval?

I mean let’s face it,

really?

Is it stylish when one chooses to expose their bodies

and then be “surprised” or call it a wardrobe malfunction

when a dressed is actually designed to be worn so that so much skin is exposed

and

the only thing that is covered is

the nipples of a woman?

Do we; men and women alike really need to see so much flesh?

But what is really funny to me

is that anyone

would call that “wind gust” and the result

a “wardrobe malfunction”!

and

the wonderment!

We had P.Diddy and his assistants

using

a Lint Roller that rolled all over him

as he exited his limo,

as they made sure he was

“fly” was just “perfect”

and

he did a double take in the rear view mirror

BUT

then he went straight to his fans

and

signed autographs

and spent some time with them.

I can’t help but laugh,

as I immediately wondered if he is like me and has little 4 legged pomeranians and maybe he let them ride in the limo

…

Then it would make perfect sense to have your own personal lint roller to jump out and

roll all over you!

Now what of

Angelina and the

now famous

“leg pose”?

and later the winners who thrust their leg out almost to the point of needing a hip realignment

by their chiropractor?

That was just too funny!

Yes baby, we know you have a body that just won’t quit…

but c’mon now

that thrust was a bit much

unless you were walkin a runway

don’t ya think?

I did love the guy who came after to accept an award with others and kept re-adjusting his pose

to match Angelina’s

…

Yes,

I love Merle and she was beautiful and surprised!

Oh the life of the rich and famous

on a night

where

Jack Nicolson is still the

baddest cat in the audience

with his trademark shades on

and

Billy is still the host,

and

for a couple or three hours

we can forget about

rising gas prices

and

the impending dangers of Iran

and

those who

try to blame

our President for all the problems in the world

and

the fact that folks are just crazy

at times.

We can watch and wonder what those stars are thinking

or look to Billy Crystal to have the camera pan the audience and then use his crafty skills

to interpret their look and what is on their minds

while we watch their reactions to his words

and

interpretations

and today we can laugh about it

or critique it,

now wanting to see the very movies

that someone else has deemed worthy!

See how the circles are at work?

How the pepple thrown in the pond ripples out into the universe and its connections?

How I can be sitting here hitting on keys to a keyboard while feeling that

bug/crud that is in full swing in

California/Colorado

now hitting here in Florida

…

How is that/

???

Circles and cycles

stages and phases

surprises

and

amazing graces I guess

…

Speaking of surprises

wonder why

the

Living Proof wasn’t nominated?

video by

That is a song

and

a songstress that speaks to the

soul!

Enjoy your day,

I hope you had a marvelous time

at the

Oscars!

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

keepin it real

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Lights, Action Camera, and here we Go, Sunday!

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 13:34:59 +0000

Lights, Action Camera, and here we Go, Sunday!.

FAT TUESDAY; It' Mardi Gras Month!

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Fat Tuesday

hits Southwest Virginia

Pulaski Health & Rehab Center

…

Yep that’s

COB/DOT/MOM

shakin it up

for

Fat Tuesday

at the joint where cuz Angie

is the Activities director

up in Pulaski VA

where those Elders just got a kick

out of

Mardi Gras!

Colorful and lookin like she should

right in the middle of

Bourbon Street

I’m thinkin!

It’s Mardi Gras Month

but

not only in

New Orleans!

Folks in a little town in Virginia

were havin a ball

when

COB walked in all decked out in color,

in a mask and beads

to light up the room

and

volunteer for the day

great fun with the residents and staff.

YOU never know

it may just be that the bourbon was under the tables

or the beds

the

Mardi Gras Mojitos

were being served

in the dining room

and

they were dancing on tables

to some fine jazz!

But one thing

is certain

COB was dressed for the day,

and

shined like a brand new dime

lookin for change!

video by

I’m thinkin that they could have played this music

and

just changed up the words

to sing

“down in Pulaski Rehab”

…

Life is brilliant

for not just the children,

not just the adults,

but

also for the

Elders.

It only takes

“time”

and

caring

INVEST

in others

with

genuine caring.

Imagine if you will

stepping outside of your day

and

taking the time

to dress up

and

just get your

“Mardi Gras”

on!

Get out there and get

“jiggy with it”

get out and make someone

truly happy.

I hear those residents did just that;

they had a blast

Fat Tuesday

with a lunch,

with beads

and

good times.

Those in wheelchairs

got to dance

and

be touched

and

loved upon

and

just loved LOVED

COB

in her

FAT TUESDAY

flare!

Now I have to tell ya,

up there in Virginia

it’s a tad smaller

than New Orleans

but

oh what a time was had

at Pulaski Rehab with the residents and staff

and

COB/DOT/MOM

as they just celebrated the day

and

life itself.

Meantime

down in New Orleans

the wild was wild

and

the flavor was colorful

as this year was the latest

thus far in the year

for folks to come from far and wide for the annual celebration

of an Indian Celebration

and

I can only imagine.

Enjoy the clip below

…

video by

Who dat

and

oh can you even imagine

dancing in the streets

music played, the dances that were danced, the cares that were cast to the winds,

the costumes that were worn, the booze consumed,

the cakes were eaten

and

now the fast for Lent have begun!

Oh even folks are giving up things like

“social medias; (twitter, facebook, linkedin) for Lent”

dont’ ya just love it?

The parties

the costumes (or lack of clothing)

will astound;

the dancing

whether hip hop

jazz

one line

to two line

sure to amaze

the Indians and their private parade

talks

and the eyes of the Chiefs

and

the “struts” down

the street

sure to bewilder and make one wonder of the brilliance

the history

from back in the days

to the day itself.

It’s

Mardi Gras

and

the beads are flying

and

the booze is flowing.

video by

Sights and sounds

sure to amaze!

And as we are fast approaching

spring

we know

only because the end of Fat Tuesday

is the

beginning of Lent

and

the beginning of Lent

is and indicator of

Easter

and

that lets all know

that

spring is just around the corner!

Right?

Well at least that is my thought

on the matter

as I now look again

at that

jazzy woman in the beginning

of this page

and

wonder

…

How did she put that outfit together?

LOL

Oh what a fabulous outfit

so perfect of

Mardi Gras

up there in

Virginia!

Not even Katrina could stop

Mardi Gras;

Mardi Gras is celebrated in many states, many countries,

and oh my that celebration

is one that is

strong and powerful and goes around the clock more than around the block!

It is one that began with

Indians

and now is celebrated by people of all beliefs, all colors

and

for so many reasons!

It is held after

Ephipany and before Lent

and

all one can do

is get ready to dress up;

collect as many beads as possible

and

be prepare to be amazed!

Don’t ya just love

amazed?Speaking of being amazed;

I now get to the message of this day…

That woman named

COB/DOT/MOM

and

her Fat Tuesday

appearance

at the Pulaski Rehab

on a cold day where it would have been easier to stay warm in her home.

I’m reminded of steppin OUT and standing UP

for the greater good of humanity,

with honesty, movement, and pride.

There are many who might just

“talk a good game”

but it is in our service to others that we receive fully.

Many may not feel well,

many may want an easy out,

may want to “get”, to “take”

but is truly in our gift of giving

that we receive.

I am reminded of FIRM

I believe it was this or last week,

who I kidded about being not first in her comments here,

and

then learned she was OUT on errands for others in her community

finding just the “right loaf of rye bread”, doing for others.

It is in getting out there

and

using what we have

that we receive

the greatest benefit.

Laura who is a MS thriver

gets out there;

she doesn’t sit still

she is ACTION and movement.

She may have MS

but

MS will “never ever have her”.

Some may not feel well,

BUT

they are the masters of their destiny

they control what and who they are

rather than sit

and

think the world owes them

owns them.

COB got out there, she gets out there every day

and makes a difference

in others lives

and

that is the difference

she is one of so many who I am proud to call

the “hearts of hospice”;

a hospice volunteer

a clown

a “Fat Tuesday broad”

that dressed to the nines to get out there and hug, laugh, dance

with elders and make a difference in their lives, their day,

and

in my book

that is

first class

and

downright awesome!

Stevie Wonder once said,

“we all have ability, the difference is in how we use it”.

Hoping you

CHOOSE

to use

all you’ve been blessed

with!

Wishing you an

amazing day

wherever you are.

…

Got your red on for the rest of this month friends?

It is National Heart month,

take best care of your hearts…

and

of course

TAKE BEST CARE OF YOU!!!

Walk in Beauty

DRSES

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

What is it...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:12:00 +0000

This was seen on

Facebook yesterday

and

I laughed outloud!

Oh pick me,

let me be the driver

that bus!

What is it about people,

about truth?

How is it

that when you peel the onion

to get to the truth

that folks just

outright

do not like it?

What is it?

As we hear stories of

“who shot John” stories

and

“perceptions”

of others

it always is interesting

if not rather shocking

how folks and who folks believe

in a day.

What is it that makes folks believe

who they believe

and

react the way in which they react

and

to whom?

It is truly amazing at times

and

quite frankly

just boggles the mind.

What is it

that makes folks treat others badly

and

think it will not at some point come back and bite them in the A**?

Karma sweet Karma;

where is the bus?

Oh how that sign just tickled me to life!

But

really now,

what is it about people and things these days?

Even the woman who now has a bestseller coming out with her affair with JFK?

Do we really need to read about another affair that happened?

What’s up with that and why now?

What it is IT that motivates and moves folks to have such knee/jerk reactions of craziness.

It’s just not in hollywood, not just in prisons, not just those who are served by health/mental health professionals

pathology in press and neighborhoods…

It is being seen more places than imagined.

We trust our children to educators

to teach

and

then we find out that teachers

now are not teaching children

to write

cursive anymore

cos’ they use computers

and the art of handwriting is no longer seen to have value?

