I have to admit that it saddens me that we no longer see one another as fellow Americans, but more often, we are quick to label Dem or Rep, Liberal or Conservative etc. eager to divide! ...  After all, it is much easier than actually trying to understand one another.  Stick a label on it and file it appropriately.  So many are so filled with anger or hate and isolate themselves behind walls of mis-information.  What kind of life choice is this?  If we only have 70 - 80 years to walk this earth, why live them in anger?  Do we recognize that our response IS a choice?  Anger is a choice.  Fear is a choice.  Hatred is a choice.  Understanding is a choice.  Compassion is a choice.  Problem is, understanding is hard work.  It requires communication.  Is it more important to be right, or is it more important to have peace?  You are I are not responsible for the choices of others, but we are responsible for our own choices.

I was browsing the other day, and found the image that is now my header.  It was painted by a man named Frank Von Dongen.

After the horror of September 11, 2001, Dutch immigrant Frank van Dongen decided to put his creative talents to work in an American community unity project in which hundreds got to participate.  He painted a flag scene, on which was written the words: "America will stay strong."  He then made the painting available at numerous community events and schools, allowing people of all ages to sign their names and express a short thought.  The response was overwhelming, with a large portion of the signers'  thoughts mentioning pride in America, and hopes for love and peace; an expression of the community and its desire to react positively in the most negative of situations.  The painting is currently on display at Sierra Madre City Hall.

When a horrendous event occurs, either publicly or privately, we have a choice of not only how to perceive it, but how to respond.  We've had time to process the events of 9/11.  Some have theories of government cover-up.  The Democrats blame the Republicans, and the Reps blame the Dems ... The media sensationalizes whatever it can, most often (because it DOES sell) in a negative voice, feeding the unrest that already exists.  But what is the goal?  the purpose?

I fear I'm becoming redundant as I try to motivate myself and others to make positive life choices.  There is a familiar cliché that goes, "If life brings you lemons, make lemonade."  Bad things happen all the time ... to you, to me, to each of us as individuals, and to every group or nation.  The choice is ours to wallow in the sadness, anger, and blame-game mentality ... OR get past it and live a positive, productive life.

I admire this Mr. Von Dongen.  He used his creative talent for good, to bring a bit of healing to his community.  He didn't require any application, any pedigree, and age restriction, political affiliation. He helped his community process the emotions of that event in a positive way.

~ B