composure

What an important word.  It applies to many circumstances in life and one I remember regularly when dealing with difficult situations.  I have long believed that there are two sides to every story.  I also believe that unless you are inside of another person’s head you cannot imagine what they are experiencing.  Being able to find the peaceful core within you and speak from there is so very important.  Dealing with children demands this as does dealing with the elderly.  Patience can be pushed the point of breaking but it is necessary to stop and take a deep breath, put things into perspective and go from there.  If only all of the politicians in the crazy presidential race would practice composure it would be so much better, don’t you think?  The definition on-line is “serenity….self-controlled state of mind….tranquility….calmness.  We absolutely DO have the ability to control our thoughts and not over react to what life brings us.  Composure is a good word everyday, not just Wednesday.  Practicing the art can literally change your life!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 03 30th, 2016 | No Comments »

This may be my most favorite word of all.  There are many reasons why it means so much to me.  Today is my birthday and I always celebrate it as the beginning of a new year…..full of hope.  Ever the eternal optimist I look forward to each new year like a child.  I rarely feel depressed about another year passing and another number being added to my age.  It is, after all, just a number.  In the years I have been on this planet there is one thing I have learned for sure.  Attitude is everything.  It’s that simple.  I won’t bore you with a list of all of the challenges I have faced since this time last year but what I can say is that if did not have hope I might not have fared so well.  Difficult times come for all of us at one time or another.  But if we have faith in a brighter tomorrow we can get through anything life faces us with.  So another year begins for me.  I can promise you I have plans to disclose and lots of exciting news to share over the next months.  I thank all of you for your faithful readership since this blog came into being three years ago!  Remember never, ever give up hope!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 03 23rd, 2016 | 4 Comments »

I remember first becoming familiar with the word BLISS I immersed myself in the writing’s Joseph Campbell.  I have come to love the word as an expression of being true one’s self, finding the path that brings joy and happiness and a full sense of self.  Many have written about BLISS and have actually experienced it on their life’s journey.  I feel I am finally finding mine as I make my new home is this warm, welcoming part of Louisiana.  It’s a state of warmth and friendliness unlike anything I have ever known.  I’m finding opportunities and appreciation for my work in ways I never expected and meeting some of the most amazing people.  This has not been an easy move for me or my family, but the reasons for it are just beginning to manifest and make themselves known.  This has been a true adventure in allowing faith to take over and God to lead the way.  Anything is possible and it is NEVER too late to find your BLISS.

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 03 16th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

There are many reasons why I chose SILENT for this Wednesday’s word.  One of the things I love about this word is that it has the same letters in it as the word LISTEN.  Since moving to Louisiana and bringing my parents along so that I can care for them has been more than a simple challenge, but an experience I would not have missed for the world.  I have always been very close to them, especially my father.  Dad will be 88 in May.  His body is showing the signs of years of wear and it is failing him in ways none of us could ever have expected or imagined.  Recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and the onset of Parkinson’s disease, each day is a challenge.  Along with the diagnosis comes the fact that macular degeneration has decreased his eyesight to 30% and his hearing to about the same percentage.  For a man of words this is all so very difficult.  We have learned the necessity of silence and patience as we deal with each day and what it brings, never knowing what it might be.  It is essential that we be silent when trying to converse with him and listen to what he has to say.  His words no longer come easily but they do come with a bit of effort.  One thing I so admire about my dad is that he insists we be open about what is going on and discuss it one on one as well as a family.  My love and respect for him have grown from this experience beyond measure.  It has also forced me to realize how important it is to be SILENT.  The ability to go within and take time to be still and listen is imperative to our well being.  If only for ten minutes each day…..find the time and claim it for yourself.

I wouldn’t change my situation for the world.  I consider it an honor to care for my parents and see to their needs as they did mine for so many years.  Our world is busy and rapidly changing.  I could question how such a terrible disease could strike a man but we, as humans, cannot know what causes such things.  Love is the order of the day and plenty of patience.  As we travel on this journey, knowing there will be no cure or recovery, I try to remember to take the time to be SILENT at different times throughout the day.  I find it helps me center myself, clear my mind and it enables me to carry on.  Wishing you all a very wonderful Wednesday in which you take that moment for yourself.

Melissa | people, Wednesday Word | 03 9th, 2016 | No Comments »

I love this word!  It flows off the tongue and brings up instant questions about it’s definition.  Pulchritudinous, an adjective meaning “having physical beauty”.  If you look it up on line it states that this word applies to human form.  I think it can apply to many things.

