Marsha Roberts's Blog: Anything That Suits My Fancy Blog!, page 4
November 12, 2012
The Miracle of American Troops - A Veterans' Day Salute
Today's blog is dedicated to all who serve and who have served - here and abroad. I know I said that this blog is based on three premises: angels are real, you can live as if everything is a miracle and there is a good reason that "dog" is God spelled backwards. But, stick with me on this story, a true one at that, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
My story takes place in Germany in 1997. We were half way through our American military base tour in Europe that year, traveling on a bus, pulling our gear behind us in a trailer and setting up where ever they had the space to accommodate us. We arrived in Ansbach to find that the only place we could set up was a gym, complete with windows lining the top of the walls, next to the ceiling. Not the ideal place, but that's all they had, so that's what where we set up our show.
By this point we had been touring for several years and we were able to adapt to just about any situation. What we never got accustomed to was how deeply "Letters From The Front" affected our audiences. Every night, from the moment, our leading lady, Della Cole, stepped on stage as the character Katharine Hartgrove, until she and her co-star took their curtain-calls, our military audiences were captivated by the show. After all, it was their story we were telling. Katharine waiting at home for word of her son, Mark, who was fighting in Desert Storm, was something they all could personally relate to. It was even more intense for our overseas audiences who were either just returning from or preparing for deployment. Or they were a family member waiting -- waiting for a loved one to be deployed or to return.
In 1997 two of the world’s hot spots were Kosovo and Bosnia. Both places were rough assignments for our troops. We knew that Ansbach was a jumping off point for deployment to these areas, but that’s about all we knew. The show at the Katterbach Gym started promptly at 7:00 pm on October 29th. The sun was well above the horizon, which meant light was streaming in from the windows at top of the gym. There was nothing we could do about it, so we tried not to pay any attention to it. The creaking of the bleachers was very distracting, but the audience didn’t seem to mind. I could see people leaning forward to hear every word of the show.
In Act III, Katharine discovers that her son is missing in action. It happens suddenly, in the middle of a humorous scene and the audience doesn’t expect it. It’s quite jolting. Then, after a sleepless night, Katharine tries to cope with the knowledge that her son’s life is truly in imminent danger. She does what countless military moms have done throughout history, she drops to her knees and prays for the life of her son.
As the prayer scene began that night we could all hear a distant droning sound. At first we thought Della’s wireless mike was picking up something, which happened occasionally since there is no shortage of RF on military bases. But no, this was real and it got louder quickly.
On stage Katharine lifts her face toward heaven and prays, “I’ve been told that light, the true light, the light that illuminates our hearts and minds comes from you. How I need that light now!”
As if on cue, lights descended from the night sky, flashing through the windows at the top of the gym. On stage Katharine continued praying from the depths of her soul, kneeling as if at an altar, “Won’t you please let my son live? He’s a flower that’s just come into bloom...”
The loud rumbling sound from outside intensified and became a distinctive thump-thump-thump. The lights from above grew brighter and flashed across Katharine’s face as she looked upward, raising her voice in prayer. “He’s a lily of the field. Let him grow. Please God, just let him grow.”
By now, everyone in the gym knew what was happening. Helicopters were landing outside, bringing soldiers back from Kosovo and Bosnia. Loved ones were returning home safely from a war zone. In the play, after Katharine finishes her prayer, her son Mark calls -- he’s safe too -- safe like the real men and women who just arrived outside of our make-shift theatre.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, including ours. We didn’t know if life was imitating art or art was imitating life, we all felt so connected, so joyful.
As soon as the show was over we all went running to the back of the gym to watch our soldiers disembark from the helicopters. Noses of loved ones were pressed against windows trying to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. The soldiers would have to be officially checked-in before they could throw their arms around those they loved.
Load-out is never quiet. It was quiet that night. Each of us were lost in our own thoughts about what we had witnessed and been privileged to be a part of. The air we were moving through, the entire place we were working in felt sacred.
