Jumpin Off the Bridge

Making Memphis Better

2012-01-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

I really was inspired by Chris Peck's editorial in this mornings Commercial Appeal...I'm going to keep this list handy as I start my next adventure in making the world a better place at Girls Inc.

see: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/dec/31/inside-the-newsroom-10-steps-to-make-memphis/ (which may not be available when you try to go there....so I'll re-post it here:

Chris Peck: 10 steps to make Memphis better

By Chris Peck

Saturday, December 31, 2011

People pledge support to life-improving resolutions every New Year's Day. Could a city do the same?
I mean really pledge. As a shared community, with all of us focused on 10 things to make Memphis better.
The logistics of creating and carrying out a city's New Year's resolutions list would be a challenge.
Who's in charge of the list?
Who keeps a city accountable?
How would Memphis measure progress?
One way to approach a Greater Memphis resolutions list would be to break it down using a road map laid out recently by Memphian Don Hutson.
A how-to book co-authored by Hutson, "The One Minute Entrepreneur," already has been a New York Times best-seller.
And now, just in time for 2012, Hutson has posted a motivational video on YouTube that outlines his recipe for how we should approach setting goals for the new year.
He begins with a simple explanation of what a goal really is.
A goal, he says, is anything we want to be, have or achieve.
Lest you think you can simply talk a big game about goals and nothing more, Hutson makes the case that meeting any goal requires three key steps:
-- Set a reasonable time frame. Big changes don't happen overnight, but small advances can.
-- Be specific. Outlining action steps, setting up a daily routine and following an organized effort are essentials.
-- Put goals in writing. Post them on the refrigerator, on a bulletin board or in your computer.
Do these things and chances of reaching the goal go way up.
OK, so let's do it for Greater Memphis.
Using Hutson's 2012 video crib sheet, and putting it down in writing, here is "A One-Minute Guide to Greater Memphis Resolutions":
In 2012 we will:
1) See ourselves as Memphians. We live here, so let's resolve to be proud of it, not run from it.
2) Get beyond race. Haven't Memphians fought about this long enough?
3) Clean up our block. We will mow, weed, pick up the trash around us.
4) Talk to a teenager about not getting pregnant. Then, give her/him the means to avoid it.
5) Walk, not ride. We're too fat. We will pledge to take the stairs, park a block away or visit Shelby Farms Park for the fun of it.
6) Help those in need. You can't give too much to those around us who don't have enough.
7) Reward accountability. Support those nonprofit organizations that truly move the needle. Speak up for government when it acts responsibly.
8) Urge our churches to be accountable. That's what Jesus asked of those who follow him.
9) Educate ourselves and our families. Too many kids here are falling short in school. Too many adults don't really stay up on what's going on in their city. We will do our part to change that.
10) Get out and have fun. Less TV and more Memphis music, food and culture will make us feel better about the place.
"Every individual in the Memphis metro area is either part of the problem or part of the solution,'' Hutson explained last week when we talked about how individuals can be involved in a city effort to set and meet resolutions for improvement.
"If people here want to be part of the problem, well, it's a free country,'' he said. "But everybody at every level of this community, whether as a city employee, or working for a nonprofit, or as a corporate leader, also has the right, and arguably the responsibility, to step up and be part of the solution to our problems, too.''
Hutson is quick to note that changing a city's direction is more than just an exercise in positive thinking.
Leaders need to develop a vision, lay out strategic plans and then organize specific actions that can, in fact, move a city forward.
But buy-in of the people is crucial, he believes. Everybody who sits back and throws out criticism and complaints from the peanut gallery is making it harder for Memphis to move ahead.
"Attitude is the spirit we choose to adopt,'' he said.
The key word is "choose."
Make a resolution for 2012: Choose to do your part to make Memphis a better place to call home.
Chris Peck is editor of The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at 529-2390 or at peck@commercialappeal.com. © 2012 Scripps Newspaper Group

ready to take the plunge!

2011-12-02T19:03:00.001-08:00

Who is Really Lazy?

2011-10-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

So I’ve been thinking about this a lot….

UPFRONT DISCLOSURE: This is my blog, and my OPINION. Nothing I try to write here is intended to be construed as fact. The following is a grossly over-exaggerated stereo-type from my very own point of view. But I think it has some validity (maybe only a wee bit, and that is really only the amount of validity anyone’s opinion has anyways, right?).

I give that disclosure because it seems like most things others observe these days are put out their as “the truth” because they are observing a small portion of the population and then making conclusions about said portion, and applying it to ALL. Therefore creating new stereotypes…

Okay, enough rambling on about opinion vs. fact. ON TO MY THOUGHTS ON:

Ta Da….

My observations about those who don’t want to be taxed and do not wish to help anyone who is “lazy”—which seems to mean “ALL people living in poverty.”

1. They give their kids anything they want to keep them quiet.

Examples through a child’s lifetime:

Toddler throws a fit in a store, they don’t want a scene or to be embarrassed so they buy the kid what they want.
Elementary kid says they are the “only kid without an iPhone”, they don’t want their kid to be the outsider or loser, so they buy the iPhone.
Teenager complains incessantly about not having a car, they get tired of fighting with their kid (and having to drive them around) so they buy them a car.
College graduate cannot find a job so they move back into their parents’ home rent-free, with free food and laundry services.

2. They give their kids rewards for doing what they should do.

Examples through a child’s lifetime:

Toddler says their first word, they buy him/her a new toy.
Elementary kid starts in sports and wins every game and every kid gets a big trophy.
Teenager gets paid for each “A” or “B” or “C” depending upon that family’s definition of “achievement”.
College graduate receives new car for graduating.

They are teaching their OWN kids to stick their hand out for a free ride! These kids make it to age 21 and haven’t rightfully earned a thing in their life. Someday, these same kids may become part of the workforce (if the right strings are pulled by Daddy & Mommy) and expect their jobs to be easy and well-paying.

So I ask you, if these families are choosing to raise their kids by giving them handouts without requiring any effort or work on the child’s part, why are we listening to their warped view of how to treat the rest of humanity?? I think they are lazy parents, raising lazy kids who don’t know how hard it may be to pull yourself up out of a bad situation. They are too lazy to expand their view of others who may have just fallen on hard times b/c they want to lump all folks in poverty into the same “lazy” category.

Okay, discussion is now open, b/c I want to hear other views so that I can change my opinion if necessary to advance the good of society….but please be gentle (remember my disclosure?). also see: http://sheilasjumpinoff.blogspot.com/2011/09/closed-minds-are-making-me-crazy.html

HOT TOPIC-Saints vs. Communists

2011-09-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Facebook announced this week that I will be able to go back to my "Timeline" and recall all the cool stuff I posted on it over the years, but I wanted to save this post of a quote that sparked a big discussion this week. I find it fascinating how people process information and think about right and wrong....

Enjoy....

Sheila Collins Ferguson
decided to go "WHOLE HOG" liberal on you all today and post this as well...thanks Trish Foerster MacCabe!!

Wall Photos

By: Hippie Peace Freaks

· · Share · Tuesday at 5:16pm

- 21 people LIKED this
  Tim Burnett I've got a family connection to this quote! Helder Camara was the Bishop of Recife Brasil, my mom's hometown. Known as the "Red Bishop" He was hugely influential in helping the poor and was frequently at odds with the military coup that came to power in Brasil in the 1960s. If you ever visit Recife and see the shantytowns and roaming gangs of homeless street kids, you can understand how he came to make this statement. Oh, and I actually met him at the Miami airport one time.
  Tuesday at 6:17pm · · 1 person
- Mac Fuentes Once again, the wrong action is taken and the wrong question asked. If you want to do something for that poor person, give them a job. Oh wait, you need an evil rich person for that. Besides, that poor person is too lazy to work, they get food for free so why bother.
  Tuesday at 7:19pm ·
- Tim Burnett Mac, these quotes were made about the WORKING poor and feeding programs that were directed largely at malnourished children. Additionally Brasil, to my knowledge, didn't have anything resembling a welfare state at the time.
  Tuesday at 7:37pm ·
- Allen Elliotte For additional context the picture was taken in a Depression era refugee camp. The people pictured were the families of dispossessed farmers - good, solid, tax paying citizens.
  Tuesday at 8:24pm ·
- Allen Elliotte In any case the Ayn Rand style dismissal of social problems is getting old and tiresome. She was a 3rd rate intellectual, 4th rate writer, a drug addict, and welfare cheat.
  Tuesday at 8:44pm ·
- Mac Fuentes The majority of Dom Holder's adult life was spent with a dictatorship in Brazil and political in-fighting and struggle until 1994. We are creating the same environment here today as we move toward more government programs, regulation, dependency for food and housing and taxation. The liberal base in this country needs to realize that government is not the answer for our economy. The conservative based in this country needs to realize that government is not the answer to morality. We have a vast divide in those who pay attention, it will be the end of this nation as we know it if we don't wake up. I'm just sayin'
  Tuesday at 8:48pm ·
- Mac Fuentes Typical liberal, call freedom and self reliance old and tiresome, then some name calling to put any argument to rest. I wonder if you've every worked a hard day in your life and were actually proud of what you had done. If you had, you might wonder how someone can stand to take welfare and food stamps day in and day out and feel any self worth. Again, if you want to help someone, make them, force them if you have to, to help themselves.
  Tuesday at 8:57pm · · 2 people
- Allen Elliotte Mac, I was going to respond about how I work 50+ hours a week, have owned and worked a farm, run a business, and probably paid 4x the taxes you have - but I'm too busy eating pot brownies and learning the words to La Marseillaise.
  Tuesday at 9:16pm · · 5 people
- John Mcgowan I"m not going to get involved in the modern feudal state we call capitalism.
  Tuesday at 10:17pm ·
- Mike Meyer I just prefer to be free to decide what to responsibly allot my goods and talents. What I do,or don't do I will ultimately answer to a higher power for.
  Tuesday at 10:36pm · · 1 person
- Mark Romer Having never heard this quote before, and knowing nothing of the context, I can't shake the feeling that something is missing, or lost in translation. To ask the question of why the poor lack food is hardly communist or capitalist, liberal or conservative. If he was accused of being a communist, I can't imagine it was for asking such a question. This quote just doesn't make sense.
  Tuesday at 10:47pm · · 1 person
- Mac Fuentes Mark - I believe in the climate of 1940's Brazil, the question "why do the poor have no food" was equal to "spread the wealth" or from each by ability - to each by need.
  Yesterday at 8:03am ·
- Mac Fuentes Allen, question... so you've worked hard, been successful and paid lots of taxes, have you paid your fair share?
  Yesterday at 8:05am ·
- Greg St John Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
  Yesterday at 9:29am · · 1 person
- Greg St John I fight against Autism. If I give time and money to heal the sick what does that make me? If someone comes to me and takes my money to feed the poor and does not allow me to heal the sick, what does that make him? Why should someone else get to decide what is important? Are you a better person if you do everything you can do for a cause or if you force someone else to do it for you? I think your quote is a poor representation of society and noone would think him a communist for asking. We would think he is a communist if he tried to force everyone to fix it because he thought it was more important than anything else. Why does he get to choose is my question.
  Yesterday at 9:39am · · 1 person
- Tim Burnett Again, there was no welfare state in Brasil at the time, and he wasn't really calling for one. He was addressing the plight of the working poor who lived in substandard shanty tows and frequently suffered from malnutrition. An American analogue would be the depiction of the migrants in "The Grapes of Wrath". The charges of communist came both from him challenging the economic status quo and his human rights activism which brought him in conflict with the military junta which was ruling Brasil at the time.
  Yesterday at 9:56am ·
- Greg St John But this is being put out and discussedas if it is here and current as a "liberal" viewpoint. Therefore my comment that this does not fit our society and what we are going through now and here.
  Yesterday at 10:01am ·
- Mac Fuentes If this is not to be taken as a statement on the current liberal political agenda in the US, then it's a waste of time and plain stupid. It applies today to all the social entitlements the left is pushing, healthcare, food stamps, welfare. The poor have no food because they're poor! They're poor cause they keep doing things that make them poor. The Feds trying to fix that is just making it worse! You want jobs? trash the current tax system and implement The Fair Tax!!
  Yesterday at 10:12am ·
- Trish Foerster MacCabe ‎Sheila Collins Ferguson - Wow! What a can of worms you (we?) opened! Dare I say... I may be simplistic but in my opinion it'a all about moderation. I can understand the argument against socailism, however it seems at this point the pendulum has swung so far the other way that the poor have little to no opportunity to pull themselves up, even if they wanted to. Healthcare is unattainable as the insurance companies control most everything having to do with healthcare. Lower education is suffering because certain groups don't value it. Why should they? They can afford to put their kids in private schools! Public higher education is becoming unaffordable and based on what I have heard from friends working at unversities the quality is decreasing as funds are also being diverted elsewhere. Housing in falling quickly from reach. And yet the rich keep getting richer. It's all well and good that the rich provide jobs but (a) did they really do it all on their own? Who built the roads used to transport goods? Who paid to educate the workers? Who keeps the peace against rioting and violence, which makes factories safer? Who fights fires to keep people (and factories) safe? Etc. See a pattern? (Thank you Elizabeth Warren!) And (b) How much is too much? How do the uber rich justify having multiple mega mansions, private jets and gold plated god know what when there are people dying because they can't afford housing or healthcare? Did you hear about the man who died last month from a detal related infection because he didn't have healthcare? Senseless!
  Yesterday at 11:18am ·
- Mac Fuentes Absolute rubish Trish. You can't think past the wealth envy to see how many people were uplifted by those who can and do provide jobs. The Elizabeth Warren mentality is the basis of sciailism / communism, "you used a public road so we all get a piece of the pie". If that ever becomes the law of the land, we're doomed.
  Yesterday at 11:27am · · 1 person
- Mac Fuentes And by the way, no one has ever died because they didn't have healthcare, i.e. health insurance. Died because they didn't get care, couldn't afford care, yes. For that we could use some tort reform but you can thank the democrat party for that never happening.
  Yesterday at 11:54am · · 1 person
- Mark Romer ‎@Trish, Those of us sending our kids to private schools are still paying taxes that fund the public schools, while at the same time reducing the number of kids that have to be served by them, so don't blame us for any decline in public school quality. Nor are we all "rich"--I bust my tail working two jobs to put my kids in Catholic schools. My family could have a much higher standard of living if I trusted the government to educate the kids, but I don't, precisely because I value my kids' education more than those luxuries I could otherwise afford.
  
