“I think anybody who goes away finds you appreciate home more when you return.”
YoYo Ma
This is so true… maybe a hint of absence makes the heart goes fonder. It is also related to just being homesick when you are away from home. From small to large, there are so many things that a person can miss about home. From a special coffee cup to start the day out, to the feeling of sleeping in your own bed. After all, home is where the heart is, and absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Past letters…
“Excess of grief for the dead is madness; for it is an injury to the living, and the dead know it not.”
Xenophon
I like the basic idea of this quote… it does only affect the living when we grieve. I never knew how hard funerals were in my youth but find more and more people I know are passing on. The best “memorial” was for my mom because she HATED funerals and said she would find a way to haunt us all if we did not have a party after she died. So we had music, alcohol and family and friends. We held a raffle to give away some of the afghans she had crocheted. It was a party. I still grieved her, but it was more of a celebration of all she had done.
Past letters…
“The year was 2081, and everyone was finally equal.”
Kurt Vonnegut
Looking under the letter V for today’s quote I was grabbed by this one by Vonnegut. At first I was appalled that it would take so long, but then I realized this is less than 60 years and we have SO FAR to go still. I am sure this was maybe the start of a story or a chapter in a book meant to grab the reader. But honestly, do you think we can really ALL be equal in 59 years? I wish we could be tomorrow, but realistically it is going to take a long time still I think. Sad really.
Past letters…
“Leave the matter of religion to the family alter, the church and the private school, supported entirely of private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate.”
Ulysses Grant
I chose this quote to show that at one time the lines were not so black and white on political parties. You would never hear a quote like this from a republican these days, but President Grant was a republican back in the 1800s. A time when the lines were a little more blurred and just maybe they worked towards some common goals for the people.
Past letters…
“Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.”
James Thurber
I saw a post once that said dwelling in the past was depression and always looking ahead was anxiety but enjoying the moment brought peace. Having both I can see the correlation. Take the time to be in the now and find all the good it has to give.
Past letters …
“Behold, my friends, the Spring has come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.
Sitting Bull
Spring is such a beautiful time of year with so many things growing and blooming. I love the thought of it being the “embrace of their love” from the earth and sun. Take a minute to see the new growth and be amazed by it’s beauty.
Past letters…
“Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance.”
Rabindranath Tagor
I have had instant connections with some friends and known others for years and still not feel very connected with them. This quote is spot on! (even thought it is a day late… 🙄)
Past letters…
“To me I always felt like I was carrying a torch for women of any size to be themselves – it doesn’t matter whether you’re a size 2 or a 22, just be who you are.”
Queen Latifah
I am not a size 2… haven’t been for years. Would I like to change that? Sure, but with fibromyalgia exercise is tricky and can leave me hurting for weeks afterwards. I am ok with that though. It took me a lot of soul searching to be able to say that. I think part of the reason I can be alright with my larger size is because the media now shows people of all shapes and sizes instead of only slim, trim and perfect. Queen Latifah is one example of a very positive role model and this quote is another reminder to love who we are.
Past letters…
“Love is so short, forgetting so long.”
Pablo Neruda
Today for letter P, I searched for a quote from the poet Pablo Neruda. I found this one and was so drawn to it. We have all had “the one that got away” that years later you still wonder what happened to them and “what if” things had been different. At least for me their still is and always will be a little bit of love still there for them. Also friends and family that only pass your way briefly, but have an impact on your life, are a part of your memories forever.
Past letters…
Leigha Robbins 