Pinterest

A couple of years ago, when I finally decided I had HAD it with coloring and trying to style my unruly, curly hair, I found this photo and had it on the refrigerator for months.  It gave me courage to see the transition through.  I find this woman to be so naturally beautiful, everything about her says she knows who she is and she is comfortable with herself…..pulchritudinous!

But couldn’t the same be said of this exquisite rose bud with it’s slight pink blush?

Or this delectable salad filled with nature’s bounty!

I vote that all things which bring beauty to the eye of the beholder be known as pulchritudinous!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 03 2nd, 2016 | No Comments »

I have always loved the word Pentimento.  Since reading Lillian Hellmann’s classic book with this title the whole process of pentimento has fascinated me.  It is a term most often used in the world of art as a painter changes their mind and paints over a prior image.  But I see life as a sort of pentimento.  We are all works in progress, part of the artwork of our Creator.  I don’t believe anything that happens to us is without reason or purpose, no matter how difficult it may be to believe when it is occurring.  Like an onion we have a core surrounded with layer upon layer of experience, emotion and discovery.  When we open our consciousness and truly begin to live, all of these layers can merge to form our true selves, we become whole.  To me, becoming whole is what life is all about.  We have to work at bringing all of the layers together and realizing that the past is the past.  We have NOW….celebrate each day and bless the layers that have created who you are!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 24th, 2016 | No Comments »

Soul….it’s one of my favorite words.  Be it music, food, a good book…there are so many ways soul is expressed.  Through silence we can communicate with our own souls.  That still, peaceful place that lies within each of us is just waiting to be tapped into.

Living in the New Orleans area means constantly being surrounded by soul in some way.  Red beans and rice on Monday night for dinner is one example of soul food.  Then there is the glorious jazz you’ll hear while roaming through the streets in the French Quarter.  Musicians play alone as well as in groups when they share the rhythm of their souls with passersby.  Soul isn’t something you see.  It is strictly something to be felt, experienced and listened to.

I have always said that I can eat in a restaurant and tell, within five minutes, whether the chef has soul….whether he or she cares about and is passionate about the food they prepare.  There is an essence to anything containing the soul of the creator that cannot be matched by one who is not conscious and aware.

So this Wednesday think about Soul in all of its forms, especially what lies within you!  I recently heard Dr. Christiane Northrup in a video talking about loving oneself and in her talk she said, “deep within you is a soul that is madly in love with you.”.  I find that comforting and I hope you will too.  Soulful living is something to be developed, nurtured and shared, it is what connects us all at our core.  From my soul to yours….happy Wednesday!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 17th, 2016 | No Comments »

My word today is Celebrate!  It seems appropriate given the fact that we have been celebrating here in the New Orleans area for over two weeks now.  Mardi Gras is over, the streets are clean and life continues.  I have never lived anyplace where people know how to have a good time the way they do here.  The joy of life and the opportunity to dance in the streets, eat amazing food and get as crazy and excited as you did when you were a child is second to none.  There is a joie de vivre filling the air that echoes in the music…..jazz, gospel, zydeco….I love it all.  So often we get caught up in day to day living.  We tend to take things too seriously, especially ourselves.  I’m learning to slow down now that I am in the land of the Big Easy!  Any native from the area will tell you they do things differently here.  There is a laissez faire feeling that says “Take a deep breath”….”Relax”….”Enjoy”!  I have needed to do this for such a long time.  Being encouraged to slow down a bit by everyone you meet is a very welcome suggestion!  So, wherever you are please take a moment to Celebrate the day, your life, all of the blessings you have and don’t forget to add a heart felt THANK YOU! to that.

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 10th, 2016 | 1 Comment »

I’m doing something a bit different as I reinvent The Permanent Tourist.  I think you’ll like it since I’m working on things to delight and inspire you.  As it has been said….”It’s never too late to do what you’d love to do!”.  Imagine is my word for this Wednesday.  This happens to be one of my most favorite words!  As a child I was always told I had a vivid imagination that needed to be curtailed.  But did I?  Absolutely NOT!  I believe that thoughts have energy and that they affect the body, mind and spirit.  Just think of how little you accomplish when you are feeling sad or down.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I have experienced plenty of those times, especially lately as I have made a major move and have battled to pull my self up and get on with things.  What you can Imagine you can create!  Yes you CAN!  Spending time clearly seeing and writing down what it is you want out of your life, no matter how old you are or what it is you are passionate about works!  I am living proof of that.  This blog would never have happened if I had not been able to Imagine it and create it in my mind before my fingers ever touched the keys!  So today I challenge you to Imagine what it is that brings you joy, gets your creativity stirring and gives you a feeling of bliss.

I’d love to know how it works for you!  Comments please!

Melissa | Wednesday Word | 02 3rd, 2016 | 1 Comment »