How will they know their distinctive signature I wonder…

We trust the same educators

that we later watch being accused of molesting children on the news

and

then we see an educator accused of

abuse on the news

after she had put a “frowny green face” on a child’s work?

it was abuse?

We hear about people being fired

“terminated”

their services no longer needed

based on the words of a disgruntled

stranger/consumer,

who felt they were somehow not given their money’s worth.

All without asking or inquiring of the person/provider they knew; the person they supposedly valued or cared about

who stood for them yet

so quickly

cast aside.

What is it?

We now see where Whitney Houston’s music

is topping the charts

in death her income is rising faster

than stocks on Wall Street

and yet

prior to her death

folks talked about her like a dog

even those who now mourn her so deeply in front of cameras.

How can that be authentic?

and

Truly I am asking;

What is it about people?

Songs that have been available for folks to listen to; identify with, and relate to

now are being bought and listened to over and over again… folks are saying

“this is my theme song for my life“.

And I have to wonder;

“why wasn’t it your theme song last month”

before Whitney died?

We are seeing signs and such on Facebook that have Whitney on one side and soldiers on the other with captions reading:

“One person dies a million cries/One million dies no one cries” and asking others to click like for some reason trying to compare a star with dying children and tears for one compared to the other…

What is THAT?

and why?

To stir in things til’ they stink I think!

Why?

Isn’t there enough angst in the world

or in the individual lives of people already?

What is it?

…

The brain is brilliant

but what is it

about people?

The messages that they send

in their actions

along with the mixed messages sent to the brain are complex …

when you give your brain mixed messages, you have to be prepared to get mixed results.

And when you send out mixed and scattered messages to people

one has to be prepared to be looked at and received differently!

But

I have to wonder;

really have to dig deep in understanding.

Just as when we see two people having such great love and affections

ending in bitter divorces
or ending great friendships
in disgust
in bitterness

you have to wonder

how is it

that two people who lived together,

laughed together,

dreamed together,
loved each other,

now have to destroy each other,
have to dislike or hate

as opposed to just walking away as friends
or
just walk away?

Questions for the ages I suppose.

Isn’t it a
SHAME

when it is

less than honest,
less than integrity filled
and awe inspiring?

Isn’t it a dirty rotten shame

when what it is

isn’t what is should be and could be

so easily in life?

When life has its own share of ups and downs;

of heartbreaks and heartaches?

When life and breath are so very fragile on this earth

and

those we believe in and stand for

disappoint

harm

hurt

along the path?

What is it?

Isn’t it a low down dirty shame

that

others
and often
ourselves
lose the way?
And
for what
for who
for
how long
until waking up and realizing
LIFE IS RIGHT HERE
RIGHT NOW
…
To be embraced
To be enjoyed

video by

So tell me,

What is it

that

YOU stand for?

What is it

that

YOU

find meaning in?

What is it

that

YOU

will get riled up about?

What is it

that

YOU

are doing to make a difference

in your life and the lives of those around you?

“I can be changed by what happens to me. but I refuse to be reduced by it.” ~ Maya Angelou

Just keepin it real!

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

hope to see you soon!

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

To schedule a workshop/keynote

visit the website!

If you would Lie...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Ever been to

“parts unknown”?

Terrific Tuesday here

with thoughts to stir you

black coffee to

get you moving

I watch the 4-leggeds do

their very own

NASCAR race round the pool!

I’m thinkin of an expression I heard long ago from a trusted friend,

“if a person will lie, they will cheat, if they will cheat, they will steal,

and

if they will steal,

they are not to be trusted,

and

if they are not to be trusted

I will never know them as a friend

but

I will always watch them closely!

Sage wisdom

that can take you in your mind

places unknown at times

and

when you are lied to

at time that to will take you to

places unknown in your heart

and

in your meaning system.

When lies are uttered the one doing the lying must then keep up with the lies told, in order to cover up, or keep up with what will ultimately ripple

and

ultimately lead into a life of lies

and

usually those lies will be all about

nothing in the great scheme of things.

But it makes one wonder,

are they the result of

shame?

Of wishing things were different,

but yet not wanting someone else to think badly of them?

perhaps wanting to feel important,

better

more

less

or make someone else feel less

or think more highly of the one who is lying?

Or the big time liars of course

are the ones who are trying to get out of something, those who make promises they have no intention of keeping…

those who want to make money on the backs of others I suppose.

It does make one wonder,

why in the world would a person lie,

when the truth is so much easier

and

after all

the truth will set you free!

Freedom isn’t free

we all know that,

but

a persons’ honor is in their words

their intent

in their essence and their honest interactions with self and other.

Teach one Reach One.

And if we work from an honest place

we breed honesty

and

truth.

We teach by example

we Lead by example

In truth all things are possible.

From the infant child

through the life span in truth we are strong

and

able to stand with our heads high

and our integrity intact.

When you ask a person if the sun is shining

it becomes a sad day

when you hear the answer

but

then must go outside to be sure you have indeed been told the truth.

I want to trust… to believe…

and I do believe!

I believe that a lot of people

have gone to

parts unknown

but I cannot imagine that they have sold their soul

just to save their moment in their mind.
It never ceases to amaze me
when
folks are blindsided
by
what they do or say
or believe from others
rather than from ones who they know speak the truth
or
are known by their integrity
and
their honor.
It seems that many no longer seek or speak truth
and no longer value
honor or ethics or integrity
and
I have to wonder
where have those values gone.
Perhaps to
Parts unknown?

Keepin it real

and

prayin that you are too!

Take a listen and a look to

a man I have admired for many many years

Dr Carl Hammerschlag

one of my “heros’”

http://www.healingdoc.com/blogs/2012/02/stop-your-sht-shoveling/

Walk In Beauty

DRSES

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Sunday Musings, and>>Prayers and Blessings

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

photo copyright SEShowalter

When spirit speaks to the soul

it takes your breath.

This is a picture of

flowers I received this past week;

they have filled me with joy,

with fragrance,

filled my heart mostly

and

is my most favorite combination

together!

Happy Sunday,

I hope you too enjoy their

brilliance

and

smell their fragrance

…

And now feel the spirit

todays short thought

and power of spirit connection

My dear friend Laura; a hospice employee of 18 years and I attended the memorial of

MARY LABYAK

yesterday morning together.

As she was driving us there

(and oh she is such fun behind the wheel of her car as she just zooms down the roads like you’ve never seen *My Mario*)…

We shared memories of

Mary; back in the day.

Mary’s voice, her vision, HOSPICE at its finest! Back when the colors (branding of Hospice were blue)

I love the “blue” that used to be Hospice, it stood out, it “popped”!

We arrived at the beautiful

Ruth Eckerd Hall,

a place where the arts are held;

comedy, music, tragedy unfolds on the stages there.

We had been there just last month to see Willie Nelson,

I had been there two nights in row!

Patti Labelle and Willie Nelson

wow

over the rainbow and I was right in the middle of it that week;

enjoying two greats on that stage.

Ruth Eckerd;

what a place; what a stage.

I now know a couple whose son has died at 17 and they are working on the annual jamfest in his memory with the proceeds to go for scholarships for music

with the support of

none other

than

Ruth Eckerd Hall.

And

yesterday here we were driving up

Ruth Eckerd Hall

to join with others

to celebrate the life

a visionary, an artist herself

HOSPICE

and a grand dame

MARY LABYAK

…

So,

here’s where spirit comes in,

as we walked into the beautiful halls of

Ruth Eckerd here at

Clearwater,

people were gathering,

people from all over the place …

and

what was astounding

and hit me where I lived

was

the huge

vase on the stage

beside a poster of

a picture of Mary;

the vase overflowing

with the most magnificent

Mountain lilies

and on a cloth draped table

a single candle burning.

Just stunning

and

as the hall filled with those there to pay their respects

and remember

a lovely and brilliant

Hospice Pioneer

I was riveted by those

Mountain Lilies.

I kept thinking of the complexity of lifes circles and cycles,

stages and phases

challenges, courage,

cycles, and shifts

and

“authenticity”

…

I reflected on the many years,

the people,

HOSPICE

the many paths travelled

as people found their seats,

as I looked at the program

and

I mused at

all the many years.

I believe there was a time that the Native American influence had crept into Mary’s heart

as she always spoke, thought and lived in circles

rather than the “linear way of thinking”

and at times it drove many insane in their conceptualizations and understandings.

Many commenting on her; describing those thoughts and papers with doodles and “circles” as they remembered her on the stage…

Interesting how that is.

YOU know it’s always interesting to observe and to watch when others speak, to discern those who speak from their hearts

and those who speak from their heads and from written scripts.

Yesterday was no exception.

…

Don Schumacher of the

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

gave a stunning tribute to Mary;

his words were filled with emotion, he spoke from his heart

and

his love apparent.

We had the wonderful opportunity of listening to a woman I hadn’t seen in many years by the name of

Patti Moore now of the

Watershed Group

speak through her pain of loss

and into a voice of great strength

about Mary.

As her voice seemed to crack with emotion… it was then I noticed and watched intently; I saw the essence of spirit; Mary’s spirit over Patti’s left shoulder… she was there to guide Patti through her pain of loss and into a place of strength on that stage!

She was their to offer and provide her strength of leadership; and to give her what she needed, and you could see it as Patti regained her composure her body shifted, her shoulders moved into one of strength, her head raised,

her voice got stronger

and she continued!

And upon a request of

Taft

she allowed us to see

Mary’s last interview

and

it was so very inspiring.

It was truly lovely and powerful,

and I was so delighted that I was able to share that with Patti later in the day…

It filled my heart to once again hear and see Mary

as she talked about the importance

“It begins with YOU”.