  Housing prices are coming down now, now that we're on the other side of a crisis created at its root by government pressuring the market to introduce more consumption through less-stringent lending practices. If Congress had stayed out of it, housing would be more affordable today.
  
  Where opportunities for the poor are being blocked, look for government-induced problems. Bad schools? Get rid of the government's near-monopoly in lower education and switch to a voucher-based system so the schools have to compete. Health insurance costs skyrocketing? Stop mandating what health plans have to cover, give the individual the same tax break for insurance that businesses get and remove the barriers to selling health insurance across state lines. No employment opportunities for the low-skilled? Abolish the minimum wage so they can offer their labor cheap while they train on the job, and reduce the regulatory burden on the business that could hire them. All these suggestions are necessarily too simple. It would take a LOT more space to detail all the things that should be done.
  
  No, nobody got rich "on their own", but those rich that Elizabeth Warren made her boneheaded rant about do participate in the building of roads, the education of their workers, the support of the police, etc.; and they by-and-large participate in it more than most; AND they pay other people, who also participate in those things. Yet, of all the people involved, it was the factory owner she derides who was THE key person in building that business and creating those jobs. Without the entrepreneur having the drive to build the business in the first place, where would the workers go for jobs?
  
  How much is too much? Wrong question. Do you think "the rich" are like dragons that hoard wealth and lie down on top of it so that it does no one any good? They pay taxes when they make money (moreso than the rest of us), they pay taxes when they spend money (again, more than most), they pay taxes to own property. On top of that, their money gets invested, where it can be used to foster more economic activity that creates more jobs. Some patronize the arts. Some support charities. If they spend on a lavish lifestyle, well somebody gets paid to make the mansions, the jets, the boats, the solid gold toilet seats, and somebody gets paid for the upkeep or operation of same. "The rich" are hardly a burden on the rest of us. Jealousy should be no basis for public policy.
  Yesterday at 12:46pm · · 4 people
- Mac Fuentes Trish, don't know about the others but I got your last post via email and you're right, no one wants to hear from the other side. We've been divided too long, it's pointless. Personally I don't care for the religous right but the economic left is far worse. I would be happy to help the poor but not by bringing everyone else down to their level so we are all considered middle class. Private enterprise and capitalism is the best way to bring everyone willing to work, up to a comfortable lifestyle. There will always be those who won't do anything for themselves and if they earn your pity then that's on you. Obviously physical and/or mental catastrophe excluded, there will also be those who need assistance and we have enough to provide for them. If we can elect leaders that will allow business to function and get the stupid gov. regulation out of the way, we might recover from the current situation. Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Frank, they need to go and as soon as the repubs start in on the social issues, they will need to go too. If we could just get 537 independent politicians in D.C., think of the possibilities!
  Yesterday at 3:58pm · · 1 person
- Trish Foerster MacCabe And the vultures attack... That didn't take long at all. I started to rebut a couple times but have decided it's not worth my time. There is nothing that I can say that would make you see things from a different perspective. We are fundamentally different. You see what you want to see and clearly feel a need to hammer anyone who feels differently. But btw - have you looked at the long term statisitics on private schools? You might save yourself some money.
  Yesterday at 3:59pm ·
- Trish Foerster MacCabe Thank you for speaking some sense. Sometimes I think people get so worked up about these things that they stop thinking. I wish I could remember what I wrote... I deleted it realizing that there were no words I could say that would make you see things from my perspective. It's very sad that that's where we're at. We stop talking because the conversations become too hard and feel futile. The truth is that it's with the friction that we make progress. We stoptalking and we become stagnant. I am not a huge Pelosi fan but I gotta say that I think that Obama is a victim of the political machine. I believe he could have done so much if given the chance. He is fielding the nasty Republican's who are hammering him to the ground on one side and then the far lefties are pissed because he didn't address their issues immediately. The guy can't win! If both sides had truly tried to compromise more people would have won and we'd be less divided.
  Yesterday at 4:21pm ·
- Sheila Collins Ferguson i shall now officially go back to my "non-politics" stance on FB. I may "like" stuff of others but i'm not re-posting (for a while at least) b/c i'm tired of the judgements from those who think they know what I mean and what I care about....unsure when/where they got those "SUPER POWERS"!?!?!?
  Yesterday at 8:04pm ·
- Mark Romer Vultures? Ah, you must mean we who feast on the rotting carcasses of dead arguments :) As for helping me see different perspectives, I'm always open to exploring reasonable ideas.
  Yesterday at 8:18pm ·
- Pat McGarry Starve the poor, and deny health care if they can't pay. Or tax the wealthy.
  19 hours ago · · 1 person
- Trish Foerster MacCabe Mark. Classy.
  14 hours ago ·
- Trish Foerster MacCabe I'm with you Sheila.
  14 hours ago ·
- Sheila Collins Ferguson Since nobody asked, I am going to state what I originally thought of this quote when I posted it: I think of this quote as hyperbole (yes, I had to look that up to get the right word I wanted) describing ALL of us who are doing some form of good works in society. As long as we are doing the work, we are called saints, but when we try to question the systemic problems of why our work is necessary then we are labeled in unpleasant ways. THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION (and not a stereotype of ALL conservatives), but it feels like some people want to make sure someone is taking care of the problems, but they don't like anyone questioning why our society has allowed these "inconveniences" become problems. It has become UN-
  21 minutes ago ·
- Sheila Collins Ferguson oops that posted before I was done...anyways, I feel (again only I FEEL THIS and am not trying to state it as the only right way to believe) that it has become UN-American to question why we have such a growing problem with poverty and poor education. It's like we are admitting failure and that is just terribly UN-American to admit failure b/c Lordy, we live in the best gosh darn nation in the world. The only questions that seem to be patriotic these days is questioning the right/wrong of a particular partisan position. Neither side is getting us anywhere in solving some HUGE problems that need to be addressed. I agree the USA is going down a terribly bad path, but I do not agree that it is the current President or the current Congress's fault. It's the fault of all those of us who do not chip in our fair share (be it taxes or be it volunteer effort to help those who are truly less fortunate--i.e. people with disabilities and children in poverty).
  14 minutes ago ·

"humbly regard others as more important than yourselves..." (fr THE BIBLE)

2011-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not usually a Bible "quoter" (don't think that's even a word), but I really liked today's 2nd Reading at Mass (YES, I WENT TO MASS TODAY PEOPLE!). I think it is a good summary of what I believe I have been "called" to be/do...oh, i'm going to make that a new word "bedo"....anyways, read and enjoy and maybe you will find some wisdom in it or maybe not....

Reading 2 Phil 2:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
If there is any encouragement in Christ,
any solace in love,
any participation in the Spirit,
any compassion and mercy,
complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love,
united in heart, thinking one thing.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory;
rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests,
but also for those of others.

Have in you the same attitude
that is also in Christ Jesus,
Who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

p.s. I told Mom if she kept making me listen to Mgr. Lopez, then I might have to return to the Church!

another P.S. I had a great time seeing so many wonderful friends from my past this weekend....these are people who helped (some in small and some in LARGE ways) shape me (whether they like it or not) into who I have become....

Closed Minds are Making Me Crazy

2011-09-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

There seems to be an over-abundance of people who are working so hard to justify their perception or viewpoint, and not enough time gathering information (data, facts, other opinions, etc.) to weigh alternatives before coming up w the BEST solution.....It's so freaking frustrating! It's ignorance and arrogance to the highest degree to rely only on what is in your head and only argue using your own logic....UGH!

NOTHING and EVERYTHING to DO....

2011-09-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

This week I have been sharing my favorite quotes on FB...see:

http://sheilasjumpinoff.blogspot.com/p/fav-quotes.html

This weekend I am so excited to have NOT A DARN thing scheduled to do or any place I must be....this is the first weekend like this in well over a month. I actually look forward to doing the laundry, straightening the house, sweeping & mopping, EVEN cleaning some TOILETS!

Last night had a real blast teaching Jack how to make Mac N Cheese! He is really interested in making food ALL BY HIMSELF...so we are exploring what he can safely make...

well, on to enjoying my unscheduled weekend....

Sunday Struggle

2011-08-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Time for the weekly (actually it's daily but I don't write about it every day) spiritual struggle.

Do I go to church or do I do some of the 1 MILLION things I'm neglecting around my home?

This is going to sound absolutely self righteous, but I feel like I live each day of my life serving God and praying and giving everything I have to do good work for my family and the community. By the time Sunday rolls around, I am exhausted but still have tons of work to do b/c during the week I have largely ignored my obligation to keep my house clean!

So I stress out about not going to church and taking a little time to relax during the service and maybe gain some motivation and spiritual enrichment. However, going to church takes about 2 hours time (getting showered, dressed, driving to and from, socializing, etc) and I could have one of the rooms in the house semi-cleaned in that time.

So anyways, I'm trying to "clear my conscience" by saying I already did all my "God-work" this week and now it's time for "Family-work" (i only get "Me-work" time around 9ish at night when they all go to bed).

But briefly a little rant on some ridiculous (IMHO) religious people:
Noah’s Ark theme park project aims to show Bible’s stories true
see: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Religion/1259276.html

This just makes me mad (especially on a Sunday) when there are so many more important problems in the world that I believe God would want us to address. Who really needs another theme park and why do they use all their time & money to "prove" something from "history"? Why can't they use this money to feed to poor, heal the sick, clothe the naked, etc.??

another long stretch

2011-08-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

well life must still be rolling along on the GOOD track b/c i haven't posted in a long time...referencing http://sheilasjumpinoff.blogspot.com/2011/06/no-blog-posts-in-may-good-thing.html

Hymn for a beautiful vacation!

2011-06-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

This Hymn has been playing in my head during this vacation in Wisconsin:

FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH
Words by F. S. Pierpoint; Music by John Rutter

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love
Which from our birth
Over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale,
and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth
And friends above
For all gentle thoughts and mild:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine,
To our race so feeely given,
Graces,
human and divine
Flow'rs of earth and buds of heavn'n:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise.

This our joyful hymn of praise.

I know its people w Guns, Not the Guns that are BAD, but....

2011-06-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

....this is so terribly surreal....I know TWO people who were shot to death this week! In ONE FREAKING WEEK, TWO people I know were killed by guns...WHAT THE FUDGE!!?!?

okay, i'm just so terribly sad and this is really hurting my soul and heart. What kind of screwed up world is this!?!? and neither was exactly "crime-related" or "gang-related"...one involved a friend who is mentally ill and the other was a father who shot his own SON! how in the world do these things happen?

I know I live in such a glass bubble and I'm thanking my lucky stars that I do live in this bubble and that my children are protected from "most" of the craziness...

not much else to say...i'm just sort of in a state of shock....

Oh, well the important thing to say is: "Please remember those we have lost this week and pray that comfort will soon soothe their families' and friends' hearts."

No Blog Posts in May--a good thing!

2011-06-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

So I didn't post in May ..... that probably means that May was a GREAT month...b/c I was out there LIVING and not sitting here pondering what living was or should be or why i'm so worried about living.....

Quinn just walked in here and said (looking at the screen): "Say that July's gonna be a good month, too"...I said, "HEY! Can you read and your are just pretending NOT TO!!?!??!" (july will be good for her b/c its her bday month).

So just a short thing to say life has been good VERY GOOD lately.

I made 66 posts in 2009...obviously a BAD SUCKY year...only 40 in 2010...maybe I can post more positively and HOPEFULLY I will be too busy out there LIVING and not sitting here pondering what living was or should be or why i'm so worried about living.....

maybe i'm getting farther (or is it further?) on my road to SAGACITY!?!?!?

good life philosophy

2011-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

76. Tao Te Ching:

Men are born soft and supple;
dead, they are stiff and hard.
Pla...ts are born tender and pliant;
dead, they are brittle and dry.

Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible
is a disciple of death.
Whoever is soft and yielding
is a disciple of life.

