Mary Pierce

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TODAY’S  ENCOURAGEMENT: I’m a mess on the Fourth of July. I choke up just seeing the American flag. I get all misty remembering Fourths we spent at the local park when the kids were younger, having picnics, cheering at the hometown baseball team’s traditional July 4th double header, eating hand-cranked ice cream and ballpark hot dogs.

An all-American day of fun, topped off with fireworks.  Ooooh! Ahhhhhh!

Yep, I get real sappy around the Fourth of July, but it’s more than just sentimentality. It’s patriotism.

I love this country of ours, from sea to shining sea and everything in between.

I’m proud to be an American and I always have been, taught by my parents, part of the “Greatest Generation,” to appreciate the amazing gifts this country affords its citizens. Gifts we dare not take for granted.

It all began with a notion–some truths that wise men deemed “to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence lately, it’s worth checking out.)

And from that notion grew the nation we celebrate this week. A nation of citizens free to disagree about the best way to ensure those rights, even as millions around the world can only dream of being part of that kind of discussion. How fortunate we are!

So this week I’ll be humming “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” and other tributes to freedom and this great land.

What’s your favorite patriotic tune? The song in my heart today is Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” If you can, click the link, crank up the volume and stand up with me right now and sing along:

“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land…
God bless the USA!”

Ah… <sniff!> that one gets me every time… and it reminds me: to our military and their families, THANK YOU for your service to all of us! We appreciate you!

May you and yours have a wonderful, safe–and maybe even sappy–Fourth of July!

Listen in and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: Eight-year-old granddaughter Megan and her mommy just spent a week at our house, visiting from California. At breakfast the last morning Megan and I made a list of all the fun things we did during the week.

Movies. Hikes. Bowling. Painting. Drawing. Crafts. Scavenger hunts. Children’s museum. Shopping. Watching for wildlife in the woods. When we finished, there were over fifty items on the list. Megan showed the list to Grandpa and said, “That’s a LOT of FUN!”

He said, “Yes, and now Grandpa and Grandma need a LOT of NAPS!”

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I had forgotten how busy eight-year-olds can be.  The week was active and exhausting, but mostly it was filled with fun. Simple, joyful fun.

Remember fun? Too often, we forget to have it.  We have so many responsibilities, so many tasks, so many more important things that demand our time.

When we stop to ask ourselves when we last had fun, we’re answered by an inner curmudgeon saying, “Fun is frivolous. Playing–goofing off–is a waste of time, money and energy! You know what they say about idle hands!” Blah…blah…blah…

News flash: Fun IS frivolous! That’s why they call it “fun”! All work and no play makes life dull, dull, dull!

The key to our delightful week was this: I gave myself permission to have fun. I blocked out the time, cleared my schedule and had fun.

When is the last time you had fun? You are hereby granted permission to send your inner curmudgeon off to crabby camp. You are allowed to let loose. Be silly. Laugh a little.

Have some fun–paint a picture, go bowling, catch a frisbee, watch a movie, have a picnic–and encourage somebody else to join you today.

That’s it for now, and later, after my nap, I’m going to think of fifty MORE fun things to do.

Have a FUN week! Thanks for blessing my life!

I’m kickin’ back this week with family. I’ll be back on June 23rd. Have a great week!

Listen and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: Years ago, I asked a writer friend how he managed to get six books published in six years. “I just do the next thing,” he said.

I told him, “Well my ‘next thing’ is to write my first book, but thinking about that makes me feel like my brain is going to explode!”

“I knew a guy whose brain did that,” he said and then he laughed at the idea, proving my suspicion that writers are warped individuals. Then he gave me this life-changing advice:

“Your next thing is not to write a whole book. Your next thing is to write a page or a paragraph or maybe just a sentence. Maybe just the next word.”

What a relief. My brain might not be exploding after all.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I took his advice and, by just doing the next thing, wrote three books. And then, my brain still semi-intact, I started thinking how this approach might apply to the rest of life.

Just doing the next thing is not “clean the whole house.” Maybe it’s Flylady’s advice to “shine the sink.”

Just doing the next thing is not “design a fabulous marketing campaign that will wow the client.” Maybe the next thing is “schedule team brainstorming session.” (Check out Getting Things Done for more “next action” advice.)

Just doing the next thing is not “lose fifty pounds” or “quit smoking forever” or “get sober.” The next thing might be to skip tonight’s dessert or make an appointment with the doctor or research recovery programs online.