It seemed as though Mary was sharing her final thoughts with Patti then, was giving people a message that she hoped they would

act upon, that they would

“get it”,

and I couldn’t help but smile

I thought about speaking around the globe

about the importance of

“self-care”

to others in the work that is being done for others

professionally.

It is critical that professionals

regardless of their professions

take best care of self

in order to do for others.

During this remembrance

a Hospice pioneer

I just about

well OK,

my feet brought me from my seat

after

Melinda Womack

sang for

Mary.

Amazing Grace

(one of Mary’s favorites)

was sung with a passion

that filled

Ruth Eckerd

and

the souls of so many.

“She took us to church”

with her rendition

and

I am only sorry I didn’t think to record it on my phone

to share with all who are reading here.

Melinda, bless you darling,

for I am sure you had

Mary weeping tears of gratitude

we were filled up

by and with you.

As all left Ruth Eckerd Hall

there were stones

handed out

for those there,

and

wouldn’t ya just know it

I picked up a stone

and

it said

“COURAGE”

As we left the building,

many folks I hadn’t seen in a long time

said hello, hugged and shook hands.

I was glad to be remembered.

I embraced my old friend

Taft, letting him know of my love and gratitude for him.

Many then travelled to

the “big house” located on Roosevelt street;

the main campus of hospice

where a reception was held.

And oh goodness

the

Mountain lilies were just about to knock me over once again!

In little vases,

in big vases,

inside the lobby,

outside on rails.

Are you feeling me here?

I saw folks I haven’t seen since my leaving that hospice;

saw and hugged an old old friend Lou;

she is the woman who actually

hired

Mary Labyak as the CEO

for

the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast!

We both agreed it is the end of an era…

Folks gathered, ate, visited…

It was a time of remembering, of sharing…

I looked around and remembered the many times of seeing Mary walk those paths…

I saw the many who were approaching Taft; hugging him as he stood with grace in his suit and shades. I just had a feeling he would like to be home, in comfortable jeans listening to some music and wrapped in the comfort of his memories.

The gardens of that hospice were designed and maintained from a place of great talent and love

by Taft; and they are spectacular.

…

It is Sunday

and now the services of remembrances are past

the church bells have rung

and

it is time for the prayers to continue for all here

and everywhere.

I look to YOU

to have a

magnificent day

of discovery

in all that is special

all that is sacred

all

that YOU are.

video by

I hope this will find you

standing in a day

Amazing Grace!

video by

Mahalia Jackson

“takin ya to church”

Blessings on the winds

to all

FOR:

The music world and family of singer
Whitney Houston…
Taft Abras, Mary Labyaks’ family , Lori, Cindi, Tom, Shasta, Bill Simpson and Family, Jenn, Steph, Dana, Kari, Sandy, Marty, Marsha, Wanda, Ellen, Cindee, Peggy, Joyce Cruz, a CANCER surivor working at Southwest Airlines *it was an honor to meet you dear one*,
Ike Davis, in New Mexico, an artisan who plays in the mud and creates beautiful tings out there, *www.negroartist.com*
what a joy you are to so many of
SOUTHWEST, thank you for visiting with me,
prayers of continued success and tobacco to your Pueblo uncle!
and for

Liz Brewster and Lee Brewsters’ dear friends
who are now fighting Cancer;
Christos Fandaros – 44 – Stage 4 lung cancer
Thomas Galvin – Lung Cancer
John Knudson – Prostate cancer
[Creator hold them and those that love them
in this horrible disease giving them strength]
CANCER SUCKS

Curtis, Susie Langham, Stasia and Billy Hall, Christina Chavez and Rick and Ryan, Pam Meyer, Whitney, Diane Bystista, Susan, Leann Vincent, Roxanne Duran, Carole Poppendeck, Mary Jo H-shortes, Bridget, Robert Tanner Mara Tanner, Yolanda L Acosta, Antonio F. Balderrama, Denise Flowers, Lisa Balance, Sherry Stedman, Rose, Marquette, Acosta, Ortega, The Pueblo Peoples,

All those I was honored to spend time with in

“Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Crossroads Hospice, El Paso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque”

Jeremy, Florence, Cal, Sarch, our friends of Portugal, Mike, AnnMary,Stephanie, Jimmy, Keli, Kasi, Katherine, Julie, Allan, Lynda,LeeAnn,
KS Comfort Keepers, Stephen Bright, Linda and staff Melody,Brenda A and children Sarah, David Rachel; Gloria, Pete, Fred, Max, JJ, Barb and Leo Henning, Rick Fechner, Ryan Baurain, Melissa Reid, “Probation Professional pals”, Jim Vander May (*who has been working in the Professional field for 45 years in Michigan*, Dale, Herschel, Bonnie, Louise, Holly, Jerry, Faith, Yvette, Happy, Audrey,

and Rod Markowski and family, Lynn, Ryan, Jordon, Darryl Markowski, I thank you for your service) Brian Markowski, Shannon Becker, Nick, Reagan, Dr Iris of Detroit Medical Center, (was lovely meeting you on the flight, please take best care of you) Sandy R. Carol, Stephanie, Marnie, Geri, Chris, Matt,
those in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa, In Ft Worth, Dallas, Ike, Isabel, Teresa, Janelle, Patricia, Susan, Karen, Laura in Yuba City CA,
Crossroads Hospice and those who care out there working and walking the walk, Perry, Clayton, George, Janet, and all in green!
Rick, Calley, Ron, Rebekeh, Brenda, Becca, Audrey, Gabe, Dena, BEth, Lill, Jay Hanson, Jennifer, Beth Jett, Huntsville AL, Sheri, Wendy Reese and family, The Boy Scouts of Dora AL, Cam, Sandy, Toby, Edith Vaughn and family,Susan, Greg and Kyle Korabek (Landon Korabek on the other side now), Stephen Bright and family, Walter Littlemoon, Jane, Laura, Mitch, Jenn, Chris, Mary, Taft, Martha Deaver, Morris, Dahlee, Rose Brick, The Baitinger Family, The Yaslowitz Family, The St Petersbug PD, Congresswoman Gabbie and her family, Dahlee in NJ, Judy Kelley, beloved husband and family, Jennifer, (now being watched over by her beloved husband and child), Norma, EE, Little Cub to CJ and Angel eyes Jack, Daniel, Dave, Cindy and Steve, Marty, Sweet Pea and Pie Face, Florence, Jeremy, Dennis, Darrel, Greg, Leroy, Rebekka, Carly, John, Diana, Crystal, Karen, Janet, Callie, Lorie, Laura, Larry, Clive,

2 Wolves and Jinx in SD, (http://www.2wolvescreations.com/)

Kelly and family,Judy W and her 4 sons up there in New England, Cherokee Wick, Benni, Gayle, Jonathan, Great Aunt Effie’s family, Marilyn Warren, Ilene, Tweak and Chris, Jen and Bian, Ericka, Shannon, Hannah Sherabow, Pam C. and family, Susan S., Angela A., Nancy W, Sue G, Kelly and family,Mato Oyate Kola, Susan Brouse, Cindy and Stevie, Kim, Olatz, EVB, Guin, Yiva, Mary, Sandra and family, Christina Hellen, Dotti B., Susan and Greg, Amy, Becky and Barry Long, Christina, Matt and children, Aaron, Lisa and family, Freda, Linda Katie, Pat D, Tink and Mitch, LITTLE Ben, Jerry, Trish, Barb, Anastasia, Mary, Rylee, Lindsay, Ann, Sarah, Ruth, Johnny, Bobby and the Tucker Family, The Spraker Family,Kenny H, Michelle, Sandy, Addie and family in Canada, Sandy, BraveHeart, Rowena, Chris, Robyn Elizabeth, Jean, Duke,Rowena, Chris, Baby Robyn Elizabeth, Diane Smallze and family, Patti and family, The Korabek Family and friends, The Gasse Family and Friends,

Officer Crawford of St Petersburg, The Kocab Family, baby Lilly Nicole Kocab, The Curtis Family, Tarpon PD, those serving here and there in Uniform… Those now walking The Thin Blue Line, (far to many joining that line recently across our Nation),

Mylee, Mikey and family in DC, Jack M & Janis in OC, Stephen, Stuart Wittel (back from his 4th tour as a fighter pilot of the US MARINES inAfghanistan) and his parents Sandy and Stuart, Lavie Coltrane and her loving family, Andrea Gasse and family here and in New England, Ali and family, Randy and Winnie in New Mexico, Jill Wheaton L, Dr Peter in NY, Dr Rev Bev, Irene M, Bernice, Eileen and family, Dorothy, Angela, Kamryn Elijah, Ode, “Southwest VA”, Vicki, Matthew and family, Chris, Lovie, Nancy, Pedro and Our adopted family in BRAZIL, Our North American Black American Bears, The Windcross Convservacy and those beautiful Spanish Mustangs known as “pocket ponies”… the dolpins , always our most remarkable dolphins!!!