The hard and stiff will be broken.
The soft and supple will prevail.

hurt...

2011-04-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

...well, i hate to be a baby and i'm usually pretty tough, but i was not feeling emotionally well today and i tried to "soldier on".....sooo, I worked real hard on making a special Easter cake for my family dinner (spent nearly 2 hours in the kitchen)...and only my 2 and a half year old nephew ate any of this special cake.

my sil bought a pie (even tho she knew i was bringing dessert) and i guess everyone else preferred the store-bought thing to the homemade special cake i made...it really hurt my feelings.

i rarely get my feelings hurt b/c i'm very tough, but gosh darn, why can't people just politely at least try a little bit of something i made special for the occasion?!?!?

and if i complain out loud to anyone in my family, then they will say i'm being too sensitive...altho, i have to listen to my siblings being sensitive all the freakin time and i politely listen to their hurt feelings....

....well at least i can share it here in cyberspace where maybe someone in cyber-ville will care (actually the silly drama of me trying to make this Easter Lamb cake garnered lots of conversation and laughter over on Facebook...so i guess somebody was "tasting" my hard work!?!??!)!!

Facebook Posts on Determination--today

2011-04-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

Sheila Collins Ferguson
“You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.” ~George Lorimer

- Sheila Collins Ferguson “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~Gail Devers
  12 hours ago
- Sheila Collins Ferguson “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” ~ Calvin Coolidge
  12 hours ago ·
- Sheila Collins Ferguson “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” ~Harriet Beecher Stowe
  12 hours ago ·

problem with...

2011-04-20T21:42:00.001-07:00

The problem w most liberals is that we are looking for a "WIN-WIN" and trying to keep an open mind...and that leaves no option for VICTORY of one party.

b/c here's the way I see it:

Most things are a matter of the one who is more passionate about their position and/or beliefs will come out VICTORIOUS (AKA on top, the winner)....

Liberals may be passionate, but not passionate enough to "fight til death"....

Well, except for Jesus who did fight til the death...but he was God and came back to Life!

...and then the conservatives kidnapped him!

Interesting how the ORIGINAL LIBERAL was adopted by them!!!

Do you think they really understand His Teachings?

Do you think they believe that He actually forgave Judas, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, etc!?!??! Or, maybe, in their translation of the Bible, He only served those who helped themselves (discounting those who were unable to help themselves and those who we should just give up on b/c they "obviously" cannot change)?

We Would Be One: a good hymn

2011-04-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this hymn today in church....it helps me define where I think I am spiritually at this point.

We Would be One

We would be one as now we join in singing
our hymn of love, to pledge ourselves anew
to that high cause of greater understanding
of who we are, and what in us is true.
We would be one in living for each other
to show to all a new community.

We would be one in building for tomorrow
a nobler world than we have known today.
We would be one in searching for that meaning
which binds our hearts and points us on our way.
As one, we pledge ourselves to greater service,
with love and justice, strive to make us free.

#318 from Singing the Living Tradition

sung to the tune Finlandia

written by Jean Sibelius

with text by Samuel Anthony Wright

(c. 1933, renewed 1961 Presbyterian Board of Christian Education)

A parable: THE EMPEROR'S SEED

2011-04-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

This story was read at church about a year ago and I saw it posted on FB today....IT IS REALLY WONDERFUL!

THE EMPEROR'S SEED

An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was tim...e to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the Kingdom together one day.

He said, “It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you.”

The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. “I am going to give each one of you a seed today, one very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!”

One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully.

Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about 3 weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn’t have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by; still nothing in Ling’s pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing.

Ling didn’t say anything to his friends. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow. A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn’t going to take an empty pot but his Mother said he must be honest about what happened. Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his Mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace.

When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful, in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, “Hey nice try.”

When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. “My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown,” said the emperor. “Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!”

All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. “The emperor knows I’m a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!”

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. “My name is Ling,” he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, “Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!” Ling couldn’t believe it. Ling couldn’t even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor?

Then the emperor said, “One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!”

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.

But:

If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.

- Author Unknown -

the pet saga begins...

2011-04-10T17:35:00.001-07:00

so we owned a red eared slider turtle for about 24 hrs (baby one found on my walk yesterday) before letting him go back "to the wild" (b/c the Internet said he would grow HUGE). So now we own a 16 gallon tank w 2 goldfish that we cannot put in the tank until we figure out where to PUT the tank...this "keeping promises" part of being a parent is a pain in the BUTT .... especially when you are averse to taking care of things when you aren't sure how to take care of them...(like kids, as my husband says).

Exciting Day--Quoted in the Newspaper

2011-03-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

SRVS had a great article in the Commercial Appeal today and I was quoted....

felt pretty good! see:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/30/new-srvs-headquarters-memphis-will-add-100-jobs-en/?print=1

or

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/30/new-srvs-headquarters-memphis-will-add-100-jobs-en/

Also, hosted the first meeting of what I hope will be many w my friend Lori to start a Women's Group here that will work on defining the female voice in leadership in our community!

Fundraising Philosophy

2011-03-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

here is my pulpit talk to Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church a few months ago...it kind of summarizes my fundraising and somewhat of my life philosophy.

Making the World a Better Place-Year of Discernment at Neshoba

Sheila Ferguson’s Sermon notes for Sunday, January 23, 2011

Many of you know that I currently work part-time at SRVS helping them raise $6 million to expand services to nearly 1,700 people with disabilities on their waiting list. It is not just a job, it is one of the ways I accomplish my own personal mission.

Mainly I carry out my mission by fund raising and teaching fund raising principals and techniques to nonprofit organizations that are making the world a better place.

SRVS is one nonprofit with a unique mission to make the world a better place….HOWEVER, there are a variety of organizations that make the world a better place by their unique missions.

They include: schools, churches, hospitals, animal shelters, civil rights organizations, museums, zoos, symphonies, nursing homes, libraries, and on and on and on. Here, alone in the Mid-South there are over 3,000 non profit organizations!!

Our church is one of these organizations. Neshoba is here to make the world a better place.

We may want to make the world a better place by helping one another find our own spiritual path, or

We may want to make the world a better place by encouraging more like-minded people to attend and become members of Neshoba, or

We may want to make the world a better place by building relationships with one another thru building community or social activities, or

We may want to make the world a better place by teaching our children strong values based on the 7 principals of Unitarian Universalists, or

We may want to make the world a better place by participating as a unit in social justice and action in our community.

There are a variety of ways Neshoba can make the world a better place. HOWEVER, while we are working to discern together how we will BEST accomplish Neshoba’s mission, I suggest that we each reflect on our unique talents and skills and decide how we will use these talents and skills in the discernment process.

My unique talent or skill is fundraising!

Many think fundraising is scary and hard.

I think fundraising is FUN! It’s a way to connect people who want to help; with people who need help. It’s a way to accomplish important goals and it’s a way to make the world a better place.

Many people think fundraising is begging.

I believe fundraising is giving people the opportunity to invest in something important and special. It is giving people a chance to make the world a better place.

Henri Nouwen says in his famous sermon: The Spirtuality of Fund-Raising

Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission…. As a form of ministry, fund-raising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, entering a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry…

In churches, we often use the word “Stewardship” as code for fundraising. You just heard what I think about fundraising (It’s FUN AND It’s an OPPORTUNITY to make the world a better place). So here’s what I think about Stewardship:

Stewardship is more than ensuring the financial wellness of the church. Stewardship is all the ways that we contribute to ensure the health and stability of our church and it requires:

TIME + TALENT + TREASURE

Each member (including the children) can contribute a portion of each of these “T’s” to keep Neshoba strong.

In addition to giving Neshoba some of my TREASURE (code for money), I will be contributing my TIME and TALENT by guiding the Stewardship committee over the next year. We will work on developing effective ways to ensure Neshoba is positioned to accomplish our mission and make the world a better place. I appreciate your support and suggestions.

Now I ask you to think,

“HOW or WHAT WILL YOU contribute to ensure the health of Neshoba and make the world a better place?”

In My Heart I will always be....

2011-02-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

So I went to Mass w my Mom today in Atlanta. I haven't been in a while.

The readings, songs and sermon were very good.....it confirmed to me why I will always be a Christian, pretty much always be a Catholic, no matter where I chose to attend church. This was the faith and wisdom that formulated who I am today. While I may find similar good values and direction in other faiths, deep down this is the one I most identify with and believe. The readings pretty much summed up my whole life philosophy and core values.

Today's readings were:
Isaiah 58:7-10
Psalm 111(112):4-9
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 5:13-16

The first reading was very good about: "Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own."

Altho today's gospel was about us being the "salt of the earth" (that I never quite understood until today--he used a great analogy/metaphor of salt making french fries taste better) and the "light of the world", in his sermon, the priest said that Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (otherwise known as the Beatitudes) was the core of his teaching.

This really struck me b/c even tho I have known that all my life (i taught RC Religion class on the high school level for goodness sake), it just seems like so many Christians focus on what others are doing wrong, rather than putting into action what Jesus taught us to do: feed the poor, clothe the naked, comfort the sick...etc. (see Matthew 25: 40 "And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'").

And this is why the Unitarian Universalist Church has so much appeal b/c part of our mission is "service is our prayer." Perhaps I need to find a more justice-focused Catholic parish? Or I need to stay put b/c the UU church is where my husband and children and in-laws are most comfortable?

ahhhhhhh....this spiritual discernment process is maddening!!!

one last observation or wisdom I gained today....working at SRVS and supporting people with disabilities is CLEARLY what Jesus is telling us to do!!

something for ME

2011-02-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

I traveled to Atlanta to visit my mom and sister ALL BY MYSELF....I could feel the relaxation start seeping into my body as soon I sat down at the airport gate (i was a little crazed b/c it was the first time I arrived only ONE hour before a flight). But the fact that I didn't have 3 other people to worry about and only myself made me feel so much relaxed and calm and happy!

I love them and miss them, but i needed this little break to be alone w my Mom and big sister. We're just gonna have a girl's weekend.

Of course I woke up w my mind racing about work stuff this morning and could NOT stop that, but at least I will have a few days where I don't have to answer to the constant "MOMMY!" that always seems so darn urgent and when I reply "yes", I usually get "Did you know Darth Vader was on Spongebob today?"

possibility of de-friending, but SHEESH

2011-01-25T19:40:00.001-08:00

I know I'm about to be de-friended and I broke my little promise to myself to not engage in political discussion on FB, but read for yourself and (well, i'm not really concerned about your opinion b/c I think i am right....):

From a college "friend":

Rep. Lonnie Napier in KY has introduced a bill requiring drug testing for welfare recipients. It is not yet a law. If this is something that we strongly believe in and want to see implemented, let's do more than post it as our status. Contact your state legislature and let KY know that we support it. Definitely going to watch the outcome of this one.

tues, jan 25 about 9:30 pmComment · View Feedback (7)Hide Feedback (7) · Share

4 people like this

Name removed: Very interesting!

- Name Removed: It's about time! I'd like to see that nationwide!
  2 minutes ago ·
- Sheila Collins Ferguson maybe we should start drug testing anyone who wants a library card or people who want unemployment or people who are trying to get an FHA loan or I KNOW, how bout everyone who sends their kids to PUBLIC SCHOOLS...really, is this what we want for America?!?!?
  a few seconds ago ·
Name Removed:
Money that goes to welfare recipients should be used for food and essentials, not spent on drugs. If they are using, I do not believe they should be entitled to welfare benefits. I for one don't want MY tax money going to buy drugs for them.
3 minutes ago ·
Name Removed: Yes, Sheila, it is what we want for America!!!! There is a big difference between drug testing for a library card. I'm not supporting your library habit, so I don't care if you do drugs and read. However, I am supporting people on welfare who sit and home and draw welfare then use the money to get high and I'm gosh darned mad about it. If I can't lay around on my couch and stay high with my money, then they shouldn't be able to do that with my money either!
2 minutes ago

Sheila Collins Ferguson oh yes, you ARE suporting my library card habit...TAXES PAY FOR THAT AND MANY OTHER THINGS...why are you stereo-typing all people on welfare? How many have you actually met and talked to???

NAME REMOVED: think the point is that reading and borrowing library books, getting FHA loans, and even unemployment are not ILLEGAL activities that require quite a bit of money.