Just doing the next thing is not, “Resolve huge issues with _____!” (Fill in the blank with whoever or whatever is the crazy-maker in your life.)  The next thing might be to pray for wisdom, sensitivity, patience or guidance.

Tiny actions will add up to huge progress, but for now, whatever it is in front of you, just do the next thing.

“Get blog posted” was my next thing today. And now I’m going to do the next thing: take a nap.

May you be a blessing to someone else today and be blessed in the process.

Listen and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: I took my first improvisational comedy class last weekend. I feared being the “old lady” among a bunch of twenty-somethings. And even more, I feared making a complete fool of myself in front of them.

The group turned out to be a nice mix of ages and even better, the GOAL is to actually MAKE fools of ourselves. (No problem. I’ve already proven myself to be an overachiever.)

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: One of the things our instructor Ben taught us is that the answer in improv is always, “Yes!”

So when someone gives you a line like, “I can tell you miss your home planet,” your answer must be “Yes!” and in that moment you BECOME AN ALIEN and take it from there.

I got to thinking, what if we took that approach in life? What if, when we heard a suggestion, we stopped offering our usual reactions: “No way!” “Yeah BUT…” “But we’ve ALWAYS done it THIS way… never done it THAT way…it won’t work…”

What if we offered YES first and took it from there?

For example, your employee suggests a change in business as usual. What if you, Boss, responded, not with some version of,  “That’sthedumbestthingIeverheard!” but with, “Yes, and let’s talk about how that might work.”

Your child announces they want to be an artist when they grow up. What if you, Parent, responded, not with “Ohnoyou’llstarvetodeath!” but with, “Yes, and I’ll help you figure out what that involves.”

Or maybe God suggests a change in your life. What if you, You, responded, not with the usual excuses, “ButLordyoudon’tunderstandhowhardthisisforme!” but with, “Yes, Lord, and show me what my next step should be.”

There is such power in “YES!” in building and maintaining work teams, families and relationships.

What suggestion are you hearing today? What’s your first reaction to it? What might happen if you say, “YES!”?

You might end up mending a fence, forgiving somebody, or changing the world.

Who knows? You might even end up in a group of strangers, making a fool of yourself for the sake of a laugh, and yes, missing your home planet.

May you be blessed as you say “YES!” today and encourage others to do the same!

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FEEDBACK: What’s the SCARIEST thing you ever said YES to?  What was the result? When did you say NO and regret it?

Comment here or use “Contact Mary” to share your story.  You know I always love hearing from you!

Listen and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: It WAS my best birthday ever and at my surprise party on Sunday, three-year-old grandson Joey asked me, “How old are you, Mamie?” I told him I was sixty.

“Show me,” he said. So I opened and closed my hands, counting out, “Ten. Twenty. Thirty. Forty. Fifty. Sixty!”

Joey, who makes “L” into “Y” said, “WOW, Mamie! That’s a YOT!”

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I did the math and Joey’s right: It IS a YOT! Sixty times 365 = 21,900 days, give or take. 21,900 breakfasts, lunches and dinners (that explains a yot, too). 21,900 sunsets and 21,900 sunrises. 21,900 days of breathing in and out. 21,900 awakenings to days of possibility.

I don’t want to calculate the hours, minutes, and seconds that have passed. Some of those hours seemed so long–waiting for Christmas, or waiting in the hospital. Some of those moments so short–riding the carousel with the “baby” at Disneyland on her 4th birthday 25 years ago, or the little time spent with DaPapa, so long ago.

So here I am, “A YOT” but the question on my heart today is NOT what I’ve done with my time so far, for the past is the past.

The important question is: What will I do with the time that remains?

I don’t want to waste one more second worrying about things I can’t do anything about.

I want to never miss another opportunity to laugh or to cry, to be touched or to touch someone else’s life. To tell those who bless my life how much I appreciate them.

“Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” writes the Psalmist. However much time I have left–a “yittle or a yot”–I pray I spend it wisely. And I pray the same for you.

So let me say, “I appreciate you!” Thanks for blessing my life. Now go bless someone else today.

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BEST BIRTHDAY EVER BOOK GIVEAWAY: And the winners are: MaryBeth Peterson, Brenda Jones, Brenda Burnett, Janet Kautz, Amy Bires, and Rebecca Smith. Thanks to all who entered the drawing.