AND for:

Anne, Jim, JADE, Joseph, Cathy Madden, Nathan, and her family., Cindy in NC, Liz, Lee, Molly, Joanie, Jude, COFA, Judi, Ken, Matthew, Nick, Matt, Mark’s family and many friends , Pat, Irene, Kevin, Dr D, Deb, Randy, Dr B, Isabelle, Kelsey, Sabrina , Charlie and family, Jean, Julie, Rhonda, Victoria, Mildred, Andi and family, Faith, Denise, Jim, Tom, Joey, Shelby friends and family, Judi, Phylis, Joyce, Gina, Tonya, Beverly and Family, Janeth, Melissa,Virginia, Stacey, Elizabeth, Nita, Gary Siegal, Adrienna, Brian Mawbey, the Boyan Family, Jean R and friend Christy Rider, Victoria and hubbie, Stephen, Gayle, Steph, Chris, Erica, Eileen, John, Mindy, Jack, Susan Werth Becken, her brother Mike and family, Craig James Lightfoot and his family, Kenny, Audrey, Ed Saner, Patty Crowley, Bennie, Gail, Jonathan, Moe, Beverly, Dennis, Peter, Trish, Cynthia, Heidi and her family, Kathy Knights family, Edith Vaughn, Candy, Cynthia, Jenn, Eve, Edith, Jason, Karen, Linda, Joyce, Belinda, Jeanette, Jennifer, Patti, Sandy S, and …

(Feel free to let me know if you would like to add your/or a friends name to our prayer bowl)

Prayers goin up for those

mourning Mary Labyak, one of many hospice pioneers
may they always remember her vision for hospice
and continue her work, by keeping it “real”;

and

for EE in Colorado who has been and is so very ill out there; she is soon on her way to Denver for that Kidney surgery and we will all send her healing energy for a positive outcome
and the Creators hands to lead her team of surgeons there
and
strength in speedy healing and recovery in her beautiful home with her son to care for and nurture her to wellness!

you are being thought of so very often

We all want
ONE MOMENT IN TIME
and
must stand and reach
and
go for IT
Perhaps today?

Walk in Beauty dear ones!
DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

A Day Of Rememberances

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:24:00 +0000

A Saturday of

Celebrations of Life

and

Mourning

and

Remembrances

day of

gatherings

Celebrate them HOME

video by

This morning

many will gather

here in Clearwater Florida

to honor and remember

celebrate the life

a beautiful woman;

Mary Labyak

the “grand dame”

HOSPICE

…

When this picture was taken I remember Mary looking at it and saying,

“That’s a pretty good picture, of 2 ole’ Hospice broads isn’t it!”

And then she laughed that

marvelous laugh of hers!

And it was a Good day!

Mary set a standard back in the day;

she spent her life

working for Hospice

and its mission, values,

and circle of caring.

Oh I miss back then!

I’m certain that many will come from all over our country to pay their last tributes,

just as many will come to see and be seen as well.

Through the years, one cannot rise to such a level without becoming weary

and without having those who rise up against you, you will make your share of enemies

and

there will be those who hug you with a knife in their hand and a smile on their face at the same time;

yes

even in hospice.

BUT

today they will gather,

they/we will remember;

a woman of greatness

who stood tall

and

spoke with a voice that could fill the room.

As mighty her humor and laugh

she could be as serious as a heart attack as she advocated as a Social Worker of the finest caliber.

They just don’t make em like

Mary Labyak anymore!

We have to remember the pioneers,

to say their names,

to honor their contributions

and

stand for all that has been done

to pave the way

and

to continue to set the bar and keep the vision

mindfully.

We will honor a woman who gave great service to the Hospice world

to people and their loved ones

in communites across the Nation;

for the greater good of our country and the world;

people needing help at the end of their lives

upon diagnosis of a life threatening illness.

A woman who stood toe to toe

with many;

and went to Capital Hill

and was relentless in helping to make those there understand the importance back in the day

of having hospice services covered under

Medicare and Medicaid

and took a STAND

to provide access to Hospice services.

Mary thank you for your care and your service.

You will be missed,

you have left a profound impact

and

legacy

leaving shoes that are large to be walked in!

It is to be a day of

painful loveliness for many

as she is remembered.

Now, although gone too soon,

Mary is over the rainbow, she is in spiritland,

the heavens have a powerful force to reckon with…

She is dancing on the galaxies to be certain,

it is her time now!

Dance on friend,

over the rainbow

with splendor

and

that remarkable laugh.

video by

Many thoughts and prayers

surround

Taft and Mary’s family

now.

Taft Abras is a man I will always hold dear to my heart; alway will love in a place where there is no space or time, just as I loved Mary.

And up there in the state of

New Jersey,

hundreds if not thousands will gather at the church

where Whitney Houston

grew into the star that millions loved.

She will be remembered

she will be grieved

as people are still trying to wrap their hearts and heads around

the reality of her death.

T.V.’s are still at full tilt,

Nancy Grace is having a “hay day” with interviews and speculations

and

the media is a buzz.

the private funeral and service

will be broadcast live

on cable and the internet.

Seems to be odd that something private is being shown live

but

what do I know?

My deepest sympathies to

her daughter, her Mom, her beloved family as they struggle through today

and the many tomorows

that stretch ahead of them.

I hope and pray, they all have an “off” button on their televisions… a big body guard or three at their doors…

and a therapist that is NOT known to hollywood,

(I can recommend one for them)

It is a day of

Remembering I’m thinking.

and

with that said,

Let me end my thoughts with:

Let us also remember

IT is a Day

for the living

and

remembering to

live each day

with all you have!

It is a day

of great gratitude

for it is the only day we know.

Treat this day

and

YOU

with extreme kindness.

YOU

never know the path that another is walking;

not really.

We may say we “get it”

we “understand”

we’ve “been there”

BUT

truth be told,

YOU do not know,

YOU have not been in their precise and exact shoes…

YOUR feet don’t fit exactly in another’s shoes…

ONLY yours.

YOUR footprint is like your tongue,

it speaks and knows only

YOUR TRUTH

…

Walk YOUR walk

speak YOUR truth

and

practice kindness

practice unconditional positive regard

…

With that said…

Thank you to those who have served our great Nation

those who Are serving

…

We DO live in a great Nation,

if you don’t think so??

Well there are other places you can try…

But this is OUR country,

show your Pride

and

let’s stand together

for together we are stronger

than if we stand apart.

Just keepin it real friends,

JUST KEEPIN IT REAL!

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” Winnie the Pooh

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

Healing Heartaches,

(one beat at a time)

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Fog, Flags and Friday

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Friday lookin across the table with coffee,

the view is lovely and the coffee

it’s good too!

Fog, some spanish moss hanging from the trees make for a fine start to a

Friday!

Yes, I’m pretty sure unless I hear otherwise from our “FIRM/Eyescream”

here on this page

that I am right

today

IT’S FRIDAY!!!

Did this week

do a “fly-by” for you?

Seems it went by quicker than I could post my LONGER than long post here on this page to me!

It’s been a week indeed;

one of high energy,

high and intense emotions

played out across

social media,

in hearts

and

on television

and

it is NOT over.

It’s been a week of

great sorrow for so many

including a kid of fame

who has and will be walking into millions and others will grab onto her like a blue crab in summer;

who will now have to pray someone of great strength will lead her, will comfort her

and

will really walk along side her.

We all can only hope for one like that in our lives

“keep it real”

which is sometimes painful as well as life saving

and

life laughing through tears.

We’ve also seen a week

soldiers dying

been reminded of those who come home with little or no parade

and

who lay it down every day and night to keep us free;

and

I remember how well

and when

Whitney Houston sang our

National Anthem

and

all she gave to that song

as she touched millions

with her heartfelt rendition.

I bet she brought soldiers

to their feet and hollering

that saw that performance

and

many stood and placed their hands

over their hearts

back then.

We love our Nation,

our

soldiers

and

OUR FLAG.

video by

LOVE OUR FLAG

and

all it represents

God Bless the United States

America

We have also heard of great outrage

this week

up there in

the state of New Jersey

as the flags are now at

half-staff

and many are just not happy a bit

with the republican Governor

and “executive order of lowering the flag” and his decision.

I was thinking

if he wanted to lower a flag

for New Jersey’s own

and

to honor

a great songstress

he would have probably done

better to lower

the

state flag in her honor

and memory as we mourn

her sudden death.

To lower the flag of the United States

“The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.”

It has been done as a symbol or respect, of mourning or distress for centuries in many countries.

“On occasion discretion can dictate the flying of the national flag at half-mast, not only on the Peace Tower, but on all federal facilities. Some examples include September 11, 2001, September 11, 2002, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Mayerthorpe Incident, the death of Pope John Paul II, the 2005 London bombings, the death of Ernest Smith, the state funerals of former U.S. presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, and the death of Jack Layton

Wickopedia source

But,

the flag has been lowered

that bell is rung

and

the verdict is in…

Many are not likely to forget

the Governor of New Jersey for a long time

and

I’m guessing

that many of Whitney Houston’s family

have not looked up or even noticed

…

But the T.V’s and internet were a buzz

and

I was just tickled to see that

Whoopi jumped up and had her a

thing or two to say

to those jumpin in with their assumptions

and

with their boosts of ratings attempts

on the death of Whitney…

I have loved Whoopi for ages

and

what I love the most

is her brilliance and her humor.

I get Whoopi,

and

she is “real”

but yet can be respectful

…

Whoopi set folks straight

and

let them know they need to just

STOP

with the madness and let the facts be the facts when the autopsy is complete!

video by

Whoopi

“keepin it real”

haha

And to think Dr Drew wants an apology from Whoopi!

Good luck with that,

wonder where I apply to get Dr Drew’s job?

Humor friends,

you have to hold tight to humor

in stressful times,

in times of sorrow

or angst.

When you find your nerves getting a bit raw,

your anger about to flare,

your feelings a bit hurt

someone hitting that button of yours just to get a reaction…

Step back

take a breath

and notice your body.

It’s talking to you

…

Stand behind the person

and look over their shoulder to get a better view of what and where they are coming from

and then walk back to the front of them,

look them in the eye

and

remember the good in them

….

Relax

and

ask yourself really quickly

“will this matter in a day, in six months”

then start over

get your laughter on

and

re-set your conversaton

your

feelings

and

your thoughts

into ones that are the right ones

and

the feelings that make you

feel better.

