Memorial Day - Did you remember?

The flag is flown at half-mast position until 12 p.m. to commemorate all Americans who have died in the service of the country. Then it is flown at full mast.



On Memorial Day, we remember the lives of those Americans lost in war. The numbers for combat and other victims are staggering. These figures do not include casualties in those other countries or the families and friends impacted by the loss. Total American deaths by war, according to Wikipedia, is as follows: Civil War (625,000), WWII (405,339), WWI (116,516), Vietnam (58,151), Korea (36,516). . . and the War on Terror (6,280).





I’ll leave you with quoted material from two media sources, which echo my feelings:

Herald News: Memorial Day has real meaning
Monday, May 27, 2013
Herald News
People may have different opinions on the wars America has participated in. And that's fine. . . . .
But the ultimate sacrifice some of these men and women make in pursuit of a stronger nation and safer world deserves our respect and attention. Those who have personally lost someone to battle may feel this weight throughout the year. But for many, today may be one of the only times when attention is truly given.

Washington Post
The Post’s View -
The debt we owe our servicemen and women
By the Editorial Board, May 26, 2013

It does seem to us that Memorial Day has meant more to much of the country in recent years, and there is a widespread respect for the men and women in uniform and an appreciation of what they have done for their country. There is, too, a greater awareness of the trauma and lasting damage inflicted on many of those who survived the worst shocks of war. But we have not yet come to a full understanding of the debt owed those who have died and suffered for this country.


MY NOTE - A parting thought . . . Rocky Mountain News reporter Jim Sheeler and photographer Todd Heisler covered several families who lost sons in Iraq in “The Final Salute,” a 12-part series, published in the Rocky Mountain News, Nov. 9, 2005. The series was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in feature writing in 2006.

Cycling & Healthy Lifestyles in Melbourne, Fla.

Years ago, when my kids attended elementary school in Melbourne Beach, most of their friends rode bikes to school along a combination of side streets and bike paths. The kids liked their independence and more importantly, they incorporated a healthy lifestyle in their day.




Joggers and a cyclist make their way toward Melbourne.

Located on the Indian River Lagoon and just inland from the barrier islands, Melbourne provides numerous opportunities to cycle. However, challenges still need to be met—connector trails for the popular bike routes (e.g., over the causeway bridges or off-road trails), bike racks and public information. Furthermore, a cycling /pedestrian-friendly approach needs to be adopted by businesses and urban planners . Banks rarely provide bike racks and discourage cyclists from using the drive through. Cars pulling in and out of numerous strip malls and the lack of center medians put us all on a collision course.




From the Melbourne causeway bridge, cyclists and pedestrians have a view of the Indian River Lagoon with the ocean in the background.

With increasing interest in exercise and cycling, transportation planning groups are now completing an inventory of paths and trails. At the same time, a larger project is underway to link trails between St. Pete and Titusville, which will promote public interest in cycling and healthy lifestyles.



Nice, France, bike rental is located on the boardwalk overlooking the Mediterranean.

Let’s hope Melbourne gets on the map as a bike-friendly city with the added benefits of getting population into shape and appreciating the environment. Healthy lifestyles that start in elementary school could be incorporated as part of the adult commute.

Mother’s Day—a Special Time but the Perfect Gift Remains Elusive

I’ve scanned racks and racks of cards, looking for a message that feels just right for my mom.



I’ve read numerous articles on unique gifts like a Daum vase (too expensive) or hand-made crafts (not Mom’s style).



Given that Mother’s Day (second after Valentine’s) is the time to give cut flowers, I pondered that option too. But we are not in the South of France where cut flowers are not only beautiful but affordable, and my mom would rather have something more lasting she can plant.




I’m sure I’m not alone in looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

My mom would say the best gift is family, which includes pets. But this year, with our family so scattered (Turkey , the South of France and the East Coast), it’ll be just the two of us.

In the past years, Mom would want to fix the Mother’s Day meal herself (after all, it’s the time together, she would say). But this time, she has agreed. The two of us will head for a restaurant in the historic downtown.





And the perfect gift? The time spent together along with some photos (of the pets), rose petal jelly and a fire orchid she can plant.

What are you doing for Mother's Day?

Midlife Career Change – Musings on a Post by a Career Coach

Midlife Career Change. . . .

Not a crisis but a change or transition, prompted by numerous factors – getting older but also more discerning; facing changes in relationships (addition or loss of family and friends); discovering the need for truly meaningful work (social responsibility); allowing for our outside passion to grow; recognizing that attitude has come with age and experience.



Career transition is just part of growth. At 50+, we Baby Boomers have accumulated years of experience and a portfolio of accomplishments. Now, we look to a transition to meaningful work.

My own career path was never about earning power, but instead I followed a trail—what interested me.

For that reason, I went from freelance journalism (not always easy or obvious because I worked abroad and in the States, where I took on numerous assignments, including articles, technical reports, exhibition catalogs and newsletters, not to mention translations).
Then, because of the uncertainty of a pay check and the need for something more fulfilling, as a single parent with two small kids, I went back to the university to work on my Ph.D and then entered a new world-- teaching, research and service. A graduate teaching assistantship, encouraging professors as well as a supportive family made this possible.

In an insightful post, career coach Kathy Caprino provides reasons as to why midlife is a period of transition. I’ve adapted her points below:

- It is a time of “re-evaluation.” The accumulation of experiences (good and bad) has allowed for reflection and self discovery.

- Kids now have their careers, friends and families. No more need to think about school zones, schedules. . . .

- Social and family networks change through loss or addition.

- We have a new understanding of success.

- We have an attitude (thanks to my friend, SL, for pointing out this quality).

- We have credentials, and in the words of the career coach, “We have earned it.”

Change is scary, but even more frightening is to avoid taking the step.

As Caprino concludes, “Midlife can pave the way to an exciting reclamation of your passion, power and purpose in life and work.”

Here we go!

Share your experiences!