2 seconds ago ·

Sheila Collins Ferguson um, so you are saying everyone on welfare is doing something illegal--or just that we suspect it, there should be a law to check it out? what happened to innocent until proven guilty? maybe, if they show up to collect a check HIGH as a KITE then you take away the benefit, but drug testing before they have done nothing wrong is encroaching on their rights.2 seconds ago ·

Name Removed: I've met a lot of people on welfare thank you. I've been there myself before and not ashamed to say it. However, it was for a very short time and I corrected the issue. And thank you, I'm not stereo-typing anyone. I have to get a drug te...st to work to get my money so why shouldn't they have to drug test to get my money too? If they aren't doing illegal drugs, how would it hurt them? If they are, then they don't deserve a hand out to help them support their drug habit. If they have money for drugs, they don't need my money!See More
2 seconds ago ·
Name Removed: If Karen is stereo-typing all people on welfare, most employers are stereo-typing their employees when they ask them to take a drug test. If you want help, why would you be against taking a drug screen? If I want a job and that's part of it, I happily pee in a cup and go on. I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE!
2 seconds ago ·

heila Collins Ferguson ‎...AND back to my initial suggestion...if people want library cards, FHA loans, and unemployment, or any other government handout, then we should ALL have to have drug tests. NOT all employers require drug tests....
2 seconds ago ·

Name Removed: Not all states require drug testing for welfare, but hopefully Ky will soon! No difference in "some" employers stereo-typing their applicants by requiring drug tests.
3 minutes ago ·

Name Removed: Do ya'll think "maybe" someone here is on drugs? Just askin'.
a few seconds ago
Name Removed: Most employers do require drug screens. Do you honestly think that it is fair for people on welfare to be given free food, free housing, a check, free insurance, lower utility bills, phone service, a cell phone, etc... and not be asked to do ANYTHING??? I DO NOT THINK taking a drug test is too out of line or that it is asking too much.
2 seconds ago ·

And to "NAME REMOVED (on the "Do ya'll think 'maybe' someone..." comment)- to me, there's not but one reason why this should make anyone upset....lol!

2 seconds ago

Sheila Collins Ferguson Just trying to understand where you draw the line on govt handouts and who should be drug screened....again, in America, it is kind of difficult to make the decisions about who "deserves" assistance and who does not. Therefore all must be treated as fairly as possible.2 seconds ago ·

Name Removed: Exactly, Sheila, so DRUG SCREEN EVERYONE WHO RECEIVES WELFARE BENEFITS!!!
about a minute ago
Name Removed: In my book, possession is possession. Whether it's a crack rock in your pocket or crack in your veins. Either should land you in jail. I'm okay with drug testing every American semi-annually and stopping all tax payer benefits if they test positive. No stereo-typing there - fair for everyone across the board! I know I have nothing to fear!!! Test away!!!
a few seconds ago ·
heila Collins Ferguson Okay and following that logic, drug screen ALL those who receive all other govt handouts like library cards, FHA loans, public education, unemployment, etc, etc.....

Name Removed: Should be on an indivual basis but ALL should be drug tested. We have gone way too far with being politically correct & scared we are going to hurt someone's feelings. I applied for welfare yrs ago & was denied since I lived with my parents & "they" owned a color tv & a car. I thought then that was crazy but it is crazier now that you can own or have ALL the toys & gadgets but still get FREE money. Where does it stop???

Name Removed: Hmmm....maybe then we would have fewer books NOT returned and fewer loans NOT paid and more people NOT drawing unlimited unemployment. Brilliant, Shelia. I like how you think!

Name Removed: But, I also think the best way to cure our drug problem is to save up all the drugs we confiscate for 2 years, do a huge marketing campaign informing everyone America that it will be released into the drug market - very heavily tainted with a drug that will kill you if you use it once. Those who can quit would, those who can't wouldn't survive and would be out of hair. One mass burial and the drug problem in America would be cured. But I've been accused of being a little "harsh" on occasion.........

heila Collins Ferguson very interesting debate ladies....i need to go to sleep...will have to ponder all i have learned before my next post! peace out!

feeling strange

2011-01-22T13:21:00.001-08:00

I am doing something I have never done before and I'm feeling very strange and nervous about it....

....today was the big fund raising event at the kids' school. I am the room mom for Jack's class and I had to arrange the volunteers to set-up, run our assigned game, and clean-up. I also had to put together our class's auction item.

Well, I was NOT one of the volunteers today and I just took my kids and enjoyed the time hanging w them (it was a carnival!). But i did sneak in a little "checking in" on the volunteers.

And here's the REALLY BAD thing I did...I said that I would help with clean up but I'm not going back up there to help.!!

I was there for about 3 hours w my kids spending my money. I also did a ton of work ahead of the event working on the auction item and getting the volunteers lined up. I also had a ton of other responsibility for the class in the fall with decorating their swamp room, organizing the teacher's holiday gift, organizing and helping w the holiday craft--WHILE also being a regular in the health room AND my other 5 MILLION volunteer duties (unrelated to the school) AND working part-time....SOOOOOO i decided to be selfish today!

I'm not sure if it feels good or if I just kind of feel awkward b/c I was going against my nature!

I'm so glad that I have a sitter coming tonight and I can hang out with my best friend and just talk....I sometimes feel like i'm going a little crazy b/c I cannot say "NO" when asked to "step up" and help out. I think this is truly a form of mental illness.

Here's a list of my current roles & responsibilities (it's kind of ridiculous):

A. Wife -- keeping house organized and helping Chris be happy.

B. Mom -- in addition to the major parental responsibilities (providing shelter, food, comfort and good values), they both have school, involved in scouting and startied dance lessons recently --- OOOO and the biggie in mid-Feb---QUINN's surgery...urgh

C. Part-time Capital Campaign Fundraiser for SRVS (www.srvs.org to donate)

D. Friend--feeling bad that I haven't organized ONE girls' night in the new year yet!!!

E. Family Member -- in addition to "just being there for my family" I am planning the Loud Family Reunion that will be here in July!!

F. Stewardship Consultant at Church -- helping w the sermon tomorrow during the service--wrote up my talking points last night and will be practicing later.

G. Co-leader of Quinn's Daisy Scout Troop

H. Room Parent for Jack's 2nd Grade Class

I. Board member of the Germantown Education Foundation

J. Board member of the Center for Transforming Communities

K. My health--bottom of the totem pole right now...need to make some regular check-up appt's that are WAY OVERDUE and need to get back on the exercise and eating healthy bandwagon!!

I'm just tooooo darn busy to fit in any therapy! ;-) So i'm just going to have to settle for my selfish moments like today (that don't really make me feel good) and going out with Chris and/or friends and "blowing off steam"!!

peace!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Personal Convictions

2011-01-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

This is re-posted from about a year ago, but wanted to share again (it was buried in a longer post at):

BRAVO = Build Relationships with Actions that Value Others

WHAT IS COURAGE?
Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

WHAT IS CONVICTION?
Conviction: a strong belief

SOME OF MY PERSONAL CONVICTIONS:

I believe everyone has a right to be treated fairly.
I believe that everyone should attempt to try to understand one another, rather than placing judgments and expectations on others.
I believe that research and listening to various points of view with an open-mind are critical to being truly educated, and thus being the best human/person you can be.
I believe that there are people in this world who truly need the help of others to survive (i.e. people w developmental disabilities) and that I must do what I can to help.
I believe that war is stupid and cowardly.
I believe in God who is watching out for all of us, and I really don't have anything to worry about.

MLK Tribute from an Amazing 5 Year Old

2011-01-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today Quinn decided to trace each of our hands. She then cut them out and said that each hand meant something the Martin Luther King Jr taught us. She then decided she wanted to add her grandparents' hands. But that was a bit of a difficulty b/c they were not here....she even wanted to add Grandpa's hand and I said "Now how are we going to get HIS hand?" So she decided that we would have hearts representing each of them.

The picture above shows her display of art on the windows (b/c it looked pretty w the sunlight coming thru). She told me that she needed to decorate for Martin Luther King Jr Day. I guess she reasoned that we decorated for other holidays, so why not this one!?!?! You can see Quinn and Jack out on the playground playing.

Below in the picture, you can see what she asked me to transcribe to tell what each hand and heart meant. It became a little bit of a mix of MLK's words and her Girl Scout promise and what she thought that particular person would want to say, but BOY am I so very PROUD of what she is learning and taking to heart!

I think it is important for you to know that I didn't say "Let's have a craft project." or "Let's talk about Martin Luther King Jr." She just spontaneously started working on this project and I only helped her with writing down her words.

I'm so amazed and blessed with this incredible little 5 year old wonder!!

I talk about my "Search for Sagacity" and I have found it living right here in my own home!

Peace!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True Insanity

2011-01-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

It amazes me that I can ask someone or some corporation for THOUSANDS of dollars but when it comes to the simple task like taking down my Christmas decorations I am all but paralyzed with avoidance.....

Tools: Care & Caring

2011-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

I had an overwhelming sense of my Dad today and started crying in my car when I picked up a pen out of my briefcase to write down the following thoughts I had on the way to work and looked at the pen and it was a Lockheed GA Employees FCU pen!

Anyways, the thoughts I had were what I thought were original, but upon reflection this toolbox metaphor is borrowed from the UUA's Toolbox of Faith curriculum for 3rd thru 5th graders. See http://www.uua.org:8080/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/toolboxfaith/index.shtml for more info on THAT (i know it b/c i used it last year when I taught Sunday school)...but here was my thought this morning:

God gives us all a toolbox full of excellent tools that can be used to construct a good life. It is up to us to learn how to use each tool in the right situation. Just like you learn that a hammer is to pound in nails or a screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen screws, or that a tape measure is used to determine the correct length, depth or height, you have to discover the tools in your own toolbox and learn how to use them correctly and appropriately.

It is only thru practice that we can get better and more skillful with each tool.

One tool (among many, but the one I am highlighting today) that my Dad taught me how to use in the right ways is CARE.

He taught me to care very much about others in my life but NOT to care about what others think. He taught me to have thick skin and a strong sense of self-confidence. If I did not care about their judgments, then I was given a special freedom that was not bound by worry of what others thought of me. I would not care if others thought I was strange b/c I was not just like them. He taught me that if you care for others and put others first then you are doing the right thing and there was no need to worry about judgments or perceptions.

Mood Swings & Counting My Blessings

2010-12-29T06:43:00.001-08:00

I have had such a wonderful Christmas break w my kids! They have been so sweet and well-behaved....but then i have experienced some great stress and anxiety over work. So I guess you could call these mood swings that are caused by external factors and NOT my hormones or messed up psyche! Much easier to cope w when you can identify the problem.

I am also feeling so very lucky and blessed for the wonderful life I have. I cannot believe how incredibly GREAT my life is--

I HAVE an awesome husband & kids, awesome Mom & sissies & bro, awesome in-laws (that includes Chris' parents and my bils and sils), awesome cousins & aunts & uncles, awesome friends, awesome workmates, awesome neighbors, awesome church mates--THE PEOPLE in my life are very amazing, interesting and above all, are good to the core!
My health is relatively good--altho, i could eat better and exercise more!
My career is getting back on track--even if I am only part-time, I think I'm achieving some good progress in helping SRVS raise major gifts ===> www.srvs.org if you want to go make a gift, right now!
I live in a terrific neighborhood w really nice people who look out for one another.
My kids go to a great school and are doing really REALLY well!! Jack scores in the 90s on everything and Quinn is zooming past all that Kindergarten letters & numbers stuff like she's in 2nd grade w Jack!!
Besides my career, I work with some terrific people who really care about SRVS' mission to support people w disabilities.
I can explore just about anything i want via books and the Internet....it feeds my curious, life-long learning goal.
I could go on and on and on....and may add more later, but I need to BOOKMARK this entry for those times when I'm in a negative spiral down and remember I have people to love, food to eat, a warm bed to sleep in and MUCH MUCH MUCH more than many others in our world have.

Praise God!

Peace be w you all....

....and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Sagacity Search continues w some new lessons...

2010-12-19T11:19:00.001-08:00

~*~*~* Christmas 2008 ~*~*~*
one of my all-time favorite pix of the 2 most beautiful kids in the world!

This post has some interesting tidbits and/or just STUFF i wanted to share.

Sometimes I wonder how I made it 42 years without knowing some of this stuff...but it's really COOOOL to keep finding new and interesting stuff to keep the old brain busy (and not thinking about stuff that makes me mad or sad).

In no particular order of preference or importance, let the list of learning/interesting begin....

A. CHRISTMAS Greetings:

Today's Commercial Appeal had 2 stories of other nations that are not as heavily Christian as the United States where the "Christmas Spirit" is influencing their winter holidays....thought it was interesting that as Americans are divided or debating on whether or not it's politically correct to say "Merry Christmas" these Buddhist and Muslim countries are anxious to show off their love of Christmas (even tho they are really just embracing the commercialism and gaudiness of it all). See links to read more if you wish:

It's Christmas gone wild in Ho-Ho-Ho Chi Minh City
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-adfg-vietnam-christmas-20101218,0,6180089.story

$11 million Christmas Tree in Dubai
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/abu-dhabi-hotel-apologises-for-overloading-11m-christmas-tree/story-e6frf7lf-1225973656176

B. FUN Christmas songs:

Forgot, wanted to add this video--b/c it's fun and happy:

C. GOOD QUOTE:

Loved this quote that reminded me of my mother-in-law this week:

"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do."
~ Walt Disney

You can find more of my favorite quotes by going to the link at the top of this page (Quotes Sheila Likes) or by clicking here (on this whole sentence apparently--i don't understand some of these blogger tools, obviously!)

D. NEW READING/THINKING Material:

I learned of a new brilliant thinker and writer named Henri Nouwen.

Here's an email i sent to a few folks in my industry this week:

I just read the article "The Spirituality of Fund Raising".

Amy Moritz, Executive Director of the Center for Transforming Communities (http://www. centerfortransformingcommuniti es.org/) passed it along to me. I am joining the CTC board in January.

