Can’t Stop the Feeling

This is exciting. What a night to be alive. That comment came from a young relative celebrating the Survivor season premiere and the Big Brother finale airing on the same evening. Although I enjoy the shows, I can think of at least several more exciting scenarios. I’m sure you can, too. Maybe they include one of these suggestions: 

                                     https://youtu.be/QIfvyXczhWo

 A castle, a digger, a dragon… The wish lists go on and on. Christmas is still a couple of months away, so I hesitate to mention it so early, but there’s no time like the present to begin thinking about how to make the season extra special. Your giving doesn’t have to be limited to friends and family, offering charitable assistance to any one of the many organizations that do good work will cause you to celebrate simply because you’re healthy and alive. What type of charitable organization would you consider supporting?   

After the Plunge

Believe it or not, we’re winding down on the remaining weeks of winter, and in these parts, it hasn’t been that cold. Oh sure, the polar vortex visited, but only for a day or two. In fact, the last time it blew through those of us who like to take a dip in the ocean on a cold winter day did so. And, that amazes me because I get chilled during a summer breeze, so I can’t imagine doing the Polar Bear Plunge. Although this winter dip usually raises money for charity, it sounds like torture to me. Last week when they took the Plunge, I heard the barely bearable cold required that extra emergency staff be on hand. That’s one way to experience total body frostbite. Weird things happen in the cold. Like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/wsDvFMVU0hc

Unexpected storms stop people in their tracks. We had a moderate squall blow through last week, and I ended up cancelling my travel plans. It’s one thing to prepare when you know a storm is coming, but it’s another thing to get caught right in the middle of one without forewarning or protection. The storms of life come in all shapes and sizes, with some lasting longer than others, but eventually, we get through them. What kind of “spring” (benefit) have you experienced on the other side of your biggest storm?      

The Hottest Cause

Sooo, did you enjoy our one day introduction to summer? A single, ninety-degree afternoon sent us all rummaging for the shorts, sandals and sunscreen. I’m hoping this doesn’t mean we’re headed for extraordinarily high summer temperatures because Monday was more than enough for me. Yep, one hot day and I’m already complaining. Speaking of which—where’s our month full of rain? Someone said April showers bring May flowers, but it’s mid-April and we’re looking at a dry and thirsty land. Too much sun can throw the environment off-kilter.  Check out the happenings in Death Valley:    

Given the frequent one–hundred degree temperatures and all of the problems that could arise in a parched place like Death Valley, who would have put pup fish on the list? It’s amazing how the plight and possible extinction of this single, little fish in a deserted area caused researchers to run to the rescue.

We’re up to our necks in crises and new ones pop up every time we check the web. We all have social, political, environmental or personal concerns, but once we begin championing a cause, we grab our banners and run to different corners to fight the battle. Sometimes, after we’re tucked away in our corners, we begin to believe that our cause reigns supreme. What’s your criteria for prioritizing the causes you champion?