Picasso and a Nation’s Pain

Picasso--Seated Woman on a Wooden Chair 1941
Picasso–Seated Woman on a Wooden Chair 1941

Maybe I should just keep my blog-mouth quiet–or not?

An observation: life is rough and too many people are feeling the weight of the world upon their shoulders.

Though many people have had their lives turned upside-down in our country this week, the truth is, losses happen collectively all of the time.

I am concerned that some people feel the need to be empathetic at such a level that they are in the pit. They watch news broadcasts, read the latest, and tune in to the bad news of the hour.

We need empathy–of course. But, really, everyday in our country we lose an estimated 1,500 people to cancer, 1,640 people die a day of heart disease, about 89 people die in auto accidents each and every day. (I wish these facts were skewed.)  Hard realities to live in. Tough stuff happens. What can we do about it?

I feel like I can say this. I got my learners permit in the tough grief of losing my husband Gary last year. I want(ed) everyone to remember Gary, to care about my kids–and me, too. But, you want to know what was heartbreaking? When I’d talk to someone and they had long been carrying my grief on top of their own. That broke my heart. They did it out of solidarity and love. But, I didn’t (don’t) want anyone to hurt as bad as I was (and sometimes still do)!

And this brings me to the condition of those who are downcast out of respect and empathy this week for those in Boston and in West, Texas. Be sad for them, help if possible, but don’t carry the weight of their pain on top of your own. It robs those around you and immobilizes you.

Maybe there is someone you can do something nice for–a little old neighbor lady. Maybe you can play with your kids, or grandkids, donate to a charity, send a card, an email, do something constructive…or, maybe you can take time to see the beauty all around you, or possibly allow intrigue to captivate your thoughts and consider the odd art of a brilliant man.

What do you think of this Picasso piece?

Are You Afraid Your Phone is Smarter Than You Are?

smartphones-and-tablets

Are you afraid your phone is smarter than you are? I am–but I respect its “intelligence.” I have been thinking over the last week about the need to keep encouraging people to not be intimidated–no digging in your heels and screaming, “I won’t be bothered” or “I can’t do it” about new technology. I admit, there are days that the fluidity and vastness of technology intimidates the heck out of me. But, overall, I don’t throw in the towel.

What technology is intimidating you? Some things are hard to learn. Yet, if you allow yourself time to learn new things and if you refuse to give in or give up–you can do more than you think.

And, this leads me to sharing this blog written by my daughter, Jaklyn. You see, my parents are in the older set. My dad will be 91 this year, and my mom 90. Yet…(read Jaklyn’s blog)  Five Minutes of Fame in Canada 

Oh, and by the way, I am currently readying for publishing a book written by a woman who is 96! She wrote the book last year at the younger age of 95! No excuses, no fears! That one’s for free!