When we can no longer change a situation, we are then challenged to change ourselves, and our thoughts to ones that are more like a fog that has cleared TO OFFER THE SUN.

fly your flag

Honor our Men, Women and service animals

who fight for our

Freedoms

as we approach

Presidents day

and

let the small stuff drift away

like the dust that gathers on tables

(it’s not hurting the table)

video by

Speaking of

Presidents’ sales

and Presidents’ Day;

and people being rather comical in what gets them “jacked up”…

Sandy came over last night with a new “pet peeve”…

I of course had to tell her

“uh, well , er, I haven’t noticed”…

as she went on her rant of commercials and the disrespect shown now on commercials and across our lands to our

United States Presidents being shown on commercials.

As I listented and grinned and laughed (clueless I might add)

she went on …

Seems that our

US Presidents

are now being shown in outlandish get-ups on the big screen

Ole’ Abe, George Washington

“dancing” and otherwise being shown doing all sorts of things

as the pitch is made

for

Presidents Day.

Now that I think about it;

I’ve seen on social media sites

our Presidents and their faces

being used in less than respectful ways; on jokes/cards

and

it does beg the question:

“where is the respect”?

Is there a trend here??

We see the folks on the side of the road dressed as the statue of Liberty now “hawking” tax services,

the very symbol of liberty,

now being used by companies to stuff people into

and stand on the street making fools of themselves

and

now I hear that ole’ George Washington is being

“cartooned”

to “entice shoppers”

on a day to honor Presidents’ day?

Yes,

I will admit

although I laughed myself silly

it does have a

“disrespect ring to it”

…

I’ve never seen

Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Kennedy,

used in such manners… so I’m wondering

why are we using our forefathers in such ways?

The government did bastardize Geronimo

in the use of his name not so long ago if memory serves me and associate with the worst terrorist of all time…

Some things truly do not make sense do they?

video by

Wonder if the forefathers

are loving being remembered

so respectfully?

So there ya go

another Friday

to get it and keep it

REAL

…

Tomorrow,

Saturday at 10 many will gather

Ruth Eckerd Hall here in Clearwater Florida

to remember

a Hospice Pioneer

and

pay their

RESPECT

Mary Laybak

…

It will be a morning of

painful loveliness

as they gather

to celebrate and mourn

a visionary, a “grand dame”,

an “old broad of the hospice world”

now one who is

“tripping the lights of heaven fantistically”

…

Dance on old friend

video by

Blessings on the gentle breezes

to all who enter here!

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

check out the new blog page

and subscribe to it!

Cant’ wait to hear how you like it,

our warrior here is working like mad

to design and and doing a remarkable job on it!!!

http://drses.wordpress.com/

Many May Get UPSET...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Just musings today

Many will get upset I’m sure on my thoughts of this day;

but as I read and listen

the reactions and feelings are across the board on the latest tragedy

the death

Whitney Houston.

Another gone too soon.

Some reacted that they were shocked

by her death;

from the stars in celebrity-land

to those regular folks like you and I.

I was rather shocked that anyone would be shocked;

after all, Whitney had gone from the great singing star to one falling from fame; with addictions

and one who had lost the purity of her magical pipes that astounded us

and had found the destruction of booze and prescription drugs

and failed Bobby relations

that she openly talked about on television and admitted that “he was my drug”.

A tragedy unfolded on television and in concerts.

He was reported to cry on the stage of his concert; to talk of his great love upon hearing of her death;

yet he was the one to introduce her to the world of devastation and mistreatment years ago; to feed her, to encourage her prescription drugs, crack, coke, and to mistreat her so badly.

He now has the audacity to elicit sympathy?

Interesting how people work isn’t it?

Am I sad that another has gone too soon?

You bet I am.

The #1 public health concern

Prescription Pills and what it is doing

to those in our country.

From teens who party with them

to adults who take them to self medicate

to treat pain that is physical

that is emotion and spiritual

elders

celebrities

to soldiers coming home after seeing and doing things that no one should ever have to see or do protecting us so that we are FREE

and

believe me

when I tell you still some

first responders to 9/11

can still see, taste, smell

the events after the terror on our soils

and

feel the arms and bodies of those in the military, the FBI, police, fire dept that they worked with and the families during those days

who just needed to keep on keeping on

and

who ultimately found their sanity through self medication.

People don’t intend to die from these drugs;

they have false belief systems that tell them after all if a doctor prescribes them; if the FDA rules them as safe;

surely I won’t die… that kind of thing happens to other people.

People can be having the time of their lives;

at a party, or taking a bath, or in their beds

and their bodies just forget to breathe or just surrender to

the combination of drugs

or alcohol

both

finally reaching a blood level

just shutting down

as a combination

that is incompatable with life itself.

Whitney could no longer sustain the tortures of what she had put in her body; of what others had put in her head and heart; her body just could not tolerate another breath.

Yes it is profoundly sad.

And it happens every day across the country;

and my heart aches

for those who die this way

and

those who are left behind to try to grasp the harsh reality and mourn the loss.

…

But,

now we are hearing all about

Whitney

and

more than that,

folks are now saying how sick and tired they are of hearing about

Whitney

and other

“celebrities”

who die as a result of drugs, as a result of lavish lifestyles,

and who are talked about for days, for months

and

who then get the flowers, the rave accolades of fans, of their peers.

She is now in her home state;

We now here about the church where she sang and she worshipped and the reports once again are conflicting from

the upcoming memorial that will be held in New Jersey as it now gets compared in scale to what was done

for

Michael Jackson

and the folks that will turn out to remember Whitney to a PRIVATE service in the church.

YOU can bet that will inflame many

if it is not public

but held in a church rather than a big and open to celebrities for the world to view

event of grief shared.

New Jersey will remember one of their own;

and surely those who had turned their backs on Whitney Houston will be there to see and be seen and sing her praises.

It seems that is just how folks are.

I’m hearing of anger, of “why aren’t our soldiers being held UP in high esteem, why aren’t people crying about them as much as a celebrity,

why aren’t the people I love being talked about,

why is it that musicians get all the glory, all the talk and all the tears and flowers!!!”?

I listened to the young woman Kelly Price, who performed with Whitney on the last night of her life; who was nominated for Grammy’s herself

as a young Kelly talked about all that performers give of themselves and expose of themselves on the stage; and their pressures, their presence, their selfless giving.

Kelly spoke about how difficult their lives are, how they are on the road giving all that love out so freely, and the difficulty of their life and their “calling”.

I know she spoke from a place of “grief/shock/trauma”;

having just lost her hero, a woman of stature with golden pipes particularly when she was the Whitney Houston the world had danced to; had cried to, had loved so.

BUT

make no mistake about it;

performers perform because they love what they do and they go where the biggest venues will have them, most not hanging around to thank or autograph for the fans who love them!

They are paid richly for their voices; they reap tremendous benefit from the entertainment they provide; in monetary gain, in adoration of their fans, in filling up concert halls, in record/CD sales…

They all do not “give their souls”, that is rather clear when you see how quickly they exit the stage … rather they “perform” because that is what a real performer does!

It is a rare and “real deal” performer who comes back for the encore, who stays to “touch and be with their fans”, who signs autographs and allows photographs, and who is “real”.

Oh yes, the drain of being on the road is difficult, but that is the chosen profession of celebrities, of singers, of speakers, of those who go on the road…

and it is a “cost/benefit”

type of profession

and

most LOVE the profession and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

But a “calling”?

I’m not so sure of that.

With “swagga” comes responsiblity

whether one likes to own that or not.

Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Michael Jackson, Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, Waylon Jennings, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Porky N Bess, Janis Joplin, Tammi Terrell, Patsi Cline, Berry Oakley, James Brown, Duane Allman, Otis Redding, Gram Parsons, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams, Jim Croce, Minnie Ripperton, Luther Vandeross,

and countless others

were greats and we still love to listen to all they gave to

MUSIC

to each of us as individuals

and to the world.

Take your bow now

Whitney … you now join with so many all gone to soon, by tragedy, by irresponsible choices, by accidents, by age, by Cancer…

We should

remember her friends

and play her music

now that her music is topping the charts once again in death

as it has not done in years.

But we have yet to hear

all that is to come

about a 48 year old

who filled us with the music;

And many are not liking it a bit,

that it is being talked about;

now that she has joined so many

in the choir in the next place.

Soar on with the angels Whitney Houston,

I bet the heavens are having one fantastic gathering and jam fest there

joined by regular folk who can strum/drum and blow

along with sing some songs like we have never ever heard here on earth.

…

We seem to forget

…

Although many are angry that celebrities get so many days, months of “press”

and of mention

and

of posts on social media sites

with links to their music

…

It is “their music”

that fills so many of us

and

it is “their music, their “swag”,

their very own way with words, with chords, with those octaves”

that hit us where we live

in times in our lives that we need and want something more,

something that soothes our souls

and

takes us to our knees at other times like nothing else can or ever will.

Music is a Universal heart beat of the soul, of the central nervous system, of the heart.

And it is those very people who can turn out a song, a melody

and make us feel as though it is being sung to just us;

whether in times of sheer bliss

times of profound heartache or angst there is a song that will fill us up and speak right to our hearts.

…

So now while folks are raising hell that once again a celebrity is getting air space, T.V. time,

social media a twitter and a flitter,

while our soldiers are not;

while their own loved ones are not getting what they feel should be the accolades of millions;

while starving children are not being cried over,

yet a celebrity is;

let’s not lose sight of

what is real

what is in view,

what is listened to …

and

I believe the view and the sound

is in the

MUSIC THAT WE ALL

LOVE

From the worn instruments,

the flash of the lights

from the stages across the lands

right into our heart space

Music has soothed the soul

and

has allowed us to embrace each other,

has soothed our babies,

our grown selves,

our Elders,

OUR

Soldiers.