We moved on from Ansbach the following day, on to more bases, to perform more shows and have more adventures. There were better, slicker performances of "Letters From The Front" to come and we visited places that were much more spectacular than Ansbach. But, none were more memorable or touched us so deeply than the night Katharine prayed for the life of her son as helicopters landed right outside the theatre, the gym.
Angels come in many forms. Perhaps that night the angels were helicopter pilots. What about miracles? I can tell you, the air was filled with miracles that night. It was palpable.
And there is a good reason that "dog" is God spelled backwards. Because if you can't find a dog in a story, it doesn't matter, because you can always find God in one.
If you've visited my blog before, you know that I have invited each of you to join me in smiling our way back to better times. Today's blog, was by nature, a serious subject. Don't forget to tell the veterans in your life how much you appreciate their service to our country. And, the next time you see someone in uniform, put your hand out and say "Thank you for serving your country. We appreciate you." You won't believe how much it will mean to them. Trust me on this one - that's when you'll get your smile!
Marsha
Marsha Roberts
Author of "Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer"
http://www.mutinousbabyboomer.com/
Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer
November 8, 2012
Angels, Miracles & Dogs – Sending Angels to NJ, NY, CT & Beyond!
Today is 11-8-12 and I have an angel idea. Like millions of Americans, I started my day by watching the footage unfold in the aftermath of Sandy (and now the Nor’easter) on the New Jersey coast and in places in New York like Queens and Staten Island and even up through Connecticut and beyond. For those of us who have done a good deal of traveling, we know those places, those people, and it’s heart wrenching to see what they’re going through.
You might be wondering what you can do to help. If you are blessed with a regular paycheck, you can certainly donate to the organizations that are doing good work on the ground there. If you are located in the area and have not been affected by the storm, you can volunteer your time and physically help, as we’ve seen so many wonderful people do. But, for the millions of us who aren’t located anywhere near the disaster area and don’t have the luxury of extra cash right now, there’s no reason for us to feel helpless. There is something we can do that I’m doing right now. We can send angels to help. And I mean that sincerely.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept of actual angels, let me back up a bit. I became aware of the existence of angels when I was young and a nurse in the ICU. But I never had a clear vision of my angels until years later when I started traveling on a regular basis as a business woman.
When I would board a plane I realized that angels were all around the airport. I’m not kidding, I’m speaking literally: angels were there and always went with me on my travels. Ask anyone who has ever boarded a plane with me and they’ll tell you.
Once I get seated on a plane, my angels start preparing for takeoff. These gals all have leather fighter pilot jackets on because they are ace fliers. Some of them have close fitting leather helmets with their hair tucked neatly inside. Others like to have their hair blowing in the wind. They all have goggles and they all have large, magnificent wings.
Every angel has her specialty. There’s one angel who’s an engineer and she is zipping through the interior of each engine and all other complex parts of the airplane, making sure everything is all right. If our takeoff is delayed because of mechanical problems, I know my angel pointed out the trouble to the ground crew.
Another angel is in the cockpit with the pilots. She’s looking over the control panel, analyzing all of the flight data and coordinating her findings with the engineer angel. If she finds a problem, she whispers in the ear of one of the pilots so he can make sure it is taken care of before we leave.
The rest of them position themselves under each wing of the plane, several per wing, one beneath the tail and one under the nose. As the engines rev up, they stop chatting and get serious, put their goggles in place and extend their wings. When the plane begins moving, the angels walk underneath and get ready for takeoff. The plane picks up speed and they run faster and faster until — lift off! The angels have us safely in the air and all is well.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been flying and there has been turbulence or some other concern. During these situations I’ve told other passengers about my angels and it never fails to give people comfort. No one ever tells me they don’t believe me. I guess it’s kind of like believing in Santa Claus when you’re a kid, just in case it’s true, they want to make sure they have all their bases covered.
