SOUL MUD: Random Ramblings of my 24/7 Brain

In case you were wondering what happens when your dog jumps down a 6’ embankment into an unsuspecting 4 year old who is happily splashing at the waters edge... Said child is shocked as she is propelled into the lake by the impact.   She of course panics a little because she goes under.  That look of panic kicks your instinct into overdrive so you dive off the bank like superwoman straight into the lake to scoop her up ensuring her that she is ok and that her mom won't be mad.      Of course, one of your flip flops stays at the top of the rocky embankment and the other sets sail out into the lake at 50 knots. Yet, you somehow retrieve your wayward lake-surfing shoe, wrangle two wet dogs and the soaked and shaking 4 year old together and get everyone safe and relatively dirt and mud free to the top of the embankment extremely thankful everyone is in fact "ok" and in good spirits.  You smugly think to yourself, "Whew, crisis averted.  I...

A friend recently asked me if I feared the future?  If ever there has been a loaded question for me - this one tops the list.   DO I FEAR THE FUTURE?  My first reaction is to say, no.  I do not fear the future.   My perspective is probably an odd one.  I am very “here and now” person. I am usually totally invested and focused on the immediate circumstance.  That can be a blessing and a curse.  Sometimes it prevents me from thinking things through like I should because I am so focused on “right now.”  However, more often than not, I get more benefit out of this tendency than heartache as it lends to me being engaged in, and enjoying, the moment.  Much of my outlook comes from my upbringing.   My mom was/is the best at finding the “bright side” of things and adapting to still find the fun and adventure in even the worst of scenarios.   I’m grateful for that, because I tend to do the same.    If...