My Best of any Show: Not so miniature Yorkie

Watched the Westminister Dog show a bit last night, but my four-legged companion couldn't keep his eyes open. He passed out in his stylish sweater and only stirred when he heard the click of the camera.

Oh, when I come back in my next life, I want that easy-breezy dog's life.

GANGS: Watch out for the signs

In San Antonio, a few years ago, gangs were making a huge showing at the schools, so at a faculty meeting the principal warned all the staff to be on the lookout for signs of gangs forming: kids wearing the same colors, brands, and symbols used as a gang affiliation. This was becoming a problem and the teachers were warned to report anything that looked suspicious.

Later that week, a frantic young teacher ran into the principal's office to report that there was a new gang in the school and it had recruited almost all of the students. Rising quickly and preparing to attend to this crisis, the principal asked the young lady what gang affiliation did she observe. Her reply, "I don't know what gang it is, but they all are wearing black marks on their foreheads!"

Letting out a huge, relived sigh,"What church do you attend?"

"Baptist, why?"

"It's Ash Wednesday. The gang symbols will be gone by tomorrow."

True, sad, funny story.

MOM: A Slice of America's History

Some years ago, I took my mom to the movies and I was entertained by a wonderful story that wasn't delivered through the movie projector. Nonchalantly, she turned to me at the end of the movie, "You know, I tried out to play when I was young."

Fascinated, I encouraged her to share this unknown chapter of her life.

Growing up in a large family, my mom was very active. She played baseball with her brothers, cousins and sisters to pass the time. Pitching and hitting proved to be something my mom enjoyed and excelled in. When the scouts for the all girls' baseball team came around, my mom and her best friend tried out.

I can just imagine how excited my mom and Dorothy were to prove their talents to the scouts. At this point my mom and her friend had grown up in the country and their whole lives were spent very close to home. My mom's competitive nature was an asset. At the end of the try-outs, Mom had made the cut, but not her friend. Friendship loyalty was the deciding factor when Mom turned down the offer; if her friend couldn't go, then she'd stay behind.

Mom stayed best friends with Dorothy through many decades. I wonder how different her life would have been if she would have seen the world with Dorothy, while playing a sport she adored. Obviously, I wouldn't be here, probably, as I doubt that she would have married my father if she had seen the world a bit more.

My mom's story stayed silent within me, until I was walking with her and the rehab nurse after her difficult heart surgery. Mom looked so weak and frail, with that "grabber" belt around her waist, paper-thin skin stretched across her knuckles as she gripped the walker and her thin white hair. I could see the way the young nurse looked at my mom and she didn't know the warrior that was deep inside my mom. Out came the story of trying out and making the baseball team. My mom walked a little taller, smiled a little brighter and her blue eyes sparkled with the memories of that dusty summer day when she was strong and young. I was able to change the nurse's perception of Mom, with just that simple story. Hope surfaced and surrounded us in that hall and Mom began to remember the buried inner strength she needed for her recovery.

Every day, I would call on that warrior spirit within her and not let her quit. She never gave up on me and I knew that I wouldn't let her quit, either. Her strength was regained and her spirit became hopeful and determined. We had better times ahead and I know that having that story helped in so many ways.

Whenever I see "A League of Their Own" I remember that my mom was good enough to make the team, but there was another plan for her life.

GUARDIAN ANGELS: OURS

This picture represents my family's guardian angel; she's resting as she gets a vigorous workout on a daily basis. There are many times when I am not aware of the smoothing out of life's bumps she has provided, so I will just spotlight a few times that she has made our lives better.

When I first saw this angel, I was taken back by her presence. Everything matched in her attire. Her earrings matched her necklace, bracelet, and ring. This jewelry ensemble accented the distinguished clothes she wore. As she floated down the hallway, I was met with a smile that was repeated with her eyes. Not a hair was out of place and her dignified manner extended to every task she completed. Professional interactions were the beginning of our relationship and on that basis our friendship was built.

I found talking to her easy and we laughed as much as we talked. Upon discovery that we were married to the same type of man, we knew that our "sameness" was greater than any difference other would perceive.

She was the person who I found solace in when my mom's health became an issue of dealing with a loved one's death. Upon the coupling of my daughter and a toxic man, I was able to sort through my feelings and emotions with this angel of mine.

Questions in the workplace, struggles with health issues, finding the groove in my ever-changing life roles, and other difficulties were sorted out with laughter and guidance from my angel.