When you think of how many people there are on this planet, think of how many angels there must be available to watch over us, help us. Countless! So I’m imagining battalions of angels floating through the sky like paratroopers, surveying what’s below and seeing where the greatest need is. Yep, mine have on flight jackets and goggles, and when they land we see that their parachutes were actually their wings folded beautifully over their heads. They go to every single person, home, place that needs their help. They guide rescuers to those who are the most needy and they comfort those who are afraid. They protect and encourage and, ultimately, assist in all manner of miracles happening.
Some of you will find what I’m talking about very easy to imagine. Others will think this is fiction. Regardless, most of you know how powerful our thoughts can be (by the way, the book “The Power of Positive Thinking” first published in 1952, is still being re-printed and is still valid!). Think of how different the outcome has been in situations in your life when you thought positively instead of negatively. If you can imagine angels by the millions arriving to assist those in northeast who are in dire need – great! If not, send your powerful, loving and positive thoughts. Call it prayer if you like. Just know that we are not helpless, we are all connected and we can make a difference, even from a distance.
Remember, this blog is based on three premises:
- Angels are real.
- You can live as if everything is a miracle.
- And there is a good reason that “dog” is God spelled backwards.
So, today I’ve given you angels and miracles, but what about the dogs? May angels help all of the beloved pets (yes, even cats!) to find their owners, to find homes and shelter. And, when they are reunited, we know what miraculous comfort those sweet creatures will be to the people who love them.
I just stopped for a minute and told my dog Smokey McDoggerson what a great dog he is and how much I appreciate his sweet spirit in my life.
I hope my version of angels made you smile and imagine what your angels might look like! Find reasons to feel blessed this day and send those grand feelings to those who need our best and most positive thoughts, efforts and prayers.
Marsha
Marsha Roberts
Author of “Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer”
http://www.mutinousbabyboomer.com/
Sending Angels to NJ, NY, CT and beyond!
You might be wondering what you can do to help. If you are blessed with a regular paycheck, you can certainly donate to the organizations that are doing good work on the ground there. If you are located in the area and have not been affected by the storm, you can volunteer your time and physically help, as we've seen so many wonderful people do. But, for the millions of us who aren't located anywhere near the disaster area and don't have the luxury of extra cash right now, there's no reason for us to feel helpless. There is something we can do that I'm doing right now. We can send angels to help. And I mean that sincerely.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the concept of actual angels, let me back up a bit. I became aware of the existence of angels when I was young and a nurse in the ICU. But I never had a clear vision of my angels until years later when I started traveling on a regular basis as a business woman.
When I would board a plane I realized that angels were all around the airport. I’m not kidding, I'm speaking literally: angels were there and always went with me on my travels. Ask anyone who has ever boarded a plane with me and they’ll tell you.
Once I get seated on a plane, my angels start preparing for takeoff. These gals all have leather fighter pilot jackets on because they are ace fliers. Some of them have close fitting leather helmets with their hair tucked neatly inside. Others like to have their hair blowing in the wind. They all have goggles and they all have large, magnificent wings.
Every angel has her specialty. There’s one angel who’s an engineer and she is zipping through the interior of each engine and all other complex parts of the airplane, making sure everything is all right. If our takeoff is delayed because of mechanical problems, I know my angel pointed out the trouble to the ground crew.
Another angel is in the cockpit with the pilots. She’s looking over the control panel, analyzing all of the flight data and coordinating her findings with the engineer angel. If she finds a problem, she whispers in the ear of one of the pilots so he can make sure it is taken care of before we leave.
The rest of them position themselves under each wing of the plane, several per wing, one beneath the tail and one under the nose. As the engines rev up, they stop chatting and get serious, put their goggles in place and extend their wings. When the plane begins moving, the angels walk underneath and get ready for takeoff. The plane picks up speed and they run faster and faster until -- lift off! The angels have us safely in the air and all is well.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been flying and there has been turbulence or some other concern. During these situations I’ve told other passengers about my angels and it never fails to give people comfort. No one ever tells me they don’t believe me. I guess it’s kind of like believing in Santa Claus when you're a kid, just in case it’s true, they want to make sure they have all their bases covered.