To claim your free book, use the Contact Mary link & let me know which book you want and your mailing information. (If it’s a gift, let me know who to sign the book for.) Congratulations to all and ENJOY!

Listen in and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: Okay, I know what you’re going to say: “Mary, that’s what you get for leaving your Christmas decorations up until May!” Yes, I confess. The evergreen wreath I set on the planter outside the front door last November is still there.

But that’s only because when I went to haul the wreath off to the woods, I noticed a bird’s nest on top of it. The next day when I went to haul it off into the woods, there was a blue egg in the nest. And the next day another egg. And the next day another, and then another–four eggs in all and a mother robin keeping them warm.

Now this nest is right next to our front door, so naturally we can’t use that door, lest we disturb the nervous mother bird.

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: How we humans accommodate this little bird! We go in and out the far less convenient back door. We posted a “Do Not Disturb” sign in the driveway, directing all visitors away from the nest. Inside the house, we walk softly through the front entry, lest a heavy tread startle her.

And several times a day I peek out from the window in the front door and I feel like that mother bird looks right back into my eyes, as if pleading, Please don’t disturb us. I offer her my silent promise. We’ll do our best. I’m a mother, too.

We have a ringside seat to a miracle. We wait with hushed expectancy, wondering things we’ve never wondered before. How long does robin egg incubation take? Why do they only lay one egg a day? And where’s the father bird in all of this?

We feel a sense of responsibility to protect and care for this rare and amazing gift. We feel privileged. We feel blessed.

And yes, that IS what I get for leaving my Christmas decorations up until May. And next year, I might just do it again.

Amazing gifts and wonder-filled opportunities are all around. Open your eyes and your heart. May you be blessed in surprising and delightful ways this week!

P.S. I’ll post pictures of the babies when they hatch!

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MY BEST BIRTHDAY EVER GIVEAWAY CONTINUES: My BEST BIRTHDAY EVER is coming up and as a THANK YOU GIFT TO YOU, I’m giving away SIX books to SIX winners–your choice of When Did I Stop Being Barbie & Become Mrs. Potato Head?; Confessions of a Prayer Wimp; or When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?

To enter the drawing, “CONTACT MARY” with “MY BEST BIRTHDAY” in the subject line, SHARE A STORY of YOUR best birthday and you’ll be eligible. (Was it your 20th, or your 35th, or maybe your 75th?) I’ll post your stories in the comment section of the Today’s Laugh blog.

This giveaway runs from May 12, 2009 to May 23, 2009. ONE ENTRY per verified email address and US mailing addresses only. I’ll draw the SIX winners on my birthday, May 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

Listen and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: We bought a bird feeder that was advertised as “ABSOLUTELY SQUIRREL PROOF”! Metal mesh and double-lidded, it had so many latches I had trouble figuring out how to get the bird seed IN; I was confident no mere squirrel could get it OUT. I hung it from the deck post and left for the afternoon.

Behold! Yes, that is a squirrel TRAPPED INSIDE the squirrel-proof bird feeder! The lid that couldn’t keep him out now wouldn’t let him out! (Hear my evil laugh? Mwah-hah-hah…busted!)

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Oh, the temptations of life. The squirrel saw the feeder and instead of just walking on by, thought he’d indulge. He figured he’d get away with it, but NOOOOO… before he knew it he was trapped.

Isn’t that how it is with temptation? A little of this (no harm done), then a little more of that (we’re not hurting anyone), and then just a little more (we can handle this!). Before we know it we’re overwhelmed–or worse. Addicted. Hooked. Trapped.

We need a rescue.   The squirrel needed help to get free. His need for help was obvious. For us, admitting we need help is hard, but it’s the first step in getting it.

We call out–to a friend, to family, to God–and help arrives.

What’s overwhelming you today? Call–YELL–for help. Rescue is only a holler–or a prayer–away.

MY BEST BIRTHDAY BASH GIVEAWAY: My birthday’s coming up and it’s going to be my BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! As a THANK YOU GIFT TO YOU, I’m giving away SIX books to SIX winners–your choice of When Did I Stop Being Barbie & Become Mrs. Potato Head?; Confessions of a Prayer Wimp; or When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister?

To enter the drawing, “CONTACT MARY” with “MY BEST BIRTHDAY” in the subject line, SHARE A STORY of YOUR best birthday and you’ll be eligible. (Was it your 20th, or your 35th, or maybe your 75th?) I’ll post your stories in the comment section of the Today’s Laugh blog.