Also, here's some background on the author, Henri Nouwen. Imagine my reaction (after I read the article and wanted to know who this person was) to his last assignment before his death (highlighted below) as it relates to where i work now!

The internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor and beloved pastor Henri Nouwen (pronounced Henry Now-win) wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life. He corresponded regularly in English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish with hundreds of friends and reached out to thousands through his Eucharistic celebrations, lectures and retreats. Since his death in 1996, ever-increasing numbers of readers, writers, teachers and seekers have been guided by his literary legacy. Nouwen’s books have sold over 2 million copies and been published in over 22 languages.

Born in Nijkerk, Holland, on January 24, 1932, Nouwen felt called to the priesthood at a very young age. He was ordained in 1957 as a diocesan priest and studied psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. In 1964 he moved to the United States to study at the Menninger Clinic. He went on to teach at the University of Notre Dame, and the Divinity Schools of Yale and Harvard. For several months during the 1970s, Nouwen lived and worked with the Trappist monks in the Abbey of the Genesee, and in the early 1980s he lived with the poor in Peru. In 1985 he was called to join L’Arche in Trosly, France, the first of over 100 communities founded by Jean Vanier where people with developmental disabilities live with assistants. A year later Nouwen came to make his home at L’Arche Daybreak near Toronto, Canada. He died suddenly on September 21st, 1996, in Holland and is buried in King City, Ontario.

Nouwen believed that what is most personal is most universal; he wrote, “By giving words to these intimate experiences I can make my life available to others.” His spirit lives on in the work of the Henri Nouwen Society, Henri Nouwen Stichting, the Henri Nouwen Trust, the Henri J. M. Nouwen Archives and Research Collection, and in all who live the spiritual values of communion, community and ministry, to which he dedicated his life.

E. Christmas Carols (parts 1 and 2):

Part 1: So Friday night Chris and I had a date night. We went to Cooper Young area and noticed Burke's Books was still open. So we browsed in there a bit before going to drink and eat. I found a really cool used book (in pretty good condition) of Christmas Carols published in the 1950s and it also gives a little history of each song. For those of you who don't know (most people don't, even my own husband of 12 years who lives w me and sees my stuff), I like to collect Christmas books.

Part 2: So it was VERY interesting and seredipidous (sp?) that TODAY at church, Rev. Cynthia gave us the origins of a Christmas song written way back in the 1600s by a French priest who was a missionary to the Huron Indians in Canada.

It's "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" by Jean de Brebeuf (#257 in "Singing the Living Tradition" UUA, 1993) and also known as the Huron Carol.....see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huron_Carol

It's quite lovely, the song's original Huron title is "Jesous Ahatonhia" ("Jesus, he is born").

F. WONDERFUL WORLD OF LEADERSHIP:

This past Monday I lead a group of the most wonderful, caring little Kindergarten Daisy's as we hosted a Christmas party for young adults with disabilities (one of SRVS' over 85 homes---www.srvs.org---where I work!).

We made ornaments and cards for each resident, sang songs, passed out cookies and gave goodie bags to each of the staffers in that home.

That was truly the Christmas Spirit and gave me a wonderful, happy GLOW!

life lessons

2010-12-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

wrote this down on an INDEX CARD (of all things...) a few weeks back:

There are a number of experiences/milestones in life that just help you learn to be a better person--(just found one, i realized that I am a much better typist when I'm typing from my head, my thoughts than trying to type something that has already been written down and trying to use the damn "home row" that they tried to teach me in h.s.--my only "D" in all of h.s.!!!-damnit)

Okay, gonna start over:
There are a number of experiences/milestons in life that just help you learn to be a better person and/or more open-minded, more relaxed, more laid back, less stressed. If you haven't hit these milestones or experiences-- such as things like the death of a parent or a very good friend--then you just aren't on the same playing field as the rest of us who have experienced these things. And, quite frankly, you are too self-centered to take the time to get over yourself and attempt to empathize with the rest of us.

that's the end of what i wrote and I think I wanted to expand on that thought, but i don't really feel like it at the moment. It is quite judgemental, but I honestly believe it is true....

For people w disabilities and their families: this is why i do what I do

2010-11-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Listen to Scott's story about 30 minutes into "This American Life"....it is the heart-breaking reality for parents of children with developmental disabilities in our country.....1,700 alone on waiting lists here in Shelby County!!

Also, here's what I sent to Oprah (who would only accept 2000 characters typed--i spaced it out a bit so it wouldn't be too difficult to read here):

I have been a professional fundraiser for nearly 20 years--playing a key role in raising nearly $20 million for worthy causes. I live to RAISE money so that I can help make this a better world. Currently I work for the largest agency in Tennessee that supports intellectually disabled adults and their caregivers. I am very concerned about the future of care for people with intellectual disabilities in our country.

Nearly 9.3 million people (approx. 3% of the population) in the US have an intellectual disability. According to the ARC, “of the 2.8 million with a developmental disability living with a family caregiver, 716,212 individuals are being cared for by someone over 60-years-old.” ARC says there are nearly 300,000 people with intellectual disabilities currently on waiting lists that average 8-10 years in length.

In Memphis, TN there are nearly 1,700 people on our waiting list and my agency urgently wants to serve this need but we must raise funds to accomplish this. While our private fundraising efforts have been modestly successful, and hopefully will alleviate the waiting list of 600 people in the next year; advocates for the disabled do not have the money and clout to persuade their legislators to adequately plan for the future of thousands of disabled in our country.

While autism has been highlighted recently; there are many others who require specialized treatment and are dependent upon their families or caregivers for their entire lives. This will become a costly burden on our society as the baby boomers become unable to care for their disabled children.

This is truly part of the health care crisis that has been overlooked-especially considering that these disabled adults will have no place to turn when their elderly parents are unable to care for them at home.

i take friendship seriously...

2010-11-27T17:42:00.001-08:00

...that's just how i roll.

life really is good, but sometimes you wish for better

2010-11-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

things bugging me right now:

1. Worried that the values of "keeping up with the Jones" and "avoiding my child's temper tantrum at ANY cost" are taking over as more important in our society than the old fashioned values of "teaching respect, caring, doing unto others as you would have done unto you, loving one another as I have loved you, etc.". Where are we headed when families care more about their personal happiness than the rest of the world's? Why are people so self-absorbed and self-centered?

And I know it's not everyone, just seems like this "bunch" is taking over the majority of societal norms when bullying is spiraling out of control in our schools and more and more children WHINE way too long past the age of THREE!!!!

2. Worried that the older generation thinks my generation is a bunch of lazy do-nothings who may be smart, but are too lazy to work as hard as the older generation did. Worried they think their quality of life will decline based upon their perception that my generation "expects" or feels entitled to having a strong family life and being home to raise our kids. There may be a little truth in the "laziness" perception b/c I see it in the workforce where people do NOT give 100% and expect to advance or to be rewarded....but this idea that we are lazy b/c we just want a healthier family life is kind of out-dated thinking.

More on some of these thoughts later. I need to get ready for church but just wanted to get these things off my mind for now.

Lastly, on a positive note....I'm feeling MUCH better than the near possible heart attack I thought I was having on Friday morning (chest pains and disorientation). I was extremely crabby and irritable on Friday. I thought it was stress finally coming home to "roost" but it was only my monthly friend Flo announcing her arrival...thank god I wasn't having a nervous breakdown, but GEESH sometimes it really stinks to have to deal with the emotional roller-coaster of hormones!! I'm pretty sure this is why men and women fight b/c there's no way a man can understand the affect that hormones have on the psyche of a woman. It's a good thing Chris was out of town...bad thing my kids had a low-tolerance mommy for about 24 hours!

Happy Sunday -- the SUN is out again for another glorious Autumn day!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PEACE!!

am i being called or harassed?

2010-10-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

In a sense, this is a continuation of my entry a few weeks ago "A Strong Sense of Urgency to Make Things Better"....

Seems like more and more I find myself wanting to yell "FUCKEDY FUCK" b/c I get some more bad news! Sometimes I think I am being harassed by some being out there...is it God? is it the Devil? is it the Universe? is it an alien?

I've learned that I often just go STRAIGHT to denial and busy myself w something to get my mind off all the bad news that directly and indirectly affects me. Today I cleaned a bit more than usual, played w the kids a bit more than usual and made HOMEMADE lasagna!! Now i'm sitting here and thinking i should just go to bed and let sleep be my "diversion" tonight, but i'm not sure i can really turn off my brain....I might go veg out in front of the tv....who knows, i'm really in a strange moment....

Next I shall enter into my major reflective mode and attempt to buck up my extra reserves of strength.....so I added a good new quote to my Quotes page. It's the last one at the bottom from Theodore Roosevelt.

And its weird b/c nothing is directly harming me....but it hurts my heart when I see people suffer. I don't want anyone to be sad or be afflicted w some dreaded illness or any other number of seemingly unneccessary and uncontrollable obstacles that are thrown into their lives.

URGHHHHH....FF (shortened version of what I said in the beginning....guess i'll keep it there, don't want to offend anyone, but i try to be pretty honest here and maybe honesty is what will help someone out there????)!

I actually have TONS of strength and courage, but I don't know how to give it or teach it to those who need it more than i do....and that's what is so painful and difficult for me.

OKAY, this blogging is truly helpful b/c i kept reflecting and working on this post and here's what I have concluded:

Maybe i need to encourage people to be more spiritual and reflective and to help them on a path to "enlightenment" ---whatever path might work for them, like my Search for Sagacity? Maybe i am being "called" to help by sharing my journey?

I'm a genius in my own mind! forgot who first said that =)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PEACE

What a Wonderful Life

2010-09-11T07:04:00.001-07:00

I am sooo darn lucky, blessed, fortunate...pick a word that best fits your frame of reference.

Among the many other great things about my life, Chris (the MOST FABULOUS HUSBAND/DADDY IN THE WORLD!) has taken BOTH the kids on the scout campout today (overnight in Tishomigo State Park in Mississippi) and I have the entire day & night to myself and tomorrow morning too!! Is he just so terrific, or what!?!?! Be jealous ladies, oh yes, be VEWRY jealous b/c HE's MINE--ALL MINE!!!

all for now...i'm feeling very emotional lately...think it's all this raging discourse in our country that is breeding really ill feelings....as well as,

the closer to home stuff like my cousin having surgery this week to catch the stage 1 pancreatic cancer (he's only 50!),

AND Quinn having her VCU on Monday that will be the last (of 3) to determine whether or not her urinary reflux has healed or if we will need to have surgery,

AND the stress of trying to raise money in this economy,

AND....well, there's other stuff but no sense in spiralling down when this was supposed to be a HAPPY POST!

Really on balance, the scales tip toward positive more than negative (because I'm leaning hard on the positive side) in my life.....

Advice to Myself

2010-09-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the things I tell myself constantly...i call it advice to myself. It's that little tape recording that is running in my head all the time.

It is not original thinking (some of it is paraphrased from well known quotes), but it is what I truly believe and try to live each day. I WROTE it in the car on the way to work yesterday -- i know, I KNOW THAT WAS MUCH MORE DANGEROUS THAN TEXTING!

Advice to Myself:

Choose to do something to make the world a little better.

Let your actions speak for themselves.

Be Brave & Bold.

Don't give a "HOOT" about what others think --- they don't know JACK!

Your best beauty secret is CONFIDENCE---rock it no matter what you are wearing.

Thank God for your EXCELLENT, AWESOME, WONDERFUL, EXTREMELY FORTUNATE life.

Choose Your Battles Wisely (thanks Audra for teaching this and reminding me).

Honesty is the BEST policy--always do the RIGHT thing.

Music can lift your mood.

Think Positive, Good Thoughts.

Seek out and embrace all opportunities to learn.

Don't make decisions or judgements based upon opinions or feelings -- get the facts and do some research FIRST!

Give your love freely and don't expect anything in return.

new addition, today from Rabbi Micah Greenstein (who I was soooo lucky to get to hear again today!!!):

Admire those who are kind, generous, honest and brave NOT those who are wealthy, smart and famous.

iPad post

2010-08-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

I'm in bed posting to my blog on the iPad. This is sooooooo cool

STRONG sense of urgency to make things better

2010-08-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin

people who are autistic seem to feel and sense things so intensely that it disables their ability to react in a "normal" way in many situations. I just finished watching the HBO movie, Temple Grandin (A TRUE STORY) and realized that I feel things very intensely but not at the level that someone w autism must feel. AND BOY, HOW....i feel things so deeply it makes me angry and makes me cry, but i'm able to function "normally" according to society's norms. Just can't imagine how disabling it may be to someone w autism.

They said over and over again...."Different but not less"...I LOVE THIS EXPRESSION! Temple went on to achieve her DOCTORATE and she has done research to revolutionize the way that cattle are treated before the slaughter in a very humane way.....her unique way of looking at the world, made a huge difference in the cattle industry's practices!!! She didn't let any CLOSED DOOR stop her in her mission to do the right thing.

Also, love something else I heard this week from Manny Ohonme (founder of Samaritan's Feet--http://www.samaritansfeet.org/)...he said to "Dream BIG" and that BIG stands for Believe In God. I had never heard that before and BOY, HOW....that is a strong and powerful statement.

