Pecksniffery

The word of the day is Pecksniffery. This was used on the back of a wine bottle description, stating that they would not resort to "pecksniffery" or something similar to that.

The definition of pecksniffery is a "hypocritical statement". It is a word that Charles Dickens apparently used in his books. It is on old world term, but it is an interesting-sounding word, and is again one of those words who's sound reflects it's meaning. "'Pecksniff' was a character in one of Charles Dickens' novels who was utterly selfish and corrupt, yet hid behind an outer display of seeming benevolence. His name has become an adjective synonymous with sanctimonious and hypocritical."

The Power of Your Word

I am still thinking about balance, and trying to attain more of it in my daily life. With many things being uncertain, I feel this is a constant struggle right now.

I find that even in my daily interactions with people, I often feel that I am not communicating what I really want to say. It's as if I am distracted, and my words are not coming out quite exactly the way I intend them to.

I went back to a favorite book, "The Lost Art of Compassion", by Lorne Ladner, PhD, and found this passage about communication:
"Each of us has tendencies to communicate in ways that don't lead ultimately toward happiness for ourselves and others. The Buddha once gave a discourse to his disciples on how to live a life free of conflicts and problems. He said that before we utter anything we first should know that what we are about to say is 'true, correct, and beneficial'".

This reminds me of Don Miguel Ruiz, and his Four Agreements, specifically the first agreement, "Be Impeccable with Your Word-Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love."

The word of the day is Balance

Balance is the word of the day. One definition is "stability of one's mind or feelings". Sounds good.

This reminds me of the documentary "Man on Wire". It is obviously about balance, but it also is an example of how people manage to stay emotionally balanced in times of stress, chaos and uncertainty. The man who walks across the wire that is strung between the twin towers is the ultimate example of balance, and all that has led up to that moment.

Seeking balance, practicing balance, striving for balance, observing balance. How many things can we balance at one time? One too many, and we lose our focus and then we become, God forbid, "unbalanced".

It's all about balance.

The word of the day is Willy-Nilly

Willy-nilly is the word of the day. OK, it's two words. Actually it's a hyphenated word. But it is fitting for this day because too many of us try to do too much, and end up wasting more time than we think, as in "Running willy-nilly all around won't help you make any progress."

Think on it.

The word of the day is Snarky

Snarky. I heard someone use this word this morning, and now it's stuck in my head. I like this word, and I think the sound of the word reflects it's definition. Must be a word for that, too.

Reflections on a Fancy Funeral

I like the lyrics of Lucinda Williams song "Fancy Funeral", that I have posted below. It is a true reflection on the desire to get back to what is really important, and to say, in the moment of importance, hey, this is how I feel and we don't need to follow a path that leads us into mass consumption and ridiculous spending. It's the memories of the person, holding the person in your heart, never forgetting, recalling the little things you loved about the person that keeps you intact, keeps you from feeling such a deep sense of loss all at once.

The song is also about the pressure some families must feel who really can't afford all the expected funeral extravagances. I know that religion plays a very important part for lots of people, but spending money will not matter to the God of your choice. Showing your love can be done with caring, and taking the time to be present for that person.

The words are not as effective in print as they are when sung by Lucinda with music, but you can get the idea.

Some think a fancy funeral will be worth every cent
G           C                              C
But every dime or nickel is money better spent
G                                          G
Better spent on groceries or covering the bills
G                     C        Em             G
Instead of little luxuries and unnecessary frills

G                                        G
Lovely yellow daffodils and lacy pillow fringe
G            C                     C
Pretty little angels for everyone to see
G                                   G
Lily of the valley and long black limousines
G                            C           Em                     G
It's three or four months' salaries just to pay for all those things
G                                                       G
So don't but a fancy funeral, it's not worth it in the end
G                      C                                     C
Goodbyes can still be beautiful without the money that you spend
G                                                           G
There's no amount of riches that will bring back what you've lost
G                 C        Em      (NC)         G
To satisfy your wishes, no way to justify the cost

A Beautiful and Weird Day

It's been a beautiful day and got alot done. Had a nice walk through the park this morning. Then I received a phone call from the visiting nurse that mom was not answering her door. The nurse was concerned enough to call 911 and the paramedics showed up and got the door open by cutting the chain lock and mom was sound asleep in bed. She woke up with several paramedic guys in her bedroom, including the fire chief. "What are you doing in here?!" she exclaimed. It's not every morning you wake up with big, strong paramedic guys in your bedroom.

We are all glad she is ok, and I'll be checking with her doctor tomorrow to see if her meds should be adjusted. It's not like her to sleep that soundly and not hear the phone or someone knocking at the door.

I'll be helping mom again tomorrow, going to Everett to take care of probate stuff. I am hoping to get my letter finished this weekend. Wish me luck!