It’s Friday! It’s Random! Here are my 5 random thoughts on this Friday!
1. We’ve had day after day of bright sun + orange-leaves-so-bright-you-could-drink-from-them colors. Everywhere I look is a photo opportunity and a reminder that I’m so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers.
2 doors down & taken on my cell phone. An Emjayandthem(C) Photo.
2. Oldest boy was faced with a dilemma recently: ex-wife landed a new job which entailed two weeks of training in Chicago. He normally has the wee ones 2 week nights + 3 nights every other weekend. She called him in a panic referencing this, that and the next person who could share their care with him. His response couldn’t have made us prouder, “They’ll stay with me. It’ll be fun. They can have 2 full weeks in one place and we’ll make it work.” Well, it is a big deal for a single working Dad who has a physical job with varying hours. But as we saw how delighted they were for all that time – doing homework, picking pumpkins, helping him in the yard, playing with their neighbor friends and leaning into a routine, we knew that even though he’s not yet mastered the pony tail, he has all the important stuff figured out.
3. When I heard the news out of Ottawa … my heart sank. Giving thanks for bravery and selflessness and for a young life so tragically lost.
RIP Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Google images.com
4. Next week I’m attending a conference with my team. A couple of days ago I was asked to address the 400+ attending. I accepted and soon felt a wave of “oh geez what have I gotten myself into.” Thinking back to 4-H public speaking classes and similar but smaller opportunities over the years, my own sayings came to mind: “Go with what you know.” The PowerPoint is ready and my comments prepared ~ and when the time comes for me to stand and deliver – I’ll lean into it, smile and check that off my list!
5. I heard this song the other day and was reminded how great this band was – great melodies, catchy lyrics and beautiful harmonies. I think I’ll play it on the way to the conference – as a reminder that I can do magic, too. 🙂
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
And how was your week?
1) Amazing shot. 2) So inspiring. 3) If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere. Heartbreaking. 4) Be you. Authentic. And you’ll bowl them over. 5) One of my favorites. TGIF. (Look forward to your Friday 5.
Thank you, David. I’m so proud of his efforts with those little ones 🙂 And as for this week ~ all I can do is be me. I’m excited (and a bit nervous) about it 🙂 MJ
My week? Awesome! I’m healthy, weather is wonderful (but cool), friends were around. Doesn’t get any better than that!
Absolutely correct! MJ
I need to spend the fall where you are. We are back into the pattern of rain, rain, more rain and then a non-rainy, but cloudy day or two. Not good for photo ops. Brilliant photo! Your son is most definitely a Dad. Kudos to him! Your conference will go well, and playing Magic while you’re travelling there is perfect. Always loved that group, and that song. Thanks for sharing it so I can enjoy it again.
Come on over 🙂 Our fall has been particularly glorious this year ~ I think it’s all the rain we had earlier this year, the colors are just so vibrant.
Yep – the Kid is a Dad and I couldn’t be happier with him. I’m rehearsing my remarks in my mind and it will probably be the fastest 5 min of my life 🙂
Cheers! MJ
love that song!!
R
me, too! MJ
I too am so grateful for the beauty of this time of year. I find it energizing and mood-boosting!
Good on your son for stepping up to the plate with the kids and embracing a challenging situation. Clearly the experience was good for everyone!
Yes and yes! Good to hear from you, Terrie ~ happy weekending 🙂
MJ
Your son sounds like a wonderful man! The autumn colors are fabulous. And Good luck with the big speech. I have a hunch you will be a hit. 🙂
He is. He’s a big teddy bear. Watching him with his baseball-mitt sized hands and a hairbrush trying to do his daughter’s hair so she looks “nice” = heart melting.
Thanks for your good wishes & Kind words 🙂
MJ
We’re just starting to see a few leaves changing color. I know you’re SO proud of your son and the father he’s become!
So much sadness and tragedy in the world these days…..
You will do fine with your speech: I would be terrified!
I am very proud of him and how far he’s come~ it’s not easy but he’s right in there getting it done.
I know what you mean; I can hardly watch the news anymore .. I vacillate between being an ostrich and a news junkie!
Thanks for your kind words ~ I’m sure I’ll be nervous but I am also very excited about the opportunity. I really feel like this is the right time for it and it’s all positive 🙂
MJ
Go get ’em, MJ!
Thank you much!
MJ