MUSIC

has played Taps at the graves

and

has held us in grief

has allowed us to stand together

has

joined us in JOY

and

will always

be the heart that beats

as a drum

…

And with the music

we dance

in the rain, lose our fear of the thunder and lightning of lifes’ storms and celebrate the Creator/God/dess with each note.

Music and those who fill us UP,

have taken us places that sometimes words just cannot explain or go;

I’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold

for it speaks a language that can be understood when nothing else can;

it often can teach

and we often will

learn and “re-learn”

celebrate life

and

with the music, the voices;

we stand alone,

we gather

we remember

go to concerts

and listen

and

dance

and

watch

and

scream like there is no tomorrow

knowing that whoever it is

up there on that stage;

they are singing that song

and

that song,

OUR SONG

…

video by pecvillian

Yes,

many are not what they appear, many act out their love on stages, many will be talked about, will be fallen stars, will get wrapped up, jacked up and fall for things they should not…

And some we will adore,

some we will not like

and

then there will be those that we

JUST LOVE TO LOVE

and

we will grieve as though we have lost a family member when they die.

BUT,

Music will and has always been

a connect that is universal and strong and speaks to the hearts, mind and spirit.

So, that is why

when one dies, you will hear about it for months, it will be across the news; dirt will be thrown and crap will grow old quickly

and

you will wonder:

“why isn’t my loved one being talked about”

and

“why isn’t anyone placing flowers in my front yard cos’ my pain is just as real as any celebrity and my loved one is just as important”.

Yes,

you will be right,

YOU are just as important, and you need to talk about YOU and your loved ones, and get out there and turn up the volume on some music and get you some flowers

to enjoy.

SING

it will allow you to live longer (research has proved that)

Get flowers for you and those you love while you are living, you will enjoy them more alive than when you die!

and finally,

I do believe that Patti Labelle is indeed the finest and the best there has ever been with pipes that can travel 5 octaves in a heart beat; she has been shunned and snubbed at those Grammy’s… and is a class act.

But Patti or any other of the class and stylish from country to rap

are “performers”… high paid tickets that we pay to hear/see and enjoy…

Yes, travel on the road can be rough, can be demanding, and can be times away from loved ones and the comforts of home.

But,

it appears at 78 years old, ole’ Willie Nelson is still kickin it after all these years, still has pipes and a wicked guitar and is having a blast…

So,

yes>>> it can be a rough road,

and rocky travel,

but oh my the rewards

of doin’ what you love

and reaping the rewards in record sales, in red carpet walks

and in the life

appear to pay off large for the many who are talented and gifted and adored by millions appear to work for many of the greats out there.

And with that said, and this is a lot said…

Enjoy the music, the life you live and

smell the roses

while being cautious of the thorns.

TO THE MILITARY

I THANK YOU FOR SERVING

and

speaking of:

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

It's that day of ...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:50:00 +0000

http://platform.twitter.com/widgets/hub.1326407570.html

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

…

to everyone out there

!!!

But someone

anyone

just tell me

how in the world…

the representative of

Valentine Day

*you know the day of romance*

can get us feeling the love

with images like this?

A chubby toddler with a bow and arrow

have been seared into our heads

to represent the

romantic, loving annual

February 14

for as long as I can remember!

An ohhh boy are flower shops

and

Hallmark having a hayday

ever since!

I’ve read the most hysterical

postings on facebook and twitter

to announce the coming

Valentines’ Day last week, this week

and last night

…

Some just too naughty to put here

and

one that stands out:

“Feb 14, final day to take DOWN those Christmas arrangements”!!!

~ ~ ~

The flower shops will be hopping,

those florists will have bandaids on all their poor dry and scraped hands from cleaning the thorns of the roses, having picked the pedals from the outside “packing pedals”

and

now the flowers will begin their delivery routes…

Everyone, I mean everyone wants those flowers delivered to where they work; they want the love to be seen by all!

Ah, I smell the love in the air,

don’t YOU?

Tonight the restaraunt scene will be awash with folks dressed to the nines

and couples will treat each other with that lovin feelin…

Love is in the air,

and

it warms my heart to visualize it.

NOW

I just want it to last….

maybe if we just sent that “toddler with the arrow and bow” out everyday…

if we held on to the feeling and the look of love that might be exchanged through the treatment and looks that will be exchanged or witnessed by others today;

the words that will be spoken,

the memories that will be evoked

…

If we send each other flowers everyday,

then they wouldn’t cost so much for this one day in time!

Oh but take a look at some of the flower shop websites at their most remarkable flower arrangements;

the colors, the brilliance.

Buy YOURSELF some flowers

once a week,

once a month,

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Happy Valentine Day

dear hearts

Take best care of YOU,

of your heart…

Delivered “blogstyle”

enjoy!

From ancient times

right here right now;

I’m holding you in the light

of great sights, great smells

and

huge hugs.

Pop the cork on a spectacular day

LOVE!

Smell and enjoy

Walk in Beauty,

DRSES

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Sending out Warmth

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Throw another log

the fire

baby it’s chilly this Monday Morning

in Florida!

Now I understand the deep chill out there

in Colorado

out there in that state of Michigan

and even up there in

Virginia

and

New York

…

But here in Florida

this morning I’m thinkin we can get frozen fresh OJ off the tree!

And

as I sit and think back to last night

and those

Grammy’s I can’t help but think

of the opening

and all the many who walked the red carpet

and

as the show opened wondered of their

“breath”, and wondered if they too were wondering how in the world they would pull it off with their own pain of loss

having lost

Whitney Houston

now having to dig deep into their abilities to have

the show “go on”

and make it fantastic.

We all knew the lights and the bling

would be fantastic,

and the best and worst dressed would not disappoint us,

and would in fact amaze us at times.

Bruce “the boss” still looking fierce after all these years, but maybe it was my ears, as I had trouble understanding the words, but settled to just enjoy his energy and be stunned at the depth of his band.

And

Adele sweeping the Grammy’s and her unforgettable acceptance speech,

we went back in time

with the

Beach Boys

and oh those

GOOD VIBRATIONS

with the new and the

originals!

and Sir Paul

did his “thing”

and

performers showed that the

“show must go on”

and on and on

and what was up with the outrageous

GaGa and her getup?

haha

But

LL Cool was a class act

with his opening, his energy

and

his prayer that he read

and his ability to

move the energy into one of

“Let’s absorb ourselves in the Universal healing of MUSIC”,

such a truth in the world

no matter who you are.

Music is the Universal Language

that tells a story,

that moves the soul to depths

like nothing ever has

or probably ever will

…

Whitney Houston take your bow,

dance in the lights of Heaven

along with the greats who have gone before you!

I’m so glad they showed her singing at the prior Grammy’s

and the power of when she moved the audience and the world that watched

for when she was at her prime

she was at her best.

And yes

to keep it real

the Grammy’s has in fact snubbed some of the best,

while giving out those little beautiful honors to others

over the years.

But last night

they picked one who is destined to become one that we will surely hear more of, one that has some amazing pipes

and

who sang her heart out

remembering

Whitney when she was at her best

and

who was able to take that stage with grace,

with power

and

do her proud.

Jennifer Hudson

sure was the one to pick

last night

and

I hope her life and her sales soar with the eagles

and

she now will take her place standing strong,

while remembering how wrong stardom can go if one does not monitor themselves and stay with others who can walk along side you with the same honor in a world filled with glamor and pressure

and paths that are sometimes hard to resist along with pain that is often hard to manage.

Thank you Jennifer Hudson for such a moving tribute:

video by prestonlopezmedia

My deepest sympathies to the family

Whitney Houston

May you find comfort in the days and months ahead as you continually are barraged by the media,

are confronted with stories both real and imagined; questioned and subjected to tabloids and stories that you will need to

“black out”

rather than take into your systems.

My deepest sympathies to Clive Davis who loved Whitney and saw the raw and sophisticated talent he helped to shape into a superstar; he loved her, he was there to attempt to bring her back to the brilliant voice she once had.

I remember when she sang,

“Didn’t We Almost Have It All”

and all those songs,

what a voice, what a world

life is so very fragile

and

yes we do have choices in our lives,

but at times

we are not even aware that our choices are out of our own control.

Things can change so quickly.

Choose wisely,

and be aware of your surroundings,

of those you surround yourself with

of those medications that physicians prescribe to you.

and

enjoy your life,

the good the bad the scary.

video by antoniovandijken

…

On a great note this chilly Monday Morning,

our friend Joey Graff had let me know that his 4 legged nephew Ollie had bolted out an open fence in Marion Ohio yesterday… His older brother Ben was frantic and the search was on…

Everyone on Facebook was putting out pleas across Ohio for “Ollie” and about the time a person named “Mash” had sent me a message on my fanpage requesting a picture of Ollie,

I got that request to Joey,

and he sent out a message:

“OLLIE HAS BEEN FOUND”

…

Oh happy day as it was artic time in Ohio

and I’m sure Ben *Ollie’s human* was dancing in the streets* along with Joey in his home!

So it is great news

as today I’m sure the brothers are dancing and getting “slurps” and probably feeding

little OLLIE steak.

Welcome home Ollie you little rascal you,

and

keep your 4 legged butt inside unless you gotta go potty, you were giving all of us

heart palpatations across the lands!

It’s time to get your “shine on” friends and warm yourselves by doing your

“Monday dance”

and

start off this week finding something to feel

good about…

With that said,

Have a blessed week,

and know;

somebody loves ya babies.

