Daily Joys and Simple Pleasures

Taking an exit too soon.

When we were first together, my husband  did all the driving. We were moving to areas
that neither of us were familiar.  We did not have a GPS and with my directional
dyslexia, me co-piloting with a map was useless.  When taking the journey to the
place that would become our new home, I had mapquest directions in hand. But
my Mr. Gordon was inclined not to believe mapquest and in several instances did
what created this phrase for us, took one exit too soon.   In each instance, just
one more exit would have poured us off exactly where we needed to go.   As our
relationship progressed and I got to do some of the driving, I was inclined to the
same action.

So now, we say “not an exit too soon,” when we feel on the cusp of giving up on
something. It reminds of of the maxim that some mighty discoveries have been                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           made just after recovering from the impulse to stop or give up.

I loved singing. I sang sungs I’d been taught.

I sang songs that sprang from my heart and experience that I hadn’t learned anywhere but in my own soul.

And that was a very long time ago.  Now, decades later…I have the honor of collaborating with a talented and servant-hearted

singer/songwriter named Ray Agnew.

This piece was written for the American Kidney Association folks…and anyone who loves someone whose in pain or has

a chronic illness will well understand the impact of this piece.

I would be honored if you would recognize this first collaboration by listening and then using one of the many methods one can

use to purchase music (iTunes, spotify, etc).   It is called, HOPE.

http://www.tunecore.com/widgets/show/100285

I’ve engaged in research and conversation. I’ve contemplated my work and my words and their

place at the social media table.  These measures/questions the result of my reflection:

Mary Anne Radmacher’s Social Media Compass Points

Does it inspire, encourage, assist or make me laugh?

Is it kind? If it isn’t kind, is it true (substantiated/sourced)?

Is it generous? Can I share while also supporting my livelihood?

Does it connect or divide (support community)? If it divides, is it worth it?

Does it support what matters to me and will it matter in a month?

Does it contribute to a conversation that’s interesting or beneficial?

Does it support my work in the world?

Do I want specific outcome(s)?  Did I ask for them?

Will people be able to find me by looking at this writing/piece?

Did you know that the International Space Station is circling our globe, repeatedly?  It’s amazing science.  I honor their accomplishments with poetry:

For the Starman, Chris Hadfield

how does this
earth footed being
comprehend the impulse
to sit among the stars?

there is a longing
to shine among them,
as if a part
of my heart
was long ago
folded in to their
heat and light.

our nexus
is understood
in that stars
are made by
the sum of other
parts.  as am i.
and, like a star,
i shine not because of
how i am shaped but
by virtue of the stuff
i am made.

©mary anne radmacher
may 12, 2013