Why am I saying "BOY, HOW..." so much tonight??? Don't have a clue....just know that I am very affected by watching this movie about Temple Grandin. She is truly an amazing person who didn't let ANYTHING stop her....neither did Manny (YOU REALLY MUST GO TO HIS WEBSITE and read his story). You must also try to see this movie on HBO about Temple Grandin!!

So tired of people w excuses, b/c there are people w disabilities (like Temple's autism) and people who are born into abject poverty in a 3rd world nation (like Manny) and they RISE WAY THE HECK ABOVE it all and are INCREDIBLY INSPIRATIONAL, life-changing people who are making a BIG difference in our world!!!!

Okay, gotta go for now....still very emotional after watching Temple....

I've LEARNED so much this week and I am so lucky to be given the opportunity to learn and turn my experience into something productive in this world. I hope & pray I can keep this energy flowing and put it into action in my daily life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PEACE

Quest for Sagacity and the NEW word of the Day: Eudaimonia

2010-07-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

He Looks Like He's On Some Type of QUEST....right!??!?
Trying to understand kids is certainly part of my Quest for Sagacity!

So I officially started My "Quest for Sagacity" in March 2009...strangely enough, about 3 weeks before my dad died. See the exciting beginning of the saga of my sagacity search at:

http://sheilasjumpinoff.blogspot.com/2009/03/sharing-serendipity-and-sagacity.html

I've posted other items about my QUEST and if you are interested, then put "sagacity" into the little search button up there to the right in "Search Sheila's Blog".

So today, reading my new favorite toilet book, "50 philosophy ieas you really need to know" by Ben Dupre, I found a new word that I am very excited about....

Eudaimonia

Loosely, it's a Greek word that is translated often as "happiness" but it's really deeper and more complex than that. As Dupre says "....eudaimonia is actually broader and more dynamic than this, best captured by the idea of 'flourishing' or 'enjoying a good (successful, fortunate) life'."

WOW! Isn't that the most incredibly interesting thing you have heard in a long time?? Well, maybe you already knew this beautiful word, eudaimonia, but to me it was "light bulb going off in my head" and "fireworks" all at once!

The section of the philosophy book i found this in was titled "Virtue Ethics". The whole section was amazing and interesting and very helpful on my Search for Sagacity! I'm sure I must've learned some of this information back in the Business Ethics class in college that I sleep-walked thru, so maybe my brain knows a little about Virtue Ethics, but now it is saying "MORE, MORE, please!"

I'm not really good at describing all that I think I'm learning today about Virtue Ethics, so I want to quote some more from Dupre:

"The Greeks often talk about four cardinal virtues-courage, justice, temperance (self-mastery) and intelligence (practical wisdom) -- but a pivotal doctrine for both Plato and Aristotle is the so-called 'unity of the virtues.' Founded in part on the observation that a good person must recognize how to respond sensitively to the sometimes conflicting demands of different virtues, they conclude that the virtues are like different facets of a single jewel, so that it is not in fact possible to possess one virtue without having them all."

WOW! It is really crystallizing in my brain some of the Buddhist and UU studies I have been working on. Whereas, (my humble attempt to explain what I think is true): basically we are good people and we have an innate ability or disposition to be good, but we can also practice being good to get better at being good and doing the right, good thing in most circumstance because we apply the knowledge we have acquired.

There is also a good distinction between morality and ethics in this book. It says that morality focuses on principles of duty and rules of conduct and ethics gives priority to a person's disposition and ability to apply practical wisdom.

just scratching the surface w this new word, eudaimonia...gotta get back to researching it and figuring it all out!

SAGACITY, i'm heading your way, it may take the rest of my life, but this journey sure is interesting!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~peace

Summary of Summer Thus Far....2 WEEKS LEFT!

2010-07-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

4 armed Mama getting ready for "Hairspray" Benefit for SRVS (we raised over $5K that day!!!)

Such a busy summer so far...only TWO weeks left til the kids start back to school! And my little Quinn will be going to FULL-TIME Kindergarten and they will now be attending the SAME SCHOOL on the SAME SCHEDULE riding the SAME BUS TOGETHER!!!

OUR last big HURRAH will be a Ferguson Family Gathering at the cabin in Wisconsin. Chris's sister & BIL w their two boys from Texas; Chris's brother & SIL w their two boys from New York, along w Chris' parents (they live there in the summer) will all be there w us for a great time!!!

So here's a little pictorial summary of our summer so far.

Contents include: Visitors, Celebrations, and Outings

VISITORS:

First Visitor: Baby Mourning Dove in our Front Gutter (early June)

Next Visitors: The Moores from Houston, TX (July 5)

Most Recent Visitor: Baby Bewick's Wren in the smoke stack of our smoker (last week, mid-July)

CELEBRATIONS:

FIRST PARTY: Memorial Day @ Taylors

4th of July Party @ Richerts

My 42nd Birthday-June 24

Me & My Bday Bud (Mac was born on my 40th Bday)!

Quinn's 5th Birthday (new outfit from Cheney's)

Dining Room Set up for Quinn's Fancy Fifth Birthday Party!

OUTINGS:

COMEC's Pirate Day @ The Pink Palace (early June)

Georgia Aquarium w Aunt Katie (and Grandma, not pictured) in early June

Memphis Zoo (first time on this ride - Jack did NOT like it, but Q sure did!!)-mid-June

World of Coke w Grandma & Aunt Katie

Redbirds Game late June

Rock N Romp at Mud Island-late June

Wolf River Discovery Day -- Mid-July

Jack at Cub Scout Camp - last week (mid-July)

identity theft

2010-07-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

There's A TON to be said about being anonymous and not having everyone in your business (somehow I thought I wanted more people in my business and knowing ALL about me when I started this blog and got so involved on Facebook)--BUT I AM A NEW WOMAN NOW -- you may have to actually subscribe or ask my permission to read this blog from now on (as if you really care)!!

You see.....last week my hotmail and facebook accounts were high-jacked and this person was impersonating me and trying to get my friends to give money.

It was so annoying all the forms and back & forth I had to go thru VIA EMAIL (b/c of course they don't want you calling them to complain...who really wants to talk to a REAL LIVE PERSON THESE DAYS!?!?!) to get these accounts disabled or BACK to me as the rightful owner. Hotmail is not resolved and I will no longer be one of their customers. Facebook was actually VERY easy to work with and they got it settled fairly quickly. But I also had to go around and change my password on LOTS of various accounts (like Netflix and amazon.com) so this scammer didn't try to take over those accounts and STEAL real stuff from me!

I am now super paranoid about what ppl know about me and this blog is probably not such a smart idea if someone can steal my identity....but here's where being a not-so-popular blogger comes in handy, b/c nobody is reading this to want to steal my identity....right?!?!? or at least that's what I want to believe....

OH, big advice, DON'T USE YOUR BEST FRIEND'S NAME AS YOUR PASSWORD ON EVERY SITE YOU ARE A MEMBER -- don't use your graduation year, don't use your birth year, don't use your spouse's name, don't use your high school or college, don't use ANY friend on FB's name, hmmmm...i'm sure I have many more DON'T USE advice! of course, you all knew this, but I was wearing my rose-colored glasses and thought nobody would have a need to hack into my accounts, or nobody would be that MEAN! Well, trick me once, shame on you, trick me twice and shame on me!!

FB and Hotmail were hacked

2010-07-14T19:05:00.001-07:00

URGH...i'm trying go to all my stuff and change all my passwords so this jerk who highjacked my accounts doesn'tget anymore!

Thoughts on Citizenship on 4th of July

2010-07-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am proud and happy and realize how very fortunate I am to be an American. I have several random thoughts on all this and i have captured some of it here.

Mainly, I am tired of people defending their own positions that make ONLY their lives better--the whole self-centeredness of SOOO many folks is about as UN-American as I can see (in my opinion). Why can't people be more open minded and listen to one another and come to a middle ground where the MOST people would be happy? I know I wear rose-colored glasses, but isn't this what our country was founded upon?

Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence (adopted July 4, 1776):

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Last night (before reading Chris Peck's editorial in today's CA, see below for link), I wrote in my "Profesional Development Plan" (among other things):

"I feel most productive or happiest when I can find a solution for the greatest good."

I am so fortunate to be in a country that allows me to work toward this goal. I only wish that politicians shared this goal, and were not driven by their own ambition or the special interests who fund their campaigns. The power-grab of the FEW who are running our country is miserably failing the masses. All our country's many "crisis" continue to spiral out of control b/c of the self-interest of those in charge who are not truly representative of the people they were elected to "lead".

Now i'm going off on a tangent, but these politicians are going to continue to ruin our country if WE don't start voting and becoming more active citizens. I don't want to hear one more person complaining until we work harder to increase the miserable voter turnout in this country!!! Boy, i sound more and more like a Tea Partier, but i'm not really sure if increasing voter turnout is one of the Tea Party's platforms? I really feel we need to get back to basics (like being an informed voter, or better yet, JUST plain voting would be nice) before tackling the bigger issues like Immigration and Oil Dependency.

Here are a few things I posted as my status this weekend on FB:

We are so priviledged to be Americans--IMHO, too many take it for granted. Here's a good quote: I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln

The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage. -Thucydides

And this is a great op-ed piece that was in our local paper, The Commercial Appeal, today by Chris Peck (one of the editors):

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/04/inside-the-newsroom-we-need-to-rediscover/

The questions he asks in the piece are worth repeating here (he is referring to the text that local students will use in their Citizenship Course--Rushworth Kidder's ''How Good People Make Tough Choices.''):

"....But there is another option -- vigorous use of the tools of citizenship.

As Kidder explains it, and as the St. George's students will learn, the dilemmas of modern society need to be analyzed with the help of critical thinking skills.

Questions like these should be posed:
-- How does this issue affect an individual and how does it affect a community?
-- Are there short-term and long-term consequences of this choice?
-- Is this issue about justice, or mercy?
-- Is it about truly seeking the truth, or strongly showing loyalty to one side or the other?

Good citizenship then requires principled discussions about how to make a reasonable decision. A good citizen asks whether a particular choice produces the greatest good for the greatest number. A good citizen weighs whether a decision follows the Golden Rule of doing to others only what you would want done to you. A good citizen tries to anticipate whether others will follow a decision, or simply oppose it forever."

Peace be upon our nation and our people. God bless the USA.

CBU Reunion Weekend Info ** Oct 1-3, 2010

2010-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Morning of CBC Frosh Orientation ** Fall 1988 **

Front of Maurelian "Residence Hall" ** BEST PRANK EVER!!!

OH-and if i tagged you and you didn't go to CBU, my apologies....also, i'm getting tired of tagging, so pass along to other CBU alums, please....oh, i see i reached the "tag limit" (according to FB)

This is in the early stages and still being "tweaked" but here's a basic line-up for CBU's Alumni Weekend, Oct 1-3, 2010.

Also see the hotels that are lined up and the specials they are offering....if you are ready to make your travel plans, please do!!!

Friday October 1st

World of Beers 6:30

**Class of 1990** Special Get Together 9 PM ** All others invited, too!

Saturday October 2nd

CBU day of service 8:00-11:00am

Campus Tours 10:30-11:30 starting every 15 minutes (start in front of Cooper Wilson Science Center)

Lunch and Labs 11:00-12:30

Alumni Celebration Cocktail Reception 6:00 p.m.

Dinner 7:00 p.m.

I think the TKEs & WAMS are holding a special party after this dinner, as well as the ZTA's (whose party is at the Racquet Club, i think...).

Sunday Mass De La Salle Chapel 11:00 a.m.

Hotel Information:

Fogleman Executive Conference Center at University of Memphis

330 Innovation Dr. Memphis, TN. 38152

901-678-5410 $90.00/night

Holiday Inn Select

5795 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN. 38119

901-682-7881 $69/night

sleeping

2010-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

so when i'm at home and chris is out of town i have a really hard time sleeping. i did just fine in Atlanta at mom's house and he wasn't there....i think the comfort of being in the house i grew up in is very soothing.

mom told me that she never sleeps on saturday nights anymore (that is the night dad died).

it is interesting how powerful your mind can be when you are stressed or really missing the one you love.

i'm being fairly productive tonight....did laundry and cleaned the kitchen....i'm drinking a bottle of wine too...hoping that it will just make me sleepy enough to go to sleep.

i really need to go to sleep and be sharp tomorrow at work. urgh....

slightly holding it together

2010-06-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

i have this thing going on that i don't discuss here but it's about to drive me over the edge...pretty amazing to my loyal followers to think that i might be about to lose it any moment now....you know, since i'm so "with it" and "cool" and giving all this great positive vibe here on the blog....but there's a few layers of Sheila that are never revealed here (even tho it seems i'm letting it "all hang out").

just take a moment and pray for me to be more calm and patient....hopefully someday this will be resolved, but it's starting to feel like i may just need to take a chill pill and roll with it and accept it, even tho its WAY out of the norm.....