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

oh what a life

order yours or one for a friend at:

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

A FINE DAY FOR GRATITUDE

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Good morning

Sunday morning

…

It’s a splendid day

to wish you a day of remarkable

gratitude for all that ever has been,

for all that is

and

for all that is yet to come.

A day filled with grace

and

the ability to stand for what you believe

and

to wonder;

to dream

and

to say thank you

and

to be with gladness that you

ARE.

As I count my many blessings today

I am also

thanking the

Creator for all of you

and

hoping that this is a day

you will live fully,

that you will find ways to laugh much

and

to discover ways to reach farther than you imagine possible.

Blessings on the chilly winds from here in Florida

to all who gather.

and

prayers, blessings and thoughts are offered:

FOR:
The music world and family of singer Whitney Houston…
48 years old…another one gone too soon … Raw talent, a ravaged life consumed by drugs, unhappiness and failed relationships, and clinging to those that believed in her, found dead…
BUT, a voice that stopped our hearts for so long a time,
gone too soon.
May you know know peace Whitney,
thank you for the music.
Prayers for the family of
Whitney Houston.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9nPf7w7pDI

Hearts will be heavy as we adjust our thinking to grasp the losses that enter our realities…
and for:
Mary Labyaks’ family and Taft Abras, Lori, Cindi, Tom, Shasta, Bill Simpson and Family, Jenn, Steph, Dana, Kari, Sandy, Marty, Marsha, Wanda, Ellen, Cindee, Peggy, Joyce Cruz, a CANCER surivor working at Southwest Airlines *it was an honor to meet you dear one*,
Ike Davis, in New Mexico, an artisan who plays in the mud and creates beautiful tings out there, *www.negroartist.com*
what a joy you are to so many of
SOUTHWEST, thank you for visiting with me,
prayers of continued success and tobacco to your Pueblo uncle!
and for

All those I was honored to spend time with in

“Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Crossroads Hospice, El Paso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque”

Rod Markowski and family, Lynn, Ryan, Jordon, Darryl Markowski, I thank you for your service) Brian Markowski, Shannon Becker, Nick, Reagan, Dr Iris of Detroit Medical Center, (was lovely meeting you on the flight, please take best care of you) Sandy R. Carol, Stephanie, Marnie, Geri, Chris, Matt,
those in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa, In Ft Worth, Dallas, Ike, Isabel, Teresa, Janelle, Patricia, Susan, Karen, Laura in Yuba City CA,
Crossroads Hospice and those who care out there working and walking the walk, Perry, Clayton, George, Janet, and all in green!
Rick, Calley, Ron, Rebekeh, Brenda, Becca, Audrey, Gabe, Dena, BEth, Lill, Jay Hanson, Jennifer, Beth Jett, Huntsville AL, Sheri, Wendy Reese and family, The Boy Scouts of Dora AL, Cam, Sandy, Toby, Edith Vaughn and family,Susan, Greg and Kyle Korabek (Landon Korabek on the other side now), Stephen Bright and family, Walter Littlemoon, Jane, Laura, Mitch, Jenn, Chris, Mary, Taft, Martha Deaver, Morris, Dahlee, Rose Brick, The Baitinger Family, The Yaslowitz Family, The St Petersbug PD, Congresswoman Gabbie and her family, Dahlee in NJ, Judy Kelley, beloved husband and family, Jennifer, (now being watched over by her beloved husband and child), Norma, EE, Little Cub to CJ and Angel eyes Jack, Daniel, Dave, Cindy and Steve, Marty, Sweet Pea and Pie Face, Florence, Jeremy, Dennis, Darrel, Greg, Leroy, Rebekka, Carly, John, Diana, Crystal, Karen, Janet, Callie, Lorie, Laura, Larry, Clive,

2 Wolves and Jinx in SD, (http://www.2wolvescreations.com/)

AND for:

(Feel free to let me know if you would like to add your/or a friends name to our prayer bowl)

Prayers goin up for those

mourning Mary Labyak, a hospice pioneer
may they always remember her vision for hospice
and continue her work, by keeping it “real”;

and

you are being thought of so very often
…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYFHAvULvJ0

It will be a hard time at the
Grammy’s,
but do you remember the above song
and that incredible voice?
One of my favorite songs of all time
…
We all want
ONE MOMENT IN TIME
and
must stand and reach
and
go for IT
Perhaps today?

Walk in Beauty dear ones!
DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

I Miss Back Then..

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:28:00 +0000

I miss back then…

As I prepare to head out for

Cleveland Ohio

and

wind my way to Livonia Michigan

today

I’m reflecting…

and

I’ve been reflecting all week-end

it seems,

finally deciding to share some thoughts that can best be described

as:

“I sure do miss back then”.

I miss the days

when

folks spoke from their hearts

rather than their heads

and

when it seems that people were more genuine in their care of their fellow brothers and sisters of this world.

I miss the days

when we were more

human beings

rather than

civilized human “doings”

with clear intention

and

pure in purpose

unconditional care and concern.

I MISS

the days when people

STOPPED

or paused

when someone dies

to remember

to mourn

take the time

to realize that a member of the community is no longer with us

here on this earth.

We have become so

civilized

We have become

so damn important

in our thinking

in our

going on through our lives

with catchy phrases

“oh they are resting”

“oh they are at peace”

“oh shalom friends”

“oh let’s keep going”

I miss the days

folks stopping on the side of the road

when a procession went by

and standing quietly by the side of the road

to be and show respect.
You know, regular folks, not just celebrites
but the folks like those who have made a lasting place in our hearts, souls, nervous systems…

I miss those black armbands

worn long ago

as a “sign” of mourning

that let others

KNOW

a person is grieving, a sign that often demonstrated that mourning
rather than have someone out of the blue to stick their foot in their mouth with a comment like, “what’s wrong with you today, you look like you lost your best friend?”.
It may be that you had, it may be that with those armbands folks would just “get it”,
would offer support unsolicited
and
folks would find themselves not feeling so alone in their pain of loss.
We have gotten away from the depth of understanding of others and after a short time when we want and need to hear the stories of those that are loved
we end up hearing only the inside of our heads
and would be health to hear others acknowledge and honor

that someone they loved

had

died.

Yes,

I miss respect shown

for the living

and

the impact a death has on individuals and

the community and the world at large

when they die.

I miss

RITUALS

and

understanding

and

care

and

authenticity

others.

Have we become so used to not expressing genuine loss

and

feelings

that we no longer can pause

to care?

Have we forgotten

the great impact of each other

on the lives

in the Web of Life?

I miss back then…

We may act more sophisticated

but

when you really think about it…

We are still a

death denying society, even those who are in the business of caring, the professionals who others view as having all the answers and providing the standards of how folks are “supposed to cope and deal with death/loss/grief”.

We do not talk about it, we do not like it, we would rather sit silently, move on as if nothing significant has really happened,
or

offer lame comments of

“I’m sorry”, “life goes on”

and

let it drop from sight.

We read of

impersonal and lack of passion

information

to inform of deaths

with no mention

passion, of heartache

a result of a member of our lives

or their love of life

now gone.

We settle for that.

We now here that one has

“transitioned”,

Kubler-Ross loved to talk about

graduation when she spoke of her impending death… she looked forward to “dancing in and on the galaxies”.

She was given a grand send off

and

a book followed with lovely stories from those who were honored to know her

and

we reflected afterwards on a life of a woman who gave “death and dying” new meaning and shaped the world of

Hospice for pioneers

like

Mary Labyak and many others to then blaze trails and set standards of care

with passion, zest, and patient centered care to include all who loved them.

I miss back then.

We now attend funerals and memorials for young people at record number

attended by more people than can be counted;

they should not be dying at such young ages and from causes that could be prevented.

Prescription drug overdoses are killing people at numbers that boggle the mind

and

kids and adults are making choices

to party with prescription drugs

like they are M&M’s.

Parents are burying their children

and

we have to wonder how did this become

something that is happening in our

country in such record numbers

leaving so many in such

heartache.

And yet…

I miss back then;

when folks lived

and

loved

and

others enjoyed their lives

making their way

the best way they could

and

when they needed a hand

one was extended to them

and

when their time on this earth was done

others were deeply affected.

We need to get back

to feeling deeply

to loving deeply

to being moved

deeply.

I guess the times have changed;

people have gotten used

to just going through their day

and

it’s just the way it is.

But,

I remember once upon a time

when a person died

the whole community

stood still just for a little while

to honor

to support

and

to remember.

We are all a part of a Universal Connection

that is interconnected in the great web of life.

I wish people could remember

to not be so civilized

and

perhaps then

we could get to

back then and back WHEN.

Sitting a the kitchen table,

folks coming in with food,

gathering to share memories.I would prefer gathering with others and hearing life’s stories

rather than watching a “continual looped video of a speech” in an uncomfortable setting of those who show out and show up cos’ it is politically correct and ackward and impersonal but expected.

I miss back then

when folks

“kept it real”

back then

when expressions of love, life, real stories and shared grief

all were a part of one’s life

and

we “felt” with all our senses.

Do you remember

back when? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPGvKwggtl0

Oh yes,

I miss back then and back when.

I bet those on the other side

just watch all of this

and

wonder.

Have a blessed day

knowing

YOU MATTER

in life and beyond to me…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YMLmlHfehQ

Final note: when those you love and those who matter to your life “get where they are going, and this life is over?”Just remember this: YES, you can cry, YOU can wail hoop and holler when the one you love gets where they are going… It’s alright, no matter what anyone says… and yes, you will survive, you will find a time when it is time to make a choice to get back in the dance of life, and those you love “want YOU to dance” in this life every beat of the drum and every step you are blessed to dance.

