Farewell for a while and Happy New Year

This will be my last column for awhile. I’m taking a hiatus to focus on my writing. I have a book deadline of April 1, 2017 — and suddenly it is just around the proverbial corner!

The book consists of stories about 10 “ordinary” women who are anything but ordinary with the way they faced extraordinary circumstances in their lives. You’ve seen some quotes already from my interviewees and I look forward to sharing more in the future.

Now to my usual rambling thoughts as I prepare to say “so long” for awhile.

This morning is exceptionally crisp and clear after that huge rainstorm yesterday even if a “little” cool! This always reminds me of how much we appreciate lovely days after rain — a boost to our attitude. It’s like appreciating how you feel after being sick — at least that’s the way I am. I feel sometimes less than nice things happen to us — like rain or pain — so we will appreciate the good we have. And don’t we actually have more good than bad?

Reminds me of Dixie Bilotti, our 101-year-old friend, who is positive about everything. “Mom was always positive,” says daughter Lita Wallach, “and always had something positive to say about us children.”

The positive does pay in our everyday life, and probably longevity. Recent research suggested that pessimism increases people’s risk of death from heart disease. The study’s author said, “Your personality traits can make physical health worse.” What a great excuse to stay happy!

Another study, this time in the workplace, showed that when employees feel accountable for their work they are more likely to contribute to solving problems and achieving organizational goals. In other words, holding yourself accountable and trying to find solutions makes you happier — and probably those around you.

As I walked around San Francisco recently as well as in grocery and department stores, I realized by 2050, if not sooner, the U.S. totally will be a multi-cultural/ethnic nation. In a recent family conversation (good old Christmas meals) my family felt that California certainly leads the way as probably the most diverse state in the Union.

Here’s an example. While shopping at Winco recently there was no dominant ethnic group — Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, African-American, Indian, Native American and Arab all shopping together. Wow! There’s our diversity. The greatest part of the experience was that we all got along. Several times one or more helped me — or I helped them. We smiled at each other and laughed as we tried to maneuver our carts down the narrow aisles. This is a demonstration that we can all get along — perhaps we don’t need to be told that by our leaders!

And a few more notes ... Carl Martin was the one asking about the book “The Transforming Friendship: A Book about Jesus and Ourselves.” He found it on Amazon and before giving it to his daughter read it himself — thoroughly enjoying its insights.

Thanks during these many months to Lois and Jim Finch who always find great article ideas for me to pursue. Also, thanks to Roger Gearhart who also gives me many suggestions. You may find me writing a column or two during the next months when Judy Halstead returns from Kiev to tell me all her experiences. I always enjoy hearing from everyone — and especially like column ideas.

Here’s another of my grandfather’s favorite poems, this one published in 1936.

This I Know by E. Margaret Clarkson

I do not know what next may come Across my pilgrim way. I do not know tomorrow’s road, Nor see beyond today. But this I know — my Savior knows The path I cannot see. And I can trust His wounded hand

Too guide and care for me.

I do not know what may befall Of sunshine or of rain. I do not know what may be mine Of pleasure and of pain. But this I know — my Savior knows, And whatsoever it be, Still I can trust His love to give What will be best for me.

I do not know what may await, Or what the morrow brings. But with the glad salute of Faith I hail its opening wings! For this I know — that in my Lord Shall all my needs be met, And I can trust the heart of Him

Who has not failed me yet.

May your New Year meet all your expectations as your positive attitude propels you forth to meet challenges and joys. Each day is a bonus. Don’t ever forget it!