Life.

I attended a funeral recently of a promising 22- year old who died in a tragic car accident on an otherwise uneventful morning a week ago. One of my young relatives (not one of my children) was at the wheel and severely injured, the young man was her brother. It was a moment that will forever change every one's life connected to this tragedy. I can only pray something positive will come of this, though right now it's difficult to know what that 'thing' is.

It's overwhelming and sad all the way around for family and friends. The pain was palpable and emotions were high.

What came to mind once again for me is how quickly life can be impacted or end. Your life can change in an instant. Don't waste time. Live, laugh, love and never take anything for granted.

It's how we live for the time we are here that counts most. I don't mean money, fame, and all of the superficial things people equate with "success". Think about your moments each day, who you have in your life and what you are doing with your time. Don't sweat the small stuff, people and things that won't matter at the end of your time here on earth.

It only takes a moment to see how vicious people can be online in particular to know a lot of folks have the meaning of life all wrong. I have been personally cyber-attacked many times, like most people in the public eye. The most recent was over something so silly but particularly hateful toward me because they felt I'd insulted one of their favorite singers and their queen in the spotlight from today's commercial music scene. It's not even worthy to give credence or energy to, beyond pondering the meaning of life, how crazy people and some fans can be and what one decides to devote their energy to. I've been an independent artist since 1995, and as such continue to learn a lot whether through college courses, fan polls, professional advice and so on and was stunned that my question posted at one of my networks generated such hatred. It was another learning experience for sure. People seem to think that calling a person old is something bad; I see it a lot not just when people try to insult me, but directed to anyone in the public eye over the age of 35.

The funny thing is first of all I'm older, not old; though I totally consider it a blessing to be my age and so seeing it made me laugh. Sitting at the service and thinking of this great family loss was potent.  I'm grateful each day for what I've achieved and aspire to other great things big and small. Old? I can take that. Sitting next to my mother who is in her 70's is a blessing. When I look at my daughter and son, my heart is always joyful. My journey has been paved with more than I could have dreamed for myself. This young man was just getting started and had recently overcome a few obstacles in his life.
In the car that morning his options ended, I couldn't help but reflect what I'd recently experienced online and how ultimately insignificant the insults directed at me were.

Looking at his coffin and hearing the cry's of everyone, especially his mother and sister was a reminder that many don't get to make it for the long haul or old age. My father passed away at 49 and it certainly was a defining moment back in my early 20's about the meaning of life for me as I have spoken on before. I made a choice to be happy and to try as hard as I can to be as close to that place of joy and happiness as i can even when times are tough. You at least know you are walking your own path living for the best of your life - that's what's important. Do you have love in your life? Do you love yourself? Most of the trolls online, I pray for them because I know they don't have self love and are wasting time on hatred, instead of pursuing their own dreams and achieving them.


Sitting at the service amongst family and friends made me reflect further what's most important - here's a few thoughts that came to mind:

Don't waste time.

Never take anything or anyone for granted.

As Oprah would say "Live Your Best Life".

Be in the moment.

Pay attention.

Be responsible for the energy you put out.

Don't sit on or prolong conflicts with people you love - resolve things when they happen as best you can. You may not get a second opportunity.

Laugh.

Keep your sense of humor, you'll need it a lot.


Surround yourself with good people that bring out and want the best in you and vice versa.


Love.


__________________________

Rest in Peacefully. God bless the family to heal and Move forward.

(I have not included names for privacy reasons).

A Family's Best Friend.

A family dog isn't really just a dog at all - they are family members through and through. In a lot of cases they are more reliable, dependable, loyal - not to mention thoughtful. They seem to instinctively know our deepest moods and thoughts. They know when we are in danger or would benefit from a run in the park or simply need an adoring and comforting look of love; this goes both ways. We pamper, hug, care for and love them unconditionally as well. We talk to them like people, as if they understand - we're convinced that they do. They are truly a best friend, constant companion and even a soul mate.
When I say 'they' - I'm referring to our little Savana.

She wasn't your average poodle or dog in general. Her personality,  aura and spirit was like no other. It wasn't simply because she was born with a twisted bone in her back leg. Savana was Savana, you'd have to know her to understand.  People always said 'There's something wrong with her leg" or asked "What's wrong with your dogs leg?" as Savana would trot along happily. She was just fine, despite the appearance and position of the back leg. As with a human being faced with any type of presumed limitation - you just get on with living and making the best that you can of the cards dealt.

Savana was unique all the way around and rarely barked. You had to really have bad vibes for her to make a sound and react. She was so quiet, we could take her to the movies and she'd never make a sound. There's the time when we snuck her into a Mexican restaurant at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas in an over sized purse. When we played music in the house and I danced she would shuffle around excitedly at my feet, as if she were trying to dance too. My daughter could prompt her to "sing" causing her to make a distinct sound akin to trying to do just that.
My daughter was the light of Savana's existence and vice versa becoming a part of our lives when she was a little girl - they grew up together; we all grew together and endured many changes. There are so many fun and special moments over the years and tough times as well. Savanna survived cancer, surgeries and other ailments during her journey - she was a fighter and kept defying the odds.

Last night this part of her journey came to an end - at 105. Little Savana transitioned on, fully loved, comforted until her last breath and resting peacefully - a true angel now. I believe that all dogs such as her go to heaven.

Godspeed Savana - you will be missed but never forgotten. You left an indelible imprint on our hearts.

Notes. Spirit and Grace: Elizabeth Edwards

I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was a woman of inner strength and dignity; both qualities I admire tremendously.  A mother, fighting hard in the midst of family tragedy, health and marital struggles, tabloid headlines and public scrutiny captured the hearts of millions of women who in my view were pulling for her to prevail.

This article from NPR say's it best:
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/07/131862855/elizabeth-edwards-succumbs-to-cancer

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes

Elizabeth Edward's very poignant message posted just the day before her passing on her Facebook page, which beautifully puts life in perspective and her showed her incredible spirit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20024768-503544.html

May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to her children, family and friends who truly knew and supported her with love.





** I have to add..
I wonder how former Senator John Edwards and that woman who seemed to take so much smug glee at helping push their marriage into a ditch feels.... it's beside the point, but it crossed my mind.