Soul Mates and World Hunger

What is the connection between soul mates and world hunger? Soul mates care about others. They have intentionally increased awareness of their own blessings and the needs of others. They express their gratitude by sharing with others.

When buying groceries loving couples buy extras to give to the nearest food closet. Some put money in collection jars at grocery stores. Some grow food in vegetable gardens to give to groups who see that it is given to the hungry.

The most priceless gift I got last Christmas was this message from my 10 year old granddaughter:
Grandma
I think you are sweet like honey.
Your advice is always great that is why you are a councilor.
You buy food for the food closet.
You barely ever miss one of my soccer games.
You keep your promises.
You give the best kisses.

Merry Christmas

Spring in California

In California in the spring getaways almost anywhere take you through lush green hills and valleys sprinkled with colorful wild flowers. Leaves and buds burst with new life in vineyards and orchards. No wonder driving from Fair Oaks to Gualala on the north coast fills us with the joy of life and romance no matter how many times we go.

This week for the first time we saw a muskrat swim the river to where it meets the ocean and then turn around and go back. We watched an osprey catch a fish and carry it in its talons to its nest. Often when we come, hundreds of pelicans stop at our stretch of beach. This time flocks of pelicans flew low but they didn't stop except to take a short swim in the river. We were disappointed. They are fun to watch.

We talk about our lives and love well into the night not bothering to turn the lights on. Beautiful reds, golds, and blacks across the sky entertain us as the sun sets. After more than 50 years together, it doesn't get better than this.

Are You Listening?

During the past few weeks I have listened to three women who complained to their husbands that they hated to be grabbed by their breasts or their bottoms in a sexual way especially when they were doing something non-sexual like getting something out of the cupboard. In all three cases the guy didn't get it. One said his wife had no sense of humor. Another said, "She just doesn't understand. It's a guy thing." The other one said, "I can't do anything right. She complains that I don't give her attention. Then when I do, she gets mad at how I do it."

Gender differences are huge, but if you listen to your partner you will gradually learn what it is like to be a woman if you are a man or to be a man if you are a woman. That is how you learn to be a lover. Open up to understanding by listening. That is the key.

Unplanned Spring Get-Aways

A week ago at the farmers' market I picked up a brochure advertising nearby foothill wine country. It was one of those rare Saturdays we didn't have anything scheduled. I said to Everett, "Wouldn't it be fun to drive up into the foothills today?" We hadn't been to that area for years. He agreed.

What a delightful day! Lush green grass spread across the hills and valleys inhabited by horses, cows, sheep and even wooly llamas. Ducks and birds found the ponds and streams. Yellow daffodils and poppies and other wildflowers blended with flowering trees to add splashes of color. We bought a pastrami sandwich at a little winery deli and ate our lunch at a picnic table beside a pond.

STOP TO SMELL THE ROSES IS GOOD ADVICE FOR ANY COUPLE ON THEIR WAY TO BECOMING SOUL MATES.

Bachelor's Couple Jason and Molly Want to Learn

One out of 17 Bachelor couples have made it as a couple so far. What are the chances of such a couple learning to become soul mates? Probably very slim. Will Jason and Molly be the exception? At this point, I think they would like to be.

It will depend on how open they both are to learning and to understanding each other. Molly tends to be more disciplined and organized. "She has a hard time trying new things," according to Jason. She did agree to go on the show, which sounds like a pretty far out new thing to me.

Jason and Molly are just beginning to know each other. We will have to wait and see how accepting they can be.