When you think of how many people there are on this planet, think of how many angels there must be available to watch over us, help us. Countless! So I'm imagining battalions of angels floating through the sky like paratroopers, surveying what's below and seeing where the greatest need is. Yep, mine have on flight jackets and goggles, and when they land we see that their parachutes were actually their wings folded beautifully over their heads. They go to every single person, home, place that needs their help. They guide rescuers to those who are the most needy and they comfort those who are afraid. They protect and encourage and, ultimately, assist in all manner of miracles happening.
Some of you will find what I'm talking about very easy to imagine. Others will think this is fiction. Regardless, most of you know how powerful our thoughts can be (by the way, the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" first published in 1952, is still being re-printed and is still valid!). Think of how different the outcome has been in situations in your life when you thought positively instead of negatively. If you can imagine angels by the millions arriving to assist those in northeast who are in dire need - great! If not, send your powerful, loving and positive thoughts. Call it prayer if you like. Just know that we are not helpless, we are all connected and we can make a difference, even from a distance.
Remember, this blog is based on three premises:
- Angels are real.
- You can live as if everything is a miracle.
- And there is a good reason that "dog" is God spelled backwards.
So, today I've given you angels and miracles, but what about the dogs? May angels help all of the beloved pets (yes, even cats!) to find their owners, to find homes and shelter. And, when they are reunited, we know what miraculous comfort those sweet creatures will be to the people who love them.
I just stopped for a minute and told my dog Smokey McDoggerson what a great dog he is and how much I appreciate his sweet spirit in my life.
I hope my version of angels made you smile and imagine what your angels might look like! Find reasons to feel blessed this day and send those grand feelings to those who need our best and most positive thoughts, efforts and prayers.
Marsha
Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer
October 31, 2012
Angels, Miracles and Dogs – Getting started on Halloween…
Today is 10-31-12 which, besides being Halloween, is Dale Evans’ 100th birthday. And since I was a Baby Boomer Cowgirl, complete with a Dale Evans skirt and hat, it seems fitting that I begin this blog by honoring Dale. Thank God I was a kid when the likes of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were on TV. Plus, Dale’s first book in 1953 was entitled “Angel Unaware” which touched the lives of millions of people. Need I say more.
If you don’t know who Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are, you might not like this blog, because I’m a Boomer through and through. I like to think of myself as a Mutinous Baby Boomer. So, perhaps, even if you aren’t a Boomer, but are feeling a little mutinous, you might enjoy joining me on this blog from time to time.
This blog is based on three premises:
- Angels are real.
- You can live as if everything is a miracle.
- And there is a good reason that “dog” is God spelled backwards.
Why? Because I’m tired of zombies, dark themes and everybody talking about how tough times are. Yeah, times are tough, but the more we talk about it, the tougher it all seems. I for one am tuning out all of the negativity and am focusing on the happy. Hence angels, miracles and dogs! It’s that simple!
Now you might think that with this premise I’m going to be writing about religion in some form or another. Nope. This is not about religion, it’s about life. Living every day as if it were the greatest gift you could possibly receive and getting a kick out of the fact that we are spiritual beings at the same time that we are human beings. We don’t have to pretend to be mystical and invent romantic vampires, we actually are mystical and magical!
Instead of thinking about the possibility of some kind of zombie apocalypse, why don’t we imagine an Angelic Revolution or a Bombardment of Miracles? And how do dogs fit in? Well, I’ve sure had encounters with dogs that seemed like they were angels in disguise – haven’t you?
Case in point. I saw a great story the other day on YouTube about this dachshund who adopted an abandoned baby kitten. We’ve all seen these types of stories before, always very heartwarming, but this one had a different twist to it. A family found this tiny speck of a kitten in a shoe box at a recycling center. You might say that this was sheer coincidence, but in my world, an angel had protected that little fellow in the box and pointed it out to the family so this miracle could happen and remind us how special life can be.
