This and That

It's the last day of 2012!  Wow, that was a super fast year.  When I read magazines and papers, I often cut out paragraphs and thoughts that strike me as wise or interesting or amusing.  I just went through the pile of scraps near my chair and thought this would be an appropriate day to share them. So many many people do highlights of the past twelve months, so here's my collection of wisdom:

"If you fail to pay your exorcist, you get repossessed."...............From Rabbi Rami Shapiro:  "When you admit to life's complexity and to your unknowing, you discover you need do nothing with your life except live it - humbly, simply, kindly, and justly - trusting in life to offer you one opportunity after another to make the world a little better for your having been born into it.  Nothing confusing about that.".............."Time flies like an arrow.  Fruit flies like a banana."......................From Roma Downey: "Before I left home for drama school in England, my father took me outside one night and told me that wherever I was, the moon would shine on both of us.  Months later, walking in London I'd look at the moon and feel his love.  Now I've shared the ritual with my own kids.  When I travel, the moon reminds us that we're never as far apart as it may seem."..........................."John Deere's manure spreader is the only equipment the company will not stand behind.".......................Don't know who spewed this wisdom: "The very nature of being alive is participation, expanse, change and progress............embrace your fears as opportunities for learning."................"Biologists have recently produced immortal frogs by removing their vocal cords.  They can't possibly croak.".....................From Ron Tranmer: "A Prayer for Our Sons - Dear Lord. Your gifts are many.  I'm grateful for every one.  One of your greatest gifts you've given is the gift of three wonderful sons.  Thank you for their lives dear Lord.  Watch over them every day.  May they be safe and free from harm, and led along life's way.  Bless them through life's trials Lord,  may they always do what's right, an example be for all to see, as they're guided by Your light."......................"Atheism is a non-prophet organization.".............From some health magazine:  "Heal your body - using your mind.  Research shows that by tapping into the power of your mind by using an ESP-like technique called guided imagery, you can create changes in your body!  To put it to work for you: Sit or lie quietly with your eyes closed, focusing on  the symptom that is bothering you and forming an image of it in your mind.  For example, maybe a fire in your abdomen.  Use all your senses to experience the image - then visualize a solution, like water dousing the fire.  Your symptoms may ease or fade away."................"The man who survived mustard gas ans pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran."........................From the June 2012 O magazine: In the book, "Your Brain on Nature", Eva Selhub,MD and naturopath, Alan Logan, explore the incredible physiological effects of being outdoors - including increased immune activity and less perceived effort during exercise....Just looking at a natural scene activates parts of the brain associated with balance and happiness.....They sound like science fiction but negative ions -  particles found near waterfalls, breaking waves and river rapids - can act as natural antidepressants....The Japanese knew that shinrin-yoku, or forest breathing, does wonderful things for the body.  But now researchers have quantifiable evidence."".............So, my friends, in 2013, let's all live our lives with love, laughter and in communion with nature.  Happy New Year!