“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s Business.” Michael J. Fox
When researching for possible quotes for this month’s message, I was drawn to Michael J. Fox because I read that he had a new book hitting the shelves and because of what he has physically and emotionally gone through since his Parkinson’s diagnosis. So many of his quotes or things he has written speak to being positive or thankful even when going through pretty tough stuff, and his comments about family being “everything” just can’t be repeated enough times. It was the quote above, however, that caught my attention. If you’ve been around me, you may have heard me say that if you’re looking for perfection, I’m not it. However, there is a part of me that is or wants to be a perfectionist; there is a part of me that feels sad when things don’t go perfectly. Remembering that true perfection is not found on this earth, reaching to excel is something I/we can do every day. The formulas that we use to strive for excellence in whatever we do may be different, but the positivity and effort that we put into working towards excellence will be worth the effort. Now, I just need to remember this when the microphone at Bluegrass doesn’t work! Lol!
Veterans Day is this month – a day to honor and celebrate those men and women who have served in our Armed Forces to protect our liberties and safeguard our shores. I’d also like to give a shout out for those civilians whose work has directly supported our military in times of war and peace; they don’t always get acknowledged, but they perform invaluable services.
Our speaker at the October luncheon, James Story, told a beautiful story about his COVID battle and how his background, upbringing, faith and love of music gave him the strength to fight this disease. He has touched so many students during his career in music education; he touched all of us and we were lucky to have him as our guest!
The colors of the trees this year have been amazing! Maybe there will be a bit of color left when the end of the month rolls around. Whatever your tradition Page 2 is for celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope that it includes family, friends, food, and maybe even a little solitude if that’s what you crave. I am so thankful for Newcomers – for you women who share your thoughts and laughter, your opinions and kindnesses, your time and your talents! OK, I have to say this, I’m really happy that UT is finally having a winning season, and no, I wasn’t part of the crowd that pulled down the goalposts. GO VOLS!
Future dates to remember: Our next luncheon is Thursday, November 10. Our combined November/December coffee will be held at my house on December 8. Our December luncheon is on Thursday, December 15 – PLEASE NOTE, this is not the normal second Thursday of the month.
Jane Birckhead and Mary Lou McNabb are working to find volunteer activities that small groups can do for a one-time activity – instead of having to volunteer for a set amount of time on a particular day on a regular basis. A few of us went to Hickory Heights (a residential center for folks suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s) to help the residents hand out candy to trick or treaters during an afternoon event. It was a worthwhile couple of hours, but the staff were the behind-the-scenes stars – they do an amazing job!
November has a plethora of special events for days or weeks or months. Did you know that World Kindness Day is early in the month? Then there is Scented Candle Day – sure wish I could recycle the glass jars after the candles have flamed out! I have to reach out to a granddaughter, niece and sister- they do an amazing job!-in-law cause their day is National Love Your Red Hair Day! Did you know that there is actually a National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day? Have you discovered something in your fridge that you can’t tell what it is? Who me, welllll ……
“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness … all the good things.” Maya Angelou
As always, I wish you joy and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Carol
