Today is September 11, 2011 ten years after the unbelievable attack on our country from within our borders.  The heartbreak of all those remembered, their families, friends, I cannot imagine what it would be like to talk to someone you love as you both know they are going to die shortly.  Those of us that say that we would want to know when we will die, so we can do all the things we want before hand, have no clue.  Knowing when does not mean you will have time to do anything, just look at the people in the planes ten (10) years ago.

Our nation pulled through, as individuals and as a whole.  New Yorkers shocked the states by showing how much they cared for each other.  Today I found out that that dark day in New York saw strangers hugging and consoling each other - strangers caring for strangers.   People being human, filled with compassion for others, God working among us.  I have always said, from the beginning, how the "Hand of God" was at work.  While the terrorists expected and wanted to create a domino effect in downtown New York causing millions of deaths, the buildings imploded causing many less deaths.  

Ignorance is potentially the reason wars start and hatred grows.  We need to start the change.  Take a moment to learn about another country and culture,  religion, language; We as Americans need to be more understanding, tolerant, and knowledgeable about the world around us.  The United States of America is not an island, Yes I am very proud of our flag and what it represents: Truth, Loyalty, and Courage even though we don't always agree with what our officials end up deciding, we have the RIGHT to disagree freely!  Promising to be loyal to the country that allows diversity and freedom is not difficult for me and I strongly believe in the following (with a more modern understanding of the Pledge):

Pledge of Allegiance
(Promise of Loyalty)

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America   
(I Promise to be loyal to the beliefs that the Flag of the United States of America represents)
and To the Republic for which it stands
(and also to the government for which the Flag also represents)
One nation
(One body of people under the same government)
Under God
(understanding that there is a "higher authority")
Indivisible 
(One unit, not divided)
for Liberty and Justice for All!
(for the freedom and fairness for everyone)!

As everyone has started school, or is just about to start classes I will give you one piece of advice.  I am an artist, consultant, business woman, tutor, and so much more and have seen lots of people get tired of their activities very early in the year, you know "burn out".  My advice is to do the opposite of whatever it is that you do normally - at least one day a month!

If you are stuck in the office during the week, make a plan to camp somewhere outside your area, or go on a one day hike (if camping is not your thing) but remember to focus on the smallest of creatures and plants that nature has provided.  Don't just see the forest, a massive green block, see the individual trees that make the forest a monochromatic design, with its nuances in each pine or leaf or even the petals that grow on vines intertwined, hugging each tree, or is it suffocating?  Anyway - take a moment to do something different and notice what you simply take for granted.

On the other hand, if you are outdoors all the time, join in some social interaction indoors!  Go to Karaoke, if you are "into rock" (music - that is), try country, if you are into scary movies, try something on a different level - soft and sweet - the trick is to mix it up.  I find that usually I am by myself when I venture out to the movies, but the best way to see a movie is to go with a group of friends (not too many) - and afterwards go get some coffee or whatever and discuss it... it's kinda like a book club, but with a movie instead! Of course if you're like me, after I see a movie I just text everyone and give them my "thumbs up / thumbs down" review, whether anyone asks for my opinion or not. haha...

Enjoy life to its fullest - whether you are alone or with someone special.  Make it work for you - "Alone" is not necessarily Lonely... there is so much to do in life - your adventure is just a moment away! Creativity is the key, go for a drive, take your camera, you'll be amazed at what you can find and do!!!

Let me know what adventure you decided to take... have fun!