When they brought this half-dead, teeny kitten home, their three year old dachshund immediately took him in. This sweet dachshund had never had puppies before, but when she started taking care of this sick little kitten, she spontaneously began to make milk to feed him! Think about that for a second. Never had puppies, her body had never gone through the process of producing milk, but her deep desire to help this kitten caused a miracle to happen in her body – that’s what it was, a miracle of love.
And there you have it, angels and a miracle and a dog, all in one story!
By the way, as you may know, I took my miracle line from Albert Einstein. I mean, if you’re going to take a line from someone, he might as well be brilliant! What Einstein actually said was, “There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” Obviously I’ve chosen the latter.
I’ll be writing several times a week. Please feel free to share your own stories about angels, miracles and dogs. We’ll mutiny against all of the negativity together and smile our way to better times ahead.
Oh, and by the way, Dale Evans had a great dog: Bullet The Wonder Dog! He was actually her and Roy’s pet and he starred in their TV show with them. He always seemed to know who the villains were, tackled them when he needed to and could even untie Roy and Dale when the bad guys got the best of them. What a dog!
Marsha Roberts
Author of “Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer”
http://www.mutinousbabyboomer.com/
Getting started on Halloween…
If you don't know who Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are, you might not like this blog, because I'm a Boomer through and through. I like to think of myself as a Mutinous Baby Boomer. So, perhaps, even if you aren't a Boomer, but are feeling a little mutinous, you might enjoy joining me on this blog from time to time.
This blog is based on three premises:
- Angels are real.
- You can live as if everything is a miracle.
- And there is a good reason that "dog" is God spelled backwards.
Why? Because I'm tired of zombies, dark themes and everybody talking about how tough times are. Yeah, times are tough, but the more we talk about it, the tougher it all seems. I for one am tuning out all of the negativity and am focusing on the happy. Hence angels, miracles and dogs! It's that simple!
Now you might think that with this premise I'm going to be writing about religion in some form or another. Nope. This is not about religion, it's about life. Living every day as if it were the greatest gift you could possibly receive and getting a kick out of the fact that we are spiritual beings at the same time that we are human beings. We don't have to pretend to be mystical and invent romantic vampires, we actually are mystical and magical!
Instead of thinking about the possibility of some kind of zombie apocalypse, why don't we imagine an Angelic Revolution or a Bombardment of Miracles? And how do dogs fit in? Well, I've sure had encounters with dogs that seemed like they were angels in disguise - haven't you?
Case in point. I saw a great story the other day on YouTube about this dachshund who adopted an abandoned baby kitten. We've all seen these types of stories before, always very heartwarming, but this one had a different twist to it. A family found this tiny speck of a kitten in a shoe box at a recycling center. You might say that this was sheer coincidence, but in my world, an angel had protected that little fellow in the box and pointed it out to the family so this miracle could happen and remind us how special life can be.
When they brought this half-dead, teeny kitten home, their three year old dachshund immediately took him in. This sweet dachshund had never had puppies before, but when she started taking care of this sick little kitten, she spontaneously began to make milk to feed him! Think about that for a second. Never had puppies, her body had never gone through the process of producing milk, but her deep desire to help this kitten caused a miracle to happen in her body - that's what it was, a miracle of love.
And there you have it, angels and a miracle and a dog, all in one story!
By the way, as you may know, I took my miracle line from Albert Einstein. I mean, if you're going to take a line from someone, he might as well be brilliant! What Einstein actually said was, "There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." Obviously I've chosen the latter.
I'll be writing several times a week. Please feel free to share your own stories about angels, miracles and dogs. We'll mutiny against all of the negativity together and smile our way to better times ahead.
Oh, and by the way, Dale Evans had a great dog: Bullet The Wonder Dog! He was actually her and Roy's pet and he starred in their TV show with them. He always seemed to know who the villains were, tackled them when he needed to and could even untie Roy and Dale when the bad guys got the best of them. What a dog!
Be blessed!
Marsha
Confessions of an Instinctively Mutinous Baby Boomer
