H4L Day 16: The Power of the Press

Our government runs on a system of checks and balances. In grade school, we learned that was protected by the three branches of government: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch.

But while listening to a show on television the other night, it became apparent to me that there are actually four. The free press has always been there to express opinion, expose information and speak the word of the people.

While walking back to my hotel yesterday in Arlington, VA, I passed this sign:

watergate-sign

Chills washed over me as I realized I stood before the garage where Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of The Washington Post met with Mark Felt (code name Deep Throat) and exposed the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s.

It reinforced my belief – my conviction – that words matter. My words matter. Your words matter. OUR words matter.

H4L Day 15:Reflections of Love

This morning, we awoke early before heading back home from Washington, D.C. I was gazing out the window at the lights glimmering off the river, when I heard my husband gasp. “Look at the sunrise,” he said.

I turned, and felt my chest fill.

sunrise

I must apologize for the photo (taken on my cell – the colors were even more vibrant!), and the glare from the window, but I had to share this majestic view. In all the sunrises and sunsets I’ve witnessed over the years, I’d never seen anything like this. It took my breath away. It gave me hope.

You see, when I visit schools as an author, I encourage students to tell their stories loud and proud. That their words matter. That their voices can change the world.

This past week, so many people of all ages, colors, nationalities, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender and religion have been telling their stories. Sharing. Marching. Singing. Raising their voices and lifting us up in the name of love.

This morning, the sky reflected that light. That power. That love.

Keep talking. The universe is listening.

 

H4L Day 14: Children, Teach Your Grown-ups Well

Our work takes us to some pretty awesome places. Yesterday, it took us to Washington, D.C. I love visiting our nation’s capital. It has always filled me with so much pride, inspiration and patriotism.

washington-monument-w-blossoms

But this time, I needed this trip. There’s so much division out there. So much anger. So much fear. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

As usual, Larry knew exactly where to take me to recharge my heart. The Tidal Basin.

Since a portion of the Metro was closed, we took a bus, where we spoke with some very kind and passionate young people hugging signs to their chests. One sign said, “Do you know what makes this country great? IMMIGRANTS!” I wanted to hug each one of them.

We reread the inspiring words of Jefferson.

washington-jefferson

Marveled at the powerful statements of Franklin Delano and Eleanor Roosevelt:

washington-fdr-quote

washington-fdrwashington-eleanor

Washington Live in House.JPG

And infused our souls with hope at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument:

washington-martin-luther-king-jr

But it was the DC Chinese New Year’s Parade that both stopped our hearts… made them soar:

Washington dragon.JPG

And brought me to tears:

washington-children

washington-child-w-flag

This, this, THIS is my America! March strong. March forward. March proud.

Again, I wanted to hug each and every one of them.

March on, my children. Teach your grown-ups well.

H4L Day 13: Sharing Hearts

Some days you have to search for a gem to write about for “homework”; other days, one rises up and sparkles brighter than a mirror ball.

mirror-ball

Yesterday, a strong, smart, kind, beautiful – inside and out! – young woman married the man of her dreams. Beth is the kind of person you want to have as a friend. You want to have as a daughter. Beth was Line Dance Coordinator for Penn State’s THON in 2008. I guess you could say she danced into our hearts from the very first time we met her.

Years later, Beth was to face her own personal battle with the very disease she fought so passionately against during Dance Marathon. But cancer had no chance against this amazing woman.

Over the years, Larry and I have provided the music for literally thousands of weddings, each one special in their own way. But when you have a DJ service, it’s rare that you get to attend an event as a guest.

It was such an intense honor and joy to be there for Beth and Ryan!

Of course I took about a zillion pictures, but this one squeezes my heart:

beth-larry

Larry started giving out heart stickers years ago during THON. No words can express the elation I felt taking this picture, as Larry gave his heart to Beth yesterday.

You’ll always have our hearts, Beth. Congratulations and much love to you both. May your lives be filled with as much happiness as you give to others. Forever and always.

H4L Day 12: Hitting the Wall

I’ve often heard the expression “hit the wall”. It’s used to describe the feeling when you’re so exhausted, you just can’t go on. Writers sometimes use it to describe when they just can’t figure out where their story is going.

The other night my husband and I hit the wall.

Figuratively.

We had been traveling. He trained all day. I wrote all day. We were exhausted. Physically and mentally.

In the middle of the night, I woke up thirsty. You know those few moments before your eyes adjust to the dark…?

Yeah.

I hit the wall in the hotel room.

Literally.

A lovely, pointy stucco wall.

nose

But you know what I learned? After a little rest and nourishment, you can go on. And I think I may have knocked a few ideas back into cognition.

Coordination has never been a strong point with me, but I think I’m making it work.

H4L Day 11: Ain’t Nothin’ Like the Real Thing, Baby

Like many, I’m guilty of spending too much time online. It’s so easy. I’m at my computer most of the day, weaving stories. Just one tap away from Facebook and Twitter. And Instagram. And…and…and…

It is indeed a lovely way to connect and share with friends. But lately it’s been weighed down with political “discussions” (sadly, I must put that in quotes as I’m not really sure people are always listening and responding; there’s a lot of “I’m right/you’re wrong” going on), prompting some to advocate for more kitten and puppy videos to sooth the senses.

That being said, “ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby” (cue Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.)

We met this sweet guy as we were coming out of a restaurant. (Don’t worry. He wasn’t “left” in the car in a dangerous situation. His “parents” were just running in for take-out, and hopefully a “doggy bag”.

puppy

So get out there. Get some fresh air. Eat some good food. Make some new friends.

And then you can post about them. Hey, the Internet can never have enough puppy pictures.

H4L Day 10: Listening to Your Inner Child…& the Outer Universe

It’s no wonder that two of my family’s favorite shows are Peter Pan and Hook. While we all may grow older, we’re not focused on growing up, but rather growing within our individual, creative art forms.

In order to do this, staying in touch with one’s inner child is key.

It’s not always easy. Life sometimes gets in the way. But Larry had the perfect cure. He surprised me by taking me to Dave & Buster’s.

We played video games, air hockey and Skeeball for hours. For the first time, I even got the ball in one of those 100-point slots!

skeeball-jodi

Of course, then Larry got three 100s in a row. Show-off.

Ever the adorable, attentive “boyfriend”, my hubby was determined to win me a stuffed animal. Since they require a lot of tickets, and Skeeball can only get one so far, he moved over to play Spin The Wheel.

And darn if he didn’t hit the jackpot!

larry-spin-wheel

We were two kids in a candy store as we roamed the shelves, looking for the perfect treasure.

And then I found her. She was facing the wall at first, but when I turned her around, I knew I had to bring her home.

selfie-chipmunk

If there’s anything writers love, it’s the rule of three. For the third day in a row, SELFIE took center stage.

The universe has spoken. And now I must write.