This giveaway runs from May 12, 2009 to May 23, 2009. ONE ENTRY per verified email address and US mailing addresses only. I’ll draw the SIX winners on my birthday, May 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. CDT.

Listen and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: One morning last week, DaMama and I sat at my kitchen table having coffee. Well, she sat while I jumped up to brown some hamburger for that night’s dinner. Then I sat long enough to have a sip before jumping up to move the laundry from washer to dryer. I returned for another sip before jumping up to take the dog out.

On my fourth landing, DaMama said, “Hey! Jack-in-the-Box! Can’t you just BE without fussing?”

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: I wanted to sputter excuses (and I know you know what I’m talking about.) Just BE? Well, that’s easy for YOU to say! Somebody has to make dinner. Somebody has to do laundry. Somebody has to take the dog out!

I wanted to say all that–with just the right sarcastic tone–but I didn’t, because she was right.

How often I rush, rush, rush and for no good reason. How hard it is for me to just BE, without all the fretting and fussing. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

“You’re right,” I said. “More coffee?”

“Sure, since you don’t have any moonshine,” she said, deadpan.

God reminded me in that moment that I have many friends who would drop whatever they were doing to just sit and have coffee with their mothers once more. You are blessed, He whispered.

We can all benefit from DaMama’s wisdom this week: Slow down.  Take your time. Stop rushing through your life. Stop your fussing and fretting.

And in honor of Mother’s Day, sit down with your mama–or your memories of her–and for that little while, just be.

Just be.

Happy Mother’s Day! You are blessed!

P.S. I’d love to hear/share your stories about your mother. Log in and use the comment form or use the “CONTACT MARY” link with “MOTHER” in the subject line.

P.P.S.: Last week’s “Balance” free book drawing winner:   Barb Daye. CONGRATULATIONS!

Listen in and laugh along…

TODAY’S LAUGH: DaHusband and I loaded several of our favorite CDs into our multi-CD player, as musical accompaniment for an evening at home with friends. Then I hit “SHUFFLE.”

I was about to press “PLAY” when he stopped me. “Why ’shuffle’? Why not just let the CDs play in order?”

“I always shuffle,” I said. “I love it when ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?‘ pops in after a Sibelius symphony that’s sandwiched between an old hymn and a little Wynton Marsalis. I just like music!”

“Well, I like it too, but doesn’t it make you nuts, jumping around like that?”

“Nope,”  I said, “I guess I just like living on the edge…” (Oh yeah. I’m a maniac.)

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: To shuffle or not to shuffle–that is the question.

I always hit “SHUFFLE.” I like the idea of being surprised, even if it’s just by the next sound track. But the world is full of “non-shufflers” who prefer to know, as much as possible, what’s coming next.

Some of us are linear, rows and numbers kind of people. Some of us are blobs and splashes types. We’re not “right” or “wrong.” We’re just wired differently, so we can help each other.

Like one daughter says, “Mom, it’s like God put you and Dad together to make one ‘normal’ person!”

We do balance each other. When I’m shuffling along, my non-shuffling mate helps me focus on what’s really needed. And when he’s mired in angst over life’s unpredictables, I can encourage him to relax and shuffle along with the flow.

So who are you–a shuffler or a non-shuffler? Who in your life balances you out? And who do you balance?

Bless one another by providing someone–family, friend, coworker–a little balance today, and letting them do the same for you.

Until next time, I’ll be shuffling along…

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THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY: I confessed my shuffling, blobs and splashes approach to life in the chapter called “Getting My Act Together” in Confessions of a Prayer Wimp. (That’s the book with the cool pink fluffy slippers–and no, I don’t own them, OR those gorgeous ankles, unfortunately!)

This week’s winner may choose the “Wimp” or  When Did I Stop Being Barbie & Become Mrs. Potato Head? or When Did My Life Become a Game of Twister? as a gift for yourself or a special woman in your life. (Mother’s Day is May 10th.)

TO ENTER, use the CONTACT MARY link and put BALANCE in the subject line. And if you want to share a little about whether you shuffle or not and who balances you out in life, I’d love to hear about it!

(One entry per verified email address and US shipping addresses only. Winner will be selected at 8:00 PM CDT on Monday, May 4, 2009.)

LAST WEEK’S WINNER: Marlene Adelmeyer. Congratulations, Marlene!