A Commentary

None of my kids read any of my blogs so it is pretty near 100% guaranteed that it is true.  However, my one daughter told me that at least one of her friends reads this blog Out of the 6 or 7 blogs that I curate and/or I write about varying topics that interest me or developed or furthering knowledge on something that grabs me. Having grown up conversations with a daughter is a new and wonderful experience.  How far we've both grown from a nervous wreck of a mother, tasked with an ailing son who needed additional care and attention while she was a bright shining star, oozing with talent from every pore.   A mother's gift is sometimes recognizing the gift in her children.  Why else would Elvis Presley's mom have been the subject of his first recording?  A miracle talent nurtured and encouraged by a mother's love.  There are far too few examples shared in the world these days.   SIDEBAR:  (I haven't done one of these for quite some time, ahem) ...

Good heavens.   Is the cookie crumbling? I don't know which is worse: Harvey Weinstein Charlie Sheen Donald Trump's disrespect for the office of the President What would you choose? They're all horrible [ ref tweet as  @optioneerJM  ]. Here starts the debate that will fuel a media frenzy churning around like the fiercest tornado or hurricane:  this one being online in social media. Pull up your socks, flex your fingers, because there is no way there is any winner among the candidates. My disclaimer:  I am a 56 year old gregarious mother of 4 children, 3 girls and a boy, ages 23 to 28.  When I add in my son-in-law, we have 3 boys a male dog = 4 compared to 4 gals.  We have to all agree on topics and set boundaries because as they grow older, they are more aware of what is going on around their world, not just in their immediate sphere. My additional disclaimer:  I am Canadian.  3rd generation from both sides with both sets o

Welcome Spring and month of my birth I appreciate every person who has taken the time to read a blog of mine, what an investment that is at times. The real reason for MEANDERINGSabout was because as I started to write and get some traction and smittering of loyal readers, it was like the uncorking of a bottle of champagne!  I wanted to write about positive things, circled around me, me, ME .... why not?  As our good Mexican friend, Oscar would always say during our visit to The Hilton in three years ago.  The main server at the Lobby bar.  One of the best Lobby Bars I've experienced from across fantasy, all inclusive, 5-star resorts.  It wasn't a Piano Bar, it was a social nucleus of the resort.  Open, spacious, tastefully decorated in the 60s/70s vibe.  Subtle creams, white, with bursts of burnt umber (hey, I remembered that from my oil painting days -- yes, I took lessons off and on over the background years. )  Oscar had a whimsical personality with a genuine heart and

Too few role models:   SOURCE A question was posted on QUORA and I felt compelled to respond: Why don't transgender people use the restrooms corresponding to their genitals to try and end the needless transgender bathroom controversy? It is none of our business. This reminds me of things we have to struggle with growing up::…. what IS our identity? What IS our moral standard? Should others have THE right to determine what is best for US? Almost ALL of us in the age of inBETWEENers (born 1960 to 1965, neither Baby Boomers, Generation X, nor Millennials) must REMEMBER what the biggest questions of our day were? If others forgot, I can share with you: Do you or don’t you circumcise your newborn son? SOURCE :  "Boys" by William E. Rochfort  Remember that?   I do. Is it necessary or more to do with mental well being our our son: likeness to daddy. It was something I read avidly read about because sometimes reading becomes “PEACE of MIND”. In this instance,

This blog was originally written earlier today (Saturday, March 4, 2017) on my optioneerJM blog on Word Press ~ where I find an atmosphere of support and celebration of original writing among those who write themselves.  It is the highest compliment any fledgling writer can have. Like most of us at the tail end of Baby Boomers while being drowned out by Millennials, we're trying to get ahead.  Achieve success, notoriety or acclaim.  Subsidize our career choices with our inner voices.  To help others, to help ourselves.  To exhaust our demons by writing and exhuming scars that life has left on our brains. Confidence or competence A struggling battle between what we want to express and be appreciated for our words.  So many of us write to right the struggles we have fought, the wars we have lost, the lessons we have learned. Gratitude: pitiful compensation We appreciate the acknowledgement by others who are in chained to the common goal:  of being paid for our words.  W

Mindfulness mindset The following post was originally shared on   JMgallery  where I curate art, photography, images that speak to me.  Today, these depictions focus on mindfulness which is an art within itself.  The above captures my positive mindset and peaceful focus to allow me to become present in the NOW.  To be appreciative of the WOW!  Yes the quote and the image harmoniously flowed together to create a positive vibe sent out to the universe.  I can't do anything constructive about my woes at the moment so you allow it to drift away.  Efficiently filed to be handled effectively, like you usually do.   The art of mindfulness Practicing the art of mindfulness is a lot harder than it sounds.  In principle, you are meant to focus on this minute, this second.  Building awareness of all things, people, events happening around you in the moment for the moment.  Discipline and meditation are definitely helpful to reach this art of being at peace with oneself in the