OH, AND TO ALL THOSE PPL OUT THERE WHO THINK I'M FALLING SHORT AS A PARENT BY ONLY LETTING MY KIDS START OUT W A "STARTER" PET OF A FISH CAN BITE ME!!! So sorry if i can barely take care of my kids and myself and my husband and home. I cannot add a dog or cat to the mix. i take it pretty seriously bringing another being into my home! Not to mention, the expense and love required for that additional "mouth"....just b/c my kids REALLY want something doesn't mean i need to give it to them! REALLY, if YOU give your kid everything they want, I am NOT REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE CROWD...SHEESH, no wonder our society is "crumbling"!!!!

random stuff of interest to me at the moment

2010-06-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am visiting my mom in Atlanta and everyone is asleep....i'm WIDE AWAKE and thinking, thinking, thinking...so here's some random stuff i'm thinking about and interested in.....cross-posted from FB (see way below)....but want to post here b/c not really sure if i can "search" FB when I'm thinking i want to recall something that I thought was interesting long ago.

VERY interesting to see how quickly things get re-posted (that BP thingee is sort of "viral" amongst my friends...hopefully the rich old lady donating her $$ will be of interest to others too!).

Kind of annoyed right now at the self-centeredness of many, many people in the world....it is so hard to explain to kids (who are naturally self-centered and grow out of it...at least that's what I learned in graduate school applying Piaget's philosophy of development) that you must care about the rest of the world.

Had a really interesting conversation this week w some peole at work who were discussing Unitarians (i wasn't directly in the conversation until I was COMPELLED to set them straight and jumped in). They were two Christians who were trying to explain to one another what they thought a(n) (what is the usuage here?!?!) Unitarian was. They came to the conclusion: Some UU's believe in Jesus and others believe in the Earth. That was IT! Such mis-information! Now granted, about 10 years ago I would not be able to "set them straight" (and not sure if i can really now)....but here was my response (in a nutshell): UU's believe that you should be good just because you are a human, not because someone or some religion or some GOD tells you to be." I told them that people at UU churches can be Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, atheist, pagan, etc....AND, Of course, I totally wimped out and didn't tell them that I attended the UU church and actually taught the 3rd-5th graders in Sunday school...but it was kind of a quick, jump into their conversation, jump out situation (AT LEAST THAT's what I'm telling myself for not going the extra mile to "DEFEND" UU).

Truly, if people really took the time to understand UU, they would probably be much more understanding and probably "convert" (or give it a try)!! But it's really not like UU's (at least the ones I know here in Memphis) to be all "marketing" and "evangelizing"!

Sheila Collins Ferguson Oh, I LOVE these kind of stories!

Frugal Millionaire Leaves Fortune to Home Town

abcnews.go.com

Sheila Collins Ferguson via Shanon Schmidt Taylor: thanks Shanon...needed a laugh on this situation....especially after trying really hard to explain all this to my 6 year old (who amazingly had a pretty good grasp of BP's stupidity) who was really upset about the turtles and other animals and birds who will DIE!

BP Spills Coffee

www.youtube.com

This is what happens when BP spills coffee. More comedy videos: http://www.UCBComedy.com/ Director: Peter Schultz & Brandon Bassham; Writers: Gavin Speiller, Eric Scott, Erik Tanouye, & John Frusciante; ...

Sheila Collins Ferguson on vacation...MUST NOT look at work email...NO, don't do it...STOP! (love talking to myself when everyone else is asleep in the house)

Remove

Sheila Collins Ferguson come on, you want to help me get a street named for my little adorable sister, right!?!?!

I bet we can get LOTS of ppl to support a Street Named for Mo

Hollywood Ave between Central & Union in Memphis should be re-named for the one and only, beautiful, awesome Maureen Angela Collins...please join our effort.

one of those "getting to know me" surveys...

2010-06-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

killing time while chris reads kids to sleep...here you go!

1. Do you like Blue Cheese dressing? Y
2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Y
3. Do you own a gun? N
4. What flavor Kool-Aid was your favorite? Orange
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Y
7. Favorite Christmas Movie Nat'l Lampoons Christmas Vacation
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Y
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? pearls
11. Favorite Hobby? blogging
12. Do you have A.D.D? no
13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? yes
14. Middle name? Ann, but use Collins
15 What are you thinking about now? ready for kids to be in bed
16. Name 2 or 3 drinks you regularly drink? coffee, diet Pepsi, wine
17. Current Worry? work drama
18. Current hate right now? dumb ppl
19. Favorite place to be? beach
20. What did you bring in the New Year? ??
21. Where would you like to go right now? beach
22. Name two people who will complete this. ???
23. Do you own slippers? Y
24. What color shirt are you wearing? pink
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? no
26. Can you whistle? Y
27. Where are you now? home
28. Would you be a pirate? o yeah
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? ??
30. Favorite Girl's Name? Quinn
31. Favorite boy's name? Jack
32. What's in your pocket right now? NOTHING
33. Last thing that made you laugh? some wierd thing on FB
34. What vehicle do you drive? mini-van
35. Worst injury you've ever had? infection after c-section
36. Do you love where you live? Y
37. How many TVs do you have in your home? 3

Cool Buddhist stuff

2010-06-02T19:43:00.001-07:00

The more and more I read and research and study about Buddhism, the more and more I fall in love with it. See this really cool video of some Buddhist monks making a mandela:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/02/a-mandala-in-minutes/

I'm also continuing to read various books on Buddhism and the words always seem to be very meaningful or applicable to the kind of person I want to be....

FUN TO GIVE $$ AWAY!!!

2010-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to be a board member of the Germantown Education Foundation and give thousands of dollars to Germantown Schools tonight at the Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting tonight! see me and others (starts around 12 mins) at: http://www.germantown-tn.gov/index.aspx?page=797 (see the May 24 2010 meeting).

could i possibly?

2010-05-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

could i possibly give up TV and the Internet for a week? I'm not sure....well, i couldn't give up the Internet for work, but .... hmmm.... might be an interesting experiment?

probably couldn't give up email, but maybe FB? so many ppl contact me via FB nowadays...it's sort of like the "new" email....

i'm going to try it...not now, but maybe soon....

I took off the Rose Colored Glasses

2010-05-12T19:12:00.001-07:00

Just in case you were ever wondering, I do get pessimistic and down about the world...actually quite more often than I'd like to admit!

I get so angry at people who flaunt their:
1. stupidity,
2. rudeness,
3. basic self-centeredness, and
4. disinterest in the opinions of anyone unlike themselves.

i found this quote today from one of my favorite "wry" comics:

“Just think of how stupid the average person is,

and then realize half of them are even stupider!”--George Carlin

As much as I try to be open-minded and not judge others, I have a SUPER tough time understanding the very low level of competence in many, MANY people in this world. Some of them claim to be "experts". However, the extent of their "expertise" is limited to what they learned when they were in college....and that knowledge might be sorely out-dated when you are talking about a 50 year old or even a 40 year old person....heck, i'd go as far to say a 30 year old might be out-dated if they haven't continued learning beyond college.

Our world is changing so quickly and if you don't continually update your skills, you are going to be left WAY behind...unless, of course, you can convince the "other half" (as Carlin refers to) that you know more than they do....

I know I could rant and rave longer on this....I only touched upon the "stupidity" portion of what I get angry about.

I shall write some more later, but for now, I'm going to slip my rose-colored glasses back on!!

Look at some of my other blog posts earlier this past month and you will get a taste of the "positive" Sheila.

On the Super-Power called "Positive/Creative Thinking"

2010-04-24T07:15:00.003-07:00

I really think that compassion is essential when dealing w people who are so bitter and angry all the time. There must be some terrible reason for their negativity and inability to rise above their problems. I've been teaching my kids about their own "super power" to make any situation better by thinking of ways to make it fun, exciting, and interesting.

Disappointment occurs almost daily in the lives of little kids. They are disappointed that a party was cancelled by rain (like today), but they need to be taught that it's not the end of the world, that you can have your own "party" every day...you just need to be positive and creative. Today we made a list of 3 fun things we can do while we are cooped up in the house. I told them I hoped The Cat in the Hat didn't show up...

Just think of the disappointment that may have occured in someone's life who is always upset and thinks the world is working against them. They must've lost someone they truly love or have some awful health problem or have been harmed in some unimaginably horrible way. Use the kid's daily disappointment (oh how they wail sometimes) and multiply it by 1,000....that is how depressed and desolate that adult must be, and they may never recover.

We must be compassionate, (i looked it up, and it means "More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering") kind, caring and understanding toward these people. We should not add to their misery by judging their inability to "move on". We can try to help them learn to use their "super power" to think more creatively and positively...or we can avoid them. Just don't kick them when they are down or bait them into useless arguments about why you think they are wrong to be so negative!

This is more a reminder to myself than advice to others. It is awful hard to be compassionate sometimes w people (who can be quite annoying when they aren't creative enough to find a way to make life a little better for themselves--and its often people who didn't really have something terrible happen who are the WORST negative ninnies around!). However, I truly think it's what we are called to do. It's definitely what Jesus or Buddha or any of the other great religious teachers would do.

Here's one of my favorite quotes that I think fits w this topic today:

"Don't find fault. Find a remedy." Henry Ford

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

PLEASE Save Services for the Developmentally Disabled in TN

2010-04-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Friends & Neighbors,

CRUCIAL funding for people with disabilities may be cut from the state budget. It is important to me and to the over 800 people we serve at SRVS daily.

Please take a second to contact your TN State Legislators (you can just cut & paste the message below and many of you have the same reps as me, but you can double check at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators/

THANKS for your help. Politicians love to hear from their constituents!

Sheila

----- Forwarded Message ----

To: rep.curry.todd@capitol.tn.gov; sen.reginald.tate@capitol.tn.gov
Sent: Tue, April 20, 2010 5:59:52 AM

Subject: PLEASE Save Services for the Developmentally Disabled in TN

ATTENTION TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS

The Senate General Welfare has recommended that the Division of Intellectual Disability Services (DIDS) include a 5.5 million dollar budget amendment to restore the residential rate reductions to the DIDS Community Services Budget which will be matched 2 to 1 with federal dollars.

That would mean $15 million back to community agencies helping people with disabilities. As of today, SRVS, a non-profit agency supporting over 800 families in Shelby County, is expecting a $1.4 million reduction.

The proposed "add-in" would mean less of a reduction for SRVS and other agencies supporting people with disabilities. DIDS has received a disproportionate funding reduction than other state agencies and divisions.

Please remedy this situation and make sure people with disabilities are funded. We need you to support this proposed budget amendment.

THANK YOU,
(add your own name & address--i removed so it isn't here for all to see)

Spring Photos

2010-04-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

HEAD of the lamb cake...hope the kids are not scarred for life!

I am having a terrible time w FB tonight and cannot see my photos...altho, they must be there b/c a friend commented on one and when i clicked on the "notification" I could see the photo but when i went back to the photo album, i couldn't see the photos....it's messin w my head!

After Church on Easter Sunday

Easter Morning

Enjoying cupcakes @ Marcjana & Will's House ---THANKS for the fun!

Saving the World before 9 AM on a Saturday

2010-04-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

A HUGE part of who I am: a person who is constantly looking for simple ways to improve the world a little bit everyday. Besides my professional job as a fundraiser working to advocate and enhance the lives of people w developmental disabilities, there are SOOOO many EASY, FREE ways for people to improve the world! You don't even have to leave the comfort of the desk chair in front of your p.c. There's a button ---->>> over there on the RIGHT column of my blog to donate FREE food everyday.

HERE ARE THREE MORE IDEAS:

Also, this morning, I read in the paper about Jack Daniels (my favorite whiskey) helping to plant trees (see link below). Well, this one ain't free but it sure is FUN!

Sheila Collins Ferguson My life is almost complete (got the family and good job), now I can drink my favorite whiskey AND save the planet! http://ca.news.finance.yahoo.com/s/31032010/34/biz-f-business-wire-jack-daniels-launches-tree-planting-effort-collectible-bottle.html

Jack Daniels Launches Tree-Planting Effort with Collectible Bottle - Yahoo! Canada Finance ca.news.finance.yahoo.com LYNCHBURG, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In honor of Earth Month this April and in continuation of environmental stewardship, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is partnering with the non-profit organization American Forests to release a collectible bottle in conjunction with a tree-planting effort.

DRM: You are too funny! Enjoy! 31 minutes ago ·

KVD: You make me smile Sheila. 28 minutes ago ·

Sheila Collins Ferguson
Glad to brighten your days ladies! :-)~16 minutes ago ·

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another big company making it easy is PEPSI that decided to give money away instead of waste it on Super Bowl ads (see my rant on that-this is a link, just hit it)...so of course, I have to support their efforts. We hope to submit a SRVS project in May or June (see link below to go vote today!).

Sheila Collins Ferguson via Memphis Loves Kids: #16 as of now, please vote for other Memphis projects too (you get 10 votes EACH day in April). Put "Memphis" in the search field on the site to find the other projects!

Get our kids Moving! Build a skate park for inner-city Memphis youth Pepsi Refresh Everything www.refresheverything.com
Vote for the most refreshing ideas to win Pepsi Refresh Project grants for Health

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One more, to show your support for our brave soldiers!

Sheila Collins Ferguson every once in a while i send these cards to our brave soldiers...please join me...it's SOOO EASY!

http://www.letssaythanks.com/AllDesigns.aspx

HM: You're right, it is easy! I just sent one and will be sure to do it often. We can't thank these brave men and women enough for their sacrifices!

okay, it's for REAL this time, I HOPE!!!