Just so you know…

…

Walk In Beauty

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss & Life

“Mary Labyak, Trip The Lights Fantastic in spirit land beautiful one, you were a fierce warrior and a grand dame. 63 years old, gone too soon.“

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Mary Labyak, HOSPICE has lost a Grand Dame and Pioneer...

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:44:00 +0000

MARY LABYAK

visionary

Pioneer

Grand Dame

of the

Hospice World

died in her home

under the care of

the hospice that she created

more than 30 years ago.

~Feb 4, 2011 ~

We Will Miss A Phenonemonal Woman

who began a journey

fueled with passion

and

the honest desire to make end of life

care

better for patients

and

those who love them.

The recipient of the esteemed

National Heart of Hospice Award,

the leader of more than I can count

and

a woman I admire and love…

thank you Mary, for all the years and that laugh.

video by

…

Thank you

Mary

for shaping the care

and

the world of

Hospice

through

your lifes work through the years.

…

video by

YOU will be missed terribly

Hospice now must find its way

without you and your guidance

you

were a beacon that shined brightly

in this life

and

I have no doubt

that you will continue to shine now

on the other side.

Mary, Taft and I

…

Mary once a little girl from a small town

Michigan

grew into a Grand Dame of HOSPICE;
one respected around the world,

Licensed Social Worker,
a woman of boundless energy
and
passion beyond words,
she earned the rights as
she
“walked the walk and talked the talk”
like few we will ever meet in today’s world,

She was a force to be reckoned with,
one who was no stranger to

Capital Hill as she advocated for

patients and families

in the provision of

Hospice Care for Americans
and
those around the globe.

She was a “fierce” and strong voice

in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

and

the National Hospice Foundation.

…

She traveled the world speaking to thousands and thousands
along the way

and set standards for hospice care and access to services across the world since 1977.

video by

I could sit and listen to Mary talk for hours

and

she knew how to talk!
She had me at “hello” a hundred or so years ago when we first met, and first hugged;

and I always would laugh and tell her I had her name and a white rose tattooed over my heart!

She would laugh that most wonderful and deep laugh at that thought!

She was a brilliant woman, a beautiful woman,

and

a woman who received awards, praise,
even judgment along the way

and made a lasting impact on many along her journey.

…

She started out this thing known as hospice, in a garage, with a few folks and worked one end of Pinellas County *the largest county in Florida* to the other; and that little garage with a paper sack of papers just grew and grew
to become

the worlds largest hospice in the world! One that others stood, and admired,

and

heaven help them now that she is gone!

…

The end of an era

and

a woman who

stood for and advocated for

patients and those who loved them and the communites that they called home.

…

She leaves behind many who

will grieve her

many who will be better for knowing her

many who will

need time to adjust their lens of viewing

the world of

hospice and life itself

without

her.

She has been an inspiration to many, has angered others, and won the hearts of still others who would do just about anything for her.

She often would tell folks she sees things in

circles, *nothing linear about Mary*,

and circles will miss her terribly

now that she has

gone on to dance in the

Universal Circle of the Great Creator.

She always wanted all to remember

to put families and patients in

the center of the circle
and the first thing she would ask about just about anything is, “how will this help or benefit the patient and/or the family”!

So,

as we try to wrap our head around a world

that circles without Mary as the one

who stirs the very circle of hospice care, it’s going to take some time,
she is a legend in her time.

…

We will continue to know

her landmark beginnings
and I hope folks
will continue to remind others of her impact
many

have grown and continue to grow

as we know

we must educate

and

work to get into more and more lives

sooner.

If we establish relationships when folks are ill, whether or not they find cures,

we will have already established relationships,

we will allow them to know

we are there

should a crisis occur

should the need arise,

they will know

we are here

we can be trusted.

Mary most recently in the last year or two

learned first hand

the world of illness

and

Cancer

…

She fought a hard battle against Cancer and her life was changed by all that involved

but

it was through the stories of others

that she got a first hand experience

suffering

along her journey.

She says she learned a lot on suffering

and

things she didn’t understand personally;

things like

“they about have to kill ya to cure ya, as I have never been sick a day in my life, but the treatment about killed me.”

…

Her lessons while sitting in the chemo rooms

were vast

and intense.

She believed that we cannot be satisfied to care as hospice only at the end of lives,

we have a responsibility to find a way to get involved much earlier

in the course of people’s illness to not only help with physical illness and suffering

but

to find ways to live their lives better.

“And if they happen to come to hospice for end of life care later; then they will already be our friends”. Mary Labyak

Here’s a rose

I know she saw it,

just as I had a vision about her death at some odd hours of the mornin yesterday…

I spent the day unsettled and in my heart

I knew

…

Mary said when accepting her award

last year,

that she didn’t have any unfinished business for herself. Her’s had been a journey that she had lived fully.

I pray that true for her,

I pray her death was easy, peaceful, calm, painless

and that she danced into the

next place with her style and grace;

and

that she was with her beloved Taft.

I will hold her in my heart always

I do believe she was

a beautiful woman

who truly lived a life

that was awe-inspiring.
And…
OH that voice; how I loved Mary’s voice,
she just had one of those
“I could sit and listen all day long” kind of voices!
…
When Mary walked into a room back in the day of Hospice conferences across the country,;
the room would hush,
folks would part
between her and
Dr Bernice Catherine Harper
it was like Moses parting the red seas
when those two entered a room!
Oh how we will miss her.
…
Those were some
“grand days of hospice”

Hospice is a better place

because

Mary Labyak

was a pioneer

warrior

who set a standard

and

walked the walk

from

back in the day

right up

until the day

she died.

Thank you dear Mary

for our times together

and

I do believe

had some good times

…

Every Day Is A Gift

…

Dance on in the galaxies Mary

it is YOUR time now

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Walk In Beauty

DRSES

a grateful hospice friend

Healing Heartaches,

Stories of Loss and Life

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

Prayers goin up today

for all in the

Prayer Bowl

YOU know who you are

WHISKEY RIVER and WILLIE NELSON!

SHERRY E SHOWALTER — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Willie Nelson’s Guitar

WILLIE NESLON

just strolled on stage with his ole’ friends

and

picked up that ole friend

of his

and

“WHISKEY RIVER TOOK OUR MINDS”

into a night of

remarkable

Willie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4WYHJNYX7k

It was a night of memories, of watching Willie and being amazed at his genius, and OMG, his mastery through the years…

He’s been called a modern day prophet

since I can remember,

his way with words

and

his voice

his storytelling through that guitar and ability to tell stories that leave you wanting more.

Last night and 78 years old now

was no exception!

His voice powerful

and his carpel tunnel surgery seems to have made his skills on that guitar better than ever

as he threw some notes and picked that guitar to give it

the worn look and hole he shows proudly!

His sister Bobbie ran across those ivories on that piano

like she did in her youth

wearing her signature hat

and

taking her place at the piano!

Willie would turn to her and then

nod his head…

Oh boy would she then just take off on those keys

and do much more than

“tickle the ivories”

she made them talk to you!

She took my breath away

each time

she took command of the stage and the audience

as they went wild listening to her!

AND

of course there was

Mickey Rafeal the harmonica player!!!

“Oh how I love some Mickey”

and remember with such fun

all those years they would tour in DC

and times behind stage where I would just

enjoy so much

and that Mickey is still just as fierce now as he was then!

He is just off the chain remarkable

and can make that juice harp

do things that take your heart

and

Willie’s words to new depths of understanding!

Willie

with Paul English on the Drums

…

Oh what a night,

and

he didn’t give you time to take a breath

he moved from one song and one setting that guitar on fire

the next!

The audience were like jumping jacks

on their feet to show him how much he is loved

how much his music is appreciated through the years

and

the hoops and hollers and whistles with each beginning strike of a chord or each sound of the piano, harmonica

beat of the drum

Willie knew

that most of those there

“appreciated and have sat in many a bar, a home, a boat”

and

listened and been there with him through the years!

And

he played/sang right up until he left the building!

Enjoy

“You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore”

cos’

Willie had a blast singin it last night!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJGvz4OYwXE&feature=relmfu

hahaha

It was a night filled of Willie and his family! And a night of great friends together, to celebrate the wonder of Willie and relive some memories that are just too good to write about!

When you have the time

and

want to hear a modern day prophet tell of life

ups/downs/arounds

and

with such poetry in living

take a journey of musical wonder

through the years of

Willie Nelson!

He’s not getting any older I’ve decided

he’s just

WILLIE NELSON

and

last night they were selling all sorts of things of his merchandise that folks were purchasing like crazy.

The one thing I think is a darn good idea said this:

WILLIE NELSON FOR PRESIDENT 2012

PAUL ENGLISH FOR VICE

…

Willie sang many of my most favorite songs last night

he dusted some off from years ago,

each with a rawness of the Outlaws

as he sang one for Waylon

as he sang

“Me N Paul” for Paul English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_2WeE52IyE

what a life they’ve lived~

and

then he sang this:

and

once again

I lost my breath and was lost in time

for awhile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgNxAGjgt-Y&feature=related

welcome to the week-end

i hope it is spectacular!

Perhaps I should jump in the car to West Palm Beach

and

catch Patti Labelle as she is performing there tonight!!!

JUST KIDDING!!!!!

I’m thinking I’ll just enjoy this day

and

give the neighbors a musical delight

as I crank the volume even higher

after giving the 4 leggeds earplugs

and

enjoy

Patti Labelle and Willie

I continue

to stay blessed with the musical blessings

of the legends

that I was with the last two nights!

May you enjoy all that is waiting for you!

STOMP

Walk in Beauty

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches

www.drsherryeshowalter.com

*I had a fabulous outrageous times friends, thank you so much…

and

to my friends Michael and Kevin of security: you are fantastic, and I appreciate you! Look forward to seeing you again*