Joys and happiness were shared, also. Sometimes that meant serving punch at a wedding; holding a newborn grandson; or listening to the same story again.

When a promised vacation found my family stranded thousands of miles away from a safe harbor, this angel provided the means of safely returning us all to home.

Later, constant physical pain and deep depression tempted me to give up to the dark, whirlpool of death. My friend demanded a promise from me to fight and not give up. Some wretched nights I would only have that promise to cut through my mind's fog. A lifeline of friendship can be stronger than any man made material; it can save a life and offer tomorrows. Softly spoken words of encouragement from her kept my head above the waves of despair.

In return for all that my angel has given me and mine, I only have this small gift of words.

Thank you, my friend. Your heart and soul shine brighter than any jewel.

GOD SAYS "NO!": My Life rejoices in his decision

Back in my early college years, I fell deeply in love with Bill. In order to understand this young man, one must picture his fresh face, brown eyes that sparkled when he laughed, slight-built body, and an inquisitive mind. We were introduced by our mutual love, the written word. He fancied himself as the next big-town reporter and I loved the work we did on the college newspaper.

Our time together had its own soundtrack, as the music we enjoyed still resonates with me. Many musicians passed through our town and concerts were affordable. Neil Diamond was one of the romantic performers; my daughter still teases me about seeing him. Outdoor venues, smoky auditoriums and college campuses provided plenty of opportunities to experience the "surround sound" of live performances.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's concert was recorded and I still have the LP of that special time, where we sat upstairs with our legs dangling through the railing. My embroidered bell bottom jeans, love beads, gauzy shirt and brown leather clogs made me look so individual that I succeeded in looking like every other long, brown haired girl there.

My concert experience are remembered fondly and I know that I have related them one too many times to my daughter when she turns to me, upon hearing the beginning a familiar song, "Yeah, Mom, I know. You and Bill were sitting in the balcony when The Fifth Dimension sang Won't you marry me, Bill? "

What I don't repeatedly tell her is how completely devastated I was when Bill broke up with me. Prayers to God were answered with a loud, definite "No." I beg, pleaded and bargained with God to make it right and give me back the lost relationship. Again, a resounding, definite, "NO."

Now, I am so grateful, because without losing Bill I wouldn't have gained the most incredible life I have. My husband would have been lost to me, my daughter wouldn't exist and to think of not having my Grand Love breaks my heart.

So, thank you, God for being patient with me and giving me the most fantastic gift of all, my precious family.

HAWAII: The Lone STATE

Am I the only one that finds this winter dragging on and on and on and on.....? I heard today that as of now, Hawaii is the only state that hasn't received snow in the last couple of days. What is going on?

Usually, I don't even wear a coat; just some light, zippered sweater and I'm good. Today, I hurt from the cold when I was out and about. I am now trying to warm up with the help of a snuggles blanket and the heat from this laptop. Guess a cup of hot chocolate is called for and then my insides will be comforted, also.

Speaking of snuggles blankets, the other day an extended family was celebrating the 70th birthday of their mom/grandmother at a popular restaurant. Of course, when she opened her present, we paid attention. My husband looked at me and kept eating, after I whispered, "I didn't know anyone really gave that as a gift. Is it a good gift?" He shrugged as he scooped up more enchiladas.

This family appeared as if they cared for their matriarch and yet I was a bit shocked that on her momentous birthday, the best they could up with was a "Snuggie". I kept waiting for her to take something else out of the box, because someone pulled a prank and wrapped a "good gift" in that box. Imagine my surprise, when she did open the box and sure enough it was a red Snuggie.

Kept waiting for the Chia Pet to make its way into the place of honor, but only cards and hugs followed. Maybe I have grown too cynical, but I thought someone who turned seventy deserved a gift with a lot more personalization. Guess with this cold front, she's probably happy and I sit here grousing about unknown people and their tastes in gifts.

I am going to warm some milk, add some chocolate and see if that will improve my outlook. Hope so, 'cause the temperature keeps dropping, the rain keeps plopping and the dog keeps...never mind.

SHADOW PUPPETS: ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS FINEST

I was riding in the backseat the other day and entertaining my grand love and the sun was just perfect for creating my very small menagerie of shadow animals. Luckily for me, my audience can be fascinated easily. Bunnies and birds cavorted across the car, creating a new focus for a restless tot.

As he gets older, I better corral more animals and remember more songs as the eye rolls I see in the rear view mirror signal me that my repertoire craves polish and expansion.

Any suggestions out there?