2010-04-02T21:38:00.001-07:00

Here's a link to my weight loss blog:

okay, it's for REAL this time, I HOPE!!!

Posted using ShareThis

Everyday Beauty

2010-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful and touching things that I see every few weeks in the neighborhood where I work (a part of Memphis that people would say is the "hood"), is a daddy walking hand-in-hand w his child.

Two other beautiful things I saw the other morning while out on my morning walk/jog-a baby possum crossing the road and the way the sunlight was hitting the sprays of my neighbors sprinklers as the sun was rising, AND OH, the MOON was huge yesterday morning too!

Two beautiful things that happened to me today were conversations I had w complete strangers. The man, Harry, who picked me up at the auto body shop to drive me to Hertz for my rental car was very nice. He's retired military and then retired postal worker and now he works for Hertz. Found out he was a Catholic and we had a great little talk over the 10 min drive.

The other man (didn't catch his name) was the produce man at the Kroger in my work 'hood. Chris thinks it might've been unusual for them to see a white woman -- he was joking, of course! (actually everyone was really friendly in this Kroger). He asked me where I worked and when I told him SRVS, he said "oh yeah, that is wonderful that you help people...just like Danny Thomas founded St. Jude to help those kids. I know people with all 5 senses that aren't as smart as those people you help"....and on and on. Whereas many people would be annoyed w an old man rambling, I really enjoyed it!

Talking w complete strangers reminds me of the way my Dad would strike up conversations with anyone and everyone! I love carrying on that legacy of his!

Just love these simple moments that help you realize what a beautiful world it really is!

More on Courage....

2010-03-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Courage

Courage is the strength to stand up.When it’s easier to fall down and lose hold.

It is the conviction to explore new horizons.When it’s easier to believe what we’ve been told.

Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity.When it is easier to look the other way.

It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward.When it’s easier to feel sorry for ourselves and stay.

Courage is the will to shape our world.When it’s easier to let someone else do it for us.

It is the recognition that none of us are perfect.When it’s easier to criticize.

Courage is the power to step forward and lead.When it’s easier to follow the crowd; their pleas resound.

It is the spirit that places you on top of the mountain.When it’s easier to never leave the ground.

The foundation of courage is solid.The rock that doesn’t roll.

Courage is the freedom.Of our mind, body, and soul!

~~ Author Unknown ~~

BRAVO = Build Relationships with Actions that Value Others

2010-03-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Not sure what I want to say about this, BRAVO (the title of this post)...i found it on a website regarding leadership training for elementary school principals. I think all people should use this "BRAVO" philosophy...whatever it is, i didn't really read the whole definition, but think i want to ponder it some more.

Tonight i've been working on a lesson plan for my 3rd-5th graders at Neshoba tomorrow at church. The topic is "Courage and Conviction". I've found some interesting stuff on it and am trying to make the lesson interesting and relevant to these kids.

Here are some notes from my plan to get the kids talking....there are some suggestions in the "canned" lesson plan to share stories of people w courage and to have the kids make lists of their convictions and then to make courage/conviction stones that they can decorate and keep to remind them of what they strongly believe in...not sure how much time i will have to accomplish all that.

Discussion questions:

Do you ever help other kids who are being picked on?

Do you avoid other kids who are doing something bad or illegal?

Do you try to find the owner of something valuable that you have found?

Do you ever feel uncomfortable around others who tell you that you aren’t on the “right path” b/c you don’t believe what THEIR church teaches/believes?

Have you ever had to stand up in front of a group of people and tell them something important or tell them to stop doing something wrong (i.e. being disrespectful, teasing someone or making fun of a person’s skin color or ideas)?

WHAT IS COURAGE?
Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

WHAT IS CONVICTION?
Conviction: a strong belief

What are some of your personal convictions?
(here are some of mine, but not sure if I will share w the kids....want to hear what they say first):

I believe everyone has a right to be treated fairly.
I believe that everyone should attempt to try to understand one another, rather than placing judgements and expectations on others.
I believe that research and listening to various points of view with an open mind are critical to being truly educated, and thus being the best human/person you can be.
I believe that there are people in this world who truly need the help of others to survive (i.e. people w developmental disabilities) and that I must do what I can to help.
I believe that war is stupid and cowardly.
I believe in God who is watching out for all of us, and I really don't have anything to worry about.

Why does it take courage to stand up for your convictions?

Because sometimes people will not agree with what you believe and will criticize you and make you feel bad or dumb for what you believe. Even if you are right (or doing what you believe is the right or the best or most ethical thing), they might not think what you believe is cool or popular. But if you have courage, even though you might be scared, you know you have to and WILL stand up for the RIGHT (correct or most ethical) way or thing.

Who is the most courageous person you know or have heard of? What did he/she do to make them courageous?

Examples of famous historical people who showed courage: Germans standing up to Hitler, Martin Luther King Jr, Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Neil Armstrong, Jesus, Rosa Parks

We must help people w Intellectual Disabilities

2010-03-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

I think I have found my passion. Or at least I am very passionate about helping people with intellectual disabilities....at this point in my life. Saving the world has always been an ambition of mine, but as I grow older, I have learned that you can only eat a whole pan of brownies one bite at a time....this is my bite for now.

People w intellectual disabilities (this is the latest politically correct term...in the past it has been called developmental disabilities or mental retardation) have no one else to help them (besides their own families and sometimes they don't have families or their families are just plain tired and need a break or cannot afford their loved ones specialized care & treatment). I really want to do my best to help those in our care at SRVS (www.srvs.org), as well as those who need our services.

Watch these videos and read some of the stats on this website http://www.wouldyouhelp.org/, and I GUARANTEE that you will want to help, if not, I'm thinking you have no heart.

Also, here's a sample of a proposal I am working on to garner support for SRVS (www.srvs.org) and people w disabilities throughout our country (any feedback to make this more compelling or better is MUCH appreciated...BTW, it is only about 2,000 characters b/c this particular donor requested that you state your case in that few characters....very VERY difficult to do--IMHO):

As baby boomers become unable to care for themselves, who will care for their developmentally disabled children? Where will they go? What will they do? If their families cannot care for them, options must be made available. We must take action so that they do not become a burden upon society if they become homeless or incarcerated. As a society, we can not overlook people who cannot care for themselves.

Nearly 9.3 million people (approx. 3% of the population) in the US have a developmental disability. According to the ARC, “of the 2.8 million with a developmental disability living with a family caregiver, 716,212 individuals are being cared for by someone over 60-years-old.” Additionally, ARC says there are nearly 300,000 people with intellectual disabilities currently on waiting lists that average 8-10 years in length.

Caregiving providers exist to serve this population, and want to grow to serve the need. However, the funding is difficult to secure in this economy, and philosophical differerences on care also slow the road to solutions. ARC says that “the Medicaid program has a long standing bias in favor of funding institutional, rather than less expensive community-based, services. Community-based services are cost effective and allow the individual to participate in and contribute to society, rather than be put in seclusion.”

Advocates for the disabled do not have the money and clout to persuade their legislators to adequately plan for the future of the disabled. As a staff member at SRVS, Tennessee’s largest comprehensive provider of services to over 800 people with disabilities, I am not only concerned about the 1,700 on our waiting list, but the thousands, approaching millions who will wait.

A developmental disabilty begins before age 22, and substantially limits functioning in daily activities. Examples include autism, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and spina bifida. While autism has been highlighted recently; there are many others who require specialized treatment and are dependent upon their families or caregivers for their entire lives. This will become a costly burden on our society as the baby boomers become unable to care for their disabled children. This is part of the health care crisis that receives very little attention.

Tribute to One of the Finest, Most Interesting Men I have EVER met

2010-02-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

This week was the 3rd anniversary of the passing of one of my good friends in Colorado, Clarence Shivers. His wife Peggy put together this wonderful tribute (see link below). Peggy and Clarence Shivers are 2 of the most interesting people i have EVER met in my life. He was just a wonderful man who was also one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and a GREAT artist! He was commissioned in 1983 by Miller Brewing Co to produce 12 portraits of Civil Rights leaders for their annual calendar. The link below shows the portraits he painted for the calendar and has an audio commentary of Peggy talking about Clarence and how these portraits came about. Also, there's a video of him talking about his service to our country.

http://krccnetwork.org/tbs/2010/02/16/a-locals-portfolio-of-civil-rights-portraits/ Clarence Shivers was one of the Tuskegee airmen and a wonderful artist....may his memory live forever.

Comments from FB posting:
KVD: WOW, that was moving. I loved how entrepreneurial he was! Look how he created so much opportunity for himself and gave his wife such an amazing experience.
CG: Clarence was a charming, funny gentleman ... he is missed.

THE MONEY....OH MY!!! (or Dear Sarah Palin just pick this one issue to focus on, please!)

2010-02-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

i didn't think i had much else to say today....i've posted twice in the past 24 hours

but here's what is really bugging me for now and for probably ALWAYS. As a nonprofit fundraiser, where there truly is an urgent need to serve ppl in great need (my current gig is for the 1,700 ppl w developmental disabilities in Memphis and Shelby Co WITHOUT services and they CANNOT advocate for themselves...they truly have no clue compared to ppl who are traditionally called "clueless" who have been born with fully functional brains, who refuse to use it properly). Tell me, who will really advocate for them or even cares to advocate for them, but their own families? In general their families probably have no time or energy to advocate b/c they are so busy taking care of their loved one w a developmental disability who cannot do for themselves OR working their asses off to pay the higher bills necessary when you have a loved one w a disability. There are a few good ppl like those who work at SRVS (http://www.srvs.org/) who DO care and are doing what we can to help these families and their loved ones!

anyways, i just get so F-in (yes I said the F word b/c it's warranted here...okay i'm going to go back and change that b/c if my ED saw that she would faint). I get REALLY REALLY mad that ppl (the ppl behind corporations) can spend MILLIONS on Super Bowl ads and cannot find a mere $100,000 in their budget to help organizations like SRVS provide programs and services to ppl w developmental disabilities (except for two wonderful corporations so far in Memphis--1st TN Bank and AutoZone). I also get REALLY REALLY mad when i hear about the ridiculous FEDERAL EARMARKS for stupid stuff like "honoring the whaling tradition in our country"...that includes Mississippi -- uh, really, they have a whaling industry!??!? see: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/opinion/04collins.html

i know its only an opinion piece and i need to do more research (lord knows research on earmarks is a difficult task the way the politicians BURY this stuff and most Americans have no F-in clue what their taxes are paying for)...and IT STILL PISSED ME OFF!

It's all about who you know, and I'm sorry i WASN'T FREAKING BORN W A SILVER SPOON IN MY MOUTH TO "KNOW" THE RIGHT FOLKS, but dadgumit (really trying to tame my foul mouth) I want to help the less fortunate...and people w developmental disabilities truly ARE the less fortunate (i have a whole other beef about the way Memphians are all upset over the animal shelter...so fine, you love animals, but there are people suffering too....where is the outrage for people who need help!?!?!)

I gotta do what I can do to get to know folks and raise this $7 million for SRVS so we can help more people w disabilities in our community. Seems like a measly sum compared to what corps spend on commercials or what some individuals spend on their 2nd and 3rd homes....but I gotta figure it out! And i'm gonna do it...it will take some time but i'm gonna do it!

just gotta add one more little thing (like i added to the title a few minutes ago -- approx 20 mins after the original post): Sarah Palin only seems to speak up for ppl w disabilities when someone else disses ppl w disabilities...she is TOTALLY REACTIVE and i don't see much proactivity on her part (well, to be true I don't really keep a keen eye on her policies) but my Google of her didn't result in much proactivity on the whole disability issue other than when she had to cut down those in Obama's admin who callously said the R word....wonder how many times conservatives use it but b/c the media spotlight ain't on them these days, we just don't get a reaction!?!?!?

Attitude is a Choice and NOT based upon all the crap going on in your life!

2010-02-06T07:27:00.000-08:00

It's really BLEEPIN amazing how much your attitude can influence so much in your life. I really didn't mean to do this experiment this week but I was really nervous and stressed about something and was making myself PHYSICALLY ill. After a day or two of this, I had to tell myself, "what is this worry doing for you? is it really going to make the situation better? you really need to get over it and move on!! NOW!"

Once i had that little conversation w myself I felt a BAZILLION times better! The situation causing the stress is still here but I'm not obsessing about it and I feel sooo MUCH BETTER! I had been going to bed at 9 pm just after the kids were in bed b/c i didn't have any more energy (due to wasting it all on worry) and then last night the energy CAME FLOODING back when I decided to let the worry go away. I was up til 1 am thinking and coming up w some great ideas and then when Quinn (who has to be dragged out of bed on school days but wakes up EARLY on non-school days) came to get me up at 7:30 AM, I wasn't too tired!!

I got up had my favorite breakfast (eggs sunny-side up and toast) and now my brain is all ready to think and be creative again (not sure if that has to do w the fact that my horoscope said i'd be creative) but who cares? I'm happy to have my energy back and my positive attitude back....

NOTE TO SELF: MUST embrace it and remember it and save a little of it for the down times!