Social Network Adventure

I joined a social network last March, to expand my sphere of influence.  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!  I found the most remarkable group of women who intentional give of their time and resources to serve the community!  I delightedly say I fell under their influence! A quilter's group was on the activities rooster.  Having always desired the skill, I joined. This lovely group of ladies meet once a month to share their latest projects and work on a group quilt to raffle for charity.  They proudly show their finished and "work in progress" items.  Validating, encouraging and celebrating each other flavors this time with loving friendship! This time of teaching, sharing, serving is divine!  I watched, asked questions, helped, submitting to instruction for 6 month.  Finally I felt confident to attempt my own personal "quilt block".  At the September meeting I shared my first project sheepishly.  The positive feedback watered this new spout!  After refreshment time, I headed out the door to find another group of cheerful women celebrating the US Constitution Week, emphasizing the second amendment, our right to bear arms.  As I stood their enjoying the Constitution quizzes they offered, the quilt group co-chair wrapped her arm around me from behind, yet again, touching me with words of encouragement.  She noted my shyness and recited a story from her treasury of experience.

"Years ago, as a beginner, I took a class from a famous published quilter.  She check our work individually after our session, praising us all.  When she praised my work, I began to show her my mistakes.  She snatched my quilt block and took five steps away.  She asked me, 'Where were those mistakes?'  When I began walking up to point them out, she halted me with outstretched hand.  'From there, where are the mistakes?'  I couldn't see them!  She exhorted me, 'Anytime somebody starts putting their nose on your work, to point out those little angles that are off, just a bit, you tell them to BACK OFF!  JUST BACK OFF!"

I reflected on her story and the coincidence of the "right to bear arms" women with their message.  When trials of life, insecurities, or fears come, to rob us in "the pursuit of happiness" we have a right to bear up saying, "No, not today, not now! I won't except those negative feelings!  I won't give up my hope!"  As I look at the example, of these great women of Redding, CA, who purpose to continuing giving their entire life, I realize it is more than a right.  It is a responsibility.

Hello World!

Today I begin my journey to become an author!  Even as I type this silly sentence, I realize I have been writing a story my whole life, though more of an oral tradition, etched on the memories of my family.  Insignificance shouting at me to stop, I will rebuff!  Onward in hope, to fulfill a dream, I will determinedly press! 

In September 1976, I enrolled two weeks late for my senior year in the 13th school of my educational experience.  All class appropriate electives were filled, leaving me to Homemaking I and Drama I.  Walking into the drama room 10 minutes late, I had a "devil-may-care" attitude.  I had nothing to loose.  Never staying in one place long enough to develop lasting relationships or continuum in academia, there was no expectations or reputation to fret over.  This was my last gig.  I determined  to throw myself into the moment!  The assignment was 2 minute skits.  I pulled reckless courage out and took the class on a ride!  I owned their attention, for this unpredictable stranger was taking them to a place they were eager to go.  They didn't know me as the insecure fearful newbie.  I had left her at the door!  This was the new Lucinda, who was going to take a risk!  One moment, one choice, lead me to a new place!

On that unparticular fall morning, another person made a life changing decision.   As she watched the mirror of herself on stage, discerning the gold within, the first year speech and drama teacher purposed to mentor a transfer student. Her example became a benchmark in my life.  Ripples of her choice are touching you now. 

 Some lessons become corner posts used to survey your personal development.  As speech coach, she exhorted her team members, "Always position yourselves in a place to grow!  Never become satisfied with your accomplishments!  When you have grown as far as you can, perfecting your performance to flawlessness, seek for the next level of growth.  Look for the next challenge!  Never work just for money.  Live to grow!"

Opening this blogger site, is much like that first day in Drama I class my senior year.  It is a new place: no one has seen me before on this stage!  And I have plenty of room to grow!  It is the next challenge.  I hope you enjoy the journey with me!  

Lightning Lucy